Thin Ice 4 - Resurrections Page 8

  The two friends tuned in SportsCenter and watched, waiting for Tariq to call and give them the meet time. Everyone was anxious to settle the dust and move on with their lives.

  11

  All the men were getting acquainted with each other, talking in small groups when Tariq and Mook arrived greeting everyone.

  “Everyone introuduced themselves,” he asked as they all nodded they had.

  “Well this is Mook,” he told Ramell and Jacoury.

  Shells, Jaron and DeNoah already knew who he was. Mook spoke to the two men and they to him. Ramell had a good feeling about him. Mook seemed to be a straight up dude and he definitely had that take no bullshit look about him. Glancing at Jacoury they exchanged looks, both on the same page. He could tell Jacoury felt the same about Mook as he did.

  “So, the first thing I wanna do,” Tariq began as everyone gave him their undivided attention. “I wanna make this run to the Bayou.”

  Everyone murmured their agreement. DeNoah felt a bit uneasy. He had no idea what they were talking about. Why does Top keep leavin’ me in the dark, he thought but filed away for later.

  “Mell, you and Jaron riding with me,” Tariq began again. “Mook is gonna run things here,” he went on. “Shells, I need you to be his eyes and ears, DeNoah I need you to continue keeping eyes on KiKi,” Tariq explained everyone their roles.

  “What about Gabrielle,” Jaron asked. Tariq nodded as Mook spoke finally.

  “Kim is gonna spend time with her, keep her under a watchful eye,” he told him as Jaron smiled and thanked them.

  He knew Gabrielle wouldn’t suspect anything was up hanging out with another woman. He also thought it might give her some much needed female friendship.

  “Any other ends we need to shore up,” Tariq asked. “Jacoury, I didn’t mention you because Mell told me you had to go home and handle the business for a minute,” Tariq told him as Jacoury nodded in agreement.

  “What time you wanna pull out Top,” Jaron asked.

  Tariq told them he was getting Kaitlyn settled once she came home after dropping off Tae.

  “I’ll call,” he told them. “Everyone needs to be ready to ride,” he added as Jaron shrugged telling him no problem, and Ramell did the same.

  “We locked,” he asked, giving Tariq a look.

  “Hell yes,” he replied. “No tellin’ what we may find,” he added cryptically as DeNoah continue to try and figure out what was going on.

  Moving on to the day to day running of the business, Tariq dismissed the meeting some two hours later as everyone returned to their place and waited on his call.

  *****

  Ian was flipping through the file Robert delivered on Kaitlyn. Damn, what the hell, he thought frowning deeply reading her medical records as well as personal records. He discovered exactly what had driven her to the meltdown she’d experienced. “Who the fuck could have guessed that shit,” he murmured aloud. Hangman Cisneros, Hangman fuckin’ Cisneros! Ian thought still shaking his head. He continued to read finding the photocopies of the journal documenting Hangman’s abuse of his daughter. “Sick muthafucka,” Ian spat disgusted with what he read. My poor baby, he thought wanting to kill Carlo Cisneros all over again. He continued to read about the four years of hell and torment that Kaitlyn had gone through. Well shit, Lauren, he thought of her name finding that information as well.

  Ian sat back closing his eyes and rubbing his temples as he thought. This was some deep trauma she’d experienced and while he knew they kept her medicated; some part of her had to still be Lauren Cisneros. She’s deadly on a level I can only imagine, Ian thought. He’d heard every dirty secret ever whispered on the street about Carlo and the man was a walking monster. He killed for sport, kept trophies to display and taught his impressionable 12-year old daughter every nasty trick he knew about doing so. What must she have seen, shit, done, growing up with that damned lunatic, Ian continued to brood. Medicating her wasn’t the answer he surmised. Once they stopped dosing her, something would trigger the sleeping monster and Lauren Cisneros would emerge full blown. Too bad for his ass when it does, Ian thought of Tariq. He himself wasn’t worried because he knew how to handle her.

