It Is What it Is: A Hood Love Story II Secrets

By Ivory B.

The whole gang is back in the highly anticipated sequel of It is What it is a Hood Love Story. Everyone has a past filled with secrets. The question is will the person you’re with, love you the same when they find out your deepest and darkest secrets? This time around love will be entangled with hidden skeletons and everyone has them. Whose love is strong enough to overcome secrets and whose relationship will fall by the wayside?
Carlos hasn’t exactly been a choir boy; but no one can deny the love he has for Lucky. Is love really enough when his past indiscretions have left permanent scars on Lucky’s heart that are now manifesting through distrust and insecurities? Can Lucky let his previous mistakes stay in the past or is she bound to let it ruin their future? When we last left off in an act of jealousy and mistrust Lucky set forward a chain of events that left both her and Los in handcuffs. Is this the last straw? Or can their love survive this test?
Both Keema and Jah are living the life they’d always dreamed. Husband and wife are now parents to a bouncing baby boy and another blessing on the way. The newlyweds soon find out that life isn’t as perfect as they thought it would be. When Keema is suddenly contacted by someone from her past, will she end up letting this individual sabotage her future?
Ty and Nice are finally together and she couldn’t be happier. With the honeymoon phase of their relationship over she’s finding out that balancing her career and home life isn’t all that easy. Especially, when outside forces seem to keep trying to pull them apart. With Mia creating Baby Mama drama in epic proportions and a dark secret threatening to ruin their relationship could their relationship survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ivory B.
• Release date: Oct 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9780991259328

Ivory B.

New Author and publisher in Urban Lit.

Book preview

Déjà Vu

Ty did as Los told her, she spotted his truck hopped in and called Nice as she watched nervously from the garage across the street. Baby girl what’s good? Nice asked after answering his cell on the second ring. Kamar, Ty said in an uneasy tone. Nice who was at the mall with Kynah in a Little Princess store watching her get a fake makeover with fairy dust makeup heard the shakiness in Ty’s tone immediately.Ty what’s wrong ma? Baby Carlos is about to get arrested; He got me sitting in his truck and said for you to call his lawyers. Arrested?! Ty what you mean arrested? Nice asked astonished. Lucky caught him with some Spanish chick at a restaurant, she flipped and the cops were called. So many things were running through Nice’s head at that moment. He knew exactly who the Spanish chick was, Lissette; Los told him she was supposed to be meeting him out here for business but what he couldn’t understand for the life of him was how Lucky and Ty ended up there.

Ty don’t tell me you put Lucky up to going out there on some rah, rah shit and now this nigga gettin bagged, Nice accused knowing this was more Ty and Keema’s style. No one could convince him at that very moment that it wasn’t Ty who put the battery in Lucky’s back to have her out there acting like that. I swear y’all chicks need to think before y’all act. What if some deeper shit come outta this? Ha? Then what? Ty I swear when I get there I’ma snatch ya lil ass up, Nice gritted low enough for only her ears. I ain’t put Lucky up to anything, Ty snapped defensively. No, she hadn’t put Lucky up to coming out there, but she hadn’t exactly tried to stop her either. Only now was she thinking that she should’ve done more to talk Lucky out of coming out there to confront Los. The repercussions of their actions didn’t cross her mind until now.

Oh my god; they just slammed him on the ground! Ty screamed as she looked on in shock at Los being tackled roughly to the ground by three cops. Who?! Who?! Nice asked getting amped. Carlos; they just slammed him to the ground and handcuffed him. They gonna break my fuckin cousin’s arm! Ty screamed hysterically while watching on in dismay as a cop pulled Lucky’s handcuffed arms damn near to her head as she tried to get to Los. Hell no! I’m going out there! Ty screamed. Ty! Ty get the fuck back in the car, stay where you at, Nice said in a stern tone as he swooped Kynah up handing the girl who was just working on Kynah’s face a fifty dollar bill not caring to pay at the register, or get his change.

He made fast strides to the exit of the mall while trying desperately to keep both himself and Ty calm. I’m not staying in no fuckin car, they hurting my cousin, Ty blurted out angrily. Nice knew he would have to calm Ty down; the last thing he needed was all three of them getting bagged and Los’s truck left to be either impounded or towed. Knowing how much work Lissette was copping, he knew Los was holding close to two milli easy in the truck. If the cops found that type of money on the streets they would definitely be opening up a Fed investigation as to why that much money was in Los’s possession and not in a bank. Furthermore they would be looking into how he obtained that much money

Nice decided to go with a softer approach to calm Ty down into not panicking and making a bad situation worse. He whipped out of his parking spot like he drove for NASCAR and ordered Ky to buckle up as she sat wide eyed and alert in her booster seat. Before he could say another word Ty said some shit that almost made his heart stop. Kamar! Oh my god they going to shoot Carlos! Ty’s cries shook her entire core, shit had gotten entirely too real after seeing the cop pull a gun out and aim it at Carlos. What?! Oh my fuckin God, Nice said dragging his hand down his face while mashing down on his gas pedal.

Ty? Ty? What’s goin on now? They put him in a cop car, Ty answered through whimpers as her heart pounded hard against her chest. Baby girl listen, I’ma need you to stop crying, be my lil soldier right now. Ty just lay low, lock them doors and don’t go out there. I love you ma, just be easy, I’m on my way okay. Okay, Ty sniffled wiping her face with the back of her wrist. She felt like shit watching those cops have to sit Lucky down on the curb because she was crying so hard, Ty wanted so badly to reach out and hug her cousin but she knew she had to do what Nice told her. She read between the lines and heard what he didn’t say verbally, there was something stashed in this truck that couldn’t be discovered by the police.

