Soul Ties, page 29
Chance nodded his head slowly. “Of course. I know the risk you’ve exposed yourself to by being here in the States. I wouldn’t call you on no bullshit.” He placed the manila envelope on Khepri’s lap. The evidence will speak for itself, Chance thought as he remained silent while Khepri shuffled through the photos Quan had left behind.
Khepri scoffed as a look of disappointment filled his face. “Where’d you get this?”
“It doesn’t matter where or how I got it. What matters is the facts. Your brother is a liability,” Chance concluded. Even though he was sitting in the presence of a man who was known to kill for sport, he displayed no signs of fear. His freedom was at stake, so he didn’t care if he offended Khepri. The truth remained the truth.
“So, what are you saying?” Khepri asked, looking Chance in the eyes. He had to admit the man had balls.
“You already know what it is, Khepri. I came to you out of respect for you first before I take matters into my own hands.” Chance returned Khepri’s eye contact.
“This is tricky, Chance, my man.”
Chance clenched his teeth. He had hoped for a different response. “Your brother had a hand in me getting arrested and a shipment seized. I lost a lot of money behind that. There’s nothing tricky about it,” Chance retorted.
Khepri laughed lightly. “If my eyes are not deceiving me, this woman my brother is talking to in this picture is the same woman you brought to my birthday celebration last year, no?” Khepri asked as he held up the picture for Chance to see clearly. “Yasmine, right? I never forget a face.” He nodded, answering his own question. “It looks to me like you are the one to blame for your own problems, my friend. You invited this Judas amongst you. In no way am I saying my brother is not also at fault. I will have him immediately removed to Jamaica, and he will answer to me and only me.” Khepri hated a snitch just as much as anyone else from the hood, but he could not condone his brother dying at the hands of another man. His mother would kill him first.
Chance wanted to protest, but he knew Khepri had a point. He had invited Yasmine into his home and life. As much as he despised Zidane for cooperating, he could not afford to go to war with the Jamaicans. Not with the Feds on his ass. “I’ll agree to that only if I am recompensated for the five million–dollar loss I took and Zidane’s territory.”
“I can arrange for the money to be wired to you momentarily. As for the territory, I will be in touch.” Khepri nodded as he reached out to shake Chance’s hand. “Keep your grass cut, my friend.”
As if on cue, David pulled the car over, and Khepri exited without speaking another word.
“Tsk.” Chance wanted to knock Zidane off badly. Getting his money back and possibly new territory would suffice for now.
Chapter Thirteen
When the Town Car arrived at the Port of Miami, it was 9:00 p.m. Cassidy had allowed Chance to use his yacht for this occasion. He had a very special candlelit dinner prepared for Yasmine.
“Thank you, David. Be back here in about an hour. Grab yourself something to eat,” Chance said, slipping him a hundred-dollar bill.
David received a hefty six-figure salary as Chance’s chauffer. He was loyal to Chance because he had hired him when David was at his lowest. After David had worked for the city for forty years as a bus driver, his wife, Valerie, fell extremely ill. He’d run through his pension, but they were still drowning in debt from medical bills. Chance hired him when it seemed like no one else would. He also covered all of Valerie’s medical expenses in full. Three years later, he’d grown to love his job and Chance. Now, David was making enough to afford the best care for Val. He was grateful and repaid Chance with his unyielding loyalty.
“Sure thing, son.” David nodded his head and patted Chance on his back. “Ring me if you need me,” he said before pulling off.
Chance boarded the yacht and pulled the jacket of his suit on. The duffle bag was in tow in his right hand. Tonight, he wouldn’t be playing the role of the loving father and fiancé. He was a man who wore many faces and assumed many roles when need be. Yasmine had provoked him and forced him to reveal the most barbaric side of himself, the monster inside that he worked hard to contain.
“Wassup, boss.” Kenyan greeted Chance with a firm handshake. “Your guest is over there having a drink.” He nodded to where Yasmine was seated at a table for two.
“’Preciate it. Hold onto this for me.” Chance handed him the duffle bag. “Let’s go ahead and get this shit moving. I don’t plan on being on the water long.”
