Soul Ties, page 27
“Aye, Nina, check her out.” Miami nodded to a woman dressed in all black across the block, observing. The woman wore a black veil over her face, but Nina could recognize her from a mile away.
Nina’s chest rose unevenly as her palms began to sweat. She clenched her fists together and started shaking as she thought about how this woman had conspired with Yasmine, or Jessica, or whatever the bitch’s real name was, to bring her family down. The way she was feeling now just from spotting Naomi, Nina could only imagine what she would do to Yasmine.
“Bitches trying me today,” Nina mumbled as a dark look came into her eyes.
“Who’s that?” Jade asked.
Nina gave no answer as she headed across the street hastily. Ongoing traffic had to stop and honk their horns, but Nina didn’t care. They could wait.
POP! POP!
Nina hauled off and slapped the dog shit out of Naomi. The echo from the hit was so loud that everyone stopped what they were doing, even down to the horses, and looked in the direction of Nina and Naomi.
“You sheisty little dirty bitch. I’m on to you.”
Naomi grabbed her stinging cheek in surprise. She couldn’t believe Nina had the nerve to make a scene at a funeral. From what Yasmine had said, Nina was all bark and no bite, too pretty to get her hands dirty. But the look in the eyes of the woman before her was the look of a woman scorned, a deadly combination.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here to pay my respects like everyone else.” Naomi feigned ignorance.
Nina shook her head at the fuckery. Never in her life had she been the type of chick to throw rocks and duck when someone threw them back. She had no problem voicing her opinion, and she could stand on everything she said. “I’m sure you are. You were one of the last people to see Quan before he died. I find that very fucking ironic.”
“Nina, what’s going on?” Chance came and stood between the two women.
Shaking her head, Nina smiled at God’s grace on this day because Chance saved Naomi. “Ain’t nothing, baby, because she ain’t gon’ shake none,” Nina spat. “This bitch is dirty. Yasin warned me about her. I been ignoring shit too much lately. No more, though.”
Chance looked down at Naomi in disgust. She obviously had a motive for showing up here, but figuring that out would have to wait. “I feel you, but that shit can wait, Nina. Just chill. All this drama can wait until later,” he said sternly.
Nina bit down on her bottom lip as she mentally fought to hold her tongue. Another fight for another day, she thought.
“I’m not going to beat your ass, Naomi. You already a dead woman walking.” Nina chuckled before giving her one final death stare. If looks could kill, Naomi’s body would have been chalked out by now. “Now, you better leave. Let us grieve in peace.”
Naomi turned on her heels quickly and headed in the opposite direction. She didn’t dare try Nina because she knew a crazy-ass bitch when she saw one, and the look in Nina’s eyes screamed, I’m crazy, so try me if you want to.
For the first time in the past few months, Naomi questioned her decision of dealing with Jessica. Fear set in her heart. To make matters worse, she hadn’t seen or spoken with Tiana in about two weeks. She had brushed her paranoia off and figured Tiana was lying low. Little did she know, Tiana had thrown Naomi and Yasmine under the bus to save her own ass. Naomi didn’t realize Yasmine was using her, and she wouldn’t realize until it was too late.
When she had heard about Quan getting killed, she found it all too much to be deemed a coincidence. She found a bug Jessica had planted in her purse the next morning after staying with Quan. Honestly, she never would have agreed to seduce Quan under the extreme circumstances Jessica put her in without her knowledge. Her stomach dropped as she realized the role she may have played in Quan’s death. Jessica was playing dirty, letting her emotions get involved with business. It was fucked up because Naomi had legitimately dug Quan and his demeanor. She never expected Quan to take her seriously because she’d fucked with Chance in the past, and she was cool with that. They vibed the whole night; he didn’t pressure her for sex, but she insisted. Even then, he turned her down. He told her he had a lady at home and that Naomi deserved a man who could offer her more than just a night of sex. She’d never had a man treat her the way he did. Quan had conversed with her and held her the entire night.
