Deception

By Michael Landers III

Twins, Terrie & Carrie considered themselves to live a normal life, in Newark, New Jersey. The two had lived alone with their mother, since the brutal death of their father. A true tragedy that happened when the two were only infants. Once questioning why the two never had any type of involvements with their father's side of the family, their mother had informed the girls that the folks wanting nothing to do with them. All in which was believed to be true until the girl's sixteenth birthday. That being when the two first discovered that the two had been deceived into believing a long list of lies. Needing answers and once receiving a few, it leads to even more 'DECEPTION', in the purest form.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Landers III
• Release date: Oct 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005610487

Michael Landers III

Biography Growing up in the inner city of Hamilton, Ohio I learned terrible survival skills at a very young age. It all began at the age of eight years old. That being when my father was hauled off to Federal prison to serve a fourteen years sentence on drug trafficking charges. Behind he left for my mother to care for me and my four other siblings. There is when things went downhill. My mother immediately began to do all she could, but her having five mouths in total to feed is wasn't much she could actually do. With her having a prior drug conviction, she wasn't eligible for any government assistance. Though, the drug conviction was from decades ago, she still was denied any & all assistance. So no matter how much she worked her fingers to bone, it was never enough. Especially with the expensive taste buds my father left behind. My grandmother even did her best to pitch in (R.I.P. Mama) and help. And when I say she did her best, I truly mean that statement. But even with the help from her, it was still a extremely uncomfortable way of living in my household. Soon I began watching and learning. First, hustling legitimately I became an outcast to my age group. Which caused problems. A lot of kids found it awkward for a kid of my age to be out doing consistent odd jobs while they were fooling around on a playground. At first I look over the problems as much as I possibly could. But when they became too unbearable, I found myself sliding into a life of crime. Crimes that fed my family and also gained me a tremendous amount of respect in the street. A sense respect that caused me to spend most of my life in some sort of locked down facility. Out of one, onto the street and then right back into another facility was my pattern. Not giving myself time have an actual life. It was so terrible, doing time seem to not even bother me after a while. I was so blind and always blamed my issues on others. That being until a twelve year prison sentence sat me down. That's when I actually began to evaluate my life and I ended up desperately wanting to change. For, I seen I wasn't only hurting myself but also all those who actually cared about me. I knew in order to change, I had to first figure out who I actually was. So I began reading books that not only helped me discover myself but also gave me sight of the actual life I was caught up in. One book that really struck a nerve was: 'The New Jim Crow' by Michelle Alexander. It was a book that truly woke me up. It changed my entire outlook on where I came from and how I ended up sitting where I now sit to this day: Prison. The book also allowed me to know one could be in handcuffs & shackles mentally just as much as they could be physically in the restraints. The more books I continued to read the wiser I became. Change coming with wisdom, I soon began to change. During my transformation I began looking back at all the good advice and even some of the bad advice I received over the years. One thing that really stood out was advice I received from a lady friend (M&M) of mine. She told me one day- a great while back, when I gain some actual maturity I should right a book. So I sat and tried it and immediately fell in love with it. Now, here I am at the old age of thirty one years old with a passion so strong for writing I have managed to create twelve complete page turning Novels. I guess one can say: one for every year I was forced to live in this madhouse. I'm now only anticipating on the day im released. So I can apply some positive into where I once applied so much negative. It's a lot of youth out there still as lost as I once was and I'm anxious to give them real insight of the troubled life they're actually living. I know with the respect I held and still so hold in the street a few will surely listen to what I have to say. Not only with open ears, but also with open hearts. I also anticipate on generating income from my Novels to create opportunity for them. For seeing is believing and having is achieving. One can give all the advice in the world, but the slightest action is promised more clarification. I just want the young to know when the going gets tough please don't make it tougher on yourself. And hopefully when it's does get tough in some sort of way I could be some help. Sincerely, Michael 'Personalities' Landers lll

Book preview

DECEPTION

BY

Michael Landers III

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.

