No Tomorrow

By Hughes

Caught in a triangle of love, Kev is faced with having to deal with his first Love Tracy, battling with his newly found love Sky. On his way to become his own boss, his mentor Hunid Spoke showers him with knowledge while in return he takes the attained information to his crew of VB’s (Valley Boys) out of the Garden Valley Projects in order to maintain structure within their organization.
Tommy on the other hand, Kev’s best friend is faced with family issues. His mother died and her death may have something to do with his nightmarish dreams; the same dreams she was having before she died. Mysteries are revealed that are pertained to his mothers death.
When the Creator of the world created good, He contracted it with evil. In the End Tommy will wage the two in a war; separating them from their differences.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728337333

Hughes

Hill & Hughes are creative thinkers, their imagination gives their readers a variety of categories. Having to un learn and relearn some things because of their child hood as inner Kansas City Mo. kids. Hill & Hughes found their gift and passion for writing as cell mates. They reformed themselves in prison where they wrote screen plays and short novels. Hill & Hughes are true writers who doesn’t put thier ideas and imaginations in a box.

Book preview

© 2019 Hill & Hughes. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  11/22/2019

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3734-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3732-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3733-3 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

INTRODUCTION TO THE GAME

TIARA & T-BONE

CLAIM YOUR NAME

HOMEWORK

THE SERMON

RESPECT MY GANGSTA

WHO SHOT YA

SWEET DREAMS

RETALIATION

PAYING HOMAGE

CAN’T WIN FOR LOSING

BELLY OF THE BEAST

O.G. BOBBY

THE INVASION

DOG FOOD

JAIL BAIT

THERAPY

STRICTLY BUSINESS

ONES SELF

CAUGHT UP

REAL PLUG

BETRAYAL

HE MISSED

SURPRISE

AMBER ALERT

WELCOME HOME

RELEASE PARTY

WHY?

RIBBON IN THE SKY

THE ARRIVAL

ALL OR NOTHING

MY ANGEL

COCAINE COWBOY

GALLERY OF ART

TASTE LIKE KANDY

KANSAS CITY MO.

KANDY’S TREAT

BACK FIRE

REV. DO WRONG

INDICTMENTS

HISTORY

THEY KNOW

DREAM CATCHER

THE AMBUSH

GOD MIND

LIVING IN YOUR LAST DAYS

PROLOGUE

It was dark and cold. Tommy was running, the black of the night surrounding him, pulling his existence like vice-grips-clasping tightly, firmly around his life. The cold bit at his nostrils, burrowing its icy tentacles through his nasal cavity, down through his heaving chest, where it rested all of a fraction

Of a second in his lungs; quickly, but usefully being burned off like diesel

Fuel in a sixteen-wheeler roaring down the highway. Something, but what was chasing him. Being aware that something was in hot pursuit was part of the the solution; knowing what, or who, was back there (and stopping it) was the missing factors to the problem that prevented his aching limbs from rapidly galloping, carrying his frightened body into nowhere.

Tommy quickly looked behind him, stealing a glance, but as far as he could see (which would only amount to the distance of his cornea staring at the back of his eyelid) there was nothing there. Oh Lord he knew there was something there, in the distance behind him or hovering over him like the hand of the Creator.

Tommy’s heart fluttered fiercely banging at the door of his chest-plate NO! N0hhhhH! he screamed out. He woke up in a cold sweat. The goose-down pillow and sheets that once before, neatly decorated and hugged the corners of his bed, lay hazard disarranged underneath his sweat-drenching body.

46658.png

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

TO THE GAME

T ommy grew up around a pipe organ sitting openly against the first visible wall. Visitors (as well as residents) would see it whenever they stepped foot through his grandmother’s door. The soul-soothing sound of Gospel hymns vibrated through the old-dusty pipes of the organ, his grandmother’s fingers still vibrant and full of strength, danced across the keys of the old wind instrument throughout the week; more so, on Sunday and Friday. The first; when a small cluster of the church choir would visit to praise and lament after service and the latter was what she called The day of the Heathens, when ungodly people would start their weekend of unrestricted rituals of sin. Deidra (Tommy’s Grandmother) would play the organ all afternoon somedays. Tommy knew Amazing Grace by memory, as well as Victory Shall Be Mine.

His Grandmother’s home was where his morals and family values were instilled.

