Uber Everywhere

By Forever Redd

Lena's life is teetering in the balance and only money can save her. To keep his mother alive, Padrien accepts a job offer, but it requires that he travels. Recruiting a pretty-faced nurse for transportation, he, and Frenchie hit the highway in search of tomorrow. Unbeknownst to her, she also provides an alibi. The duo realizes the ease of transporting narcotics and begins dropping pounds of marijuana across a tri-state area. Padrien and Frenchie mastermind one of the largest drug scandals to hit the state of South Carolina, until the law gets involved. What starts out as a quick trip, results in the ride of their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Forever Redd
• Release date: Oct 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005226978

Forever Redd

Forever Redd is a South Carolina native who enjoys reading a good book, just as much as writing one. Her first of a three-part series, Sleepin’ In Heaven Wakin’ In Hell, debuted in December of 2013, and following in its footsteps were, Sleep No More and Blessed By the Fire. The connection between the main characters forced her pen into the Erotica Genre where she revealed her first erotic novella, Freakizm. Shortly thereafter, Forever Redd collaborated with Hood Chronicles, and together they released, Sadistic Saturdays, an Erotic novel. Forever Redd didn’t stop there; she penned a three-part, Urban fiction series titled, Nightmares In Pink. Determined to make a mark in the literary industry, Forever Redd stayed the course and completed her catalog with The Devil’s Mouth, and Uber Everywhere.With the year 2020 bringing about senseless gun violence, unwarranted deaths, and a pandemic, Forever Redd was compelled to tap into her ancestral roots and pen the Historical Thriller, Black Ivory.Forever Redd is an eclectic individual that’s on a mission to deliver an experience through her words. Although the genres may vary, the quality never wavers. Her goal in the literary industry is to have all of her works, Forever Redd.

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Copyright 2018 by Forever Redd, Uber Everywhere

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in review.

First edition, 2018

Printed in the United States of America

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living, or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

To God be the Glory, I was blessed to be in the number one more time. This won’t be long, and I hope you take the time to read it. This industry is a tricky little something, read this, write that, gotta be on top, can’t stop, won’t stop. It’s our passion. For some, profit; to others, a dream. The one thing that won’t ever change, is my need, my love, my appreciation, and admiration for my supporters. Thank y’all so much.

Nika Michelle, (Zero Degrees) told me one time, we didn’t choose to write, writing chose us. Such simple words, but the jewels were well received. And as I add those jewels to my crown, I thank you for bestowing them upon me. Thank you, Nika.

KS Oliver, (Flatlined) Eb, I’m going to do this as simple as I can. Thank you, for being, KS the business mind, the motivator and the encourager. Thank you for being Eb, MY pretty face, my friend, my shoulder, and the comedian. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us, so I thank you today for all the yesterdays that would be memories tomorrow, should we see the sunrise.

Linda Cranford, my precious, Cranberry! Your encouragement has been everything! And look!! We here! It’s me, Forever Redd! Thank you, for being the light at the end of that tunnel! I love you!

Cynthia Curry couldn’t help but notice the frequency of seeing your name here. Girl, A1, baby! There are so many things to thank you for, I’m stuck, but I’ll try. Thank you for being here every step of the way. You are my altar and I thank you for giving me a place to lay my burdens down. Thank you for your unbiased and overly honest opinions. I thank you for being a friend and a partner. WE DID IT AGAIN FEE!! My girls, Ty and Lyrica, Auntie Redd loves y’all and thanks for keeping mama in need of a good book. Love ya, babies!

Bruce, I did it! Thank you for all of your motivation, encouragement and friendship.

