Money Is the Topic

By Emanuel Brown

This book is about three friends who grew up together. Tameka has a very dark past that comes back to haunt her and causes one of her close friends, Leslie, to be kidnapped.
Because they grew up together, they became accustomed to the finer things, at the expense of Tamekas father. Greed had a way of getting into Leslies brain after Tameka saved her life. Erica is the voice of reason among the three. When she is betrayed by the man to whom she devoted her life, she opens the window to allow all reasoning to fly the coop. Tameka teaches her the ins and outs of revenge, firsthand.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496968654

Emanuel Brown

The author was born and raised in Mississippi. He attended Southwest Community College and is currently living in Knoxville Tennessee.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I was standing on the deck of a Carnival Cruise ship, looking out at the ocean and what appeared to be the edge of the earth. Christopher Columbus must have seen a view like this when he thought the world was flat and took off on a voyage to what became America.

The smell of the sea took me back to my childhood and summer trips to Gulfport, Mississippi. I imagined walking on the beach with sand between my toes, the taste of salt in the air, and the sounds from the ocean. I was so young and innocent then. As with most good things, those times came to an end.

My husband, Raphael, died about a month ago. This cruise was a way to get my mind off things—it was the suggestion of friends and family. Raphael’s death was such a shock to everyone but me. The thought was to not make his death obvious, so I’d play a grieving widow and reap the benefits from it. He’d said that he would always take care of me, but I figured I could enjoy his money more if he wasn’t around. So I made sure that I would fulfill my wishes through his. That’s a wife’s duty, isn’t it? That’s what I have been told anyway.

I was so lost in my thoughts that a stranger had walked up behind me, unnoticed. How are doing, beautiful? he asked. Why are you out here all alone?

I’m sure a look of pure shock came over my face. I’m doing fine, thank you. But the question should be, how long have you been standing back there watching me?

I just came out to catch some of this evening air. I haven’t been out here long at all. Do you mind if I join you Miss?

Well, I guess not, since you are here. You can keep me company.

That’s what I’m talking about. How is everything with you, Miss Lady?

I’m doing fine. I was so caught up in my thoughts and this spectacular view that I had forgotten that I was here at all.

I can see how that may happen. If you had a choice to be anything out there—air, land, or sea—what would you choose?

I would have to say a dolphin. They are such beautiful creatures, full of life and adventure. It takes a lot of courage to come out of the water like they do, not knowing if there is danger, once they are from under the cover of the sea.

You are very intriguing. I would like to offer you an invitation to dinner Miss. That is, if you’re not busy later on this evening. This ship has some of the best chefs in the world on board.

You don’t know my name, yet you ask me out to dinner.

That is something we can discuss then. I don’t feel any need to be in a hurry. That’s if you decide to join me later.

It doesn’t take us having dinner for my name to be given. You can just ask me. You don’t know if I have been accompanied by someone or not. I may have a husband or boyfriend on board, awaiting my return.

You are right. This is what I do know so far. Naturally, it doesn’t take dinner to accomplish such a task, but there is a lot more than your name that I would like to get to know. What I do know as of right now, sweetheart, is that you boarded the ship alone. Someone as beautiful as you is hard to miss. I was standing on the deck when you came aboard. You either meant to carry your own baggage aboard, or you have a man but not a gentleman.

I was thinking you were all smooth words. That just went out the window. Is that offer for dinner still available?

Why wouldn’t it be? It’s not like I have anything to do this evening.

Let’s step inside and grab a bite. This is not a date; we are just having a friendly dinner. If you would care to, let’s meet in the dining area in forty-five minutes to an hour. That will give me a chance to freshen up a bit.

I have waited this long to meet a woman like you. I can wait a little while longer.

I considered what to wear as I walked back to the room. Whatever I decided, I wanted it to look airbrushed on me. Nothing revealing; I liked the classy but sassy look, leaving something for the imagination. My fire-engine-red Prada evening gown would do the trick.

I stepped into the room with my Swag on a Million theme song playing in my mind. I’m Sprung by T-Pain has kept me focused when I have a goal in mind and need some motivation. Music has always been great. I can find a song for any occasion, no matter how I look at it.

As I’d expected, all eyes were on me for a moment. That was all that was needed—the dress alone or the fact that the dress and the woman in it were two bad mothers. I knew I would be brought up in a future conversation or two by someone.

He walked across the room to greet me with a beautiful flower arrangement in his hand. The lighting here made him look better than I thought. I hoped that my interest in him wasn’t as noticeable as his interest in me. I could tell that this unnamed stranger wanted me by the look in his eyes.

Just when I didn’t think anyone could become more beautiful, you just show up and show out.

Thanks. You fill out that suit very well yourself, mister. Have you been waiting here long?

Nah, just a few ticks. Now that we are here, I believe a proper introduction is needed. My name is Marcus. What is yours?

Tameka is my government name. Are you happy now, or do you want a Social Security number too? I joked.

You can have that one. I like that in a woman. A sense of humor goes a long way in any type of relationship. A good joke can be an ice breaker. Lord knows that life is too short to walk around mad all the time.

The hostess showed us to our table. And like a gentleman Marcus pulled my chair out for me. In my mind I was thinking how right he was, I don’t let what other people do to destroy my vibe. Stress kills and I want let what the next person do to shorting my time here on earth.

At that moment, I was thinking, He has no idea how short his life can be. I may have a joke or two. I do enjoy making people smile, though. That’s if I can, anyway. Now that we are on a first-name basis, do you want to tell me a little bit about yourself?

