Chapter 58

 

I dressed in all black with pearls for Spin’s arraignment. He was arraigned on so many charges that I lost count after the fourth murder. I was nervous as hell and didn’t know what to think. When he saw me I knew Agent Hodges was right.

Spin’s ear to ear smile was so cute. I mean it made me feel warm. He was dressed in blue and could not take his eyes off me. He kept mouthing stuff I could not understand and the cop in the room was getting pissed.

King was mean muggin’ and I had to check him twice. When they took him back to wherever they go after court he yelled, “I love you baby.”

I smiled and mouthed it back. I spoke to his lawyer and gave him my number and address for Spin to call and write. I found out about visiting and visited him that night. He thanked me and told me how sorry he was. I bullshitted my way on through with fake smiles and all. I told him I was living at Vicky’s old place and I’d be at all his court dates. I watched for his reaction to Vicky’s name but saw none.

I did what I was supposed to do. I was at the next court date, I wrote, answered calls and visited. I did it all and in exchange for my loyalty and love, I was blessed.

Spin gave me the information to a numbered account with the ripe ole sum of seven million dollars. I put money on his books and did what I was asked. On the side I had fun with King. King was hesitant but after two months we finally had sex after damn near ten years. And it was beautiful. I cried and I was pissed that I was acting like a beezy. It was the beginning of May, Spin had pushed for a speedy trial and got one.

D-loc and Rod each copped pleas for themselves. But not Spin, they offered him fifty to life but he wasn’t taking it.

The day he was found guilty and the day he was sentenced to life without the possibility was the happiest of my life. The day he was sentenced I’d signed the papers for the little house I bought in East Palo Alto in the back of the G.

I cried in court for my man’s life sentence and laughed in my newly furnished house. King and I were living together and I was starting school again. I was going to study psychology.

Since Spin was sentenced to life my work was done. I felt bad, okay, I didn’t feel bad about all the dreams I sold that nigga while he was going through trial. Slowly the letters became few and infrequent on my end and the calls damn near ceased. Sure it was nothing for me to pick up the phone and spend a few minutes talking to him. But I didn’t want to.

My life was somewhat returning to normal. I wanted to say I hated Spin, but I didn’t, not until the third of July. I’d planned a cookout at the new house. I invited everyone I knew. My little circle was growing though no matter how many new people there was none who could take my mind off Vicky.

I was out getting the mail when King came outside with my cellphone. He looked sad.

“What’s wrong?” I asked looking at a familiar post card. Somehow that man, whoever he was had gotten my new address. Who the fuck was this nigga?

“They found my car,” he said looking pained.

It didn’t register at first. Then it did. Vicky had his car.

“Vicky?” I was excited but then I realized the look on his face. “Vicky?” I said again and I knew. I knew… I couldn’t finish it.

And from that moment on I truly, deep down in my heart of hearts hated Spencer Washington.

I wanted him dead.