Thin Ice 7 - Echoes of Reckoning (38 page)

“
OK, fine, I got it,” Shango replied still loading his weapons.

“
Now get off my phone,” he returned disconnecting before the detective could say anything else.

Reeling his mind back in and redirecting his focus, Shango zipped the bag, putting his T-shirt on over the Kevlar vest, and lifting the bag from the bed, turned and headed out of the suite. It was time to start the day.

*****

Ray was looking out of the car window as they stopped once more to fuel up. He was still livid about the abduction of his son and when he arrived at the instructed meeting point was going to show the abductors how very livid he was. He’d called and checked on India who assured him she and the baby were fine. After disconnecting Ray checked with the other sentinels who assured him Necie and Diamond were fine. Santana called Charisma receiving the same report. They were almost in Atlanta and he was getting antsy. Willing himself to calm down he began talking to Rahja and Santana once they began to drive again.

“
What did you bring,” he asked, giving Rahja a look.

“
.380’s, .9’s, modified double barrels, ak-47’s,” he answered as Ray nodded slightly.

Santana’s mind was racing as well. He wanted a chance to put a few holes in the morons who’d snatched his best friend as well. He was still in awe of the power Ray possessed and called into play when he needed too. The man was no joke and he sure hoped Brent was over any crazy plans he had about disrupting their lives or hurting the unborn child he and India shared.

“
We should arrive just as darkness begins to fall,” Rahja told them interrupting both their thoughts.

“
That’s good,” Ray replied as his cell vibrated.

Checking it he sent a quick reply and thought nothing more about it.

“
I don’t understand why people always want to act new and make you show the uncivilized side,” Ray murmured as Rahja nodded and Santana said nothing.

“
I understand Necie saw Jacoury when she went to visit her childhood friend,” Ray said simply, switching gears without warning.

“
Yeah, but it was only a social dinner,” Santana replied feeling the need to clarify for Ray.

“
Hmm, I see,” he replied, going on to ask if that would become an all the time thing.

“
I honestly don’t know Mr. Lockhart,” Santana replied. “I mean I know Brent wasn’t happy about it at all, but --,” he trailed off as Ray again grunted.

Of course he couldn’t allow Necie to divorce Brent, but that didn’t mean he would allow his son to abuse her either. He would make sure Brent paid reasonable restitution for his actions toward her that fateful afternoon, but after that he needed them on track. Ray had already set wheels in motion to ensure another child came into play, though he hated to think of her conceiving out of the horrendous act Brent forced on her. Dismissing all other thoughts for now and concentrating on getting his son back in one piece; Ray closed his eyes and tried to rest. He needed to be fully alert and on his game once they arrived in the city as the drama would begin on a real scale then.

*****

Tariq smiled as he read Kaitlyn’s message. She was reassuring him she was on her way back and would be in town just as the opening began. He was bit sad he wouldn’t see her before the club, but he would make up for it after they connected. His cell vibrated and he answered sighing deeply.

“
Yeah,” he said simply.

“
Hey Tariq,” Cyiarra greeted him.

“
Yeah, what’s up,” he threw back, not in the mood for conversation with her.

“
Nothing, I just wanted to catch you before you got busy and tell you good luck tonight,” she told him quietly.

Tariq felt immediately bad for his brusque treatment and thanked her amiably.

“
I’m really proud of you and I know it’s going to be a success,” she added as he again told her thanks.

“
I don’t want to be your enemy, Tariq,” Cyiarra tried.

He sighed deeply telling her the same.

“
I can’t be what you want though CiCi, and that’s the point I’m trying to get you to see,” he explained patiently.

Cyiarra sighed deeply telling him she was really making an effort to get to that place.

“
I hope my coming tonight won’t be a problem,” she fished.

Tariq told her it was fine and he was happy she would be in attendance.

She immediately had a glimmer of hope, totally misconstruing his statement. Thankfully she didn’t voice it as she told him okay and that she would see him later tonight.

Disconnecting Tariq sighed once more and pushed the conversation out of his mind. He grabbed his wallet and keys heading out to run a few more errands and of course a final check at the club, where Mook, Shells, and Jacoury were meeting him. Then he was headed to the barbershop to get himself presentable, after that off to the tailor to pick up the suit he’d had made just for the event. Finally he had to stop at the local radio stations and drop of the VIP passes they’d agreed to give out during the day in various promotions.

“
Going to be quite the night to remember,” Tariq murmured aloud smiling still as he reached the truck and climbed inside.

Mook called as he drove shooting the breeze about the strip club the night before.

“
I thought Kim was going to kick my ass when I waltzed in at damned near 4AM,” Mook joked.

Tariq laughed telling him he heard concealer worked well on a black eye as they both cracked up.

“
Now you know I had a little talk with her and Miss Fatty and all was well,” Mook threw back as they continued to laugh and talk.

Tariq saw his truck as he drove up, disconnecting and getting out.

Shells and Jacoury joined them moments later. Unlocking the front door they walked inside.

“
OK, everyone do a good look this time, because if we can’t get it fixed right now, its going to stay that way until Monday or so,” Tariq admonished as they all fanned out and began to check various parts of the club.

Mook checked the lounge area finding everything to his liking. Shells the patio area and kitchen, both were ready to showcase. Jacoury and Tariq were checking the main dance floor, the DJ booth and the restrooms.

“
Seems like we’re good Top,” Mook told him as they all gathered once more in the front.

“
Yep, everything is a go,” Tariq replied as everyone began to compare notes of tasks for the day.

“
The women are all already at the salon,” Mook told him, noting that Tae, Jaleesa and Kim all went together.

