Gangsta Twist 3 (15 page)

Chapter Twenty
-
one

Saint Tramon was sitting behind a large cherry oak desk reading a
Forbes
magazine when Damon entered her office followed by a light brown-skinned man who looked like he could break a person's neck with very little effort. At six foot four, 255 pounds, Ninth Ward Twine was one serious-looking dude. His calm demeanor was surprising to those who knew him; because of his profession one would think he was loud and overly aggressive. That was far from the truth. Ninth Ward Twine was the most calm, laidback killer that Saint Tramon ever came in contact with. Throughout her years of dealing with killers she knew some of the most ruthless. By far Ninth Ward Twine was the best and the most lethal, a cold-blooded killer who handled his business like no other. He could be up close and personal and torture a person or he could kill from a distance with a sniper's accuracy. Guns, hand to hand, knife, or whatever preference, Ninth Ward Twine could come through as long as you could afford his fee.

After he was seated, he smiled at Saint Tramon because he knew without a doubt a good payday was coming his way. She could definitely afford his fee.

“Ya boy here tells me I am going to get an additional five for this job. What's the catch, Saint Tramon?” asked Ninth Ward Twine.

“Time. I want and need this handled within the next forty-eight hours.”

“Where?”

“Chicago.”

“Any specifics with this one?”

“I would love for you to torture the disloyal bastard, but like I said time is of importance, so however you choose to handle it is fine with me,” she said as she passed a large manila envelope across her desk to him.

Ninth Ward Twine opened the envelope and took a look at its contents and smiled. “I'll give you confirmation of the kill within twenty-four hours.”

Saint Tramon returned his smile and gave him a nod of her head and watched as the hired killer stood and left her office followed by Damon.
Good riddance, Malcolm Brown, may you burn in hell with your stupid
-
ass uncle,
she said to herself as she sat back in her seat and began to map out her next move. The decision of who would become the new leader of the Network had to be made since she was about to lose her first choice. She had to think hard and decide if she wanted to take over the top spot.

 

 

Taz was smiling as he listened to Tazneema speak on all of the money they were going to be spending on his jet. When she finished he said, “I appreciate your concern, Neema, but as far as I'm concerned it's a done deal. So get everything finalized for me. With that out of the way how are things coming along with your project?”

“Fine. I found the building I want and I was waiting for your approval before I went ahead and moved on it.”

“I told you you have the green light on this totally. There's no need to wait for me on any of this. Make it happen.”

His daughter smiled and said, “I'm on it.”

“Good. I want this place up and running by the summer, can you make that happen, Neema?”

“I'm aiming for the Fourth of July.”

“I like that. Is there anything else we need to discuss?”

“As far as Good Investments Inc. is concerned everything is fine.”

“Not everything. What are we going to do about the move back west?” asked Wild Bill.

“We're going to put that on hold for a couple of months, Bill. Let's see how things pan out with that chink for a minute. If things remain calm then we'll proceed as planned. Cool?” asked Taz.

“Yeah, I'm good with that. You know this fool Red here has been acting real funny style lately, like I don't know his ass or something.”

“Whatever. Your girl has you stone gone, dog. I ain't mad at you though. I want you to be happy always, dog, remember that.”

Red placed an open palm across his heart. “Love.”

“Oh, that's so fucking sentimental. You two niggas are killing me,” Bob said and started laughing.

Red and Wild Bill both gave Bob the finger.

Taz turned toward Tazneema and said, “Excuse me, Neema, but we need to discuss some more business and I am not trying to make the mistake I've been making with you and that lately.”

“Thank you. Okay, guys, I'll talk to y'all later. I'm about to go help Mama-Mama pack. When are you guys coming over to take her stuff out to her house?”

“Give us a couple of hours and we'll be there,” answered Red.

“Please be on time; you know how she is.”

“We will.”

“See y'all later,” Neema said and left the office.

As soon as the door closed Taz said, “Okay, let's get to this business. Everything has been put in place. Seven shipments of weapons have arrived.”

“Where?” asked Bob.

“Two in Texas. Snuffy is handling them as we speak. Two in Oakland. I've already spoken to Piper Dixon and she has secured everything and assured me that everything is good.”

