A Gangsters Melody (15 page)

“What my friend means, is we’ll take two of them bitch.” I said, in my most pleasant voice as I let my Gucci wallet unfold showing the seven major credit cards and I opened up the billfold showing at least two grand in all hundreds just for good measure. The saleswoman’s mouth watered at the notion of the hefty commission she thought she was sure to receive from this sale.

“Why of course ma’am. And which card, I mean how would you like to pay for this?” She asked, unable to contain her greed. I was about to say sike and burst her bubble when a young African American saleswoman came over to the racist and pleaded her case.

“Miss Mary, I’m sorry I’m late I couldn’t get a babysitter for Josh. I really apologize it won’t happen again.” She said, almost as if she were begging for her job.

“Yeah well, let’s hope not. Babysitting issues are personal and no excuse. This is a business you know? I will deal with your tardiness issue later.” The racist boss scolded her. I couldn’t resist.

“Umm excuse me. I want her to handle this transaction and get full credit for it and all the commission.” I said, pointing to the young black saleswoman.

“I’m sure you would, however that is not the way it works around here. I am the one who waited on you so I am the one who will handle the transaction.” She stated matter of factly.

“Okay, so I’ll tell you what. Watch this.” I said, as I took three giant steps backwards out of the store and walked right back in.

“Excuse me miss? Can you help me?” I asked, now directing my attention to the black saleswoman. She looked to her very visibly pissed off boss for approval, who just rolled her eyes and walked off.

Monica and I both burst out laughing as I paid for the watches and gave the saleswoman a one hundred dollar tip on top of her already hefty commission. When we left the store we had so many bags that we decided to run the first load out to the car. When we got to the parking lot Monica’s cell phone began to ring.

“Oh shit it’s the hospital, Hello? What? Okay I’m on my way.” She yelled, unable to hide her emotions.
“What, Monica what happened?” I asked, ready to cry just because she was.
“Terry took a turn for the worst; they are asking all friends and family to head to the hospital.” She said, sobbing uncontrollably. I too began to cry as I hugged her.
“Let’s go, I’ll meet you there.” I said, unable to fight back tears as we both got into our vehicles and sped through the parking lot headed to the expressway.
When we got to the hospital we both came to a screeching halt right in front and jumped out of our vehicles not caring about getting towed. We raced through the lobby and straight to the staircase with no time to wait on the elevator we took the steps two at a time until we reached the ICU ward. When we got to Terri’s room our worst fears were confirmed our sister was gone. And the sad thing is with the exception of one or two family members, me, Monica, and LaShawn were the only ones there for her.

Back at my house Monica and I consoled each other over the loss of our dear friend. LaShawn said she was going to do some detective work to find out what happened to her. This was all becoming too overwhelming for me. First my parents, and now Terri. I did not handle death well, while Monica on the other hand, after her initial cry looked like it was back to business as usual.

“Girl, thanks for the shopping spree and definitely thank you for the watch, we gonna kill em with these shits.” She said, holding the watch up to the light as the lights bounced of the diamonds like a piece of prism glass.