Distributed by:

Smashwords.com

ISBN: 9781005610487

Imprint: Independently published

The characters and dialogues contained here—in are products of the author's imagination, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead, or any establishment, existing, or defunct, is entirely coincidental. The situations herein, although fictional, mirror real life situations. This novel is written for entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered or used as a reference material.

Printed in the United States

Copyright © 2020 All Rights Reserved.

Introduction

'DECEPTION' is filled with so much suspense, you will not want to put it down until you made it to the very last page. It's the fourth published novel written out of pure passion. Flooded with real life situations, it'll have you believing it's a true story. Which is very incorrect. The story was created from the authors real life experiences and an extraordinary imagination. So, if any of the characters or incidents line up with anything or anyone you know to be authentic, it's pure coincidental.

Acknowledgment

The above products were produced by my nonprofit H.O.P.E. Helping Orchestrate Positive Energy.

I would first like to give praise to God Almighty for giving me such a great talent and many other blessings you continuously send my way. Allowing me to know: with you, anything is possible. I would also like to dedicate this Novel and the rest of my positive creations to my grandmother: R.I.P. Mama. I know you're in heaven watching down and I hope I was finally able to make you proud. Life isn't the same without you and don't a day go by that you're not missed. We share the same heart; caring, very considerate and overly giving. Mama, it's so hard to deal with so many who are the complete opposite of us. Especially, when it's family. But I do promise I'm going to forever do what I'm sure you would when it comes to keeping the family together. I love you Mama.

Other Books By Michael

War Zone:

Blinded By The Sight Of Revenge

***

The Truth Behind Lies:

White Amerikkka

***

Just Another Killa:

Stress Of The Streets

Chapter 1

Sweet Sixteen

September 7, 2010…

"So I just ride around the city with my hood up and windows down. Ask ya girl, I'm the realist Nigga she been around. I pull up in something new and park it by the haters, so when you get tha talking about the greatest…

I just really hope that you'll think of me…" The rappers, Drake and Jeezy's, hit track blasted out of the living room's entertainment system.

Celebrating their sweet sixteen birthday, Twins Terrie and Carrie mingled among a crowd of unwanted guest. The two being loners, they didn't even want the party their mother had surprised them with. But out of respect and not wanting to seem unappreciative, they acted as if they were enjoying themselves for their mother's sake.

Inside the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the twins double layer red velvet cake, Mama Mi hated that the girls seemed as if they weren't enjoying their party.

She had been well aware of her girls being loners and it scared her. For, it seemed the older the girls got the more characteristics of their father's side of the family they showed. Folks she had buried in her past, after the girls father's very tragic death when they were still in pampers. The girl's father death had left her so traumatized, she had blamed the family, moved out to Newark, NJ and vowed to never have any dealings with the family ever again. And she refused to allow her girls to have any dealings with them either. Though, she was a Dominican Republican native, who had left her own entire family back in her country, when she was in her early twenties. She truly didn't care about not having any family in the U.S. She felt she rather have no family before she accepted the Jones as family. So, her entire reason for throwing her girls the surprise party was a desperate attempt to make them a bit more social.

Setting fire to the thirty two candles placed on the cake, She lifted it and began carrying it out to the living room. The kitchen having a sliding door, she turned her back to it and pushed in it. Just as she did, the door was pushed from the the opposite side with great force; sending her stumbling across the floor. Eventually losing her balance completely, she fell to the floor, face first into the cake.

Quentin realizing what he had done, his jaw dropped. Rushing to Mama Mi aid, he prayed she wasn't seriously harmed. For, he knew for sure he would have been a dead man.

I'm so… so sorry, He repeatedly apologized, in an attempt to help her to her feet.

Noticing there was some sort of trouble transpiring in the kitchen, Terrie was the first to rush through the sliding door, followed by her sister and others. Seeing her mother was covered in cake and Quentin had his hands on her, she began boiling with rage. Springing into action, she snatched Quentin up by the collar of his shirt.

Nigga, what tha fuck you do to my Mama?! She hissed, as she held him up against the wall.

Quentin being one of Terrie's exes, he had become afraid of the woman. It didn't matter that he was the quarterback of their school's football team, or that he had a decent reputation in the streets. When it came to Terrie, he tucked his tail in between his legs.

