A van was parked outside the gate of Jason’s home with the towers and an off duty police officer inside. Earlier that day, the technicians sent to remove Jason’s computer and studio equipment, were also there to adjust the surveillance system. The monitors were set to deliver the same feed to the van’s system.
At the moment, they were listening to Latoya attempt to con Roy into reducing the price to the original agreed upon amount. So far, Roy was sticking to the plan. Ty had a good feeling about the man, but history had proven that men could be swayed by Latoya—case in point--Jason.
“This is actually my property. I commissioned you to follow Jason’s girlfriend. The fact that you followed the wrong woman is on you.”
“I followed the information you provided. In the end, I have a hot commodity here. If you don’t want to pay my price,” he shrugged his shoulder, “I’ll take it somewhere else. I’m sure one viewing of the first five minutes will get me a deal.” He put the disc back in the computer bag.
“Hold up. Now look Roy.” Latoya said easing a little closer to him. “You and I have done a few jobs together. I’ve always been fair, right? So why are you giving me a hard time on this?” she asked while running a finger down his chest.
Damn, why did she pick this moment to come on to me, Roy thought. Any other time, he would have jumped on that, but he knew they were being watched. He took her hand from his chest and kissed it. “I’m not giving you a hard time, and I appreciate the offer, but this is business. You want to finish this deal or should I leave now?’
Ty liked Roy, more and more.
Latoya stepped back. “Let me see what you have,” she surrendered. As he pulled the disc out and put it in the DVD player connected to the television in the kitchen. “You can’t blame a girl for trying. I mean the price is a little steep.”
Roy took a seat at the breakfast bar, as she pushed play on the remote. “The family you are dealing with has millions. You don’t seem like the type to settle for less than all. So I figure you’re willing to pay the middle man to stay out of your way. Two hundred and fifty thousand will keep me out of your way for good. I’m sure you will recover ten times that.”
“So why not ask for more?”
“I didn’t want to leave the impression that I was trying to take advantage of you.” The video was hot from the beginning and he was getting a little aroused from watching. “You got something cold to drink in here?”
“Check the fridge,” she replied still glued to the video.
Pulling the door open, Roy noticed a wire running along the back of the refrigerator. Following the wire, he saw another DVD player with a red button lit indicating it was recording. The bitch was doing a double take on him. The bad feeling of double crossing her with Ty ended. He reached over and hit the stop button. The recording light went off. “You want something?” he asked.
“Naw, I’m good.” she replied still glued to the video.
Roy sat back down and watched the remainder of the video. “Well, does that meet your satisfaction?
“Mmm, it’s not what I thought it was going to be. I don’t know if it’s worth it or not Roy.”
“Really? I think it’s good. You can see both of the participants clearly and man, that woman was off the chain. Hell, I’d buy that in a heartbeat and so would so many others.”
“I don’t know; let me think about it for another day Roy.” She said as she hit the eject button.
Ty yelled, “What in the hell is going on?”
“You want us in there boss?” One of the towers asked.
“No,” the officer replied. “Hold on for a minute.”
Roy walked over, removed the disc, and placed it inside the case then into his computer bag. He turned back to Latoya. “Would it be worth it, if I told you I turned off the recorder behind the refrigerator?”
Latoya ran over and checked the box while Roy retook his seat. “Damn,” she recovered quickly. She’d tried to record the DVD while it was playing, but he figured it out. Hell, she couldn’t be mad, game knew game. She apparently underestimated Roy. “You caught me. Hell I didn’t know if the dame thing was hooked up right or not.” She shrugged her shoulders as she turned to him and smiled.
“No biggie. There is no honor amongst thieves—right. So here’s what I’m going to do for you.” He walked over and stood in front of her, then looked her up and down, from head to toe. “Just for you,” he smiled down at her, “the price is still two fifty—for the next two minutes. In two minutes and one second, the price doubles to five hundred grand. So what you gonna do?”
“I don’t suppose you would accept a check?” she rolled her eyes and walked away.
“You now have one minute and thirty seconds. The clock is ticking.”
