Brock…
I looked at the ID on my cell trying to figure out was this a damn joke or what. Either way this shit ain’t funny. When the phone initially rung it flashed my pop’s name and number on it, so I hit ignore and kept it moving. I don’t have shit to say to him so talking to him was pointless. Even an apology at this point probably couldn’t sooth the ruffled feathers I have about the bitch move he tried to pull, not to even mention the things my mama has told me about the shit he’s done in the past. I don’t think our relationship will ever be the reconciled. Shortly after I dismissed that thought my phone started ringing again noticing it was mama’s number. Although it’s funny how I get a call from her right after I get a call from my pops, I just hope he’s not trying to use my mama as a link to communicate with me. Even though, now that I think about it that should be the furthest thing from my mind cause she can’t stand that nigga either to be honest.
“Hello?” The only noise I heard was like a fan was blowing in the background or something. “Mama?” She didn’t say anything. ‘I guess she called by accident’, I thought. I started calling her back but I only got a busy signal. What the heck is going on at her house? Knowing mama she probably doing some cleaning and knocked the phone off the hook.
“Hey baby who was on the phone?” Nikki asked as she came out of the bathroom. Today is cleaning day and she is on it. Closets have been cleaned out now she’s in the bathrooms scrubbing away while changing the colors of the towels and rugs in there. That’s a chick thing I’m just cleaning whatever she tells me to. She running the show I’m just a helper.
“The ID said mama was calling but she didn’t say anything so I am assuming it was by accident.”
“Did you try calling her back?”
“Yeah and it was busy, so I guess she knocked the phone off the hook.”
“Maybe you should try her cell. I would hate for something to be wrong, ya know.” She said looking a little worried.
“Yeah you right.” Just as I got that statement out my cell rang again. “This is probably her calling now.” Nikki nodded her head and went back into the bathroom to finish what she was doing.
“Aye lady what are you doing over there?” I answered the phone walking out of the room where the music was playing at so I could hear. The twins were napping so I wasn’t worried about them.
“Now-now is that any way to answer your phone?” A sinister voice said with a chuckle. I frowned.
“Who the hell is this?” I asked looking at my phone again making sure I read the number and name correctly.
“Who I am doesn’t matter right now but don’t worry you will find out soon enough.” The voice said.
“I don’t have time for games, why the fuck you calling from my mom’s number?” I asked becoming impatient.
“Now Brock, you should know better than anyone what is going on by now. I know you have gone soft with playing house with your beautiful wife and all that JAZZ but damn. You can’t be that stuck on stupid, or has pussy warped your brain that much to cause you to live in denial?” The voice tsk’ed.
“Get to the point; I know this isn’t a social call.” I said trying to sooth the growing suspicion that something is indeed really wrong.
“Tell me Brock who or what is more important to you right now?” The voice asked. I remained silent.
“You were at the top of your game. Big time dope dealer, business owner, and you had these timid nigga’s out here literally afraid to run up on you. You were smart I give you that, no matter how big you got them folks in blue or black suits never got close enough to lock your punk black ass up. Not even with all the dead bodies you have on your hands, no matter how dirty you were you managed to stay freed. Your organization WAS quite untouchable, well the real work you did anyway. And you up and decided to leave the game for good for a bitch. Don’t get me wrong, Mrs. Walker is one fine piece of ass but settling down? Nah… Unless of course she got kryptonite in that pussy…” I had heard enough.
“Listen you son of a bitch, leave my wife out of your sick ass mind games. You would never lay a finger on her and live to tell the story, believe that.” I sneered as I sat in my office with the door locked. I didn’t want Nikki anywhere near me on this call. The only reason I didn’t hang up on this dude is because I have a feeling I needed to hear everything before I jump all the way south on his ass.
“OH but that’s where you’re wrong. My associate had the opportunity to have a little chat with that thick ass of hers while she was out with your pretty little girl and her friends. She is quite protective of her girls isn’t she? Little Jazmine has grown out quite well. I guess you could say she’s not a little girl anymore especially to the men out here that like them young tenders.”
“Keep your fucking eyes in your head and refrain from looking at my little girl before you lose those bitches!” I said as an eerie feeling started to creep up on me. I need to get Jazz inside my house now cause something is brewing.
“You know you seem to be quite protective over the women in your life.” He said. I didn’t reply.
“So tell me Brock, who is more important to you?” He asked. When I remained silent he continued. “Three main women in your life four if you count your sister, Rae isn’t it? Who do you love the most?” He paused for dramatic affect I’m sure. “Who would you lay your life down to protect? IF you had a choice, which one of them would be spared?” He finished.
“STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM MY FAMILY!” I shouted putting emphasis on each word.
“You know I find it intriguing how a low life thug as yourself has taken countless lives in your profession but yet your smug ass think you have the right to demand the courtesy you denied others.”
“I swear I will hunt you down like a rabid dog and make you suffer if any harm comes to anyone I love.”