He went on to explain where he was born and raised, where he now lived, and what he did for a living. The waitress approached our table as Marcus was beginning to tell me about his past marriage. The waitress asked Marcus if he would be having his usual.

I understand waitresses have to be nice. But this is a little too nice for a first time meet with them two. The waitress and Marcus had some small talk before he could focus on me. I gave the waitress my order once she looked my way and asked me, What will you be having this evening? I couldn’t wait for her to leave. So I could find out what was up with those two.

Marcus, I couldn’t help but notice that you and our waitress are on a first-name basis. What is the business with that? The waitress isn’t trying to get her bid in, not while I’m sitting here, surely? I’m no hood rat, but I will go there, especially if I feel disrespected. And I’m feeling that way. So please, sir, enlighten me before I have put her in her place.

My associates and I have used this cruise line for some years now. Our company comes aboard for parties, and we send some of our clients here to vacation. But anything other than that, I would have to say, no, it’s not like we have slept together or anything, if that’s what you want to know. She and I have known each other for some time now.

I can dig that. I just don’t like disrespectful females. Do you know what I mean?

I dig. I like the fact you ask things before you assume the worst. Thanks for not just jumping to a conclusion. A lot of people judge me by my appearance, which is fine by me.

What does that mean, might I ask? How do most people perceive you? If I had to take a guess, the people who live a street lifestyle will take you for a short trip, if at all. There is more than meets the eye with you, I’m sure. You wearing a tailored made suit but I can tell you have some urban knowledge somewhere in you. I was trying to get a feel for Marcus. He seems a little too willing to give up the information that he is. Is this a sign of him being desperate for companionship or just an open and honest man? I know it want take me long to find out which one it is.

Well, I’m sort of a double-edged sword, I suppose. I can say I’m a boardroom cat with some urban in him.

We had our drinks and went to the dance floor while waiting for our food to arrive. We had a couple of tender moments under the dim lighting of the dance floor. He must have thought there was a window open to my soul by the way he gazed into my eyes. Sorry to say, the blinds are open, but the house is empty.

My soul was buried with David a long time ago. A person has to become disconnected from her feelings to have the guts to kill someone. I’m not talking about the accidental killings that happen; I mean when it is planned.

I saw the waitress returning to the table with our meals. I was ready to eat. My stomach was beginning to think my throat was cut. I think I see our dinner coming.

I do believe so. Would you like to lead the way?

I don’t care to. My dad said a pervert may have came up with the saying, ‘Ladies first’ as a slick way to check out a woman’s backside.

You are late, I’m afraid. I have already seen what you are working with. You have a nice butt back there.

I see now that I have my hands full with you, mister. I’m sure your charm has carried you a lot of places, mainly to women’s bedrooms.

I don’t manipulate to put something over on people. I don’t have to go that route. You know from the first time you see someone how far you are going to go with that person.

This is true; I’ll give you that.

There was an awkward silence for about two minutes. I took a sip of my wine and felt I had to say something. I couldn’t let the night end like this. Especially after the laughs we have had. We shall see what happens over the next couple of days. I have really enjoyed our dinner. It’s time to call it a night for me. I feel like I have danced the night away. My feet are talking to me in these shoes. But that is the price we woman pay to look good. It can be painful after a while.

May I walk you to your quarters?

Maybe next time. It has been a long day for me. Thanks for your offer. You have been overly nice. Thank you very much for dinner and the flowers.

You are more than welcome. I hope you had a great night. It has been a while since I have had this much fun. Thank you.

Maybe you’ll see me around the pool area or something. We parted ways after a warm embrace.

While I was walking back to my room, my mind began to run wild. I couldn’t help but wonder where Marcus and I might end up. He was my first male interaction on the cruise. I couldn’t commit all my time to him while I was here. I might actually miss out on the big fish. Keeping my options open seemed like the ideal thing to do.

I don’t know what it was, but I felt something while we were dancing. His hands were in the small of my back, and I felt some type of energy—it was like wow, the way he embraced me.

I made it to the room and changed clothes. I then decided: What better way to ponder my thoughts than by smoking a blunt?

I must say I’m fond of white-collar men. I would prefer someone a little rough around the edges, though. I want a guy who will smack my ass and pull my hair. Pretty boys are nice to take to dinner and to black-and-white affairs, but I need a roughneck in the bedroom.

The game just had started. I had almost four days aboard ship. I was sure there was more to see.

Chapter 2

I only had a couple of friends in this world, and that was all I needed. Leslie was my main chick. If I had to guess, she would be at Tastie’s, hunting for a trick and treat. She likes to find a guy with a little change in his pocket. Leslie will have fulfilled her search. We should have been in jail serving a couple life sentences for the shit we have done in the dark. There was honor in the game we played.

I picked up my cell and hit her on the hip. I have been feeling the need to make this call to Leslie for a while now. Damn! I yelled. I was on the verge of hanging up when a strange voice came over the phone that I didn’t recognize at all. I knew she hadn’t changed her number without telling me. Butterflies accumulated in my stomach really quick. I never knew anyone else to answer her phone.

Who is this, and why are you answering my girl’s phone?

Calm down, Ma. I can only answer one question at a time. Your girl is around for the time being, although she is a little tied up at the moment. Then the voice on the phone let out a laugh. How may I help you?

You can help me by putting my girl on the phone.

You’ll be lucky if you see her again. She hasn’t been playing very well since we left the club. And as of right this moment, I’m the only one making demands around here. Maybe you can talk some sense into her. Hold on for a sec.

Help me! Help me! Leslie cried into her phone. I assumed the one who had answered