Page 2 of For the Love of City
King opened the door with his normal greeting. Had we not been given a heads up, nothing would’ve seemed wrong. He was in his usual attire, some basketball shorts and a beater despite him not having been on a court in years. We kicked off our shoes as usual because his ass was serious about tracking outside dirt in. Tonight it was a blessing instead of a simple aggravation. Three pairs of socks ensured none of our DNA would be left behind on the floor.
“City, Big T, what’s good?” The bright lights in his kitchen made his bald head glisten making him look like a stocky Mr. Clean.
I was pissed this nigga was talking to me like shit was sweet but I wasn’t about to let on that I was angry. I kept the snarl off my face and dapped his ass up like he expected. Travis was better at this duplicitous shit and always did more talking, so he did the heavy lifting of entertaining this bitch.
I kept my eyes straight looking just over King’s shoulder so he thought nothing was wrong. He was moving around the kitchen and hadn’t bothered to reach for the money bag in my hand. My pride was irritated because I really hated that this nigga felt like he had me trained enough to do this shit.
“We good King. Making it as always.” Trav’s voice was steady but I was watching King’s every move.
“Them niggas I got you training ain’t giving you no problems is it?” He looked up as he pouredHypnotiqinto a glass ofHennessythat was on the countertop. The look was expectant, like a manager waiting on a report from a subordinate.
My abs flexed under my white tee because he was really about to make me snap. “Nah, no problems.” I had to speak up because I was never one to just be silent. But damn, it killed me to not speak on what I needed to.
Trav leaned on the back of one of the leather and wood barstools casually and I had to wonder what he was on. “Speaking of, we expanding territory or sumn’? I know you got us showing these boys the ropes but where they gone work?”
My nigga.
King sniffed like the question irritated him as he swirled the liquor in his glass. “I’m saying having somebody on standby in case y’all asses ever want to take a break. Go on vacation or retire or some shit. This game ain’t something you can do forever, feel me.”
He smiled and I wondered if it had always been that greasy. Something about it felt off. And I wasn’t sure if it was because ofwhat I knew or if the haze of gratitude for being able to survive and have a seat at his table had finally lifted.
“Damn, I was hoping you was finna say we was getting a promotion.” Travis rubbed his chin thoughtfully and he had about two minutes before I took over this conversation.
“No hard feelings but y’all ain’t but a spot beneath me. And I ain’t getting away from this money no time soon.”
Trav glanced at me, and I knew that was the green light. Chuckling, I pulled my gun and Travis did the same. “Funny how plans change and shit.”
“The fuck that mean? Y’all pulling out guns and shit on me now? Me?!” The glass had fallen from his hand and landed on the counter and I knew he was on the verge of panicking.
“Heard you been talking, King.”
King’s puffy lips curled up into a sneer as he looked at me like he hated me. “What you mean?”
“A friend who has a vested interest in what you’re doing. A friend of theirs is telling them that you’re putting them at risk.”
I wasn’t sure how Xavier knew the connect that King was using, but this man said their reach was long. Clearly if they had flipped agents in the government they had pull. Having them owe us a favor for doing this was going to come in handy.
“So if I was, what that got to do with you?” King went to fold his arms but my gun stilled all motion.
“Nothing except you using our names as the fall guys for you bullshit.” All the friendliness was out of Travis’ voice as he moved closer to King’s side. I knew he was ensuring weapons weren’t nearby but I knew King never kept a gun on him. It was most likely in his den where he was watching theSports Newswaiting for us.
“So them niggas sent you to do their dirty work? How is that the game?”
“You talking about the game but you out here being a bitch. Throwing us under the bus like this is our shit.”
“Y’all niggas got too big feel me? Saying that y’all running blocks and your name blowing up everywhere. Big T and City like y’all them niggas. Ain’t nobody talking about King like this ain’t my shit. Y’all wanna be big time, this the price.” He was big mad, spit flying like he really resented that we made his business successful.
“Funny thing about people. They automatically follow a leader. It’s clear you haven’t been one in a minute. We know your business better than you. Your blocks better than you. The bitches who cook the shit for the niggas serving. You wanted to run Atlanta but as soon as you got the chance you sat your ass down and coasted letting us become the face of the shit you had going on. We appreciate that shit, though. Because when it comes to taking shit over, ain’t nobody gonna think twice about us stepping in.”
“Take over? You think niggas gone follow you?” He had the nerve to laugh at Travis’ words like something was funny but little did he realize how much of his organization he didn’t know.
I squeezed the grip of my gun my trigger finger ready to get some much needed exercise. I’d laid down plenty of niggas for the sake of the man before me. To protect his blocks and his brand. Damn shame I would have to add him to the list of bodies.
“They already do. That’s why you had us in the positions that you did.”
Seeing that neither of us looked bothered by his words I could see him mentally try to search for a way to distract us or get us off our game.
“Y’all gotta understand. When shit gets rough you would be looking for a way out too.” His hands went out but both of us aimed at him, halting his movements. “Y’all really gone do melike this? After all I’ve done for you? Y’all do the same if y’all were in my shoes.”
