A Gangsters Melody (17 page)

Skillz asked.
“Yeah man.” D-Boy said, solemnly.
“Well fuck that shit man. I ain’t snitching on my

man. With all that he’s done for me, I’ll lay down and die for that nigga. I’ll take the heat for everything, guns, bodies, coke, fuck it. I’ll eat it.” Lorenzo said, pounding on his chest.

“Damn son, that’s what’s up. But we need you in these streets. Let one of these little niggas earn they stripes.” L.V. said, noticing the nervous looks on the other soldiers in the cell. “Don’t be looking all stupid. It’s part of the game. Ya’ll niggas knew this day might come. And now it’s here. So who is going to step up and fall on the sword? I don’t give a fuck who does it. Ya’ll huddle in the corner, draw straws, pick a number, I don’t give a fuck if you do paper-rock -scissors I want a name in 5 minutes. Don’t make me choose.” L.V. barked.

“Yo “L”, Skillz, Renzo, Big John, come here for a minute. listen ya’ll this is going to sound crazy really fucking crazy. But I was thinking about taking that offer man.” D-Boy said, sounding a bit ashamed.

“Nigga are you crazy?” Skillz asked.
“Look man just listen. I don’t like the idea no more than ya’ll do. But let’s be real that nigga going soft over Tiffany. He already has been hinting towards the idea of pulling out and shutting the operation down. He don’t even want to give up his connection because he says if we fuck it up, it will still fall back on him. Now we all know that he is sitting on about 4 or 5 million. So he can afford to call it quits. But with him out of the game we’re fucked. None of us in here got enough to retire on. We all got lavish lifestyles to maintain, and Tray’s pussy whipped ass is going to fuck it up for everybody and take all of that away from us. You already know this music business don’t pay shit. We was just using that as a front anyway. So even if one of the young boys takes the fall we are fucked anyway. Travon is showing weakness man and fucking with him we are either going to end up dead, broke or dead broke. So as much as it kills me to say it, if we remove the weak link to the chain we can continue to get this money and feed our families.” D-Boy said.
“I feel you man but Travon been our man from day one and the shit just don’t seem right.” Skillz said.
“That’s right. And I’m only enforcing the rules and regulations that he taught us. Come on man. If it was anybody else showing weakness he’d have them put to sleep and he’d have one of us do it.” D-Boy explained.
“Yeah I feel you. But if we give up Tray we are still fucked because we don’t have his connect.” L.V. added.
“Let me worry about that. So do we all agree that Tray has to go?” D-Boy asked.
“As much as I hate to admit it. Yeah man I have to ride with you. Like you said if it were somebody else Tray would do the same thing.” Skillz concurred.
“Look man Travon is cool. I love him and the whole shit. But at the end of the day that’s your man Dee. My loyalty is to you dog.” L.V. responded.
“Well I’m loyal to the money so it’s whatever.” Big John said.
“Well I ain’t feeling this shit. And I can’t believe we’re even talking about this shit. Ya’ll are acting like he ain’t been feeding us and our families in years. We ain’t never been without as long as we were on Travon’s team. Now ya’ll want to sell him out? Nah. Ya’ll ain’t got my vote. I’d take a bullet for him so jail ain’t shit. If I would give my life then doing life don’t bother me. Fuck it.” Lorenzo said, showing his loyalty. As Lt. Daniels walks up.
“Just figured I would stop by to see if you boys were playing nice.” He said, sarcastically.
“Let me out. Let’s talk.” D-Boy said.
“Looks like you’ve been out voted dog. Now just sit back, chill and ride it out. Trust me. D-Boy’s going to make sure we eat.” L.V. told Lorenzo.

