Securing the Plug's Heart

By CoCo Shawnde

Project living, day to day survival, and complete access to the streets, this was Keoni Howell story before she was thrown into a cell. Never warned that the same heart that is shielded behind a barricade of ribs could draw you to such limits. Her heart in human form, Cardel, made it all worth it at the time. Being institutionalized, she’s finally set to be released. Upon regaining her freedom, she’s set to take over where her bloodline has taken a pause. Before she’s handed the torch, she’s tested like never before but turns it into revenge. Taking the streets on, she’s forced to team up with Emiliano and Shaqir, who are seasoned in cocaine distribution. Instantly, Emil and Keoni’s chemistry begins to blossom, and in no time, their feelings are on full display. With a growing empire comes the bloodshed. Emil thought he left all his problems behind until he’s hit with the betrayal of a lifetime. An arrest no one saw coming could be an end to all.

Everything love is about, Tiaura thought she had with her husband, Shamon. When he’s taken off the streets that he gained riches from, she’s put into an investigation room to finish detective work. Routine questioning ended with her being booked in a cell, taking a charge. From cellmates to sisters, Tiaura is freed to join what Keoni has started. Meeting Shaqir fresh out, it isn’t love at first sight, but a mission to make each other’s life hell! Shaqir falls into death's clutches, arising problems that are too close to home. Tiaura then takes matters into her own hands and goes against the grain to save Shaqir. She’s doesn’t take into account her own life. On the run, it’s now to the death. Will she be dragged right into death's clutches? Or make it out alive on a blink? Will Keoni be taken down before she can fully step into her power?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leo Sullivan Presents
• Release date: Sep 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781648541308

Book preview

1

Keoni

Year of 2012

Tuesday 2:36 a.m.

Burying my head into my twin size mattress, the thin pillow I had trapped over my head did nothing to conceal the booming noise of my mother, Melany’s, stereo system. Turning onto my back, I could make out the sounds of cries mixed in.

Leaping to the cold floor, I rushed to the boy´s room that sat to the left of mine. Swinging the door open, I was able to catch Tyron before he rolled out of the crib. Catching him swiftly, I let the guard rail back up. I popped a pacifier right in Deon’s mouth since he was letting his bottom lip hang to let me know he too, wanted to be picked up.

She don’t even hear these babies crying. I fussed underneath my breath.

Here it was a school night, and I was putting my six-month old twin brothers to sleep. With heavy eyes, I made two bottles in the dark. Laying them on their side together facing one another, I made sure the rail was secured so they couldn’t roll out. Their hard sucking was the cutest to me. While they were dozing back off, I had eyes on the twin bed in the corner.

Walking away, I took a closer look. Now where is this boy at? I said, snatching the wool blanket up from Jarius, my other little brother´s bed. Shaking my head, I left out of the room knowing he was probably running the streets. His little ass was only eight, but you’d think he was twenty-eight with how grown he walked around this bitch.

"Let's do it in the mornin'

Sweet breeze in the summertime

Feeling your sweet face

All laid up next to mine

Sweet love in the midnight

Good sleep come mornin' light

No worries 'bout nothin'"

Hearing the old school melody of the Staple Singers, I wasn’t surprised to see my mother downstairs turning our living room into her own juke joint. With a mop in one hand and a beer in the other, she was letting her soulful voice be heard all through the Oakwood project blocks. She was literally stepping to the chairs and couches that played as her audience. With not a soul in the room, I knew she had consumed more alcohol than her body could handle.

Momma! I yelled, with one foot still on the autumn wheat wooden staircase. Melany turned her slim thick frame around and kept singing. Mom! I gotta go to school. Can you turn it down? I yelled over the music. She kept dancing, and I knew the empty beers around had her right where she wanted to be. Mom, can you turn it downnn?!!

Girl, what you want?! she burst out from singing the chorus, and putting her weight onto the broom.

Can you turn the music down! I restated, dropping my head slightly to the right. The babies crying, Tyron almost fell out of the crib again, Jarius not in the bed, and I got to get up in the morning to go to-! Before I could continue with my vent, she was stopping the words from spilling from my mouth.

Girl, Keoni! You act like you got a fucking job or something! she argued back. What angered me was that she ain’t have no job herself. Where the fuck you got to be? You don’t tell me when to turn my music down or what to do with my kids. I pushed them out this fat ass pussy, and yo black ass. she paused to take a swig of her beer.

Melany wasn’t new to this drinking. Every day she had to have a drink, or else it was hell for everyone in her path. I grew up knowing how to live with her, but with me being older now, I was growing thin with withholding how she had me fucked up.

I got school in the morning! Throwing my hands up, I was tired of even standing here in her face.

