NINE

WHEN THE CAR PULLED UP TO THE mansion Liberty was in a state of disbelief. When she had thought of working a brothel, she had pictured something completely different. This was luxury at its finest. She immediately felt out of place in the sweat suit she was wearing. She looked down at her threads.

“Don’t worry, Liberty. No one is here to judge you. These girls came from the exact same place that you did. They know what it’s like. Let’s just go inside and freshen up before I show you around,” Abia stated. The driver opened the door for them, and Abia exited the vehicle. Liberty hesitantly followed. She felt like she had just been sent to Emerald City. She may as well have been on another planet—that’s how foreign the opulence was. She pulled nervously at her clothes as she followed Abia inside.

“There are twenty girls that live at the mansion. Ten are veterans and ten are new girls like you,” Abia explained while giving Liberty a tour of the estate. “We understand the importance of personal space and privacy here so each of you has your very own master suite.” Abia opened two French doors and spread her arms wide to show Liberty her room. She gasped at the beautiful décor. “This is your room if you want it,” Abia continued as she spun around, showing off the lovely space. Liberty couldn’t wait to soak in the deep-jetted bathtub or sit at the vanity and brush her hair. Although it seemed trivial, those were things that she had never done . . . to be a true woman, in control of her own destiny. She had no idea what that felt like. Liberty was speechless at how things had changed in the blink of an eye.

“There has to be a catch,” Liberty stated.

“No catch, Liberty. This is the life. We don’t deal with bullshit johns that make you feel worthless. Our client list consists of politicians, stockbrokers, judges, athletes, oil tycoons . . . the elite of our society. Many of our ladies don’t stay in the business long. Many have been turned into the wives of the men that frequent here,” Abia stated.

“What’s the split?” Liberty asked as she weighed the pros and cons of the situation. Part of her wanted to leave and never look back, but there was something so intriguing about Abia’s offer that Liberty could not refuse her.

“60/40,” Abia replied frankly. “But all of your other needs are taken care of . . . you get to live in this fabulous home rent free. You get to drive foreign cars and rock designer clothes. You get to live the life that most people only dream of.”

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation as another girl entered the room.

“The glam squad is heeerre,” the girl announced excitedly as she clapped her hands together.

Abia smiled knowing that her team of professional stylists was right on time.

“We’ll be down in a minute,” Abia told the girl. She turned back to Liberty. “There are clothes and toiletries in the walk-in closet. You should be able to find something that can fit you. If you decide to stay you’ll be given a stipend each month to update your wardrobe to your tastes. You get yourself together while I go freshen up. I’ll meet you downstairs in a few and then I can introduce you to everyone.”

Liberty nodded as Abia left her to soak it all in. Liberty immediately entered the adjoining bathroom and ran herself a bath. She hadn’t been allowed to ever relax and unwind. Bathing was a rare occurrence back at the warehouse and as she entered the steaming water, her body melted from appreciation. The tub was large enough for a group of people to sit inside and she stretched out as the scent of shea butter entered her nose. This is crazy, she thought. 24 hours ago she didn’t even know that something like this existed . . . now here she was thrust in the middle of it all, feeling slightly overwhelmed because she was unsure of what was expected of her in return. It all seemed too good to be true.

Liberty soaked her body until the water ran cold and hurried to the closet to dress. She was taken aback when she stepped inside. It looked like a fashion boutique. She had never owned more than one outfit a day in her life and as she thumbed through the racks of designers she was floored. She picked out a long-sleeved, backless, mini-dress, with studded shoulder accents and matching designer shoes. The expensive fabric felt so foreign on her skin, and she felt slightly out of place.

A knock at the door caused her to turn around.

“It looks good on you,” Abia said. “You ready? The others are waiting for us.”

All of the ladies gathered in the personal salon and for the first time Liberty saw the type of women she would be working with. They were a completely different breed than the ladies on the track. Everything about these new bitches shined. It was obvious that they were getting money; even after the house took its cut, the girls were stacking paper. Everything from their Brazilian blowouts to their perfectly manicured hands and feet indicated that they were far from amateurs. This wasn’t a hobby . . . this was a career, a lucrative one. Abia put her hands on Liberty’s shoulders and escorted her to one of the styling stations. As she stood behind her looking at Liberty’s reflection she saw a gold mine. Once Liberty was cleaned up she would undoubtedly be the most valuable girl in the house.