I. I. Sw… swear. it. it was an. an. accident, He stuttered out of fear.

Young lady, if you don't watch that mouth of yours and unleash that boy… I promise you I want be the only one standing here covered in cake! Mama Mi hissed in a very broken up accent, as she began to wipe herself down.

Mama, what happened? Carrie asked, rushing to her to her mother's aid.

Terrie slowly unleashing Quentin, she anticipated the answer to her sister's question.

Exactly what the young man said happened. An accident! Now everyone get back to the party. Mama Mi began nudging the guest out of her kitchen.

Getting all of the guest to go back out into the living room, she then took up a seat at the kitchen table. Drawling in a deep breath, she shook her head at her daughters.

What..? Carrie asked, pulling up a chair next to her mother.

I'm sorry I ruined you girls cake. Mama Mi said, sadly.

It's okay. We'll just eat it off of you. Terrie joked, taking her finger, removing some of the cake from her mother's face and then eating it.

Getting a good laugh out of the three of them,Terrie then took up a seat at the table. Drawling in a deep breath, she cut her eyes at her twin.

So outside of this little mishap, how are you girls enjoying your party so far? Mama Mi questioned.

Again cutting her eyes at her twin, Terrie refused to answer her mother question. For, Carrie had promised if asked, she was to be completely honest.

I guess it's okay. Carrie looked away from both, her twin and mother.

Don't give me that! What is it child? Mama Mi questioned.

It's just… You tell her Tee! Carrie exclaimed, not having the heart to disappoint her mother.

Care! Terrie darted her eyes at her sister.

Tell me what? Mama Mi asked, though she had a good idea what was bothering her girls.

Mommy… well we really don't like a lot of the folks you invited here tonight. Terrie built up the courage to spit out.

You're kidding right? I mean I see you chat with multiple of them around the neighborhood on a normal occasion. Mama Mi grew a puzzled stare.

The twins really didn't want to ruin a day that seemed more important to their mother than it was to them, but they was fed up with their unwanted. Among the crowd of twenty plus people, it was actually just a few they could stand. And even those few, they weren't with them being in their home. The two really put the L in loners.

Yeah, a few of them are cool… Carrie dragged out.

But just not that cool! Terrie helped her sister spit out.

All shit! Why you girls wait so long to inform me of this? Mama Mi asked.

Because you went through so much trouble and we just didn't want to seem unappreciative. Carrie explained.

Shaking her head, in a disappointed manner, Mama Mi hated that she couldn't get her girls to be just a little social.

Well how about we politely let our unwanted guest out and then I clean myself up and take you girls out to your favorite restaurant? She asked.

That sounds like the best news I've heard all day! Terrie exclaimed, shooting to her feet, followed by her twin. Both of them being beyond anxious to kick every last one of their unwanted guest out.

Girls, be nice! Mama Mi yelled out to her two devious children, as she climbed to her feet.

Once helping her girls clear out the house, she jumped and the shower. In the process of climbing from up under the water, a few deep voices coming from her downstairs stole her undivided attention. Soon hearing one of her girls calling up to her, she quickly threw on a bathrobe and rushed down the flight of stairs. Getting halfway down them, her blood began to boil at the sight of the two men who stood there in her living room.

What the hell are you devils doing in my home?! She hissed, rushing to stand in between her girls and the two men.

Standing their in front of her were two Nigerian men, who she had swore she seen the last of over a decade ago. They were a few she seriously despised. Them standing there dressed sharp as a razor, one would've swore they weren't as evil as they actually were. And she felt she would be damn if her girls learned so much as their names.

Angela, don't you think we've stayed away long enough? The older looking of the two spoke with a strong accent.

Terrie standing there completely clueless to who the two men were or what they wanted, but picking up a bad vibe, she smoothly dug her hand into the pocket of her tight fitted jean and wrapped it around her trusty box cutter.

Carrie also picking up on the strange vibe, she smoothly positioned her right hand to where she had easy access to her Baby, .380, handgun, tucked inside her handbag.