By the time Nice reached Los’s truck he had Jah with him and Los’s lawyers in route to the local police station. He was angry with both Ty and Lucky for coming out here showing their asses and things ending up the way they did. He had all intentions to jack Ty’s little ass up but once he laid eyes on her his anger dissipated almost immediately. The hurt and worried look on her face made Nice soften instantly. He could see she was genuinely concerned and scared for both Lucky and Los.

I’m sorry, Ty said in a low tone as she opened the driver’s side door clinging to Nice. Baby girl it’s a’ight, Nice said pulling back slightly to look her in the face. I’ma go get Los and Lucky right now, I need you to grab the Bent from across the street and bring it home, snatch lil mama up from Keem first though No! Baby I wanna go with you to get my cousin, Ty protested. Nah Ty I’ma take care of this, I promise. Go get Ky she’s scared; she know something’s up and she’ll feel better if one of us is there with her. You know you got making up to do anyways, Ky going to be too mad wit you for messing up Daddy’s day out, Nice said with a chuckle. Ty couldn’t help but crack a slight smile knowing Ky was most likely very upset. Ky looked forward to her private dates with her daddy, which equated to a full day of spoiling and attention from him. Nice placed a kiss on Ty’s forehead then helped her down from the truck. Jah shook his head at Ty with disapproval as he hopped in Los’s truck to drive it to a stash house. He was glad his wife had nothing to do with this situation today because he knew things would’ve been a whole lot worse. Nice waited until Ty hopped in Los’s car and pulled off safely before he sped off towards the precinct.

Lucky sat in a filthy holding cell trying to hold her breath, she couldn’t tell what smelled worse the crackhead sitting beside her scratching mercilessly at her infected looking arm covered in soars and scars; or the metal toilet in the corner of the small holding cell that was filled to the brim with a mixture of tissue, feces, urine and blood. Lucky was trying her best to inhale at a minimal, only taking in short quick breaths. The pungent odor that spread throughout that small space was damn near nauseating.

Lucky still couldn’t believe that she had actually been arrested. The hard, cold, steel bench she was sitting on was a harsh reminder that this was all too real and she was indeed in jail. In all there were 8 of them in the small cell and the women personalities were as colorful as their charges that ranged from Assault and Battery, Prostitution, Drug Possession, Driving on suspended license, Fraud and Larceny. Lucky listened in as the women chatted amongst each other. It seemed like every time a chick was brought into the cell she announced her charges as if it were a part of the welcoming committee ritual. All except for Lucky; she had been silent ever since she got to jail. Truth be told she was too afraid that if she said anything she would lose her battle with her tears. And she had already told herself under no circumstances was she going to shed one tear in jail. So far she had been sticking to her declaration. She had gotten through some of the hardest parts like getting finger printed and her mug shots taken without shedding one tear and she planned to keep it that way. Every time Lucky looked up she caught two younger chicks who had been popped for boosting and charged with Larceny staring at her. Please don’t make me catch another case in this bitch. Lucky thought to herself.

As Lucky sat trying to take short breaths through her nostrils to keep from inhaling too much of the foul stench in the cell she reflected on her life. She was hurting; her heart and life was literally in turmoil. In loving Carlos she was losing herself and everything she once was and stood for. Lucky used to shake her head and look down on chicks that would be in the streets fighting over a man. She prided herself in having too much self-esteem and class to be one of those chicks. And now look where she was, in jail; for doing the exact thing she once said she would never.

Many things Lucky said she would never do she was doing. Being with Los period was violating rules she had set for herself since she made it a rule to never date a hustla again after Cutty. Not to mention, her dreams of becoming a lawyer and getting accepted into any law school was now in jeopardy after today. All of this for loving a man who obviously didn’t love her in the same regards because he couldn’t seem to just say no to these hoes. Lucky swallowed hard as she accepted the sour pill of her life. Right now she felt as if she needed to humble herself, drop to her knees and ask for guidance because she was so lost. How could she have fallen so far from grace? She now realized that if loving Carlos had changed her and not for the better then maybe this was a clear sign that he wasn’t the one for her.

Detective Rick Campbell couldn’t believe his eyes. It was as if he were seeing a ghost walk through those doors in handcuffs. Carlos was the spitting image of his father. He had definitely inherited his father’s looks and most likely the family business as well from the looks of it. The sight of Carlos in handcuffs was almost nostalgic. It reminded him of a past dream that never came to a reality because Carlos’ father went and got himself killed right after Detective Campbell got enough evidence for a Grand Jury to approve a warrant for his arrest. Campbell was so close to arresting Carlos Sr. he could still taste it.

That arrest was supposed to be the defining moment of his career. A bust of that magnitude was exactly what careers are built off. Had he gotten a chance to arrest Carlos Sr. back then he would surely be either Lieutenant or Police Commissioner by now. Unfortunately it never happened but he would be damned if he let lightening strike twice. He thought to himself as he watched Los getting placed into a cell.

Hey Camp what’s going on? His partner asked seeing that familiar look in her partner’s eyes when he was thinking on something deep. A devilish grin spread across his lips before he answered. Have you ever heard of Operation King Fish? Jeffries thought for a few seconds before answering Uh, no don’t think I have. Why? What’s going on? I see that look in your eyes. What you got up your sleeve? Detective Campbell didn’t answer instead he bent down and unlocked his bottom drawer where he kept his most memorable cases. I didn’t think you would know anything about it. This was way back when I used to work narcotic squad down in the Badlands; South and North Philly prior to coming out here in my golden years for something much slower paced before retirement.

He slapped the thick file on the desk in front of his partner and her eyes lit up as if she was being let in on a top covert operation. Jeffries flipped through the pages reading old police notes and looking at surveillance photos. Then one name and photo caught her eyes; Showtime. She did remember this indeed, who could ever forget this? Hell yeah I remember this. I was fresh out of the Academy when this all went down! The entire city was on fire, this was a huge crime syndicate, it seemed as if they had all of Philly united; South, North, West, Parts of Jersey, New York, Maryland and DC, they seemed unstoppable.

