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  That fool really had some nerve trying to dictate who she could see. Talking bout “He forbid it,” was he out of his mind? But what if he tried to do something to Lou-Loc? As soon as the thought entered her mind, she pushed it out. Lou-Loc had always been a pussycat around her, but she wasn’t fooled. She could tell the man was dangerous, even before he kicked Jesus’ little ass. He had always let her assume he was a drug dealer, but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know what the deal was. He was a killer. Lou-Loc was the type of man that when he came walking down the street, you got the fuck out of his way. His mere presence exerted menace.

  Lou-Loc was by far, one of the most intelligent and talented young men she had ever met. The disturbing thing was that he was street poisoned. It was sad when you thought about it. He watched his father get murdered in cold blood, and then the cancer took his mother. All he had left was his sister, and he cherished her. Satin had never met her personally, but they had spoken on the phone on several occasions. Sometimes they would just talk on the phone for hours. Not about anything of any relevance, just girl stuff. Malika was like the little sister she never had.

  She wasn’t the typical sixteen little girl, she was very well mannered and polite. She always said please and thank you. Whenever she called the house, it was never, “my brother there?” It was always, “Hello, Satin, how are you today? Is my brother available?” She thought the world of her brother, and the same could be said for him. They were very close, despite their age difference. Satin had promised her that when they got settled, she could come and visit with them.

  Satin’s thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing. She wondered who could be calling her at that hour of the night. It wasn’t really late, but it wasn’t early either. She didn’t usually receive calls after ten o’clock. Her heart was suddenly filled with dread. She hoped nothing had happened to her aunt or her man.

  “Hello.” she answered.

  “Hey, boo.” Lou-Loc said on the other end. “I didn’t wake you, did I?”

  “Oh, no.” she said perking up. The sound of his voice on the phone or in person always made her feel good. “I was just thinking about you. Nothing’s wrong, is it?”

  “Nah,” he said more confident than he was, “I just wanted to touch base with you. Hey, listen. We might be pulling out sooner than we thought.”

  “Lou-Loc, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about. I broke the news to the home boys about me retiring.”

  “Oh, how did they take it? They didn’t have to jump you out or anything did they?”

  “You silly. Nah, it wasn’t nothing like that. The real soldiers took it like G’s. I had to whip that lil nigga B.T. out for talking slick though.”

  “Lou-Loc, you said no more violence.”

  “Hey, I didn’t start. That ma fucka had it coming.”

  “So, Mike Tyson, did you decide where we gonna go?”

  “Fo sho, lil mamma. What you think about Miami?”

  “Oh baby,” she squealed, “I’ve always dreamed about living somewhere like that. Are you serious?”

  “As a heart attack. Snake Eyes is setting everything up.”

  “Oh, baby. I can’t believe you’re taking me to Florida!”

  “Yea, and I was thinking, well if it’s okay with you? Maybe we could fly your aunt and my lil sister down that way once we’re settled.”

  “Yea, that’s cool with me. It’d be nice to have them visit with us. That way, the people we love can get acquainted.”

  “Yea, ma, plus I’d like for my sister to be the maid of honor when we get married next month.”

  Satin was stunned by the announcement. “What did you say?”

  “Satin, honey. I know we said that we’d wait for a while, but maybe we shouldn’t. I love you ma, and I want you to know it.”

  “Lou-Loc. You don’t have to rush and marry me just to prove you love me. Baby, you’ve given up your whole way of life to be with me. That’s proof enough.”

  “I know, I know, but I want this. I made a promise to myself a long time ago, that if I ever found that special someone, I’d hold on for dear life.”

  “That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. If I hadn’t already put that thang on you, I’d think you were trying to get into my panties.” They both laughed at that. “So, when do you wanna leave?”

  “Like tomorrow.” he said seriously. “We’ll probably catch a flight tomorrow afternoon or in the evening.”

  “Tomorrow, why so soon? Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”

  “Nah, I just need to get away from this place, too many memories and too many hostile feelings. I just wanna bail before I end up hurting somebody.”

  “Damn, I haven’t even finished packing my stuff.”

  “Don’t worry about that, ma. Just pack a few things, and whatever’s personal to you. Don’t worry about the rest of your clothes. We starting off fresh, remember? When we hit Miami, we both are going shopping. Before we leave, I’ll give your key to Snake so he can have your furniture put into storage.”

  “Well, what about our cars?”

  “My other car is already sold, and I’m having my low rider shipped to Florida.”

  “And my jeep?”

  “Fuck it. I’ll have Snake sell it and send you the money. I’ll buy you another car once we get settled.”

  “You got it all figured out, huh?”

  “You know I do, baby. Look, I’ll be by to pick you up in the morning. We gonna swing by the hospital to see ya aunt, then we gone. You okay with that?”

  “Well, I guess so. You not coming over tonight?”

  “Nah, boo. I got some loose ends to take care of. The dude that’s buying my car is also buying my guns. Shit, I’m retired so I don’t need them and I couldn’t get them on the plane anyhow. Don’t worry about anything, just get some rest tonight and be ready to roll out. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new era for us. Sleep well, boo. I love you, Satin.”