Kenyan nodded and walked away. He headed to find the captain. It was the first time he’d ever been on anything as lavish as a million-dollar yacht. The yacht’s name was Ayana, after Cassidy’s daughter. He was still in awe. I want to have one of these one day, Kenyan thought.
“Aye, my boss man said you can go ahead and get her moving.”
The older white man tipped his hat and followed the instructions, puffing a Cuban cigar.
* * *
“Why, hello, handsome.” Yasmine sat at the table in her trench coat, just as Chance had commanded. A wine glass was already in her hand. “You done all of this for me?” she asked, motioning to the beautiful scenery.
Chance smirked and pecked Yasmine’s cheek. “Good evening. You look beautiful.” He fought the urge to strangle Yasmine with his bare hands. Instead, he took a seat across from her. “Why would you expect anything less? Like you said, we have one last night together. I thought I should make it memorable.”
It’s going to be a memorable night, a’ight. Chance taunted Yasmine in his mind.
Yasmine lifted her glass in the air before bringing it to her lips. “I’ll drink to that,” she replied with a smile. “How are you holding up?” she asked, trying to see where his mind was at.
Chance slightly clenched his teeth. It was taking everything in him not to knock Yasmine out cold and tie her up from there. However, he had to stick to the plan and outsmart Yasmine at her own game. “I’m fucked up, but I’ll be straight. It’s not the first loss I’ve took,” he said as he stared out to the Miami sea.
Yasmine reached across the table and grabbed Chance’s hand. “I’m really sorry. I wish it was something I could do to help.”
To the naked eye, Yasmine appeared to be sympathizing with Chance, but he saw her for who she truly was: a vindictive, insecure woman with a fatal attraction for him. “You being here is enough help.” He gave Yasmine a charming smile. Because I got you right where I want you, Chance thought mockingly.
“Sorry to interrupt, but tonight’s entrée is ready to be served.” The blonde waitress pushed forward a cart containing silver trays of food. “We were informed prime steaks were a favorite of the guest of honor. Cooked medium.” She placed a tray in front of Yasmine and lifted the lid, revealing a scrumptious filet mignon with a side of asparagus and sautéed shrimp. “Same for Mr. McKnight.” She refilled Yasmine’s wine and placed a glass of water in front of Chance.
“Thank you,” Chance said, giving the waitress a wink.
“I’ll be back out when dessert is ready.”
“I must say, I’m impressed, Mr. McKnight.” Yasmine blushed at the thought Chance had put into planning this romantic night. She was oblivious to the fact that Chance saw through her façade. In her twisted mind, she figured she finally had Chance where she wanted him.
I can’t wait to come out of this trench coat. When he sees what’s underneath, he won’t be able to resist, Yasmine thought as she took a bite into the steak.
“This is good,” she mumbled in between bites.
“Only the best for you. I realized that I did neglect you when we were dating. I never intended on getting too serious with you. Truth was, I was scared to let anyone close to me again.” Chance made conversation, telling Yasmine exactly what she wanted to hear.
“I feel that. What I never understood is why you took Nina back after she hurt you the way she did.” Yasmine sipped her wine. Speaking Nina’s name left a bitter taste in her mouth.
“I love her, Yas. Always have,” he admitted honestly.
“There was a time when you loved me, too,” she quietly replied. “You’re not ready for that conversation, though.”
“I got love for you,” he lied.
“But you don’t love me in the way you love Nina,” she stated flatly.
Chance sighed. “Why are we talking about Nina? I thought tonight was about us.”
Yasmine nodded as she pushed her plate in front of her and stood up. She slowly dropped the trench coat, revealing her naked body. Chance’s eyes grew wide as his eyes focused on the fresh tattoo above her waist that read his name.
“You like it, baby?” she asked. “I got it about a week ago. It was an impulsive decision, but I don’t regret it. Our love story goes way back, even before you and Nina’s. I’ve loved you since I was five.” She walked around to Chance and massaged his shoulders. “You don’t remember?” Yasmine whispered into his ear.
This bitch is looney. “What are you talking about?” Chance asked, his patience running thin. “We’ve only known each other for two and a half years.”
