Thin Ice 3 - Armageddon Page 7

  Everyone was smiling and eyeing the other’s plates as their entrees were placed in front of them.

  “Shit, I shoulda got that,” Tae chuckled looking at Kaitlyn’s Shrimp and Eggplant stack. “It does look good hell,” Jaleesa replied.

  “Taste it,” Kaitlyn told them both holding the plate out.

  Tae and Jaleesa readily sampled the delectable dish.

  “Mmm, girl that is good as hell with that creamy tomato sauce,” Jaleesa told her still chewing and savoring the flavor of the shrimp flanked eggplant.

  Tae was just as complimentary as she too enjoyed the tasty morsel.

  “Told you heffa’s to try something new for a change,” Kaitlyn teased as she continued to eat.

  “Don’t make me take your food,” Tae teased as Kaitlyn burst into laughter.

  The waitress brought them fresh drinks as they continued to eat and enjoy their meal. Finishing finally, all of them satiated, they paid their check and rose heading to the ladies room and then out of the establishment. Talking while they were in the restroom, Kaitlyn noticed that Jaleesa seemed a bit off. When Tae stepped out first, leaving them alone for a moment, she called her on it.

  “What’s going on Tweety,” Kaitlyn asked plainly, looking her friend directly in the eye, making lying an impossibility.

  “Later,” Jaleesa returned simply as Kaitlyn grunted and left the subject alone for now.

  *****

  “Times up,” Jaron told her, aiming at Corey.

  “No, please,” Gabrielle spoke finally as the tears cascaded down her face. “Let him go,” she pleaded as Mace sucked his teeth, still holding her tightly.

  “I’ll think about it,” Jaron replied getting even closer to her.

  “Now talk,” he barked, inches away from her face.

  “He’s not here anymore, he left,” Gabrielle said softly.

  Jaron really wanted to kiss the beautifully soft looking, full, pouty lips in front of him. “Where did he go,” he barked instead, knowing he had to keep the pressure on to get the information Tariq wanted.

  “I don’t know,” she lied, praying they would believe her and leave them alone.

  Jaron sighed deeply, turning and delivering several vicious kicks of his own to Corey, who as barely conscious as a result.

  “Stop playin’ with me,” Jaron warned coming back to her as the looked into her eyes seeing her terror.

  “Where is Ice,” he asked once again.

  Gabrielle swallowed hard as the tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.

  Deciding to use another tactic, and desperately wanting a reason to touch her, Jaron reached out and gently wiped her tear.

  “Don’t cry,” he told her sweetly. “Just tell me,” he added reassuringly, looking deep into her eyes.

  Gabrielle was terrified. She knew the men wouldn’t let them go, even if she did tell. They had to know she would warn her brothers.

  “Just kill me, and let him go,” she replied instead stiffening her back.

  Mace felt the change and knew they would have to make good on their threat if they wanted to scare her into talking. Shrugging slightly, Jaron turned and walked over to Corey, kneeling in front of the semi-conscious man.

  “No, please don’t kill me,” Corey begged. “They’re in Atlanta,” he almost screamed. “Her brothers, the man with them, all of them,” he added as Gabrielle’s eyes narrowed and she saw finally what a coward Corey Fontaine really was.

  Smiling, Jaron turned and threw Mace a look. The man smiled unseen by Gabrielle, who was still glaring at her date.

  “That’s what happens when you date a punk,” Mace told her nastily in her ear. Corey relaxed slightly thinking that they would be allowed to leave now that the men had the information they sought.

  “Thanks for the heads up,” Jaron told him as the first blow struck its mark and Corey gasped audibly.

  Gabrielle frowned slightly, unsure what was going on as Jaron’s back obscured her view of what was taking place. Two more blows and Corey’s body relaxed completely as he shuddered and released one last deep breath. Rising Jaron turned facing Gabrielle as her mouth dropped seeing the bloody knife in the man’s hand.

  “That was your fault,” Mace hissed still holding her tightly as Jaron began walking toward her, knife still in his hands.

  “No, no,” Gabrielle screamed beginning to fight in earnest.

  She managed to squirm enough that Mace’s hold on her broke. Gabrielle kicked him hard in the groin as he grabbed his balls and fell to his knees.

  “Fuckin’ bitch,” he hissed as the pain kept him on the ground.