  “And I love you, Lou-Loc.” With that she hung up.

  Satin sat on her bed with tears in her eyes. Everything was happening so suddenly. Everything that Lou-Loc said, he did. He left his gang and was moving her to the beautiful shores of Miami. This was too good to be true. Soon she would be married and living in a beautiful city with the man she loved. After all the heartache she had endured, Satin was finally going to have the story book life she had always dreamed of.

  CHAPTER 23

  The loud chirping of his cell phone woke Lou-Loc from his much needed rest. When he looked at the caller I.D., he recognized the number. “Hello, Pam.” He said sleepily.

  “Well, good morning to you too, Mr. Alexander. I hope I didn’t wake you and if I did, too bad. Now you know how it feels.”

  Lou-Loc laughed. “Do you have good news for me, Pam?”

  “Don’t I always? As per your instructions, I’ve had most of your accounts transferred to Miami First National. I did some calling around, and arranged for you to meet with a no questions asked realtor next week. He says he has some nice beachfront property that you might be interested in. I still haven’t found a buyer for your security company, but I’m working on it. I’ve sent you a travel package with three dummy credit cards via express mail, so it should reach your P.O. Box sometime today. Our friends at the shipping company said you can have your car dropped off tomorrow, and they’ll have it in Miami no later than next week. Overall, I’d say we’re set. Anything else, Mr. Alexander?”

  “Yea, stop calling me Mr. Alexander. Love you, smart ass.”

  “Yea, well act like it and hit a sister off wit a lil something, something.”

  “I got you, Pam.”

  “Yea, what ever, nigga. Bye.”

  Lou-Loc loved Pam like a sister. She was crooked as hell, but also the best at what she did. Pamela Sparks was one of the best money managers on the west coast. She was a sister from the hood that had finally clawed her way out. She was ghetto as hell, but also very professional. Sure,
she skimmed a little, and helped drug dealers launder their money, but we all gotta eat. The way Pam was jacking the commission on the brothers in the hood she was eating like a mutha fucka.

  Pam had a house in the Hills, two Mercedes, a navigator, and game. That’s what makes the world go round. The nigga wit the most cake is the nigga wit the most game. A lot of people think its all about heart, or education, but that’s all bullshit. It was all about game, and who got the most of it. If yo game was tight, then you were good.

  Lou-Loc stretched his aching muscles and strolled over to the window. The weather man had said it was going to be sunny, yet the sky was cloudy. A bad omen, but Lou-Loc chalked it up to dumb meteorologist. Last night’s meeting had gone well. Big Mike had given Lou-Loc $15,000 for the car and $2,000 for the guns. Considering that is was all cash, he was good. He had agreed to let Lou-Loc use the car for the day, so he was set for transportation. Even though Big Mike wasn’t a Crip, he was Folks, and that was just as good. Big Mike was good peoples.

  Lou-Loc flipped his phone open and dialed Snake Eyes. After about three or four rings, he picked up. “What it is, cuz?” Lou-Loc said happily.

  “Ain’t nothing,” Snake Eyes said yawning, “today’s the day, huh?”

  “Yea, cuz. I’m putting this life behind me and starting over fresh.”

  “Cuz, you don’t know how proud I am of you.”

  “I be knowing, pimp.”

  “It’s a whole different ball game you stepping into, Loc. I’m gonna introduce you to a totally different hustle, cuz. Them crackers got this game sewed, but slowly but surely, we getting in there. I got big plans for you, Lou-Loc. All you gotta do is be willing to put the time in, and we good.”

  “Hey man, I’m always willing to learn. I’m gonna do the right thing by this girl, Snake. I didn’t tell her yet, but I plan on opening up a lil boutique or something for her in South Beach. It’s gonna be a surprise wedding present for her.”

  “Damn, nigga. You got it bad.”

  “Fo sho. I’m in love, cuz.”

  “Well, mister lover man. You just make sure you have your ass at the airport by twelve o’clock. Your flight leaves at one fifteen.”

  “Cuz, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done for me.”

  “Man, go head wit that sucker shit. We kin, it’s all good. You just make sure you get yo ass back in school, and do right by that girl. We gonna get ya money all washed up, and then you gonna ball like you supposed to, ya heard?”

  “Loud and clear, big player. So, I’ll meet up with you at about eleven. I’ll hit ya phone to let you know where.”

  “A’ight, cuz. I’m taking my ass back to sleep. Be careful out there, Loc.”

  “I’m out the game, Snake. The rules don’t apply to me no more. As of today, I’m a square.”

  “Yea, well you still watch yo ass, Lou-Loc. You got a strap?”

  “Nah, I sold em all to Mike.”

  “Damn, nigga. I’m bout to come through there and lay one on you.”

  “Be cool, Snake. I ain’t going anywhere. When I leave this room, I’m going to pick Satin up, and then I’m coming to meet you. You gonna take us to the airport so you can drop the car keys on Mike. It’s cool, baby.”

  “I ain’t feeling this shit, Lou-Loc, especially after what happened last night. At least let me send somebody over there to hold you down.”

