The Set Up Part II: The Ultimate Revenge

By Marcus Payne

Denarius Payne, the main character of this story, has run into a female from his past. Sabrina Williams is now on the scene, and is working her way back into Denarius Payne's life. When Denarius finds out that Sabrina is out to seek revenge for the murder of her child's father...that he never committed, she sets out to destroy his life and everything he loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098375256

Book preview

Guess Who’s Out

Almost a year had passed since the episode on MLK Blvd. and Woodland. It was a good thing that Denarius had begun having Chris and Nelly follow him when he was in the city. Had it not been for his wise decision, he might not be alive today. As he sat on his couch fresh out the shower, the cool springtime breeze flowed inside the condo. Denarius gazed out the patio doors at all the trees that sat in the woods, which faced his side of the building.

Staring at the family of deer that huddled together, thoughts of that night reminded him of his blessings. If the two guys in the Chevy Cavalier had known that his goons were trailing not far behind, maybe their plans to assassinate him that night would have been recalled. Now it’s two more unsolved casualties of war in the city.

Just at the right time, Nelly pulled up and Chris jumped out the truck. The BGs were right behind him; little Greg ran up to the guy before he could pull the trigger on the sawed-off shotgun. Greg pointed the 357 revolver at the gunmen’s back. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM was the sound the gun made as it went off like a cannon. Fire exited the barrel of the powerful 357. Chris rushed Denarius inside the SS, peeling off down Woodland as Mike-Mike finished the guy off with a headshot when Chris and Denarius were no longer in sight.

He snapped back from his thoughts, taking note that it had been six months since he had heard the startling news. Of course, he played everything by ear. Even though he had cut all ties with Cheese and his girl Rhonda. Not to mention Rayshawn, Seymour, and Tee as well. Actually, he didn’t cut Rayshawn nor Tee completely off. He kept it cordial with them but did no business at all. It was to his advantage to keep them close, but not close enough where it could jeopardize his freedom.

Meanwhile Seymour and Tee had become really tight, seeing that Tee was now the plug for Seymour. In a way it was funny to Denarius because Seymour now thought he was the shit ... Denarius shook his head, if only he knew that Tee was in bed with them folks, the FBI. Then again maybe Seymour did know, Denarius thought ... the same agent might be working them both. That’s probably why he and Tee had become so jam tight.

It was a nice and warm, sunny June afternoon. Nicole still had not moved all the way back in, and by now Denarius had become accustomed to living the single life. He was running through women like a hot knife through butter.

Today he walked out the apartment he had just moved into, out in Bedford Heights. Sporting a pair of Scott motorcycle goggles on top of his head and wearing Polo jeans with the jacket to match along with an all-white Polo T-shirt, Denarius was Polo down from head to toe. Not to mention the patriotic red, white, and blue Polo boat shoes. What better way to play the casual look on a day like today! Strolling to the carport, he walked up on his motorcycle and put the key into the ignition. When he turned the key, the double headlights came on as bright as the sun. He pressed the start button and the motor came to life with a deep rumble that vibrated the entire carport.

He had just got the bike back from the customizing shop. Chrome gleamed in every area and angle you looked at. Whatever wasn’t covered by the bike’s fairings was all chrome or polished to look chrome. The extended seven inches on the swing arm made the Suzuki GSX-R 1100 look extra-long, like a drag bike. Denarius had one of the nicest bikes in Cleveland hands down. The Vance & Hines exhaust pipe let out a mean roar when he sat down on the seat and turned the throttle. He pulled in the clutch and let the kickstand up. When he clicked the shifter in first gear, you could feel the power as the motorcycle jerked forward in a still position.