Ty, (Dreamz) Jay, (Mike) Xavier, (Ziggs) and Brendan, I can honestly say that y’all wanting to read this book is what made me wanna go harder and get this off the computer and into your hands. Thank guys, I appreciate ya! #REALMENREAD

My Support, near and far, social media and in person: NikkiNew, Stacy Johnson-Leonard, Mama Jane Panella, Alice Brown, Literary Divas of Spartanburg (they support the paperbacks. Love ya, gals) Diane Rembert, (Diamonds Literary World) Lissha Sadler, Toni Trina Franklin, Mary Reese, Daman Gilmore, Audrey Gilbert Hargraves, Nicole Gilliam, Cassandra Babydee Ashley, Vonetta Handy, Suela Guillory, Rhonda miller-lacy, Fe-Fe Lucious Love, Lawrence Huggins and a slew of others. Thank y’all for taking the time. With every share, review, comment or purchase, it adds a feather to my wings. Because of your support, I will soon take flight and I owe my success to you! Thank you!

Jordan, Raelyn, Davia and Riley, my ridas, my reason to breathe. You girls are my entire world and I thank y’all for encouraging me in so many different ways. Riley, my newest addition. Having you with us has made me realize that it’s ok to take a step back and breathe. I thank you for that. FOE, niece! Raelyn you provide my calm and the reassurance that everything will be ok. It is within you that I seek my peace. Davia, my manager, from setting my curfews to checking my word count, you make sure we get it done and here it is! Thank ya, baby! Jo, my ball of energy, my turn up, thank ya, girl for making me laugh when I wanted to cry. My unicorn, you open my mind and sprinkle glitter on my thoughts. I love y’all from the top of my heart, because you could never be on the bottom! WE LIT!!!

#DareToRead #ReddWrites

Chapter 1

It was pandemonium on Main Street. Reporters were scattered about, taking pictures and securing the best angles for their live reporting. It had been assumed that Padrien Lamont Townsend poisoned the community, by transporting mood-altering substances from point A to point B, but those assumptions had yet to be confirmed. Allegedly, Padrien transported over three hundred pounds of marijuana and several kilos of crack cocaine throughout South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. It was also rumored that Padrien was involved in the murder of a confidential informant, and that day had finally come, to put the accusations to rest.

Columbia City Police Department placed barricades outside of the courthouse, to keep the rowdy spectators at bay. Some were there in support of Townsend, while others were rooting for his downfall. As the news reporters and the onlookers reported and looked on, a black SUV pulled into a metered parking space and sat idled. The window tint was so dark, the occupants went unseen; but those that noticed the vehicle knew it was him; the star of the show.

Padrien Townsend was a dark individual. Everything about him was dim; from the clothes he wore, to the color of skin, and of course, his method of travel.

You nervous, baby? a loving voice asked.

I get nervous every time I walk out the door, but you know what? My time is my time. I did what I did, and I knew the day would come that I would have to answer for it, Padrien replied sincerely. Aye don’t look so sad, boo. You got everything you need and almost everything you want. Should this go sour, you gone be alright.

But I don’t, she interrupted. I don’t have everything I need. Padrien, I need you. Everybody we know is seated on the opposite side of the court and honestly, I’m scared.

First of all, we need each other, baby girl and don’t you ever forget that, ok? Padrien replied. Don’t worry about who seated at any table. You just remember, you eat where you sit.

I love you, she replied genuinely.

Not half as much as I love you, Padrien said and placed his thumb to her puffy eyes. Dry your tears and get yaself together. I’ma see you inside. Padrien kissed the cheek, of the love of his life, and readied himself to meet his fate.

***

Two black Timberland boots contacted the pavement and the melee commenced. Reporters ran to the truck and some even blocked the entrances into the courthouse. Questions were being hurled, through the air, like Frisbees, as the reporters tried to get anything they could from the mysterious man.

Padrien, how do you plead? Have you thought about conviction? What does your family think? Do you care to make a statement? they asked.

Before Padrien could respond, his lawyer Mr. Toshka, hurried to the rescue. My client is on trial inside the courtroom, people. Had court been held in the street, none of you would have been present, he responded, slapping a microphone from his face. I’m sorry, but there will be no statements made at this time. Turning his attention to Padrien, he whispered. You don’t have to talk to them. Those phony ass news reporters will twist anything you say just to get a good story. Less is more, remember that.