  “Snake, this is me. If I say I’m cool, then I’m cool. Good looking though. I’ll give you a call later, homey. Out.” Before Snake Eyes could protest, Lou-Loc hung up.

  All of Lou-Loc’s bags were still packed from the break up with Martina, so he didn’t have to worry about that. All of his guns were gone as well as the excess jewelry he wouldn’t need. It was time to go pick Satin up and get on the road.

  *

  Cisco got up especially early. Normally he didn’t stir from his plush waterbed until about eleven or twelve, but today was different. Today was the day he would put an end to Lou-Loc and El Diablo. He felt like a kid on Christmas. Late last night, he had gotten the call about The Giant’s accident. It was a wasted call, because he already knew. He set it up.

  Cisco picked up his antique phone and set the ball in motion. The first person he called was Tito. During the brief phone conversation, Tito had informed him that the goods were in place and he was on route to pick up El Diablo. With that taken care of, he called Martina. He could hardly bare to stay on the phone with the woman but for so long. If he didn’t need her, he would’ve just said fuck it, but this wasn’t the case. In order for everything to go accordingly, she had to play her part. It was a damn shame what some people would do for money. Martina was going to sell her soul as well as her ex’s for a funky ten thousand dollars.

  The phone had barely rang twice when Martina snatched it up. “Hello?” She said out of breath.

  “What up, Martina? This is, Cisco.”

  “I was wondering when you would call. You got my paper?”

  “You don’t waste any time, do you?”

  “Life is too short to waste time, especially when it comes to money. Now do you have mine?”

  “You’ll get your money when the deed is done. We gotta make that happen fast, as in today.”

  “Shit, that ain’t a problem, pa. I’m about to make the call in a little while.”

  “Good girl. I owe you one, ma.”

  “Don’t get it fucked up, you owe me ten, ten thousand! So listen, when this is all done, how about...” She didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence as the line went dead in her ear.

  Martina sat back on her bed and smiled devilishly as she thought on how she was going to fix Lou-Loc. When Cisco’s people caught up with him they were going to give him a good beating, at least that what Cisco had told her. She should’ve felt bad, but she didn’t. He had hurt her heart and her pockets when he left her and she wasn’t going to stand for it. After they beat him up she would be there to nurse him back to health and Lou-Loc would see that Martina was the girl for him and the chick he was seeing would be an afterthought, at least to Lou-Loc. After Martina had her baby she intended to track the girl down and show her what she did to little bitches that got in her mix. She had something for Cisco too. There was no doubt in her mind that, once Lou-Loc recovered he was going to kill Cisco, removing the only person who could connect her to the set up. When it was all said and done Martina would be the only winner in the little game.

  “You just wait, Lou-Loc,” she said rubbing her belly, “you’ll come back to your senses, and I’ll be right here waiting on you.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Lou-Loc sat on the couch puffing on a Newport as Satin put the last of her things into her shoulder bag. He looked her up and down, and couldn’t help but think how lucky he was. She looked so good, even dressed down. Satin was sporting a pink Roc-a-Wear sweat suit with a pair of pink and white Nike Air Max. Her silky black hair was wrapped around her head, and held in place with pink and white hairpins. Satin wasn’t as thick as Martina, but what she lacked in thickness, she more than made up for in character. Lou-Loc’s girl was the baddest thing on the streets and he was proud to have her.

  “Damn, boo, I can’t believe we’re really leaving.” Satin said as she took one last look at her apartment.

  “Well, believe it,” he said picking up her suitcase. “I told you I was taking you away, and I always keep my promises. Now let’s get this shit down to the car.” Before Lou-Loc was completely out the door, his cell went off. When he looked at the caller I.D., he knew just who it was. “What?” he snapped.

  “Damn,” Martina whined, “good morning to you too. What’s up, boo?”

  “First of all, I ain’t ya fucking boo, second of all, what you want?”

  “You ain’t gotta be all stank and shit, Lou-Loc. What’s the matter, papi, that bitch you wit ain’t treating you right?”

  Lou-Loc sucked his teeth. “What goes on with me and mine don’t concern you so don’t worry your wicked ass
brain over it. Now what the hell do you want?”

  “Damn, what’s with the attitude? Are you in a rush or something?”

  “Oh, I guess you ain’t heard? As of today, I’m out the game. Not only am I out the game, I’m out this city.”

  “What?” Martina asked in disbelief. “What you mean?”

  “Damn, I forgot you kinda slow.” He said sarcastically. “It’s a wrap, Martina. I’m putting some distance between me and this rotten ass apple. You smell me?”

  “Well, let me and the kids come with you, maybe we can work it out?”

  “Girl, you crazier than a shit house rat. Me and my boo is gone from here, so you can keep ya drama, ya games, and yo kids. I hope you have a nice life.”

  “How you gonna do this to me, Lou-Loc?” she said breaking down. “What about us? What about the baby?”

  “Bitch,” he said coldly, “don’t even play me. You know damn well that ain’t my seed, so miss me wit it. Matter of fact, is there a reason for this fucking call?”