Who Silenced The Well

By Shania Princess Taylor

Young and upcoming learning about the world Tasia thinks she has life figured out. But what she doesn't see heading her way is a road leading to destruction. Blackwell is where it all begins, she meets the love of her life, or so she thinks as she can't decide rather she wants a good or bad boy in her life. It's in making some bad choices everyone around her meets a horrific demise. She falls for Raki who is soon murdered by a corrupt detective who has a mission of his own to silence the Well.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098300548

Book preview

Edited by Whitney L. Brooks

Shania Princess Taylor

Copyright © 2020 by Shania Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book in loving memory of my brother, my angel, Raki Cloyd. It’s through you I learned my own strength. In memory of my grandma, Annie Jane, who taught me early in life that one can accomplish all they set forth to do. Tyrone, my brother, thanks for the countless calls pestering me towards completion. You enabled me to push forward. My mom – my rock, my biggest supporter, I love you. Through all you’ve endured, you never revealed weakness and through your tears, I found strength. To my children, I love you all dearly. Rest in peace Clayton Brown and to my Blackwell family, we can never forget what once was before the Well was silenced. Peace, love and many blessings.

Contents

Blackwell's Finest

One Time for the Birthday Bitch

Escaping Death

The Appointment

Good Girl Gone Bad

The Well Talks

The Resolution

One for the Money, Two for the Show

The Plan

Bloody Baptism

The Evil Must Die

Heartfelt Sorrow

What's Up, Shorty?

Still Breathing

Island Vibes

Back to Reality

The Last Slaughter

The Fuckery

Who Silenced the Well?

Chapter 1

Blackwell’s Finest

Today is another fun-filled day for me spent in Blackwell. Blackwell is a community south of the James River in Richmond, Virginia. 15th street was the hang-out spot for all of Blackwell’s finest. I had my eye on money and strutting around looking like eye candy was my way of getting it. I learned early that if I met the right one, finances would not be a problem, so hustling then became my game. It’s June 15th, the last day of school, and I can’t wait to walk my coke shape ‘round the way. I hopped straight on the 74 Oak Grove bus. It was time for Shaunda and I to hit the hood as my mom would say. She never much approved of my friends, especially Shaunda who she referred to as a fast ass. Things never went well between Mom and me – hell, the lady thought I should have been a porch child. Deemed the rebellious one, she packed my shit and left me living with my Granny, which wasn’t so bad. Granny lives in Henrico. If you know anything about me, hanging with the Gothic ass kids wasn’t for me.

Shaunda and I decided to hit up Maggie’s house first to purchase a dinner. Maggie is the bootleg lady on 12th Street. That lady has the best fried chicken and potato salad. Maggie’s is also where we can buy our cigarettes and alcohol. At only age 16, I have the body of a 20-year-old and let’s just say the attention that it gets me is worth it. It’s here that I meet my first boyfriend, Raki. Hey Tasia, let me holler at you for a minute, he said as we were heading for a table. My panties got an instant moist. I knew that voice and it was giving me the attention that I craved. I turned to see him standing there with his usual boys. He stood out among them in a way I couldn’t resist. What you and your girl up to tonight? he asked with a crooked smile, showing off the two gold crowns in the front of his mouth. I tried my best not to let my age show in the weakness of my voice.  Nothing. Why, what’s up?

Won’t you and your girl come hang out with me and my homeboy?

Damn, I said to Shaunda, beats hanging out at the Rec’s $1 dance, so we took Raki up on his offer.

Carlos was just as fine and Shaunda had the biggest crush on him. We used to hang out at the basketball court just to see them sweat, hoping that they would soon recognize us. Well our time is now. They lead us out to Raki’s Cadillac sitting out front. He turns LL Cool J’s I Need Love on blast as we pull off. Damn, that’s my shit, I say, turn it up. Window down, music banging hard, wind in my hair, riding ‘round with Blackwell’s finest. I looked in the rear view mirror and winked at Shaunda who was sitting in the back seat singing the lyrics while Carlos counts a roll of green. I decided to initiate conversation with Raki by asking where we going?

