The Mike Black Saga Volume 7

By Roy Glenn

The Mike Black Saga Volume 7 includes: Treat Me Nice, I Came To Bring The Pain and It's A New Day

Treat Me Nice (The Mike Black Saga Book 23)
As Black and Shy adjust to life in New York with their children and running the legitimate business, there are events unfolding all around them that will once again turn their world upside down.
After the bombing, Impression has reopened for business and Bobby’s problem has returned. Wanda’s reign has been a very dangerous quest to expand her power. Now Wanda is surrounded by her enemies. Carmen Taylor finds that she is in over her head while investigating the bribery of a US Congressman. And that isn’t enough for Black she Shy to have to deal with, Jada West is back in New York.

I Came To Bring The Pain (The Mike Black Saga Book 24)
After the disastrous results of Wanda’s power-hungry reign, a state of war now exists on three fronts. Mike Black is back and he is firmly in command of his family. Bobby Ray is serving as wartime consigliere and Rain Robinson has taken over running the day to day operation.
“We’re at war now. And we’re not going to sit down and try to talk our way outta this.”
Now Black must do what he has to do to crush his enemies. Even if that means forming uncomfortable alliances with an old associate.
Despite Shy’s warning to kill her, “because I don’t like your arrogant ass”, Jada West is still New York. She’s hanging around; testing the limits of her power and pissing Shy off. Soon Jada West will learn the Shy does not make idle threats.
You won’t want to miss a second as The Mike Black Saga continued in this drama filled and action-packed story that picks up where Treat me Nice left off.

It's A New Day (The Mike Black Saga Book 25)
It may be a new day, but mystery and murder are still on the agenda.
In the aftermath of Wanda’s Reign, Mike Black and Bobby Ray have resumed command of the organization they started and they were able to crush their enemies. There are still pockets of resistance, but Black is confident that Rain Robinson will do what she does best and bring order to chaos.
Now that the war is over, Shy hoped that her life with Black would return to what it once was. But that is not the case. With Black being so consumed with running the business, Shy is left with idle time on her hands. And then there is still the matter of Jada West. But when a family friend of Black’s is murdered and more people turn up dead, Shy is at his side to unravel the mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roy Glenn
• Release date: Feb 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463347492

Roy Glenn

Multi-genre author Roy Glenn is best known as the Master of Urban Suspense for his iconic Mike Black Saga. A three-time AALBC.com Bestselling Author, winner of The Reader Warrior Choice award for Best Male Author and a B.R.A.B award for Best Duo, Roy Glenn always had a very vivid imagination. He began making up stories at a very early age, but his passion for writing those stories didn't come until much later in life.   His first novel, Is It a Crime, became a bestseller and gave birth to the popular character Mike Black. The Black series has spun off two other series, The Reign of Rain Robinson and a look into the past with The Vicious Black years. Roy was born and raised in the Bronx, and currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida, where he is working on the Above The Law series and Boss of the Family for television.  

Book preview

TREAT ME NICE

Treat Me Nice

Roy Glenn

© Copyright Roy Glenn 2013

Escapism Entertainment, LLC

Atlantic Beach, Florida

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.

Chapter One

Detectives Kirkland and Bautista were reviewing video that they were able to obtain from the bank. What do we know about this guy? Kirk asked. Raynaldo Baker was a drug dealer who was now the principle suspect in the double homicide of rival dealers.

Raynaldo Baker. Three arrests for possession of a controlled substance; two more for assault, Bautista told Kirk. Another model citizen.

And he’s the good brother. They say his twin brother was worse.

He’s got a twin?

Donaldo Baker. Still has an open warrant for murder. He fell off the grid eight years ago … presumed dead.

Great, Bautista said.

Where was this camera located? Kirk asked.

It’s at an ATM around the corner from the murder scene, Bautista answered and continued to stare at the screen. Freeze it! She shouted suddenly. That’s our boy.

Kirk took a closer look and noted the time stamp. That’s him all right.

That puts him around the corner from the murder scene right around the time of death. I think this is enough to place him at the crime scene.

I agree, Kirk said. I think we need to pay a visit to Mr. Ray Baker.

Let’s go, Bautista said and grabbed her stuff.

After speaking with their captain about what they had going, she followed Kirk out the door and to their car. On the way to talk with Baker, Kirk noticed that Bautista was very quiet. What’s wrong with you? Kirk asked.

Bautista’s eyes narrowed and her accent got thick. I should be asking you that same question.

What are you talking about? Kirk asked, loving the sound of her voice.

"You. Here lately … these last few days, you’ve been very quiet and distant with me."

I didn’t notice any distance between us this morning or last night for that matter, Kirk said and laughed a little, but he knew what she was talking about.

That is only because you can’t get enough of me, Bautista said.

That much is certain. Each time she spoke like that it made Kirk want to fuck her; it didn’t matter where they were.

But all jokes aside.

That wasn’t a joke. I really can’t get enough of you, Marita.

I’m serious.

So am I, Kirk said as he parked in front of the suspect’s house.

Okay. But here lately, unless we are talking about a case, you don’t have much to say to me.

Just got a lot on my mind, that’s all. Kirk got out of the car and started toward the house.

Bautista rushed to catch up with him. Okay, that’s all well and good, but I’m your partner, both personally and professionally; if something is bothering you, you should share it with me.

It’s nothing earth-shattering or life threatening, Marita.

Maybe not, but if you are distracted in any way it has the potential to be an issue in a life threatening situation.

Kirk stopped and faced Bautista. If it gets that deep, I’ll tell you and take some time off to clear my head. But we are nowhere near that point yet. Kirk turned quickly and walked toward the house.

The truth was that Kirk wasn’t getting tired of her. In fact it was just the opposite. He was becoming very fond of Bautista.

That was the problem.

