This excerpt is from book 1. The eBook comes with both parts. Paperbacks are sold separately.
18-year old Jacoury Slaughter and his best friend Ramell worked hard to escape the poverty that was their legacy in Kansas City. Their needs were simple: to live on their own terms and to love whom their hearts desired. For Jacoury that desire was 16 year old Necie, his sister’s best friend since childhood, a desire that would remain unobtainable until the night they finally came together and she agreed to be his. Their happiness would become a target once her parents found out and fully unravel the day she told him she was moving away and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Never one to back down from a challenge, Jacoury sets out to prove Necie wrong; unwittingly opening the Pandora’s box of twisted lies, salacious secrets, and inconceivable carnage that will lie in their wake.
In the Beginning
ey Jacoury,” Necie greeted him as she slid by him inside the house.
Jacoury looked the girl over as she went by him, taking the time to slide his hand down her back and over her butt.
“Stop Jacoury, you’re being nasty again,” Necie told him sucking her teeth as she continued to her destination.
Jacoury laughed and blew her a kiss. I gotta have some of that, he thought as he watched her walking. He was attracted to her for the last two or three years. He began making it very plain to her for the last five months. Necie was a pretty girl, cocoa complexion with shoulder length hair, pretty eyes with long lashes and a figure to match. She just turned sixteen and as far as Jacoury was concerned, the age of consent. He was going to be her first. Now he just needed to convince her of that, he mused and chuckled as he headed outside and down the street to conduct his business.
*****
“Hey Sam,” Necie sang out as she entered the room and sprawled out across the full size bed.
Samarhea Ja-Cheyla Slaughter and Anecia Tashonda Holley were tight. They were friends as long as either of them could remember. They both grew up here in the lower income section of town. They didn’t live in the projects, but their small tenant houses were only a couple of steps above it. Sam also knew how her brother felt about the girl.
“You know Jacoury really likes you,” Sam teased her.
“I know, but he’s like four years older than me Sam,” she replied.
“So,” Sam threw back and corrected her that he was only three years older.
Necie shook her head and looked her friend in the eye.
“My mama would kill me,” she told her and Sam laughed slightly knowing she was telling the truth.
Miss McGrath was no joke. She was extremely strict and didn’t allow Necie to really go anywhere other than Sam’s. She told Necie again and again that she was going to finish school and go to college. Miss McGrath made no secret of her loathing when it came to the hood and those who wanted to glorify the despair and poverty it perpetuated.
“Well she doesn’t really have to know,” Sam told Necie, picking up on the fact that the girl was at least a little interested in Jacoury.
“Please,” Necie threw back and rolled her eyes, causing Sam to chortle.
“My mama don’t miss shit, you know that,” she added getting up headed to the bathroom.
Sam laughed aloud at her declaration knowing Necie was right. Still, the promise was made to Jacoury to help him get closer to her.
“So what do you wanna do,” Necie threw out as she returned from the bathroom.
“You staying all night,” Sam asked, formulating a plan to bring her and Jacoury together.
“Yeah, my mama said it was okay,” Necie replied.
“I brought my stuff,” she continued pointing to the duffel bag thrown into the corner when she walked into the room.
Sam’s room was small, barely fitting the full sized bed that it held. Still it was clean and well decorated. She liked gangsta rap posters, and her walls were littered with them. Necie loved the beautiful Garnett and gold trimmed comforter Sam covered her bed with, and the matching pillows and curtains. Her mother went to a great deal of trouble to make sure the whole house was nice.
“Good, then we can go down to the spot for a minute,” Sam told her.
The spot was a pool hall off 39th near Jackson where a lot of the street dealers hung out. It was always hopping with customers, hookers, johns, and the like. Sam loved the atmosphere, taking to it immediately like a fish to water. Necie wasn’t all that keen on the place, but she knew with Sam by her side she would be okay. Everyone knew Sam and Jacoury, so no one would bother them. She thought about Jacoury again and felt herself getting excited. Truth was she liked him a lot and really wanted to be with him, but knew her mom wasn’t hearing anything like that. Not only was he three years older than her, but he was a dealer. Necie exhaled gently again as she rose to follow her friend.
“Samarhea Ja-Cheyla,” Aretha Slaughter yelled seeing the girl and her friend heading out the door.
“Yeah,” Sam answered, dismayed that her mother was delaying their departure, and equally dismayed at the woman’s use of her full name.
“Where are you two going,” she asked, hands on her hips giving Sam an all too familiar look.
Aretha didn’t know what she going to do with her daughter. She was hoping that Kansas City and Prospect Street didn’t claim her like it already claimed her son. She wanted so much more for Sam than that, yet the girl was slipping more and more into that very life. Aretha hoped for a better fate for her than the two kids and hardship she received. She gave birth to Jacoury when she was fourteen and Samarhea at seventeen. She tried to keep them both in school and out of harm’s way, but the street beckoned and Jacoury answered. The easy money, fast cars, and flashy clothes of the local pimps and hustlers far outweighed the promise of someday that she was offering. Aretha recognized the signs and saw Sam headed in the same direction. The girl idolized her brother, believing he could do no wrong.
“We’re going down to the park ma,” Sam lied.
If she told her mother where they were truly going, she knew they wouldn’t make it outside of the door.
Aretha regarded her for a moment and turned to Necie.
“Where are you two going Necie,” she asked the young woman.
Necie was twisting herself into knots inside. She knew it was wrong to lie to Sam’s mom, but this was her best friend and friends stuck together.
“We’re going to the park Miss Slaughter,” she replied calmly, hoping her voice didn’t betray her.
Aretha breathed heavily, only partially believing them both.
“OK, but be home by eight, and I mean eight,” she told them, looking at Sam hard.
Sam smiled her most persuasive smile and told her mother she would. Once they were outside she chuckled aloud.
“She damned sure be trying to knock a sistah hustle,” Sam retorted and laughed harder.