Sure, it is. Padrien smiled and revealed a mouth full of white-gold teeth. But I gotta say something to my fans. Look at ‘em. They all here to see me. May as well give ‘em something to look at.

Mr. Townsend, I don’t suggest you do that. It’s uncalled for and not to mention, unnecessary, Mr. Toshka warned.

With his cranium swollen, Padrien silenced the crowd with a wave of his hand and made his final statement to the world. Thank you all for taking the time out of your lackluster lives to peek in on mine. Means the world to me, he smirked. Regardless of the outcome in there today, ain’t but one God, and He is my Judge, not the man sittin’ on that bench and damn sure ain’t twelve strangers…

Mr. Townsend, are you guilty?

Depends on who you ask, Padrien chuckled. It ain’t like our devoted officers ain’t been wrong before, he shrugged. Whether they find me innocent or guilty, please know, I been on the ride of my life!" Smiling and turning his back on the reporters, Padrien started toward the courthouse.

See, that cocky attitude will get us nowhere, Mr. Toshka cautioned.

Lighten up, old man. This my life on the line and I’m supposed to put my faith in what? In that man in there, or in you? Sorry, but I don’t see that happenin’. Let’s get this shit over with. Padrien patted his attorney on the back, squared his shoulders, and mentally prepared himself for the trial.

Shaking his head at the young man, with the confidence and poise of, President Obama, Mr. Toshka followed behind Padrien and gathered his thoughts for opening arguments.

One would have never known the anxiety that was eating away at Padrien. He knew that he was guilty on all charges, but in his mind, it was justified. Sitting back and listening to the knuckleheads that took the stand, Padrien chuckled on the inside at the testimonies filled with so much doubt, his lawyer was practically getting paid for nothing. Interlocking his fingers, Padrien relaxed his mind, but wept internally. He thought back on the day that had brought him to that point in life and even after several turns and twists, he recalled every second of that dreadful day.

***

The doors of Lexington Medical Center opened, and a gush of cold air nipped at, Padrien’s nose. He shoved his hands in his pockets, said a quick prayer, then proceeded to the first face he saw. Excuse me, I’m looking for my mother, Lena Townsend. She was brought here by ambulance, he explained.

A few pecks on a keyboard later and his mother had been located. Your mother was admitted a few hours ago; she is in room 936 and the elevators are to your left, the nurse casually replied, without looking up from the computer screen.

Does it say what’s wrong with her? Padrien questioned. I mean, she hasn’t been sick or nothing.

I’m sorry, it doesn’t say, but the ninth floor is the neurological unit and that’s dealing with the brain, the nurse replied. She finally looked up from her computer and took in his deep dimples and onyx-colored eyes.

Padrien could feel the sting of tears behind his eyelids, but before they could fall, he thanked the nurse and walked away. Needing to be alone, Padrien took the elevator to the fifth floor and walked the rest of the way. Although his thoughts were in complete disarray, the one thing Padrien was certain of, was that his will to live was behind those walls.

Finally reaching his mother’s room, Padrien placed a clammy hand on the door handle and knocked lightly before entering. Without awaiting a response, he lifted the handle and proceeded inside. As soon as he opened the door, he began to hyperventilate. Gasping for air, Padrien pounded his chest, with his fist, an attempt to calm his breathing. His mother, Lena Townsend was sleeping soundly in a bed draped with a plastic covering.

What the fuck happened? Padrien wondered aloud.

An oxygen mask covered her mouth and nose, and she looked as if she had aged ten years.

Mama, what happened, what’s wrong? Padrien whispered, but he dared not move from the doorway. His legs were so heavy that they held him in place. Temporarily paralyzed, tears rapidly fell from, his eyes, while he watched his mother deteriorate, with each beep of a machine. Realizing that standing there wouldn’t help matters, Padrien gathered his strength, willed his legs to move and sulked to the Nurse’s station.