It took hours for Liberty to make her transformation. Her long bone straight hair and Chinese bangs accentuated her face perfectly. Abia had gone all out . . . no expense had been spared. By the time the makeovers were complete the new girls couldn’t be distinguished from the old. Even Liberty was in awe of her own beauty and tears accumulated in her eyes as she looked at her reflection in amazement.

“This is unreal,” she whispered, unable to quit staring at herself.

“It’s real Liberty . . . you just have to embrace it,” Abia whispered as she handed her a crystal wine glass. Abia turned to the group of women and raised her voice so that everyone could hear her as she addressed all of the new girls that she had just rescued from the warehouse. “You all have a choice to make. You can stay or go, but this is the time to decide. If you would like to walk away . . . there is the door. You can do so without any repercussions, but if you would like to stay and live this life then lift your Pinot Grigio in the air.”

Abia waited and noticed that every single glass was lifted in the air except for Liberty’s. She turned towards her and asked, “What do you say? You can go out into the world and be ordinary, or you can stay here and live extraordinary.”

Liberty lifted her glass and Abia smiled in satisfaction. They sealed their agreement with a toast . . . it marked a new beginning for Liberty. It was the next phase for a young woman whose life was predestined for tragedy.

A’shai pushed the all-black Range Rover down I-75 on his way to East Detroit to check on his father’s crack spots. Baron quickly introduced him to the family business, and he took to the streets like a duck took to water. A’shai had quickly moved up the ranks and became his father’s eyes and ears to the streets. By day he was a college student but by night he ran the most sophisticated and lucrative drug operation Detroit, Michigan had seen in years. He couldn’t help but to think about how Baron handled Bonzi earlier that day. It made him reevaluate his tactics. Baron was a strategic thinker and it was as if he had played chess with Bonzi . . . and won.

A’shai pulled into the housing projects that sat just off the highway and parked. He made his way to the ‘trap spot’ and knocked on the door in a five knock rhythm that was the only way to gain entry. A woman opened the door and the aroma of cooked crack cocaine hit him in the face.

“Oh, it’s Shai!” the young redbone yelled enthusiastically as she stepped to the side to let him in. She gave him a flirtatious smile and cocked her hip to the side in hopes to get extra attention from him. However, A’shai paid her no mind, despite the fact that she wore no clothing. He stepped into the apartment and a wave of greetings and stares came his way. A’shai remained silent, only nodding to the girls acknowledging him. All the girls were naked with doctor’s masks on; all of them doing their part in the elaborate drug operation. A’shai didn’t allow them to wear clothes while working in order to prevent theft. Some cooked the crack, some chopped it up, and some girls weighed it. It was all a smooth operation that trickled down from Baron’s regime. The trap spot was one long apartment that was originally three apartments until Baron knocked down the walls, combining them. Baron owned the building so it didn’t throw up any red flags to the authorities. On top of that, the handsome pay that he bribed the local police department with kept the law out of his business.

“Yo, where’s Nico?” A’shai asked after he glanced around the spacious apartment.

“He’s in the money room,” one of the girls said as she bagged up the product while sitting at the table. He headed towards the back where the profits were counted and the closer he got to the money room, the louder the sound of the money machine got. The sound of bills running through the machine was like a sweet melody to A’shai’s ears. When he opened the door he saw Nico sitting at the table with a smile on his face while he put a rubber band over a stack of money. A smoking blunt hung from the left side of Nico’s mouth and the smell of Kush weed filled the air, accompanied by smoke. A’shai looked over and also saw a young lady sitting at the table with him. He instantly frowned and looked at Nico and shook his head in frustration.

“Who is this, Nico?” He asked as he pointed at the slim, chocolate girl. Nico took a pull on the blunt and winked at the girl.

“This is my friend, Bunny. Bunny, this is my cousin Shai,” Nico said proudly as he blew the smoke out slowly. He then passed the blunt to the girl. She looked at A’shai and extended her hand.