Necie felt bad for lying and silently prayed nothing happened that would give them away.
*****
Shortly thereafter, they arrived at the smoke filled, dimly lit pool hall and entered. The crowd was thick as usual, the music from the jukebox was spewing old eighties hits and several of the drunker patrons were dancing.
“Hey Ramell,” Sam greeted the young man.
Ramell was best friends with Jacoury. They grew up together and even began selling dope together. He and Jacoury favored each other and were sometimes teased about being brothers. Sam looked him over taking in his six-foot frame. The jeans he wore hung low but weren’t distasteful. The jersey he paired them with heralded Sam’s favorite player on the back, along with his number. Ramell was sporting the matching sneakers as usual, and a new watch he recently acquired. He was also well built, muscular, with a nice friendly smile, not to mention, extremely vicious. Ramell was known in the hood for his temper and quick hands. He smiled at the girls and returned their greeting.
“What are you two doing here,” Ramell queried, looking Sam over.
He completely approved of the jeans she wore that clung to her as he took in the perfect figure. She wore a simple white tee shirt, but the lacy black bra under it brought attention to the firm, perky breasts on her chest; complimented by her big, beautiful, brown eyes that accompanied the infectious smile she was currently wearing.
Ramell was attracted to her, but he didn’t think Sam was interested in guys. She was interested in business and money. Those were the loves of her life, not that he minded, he just wished she would squeeze him too.
“We just came to hang out, say hey to you and Jacoury,” Sam replied as Necie stood taking in the scene.
Ramell chuckled slightly.
“He’s over there in that booth with Shanesha,” he told them nodding in the direction.
Sam looked over, trying to see around the people still dancing, finally spotting the isolated booth in the corner, barely lit, and saw them hugged up tightly as Shanesha was kissing Jacoury’s lips. She saw her brother smile, and almost burst into laughter. Sam knew all too well what he was up too. Stupid ass ho thinks he wanna be her baby daddy and shit, Sam chuckled knowing her brother planned to screw the girl and move on. As far as she knew, Necie was the only girl he really wanted any kind of relationship with.
Sam turned her attention to Necie and caught the jealous expression on her face as she spotted the two of them. Right on time, Sam thought as she began putting her plan in action.
“I wouldn’t let that heffa be kissing all over my man,” she told Necie plainly looking her in the eye.
“I don’t have claims on Jacoury,” Necie told her and turned away.
Sam knew she was angry and continued to bait her.
“You have more claim than she does,” she told Necie.
“You know Jacoury has been trying to get at you for months now,” she went on holding the girls gaze.
“Walk over and say what’s up, I bet he leaves her sitting in that booth,” Sam dared her.
Necie thought about it, going back and forth in her mind for the next five minutes.
“Well hell, what do I have to lose,” she murmured and Sam chuckled her agreement.
Necie took a deep breath and walked over to the booth where Jacoury and Shanesha were sitting. The girl spotted her first and gave her a warning look. Necie sucked her teeth under her breath and approached the table anyway.
“Hey Jacoury,” she spoke looking directly at him and ignoring the hateful looks Shanesha was giving her.
Jacoury turned at the sound of the voice and smiled brightly seeing Necie standing there. He immediately took her in again, loving every inch of her.
“Hey sweetness, what are you doing here,” he said smoothly, disengaging himself from Shanesha.
“Me and Sam just stopped in to see what was jumping off,” Necie replied, her confidence boosted by his rapt attention to her. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, so I’ll be out. I just wanted to say hey,” she finished turning to leave, as she felt his hand on her arm.
“Wait a minute sweetness, come on with me, let’s talk,” Jacoury told her as he rose from the booth.
“Where are you going Jacoury,” Shanesha asked trying to remain calm.
She was angry as hell that he was leaving her to talk to this little girl. She was trying to gain favor with Jacoury for the last month and finally moved close to him. Now in walks this little schoolgirl and everything changes? Not if she could help it.
“I’ll get back with you later Shanesha,” Jacoury replied smoothly, taking Necie’s hand and walking away.
Shanesha was furious. That little bitch has fucked up; she fumed making plans to get even. Jacoury Slaughter was a prize catch by any standard. She did her homework, finding out that he treated the women in his life very well. He took care of them and provided for them, as well as being an excellent lover. Jacoury was beautiful dark chocolate, six feet tall, and exquisitely sculpted. The dreamy eyes and smooth way he talked could charm even the hardest skeptic. No, Shanesha was not going to let this little high schooler take him away that easily, deciding she would need to bed Jacoury as quickly as possible to keep his attention.
*****
Sam was watching the woman as her brother and Necie walked away. She took the opportunity to saunter over.
“Wassup,” Sam remarked to the woman as Shanesha turned her attention to the person speaking.
She exhaled lightly but remained calm. Shanesha knew this was Jacoury’s sister and she didn’t want any trouble.
“I want you to stay away from my brother,” Sam said calmly, still looking the woman squarely in the eye.
She took in the gaudy makeup Shanesha was wearing, along with the tiny spaghetti strap, red and white top, her breasts barely contained, frowning distastefully. The girl was trashy in every way as far as Sam was concerned knowing her track record of sleeping with any baller she could. She took Shanesha in again trying to find something remotely attractive about the girl but couldn’t. She was plain. Her eyes were normal size, no differentiating color, her facial features ordinary, her smile nothing spectacular and the weave she wore, simply ugly. It was extremely long, the cheapest synthetic they sold; a black and gold mixture. The only thing Sam could figure attracted as many guys as she did was the oversized butt she possessed and squeezed into any tight pair of jeans she could find.
Shanesha took another deep breath and tried to keep her cool.
“Look Sam,” she began speaking to the girl. “This is grown folks business and you wouldn’t understand,” she told her condescendingly, feeling the three years that separated them made her more mature.
Sam sneered, getting even closer to her face.
“I know about fucking, so what else is so grown about you wanting my brother’s dick,” she retorted.