“I don't trust that woman,” said Tari.

“She's not my biggest fan, but when it comes to business I am somewhat confident she will handle shit,” said Taz.

“Her first fuck-up and she gets it right?” asked Wild Bill.

“You better say it,” Taz replied with a smile. “Two more shipments arrived in the ATL. Snack assured me he has everything in order and that he has already arranged some serious sales for some of the heavier artillery throughout his contacts in the South. He smells the green and he's all over it.”

“I bet, that fat nigga is serious when it comes to that paper,” said Bob.

“That's six shipments, baby. Where's the last one?” asked Sacha.

“In a warehouse out in Yukon. After we're done here me and you are going to go out and check everything out then get with Akim and let him know that everything is good on our end. He's arranging some meetings for me with some of his connects so we can get rid of this stuff within the week.”

Rubbing his hands together Wild Bill said, “I know you're going to keep some of the good stuff for us right, dog? We have to have the heavy shit just in case we have to take it to that chink fucker.”

“Calm down, killer. After I've checked everything out I'm going to let Bob handle getting what we need for ourselves and secure them. When we get the G5 we'll fly everything west. I'm giving it two more months out here. As long as Mama-Mama is good we can then head back west.”

Red decided that now was the time to let everyone know what Taz already knew. “Don't make any plans for the evening because I want y'all to join me and Paquita for dinner tonight at my place.” He went into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet ring box and set it on the conference table and continued. “I want y'all there when I ask her to be my bride.”

Sacha and Tari both teared up at the sincerity in his voice. Bob and Taz smiled.

Wild Bill frowned and screamed, “I knew it! I told your ass! I know when something is heavy on your mind, fool!” He smiled and then added, “It's about fucking time, Red. I know how you feel about her and I'm happy for you, my nigga.” He stood and gave his homeboy a tight hug. “I wish you nothing but the best.”

Laughing, Red said, “You might want to hold up on all that love, dog. I got some more to say.”

Wild Bill's frown returned as he sat back down so he could listen to what else Red had to tell them.

“Paquita just ain't feeling the West thing. No matter how hard I press her on this she refuses to budge.”

“What you saying, dog?” asked Wild Bill.

To make things easier on Red, Taz intervened. “What he's saying is he's not coming back to the West with us. He's going to stay out this way and take care of things on this end. We need muscle here anyway. Plus, I'm going to need someone else to be here for Mama-Mama and Neema just in case some shit pops off. Tari will be coming back with us and staying with you at the Winners Circle. This move fits us all and makes the most sense.”

Wild Bill sighed and looked back at Red and asked, “What about the strip club, dog?”

Hearing how down Wild Bill sounded crushed Red, but he knew that his homeboy would be all right. He smiled and said, “You act like I'm not going to be a part of our business no more just because I'm staying back here. Li'l nigga, you tripping. We still gon' make our dreams come true, dog. Shit, with Taz buying this G5 I can hop a flight out there whenever we need to handle business together. In between time you will be the man and can handle shit. Don't tell me Wild Bill can't handle shit without his big homey on his bumper at all times,” teased Red.

“Now your ass know that ain't shit. I gots this,” Wild Bill said with his chest stuck out. “Damn, I may need to find me a fucking wife. All my niggas are tying the knot on me. I might have to follow suit and slow my ass down, too.”

Laughing and in unison Tari and Sacha screamed, “Noooo!” That caused everyone in the room to start laughing.

“All right calm down so we can close this off real quick,” Taz said steering the conversation back to the business. “Akim has told me that every state that the Network controls will receive a shipment of weapons within the next month so things are going to get real good real quick. This shit is about to make our pockets extra fat. Security will remain a top priority so I am going to need to be on point at all times with every one of the council members. I know I keep repeating this, but I want it understood. No slipping. Crew has to remain tight and if any of you sees or hears something that you feel is slightly important I need you to speak on it. We got to keep this shit tight all the way around. I am not trying to lose on this move.”

Each member of the crew gave him a nod in understanding.

“Not that I know much about these weapons, but what all are we dealing with here?” asked Sacha.