Latoya reached under the cabinet and pulled out the briefcase the banker left with her and placed it on the breakfast bar. “It’s all there.”
“I think I’ll count it, you know the honor amongst….you know what I’m saying.”
“I’m not sitting here while you count all that money.”
Roy sat the bag he was carrying on the table and pulled out a money counting machine. He held the cord up to her. “Got a plug?”
Ty and the towers fell out laughing inside the van.
Roy plugged the machine in and placed stacks of bills in the top bind until the count was complete. He then placed the bills inside his bag and pulled out a disc. “It was nice doing business with you Ms. Wright. I hope our little issue a moment ago will not interfere with our future dealings,” he smiled, “I don’t have room in my bag to carry that,” he pointed to the money counter. “You don’t mind if I leave and collect it the next time—do you?”
If Latoya had had a gun, she would have pulled the trigger and shot his ass right between the eyes. But she had what she wanted and the money she’d just given him, wouldn’t mean crap in a few days. “We’re good Roy.”
“Until the next time,” Roy said and walked out of the door.
Roy drove off the property and outside the gate, then pulled over across the street from the van. He walked over and climbed inside to the men applauding. He took a well deserved bow. “Thank you, thank you. I’ll have a repeat performance at ten. Thank you very much.”
“Man, when you pulled out the counter, I thought I was going to die,” tower number one laughed.
“A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.” He pulled the bag from his shoulder. “Here you go Mr. Pendleton.”
Ty took the bag and pulled out the DVD, slipped it inside the player. “Close your eyes.”
No one questioned the demand, they just complied. He needed to make sure he had the right disc. He then gave the bag back to a shocked Roy.
“I can’t take that Mr. Pendleton. You did okay by me. You keep it.”
“I don’t’ need it,” Ty stated.
“Well, give it to Mr. Davies and tell him I apologize for my part in this.”
“Eric doesn’t need it,” Ty said.
Tower number two reached out and grabbed the bag. “If you two going to fight over the bag, I’ll take it.”
Roy snatched the bag back and looked at Ty with grateful eyes and sighed, “I appreciate this Mr. Pendleton.
“Ty, will do. I believe in loyalty and trust from my employees. Clean up your act. Investigation is a career based on intelligence and dignity. The next time our path’s cross I want to be able to say: “That’s a good man. I trust him with my life.”
Roy held out his hand, “Thank you for the opportunity to work with you.” Ty shook his hand and stepped out of the van. The towers followed him. “Hey you guys not staying with me?”
“You’re going to miss us aren’t you?” Tower number two smiled.
“Hell no. Both of you are intimidating as hell.”
“Good, then we did our job.” Number one replied. “Listen if I were you I would use that money to close up shop and change your phone numbers.”
“Yeah,” tower number one added. “When girlfriend finds out you gave her a dummy DVD, she’s going to be looking for you.”
“Thanks for the advice,” Roy stepped out of the van and shook both of their hands. “Take care.”
Ty and the towers pulled off. The off duty officer drove away in the van and Roy climbed into his 1991 Ford, pulled off and drove straight to a car dealership.
When Ty placed the disc in Eric’s hand, a profound sense of relief washed over his body. Taking a moment, he said a silent prayer thanking God this was no longer an issue. Now he had a personal dilemma—keep the disc as a reminder of that night or destroy it—guaranteeing Siri’s protection. Normally the answer would be clear—destroy the disc. But what would happen if Siri never gave him another chance. “Are you sure this is the only copy?” he asked Ty.
“Yes. Latoya attempted to make a copy at the exchange, but Roy caught it, before it really got started.”
Jason shook Ty’s hand. “Man, you never cease to amaze me. You actually pulled this off.”
“This part worked. When Latoya plays the DVD that she has, it will look like the real thing for the first five minutes. If she does the search thing, well, we’re screwed on the next step. But if she doesn’t and I don’t think she will, then Eric you take center stage. No matter what she says, you can’t lose your cool. You’ve got to play it through.”