Shanesha was taken aback at the girl’s brashness. She was also pissed that she couldn’t slap the taste out of her mouth. This bitch is about at the end, she thought acidly as she put on her best fake smile.
“It’s not all about that Sam,” she said sweetly. “I really care about Jacoury,” she told the girl hoping she could win her over.
“Well he doesn’t give two damns about you,” Sam told her again coldly.
“He just plans to hump and dump when it comes to your Parker’s Square ass,” she threw at the woman belittling her for growing up in the government housing apartments.
Shanesha was done. She wasn’t going to sit here any longer and allow this little girl to talk to her this way. She began moving toward the end of the booth seat, when Sam sat down, effectively blocking her.
“No tramp, we’re gonna sit right here until Jacoury handles his business,” she told the woman once again looking into her eyes.
The flash caught Shanesha’s attention and she looked down to see the lock blade knife the girl was holding, aimed at her midsection. She gasped and looked back into the girl’s eyes. Sam’s face was expressionless, her breathing calm and even, but in her eyes was pure, raw, hatred. Shanesha moved quickly back to the closed end of the booth. She didn’t say another word, and she never took her eyes off her captor. Sam wanted to kill her, wanted to see her blood draining from her body and her gasping that final breath. Sam breathed heavily and changed her thoughts; smiling inwardly musings of what Jacoury and Necie were doing in the backroom he took her to.
*****
“What did you want to talk about Jacoury,” Necie asked as they entered the room.
This was a small lounge area and she was pretty sure a few of the hookers used it to turn tricks. He led her over to the purple velvet loveseat and sat down with her. Necie was still taking in the room and its gaudy furnishings. What is that odor, she wondered, surmising it was part sexual and part illegal substance. The room was very dark in some parts and she assumed that’s where the sex took place. Here where they were sitting it was well lit with a table in front of them. In addition to the loveseat they were sitting on, there were two others almost exactly like this one in the room, the only difference being the colors; one red, and the other black. Jacoury was looking into her eyes and smiling at her. Necie felt herself becoming more and more aroused. I’ve got to get the hell out of here, she told herself as he moved close to her face. My mama will kill my ass if she finds out I was here, she again pondered as Jacoury kissed her.
“Necie why are you trying to play so hard to get,” he asked chuckling as he kissed her neck.
“I’m not trying to play anything Jacoury,” she told him pushing him away.
He chuckled again, and then regarded her seriously.
“Look Necie, I don’t wanna play this shit anymore,” he told her and she sensed he was irritated. “I wanna be with you, I wanna be your man, so what’s it gonna be,” he threw at her and waited on a response.
Necie breathed heavily.
“Jacoury I can’t,” she replied.
“Why,” he asked, still irritated.
“Cause my mama would kick my ass, that’s why,” she replied and he laughed in spite of his mood.
Jacoury stopped and considered what Necie was saying to him. He knew Miss McGrath and she was a real bitch. He knew she didn’t like him. She told him as much to his face, calling him a low life scum that was poisoning his own people. He told her to fuck off and she told him to kiss her ass. So she does like me, he smiled inwardly. Jacoury took another deep breath and pulled her close.
“She doesn’t have to know Necie,” he told her gently. “We can keep it to ourselves.”
“Jacoury you know somebody will see and tell mama, and she’ll be all over my ass,” she told him frightened by the prospect.
“Necie, I promise to take care of you baby,” Jacoury told her as he looked into her eyes. “I‘m not gonna let your mama find out, and she’s not gonna kick anybody’s ass, okay?”
Necie still wasn’t sure and Jacoury sensed her indecision. He leaned in and kissed her. She blew out an anxious breath after they parted and looked into his eyes.
Please don’t let this blow up in my face, she prayed silently.
“Okay, Jacoury,” she told him and he smiled. “But I’m still scared,” she added for good measure.
Jacoury hugged her again and assured her they were going to be fine. He pulled Necie to her feet and kissed her passionately all over again.
******
Sam saw them emerge from the back room, both smiling contentedly at the other. She chuckled silently wondering if her friend were still a virgin and turned to Shanesha one last time.
“You can go now,” she told her coldly. “But if anything stupid like messing with my friend crosses that alley ass mind of yours, I will kill you,” Sam finished evenly never blinking or showing any hint of emotion.
Shanesha trembled involuntarily looking at the young woman in front of her. This bitch is truly crazy, she concluded as she held the stare. The woman wasted no time making a bee line out of the front door, without so much as a glance backward.
Ramell observed Sam with Shanesha for a while and saw the tension. He smiled reflectively loving Sam’s hardness and adaptability to the game. I need to get beyond that wall with her, he mused. At that moment, Sam looked around and found Ramell staring at her. She exhaled lightly and smiled at him, knowing his feelings for her. Wonder if its gonna hurt when we do the deed, she deliberated. She already decided she would let Ramell be her first. Now she just needed to get everything set up and be in the right place at the right time. She owned condoms and was definitely going to make sure he used one. Sam was fully uninterested in having anyone’s baby. She brought herself back from her plans to see Ramell walking across the room to her.
“What are you doing tonight,” Ramell asked, never taking his eyes from her.
“Nothing,” Sam replied and they both laughed.
“You wanna go to the movies or something,” he asked again reaching out to take her hand across the table.
Sam smiled, all the while thinking that tonight she would finally give it up.
“Yeah that would be good, but Necie has to come or my mama will be tripping,” she countered.
Ramell shook his head that he understood.
“We’ll just ask Jacoury to come too,” he shrugged.
Sam knew that after the movie they would end up at his house. His mom worked third shift which left him home alone all night. He and Jacoury were both nineteen and experienced. Sam wondered if he would trip out on her not really being the best at sex. She let go the uncertain breath and dismissed the thought.
“What y’all up to over here,” Jacoury inquired chuckling as he approached the table.
