Chapter Twenty
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seven
Taz and the crew arrived at Will Rogers World Airport at eight p.m. sharp. After passing through the security clearances they met the flight attendants Tazneema hired and each male member of the crew was pleasantly pleased with the way the flight attendants looked. Tari shook her head because she knew without a doubt Wild Bill would be all over their flight attendants every time they went on a trip on Taz's G5.
These girls better have some real tough skin,
she thought as she followed the flight attendants as they led them to a hangar where the G5 was being prepped for their flight to Chicago. When they made it to the hangar they watched in awe as the brand new G5 was being towed out of the hangar. Taz smiled proudly at his jet and couldn't help but stick out his chest a little.
“Damn, dog, that's a beast of a plane right there,” said Bob as he admired the private jet.
“You better say it,” Taz said and laughed as the flight attendants led them toward the plane. Once they were on board the flight attendants formally introduced themselves.
“My name is Angela Womack but I would appreciate it if you all called me Angie.”
“And my name is Kamden Johnson, and you can call me Kam. We're here to make sure whenever we fly that you all are comfortable for the duration of each flight. If there is anything we can do for you please don't hesitate to call on us.”
Wild Bill smiled and said, “Please believe me, we won't hesitate one bit, darling.”
Taz shook his head at the attractive flight attendants and said, “I'm sure we all will get along quite fine. I'm already impressed with your professionalism, ladies. My name is Taz Good. These are my friends as well as close business associates. Sometimes they may be flying without me and I expect for them to be treated the same as if I was with them. I don't have any doubts otherwise; I just wanted to be clear on that.” The women each gave a nod in understanding.
The pilots came into the cabin from the cockpit and shook hands with Taz and introduced themselves.
“I'm Karl Horne,” said the captain who was a tall man standing around six foot five with a slender build. Taz could tell he was fit and in some pretty good shape. With a light brown complexion complemented by some light brown eyes the captain was a handsome man. Taz liked him immediately.
“And I'm Keith Leverette. I'm your copilot.” Keith was a smaller man but looked equally fit as Captain Horne. He had the same slim build and his dark brown skin was smooth as milk chocolate.
“It's a pleasure to meet the both of you. I'm sure we will get along fine together being that I expect to be doing quite a bit of traveling. I am comfortable with the selection my daughter made by hiring you all. And by the way my associates here are staring at you all, I'm sure they are just as satisfied as I am.”
“You better say it,” Tari said and smiled at the handsome pilots.
Shit, Wild Bill may not be the only one on the prowl when we're in the air,
Tari said to herself.
Everyone started laughing.
Angie, light skinned with a model's slim figure, smiled at Taz and said, “Well, we might as well get everyone situated while the captain and Keith finish doing their preflight check. We have a little over thirty minutes before we will be cleared to depart.”
“I'll notify everyone over the PA system when we're ready to leave,” said Captain Horne.
“That's fine,” Taz said as he watched as the pilots returned to the cockpit.
Kamden, who had brown skin with a body that could stop traffic because of her thickness, smiled at Wild Bill and asked, “Is there anything I can get for you, sir?”
“Bill, Wild Bill, darling. And no, I'm good right now.”
“Okay, Wild Bill. I hope I'll get the chance to learn why you're called Wild Bill,” she said with a smile that made Wild Bill's heart skip a beat.
“Oh you will, Kam; believe me you will.”
“Stop that, you two!” teased Tari.
While the flight attendants fussed around the plane getting the crew drinks or snacks the crew was still in awe of Taz's brand new toy. They were impressed with everything from the expensive leather seats to the several flat-screen televisions located on each side of the plane. Taz didn't miss a thing with this purchase; top of the line entirely.
After everyone was comfortable Angie and Kam went and checked on the pilots. Taz took this moment to tell the crew, “Look, when we get out to the Chi I want to play this real tight. Ed Polly is going to provide security for us but I have a feeling we need to be on point ourselves so I had Jay Bogard arrange for our vehicles to be fully stocked. Once we land at O'Hare Airport we will have our own weapons.”
“That's what's up,” said Bob.
“What, you think someone might try some shit while we're paying our respects to the dead, my nigga?” asked Red.
Taz shrugged and said, “Who knows? I just want to be prepared for whatever.”
“I feel you on that, dog, but don't be all paranoid on us. They know better than to try us. If they miss they know they can kiss their ass bye bye,” Wild Bill said arrogantly.
Tari shook her head and said, “You're really tripping, Bill. Who is they? We don't know who to look out for for real, so Taz is right. We have to be prepared for anything at any given time and don't you forget that shit.”
Knowing she was right with what she said Wild Bill nodded his head and said, “You're right, Tee, my bad.”
“I may be paranoid, my nigga, and rightfully so. Shit is getting thick and will only get thicker before everything is all said and done. Paranoia is not to be ignored. Only a fool in our lifestyle would do some shit like that. The key to dealing with being paranoid is to not let it cripple you. Address it directly and aggressively at all times. That way we will remain on point and then hold an advantage over whomever we have the drama with. We basically know that it's either Danny Orumutto or Saint Tramon trying to plot against us so we will be prepared as if it's both of them together. I have a gut feeling that they are trying to orchestrate a mean demo on us sooner or later and I intend on being prepared for it whenever they make their move. Won taught me to always think in strategic terms, like being on the battlefield in war. Flanks must always be protected. Your center must be anchored with reinforcements.”
“In other words, dog, it's like we've always said: stay ready and stay strong,” said Red.
“Exactly,” said Taz.
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Captain Horne announced over the PA that they had been cleared to depart and the G5 started to move slowly out onto the runway for its first flight. Taz made himself comfortable and sipped his drink as the plane began to gradually pick up speed. Once they were airborne he smiled and said, “Yeah, nothing like flying in your own shit.”
