Thin Ice 2 - Hide & Seek Read online

  “It’s cool man, hell,” Role returned amiably. “How about we hit some clubs tonight,” he threw out as DeNoah told him it sounded like a plan. “Cool, lets meet up over at Shockers,” he told him.

  Role figured they’d start at the strip joint and then make the rounds. His intent was to end their evening at Mardi Gras, but DeNoah didn’t know that. Role had to keep an eye on Ice and make sure his plan was still on track. Doesn’t hurt to see what kind of crowd I can expect at my new business too, Role thought and smiled.

  “I’ll see you there around 11:00, that good,” DeNoah threw back.

  Role told him that was cool and he’d see him then. Disconnecting DeNoah sighed deeply thinking about the man. That fool is gonna get himself capped tryna play games with Top and Ice, he thought and sighed deeply. All DeNoah knew was he didn’t plan to be anywhere near the fallout of that nuclear explosion when it went down. Role was a fool, and fools always found a quick exit from this life trying to outsmart people, normally only outsmarting themselves.

  DeNoah put on his mask and made his way to Kaitlyn’s room. It was his job to check her room tonight. Top and LaRon hadn’t made it back from their meeting yet. He took a deep breath and stuck the key into the lock, turning it and opening the door. Walking inside he found Kaitlyn dressed and sitting in her chair, reading the book Top had sent to her. Kaitlyn saw him but didn’t acknowledge him. She was waiting for the other one to appear. Normally they checked her room on a nightly basis, for what she wasn’t sure, but there were always 2 of them. DeNoah saw that she wasn’t moving so he knocked on the dresser and got her attention.

  “What,” Kaitlyn threw back testily.

  Where’s the other one, she thought, also noticing that this one hadn’t closed the door. DeNoah pointed to her bed and Kaitlyn gave him a look.

  “That shit ain’t happening’,” she told him angrily as DeNoah sighed deeply and shook his head.

  Kaitlyn assumed he just wanted her to go sit on the bed while he checked the other side of her room and got up, moving there and sitting down, still regarding him warily. DeNoah gave his approval and began checking the room, kicking the bathroom door open and peering inside. He couldn’t really do a thorough check like Top wanted because he was alone.

  Kaitlyn finally figured out the other one wasn’t coming and decided she was going to get out tonight. Glancing at the door inconspicuously she saw that it was still open as DeNoah was now looking inside the small closet. Kaitlyn took a deep breath and slowly inched toward the foot of the bed. She had to be quick, push him inside the closet and make it out of the open bedroom door. DeNoah was pushing the clothing back and forth, listening for anything to fall on the floor. He then looked down at the floor, moving the shoes around with his foot, half watching Kaitlyn as she continued to sit on the bed. Move, now, her mind screamed at her as Kaitlyn rose quickly and quietly, pushing DeNoah into the closet throwing him off balance as he fell and she bolted out the door, mindful enough to close it behind her hoping it locked him in. She ran to the den listening for any movement and grabbed one of the folding chairs against the wall, headed back to the window down the hallway. Passing her room she heard DeNoah banging on the door, screaming at her.

  Kaitlyn put the chair under the window, climbing up into it and pushing the window open. Thank god its unlocked, she thought hoisting her body up and through it. She landed hard onto the ground outside and stayed crouched next to the house listening for any sounds or voices. After painful, countless, minutes passed and she heard nothing except DeNoah still yelling, Kaitlyn took a deep breath and began to run through the woods, ducking branches, falling a couple of times in unseen sinkholes, before finally emerging onto the street. Bringing herself to a screeching halt, Kaitlyn took the time to catch her breath and take in her surroundings. I know this area, she thought looking at the various row houses and up at the sign, trying to see the street name. A car came around the corner and she hurriedly jumped back into the woods she’d just emerged from until it went down the street and didn’t return. Again stepping out Kaitlyn took another deep breath and turned right. I should be in a safe place in about two miles if I’m right, she thought as she continued to run in the dark night.