Now, that phenomenal man was gone, and the blood was on her hands. She kicked herself for ever making a deal with a cold-hearted bitch like Jessica. Naomi had to live with that, if she even lived after the accusations Nina had made. The truth would soon come to light, and Naomi was not ready to face the consequences of her actions.
Chapter Twelve
It was a relief to land back in Florida. Being in Charlotte even for a few days was a constant reminder of Quan being dead. Nina had been acting extra irritable since her encounter with Naomi. When Chance asked what was bothering her, she said she couldn’t talk about it until he opened his envelope. He knew she was hurting more than she would ever admit.
On their first day home, Chance put off all of his business meetings until the next day. Even though Nina didn’t voice it, she needed Chance to be there. He held her close in their silk sheets, stroking her hair softly. Life would not have been worth living without Nina by his side. He’d been giving a lot of thought to marriage lately. Though they’d been together over ten years, Chance wanted to have everything set in stone. They weren’t getting any younger, and they had a family to raise.
“Baby,” Nina called out to him.
“Yeah?” he asked, still stroking her tresses.
“I think Quan was set up and murdered, and I know Yasmine is behind it all.”
Chance stopped stroking Nina’s hair and sat up straight. “Are you sure? You know what that means.”
“I’m positive,” Nina stated matter-of-factly. “After I tell you this, you need to open your envelope.” Nina looked deep into Chance’s eyes to ensure he understood the severity of the situation. Yasmine had proven herself to be a deadly threat, and Nina would not underestimate her again. Yasmine had one up on Nina, but Nina was about to show the bitch she too could play dirty. Nina could be conniving and stealthy; after all, she had learned from Nino. An eye for an eye. That was the motto her deceased father had instilled in her at a young age.
“My suspicions were first confirmed when Miami and I hired a private investigator to look into Yasmine. Nothing came up for her. Then, Tiana came to me and revealed that Yasmine recruited her and another girl to get information out of you. That same woman, Naomi, was the last person with Quan, according to Jade. The same bitch who conveniently showed up in our home in Atlanta. Yasmine instigated the fight between you and Quan because she knew how you’d react. Yasmine’s been pulling the strings around you like a fucking puppet master. I don’t understand how you missed all this right in front of your eyes,” Nina said once she finished with her story.
Chance gripped the bridge of his nose between his index finger and thumb. How had he not seen Yasmine for the snake she was? She had manipulated Chance into fighting with Quan and sending him back to Charlotte. He played directly into her hand. He sent his brother into the lion’s den.
“Why would she want Quan dead? What would she gain?” Chance asked as he tried to pinpoint Yasmine’s motives.
“I don’t know for sure. Maybe he found out her real identity, and she found out. Once you open that envelope, we can piece all this shit together. Either way, we have to get rid of this bitch.”
“Who else knows?” Chance quipped.
“Miami. I trust her.”
Chance nodded. “I’m going to need Cassidy’s help with this one,” he said. Usually, Quan would help him eliminate problems like these. The fact that he’d never be able to call on his homie again really fucked him up. Quan was the only person besides Nina to see Chance at his best and worst. He was the person Chance depended on to have his back, right or wrong, and ride accordingly. Chance knew for a fact that Quan would step about him, and vice versa. He was angry at himself for not protecting Quan and allowing Yasmine to infiltrate his heart. She used the love he had for her, as little as he had for her, as his weakness. Yasmine got too secure in her plan, though, and assumed Chance wouldn’t care too much about losing Quan. That’s where she had fucked up. Chance was lethal when crossed. Just the thought of Yasmine’s treachery alone had Chance ready to go on a murderous rampage.
“I’m sure they want our little problem solved just as much as we do.” Nina kissed Chance’s neck. “I’m about to take the boys out, give you some time alone to open your envelope,” Nina said, noting that she still had to figure out what was on that flash drive.
Snaking his tongue in Nina’s mouth, Chance held Nina close as he kissed her deeply. “Take Charlene with you. She’ll look after you,” he instructed once he let Nina go.
Nina raised an eyebrow and gave Chance an inquisitive look. “Trust me,” he said before Nina could protest, like he knew exactly what she was thinking.