“Guns-wise, everything from nine millimeters, .45s, . 380s, to the larger stuff like M110 7.62 by .51 millimeter sniper rifles, 7.62 millimeter mini guns, and M23 chain guns. The heavier stuff will be MK19 grenade launchers, grenades as well as several different types of rocket launchers and RPGs.” “Uh, okay.”

Laughing, Taz shrugged and said, “You asked, li'l mama.”

“In simple terms, girl, some heavy military
Rambo
gun type shit,” said Tari.

“Exactly. All right, that's about it, y'all go on and get with Mama-Mama for me while me and Sacha roll out to Yukon and check on things that way. I'll hook up with y'all later when we get together for Red's engagement dinner.”

“Taz, I don't have anything to do so if you don't mind I want to roll with you and Sacha?” asked Tari.

“I don't have a problem with that, Tee. Come on let's get it.” As they all filed out of the office Taz got the chills. Goose bumps came all over his arms. Something wasn't right. He had a funny feeling that something was off. He shook the thought off as they left the office.

Chapter Twenty
-
two

Taz, Sacha, and Tari were pulling out of the parking lot of the warehouse where the weapons were stored in the city of Yukon when Tari noticed a black Ford Focus parked across the street from the warehouse pull from the curb a few minutes after they passed by it. Alarm bells started to ring in Tari's head as she casually pulled out her lipstick from her purse and opened her compact as if she was applying some lipstick to her lips. Actually she was using the small mirror from her compact to check behind them from the back seat of Taz's Bentley without being obvious about it.

The Ford was staying well behind them so she hoped her instincts were off though she was pretty sure they were on point. Just as she was about to tell Taz and Sacha of her concern Taz turned the car onto the highway and she watched as the Ford drove right past the highway entrance. She sighed in relief and put her compact back inside of her purse happy that she hadn't said anything to Taz. She had been tripping. Maybe it was because she'd just seen enough weapons that could damn near suit a small war. That could be it. Yeah, that was it. She was spooked a little bit she thought as she sat back in her seat and relaxed.

Twenty-five minutes later when Taz was exiting Highway 40 Tari noticed another Ford Focus behind them, but this time it was a dark blue sedan.
Coincidence? Nah, fuck that, I don't believe in those,
she said to herself and then told Taz, “I think we have a roving tail on our bumper, Taz.”

When we first left the warehouse I saw a black Ford Focus ease from the curb a minute or so after we passed it. I watched the car from the mirror on my compact, but when we got onto the highway they bypassed the highway entrance so I figured I was tripping. But as you just got off the highway I noticed another Ford Focus a few car lengths behind us. This time it's a dark blue one instead of black.”

“I see it. Let's take them for a ride to make sure we're not tripping before we handle they ass,” Taz said as he made a right turn and headed toward downtown as if he was going back to the office. Tari pulled her compact back out and was checking their rear as she was sure Taz was doing as well.

“Do you see anything, Tari?” asked Sacha sounding nervous.

“Yep. The blue Focus is no longer behind us.”

“But the black one back there is huh?” asked Taz.

“Yep. A roving tail just like I thought. They're good, Taz. What are you going to do?”

“Take them on a ride for a little bit and try to confirm who they are first. If they're the peoples then we are going to have to get that shit out of that warehouse like fucking fast.”

“And if they're not the authorities?” asked Sacha.

“Then we're going to set a trap for they ass and kill them. Before they die we're going to find out who put them on us and the shit will get really real,” Taz said in a deadly tone.

“I was afraid you'd say something to that effect.”

“The blue Focus is back and the black one is passing us now.”

“Yeah, I see it, Tee,” Taz said as he pulled out his phone and made a call. When the line was answered he said, “May I speak with Detective Bean please?” While he waited for the police officer to come onto the line both Sacha and Tari were staring at him as if he'd lost his mind.

“This is Detective Bean, how may I help you?”

“What up, Detective, how you be?” asked Taz.

“Taz? I heard you were back in town. How's your mom?”

“Good. If you heard I was back why haven't you given me a call?”

“Been real busy dealing with all of this murder stuff going on out here lately. I'm telling you the drug scene with the PCP has turned these young kids in the city into monsters.”

“That's sad, real fucking sad. Check it out though, I need a fave real quick.”