“I’ll make Ossie Davis proud. How do I destroy this?”
Ty looked at Eric, “Are you sure you want to? There is nothing wrong with keeping the video of you and the woman you love.”
“That night is etched in my mind. I don’t need this.”
Ty looked at Jason, who looked at Eric. “You could put it in your computer, select all and hit delete,” Jason offered.
“No. That works, but it’s no guarantee. To ensure the information is never restored, put it in the microwave.” Eric and Jason looked at him with doubtful eyes. He laughed. “I’m telling you. Put it in the microwave for ten seconds, let it cool off, and then shred it. No information will be recovered from the disc.” Still seeing doubt in their eyes, Ty took the disc from Eric, “You are sure about this?” Eric nodded. “Okay,” Ty put the disc inside the microwave in the studio for ten seconds, and then opened the door. “Let it cool off and then we’ll put it in the shredder. That disc will never be viewed again.”
Eric smiled and nodded his appreciation. “Will you admit I kicked your butt the other day?”
“Never,” Ty said as he sat down and laid his head back against the chair. “You two have taken five years off my life in just four days—all over women. How can you do this to a brother? Haven’t I been good to you? Haven’t I had your back no matter what? Why you got to take a brother through all of this over—women.?”
Jason who was sitting next to Eric at the console just shook his head. “He don’t know. He has no idea what is in store for him. Now, we can sit here and try to explain it—but he won’t get it until it happens to him.”
“We should try. Here listen to this.” Eric pulled a CD out and put it in the stereo. Luther Vandross’ smooth voice came through the speakers singing, If This World Were Mine. Jason smiled and gave Eric a pound. “Just listen to the lyrics,” Eric began singing.
From the doorway, Miriam and Gabby stood with Sierra in tow. Miriam walked in and began singing Cheryl Lynn’s verse. Eric reached over and pushed the record button. Sierra quietly walked into her father’s arms. Gabby took a seat near the door.
After the song was over, Sierra looked at her father and he nodded his head. She began clapping. “Thank you baby,” Miriam smiled. “Why are men in here listening to Luther?”
“We were attempting to explain to Ty why he has spent the last four days dealing with us and our women.”
“You are playing the wrong song and wrong duo.” Gabby said as she crossed her legs.
Eric looked at her. “Who is better than Luther and Cheryl?”
“The original—Marvin and Tammi—Your Precious Love.”
Jason sat Sierra in Gabby’s lap. “I got this one.” He began singing Marvin’s part as Miriam did Tammi’s verse.
When they finished, Ty stood, walked over to the CD collection, and pulled out a disc. He handed it over to Eric, who just looked up at him and shook his head. Ty removed his jacket and began singing and dancing to The Commodores, Brick House. Everyone laughed, but eventually got up and started dancing with him, including Sierra. Afterwards, they all sat down and began talking. “It doesn’t matter what you use to explain it, he will not understand until it happens,” Miriam stated.
“That’s exactly what I just said.” Jason laughed. “When you find the right woman, you will know. There is no amount of money, no bond with your boys, or love for your family that will keep you away.”
“You should know, you just paid out a healthy sum,” Ty joked.
“And would do it again to have TeKaya in my life.”
Eric smiled. “If anyone came to me and offered Siri for every dime I have, I would gladly hand it over without a second thought. For I know my life will be richer with her in it, than without.”
No one said anything for a few minutes. “What can I do to help?” Ty asked.
Eric shrugged his shoulders. “No one can do anything at this time. Siri has to come to the realization that she is running from her destiny.”
Jason sighed, “You could do something for me.”
“You got TeKaya, what more do you want?” Ty laughed.
“I want you to be at the wedding on Saturday—you too, Gabby.”
Ty shook his head. “I don’t do weddings.”
“Well you’re doing this one,” Miriam said with a tone that left no room for debates.
“Yes ma’am.” Ty replied as Jason and Eric laughed.
