33

Magic puffed his cigar and leaned back in his plush leather chair. He was trying to relax in his office and get some work done. He heard the bass from the music upstairs and knew his club was packed. He looked at the clock and saw that it was 11pm.

Magic was reading a book about black enterprises and thought about investing his money into more progressive things like franchises. He was already into mutual funds, bonds, and black-owned businesses and wanted to move from Philly and retire from the club scene within a year. He thought about moving to Virginia to be with his only daughter, Shannon, and be a grandfather to his granddaughter. He was getting old; dealing with the strippers and their problems, the young crowd, and trying to handle the constant drama was tiring for a man his age. He still was a gangster on the outside and kept in good shape, but his heart wasn’t into the urban lifestyle anymore.

The streets of Philly were getting more violent and deadlier every year. Young men were killing each other for senseless shit they called disrespect.

Magic saw that these young people today were shooting each other senselessly with MAC-10s and Tec-9s. Sometimes they missed the person they wanted to hit and killed innocent people instead. When an innocent bystander who had nothing to do with the game was killed, it only brought down more heat from the police.

Magic was tired of watching the news about children being killed in crossfire or innocent families killed over a senseless twenty-dollar debt. Philly wasn’t the same anymore. The youth were more stupid and more heartless than his generation, and snitches were everywhere.

Magic sighed and placed the book on his desk. He stood and stretched, still clutching the cigar. He took another pull and thought about YB. It had been months since his departure, and Magic had to admit to himself that he did miss the boy. He hoped that his young friend was getting his life right.

Magic heard about Crown being shot down and being in a coma. He knew that it was inevitable that YB and Crown would soon clash and one of them would end up dead.

Magic knew that it was good that YB left town for a long while. Cops were investigating the shooting and asking questions everywhere. The streets were definitely talking, and that talk linked the robbery and murders back to YB. Harlem would be looking for vengeance, so Magic always stayed alert and carried his .38 special. He moved through the city with caution and tried not to be too predictable with his actions.

Upstairs, the club roared with “Big Pimpin’” by Jay-Z and the stage was crowded with the beautiful strippers. It was a peaceful night. The ladies were getting money and the fellows were drinking and enjoying themselves.

Angel was content and kept busy by the bar, mixing drinks and talking to the ladies. Even though the club had been peaceful, he did miss Chaos. She was his friend and was always good to talk to. Angel wished her the best, wherever she was. He smiled at the thought about her being happy for once. He made a rum and Coke for a customer and did a little dance to the song that blared throughout the club. Angel was happy and had a new boyfriend. When he heard the rumors of Crown’s murder, a smile appeared on his face. Good riddance, he said to himself.

Magic emerged from the basement with the cigar still in his hand. He observed the place for a few moments, making sure everything was in order and going well. He walked over to the bar and said a few words to Angel, poured himself a drink, and had a few words with a stripper. His mind was at ease because Crown wasn’t around any longer. Even though he brought good business to his club, it had come with drama that Magic didn’t need.

Magic lingered upstairs for about a half hour and went back to his office to chill for the night with the company of Candy, one of the strippers.

Candy was a tall, caramel-skinned beauty who stood erect in six inch wedge heels. She wore her hair in two long pigtails and had smooth, flawless skin.

Candy strutted happily downstairs with Magic. Magic locked the door behind him, making sure that they wouldn’t be disturbed. Candy giggled and was ready for Magic to work his charm and sweet daddy moves on her. She had fucked him before and loved the dick. He was able to take Candy places that no other man could.

Candy sat gracefully on his desk and pulled up her skirt. Magic moved closer as he unbuttoned his black silk shirt. Candy smiled, unhooked her bikini top, and let it fall to the floor. Her dark, round, nickel-sized nipples stood erect.

“It’s been a minute since you fucked me, Magic,” Candy said eagerly.

“I’ve been busy with all kinds of shit,” Magic replied.

He moved his broad body between her open thighs and placed his hands against her hips. He pressed gently against her as he maneuvered his tongue into her mouth. While they kissed, Magic ran his hands across her breasts and palmed her ass, squeezing her thick cheeks.

Candy’s body began to tingle as Magic’s touch enticed her from head to toe. He sucked on her neck and nipples, while Candy reached into his pants and stroked his thick dick. Magic moaned at Candy’s soft touch. She stroked him till he grew hard in her hand and she felt all nine inches of him ready to enter her.

“Um, I love the feel of your big dick,” Candy whispered to him.

Magic pulled off her skirt and panties and then removed his slacks and boxers. He positioned Candy in the doggy-style position, parted her ass cheeks, and thrust himself into her. Candy gasped and gripped the desk tightly. Magic fucked her hard, causing ripples in her ass cheeks. He cupped her tits and thrust himself into her harder, causing Candy to cry out.

The bass from the speakers could still be heard from upstairs but the two were making music of their own, drowning out every other sound around them. Candy felt Magic’s rock-hard dick opening her up like a canyon and her legs quivered.

They fucked for a while, ignoring everything else around them. Candy was spent after an hour of wild, sweaty sex with Magic. She lay on his leather couch, trying to take a breather. Her clothes were still in a heap on the floor and she was very well satisfied with the dick action that had gone down. She was thirty years younger than Magic, and she thought she loved him.

Magic pulled out another cigar from his desk, quickly lit it up, and took a deep drag. He smiled at Candy and stood naked in front of her.