Laughing, Detective Bean said, “Oh, I figured that much just as soon as I recognized your voice. You're just like Won. He never called me unless my services were needed. What's up?”

“I think I've picked some sort of tail and I need to know who they are. Can you run their tags for me real quick?”

After picking up a pen and scrap piece of paper the detective said, “Give me the tag.”

“There's two of them. DJJ 116 and DNJ 088, both Oklahoma tags.”

“That's DJJ 116 and DNJ 088?”

“Yeah.”

“Give me a few minutes and call me back,” the detective said and hung up the phone.

When Taz set his phone back on his lap Sacha asked, “When did you get the tag numbers to both cars, baby?”

Taz smiled and answered, “When Tee put us up on the tail I locked the blue Focus tag in my mind and I got the black one just before they made their pass. I couldn't get a good look at them though. The windows are tinted, but they look like white boys.”

“Not good,” said Tari from the back seat.

“Definitely not good. Fuck! We do not need any activity from the law. This will change shit dramatically.”

“How in the hell did they get onto the warehouse is the question?”

“I don't know, but I got to get at Akim after we find out exactly who these people are and tell him we got to make some changes like fucking fast!” Taz turned onto Broadway and headed toward Bricktown. Once he was in the trendy area of the city called Bricktown he decided to stop at the Spaghetti Warehouse, an Italian restaurant he liked. He smiled at the ladies and asked, “Y'all hungry? Might as well get something to eat while we plan our next move. It might just be our last meal as free people. We might be in a cell in the county jail by dinnertime.”

“That is really not funny, Taz,” said Tari.

“I am so not hungry right now,” Sacha said sounding even more worried.

Slapping her thick thighs and laughing Tari said, “You know me, I'm always hungry!” They all shared some nervous laughter as they got out of the car and entered the restaurant.

After they were seated and ordered a few appetizers Taz pulled out his phone and called Detective Bean back. When the detective came on the line he wasted no time. “The two tags came back as rentals from Hertz, Taz. I figured you'd want more on this so I gave Hertz a call and found out that the two cars were rented yesterday for a month.”

“Thanks, Detective. Let me handle this shit and I'll get at you in a day or so and we can have lunch.”

“Look, I don't need any more murders added to an already high murder rate for the city, Taz. Why don't you let me pick these guys up and run them through the wringer? I may be able to help you out.”

“Nah, I'm good. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't the law on my bumper. I gots this, Detective. And trust, you won't have to worry about no crime scene. Later,” he said as he hung up the phone. He sipped some of the Merlot he ordered with his lasagna and meatballs and then said, “Sacha, call Bob and tell him I said to get the crew rolling toward the country, Arcadia to be exact. We're about to take these clowns out the way and handle shit.”

“How can you be sure they're not some kind of law enforcement, Taz? We could be making things worse by moving this way, baby.”

Shaking his head no, he said, “Nah, li'l mama, no type of law would rent a car for a month. Whoever these fools are they on some other shit.”

“You may be right, Taz, but the question remains how in the hell did they get into that warehouse where the weapons are being stored?” asked Tari.

“We'll get all the answers we need when we snatch these fools, Tee. You are strapped right?”

“You better say it. I don't leave home without my heat.”

Taz smiled as he waited for Sacha to finish her conversation with Bob. When she hung up she sighed and said, “They were just getting to the house to help Mama-Mama move. They're rolling now and said they will be at the house in Arcadia within the next twenty minutes and will be waiting for instructions.”

Taz checked his watch and said, “Okay, eat up, ladies, because after we're finished our meals we're about to have some fun.”

“Yeah, some fun. Great,” Sacha said as she scooped a forkful of her Ossobuco and dipped it into some creamy garlic sauce.

Taz saw the concern on his wife's face and said, “You don't have to ride with us on this, li'l mama. You can call Gwen and have her come and get you from here. There's no need for you to be a part of this, baby.”

“Honestly, I think that would be best, Sacha. You're not fit for this part of the business,” added Tari.

Knowing that they were both right Sacha just couldn't do it. She knew she would be worried sick if she didn't see this out with Taz. She sighed and said, “I know you two are right, but I want to be there. I want to see who these bastards are. Y'all hurry up and eat so we can do this.”

