“Man,” I said.
“I’m not sayin’ shit to talk down on you. I’m sayin’ it ‘cause that nigga we dealin’ wit’ is gonna use it. I’m here to teach you how to fuckin’ listen.” He pointed at his ears.
“Man, what?” I scoffed.
“You don’t have a violence problem. You got a communication problem that stems from yo’ ass not bein’ heard as a child, nigga.”
“Break it down then since you kno’ so fuckin’ much. Wit’ yo’ degree havin’ ass,” I joked.
“Always ask yourself one question.”
“What’s that?”
“Is this ‘bout me or is this ‘bout control? If it’s ‘bout you, then you respond. If it’s ‘bout control, you don’t react at all.”
I nodded slowly, letting him know I was taking it all in.
“So basically, don’t let a nigga control the conversation?”
“Exactly,” Hollow said. “And right now, Rico controllin’ every conversation y’all have. And I see yo’ brain churnin’. You wanna kno’ how to flip it?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Stop playin’ his game and start playin’ yours.” Hollow raised from the chair and approached, causing me to stand up too. “Nigga, this is our fuckin’ city. Ion give one fuck what city he came out of his mammy’s pussy in. This shit here is ours. He can’t come in yo’ shit and control a fuck ass thang. Play. Yo’. Game.” He poked me in my chest.
We stood there for a minute in silence. It was like we had an understanding. As much as I used to call him an old nigga, I really needed that bit of guidance. I believe Hollow saw his younger self in me. That is why he was able to get under my skin so easily. If I could be half as calm as him while pulling a trigger, I would feel better.
“Look, I don’t hate you. I just never trusted yo’ reactions.”
“That’s fair,” I admitted. “And I don’t trust yo’ control.”
“Also fair.” He chuckled.
“So, we good?” I asked.
Hollow held his hand out. I stared at it for a minute before I dapped him up.
“Now let’s talk about this fuckin’ meet up. I’m not lettin’ y’all go in that shit blind. Adore,” Hollow called out. “Get yo’ ass out here. This nigga still alive.”
Adore walked in smiling. We walked to the living room, and I sat her on my lap as Hollow pulled out a map.
“Now, it’s only a few spots the nigga gon’ wanna meet at that’s private and away from the public eye. Whenever he sends the location, we’ll scout the area. I’ll be in position before his bitch ass even arrives, since I’m the trained killer here.” Hollow winked.
“He’s more than likely not gonna show himself immediately,” I said.
“I’ll talk him out to make him think I’ll fold and give him the business back,” Adore stated.
We both looked at her.
“What? I’m a woman. Y’all both know this shit is about ego more than it is about Sosa stealing from him. If I wasn’t a woman, he wouldn’t be doing all this. So let me use my own shit.”
“Aight, so when he steps out, I can take the shot,” Hollow said.
Before I could disagree, Adore’s phone buzzed.
“It’s the location,” she said.
CHAPTER 27: RICO