Tommy was next to the youngest of four siblings, his sister (Destiny, nicknames DD) was the senior of the four. LA Shay was next to the oldest, while Dontae was the youngest of the liter? LA Shay and Dante both shared the same mother who was still living, Tommy and DD’s mother passed away when they were small children, Tommy being three while DD was only eight.

Their father, just like another street educated pillar of immoral conduct was serving a life sentence for double homicide. He in search of a better means of support for his family, walked into one of the many federal banks of Ohio and at gun-point demanded the (useless but insured) promissory notes that would not make it out the closed door of the establishment.

He killed the banks manager and patron (an old women) who was there to deposit her social security check.

Tommy and his three siblings went through the usual, Child Protection Services routine, but was (as a blessing to Deidra) adopted by their grandmother.

Tommy would wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat because of his dreams. His oldest sister would tease him about being baptized by the devil. DD told him about how they once lived in that old church down on Buckeye boulevard and Charlotte Street. DD also told him that the preacher was possessed by demons. Tommy’s grandmother (being part of the flock that followed the spiritual guidance of the Man Of The Cloth) would deny the allegation.

Deidra would tell Tommy that DD made the allegation just to be mean or insist fear in Tommy’s heart. Deidra also knew that DD lived long enough in that church to know better. Tommy was in the small confines of his room, waiting on his best friend Kevin to arrive. Kevin was Tommy’s ace-in-the-hole. They lived in the same neighborhood and went to the same school, sharing the same classes. Kevin met Tommy in their third grade year, and thereafter became inseparable. Kevin’s bond with his friend strengthened when his parents got divorced. Tommy remained by his friends side when he was overcast with gloom, his father picking up and moving to California, leaving him behind while he stayed with his mother in Ohio. Kevin and Tommy as a way to rebel against the injustice that they felt each was administered by the hands of life, started stealing as a way to relieve their anger; ripping candy stores off and going to the malls to trade in their old shoes for new ones without the mutual decency of paying for them. Kevin was seventeen now and he had the attitude of a young hooligan who nobody could tell shit. Tommy could hear Kevin outside, the fifteen-inch speakers in Kevin’s car trunk vibrating Tommy’s grandmother’s house. Kevin turned the music up a little bit louder, in order to get Tommy’s attention so he would hurry.

Hold up! Here I come! he shouted from his bedroom window. Turn down that music before my Grandma comes out here trippin’ Tommy ordered.

A few moments later he came trotting out the front door and jumped in the passenger side of the car. What it do? Kevin’s smile widened like he had some extraordinary news that he wanted to tell the world. Awwwhhhh, you know…just went three rounds with Nicole, he dispelled, not able to keep his sexual venture a secret. She got that good unhhhhh unhhhhh unh! he said, resonating a self-satisfying hum of contentment.

This news made Tommy grimace. He looked to his friend with disgust, benignly, to admonish him. What I tell you about messing’ with them type of girls. You going’ learn, he warned, I told you before, all they want is you’ money, Fool!

Tommy! You know me… I’m not about to pay for no pussy, he refuted, defending him; It’s money-over -bitches all day! What’s up with you? though? I am not heard from you in a few days. Tommy looked over at Kevin, wondering if he should tell him about the dreams he was having. Man…I been still havin’ them same crazy dreams…I think sometimes that the reaper is trying to get me. (Pressin’ his soul for unpaid debt.) Kevin couldn’t help but to laugh aloud. That’s why you suppose to pray before you go to sleep, Fool, he said retaining his composure. That’s what my mom tells me to do whenever I have a bad dream. She said it come from goin’ to bed angry. It’s probably because Jodie got yo’ ass on lock… and all the bitcches be shooting’ at you, and you gotta turn ’em down. Hell, I’d go to bed angry and have bad dreams too!

Man, I knew that I couldn’t tell you nothing’ without you being smart. Shut up and just drive!

When Kevin and Tommy pulled up to Rosko’s house, Tommy was a little bit nervous about them being late. Rosco was a major hustler who used younger kids to do his dirty work.

(He did that because he knew that if they got caught, they wouldn’t face having to go to prison). He made it a point to let them know If they got caught, they would only go to Juvenile; and then even worse have to deal with him. Rosco spoiled his underage impressionable couriers and gave them everything they would ask for, because after all they were only kids and he knew that the average teenager, all they cared about was having a nice whip and some fly gear.

Rosco met Kevin and Tommy while he was with his right hand man Tee shopping.