“Wrong,” Yasmine said as she slid her hand down Chance’s midsection until she gripped his thick tool. “Our parents were neighbors. Our fathers were partners. Our mothers were friends, until . . .” Yasmine’s voice trailed off.
“You’re tripping. I don’t know my father,” Chance scoffed and removed Yasmine’s hands. He didn’t like the mind games she played.
“Wrong again. When someone experiences trauma, the mind sometimes suppresses memories as a coping mechanism. You may not remember now, but you will soon.” Yasmine licked her tongue into Chance’s ear.
He swatted her hands away and stood up, grabbing Yasmine by the wrists. “You’re a lying, conniving bitch. That’s what you are. I see you. You couldn’t have me, so you went for the people I love. I know who you are, agent Jessica Tyson. And there ain’t no Jessica in my recollection,” Chance spat, fed up with everything. The ketamine Chance had paid the waitress to put into Yasmine’s wine should be kicking in soon.
Yasmine’s eyes grew wide with fear. “No, no, let me explain. Please,” she begged, realizing that her cover was blown. They were in the middle of the ocean, so she was sure her cell phone had no reception.
“I don’t feel good,” she said weakly as her vision became blurry. “What did you do to me?” Yasmine slurred, reaching out to grab Chance’s face before everything went black.
* * *
Yasmine woke up to nothing but blackness. She was chained to a chair and still naked. The cold air caused the hairs on her arms to rise. Water dripped from above her head, forming a puddle beside her feet. She wasn’t aware of how long she’d been there, but when she woke for the first time a few hours ago, she assumed it was morning from the sounds of the birds chirping. The last thing she remembered was being on the yacht with Chance.
Chance, she thought.
“Somebody help me!” she yelled until her throat was dry.
Yasmine cried silently, realizing that no one was coming to her rescue. She was forced to release herself in that chair. Never in her life had she felt so low. She prayed Chance or someone would at least bring her water and food soon.
“Help me! Chance! Please. I’m sorry.” She sobbed.
A steel door creaked as it opened, filling the dark space with light. A figure emerged from the stairs, and Yasmine figured her prayers had been answered. All she had to do was convince Chance she never intended to harm him and that she wasn’t lying about the history they shared.
“Well, well, well. Look what we have here,” a female voice called out in the darkness.
Switching the light switch on, Nina came face to face with the woman she despised. “Ain’t no fun when the rabbit got the gun, huh?” Nina laughed. She was dressed in an all-black Nike sweat suit with the black Air Max 97s to match. Her natural hair was out and in a bun. She wore no makeup or earrings.
“Good to see you alive.” Yasmine laughed.
Nina pulled the nine from her waist and slapped Yasmine across the face with it. “Bitch, don’t play with me,” she spat. “You think it’s cute that you put my son’s lives in danger?”
Yasmine smirked with a bloody nose. “Collateral damage.”
Nina brought the gun across Yasmine’s face with more force. She was sure she had broken her nose with the blow. “I can go all day!” Nina screamed, pointing the gun at Yasmine. “Be honest with yourself. You hate me because Chance loves me. You’re a delusional bitch. For the last five years, you’ve worked as an undercover detective, Jessica. Or would you prefer Yasmine?” Nina chuckled.
“Fuck you.” Yasmine spoke despite the throbbing headache she experienced and spat out a mouthful of blood. She would not give Nina the satisfaction of seeing her weak.
“I should kill you, bitch,” Nina said through clenched teeth, pointing the gun between Yasmine’s eyes. Her finger itched against the trigger. “You killed my brother.” Her voice cracked.
* * *
Chance sat in the back of the black Escalade with Cassidy heading to where Yasmine was. He’d kept Yasmine locked in the basement beneath an abandoned warehouse for the last twenty-four hours. He wanted to make her suffer before putting her out of her miserable existence. Since Yasmine made the absurd revelation of knowing Chance since childhood, he had hired one of Cassidy’s private investigators to find any truth to the claims.
“I just got word that Nina arrived at the warehouse and has been in the basement over twenty minutes,” Cassidy informed Chance.