Sit back and ride girl, as he laughed, but to the park if you really need to know. When we pull up into Byrd Park I notice it’s a hangout spot for guys to show off their nice wheels. Raki got out and proceeded over to the passenger side of the car as I was grabbing my meal tray from Maggie’s. He opened the door for me. Wow, I thought, could he really be a thug with manners? We sat down on the bench directly across from the fountain and devoured the chicken and potato salad. I wasn’t used to sitting alone with a guy, although Shaunda was seated on the next bench with Carlos. Do you take him with you everywhere you go? I asked. Yes, we’ve been friends since elementary school; he is like a brother to me. Peanut Butter and Jelly, ya heard? I let out a big chuckle. I was referring to the gun on his waist, not Carlos. We laughed and talked the night away. I kept looking at my watch. I just didn’t want this moment to end. I knew my grandmother would be waiting up, sitting in the kitchen watching television while waiting for my arrival as she always did. I glanced over at Shaunda with the time-to-go look. She seems to be enjoying Carlos as much as I was Raki. Finally, I gathered enough courage to tell him we must bring this night to a close. Yo, Carlos! Let’s get these Cinderella’s home before my car turns into a pumpkin. I gave him directions to my grandmother’s house. As we pulled up, I noticed him checking out the neighborhood in awe.

So this is where you stay? Yes, I said, I live here with my grandmother. I left Shaunda at the car saying her good-byes to Carlos while Raki walked me to the porch.

I enjoyed your company, Miss Lady.

It’s Tasia, my name is Tasia, I said with a smile. Good night, Raki, I said as I unlocked the door. I stepped into the door way looking back as if I was waiting on Shaunda, but really watching him walk away.

I headed to the kitchen and kissed Grandma on her forehead. Startled, she asked, where have you been Muffin? She’s called me Muffin since I can remember. You know if your mother knew you be hanging out at all times of the night, she’d have your skin. School let out early and not even a call from you. Have you eaten, child? Dinner is on the stove. She turned off the television. Oh Grandma, Shaunda is staying over tonight. Can I get an extra blanket please? Sure, she said walking away mumbling. I don’t know why you won’t let that child sleep in the spare room. She wouldn’t be getting in my bed without washing her feet. Shaunda and I ate ourselves full then cleaned up our mess and headed upstairs. Though tired, we couldn’t sleep. We talked about Carlos and Raki all night. She wanted to know the details of Raki and my conversation and I wanted to hear all that she and Carlos talked about.

After finally talking ourselves to sleep, I woke up to the sound of that damn rooster Grandma calls Rusty. I can smell the homemade buttermilk biscuits Grandma prepared, like she does every morning. Deciding not to wake Shaunda, I got up and showered, dressed and headed downstairs.

Good morning, Grandma, I said as I walked into the kitchen. 

Morning Muffin. How you sleep this morning? she asked sarcastically. I knew then I was in for the pep talk Grandma always gave me when she felt it was needed. She proceeds, Muffin why don’t you live your life like a child? You have all the time in the world to be grown and trust me, when you get there you’ll be wishing for childhood again. Child, there’s nothing out here in ‘em streets after dark but trouble. Out there after dark in ‘em streets child, you may not be looking for it, but trouble always finds its way. And besides, it’s so unladylike.

Yes Ma’am. I know it’s the love she has for me that brings her to these pep talks.

And where is Shanda?

It’s Shaunda, Grandma. Her name is Shaunda.

Hell, whatever her name may be get her down here so we can eat, so I can go ahead and clean up this here kitchen. I got to run to market this morning.

Grandma goes to tidy the rest of the house as I hurry upstairs to wake Shaunda.

I so love your granny biscuits. These bitches too bum.

Yeah, I give it to her, she puts her foot in them every damn time.

Hell, she put her waist in these. Pass the jelly, Shaunda said as she slammed half the biscuit down her throat. You think I can borrow some clothes for today?

Yes! I said rolling my eyes. Bitch you better bring my shit back. I never got the last shit back I let your ass borrow.

We decided to dress alike today so I found two of my best maxi dresses. I’m wearing my black stilettos and I let Shaunda wear my purple ones. I tried not to leave my room a mess because Grandma would always find her way into it. We planned on trying to run into Raki and Carlos today. On the way down to the bus stop we saw Lyric. Lyric went to school with us. She’s the type of bitch that’s always down for whatever. The three of us were like Elmer’s glue until I noticed she was stealing my clothes and shoes out of my grandmother’s house. After a bit of small talk we said our good-byes and headed on. We almost missed the damn bus, had to run like hoes after a bag of dicks to catch it.

Can’t wait to get my own transportation. This bus shit is in the way, Tasia.

I know. I feel you. Just remember that when you giving Carlos ass some head that it should never be free and don’t be a cheap hoe.

We both laughed as we got off the bus to catch the Oak Grove bus on over to Blackwell. Down at the Rec Center, things were jumping, especially the basketball game. All the cuties up in here Tasia. Look to the left, there goes Ricky. Ricky is from the Well. Sexy as hell but I never had a thing for guys my own age, even though he and I were once an item sometime during my ponytail days. Heading his way he calls out to me. Hey Tasia, what’s up? I haven’t seen you here at the Rec in a minute. Then he takes a quick glace over at Shaunda. What’s going on Shaunda? How’s your brother Stank doing? Heard lil’ dude got five months.