He was well aware of how Ramell felt about his sister, and he supposed it was okay. Ramell was good people and he never crossed him in business or personal. Jacoury just felt a little uneasy thinking about his sister and sex. He evicted the thoughts from his mind as he remembered having the same plans when it came to Necie.
“We’re gonna hit a movie later,” Ramell replied. “You and Necie gonna hang too?”
“Sounds good,” Jacoury smiled, the unspoken agreement passed between the two of them.
“Cool, lets meet up at say 9:30,” Ramell threw out and Jacoury told him it was a done deal.
“You and Necie need to go on to the house before mama starts in,” Jacoury told Sam giving her a look.
She grudgingly rose to leave. She couldn’t wait until she was old enough to hang out all the time and do her thing. Sam held visions of being as big a dealer as Jacoury and Ramell were. She wasn’t planning on college and that whole trip. No, Sam was going to make her fortune and reputation from the streets.
“Okay Jacoury, we’re out,” she told him as she and Necie turned to leave.
Jacoury stopped Necie and turned her to him, kissing her again before letting her leave.
“Remember I’m your man,” he told her and Necie smiled again.
The two men watched the girls walk out of the hall, turned to each other and chuckled before returning to their nightly business.
*****
“So you and Jacoury together now or what,” Sam teased Necie, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah,” Necie replied quietly.
“What’s wrong,” Sam asked hearing the tone.
“Well for one, I don’t want my mama to find out,” she told her. “But mostly I’m scared cause I know Jacoury is gonna wanna get down, and you know I’m still a virgin,” Necie finished looking at her friend with a worried expression.
Sam hesitated, momentarily thoughtful.
“Look Necie, I’m still a virgin too, but you gotta do it one day,” she told her, taking another deep breath. “And I know you’re really feeling Jacoury so why not with somebody you really like?”
“I guess you’re right,” Necie told her. “And God knows I really do wanna give it to him,” she giggled and Sam joined her.
“I’ma do it with Ramell tonight after the movie,” Sam told her matter-of-fact and Necie’s mouth dropped.
“For real,” she asked her friend still incredulous at her admission. “You’re not scared?”
Sam exhaled nervously.
“Yeah I’m scared, but I want to experience it, and I know Ramell is really feeling me.”
“You got condoms,” Necie asked knowing Sam didn’t want kids.
“Yeah, I lifted some at the drug store the other day,” she chuckled and Necie joined her. “You can have a couple if you want,” she added casting a sly glance at Necie.
“Okay, maybe,” Necie replied and Sam grumbled slightly.
They arrived back at the house finding their dinner waiting for them on the stove with a note from Aretha that she would be back later. Probably over at Mr. Jamison’s again, Sam thought as she prepared her and Necie’s plate. Mr. Jamison owned the little corner store and thought he was a big shot. Sam just thought he was a lecherous old bastard who would screw anything that moved. Her mom tolerated him because he paid bills for her and gave her money to spend. Aretha wanted to move out of the neighborhood and this was her way of earning extra income. She worked as a maid at one of the upscale hotels in the city and while it paid decently, it still wasn’t what she needed to be able to move out. So she took Mr. Jamison up on his offer when he propositioned her. Aretha didn’t know Sam knew all about the arrangement. She heard them talking in her mother’s bedroom when they thought they were alone.
“Sam did you pass that test in history,” Necie probed as they ate.
“No, I doubt it,” Sam replied.
Necie just nodded her understanding. She knew Sam shared no plans after high school, that is, if she even finished, other than hustling. I just hope she doesn’t get herself hurt, Necie considered disheartened, already feeling the pain of loss.
“Come on let’s get ready to get up outta here,” Sam told her after they ate, showered and dressed.
They were meeting the guys at the theatre and it was a good ten minute walk from home.
*****
Sam spotted them first as they arrived. Jacoury and Ramell were punching and stomping some guy they pinned on the ground. Necie wondered what the hell was going on. She was used to violence, but never this up close and personal.
“Try that shit again muthafucker,” Ramell was yelling as he continued to kick the guy, who was already semi-conscious and bleeding heavily from his nose and mouth.
“Yeah punk! Tell them other muthafucka’s that sent you we want our damned money, bitch,” Jacoury added as he too continued to punish the man.
Sam was grinning ear to ear, completely enjoying the scene before her. After what seemed like an eternity, it was over. Jacoury and Ramell calmly walked away leaving the man struggling to rise from the ground as the crowd that gathered laughed and high-fived each other in celebration of the beat down and how well it was done.
“Hey sweetness,” Jacoury greeted Necie calmly as if the violence she just witnessed never occurred.
“Hey Jacoury,” she replied still a little startled.
He sensed her fear and hugged her to him, whispering in her ear.
“I would never hurt you baby,” he told her gently. “That was business, plain and simple,” he went on as he held her. “Forget about it and enjoy being with your man,” he finished kissing her smoothly on the lips.
Necie let herself relax and return his kiss. This was the Jacoury she knew, the one she trusted, the one she wanted to be with.
“Okay,” she said simply bringing a smile to his face.
Ramell walked over to Sam who was still smiling.
“Dag, you jacked that fool up,” she giggled and he smiled at her.
Ramell loved that about Sam. She was definitely going to be his ace if he could ever get her to come around.
“His punk ass had it coming,” he returned and she giggled again.
Ramell decided to take a chance and grabbed Sam pulling her close.
“I could sure use a little sugar right now,” he told her looking directly into her eyes.
A light went on inside Sam and she realized it was more than just a business arrangement; she was feeling Ramell just as he was her.
“So be a man and take what you want then,” Sam threw at him.
Ramell smiled again and leaned in kissing her, both their tongues enjoying the other. Jacoury finally hit him playfully on the arm to make them stop.
“Damn, get a room,” he laughed jokingly as they all headed inside the theatre.
Ramell was still in shock that Sam let him kiss her and even more so at the intensity of the kiss. He was definitely going to try and get inside her tonight. Ramell knew if he tamed her, she was his.