In no time he was rolling out the parking lot, when he pulled onto Bonnieview drive, Denarius was doing just under 30 mph when he suddenly twisted the throttle hard and quick. The Suzuki fishtailed as it burned a slab of rubber going up the street. He eased up on the throttle, the bike straightened back up, and he pulled the clutch back in as he came to a rolling stop facing Northfield Road. Denarius turned on his blinker and made his way up Northfield en route to the freeway. Everything was all good he began to think as he made his way in and out of traffic. He had just arrived back in town from Miami, Florida. The last couple months he had taken Angel up on his offer. He had cars coming in on a transport hauler once a month, amongst other things. The latest shipment would be in by the next day and this was his biggest load yet. Nine showpieces, Angel was sending his way and he was more than ready to work at getting them sold. Everything was looking up, even his newest relationship with Holly who lived in Miami.

Denarius put a condo by the beach in her name, so that he would have a place to chill when he was in Miami. He wasn’t going through as many kilos as he was when he was messing with Tee but it didn’t matter, because now he felt safer and the profit margins were greater. He felt it was less people to deal with and more money on the back end. This was a win-win situation for Denarius. Now with two safety deposit boxes in two separate states, he knew he was definitely winning.

When he got off the freeway on Broadway in Garfield Heights, he decided to stop by Mitch’s mom’s house on Christine off 131st. He made a right on Alvin taking the back way to Mitch’s. Denarius cruised down Alvin taking it easy because the street was filled with kids. Every last one of them waved as he rode past. Halfway down the street, he saw a figure standing on the tree lawn. In a white pair of Reebok Classics, all-white spandex yoga pants, and a white sports bra tank top leaving nothing to the imagination, his eyes blinked twice.

When he opened them all he could say was shit, as the object appeared closer into view. Girly smiled showing all thirty-two teeth pearly and white ... Denarius pulled his bike to the curb. It was Sabrina Williams. She was just released from prison. Five years ago, she got caught up signing for a package that was delivered by FedEx. The package contained several boxes of cigars. Everything would have been cool if it was just cigars, but unfortunately it wasn’t ...

Sabrina had signed for two boxes that contained according to her paperwork 44 lb. of cocaine. The Feds knew she wasn’t nothing but a pawn. They weren’t buying it that a 19-year-old girl, who never left the city, had the connects to get 20 kilos of cocaine delivered to her doorstep from the state of Florida ...

The company that made the cigars was in the Dominican Republic and was under investigation by the FBI for running a criminal enterprise. The word was she had to tell in order to only get five years, but no one could produce any paperwork proving that she told. Also, it was rumored that the Dominican who sent the package paid for her defense and took care of her while she was on lock. So, with all this, he thought how could she had told.

She ran over to Denarius and gave him a big hug ... What’s up boy, you looking good! And sexy as hell on this pretty ass bike. He couldn’t help but smile. Sabrina continued, Is this yours? Denarius laughed, Is that ass all you? She took a spin like a model, One hundred percent, you like it? Denarius said, Damn right, I do! They both laughed and Sabrina said, You gon ride me? He smiled, Yeah, only if you climb on top and ride me first! Sabrina said, You haven’t changed one bit, but fair exchange ain’t no robbery.

Denarius laughed, I know that’s right. Don’t worry, lil momma, I got you. She smiled, I got you too! He was still laughing, Naw I got you, straight from the back. Imma ride the shit outta yo ass, believe DAT! Sabrina licked her lips, You tryna make me wet?

That’s what I wanna do, get you wet, he said. Sabrina responded, Just don’t run out of gas when you riding me! Denarius shook his head, We can go back and forth all day talking shit. She said, Okay, I hear you, don’t talk me to death. He handed her a card and told her to call him. As he got ready to pull off, she whispered in his ear, I just got home around 11:30 this morning. You know it’s just a little past 1 o’clock p.m., don’t miss my call. You will be the first piece of dick I’ve had in over five years. She turned around, waved bye to Denarius as she walked away. He shook his head again back and forth feeling his manhood rise through his Polo jeans. He turned the bike back on and headed to Mitch’s. All he could think about was how gonna put it in her life ...

