"So how did you find your way there?" Norah asked fearfully but with curiosity. As creepy as the story was, it wasinteresting; especially knowing she had stepped foot in a place like that.
"The same way everyone else does." Mama's eyes locked onto Norah's, her voice barely above a whisper. "Slot winner." she confessed and Norah's heart now fell into the sole of her sneakers.
"The first owner, the senior of the Kingly's, is the one who started that damn devils pit. He would lure women into that place with promises of fortune and shelter. Once they stepped foot inside, it's like they'd vanish into thin air. Some say he was a demon in disguise, collecting souls for the underworld. I say he was definitely a demon and the wrong mothafucka to give power to. They found strange symbols etched into the walls, and the sound of whispers echoed through the halls, even when no one was there."
"So, what happened to the place back in that time?"
"Burned. Someone burned it down and that's when they opened the casino. Those sons of bitches and I mean that literally, came up with the bright idea of using winners as a come up and soliciting their children." I'm more than sure she's there. If she's not dead." Mama couldn't hold back. She knew the words would hurt Norah but this was the reality of being a part of that damn world."
Mama's eyes seemed to cloud over, her gaze drifting into the past as she continued the tale. It was killing her to be so truthful, but Norah and Dallas had brought it upon themselves.
"Rumors say they keep them locked away in the basement or rooms that's like dungeons. "You stay away from that place, child. That place is evil incarnate." Mama's eyes welled up with tears, but a twisted smile crept onto her face as she relished the horrific memories. Her voice cracked as she continued to speak, "I've lived with the memories of The Dynasty for decades, andstill, the thought of it brings me pain. I laugh to keep from crying and I pray that God freed me and I'm still here." Her eyes locked onto Norah's as they both cried. "You want to know the truth, child? The darkness that lurks within those walls...it's intoxicating. I can't promise that Dallas is alive but if so, we may never know. You can't go looking Norah because if they know what you're there for you may not make it out alive.
***
Norah laid in her bed with thoughts of Dallas running through her mind. She was drowning herself in a pool of tears as everything Mama told her replayed in her mind. She couldn't believe those men were so inhumane and especially that creepy ass Mr. Kingly. There was something just too damn eerie about that father. Mr. Kingly was the reason Norah hadn't been back to the Dynasty. She didn't want to admit it to Tasim because she didn't want to offend him. She couldn't front if she wanted too, their night was magically perusal but meeting his father was unusual. Now knowing that Mr. Kingly was responsible for the rumors and possibly her friend missing disgusted her. Not only that but that family caused her grandmother more pain than one could bear. It's like Norah was sleeping with the enemy and this was exactly what troubled her. She didn't understand what was Tasim's motive. Did he know? Was he a part of the Kingly demise? Was he plotting to kill her? Were the many thoughts of a lost and broken girl.
As bad as she wanted to end things with Tasim, she felt she couldn't give up on Dallas. After Mama confirmed the story about the slot winners Norah knew in her heart this was exactly what happened to her friend.
You can't go looking Norah because if they know what you're there for you may not make it out alive.
Norah thought of Mama's words but again she would disobey her. She pretty much had no choice because she just couldn't give up on her best friend even if it meant her life. She would hate to disappoint Mama yet again but she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she left everything unaddressed. The only way to find out was to go against her better judgmentand continue the relationship with Tasim. She knew Tasim was probably upset because again she disappeared with no explanation. She was gonna try to think of a lie to get back in his good graces until that day came. Her intentions at this point were ill because her heart, and mind told her Tasim had to go. Once she got the missing piece to the puzzle, she was gonna kill him herself.
Thoughts of burying Tasim alive crossed Norah's mind and she was gonna do it with the help of Dragon. Speaking of, she heard Dragon talking to Mama a while ago so she knew he was in the home. She waited patiently for him to enter her room so she could tell him her plan. When it came to Dallas, Dragon wouldn't mind going to war. Although he and Tasim had become very acquainted, they shared no type of bond. He and Dallas were like brothers from another mother so just as much as she was affected, Dragon felt some type of way also.
After another 20 minutes or so, the sound of Norah's door opening made Norah look over. Dragon walked in and he had this certain look that told her Mama dropped a dime on her and Dallas. He walked completely into the room but he didn't say a word. He took a seat on Norah's bed then gave her this unbelievable look.
"Mama told you." Norah mentioned because she didn't have to ask.
"Hell yeah she told me. So, what's up?"
"You're not mad?" Norah gave him her most innocent look. Since kids Dragon had always fallen for the look so Norah used it to her advantage even as adults.
"Hell yeah I'm mad but shit the damage done."
"Well you're the one who suggested we go there."
"And Mama told y’all not to, so don't blame me. Anyway, what's up, what we gone do about Dallas?"
"We have to find her. Everything Mama explained about the Dynasty only points to Dallas being there. I can't leave my friend there." Norah was on the verge of dropping a few tears. Dragon looked away briefly, sighed with frustration then looked back in Norah's direction. She knew her brother just as he knew her. When it came to any soul hurting, tainting or disrespecting his little sister he’d go to war with the universe. Tasim was already on his list and Norah had no knowledge. Over the course of time, a part of Dragon felt like The Kinglys had Dallas held hostage. Of course, the rumors, the knowledge of knowing how the Dynasty destroyed lives and the many women they preyed on.
“So, what’s up with the nigga Tasim? Mama also told me that nigga a Kingly.”
“Shit your guess is as good as mine. I’m not sure if the nigga playing sick games or does, he not know about Dallas. I feel like such a damn fool. All along this nigga playing my ass Dragon. Oh, and one thing I don’t think I told Mama, I met thee Mr. Kingly.”
“Word? So, what’s he like?”
“Creepy. Honestly. He has this certain eeriness about him that tells me all the rumors are true. At least 80 percent of 'em. Hell, with the stories Mama told me I’m sure they are all true. That man is a fuckin sick psychopath. He walks around like he owns the world.” Norah rolled her eyes disgracefully. “I swear I wanna get my hands dirty with his bitch ass. I just wanna rescue my friend from them sick people.”
"What if she's dead?" he really didn’t wanna ask but he needed Norah to accept the reality of things if that’s the case.
“Then I want them dead.” Norah replied seriously. There was nothing else to really be said. Outside of putting a bullet intoTasim’s head Norah already had a plan. She wanted the entire family dead and there was only one way to get it done.
16
HANNAH
Hannah stared at the Cynai Yanese gown that hung on the velvet hanger, twirling her wedding ring nervously. Today was the day Angelo was being presented with an achievement award for Fire & Life Safety. Hannah had done everything in her power to skip out on the ceremony but with no legitimate excuse it was hard. The entire police academy along with the fire department was gonna be in attendance so she knew her cover would be blown. She was still shocked that no one had told him she had been terminated. Today would definitely be the day her cover would be blown and she'd be in a world of trouble. Hannah thought of everything from flatting the tire to fake throwing up her guts, but she couldn't bring it to herself because she knew how much this day meant to Angelo.