“Uh. No problem but how can you think about that at a time like this?” I asked, a little irritated.
“Look girl, Terri was my baby, and everybody knows that. But this is the life we chose. She ain’t the first person I lost and she won’t be the last. In this life either you end up like Terri, you end up like you, or you end up broke. And that’s just the reality of it. The party don’t stop because Terri is gone. It didn’t stop when we lost Jennifer, it didn’t stop when we lost Jackie, shit the list goes on. This ain’t nothing new in Bmore. Now around here we mourn our lost ones by celebrating their life. So tonight in Terri’s honor we gonna do it up really big ya’ dig?”
“I don’t know Monica, this is too much to handle. Terri didn’t trip and accidentally break her neck. She was murdered. Shot to death. This is serious. And now you wanna go party like it never happened? Fuck that. I ain’t with it. That’s all ya’ll fuckin bitches think about is partying and catching the next victim for his money. Look where the fuck it got Terri. She was only 22 for God’s sake, she was only a baby.” I couldn’t hold back anymore and the floodgates were open tears flowed from my eyes like a leaking roof in a thunderstorm as the deaths of my parents and Terri flashed through my mind I was on the verge of having a breakdown.
“Aww baby come here.” Monica said, hugging me and rocking me back and forth. “It’ll be okay. Terri is in a much better place now. Truth be told, she was miserable as hell, just like the rest of us, depending on a niggas hustle skills as our source of survival. You right. The shit gets tired, the shit gets old, but it’s all we got, it’s all we know. Our parents, grandparents and great grandparents all lived the same way. So what the fuck are we gonna do? Nothing but try and perfect they hustle.”
I’m not sure if it was the fact that I was super emotional or the fact that I was a little too tipsy from the cocktails that we just had but Monica’s words were making a lot of sense. Who was I to judge their lifestyles and how they handled their business. I was fortunate enough to be raised in a two-parent home, slightly above middle class and in a place where there was hardly any violence. I had no idea what these girls have been through, now I saw things totally different. No wonder Monica was the self-proclaimed leader of the Stiletto Diva’s; she was like the pied piper, leading us into a world where everything was everything. She had my attention now, more than ever. I listened to her soothing words as she held me in her arms and rocked me back in forth. Before I knew it we were embraced in a passionate kiss.

We interrupt this program for an ABC news brief. The violence continues throughout the city of Baltimore with the body count up to 15 in the past 48 hours. Sources close to police officials say there is a war being waged. Residents are urged to stay indoors as much as possible until the situation is under control…in other news.

“Damn baby that is so fucked up. I’m glad you’re doing something with your life and you ain’t involved in no dumb shit like that. These guys are so ignorant and stupid. Killing each other off and for what? That shit is just stupid. Leaving all these babies with no fathers. I mean these girls are just as stupid for getting wrapped up with those types of dudes.” Tiffany stated, as she muted the television.

“Alright Tiffany damn. Slow up on all that preaching shit. You ain’t never been from the hood so you don’t know why these people act the way they do. You can’t judge these people because all you know that might be their only means of survival.” Travon replied, angrily.

“Aww that’s bullshit. Don’t give me that line about the man got his foot on they neck bullshit. So are you telling me that God forbid you stopped doing good in the music industry, that you are going to start slinging drugs like the rest of these fools?” Tiffany asked, just as angry.