“Hi, Shai. I’ve heard a lot about you,” she said as her hand lingered in the air. Nico saw the way that the girl’s eyes lit up when she found out the man before them was the infamous A’shai Montgomery. The girl saw A’shai and money bags seemed to appear in her glazed over eyes. She was finally in the presence of the man the streets claimed to be the next boss. All of the girls in the city wanted A’shai and had heard about him in some shape or form. A’shai looked down at the girl’s hand and didn’t budge.

“Look, I’m sure you’re a nice girl . . . but you have to go, ma,” he said sternly as he stepped to the side so she could have a clear pathway out. The girl’s smile quickly turned upside down and the rejection slightly embarrassed her. She looked at Nico, waiting for him to say something but it never happened. Nico actually pointed to the door, signaling her to go because he knew that he was in the wrong. Baron had made it clear that he didn’t want anybody in the money room except A’shai or Nico. He ran his drug operation as if it was a Fortune 500 company and that very reason alone attributed to his success.

The girl smacked her lips and quickly stood up and stormed out. A’shai watched as she left and closed the door behind her.

“I wanted to smash shorty. Why you tripping?” Nico asked A’shai as he picked the blunt back up and put it in his mouth. A’shai walked over to Nico and snatched the blunt out of his mouth and snuffed it out in the ashtray.

“Why am I tripping? You don’t get it do you? You know only me and you belong in the money room. But somehow you let a stripper bitch in and you ain’t even on your shit. You back here smoking weed when you supposed to be getting the count ready,” A’shai said as he as he placed his hands on his hips and shook his head.

“Relax. We were just chilling. How do you know she was a stripper anyway?” Nico replied.

“For one, the bitch name is Bunny,” A’shai shot back as he sat down and sifted through the money. Nico didn’t admit it, but he did meet her in a strip club just two nights before. A’shai looked at Nico and noticed the diamond encrusted chain on his neck and he clenched his teeth tightly. He had explained to Nico many times before about where most diamonds in America came from. Conflict diamonds usually came from Sierra Leone. The hardship and horror stories that were behind the blood diamonds bothered A’shai. Slaves were forced to search mines night and day to find those stones. Families were torn apart and people’s blood shed over the diamonds that Americans wore freely. They had no knowledge of how the jewels got to them and around their necks. Nico noticed that A’shai stared at his necklace and he quickly tucked it in his shirt, not wanting to hear A’shai preach to him the origin of the blood diamonds.

“Thank you,” A’shai said as if he had read Nico’s mind. “So, what the count look like?” A’shai asked as he began to put the money in the duffle bag by his feet.

“One hundred stacks,” Nico said confidently as he ran the last stack through the machine.

“Perfect,” A’shai said as he began to put the money into the duffle bag. The average take per day was $100,000 and that was on a slow day. He loaded the bag up and tried to get out of the trap spot as quickly as possible. He felt that just being around Nico made him dumber. Honestly, the only reason he even tolerated Nico was because he was Baron’s nephew. Baron was a family man and always believed in looking out for blood so he let Nico run the projects, which was one of the hottest drug areas in the city.

“I’m about to bounce. Yo, I’m going to be out of town for a couple days. Drop the cash off to Pop’s house while we’re gone. Listen, the safe combo is 7-11-55. Ma will be expecting you. Got that?” A’shai said as he stood up and put the last of the stacks inside the bag.

“Yeah I got it. 7-11-55. No problem,” Nico responded. “Yo, where you going?” Nico asked nosily.

“Pops and me are heading out to L.A. this weekend,” A’shai replied unenthusiastically as he motioned towards the door. “I need you to hold it down while I’m gone.”

“You know I got you. What you need to do is put a good word in for me with Unc. Tell him I’m trying to come up. Sitting in the crack house all day ain’t what I want to do. I’m a boss nigga like you. I should be doing pick-ups and going to business sit downs with y’all,” Nico said as he stuck his chest out. A’shai didn’t even bother to respond. Although he and Nico were the same age, A’shai was twice his age in the mind. A’shai knew that a clown nigga like Nico wasn’t built for being a boss but only a worker. A’shai walked out the door, leaving Nico there to tend to his own pipe dreams.