  Jaron grabbed her free arm, pulling her roughly almost causing her to fall. Gabrielle somehow managed to hold on to her balance and began fighting him as well. Jaron easily blocked the wild blows she was throwing, finally getting an opening; he slapped her hard, knocking the small woman down.

  “Don’t make me kill you,” he hissed, straddling her and sitting on her chest as she fought to breathe. Glancing over at Mace, Jaron was dismayed to see the man had his eyes closed still moaning. Fool always was weak, he thought disgustedly, before turning his attention back to Gabrielle.

  “You’re gonna kill me anyway,” she managed, her breathing still labored from Jaron’s weight on her chest.

  “Not unless you make me,” he told her again, never taking his eyes from hers.

  “You got what you want, leave me alone, let me go,” Gabrielle pleaded.

  “You know I can’t do that,” Jaron told her getting off her finally and pulling her to her feet. “Just act like you got some sense and this doesn’t have to be a nightmare for you,” he told her as they walked closer to Mace.

  “Get up fool,” Jaron told him irritably.

  Mace opened his eyes finally and glared at Gabrielle. She shuddered noticeably.

  “He ain’t gonna hurt you,” Jaron told her, giving Mace a new look.

  “Unless you do something stupid, then we’ll both hurt you,” he reminded as Gabrielle nodded and walked with the two men, as if nothing happened, out of the alley and back into the street, just as dusk was falling, and Corey’s lifeless body lay still, growing cold, waiting to be discovered.

  *****

  Pulling into the abandoned ship yard, the women removed their weapons, readying themselves for anything.

  “Where are they,” Jaleesa asked, glancing around and seeing no one.

  “Hang tight,” Tae replied, sending a quick text.

  The response was almost immediate.

  “They’re inside the train car,” she replied as her two friends gave her a look. “I know, but we’re packing, so let’s do this,” Tae replied as Kaitlyn and Jaleesa agreed and got out with her.

  They went to the back of the truck, Kaitlyn and Tae deftly removing their cargo from its inconspicuous hiding place, while Jaleesa held watch.

  “Ready,” Kaitlyn said simply as they all nodded and walked toward the huge metal box directly in front of them.

  “These muthafucka’s try anything, blast first, question later,” Kaitlyn spat as Jaleesa and Tae readily agreed with her.

  Reaching the entrance they stopped again, gathered themselves and listened. They heard several voices, all male, coming from inside the container.

  “You don’t even know these damned people,” one of the men was lamenting. “How you even know they got quality shit,” he asked again as another man answered he’d gotten them on a good word from the street.

  “Man, whatever,” the first man replied as the women decided they’d heard enough and pulled open the door, walking inside.

  Muthafucka, Kareem thought when he laid eyes on their guests. He was the man in charge, the HNIC, of the enterprise that wanted the guns and dope the women were delivering. These are three of the finest damned women I’ve ever seen in my life, he thought behind the small smile playing on his face. He took in each one individually. Chocolate, smooth skin, nice ass, sexy pouty lips, Kareem thought looking at Jaleesa before leav
ing her and taking in Kaitlyn. Caramel, beautiful tits, juicy thighs and a big ass, mmm, mm, mm, he continued to think, his gaze falling finally on Tae. Sexy ass Georgia peach, Kareem thought continuing to look at her. Nice tits too, shapely ass, wonder if the peach tastes as juicy as it looks, he thought lewdly, images of his face buried between Tae’s thighs dancing in his mind.

  “Wassup,” Kaitlyn finally spoke breaking the silence.

  “How are you ladies,” Kareem returned pulling his mind back to business.

  Jaleesa took the men in, noticing the one speaking hadn’t taken his eyes off Tae since they found her.

  “I’m Kareem,” he spoke again, introducing himself to them. “This is Mecca,” he added, referring to the brutha on his immediate right. “And this is Belch,” he added nodding slightly to the one on his left.

  Jaleesa continued regarding the men and how sexy the first two were. Always gotta be a dud in the group, she thought of Belch. What kinda fucked up nickname is that anyway, she thought again, her eyes once more finding Mecca and Kareem. Both men were tall, well over 6’5” she was sure. Kareem was the thicker of the two, all the muscles in the right place. He had brooding brown eyes and tiny dimples adorning his face, complimenting the beautifully white teeth set inside his mouth. Mecca was equally attractive, slimmer, but definitely fine. No dimples, but a charmingly pleasant smile as well. He sported two diamond caps on his lower incisors, but they didn’t come off as gaudy. Belch wasn’t ugly, but he wasn’t cute either, Jaleesa observed. He was barely tolerable and she supposed if one were desperate he wouldn’t be the worst they could do.