“You know your mom is a very religious person I am sure she would not want you to be so vengeful. I’m sure she didn’t raise you this way.” He had the nerve to laugh causing my anger to grow if that was even possible. I held my tongue from a reply.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
"Roman 12:17-21, isn’t that your mama’s favorite bible scriptures?” He chuckled again.
“What do you want?” I asked growing quite tired of this cat and mouse word game.
“You see what I want is more than revenge, there are no words in the dictionary to describe what I want to do to you. We will talk soon my friend.” After saying that the line went dead and I was left with a deafening silence. I immediately picked up the phone calling my mom’s number alternating between her cell and the house phone. The house phone is busy and the cell is going straight to voicemail. I knew something was wrong but I would be ruled clinically insane if something has happened to my mom, knowing full well it would be entirely my fault. Obviously Nikki felt my distress because as I was running out of my office I collided with her damn near knocking her to the ground. I reached out and steadied her before she could hit the floor.
“What’s wrong Brock? Why are you looking like that?” She asked.
“I don’t know just yet but I have to get to mom’s house. I feel like something is really wrong.” I cut it off there because I didn’t want her to get more worried than what she was now.
“Who was on the phone? You left out and then locked yourself in your office.” She asked.
“I can’t talk about it right now. We will talk as soon as I get back.” I said kissing her forehead and walking to the door just as the doorbell rang. I had ‘Sweepa’ tucked in the back of my pants so I went to pull it.
“Brock wait it’s probably Darryl, what the hell?” She said touching my arm putting me at ease. “I called him because I had a feeling it was possibly important. I have an eerie feeling and since you leaving I would feel better if Darryl was with you since I know you won’t let me go.” She said all while opening the front door to let D in.
“What’s up y’all, what’s going on?” He said giving Nikki a hug and me dap.
“Mane I’m not sure I just gotta get to Fouche, something ain’t right and mama ain’t answering her phone.” I said but then realized I would be leaving Nikki home alone and if these niggas was plotting something she would be left home alone with no protection with the babies. “Dammit…” I started.
“Screw that don’t even think about it…” Nikki cut me off. “Go check on mama and you are taking Darryl with you, no if, and’s, or buts about it. I will be fine. I got my peace keeper and a top of the line alarm system installed by the best security person in the world. Go!” Nikki said with a forced smile.
“I don’t feel comfortable…” I started again but she put up her hand to silence me again.
“I will go to the room downstairs close to the panic room if it will put your mind at ease.”
“Panic room? What is going on that we may need to use the panic room?” D asked.
“I don’t know yet. Bae go down there just to make me feel better and I will call you when I know something ok?”
“Ok I will. Be careful. I love you.” She said walking upstairs to get the twins I imagine. I locked up and hopped in D’s impala.
“Ok now what’s going on?” He asked.
“Man I got this phone call from mama’s number from some nigga going on and on about the women in my life and who do I love the most. Who would I die for? And shit like that. I have a bad feeling about this my Nig. Something ain’t right.” I said feeling antsy.
“Did you call…?” He started but I cut him off.
“Yea, I called the house and it’s busy. I called her cell and it’s going to voicemail.”
“I would call my mama but she gone out of town with Auntie Faye to Chicago.”
“I know I thought about that too.” I said rubbing my head and a saying a silent prayer that everything will be ok. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to that woman; she has been everything to me. When that good for nothing husband of hers left her to fend for two kids, she never complained she just did the best she could for us. I tried to take her out the hood but she wasn’t dying. If anything happened to my mama I will never forgive myself. We pulled up at the house quicker than I anticipated. I guess I was just so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I wasn’t paying attention.
“It looks ok from the outside.” D said. I had to agree. I was dreading pulling up, hoping that I didn’t see flashing lights. We cautiously walked up to the house. The curtains were closed, doors locked, and her car was in the driveway. The motion sensor made the porch light pop on as we stood on the porch. There were no signs of forced entry that we could tell so far. I unlocked the door and rang the doorbell like I always do when we crossed the threshold. It’s something we do even though we use our key; it’s just to alert her that one of us is walking in. I heard the TV on in the living room but that was about it. Nothing seems to be out of place so far.
“Mama?” Darryl and I called as we continued to walk down the hall. We checked the living room. The kitchen was empty as well.
“Something doesn’t feel right.” D whispered. I nodded my head in agreement. We saw a soft light coming from the dining room. She never uses the dining room. Only for family dinners when we all are here and we need more room.
“Mama?” I called out again. We took out our guns just in case we had to think quickly.
Although we both ride prepared nothing could have prepared me for what I saw as we rounded the corner to the dining room. As soon as I saw what someone did to my mama, the woman who gave me life I went into shock. The one who always supported me no matter what I did wrong. My children’s grandmother, an extra mama to so many around me was stretched out on her wooden dining room table surrounded by candles. It looked like a séance had been performed. I don’t even know what kept my feet moving until I reached my mother’s now lifeless body.