In three minutes, Denarius was pulling up on the sidewalk in front of Mitch’s mom’s house. Mitch must have heard him coming, before he could cut the motor off, he was coming out the front screened door. What’s up, stranger, where you been with yo slick ass? Denarius got off the bike and gave his friend some dap. Man, Mitch, if only you knew. Mitch said, I already heard everything; it’s in the streets, all them niggas’ mouths is runnin’ like diarrhea. You just better hope your name ain’t tasting like shit in them fools’ mouths. Denarius said, I hear you, but I’ve been laying real low these last couple months.

Mitch laughed but was serious. You better do more than lay low; you need to stick to them damn cars. Ronnie doing hair in a beauty shop up in Shaker Heights, and he said your name is ringing like church bells on Sunday. The game ain’t the same no more Den, seriously. It was all good when niggas was hittin’ little licks and hustling a bag or two. Now you graduated to the big leagues and all; them supposedly big hat cats we thought was ballin’ out of control is now snitching out of control. You better wake up, Mr. Deniro, before one of them lames use yo slick ass as a bargaining chip. I’m telling you these niggas will sail you up the river without a paddle!

Denarius just sat on the porch soaking in what Mitch was saying, because he knew it was real. He and Mitch were tight, but he rarely got a chance to link up with him. However, when he did, Mitch spoke the truth, always giving up the dark side of the game. I ain’t tryna steal your shine; I’m only being a friend. You know, I ain’t shit as a friend if yo ass gets locked up!

Mitch was dead serious as he continued, But I’ll be here for you when you get out with whatever you need. I’m about to take this pesticide test and get my license to exterminate. Now that’s easy money, and it’s always gon be a roach or rat to kill with these nasty-ass bitches nowadays! They both burst out laughing, because it was the truth ...

Denarius knew everything Mitch said was real. On a lighter note, he asked Mitch was he hip to Sabrina being out. I heard she was on her way home but you better watch that bitch. Her shit ain’t squeaky clean; that bitch is like a black widow spider. Nothing good ever came out of any nigga that fucked with her. She’s a tramp! Denarius responded, Yeah, I already know. I just asked because I rode down her street on my way over here and she was outside. Mitch laughed, Look at you, you seen that hoe and ready to stick your thang in her already. You better watch that bitch. You be then stuck your thang up in that hooker and yo shit blow up like a stick of dynamite. Denarius laughed!

Mitch said, Okay, think I’m playin. Then he made a loud noise, BOOM! Denarius jumped, Mitch said, See what I’m sayin. Denarius laughed so hard he started choking and coughing ... He spent an hour or more with Mitch laughing and reminiscing before he got back on his motorcycle to leave.

En route to meet Pee up at the carwash he decided to take the scenic way. It had been some time since he rode his motorcycle through the city. Very few people had seen it on the streets since he had got it out the shop. When he turned up Harvard, his bike turned heads as it caught the attention of the young guys standing on the corner.

People that were at the gas station and snack shack stopped in their tracks when they heard and saw his motorcycle. Denarius looked over in the store’s parking lot and saw a friend of the family sitting on the hood of his Cadillac with a Styrofoam tray in his lap. He smiled at Denarius as he ate out his tray motioning Denarius to rev it up! Denarius looked over at him and a few other dudes standing by his car. He nodded and instantly the motor on the Suzuki made a loud roar. The roar could be heard for several blocks away.

The rear wide back tire began spinning, smoke filled the air, and the bike fishtailed from side to side going up Harvard. He laid a slab of rubber so long and thick you would’ve thought you were at the drag strip. Kids on their bikes peddled fast on the sidewalk imitating Denarius like they were on motorcycles. He laughed and gave them the thumbs up as he rode to a rolling stop at the red light on 136th.

When he pulled into the packed parking lot at the carwash, he saw everybody was in attendance awaiting their turn. It was showpiece Saturday, and if you had a nice car, truck, or van, you were up at Slim’s getting it washed or waxed. Some were just there trying to be seen, especially the women who came up in their tightest jeans or shorts they could find. Even the hustlers from the other side of town were there trying to make a statement or two.

