CHAPTER NINE

 

CAN’T TURN BACK NOW

 

 

It was two hours from the time they were supposed to pick up the money from Ice at the train station. Instead she was in the bed nervous and afraid. With JD involved she saw one ending to this story, death. For some reason she thought about what her mother said last week, before her plan to blackmail Ice.

Don’t ever let people or situations change who you are. Everything will happen in time. God’s time.

If only she’d listened she wouldn’t be in this predicament now. She decided to call to hear her voice. Picking the phone up by the bed Pepper walked toward the living room. “What you doing, ma?”

“The same thing I was doing five minutes ago when you called silly,” Grace laughed. “Working. Why you ask?”

Silence.

“Pepper…are you okay?”

“Yeah…uh…I’m fine.” She flopped on the sofa. “I just wanted to hear your voice that’s all.”

“That’s good but it doesn’t sound like you’re okay,” she responded worried at her tone. “Are you feeling alright, Pepper? Go in the bathroom and get the thermometer to take your temperature.”

“I’m fine, ma! Please don’t worry! I was just calling to say I love you. You were always there for me and I wish I could’ve been more like you…honest.”

“Pepper, you’re scaring me.”

“I’m serious, ma,” she said sniffling. “I wish I waited for stuff to come my way instead of…instead off—”

“Pepper…I didn’t tell you this earlier because I hoped it would go away.” Her voice sounded anxious, like she’d been running. “But I want you to stay away from Ice, he’s a problem.”

“What?” Pepper said trying to be sure she heard what she did. “Why…why do you say that, ma?”

“Just stay away, Pepper. It isn’t a request it’s a demand.”

Pepper took a deep breath. “Okay…I have to go, bye ma.”

 

 

 

THE BIG PAYOUT

 

 

Ice stood in the middle of his living room preparing to hand over the money. His mother was with him. “You stuffed fifty g’s in that bag?” Dip asked trying to be careful with how she talked to Ice. She didn’t want to risk another altercation or being thrown out on the street.

“Yeah.” He replied rolling up the edge of the McDonald’s bag. “You got everything you need don’t you?”

“Sure do.” She stood up. “I’m all set.”

“I’m talking Everything, Dip?” He asked again to be sure.

“Yes, Ice.” She paused. “But do you actually think they’re gonna give us the DVD?” She continued picking up her plastic bag. “I have a bad feeling about all of this.”

“I don’t know,” he said hunching his shoulders. “Cuz either way somebody knows…and that means somebody has to die. Crystal’s on that DVD, Dip. I have no choice.”

“I know…that’s why I’m worried.” He paused. “Let’s go.” When they walked to the car, Ice saw Deadman laying down drunk as always, in front of his house.

“Yo, Dead,” Ice yelled kicking him. “Yo, Dead!” He continued kicking him harder with his Timbs. “Get the fuck from in front of my house.”

Dead barely lifted his head when he pushed him in his guts with his boots. “I…I’m moving,” he said slowly clearly intoxicated.

Ice shook his head.

He and Dip were in the car with the key in the ignition when he came up with a plan. “Stay here. I’ma holler at Dead for a minute.”

“Okay…but we don’t wanna be late.”

He looked at her and glared.

“I’m sorry,” she swallowed. “I’ll wait.”

His plan was far fetched but was worth a chance. Since Dip was rolling with him to watch his back, nobody he trusted would be at the house to see the drop of the DVD off.

Nobody but Dead would.

Ice called Deadman just as he was trying to pull himself from in front of his house, slogging down the street. He was disgusted by how he moved. Damn! This nigga been drinking too long. Ice thought.

“Yo, Dead!” Ice yelled. “Hold up for a second.”

Deadman turned around. “Wh…what?” His body swayed.

“What you sipping on tonight?”

“Sh…shit,” he stuttered. “Whatever you buying?”

Ice reached in his pockets and pulled out fifty bucks. “The next round’s on me.”

“What’s the catch?” Dead snatched the money before he had a chance to change his mind.

“No catch,” he replied wiping his goatee. “And there’s more where that comes from.” He pointed at him. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?” Dead responded.

“I need you to keep a look out on my crib. If you see anybody pull up, write the tag number down.”

Deadman nodded. “Okay,” he laughed. “I’ll put it in my planner.” He continued laughing harder. He was so dirty Ice couldn’t see his face. “I don’t know if you took a look, lil man…but I ain’t got no pen or paper.”

Ice frowned. “You know what the fuck I mean, nigga! Remember as much shit as you can.”

Dead nodded a little and Ice slapped him upside his head. “You getting this, fool?” Ice was starting to wonder if this drunk would even remember what he said five seconds from now let alone a few hours.

“Uh…yeah…sure…I got it,” Dead swayed from side to side just to keep his balance. “But what you do?”

Realizing he was wasting his time because he was nothing more than a worthless alcoholic Ice said, “Fucked and murdered a young bitch. You gonna remember that?” He laughed before walking away. “Drunk ass nigga!”