  Ian had been dealing with death and the street for years now. There wasn’t much that threw him for a loop. Kaitlyn needed someone in her life who knew how to nurture her. How to keep that inner demon locked deep inside its fortress. Ian had no doubt she would and could become a one woman wrecking crew if the spirit of her father were ever unleashed. Smiling slightly, Ian imagined her turning on Tariq and killing him. It’s not far fetched if that alter ego comes out, he continued to think closing the folder and picking up the stack of photos to his right. They were pictures of Kaitlyn at Jaleesa’s memorial service. He saw that she and Tae were still close, causing him to smile again. She might come in quite handy, he thought formulating plans in his head. He frowned deeply seeing Tariq. Ian made a mental note to ask Pirate what his friend had learned from DeNoah lately. He had to know how many men Tariq had and who the players were. Pushing it from his mind, he turned his attention back to the photo of Kaitlyn alone. So beautiful, and I love her so much, Ian thought sighing lightly. Soon enough they would be together, he would kill Tariq, and everything would be right once again with his world.

  *****

  Tariq checked on Kaitlyn once more before he left. He’d given her the medication prescribed and as usual it had put her straight to sleep. He quietly closed the door and headed for his truck. He stopped and addressed DeNoah who was in their guesthouse. “Make sure she doesn’t leave this house tonight,” he told him, his tone all business. DeNoah assure Tariq nothing would happen to Kaitlyn.

  “It sure as hell better not,” he replied evenly.

  DeNoah swallowed hard and nodded once more as Tariq grimaced slightly and got into the truck, starting it and backing out of the garage. DeNoah opened the blinds in the room he was staying, giving him a clear view of the front door of the house. Even if she left from the back, she had to lift the garage to leave and he would see her then as well. That much settled in his mind, DeNoah settled down and turned on the TV finding one of his favorite old movies and beginning to watch, eyes constantly drifting to the main house and garage, making sure nothing and no one slipped by him. DeNoah knew without a doubt if anything happened to Kaitlyn while Tariq was gone, he’d better be long since disappeared when Tariq came back.

  DeNoah thought about the past year and his time in New Jersey. That was a fuckin’ disaster of major proportions, he thought sighing deeply. He thought Angie was the real deal. She was so sweet and loving when DeNoah first came to the city and looked her up. They dated, he got a place and she moved in. Things were cool. He’d garnered some respect and began running the neighborhood, setting his sites on expansion. Angie told him she knew just the guys to help him. That braud set my ass up royally, DeNoah thought angrily. The men turned out to be her ex-boyfriend and his group of roaming killers. They began shooting and killing rival dealers, robbing people, beating up women and assaulting them. DeNoah wanted no part of that and tried to walk away. He would never forget the night he came home to get Angie so they could leave. He walked into the semi lighted house hearing the sounds coming from his bedroom. Furious he stormed inside finding Angie spread eagle with her Ex pile driving her as she screamed her pleasure. DeNoah pulled his gun firing above their heads. Everything happened in a blur after that.

  DeNoah remembered bullets whizzing past his own head as he ducked for cover and began firing blindly not caring who got hit. The gunfire went on forever it seemed in his mind, then as suddenly as it started, it stopped. Waiting a few moments more, he finally raised his head over the dresser he’d taken refuge behind. He would never forget the sight that greeted him as he looked toward his bed. Angie was hanging off, eyes open, staring lifelessly at him as the blood continued to drip slowly from the bullet wounds to her torso and the one to her head. Her ex was draped across her body, blood still oozing from him as well,
half his face missing from an obvious close range shotgun blast. DeNoah had presence enough of mind to get up and grab his wallet, keys, and few pieces of clothing and get out of there. Driving aimlessly for a while he finally stopped at a convenience store to get gas and cigarettes. He saw the clerk watching the TV when the story of the shooting splashed onto the screen. DeNoah didn’t stay to watch it, he hurriedly paid for his purchases and left. As he walked to the Lexus, the black Escalade came screaming by the bullets flying.

  “You’re dead muthafucka,” someone screamed.

  DeNoah hurriedly jumped into the car burning rubber out of the parking lot and finding the interstate. He drove until he hit the Tennessee state line, only then stopping for gas so he could make it home to Georgia. Thankfully Tariq had taken him back, and he and LaRon even settled the score for him. You owe a lot of people, his mind railed as DeNoah dismissed the thoughts and continued watching the TV, the main house still dark and quiet.