Pee came out the door of the carwash when he heard Denarius’s motorcycle come in. He was jacking his slacks and chewing on the tip of his Kool cigarette; Pee was all smiles ... Denarius shut the motor off as he coasted up to where his friend was standing. Pee spoke first, Well, I’ll be damned. You laid this muthafucka out, Joe! Denarius said, You ain’t seen shit to you ride it. Them white boys I met at the Auto-Rama did their thang. I would recommend them to anybody who got the bread to spend.

Pee walked around the bike admiring the work that was done. Denarius got up and stood to the side of the bike pointing out all the details. Yeah, Deniro, they put work in on this baby! You got a bad scooter here, baby boy; that’s some real live shit! Pee pulled him away from the crowd that was now forming around the bike. You heard about your boy Tee, didn’t you? Denarius responded, Naw, I didn’t. Whassup?

Pee walked him out of earshot of anyone eavesdropping. He took some action over on St. Clair, him and the boy you use to mess with, Seymour. Anyway, they get pulled over on 123rd, the police get a key of dope and a pistol that was under the boy Seymour’s seat. Pee stopped short of telling the story and laughed. But that ain’t it, took both their asses downtown, and the folks drove down there in his Cadillac, no tow truck my nigga, they drove. Denarius said, Man, that’s fucked up! I told Seymour’s thirsty ass to watch out. I even brought him up on game that Tee was probably working with the Feds. Now look at his ass! Pee laughed, "Shid they straight, I keep telling you the nigga Tee got a get out of jail free card.

After he gave them his federal ID number, they called it in and it was pizza and pop. They kept them for a couple hours, gave him back his car, the cell phones, and their money. I wouldn’t be surprised if the police even apologized. Denarius said, Are you serious?" Pee was dead serious and told him that Tee had been plugged-in with the folks a long time ago. Denarius stayed at the carwash cracking jokes and talking business with Pee. He left headed across town to get Redbone. It had been a while and he wanted to show his appreciation to her. Some months back she had brought him a diamond Rolex bracelet for his birthday.

Redbone was part of his team, but because of her lifestyle they could never be more than what they were. The life she lived was one in the same with his. He had great love for her despite her Jamaican descent. The hours he spent alone with her took him into another world. At one point he thought she put some type of voodoo on him and cast a spell. However, it was more like his feelings were getting caught up in her.

This was rare for him because he never let himself catch feelings, but it was more so the respect he had for her. She was independent and hustled harder than some guys he knew. She had her own and spared no expense in her spending, and that reminded him of himself ...

Chapter 2

Trouble from Afar

Denarius was alone in the apartment in Bedford after Redbone had left. It was early Sunday morning when his cell phone rang. When he picked it up, Holly was on the line looking for answers. Deniro, why is my cousin here in town and when she comes into our place she freezes up when she sees a picture of you on the entertainment center? She has this crazy fucking look on her face, Deniro, why? Tell me what the hell is going on! Holly was enraged, but Denarius was clueless.

First off, Holly, hello to you and how you doin’ this morning would be the proper way to address me. Secondly, I don’t even know who your cousin is or who you talkin’ ’bout. So, no I cannot tell you what the fuck is going on! Holly trying to slow down her breathing said, My cousin from Cleveland, what you fucked her too, Deniro?

He was getting agitated with Holly. Listen, I’m about to go back to sleep, because clearly you must be high, drunk or something. I don’t know which one it is, but I don’t know what you talkin’ ’bout. I’m too tired to start playing jeopardy with you. Before he could hang up, she blurted out, My cousin from Cleveland Heights, my cousin Tammy. Did you fuck her or not, Deniro?

