Charmed By A Steel City Hustler

Nise:

The drive out to my estate in the North Hills was longer than I had remembered. I had not been to this house since the incident with Darryl last year. The downstairs was gutted and remodeled from him fucking that white bitch on my shit. I had quite a few sample weapons out there that I needed for a meeting. I was all packed and ready to return home and resume my usual schedule. Bash had been ignoring my calls pertaining to Kalvon and Caesar. That meant he either had a lot going on or some shit was going down. I was not about to involve myself in any of that drama. My phone went off and I hit the Bluetooth icon to answer.

"Loose Lois, what's up girl?" I couldn't resist calling her ass that finally. She gave a dry chuckle to my comment and cleared her throat.

"I'm still a bit shaky but for the most part getting better. Have you heard anything on the ringleader yet?"

"Lo we don't discuss that over the phone, but no I haven't. I am not on the inner circle regarding that situation. I am sure Bash will reach out to you soon as he gets free."

The evil laughter that came through my speakers was foreign to me. Lois was always calm and practical about anything. I understand this street stuff was new to her. She was probably all jumbled up inside.

Her husband and lover were not giving her adequate attention or education in this area. Another reason why I thanked my father and brothers for putting me up on game early in life.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, it's not you Nise. The men in my life are all liars, cheats and fraudulent as all get out."

"Honey that is all men across the globe. We need to get together before I leave out and..."

My words trailed off as I saw my front door slightly ajar while pulling up. Lois was still talking, and I had cut the truck off along with the call. I reached for my ankle holster pulling out my nickel plated twenty-two automatic. The barrel was loaded, and I cocked it as I got out nice and slow. Very few people knew that I lived out here and fewer were invited.

I held a lot of inventory here and various family heirlooms. By the looks of my door, it was kicked in and the security system was disabled via some type of small compact explosive. There were no vehicles that I could see, and my garage door was untampered with.

I stepped into my front doorway with my gun outstretched in front of me. The living room was untouched, nothing out of place. I did a sweep of the entire main floor and nothing. Not even a dust bunny in the closet. I slowly climbed my steps and heard soft music playing from my master bedroom.

I know damn well a pervert didn't break into my shit. The door was closed almost completely, and I saw candles and a champagne bottle. The smell of that all too familiar cologne hit my nostrils. I kicked the door open and saw Darryl dressed to the nines with a gun aimed at me.

"What the fuck are you doing breaking into my home Daryl! Nigga you just forfeited your life."

Darryl took a sip from the flute in his hand and then sat it down on my dresser. He was wearing that signature smirk on his face. He was cocky and never thought that he could be touched because of his bloodline. Duval was not too happy with my wanting to take Daryl's life.

He stated that his father could avenge him if he saw fit. I was surprised to hear him say that, until he let it slip that Daryl had been stealing from him. How the hell was this grimy snake still alive?

"Hey honey welcome home. Ha! I have always wanted to say that shit. Denise, you have been avoiding this place and I figured this would be the best place to get you alone babe. Juggy, Caesar and that crew are always up your damn ass." I held my stance and the gun tightly in my hands. Daryl had some shit to get off his chest and I would let him.

"Denise, we need to work out our issues and start anew. I can forgive you for doubling back to that punk ass Shadow. He was your comfort zone and I understand you were hurt by Amy. Shit you were being stingy with the good quality pussy."

POP!

I shot Daryl in the right knee dropping him to one leg. He fired twice at me, and I dove toward my closet. A few loose dresses fell off the hangers onto my head. I swatted them away so not to lose my line of sight. Daryl was recklessly shooting holes into my damn wall.

His aim was terrible, and I knew my bedroom set up very well. I aimed at my shoe rack to the left which would be a clear shot at his midsection on the other side of the wall. I fired three times and heard him scream out in agony. Gotcha bitch ass! "Agh fuck! You dirty bitch!"

The firing ceased, and I stood up pushing clothing out of my way. Daryl was laying across my bed with a bullet in his shoulder and torso. The third bullet was sitting in my wall just below my mounted tv set. I walked toward Daryl and thought how this plan had worked out perfectly.

After I had proof Daryl put that hit out on me. I knew he would attempt again while I was unguarded. He never counted on Caesar being with me at the club. The city had too many eyes and ears. Juggy argued me down about coming out here alone.

We came to a compromise. He was parked a half mile down the road ready to pounce at any moment. I pulled my phone out and sent him a text. Stating it was all good and to come clean this trash up. I would have to have this room remodeled as well.

Watching the life slip from Daryl gave me a sick pleasure that only killing could. His breathing slowed and just as he looked like he was going to take his last gasp. I fired a bullet in between his eyes. That look of shock was the cherry on top of a sundae. I heard footsteps running up the steps and Juggy entered with his gun drawn.

"Damn boss, you never let me get in on any action. That dumb ass fool needed to go. Aight, I got all the tools in the car to make this shit disappear. I'm guessing you want me to call the contractor in here for remodeling as well." "You know me all too well Jug. How the hell did you get here so fast? Your ass was parked in the woods, huh?"