“All right,” Nina said skeptically. What Charlene old ass got that’ll protect me?
“I’ll call you, baby. I love you.” Nina grabbed for the doorknob.
“I love you more,” Chance replied. Pulling out the nightstand drawer, Chance reached for his stash of the finest Kush Miami had to offer. He would definitely need to get high to ease his anxieties before opening the envelope. He’d deliberately put off opening it because he wasn’t sure what he would find. With Quan, he was liable to have put anything in the envelope.
Chance clapped his hands twice and activated his built-in home surround sound system. “Alexa, play Tupac’s ‘Thugz Mansion,’” he stated aloud. Alexa instantly recognized the command and had the track playing in seconds.
Chance bobbed his head to the beat as he listened to Tupac’s mellow lyrics. Ripping open the thick envelope, the first thing Chance pulled out was a Ziploc bag containing three photos. Each photo had the word SNITCH written across it in red writing. One of the people in the pictures was Zidane. Chance shook his head in disbelief. He couldn’t believe Zidane, who came from a long line of Jamaican gangsters, would do something as stupid as cooperating with the Feds.
Zidane’s older brother, Khepri, was Chance’s only reason for working with him. Chance had done business with Khepri on several occasions, but the 35-year-old business tycoon retired from the game early and returned home to Jamaica. Out of respect for Khepri, Chance decided he would consult him with the news before taking matters into his own hands. As for the other rats, they were already as good as dead. He would handle them by sundown.
“My nigga, even in death, you still resourceful.” Chance chuckled as he spoke aloud to Quan, hoping he could hear him. Chance lit the freshly rolled blunt and inhaled slowly. Shaking his head, Chance couldn’t help but reminisce on the good ol’ days. Damn, my nigga really gone, Chance thought solemnly. Tupac spoke of a place where niggas could go to smoke and chill without worrying about the ills and reality of the world around them. Life on Earth was hard enough as is for the black man. Chance hoped Quan was at peace wherever he was, lighting one at the Thugz Mansion.
Save a spot for me, bro, he thought.
The next item he retrieved out of the envelope was a small, black jewelry box. The box contained a beautiful emerald cut diamond ring. Chance admired its simple radiance, figuring it was a gift for Jade. A handwritten letter slipped out of the envelope. Inhaling more smoke, Chance reached down for the letter and smiled when he recognized Quan’s neat penmanship. He always teased Quan, saying he wrote like a woman. Chance was the only person he allowed to joke on him. No other person received that pleasure. He smiled slightly as he began reading the letter.
First off, nigga, fuck you. I know you thinking look at this nigga and his feminine-ass handwriting. LOL. But on a heavier note, if you’re reading this, it means my journey on Earth has come to an end, and my new journey beyond life has begun. I know neither one of us imagined our departure so soon, but we know the consequences this lifestyle comes with. Don’t live in regret or guilt. You were my truest friend and the first person to show me what family and brotherhood meant. You put me on my feet once I touched down from juvie, and we been running it up ever since. You my nigga for life. Blood in, blood out. I forgive you for everything.
Who would have known two little niggas from the hood would have conquered all the shit we did? Not many. That’s why I don’t feel sadness writing this. I’ve lived my best life. But something I’ve come to learn is the most important thing in life is family. Money comes and goes, material shit comes and goes, even street cred, all that shit is disposable. Family is everything. Cherish that shit while you can. If you’re reading this, it means I’ll never be able to watch my daughter be born, never see her take her first steps, never be able to buy her first car or send her to prom, or even walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. That’s my biggest regret. Wherever God takes me in the afterlife, I will still mourn that fact.
I say this to say, don’t make the same mistakes I did. You got two li’l men that’s gonna need you in this wicked-ass world we live in. Nina’s strong, but she can’t do this shit without you. You up right now, brother. Get out that shit while you can. That bitch Yasmine already trying to put you behind bars. We can’t take no more losses, bro. You got to break the wheel. Get out before it’s too late.