Campbell screwed his face up in annoyance. Unstoppable until I came along, he corrected his partner. We were doing Operation King Fish for 3 years and I finally caught a break, an inside man; a confidential informant. A very reliable one at that, Showtime’s brother in-law Chad Davis was married to his wife’s sister Vera. Chad was the weakest link of the organization so we started focusing on him. We intercepted a drop he was supposed to make, caught the poor bastard red handed with more keys than a locksmith. He was done and he knew it. So once we brought him down to the precinct he started singing like a bird. He gave up everyone; even his pregnant wife. All he wanted in exchange was a get outta jail free card and a couple thousand dollars to start a new life with his mistress before the shit hit the fan. I finally had Showtime by the balls. With Chad’s cooperation and all the evidence my team gathered, it only took a Federal Grand Jury hours to approve a warrant. But then the case hit a snag when our C.I was found dead. I knew Mr. Showtime himself was behind the murder and I was going to stop at nothing until I saw his ass behind bars. He had pull; I’ll give him that. He was the reason the judge put a freeze on the indictment, money talks and even dirty judges can be bought. That freeze only bought him a little time though because I went all the way up the ladder challenging the Governor’s office to look into why this man who was flooding the streets with poison was being protected by our courts. It worked too. The judge finally lifted the freeze and then the bastard goes and gets himself off’d before I could even make the arrest. Campbell snarled still haunted by the missed opportunity feeling as if in a twisted way Showtime got the last laugh.

Jeffries shook her head in disbelief Wow unbelievable. If you think that’s unbelievable look over in the cell to your left. Jeffries looked over and nearly choked on her hot coffee. Campbell laughed at her reaction. Yeah I know it’s spooky. I had to do a double take too. Jeffries sat her coffee down and grabbed a Kleenex from Campbell’s desk to dab at the coffee she spilled on her shirt. They even have the same name, Campbell added. So what do you have in mind?Jeffries asked her partner knowing he had to have a master plan. I’m trying to retire with a bang. Maybe go into politics after this, Campbell said with an eager smirk plastered on his face.

Williams! A uniformed officer called reading Lucky’s name off a clipboard as he stood in front of the cell. Lucky stood up it’s about time they letting me get my damn phone call. She had been in the cell for nearly two hours and still hadn’t made a phone call. Although, she wasn’t too worried, she knew for sure the cavalry was on its way. Ty was there when she got arrested so she knew Ty would be working on getting her out along with everyone else from Nice, Jah, and Keema.

Lucky was handcuffed and then walked down a hall towards the rare of the precinct. With each step Lucky took it started to become very apparent to her that she wasn’t being brought to make a phone call. Her assumptions were only proved once the officer brought her to a door that read interrogation. Once Lucky was escorted into the room the officer told her to sit there and someone would be in shortly. Lucky’s defense mechanism kicked in immediately. What was she doing in an interrogation room? There was nothing she was arrested for that would require an interrogation; her crime was pretty cut and clear. Carlos had got caught out with some tramp that popped some slick shit and got her ass whipped, plain and simple. Lucky put her game face on as she sat and waited for someone to come in.

Her attention went to the door as detective Jeffries walked into the room. Lucky watched as a 40 something year old black woman with neat dreads pulled back into a ponytail walked in holding a manila folder. Lucky picked up on a lesbo vibe almost instantly, it was the way Jeffries handled herself, even the way she sat down at the table.

Hello I’m detective Jeffries, The woman said extending her hand for a handshake. Lucky just sat there disregarding the friendly gesture. Jeffries chuckled and withdrew her hand. Well how are you doing Mrs. Williams? I guess that’s a silly question considering you’re here today. Jeffries looked over at Lucky who remained stone faced. She was beautiful; and from the looks of it she would crumble under pressure in no time. I see that you’re in quite a bit of trouble. You’re facing some serious charges here, one count of domestic violence, two counts of assault and battery, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest and making terroristic threats. Jefferies said reading off all of the bogus charges they slapped on Lucky from a sheet of paper. What I’m trying to figure out is how a nice young lady like yourself goes from having no criminal record at all to facing this many charges? I don’t think you really understand the severity of your situation here. These are some serious charges that can result in some jail time.

Lucky looked Jeffries dead in her eyes and had to do everything in her power not to laugh in this chicks face. Who did she think she was talking to some dummy? Yeah they could slap her with as many trumped up charges as they wanted but that didn’t mean she was going to be convicted of any. Her lawyer would eat those charges up like Pac-Man. The only charge they could probably get her on was the assault and battery and she would accept and wear that charge like a badge of honor. Hell yeah! She whooped ass today and was proud of it. That bitch shouldn’t have come out her mouth slick and called me no black bitch and she wouldn’t have gotten her ass whipped. Lucky thought to herself. Lucky remained stoic and unresponsive as she stared at Detective Jeffries.

Off the record sista to sista, I don’t blame you for beating that chick down. I would’ve done the same thing had I caught my man cheating. Lucky raised an eyebrow yeah right; we both know dick ain’t your forte. I wanna help you with these charges. The last thing I wanna see is a bright, young, lady like ya’self with no priors go down for being wronged by a man. But I’ll need you to help me help you; all I need is a few questions answered regarding Mr. Johnson. Lucky’s heartbeat picked up and beat wildly against her chest although, she remained stone faced outwardly. Lucky couldn’t believe what she was hearing. We know you live together and you may have been privy to some of his illegal dealings. Is this bitch out of her fucking mind? I’m insulted that she would even think I was that dumb. Detective Jeffries had her pen in hand pressed on her notepad waiting on a response but none came. Lucky continued to sit there looking at her blankly. The silenced stare down between the two women had created a thick cloud of tension that was almost suffocating in nature.

