“No problem, mi Don. Weh yuh reach though?”
“Mi a link British a Liguanea,” Nickoi replies.
They wrap up their exchange within seconds. Nickoi hands me back 20K.
Chro monn… it’s the extra money fa me.
“Thanks again, Mami,” he says.
I smile, take the cash.
“Later mi see you,” I tell him, stepping out of the car.
NICKOI
I’m in the parking lot, waiting on Simone. She’s inside getting food, a patty, of all things. Still don’t get what she sees in those. She’s been staying here for a while, ever since Mario started working on his case. She’s kept me in the loop.
You’re probably wondering how my sister end up deh wid mi enemy.
Simple.
I planned it.
Not exactly how it played out, but I saw it coming. One thing my father taught me: being a drug lawd opens a lot of doors,and even more risks. I knew the local police couldn’t stop us. So, eventually, they’d bring in help.
Predictable.
I didn’t know who they’d choose, so Genius and I did some digging. We made a list of top detectives for Simone to get close to. She was down, as long as it helped me. We studied them, and Mario stood out, young, sharp. Detective Grey was experienced but aging, so we focused on Mario.
Simone reached out online. They started dating. She swore she wouldn’t catch feelings… but she did. Married him. Had his kids. That part’s her business as long as she stayed focused on the mission, I didn’t care.
The relationship was part of the plan to keep my operations protected. It took a while before the JDF requested Mario, so they had time to fall in love.
That’s probably the only thing I regret.
But even now, with everything going down, Simone’s still loyal. Still riding with me. I respect her for that. Most people wouldn’t even remember why they started.
She gets in the car with patties and fries.
“This is yours,” she says, handing me a shrimp patty.
“Thanks.”
“I’m eating first,” she says, biting into hers. I take a bite in mine too, then gulp my Aloe Vera drink. When we’re finish eating, she gets to the point.
“So like I said, Dane told Mario everything. They were on the phone this morning.”
I nod slowly, trying to stay calm.
“Don’t worry. It won’t work,” she reassures me.
“He’s building a case. Trying to match the sketch to you. He wants the killer. He’s bringing troops and police tomorrow to search the house. He’s got your address now, thanks to Dane.”
I sigh hard and look outside.
“So what do I do, stay away? But that nah guh make me look guilty?”
“Exactly. So stay home. Use today to clear out everything cars, guns, all of it. He has a warrant, and he’s coming with dogs. You can’t act like you knew. He’ll get suspicious. And I’m the only one who knows this is happening. Mario thinks you’re guilty, but he needs proof. Your job is to make sure he finds nothing.”