This my goddamn house! You got a problem, get the fuck out! That’s right! GET THE FUCKKK OUTTTT MY HOUSE, KEONI!! Her voice was now just as loud as her stereo, and I knew she was really letting the liquor talk. We both knew I was her personal babysitter for my little brother’s that she put off as my responsibility. Even still, when she became this drunk, she would put me out on my ass like I had a home of my own to go to. I was just glad it was just me this time, and she wasn’t putting my brothers out, babies and all!

More like Alton Housing Authority projects. I mumbled, marching upstairs to get my clothes. The same kids you halfway take care of is the reason you can even live here. I wish I could call my daddy.

What you say, Keoni??! she spat back at me.

Stopping in my tracks, my eyes burned slightly, wanting to cry. I wish I could call my daddy. I said, meaning every word.

Oh, baby girl, just for that...don’t take shit I bought! You better take whatever yo jailbird daddy got you. His ass wasn’t going to come for you anyway. He just come when he wants some of this pussy baby...why you think he never take you with him when he stops by? she chastised, knowing the tactic she was playing on.

Not even putting myself through searching for something my dad brought, I spun back around on the steps and left out the back door. Tears were on the verge of falling, and it wasn’t about being kicked out of my momma´s house. Hell, that happened at least once a week on a GOOD week. It was the fact that it wasn’t a lick of clothing I could pack to go with me because she had been taking the role of my daddy and momma. Melany knew every button to hit, and speaking on the fact that my father was in prison, it was going to strike every nerve within me. She made sure to speak on him to paint a picture of him never wanting to be here only to tear down the pedestal I kept him on in my head. Even having every reason to question why he never wrote, called, or anything...I still held onto the fairytale that he still cared.

Walking from the back of the building, outside was lit as usual. Oakwood was divided up into three cul-de-sac sections. You had the 900, 800, and 700 Block. We stayed right in the heart, 800 Block. Each block had a playground set, but the 700s had the basketball court, so the nigga’s gravitated up there. Tonight, it was no question on the crowd of people out here.

Taking the walkway up the small hill to the 700 Block where my granny stayed, I caught Jarius playing right in the cul-de-sac where it was parked cars.

Go home! I yelled at him, pulling him by his shirt.

Why? Momma don’t care! he said, tensing his face up. My daddy right ova’ ‘dere! he pointed out the low rider, and I rolled my eyes. Big Jarius was surely among the parked cars, but he wasn’t concerned at all with handling his son. He was posted up with a big booty bitch in his lap.

Am I momma? I hissed, with both hands on my hips. She’s drunk, but just go through the back and go to bed. I left it open.

Where you goin, Keoni? he implored.

Sighing deeply, I sucked on my teeth. I ain’t staying ‘dere. Now go! It’s late and you bet not miss that bus ina’ mornin’. I lectured, pushing him off to go.

You going to Lesley house to see Cardel, ain’t you? he said, stating the obvious. His squinted eyes and scrunched up face was strong while he gave me a stare down like I wasn’t the big sister.

Where else can I go? I responded, flinging my arms out in frustration. Go home, Jarius.

Jarius stomped off and rode his bike back down the hill.

Releasing a sigh, I went on my way. Making my way around the cul-de-sac, I rushed to the first apartment door of the corner building. Banging my fist against the door to be heard, it swung open roughly. Lesley was always up because she would catch weed sells throughout the day and night to make extra money aside from her government assistance.

Pooh, what you doing hurr this late? Where is the rest of your clothes chile? Lesley asked, stepping back to let me in. That boy just left. Did he-

Del didn’t sneak through the window again. Melany- I started.

Get on in the house. I already know. she said, knowing how my mother got down.

Lesley had her own kids to take care of, but since I was her oldest son´s girlfriend, she wouldn’t leave me out here. Every week I would have to sleep over here just so I wouldn’t have to sleep at the park until I could sneak back in my own house when Melany would pass out.

Go up to Del’s room. Get some sleep, chile. she said, locking up her door.

Knowing if I opened my mouth, she would see my tears next, I couldn’t even tell her thank you. I went up the staircase to Del’s room. Sinking into his bed, I laid there for hours. I was beyond fed up with living like this, and it was wearing me down.

When the turning of the bedroom nob was heard, in stepped Cardel. He was dressed from head to toe in Polo Ralph Lauren. He didn’t say anything initially, and neither did I. He knew how messy my mother was with her kids. He gave a charming smile and gave me a sensual kiss to my lips.

Hey baby. I said in a soft tone, pinching my lips together.

Wad’ up. I was just checking for you at Melany’s spot. he told me, stepping back. He placed a solid gold chain onto the TV stand and disregarded his outfit by putting it back on the hanger. She called me to cop some weed, so I dropped some off thinking you were home too.

Yeah, she told me I had to go. I said rolling my eyes that my mother was even calling on Del for weed.

Mom’s said you can stay. he said, texting away on his phone. You ain’t got to go back.

You okay with that? I asked him.

Why wouldn’t I? he questioned.