Jeffries knowing she obviously wasn’t getting anywhere with this approach decided to take another one. You know in my line of work I’ve ran across so many women just like you. Young, beautiful, and absolutely in love with Mr. Wrong, what’s going to happen when the DEA is kicking down your door and charging you with conspiracy and attempt to distribute? When you’re facing 20 years to life on kingpin charges, will it all be worth it? There’re plenty of women in prison right now who are doing time not for crimes they’ve committed but for crimes the men they loved committed. From one sista to the next I’m trying to save you from that fate; he’s not worth it. Jeffries looked over at Lucky for a glimmer of hope that her fake words of warning and concern had any effect on her but there was no reaction at all. Jeffries chuckled and closed the manila folder she had in front of her. I don’t understand why you would be so loyal to a man who obviously isn’t loyal to you. I mean…gettin his side chick pregnant is a clear sign that he doesn’t share the same sentiment on loyalty.

Detective Jeffries had hit Lucky with a two piece combo and uppercut. Lucky literally just died inside although, she tried her best to remain stoic but the internal strife she was experiencing nearly killed her. Outside she was cold as ice but inside she was balled up in a corner bawling like a baby; her heart had broken into a million pieces. Jeffries studied Lucky intently and could see a reaction out of her for the first time. She watched as Lucky’s breathing became deeper and she blinked repeatedly to stop herself from crying. Oh you didn’t know did you? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but yes Mrs. Chavez informed us that she’s 10 weeks pregnant by Mr. Johnson. It’s a good thing she didn’t lose that baby in the little cat fight you two had, that would’ve been really bad for you criminally speaking. Lucky cut her eyes to the side and stared at the floor. She had to get her composure together because she felt as if she was going to lose it. Her ears were burning and her throat was closing in on her.

She got herself together quickly and looked back at Jeffries. When Lucky opened her mouth to say something Jeffries smiled triumphantly thinking she had finally cracked Lucky. Jeffries sat back down with pen and pad ready to hear something that would make national news. I want my fuckin lawyer, Lucky said with enough venom to stop someone’s heart. Jeffries grabbed her files off the table roughly and stood to her feet. It was apparent that she had gotten absolutely nowhere with Lucky. Well I guess we’re done here. I’ll send an officer to take you back to your cell. Jeffries walked out slamming the door behind her. One lone tear escaped Lucky’s eye and she quickly wiped it away with her shoulder. These bastards better be lying to me, I swear I’ma kill that muthafucka. I love him so much and this is how he repays me by gettin some random bitch pregnant. Fuck him I’m so done!

Before she could even delve deeper into her pity party the door swung open and in barged a white man in his mid 50’s or so with a scowl on his face. He grabbed a chair roughly, placed his foot on it and banged his fist on the table coming only inches away from Lucky’s face. Lucky sat there looking on at the spectacle Detective Campbell was making of himself. He needed to consider a career in Broadway instead of criminal justice with his horrible rendition of good cop bad cop. Listen we’re done with the games. We know all about your dope pushing boyfriend out there. Now what we want to know is where he’s getting his drugs from? How’s he transporting and distributing the drugs? And last but not least the names of a couple of his buyer’s. Don’t try and act ignorant as if you’re the innocent, unassuming live in girlfriend that doesn’t have a clue, that act won’t fly with me. You better start talking and you better start talking now, that’s the only way you’re going to save yourself from being involved in a Federal indictment. I’m giving you this one shot at freedom because once the DEA is kicking the door down on that multi-million dollar pad of yours and charging you and Romeo out there on Kingpin charges there won’t be a damn thing we want to hear from you then. So you’re going to tell me what I need to know right now! He said pointing his index finger inches away from Lucky’s face.

Lucky couldn’t believe this; she had asked for her lawyer and the moment those words left her mouth legally there were no further questions that could be asked of her. But here this man stood clearly violating her rights. I’m not going to do shit; Lucky snapped. You’re violating my rights. Once I requested my lawyer this interrogation was over. Therefore, we have nothing else to talk about. I know my rights! I’m supposed to have a phone call and a right to seek legal counsel. Oh aren’t you a smart little nigger bitch, let me guess drug money paid for that education too ha? Campbell barked sarcastically. Lucky’s eyes bucked in slight shock before looking over at detective Jeffries who was now standing in the doorway half expecting her to say something about the racial slur her partner just used. She wasn’t too surprised when Jeffries did absolutely nothing. Lucky had to remind herself that cops didn’t see black or white the only race they saw was blue the one they belonged to. You’ve been watching way too many cop shows on television my Dear. I run shit in here and I don’t give a shit about your rights. You won’t be gettin any phone calls anytime soon; I can guarantee you that smartass! He jerked his leg from the chair, adjusting his clothes before storming out of the room.

Campbell met up with Jeffries down the hall. Shit she’s a smart one, Jeffries admitted with a smirk. Yeah she’s not going to budge that bastard has her coached very well, Campbell concluded. He had initially thought at first glance Lucky would crumble like a cookie but looks were deceiving. She was taught and taught well to keep her composure under pressure and it was obvious she was loyal. She wasn’t going to give up her man even after catching him with another woman. I got a plan. Campbell said with a grin on his face.

