Business As Usual

By Tameche Perkins

With only three days left, a young man awaits his release from penitentiary. His only thoughts are surviving. Being black, with a criminal record, leaves him with little hope of finding a legit job. He is determined to stay away from his addiction...the streets.The question is, with hustling being in his blood, and no chance of getting hired, will he give into tempation? Will his brother and new found friend pull him back into the game to take over the streets? Will he find love and does the tempation to find real love outweigh his thirst for the streets? Theres only one way to find out...

• Language: English
• Publisher: NextUp Publishing and Apparel LLC
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393197270

Book preview

TAMECHE PERKINS

Dedication

God puts amazing people in your life at specific times and for specific reasons. I’m truly blessed to be able to bring my stories to life for the world to read.

This book is dedicated to my mother, sister and brothers. Thanks for loving me through it all. And to my son, Zahir, I love you. To all my nieces and nephews, I love you all the same. No matter what I’m here for you.

If you say thank you and show your appreciation to everyone you came across, there would still be people out there that wouldn’t want to see you succeed. So, to the trusted few men and women that are apart of my life, and to the future family I will meet on this journey through this book industry, let’s do amazing things.

To all those who support me - much love, Ion gotta say no name cause that ain’t in my DNA. Y’all know what it is... what’s understood don’t need to be spoken on.

Chapter One

Another day has come and gone. Seven years of the same old shit. I couldn’t imagine what my life was going to be like as I was counting down the three days to my freedom. In a daze, I thought long and hard about what I was going to do once my feet touched my addiction again...the streets. Then the intercom shouted out, RECK CALL, and everyone saluted to the call as if we were all slaves marching to a beat of a drum that nobody wanted to play. I marched slowly to the wreck yard with my mind elsewhere. I heard a voice screaming from the weight pile. It was none other than Blue Black himself. Black, originally from California, moved to Virginia when he was eighteen years of age and has been here ever since. He was six foot two, two hundred and thirty-five pounds of nothing but blackness from head to toe like tar. I was the one who named him Blue Black and in return he stamped me as Skinny Pimp. From there we clicked like brothers from the same womb. As I walked over to Black, I had the smile of a Cheshire cat and he knew exactly why... I was almost a free man.

With his hands in the air Black yelled, What’s up Pimp? How are you feeling Pimp?

Pimp responded with a half of a sigh, I feel like a million bucks! With only two days left, on the inside I was nervous and scared. I couldn’t let Black know that I had no direction once I got home.

Black glanced at the barren sky and took a deep breath. All I know is these streets. So all I can say is you’re either gonna live or die, but in between you gotta get that money and move accordingly.

I nodded and said, Black, I’m trying to chill until I learn the way of the streets. A lot has changed over seven years. I got to start over and with no connects.

Black rattled on about hooking me up with his connects. You know the term, I know people, that know people, that know people. Well Black knew a lot of people. But his connects also came with a price.

If I hook you up with my connects, you got to make sure that you have things in order for me. Black was looking at a few more years but praying for his appeal to do him justice. I didn’t know if I was making a deal with the devil or not, but I took his offer. With only two days left having another option wasn’t a bad idea. I needed things in order.

I got you Cuz, I’ll make that call. Black said with all sincerity. I knew I had nothing to fear once I was free. I had my own connects.

The whistle blew and wreck was over. Ms. Jackson yelled, Return to your building! at the top of her lungs.

As Black began to walk towards the building, he whispered I’ll holler at you tomorrow Pimp with that info.

I nodded and kept it moving.

Mr. Sights, I heard you were on your way out the door? said Ms. Jackson.

I didn’t even respond nor look her way. I knew she had been after me since day one. Ms. Jackson was this chick I knew from back in the day that lived around the South Side. I never got with her, but time was of the essence. I thought to myself, Once I get my hands on that bitch, I’m going to give her exactly what she’s been waiting for! Damn, I couldn’t wait.

Sherry Jackson, report to the tower! The voice came across the walkie-talkies. As Sherry walked to the tower, all she could think of was getting next to me. Sherry had been eyeing me for a long time wondering how she could get a piece of me and thinking of a master plan to get her chance.

The next day, I met up again with Blue Black on the yard.

What’s up? I called out to Black.