Kirk felt like he had made a mistake by becoming involved with another cop, much less his partner. He thought it was affecting his objectivity and that wasn’t good. He didn’t want to allow their relationship to get in the way of doing the job. And that was the problem. In doing the job, Kirk ran the risk of losing Bautista to the job.

He had given some thought to asking the captain to be assigned another partner. But he hadn’t gotten there yet, and hoped he wouldn’t.

When the detectives reached the house where the suspect did business, Kirk banged on the door. Ray Baker! This is the police!

It wasn’t too long after that when the shooting began. The detectives moved quickly to either side as shots were being fired at them through the door.

Bautista got on the radio. This is Detective Bautista. I have shots fired at our current location. Requesting backup.

Kirk waited for a lull in the gunfire before he stepped in front of the door and kicked it in. He went high and Bautista went low as they entered the house. The shooting began again.

Once they were in the house, Kirk saw a man standing in the entrance to the hallway. He fired at Kirk. Kirk dove for the floor and returned fire. Another suspect was on the steps shooting at Bautista. He fired twice and ran up the stairs. Bautista went after him.

Kirk rolled on the floor to get to better cover behind the couch and continued taking fire. He came up and fired back, hitting the shooter twice in the chest.

Kirk looked for his partner. Bautista! he yelled and began taking fire. Kirk took cover.

Bautista! he yelled again and got no answer.

This is what he was worried about. Getting into a firefight and being more concerned with Bautista and her safety. Then he saw her. She was running up the stairs in pursuit of a suspect.

I’m all right! she yelled. They’re goin’ out the back!

When the man reached the top of the stairs, he turned and pointed his weapon at Bautista. She knelt down on the stairs and she fired first. Bautista hit him with a shot to his gun hand, but that didn’t stop him from shooting. Her next shot was to the chest.

The shooter went down.

Bautista got up quickly and made it to the shooter. She kicked the gun away from him before continuing her search. Once her back was turned, another shooter came out of one of the bedrooms. He took one shot at Bautista and ran down the steps.

Kirk fired back at the suspect that was shooting at him as he ran for the back door. Kirk observed Baker was in the kitchen trying to gather up the drugs from the table.

Freeze, Baker! Kirk shouted and pointed his weapon.

Baker quickly picked up a gun, opened fire at Kirk, and he returned fire. That shot hit Baker in the face and he shot back at Kirk. Kirk fired again and hit Baker with two shots to his chest. He was dead.

Once Kirk reloaded his weapon and ran down the hallway, he could see that the back door was open; then he saw someone run out. Kirk fired. The shooter fired back and ducked out the back door. Kirk went after him, but the suspect was gone by the time he got there.

Kirk started back up the hall, when one of them came running out. Kirk shot him, kicked his gun away, and kept moving up the hallway. Once again, he yelled for Bautista, but she didn't answer. Shots were still being fired in the house. As Kirk got closer he could hear footsteps coming down the stairs. When he cleared the hallway, Kirk saw a guy on the steps. He shot at Kirk and he ducked back in the hallway. Kirk returned fire and hit him with two shots in the back before he could make it out the door.

There was still shooting upstairs, so Kirk moved toward the stairs. He started up and saw Bautista chasing one down the hall. She stopped, assumed firing position and pulled the trigger. The man went down, and Bautista took cover to reload.

Kirk ran up the stairs and knelt down next to her. You all right?

I’m good. You?

I’m okay, Kirk said and put in a fresh clip. How many more are up here?

I don’t know.

Downstairs is clear. One did make it out the back door.

Baker?

He’s dead.

Guess that means we won’t be questioning him about a double homicide.

Guess not.

Bautista stood up. Let’s clear this floor. Kirk and Bautista searched the rest of the house and found no more suspects.

Chapter Two

It was late in the evening and Carmen was ready to call it a night. She had to get up early to shoot the background on a story she’d been covering. A lobbyist named Milford Stephens pled guilty to conspiring to bribe a member of Congress, and other public officials.

As Carmen sat back and took a sip of her rum, she remembered that she and her cameraman, Max got the crucial lead following Stephens to a meeting on the night she met Mike Black’s wife, Shy.

Carmen had just told Shy that Black was very influential in her modeling career and had said that if it wasn’t for Black, that she didn’t know what she’d be doing. Carmen looked at Shy and thought but didn’t say; Yes I do, I would be you. I would be Mrs. Mike Black.

If Carmen wanted to be honest, she’d have to admit that she was still in love with Black and jealous of Shy. The passage of time had done nothing for her to get past the feelings she had for him and she wondered if she ever would. Carmen took a swallow of her rum and was just about to ease into comfortable and familiar memories of the times she spent with Black, when the phone rang to bring her out of it. She answered.

This is Carmen.

Hey, Carmen. It’s Diane Mitchell. She was not only a friend, but a New York City police detective who had helped Carmen with her investigations.

Hey, Diane. Carmen looked at the time and knew that at this hour, it wasn’t a social call. What’s up?

I hope I’m not disturbing you.

Not at all.

Could you meet me at La Semana at Twenty-five West Twenty-fourth Street?

No problem, Carmen said and got up. What is it? she asked, trying to get some details about the story that Mitchell had for her while she got dressed.

It’s a hotel, Mitchell said and ended the call.

La Semana on West 24th might try to pretend it’s a regular hotel, but it is an old hourly hotel. The outside is nondescript, perfect if you’re trying to keep things on the DL. When Carmen rolled up in the cab, Mitchell was outside waiting for her.

Thanks for coming, Carmen, Mitchell said and started walking toward the hotel.

I figured if you’re calling me at this hour, there must be a story in it.

I might have called you down here so I could seduce you. It is a hotel, you know, Mitchell said, and Carmen stopped. Mitchell turned back to Carmen and laughed. I’m just kidding, girl. Trust and believe, I am strictly dickly. Mitchell started walking.