Carlos was sitting in this filthy cell stressing not only for himself but for Lucky too. He kept replaying the look in Lucky’s eyes when she swiped everything off the table and glared down at him and Lissette sitting at the table together. That look would haunt him for many nights to come. Los shook his head and ran his hand over his deep waves then face. Damn yo how did things get so fucked up? He was hoping and praying his murder game was as official as he thought it was and they didn’t come back tying him to anything he did in the past. With each passing minute though it was wrecking his brain that maybe something had come up. All the other men in the cell stayed away from him. They could tell without a shadow of a doubt he wasn’t the one to be fucked with and he wasn’t in his best of moods. All he wanted to do was get out and make things right with his wifey; he would be damned if he lost her over something he didn’t do this time.

Carlos thoughts were interrupted by loud whistling. He turned his head to see a white detective staring at him intently. I was an old acquaintance of your father’s. Carlos knew immediately that he was an old enemy; because his father never fucked with the police. I just wanted to stop over and say congratulations on the bundle of joy you and Miss Chavez got on the way. Carlos gave him the ‘what the fuck look’. Los chuckled and shook his head; he wasn’t the least bit worried about the games this detective was obviously playing. That bitch ain’t pregnant by me. Oh is that right? Oops! I guess we should’ve talked to you before we informed your girlfriend about the baby. Carlos suddenly became serious as a heart attack. You did what? Los gritted with fire in his eyes. Yeah well we must’ve been misinformed. Oh well, I wonder what a heart broken and devastated woman would say once she finds out about her man’s love child? You know the old saying rings true hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Detective Campbell chuckled seeing how Los lost his cool almost immediately. Los jumped to his feet and approached the bars banging on them hard with his hand. Y’all fuckin pigs is on some bullshit.

Right on cue, Lucky was brought from the rare interrogation room and purposefully walked right past the cell Los was being held in. Carlos locked eyes with Lucky and he could see she had been crying. Even if no one had actually witnessed her shed a tear, he knew his baby enough to know she had. Lucky broke their eye contact and walked with her head to the floor. She couldn’t take looking at him a second longer. He had really disappointed and hurt her this time and she swore this would be his last time.

Lucky! Louchanna! Louchanna look at me! Los demanded gripping on the cell bars and trying desperately to get her attention as the uniformed cop walked a handcuffed Lucky out of sight. Detective Jeffries walked from the interrogation room Lucky came out of holding a manila folder and called Campbell over to her. The two detectives looked in the folder that had absolutely nothing but blank and meaningless papers and talked as if they had just gotten a big break. Carlos couldn’t hear their conversation or see what was in the folder but he didn’t have to see anything to know Lucky didn’t say shit; he would put his life on that. These cops were playing dirty though and he needed to get Lucky out of here and fast. He could handle himself; all he wanted was for her to be out. Damn where the fuck is this nigga Nice at?

Nice walked into the precinct mad as hell flocked by two lawyers. The whole group was way past frustrated; for some reason these cops were playing hide and seek with both Lucky and Los. Since they were arrested on the borderline of two towns each town was claiming to not have them in custody. Nice and Los’s lawyers had just come from the neighboring precinct and waited nearly an hour only to be told they didn’t have them in custody.

My clients are being held here. I want to see them and I want to see them now, Horowitz said skipping the pleasantries. The clerk at the front desk looked up at Horowitz with attitude. She knew his type, high powered Jew lawyer from the city used to throwing his money and power around. Well before you see anyone you’re going to have to post the bail. Money! Is this what this is all about? Money? Well here. Horowitz said slamming a briefcase on the counter and flipping it open exposing racks on top of racks. Now where are my clients? he asked with his patience dwindling with each passing second.

The clerks’ eyes bulged looking at the briefcase. Your client’s names Sir? Carlos Johnson and Louchanna Williams, Horowitz said with a sigh. The clerk typed the names in her computer. I can’t seem to fi… Get me the damn Captain right now before I have the Attorney General on his way down here, Horowitz snapped in an authoritative and threatening tone. At this point Horowitz was past tired of the runaround he’d been getting and he didn’t want to play the games anymore, so before that clerk could even lie to his face by telling him she couldn’t locate Lucky or Los in her system he ordered her to get her boss. The clerk jerked her head back and her mouth fell agape slightly but she got up immediately and made her way to Captain Daniel’s office. Daniels’ I think we have a problem out front.

Captain Daniels rushed to the front of the precinct. What seems to be the problem? he asked with authority. I’m trying to figure out the exact same thing. You’re holding my client’s here. They’ve been picked up on misdemeanor charges but it seems like someone’s trying to play hide and seek with them and I want to know why? Well booking is a process and sometimes that process is a little time consuming, Daniel’s said defensively. Like hell it is, something stinks about this whole situation and if I find out that anything under handed is going on I will bring a lawsuit against this department that’ll have this little town knee deep in legal fees for years to come. We both know the higher ups in the Mayor and Governors office won’t take too kindly to that. Now I want to see my client’s to check on their well being, seeing that no one has actually heard from them since their arrests. Daniels face was beet red after getting his ass handed to him in his own domain.

You can see your client’s but only for five minutes. he said trying to save face and assert some type of authority. An officer will escort you to the holding area. Both lawyers started to walk towards the door leading to the back. Only you, Daniels added before hiking his pants up over his Santa belly. Horowitz clenched his jaw bone glaring at Daniels before turning to both his partner and Nice. I’ll be right back. Horowitz adjusted his custom made, Italian, designer suit and diamond cuff links trying to get his swag back in tact after losing his cool. He grabbed his briefcase and strutted through the back like he owned the joint.

When Horowitz finally reached the cell Carlos was being held in he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The condition of the cell was deplorable to put it lightly. Carlos stood up and walked over to the bars when he saw Horowitz. Geesh! What happened to your face? Did they do this to you? That’s the reason they’ve been trying to hide you, Horowitz said feeling a police brutality case on the horizon with lots of money to be won. No Lucky did. Horowitz eyes bulged in disbelief momentarily before they went back to regular size. Los caught the stunned look on his lawyer’s face but ignored it. He had bigger fish to fry like getting Lucky out of here.