  *****

  Kim was enjoying her drink, watching her target and thinking about her assignment. This idiot always was slow, she continued to think watching him hitting on various women and striking out. She wasn’t too concerned about him seeing her, they’d only met a couple times and she was pretty sure he wouldn’t recall either time. Kim was also thinking about Tariq and surprisingly, Mook. She’d questioned LaRon as much as she dared about the woman they were keeping and he provided some insight into Tariq’s feelings for her. You can’t compete with that shit girl, her mind told her as she sighed deeply.

  “Anybody sitting’ here,” the sexy masculine voice asked as Kim looked up and smiled, recognition taking place.

  “What are you doing here,” she asked once he sat down.

  “Thought I’d check out the nightlife,” Mook returned, taking Kim in and making sure she knew it.

  She smiled demurely reading the man’s thoughts, slightly flattered by them.

  “And how did you find this place,” she asked as Mook chuckled to himself.

  “I asked where you’d be,” he told her honestly.

  Mook wanted Kim and Top telling him she was a free agent only fueled his fire. “I see,” she returned and said nothing more as the waitress came over and Mook ordered them both double shots of José.

  “I’m working, Mook,” Kim told him calmly as he shrugged slightly his understanding.

  “I get that,” he replied calmly.

  “I’m here to make sure you’re safe,” he told her as Kim frowned slightly.

  “Top sent you,” she asked curiously.

  Mook smiled and told her something like that as she nodded again thoughtfully.

  “You hooked up already,” Mook asked throwing back his shot and regarding her again.

  Kim took the man in again, admitting to herself how sexy he actually was to her. He was tall like Tariq, actually almost identical build. He was warm chocolate brown, sexy eyes that always appeared to be searching for something, ice grilled, which she later learned was removable, but attractive teeth, and full, kissable lips.

  “I don’t really have time for that,” Kim returned as Mook smiled again.

  “You just need a man that understands your time Miss Kim,” he replied calmly as she again found herself more than slightly aroused by him.

  Kim turned and checked out her target once more, seeing him finally get lucky as the woman sat down at his table with him. Satisfied he would stay put for a little while longer, she returned her attention to Mook, who’d also seen the target now.

  “I suppose you think you could be that man, hmm,” she asked flirting back now.

  “Without a doubt,” Mook told her smoothly.

  “Mmhm,” Kim replied calmly as Mook ordered another double shot of José and continued to watch her.

  “When do you stop watching him,” Mook asked nodding toward the target.

  “When he gets home,” Kim answered.

  “Someone else takes over then,” she added as Mook nodded thoughtfully.

  “I’m going to get out of your hair and let you do your job,” he told her calmly throwing back the shot, and paying the check.

  “Come see me when he goes home,” Mook told her looking directly into her eyes.

  Kim chuckled before answering him. “You do realize the sun could be up again before that happens, right,” she threw back as Mook answered without missing a beat.

  “Again, Miss Kim,” he addressed her. “I am that man,” he finished and left her without another word as Kim smiled to herself and thought he just might be.

  5

  As Time Passes

  DeNoah was sweating bullets waiting for Top to return to the room where he’d told him wait. Last night was a disaster and he knew Top held him full
y responsible for the woman getting out. Damn, he’s gonna kill my ass, DeNoah thought nervously his eyes darting around the room. He recalled them getting home after she got away and unlocking the room door. “What the fuck happened,” LaRon barked giving DeNoah a disgusted look. He’d explained as best he could how Kaitlyn managed to escape. LaRon was on his phone talking to Top before DeNoah could even finish the explanation. There were several other calls made and the hunt was on for the missing woman. The door opening broke his thought as LaRon walked in accompanied by two other men he’d never seen before. DeNoah remained mute waiting on the men’s next move.

  LaRon regarded the frightened man in front of them. Told Top this fool was still too damned green, he thought behind the tranquil façade. Mook accompanied him as well as one of his own they were dealing with, unknown to the man involved.

  “This is Mook,” LaRon told DeNoah plainly.

  DeNoah regarded the man cautiously before finally speaking. Mook calmly returned his greeting and relaxed with the beer he’d walked in with.

  “That’s his boy ‘Dre,” LaRon added as DeNoah spoke to that one as well.