♫
The house seemed big and empty now that most of Jason’s things had been moved out. Latoya’s telephone calls were not being returned as quickly as before from friends. The calls for interviews from the media were none existent now. Adrian had not retuned her calls, and for the first time in three years, her hairstylist cancelled her appointment. She had to use a C line stylist to get her hair done. Of course, she had her come to the house, there was no way she was going to be seen in that part of town.
This could all be her imagination, after all, it was just Wednesday, five days after the world was placed at her feet. Suddenly Ty’s words came back at her. Do you think they will welcome you with open arms? Shaking it off, she said, “Maybe it’s time to find out.”
Going into her room, she opened the closet and walked through. “What do you wear to demand notice and respect at the same time?” She pulled out a black, jewel neckline, straight skirt, satin dress, which fell right above her knees with black, three-inch pumps. She smiled, quite pleased with her find. “This should do it.”
Deciding to make her debut at one of Jason’s favorite spots, she pulled into valet parking. The valet was immediately opening the door to her, straight off the showroom floor, Mercedes convertible. Of course, it was September, but the weather had not taken a drastic change. So the top being down with her hair blowing in the wind was not too dramatic. She thought as she walked over to the VIP door where she always entered and was immediately allowed access. She looked over her shoulder at the line of people waiting to enter and smirked.
The traditional, “yes I’m here,” walk around was in order. So, she took her clutch bag from under her arms and took a leisurely stroll around the club. Yes, the men were looking, women were glaring—they were jealous. She waived at one or two people she recognized, but they were busy talking. After taking her stroll, Latoya walked over to the bar.
“Good evening. What can I get for you?” The bartender asked.
“Bacardi Cocktail—top shelf.”
“Coming up.”
Latoya smiled. “Thank you.” She replied then turned her back to the bar and checked out who was in the place. A well dressed, well built man came from the far end of the bar and stood next to her.
“Ms. Wright,” a man called out from behind the bar.
“Yes,” she looked up.
“My name is Mario; I’m the owner of this establishment. While we appreciate your visits in the past, please accept this as a notice. You will no longer be welcomed here. Please accept this complimentary drink on the house and Phillip here,” he pointed to the man standing next to her, “will be happy to escort you out. Have a good evening.”
Before she could protest, he walked off. She looked at the bartender, who simply shrugged his shoulders and moved to the next customer, then she looked at the man named Phillip. “I just work here,” he said to her unasked question.
“Well, I don’t need your damned drink,” she said with a wave of her hand and walked out of the club. Surprisingly, her car was waiting at the door when she arrived. Taking her keys, she got into her car and pulled away furious. Taking her cell phone out she pushed the first button, which was Adrian’s number—he didn’t pick up. She pushed a second button, for another friend still no answer. She threw the phone into the passenger seat. “Where in the hell is everybody?” she yelled. After talking a calming breath, she laughed at herself. “What did I expect; I went to one of Jason’s spots.” Turning around, she went in the direction of one of her favorite spots. “I’ll hit my place. I’ll find somebody to party with.”
Sure enough, when she reached one of her favorite clubs, the music could be heard bumping outside. People waiting in line were jamming to the beat. “This is more like it.”
“Hey Toya, what you doing here?” a girl she recognized, but could not remember her name called out.
“I’m here to party girl,” she replied, glad someone had spoken to her. She walked over to the VIP door and just like before she was allowed in. Moments later, she wished they hadn’t. “Adrian,” she pushed his back. “Where the hell have you been? I called you three times today. What are you drinking?” She asked as she sat her purse on the table.
A dumfounded Adrian turned with his hands on his chest, “Girl you don’t want to be here. Trust me, leave while you can.”
“Stop it,” she laughed. “I’ve been dying to party all week. It’s time to celebrate my new freedom.”
“Really?” A voice from behind her asked.
Turing her face went from glee, to what the ….? She came face to face with Ty Pendleton. “What in the hell are you doing here?”
“I tried to warn you girl,” Adrian whispered in her ear.
Ty smiled, he loved catching people off guard. “Like you, we are celebrating.”
“We who?”