Sam was smiling contentedly at how well the kiss went. Now Ramell knew she liked him and he would definitely try and put a move on her tonight. She would of course resist just a little at first, but she would give it to him. Sam didn’t really like playing games. She was straight up about what she wanted, and what she wanted tonight was to feel Ramell inside her. Sam exhaled lightly and returned her attention to the screen and the movie playing.
Chapter 5
he’s here,” Ja’Quaelah was telling Shanesha as she watched Necie from her vantage point across the street from Yates BBQ restaurant.
“She with Samarhea,” Shanesha questioned knowing they couldn’t execute their plan if she were.
“Nope, she’s by herself.”
“Good, well I’m on my way,” Shanesha replied, as she fastened her jeans and zipped them.
“I should be there in about 5 minutes,” she finished and disconnected.
Oh yeah bitch, I’m fixing to whip your ass, Shanesha thought gleefully as she closed her door and headed to the spot. The plan was to jump Necie, mess her up, and then leave hurriedly before anyone could tell it was her and Ja’Quaelah. She knew there would be hell to pay if they were found out. Shanesha pushed the thoughts out of her mind as she walked, almost running, and rounded the corner ten minutes later meeting up with Ja’Quaelah who was still calmly waiting for her.
*****
Necie felt her cell vibrate and answered as she received her change from her purchase.
“Hello,” she answered absently.
“Where you at girl,” Sam quipped in her ear.
Necie smiled widely and told her the location, breathing in the aroma of the ribs being cooked around her.
“How you gonna go eat at the spot without me?”
“I was hungry,” Necie told her.
“Yeah being knocked up will do that to you,” she teased.
Jacoury returned home bursting with the news after he left Necie last weekend. Sam was surprised but happy nonetheless for her best friend and her brother.
“Well stay there and I’ll meet you,” Sam told her.
“Okay, but I’ma run across the street to the stop-n-shop and get my candy while they make my order,” Necie told her. “I’ll be back before you get here.”
*****
Shanesha saw her exit the restaurant and head across the street.
“Okay Ja’Quaelah, let’s move,” she told her friend as they both stealthily made their way down the street almost directly in front of the entrance to the store. Necie made her purchase and put it in her pocket, opening the door to head back across the street to wait on Sam and enjoy her meal. As soon as she stepped outside, Shanesha and Ja’Quaelah descended on her, fists flying. Necie immediately began to fight back but was no match for the two of them. Shanesha pushed Necie and she fell, tripping over Ja’Quaelah’s feet. She then began kicking the girl in her stomach as Ja’Quaelah continued to punch her in the face and head.
“I told you I was gonna get you, you little bitch,” Shanesha said viciously as she kicked her again.
“You ain’t woman enough for Jacoury, stay your ass in Overton Park and leave him alone!”
Necie felt like hot molten lead was going through her body the pain was so intense. Please God, help me, help my baby, Necie was thinking as Shanesha kicked her again.
“Hey, what the fuck y’all doing to that girl,” a man screamed as he rushed over. Ja’Quaelah grabbed Shanesha and pulled her off Necie as they both took off running to avoid detection. Sam was just rounding the corner when she saw the commotion. A deep sense of dread immediately filled her as she headed over to investigate.
“Be still honey, let us call the ambulance for you,” the man was saying as Necie tried to rise from the sidewalk where she was laying.
Sam pushed her way through the crowd and couldn’t believe her eyes. She saw Necie bloodied and battered, clothes torn, hair scattered all over her head, lying on the sidewalk clutching her stomach and writhing in pain.
“Necie,” Sam yelled falling to her knees and immediately hugging her friend.
“Sam, my baby, I think something’s wrong, please,” Necie was pleading, her voice barely a whisper as she tried to talk through the obvious hurt.
“Shh it’s okay Necie, we’re gonna get you to the hospital,” she told her pulling out her cell.
She called Ramell first, knowing he would stay the calmest and told him to pick up Jacoury and bring him over to where they were. Necie was crying quietly and the crowd began to dissipate. Sam looked at the man who was comforting Necie before she got there.
“Did you see who did this,” she asked and he shook his head.
“I only saw two girls and they took off when I came over.”
“I know who it was,” the voice said calmly and Sam turned around.
“Who was it Kea?”
Kea was one of a set of twins who did a little hustling. She and her sister while looking alike were total opposites. Kea dressed the hard role, wearing jeans and boots, jerseys and headbands. Her sister Mia was completely feminine, barely ever wearing jeans, unless they could be worn with heels. They were all cool and each left the other to their own devices.
“Shanesha and that bitch ass friend of hers, Ja’Quaelah,” she answered frowning.
Sam told her thanks and Kea nodded walking away.
Necie was quietly trying to stay conscious. The pain was unbearable and she felt wetness, signaling the one thing she didn’t want to think about. Please don’t let my baby die, Necie thought as she began to cry again, with Sam still holding her. The tires screeching to a halt startled them both, as Sam saw Jacoury bound out of the car and over to Necie.
“Sweetness, baby what happened,” he asked, gently lifting her and taking her to the car.
She didn’t answer and he didn’t push.
“Take her to the hospital Jacoury,” Sam said as she closed his car door.
“Where are you going,” he asked giving her a look.
Sam exhaled and looked him in the eye.
“To take care of some business,” she said evenly.
Jacoury knew exactly what she was thinking and tried to reason with her.
“Sam I know you know who did this shit, so tell me, and let me handle it,” he tried and she shook her head no.
“You take care of Necie, she needs you right now,” she told him, standing over at the driver’s side now.
Ramell looked at her.
“You got what you need,” he asked simply, already knowing her mind was made up.
Again she nodded yes, and he grunted. Jacoury got into the passenger side and the car once more screeched away headed for the hospital. Sam exhaled and turned the opposite way headed for the old house. She needed to make a stop, and then she was on her way to find and kill Shanesha and Ja’Quaelah.