Not at all! I want you to stay away from me and mine forever! You're nothing but devils and I hate I ever knew any of you! Mama Mi hissed.

Oh, now you're all holy! I hope you know that don't take back the fact—"

Stop that stupid talk! Mama Mi exclaimed, cutting the younger of the two men off in mid-sentence. Don't you dare come in here filling my girls head with that nonsense. They don't want to here any of what you have to say, as I don't. She gave the two a disgusted stare.

There's no way they'll continue to accept this for much longer! The younger of the two men spoke very fluent English.

They don't have a choice! Now I would really appreciate it if you left my home this very second.

Shaking his head in serious disapproval, The older man dug a fairly large knot of cash from his breast pocket.

Yeah, we'll honor those wishes. We've just stopped by to wish the girls a sweet sixteen and hoped you would've noticed what they are transforming into right under your holy eyes. he said.

Mama, you're not gonna properly introduce us? Terrie broke her silence. Her then being beyond curious to who the men were.

There's no need! They're on their way. Mama Mi snatched open the house's door.

No Mom! It's more to it and I want to know what's exactly going on, Terrie argued.

And I too want to know. Carrie broke her silence.

Stopping in the middle of counting out the twins some birthday money, the older of the two men looked from them to their mother. For, he was dying to see how Angela was going to respond to the girls wanting the truth.

I don't care what you girls want! I said they're nobody! And that's that! Mama Mi then shifted her attention back to the men. Now as far as you two, leave now! She hissed.

As you wish. Here girls. The older man attempted to hand the twins the money he had counted out for the both of them.

Don't you even dare attempt to give them that blood money! Mama Mi hissed.

You just don't stop huh?! You know you a real—"

Edward! don't even. the older man cut off the younger one in mid sentence and pocketed the money out of respect.

Looking to his elder, the younger man bit his tongue and stormed out of the house. He felt he had enough of the crazy woman.

Angela, what you now strongly believe is right, is actually so wrong. And if you believe this God of yours agree with you, you're in for a rude awakening when it's your time to meet up with him. The older man made his way out of the house. Stopping in the doorway, he turned back to stare in the confused eyes of the twins. When all is brought to the light, which it eventually will, please don't be upset with your mother. For, she knows not of what she do. He then exited the home.

Slamming the door behind the men, Mama Mi had to take a second to catch her breath. She felt she had never been so stirred up.

So are you girls about ready to go eat? she asked, as she stood overwhelmed.

Mama, who were those men?! Terrie questioned.

Nobody, but evil men attempting to play evil mind games. Now let me go get dressed and we'll head on out the door. Mama Mi answered.

Mama, we're not baby anymore! We can handle the truth. Carrie exclaimed.

That is the damn truth! Now, I so finished with this shit! Mama Mi shouted, before storming up the flight of stairs.

Any other time, the twins would've chased after their mother in an attempt to console her. But at that very moment, they had nothing to say to her. So instead, they both flopped down on the sofa with their heads spinning. It was so many unanswered questions, and while Carrie felt she might had been able to answer a few herself, Terrie was completely lost.

Getting herself dressed, Mama Mi shook with anger at the idea of the men showing up to home. It wasn't even surprising to her that they had found her. Looking herself over in the mirror, she did her best to conceal her anger, as she made her way down stair.

Okay, so you girls all ready to go? She asked.

Glancing up at their mother, both twins twisted up their face.

Mama, I'm not really hungry anymore. Terrie climbed to her feet.

Yeah, I've completely lost my appetite to. Carrie climbed to her feet and made her way up to her bedroom. She just couldn't stand to even look at her mother at that her precise moment.

Watching her girls make their way up to their bedrooms, Mama Mi was left distraught. She hated the idea of the men turning her girls against her.

Later into wee hours of the night, Terrie laid wide awake wrestling with her thoughts. She so desperately wanted to know who the two men were from earlier that night and what did they mean by some of the things they said to her mother. The entire situation had her extremely restless and she hated that it was bothering her as it was. Climbing out of bed, she headed out towards her sister's room. Knowing her twin like the back of her hand, she knew it was a good chance Carrie was having the same sleeping trouble. Finding her twin's door to be unlocked, she poked her head into the darkened room.