Brushing past visiting patrons and gurneys littering the hallway, Padrien reached the desk. My mother, Lena Townsend, is in room 936 and I need some answers! Look it up, call whoever, but I need to know what’s going on! That’s my mama in there, please, help me, he begged.

Give me one moment to page the doctor for you, an elderly nurse replied sympathetically.

While standing at the desk, Padrien tried to wrap his mind around his life, as it was for that moment. He knew deep down inside, as much as he needed his mother, she needed him more. Drying his tears against his shoulder, Padrien noticed a doctor approaching.

Mr. Townsend, I’m Dr. Summers, attending physician, he advised and offered his hand to shake. I’m sure you are aware of your mother’s ongoing headaches?

I am.

Well, her blood pressure was extremely high when she visited her primary care physician and that’s what led her here today. After running a few tests and looking inside of her head, my team has located a tumor on her brain, he explained. We can operate, but the risks are high, and we are facing two problems. Dr. Summers paused and held two fingers in the air. Because of the complexity of the procedure and her age, her insurance won’t cover it. The risks are too high for her type of coverage. The other problem is the progression of this tumor’s growth. It’s rapid and we don’t know...

How long, Doc? How long does she have? Padrien interrupted.

Could be a month, could be three. I personally don’t like making that call, because in the end, God has the final say, son. I can tell you this, if your mother has the surgery, she has a 70 percent chance of a full recovery, whereas if she doesn’t, those chances decrease to forty.

Padrien closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Say no more, Doc. I’ma get you that money, just keep my mama comfortable.

I can definitely do that, Dr. Summers assured, Padrien. Ya know, there is a payment plan. The hospital will work with you the best way that we can.

Yea, ok. Thanks, Padrien replied and hurried away.

Uh, Padrien? Dr. Summers blurted out and briskly walked to catch up to him. Your mother loves you very much and I know that you love her too, he empathetically stated. I can see the desperation in your eyes but do your mother a favor and think before you act. If you can’t do that, then at least be careful. You can’t help your mother if you are behind bars, or worse.

Tell my mama I’ll be back, Padrien replied, ignoring the doctor’s advice

Defeated, Padrien sulked away. The elevator ride to the first floor would have been too quick, so once again, he sought solitude in the stairwell. The more he walked, the more he prayed. Lord, I try not to bother you and I try even harder to not cause you any extra work, but if you could grant me one thing in this life, please spare my mama. If it’s a body you need, take me instead, or grant me the ability to get that bread and save her myself. ‘Cause I’ll die tryin’.

After reaching the final few stairs, Padrien’s heart was at ease, but his mind was on the grind. His mother had always told him, if he was going to pray, he need not worry, but if he was going to worry, then he need not pray. Padrien took heed to those words and emerged from the stairwell a new man.

Hey, did you find your mother? The nurse, from the information desk, asked.

Yea, I did. Thank you, Padrien replied.

Ok, um well, I hope everything goes well with her. If you need anything, don’t hesitate. My name is Franchesca, but my friends call me, Frenchie, she introduced herself.

Ok, thank you, Padrien replied. Check it out, I got a few things I need to take care of, you think I could call up here and get a report on my mom’s condition, until I can make it back, tomorrow?

Anytime you would like. That’s what we are here for, to help, Frenchie replied cheerfully.

Noticing an idling cab in front of the exit doors, Padrien started in that direction, not caring who the cab was for. In his mind, it was his miracle chariot and he had to hurry and get out of that hospital, before he lost his mind. Thank you, God, he thought. Thanks again. I’ll call as soon as I can.

Intrigued by the pain in Padrien’s eyes, his white gold mouth and tatted arms, Frenchie was forced to call out to his backside. I’m off tomorrow!

Padrien turned