  *****

  “Who the hell are you,” Lauren asked looking at the woman standing in front of her. “I’m Kaitlyn,” she replied calmly. “Where the fuck are we,” Lauren fired off again looking around and seeing nothing familiar. “At my house,” Kaitlyn answered. Lauren continued to regard her for a few moments more in silence before speaking. “You’re a weak bitch, I mean really,” she threw out as Kaitlyn sighed deeply. “How fuckin’ long are you going to keep me locked up in here,” she asked, giving Kaitlyn a venomous look. “Always,” she replied simply as Lauren laughed loudly. “Don’t be stupid,” she snarled. “I’ll get out, and when I do I’m going to make up for lost time,” she threw out giggling again at the end of her statement. “No, you’ll never get out to hurt anyone else,” Kaitlyn told her as Lauren walked closer, reaching out and touching her. “You can’t fuckin’ stop me,” Lauren told her giving her yet another evil look.

  “I do like the man you fuck at night though,” she added as Kaitlyn’s eyes narrowed now. “You stay away from him,” she warned. Lauren laughed again. “Or what,” she threw back. “He’s sexy and I like his tongue when he puts it in us,” she told Kaitlyn. “There is no us,” she replied calmly, the cold chill running up her spine. “Don’t be stupid,” Lauren told her. “Of course there is an us, you don’t exist without me, remember that,” she told Kaitlyn once again, yawning now. “What is this shit you keep giving me,” she mumbled, laying down finally. “Shut up and go to sleep,” Kaitlyn hissed. Lauren was too tired to fight anymore. Once she was sure the woman was asleep Kaitlyn pulled out the twine she held in her dress pocket and tied her up with it. “You can’t ever get out,” she said softly stepping away from her and turning her back. The rope found its way around her neck without warning as Lauren laughed in her ear. “I’m taking back what’s mine bitch,” she screamed as she choked Kaitlyn who was fighting to breathe. “Taking back what’s mine,” Lauren screamed again and again until the darkness overtook her and she heard nothing.

  Kaitlyn sprang up in bed breathing hard hand around her neck pulling at the invisible rope. “Shit,” she mumbled finally gathering her bearings and calming slightly. The dreams she’d been having lately were extremely disturbing and she didn’t know what to make of them. First Ice and now Lauren, what the hell is going on, Kaitlyn thought rising and heading for the shower. She had to get herself together and quickly. Tariq would need his wife to be the one less thing on his mind with all the moving and maneuvering going on. He hadn’t said it aloud, but Kaitlyn knew there was a major restructure going on, and somewhere on the horizon Tariq was expecting a war. Standing in the bathroom looking in the mirror above the vanity Kaitlyn looked into her own eyes. Never, she thought simply as she heard Lauren’s laugh again telling her she was fool. Reaching for the prescription bottle Kaitlyn took yet another sedative, showered and climbed back into bed, praying this time the only thing that found her subconscious was peaceful, dreamless, slumber.

  12

  Jacoury was pissed that he had to come home to babysit. David was out of control even after all the chances they’d given him to get his act together and keep his job. They paid him well and most times they looked the other way at his indiscretions. Attempted rape in their club however wasn’t going to be one of those times. Especially not that woman, Jacoury continued to brood. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d fallen so fast for a woman. There was a deep attraction inside him for Tyashia. He only hoped the feeling was mutual. He had every intention of finding out once he dealt with David and his nonsense. Jacoury sighed deeply exiting his shower and dressing. He called Trail after completing his task, telling him he needed to see him at the club in an hour. The man readily agreed and they disconnected.

  Jacoury’s mind was still racing as he drove. He was thinking about Tariq and Atlanta now. He really needs to watch that dude DeNoah, he thought frowning again. There was something very off about the man, sneaky, almost undercover. One thing Jacoury knew for sure and that was he didn’t trust him. He made a mental note to call Mook later today and give him a heads up as well; knowing Ramell would be in the Bayou with Tariq. He liked both Mook and Shells, they were definitely top notch. Jaron was a good soldier and Jacoury liked that, but DeNoah, that one was definitely odd man out. Seeing the club and turning into the parking lot, Jacoury pushed the thoughts from his mind and got out heading inside. He saw David’s car as well as Trail’s as he walked to the door and opened it coming inside.