I was about to turn around and hail a cab, Carmen said and followed the detective into the building. Even though she had many offers, Carmen had gotten through life without being seduced by a woman, and she wasn’t about to start now.

So what you got for me? Carmen asked as they rode up in the elevator.

I think we have a serial killer operating in the city, Mitchell said when the door opened.

Carmen stood there for a second digesting what she had just heard, and then she rushed to catch up with Mitchell.

When she got to the crime scene, the technicians were just wrapping things up. Are you familiar with the sexual practice of autoerotic asphyxia?

I am. It’s when the carotid arteries are compressed like in strangulation or hanging, and the sudden loss of oxygen to the brain and the accumulation of carbon dioxide can increase feelings of pleasure which heighten masturbatory sensations.

Exactly. Mitchell smiled at Carmen as she continued.

When the brain is deprived of oxygen, it induces a lucid, semi-hallucinogenic state called hypoxia. Combined with orgasm, the rush is said to be no less powerful than cocaine, and highly addictive.

You seem to know quite a bit about it, Carmen.

Not that I have any personal experience with it. But I met all types of people who were into all types of madness.

I can only imagine, Mitchell said and turned to the body on the gurney. The manager found our victim with his wrist and ankles tied to the bed and a belt around his neck.

"I take it since his wrists were tied that the auto part is out?"

This is murder, Carmen. The manager said the vic came in with somebody. He didn’t get a good look at them, but he believes it was a woman. But for all we know, it could have been a man in drag.

Any possibility that these could be autoerotic, and the death was accidental?

It’s possible; Carmen, but I doubt it.

Carmen stepped closer to the detective. What makes you think this is the work of a serial killer?

This is the third one we’ve found like this in the last two months. Two with a belt around the neck and one with a plastic bag over his head.

I see.

You got any ID on our victim? Mitchell asked the technician as he prepared to take the body out.

He had a wallet in his suit jacket. His driver’s license says his name is James Collier, the technician said.

Carmen’s head snapped around. James Collier?

You knew him? Mitchell asked.

I went to college with a guy named James Collier. You think it might be the same guy?

One way to find out. Mitchell walked up to the body and pulled the sheet down.

That’s him, Carmen said and looked away.

So, you tell me. Was he into autoerotic asphyxia when you knew him in college? Mitchell asked.

"I didn’t know him that well, Diane."

Chapter Three

It was a cold day in October and Shy laid there with her head against Black’s chest; he was still hard inside of her. She was lulled by his strong heartbeat pounding against her ear. The feeling of contentment washed over her as she realized that with Black, she had all that she needed. Once again, Shy was amazed at how each time they were together he put her needs and desires ahead of his own. All Black wanted was to please her.

Shy lifted her head to find him watching her; his eyes missing nothing about her. He loved looking at her, because to him, Shy was the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. Black rolled on top of Shy. He was by no means done with her and for that, Shy was grateful, because she was not done with him either. He was deep inside her, moving his body, and Shy rocked her hips until she had him where he could hit her spot exactly the way she wanted it. Black squeezed her breasts as he moved in and out of her. He kissed her lips; Shy began to roll her hips against his. Shy felt the river flowing freely between her thighs and she moved faster. The sounds of their flesh echoed throughout the room.

Black’s strokes were at first hard, and then he slowed down and the grinding of his hips kept hers in place. Shy’s eyes were shut tight as he plunged himself deep inside her. She wanted to scream, but she was afraid that if she did she would wake up everybody in the neighborhood and they would know how good he was making her feel. Shy closed her eyes because it was feeling so damn good. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held on tightly. Fuck me, baby! Her mouth opened wide. He kissed her again and sucked her neck and breasts.

Her fingers dug into his back as he pushed himself deep inside her. Black felt her body pounding against his, and felt the muscles inside her tighten around him. She ground her hips into him with each stroke. Black pushed back furiously and Shy stepped up her pace.

You’re gonna make me come again! Shy screamed and arched her back. She rotated her hips and her body began to quiver. Shy let out the breath she’d been holding, and the realization settled in that there was nothing in the world like the love they had for one another.

After a while, Black got out of bed, walked over to the window, and looked out at the Long Island Sound. He’d been thinking for weeks that it was time to pack up the house and move to Freeport for the winter, but Shy had other ideas. She’d been working on a project at the office that was designed to improve productivity, and she wanted to see it through to the end before she left for the islands. But the truth was, Shy was ready to go too.

For the better part of the last five years, Shy had been living on a tropical island and this was the coldest she’d been in years. I may love New York, but it’s gotten to the point where I can’t stand the cold anymore, Shy explained to her husband.

Me too, Black said. I’m an island man now.

As soon as I can wrap this up, we are outta here, Shy promised and looked at Black. She didn’t like the look on his face. For years all Shy had was an image of his face to hold onto. She knew every inch, every nuance of his face, and knew that there was something wrong and it wasn’t just the weather and moving the family to Freeport.

What’s wrong, Michael?

Huh?

My daddy used to tell me if you can huh, you can hear, she said with that smile that he had come to love. I asked you what was wrong.

Black looked at Shy and marveled at her perception. He smiled at her and then he came and sat down next to her. Believe me when I tell you that there is absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, things have never felt this right to me. I finally have everything I want. I am at home with my beautiful wife. We just put our children to bed. We have a beautiful home. Black laughed. And we’re talking about moving to the house in a warmer climate. No, baby, there is nothing wrong. But there was and he knew it, and it was beyond time to tell Shy about it. There is something that I feel like I need to tell you.

What’s that, Michael?

In the days when I thought that you were dead, when I’d get involved with other women, I felt like I was being unfaithful to you, unfaithful to the love we shared, unfaithful to the memory of you. And it bothered me.

That’s sweet, Shy said, but in her mind, she thought, but it didn’t stop you from fucking them bitches.