*****
Corinne was packing the last of her things. Most of the meager possessions she owned were given to various neighbors in need; the rest was back at the dumpster she retrieved them from. She was taking only the clothing she could fit in the two suitcases and one garment bag she owned. She could check them all on the bus without problem. She knew Necie would be shocked when she returned home, but today was the day Corinne told her daughter the truth about everything; and today was the day Corinne was leaving the gritty, dirt filled, poverty stricken, existence she lived in Kansas City. She accepted a position as a personal live-in caretaker for an elderly couple in a small farm town in North Carolina. Dexter was coming to get Necie tomorrow. Corinne allowed her to spend this one night with Samarhea and then she wouldn’t return to this place anymore, not until she was eighteen at least. She and Dexter talked at length and both agreed this was necessary to ensure their daughter had a chance at a real life.
Corinne also saw the error of her own ways and decided to accept this job, effectively giving her another chance too. The ringing phone jolted her from her thoughts.
“Hello,” she spoke into the mouthpiece.
“May I speak with Corinne McGrath please,” the voice returned.
“This is she,” Corinne informed the caller.
The woman identified herself as a nurse at Central Hospital. Corinne was immediately alarmed. Oh my God, what has happened to Necie, she panicked trying desperately to reel her thoughts in so she could hear what the woman was saying.
“You need to come down immediately,” the nurse was saying.
“I’m on my way,” Corinne told her.
She immediately called Dexter.
“Necie is at the hospital and I’m on my way,” Corinne spoke. “I don’t have any more details.”
“I’m leaving right now,” Dexter assured her, disconnecting.
Corinne stepped outside and hailed the taxi that happened to be passing by her at that moment.
*****
Jacoury was watching Necie as she stared blankly at the wall. She was quiet now since they administered something for the pain. They doctor already served them the bad news. Their child was dead and there was nothing that could be done to save it. They were waiting for her mother so they could do the procedure. They required her written permission. Jacoury hated it. He tried to convince them he was Necie’s guardian, almost getting away with it, until they pulled up her medical record in the system and found Miss McGrath’s information. That bitch is gonna start tripping when she gets here, he thought as Necie exhaled gently.
“It’s okay sweetness,” he said kissing her cheek.
She looked into his eyes and spoke.
“I want my baby back Jacoury,” she told him her voice wavering.
Jacoury couldn’t describe how angry he was at whoever hurt her like this. Necie still wouldn’t tell him, but his gut feeling was speaking and as soon as Sam came to the hospital he was going to question her.
“We can have another baby, sweetness,” he told her again as he took her hand into his own.
“I love you Necie, and I promise it’ll be alright,” he finished and kissed her lips.
Necie smiled and held his hand tighter, wanting to ease all the hurt she felt right now. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Corinne burst into the room.
“Necie, baby, are you alright,” she asked completely alarmed seeing the bruises on the girls face.
“What the hell happened,” she asked Jacoury looking at him hard. “Did you do this?”
Jacoury took a deep breath. He hated her, but he wouldn’t disrespect her in front of Necie.
“No, Miss McGrath,” he replied evenly. “I would never hurt Necie like this.”
“Okay, so what happened,” she asked again.
Jacoury went on to explain about the girls jumping Necie and hurting her. The nurse entered with forms before Corinne could question him further.
“What are these,” she asked and the nurse explained the circumstances and the procedure that needed to be done.
Corinne’s mind was swirling. Too many things were going on at once. Not only was her daughter in the hospital from a beating; now she was dealing with learning of her pregnancy and subsequent termination all in one fell swoop. Corinne sank into the chair and looked at the forms, her eyes full of tears. She managed to blink them away long enough to sign. The nurse thanked her and left the room, telling them they would begin in the next fifteen minutes.
Corinne looked at Necie, who avoided her eyes, and exhaled. There was no doubt in her mind who fathered the child and Corinne cast a baleful glare his way, only to be met with his own defiant stare back at her.
“I need to talk to my daughter, alone,” she told Jacoury point blank.
He opened his mouth to argue, then remembered Necie was in the room and instead got up and quietly left.
“I’m sorry mama,” Necie said inaudibly still unable to look at her mother.
Corinne exhaled again and took the girls hand as she lay in the hospital bed. Here was a place she hoped to never find herself again. She hated the cold sterile environment of the hospital, the boring gray paint and worn equipment. It was the county hospital, so most of its patients were Medicaid recipients, homeless, and poor people. It was where Necie was born and brought back for a couple of childhood mishaps. Corinne wanted her daughter gone from this place, gone from this existence and yet if not for this incident, Necie would have been back in the place having a child of her own. She exhaled again and turned her attention to the task she now had to complete.
“Necie,” she began and the girl finally looked at her. “There are some things you need to know,” she told her as Necie gave her mother her full attention.
*****
Voices talking excitedly shook Jacoury from his thoughts as he sat slumped in the chair. He looked up to see the well-dressed man and woman walk into the waiting room.
“Sit here honey, let me go and check on her first,” Dexter told Renatta who was also at her wits end with worry.
She loved Necie, and only wanted a chance to be her friend.
“Okay, but please come right back and let me know something,” she replied.
“I will.”
Jacoury took the man in, immediately seeing the resemblance and knew this was Necie’s father. I hope he’s more levelheaded than that damn mama of hers, Jacoury thought, knowing he would need to talk to the man after he found out what was going on.
Dexter quietly pushed the door open and entered the room. Corinne and Necie were embracing, both in tears. He didn’t want to interrupt, but he was worried as hell about his little girl. Corinne heard the door and turned to the sound. She smiled and beckoned him inside as she and Necie ended their embrace.
“Hi honey,” Dexter said sweetly as he took Necie in.
The bruises to her face were disturbing, but he could see they were superficial. She seemed to be fine otherwise.
“Hi daddy,” she returned quietly.
The nurse entered the room and asked them all to leave so they could prep Necie.
“I’ll come and get you Miss McGrath right before we begin,” the nurse told her and Corinne shook her head yes.
