Chapter 4

I tightened my towel around my body as I made my way across the room. Bo cut his eyes in my direction as he sat his phone in his lap.

“You a rude bitch. How the fuck you get up and walk off in the middle of me talking?”

“I needed a shower. You the one took all damn day to get back to me.”

“I'm here now, ain't I?”

I twitched my lip while banging my lotion against the palm of my hand. Making my way over to the couch, I flopped down next to him and tossed a leg over his lap. He shot me a death glare then pushed my leg off of him.

“Go get something on yo body.”

“You're in my room.” I smirked while turning on the couch. “You know you can lotion my body.”

“Lotion your own damn body.”

“Aw.” I playfully pouted and faced him. “Don't be like that, baby.”

“You play too damn much.” He said with his eyes trained on his phone that was now glowing up from a message.

“Is that information for me?”

“Why everything always gotta be about you?”

“Boy, I don't know why I gotta keep telling you that the world revolves around me.”

I hiked my towel up my thighs before bending over to apply the lotion on my feet then work my way up. I looked over to see him picking up his phone and hitting a button on speed dial. Being the nosy bitch I am, I forced my hearing senses to kick up a notch. I mouthed a surprised what when Bo stood up to walk off to the bathroom. How the fuck he gonna play this discreet game with me? I moved to scoot to the edge of the couch when he looked back, giving me a stern look, before closing the door. I smacked my lips and rolled my eyes while scooting back then tending to my skin again.

I tried listening closely but he was never one to speak loud when it came to business over the phone. Glancing at the door every so often, I wondered what the word was that was spreading. It had to be something within camp because he received the check in message. Let him tell it earlier, he handled everything he had on his list today so he was done with his runs. This was definitely word and I wanted the report too. I wanted it only because I didn't receive it. It was something that Montey didn't feel was any of my business because if he had, the message would have came to me too. I ain't fucked up about it because I don't keep his ass up to date on every move I make either. Plus I got a strong feeling I already know the fuckin word.

I looked down to see that I was applying lotion to my body all over again while concentrating so hard on the door. I snapped the top closed and my eyes shot back toward the bathroom door when it opened. Bo walked out while dropping his phone down in his pocket and pulling his pants up.

“Yo, someone offed Rashaun.”

“Who?”

“Your new friend you made in the hallway.”

“Oh, him.”

He fell back on the couch, causing me to bounce slightly. He tilted his head and one of his eyebrows lifted as he looked over at me.

“What?”

“What?” I shot back at him.

“No slick comment?”

I shrugged and stood to head over to my bag to find some clothes to wear since Bo never allowed me to be free around him. If I was a nigga, I wouldn't be able to handle me revealing skin either.

“Aw man. What the fuck you do, Tasha?”

“The hell are you talking about?”

“I just give you news that a nigga whose head you wanted a few days ago is offed and you don't make a slick comment about how you wanted to be the one to take that nigga breath?”

I gave another nonchalant shrug before dropping my towel and stepping into my underwear. Fuck him. I don't feel like wearing pants tonight. He will just have to deal. At least my ass isn't bare.

“Why should I give a fuck who put the bullet in his punk ass? The streets would be a lot smoother if niggas wasn't so worried about who gets the credit.”

“Damn, Tasha!”

I snatched my shirt over my head so that I could whip around in the direction that his angered voice was coming from. He was shaking his head and pacing in front of the tv.

“You out here offing our own army!”

“Who the fuck said I had anything to do with this shit?”

“I never said he took a bullet, Tasha!”

His eyes pierced through me and I avoided his eye contact while tugging my shirt down.

“You can't never do right.”

He snatched up his jacket and headed for the door.

“I didn't do shit!”

“That's the fuckin lie you tell a motherfucker that don't know you.”

“I didn't!”

He looked back at me as if he wanted to choke me out.

“If I took that nigga breath, I would be glad to admit it. I didn't do it.”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“What you know about it?”

I walked over to the nightstand to grab a bow tie to pull my hair back.

“What the fuck you know, girl?”

“Look, I didn't do it.”

“That's not what I asked you.”

I remained quiet, tugging at my hair until it felt tight enough only for me to let it loosen as I put it in a loose bun.

“But you want me to help you? You want me to get involved in your shit but you can't keep it one with me?”

“That nigga was pussy.” I spoke with my back still turned to him. I heard his foot steps moving away from the door and closer to where I stood.

“Tell me what the fuck went down. Don't treat me like you treat these other niggas. We're better than that. At least that's what I thought.”

“That's what you know.”

I spit at him, offended, while spinning around on my heels to look into his face.

“Then be real with me.”