Tiffany asked.
“I don’t know but I’m about to find out, stay here.”
Travon said, reaching under his pillow and grabbing
his gun.
“Travon what is going on?” Tiffany said, grabbing
her robe.
“I don’t know. Stay here Tiffany.” Travon ordered,
before heading downstairs cautiously with his gun in
hand. He looked out the peep hole to see it’s D-Boy
and L.V.. he opens the door and they walk right passed
him.
“Your fucking cell phone is off again.” D-Boy
yelled.
“D-Boy what the fuck are you doing here? Do you
know what time it is?” Travon asked.
“Yeah but I’ve got good news. So good this shit
couldn’t wait.” D-Boy responded.
“You’re going to love us for this.” L.V. stated. “I already love ya’ll but it’s four in the fucking
morning dog. Now what’s so important that it couldn’t
wait another three or four hours?” Travon said. “Tray our problems out here in Baltimore are over
baby.” D-Boy said, excitedly.
“What are you talking about Dee?” Travon asked,
curiously.
“I fixed everything son. That nigga Horse and his
people are done off. And then to put the icing on the
cake we hit the main stash house nigga, 40 bricks and
2.5 million in cash. We did it son.” D-Boy said, lying
about the amount of drugs and money that was taken. “What the fuck did you do Dee? I told you to leave
that shit alone.” Travon yelled.
“I did what you should have done. I handled business nigga. I don’t know what has gotten into you. You
showing weakness son. That ain’t the Tray I know.
And it damn sure ain’t the Tray that taught me the
fucking game.” D-Boy yelled back.
“Since when do you run the fucking show Dee? This
is my shit nigga. I make the fucking calls. I bark and
you bite. That’s how it’s always been and that’s how it
is now.” Travon continued yelling.
“Well what’s done is done partner. So lace up your
boot straps and grab your nuts because we got more
work to do. And I’m going to pull your coat to something player. All that lovey dovey shit don’t fly in our
lifestyles and you know it. Now what’s in these bags
can change our lives forever. We got more product and
more money than we ever expected to get from this
city. So now that we’ve conquered Baltimore, what’s
next Ohio? Atlanta?” D-Boy asked.
“I’m out Dee. That’s it for me. I’m out. I quit.” Travon said.
“Look man, I don’t think you should do that. Now I
know you’re mad right now but as your brother I’m
begging you to reconsider.” D-Boy said, softly trying to
get Travon to change his mind.
“And as your brother I’m asking that you trust and
respect my decision.” Travon replied.
“You know what? You acting like a real bitch right
now. Now man up and take charge of your army.
Command your soldiers partner.” D-boy said, angrily. “Okay. Here’s a command for you. Get the fuck out
of my crib. Come back later when you got some fucking respect. As for the shit that’s in these bags they’ll be
dealt with accordingly. We’ll meet up later and talk
about it, but for now roll the fuck out.” Travon ordered, pointing to the door, before Tiffany comes
downstairs.

“I thought I told you to stay upstairs.” Travon barked, grabbing the bags and heading upstairs.
“Well I heard all of the yelling and I just wanted to make sure everything was alright.” Tiffany explained.
“Next time do what the fuck I tell you to do.” Travon yelled, as he continued upstairs.
“What’s up Dee? What’s up “L”?” She said.
“What’s up Tiffany?” They both responded, with a sad look on their faces.
“What’s wrong? Y’all don’t look too good.” Tiffany said.
“We good.” D-Boy replied.
“Can I get ya’ll something?” Tiffany offered.
“Nah we about to be out.” L.V. responded.
“Alright then I’m about to take my black ass back to bed then. I’m sure I’ll see ya’ll later. Tiffany said, turning to head back upstairs.
“Hey Tiffany?” D-Boy said, stopping her.
“Yeah what’s up?” She replied.
“You know how to contact me if you ever need anything right?” D-Boy asked.
“Yeah Dee. I’ll just tell Travon to call you for me.” She responded.
“Nah what I mean is..” D-Boy started to say, before Travon headed back downstairs.
“Why are ya’ll niggas still here? Travon asked angrily.
“We’re leaving now man.” L.V. replied as Travon walked them to the door D-Boy turns to Travon almost with tears in his eyes.
“Yo Tray man. I’m asking again as your brother to please reconsider.” D-Boy said, sadly.
“Dee my mind is made up son. And calm down it ain’t that serious. Now go home and wait for my call.” Travon replied, patting him on his back as he closed the door behind them. Once outside they walk to the car and L.V. addresses one of the young soldiers sitting in the back seat.
“Looks like you dodged a bullet little homey.” L.V. said, before he and D-Boy got in the car and drove passed Williams and Johnson who had been sitting up the block waiting for the deal to go down. D-Boy passes and gave a head nod signaling that the mission is complete.
“Poor kid. He must feel like shit throwing his boy to the wolves like that.” Johnson said, noticing the look of pain on D-Boy’s face.
“Yeah well he’ll feel better once he gets out of Baltimore and sets up shop somewhere else. Shit, what else can he ask for? They got their freedom, their lives, a fresh start anywhere but Baltimore and half of the drugs and money they stole from that stash house.” Williams replied.
“Yeah but let him tell it Travon is like his brother. That’s got to suck.” Johnson said.
“Yeah well what’s done is done so don’t get all gay and shit on me. All units stand by for my command.” Williams said, speaking into the walkie-talkie.