“Nice,” Candy uttered, staring at his well-muscled physique and limp but thick dick.

Magic looked at the time and saw that it was two in the morning. He told Candy to get dressed and he did the same. The two talked as they dressed.

When it neared three, Magic knew that it was time to go back upstairs and manage his club. Candy followed. She went to the bar and ordered a Sex on the Beach. Angel smiled knowingly.

As dawn approached, the crowd began to dwindle. Soon it was five in the morning and the place was almost empty. The staff remained behind to clean up and some escorted the dancers into cabs or home.

Magic was going over the take by the bar while Angel wiped down and put the liquor bottles away. Candy remained behind so that she could leave with Magic and continue their sexual encounter at his place.

When he was done, Angel said his goodbyes to Magic and Candy, got into a cab, and rushed home to be with his lover. Magic was the last to leave since he liked to close up the club.

It was finally just the two of them in the club. Candy went to change into more decent attire and Magic cleaned up the mess his employees had missed. He began sweeping behind the bar. Some nights, Magic wouldn’t leave for home till noon. He spent much of his time at his club going over paperwork, rearranging furniture, cleaning up, or just relaxing and enjoying his solitude. Tonight was no different.

With Candy in the dressing room getting herself ready, Magic listened to the James Brown that played from the small portable radio on the bar countertop.

Magic was almost finished cleaning behind the bar and Candy had just walked back in when he heard a sudden noise come from the back. Magic stood still behind the bar and wished he hadn’t left his gun in his office. He had a feeling that something wasn’t right.

“What’s wrong, baby?” Candy asked.

“Be quiet,” Magic said.

“Magic, what’s wrong? You got me worried,” Candy replied edgily.

Harlem emerged from the darkness with his silenced 9 mm pointed in their direction.

Candy's eyes widened with fear and shock. Magic remained still as he glared at Harlem.

“What the fuck do you want?” Magic asked in a stern voice. He never took his eyes of Harlem.

“I told you I would be back to check you soon, nigga,” Harlem said.

“If it’s YB you’re lookin’ for, I haven’t seen him in months.”

Harlem chuckled. “Oh, I will find that nigga in due time, but that nigga is the least of your worries now. I’m here on other business.”

“Nigga, you kill me and that’s the end of your life,” Magic warned.

“You think I’m worried? You know my reputation, muthafucka!”

He looked over at Candy, who stood rigid with fear. He aimed his gun at her head and asked, “You know who I am, bitch?”

Candy was too scared to speak, but she nodded. Harlem smiled.

“You know, you need to be fuckin’ wit’ niggas your own age. Fuck wit’ a nigga that can do that pussy right and protect you from dangerous niggas like me. Magic is just old; his time done came and gone. You agree?”

Candy slowly turned to look at Magic with tears streaming down her face. Magic remained detached and alert.

“You love him, bitch?” Harlem asked Candy.

Candy nodded.

“I wanna hear you say it,” Harlem said loudly.

“I love him,” Candy said choking on her tears.

“That’s all I needed to hear.” He shot her in the forehead. Candy’s body dropped to the floor.

“What the fuck is wrong with you, nigga? She ain’t had shit to do with you and me!” Magic screamed.

He was about to charge at Harlem but stopped when Harlem pointed the gun at his head.

“Yeah, nigga! Leap and see how far you’ll get,” Harlem gloated.

Magic wanted to rip Harlem’s chest open, but Harlem had the upper hand.

Both men stared at each other with hate and anger. Harlem kept his finger slightly on the trigger of his gun and toyed with Magic.

“You think you’re a big and badass nigga. A tough muthafucka wit’ all the bitches lovin’ him,” Harlem teased.

“I don’t think,” Magic retorted.

Harlem smiled. In a way, he had some respect for Magic. He was one man that you heard about in the streets and took shit from no one. Harlem was just as ruthless, but came up in a different generation. In a way, he felt bad that he had to kill the old man but it was his job and nothing personal.

“You know, I did have some respect for you. Even now, standing tall when you know you’re about to die. Do you fear death?” Harlem asked.

“Nigga, my soul died years ago and soon you’ll know what it will feel like to be on the other end of the gun,” Magic said.

Harlem didn’t pay attention to Magic’s words. “You will die the way you lived, old man.”

“As we all will do.” Magic continued to look death in the face.

Poot!

Harlem fired once into Magic’s head and watched the body collapse to the floor. He stared down at Magic’s lifeless corpse and fired another shot into his head.

The blood spilled from the back of Magic’s head onto the tiled floors. He died with his eyes open.

Harlem crouched over the body and dug through his pockets. He removed Magic’s cell phone, a set of keys, and a little notepad. He went down into the office and ransacked the place, looking for anything that would link back to YB or someone he loved. His efforts paid off: Harlem found the phone number and address of YB’s mother, Monica Toma. He’d done some internet research on YB earlier and found out that YB and this lady had the same last name: Toma was an uncommon last name for a black man or woman in Philly.

Harlem collected all the information he needed and left the office. He walked past the dead bodies without looking. One or two down, a lot more to go.

It would be a shock for everyone to find out that Magic had been killed. He was such a strong urban figure in the city of Philadelphia and his name did ring out. It would ring out even louder when word got out that he was murdered in his own club.

Harlem got into his truck and drove to Mrs. Toma’s address. She would be his next victim of revenge. He wanted to save Rufus for last.