  Man this shit is making me jumpy as hell, DeNoah continued to think as they all sat in silence. Mook finally pulled the weed from his pocket and set about rolling himself a fat one. LaRon took it after Mook was finished, lighting it and taking a few deep drags before passing it back to Mook. DeNoah knew they were waiting for Top, but this many men being present wasn’t a good sign. He knew without a doubt someone wasn’t leaving the room alive, and unfortunately his gut told him it was going to be him. You shoulda fuckin’ went with Role’s ass afterall, his mind told him as they finished the first blunt and rolled another one.

  *****

  Tariq gently brushed the hair from her face as she continued to sleep. They’d sedated her heavily once they found her. KiKi you are still off the damned chain, he thought and smiled to himself. It’d taken three grown men to take her down once they found her at the Family World plaza. Tariq knew if she ever made it to the street she would know exactly where she was. Fortunately they got to her before Ice did rolling up on her as she talked. After LaRon, Mook, and Spider grabbed her, Kaitlyn got down and dirty. She kicked Spider in the nuts, punching LaRon and elbowing Mook trying to run again. Tariq got out and grabbed the payphone receiver still swinging in the air as they finally wrestled Kaitlyn to the ground and gave her the shot knocking her out. He smiled recalling Ice’s voice, and the fear he heard, calling Kaitlyn’s name again and again.

  She stirred slightly and Tariq’s thought was broken. They moved her to a new house, this one in an area Kaitlyn wouldn’t know so easily. Tariq leaned down and kissed her lips gently as she sighed softly and turned her head. She’s dreaming, he thought seeing the rapid eye movements behind the closed lids. Tariq needed to check her out thoroughly, but he didn’t need her waking while he was in the room unmasked. He dismissed the thoughts recalling the amount of sedation she’d been given. Tariq knew she wouldn’t wake up for the next 6 or 7 hours. He gently unbuttoned the nightshirt and began looking over her nude body. He found several bruises which made him frown slightly, a couple scratches from the asphalt parking lot, one that he was sure would leave a scar, but all in all, she was fine. Tariq was also at full attention as he looked at her, and touched her soft skin.

  Tariq waited a few moments more trying to calm himself before kissing her again. She mumbled something incoherently and turned her head again. I want her so damned much, he thought still looking at her and sighing deeply. Kaitlyn moaned slightly in the drug induced sleep and Tariq saw the single tear trickle out of the corner of her eye. What is she dreaming about, he wondered seeing the tear and assuming the sadness. Tariq pulled the nightshirt together and began buttoning it once more, kissing her neck gently in the process.

  “No,” she breathed softly as another tear came.

  “Tariq,” Kaitlyn said simply before once more lapsing into the depth of her slumber.

  He smiled slightly, his question answered about the subject of her dream. I knew you still loved me, he thought rising and heading into the bathroom. Fulfilling his call of nature, Tariq flushed, washed his hands and left the room, stopping as he entered the bedroom once more. She was still sleeping peacefully as he sighed deeply and redirected his train of thought. Now to deal with DeNoah’s ass, Tariq thought acidly, glancing at Kaitlyn a final time before closing and locking the bedroom door.

  *****

  Ian was still furious as he slung various items around in the house and Ryan gave him his space. He knew that most if not all of Ice’s anger was directed at his helplessness to get to Kaitlyn.

  “I am going to kill this muthafucka and everybody associated with his ass,” Ian ranted.

  He was livid. He sat down hard on the chair in his den as Ryan handed him a drink. Ian closed his eyes and thought back on last night. They’d been so damned close. He remembered Dixon calling out to him that they had a collect call from KiKi. Ian raced to the phone calling her name again and again. “Ice,” Kaitlyn whispered into the receiver. He could hear the fear in her voice. “Baby, where are you,” he threw back. “I’m on Cascade,” she told him. “Where baby,” he asked anxiously signaling Ryan who arrived, handing him the .10mm and waiting apprehensively to hear where they were going. “In front of the Ice cream shop, Family World,” Kaitlyn replied before it all went wrong.