He’s doing okay. I talked to him two days ago. Then he starts to whisper something to Shaunda. I wasn’t feeling being here. I just wanted to see Raki, and since he wasn’t around, we headed off. Upon leaving, Shaunda handed me a little piece of paper. What is this? I asked. Ricky asked me to give you his number. Girl, are you serious?  as I crumbled it into my Gucci bag. Finally, we reached Maggie’s. It always looks foggy in here and the damn cigarette smoke always makes my eyes and throat burn. Tasia! Miss Maggie shouted. What can I get you girls tonight? And I love the dresses.

I’ll have my usual.

Me too, Shaunda replied.

Raki wasn’t here – or at least I didn’t see his car outside. We found a table to sit down at and waited on our food. Shaunda gets up and buys a pack of Newports. Bitch, when you start smoking? I asked. Tonight, she said as she opened the pack.

Damn, I need a light.

Shit Shaunda, you should have thought of that when you got the cigs.

Can I get a light? she asked the guy at the table behind us. Sitting there watching her try to smoke and choke was hilarious. That would be the first and the last time. This bitch became a pro. Our food is ready. We sit, eat and laugh. After eating, we go upstairs to the second floor to play the Atari games – Pac Man and Centipede, two of my favorites.  Growing tired of playing, we finally left. Walking down the block a car parked ahead of us flickers its headlights. Could it be? As I get closer I can see that it’s a gold and brown Cadillac. Oh shit, there goes Raki, Shaunda teases. I tried to walk past as if I didn’t notice him. I thought that he was going to come behind me. Guess I was wrong. With disappointment, I kept on walking, listening to this bitch complain all the way to the bus stop. Tasia we going to always be some walking, bus-catching-hoes. Why didn’t you stop?

Look Shaunda, that’s no way for him to get my attention. I ain’t no flick hoe. He wants my attention, he could have got out of the damn car.

Well shit bitch, you act like you tight like that. You fly and all but hell, we came down here with the intentions of seeing them tonight then you pull this too fly shit.

Shaunda I don’t want to hear this shit all the way home, hell. I reached into my purse for my head set and listened to Mary J. on the ride home. When we hit the corner of Grandma’s house, I could see a car pulling up. I tried not to smile when I noticed it was Raki. Come here, Tasia, he said. What was that all about?

What are you talking about Raki? I said with a devilish smile.

Hop in, Tasia. Come ride with me.

Where are we going?

To meet Carlos at the hotel. Your friend can ride too.

Hold on.  Let me check-in with my grandmother. I wouldn’t want her worried again tonight. I go into the house and tell Grandma that I would be spending the night with Shaunda, with the hopes that Raki has other plans for us back at the hotel. I ran upstairs, freshened up a bit, put on clean panties and headed out. During the ride we sat in silence – only the music played softly. I guess Shaunda still had an attitude. 

Arriving at the Marriott I try to maintain my composure. I had never been in a hotel. The Marriott was very nice. We got on the elevator and got off on the 10th floor. Carlos was waiting outside the room door like he was working for a mob boss or something. The room was set up nicely. There were strawberries and champagne and a jacuzzi in the middle of the floor. Of course, I pretended like this didn’t move me at all. As if I had seen better – not! Room service was ordered, wings and chips. Shaunda and Carlos went to the adjacent room. I couldn’t believe I was all alone with Blackwell’s finest. How about the jacuzzi? Raki gestured. What about it? I said, I didn’t bring anything else to wear.

I got this Cinderella. Open the dresser drawer on the left. You should be about a size 8, right? he asked. I pulled open the drawer and revealed a pretty black and blue two-piece along with some other miscellaneous female items. You bought these for me?

Yes Tasia, it’s all for you. Open the closet over there and everything in it also belongs to you.

I opened the closet and acted like a kid at Christmas. All the name brand items I could never afford. Not one item was under $200. I began thinking to myself, I can now retire my Gucci pocketbook I’ve had for two years as I looked on the top shelf at the pocketbooks and purses of all brands and colors. Raki, thanks! What have I done to deserve this? He grinned and said you can’t walk ‘round the Well claiming to be with me with that old ass pocketbook. Looks like you sewed the straps. Aw hell, he noticed! My mind is racing! Is this a fucking dream? If it is, pinch me tomorrow and just let me hold on to tonight. I decided I owe him one, so I grabbed the two-piece from the drawer and headed in the bathroom to prepare myself. As I’m anxiously changing my clothes, I’m also wondering how I can make this a night he will always remember.