Rosco and Tee witnessed Tommy and Kevin rip off the mall. Once Rosco concluded through his own decision, he figured they didn’t have anything more enriching to do with their time other than rip off malls, so he had Tee snatch them up.

I hope Rosco don’t be tripping’ cause we late and have us posted up all night. Tommy said as he was getting out of the car.

We only ten minutes late. Fuck them. Kev replied.

When Kevin and Tommy walked in the house, Rosco and Tee was standing in the living room.

You little niggas late, Rosco said.

Only ten minutes, Tommy replied looking down at his watch as if he was just now afforded the opportunity to examine the short and the long hand.

Well… Rosco started. He motioned for Tee to make his move so that he could get Tommy and Kevin out in a hurry, then went on to add. In that ten minutes you could have made ten g’s (grand)." He said assuring.

Kev decided he had something to add speaking up for the first time, minus the aggressive attitude he had moments before he and Tommy stepped through the door. By the way Ross that dude Big Slim said we couldn’t work in the park no more.

"Yeah…and he also said he was willing’ to war over who makes the money.

He claim his guy’s is not eating’." Tommy added.

Rosco’s eyes widened at the news. "What! Those fools don’t want no problems.

I’ll make sure none of them niggas eat!…for the rest of their short lives and I mean that! He turned to Tee who had just walked back into the room, his ears roaring with steam from anger. Tee make sure you handle that. Rosco ordered, not knowing that his uttered curse would descend back down to his front door.

A few days passed. Tee had stationed Tommy and Kevin at a new location because of the tension that arose between the two organizations.

Then just like any other war that had to come to an end. One of the OG’s from Big Slims crew without regard for the city ordinance (626.00 discharging;; a firearm within city limits) or the busy eyes of the young boy who was standing at the bus stop waiting for the thirty seven to take him home, rolled up beside Rosco’s car and emptied a hundred round clips from the cooling barrel of a calico into his body.

42784.png

Tommy was at home playing video games when his phone rang.

Hello. Tommy said, juggling the controller and the phone.

It’s me, Kev, you hear about Rosco?

Yeah, I heard. Scooter and Tay called earlierand told me what happened.

Man, that’s fucked up! What we going do Kev?

We holla at Hunid. We got all this money I know he a put us on decent, look how he living that’s how I want to live.

Don’t you think Tee gone want Rosco’s money?

it’s like this… Kev began, preparing to lay out a scam that was brewing in the front of his lob. "We know the money is not Tee’s, so what we gone do is flip it, stack it and then we wait and see what happens…fuck Tee!

Alright, call Hunid and then hit me right back, tell em’ we’ll slide through there.

Aright I’m a hit you.

When Tommy got off of the phone he could hear his little brother running up the stairs yelling his name.

Tommy? Tommy? Grandma wants you. The little boy shouted.

Here I come. And don’t go in my room. Tommy said as he was leaving out of his room closing the door.

Don’t anybody care about your stupid room. Dante replied.

When Tommy went downstairs his grandmother was in the kitchen making dinner.

She also had some of her famous, V8 drink that she would make for Tommy every since he was a kid. Tommy hated the taste of the drink, but he liked taking it at night because it would help him sleep so he wouldn’t have to face those crazy dreams.

What’s up Grandma? Tommy took a seat at the table. He had a feeling that he was in for a speech. Deidra dried off the last plate that sat in the dish rack before her addressed her grandson.

Tommy, why haven’t you been at school? She asked her back still facing him. She walked over to the table and sat across from him and went on to say. You know this is your last year and I want to see you graduate.

Our blood line doesn’t breed dummies. All of my babies smart, your mother was smart; God rest her soul…she just made bad choices…choices that messed up everything good she had going," Deidra’s words willowed out almost faint as if she was seeing her daughter’s life pass before her eyes, and then fade.

She looked back up at Tommy, a forced smile struggling to sprout forth on her old weary face. Her words were parallel to the strength she fostered in her irreversibly ripping body.’ Listen to me Tommy and listen closely…you are going to have to start making some better choices. You can’t take back your past and whatever your doing rather its right are wrong it will come back to haunt you. Your mother was the same way, stubborn as hell, Deidra’s words were full of anger for her daughter (Tommy’s mother) but her eyes (as Tommy could no doubt see) were filled with sorrow…she paused to regain herself. Then shuffled her arms to her lap and brought her chin up leveling her eyes with Tommy’s. Deidra reached across the table and placed her hand in his. "You just make sure you set an example for Dante. He looks up to you. You are growing into a man Tommy. So be a man. Now come over here and give Grandma some suga.