I’ll have you out in no time. I already have them working on the release process. Nah fuck that get Lucky out now. This ain’t her; she ain’t built for this and these pigs up to some grimy shit. They brought her into the interrogation room for questioning. Horowitz’s eyes lit up with alarm, Interrogation over misdemeanor assault charges? Horowitz asked with his forehead crinkled in deep thought. Yeah that’s exactly what I said. I don’t know what the fuck is going on. All I know is they tryna get Luck to flip on a nigga by filling her head up with a bunch of bullshit. It’s time, the officer who escorted Horowitz to the cell said interrupting the hushed conversation between Los and his lawyer. Carlos don’t worry about a thing. I’ll have you and Lucky out in no time, He assured before walking to the front.

Horowitz went back to the front and demanded Lucky be released on the grounds that he knew Lucky was interrogated without legal counsel present. He made it clear that if he found out she was questioned on anything other than the arresting charges there would be problems. Lucky was sprung from her cell so damn fast she thought she was dreaming. She’d already mentally prepared herself to stay the night in that cold, filthy cell after detective Campbell threatened to deny her a phone call. She was sure he meant what he said but after being processed for release Lucky was indeed free to go.

Nice watched as Lucky stepped from the rare door of the prescient into the lobby. Hurt was evident all on her face as she looked at Nice with unsure eyes. He could tell Lucky was apprehensive about how he would react towards her after all this drama went down. Before today the whole concept of Lucky ever going to jail seemed preposterous to Nice but here she was fresh out looking traumatized. Awe baby girl come here, Nice said softly opening his arms for Lucky. Lucky rushed into his arms and let go of that cry she’d been holding in. She cried hard into his chest creating a wet spot on his shirt. Luck you good now, Nice assured as he led her outside to get some fresh air away from all the prying eyes. Lucky lifted her face from his chest and wiped her eyes dry trying to get herself together.

I just wanna go home to take a shower, Lucky whispered. I know Luck, Los will be out in a little bit so when he… No! No I can’t, I can’t do this with him right now. I don’t have it in me, I just wanna go home, Lucky demanded with tears brimming her eyes. A’ight, a’ight lil sis calm down, wait right here. Nice went back into the lobby returning minutes later with one of Los’ lawyers. Lucky you know Steiner, he’s gonna take you home. Nice gave her one last hug. Ayo Steiner call me as soon as you drop her off at the crib. Will do. Lucky hopped in Steiner’s Benz and fell silent staring out the window as they pulled off.

A good 15 minutes into the ride Los’ lawyer broke the silence. So Lucky you were questioned today by two detectives I hear. What exactly did they ask you? Steiner asked turning the volume down on the radio by his steering wheel. Lucky told him everything, careful not to leave anything out. Good, you did really good but if you’re ever in a situation like this again request a lawyer as soon as the detective enters the room. Even though I really don’t think it would’ve mattered in this case. I don’t want you to worry about a thing we’ll take care of this. Lucky didn’t respond, instead she reached over and turned the radio back up before turning her body towards the passenger side door. Lucky sat in silence staring blankly out the window not caring if her actions came off rude or not. She wasn’t in the socializing mood she needed a moment to get past the shock of what happened to her earlier that day.

While sitting there in deep thought Lucky felt as if she had finally had an epiphany; she now understood clearly the dynamics of her and Los’ relationship. Looking down at her charm bracelet flooded with colorful diamond charms she thought about its price. She thought about the shopping sprees, vacations, the cars she drove and the house she lived in. Did all of this come with a price to pay? Was this the luxury tax Mika spoke of when dealing with men who had money? Mika had warned the girls of a luxury tax you sometimes had to pay with niggaz who had money. You see this tax wasn’t to be paid monetarily no, instead you had to pay with things like yourself respect, your dignity and with heartbreak. It seemed now that every diamond, handbag and whip had a luxury tax on it after all. But Lucky wasn’t willing to pay that tax with her heart, her self-esteem, and her sanity any longer, yes her sanity because Los was driving her completely crazy.

It was clear to her now that maybe Los and so many other men with long paper held the same sentiment. That the women they were with would have to play their parts and put up with their disloyal and dishonest ways in order to maintain a lifestyle of luxury and status. Well if that’s what Carlos had in mind he was sadly mistaken. Lucky never wanted anything from him but his love. And since she obviously didn’t have that it was so easy for her to walk away from everything else including all the perks that came with being his woman. Fuck that nigga! He can have this shit. He got me fucked up if he thinks I would put up with his hoe ass to live in the lap of luxury. I would rather live in a cardboard box. Lucky knew what she had to do; she had to leave this toxic situation while she still had a chance. She needed to breakaway and she had just the plan she was going to run away.

Lucky jumped out of the car barely letting it come to a complete stop in front of the house. Lucky you take it easy, I don’t want you to wor… is all she heard Steiner say before the car door slammed on him mid sentence. She wasn’t intentionally trying to be rude but she didn’t know how far away Los was and she intended to be long gone by the time he made it home.

Lucky fumbled with her keys in the lock for a bit her nervousness evident. Steiner pulled off once he saw her disappear inside the house. She knew it was now or never, Los would never let her leave him and as much as her mind was made up now one touch from Carlos could change it. Carlos had some type of hold on her that she couldn’t explain. The type of mind control to make her stay when she really wanted to go, to change her mind about their love when she was certain things were over. That nigga had the power to jedi her mind or do like the Vamps do on True Blood and glamour her. One second she would be leaving him, the next second he would be digging her out; she refused to let that be the case today.