Shy had already made up her mind that she didn’t want to hear about the women Black dated during her absence. The only exception she made was Carmen Taylor.

After meeting Carmen, Shy felt a bit inadequate. To know that my husband used to date the world’s most beautiful woman … it is a bit intimidating, Shy said referring to a magazine cover taken at the height of Carmen’s popularity.

Black assured her and Shy accepted that she had nothing to fear from Carmen or any other woman, because he was desperately in love with her.

And he was.

Black was totally devoted to Shy.

He’d spent just about every minute of every day with her and wouldn’t have it any other way. They couldn’t seem to get enough of each other. There was so much passion between them that they couldn't control it, even if they wanted to. But the truth was that Black was haunted by his past relationship with Jada West, and the attraction that he still had for her. An attraction that made him feel unfaithful to Shy, in spite of the fact that he hadn’t seen or spoken to Jada in months.

I know that you said that you didn’t want to hear about this, but I feel like I need to tell you.

Tell me what?

About Jada West.

Isn’t that the madam that Carmen mentioned that you introduced her to?

Yes.

Shy shifted uncomfortably. What about her?

She is more than just a madam. Ms. West and I are business partners. We own, and she still operates, a high-end brothel and gambling house in Nassau.

Okay. Since you feel the need to tell me about this woman, I assume that there is more to this than the two of you just being business partners.

There was.

So let’s hear it.

Black looked at Shy and thought about how much he wanted to tell her. The answer was everything. It began while CeCe was pregnant with Easy.

I know that you mentioned that she didn’t have an easy pregnancy and that she had no interest in having sex with you. For some reason I knew that you weren’t just doing without.

I was doing without through most of it.

How long did this go on?

It ended on the day you came back to me and I haven’t seen or spoken to her since.

How serious was this … never mind, it’s serious enough for you to think you need to tell me about it.

When it began it was supposed to be one time, because neither of us wanted to compromise our business relationship. But it became a regular thing. We’d meet some afternoons, and in the evening we’d be back to our business relationship.

Sounds ideal. What happened to change that?

She began to feel.

That’s what usually happens, Michael. One or the other of you was bound to catch feelings for the other.

Shy looked at Black and had heard enough. She really didn’t want to hear the details. But she had one more question that had to be asked. Why are you telling me this now?

Because I would rather that you heard about it from me, than to think that I was trying to keep it from you. That and the fact that she recently made a play for me to come down there and see her.

How?

She involved herself in Jamaica’s business.

Shy thought for a minute. That’s what Jamaica came up here for and that’s why he wouldn’t come to Bobby’s house. Shy nodded her head. Since I know that you didn’t go to Nassau, how’d you leave it?

I told Jay to handle it.

Shy stood up and walked to the picture window and stared out at the Long Island Sound. She stood there for a while not speaking.

Please say something, Cassandra.

Shy turned and looked at Black. I’m not mad at you, Michael. As hard as it is to hear things like this, I have to understand, and I do, that you thought that I was dead, and you had to move on with your life. And that includes being with other women. I get that, I really do, because it’s nobody’s fault. You are an attractive man and women gravitate to you. It was something about you that I had to accept and get used to a long time ago. I want you to know that I believe that it is over between you and her, but I still want to … need to hear you say, right here, right now, that there is nothing and there will be nothing going on with you and this woman.

The only woman I want in my life is you, Cassandra. I decided long ago that you were all I needed to be happy and that hasn’t changed. I think that I love and appreciate you more now because I know what my life was like without you. Nothing compares to you and nobody will ever come between us.

And that seemed to satisfy Shy. However, the following day she told Black that she had plans for that afternoon and went to see Wanda. Tell me about Michael and Jada West.

Wanda looked at Shy for a long time before speaking. After Shy explained that Black had told her all about it the night before, Wanda relaxed a bit. What do you want to know?

I want to know about their business relationship and how it relates to Jamaica and the trip that he recently made up here.

I don’t know, but I’ll find out, Wanda said and picked up the phone. Before long, Wanda had Jamaica on the phone. After Wanda assured him that all she was interested in was what was going on with their business and how it affected him, Jamaica told her the story.

Thank you, Jay. I’ll handle it from here going forward, Wanda said and ended the call.

Chapter Four

Paraíso, Nassau Bahamas

Dressed in a Naeem Khan beaded strapless, sleeveless gown with a sweetheart neckline, Jada West sat in her usual spot at Paraíso, speaking with her mother, Vivian. In recent months, Jada’s involvement in other matters on the island had kept her from coming to Paraíso on some nights.

During this time, when Jada was spending less time involving herself in the operation of the business, Vivian had stepped up and had been running the place and was doing an excellent job.

On nights when she was at Paraíso, Jada spent most of her time alone in her office. When she did come out on the floor, everybody around her could tell the difference and knew the reason why her smile was gone. Jada was drinking more than she needed to and was just that much quicker to anger. It was Vivian who finally pointed out her growing impatience with staff and clients to Jada. From that, she knew it was time to pull back and let Vivian run things.

But lately, Jada had been in a better mood, or at least a more optimistic mood. Jamaica’s recent visit to Paraíso made her optimistic that sooner or later she would look up and Mike Black would be walking toward her.

It had been weeks since Jada sent a message to Black. You be sure to tell Mr. Black that if he wants that money he can come get it himself.

The following evening, Jamaica was in New York explaining the situation and delivering Jada’s message to Black. What you want me to do?

Nothing. Black told Jamaica that night. Don’t do anything. I’ll compensate you for whatever money it cost you. But until I say different, you let Ms. West continue to do whatever she pleases as long as it doesn’t interfere with what you’re doing. If she does … deal with her as you see fit.

Seeing as though it wasn’t going to cost him any money, Jamaica was satisfied with Black’s answer and returned to Nassau, and took no aggressive action against Jada. He didn’t give the matter anymore thought until he was blindsided by the call from Wanda.