Care, you up? she whispered.

Yeah? Carrie answered, as she sat wide awake.

I really need to talk to you. Can I step in?

Yeah, as long as you don't come in here turning on any lights.

Getting the okay to enter the room, Terrie began to feel around the pitch dark room for the edge of her sister's bed. Locating it after a bit of a struggle, she took a seat there.

Couldn't sleep either huh? She questioned.

Not at all.

So do you have any idea who those Niggas were?

Yeah, I know exactly who they were. That's what's really fucking with me. Carrie pressed her knees into her chest.

What, you do?! Well tell me! Terrie exclaimed.

Damn Tee, you're that blind?! You couldn't see that the two were our uncle and grandfather. Carrie groaned.

But Mom said we didn't have any family in this country that wanted anything?! Terrie exclaimed, with a puzzled stare.

Yeah, I'm starting to see she says a lot of untruthful things. I guess in her mind it's all done to protect us.

But that's so… unfair.

Tell me about it.

So what were they talking about?

That I don't know. Just as I don't know their reasoning for now showing up out of the blue. But one thing fo'sho is: the two of us our gonna find out. Carrie dropped her head into her pillows.

Though, both Carrie and Terrie felt they had a good idea what their grandfather meant by a few of his statements, Neither wanted to believe it.

* * *

Finally Reaching his secluded home, after a twelve hours drive, Eddie Senior pulled through the gates disappointed that he and his son's trip was a total lost. Parking his vehicle around the back of his large home, he helped with his son to quickly change out the license plate tags. Getting the small task done, the two then headed into the house and was surprised to find the woman of the house standing at the door.

So, how did it go? Lady G. wasted not a second asking.

She was the head of a small family of nine who pumped the same Nigerian blood through their veins, that she knew to be in the United States. And that would be not counting those who were deceased. The ones who lives she was involved in all participates in the family's business. A business that went under the code name The Jones and had become extremely dangerous over the years. It was even to the point, they had to continually change their identity and stay in well guarded homes out in the middle of no where in the US. So to know the twins were coming of age and was living among others, brought a real sense of uneasiness to the entire family. For, they were sure the girls were in a great line of danger once it was eventually discovered what blood pumped through their veins.

Ma, that woman done gone crazy! Edward exclaimed.

What do you mean? Don't tell me she's still all bitter about Junior's death?

Yeah, big time. She continuously called us devils and ordered us out of her home before we could even explain why we were there.

Is that so..? Well did you at least get to properly introduce yourselves to the twins?

We didn't get the chance. Angela made such a scene… we left out as fast as we came.

Well please do tell me you at least got to see the twins?

Yeah, they were the ones who initially let us in.

So… what did you read inside of them?

They're definitely Jones.

I also can assure that to be true. Eddie Senior broke his silence.

I would really hate to harm that woman. Not just because of Junior, but also due to me knowing the twins would never forgive such. But we need those girls with us, just as bad as they unknowingly need us. So let's put plan B into motion and hope we don't have to resort to plan C. Lady G. explained.

Understanding his wife order completely, Eddie Senior didn't waste a second jumping on the phone to call around to inform the rest of the family of the mission at hand.

Chapter 2

Is It Paranoia..?

Awakening to a bright sun ray shooting in her face, Carrie groaned as she adjusted her eyes to the well lit room. Glancing over at the time and discovering she only had thirty minutes until she was late for school, she quickly climbed out of bed and rushed to get herself together. Reaching the bathroom and finding it occupied, she angrily began beating on the door. For, she knew who was holding it hostage, as always.

Secured inside of the bathroom, Terrie took her precious time getting herself together. Swearing she resembling a young Jennifer Lopez, she always did her best to fix up herself just as stylish as the woman. Applying makeup, straightening out her long beautiful hair and being sure she showed off at least a bit of her curves was all a job of hers she worked out every morning, evening and even night. One would say she was overly obsessed with herself.

"Hold the fuck up yo,