They left the room and returned to the waiting room where Renatta was waiting. Dexter made the necessary re-introductions as Corinne beckoned them to the small hallway outside.
“I didn’t want to say anything while we were in there,” she told Dexter who looked at her quizzically.
Corinne went on to tell him about Necie’s pregnancy, the procedure they were about to perform and that Jacoury Slaughter was sitting in the waiting room. Dexter was livid. His baby was getting ready to have her life altered forever and the bastard responsible was sitting in the other room. He turned to go and confront Jacoury, when both Corinne and Renatta grabbed his arm stopping him.
“No Dexter, this isn’t the place,” Renatta pleaded with him knowing his temper. Corinne shook her head in agreement, taking him in again.
Dexter was still a very handsome man, having kept himself in good shape all these years. He was thick, with a lean waist and nice firm butt, big brown eyes, and perfect teeth. He sported a neatly manicured mustache and goatee, which Corinne found very complimentary. He was always taller than her at six feet, three inches, which she loved. Corinne quickly reined her thoughts in and spoke.
“Listen Dexter,” she began and he turned to her. “Let’s get her well and released,” she went on. “Once they release her, you take her back home and keep her there,” she finished as she told him about her move to North Carolina.
“Have you told Necie,” Dexter asked.
“Yes, so you see there is no reason for her to come back here again.”
He nodded his agreement, before asking a question.
“What about her best friend,” he threw at Corinne.
She exhaled lightly.
“She’s headed in the wrong direction just like her brother,” she began again. “It’s just best if those ties are severed too,” she completed the statement as they all nodded in agreement.
The nurse came back into the waiting room and called Corinne’s name. She reentered and followed her back to Necie’s room.
*****
Corinne emerged from Necie’s room a few moments later, deliberately ignoring Jacoury, and told Dexter and Renatta everything went smoothly.
“She’s upset right now, but the doctor gave her something to sleep,” Corinne told them.
Dexter exhaled.
“When are they going to release her?”
“In the morning,” Corinne explained.
“Fine, we’ll be here to pick her up,” Dexter told Corinne who nodded her approval.
“What about him,” Dexter asked nodding toward Jacoury.
“He’s going to be trouble,” he added looking at the young man distastefully.
“Well he can’t go in to see her, I made sure the nurse knew Necie wasn’t to have any visitors,” Corinne told Dexter and Renatta.
“Yeah, that’s good” Dexter replied as they all gathered their things and headed out giving Corinne a ride back to her house.
Jacoury exhaled. She’s probably poisoned his mind too, he thought recalling the brief conversation with Mr. Holley, Necie’s father. All Jacoury wanted was to love Necie and for them to be left at peace. He tried to slip into Necie’s room only to be greeted by the nurse as she exited.
“I’m sorry sir, she can’t have any visitors,” she told Jacoury.
“Please I just want to make sure she’s okay,” he told the nurse pleadingly.
The nurse exhaled somewhat.
“I can’t let you in, but I can tell you she’s fine,” the nurse began. “The procedure went well, no complications, and she’s asleep now.”
“Thank you,” Jacoury told the nurse.
He dejectedly returned to the waiting room where Ramell was now waiting for him. They began to talk amongst themselves as they waited for Sam to arrive.
*****
Sam was heading to Swade Park. She picked up what she needed from Ramell and Jacoury’s place, asked a few questions and found out that Shanesha and Ja’Quaelah were there hanging out. Bitches think nobody saw their asses, huh, she inwardly questioned as she arrived and began nonchalantly looking around trying to spot the two. The park itself was huge, tree filled, with swings and play areas throughout, an absolutely beautiful place to come and relax. There was a lake which several people took advantage of enjoying the waters calm serenity. Sam hoped she chose the right end, or else she would have a long walk to the other side. Fortunately she spotted them almost immediately. They were sitting under a tree atop one of the customized cars driven by the guy Ja’Quaelah was messing with.
Sam sat down a short distance away, partially hidden by shrubs and other people still in the park and waited. She wanted them alone. She wasn’t worried about witnesses. People had selective vision, and only saw what they needed to see. Sam doubted there would be too many people all that broken up about these two dying. These ho’s took away Necie and Jacoury’s happiness, Sam mused feeling the cold rage and anger fill her once again. She saw Ja’Quaelah get up and move into the passenger seat of the car. Shit, don’t leave, Sam panicked. She watched as the guy got into the driver’s side and started the engine. She breathed a sigh of relief when Shanesha didn’t get in with them. Sam watched the car drive away and Shanesha begin walking toward her. Thank you so much bitch, she gleefully observed as she put her head down and Shanesha walked right by her.
Sam quickly rose and followed her, knowing she would take the small trail located close to the park’s entrance as a short cut to the projects she lived in. Just as Sam predicted, Shanesha ducked into the small, wooded opening and began making her way through the trail. Sam followed, careful not to make her presence known until they were halfway through. She picked up her pace almost running and closed the gap between her and the girl. Sam reached out and pushed her hard. Shanesha fell from the unexpected shove, turning once she regained her bearings and froze in fear.
“Wassup bitch,” Sam spoke menacingly as she glared down at the girl.
Shanesha was terrified. Oh shit, she freaked taking in the hatred etched in the girl’s expression.
“What do you want Sam,” Shanesha questioned hoping she was simply angry about her and Jacoury sleeping together.
“Don’t play trick,” Sam replied dryly, kicking at her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, really,” Shanesha tried again jumping from the movement.
Sam exhaled and pulled the .22 from her pocket. Shanesha’s eyes grew big as she looked at the girl.
“You and your girl thought that shit was pretty fly, jumping Necie huh,” she threw at her and Shanesha’s heart sank. “I told your ghetto ass not to fuck with my friend the first time, didn’t I?”
Shanesha remained mute and prayed that someone, anyone, came through the path right now.