Vivian had just gotten finished explaining an issue with one of the clients that she had handled, when she looked at Jada and noticed that her entire facial expression had changed.

What is wrong with you, baby girl? Why you all frowned up like that? Jada didn’t say anything, she just pointed.

Who is that?

Bad news, Jada said as Rain Robinson walked toward her. She looked around the room quickly to see if she saw Black anywhere. Jada was hoping that Rain’s sudden appearance at Paraíso was because she was there with Black, but he was nowhere in sight.

Jada felt a tightness in her stomach that got tighter as Rain came closer. Excuse me, Mommy. I need to deal with this. Jada got up and walked toward Rain. Ms. Robinson, isn’t it?

Yes.

Welcome to Paraíso.

Thank you.

This is your first time here?

Yes, it is, Rain said and scanned the room.

Is this business or a social call? Jada asked, but knew the answer.

I am always about business, Ms. West.

In that case, Ms. Robinson, please tell me what can I do for you?

Wanda Moore is in your office. She would like to speak with you.

"She is in my office?"

Yes, Ms. West, Wanda Moore is in your office now, waiting to speak with you, Rain repeated.

Jada finished her champagne. Oh, I heard you the first time, she said and walked off in the direction of her office.

Jada wanted to say that she couldn’t believe the unmitigated gall it took for Wanda to have taken over her office. Forget about the locked door. She started to do something else to keep Wanda waiting, but Black had told her a few things about Rain, so Jada thought it best to head for the office. On the way there, Jada wondered where her bodyguard, Alex was now when she needed him.

She entered the office, followed closely by Rain, to find Wanda seated behind her desk. Come in, Ms. West. You and I need to talk, Wanda began.

Jada resented the fact that Wanda was in her chair, but what could she do about it now? She sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk. What can I do for you, Ms. Moore?

First let me commend you on the excellent job you’ve done here. Mike had told me about the operation the two of you built here, but you really don’t get the scope of things until you’ve actually seen it.

Thank you. That was very nice of you to say.

Now, I feel it necessary to inform you of the changes that have taken place. Nick Simmons is concentrating his efforts on a legitimate business and is no longer in command of this family. Mike and Bobby have put me in that position.

Jada faked a smile. Congratulations.

Thank you. I command this family now. Wanda paused, and Jada simply looked at her, because she didn’t feel Wanda’s last comment required a response. Wanda continued. It has come to my attention that you took the liberty of involving yourself in a dispute between some of our operators and two of Jamaica’s men. Is that correct?

That’s correct.

I want to thank you for your help.

Not a problem.

You’ll be glad to know that Jamaica has dealt with the individuals involved. Now the only matter that remains is the money.

Yes. And I told Jamaica under what conditions that I would be willing to discuss the money.

I heard. Something about you speaking to Mr. Black and Mr. Black only. Wanda laughed a bit and Jada failed to see the humor in it. That is not going to happen. Mr. Black is also focusing his efforts running our legitimate businesses.

I see.

So, the person that you need to have that conversation with is me. And I’ll be honest with you, Ms. West. As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing for us to talk about. Wanda leaned forward and pointed at Jada.

"Here’s what’s going to happen. You are going to release those operators back to Jamaica, and then you are going to give back all of the money they gave you."

May I ask you a question?

Sure.

Is Mr. Black aware of this conversation?

No. And he doesn’t need to be. As I said, Mr. Black’s attention is focused on our legitimate businesses. I am responsible for controlling all of his illegal concerns as he puts some distance between the two.

I see. Jada glanced out the corner of her eye and noticed that Rain was now seated in the chair next to her with her gun in her lap.

She was beaten, but not defeated.

Jada stood up, walked toward her safe, and removed a large black Michael Kors Bedford satchel, which contained the money. She handed the bag to Wanda.

Wanda stood up. I’ll tell you what I’m going to do for you, Ms. West. I am relinquishing all of Mr. Black’s interest in this establishment. As of right now, it is all yours. With her business there concluded, Wanda left the office.

Jada looked at Rain. She smiled and Jada wondered why?

Cassandra Black sends her regards, Rain said and followed Wanda out.

When Wanda told Jamaica she was on her way to Nassau, he arranged for two of his men to pick her up at the airport. They were caught off guard when Wanda told them to take her to Paraíso, and were a little reluctant to do it. Jamaica say, get you from the airport and carry you to the hotel. Once Wanda reminded him that he worked for her, he took Wanda and Rain to Paraíso.

They walked up to the car and Rain opened the door. Jamaica’s men had Jada’s bodyguard Alex, and were holding him. Give him back his gun and let him go, Rain said.

When Alex got out of the car, Wanda and Rain got in. Their next stop was The Grill. A popular tourist spot near the beach that Black owned.

Once Black hired Vonetta as club manager, he brought Lexi, who managed Cuisine, to the island for a month to teach Vonetta exactly how a Mike Black club was to be run.

After the fire at Cuisine, Lexi came to Nassau to relax for a while. But it didn’t take long for Lexi to get bored. Black suggested she go hang around The Grill. Let me know how you think things are running. After that, Black encouraged her to get involved and work with Vonetta to make whatever changes had to be made. Lexi had been there ever since.

As soon as Wanda and Rain walked in, Vonetta called Paraíso to let Jada know. Let me know if you hear anything of interest, Vivian said since Jada wasn’t taking any calls.

Wanda and Rain were having cocktails and enjoying the house band doing Bob Marley's "Burnin’ and Lootin, when Lexi came and sat down. So what brings you to Nassau, Wanda?" Other than going to Black and Shy’s wedding, Wanda hadn’t been to the Bahamas.

I wanted to talk to you about coming back to run Cuisine. And I had to handle an issue involving Jada West, Wanda said.