Lucky took the steps of the grand staircase two at a time. Her heart was beating out of her chest as she reached their bedroom. She ran directly into the closet and grabbed an oversized LV duffle bag stuffing it to capacity with as many clothes she could fit in, mostly comfortable attire; jeans, sweats, fitted tees and extra footwear. Shit! Where is my sweater? Lucky cursed under her breath breaking a sweat while frantically grabbing up a handful of undergarments from her drawer. She rushed back into her bedroom and grabbed her Birkin bag dumping all of its contents on the bed. The only thing she took was her license’s stuffing it in her back pocket leaving everything else, even her credit cards. She then dumped her books and Ipad out of her Gucci book bag and placed her undergarments and toiletries inside. Lucky made a mad dash to Carlos’s office and crawled underneath his large dark Cherry wood desk pulling the rug back exposing a safe. She frantically plugged in the combination Los had given her with shaky fingers and opened the safe. Lucky froze looking at the stacks of money that was packaged into individual bricks with plastic covering. There were three bankrolls laid on top of the packaged stacks with rubber bands holding the money together. She grabbed two of the bankrolls not bothering to count them before closing the safe back. A part of her felt some type of way about taking the money being that she didn’t plan on staying with Los any longer. Another part of her felt as if Carlos owed her this if not much more for all the bullshit he’d put her through during their relationship. This wouldn’t hurt him in the least, this was chump change to him but to her it was enough money for a new start. Lucky needed the cash anyways because she had no plans on using any credit or bank cards that would allow him to track her down through the charges.

She was on her way out of his office when something caught her eye. It was a picture of Los and her smiling and hugging on a sandy white beach in St. Tropez. The good times when I thought my love was all you needed. Lucky’s eyes started to water with the realization that things would never be the same between them. He couldn’t fix this or try and water it down. He had actually went out there and got some random bitch pregnant. A part of her didn’t want to believe that he would hurt her that badly. The other part of her knew the amount of energy it would take to find out whether it was true or not was more than she was willing to give this relationship. She was done; she had nothing left to give Carlos because he had taken it all selfishly. And she refused to give him the last bit of dignity and sanity she had left. Lucky walked over and took the picture off his desk stuffing it into her book bag after wiping away tears that had escaped her eyes.

Rushing back into the bedroom she zipped up her duffle bag, slipped on her Gucci sneaks, strapped her book bag on both her shoulders and headed down the stairs while nervously dialing for a taxi. Hello, yes yellow taxi. I need a cab at 1862 Scottsdale Estates Road. How fast can you send a driver? 45 minutes! No I don’t have that type of time. Listen I will pay double the fair and give a really big tip to the driver if you can get someone out here quicker. I really need a ride as soon as possible, Lucky spoke sounding desperate. Okay, okay that’s fine, I’ll be waiting,

Carlos paced impatiently from one end of the cell to the other like a trapped lion at a zoo. The pit of his stomach was churning with anxiety; something wasn’t right. He could feel it something was off; he needed to check on his other half. Damn what the fuck is taking so long?

Horowitz was about to explode he hated to be played with. Here it was damn near an hour later and Carlos still wasn’t out of jail. What’s the problem? Why is it taking so long to process my client? Well Sir, we’re checking your client’s prints through the national database for any outstanding warrants. We’re doing our due diligence in making sure we aren’t setting a wanted man free. What?! Horowitz said trying to really comprehend the crock of shit the Captain was trying to feed him. You and I both know that doesn’t take this long. Let’s not play games you’re stalling. I know all the stall tactics you guys play. Horowitz wasn’t green to the games law enforcement played. He used to be a state Prosecutor before he switched sides and became a defense attorney with his own private practice. You could say he figured out from early on that crime really does pay. You won’t get away with the way your department is handling things, I swear to that. Now when is my client going to be released? Captain Daniel’s could sense Horowitz could be a problem indeed. Let me check with my processing department.

Daniels’ went into his office and phoned Detective Campbell’s desk. Get in here He gritted into the receiver. Campbell entered his office minutes later with caution. Listen, I’ve given you as much time as I possibly could. If you haven’t gotten anything on him through Afac we’re gonna have to spring him. I have his Jew puppets up my ass and I don’t need this heat. I don’t know what type of hard on you got for this guy and I really don’t care. But if nothing came up you’re going to leave this alone. Daniels this guy is bad news I know it. This can be the big break that will put us on the map. I know he’s dealing dope, I almost arrested his father for the same thing, Campbell pleaded with desperation. Camp if you don’t have a hit on his fingerprints let it go. I can’t deal with the shit storm that will fly my way if the higher ups hear about this, Daniels said sternly knowing Horowitz wasn’t just talking out his ass when he said he would have the Attorney General on his way down to the police station. He looked like the type to rub elbows and golf with the same judges who ruled over the cases he won. That’s just the way it went in the judicial system the law was never black or white it was always grey covered in money green. Fine. I’ll let it go for now Campbell conceded.

Just when Carlos felt as if he were going to lose it for real his name was called by an officer who came to get him for processing. Carlos stepped out from being processed walking into the lobby stuffing his wallet into his pocket. Ayo what the fuck took so long? Los snapped with aggravation. This wasn’t what he paid his lawyer’s big money for. They claim they had to cross reference your name and prints through Afac to see if you had any outstanding warrants nationally. That’s bullshit that don’t take that long, had a nigga thinking something really did come up, Los mumbled. Carlos I’ll handle this I swear. These small town hicks have committed so many violations it isn’t even funny, I’ll get the last laugh though believe me. Los only half listened to his lawyer vent as he scanned the lobby looking for Lucky. He knew Horowitz hated when anyone challenged his authority. Horowitz was gangsta in a whole different way, in the way of the law that is that’s why Los fucked with him.