  “Can we get to business,” Kaitlyn asked, breaking Jaleesa’s thought.

  “We don’t have to be so formal ladies,” Kareem returned, rising from his seat.

  Tae caught her breath when he stood. The man was stunning and the jeans wrapped around his magnificent butt, made her mouth water with lust.

  “We don’t even know your names,” he tried again as Kaitlyn sighed lightly.

  “I’m KiKi, this is Tweety, and that’s Tae,” she told him calmly, wanting to do the deal and leave.

  “It’s a pleasure,” Kareem replied. “Would you ladies like a drink, some smoke perhaps,” he threw out as they accepted the drink, but not the weed.

  Sitting and talking as everyone enjoyed their drink, Kareem continued to observe the women. He had a good feeling about them. They weren’t the usual bad ass chick wannabes that he’d so often done business with, only to find them soft and unreliable. These women were deadly and of that he had no doubt.

  “Belch,” Kareem called out as the man sullenly turned to him waiting further instructions. “Bring the payment,” he said simply as the man complied and left them alone for a moment.

  Jaleesa noticed he hadn’t introduced the other 3 men present in the room and assumed they weren’t anyone of importance other than muscle. Belch returned quickly and sat the briefcase in front of them, opening it and turning it for the ladies to see. Kaitlyn calmly counted the stacks, doing the math quickly in her head and assuring her partners the amount was right. Tae rose and retrieved the bags they’d entered with, placing them in front of Belch as Kareem instructed. He opened them and examined the weapons and dope contained.

  “Yeah it’s straight,” he replied. “Guess the bitches are good for something,” he added nastily.

  As soon as the words left his mouth, Jaleesa had the .380 at his head.

  “Call us bitches again, just one more muthafuckin’ time,” she told him coldly.

  Kaitlyn and Tae were both brandishing their own weapons as Kareem calmly spoke. “Apologize,” he told the man sternly, his gaze never leaving him.

  Belch huffed and puffed, but opened his mouth and uttered the words as Jaleesa finally took the gun from his head. Smiling slightly, Kareem tossed Mecca a look. His right hand smiled back, knowing what his friend was thinking. They’d finally found what they were looking for.

  “I’m sorry ladies,” Kareem apologized again. “Belch is more brawn than brain,” he again supplied as Tae smiled but said nothing.

  “We’re leaving,” Kaitlyn said simply, still irritated.

  “Please, don’t go just yet,” Mecca threw out this time.

  “Yes, there’s some business we want to discuss,” Kareem added as the women regarded them curiously.

  “Can we persuade you ladies to join us at our spot and we’ll continue the conversation,” Kareem asked, looking directly at Tae.

  Jaleesa was undone to find herself under the intense stare of Mecca as they waited for an answer.

  “Sure, okay,” Kaitlyn replied her curiosity peaked.

  Smiling again, the men gave quick instructions to their workers and left following the ladies to the parking lot, getting into their own vehicles as the Benz truck followed the black Range Rover to the spot and the answers to all their questions.

  7

  Kim was still brooding about the argument, even now almost four days later. She was doing a little shopping today, hitting some of the familiar boutiques in the Buckhead area. After browsing for the next four hours, Kim made several purchases, including some lingerie. She had plans for her man tonight. She had to admit Mook had been really good, saying or doing nothing out of the way. Why is he so preoccupied though, her mind began to question as she arrived at Mardi Gras, preparing to have lunch. Frowning slightly Kim thought about how distant Mook had been since his meeting with Tariq. What the hell is going on with them, she again wondered. Mook wasn’t talking and she didn’t dare ask Tariq. Kim wasn’t stupid though. Something big was brewing and her gut told her it was deadly. Sitting she grabbed a menu, pleased to see that the selection had been vastly improved since Tariq’s organization took over. The waitress came and took her order, returning shortly afterward and leaving her sprite at the table.

  “Hi Kim,” Kaitlyn greeted her smiling as she stood by the table.

  Kim caught herself before she could frown and returned a cool greeting of her own. Frowning slightly, Kaitlyn caught the tone.