“Oh, your friends didn’t tell you. This is Jason’s bachelor party. He’s getting married this weekend. I made sure all your friends were invited,” He pointed to a corner. CJ and Stan are over there. Your girl Candi is with your boy, John. I think they are hitting it off. And of course, Adrian here, who has been getting his drink on for about an hour now. I’m glad one of them called and told you about this. I’ll let Jason know you’re here to wish him well.”
The heat from her anger was seeping through her skin. This was a set up to humiliate her, at her own spot. She turned to look at Adrian, who looked in another direction. “I hope you are enjoying this moment Ty. Tomorrow you are going to be busy cleaning up your boys sh…”
“Don’t do it, there is no cursing at this establishment tonight. Only happy people are allowed to stay and you don’t look too happy. Now, I understand you were removed from another establishment earlier this evening. I would hate to see it happen to you again.”
Her mouth gaped open, how could he know that? It just happened. As if reading her mind, he said. “People just call me and tell me things. What can I say, don’t call me? I don’t think that would be very nice. Oh, there’s Eric. Hey Eric,” he called out “come here man. You’ll never guess who’s here. I would have called Jason, but as you know, TeKaya was ordered to stay a hundred feet away from you. And since Jason and TeKaya are one, he can’t come over.”
Eric walked up and it seemed like the music volume got lower. For a moment, he wasn’t sure if he could pull this off, but he promised an Ossie Davis performance and that’s what he was going to give. “Are you here to cause problems for Jason?” he asked in the most cordial way he could. When she hesitated, a moment too long Eric snapped his fingers and the towers came into view. “I believe Ms. Wright has expressed a desire to leave.”
Latoya looked around at the faces staring at her. Most of them she knew and considered friends. Not one of them acknowledged her, but Adrian. She turned to him, “I’ll deal with you later.” She then glared at Eric, almost smirking. “Are you sure you want to go up against me, Eric.”
Taking a step put him so close to her, he could feel her breath on his face. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” he whispered, then turned and walked away.
“Ms. Wright,” tower number two said as he reached for her.
“Don’t you dare touch me.”
Tower number one stepped up and whispered, “You walk, or I carry you out—your choice.”
Without looking back, she snatched her purse off the table and walked out shouting. “Your ass will pay, Jason and Eric! You will pay!”
♫
Latoya reached the house in record time. She was beyond angry—she was livid. Going straight into her room, she took off her shoes and threw them in the closet, the purse landed on the floor and she flopped down on the bed. “I’ll make them pay,” she declared as she went into the safe and pulled out the video. Walking back into her room, she heard the chime of her cell phone. Looking at the number, she knew it was Adrian. “How could you let me walk into something like that?” she yelled. “You’re supposed to be my friend—you’re supposed to have my back!”
“Wait a minute girl…” he paused for emphasis. “I told you to get out of dodge. I wasn’t like those other heifers that didn’t even speak. So before you get your panties all up in a bunch you need to check yourself. Because I counted the number of friends you have right now and the count stopped at one—me. You get my drift?”
There was some truth to what he was saying, but she was still pissed. “Why didn’t you tell me about this party?”
“I just got back in town today. The invitation was special delivered to me when I walked through the door. And you know I don’t turn down free booze. You’re mad at Jason and Eric, I’m not.”
“Whatever happened to loyalty, Adrian?”
“He went out the damn door. Look girl, I got to go, the party is hopping.” With that, he was gone.
Latoya looked at the phone in disbelief, then threw it across the room. “The party is hopping, okay. Let’s see if we can get my party started.” She put the DVD in the player and pushed the play button. When the video began to play, she smiled. “Party tonight boys, but I have a surprise waiting for you when you get home. She walked over and picked up her cell. She knew a little about computers but not enough to do what was needed with the video, she sat on the bed and called her tech person. “I need you, this time you set your price because I’m living large now.”
“Tell me what you need.”
“I have a video that I need stills from. Then I need to send them without the receiver knowing it came from me.”
“Send me the DVD, I’ll take care of it.”
“No, not this time. I need you to walk me through it.”
“That serious?”