"I was actually standing in the woods. My car is down the road. This fatal attraction fool was unhinged like Glenn Close. No way I was going be nearly a mile away and shit went south."

I chuckled at his response because Juggy's loyalty was unconditional to me. That would be great if Caesar could display that unquestionable allegiance without the extracurricular nonsense he brings to the table.

"Can I ask you a question though?"

"What's on your mind?"

I touched my stomach and a wave of emotions washed over me. The thought of the life I was going to take in the next couple of days. I never saw myself with children, but for a moment I envisioned the family life. I had done business with some of the most dangerous individuals in the continental U.S. A baby would only make me soft, and vulnerable to my competition and enemies.

"These recent events with Cease, and that Kalvon fool, got the crew a little anxious. I know you heading back home, but what about here? I have heard the gossip and never pay it no attention. I serve you first always, no question about it." "Where is the question at in this long-drawn-out paragraph Juggy?"

I knew where he was going with this shit, and he needed to spit out. I could not afford for anyone on my payroll to be squeamish or have doubts.

"Will you be doing business with Kalvon? Are we going to expand into the drug game? What does all that mean for your history with Cease? Aye don't look at me like that. You are the baddest female in the game and have earned that title and respect to go with it. Nise some people still look at you as a female with emotions. You know where I'm going with this boss lady."

I had my hands planted firmly on my hips watching him intently. Juggy was like another brother, except he didn't hold any clout over me. He came to me as a teenager looking for work. He just wanted to help at home. So, his mother would stop turning tricks to keep a roof over their heads.

I had him do small runs, nothing that would get him locked up for real time if he was caught. The first big client I got was an ambush. Juggy took a bullet to the shoulder for me and has been by my side ever since. He served me without prejudice, and we were open about everything in our lives most of the time.

"That was more than one question. I understand why everyone may be on alert. As of right now nothing has changed. Bash sorting out his own house ain't got shit to do with us. Caesar and I are just history now. There will be no business dealings with him. I do need you to stay here and look after Lois for me."

"What! Why? I don't even know that chick."

"Juggy do this for me. There will be a bump in your pay for every week you remain here. I can't be in two places at once, and she is my friend. I don't trust Bash or Adonis to keep her safe after the shit that just went down." Juggy nodded his head and left out of the room. I knew he was going to be pissed staying here to play babysitter. I had reached out to Lethal via email in code regarding the events with Kwame and Kason. He was pissed at Kalvon, but said he had to learn lessons the hard way. I was all for tough love, but not when it threatened people I cared about.

Kalvon had other issues with those dreadlocks that he neglected to mention to Bash. Issues that brought him to the Burgh. Lethal said he had his hitters looking for them and would send some down. I told him there was no need and Bash would handle shit.

Waste of my breath talking to men with a big ego and scores to settle. A blood bath was eminent and I damn sure was not going to be present for it. Lois did not deserve to be a bystander in a war that had nothing to do with her. I took one last look at Daryl's lifeless body and walked out my room and down the steps. I could not sleep here tonight, nor did I feel like driving back to the city. I walked out the front door and saw Juggy pulling a huge duffel bag from his trunk.

He complained about clean ups but loved discovering new ways to dismember a body. I pulled out my phone and dialed Bash. This was completely out of my character, but I needed answers just like my crew.

"What up Nise? It's late as hell so you must be in hot water."

"No, I am not actually. This call is regarding your hot water." "Come again?"

"Cease and Kalvon fighting for your crown. This really is not any of my business, but Kalvon made me a proposition. Caesar is a loose cannon, this we both know."

Bash started laughing in my ear while also choking. His ass was high, that is not how I wanted to discuss this topic. Men tended to agree to anything while intoxicated. Bash cleared his throat and then I heard shuffling in his background, along with mumbling under his breath. All of this was totally out of character for him which meant something was going on.

"Who you more worried about Kalvon or Cease? By your silence I can tell you are not joking. Ha! Nise I gotta keep it real, stepping down is not going to happen anytime soon for me. Kalvon got his own dreams, and he can live them out, just not in my organization. You know drugs are not my thing at all. Caesar is another story that I will deal with."

Bash was being very evasive with that explanation. The only thing I got from it is that he was upset with Caesar about something. Kalvon was not going to be starting a drug empire in the Burgh anytime soon. That ends my involvement with this bullshit.

I looked to my car and growled because the rear tire on the driver's side was flat. How the hell did that happen? I must have picked up a bolt while going through that work zone. Leaving was out of the question now. The extra car I kept in the garage was at the shop getting detailed.

I headed back to the house and went toward the game room. The sound of a saw could be heard coming from upstairs. Juggy also had trap music playing. The game room was spacious and had a nice pull-out sofa bed. The soundproof walls would come in handy right about now. I removed my shoes and collapsed on the bed with my hand placed at my navel. This life was not for a child.