“You're so full of it, nigga,” said Bob and everyone started laughing.
Once they reached their cruising altitude of 51,000 feet Captain Horne's voice came back over the PA system informing everyone that they would be flying for a little under two hours and if they wanted to use their cell phones or Wi-Fi connections for laptops it was okay to do so.
Taz pulled out his cell and called Sacha to let her know that they were in the air and that he would give her a call in the morning before they left for the funeral service. After hanging up with her he checked some e-mails and texts. He saw that Snuffy had texted him so he called him to see what was going on.
When Snuffy answered the phone he said, “All is good, dog; just wanted to let you know that me and Charlene are on our way to the airport now and we'll be on time tomorrow.”
“That's cool. Anything else?”
“Yeah, Chill Will has handled the business in Dallas with the Tango Blass Mexicans. Those young fools are planning on making some noise so it looks like they will be some steady customers.”
“Good.”
“Remember you told me you wanted to hook up with Junior?”
“Yeah, what's up with him?”
“He's been getting at me talking about when can that sit-down take place. I told him you're his cousin and he wants to holla.”
“Shit has been so hectic I haven't had a chance to even think about that. I'll fly down your way after we get back from the Chi and we can get together.”
“That's what's up. I'll let him know. See you in the morning,” Snuffy said and hung up the phone.
Taz sat back in his seat and thought about how smoothly things were going with the arms dealing and smiled. He felt comfortable that leaving the drugs alone was one of the best decisions he'd ever made. Right at that moment his cell rang and he saw that it was Danny Orumutto's number in California. He rose up and said, “Say, y'all, this is that chink fool Danny. I want y'all to pay attention.” He then pressed the speaker button on his cell and said, “What's good, Danny?”
“Nothing much big time. Word is you copped that new Gulfstream and I wanted to congratulate you on doing big thangs.”
“That's right. I'm sure it's more to this call than you giving me props on buying a jet. So, again, what's up, Danny?”
“Damn, Taz, what's with all the hostility in your tone? I thought we were good.”
“We are good. I just don't have time for the bullshit and I feel like you're playing with me and that is insulting to me and my time.”
“I never play, Taz, you know that. But check this out, I would like to do some business with you along the lines of your new business venture. When can we get together and make something like that happen?”
“If you want to seriously make some moves you can get at Saint Tramon; she has permission to make moves for you. That way you can be relaxed and comfortable while conducting the business.”
Laughing, Danny asked, “Why would I be relaxed and comfortable in the company of that old cougar?”
“You're playing games and feeding me weak shit again, Danny. Please stop fucking insulting my intelligence.”
Danny's laughter stopped and a sinister tone came into his voice when he said, “Watch ya mouth. Watch your words when you talk to me, Taz. You are a boss in your own right and so am I. I demand respect at all times.”
“You know what, Danny? I have always respected you and your get down. That is until you started playing these games. I don't respect that and I honestly no longer respect you. I got at you like a boss is supposed to do. I gave you the utmost respect and told you about my moves and even offered discounted prices for my moves in the future. What did that respect get me, Mr. Orumutto?” Taz asked sarcastically. Before Danny could answer he continued. “Nothing. Nothing but a fucking headache. But it's cool 'cause I'm used to dealing with headaches. So let's save the bullshit. You want to do some business then by all means let's make it happen. I turn down no dollars. Get at Saint Tramon and she will make it happen. If you got something else on your mind then let's do that too. I'm tired of the weak shit because that's not how I rock. You got something on your chest then speak it and let's deal with it however we need to deal with it.”
“Ahh, I like that gangsta shit.”
“Me too. I love it.”
“Believe me, you have no desire whatsoever to be the subject of the barbarity I'm capable of dispensing.”
“Why is that, because of the rumor of you killing your father and uncles? Am I supposed to fear the myth of Danny Orumutto?”
“You're supposed to fear the chaos I can create in your perfect world, Taz.”
“Now that's funny.”
“Out of chaos comes opportunity, especially to those who are ruthless enough and bold enough to not give a fuck about the consequences and repercussions.”
“I'm done with the verbal sparring. It's in the open how I feel about the weak shit, so make your next move your best move,” Taz said and hung up the phone.
“What the fuck was that?” asked Tari.
Bob smiled and answered for Taz. “That was Taz making the first power move on our behalf.”
“That's right. The games stop and the real shit begins now,” added Wild Bill.
“About fucking time. I'm sick of all this waiting shit anyway. Let's take it to that chink and bring this shit to an end,” said Red.
“Is that what that was, Taz, you ready to take Danny to war?”
“I'm ready to send Danny Orumutto straight to hell, Tee. I had to let my position be known so he would know that it's on. He's strong but only because of his position. Now that he knows I fully expect him to make a move he loses some of his strength because he has to worry about what I'm going to do. He doesn't know if I'm ready to play offense or if I'm going to sit and wait for him to make a move against me.”
“And that does what for us?”
Bob answered for Taz again. “That puts us in the driver's seat, Tee. Taz just put us in a tactical position to win. We have the high ground now and can either wait for Danny to make his move and be totally secure and prepared to defend ourselves. Or we can take it to his ass and give him all we got and bring this shit to a close.”
Tari stared at Taz for a few seconds and asked, “Which is it then, Taz, which way are we going to move?”
“I'll be able to answer that question by the time we return from Malcolm Brown's service tomorrow evening. Either way it's time to address all issues. I have a few moves in my head marinating right now y'all so bear with me; trust it's all good. The first thing I want to discuss though is Ed Polly.”
“What's up with him?”