Gotdamn Baby what’s good? You a’ight? Nice asked as he dapped Los out then gave him a manly hug. Yeah I’m straight, where Lucky at? Oh she left. I had Steiner bring her home over an hour ago. You what?! Fuck you do that for? Los asked on the verge of looking insane. Fuck you mean what I do that for? She wanted to go home, Nice asked looking at Los as if he’d lost his mind. Los ignored the look Nice was giving him as he made fast steps towards the exit while dialing Lucky’s phone. Something’s not right I need to get home, Los said with uneasiness. What you mean something not right? Nice asked looking a little unnerved as he and Los hopped in his car. Nice pushed his Aston Martin damn near to the max all the way to Los’ house hoping Lucky ain’t do no more crazy shit today like hurt herself. He looked over every so often at Los who looked visibly sick as he called Lucky continuously begging her to pick up on the voicemail to no avail.

Meanwhile, Lucky heard a car horn honk; peeking out the window she noticed it was the cab service. Right as she was grabbing her bags up her phone rang, it was Ty once again. She made a mental note to call Ty once she was settled into wherever she ended up. Lucky was at the front door about to slip out when she heard loud yipping, Peanut Butter came running at her full speed his little paws sliding on the expensive Italian marble floors. PB sniffed and yipped around her ankles, wagging his tail frantically thinking they were going out for a walk. Lucky bent down scooping him up into her arms. No I can’t take you with me. It really broke her heart that she would have to leave him behind but she knew lots of hotels had no pet policies I’ll be back for you, promise. Lucky said before placing a peck kiss on his adorable face. Right as she went to put him down her phone rung but this time Hubby popped up on the screen and her heart nearly jumped into her throat. Lucky placed Peanut Butter down then tossed her phone to the floor. The phone was nothing but an electronic leash she didn’t need. Where to Ma’am? I don’t know just drive. Get me as far away from this damn house as possible. Hurry up Lucky said in a panicked tone looking out the back window fearing Los would pull up at any second.

When Nice pulled up to the front of Carlos' house Los hopped from the passenger seat running up in the house as if it were on fire and Lucky was in there. He ran up the stairs entering their master bedroom calling Lucky’s name and got no answer in return. Los rushed into the closet hoping she was in there giving him the silent treatment. But all he saw was clothes strewn everywhere, it was apparent she had packed up in a hurry leaving the closet in disarray. He ran back into the bedroom and noticed for the first time that her pocketbook and all its contents were scattered over the bed. Los picked up her wallet noticing her credit cards were still there but not her license. Call it intuition but something made him go into his office, he knew upon entering that she’d been in there because a picture was missing from his desk. He opened the small safe under his desk which was one of a few he had throughout the house and noticed Lucky had taken money. Los was like Oprah it didn’t matter how long his paper was he knew how much he had and accounted for everything coming in and out. He remembered counting out loose change and rolling it up into bankrolls placing them on top of the bricks. What was once three bankrolls was only one now. The money didn’t matter he wouldn’t have given her the combination to the safe if he didn’t want her to have the money. What alarmed him was that Lucky was somewhere out here alone, naked; with that type of money on her. He knew niggaz that would do they own family greasy for a lot less than 20g’s and that’s what scared him the most. Carlos called Lucky’s phone one last time. His hopes peaked for just a second when he heard her ringtone in the distance only to have them fade when Nice reached the landing of the stairs with Lucky’s phone in hand. Nice handed Los Lucky’s ringing phone, which had a total of 15 missed calls 5 from Ty, 2 from Keema and the rest from him. Damn! Los fumed running his hand down his face in frustration.

Lucky didn’t know how but she ended up at the airport. After paying her fair she found a small rental car company that let her pay in cash. Once she rented a car she drove aimlessly not knowing exactly where she was going. All she knew was she needed to get away, far away from Los right now. Coming to the exit terminal of the airport there were two signs one read Delaware and the other read Washington DC. She took the exit to Delaware and drove until she couldn’t drive anymore because her eyelids had become too heavy. Lucky pulled into the first hotel she saw which was a Holiday Inn Suite’s. After checking in she cried herself to sleep all the while fighting the urge to run back full speed into the arms of the man who was causing so much strife in her life right now.

Almost two weeks later Los sat in an oversized arm chair in a smoked filled room. He exhaled sending a large cloud of smoke to sail over his head. Stress and fatigue was evident all over his face; he had just come from looking for Lucky and was feeling dejected when his search came up empty. So here Los sat in a room surrounded by his boys but somehow he still felt alone. He had his team out here with orders to snatch Lucky lil ass up off these streets On-Sight, usually he wouldn’t dare approve of any of his niggaz touching Lucky especially, the young wild ones who’ve been known to get a little overzealous in their quest to earn stripes and impress Los but Lucky’s little disappearing act had pushed him to do it. Los still couldn’t believe she had actually left him. Lucky had threatened to leave plenty of times before but this time she had really made good on her threats leaving him to feel as if he didn’t know what to do with himself. To Los this whole situation was embarrassing as hell; that a nigga of his caliber had no idea where his wifey was. One glance at Los and anyone could see the type of toll Lucky’s absence had taken on him. It had been nearly two weeks and Lucky was still gone. Everyone in the room seemed to be chillin and smoking as if they had not a care in the world while he was stressing and feeling as if his whole world had been turned upside down.

With Lucky’s absence it seemed as if everyone was going through it in their own relationships. Nice and Ty were at it because Nice believed she knew where Lucky was and wasn’t saying. Even Keema and Jah went through a little spat when he accused her of knowing Lucky’s whereabouts too. It wasn’t until Keema spazed out and broke down crying did Jah believe she really had no idea where Lucky was. Truth be told neither Keema nor Ty knew where she was or had heard anything from her. They were just as worried about Lucky as Los was. The only person that had some type of communication with Lucky was Matoo who would only assure everyone that she was okay.

Nice looked over at Los who was