Gangsta Twist 3 (5 page)

Taz was seated in the living room of his mother's home totally stuffed. Mama-Mama had outdone herself yet again. She cooked a feast for everyone when they arrived in town the night before. Now here they were stuffed to the max and waiting to do nothing but relax and chill. The kids were around playing and all of the grownups were sitting around the house relaxing.

Taz noticed how Red and Paquita, his longtime girlfriend, remained in a close huddle having what looked like an intense conversation. He hoped everything was good between them because he knew how much Red cared for her and her two kids. He thought back to a time when they were at a club when Red was first getting with Paquita and he got into it with her kids' father. That had not turned out good for her baby daddy at all, Taz remembered and smiled.

He turned and watched as Katrina, his man Keno's girlfriend before he was killed, was talking and laughing with Gwen and Sacha. He was happy that she had been able to move forward with her life after such a devastating loss. Especially knowing how Keno had just asked her to marry him the same day he had been murdered.

His mood was slowly turning dark so he tried to shake those thoughts from his head. He placed his right palm across the right side of his chest as he always did to show love to his fallen homey, Keno. He noticed Tazneema sitting down on the other sofa playing with her brother Li'l Bo-Pete and that instantly brought a smile to his face. He loved his children with all that he had in him and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them. He stood and stepped over to Neema and Li'l Bo-Pete and asked, “What you two knuckleheads doing?”

“Knuckleheads? If me and my little bro are knuckleheads then that means you're a knucklehead too, Daddy,” Neema said affectionately.

Too affectionately for Taz.
Uh
-
oh. Neema has something on her mind. Either she has done something she doesn't think I will like or she wants something,
he said to himself.

“Yeah, Daddy, you a knucklehead too,” Li'l Bo-Pete added and started laughing as his father grabbed him and playfully roughed him up.

“Boy, you better not be over there hurting my g-baby! Come here, Li'l Bo-Pete,” Mama-Mama said with a smile on her face. Li'l Bo-Pete was all smiles as he ran from his father's grasp into his grandmother's loving arms. Mama-Mama loved her g-babies to death. She lovingly referred to Li'l Bo-Pete and Li'l Keno as her g-babies and the twins adored her. “Now are you okay, baby? That Daddy of yours ain't hurt you none did he? If so you know Mama-Mama will get his butt for messing with my g-baby.”

Laughing, Li'l Bo-Pete said, “He called me a knucklehead, Mama-Mama!”

“He did what? Do you want me to get him? If so go outside and find me a big switch so I can take it to his tail.”

Li'l Bo-Pete stared at his father for a few seconds and then said, “Uh-uh, Mama-Mama, my daddy was just playing with me and my sister. Don't whoop his tail this time 'kay?”

“All right, if you say so, baby,” Mama-Mama said and everyone listening started laughing.

Tazneema turned toward Taz and said, “Can we step outside, Daddy? I have something I need to talk to you about.”

Here we go,
Taz said to himself as he shot a look toward Tari to see if she would reveal anything to him 'cause he knew she knew something. Especially after the way she quickly dropped her eyes when he looked her way.
Should have known,
he thought and said, “Sure, babygirl, come on.”

Once they were outside in the front yard Taz stopped by the rose bed and said, “Please tell me you're not preggo, Neema.”

She slapped his arm lightly and said, “You need not worry about that at all, Daddy. I'm good. I'm not seeing anyone for any of that to be happening anyway.”

“Good. But why aren't you dating? You got to move on with your life, Neema.”

Laughing, she said, “How do you want it? Do you want me to tell you I'm preggo or I'm seeing anyone?”

Taz raised his hands in surrender and said, “You already know I'd rather the latter. But for real all I really want is for you to be happy.”

“I know. Anyway, what I have to talk to you about is business related.”

“It can't wait until we all get together for the Good Investments Inc. meeting before we leave?”

“I kind of want your input on this before we get together with everyone.”

“All right, talk to me.”

She took a deep breath and then went into her spiel that she'd practiced over a hundred times. When she was finished she smiled at her father and gave him that pouty brat look that she knew he would never say no to and kept her fingers crossed.

After Neema finished Taz smiled and said, “I like your passion for this, Neema, but I do have some concerns. The Bricktown location sounds like it'll cost a grip.”

“It may be costly, but I know this restaurant will prove to make a nice profit. They're already finishing up Kevin Durant's restaurant out that way and it's going to be a kicking it spot, real upscale like. We won't lose on this, Daddy, I'm sure of it.”

“Chicken and waffles huh? You really think Oklahoma City would take to a chicken and waffle restaurant, Neema?”