“That serious,” Latoya replied.
“Okay, is the DVD in your computer?”
“No,” she replied as she looked over at the flat screen monitor, which was now black. Confused, she pushed the rewind button. “Let me call you back,” she hung up the telephone without hearing the response. The video wasn’t playing. She removed the disc and briskly walked into the kitchen and put the disc in that player. After five minutes, the screen went black again. “What the ….” She pushed the eject button and looked at the DVD, there weren’t any scratches that she could detect. Something began to creep up her back. “Nope,” she shook her head, “now is not the time to panic. She walked into the room and retrieved her cell phone and Roy’s business card. She dialed the number as she walked back into the kitchen. “The number you have reached is no longer in service.” She froze dead in her tracks. “The dirty mother…..” she couldn’t finish the statement she was so mad. She gave him two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and he double-crossed her. Quickly changing into a pair of jeans and a top, she grabbed the disc, and her keys. Roy was giving up her money or the real disc. She didn’t expect him to be in the office at two o’clock in the morning, but something made her drive over anyway. Her nightmare was getting worse, the office space had a ‘for rent’ sign in the window. Still not willing to accept defeat, she got out of the car and took down the telephone number. She might not get an answer tonight, but she would call tomorrow to get some information. Her cell rang. “You didn’t call me back,” her tech friend stated.
“I’m going to need your help, but right now I have a problem. Can you get into bank accounts?”
“No, of course not,” she hung up the phone. A minute later, a text came through. Friday – your place.
Walking back in the house, it was about three in the morning, she was tired, frustrated and mad as hell. How could she let a sucker like Roy get the best of her? Had she underestimated him that much? The more she thought about it, the more she knew there had to be other players in this game. Roy was not that slick. Latoya grabbed a bottle of wine out of the rack, took a glass down, popped open the bottle, and filled a glass. She drank nearly a half a glass, then poured a refill. Taking a seat at the bar she continued to go through the night of the exchange minute my minute. Then it hit her, she knew exactly when he made the exchange. Maybe she did underestimate Roy, she took another drink. But the feeling someone else was involved would not leave her. Roy wasn’t that smooth, but Ty certainly was. “Damn it to hell. How did he find out about the video? She asked of the empty house. “Is it possible Roy was working for Ty?” No, she thought. The reason she hired Roy was because he had no connection to Jason or Eric, which automatically meant no connections to Ty. Something had gone very wrong on her end. Not one to give up easily, the thought hit her. Eric wouldn’t know the tape is cut. There was a diffident way to find out if Ty was connected to this. But there was no way Eric would take a phone call from her. So how could she get a message to him? An answer came to mind, but it was not one she liked. Unfortunately, he was the only one stupid enough to do what she needed done. After draining the glass, she went into her bedroom to lay across the bed. She didn’t remove her clothes or shoes. This had been a horrendous day. Tomorrow would be better. It had to be, was the last thought Latoya had before falling asleep.
♫
The call Ty was waiting for came through around four in the morning. The towers gave the run down on Latoya’s activities after leaving the club. She now knew that the tape was no good, and that Roy had disappeared. Now, she was more dangerous than before, every caged animal is more dangerous when they felt trapped. He looked at the clock sitting on the nightstand next to the bed. In three hours, they would be flying to Richmond for the wedding. He was pretty sure things would stay at a standstill until they returned, but just to be on the safe side, he left instructions for the towers to keep a close eye on Latoya. He looked out the window, over the skyline of Atlanta, that normally brought him some peace of mind, but tonight it didn’t. He was too wound up from all the ‘cloak and dagger’ action. Doing a good job to protect his clients used to be enough, but lately, it was just a job. The only exception was with the people he considered family, Miriam, Jason and Eric.
He would protect them with his life if need be. Now, the family was growing, with the addition of Sierra, TeKaya, and now, Siri, who, at the moment was a mystery. Nevertheless, Eric was in love with her; therefore, she was now under his line of protection. Lying across the bed, he prayed, “Lord give me the strength,” and promptly fell asleep.