2:20 pm
"In a grim development," the news reporter somberly stated, "local authorities are reporting the discovery of two lifeless bodies inside a red truck that seemed to later have caught on fire over here on 135th, and preliminary investigations suggest possible gang-related involvement."
Staring at the tv that was currently speaking of the killing that happened last night on Fox 9 News, King sucked his teeth in disappointment as he glanced at Zane who was unfazed by the news.
"Was they even the niggas you was looking for Zane?" King asked
Nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders and making an unfazed facial expression, Zane brought the lighter closer to the tip of his carefully rolled blunt, its fragrant contents awaiting the spark. As he ignited the lighter, the end of the blunt caught flame, crackling to life with an orange glow. Zane inhaled deeply, taking in the first puff of smoke, the tendrils of fragrant haze curling around him in the dimly lit room.
"I don't fucking know all Mack told me was it was some niggas that rep red and shit. And I just started blowing my shit when I saw red!" Zane explained as he threw his hand up using it to show how he positioned his gun and started shooting at the vehicle.
"Shii if you ask me I'm innocent.. Niggas needa learn to keep my name out they fuckin mouth and stand on shit they say they gon do." He added.
"No, you not getting the fucking point Zane! You not only just put yourself In a situation with niggas you don't know, You put yo family in danger too being fucking dumb!" King clarified.
"Fuck is you mad about King? you supposed to be behind my back supporting me on this shit not giving me a fucking pep talk! My momma and dad is DEAD I don't need no one to tell me what and what not to fucking do, Ight!" Zane shouted
"What the fuck you mean what I'm mad fah? Nigga I'm yo muthafucking brother! I care bout yo ass and you up here doing dumb shit! We ain't never just killed people who ain't did shit to us Zane! You ain't even think deep into who the fuck these niggas was!" King announced
Downing a shot of Hennessy, the fiery liquid burned on its way down, leaving a lingering warmth in Zane's throat. He sat there, transfixed by the TV, his eyes locked on the screen, as the news continued its grim report. The flickering images of police tape, flashing sirens, and the charred red truck filled the living room.
After the shot, Zane let out a dry laugh whilst he shook his head. "We? Nah, You! ain't never went around doing shit like that. But that's why we ain't the same people 'cause I ain't you nigga."
"Yeah Ight Zane. Talk to me when you sober cause I ain't doing this shit witchu." King said as he reached in his pocket for his lighter and stepped outside.
4:28 pm
"I just need you to sign here, Miss Wilson, and you'll be all set! Congratulations again!" The real estate agent beamed as she extended a contract and a pen towards Sierra. Sierra, exuding excitement, grabbed the pen and neatly signed her fancy cursive signature on the designated line. With a satisfied smile, she handed the pen back to the woman before proceeding to walk inside her under-construction salon.
The interior was a blend of exposed tan rafters and the skeletal framework of bearing walls, all promising a vision of what the salon would become. Years of learning and schooling had led to this moment, and Sierra couldn't help but feel a deep sense of fulfillment as she stood in the space she had long dreamed of.
Approaching a construction worker busy with the bathroom walls, Sierra smiled softly. "May I ask how long this will take for it all to be done?"
"Uh, this whole process may take around four to six months to be finished, Miss Wilson. But for you, we will try to get this done as soon as we can," the worker replied, wiping his semi-sweaty forehead.
Nodding appreciatively, Sierra looked around and could slowly envision the salon all put together, fully operational. "I just want to say thank you guys! For helping build my dream, and you all play a big role in making my dreams come true. Christian, I'll make sure to bring you something special tomorrow," Sierra announced, expressing her gratitude to the main worker who had been instrumental in directing the construction efforts.
Sharing an air hug, they both smiled before she headed out of the half-built salon and back to her car. As Sierra pulled out of the driveway covered in brown-yellowish leaves, she hit the highway and couldn't contain her excitement. She let out an exhilarated scream and instantly called her mom to share the good news and gather her input.
Picking up on the first ring, Sierra saw her mom's face on the screen and placed the phone on the dashboard holder to have a hands-free conversation. "Hey, momma!"
"Hey, boo! How has my beautiful daughter been lately?" Ashlyn, her mom, inquired.
"Momma, I've been so good! I finally got my salon moving, and it's currently getting built!" Sierra excitedly announced. She watched her mom's reaction on the screen, seeing her hand over her mouth and her eyes widen in joyful surprise.
"Akaí! Congratulations, baby!" Her mom couldn't contain her excitement.
"Thanks, momma! You've got to fly down here soon! I want you here for the grand opening," Sierra suggested eagerly.
"Oh, girl, don't worry. I'll be there two days before! When are you planning to throw the grand opening?" her mom asked.
Sierra tapped her fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel, contemplating the best time for the grand opening, considering she still had to secure clients and get everything set up. She blew out a long breath of air before responding, "I don't know, Mom. I think for New Year's, I'm hoping I'll be able to host the opening."