“I know it will, Daddy. Atlanta has Gladys Knight's Chicken & Waffles and Cali has Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. We need to make this move and be the first to bring that to our city. O City is steadily growing and that's something we can definitely take advantage of. If this works like I know it will we can open up at least two more around the city.”

“Have you chosen a name for this restaurant?”

Neema was ready for this question because she felt this would be the deal clincher for her. She hated herself in a way for being so manipulative, but she really, really wanted to open up this restaurant. She smiled at her father and stared into his intense brown eyes with her intense brown eyes and said, “I want to call it Keno's Chicken & Waffles. I want to name it in memory of my uncle Keno. Then when it's proven to be a success we can open another and name that one Bo-Pete's Chicken & Waffles. I want to do that and honor my uncle's memory.”

“You are too damn good, Ms. Good. How in the hell can I turn you down? Okay, babygirl, run with it. I'm going to green light this at the meeting. This is your baby, but I want to remain aware of all the money that has to be invested into this project. I want Tari on board with you on this, cool?”

“Cool. Tari is already on board with it. We just needed to run it by you first to get your approval.”

“Humph. All right then is that it? We good?”

“We're great! Thanks, Daddy,” Tazneema said and gave Taz a tight hug.

Taz pulled from her embrace and stared at her. “You do know that there is nothing that I wouldn't do for you, Neema?”

“I know, Daddy.”

“I know since I've moved west I haven't been around for you, but you know I'm a text or a call away. I'm never too busy for you, Tazneema. Never forget that.”

Tears came to her eyes as she said, “I know, Daddy, and I will call if I need you, promise.”

“Good. Now come on, let's go back inside and finish enjoying this Good family day.”

 

 

Taz and Sacha were lying side by side after sharing several intense orgasms from their lovemaking for the last thirty-five minutes. “Mmmmm, glad to see you're still turned on by your old wife, Mr. Good,” Sacha said with a smile as she laid her head on Taz's chest.

“You know I will always be turned on by you, li'l mama. I love me some you, girl.”

“I love you too, Taz. It feels funny being back in this house after being gone for so long. I realize how much I've missed this place.”

“Me too. This was the first expensive purchase I ever made for real. I had to have a home far enough away but close enough to the city. When I had it built it was my dream come true. I remember when Won told me that building your dream home was like creating the perfect woman.”

“Now how in the heck can building your dream home be considered like creating the perfect woman? That don't make no damn sense.”

Laughing, Taz said, “Won said that when you build your dream home it's perfect for you and only you. Just like the perfect woman. If a man could create the perfect woman she would have the body of a goddess, the looks of an angel, and the sex drive of a whore in a brothel.”

“And like I said, how does that compare to building your dream home?”

“Your dream home is yours forever and so is your woman. The one thing you would never have to worry about is your home talking back or spending all your money.”

“That doesn't make any damn sense, Taz Good. Won was crazy!”

Taz laughed and said, “It may not make any sense, li'l mama, but one thing for sure, Won was far from crazy.”

“Now that, I can agree with.” Changing subjects Sacha switched to business. “I've made my decision on which resort we will stay at for the first quarterly meeting for the council, baby.”

“Yeah, which one?”

Sacha jumped off the bed naked, grabbed her iPhone off the dresser, came back and got herself comfortable next to Taz as she quickly found what she was looking for on her phone. She then started reading to him. “I found this on Google and decided that this had to be the one for the meeting as well as the mini vacation. It's perfect:

“Damn, li'l mama, that does seem like a proper spot. I like the part about the cabanas. That's where we can have the meeting for the council.”

“I was thinking the exact same thing. This will also make for a nice vacay during the middle of January. I'm sure the other council members will appreciate that gesture by their top man.”

Laughing, Taz said, “I doubt it. Don't forget half of them aren't feeling ya man Taz.”

“That doesn't matter, for a week's stay we'll be spending a nice amount so I'm positive they'll appreciate the gesture as well as enjoy themselves. Now I'm not so sure how they will feel after you drop the bomb on them that you're planning on taking the drugs from the Network to replace it with arms dealing. That may cause you more problems from the ones on the council who aren't, as you say, ‘feeling Taz.'”

He sighed and said, “Yeah, I know. But it is what it is, li'l mama. I feel in my gut that this is the best direction to take the Network. I am not going back with it. I have to see it through.”

“I know, baby, and I know you will win with this. We can't lose. As long as we all stick to the script and watch everything around us we won't slip or miss a beat. We're one hell of a team, Mr. Good. We got this thang on lock.”

Laughing, Taz said, “On lock, huh? So when did you become so gangsta with it, li'l mama?”