“Hell no. But fuck them; they’ll get over it. Coming up in my crib yelling and shit” Travon responded.
“Even after you told them about the baby?” Tiffany asked.
“I ain’t tell them shit. They just started flipping. I didn’t get a chance to explain nothing.” Travon responded.
“Well baby you knew they would be upset. You have to call them and explain why. Tell them about the money you’re going to break them off with. Maybe that’ll make them feel better.” Tiffany said.
“Fuck that. I ain’t kissing they ass.”
“You and D-Boy been friends since ya’ll was ten years old. Now be the bigger person and call him Tray. And I’m not asking you I’m telling you.” Tiffany demanded.
“Okay Tiffany damn.” Travon said, grabbing his cell and heading out of the room.
“Where are you going?”
“Downstairs for some privacy.”
“Well excuse me.”
“I’ll be right back baby.” Travon said heading downstairs and dialing D-Boy’s number. The phone rings a few times and then goes to the voicemail.
“Yo Dee listen. You know I hate talking on these things so catch the slick talk. First off the reason why I have to stop playing ball is because Tiffany is pregnant. Yeah she’s having my baby, and you’re going to be an uncle nigga. But not only that Dee, we had a damn good run man. We got cake out the ass and we are still alive to enjoy it. And I hope ya’ll wasn’t thinking I was just going to bounce and leave ya’ll all fucked up. I was going to wait until later but I might as well tell you now. I was going to give each captain a million as a parting gift. Ya’ll been loyal brothers to me and I want to give ya’ll enough to retire on and enjoy. Them streets is played out son. Spread the word. Bring everybody by tonight so ya’ll can get your bread and we can plan a trip somewhere. Just remember you’re my brother and I love you. Hit me later peace.” Travon said, speaking into the phone.
***
“Yo man why are we sitting here?” LV. Asked, as he and D-Boy sat in the car at the end of Travon’s block.
“I have to sit here and make sure they keep they word and they don’t hurt Travon man.” D-Boy said, sounding concerned.
“I feel you on that, but what if they do? What can you possibly do? What if they have to pop that nigga, do you really want to watch that shit go down?” L.V. said.
“I guess you’re right when you put it like that. Oh shit.” D-Boy responded, grabbing his vibrating cell phone.
“What’s up?” L.V. asked.
“It’s Travon calling.” D-boy replied.
“Yo It’s a wrap. Let that shit go to voicemail.” L.V. said, taking the phone from D-Boy.
“Alright man, I know it’s a wrap but that’s still my brother in there. Before we bounce I want to at least hear the voicemail.” D-Boy says, as he listens intensely to the voicemail Travon has left. As he listens to the voicemail his facial expression proves that he has made a big mistake by giving up his brother. As the voicemail comes to an end D-Boy threw his cell phone down, exits the car and started running down the block as if he can undo what he has already done. But it’s too late.
“RED TEAM GO, BLUE TEAM GO, GOLD TEAM STAND FAST.” Williams yelled into the walkie-talkie, as what seems to be the entire Baltimore Police Department converge on the house. But they don’t kick the door in; instead they knock on the door.
“Damn I thought I told ya’ll to come back later.” Travon said, answering the door thinking it was D-Boy and L.V. As soon as he opened the door the police stormed the house.
“Get down, show me your hands, don’t fucking move.” A few of the officers yell, as they throw Travon to the ground and handcuff him.
“Yo what the fuck is ya’ll doing? Get the fuck off of me.” Travon screamed, as Detective Williams and Johnson make their way into the living room and show Travon the search warrant.