Lexi let out a little laugh. I knew it was only a matter of time before somebody put her in check.

Wanda and Rain both looked at her. Lexi saw the look in their eyes and knew that she had drifted into something that was none of her business. Wanda asked her to explain what she meant.

If information is power, then Jada West carries a lot of power on this island. Lexi looked around for Vonetta. There’s a saying on the island, if you want to talk, go to Jamaica, if you want something done, you talk to Jada West.

Really? Wanda asked.

Jada West practically runs this island, Lexi said, then told Wanda how things have worked on the island since Black left.

And Jamaica just lets this go on? Rain asked.

I really don’t think he knows what she’s doing. As near as I could tell, Jada leaves the major stuff, the things that Jamaica has to be involved in, alone. She doesn’t take money for what she does, so she’s not in his pocket. I think she just likes the power. After a few more questions, Lexi had to get back to work.

Wanda picked up her drink and looked at Rain. I think I may have underestimated Jada West.

I know you wasn’t expecting her to be no dumb–ass, weak bitch, did you? She gotta be a bad bitch to be all that she was to Black, Rain pointed out.

Now I know. And believe me; I won’t make the mistake of underestimating Jada West again.

Chapter Five

Carmen and Detective Mitchell sat near the back of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, a Catholic church on Mulberry Street, for the funeral of James Collier. At first, Carmen did not want Mitchell to go with her. If you’re going there to interrogate the family, Diane, I’d rather you not go.

That’s why you’re going, Mitchell said.

Okay, okay, yes … that is why I’m going; but I’m a little smoother than you are. And at least I knew him. I even met his mother once.

That’s why I wanna go with you, Mitchell said. Look, suppose I promise not to pull out my badge or ask any questions, can I go with you then?

Okay, if you promise not to interrogate the family you can come with me.

At the service, Father Gilles read from the book of Romans, chapter five.

But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life? Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

After the service, Carmen and Detective Mitchell went to the Collier family home in Brooklyn. Carmen spoke to Collier’s parents. I’m sure you don’t remember me, but my name is Carmen Taylor. James and I were both economics majors at Cornell. We came here to study a few times.

No, his mother said. I don’t remember you, Carmen. But naturally I’ve seen you on the news.

Collier’s father smiled at Carmen. I remember you, Carmen. It’s hard to forget you.

When I heard about James, I had to come by and pay my respects. After that, they talked for a minute or two before somebody else came to extend their condolences. At that point, Carmen rejoined Detective Mitchell.

Have you been behaving yourself, Diane?

You’ll be glad to know that I am keeping my word and I haven’t asked anybody anything.

Good.

I don’t have to. All I have to do is stand around and listen. Other than you being here, how he died is all everybody is talking about.

What’s the word so far?

Those who knew him casually can’t believe he was into that. The ones who were close to him are defending his honor. You see that woman in the black dress, sitting alone in the corner?

The one that’s been crying since we got here?

That’s his fiancé. She swears that he wasn’t into that. I overheard her tell somebody that on the night he was killed, that they had a fight and he left her apartment and said he was going to have a drink.

Where does she live?

In Chelsea.

That wouldn’t be too far from La Semana, would it?

Nope. I think checking out the bars around there would be a good idea.

Carmen? Carmen Taylor? A male voice came from behind Carmen. She turned quickly.

Richard? Richard Branson. They hugged each other. How have you been, Richard?

I’m doing good; not as good as you, big time.

Stop it.

First you're a big-time model, on the cover of every magazine in the world, and now you're a TV reporter. Now if that ain’t big time, Carmen, you tell me what is.

I’m still the same old Carmen, Richard.

Richard’s smile slowly faded away. Just the fact that you're here is proof of that.

When I heard the news, I had to come, Carmen said and turned to Detective Mitchell. Diane, this is Richard Branson. Me, him and James, graduated together.

Nice to meet you, Richard.

Same here, Diane, Richard said and quickly turned his attention back to Carmen. Hey, do you remember Mr. Weuhausen?

Carmen laughed a little. Our old economics professor. How could I ever forget him?

Ms. Taylor, can you summarize Paul Samuelson's theory of equilibrium, Richard laughed as he imitated their old professor.

Detective Mitchell was curious, so she asked. What is Paul Samuelson's theory of equilibrium?

Carmen straightened up. It a situation in which the forces that determine the behavior of some variable are in balance and thus, exert no pressure on that variable to change. It is a situation in which the actions of all economic agents are mutually consistent. It is a concept meaningfully applied to any variable whose level is determined by the outcome of the operation of at least one mechanism or process, acting on countervailing forces.

Oh, Mitchell said.

Did you have much contact with James since college? Carmen asked, ignoring the look of awe on Mitchell’s face.

We’d get together a few times a year for drinks or dinner. And before you ask, I didn’t know anything about his sexual preferences. But if I had to give an opinion, I’d say no.

Carmen glanced at Mitchell. She had known the detective long enough to know that from the look in her eyes, that she was satisfied that James Collier was murdered and the murderer was a serial killer.

She turned back to Richard. What was James doing for a living?

He was forecasting for a defense contractor named Robert Maroney.

Hearing the name Robert Maroney raised an eyebrow. While she was investigating Milford Stephens for bribery, the name Robert Maroney came up several times. But since he wasn’t the focus of her investigation and there was nothing to indicate he had any involvement in it, Carmen didn’t pay much attention to him. Now, the reporter’s sense that she was developing was telling her to dig a little deeper.

After the funeral, Carmen went to see Glynnis Presley. If it involved politics or politicians, Glynnis was the person you wanted to talk to. She was a senator’s aid who knew everybody, and more importantly, knew all the inside information about everybody, or she could find out. Everybody talks to somebody that talks to me Glynnis was famous for saying.

