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For nearly three days Terry had been holed up in his condominium in seclusion while he deliberated what his next move would be. The thought of retiring from the game crossed his mind, but after thoughtful consideration he pushed the notion aside. The sad reality was the more money he made, the more bills he accumulated. There were also a lot of people who depended on his financial support.
When the ball was handed to me, I took it and ran. My hustle is what provided a better way for my mother, Terry mused. I’ve accomplished a lot, but I know it’s not enough. I have so much more to achieve. I’m not giving up until I get all that I deserve. For every problem, there’s a solution. I just have to figure out how I’m going to survive this drought.
His cell phone rang, breaking his concentration. Terry hadn’t been answering most calls or responding to any texts, but once he saw that it was his mother, he picked up.
“Hello?”
“Baby, is everything okay?” Anita asked, getting straight to the point.
“Yeah, Ma. Everything’s fine. What’s up?”
“Well, I haven’t heard from you, and a few people stopped by the restaurant looking for you, too.”
“I’m good. I’m just taking a little time away from everything so I can get my mind right.”
“It’s nothing wrong with that, son, but you gotta let the old lady know. You know it don’t take much for me to start worrying about you.”
“You’re right, Ma. My bad.” He chuckled.
“Alright, baby. Just make sure you check in with me every now and then.”
“I got you, Ma. I love you.”
“I love you, too...oh yeah, some boy called for you early this morning. I think his name is Jukwon, or something like that.”
“Are you serious, Ma?” Terry shot up, electrified by the news. “Did he leave a number?”
“Yeah, I wrote it down somewhere. Hold on.” He heard his mother rustle through some papers. “Okay, here it is.”
He inserted the number into his phone as she recited it.
“Thanks, Ma. You’re the best. I’ll call you back later.” His voice was filled with excitement.
As soon as he hung up with his mother, he dialed the number of his longtime friend.
“Hello?”
“Juk, is this you?” Terry questioned.
“Yeah, who’s this?”
“This T-Lova. What the fuck is good, bruh?”
“Damn, what’s up, my dude?”
“I can’t believe it’s really you. I...I thought you was dead.”
“Come on, baby-boy. Life is too good to be dead. What’s up with you?”
“Keeping it real, things haven’t been going too good. I mean, my paper is still alright, but it’s been dry as hell for the past couple of weeks and it’s hurting me,” Terry admitted, referring to the drug shortage.
“I heard about it. That’s why I found you. Even though I’m out of the game, I figured I could give you a little help.”
“Come on, Juk. You’re making me smile right now. What’s good?”
“You’ve always been my nigga, and we’ve always kept it one hundred with each other. There’s a way I can help you. But I’m telling you now, once I open this door for you, you’ll be walking into a grown man’s game. It’ll be nothing like the game you’re in now.”
“I understand what you’re saying, Juk. I give you my word I can, and will, handle it,” Terry promised.
“Alright. Say no more. Book a round trip ticket to Phoenix, Arizona, for tomorrow. You’ll get further instructions once you get off the plane.”
“Juk, I really appreciate what you’re doing for me.”
“I know, that’s why I’m doing it. I’m going to book a flight down there, too. I’ll see you when you land, kid.”
The two hung up. Terry didn’t quite know what to expect, but what he did know was that his life was about to take a drastic change. Although he was enlivened by the sudden change of events, he hoped that he was prepared for what the future held.
––––––––
During the flight, Terry was unable to sleep. His mind was too busy running through all of the possible scenarios. He finally relinquished his thoughts as anxiety began to surface.
The plane landed at Arizona’s Sky Harbor Airport. He did his best to remain calm despite the butterflies that swirled in his stomach. People ambled through the airport either looking for family and friends or to get on a plane that would carry them to their destination. Terry looked around the huge airport, unsure of where to go.
A short, Mexican man, with black framed glasses, and a thick, bushy mustache walked up to Terry. “Are you Mr. Terry?”
“Yeah,” he responded cautiously.
“Buenos dias, mi amigo. My name is Speedy. Come with me, please.” He turned to leave, forcing Terry to follow.
Outside of the airport sat a brand new Cadillac CT6. Speedy opened the door, signaling for Terry to enter. Once inside, he closed the door and hurried over to the driver’s side and slid in behind the wheel.