Her battered and bruised body was laid out like she was sleeping. From the looks of it she had been beat nearly to death but the finishing blow was a wooden stake driven into her chest. Whoever did this is one sick mutha-fucka to the fullest. The stake was obviously driven in with the mallet that was lying on the table, no doubt as a message to me. On her stomach was her bible she kept on her dresser with her hands placed on top, my guess is the bible is turned to the scripture on vengeance. Besides how brutal they slayed my mother she looked peaceful laying there. I was completely numb not sure if it was shock or the sadness that I was experiencing was so overwhelming I couldn’t react. I had completely forgot I wasn’t alone. I couldn’t take my eyes away from my mother’s face. One thought constantly went through my mind was this is entirely my fault.
“I’m so sorry mama…” I broke down not giving a damn how weak it made me look. A piece of my heart has been ripped out and it’s nothing I can think of more than karma’s payback has finally come to my doorstep for all the lives I’ve taken.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darryl…
I can’t believe what I’m looking at. Brock has yet to snap out of his trance. I called his name repeatedly receiving no response. I finally got it within myself to call 911. I can’t believe this shit. I wanted to cry, I wanted to scream, yet all I did was try and get my friend, my brother to snap out of it. I heard the sirens coming. I grabbed Brock’s gun from the table where he sat it and tucked it in the waist band of my pants. I went and opened the door for the police.
“Brock, come on man we have to let the Police do their job.” I said touching his shoulder. He flinched away and bucked up before he had a chance to recognize who I was. He went on the defense and luckily I was the one here versus someone else. This is my brother from another mother and I know him better than anyone else. I wouldn’t want anyone to touch him in such a fragile state.
“Don’t…” He started but I restrained him before he could get out of hand. The police even looked afraid. Luckily for me I had his gun because he might have shot all our asses for even attempting to touch moms. His gaze was glazed over and he was looking through me as if he didn’t see ME.
“Calm down dude we gotta break the news to Rae and the family man. You can’t lose your head right now, you have a family. I’m sorry about mama but we gotta pull it together.” I said sternly as I had him jacked up against the wall in the dining room. At that moment he seemed to snap back to reality and look at my face like he was just now realizing who I was.
“Ok. Ok. Ok.” He just kept repeating that simple word as I slowly let him go and lead him from the dining room to the living room. No matter how bad I wanted to break down I knew I couldn’t, I have to be strong for my friend. He sat on the couch with his head in his hands as silent tears constantly fell. It was truly breaking my heart to see what has happened to my family.
I answered all the questions omitting the details of the phone calls that Brock told me about. I just told them we were just coming through for a visit because we had to check on my mom’s house for her while she was out of town. About fifteen minutes of answering the same questions over and over again from this dumb ass rookie cop, Mr. Williams ran in with a look of pure disbelief that he heard the call on the scanner correctly. He looked from Brock to me and he instantly dismissed the cop so that we could speak privately.
“Brock, I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do.” Mr. Williams said placing a hand on Brock’s shoulder.
“Me too.” He replied so low we almost didn’t hear him.
“I will do whatever I can to help find the assholes that did this. All bullshit and badge aside, do you understand? She was family so this is personal.”
“Yeah, I appreciate it.” Brock said. “Umm, I gotta go break the news to Rae and Nikki.” He said absentmindedly.
“You want me to call her?” I asked.
“No I think it would be better coming from me.” He said but snapped up quickly. “Shit.” He said going for his phone.
“What?” Mr. William asked looking worried.
“What’s wrong?” I asked and Brock looked at me looking horrified as he listening to the ringing of his phone. “Oh shit…” I said remembering what he told me about the phone call earlier. This could be the tip of the iceberg.
“What’s going on? Do I need to call in units somewhere?” Mr. Williams frantically asked with the same fear in his eyes as us.
“Nikki, are you ok? Where are the boys?” Brock fired question after question not giving her a chance to answer completely. “I will be home soon, I’m sorry I scared you.” He said. “I gotta go baby I will talk to you when I get there but I need you to go into the panic room and not move until I get there.” He said. She was obviously asking a lot of questions because he snapped on her but quickly covered it up with a few apologies before he hung up the phone.
“We need to step outside and talk I don’t think it’s safe to talk in here.” Mr. Williams said looking around the room. We nodded while doing the same. Something did seem off about the room. We stepped outside. Brock thought it would be better to tell everyone at once in one room so he called Dre telling him to take Rae to their house and pick Megan up on the way. I called Big Jim for him to pick up Gwen and Déjà. He decided to tell Jazz tomorrow. After everyone left the house doing what they call gathering evidence from the crime scene we locked up and made our way back to our side of town. Mr. Williams promised to catch up with us tomorrow because operation off the record will take effect tomorrow. I pulled up at their house just as Dre did. This is going to be the hardest thing we ever had to do but best believe whoever is responsible just issued a death wish that will soon be granted.