She stared at her husband and answered him honestly. “The day I said ‘I do', that was the day that I vowed to stand by your side through everything from sickness and health, and the good and the bad. I'm with you all the way, baby. Never forget that.” They shared a kiss that turned passionate quickly and their lovemaking started all over again.

Good Investments Inc. was located on the sixth floor of a downtown office building not too far from the Chesapeake Arena where the Oklahoma Thunder played their home games. For the last six years it seemed that every investment that Good Investments Inc. had been involved in proved to be some very good investments indeed. The team consisted of Taz and the crew along with his daughter. They tried to have a business meeting monthly so everyone could stay abreast of what was going on with the company. This at times proved hard to do because of the schedule Taz had and because of them living in Los Angeles. They weren't able to have the meetings in person with everyone there; they would have a conference call long distance instead. On this day everyone was in town after a weeklong vacation of sorts in their hometown.

Taz smiled at everyone as they made themselves comfortable around a long conference table inside of their conference room. Taz sat at the head of the table with Sacha to his right and Tazneema to his left. Red and Wild Bill sat next to Sacha, and Tari and Bob sat next to Tazneema completing the seven-member board of Good Investments Inc. Each member on the board was an equal partner within the company and all decisions were decided by vote. Even though Taz was considered the head of the company, they each had equal say in whatever business decisions were made; but just as they did with their other forms of business, Taz was the man making the final decisions. When it came to business Taz valued all of their opinions and chose to make sure everyone's voice was heard.

After Sacha finished giving a complete update on the financial status of the company for the last few months everyone had a smile on their face because the profits were good and the money seemed to continue to pour in from all of their business ventures.

Sacha smiled at her husband and said, “Well, that's all I have. Looks like we've had a good few months.”

“That's what's up. Now I have something I want to discuss,” Taz said as he smiled at his daughter. “Tazneema here has come up with an idea that I think may turn into one of our most profitable investments yet. She wants to invest and bring a chicken and waffle restaurant out here to the city. I personally think this may work so I am proposing that we support her on this and we make the necessary moves to proceed with Neema's project.”

“I like it. It makes a lot of sense. We could definitely win with a move like that,” said Bob.

“Yeah, I'm with it too. Let's do it,” said Red.

“Count me in,” said Wild Bill.

“I'm in,” said Tari.

Sacha frowned and then asked, “Where would the location be for this restaurant?”

“In Bricktown,” answered Neema.

“That could get real expensive. You know Bricktown property has shot up since it has became such a hot spot for the city. Getting some prime real estate like that would make figures steep.”

“I'm aware of that. Tari and I are looking into finding the best deal we can. Though it may be costly it's the most logical move to make. I mean Bricktown is the hottest place in the city. All of the Thunder hang out down there and everyone in the city loves going to eat and drink and chill in Bricktown. Why not bring the first chicken and waffle joint down there? That's the place to be.”

Sacha heard the passion in her stepdaughter's voice and smiled. “Please don't think I'm against this because I understand exactly what you're saying, Neema. As the financial supervisor of the company it's my duty to point out what type of money may have to be spent on all investments. I'm in too. I agree that we should be able to make some good money with this venture.”

“It's agreed. Good Investment Inc. will bring Oklahoma City its first chicken and waffle restaurant. What I like most about this idea is that my lovely daughter here has chosen to name the restaurant after the homey Keno.”

“What? Aww hell nah!” Wild Bill laughed. “You mean to tell me that we're going to call the spot Keno's Chicken & Waffles? That's some funny shit right there, dog. I can see that cocky-ass nigga smiling down at us right now!”

Everyone started laughing.

“That means that if this investment is a success we're going to have to hurry and open another spot and name it after Bo-Pete,” said Bob with a smile.

Taz smiled also and said, “Exactly. Okay, let's move to the next order of business. Red and Wild Bill's idea on opening a strip club in L.A. The floor is yours, guys.”

Wild Bill started laughing and said, “I'd prefer you to call it a gentlemen's club, my nigga.”

Taz rolled his eyes at his longtime friend and said, “Whatever, nigga. Get on with it.”

“Seriously, me and Red have been looking at a few different locales around North Hollywood. We want this to be an upscale type of club all the way, not no normal booty club. Our aim is to get the high-class type, not the d-boys or the suckas.”

“Exactly. No weak shit and no forms of prostitution at all. Straight up and down all the way. We will have the exclusive table dances or a room set up for private sessions, but nothing that will be illegal,” Red said seriously.

“I like that. It shows me you guys will be respecting the women who work for you,” said Sacha.

