Chapter 64

Gucci

“What it does, Eddie. It’s time to collect.” I stepped into the small barbershop in Highland Park. Other than two other barbers, a lady, and two children, the place was just about empty. One child stood at the vending machine checking the slot for loose change. The other boy was in the chair with his eyes closed tightly.

“Give me two seconds and I got you.” He brushed the small child’s head to remove the excess hair, then wiped him down with alcohol. After Eddie sprayed the little boy’s head with oil sheen, he jumped down and ran over to his mother. The heavyset woman reached into her bra, handing her son a twenty. He ran back over to Eddie, then placed the money in his palm. Eddie slapped him a low five, then told him goodbye.

Once the customers were gone, Eddie removed his smock. “It’s in the back. Are you coming?” He gestured for me to follow him, but I didn’t move.

“You go ahead. I’ll be out front.” Although my team was right outside, I didn’t know Eddie that well to be in close quarters with him. He had only been on my list of distributors for a month. I had to get to know him before I felt more comfortable.

“No problem. I’ll be right back.” His raspy voice reminded me of Fred Sanford.

When I stepped outside, the crew was posted up and down the street. I felt like Obama or somebody with all the protection.

“Yo, who the fuck is that?” My little homie Mondo pointed toward the red Nissan speeding down the block. Without delay, all my niggas reached for their guns, which were concealed underneath their shirts. My shit was also clutched tightly. Today was payday, and everybody was on edge. Cartier wanted me to stay home because I wasn’t really in a position to be out and about yet. However, I refused! I never missed the opportunity to collect money.

When the car approached us, it slowed down slightly but soon passed us like nothing was up. The minute everyone relaxed, we heard a commotion from inside the shop. Pop! Pop! Boom! The gunfire seemed to come from everywhere. From my vantage point, I watched mirrors break and blood splatter. These niggas had attacked us from the back, using the red car as a distraction.

“Fuck!” I heard Mondo scream. He’d been hit in the arm, but it didn’t stop him from shooting back. Pow! Pow! I watched two men wearing bandanas drop. A third bandana-wearing man was carrying the duffle bag I was there to collect. Not one to lose money, I aimed my pistol, letting loose several shots.

“Fuck!” I had missed. The thief ducked and dodged several more bullets until he was able to escape through the back door. I wanted badly to run after him and reclaim my shit. However, the sirens told me to take it as a loss and get the hell away from here.