Chapter 3
“Day or night, I’m available to you.”
—Yasmine
Nothing had ever been so foreign to Zyir. He was Flint bred and Miami crowned. He preferred to stay where the native tongue was one that he understood. Call it closed minded, but Zyir just called it smart. He was a young man who liked to be aware of everything moving around him. As soon as he stepped off of the private jet an uneasiness settled into his bones. It was instinctive for him to reach out to Breeze. He missed her. The fact that they had been at odds ate away at him the entire flight. He knew that she was suffering because he could feel her strife. He was across the globe and was still emotionally connected to his shorty. She was his rib, he just wished that he could tell her that everything was going to be okay. Stone faced, he emerged from the plane and the first thing he saw was men carrying assault rifles lined up in front of two luxury SUV’s. They were dressed in traditional, long flowing cloaks made of the most beautiful fabrics. Their heads were wrapped as well, only revealing their menacing facial expressions.
“They don’t look too friendly fam,” Zyir whispered to Monroe as they made their way down the stairs.
“You strapped?” Monroe asked.
“You know it,” Zyir replied.
They were ready to go out guns blazing. It wasn’t like them to tread lightly, but they followed Carter’s lead. He was the captain of this ship and as long as he appeared comfortable they would remain that way too. Should he even show the slightest wrinkle of concern on his face, they would get it started. They were clearly outnumbered but Monroe’s marksman aim evened the playing field a bit.
The door to one of the SUV’s was opened and a distinguished man with a full beard exited. He wore gold garb and held out his arms in receipt of his guests. “Welcome to Saudi Arabia,” he said in perfect English. He stepped forward and met the men halfway, showing good faith. He walked right up to Carter. “You must be Carter,” he said as he held out his hand. “You’re the spitting image of your father. He and I had some good times in America as young men. Before the wives and the children.” The man paused and inhaled long and deep as he reveled in the fond memories. “To be young and rich again,” he said. Carter gave him a firm handshake.
“You must be Mr. Baraka,” Carter replied. Polo had made the connection so Carter knew that they were in safe hands. “This is my brother Monroe and my good friend Zyir. Thank you for extending the invitation.”
“A son of Carter Diamond is a son of mine. I owed your father my life. He was a good man. I was very saddened to learn of his death,” Baraka stated.
“As were we,” Carter replied, keeping it short. “Thank you.”
“Shall we?” Baraka said, extending his arm toward their awaiting vehicles. “Monroe and Zyir can ride in the first truck while I discuss specifics with you on the way to the resort.”
“Resort?” Monroe questioned.
“Yes. I own Saudi Arabia’s largest resort and casino. Five star. I have a penthouse set up for each of you,” Baraka revealed. “It will be most comfortable.”
Monroe nodded and headed for the truck as Carter climbed inside with Baraka.
The scenery outside of his window was mesmerizing. He was in a desert Oasis. It was so hot outside that he could see the heat waves creating a hazy view on the other side of the glass. The tan sand dunes around him made him feel out of place. This was unfamiliar territory but it was also a safe haven. He was out of reach of all of his enemies, legit and otherwise. He felt the tension dissipate from his chest. Fear of capture had been real until this very moment, but now that he had touched Saudi soil he realized exactly why Polo had suggested this place. He was worlds away. The air didn’t even smell the same on this side of the planet and despite the fact that he missed Miamor and his son, he welcomed the change.
“I couldn’t get any details from Polo as far as the troubles you are in,” Baraka said. “Please tell me.”
Baraka was mild mannered but Carter could see nothing but boss status and old money when he looked at him. He didn’t know many old men who walked around with armed guards on a regular. Baraka was important and the rubies sitting on his ringed fingers told Carter that he came from extreme wealth. Carter had every intention on laying low but he was like a sponge. He soaked up knowledge and stored it for future use. He was all about expanding and building a usable and influential network. Something told him that Baraka was someone that he wanted on his team.