46658.png

CHAPTER 2

TIARA & T-BONE

APRIL 1985

T he rain was pouring the small beads of moisture pattering against her body, raining down on her as she ran as fast as she could through the woods. She could hear over the rapid pattering of the rain, the steps of her pursuer getting closer.

Close to her breast, within her hand tightly wrapped up in her arms, shrouded protected against the elements was her two and a half year old child. Tiara could feel her heart thrumming against her chest as she pushed herself to run faster and faster. Tiara woke up. This was a normal night for Tiara, having her dreams.

(dreams that her tired body could do without) She thought that maybe, possibly it was the old creepy church that her mother had her living in. The dreams did not start until after her grandmother had passed. Tiara’s trembling body had jumped which woke T-Bone. T-Bone was a hustler (slash) street thug, basically in reality an inspiring gangster (and anything else that one wanted to call a guy like him). T-Bone met Tiara when she was walking home from school. The freshness that blew past his nostrils as she walked by, the tightness of her jeans out lined her perfect, young budding frame; that was still as far as his experienced eye could tell maturing. She was ready he had thought, to be plucked from that forbidden tree. To be popped open like a fresh can of pringles. He had his first baby by Tiara a girl. He wanted a boy badly which he eventually had with her six years later. T-Bone was the type that trouble, in every form followed him hovering over his head, like the cloud that guided the Israelites through the desert. He stayed in and out of jails, never being able to reap the benefits from anything he did illegal, but he vowed to help Tiara move out of that small efficiency room in that old church.

Damn! Why do you always jump up in the middle of the night? T-Bone asked as he rolled over. Agitated, shaken and stirred out of his sleep.

All you care about is yourself and the streets! I’m surprised you ain’t out there any way!" Tiara said as she was getting out of the bed to go check on the kids.

You know what I’m tired of your sarcastic ass! Fuck you, Tiara!

What did I tell you about cussing’? We’re still in a sacred place you know.

Tiara threw her house coat around her shoulders and started towards the door.

Fuck that shit Tiara, I’m tired of having to watch my language around here!.

Tiara stopped and turned in his direction.

You would move your family out of here!

Well if you were a real man.

T-Bone felt the jolting pinch of anger causing him to become furious about what Tiara had just said. T-Bone leapt from the bed and with the agility of Max Julian and the anger of John Amos, slapped the taste out of Tiara’s mouth.

She was perplexed, stunned for a second she didn’t know what happened seconds before. This was his second time hitting her, he could feel the guilt as he watched the expression on Tiara’s face change from astonishment to fear.

He tried to grab her to console her, but she pushed him away. I’m sorry baby. I didn’t mean to. He whined.

Just leave, please…go! Tiara yelled through sobbing tears.

T-Bone grabbed his things and got ready to leave, but as he was about to walk out of the door, he observed DD standing in the door way with little Tommy holding him while he cried. T-Bone walked out of their lives never looking back.

The next morning was Sunday. This meant Sunday school for DD and Tommy.

DD and her friend Vanessa were assigned to help watch over the kids while assisting Sister Jenkins in her class.

Vanessa also lived in the church with DD. They used to run through the church and play on the piano and drums. One day, while they were roaming through the church, they, went into the basement where the preacher baptized the new members of the congregation. To them the basement was eerily spooky, the building being over seventy years old fastened together with warped rotted wood; while having the smell of backed up sewage. DD and Vanessa walked down the hall. They could hear voices.

They followed the sound, only to find when they peeped into the room the preacher

(clad in his birthday suit) was making out with one of the women In the choir. It wasn’t necessarily the nakedness of the two adults that shocked DIY, it was the sanctity of the preacher’s position within the community and the desecration of the place. This man of the cloth chose to mount this devout follower of his congregation, within the purified sacramental waters of the tub basin where unknowing souls got baptized.

Ms. Jenkins walked in the room. Everybody knew she was coming because her perfume preceded her. She was a pretty women with a round face and what most people would consider big boned, but DD recalled hearing her daddy say that she was thick; which meant good for most black men.

DD, grab that note-pad for me and call out the names. Would you please? Ms. Jenkins asked.