Taz gave Tari a look. She shrugged in return and said, “You heard your wife, Taz, hurry up and eat. I do have one question though.”

“What's up, Tee?”

“Who the hell is this Detective Bean you called?”

Taz smiled and said, “A teammate Won turned me on to years ago. Actually, he's Won's cousin so that makes him my second cousin. I have to remember to let him know about Won being my daddy when we do lunch.”

“Should have known Won had to have some say in you calling a damn police officer for some assistance. Only Won can do shit like that.”

Smiling, Taz said, “Not only Won, Tee. It's now all of Taz!” They shared a laugh as each dug into their meals.

Thirty minutes later Taz was back on the highway and noticed the black Ford Focus was back on their tail. He was about ten minutes from Arcadia and knew exactly where he was going to spring his trap on the men who were following them. He picked up his phone and called Bob. “Dog, I need y'all to get to Arcadia Lake and post up. I want Red and Wild Bill posted in the parking lot. Once I'm close to the entrance of the park I want you to roll out and leave them and bypass me. I need you to spot the other tail for me and then get on their bumper. If one of the Fords don't come into the park then we'll take them hard on the street since it's basically secluded at this time of the day.”

“Got it, we're rolling now,” said Bob.

“We need these fools breathing so make sure you keep the wild one calm, Bob.”

“Dog, you know it's been a real long time since we've had some action like this. Wild Bill is smiling so damn hard right now that I don't think we'll be able to calm him if it gets thick. He's practically foaming at the mouth.”

“I figured as much. That's why I want him in the park. If we have to move we'll move with him in a backup role instead of primary.”

“Good thinking. Out!”

“Yeah, out!” Taz said and set his phone back on his lap.

Shaking her head, Tari said, “Wild Bill's ass is ready to get crazy, huh?”

“Yep. Here we go,” Taz said as he turned onto the street that led toward Arcadia Lake. He checked his rearview and saw that the blue Focus was now following them from a safe distance. He called Bob back and told him, “Move out now, you and Red. The blue Focus is on my bumper about four car lengths back. Once you pass him bust a U-turn and get on his bumper. Tell Red to keep it rolling another mile or so and he should spot that black Focus with tinted windows. They began roving on me off and on every few miles so he should be able to spot them fairly easy. When he gets on their bumper tell him I said to stay on them until we make our move at the lake.”

“Gotcha!”

Taz hung up the phone and stared at his wife and smiled. “Calm down, li'l mama, everything is going to be all good. We're about to have some fun,” he said laughing.

She shook her head from side to side and repeated what she said at the restaurant. “Yeah, some fun. Great.”

Taz smiled as he watched Bob in his black SUV pass by him followed by Red in his black Tahoe. He checked the rearview while keeping his speed slower than the normal limit because he wanted the blue Focus to close some ground on him while Bob made a quick U-turn and got behind the Ford. When he saw Bob make the U-turn he hit his brakes suddenly and brought the Bentley to a screeching halt. The driver of the Ford realized too late that he was now boxed in with Bob right behind him almost bumper to bumper. Before the driver was able to say or do anything Taz and Tari jumped out of the Bentley with their guns drawn and aimed directly at the men inside of the Ford Focus.

“Shut the car off and get out with your hands held where we can see them or die!” screamed Taz. He kept his gun aimed at the driver of the Focus while Tari kept hers aimed at the man on the passenger's side of the car. Bob hopped out of his SUV with his gun aimed at the Ford as well and covered their rear.

“Red, hit me. The black Ford is on its way with him on their bumper so you better secure this situation now, dog.”

“Done.”

Taz watched as the driver of the blue Focus slowly opened the door and raised his hands to show he was unarmed. The passenger did the same on Tari's side; neither of their guns wavered as they were both ready to fire if any sudden movements were made by the men getting out of the car. Once they were standing on the side of the car Taz stepped to the driver and spun him toward the car and began a quick pat search. Tari did the same to the passenger.

When they were satisfied that they weren't armed Taz called out to Bob, “Come hold me down here, dog.”

Bob came to his side with his gun trained on the driver of the car while Taz turned and started walking down the street toward the black Ford Focus that was headed directly toward him. He raised his gun and aimed it at the oncoming car. The Ford screeched to a halt.