  “What are you doing today,” she asked amiably still standing.

  Kim sighed softly and invited her to sit down, grudgingly.

  “Just a little shopping, nothing big,” Kim replied her tone still cool, almost hostile. Kaitlyn continued to regard the woman quietly after the waitress brought her the drink she’d asked for. Kim thought it odd the woman was drinking at 12:00 in the afternoon but said nothing.

  “Why don’t you like me, Kim,” Kaitlyn asked point blank, sitting back in her chair and continuing to regard the woman across the table from her.

  Kim sighed deeply, questioning if she even really wanted to get into this conversation. She thought about Mook and his reaction, as well as Tariq’s if she offended the woman. “Who said I didn’t like you,” Kim hedged.

  Kaitlyn smiled and took another sip of the liquor before addressing her again.

  “I’m not stupid Kim,” she told her. “I’ve known for a long time you didn’t really care for me, but I respected you and what you did for Tariq, so I’ve never addressed it,” Kaitlyn finished as Kim continued to regard her and the anger simmered.

  “Well since you asked,” Kim began, feeling her ire reach full throttle.

  Kaitlyn sat back and waited on the woman to speak. Kim poured out every thought and feeling she had about Kaitlyn. She told her how much she loathed the fact that she’d taken Tariq through hell. The fact that he’d lost his brother trying to love her, when she simply walked away with Ice. How in Kim’s opinion, Kaitlyn didn’t know the meaning of love or loyalty.

  “Basically, Top is way too damned good for you,” Kim railed as Kaitlyn continued to sit. “You should leave him and go back to Ice, you both are perfect for each other,” she went on. “Two cold, uncaring, unfeeling, whiny ass people who think the world owes them a living,” Kim finished finally, as Kaitlyn drained her glass and set it down on the table.

  Leaning forward, Kaitlyn addressed Kim looking her right in
the eye.

  “Who died and made you God,” she asked plainly. “What the fuck you know about me, or my life,” Kaitlyn threw out again before Kim could speak. “You don’t know my life,” she said again in a death knell monotone.

  Kim wasn’t as upset with what the woman said as the look in her eyes when she spoke.

  What the hell, Kim thought as she looked into Kaitlyn’s eyes and saw hurt. All she could see was pain with each word that floated from the woman’s mouth.

  “I can’t speak for you, cause I don’t know you,” Kaitlyn told her coldly. “But unlike you, I won’t judge how you act or why you do what you do,” she went on as the pained fire in her eyes raged. “I’m glad you’re life was good and the rose colored glasses you’re fitted with help you see rainbows and lollipops, but my world consists of black and white, maybe the occasional shade of gray,” Kaitlyn rattled off before abruptly switching gears.

  “Do you use blue magic,” she asked as Kim frowned deeply and gave her a quizzical look. “The hair grease,” Kaitlyn clarified.

  “No,” Kim returned still confounded.

  “Hate that shit,” Kaitlyn mumbled as Kim continued to watch her.

  The pain had left her eyes, replaced with despondency. What is going on with this woman, Kim continued to think as Kaitlyn rose and prepared to leave her presence. “I’m sorry you don’t like me Kim,” she told her frankly regarding her once again. “I honestly think you’re good people,” Kaitlyn finished simply and walked away as Kim continued to sit, not sure how to feel at the moment.

  Recalling the entire conversation, Kim was deeply disturbed at the things she observed in the woman’s attitude and demeanor. There is some deep shit going on in that chick’s head, Kim thought wanting to dismiss it and move on. Her mind however had other ideas. Kim’s conscience kept recalling the last thing Kaitlyn said before walking away.

  “What am I supposed to do,” Kim mumbled aloud.

  Her mind immediately supplied the answer. Sighing deeply and knowing she had to have way more information that she did now, Kim paid her check and rose headed out into the city and the public library. That was as good a place as any to start she reasoned while she drove. Kim couldn’t shake the memory of the hurt she saw in Kaitlyn’s eyes as she talked. Was that from the whole Ice thing, Tariq, shit, what, Kim continued to question as she drove. The mystery was eating at her and one thing Kim didn’t like was loose ends. Her cell rang and she saw Mook’s name on the caller ID. Pushing Kaitlyn out of her mind for now, Kim answered and began to converse with her man as she continued to drive.