What’s good my nigga? he replied. I made that call last night and talked to my Uncle Lou. Now he said he can see what he can do for you, but he will not deal with any bullshit. If you want to work, then work. However, if you’re not ready don’t call him until you know that you are fully in.

Looking at my surroundings, I didn’t care what I had to do to get out here. But the thought of a drug hustle just wasn’t my forte anymore. Sadly, I knew trying to find a job clean out wasn’t going to happen either. In my mind the hustle was on and Uncle Lou was about to be my savior. In the meantime, all I could think about was getting home to my family and releasing all my spirits into Ms. Jackson.

Yo Black. You know Ms. Jackson been on me Cuz. I can tell it in her eyes that she wants me and is clocking the second I get out here. Once I get that pussy you gonna know all about it. Black and I laughed knowing somethings in life were just too easy.

Black turned and look at me and said, What you need to do is get her on the team. Get it set up, so we can lock this mutha fucka down.

That’s exactly what I was thinking.

The next day came faster than expected. All I heard was Dewan Sights, bag and baggage. You’re a free man! I could only jump for joy like a kid at a candy store, but I stayed humble knowing this moment was the moment of truth and reality. The CO buzzed the door to Receive and Departure. The fake encouragement of Good luck. You’ll do great. was making my blood boil. I knew nobody gave a damn if I made it out or not. They handed me the release papers to sign and as my heart raced, I signed my John Hancock and reality began. I’d rather be anywhere than this place. The next sound I heard was the door opening with a loud BUZZZZ. Then I saw pure sunlight as if I was seeing Heaven, but I knew I was about to re-enter hell.

My little brother P-Dot was waiting outside sitting in his Yukon, showing off his twenty-six-inch Jessie James. I threw my bags in the back seat and hopped in smiling from ear to ear.

Please get me out here my nigga! I chuckled. I’m ready to see Ma Dukes. Where she at? I inquired.

She right in the kitchen doing what she always doing... cooking. replied my brother.

Man, it’s been a long time coming. I am just so glad to be back. I see you out here doing big things. acknowledging my brother because he wasn’t always the saint either.

My brother replied Yeah, I’m trying Bruh, but you know it’s too many snitch ass niggas out here. You don’t know who to trust and I’m just playing my part.

After a thirty-minute drive to the crib, my brother and I caught up on the street ins and outs. As we pulled into the yard, my heart began to race with excitement. We entered the house, everybody and their momma was there. The only one I wanted was mine. I ran leopard speed and wrapped my arms around her from the back catching her off guard. My mother turned around, tears flowing because her eldest son was home. As I held her, I knew that nothing could ever take away a mother’s love, my mother’s love, my angel, Ma Wanda.

After all the hugs and kisses, I spotted the one I had been looking for, for the last seven years.

Hey Pimp. said Eve.

Now Eve was a short brown skinned broad that looked like Halle Berry with the body like Serena Williams. All I could think to myself was Lord, please let me get some of that tonight. but I knew I wouldn’t. Eve wasn’t that type of girl. She was classy and a grown woman. She had her shit together from her crib, to her car, and a damn good job. She knew what she wanted out of life and I knew that I wanted, a woman like her. I could see myself loving her for the rest of my life. And that’s just what I needed, A WOMAN.

Chapter Two

It’s been a month since my release. I’ve been on a job hunt every day. Ma, nobody out here wants to give me a chance. I vented to my mother. I was frustrated, angry, and yet still I was trying to be positive. I was getting down on the inside because the last thing I needed was to be a grown man with nothing under my belt to show for it. I envisioned myself with a game plan, but it always seemed like trouble was in every step that I took. I was hungry for the streets and I made my bed, but I didn’t think it would be this hard.

My mother looked me in my eyes and said, Baby, be patient and take your time. I didn’t give up on you and the good Lord never gave up on you. Put your trust in the Lord son and He will guide you in the right direction.

Ma, I understand that. I’m just tired of asking you to look out for me. I’m 28 years old and you’re still taking care of me like I’m your lil son Ma! I got to do something.

Look here boy! Now I’d rather take care of you then to see you doing something to get yourself back in that place. Give your life to the Lord Son, and everything will work itself out.