  Ian could still hear her screaming and all the grunting from the men trying to take her again. He called her name a few more times still hearing her scream before tossing it to Dixon, he and Ryan running out the door headed to the plaza. It was close and they got there in less than ten minutes, but it was too late. All Ian found when he arrived was the payphone receiver still swinging in the air. Nosing around he found one of her earrings, but that was it. KiKi was no where to be found. Ian was terrified they would hurt her badly now that she’d managed to escape. Please keep my baby safe, he thought as the fear and hurt descended again.

  “You want me to handle the deal in Louisiana,” Ryan asked carefully.

  He knew his brother was extremely volatile right now.

  “Yeah,” he replied simply.

  Ian knew business had to go on, but he couldn’t go anywhere right now. He had to be near and available if the snatch crew called or KiKi somehow managed to get away again.

  “Cool, I’ll be back in a couple days,” Ryan replied as Ian again shrugged slightly his understanding and his brother left him alone.

  *****

  Jaleesa was looking at the note again. This one had been delivered this morning. It gave instructions about KiKi and getting her back. Damn, why couldn’t Ice have gotten to her, Jaleesa thought as she sighed deeply. The note told her if she even breathed a word to Ice or Ryan they would kill KiKi. I thought they wanted money, she continued to query completely confused by the turn of events. Still, Jaleesa had every intention of being in place like the note dictated. You should tell Ryan at least, her mind threw at her as Jaleesa dismissed it and strengthened her resolve. If she could save KiKi’s life she was going to do it. Checking her drawer as she removed her jeans, Jaleesa pulled out the .380 Ryan had given her last month. She wasn’t going in empty handed. No telling’ what these fools may be up too, she thought as her mind chastised her it was even more reason to tell Ryan.

  The keys in the lock disturbed her thoughts as Jaleesa hurriedly put the note and gun back into her drawer under her clothing and headed into the living room just as Ryan entered the apartment.

  “Hey girl,” he greeted her smiling, hugging her softly and kissing her.

  “Hey,” she replied stroking his face gently.

  “I gotta make a run,” he told her calmly, grabbing some juice from the fridge.

  Jaleesa frowned slightly. “Where are you going,” she asked as Ryan finished the juice and dropped the glass in the sink.

  “Louisiana,” he said simply as Jaleesa returned her understanding.

  “How’s Ice,” she
asked giving him a look.

  Ryan sighed deeply and told her he was as well as could be expected.

  “He’s definitely on a short fuse,” Ryan told her as Jaleesa nodded her understanding.

  “I know the shit fucked with him,” Ryan added as Jaleesa again sighed softly but said nothing as she sat down beside him.

  “Man, I sure hope this bullshit is over soon and KiKi is straight,” Ryan told her as the fatigue of the situation began to show on him.

  Jaleesa sighed deeply thinking the same thing, recalling her plans for tonight.

  “I don’t think Ice would ever forgive himself if anything happened to her,” Ryan mumbled almost to himself.

  “Hopefully they’ll let us know where to deliver the money and this nightmare will be behind us,” Jaleesa threw back as Ryan agreed.

  Turning to her, he looked into her eyes saying nothing. Jaleesa could see the love he carried for her as he leaned in and kissed her softly at first, then more insistently. Their passion began to rise as Ryan began touching her, removing her clothing. Jaleesa welcomed his touch as he consumed her, stripping her and laying her back gently on the sofa where they sat. Opening her widely, Ryan began tasting her as Jaleesa moaned her pleasure, pulling him closer as his tongue did its work. Her breathing grew more and more uneven until she finally hit orgasm, holding Ryan’s head tightly and moaning loudly. He kissed his way up her body, sliding without hindrance inside her as Jaleesa gripped his butt tightly. Ryan gave her what she craved while fulfilling his own deficiency, both of them exploding moments later in full blown orgasm holding each other tightly trying to catch their breath.

  Jaleesa sat on the bed watching TV as Ryan showered. He’d packed his duffle a few moments earlier with the stuff he needed for his trip. Please let me pull this shit off tonight and KiKi be back home safely, she thought as the program mindlessly continued to play on the screen in front of her. Jaleesa had a really bad feeling about the meeting, but she didn’t dare tell Ryan or Ice. If anything happened to KiKi because of her, Jaleesa knew she couldn’t live with herself.