Being under so much pressure and my anxiety being sky high, I could feel my body flaring the more I drove. By the time I reached my home, I’d be in a full-blown spasm. However, I was trying my best to keep it together and do as he asked. The mall wasn’t far from my crib to begin with. I was running off a hope and a prayer to make it home in one piece.
CH. 6 - TWENTY MINUTES EARLIER
GENESIS
It was D-day and Twenty-One was ready to set it off at Kinfolk Galleria. Now wasn’t the time or place to be at odds. We woke up on one accord and handling business was the only thing on our minds. The risk behind this play here was crazy, but we were prepared. I had someone on the inside ready to speed things along for us.
“You heard from Kiera, right?” Hulk questioned from the back seat.
Kiera was my lil’ bitch I took down yonder when I needed to get my rocks off. She listened well and did anything a nigga told her. Gullible ass just wanted some attention so why not bring her in, especially if she made shit a hell of a lot easier for us. Hell, she was getting something out the deal anyway. She had ‘bout twenty grand waiting on her when all this shit was over.
“Yeah. She just sent a text saying her boss stepped out to run some errands. She got the cash deposit she never took to the bank, and the pieces are behind the glass already. She got shit set up for us. Take what’s in the glass and that’s it. We just need the stones out them bitches. I got my buyer waiting on the call as we speak,” I answered.
“Bet. Let’s get this shit over with,” TJ uttered while opening his door.
“Nigga pump yo’ fuck ass brakes. You know I don’t even operate like that. Run this shit down and don’t miss a step,” I voiced making sure the twins were loaded and ready to cut a fool. TJ shut his door back as he released a deep sigh.
“Here we go with this shit,” Ace mumbled.
“You know I ain’t having that. I don’t even know why you boys try me like that.”
“Me and Hulk two manning this shit. Hulk get the cash, and I handle the jewelry. Don’t send any signals to Kiera ‘cause the bitch should know the play already,” TJ replied.
“In the mist of all this shit, watch out for the fuckin’ security guards at the main entrance and entrance of the store. If shit go left, make sure we do whatever it takes to get the fuck up out of there. If we get caught, it’s on us,” Hulk chimed.
“Get the fuck in and get the fuck out. Ace will be here for y’all boys,” I added.
Everybody knew they role. Ace was the driver no matter the play. That muthafucka performed like a NASCAR driver on the streets, and he’d yet to catch a ticket for it. He didn’t have a place other than behind the wheel. The nigga was lucky if you asked me. Hulk and TJ were the risk takers and ran together more than anyone, so they knew how to play off each other better. They were gon’ get the job done, believe that.
“What ‘bout you, Black?” TJ inquired.
“Y’all know me, I’m gon’ meet up with y’all boys later. The diamonds the only thing y’all drop on the way out. Once I get them off with my connect, I’ll be back to Frost Peak with the bread. Kiera said it’s two-fifty that needs to be deposited. Apparently, the owner had a big spender drop cash on a few pieces last night so that’s what’s there. Give them twenty racks toher and y’all divvy the rest up. Put mine to the side or take it to my mama. Put y’all earpieces in and don’t divert from the plan.”
I stepped out the throwaway whip first, tucking the twins in my back. Walking around to the driver’s side, Ace rolled his window down handing me the book bag that housed all my shit. I could disarm the alarms and cameras with a phone or laptop, it really didn’t matter. A nigga was just that good. However, I went the laptop route today. It was too much at stake for mistakes.
“Roll the dice…”
“Bet your life,” they answered in unison. It was nothing else to talk about, the ball was in motion. It was either execute or get the fuck on.
I was the first one to enter the mall. Ace parked close to the entrance but not too close where anyone could point us out. There was a coffee shop inside on the left side of the building called Jo Americano. It had become a franchise outnumbering Starbucks. However, their policies were alike. They too allowed their customers to sit and soak up their Wi-Fi for however long they wanted after a purchase. People swore there was something soothing ‘bout sitting in a setting and working, so I was here to do that same exact thing.
Scanning the room once I crossed their threshold, I saw that it was pretty decent inside. Not too many customers were seated, the lines were long but moving at a fast pace. I stood waiting patiently to be assisted.
“Welcome to Jo Americano. Is there for here or to go?” she asked as I stepped forward.
“Here.”
“Okay, what can I get for you today sir?”
“Yeah, let me get a white chocolate mocha, line the cup with mocha, a pump of brown sugar syrup, a pump of caramel syrup, then mocha drizzle to top it off. That’ll be all.” I might’ve been inthe streets heavy, but a nigga knew a thing or two ‘bout coffee. I liked my shit a certain way whenever I did drink it.
“You got it. What size would you like?”
“A large is fine,” I stated digging in my pocket for some cash. I could’ve easily used my phone, but I didn’t need that transaction pinging. Anything could happen and that would tie me to the scene.
“Alrighty, that’ll be $9.43.”
I handed over a ten and said, “Keep the change. Thank you.”