“Bitch ass nigga,” Nico said as envy overcame him. He picked up the blunt that A’shai had put out and lit it. He never could understand why Baron had placed A’shai in charge and not him. Nonetheless, while Nico was smoking, A’shai was on his way to the next spot to pick up money. While Nico slept, A’shai was up thinking and that’s why A’shai was in the top position.

“Thank you,” Baron said smoothly as he grabbed the Remy on the rocks from the stewardess. They were thousands of feet above land as they made their way to the West Coast to visit a new coke connection. The private jet rode smoothly and was just as comfortable as Baron’s living room. The plush seats, light jazz, and soft carpet created a relaxing environment for the drug lord. He sat across from his son, A’shai, and smiled. “How does it feel to be nearing the finish line?” Baron asked referring to A’shai’s upcoming graduation from college in a couple of weeks.

“It feels good. I just have finals next week, and I will be done. It’s been a long time coming,” he answered as he also received a glass from the stewardess.

“I’m proud of you. You are making your mother so happy by getting that degree. I always knew you were going to be special. You had the eye of the tiger even as a young boy,” Baron said as he took a sip of his drink and gave A’shai his infamous smile. Baron always could light up a room with his smile. It was always sincere and real. People felt that from him.

“Thanks Pop,” A’shai replied modestly.

“Now, you are coming to a forked road in your life. You can take the business world by storm, and I know you will be successful in anything you put your mind to. The other option is to follow in my footsteps. I know morally it would be right for me to tell you to leave the streets alone and fly straight. But your pops is a smart man. I know the streets are harsh, and I would much rather you not make it a career. But I also know that you’re going to do what you want to do regardless of what direction I want you to go in. I just want to let you know that I have your back in anything that you do. If you want to be a Wall Street banker . . . I’m with you. And if you want to move coke . . . I’m going to show you how to do it the right way. It’s all on you,” Baron said, dropping his adopted son some mental gems.

A’shai smiled and loved his father’s gangster. He knew that Baron wasn’t one to judge and would ride for him on any decision he made.

“You know what I want?” A’shai asked as he looked into his father’s eyes, returning the stare.

“No, son. I don’t know. Tell me. What do you want?” Baron asked as he sat up and looked A’shai straight in the eyes.

“I want to be like you. That’s all I know,” A’shai said just before he downed the liquor.

Baron nodded his head slowly and knew at that point that he had created a monster and there was no turning back for A’shai.

After a four hour flight they felt the jet begin its descent over the city of angels. The palm trees were visible beneath them as soon as they crossed the city’s limits, and it was a far cry from Detroit’s dilapidated scene. Samad, Baron’s new coke connect, had arranged for a limo to pick them up. As soon as they landed a chauffeur was waiting at the clear port for them at the bottom of the steps. Quickly Baron and A’shai exited the jet, looking like they had just stepped out of a GQ magazine. The Italian threaded suits, designer loafers, and natural swagger made them look like street royalty. Just as quickly as they entered the limo, they were pulling off on their way to meet the notorious West Coast drug kingpin . . . Samad Sadat.

Baron was impressed as he walked into Samad’s mansion. The marble floors and wrap around porcelain stairs were immaculate to say the least. It would be his first time meeting Samad face to face, but they both were well familiar with each other off their reputations for moving weight. They had been involved in a few business deals through their various mutual contacts in the past, but this time the two bosses would come in contact personally. The butler escorted them to the spacious living room where marble stone accented the Italian leather furniture.

“Please, have a seat. Samad will join you shortly,” the elderly Caucasian butler said as he waved his hands over the sectional sofa. Baron nodded and took a seat. A’shai followed suit and sat next to Baron. They both looked around and admired the palace that Samad called home.

Baron planned on letting the drug game go and intended to pass the crown down to him. After hearing that A’shai wanted to follow his path, he decided right then that this trip would be his last on any drug business. Baron looked over at A’shai and knew that he was leaving the game in good hands. Baron looked down at his Movado watch and saw that it was a couple ticks before noon, the time when they were supposed to meet Samad. Just like clockwork, the sound of the front door opening and closing echoed through the mansion and moments later a slim, athletic Arabic man came walking into the room. He had on a Nike jogging suit and a towel was draped around his neck. Sweat dripped from his brow as he approached them, wiping his forehead.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” he said as he approached them with a smile and extended hand. Baron and A’shai stood up and both of them were surprised at Samad’s youthfulness. He looked to be in his early thirties. To be that young in that position of power was very surprising. “Excuse my dress attire; I just finished my daily jog,” Samad said as he smiled.