“She probably in there beating the fuck out of that girl.” Chance laughed. He knew it was only a matter of time before Nina showed up to the warehouse after Chance disclosed the location. “We’ll be back there in time before Nina kills her.”
Cassidy chuckled lightly and shook his head. “I wouldn’t blame her if she did.”
“Yeah, I’on want her getting involved that way. We both know ain’t no turning back once you go down that road.” Chance wanted Nina to live a happy life minus the burdens that came with taking a life. The mental repercussions that came with killing someone could break down the strongest person. Chance didn’t want Nina to live with that type of regret.
“Speaking of killing, Nikko handled our rat infestation, too. Zidane won’t be a problem anymore.”
“Whoa, whoa, please tell me y’all niggas didn’t.” Chance prayed he had heard Cassidy incorrectly.
Cassidy shrugged. “Nikko called me a few hours ago and said he handled it. He thought he was doing you a favor.”
Chance brushed his hands over his face and sighed. “Fam, I made a deal with Khepri three nights ago. He wired the five million that we lost and agreed to give me the territory Zidane ran on the condition that Zidane safely returned to Jamaica,” he explained. “We got a war on our hands.”
Cassidy’s iPhone dinged, indicating an unread text message. “Shit is about to get even more complicated, bro. Cole just texted and said your father is alive and has been serving a thirty-year bid for the last twenty years.”
“That’s impossible,” Chance scoffed. It couldn’t be true. His father was dead. Period. “Only one person can give me answers until Cole finds more information.”
“You sure you can trust that broad, bro?” Cassidy asked reluctantly.
Chance shook his head. “Nah, but she knows her fate. There’s no need to lie now.” The fact that Yasmine was possibly telling the truth blew his mind. He had to get to her as soon as possible.
* * *
“Why did you do it?” Nina asked a bloody and bruised Yasmine. Nina had brought the gun across her face so many times that it was unrecognizable. “What did Quan ever do to you?” Tears filled Nina’s eyes. Beating Yasmine’s ass wasn’t making her feel any better. It definitely wasn’t going to bring Quan back to life. She needed closure.
Yasmine laughed like a madman. “He was in my way. I’ll gladly do the same to anyone who stands between Chance and me. We’re meant to be.”
“Bitch, you’ll never have Chance. You’re sick. You need help,” Nina spat, fed up with Yasmine’s antics. “I’m his fiancée! I’m the mother of his children, the love of his life. I’m getting really tired of your bullshit.” She aimed the gun at Yasmine’s chest. “You took so much from me.”
Yasmine had accepted the fact that she was going to die. However, she refused to die letting Nina think she won. She had something that would bring her down a notch or two. “If I’m sick, so are you, bitch. Call me what you want. At least I’ve never fucked my brother.”
Nina gave Yasmine’s head a crushing blow. “Bitch! I never fucked Quan!”
Yasmine laughed hysterically, like she was at a comedy show. “Not Quan. How does it feel to know that you were in a relationship with your own brother for years? You almost got pregnant by your brother, you sick bitch. Yasin is your brother!” Yasmine exclaimed.
“You’re lying.” Nina’s hands shook as she gripped the gun. Yasmine had to be playing mind games with her.
“It’s true, Nina. I’m a federal agent. I have access to files and information that the public doesn’t. Nino wasn’t your biological father. Your mother was quite the slut back then it seems.” She laughed. “Your real father’s name is Yoda Amos. He and your mother had a secret love affair for years. You can investigate that yourself. I’m telling the truth. Ms. Perfect here was fucking her own brother.” Yasmine’s mad laugh came back.
Nina closed her eyes as vomit threatened to escape her throat. “Shut the fuck up!” she yelled. She didn’t even feel her finger pressing against the trigger until the bullet escaped the chamber and pierced Yasmine’s heart. “Oh my God. What have I done?” Nina asked before leaning over and released the vomit building up.
The steel door cracked open, and two sets of footsteps came running down the stairs. “Nina, what did you do, ma?” Chance asked as he looked at the gruesome scene before him. Yasmine’s bloodied body was slumped over, limp. Nina was standing in a pool of her own throw up.
She looked over to Chance with concerned eyes.