–

I folded my arms across my chest and leaned against the window. I sighed for the 50^th time and went to roll my eyes when my phone put that on hold. I looked down at my purse and smirked when I realized which phone was ringing. Not dwelling on the number, I hit ignore. My eyes filled with life when I heard the name Kenny. That was one of the names Bo slid me. I rolled the window down and squinted in the direction of the guy who turned to answer who called his name. Yeah, that's him. I glanced around as I opened the door and climbed out of the car. You mean to tell me this nigga was invited to this ugly ass meeting and I wasn't. I saw him nod and glance at a side door. A smile crept across my face. Oh, word. They putting lil boy on watch duty while they have the meeting. I feel a little better now.

The bigger guy headed for the stairs and Kenny turned in the opposite direction. I leaned on the car as he made his way across the floor. He didn't give me much of a look over as he went to bypass me.

“Hello, Kenny.”

There was a short silence before he spoke up.

“You speak like you know me?”

His voice gave off the vibes of his discomfort as his statement was overpowered as a question.

“I'm always on top of my game. Join my circle and maybe I can teach you a few techniques.”

“Nobody using me as a pawn in their game.”

I could hear his jaw clench as he added the next statement. “Not anymore.”

“You hearing me, baby but I need you to start listening. I told you I'm not trying to play you. You need to come sit with me.”

I nodded at Bo's car. He glanced around checking our surroundings then licking his lips before speaking in a low tone.

“I don't know, man.”

“Alright, you know what? I'm sorry but I gotta change my approach. Enough with the bullshit. I've never been a bitch to bullshit when there's business. Sooner you understand that, we on good terms. So let's lay this shit out right now. If you was so damn skeptical, you wouldn't be paying me no damn mind right now. Don't think I'm going to chase your ankles like an attached puppy. I'm merely giving you opportunity when you keep blowing your chances and you are starting to work my nerves. You want a way out. I'm offering it. Business on my end. Why bullshit on yours?”

I rolled my eyes at the silence. I would have felt better if he spat back at me but I softened when I remembered his reason for wanting an escape. I can't say I'm not shocked. I imagined him to be the type that let this shit mold him into a cold heart. His eyes trained in on me. It was now that I realized my short temper had gotten the best of me for the second time tonight. I just spit all the boy business out like I know him.

“Look, Kenny. I was given your name for good reason. You might be uneasy with trusting the next motherfucker right now, and I'm telling you now that I feel you on that. Nobody feel you more on that than me but I'm tryna make moves too. I got my reasons. I got time on my hands right now. We can talk about how we can help each other. What's the story behind your cousin?”

I blinked at the sight of his back. I stared in disbelief as distance grew in between us. I leaned my head on the hood of the car while chuckling. Thank you, Bo. You slid me the name of a difficult nigga but I enjoy a challenge. I pushed away from the car and called out to him.

“I'll get you out of here, baby.”

I could tell that my words sent tension though his body by the pace in his walk that switched as he tripped over his hesitation of his next step. You go guard that door. I'm crashing a party. I looked towards the steps.

–

I leaned against the wall and struggled to find comfort in my awkward position on the floor. I lowered my head closer to the vent and squinted as if my hearing sense would kick up a notch. What in the actual fuck is wrong with Montey? He got this shit all wrong. This nigga send a nigga out to do a dirty deed but gets mad when someone does him dirty. I shook my head at his anger. Does he really expect to never get dirty? His tantrum is stupid as fuck. He's like the motherfuckers that sit on the pool side and get mad if water splash their way. Smart dumb motherfuckers. Ain't shit worse.

I turned to try to peek through the vent when his voice got louder and he slammed his fist on the table as his anger really set in.

“If these bitches think they can stand their grounds in a war with me, I'ma show these little hoes the real meaning of getting knocked off your feet. They're fucking trying me and guess who don't like to be tried? Montey!”

He hit the table again and I shook my head as I eased down on my stomach to get more comfortable. I can feel this rant going on for some time. I've been listening for some time and this nigga hadn't let up on this subject yet. Crazy how he think Killa Te came for Punk Ass when really Punk Ass ran up on the wrong one. A mission gone wrong. Every nigga with a gun ain't 007.

“I tried to be negotiable about this shit. I tried giving warnings. Apparently they want to go back and forth instead of being smart and following fucking directions. Hoes in my business, hoes get shut out. Hoes wanna play tough when it's time to get shut out, hoes get shut up. I want her ass shut up.”

“Whoa...”

My breath caught in my throat and my chest ached to alarm me. He is really angry. If I didn't know Montey, I'd say he gave a damn about this dead nigga. But I know better. His pride hurt like a bitch. It's not that Chante took out Punk Ass. It's the fact that he feels threatened by her not laying down and letting him feel like he big shit.