“No problem. Pleasure to meet you,”’ Baron said as he was the first to shake Samad’s hand. “This is my son, Shai,” Baron said as he opened his shoulder towards his son. Samad shook Baron’s hand with a smile and then looked towards A’shai and did the same.

“Please have a seat,” Samad said as he walked around the glass coffee table and took a seat. His butler brought him bottled water and he immediately opened it up and took a sip. He then opened up negotiations. “I’ve heard great things about you, Baron,” Samad said as he sat back and got comfortable.

“Likewise,” Baron replied as he studied Samad’s movements, trying to read him. A’shai, like always, just sat back and watched a master at work. Baron was a genius at mental chess and negotiations; always choosing his words and actions carefully.

“You made a lot of people unhappy with your move against Bonzi,” Samad said.

“Well, it was time for a change. I stand behind my decision, and I always will,” Baron said firmly, not having any regrets and prepared for anything that came from his decision to knock off a boss.

“He was a racist prick anyway,” Samad said lightening up the mood. Samad actually was happy that Baron had done what he did. Baron only got rid of the competition for him, which meant more clients for him. “That mishap brought you here, so I’m not complaining,” he added.

“Right. That’s how I see it too,” Baron said.

“So let’s get down to business. I know you didn’t fly across the country to shoot the shit, my friend,” Samad stated.

“Indeed,” Baron said as he clasped his hands and leaned forward, interested in what was about to be said.

“Coke is your game, right? I will give you kilos of the purest fish scale in the country for sixteen a key,” Samad said as he rubbed his rubble light beard. Baron immediately liked the sound of the price because he had been paying sixteen-five with Bonzi for years. Being the businessman that he was, Baron still attempted to negotiate so that he could get the best price possible.

“How about fifteen a key, and we will buy one hundred per month . . . consistently?”

“I can’t do that. That’s too low.” Samad said as rubbed his hands together. “I can go fifteen-five, but that’s the lowest I can go.”

Baron liked the sound of that price and just as he was about to answer, A’shai sat up and stepped in. “We are going to pass but thanks for your time,” he said with a no-nonsense expression on his face. He extended his hand for Samad and stood up. What the fuck are you doing? Baron thought as he scolded his son in his head. He was silently cursing A’shai but Baron’s facial expression never changed. He also stood up as he wondered what his son had up his sleeve. Samad shook his hand and then Baron’s as they ended the meeting abruptly. A’shai turned to head out and Baron followed. “I don’t what the hell you’re doing, but it better work,” Baron whispered as they headed to the door. Baron was totally taken off guard as he thought about the great price Samad had just given them.

“Trust me, Pops. We won’t make it to the door,” A’shai whispered back as he put his business skills on full display for his father. A’shai thought about the fact that Samad needed them and not the other way around. A’shai thought about how Samad had gotten in touch with Baron as soon as he heard about Bonzi’s death. He also thought about how Samad had flown them out just to have a sit-down with him. A’shai’s business savvy was beginning to peak its head and A’shai hoped like hell that his plan would work.

“Hold up!” Samad yelled as he thought about how much money he was potentially letting walk away. “Deal!” he yelled as he smiled, knowing that A’shai was a young shark. A’shai smiled and winked at his father as they turned around. A’shai approached Samad with his hand out and they shook.

“I want it for fourteen-five,” A’shai said knowing that he had Samad wrapped around his finger.

“Deal. You have a shark for a son. The two of you have to come back out and join me at The Gentleman’s Ball. It’ll be a great way to kick off this business friendship,” Samad said as he looked at Baron and shook his hand. Baron smiled and looked on at his protégé. Baron hadn’t been to The Gentleman’s Ball in years and he figured it would be a great way to introduce his son to the heads of the underworld.

“We’ll be there,” Baron replied. It was the perfect rite of passage for A’shai, and he would establish many contacts at the exclusive event. He knew at that moment that A’shai was built for this game and was on his way to being the boss of all bosses in due time.