Page 28 of Jobe

Jazzie gave his report. “Got ‘em paired up with others that been doin’ it. They’re learning the pick-up and drop-off sites.”

“Got any still in school?”

“Yeah. Some have dropped out.”

“Get ‘em the fuck back in. Need to keep our shit selling in schools. They’re either gonna sell the shit or sell their pussy.” Chuckling, Tito added, “Hell, tell ‘em they got a choice.” His eyes cut over to Tank, still standing in the corner. “You man. You deal with some of the girls. Get them up and running drugs or selling pussy, but you make sure they know the money’s in the drugs.”

Tank nodded once again, a rare smile curving his lips.

“I’ll tell ‘em to get back in school. They need their education,” Waldo added.

At that, the men all laughed. Relieved to see Tito’s good humor returned, they finished their meeting and headed out one by one through the secret entrance until only Tito and Jazzie were left.

Tito downed the last of his beer, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His mind went back to Gabby. “I actually pursued her,” he said, talking as much to himself as to Jazzie. “She was no gang pussy. I was gonna make her my number one. Hell, I was gonna put her in charge of some of the other bitches.”

Jazzie knew this—he had heard it before. Though proud that the Sixers’ leader trusted him enough to let him in, he hoped no one else saw Tito this way.No one else needs to see him so pussy-whipped.He wished the girl was dead—her and that brat she carried. The boss was not weak in any area except for the hold that girl had over him.If she were dead, then the boss could get back to himself.And Jazzie knew he could keep him in enough pussy to drown out the memory of that leaving bitch.And speaking of bitches…a new idea began forming in Jazzie’s mind.Tito wants the center’s bitch out of the picture so he could have Gabby and I want Gabby out of the way so Tito gets back to club business…maybe I can figure out a way to get both bitches out of the way.

Tito finally rose from the table and headed upstairs to the grocery, Jazzie following dutifully behind…planning all the while.

10

Walking into the center early, Mackenna and Jobe found Terrance and Little John in the kitchen. Terrance’s gaze met Jobe’s and with a nod he indicated that all was well. Mackenna introduced Jobe to her night watchman and she noticed the two men sizing each other up. After a few seconds, Little John gave a huge smile, indicating he approved of him.

Rolling her eyes, she mumbled under her breath as she headed upstairs. The women were in the process of getting ready for the morning and greeted her enthusiastically, having heard about the drive-by at her house.

“Don’t mind telling you, I was scared that night when those great, big men showed up and camped outside,” Jenita said.

“I’m sorry,” Mackenna replied. “It seemed necessary until the police could determine what was going on.”

“Do they know anything?” Carla asked as several of the others came into the hall.

“Well, according to the graffiti on my sidewalk, it was the Sixers.”

A gasp met that response, and the group turned toward Gabrielle. “Oh my God, then it’s my fault.”

Mackenna walked over, placing her hands on the younger girl’s shoulders and said, “Honey, you aren’t the only Sixer member that’s come here.”

“No, I’m sure that they’re after me.”

“But why?” Jenita asked. “I mean, no offense, but you weren’t even a full-fledged member.”

Mackenna’s gaze took in Gabrielle’s evasive expression and the way she twisted her maternity shirt in her fingers.

The silence in the hall was deafening as the other girl’s circled around. Mackenna could feel the tension building and she was determined to diffuse it quickly. It would not be the first time that an argument broke out between the women staying, coming from different gang backgrounds. Most of the time, they all got along, bonded by a common goal. But the gang mentality was strong and occasionally came out when emotions ran high.

“Everyone finish getting ready,” Mackenna ordered. “Check the list to see what chores you have today and what duties you have.” Turning to Carla, she continued, “I know you’re going back to the restaurant to work later. I’d like you to take Yesinia. They’ve agreed to take her on too. Teresa, you’ve got a job interview with Shopmart this afternoon. Make sure you’re ready.” Looking at the rest of them, she said, “Those of you still in training with Rose, she’ll be here a little early today, so get ready. If you’re on the housekeeping rotation, you know what to do.”

Smiling at them all, she looked at Gabrielle. “Let’s talk in my office please,” she said in a tone that brooked no disobedience.

As she and the young woman made their way downstairs, she saw Jobe staring up at her smiling. As she rounded the corner, she was surprised to see Gabe and Vinny behind him, their eyes twinkling as well. Giving them a curious glance, she headed to her office and shut the door as soon as Gabrielle was inside.

Jobe’s eyes never left her, admiration in his expression. Hearing her take charge and the realization of what all she handled had him smiling in pride.

Gabe laughed, saying, “She’s like a drill sergeant, bro.”

“Jesus, fuck,” Vinny growled behind him. “If you don’t do everything you can to make that woman yours…again…then you’re a complete dumbass. ‘Cause that girl’s got it all, man.”

Jerking around to see his friends staring at her office door, knowing they were just as impressed, made him a little jealous. “I’m trying, man. I’m fuckin’ trying.”

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