"I thought you said your G-Wagon was gone, Sierra?" Her mom raised an eyebrow as she noticed the new background.
"It is, momma. Zane, um, gifted me a new car," Sierra revealed, not wanting to mention his name.
"He's so good to you, baby! I can't wait to meet him. I think he's definitely the one for you!" Her mom exclaimed.
"Yeah, he is," Sierra hesitantly agreed.
"Well, baby, call me when you get to wherever you're going. I hear a lot of noise! And drive safe, Sierra. I'm not playing with you!" Her mom insisted, her protective instincts surfacing.
Blowing a kiss and ending the call, Sierra refocused on the road, her eyes locked on the traffic ahead as she made her way to her destination, brimming with excitement for the future of her dream salon.
5:10 pm
Slipping off the red bandana from his face, Kyree revealed his determined expression as he firmly gripped the gun in his hand. With caution, he placed the phone on speaker mode, ensuring he could listen closely to Pablo's instructions. His Glock was cocked back, ready and loaded, as he awaited further guidance.
"You just have one more thing to do, and you're done," Pablo's voice echoed through the speaker, filled with a hint of urgency.
"What?" Kyree inquired, his curiosity mingled with a tinge of apprehension.
"Nothing hard, just a simple task. Take him out," Pablo instructed, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Say no more, P," Kyree replied, his gaze fixed on the world outside the window.
"I shouldn't have to tell you what would happen if you don't comply and fuck up, right?" Pablo's question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken consequences.
"I already know what to—"
"Yes or fucking no Kyree?" Kyree let out a deep breath, his patience tested.
He sucked his teeth in frustration before reluctantly nodding, aware of the gravity of the situation. "Yeah," he finally answered, affirming his compliance with Pablo's rules.
8:06 pm
In the dimly lit and slightly grimy club changing room, Sierra found herself confronted with her past. As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, a sense of resignation filled her.
"Who woulda thought my ass would be right back here," she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible.
Sierra meticulously adjusted her attire, ensuring her white and diamond rhinestoned string top clung perfectly, and positioned the white pad over her brown areola. She looked at her appearance one last time before putting on a fake smile and walking out.
The sound of "My Beyoncé" by Lil Durk and Dej Loaf pulsated through the club, reverberating in Sierra's ears as she ascended the steps. As she walked into the main area, she couldn't help but notice the lustful glances directed at her half-naked body, their satisfaction palpable. An old and familiar anxiety began to creep up on her as she realized she was back in this environment.
In search of solace and something to fortify her for the night ahead, Sierra made her way to the bar. "Let me get two shots of Patron," she requested, leaning on the counter. Her voice carried an undertone of desperation, "And don't fill them up all the way, please."
Glancing over her shoulder at the stage, memories flooded back of her days as a dancer, of when she first crossed paths with Zane. She quickly refocused on the two shots of Patron placed before her. Raising the first to her lips, she threw her head back, forcing down the fiery liquid, her face contorting in disgust.
The second shot followed, the harsh burn helping her momentarily forget the turbulent emotions that this place stirred within her. Sierra knew she was here for one thing only and wasn't gonna be working here for long so that took some of the stress off of her.
"C'mon babes it's almost your turn." Ari said as she softly grabbed Sierra's arm and pulled her towards the stage.
Zane held his grandmother's delicate hand, inspecting her freshly painted baby blue nails with a fond smile. "Oh them fye, gramz! Who you feeling like?" Zane playfully teased, eliciting a soft, melodious laugh from her.
"Zane, please!" she responded, playfully swatting at him.
Gently helping her up out of the black leather spinning chair, Zane maintained his firm grasp on her hand. He smoothly reached into his pocket, retrieved a roll of three hundred dollars, and placed it on the counter. "Thank you baby" The nail technician responded with a sultry tone and seductive gestures, as she sensually accepted the money, her eyes lingering on Zane..
"Zane.. And you not welcome" He corrected her, his tone firm.
Her smile falling as she rolled her eyes and placed the money into her bra. Walking them out of the salon and placing his grandma into his car he made his way to the driver's seat and flipped on the heat considering it was 32 degrees out and to him when it got that cold in New York it damn near was winter.
"I wanna tell you something Zane.." she started off, a note of hesitation in her voice as she considered whether to reveal her health problems or not.
"Wassup gramz?" He inquired as he maneuvered out of the parking lot.
Blowing out a deep breath she knew deep down she couldn't tell him and he would just have to find out when the day came, but right now she just couldn't no matter how hard she wanted to. "I just want to say thank you for taking me out today. I really did enjoy myself," she expressed, shifting the conversation.
"You already know I'll do whatever for you." He said as she placed her small cold hand over his and leaned her head on his shoulder. Zane really did love his grandma with his whole heart, she was like a second mother to him. And she knew if she did tell him what was going on with her he wouldn't be the same and she knew she just couldn't live the little time she did have left knowing each day he would be hurting.
Ni-