“Hey, you never know.” Travon answered, sarcastically.
“Well you better not because I’m fucking pregnant.” Tiffany announced, almost in tears.
“What did you say?” Travon asked, in amazement.
“I said I’m pregnant Travon.” Tiffany responded, smiling and crying.
“Oh shit. When did you find out?”
“I went to the doctor this morning. I had actually taken the drug store test twice yesterday but I wanted to be sure before I told you.”
“Oh shit. Are you fucking kidding me?”
“Are you mad?”
“Mad? Hell no baby. Get dressed we’re going out to celebrate.”
“Aww Travon I love you baby.”
“I love you too Tiffany.”
I can’t believe you gonna be my baby daddy.” Tiffany said, in her best chicken head accent.
“No Tiffany. I’m going to be your child’s father.” Travon responded, kissing her soft
When we got to the restaurant it was nice and elegant and out of the way. Travon had taken me to some very nice places before but never to this spot. Once we were seated I ordered steak and lobster tails with a side of rice pilaf and Travon order broiled swordfish over a bed of lettuce. We passed the time talking about our new bundle of joy and before we knew it our food had arrived. My greedy ass dug right in.
“Baby this food is good. How come we never came here before?” Tiffany asked, stuffing a piece of lobster into her mouth.
“Because baby, as expensive as this place is we need to have a good reason to be here.” Travon responded, wiping his mouth and sipping his glass of wine.
“Okay punk I got you. It’s too expensive to take your girl to. But I bet you and your boys come here all the time.” Tiffany stated.
“Only when we’re celebrating something big.” Travon responded.
“Whatever. Anyway where’s your entourage at? We always have at least three of them with us.” Tiffany asked.
“Yeah baby I know but this is a very special occasion. And I though because of that we could use some time alone. As a matter of fact I’ve turned my phone off.” Travon said, before stopping a waiter. “Excuse me waiter.”
“Yes sir, how may I help you?” The waiter responded.
“Can I have a bottle of Kristal please?” Travon requested.
“Certainy sir.” The waiter responded.
“Hold on a second. What happened to the Louis the 13
^th
that you sent to my table the night we first met?” Tiffany asked matter of factly.
“Oh that was just to impress you. I got you now so Kristal it is.” Travon said.
“Boy don’t make me throw this water on you.” Tiffany said, raising her glass.
“Okay, okay . Calm down. Waiter I’ll have a bottle of the Louise please.” Travon requested.
“Excellent choice sir. I’ll be right back.” The waiter said.
“Yeah that’s what I thought.” Tiffany said, to Travon.
“That’s your problem. You’re too damn spoiled.”
“Well you did it daddy. Blame yourself.”
“Yeah I know. I’m kicking myself now.” Travon joked, as the waiter returned.
“Here you go sir.” The waiter said, as he started to pour two glasses.
“That’s enough for her homey. But you can leave the bottle.” Travon instructed.
“Damn baby. What’s that all about? Tiffany asked.
“Shh. Just be quiet and raise your glass please.” Travon instructed, before starting his toast. “To my baby, and my unborn baby. I love you both.” He said, as the touched glasses.
“Thanks baby, but this ain’t enough for me to get no buzz with.” Tiffany joked.
“You’re not supposed to get buzzed. It’s celebratory, I’m about to be a father.” Travon explained, before being tapped on the shoulder by the guy sitting behind him.
“Excuse me player. I’m not trying to be all up in your personal. But I overheard you say you’re about to be a father?” Horse said.
“Yeah. Me and my lady are expecting. I just found out today.” Travon replied.
Well congratulations man. My old lady just gave me they same news a few weeks ago. They call me Big H.” Horse said, extending his hand.
“I’m Tray, and congratulations to you too player. Matter of fact let me gwet you a bottle of something.” Travon said, shaking his hand.
“No thanks man, I don’t drink, and wifey, well you know.” Horse replied, rubbing her stomach.
“Well I’m going to the bathroom baby, by the way I’m Tiffany.” Tiffany said, introducing herself to Horse’s wife.
“Hey, I’m Joyce. Men can be so rude.” Joyce responded.
“Yeah and Travon you know better.” Tiffany scolded, jokingly.
“And Horse you know I don’t play that rudeness.” Joyce added, as Tiffany walked to the bathroom. As soon as she is out of sight Horse and Travon simultaneously pulled their weapons and placed them up against the seats they are sitting at.
“Well if it isn’t big Horse.” Travon said, with a sinister smile on his face.
“Nigga you are a dead man walking.” Horse said, through gritted teeth.
“Really? That’s not what my little homey right here says.” Travon answered, referring to the gun he had pressed against the seat.
“Motherfucker do you think you’re the only one with a little homey? Horse replied, cocking his hammer, also against the seat.
“Well that sounds like the hammer of a Sig Sawyer snub nose .32. me on the other hand am holding a double action Glock.40. Meaning, by the time you hit me once, provided your bullets go through this good leather here, I would have put three holes in you and at least one in your pretty bitch. Now how you want to play it nigga?” Travon asked.