“For us, Sacha. Yeah, me and Wild Bill will be running thangs, but this move is just another one for Good Investments Inc. I think as long as we stick to the script that we've made it can work and be a breadwinner for us. The women we choose will be top of the line all the way. A nice variety of different nationalities, too. Not just a black club, a well-rounded and diverse one.”

“I like the sound of that. Why does it have to be just for men? Why not have certain nights of the week for women and have top-of-the-line male dancers as well?” asked Tari.

Red looked at Wild Bill and said, “We've never gave that any thought for real. Shit, I don't have a problem with that. As long as it makes money it makes sense to me.”

“Okay, before we go any further is it agreed that Good Investments Inc. will go ahead and pursue this venture with Red and Wild Bill for their, excuse me, for our gentlemen's club in Southern California?” asked Taz.

In unison everyone in the conference room said, “Agreed!”

“I have one question.”

“What's up, Neema?”

“What is the name of this club going to be?”

Red and Wild Bill smiled at each other and Bob thought,
oh shit.

“Heaven On Earth,” both Red and Wild Bill said simultaneously.

Bob thought about that name for a minute and grinned. He wanted to see if anyone other than himself figured out what Red and Wild Bill were up to by naming the club Heaven On Earth. He waited a couple more minutes and then said, “So, we're going to name the club H.O.E., huh?”

Tari who was sipping some orange juice almost spit her drink all over Taz when she heard Bob. She turned toward Wild Bill, squinted her eyes, and asked, “You can't be serious, Wild Bill. Heaven On Earth or H.O.E. Stop fucking playing!” Everyone inside of the room started laughing, everyone except for Red and Wild Bill that is.

“Why not? It's like a double entendre,” said Red.

“A double what?” asked Bob

“A double entendre, fools. Like a double meaning of sorts.”

“Kind of like an acronym but it's not because we won't have it spelled H.O.E. Instead it will be spelled how it sounds, Heaven On Earth. The double entendre is the double meaning we're slipping in and that's the H.O.E.,” Wild Bill said and smiled.

“Whatever,” said Bob.

“Okay, is there any other business we need to discuss for this quarter?” asked Taz. After no one said anything he continued. “All right, I got the green light from Akim and his private jet will be here this evening so we're out of here tomorrow afternoon. We'll spend a day or two in Colombia meeting with Jorge and then we'll fly back west and get things prepared for the meeting with Danny Orumutto. After that it's off to sunny Florida for the quarterly meeting for the council.”

Tazneema became uncomfortable whenever her father began discussing what she chose to call “the other business” so she stood and excused herself from the meeting.

After Neema left the room Tari glared at Taz and he said, “Oops.”

“You know better, Taz,” Sacha said and frowned at her husband.

“I know. But shit she needs to be aware of everything. I mean if something ever happens to me I want her knowing what is what.”

“It's not always about what Taz wants. You have to understand that though she knows what we're a part of she doesn't totally understand it,” said Bob.

Taz frowned at him and said, “Whatever. Like I was saying, then it will be off to Florida so we can handle that business as well as kick it a little bit. Once I drop that bomb on the council I'm going to want to tighten things up. I'll get at Snuffy and all I feel are supportive of my decision so no one will be slipping.”

“Do you anticipate any trouble from the council members ?” asked Tari.

Taz shrugged and said, “You never can tell with something like this, Tari. I'll try to check their temperatures as best as I can during the meeting. If no one blows their cool it'll be on some wait and see type shit. And I'm not trying to wait for any weak shit to pop off. If it's going to be on, it will be on and we will play offense before we play defense.”

“That's real,” said Wild Bill.

“I want to go to Colombia with you guys. I'm tired of being left out all of the time,” said Tari.

“I don't have a problem with that, Tee. If you want to roll then you can.”

“That's cool. 'Cause for real, Taz, I need to skip this trip. I have some things I need to get worked out with Paquita,” said Red.

Taz gave him a nod and said, “Cool. Me, Tari, Bob, and Wild Bill will make the trip to South America and then meet y'all back in the West. When do you want to fly back, li'l mama?”

“Since the boys are having such a good time I thought we'd stay another day and give Mama-Mama some more times with her g-babies. We'll fly back the day after tomorrow. Will you have your business done by then, Red? If so then we can fly back together. You know Gwen and I will need your help with the kids and stuff.”

“Yeah, that's fine,” answered Red.

“All right then this meeting is officially in the books. Sacha, make sure you go over all financial moves for the next two investments we're going to make so everything can be cleared on the books.”

“Gotcha.”

“Good. Now let's get packed and get ready to go holla at the Colombian boss,” Taz said seriously.