27

Ansley was an unexpected delight in his life. When he attended that conference in Chicago, his goal was to conquer the infamous Simeon Harris. Her family was one of the wealthiest in the city of Atlanta. It was easy to find her. Beau had provided him with enough information and details on the parties she attended and people that she associated with for business and pleasure. He studied her and got what he needed. Simeon could have provided the money he needed to get his life in order, but he met Ansley and got distracted.

Davis was not one to settle with one woman unless she could ensure his life as a kept man. He didn’t bother to get a job; he was strategic in dating. Davis stayed abreast of the socialites, entrepreneurs, and the other “IT” girls in the city. While he didn’t have the pedigree of the other men in this world, he was well-spoken, and had the looks and charm that allowed him to hobnob with the best of them. He planned to date Simeon to meet her friends and make connections that would benefit him in some way or another.

Ansley’s family wasn’t rich like Simeon’s, which is why he felt some guilt about what he was doing. He wouldn’t have done it, if the credit card he’d taken from Simeon hadn’t been denied. When he first took the card, he held off on using it right away. He started with small purchases and then a few larger ones once he felt comfortable.

All was well, up until his recent trip to the supermarket. He was trying to buy some groceries through the self-checkout lane when the card was denied. As the clerk approached to assist him, he mentioned needing to grab a few more things but never returned.

Simeon must have realized it was gone and called to report the card missing.

He was kind of happy to be rid of that connection to her. Davis wanted to change, and using that card was linking him to his old ways. After today, he would be all set with his final payment to Beau.

Davis held the check up admiring his penmanship. It didn’t take long for him to learn how to do her signature. Once he was confident that it matched, he was ready to start collecting from her account. For a moment, he wondered what he would say if she ever found out. He could not worry about that right now, he needed to get this money so he could pay Beau.

Davis had researched the check cashing store up the street from Ansley’s place. He knew that the surveillance camera was out of order, but was scheduled for repairs later that afternoon. He chatted up the woman who worked there earlier that morning to ensure that he would have enough time to get in and out of the store. With Ansley leaving early for work, he knew he would have time to get the check and make it to the check cashing place.

Things are looking up for your boy.

There had been a few instances where Davis was almost outed but he managed to sustain. He never had to worry about Charles after all—Simeon dropped him a few days after the dinner. Davis had not heard anything from Bree either. She was content for the time being since he gave her some money. He allowed himself to relax and focus on getting things with Beau resolved.

Just as he was about to leave Ansley’s home, he heard his phone ringing. He searched his pockets, realizing he must have laid it down somewhere. He looked around and grabbed it off the kitchen counter right before it went to voicemail.

“Beau, I’m about to get you some money right now,” Davis stammered.

“Good, but I might need you to put in some work tonight. Keep your phone on.”

“I told you I’m done, man. I’ll have your money. I’m heading to the check cashing store as we speak.”

Beau laughed. “That’s not how this works, until I have money in my hands, I own you and I have a job for you. Be ready.”

Up until now, Davis thought he had some normalcy. He hadn’t heard from Beau since the last time he tried to tell him he was not doing any more dirt. Davis pushed the check in his pocket and rushed out of the condo. Being in the same state as Beau, was proving to be a disadvantage to his desire to have a new life. He had to find a way out of this mess, even if it meant leaving Georgia and Ansley behind.

Hours later, Davis met Beau at Magic City, one of Atlanta’s most popular strip clubs. Walking into the club, Davis was met with the bass from Lil’ Wayne’s hit single Lollipop. The darkness of the club was illuminated by the coruscating red and blue lights, which created purple rays across the ceiling. Girls were arching their backs and wiggle their behinds in skyscraper length heels. He looked overhead and was in awe as he saw one dancer hanging from a rod in the ceiling while another dancer was below her swinging around pole with one hand.

For a second he felt he was at a Cirque show. These girls could give the acrobats in that show some real competition. The crowd was thick tonight. There were men and women pouring, sipping, and making it rain from every corner of the room.

It took him a minute to find Beau, who was sitting at his VIP table in the back right of the club. Beau insisted on meeting here, he believed that they could meet there without anyone getting suspicious. His cousin had taken the liberty of ordering for them.

“Listen man,” Davis yelled over the music. “This isn’t everything, but its five hundred toward my balance. I’m good for the rest by this weekend, but I’m telling you—I can’t work for you, fam.”

Although he was listening, Beau’s eyes traveled the room. He was always aware of his surroundings and liked to stay one-step ahead at all times. Beau had an intimidating look. He was tall, round, and had deep sunken eyes and a full black beard. The lights in the club illuminated his toffee complexion.

Davis watched as Beau combed through the stack of bills that he handed to him.

“I’ve always looked out for you. I went to jail because of you. I wanted you to have the chance to finish college without a rap sheet.” Beau said in an elevated voice, not making eye contact. “I gave you life, by taking away my own.”

Davis opened his mouth to respond, but Beau held up a hand.

“When you deny me, not wanting to join my bid’ness—that hurts, man. Is my life worth nuffin? The things I’ve done for you. ” He laughed. “Don’t you think you owe me more than cash deposits?”

Davis remained quiet because he didn’t know how to respond in a way that would not make things worse. He had to choose his words.

“Beau—I’ve thanked you repeatedly over the years. I know that you’ve sacrificed a lot for me—for our family. I know my words are never enough. While I can’t work for you… I will pay off my debt.”

When Beau hadn’t responded, Davis took that as his cue to leave. Just as he rose from his seat, Beau placed a heavy hand firmly on his shoulder.

“You see that guy over there? That’s Johnny. Up until recent, he’s been loyal, but I heard he’s been talking to the police. I need you to handle that for me.”

Davis’s eyes widened. He felt as if he couldn’t breathe. Davis looked over at Johnny, who was picking up empty glasses from a table across the way. He didn’t know what this guy had done, but the way Beau handled things meant that this guy was going to be missing soon. This was never going to end. He was starting to realize that he would never be free of his cousin’s rule, even if he paid him off for this debt, Beau was always going to feel entitled to more.

“Handle how?” Davis replied, his voice cracking. “I just told you I’m not about that life.”

“Just handle it. I want him quiet and I want him to know that his days are limited if he keeps running his mouth,” Beau said, while passing Davis a gun.

“Whoa—put that away,” Davis said looking around the room. “I’m cool man. I-I got my own,” Davis lied.

Beau rubbed his hands together before putting his arm around Davis shoulders. “Well do work then lil’ cuz. Oh, and if you don’t get this right, then I’ll have someone get you right. Ya’ feel me?” Beau said with a menacing stare before breaking into laughter. “Nah I’m just joking. I would never go after family. We all we got in this world, right?”

Davis dapped up his cousin before walking away. He could feel Beau’s eyes on him with each step. It felt like he had on fifty-pound ankle weights. As he was nearing the exit, he peered over at Johnny.

He watched as a girl in street clothes walked up to Johnny, carrying an overnight bag in her hand. As the two left the building, Davis strolled toward the exit to see what kind of car they were getting into.

Davis wasn’t sure how he would complete Beau’s demands, but unlike his cousin—he wasn’t a killer. There had to be a way to shut this guy up, without putting both of their lives at risk.