“I'm tired of playing games. Rodney letting these bitches run a little too far away from the yard and I'ma teach his ass something. I want them put down. Both of them. Ace!”

“Yeah?”

I slowly eased to my knees as his words set in.

“Your time is just about up over there. I don't care if you fuck with her machines or toss her ass out of the window, put her down. Be discreet. I want Rodney to keep you around long enough to put down that other one too. Get it handled soon.”

Wait. Who the hell is Ace? A snake in the backyard! Fuck out of here! He moved around trying to get some type of view of his face.

“Sooner than you think. Rodney already putting us on watch. He's putting guys on lookout while he trying to figure out just what in the fuck happened. I'll get to that door right away.”

Oh, fuck out of here! This a nigga I encountered when I came back to Montey to pick up some shit. It had to be a nigga who will recognize me. I gotta get out of here. I gotta get ahead of him.

“His ass will learn that you can't trust a motherfucker who too much like you.” I paused at the sound of Montey's voice. “Shit ain't never been big enough for both of us and I'm sick of trying to share. His shit about to drop like bad stocks. I'ma hit him in every spot that will hurt his ass. He will watch their lives get snatched before I send him out of this world. Game is over.”

I scurried to my feet and rushed towards the door not wasting anymore time to hear the rest of what was being discussed. I had enough information. As I made my way around the building, my mind raced to keep up with all of the thoughts that were flooding. Maybe I should have stayed and listened a little longer. There might be other snakes. They might be plotting more shit. Ugh, fuck it. I can't save everybody.

–

“Okay. If you are going to wake up, now would be the time.” I stared down at her before glancing at the door. “K, I'll give you a minute to work on that. Be right back while you handle this.”

I patted her hand before dashing toward the door. Peeking out into the hall, I stepped out pulling the door up behind me. I made my way down the hall and turned a blind corner, almost bumping into a nurse. I offered a quick smile while excusing myself. I pointed at a couple of wheelchairs just as the idea dawned on me. And to think my dumb ass was scooping out the halls because I was about to roll this damn bed out of here. Her eyes followed my finger and she nodded quickly.

“Oh, yes ma'am. They are out for these purposes.”

I headed for the wheelchairs and looked over my shoulder as I spun it around. As soon as she turned the corner, I released the wheelchair and leaned against a door. I heard chatter so I slowly pushed away from the door and checked my surroundings before leaning on the next door. A light bulb went off in my mind again and I made my way down to the far end of the hall. I leaned on the door for a few seconds then pushed it open. I frowned at the elderly man who was laid out looking like he was three seconds to giving up.

“I hope not cause...”

I looked around out of guilt before reaching over the sleeping man and slowly removing the pulse oximeter off of his finger. I dropped it on the floor and ran quickly for the door just as it began beeping. I rushed out of the room and ran down the hall grabbing the wheelchair and wheeling my way down the hall back toward Chante's room. I sped up when I turned the corner to see if anyone was responding yet. Well I'll be damned. She's walked away from the desk. My lucky day. Just as I bypassed the turn to keep straight to Chante's room, she turned a corner. I put more pep in my step knowing that she would spot the flashing alert as soon as she was right back at the desk.

I pushed through Chante's door and pushed the chair to the side with force. I stood over her as if I really expected her to be up by the time I got back.

“Damnit, Killa Te. Bring your ass to.”

I pulled up her eyelids and stared into her eyes. Once I released them, her eyes shut. I softly tapped her along her jaw, hoping for a reaction.

“Come on! Do you know how fuckin suspicious I'll look pushing your unconscious ass around? You gotta get out of here. WE have to get you out of here. You hear that, girl? WE.”

I yanked at her wrists and watched her upper body rise. I quickly slid to her side to place my arm on her back and support her. Her head fell over and bumped my face. “WE! Damn! Why does it feel like I'm in this alone?”

I tugged her body closer to me and pulled her around to where her back was pressed against my chest. I moved around a little until her head fell back, resting on my shoulder.

“Come on now. Help me help you.”

I got a good grip around her waist and locked my wrist. Yanking her body backward, I took a couple of slow steps before speeding up. I slowed down again when it was only her feet on the bed.

“Um... if you feel this... my bad.”

I took a couple of more steps back and her feet slid off the bed, hitting the floor with a thud that made my ankles throb. I paused to look upside her head as if I was expecting a reaction to the pain.

“No? K. Let's keep it moving.” I dragged her body over to the chair that was next to the window. I looked over her body slumped over the chair and made sure she wasn't going to slide down when I walked off. Rushing toward the door, I came to a quick halt and calmed down before opening the door. I stepped in the hallway taking a quick glance from the left to right as if I was in search of a specific direction before moving my feet. I was not for anyone giving me suspicious eyes today. I'm just trying to do a good deed. This shit is too much work. That's why I don't be on this shit.