Cardel and his people had only been staying out here for a month. Since the day he spotted me at the basketball court when he was helping them move some couches, we were on one another hard. He was from St. Louis, and something I had never experienced before. I was known for my tomboy ways, and my stuck-up attitude to the boys around the way. With him, he brought out a different side of me. For that, he became my boyfriend and I was his girl. Cardel was twenty, and I was a fresh seventeen.

Being that Lesley chose to move her family here since their father was killed over on the East Side, Del had no friends here. He had me, and for the most part that was cool. Then, there were times he missed where he grew up, and he would be gone. Staying here was one of the few options I had, but if it meant problems would arise, I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to invade on him or become a burden.

I mean, you my gal. he said, looking back at me, planting a kiss on my forehead. Smiling in the dark, the street light from outside gave enough to make out our features.

Hurr...have mom’s take you shopping in the morning. I should have some more to give you once I make some more plays. he said, standing from the bed. He dropped two hundred dollars on me, and I felt bad for him having to do this for me.

Del...I want to make my own...I don’t want to take what you hustled for. You know I’m not that girl. I know you mean well, but I’ll feel better if you let me–

Pooh, you wanna sell dope? he said, looking at me as if I was laying here with two heads.

"I want to take care of myself like you take of you...so, yes." I finally told him with pleading eyes.

I’on know ‘bout all ‘dat. he said shaking his head. We sat in silence, and I never backed down as if I would change my mind.

Cardel...I don’t have shit else. I shrugged, knowing I would do it with him or without. That was the mentality I built for myself.

A’ight, a’ight! I can see that look in your eye. If I tell you no, you going to go behind my back with it, and that’s putting us in a bad spot. I’ll get you on under me. You have to earn your keep, Pooh. he said with a stern eye.

I will. I said with confidence through the roof.

He came to the bed, and planted his hands into the bed while leaned down so he could slither his tongue in my mouth.

2

Cardel

C hill with that shit. I hissed, while drilling into Jadore. I could see her rolling her eyes, but she knew what she was doing. On top of her knowing I had a girl, she was trying to have me a marked ass nigga with hickies on my neck. Shaking my head slightly, I dove deeper in her pussy trying to brainwash myself on what she just pulled.

Ouuu, CARDELLL! she screamed, scratching up my back. Knowing I was about to send a load, I made her get on all fours. Rearing her from behind, she looked back on me stroking her from the back. Gripping onto her ass cheeks, Jadore knew how to suck every drop of nut out of me. Going full throttle in the pussy, my chains were slapping against my chest hard from the pounding.

Cum in me baby! she pleaded. Cummmm in yo pussyyy babyyyy. she whined to me.

You been wanting this nut, huh? I said through clenched teeth.

Jadore was moaning loudly as her legs began to give out, and I kept giving her more dick to drive her up a wall. When we released together, she collapsed instantly on the bed.

Taking deep breaths, I back peddled to the bathroom to clean myself up. A nigga was drained, but I needed to pick Keoni up from school. It was friday, and I knew she was ready to be out that bitch.

Aye, Jadore! I called out, fully dressed from head to toe.

Yeah baby? she answered, as she pulled the sheets from the bed.

Whurr’ that condom??

Trash. she pointed out, and I looked down, seeing it for myself. Can you take it out for me?

Mane, that’s what yo nigga for. You should’ve flushed the muthafuka. I told her, yanking up my keys.

Darnell and I don’t use condoms so it ain’t shit to flush. I’m pregnant. she revealed, looking up at me like I should have already known.

By him! I raised my voice as my eyebrows came together out of anger.

Does it matter? she said knowing I wasn’t trying to move like this. Jadore and I already shared a kid together that I just found out about. My little girl Cambrie was barely one, and I haven't even figured out how to raise her, and she was telling me I was about to have two. On top of shit, me and Jadore wasn’t in nothing solid. I´d rather hear that Keoni was pregnant with my seed than this hoe. Jadore had a whole nigga, and she wasn’t about to sit in my face like me and Darnell was the only ones sliding in her.

I shouldn’t have fucked yo young ass anyway. Get out my shit Cardel. This bitch tried her favorite line on me like I was some other nigga. Jadore was in her mid twenties, and thought since she had some numbers on me on the age, she could little boy me. I didn’t let my own mother run it like that with me, so she damn sure wasn’t. Before she could say anything else smart out her mouth, I yoked her ass up against the wall.

Yo mouth popping off again. I advise you to get that muthafuka right. Don’t eva’ try to disrespect me like I’m not that nigga! I said, pushing her back against the wall, and then releasing her. She instantly caught her neck with her hands trying to breath.

Aye, and stop taking my daughter to Keoni´s mother´s house like you not on no slick shit. I know what you doing, and her. I said, knowing Melany wasn’t calling me every day for weed for nothing. Her ass wasn’t paying me, and I was taking losses dealing with that shit,