I had just finished breakfast. Placing my plate in the sink, I looked over my shoulder to my mother and my heart softened. I realized that no matter what my mother always had my back.

Thanks, Ma, for the breakfast. I got three interviews today so I will see you later on tonight.

Before I could walk off my mother stood up from her seat and grabbed my face with both hands and said, Just believe Son. Just believe and everything will be alright.

I nodded as my mother ended her faithful words. Then with a mother’s touch, she stood on her toes and kissed my forehead. All I could think about was making her proud knowing that I was about to make a deal with the devil. It was hard to stay strong especially when all I wanted was to take care of my family. It was hard having to rely on everyone and not think about my addiction in the street... my hustle. Thinking about Uncle Lou and that offer I had to make a choice. I headed for the door to head out for to my interviews, praying that somebody would give me a chance. All I could say was, God be with me.

I started heading down North Avenue when P Dot spotted me. He pulled over inquiring about where I was headed.

You need a ride or something?

Hell yeah!

Where you headed Cuz?

I got a job interview down at the Phillip Morris, but I’m on the verge of saying fuck it and going back to what I know.

That was music to P’s ears. Me and him back on the block together. We would be unstoppable.

Yeah, I’ve been doing good for myself Bruh. Just let me know when you need it and I got you.

I don’t know P. I am not sure that I am ready yet, but I’ll keep it in mind.

P reached down in his pocket and pulled out three one hundred-dollar bills and handed it to me. I was speechless and yet grateful because if nothing else, I knew that P was my brother’s keeper.

Here Bruh, I know shit has been hard, but call me when you’re done with your interview. I’ll be a few blocks away down at my man’s crib on Ruffin Road. Hit me up and I’ll come back and pick you up.

That’s what’s up, I’ll hit you up when I’m done.

I walked up to the Phillip Morris plant entrance, looked down at my watch and it was 9:45 and I was fifteen minutes late for my interview. All I could think was, Damn, knowing that I just fucked up before I could even get started.

Hey Miss, my name is Dewan Sights and I am here for my interview.

Ok Mr. Sights, please have a seat and I will give Mr. Jones a call.

The secretary dialed Mr. Jones extension and waited. The phone rang to Mr. Jones office and he picked up on the third ring. Yes, Mr. Jones, you have Dewan Sights here for his interview.

Thank you, tell him I’ll be right down Kathy.

Waiting for Mr. Jones to come down felt like forever. I was already nervous, late, and really didn’t want to be there. But I knew I should try to start on the right path first to say that at least I tried. However, the light didn’t look so bright at the present moment.

Chapter 3

Meanwhile, P was at his cousin Loc house.

Loc, what’s good with you Cuz? P asked.

Ain’t shit Cuz, just waiting for my people to call so I can get this new shipment that just came in.

What’s up Cuz? Are you going in with me again?

Yeah, I’m going to do the same thing that I did last time. I’m going to get two keys, but I hope that it’s better than last time.

I took a little lost last time, but I put my whip game down and came back from it. You need to let them mother fuckas know what the business is. We spend too much money foe that nigga to be playing games with the product.

Yeah homie, I definitely feel you. I’m going to holler at him when I get the call.

P started thinking with his slick grin on his face just how ruthless and powerful this whole gig could be. If I could only get my brother on board. Imagine how much money could be made. Talk about the biggest ballers in the city. With all this, we could be the new age mafia. P smiled at the thought as it traveled in and out of his mind. Loc was staring at P as the thoughts were traveling through his mind. Yo P. What the fuck is wrong with you Cuz? Are you bugging out or something because it seems like you were in Wonderland or some shit like that? You better come back to Earth.

I’m cool, I just got some shit on my mind homie. I just dropped Pimp off at Phillip Morris plant for a job interview and he got some shit on his mind. I don’t know Homie, he just doesn’t look the same. It’s as if he super stressed out. Besides what cracker out here want to give him a job huh? He got that look in his eyes man like he’s about to be in the streets.

Man P.  That would be some crazy stuff if you and your brother started getting money together. That’ll be the shit!

Loc took the words right out of my mouth as if he knew what I was thinking. That just gave further confirmation that the streets were calling. And I already had the game plan conjured up.

Chapter 4

"I can’t believe this shit! I can’t seem to do shit right. I can’t get a fucking