“What did you think, because Jacoury was fucking you from time to time, y’all was together or some shit,” Sam railed, stomping her hand as it lay by her side, growing angrier by the moment.
“You were just ass Shanesha. Jacoury loves Necie, and today you killed their baby,” she told her and the girl’s mouth dropped.
Shanesha needed to get out of here now. Sam only hurt her hand so far, but she employed a bad feeling. She didn’t know Necie was pregnant.
“So shit, I say a life for a life,” Sam told her bringing her out of her thoughts just as the first bullet barely missed her shoulder.
Shanesha screamed hoping someone would hear and help her. Sam laughed and shot at her again, aiming at the other shoulder.
“Scared,” she laughed as Shanesha quieted some.
She reasoned within herself that since Sam didn’t kill her yet, maybe she only wanted to scare her.
“Please Samarhea,” she begged.
“Please what bitch,” Sam asked angrily, slapping her hard across the face, making her lip bleed.
“Please don’t kill me,” Shanesha begged pitifully.
“Why the fuck shouldn’t I,” she threw back, hitting her again, this time with the gun.
“I can do something worse,” the voice came out of nowhere and Sam spun, gun drawn looking at the person talking.
“Kea, damn, you scared the shit outta me,” Sam returned when she saw the girl. She was intrigued with Kea’s statement.
“What’s worse than death?”
Kea chuckled lightly, before she answered.
“See bitches like this, they like to tease jokers,” she began, walking close to Shanesha and grabbing her weave, pulling her head back.
Sam was listening intently as was Shanesha, struggling not to fall from Kea’s hold on her hair.
“Wearing shit showing all their ass, tits, and shit, but when he try to get up on that booty, they wanna say no,” she went on looking at Shanesha hard, and yanking her top up exposing the girl’s breasts.
Sam chuckled knowing Shanesha was completely embarrassed.
“I got someone who can drop this bitch off with my cousin in Houston, he’ll introduce her ass to a little heroin cocktail, then he’ll make sure every joker that wants any of this trick’s booty can get it, 24-7,” she finished, coping a feel on the girls exposed breast, and lit the joint she fished from her pocket.
Sam chuckled again seeing the stricken expression on Shanesha’s face. Sam knew Kea was probably still angry with the girl for rejecting her advances.
“Well, say we were to do that,” Sam began. “What about that other bitch she hangs out with?”
Kia didn’t miss a beat.
“I can make a call and have her ass cornered too,” she told Sam, then looked at Shanesha.
“Call the bitch and find out where she is,” Kea barked at her.
Shanesha shook her head no; Kea pulled her head back further, forced her mouth open and kissed her hard. Shanesha’s tears were streaming down her face, but still refused to talk. Sam put the gun to her head.
“Okay, suits me fine either way,” she replied.
“Wait, wait a minute,” Shanesha hurriedly responded.
As much as she didn’t want what they were suggesting, she didn’t want to die either she thought, continuing to cry as she found her cell. Her head hurt like hell, and the kiss was repulsive, but at least she wasn’t bleeding from a bullet wound. Shanesha managed to make the call. After she talked to Ja’Quaelah and found out her location, repeated it for her captors. Kea pulled her own phone out and made a call, then turned to Sam.
“Taken care of,” she said calmly. “My car is right on the other side of the trail,” she told Sam who nodded her understanding.
Sam kicked her in the stomach.
“That’s for Necie’s baby bitch,” she hissed as they both pulled Shanesha to her feet and took her to Kea’s car.
“Trick, Kea saved your pitiful ass life today,” Sam told her coldly as she pushed her into the front seat.
“Be thankful but know if I ever see your bitch ass again, I’ma kill you,” she said evenly and Shanesha shivered involuntarily, paralyzed with fear and still in a daze at the turn of events.
Kea laughed harshly, reached over and squeezed the girl’s breast again, told Sam there wasn’t any chance of that, showing her the .25 she held, started her car and drove away. Sam exhaled, hating that she didn’t get to kill Shanesha, but satisfied this was just as good; headed to the hospital to check on Necie and Jacoury.
*****
Sam arrived at the hospital, rounded the corner, and saw Jacoury sitting in the waiting room with Ramell, a hateful scowl on his face.
“Wassup,” Sam addressed them both as she entered and sat down beside Ramell.
Jacoury nodded his acknowledgement and Ramell looked her over.
“What did you do,” he asked plainly, seeing the small bloodstain on her shirt.
Sam exhaled as Jacoury shot her a look too.
“I didn’t do what you two are thinking,” she told them offering nothing further.
“Who did this to Necie,” Jacoury fired at Sam.
She looked at him long and hard for a moment, her anger simmering. This whole situation was his fault for sleeping with that tramp in the first place.
“Your cut buddy,” she returned sarcastically and Jacoury knew she was angry with him.
“I never meant for anything like this to happen, Sam,” he told her calmly.
“I told you not to screw that ho didn’t I,” she threw back still angry, tears coming as she thought about her friend and her loss.
Jacoury exhaled and hung his head. He had to own up to, and accept, his share of responsibility for losing their child.
“How’s Necie,” Sam asked again, this time a little calmer.
Ramell placed his arm around her, trying to help her stop trembling.
“She’s okay, they cleaned her face up,” he returned. “She’s got a couple of bruises, but they should go away quickly,” he finished and took another deep breath.
“They couldn’t do anything about the baby,” he said quietly his voice tightening.
Sam exhaled as the tear rolled down her cheek. She knew Jacoury was hurting as she was sure Necie was devastated.
“Can I go in and see her,” Sam asked as Ramell handed her a tissue.
Jacoury exhaled again.
“Her mama won’t let anyone in there with her,” he said and Sam was angry again.
She was also scared Necie wouldn’t come back to visit again. Miss McGrath is gonna definitely make sure of that shit, she thought tiredly.
“Come on let’s go,” Ramell said aloud as they all slowly rose to leave the hospital.
Tomorrow was a new day and maybe things would look a lot better then.