“Well if it ain’t the King of New York. Do you know what this is motherfucker?” Williams asked, showing him the warrant.
“Your mothers grocery list?” Travon responded, sarcastically.
“Very funny bitch. It’s a search warrant. And I bet my squad car to your Bentley that I find enough shit here to send you to Death Row. And I ain’t talking about cutting no record with Sugar Knight either.” Williams barked back.
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.” Travon lied, as Tiffany headed downstairs.
“Are ya’ll at it again? What the..” Tiffany said, before she realized what was going on.
“Freeze. Show me your hands.” An officer yelled out.
“Travon what is going on?” Tiffany asked, obviously confused.
“Get down here and show me your fucking hands.” The officer yelled louder, causing a few of his partners to rush Tiffany, wrestle her to the ground and handcuff her.
“Travon what’s happening? Tiffany yelled out, now starting to cry.
“Baby I don’t know. Just be cool. I’m sure this is all just a misunderstanding and we are going to sue these motherfuckers for everything they got. And Tiffany just remember, no matter what happens. None of this was a lie. I do love you.” Travon said, as he and Tiffany lay on the ground handcuffed facing one another. As a few cops come downstairs carrying a bunch of duffle bags.
“ Jackpot. We got money, we got murder weapons, we got a shit load of cocaine. Get it while it’s hot. Everything must go.” One of the cops joked.
“Drugs? Murder weapons? Somebody please tell me what is going on?” Tiffany said, now fully hysterical.
“Tell her Romeo. Tell her what’s going.” Johnson said.
“Man I ain’t never seen none of that shit in my life.” Travon lied, again.
“What? Travon what are you saying? They planted that shit? Ya’ll motherfuckers planted that shit?” Tiffany screamed, frantically.
“Look, I don’t know what the fuck is going on? You got something you want to tell me Tiffany?” Travon said.
“Don’t try and put it on her you no good motherfucker. Your boy already gave you up. You can thank D-Boy for this.” Williams said.
“What? Bullshit. Ya’ll some motherfucking liars. Tiffany what type of shit have you gotten me into?” Travon said, now going into an Oscar winning performance.
“Travon baby please stop. This isn’t funny please stop.” Tiffany pleaded, now crying uncontrollably.
“I want a fucking lawyer right now. That shit ain’t mines and you can’t tie it to me neither. No fingerprints, no nothing. Where the fuck did ya’ll find that shit huh?” Travon asked, adamantly.
“Well where did you get it?” Williams asked, the officer that brought the stuff downstairs.
“In her closet. Under the floor board.” The cop replied.
“What? No. This can’t be happening. Travon baby please stop. Why are you doing this to me?” Tiffany continued to plead.
“Get them both out of here. We’ll clear this up downtown.” Johnson said.
As the officers lead Travon and Tiffany passed the Detectives. Williams stops Travon.
“You think you are so slick don’t you bitch? I’m going to personally make sure you get buried under the fucking cell, that’s if you don’t get the death penalty. Now get this faggot out of my sight.” Williams said, as the officers lead Travon and Tiffany out to the squad car. Tiffany is understandably kicking and screaming while Travon is just as cool as always. By this time a crowd has gathered outside and Travon makes eye contact with D-Boy who is trying to fight through the barricades as if he can undo what he has done. As Travon is being put into the car he shoots D-Boy a sinister look as D-Boy looks like he just lost his best friend.