  *****

  Mook was waiting at the house for Shells and Jaron. Tariq called him earlier this morning letting him know they’d arrived safely and were getting started on the search for Ian. Mook checked on DeNoah and Kaitlyn this morning, finding the man awake and alert when he arrived at the house. He reported a quiet evening and since Mook saw no sign of her being awake, left without speaking to Kaitlyn. He made a mental note to call her later today and get her account of last night as well. Sound broke his thought as he saw the truck pull up and Shells get out. The passenger door opened and Tae climbed down as well. Mook smiled slightly seeing the woman, taking the time to once again look her over from head to toe. Tae was still sexy as hell to him and his lustful desire to sex her in as many different positions as possible, returned full force as he watched them kiss softy.

  Shells turned toward the house and Mook moved away from the window, not wanting the man to know he’d been observing. You’d better stop thinking about her like that, his mind threw at him concerning Tae. Not only would Kim kill him, it would totally disrupt business and cause bad blood between him and Shells. Mook sighed deeply and pushed the thoughts away. Out of sight, out of mind, he told himself as the Jamaican entered the house greeting him.

  “Wassup man,” Mook threw back, trying to shake the guilt he felt at the moment.

  “Top, he called,” Shells asked.

  Mook told him he had, and that everything was on schedule.

  “Good, good,” Shells murmured as DeNoah arrived and entered the house.

  They all sat down and began talking about the operations and everyone’s new role in it.

  “KiKi was fine when you left,” Mook asked giving him a look.

  “She’s at the gym,” DeNoah replied as they all nodded.

  She spent at least two hours there everyday, so they knew she would be fine alone for that time period.

  Mook told DeNoah he could go ahead and leave shortly after they finished the discussion on new territory Tariq was interested in. Once they were alone, Mook addressed Shells.

  “Got a call from Jacoury this morning,” he told the man as Shells paid rapt attention.

  “Said he gets a real bad feel for DeNoah,” Mook went on as Shells nodded and grunted slightly. “I wanna get your feel on it,” he threw out as Shells sighed deeply.

  “Him green as hell,” Shells replied plainly. “Even after all da years him spend wit Top, him still making amateur mistakes, ya know,” he went on as Mook sighed lightly, agreeing. “I say him need watchin’, there’s someting off there.”

&nbs
p; Mook again vocalized his agreement. “I’ma make a call,” Mook began as Shells nodded, the unspoken understanding passing between the two.

  Pulling out his cell Shells sent a text. Mook saw Tae pull up almost 30 minutes later. She didn’t get out of the truck this time, thankfully. After they left, Mook thought about Kim remembering he was meeting her for lunch today. He was swinging by to pick up Gabrielle so he could introduce the two women. Mook thought about the other issue they were facing in addition to the questions about Ian’s death. Why won’t these crazy muthafucka’s all just die, shit, Mook thought of Gabrielle’s abductors still being free and unknown. Sighing deeply, he grabbed his keys and headed out to get Kim.

  *****

  “Wassup Jacoury,” Trail greeted him as he entered the club.

  “It’s straight,” Jacoury replied asking for a coke and getting it. “Where that fool at,” he inquired calmly of David.

  Trail chuckled slightly. “In the office sweatin’ bullets,” he replied as Jacoury smiled slightly.

  Tyashia entered the club at that moment walking over to the bar.

  “Hey,” she greeted them both.

  “Wassup,” Trail threw back, walking away and leaving them alone.

  “You good,” Jacoury asked, looking into her eyes.

  Tyashia smiled and his heart melted just a little more. “Yeah, I’m straight,” she replied.

  “You’re early,” Jacoury remarked.

  “I like to come in early, get my head together, make sure my station is straight and stuff,” she replied as Jacoury grunted slightly. “Well, you go ahead and do that,” he told her, taking and holding her hand as they talked. “I’m going in here and handle a little business with David, then you and I are going to eat,” Jacoury remarked.