Moving back in the room, I swiftly grabbed hold of the wheelchair. I released the wheelchair to take a second look out of the door once more to make sure the woman wasn't walking the hall. I looked right into the face of some random woman and nodded at her when she offered a smile. I gave her a blank stare when she held eye contact too long. Alright, bitch. We aren't about to sit in the cafeteria and keep each other company while discussing the healing process of our loved ones in here. Keep the fuck moving. I wondered if my eyes told my thoughts when her smile slowly faded. I looked back toward the hall to make sure things were still clear. Glancing around after the lady had walked away, I left the door cracked as I went back into the room. I pushed the wheelchair toward the chair Chante was slumped in.

“Alright, girl. We'll try this one more time. If you are going to wake up now, your timing would be great.” I stared at her waiting for a sign. “Or you can just leave all the damn labor to me.”

I held her arms up and slid them over my shoulders before picking her up to transfer her from the chair to the wheelchair. I groaned at how she was heavier than she appeared to be. My guess was all off. Fat ass fooled me. I dropped her body in the chair and slid my shades on her face.

“Here before you get us fuckin caught. Motherfuckers think I'm stealing a corpse or some shit.” I knelled down to adjust her legs on the wheelchair.

“This shit is crazy. I'm running for your life. What sense does this even make?”

I roughly pushed the wheelchair toward the door and took a deep breath before moving into the hall. I made my way to the elevator and impatiently pressed the button. I looked around out of paranoia and banged my hand on the button. I looked down and rushed to catch Chante's body as she slumped over.

“Come on. I don't have time for this shit!” I held the arms of the wheelchair and stared into her face. “Do you not understand that your life is on the line?! You're in there. I know it! Pull it the fuck together.”

I slapped her face and stomped out of frustration when I got no reaction. My eyes zoomed pass her and focused in on the guy I remembered who was with Rodney the last time I was here. He was speaking to someone out of sight that held his attention before he could fully round the corner. I heard the elevator doors open and slowly reached for the chair, pulling her forward as I eased into the elevator, nervous to move too fast and catch his attention. I bowed my head and continued backing up and sighed of relief when the elevator doors began to close. Smacking the button, I took time to spin the chair around properly as the elevator made its way down to our destination.

“Okay, girl. Let's just pray we don't run into anymore friends.”

I peeped out of the doors when they opened before wheeling her out. Before Ace could turn to the side, I recognized him right away. I turned on my heels so fast, I heard my ankles pop. I put all of my strength into pushing Chante as quick as I could.

“I guess you can't squeeze in a tiny prayer either, huh?”

I picked up my pace and tried not to look like a lunatic in the hallway. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Ace turning in my direction. Hoping he didn't recognize either one of us from a slight angle as I recognized him, I quickly turned the corner. My eyes scanned for an exit sign and I made a dash for the first one I saw. I winced as I slammed my back into the door and yanked Chante's wheelchair along. My heart skipped a beat when my eyes landed on Kenny. He glanced back and forth between me and Chante. Our eyes locked as we both tried to read each other.

“Are you going to fucking do something or not?”

“What the fuck are you up to? Which fucking side are you on?”

“The same side you're on! My damn own!”

I mentally and physically prepared myself to come at him if he decided to be against me. He spun in a 360 and looked caught in the middle when he turned back to face me.

“Yeah, I think we need to have that talk. I wanna know what the fuck is going on.”

“Are you serious right now? Is she fucking invisible?”

I picked up Chante's arm and waved it around.

“Oh, shit! They're gonna be after you. Like both sides are gonna be after you.”

“No shit! So are you going to inform me of the weather next?”

He grabbed his head as if he was close to a nervous breakdown. He caught the arm I was still holding and tossed it across Chante's chest before swooping her up out of the chair.

“Come on.”

He dashed for his car.

“Are you fucking stupid?! Not your car!”

“Where is yours?”

“Are you fucking kidding me? We can't be linked to cars! Help me find a random car.”

“Look we will do that shit somewhere else.”

He tossed Chante in the backseat. I shoved him because of how careless he was when he did it. He yanked my arm and shoved me into the backseat and slamming the door. I regained my balanced and looked over Chante as I climbed off of her. I looked up when Kenny's door slammed.

“We'll have to ditch this and get another car.”

I bumped the seat when he hit the gas. I pushed my hair out of my face and stared upside his head fighting the urge to smack him across it.

“We can't ditch your car. Montey will be on your ass. Drop it off somewhere you'd be. We'll have to snatch something local.”

I moved Chante's body around on the seat so that I wasn't leaning on her too much while trying to stay low and out of view.