Prior to his association with Martin Marshall, any time that Mike Black needed to know something or talk to somebody with that type of influence, it was a simple matter to call Glynnis, who called the appropriate person, who made the calls necessary for things to go the way he wanted them to go without any problems. All it took was a phone call from Black to give Carmen the same type of access.

Good morning, Carmen, Glynnis said as her secretary showed Carmen in.

How you doing, Glynnis?

To be honest with you, Carmen, this is one of those days when I really don’t feel like being here.

Then why don’t you leave?

Glynnis laughed and then she smiled at Carmen. I tell you what; why don’t we go, do a little shopping, maybe find someplace to get a mani and pedi, and then have lunch?

You ain’t said nothing but a word, Glynnis. Never let it be said that Carmen Taylor wasn’t down for some shopping. And with that, Glynnis and Carmen were out of there. The two spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon together, and ended up at Bouley, a French restaurant on Duane Street in Tribeca. They shared the latest gossip over their meal before Carmen got to her point. What can you tell me about Robert Maroney?

He’s a defense contractor. He owns a company called Huntington Industries. The way I get it is that over a two-year period, Maroney has received defense and intelligence contracts totaling eighty million dollars, Glynnis said and looked away. This led Carmen to believe that there was more to the story.

Anything out of the ordinary about that, or is Maroney just a very successful businessman?

I hear that bribery is suspected.

After lunch with Glynnis, Carmen took what she had learned to her executive producer Dan Graves, and he gave her permission to pursue the story. But take it slow and easy and I want to be kept in the loop every step of the way, Dan said.

Isn’t that how I always do it? Carmen asked on her way out the door.

No, Carmen, you don’t, Dan said as Carmen closed the door.

Chapter Six

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Delta Airlines announces the arrival of flight eighty-six from Salt Lake City.

It was a little after six pm when Donaldo Baker and his wife Ryder gathered their belongings and exited the aircraft. It was ten minutes to seven when they boarded first-class passengers at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. There was a long layover in Salt Lake City before they boarded the plane for New York. Although it had only been about eight hours, it felt like they had been traveling all day.

I am so glad to be off that plane, it ain’t even funny. I know we gotta be here, but damn that was a long flight, Ryder told Donaldo as they walked to baggage claim.

Donaldo didn’t say anything; he just looked at her and kept walking. At that particular moment, now that they were finally in New York, his thoughts had returned to the death of his twin brother, Raynaldo. Although he knew nothing about when or how his brother died, Donaldo was sure that he knew the exact time. It was just after five and he and Ryder were driving down East Del Mar Boulevard, when a funny feeling came over him. It didn’t last long, so he didn’t pay it much attention. But when he got the call from his cousin saying that Ray was dead, he knew.

After claiming their luggage, the Baker’s got a cab to the Bronx and went to the Marcus Jackson Funeral Home. The funeral was closed casket.

While Ryder shed tears, Donaldo stood over the coffin and stared at his brother’s picture. It wasn’t long before he was caught up in the memories of their younger days. He took Ryder by the hand and led her to a seat in the front row and thought back to those days.

Baker thought back to the days when he and Raynaldo became involved in a bloody war for turf with Torey Dirty Tee Turner. The bloodshed started with an unsuccessful assassination attempt by Raynaldo on Turner. In response to the attack, Turner sent a team to ambush Gregory Tyler, a longtime associate of the Baker’s, as he was driving. Four masked gunmen riddled Tyler's car with bullets.

Five days after the Tyler hit, Donaldo led a hit team that killed one of Turner’s lieutenants, Henry Smith, outside a doughnut shop. After that incident, Donaldo was driving away from a night club when he spotted Joey Richmond. The two men traded shots on the street, wounding Richmond.

After Raynaldo went to prison on an assault charge, the war ended, but not before Donaldo murdered Turner’s captain, Greg Scope. Investigators concluded that Donaldo Baker was personally responsible for twelve murders committed during the conflict between the Baker’s and Turner. The police were on the verge of arresting Donaldo, so he and Ryder fled to Pasadena.

Ryder squeezed his hand and he turned to her. He wiped the tears from her cheeks. Please tell me what you're feeling? she asked.

I feel like part of me is gone.

Just then, his cousin, Aston, walked up and sat down next to him. What’s up, Donaldo?

Ain’t nothing up, Aston.

Seeing that he wasn’t going to get much from Donaldo right then, Aston turned to Ryder. What’s up with you, Ryder?

I’m as good as can be expected under the circumstances. How’s y’all’s grandmother? I know she can’t be taking this well?

The brothers never knew their father, and their mother didn’t survive their birth. They were raised by their grandmother, Deloris Baker. They were her boys. Back in her day, Deloris used to run the liquor house while her husband, Dominick, was a small-time heroin dealer. Dominick and the boy’s father Quinton were killed by the police when father and son tried to rob a bank.

She’s not doing well at all, Ryder. Gran had a heart attack when she heard about Ray being killed by the cops.

I’m sorry to hear about that, Ryder said as Donaldo stood up and started walking.

Aston and Ryder got up and followed him. Then he stopped abruptly and got in Aston’s face. Where were you when my brother was killed? he asked angrily.

I had something to do for Ray, so he told me to roll out and go handle it, Aston said.

He wasn’t sure if Donaldo was going to hit him or not. There was a part of Aston that felt like he deserved it. He should have been there. Then there were times when Aston asked himself why. If I didn’t run out the back, cops would have killed me like they killed everybody else in that house, Aston told himself.

What happened? Donaldo demanded to know.

I left him at the house, cuttin’ up the product we just got. I hear the cops raided the house. People tell me they heard a lot of shootin’ comin’ from the house. When it was over, Ray and everybody in the house was dead.

Donaldo looked at Aston for what seemed like a long time and then at Ryder; she smiled a little. He turned back to Aston. That is the way the game is played. And that is the risk you run in the drug game.