“
Yeah, I’m headed for a cut myself,” Tariq replied as Mook told him he was too.

Shells was heading to get his dreads tightened, Jacoury was going along for the ride, having gotten his cut the day he left heading to Atlanta.

“
All right cool, let’s all meet back here at 9:30PM,” Tariq said as they all nodded and everyone headed to their own direction.

It was almost time.

32

Champagne corks were constantly popping as the guests glasses were being refilled again and again. Memoirs had officially opened almost two hours ago. The club was magnificent and patrons were still buzzing about the hardwood floors, hanging chandeliers, and multi room layout. The black and crème was offset beautifully by the interchanging pattern of the hardwoods and shiny black laminate of the counters and bar area. There were built in couches lining the walls of the bar area, fully stocked with every conceivable liquor created. The dining area was equally as decadent, also done in black and crème’s with golden accents. The DJ was putting on quite the show as people mingled and danced to their favorite tunes. Tariq smiled as he sipped the cognac looking out over the throng of people. Mook made his way over, congratulating his business partner as Tariq returned the compliment.

“
You seen CiCi,” he asked giving Tariq a look.

He smiled and told him he had.

“
She looks good tonight Top,” Mook threw out as Tariq again smiled.

“
Yeah she does,” he admitted, finding the woman once more on the VIP stage dancing with her friend and another guy.

“
It’s done with us though Mook,” he told him giving him a look as Mook told him okay and let it go.

This damned chick must be the best ever,
Mook continued to think as Tariq made his way into the crowd greeting various other patrons. Mook looked over the crowd once more himself finding Kim and smiling slightly. She looked really good in the turquoise dress he had to admit. Mook smiled thinking of his initial reaction when she walked into the bedroom wearing it. The dress was thigh length and it left little to imagination as it hugged all her curves. Kim of course reminded him that no matter how much the other men looked he was the only one who would get under the dress and inside her. That made him smile and allow her to wear it. She’d been good all night anyway, Mook continued to muse. She, Jaleesa and Tae were virtually inseparable.
Should I be worried,
he continued to think having a feeling they were up to something. They’d also been keeping an eye on Miss Layla making sure she stayed out of the women’s way, which she had done. She was flirting with some new guy when Mook looked her way taking her in. Cyiarra was getting yet another glass of champagne. He saw Tariq walk up to her and say something in her ear causing her to smile.

“
Shit Top, get your mind right,” Mook whispered hoping something good would come out of the dance he’d obviously asked for as the two headed out onto the floor together.

*****

“
Look,” Jaleesa remarked as they saw Cyiarra and Tariq on the dance floor.

“
Damn, bout time,” Kim remarked as Tae nodded.

Jaleesa didn’t read much into it, knowing more than the other two about the situation. She knew without a doubt the woman didn’t stand a chance when it came to Tariq giving up Kaitlyn.

“
Perfect time to handle that business,” Kim said calmly as the other two laughed.

“
You’re right about that Miss Kim,” Tae returned as they found Layla in the crowd and saw her making her way to the ladies room.

“
Hmph,” Tae remarked as Jaleesa chuckled and scanned the crowd for their men.

“
OK, they’re all occupied,” she said of the men. “Let’s make that move,” she added as the three women rose and conspiratorially made their way into the ladies room.

Arriving they saw only two other women in the facility, washing their hands as they prepared to leave. After they walked out Kim stepped over to the door, locking it as they waited on Layla to emerge. Tae took the time to pull her hair back, fastening with the ponytail holder she brought. It was a wrap so all she needed to do was comb it down again after handling her business and no one would be the wiser.

The toilet flushed and the door opened as Layla walked out smoothing the shimmering dress. Laying her purse on the counter she finally looked up and saw the three women regarding her. Sighing deeply, she washed and dried her hands, once again turning her attention to them.

“
What now,” she threw out smartly.

“
You’re just stupid huh,” Kim questioned shaking her head.

Layla sucked her teeth before speaking again.

“
Do you bitches just travel in packs eliminating your competition,” she returned, hand on her hip.

“
First of all, I got your bitch,” Jaleesa returned, low and cold.

“
Secondly,” Tae piped up. “Bitch you could never, ever be competition,” she told her as Layla laughed.

“
Shells didn’t seem to think so,” she replied as all the women burst into laughter.

“
Child bye,” Tae told her after the recovered themselves and Layla steamed.

“
Shells don’t want you,” she told her. “Him pushing you away and telling you he wasn’t interested should have alerted you to that,” Tae threw out as Layla’s face fell.

Quickly gathering herself she spoke yet another time.

“
Well if you’re all good with that and shit, why are the three of you in my face,” she retorted, growing tired of the harassment.

“
And then you,” she began anew, pointing at Kim now.

“
CiCi’s thinking you’re her friend and you probably know the bitch Tariq is fucking just like this trick,” she threw out now regarding Jaleesa.

Tae and Kim heard the statement and tucked it away to address with Jaleesa later, right now they had other pressing matters in front of them.

“
You got way too fuckin’ much mouth and attitude for me,” Jaleesa threw out as the right hook caught Layla in the jaw.

The brawl was on at that point. Layla began to flail and swing at all three as the women carefully picked her apart, throwing punches and kicks to every conceivable area of her body. Tae connected with a straight left to her mouth and nose, drawing blood. Kim, who originally hadn’t planned to do anymore than watch given she had no real beef with the woman, punched her hard to the midsection for the earlier comment. The women were so engrossed in the melee they never heard the lock being turned or heard the door as it opened.

“
What are you doing,” Cyiarra screamed coming to her friend’s aide.