DD went to the desk and grabbed the note-pad and began to call out names as instructed. Alex, Janet, Corey, Rachel, Tommy and Destiny. Recognizing her own name there on the list she looked back over to Ms. Jenkins incredibly curious to why she was one of the chosen. Ms. Jenkins what are these names for? She asked placing the note—pad back down on the desk. That list is for the chosen lambs that will be anointed today after church, she said meaning baptized.

Vanessa had been tending to a couple of the children, but couldn’t help to hear everything that was said. She gave DD a "these women look. DD was scared for Tommy, but even more scared for herself because of what her and Vanessa had seen. She knew that the pastor was evil that’s why she and Vanessa called him the Devil. DD had to figure out how she was going to get her and Tommy out of being baptized by the devil.

42786.png

The church choir was in full bloom. Tiara her mother and the kids were all seated together. After the choir the pastor preached his sermon, something about Job and how he was tempted by the devil, but never cursed God. Once church was over the pastor said his final prayer, DD was about to leave grabbing Tommy as she stood up.

DD, where do you think you are going? Tiara asked.

To the bathroom. Do you want me to take Tommy to see if has to go?

"No, thank you. I already did that.

DD sat Tommy back down in the seat and walked off. Tommy climbed down off of the seat and tried to follow her. Rev. Turner approached Tiara and Deidra,

Tiara was busy trying to catch Tommy from following DD. How’s it going, Ladies? he asked pinching Tommy on his cheek as he cried wanting to go with DD.

Just fine and yourself? Deidra answered.

Oh, I’m alright. How’s everything going with you in the kids Tiara? I know that this is an old church and all…it’s not the best you know, but one things for sure, you’re under God’s roof. He said. There was an obvious fallacy in the good reverence of his words. The way Gods roof fell forth from the two edged sliver of his tongue. The way he talked to Deidra was more than common familiarity, there was something more; something that they shared that no one else knew or at-least that’s what was believed. Maken sure you get them babies and be on time… also helping them to feel comfortable. Let them know that I baptized you in that same pool. He smiled widely as the last words escaped his mouth.

After the pastor left, Deidra and Tiara resumed their previous conversation until it was time for the baptism. Tiara was looking for DD. The baptism had begun and it was Tommy’s turn.

DD was next, but she couldn’t be found. Rev Turner baptized Tommy and waited for DD until finally he gave up. He had other work that had to be done better, someone else to place his filthy hands on).

The church was having a play and he needed to see a few people in his office, so he went into his chambers. Tiara continued to search for DD, she even checked the apartment, but there still was no sign of her. She decided to go to Rev. Turner’s office so that she could ask him if he could call her over the intercom. Tiara didn’t bother to knock, taking it upon herself to walk right in. Tiara couldn’t believe what she was seeing: Rev Turner had her mother on his desk, his tongue prodding her oral cavity all the way down her throat.

Have you ever heard of knocking? Deidra said as she was trying to fix her dress because Rev. Turner’s hand had been searching, venturing underneath.

Tiara stormed out of the room stunned. Deidra followed her daughter calling out to her. Tiara…Tiara! Come here right now and don’t you get to thinking nothing’ crazy either, it’s not what you think. Deidra said as she chased Tiara down. I’m looking for DD, Tiara shouted back not wanting to face her mother. She bolted out the exit doors of the church in disgust. DD and Vanessa were standing on the other side.

DD, you’re going to get it just watch and see. Now come and get Tommy and wait out in the car. Tiara shouted as she took out her car keys and pushed them to DD.

Tiara doesn’t tell anyone, it’s a long story. Deidra said.

Stop it! Stop it right now mother! He’s a married man Tiara angrily said.

Deidra defending her position in the same tone, said. Well! That married man is providing for us right now! You got a roof over your head don’t ‘you?

I did! She said, making herself clear. But not anymore, I’m leaving. Tiara said as she stormed off.

Tiara come back here! You know you don’t have anywhere to go. Deidra said with her hands raised trying to get her daughter to come back; Tiara kept walking pretending not to hear her mother. As she quickly approach the car, she noticed women with two kids, a little girl and an infant. The women had been waiting on her and approached Tiara when she walked up.

T-Bone told me to leave you his two kids, because I can’t afford to take care of them by myself. He’s in jail for bank robbery and murder. The women said. Wait a minute! I never knew anything about T-Bone having any kids. Tiara said matter of fact.