You right, sure you right. But they didn’t have to kill my nigga like that. And they damn sure didn’t have to shoot him in the face, Aston said.

We all make choices, Aston, Ryder said. Raynaldo made his choices.

And he died by those choices, Donaldo said and walked away.

You outta here? Aston asked.

Yeah.

You gonna go see grandma? She’s been askin’ for you.

What hospital is she in? Ryder asked.

We got her at St. Barnabas Hospital on Third Avenue. Come on, I'll drive y'all over there, Aston said, and led them to his car.

When they entered their grandmother’s room, her eyes lit up when she saw that Donaldo was there. She motioned for him to come closer to her. She reached out for his hand. How are you, Gran?

The old lady ain’t long for this world, sugar.

Don’t talk like that, Ryder said. You got a lotta life left in you.

She cut her eyes at Ryder and pulled Donaldo closer and squeezed his hand. Find the cops that killed your brother and you send them to hell.

Yes, Gran, I will, Donaldo said. He had grown up knowing how much she hated the cops for killing her husband and her only son.

You promise me now, boy. You find the cops that killed my baby and you kill them for me. You promise me that.

I promise.

Go on, leave me now, she said and let go of his hand.

Donaldo turned to Ryder and Aston. Come on, y’all. Let’s go.

While they were in Aston’s car and he was taking him to a motel, Donaldo was very quiet. He was thinking about the promise he’d made to his grandmother. His plan was to head back to Pasadena right after the funeral. The last thing he wanted to do was hunt down and kill a cop.

He hadn’t killed anybody since he left New York. Now he was back and the first thing his grandmother asks him to do is to kill a cop.

After leaving New York, Donaldo and Ryder found other ways to hustle without fuckin’ with the dope, and it didn’t ever involve killing people. What did you promise the old lady? Ryder asked.

Nothing.

It was after midnight when Aston called them at the hotel. Ryder answered the phone. Hello.

It’s Aston.

Do you know what fuckin’ time it is?

Just let me talk to Donaldo.

She handed him the phone.

What you want?

Grandma died tonight.

What?

They say she passed not too long after we left.

When Donaldo heard that, he simply handed the phone to Ryder and got out of the bed. She told Aston good-bye and got out of bed to join her husband.

She put her arms around him, but he was deep in his thoughts about his grandmother and her death-bed request. Am I obligated to keep my promise to her? Was I justified in making that promise if I wasn’t gonna to keep it?

After a long silence, Ryder finally asked, What is it?

It’s nothing.

Bullshit. I’ve known you too long for you to think I don’t know when something is wrong.

Donaldo turned to his wife. Gran asked me to find the cops that killed Ray and kill them.

What you gonna do?

I don’t know.

Whatever you decide, I’m with you, Ryder said and kissed her man.

Chapter Seven

When Skylar Big Sky Tate retired from the Air Force after twenty years of service, he opened two businesses. One electronic repair shop and a gambling spot he’s run for the last twenty years. During that time he has managed to maintain control. Back in the day, somebody did try to muscle in on him. But with the help of some of his old Air Force buddies, Sky was able to fight them off. Since then, things have been quiet. Until the day that everything changed.

Sky was sitting in his usual spot, talking to longtime friend and regular gambler KC James, when it happened. Oh, shit, Sky remarked.

What’s wrong? James asked.

You see that woman that just came in?

The one in the red?

That’s her.

Who is she?

You remember J.R., Jasper Robinson?

I remember him.

That’s his daughter Rain. She’s down with Black and them now. Big Sky looked at Rain and Smoke as they moved around the room. He took a deep breath. She’s here to take over my spot.

Thinking that his old friend was kidding, James laughed. What makes you think that?

Because word gets around; and the word on her is that she is death walking. Big Sky watched as Rain bought into the poker game. Smoke went for the crap table.

That little girl? She’s just a kid.

"Yeah, well, let me tell you about that kid. I was at Dynamite’s about three weeks ago when that kid, as you call her, walked in with that nigga she with. They started drinking and gambling, just like they’re doing here. They showed up every day for a week before they made their move."

Why you think they waited a week to do something?

They’re checking the place out; getting a feel for the operation. He watched as Rain tipped the waitress ten dollars for bringing her a drink. See how she just tipped Agnes ten bucks for a fuckin’ drink?

Yeah. So what?

By the time she is ready to make her move and step to me, she’ll have just about everybody in her pocket. I’m talking dealers, bartenders, security … shit for ten more dollars she’ll own Agnes. You can buy a mutha fuckas loyalty cheap these days.

Tell me about it.

After about a week, she steps to Dynamite and tells him the deal.

I don’t know who the fuck you think you are or who you with, but this is my spot, and you ain’t about to just waltz in here and take it, a defiant Dynamite told Rain that day.

Yeah, but that’s exactly what’s about to happen here, Rain replied.

Dynamite laughed. You’ll take this place over my dead body.

Have it your way. Rain stood up, got out her gun and fired twice. One shot to the head; one to the chest.

The next spot they hit was more of the same. Rain and Smoke walked in and a week later, they were in the operator’s, Winston Kelly’s face, telling him the new deal. You still run your show, but you kick up ten percent to me, Rain said.

I don’t think I’m gonna be able to do that, and you can tell Black I said so.

Rain looked around the room. Having heard about what happened to Dynamite, Winston had recruited some new muscle. Rain stood up. Is that your final answer?

Yeah, that’s my final answer. Now you niggas get the fuck outta my spot before they have to carry you out.

Rain and Smoke looked at one another and smiled. Without speaking another word, they left the spot to the sound of laughter. They were still laughing ten minutes later when the cops raided the place and took everybody to jail. Since Winston had a long record of violent crime, he was held without bail and is awaiting trial for gambling and racketeering.

That’s fucked up, Sky.

Tell me about it.

"What you gonna do when