Raki is much older than me, or at least appears to be, so I’m sure he has experienced it all. Nevertheless, I stepped out of the bathroom twirling. You like? I asked while walking towards him like Tyra Banks on the runway. Yes, he replied licking his top lip. That seemed to always be a turn-on for me; after all, he had the prettiest lips. He stands, takes off his shirt, drops his pants and gets in. I follow. Aw this feels good, I said, closing my eyes trying to take it all in. Come closer, Tasia he said pulling me in close. We sit in the jacuzzi a bit longer conversing for about an hour before he says he’s tired.

Drying off, I begin to get a little nervous and I hope he doesn’t recognize it. Me lying down beside this smooth, caramel, nicely built man that I’ve been craving is about to be real. After finally making it to the bed, I’m laying here wondering when he’s going to make a move. I turn my back to him pushing my ass up on him. Raki throws his warm arms around me and falls into a deep sleep. This can’t be real, I’m thinking to myself.

Awakened by the sunlight beaming into the room, I notice that Raki is already up and sitting in the chair reading the newspaper. You read the paper? I asked with a yawn. Brush your teeth shorty. I can smell your breath. Shrugging my shoulders, I head to the bathroom to do just that – but not before I do the breath test, blowing my hot breath into my hand. After brushing, I hop in the shower. I’m standing here letting the hot water run over my tresses still confused  about why  he didn’t touch me  last night. What man does that? Was I not sexy enough?  I flop down beside him while towel-drying my hair. He reaches over planting a soft kiss on my cheek. You hungry?

No, well yes, I’d like a fresh bowl of fruit.

Not ‘round me you won’t. I ordered eggs, turkey bacon and croissants, fruit on the side though.

As we sit across the table from one another, Raki asks me to bless the food. I blink twice. What thug blesses the meal? I proceed, Lord, we thank you for this food we are about to receive and bless the hands that have prepared it, in your name I pray. Amen. And thanks for sending me this fine sexy ass man that didn’t touch me last night, just a thought.

Tasia are you a virgin? The food fell from my mouth. Yes, unless you count the countless times of grinding.

Hmmm is all he says. There’s a knock on the door — must be Shaunda and Carlos. Feeling saved by the bell, I get up to open the door and greet my girl with a hug. Good morning Tasia, Carlos says and quickly shifts his attention to ask Raki if he’s ready. Yeah, let me grab my shit. Tasia you can chill here if you’d like, he says as he sits the key card on the table. I have this room booked up for two weeks. I left you some change in the night stand and call me later, 277-2263.

Okay, I say as the door shuts behind him. I count to ten before falling to the floor. Shaunda is sitting knee first on the sofa waiting for me to join her. Tell me girl, what did you and Carlos do last night?

Girl, he couldn’t keep his hands off of me. Soon as we got to the room he guided me over to the bed.

No you didn’t slut, I belted. Did you do it?

Yep! And it was good. Why am I surprised? Shit, Carlos isn’t her first, more like fifth from what she tells me. I let him feel like the dominant one. He likes it doggy style. I had a nigga up this morning slobbering for seconds.

Bitch, did you get paid? I joked. Nope, she said and we both fall into a stupid laugh. I suddenly recall this change in the drawer. I open the drawer to find what appears to be a wad and I count out $2,500. Wow! Tasia save your story. You know you gave him some. I wanted to lie but decided against it. He fell asleep. She couldn’t believe it. What? He fell to what – to sleep?! Releasing a sigh of annoyance, yes Shaunda, he fell asleep. Not wanting to further indulge in this conversation, I shift off. So what are we going to do today? Shaunda responds, I got to go home and freshen up and change clothes, Tasia. I interrupt her, oh yeah, that reminds me, open the closet Shaunda. She opens the closet, and whose shit is this?

Mine, I said with a Kool-Aid smile. Don’t tell me he the repo man, done repossessed his shit back from some bitch.

Funny Shaunda, real funny. Why does it have to be some female shit?

I’m just saying, hell, you said he fell asleep so you didn’t give the nigga no ass. He done gave you clothes and money and shit. Turning out of the closet, she looks at me pointing one finger matter-of-factly, You gave him some head!"

After about another hour of discussing what did and didn’t happen last night, we finally head out. Dreading another bus ride, I decided to call us a cab. I pay for it with the money Raki left me. After arriving home, I head to the kitchen to say hello to Grandma. Granny! I yell out as I head towards

Reviews for Who Silenced The Well

[autom28 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very good read!!! I highly recommend this novel good from beginning to end!!!

[Barbara Muhammad · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this novel. It held my interest from the beginning until the end. Must say for her first novel she did the damn thing with this one. Way 2 go Shania!!!!

[Śhanïa Thōmaś · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was good from beginning to end held my attention. A good read, highly recommended. The strength of the characters was powerful. My favorite character though was Lyric!!!