“Like this motherfucker.” Horse said, and then gave a low but distinctive whistle and nodded in the direction of numerous soldiers he had scattered at different tables around the restaurant. Upon hearing the whistle they each lifted up their heads and their shirts flashing weapons, and a snarl that said they were willing to kill or be killed for their boss.
“You see motherfucker, I ain’t never caught slipping. Even when it looks like I am. But you on the other hand are going to have to learn that lesson in the afterlife. now let’s go, outside.” Horse said, nodding towards the door.
“Nah son. I ain’t going nowhere. Not even you’re stupid enough to pop off in front of all of these witnesses.” Travon said, with a smile on his face and not seeming the least bit worried.
“Witnesses? Nigga I will blow the Popes head off in the front Pugh of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the middle of Easter mass and won’t nobody say shit. Yo’ bitch ass wasn’t supposed to make it out of Miami alive. Tracy can’t do shot right. She was supposed to kill Hector and then you. He was family and all but his prices just got way too high, and you are just becoming a pain in my ass. Now let’s go before you make me prove my point and mess up this beautiful Corinthian leather.” Horse said, raising his voice slightly through gritted teeth. It was then that D-Boy, L.V., Skillz, and Big John walked in, not aware of what’s going on they headed straight for Travon’s table and begin to reprimand him.
“Are you crazy? How in the fuck are we supposed to watch your back if we can’t find you? It’s a good thing our phones have GPS.” D-Boy said, scolding Travon.
“Now ain’t the time to preach, it’s time to teach.” Travon said, never taking his eyes off of Horse and nodding in the direction of his gun.
“What the fuck?” D-Boy said, he reached for his gun and so does everyone else in both crews. Travon and Horse both signal their boys to calm, down.
“This is Horse. And behind you scattered at different tables are his people. Skillz, Tiffany is in the bathroom, go get her and take her out the back, blame it on the paparazzi or something. Now we can’t dance right now because you got us out manned and out gunned, but if you so much as bat a fucking eyelash while we’re leaving, I swear on everything I love, my first three shots go into your bitched stomach and I know you don’t want that.” Travon said.
“Did you just threaten my unborn seed?” Horse yelled
“Under normal circumstances I would never do that. But I need a bargaining chip. Now me and my people are going to get up out of here real smooth like. But I promise you, we will dance again.” Travon said, getting up slowly and keeping his gun on Joyce.
“I’m gonna see you soon nigga.” Horse said, as Travon and his crew backed out cautiously. When they get outside there is an army of New York soldiers waiting .
“What is all of this?” Travon asked.
“Just a few soldiers from up top. See when I found out you was here, I knew to bring the wolves with me. Because everybody knows that nigga Horse is always here on Friday nights. You’re slipping son for real. You are really fucking slipping, now go on home while we clean up out here.” D-Boy said, visibly upset at Travon for allowing himself to be caught off guard.
“Nah Dee, let him go.” Travon instructed.
“What? What the fuck do you mean let him go? We got that nigga right where we want him, and you want to let him go? Are you crazy?” D-Boy said, raising his voice.
“Yo man listen. He’s sitting there with his pregnant wife. That’s nigga s about to be a daddy. We dead him now and that baby pays for it later. Nah I can’t have that on my conscience.” Travon replied.
“Motherfucker, what about the soldiers we lost because of him? Damn near all of them was somebody’s daddy. So please stop with this self righteous bullshit, because I ain’t trying to hear it.” D-Boy said, getting really upset.
“And I can only fix that financially right now, but we don’t have to lose any more soldiers. Now I’m going home. You pack the boys up and do the same.” Travon ordered, in a solemn voice.
“You showing weakness son.” D-Boy spat.
“Nah fam. I’m showing growth, now go home.” Travon responded, before selecting two soldiers to escort him home.
“Oh yeah, L.V. go take Tracy to see her mother.” Travon instructed.
“Tracy’s mother is dead.”
“Yeah exactly” Travon said, as he got in the car.
When pulled off the rest of the soldiers start to disperse before being stopped by D-Boy.
“Where the fuck are ya’ll going?” D-Boy asked, angrily.
“The boss said pack it up and go home.” One soldier responded.
“Well fuck that. He’s just going through something right now. I’m making an executive decision, and that nigga Horse goes tonight.” D-Boy responded.
“But the boss said.” The soldier tried to explain.
“First of all nigga that’s
my
boss and I am
your
boss. So you take your orders from me.” D-boy snapped, as the rest of the soldiers start to look at him funny.
“Look ya’ll. I’m not back dooring Travon. That’s been my brother since we was ten years old, and that’s why I know what we are about to do is in his best interest. He’ll thank me later trust me. Now ya’ll take your places and strap up. When he walks out I want the block lit up like the fourth of July.” D-Boy ordered.