Denarius was quiet now as he paused to gather his thoughts. The only Tammy he knew from Cleveland Heights was Jamaican Bobby’s girl. He thought, Hell no! This can’t be, ain’t no way this could possibly be the same Tammy. Trying to stay calm, he told her, Listen, Holly, it must be some type of mistake. I don’t know of anyone by that name from Cleveland Heights. Denarius was trying to sound convincing, because right now he was just blown away.

Denarius setting her straight said, If I did and that was true, when you were just here a while ago, I’m sure you would have found out then. So, it’s evident it’s a case of mistaken identity. He continued, Has she told you that she knows me? Holly calming her nerves, No she hasn’t, Deniro, but it’s evident she must know you because she’s on the couch crying after she seen your picture.

He was doing his best at continuing to be calm, Listen baby, I don’t know again what’s up with your family, maybe I remind her of somebody. I don’t know, but again, until she unfreezes and tells you otherwise, please don’t call me assuming shit! She was irritated by his nonchalant attitude and replied, I’ll call you later! He hung up before she could say another word. He wanted to get some more sleep, because at 2:00 p.m. he was expecting his shipment of cars from Angel. Denarius knew once the cars were in town, he would be busy for several hours. It was Sunday and he planned on doing as less as he possibly could.

The cell phone rang again; this time it was a call he was looking to receive. Hey, what’s up, family, how is all on that side? Percy sighed, Ain’t shit my dude, it’s the same ole song. Just tryna get by until this judge decides to let me go. Denarius was almost as disgusted as Percy was, So what’s the deal now, I already paid that thirsty-ass lawyer you got?

Percy replied, I should have a court date sometime in the next month or so. Listen, this is why I’m calling. I need you to give my wife two thousand dollars by tomorrow. Percy gave no explanation for the need, so Denarius never asked. His reply to the request was simply okay! It was understood between them that friends don’t ask questions, they just follow through ... They made small talk the remainder of the fifteen-minute call, before the GTL operator told them they had sixty seconds left.

Okay Dogg, you stay up in there, Denarius said. Percy replied, Alright, you do the same out there. The phone went dead; Denarius looked at the clock on his nightstand, it read 9:30 a.m. Before he could get completely up, the cell phone rang again. The number was unfamiliar, and he started not to answer it but curiosity got the best of him. Hello! Hey, Mr. Busy man, how you doing this morning? Sabrina said. Denarius was puzzled, I’m good but who is dis? She responded, "It’s been that long that you forgot who this voice belongs to.

I thought before I went away that I left you with something to remember me by. Denarius laughed, Oh, Oh, what’s happening, Sabrina! She said, Oh, now you remember. He said, Of course, how can I forget? Don’t fault me though, baby, it has been five years. You got so many women out here tryna disguise their voices in hopes of gaining some kind of access to a brotha that it’s hard to figure out who’s who, feel me!"

Sabrina replied, Yeah, I understand, and the dick was just that good from what I can recall. So, don’t blame me for trying to sound sexy so early in the morning. Denarius laughed, Oh, make no mistake about it, it’s still good, baby. As a matter of fact, it’s even better now. You know I’m like fine wine, I get better with time! He stood up to walk into the kitchen and get a glass of ice water. Sabrina said, Um, umm, I hear you talking, but all that talking ain’t doing nothing but making me hot. And with you over there and me over here ain’t nothing being accomplished. Denarius replied, Right, that’s why I am about to get myself together and I’ll be to get you in an hour. You at the house in Garfield, right? She responded, Yes, I’ll be waiting on you! He said, Okay, it’s on!

Sabrina was now hearing the words she wanted to hear, Bye, bye, Deniro! He hung up the phone and opened up his freezer and took out two egg and cheese Hot Pockets. He knew Sabrina was more than ready to get her freak on, and he was ready to give her what she yearned for. He thought to himself, I better pop a couple Tylenols with codeine and drink a couple vials of ginseng extract. I gotta be charged up and ready to put it in her life.

He made a few phone calls as he put his breakfast in the microwave. He went into his closet and took out his grey