Terry pulled out his phone to call Jukwon and let him know he had arrived.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t allow you to make any phone calls until after the meeting, for safety reasons.” Speedy did not turn around until Terry replaced the phone in his pocket. Once he relaxed into the back seat, Speedy pulled off.
Terry gazed out the window ingesting the beautiful Phoenix scenery as he was being chauffeured to an unknown destination.
Finally, the Cadillac pulled into the parking lot of the Pointe Hilton Hotel. It was one of the most beautiful, extravagant hotels Terry had ever laid eyes on. The allure of the hotel helped to ease his worries. They exited the car, entered the spacious lobby, then boarded an elevator. He remained a step behind Speedy until he stopped in front of a door. Instead of knocking, he removed his phone and sent a quick text. Within seconds, the door opened.
A tan complexioned, middle aged, Mexican man, with salt and pepper hair, and mustache that appeared to be freshly cut stood in the doorway. He wore an expensive maroon silk button down shirt, tan slacks that were tailored to fit, and a pair of brown Bally loafers. “Come in, Terry.” The man shook his hand firmly. There was no expression on his face. After the greeting, Terry walked in and Speedy left in silence. “My name is Alfredo Lajas.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Lajas,” Terry replied as they slowly walked through the spacious, luxury suite.
“I’m sure you know who this young man is,” Alfredo said, as they entered the living room.
Jukwon stood up from the couch.
Unable to contain his emotions, Terry ran over to his compadre, embracing him in a tight, lingering hug. They were all smiles.
“Damn, sun. You’re big as hell now!” Terry said.
“Yeah, I’m working out. We ain’t getting’ no younger.”
“How’s your brother, Dymond?”
“He’s good. Trying to buy all the prime real estate in the south. We’ll have plenty of time to chop it up, but for now let’s not waste Mr. Lajas’ time, and get down to business.”
Terry agreed. He and Jukwon sat down on the couch and Alfredo sat in a chair opposite them.
“Jukwon was introduced to me by a very good and trustworthy friend. Because of that, he receives a high level of trust from me,” Alfredo said to Terry in a no-nonsense manner. “When he asked me to consider taking you on as a business partner, I’ll admit that I was a bit skeptical. Let’s not confuse skepticism with being suspicious. To alleviate any suspicion, I conduct an extensive background check on everyone I’m introduced to. My concern is if you will be able to handle all that comes with the amount of drugs I can provide you with.”
“Mr. Lajas, I can’t promise you that everything will go perfect,” Terry began. “Because, as I’m sure you know, if something has the possibility of going wrong, then sooner or later it will end up going wrong. But, what I will promise you is that I will handle any situation that needs to be taken care of with diligence and without fear. I will conduct this just like, if not more stringent than, any legitimate Fortune 500 company. I’m honored that my friend recommended me to you. Not only do I have to prove myself to you, but I will be representing Jukwon, as well.”
The room grew quiet. Alfredo eyed Terry’s demeanor as he sat with his right leg crossed over his left.
“These are the rules,” Alfredo broke the silence. “If you ever get arrested, you never tell on us, or anyone else. You deal strictly with the Zeta Cartel. No one else. You don’t do anything that will bring heat on us. Finally, you pay the money you owe. Our job is to make sure the shipment makes it to you. After you receive it, the responsibility becomes yours. Do you understand these rules?”
“Yes, Mr. Lajas.”
“Do I need to explain what will happen if any of these rules are violated?”
“There’s no need. I understand.”
“Fine. I will charge you fifteen thousand per kilo, with a minimum of ten kilos. Whatever amount you pay for up front, I will give to you on consignment. This price includes delivery. Here.” He gave Terry a smart phone. “This is an untraceable phone. You are not to use this phone for any reason other than to place an order. Your code is: cyote 23.”
Terry accepted the phone.
“When you make it home, purchase a microwave, place the money inside and reseal it. Call the number inserted in the phone. You will be given an address to send the microwave. Once the money is received, you will give us a safe address where no drug activity occurs and your shipment will be delivered within six days. This method will be temporary. We have distribution hubs, but things will have to be worked out to include your order and that will take a little time.”
“Sounds good,” Terry said.
They stood and shook hands.
With nothing left to be said, Jukwon and Terry left the hotel. They spent the remainder of the day enjoying Phoenix and catching up on lost time. The next day, they left for the airport, promised to remain in contact and boarded their separate planes...