I left you the ring you first spotted years ago. You said you’d buy Nina one just like that and marry her. My sister deserves that shit, man. She deserves the life I couldn’t give Jade and my unborn child. It don’t make you pussy or lame; it makes you a man. Marry Nina, settle the fuck down, and y’all have all the fucking kids you want.
I’ve equipped you with everything you need to solve your little problem. I trust that you will. I don’t even have to say look out for Jade and the baby; I know you’ll hold shit down.
While you looking out for everybody else, I’ve asked Charlene to look after you. We both know she’s more than capable.
You forever in my heart. You, Nina, and the entire family. Can’t wait to kick it with ya again, my dawg. Hold it down until we meet again. Family. Forever. Always.
Quan
Chance shook his head after reading the letter. From the way Quan spoke, he knew he was going to die. He was basically begging Chance to get out of the game.
“Damn,” Chance said with a heavy heart.
“Live in the Sky” by T.I played in the background of the room. In life, Quan had never led him in the wrong direction. His urges felt like a bad omen to Chance. Holding the diamond ring in his hand, he smiled at how Quan remembered the ring after all these years.
“Nigga had the memory of an elephant.” Chance laughed to himself.
The blunt was nearly gone, and Chance was stuck in his thoughts. He always meant to make an honest woman out of Nina, but he still had a few reservations. The last time he had proposed to Nina, she left him for another man. He’d never been played like that in his life. It was a wound his pride was still recovering from. He’d spent the last three years of his life not committing to a woman, not even Yasmine. While he thought she was upset over their breakup, she was really angry that her access had been revoked.
Thinking back to their first encounter, he realized he had mistaken her ambitions for attraction. Chance would have to tread lightly with this situation. Yasmine had disobeyed the oath she took and ignored warnings from her superiors when she got sexually and emotionally involved with Chance. She very well may have set Quan up to be killed. She sent Tiana and Naomi to do her dirty work. It was clear Yasmine had an unhealthy desire to bring Chance down. Yasmine was willing to risk it all, even if it meant taking down herself along with Chance.
“Fucking psycho,” he muttered, marking Yasmine as a top priority.
Another piece of paper was inside the envelope, and Chance slowly pulled it out. It read: The Will and Estate of Ty’Quan Messiah Galloway. The ringing of his phone interrupted him before he opened the envelope. Yasmine’s name flashed across the screen.
Chance’s nostrils flared as he looked down at his phone. He answered, nearly on the last ring.
“Yo,” he said coolly, trying to disguise the malice he felt for her.
“Hey, stranger,” Yasmine cooed into the phone. “I miss you. I know you got whatever you got with Nina, but I need to see you. At least one last time,” Yasmine pleaded.
Chance scoffed at the front she put on. He decided to play her game, but this time, he would defeat her at her own game. He would show her she wasn’t the only one with acting skills. “Word? You know I just lost my best friend, right?” he quizzed.
Yasmine gasped on the other end of the line. “Quan died? Stop lying!” she exclaimed, dumbfounded.
If Chance was a dummy, Yasmine would have deceived him with the performance she gave. “How’d you figure it was Quan?” he retorted.
There was a pause on the line. “C’mon now. At least have enough respect to acknowledge the fact that I was with you for almost two years. Like I don’t know who your best friend is. Damn, I’m hurt,” Yasmine responded.
Chance was smart enough to catch the message in her words. She was warning him that she possessed knowledge of him that he wasn’t even aware of. Yasmine was starting to display signs of sociopath with her behavior.
“You right. I’m sorry.” Chance softened his tone. “I miss you too, though, real shit. I been wanting to call you, but Nina’s always around with everything going on,” Chance lied. The only time Yasmine crossed his mind was when he plotted on how to kill her.
Chance could feel Yasmine smiling through the phone. “Yeah? I’m sorry for your loss, too. I know Quan was like a big brother and guardian angel to you.”
Dropping his head, Chance swallowed hard, as if he were swallowing all of the obscenities he wanted to scream at her. Not only was Yasmine acknowledging the fact she was cognizant of how much Quan meant to Chance, but she showed no remorse by rubbing it in his face.