“The D.E.A. is trying to prosecute us on drug charges. They have evidence, mostly circumstantial and witnesses. There was no time to hinder their case against us. They want us behind bars to try to contain our influence over Miami. If we were free than their witnesses would never testify. We had no choice but to flee. We need time to regroup, maybe establish some networks over here,” Carter said smoothly opening the door for potential business.
“Well you are welcome to stay here as long as you need to,” Baraka said.
“Thank you,” Carter replied. “I don’t come empty handed however. We aren’t in the business of taking handouts. Any business I conduct is mutually beneficial. There’s a saying that in a good deal both parties walk away feeling like they sacrificed a little bit.” Carter handed Baraka the briefcase that he had carried off of the plane. “A million dollars to show our appreciation for your hospitality.”
Baraka gave Carter a chuckle as he took the case. “You are your father’s boy,” he commented.
“So I’ve heard.”
The word penthouse did the accommodations no justice. They were being put up in mini-mansions in the sky. Each one came with a group of personal hand maidens, butlers, and a personal chef, not to mention the private plunge pool. This was the luxe life and Carter could appreciate the fact that the hideout felt more like an escape. He hadn’t been expecting much but this set up exceeded his wildest dreams. He had seen opulence in his day but nothing quite like this. The Cartel reigned in the fields of drugs, war, and even real estate, but it was apparent that they hadn’t amassed wealth on this level . . . yet. If Carter had anything to do with it they would make the transition soon, after his legal troubles subsided. After finishing the tour of Carter’s penthouse Baraka turned to his guests. He stood tall, strong, with his hands clasped in front of him. “I hope you find your accommodations most suiting,” he said. “Each penthouse is identical.”
Monroe nodded and Zyir spoke, “No detail was left undone. Appreciate it.”
Baraka smirked. He could spot a protégé in the making. Zyir was a chip off of Carter’s block. Their swag was almost identical. They may not be brothers by blood but they were definitely family. Always had been . . . always would be.
The sound of a key card opening the door to the suite caused everyone in the room to look over their shoulders. When they saw her, they became breathless. The foreign beauty was the most beautiful creature that God had ever created. Her Miss Universe smile illuminated the room as she walked confidently pass the group until she was tucked safely under Baraka’s arm.
Damn, Carter thought. He ran his hand down his goatee and exhaled as he shifted his stance. Her long, butt length hair was dark and mysterious, matching the charcoal colored eyes that pierced upon first glance. She was slim with a model’s physique. Her only curve was the perky c-cups that sat up out of the custom tailored Dolce pant suit she wore. Her skin looked like honey and Carter couldn’t help but wonder if it tasted just as sweet. He shook the thoughts from his head as Baraka spoke. “This is my daughter Yasmine,” Baraka introduced. “She knows my hotel better than I do. She is the hospitality manager. If you need anything she can take care of it for you. No matter how sensitive the matter, she can handle it and keep it in strict confidence. Do not hesitate to ask.”
“Good to know,” Carter replied as he extended his hand to her. “Nice to meet you.”
There was seduction in her eyes as she took his hand. He could practically feel the heat of her touch melting into his skin as she rubbed his hand slightly. “I look forward to pleasing you,” she said with a hint of mischief dancing in her eye. “Day or night, I’m available to you.”
Carter smirked as he cleared his throat, bringing a balled fist to his mouth.
“I know your journey has been long. We will let you gentlemen rest,” Baraka said. He led Yasmine out of the suite. The handmaidens remained stationed in the corners of the room, ready to serve.
Monroe and Zyir stepped up next to Carter. “This shit is wild bro,” Monroe said. “Servants, butlers, and shit . . .”
“Don’t take advantage,” Carter instructed.
“From the looks these Arabian women been throwing our way, I’d say we are the ones at risk of being taken advantage of,” Monroe replied with a handsome grin.
Zyir smirked but remained silent. He had caught the vibes as well and knew that this would definitely be an interesting trip. An interesting trip indeed, he thought.