Unexpected I |Complete|

Chapter 4 |Home Sweet Home|

3 weeks I stayed in Mexico, deciphering on what to do next. The strategy before hand was good, but before my dad passed, we developed a new strategy, one that populated a new crowd. I wanted to put this into play, but needed to develop a plan on how to get it started. Now, traveling back to the U.S. was hard for me knowing my partner wasn’t with me. I stared at the empty seat, imagining the time he would be nodding his head in sleep. I missed that. Seeing we were soon to land in the backyard of the summer house in Miami, Florida, I was prepared to step up in action.

“We will be landing shortly Miss Champion, stay seated as we come to a halt.” My pilot said.

I stayed in my seat, calmed and relaxed as I watched the lights from my summer house glowing in the night. Soon we landed, and I got off the plane. The pilot grabbed my luggage and placed them in the house, while I went around inspecting to make sure everything is in its place. Looks safe from here.

“Thank you Randall, I will be calling you later to fly out to New Orleans soon.” I said.

“Okay. Have a nice night.” He said and walked off.

He leaves his private car here and lands the plane in a garage I had built specifically for the plane. Now that the silence settled in, I could hear my rapid heart beat. I hate living in a house of my own because so many people are constantly trying to find a way to do away with us. I headed upstairs and was heading to my bedroom until I walked passed my father’s bedroom. I had a chill crawl down my spine as I stopped in my tracks thinking about opening the door. My hands caressed the door knob as flash backs of all the times I ran into this room to find some type of security of my fathers arms. I slowly opened it and peeked inside to see it was left the way we had left it. Nothing untouched, everything organized and in his place just the way he liked it. I also picked up similar traits from him because I cannot stand anything to be unorganized. All is good. I closed the door behind me and headed towards my bedroom until my phone had went off. I checked the number to see it was Marcus. What is he doing calling me around this time of night? How does he know I am here?

“Hello?” I answered in a quizzical tone.
“Meet me in 30 min.” he said in a very deep tone.
“What do you mean, and where?” I asked confused.
“A cab will be waiting for you in approximately ten minutes. Hop in the cab and he will take you to your Miamiation.” He said.
“And what…” I began to say but heard nothing.

He hung up in my face. A typical male who thinks he’s in charge. Well, I’ll show his ass that no one will mess over Clarese Shantae Champion. I checked in the mirror to see how presentable I looked, especially after getting off a flight. Lately, I’ve been dressed in all black, which seems to suit me best. I feel in control in wearing the color black, I feel safe when I wear this color, I feel empowered. I am a Champion. I walked downstairs and heard the cab pulled up. I made sure all the lights were off and walked out…Cruising the streets of Miami was something I haven’t done in a long time, even before my dad passed away. New buildings went up and old ones were worn or even torn down. No matter, it was still beautiful with the bright neon colored lights, fancy hotels and restaurants and the like. We eventually pulled up to an old joint my dad used to come to, but of course I wasn’t allowed to enter. It’s been closed down for years, but he still came and made the place seem like it was in business. Yes, this was it for sure, but what are we doing here?

“Is this the correct place?” I asked the cab driver.
“Yes, and that’ll be 26.50 on the nose.” He said bluntly.

I would be the one to pay for something I didn’t ask for. I grabbed some money out of my wallet and gave him a straight fifty then got out.

“Now wait a few minutes before you leave, okay?” I asked.
“Sure thing ma’am.” The man reassured me.

I walked off to see if I could find Marcus, but no one was in sight. I didn’t want to scream out his name because I didn’t know who could be surrounding this building. Quick thinking, I immediately pulled out my cell and text him. It wasn’t a minute later I received a text back. It read.

From: Marcus
Look behind you.
9:40 pm. 7/16/05

I quickly looked behind me to see Marcus standing amongst the shadows. Of course I was scared out of my mind, but I refused to show it. I don’t like people to see my emotions.

“What took you so long?” I asked.
“Why you told the cab to stay? I told him to leave.” He said then walked back in the alley.

I immediately rushed behind him trying to see what the hell was going on.

“Marcus, where are we going?” I asked.
“Quit asking questions and come on.” He said.

I didn’t say anything else, but shuffled behind him trying to keep up. We reached the back of the building with a door opened from behind. I wanted to ask where was he taking me, but of course I knew not to ask him anything. We walked in and he shut the loud steel door behind him. Once we walked in the building there was a trail of stairs that led to, I guess a basement below. Marcus was moving so fast, I couldn’t get the chance to look behind me to see if anyone was following.

“Keep up.” He said.

I just continued and found myself following him in a long hallway that seemed to lead to a never ending place. What going on down here because I hear noise? Marcus pushed open a door finally and into a lab type of place where many men were working at.

“What is going on?” I asked amazed at seeing, look like pharmacist working down in the lab type of place.

I didn’t even know this building had all of this in it. Is this what my dad been spending his time and energy doing without my knowing. Well, I’ll be damned. He suddenly vanished down into the lab, so I quickly walked down the staircase to keep up. Men in white coats were all messing with many types of chemicals and so fourth. Finally I caught up with Marcus to see he was talking to one man wearing a lab coat as well. The man was a short, stubby white male who seemed to be in his mid forties.

“So you think we could launch this anytime soon.” Marcus asked.

I just stood there and listened. What is going on?

“Yea, hopefully by the end of this month.” he said.
“I don‘t understand. What‘s going on?” I asked stepping in the conversation.

Marcus looked at me out of the corner of his eye, then back at the doctor.

“Oh doc. This is Crypt‘s daughter. She took over his position.” he said in a nonchalant tone.
“So glad to meet you. I‘m sorry for your loss, but Crypt always talked about you.” he said.

I smiled and shook his cold clammy hands as well.

“Thanks. So may I ask what is all going on around here.” I asked.
“Sure follow me.” he said as he began to walk.

Marcus and I tagged along behind him and I tried to listen clearly to what he was saying as he because there was so much noise going on.

“So Miss Champion, your father and I have been working on a new type of pill that will be distributed nationally. This pill is not a normal pill though. Although we haven‘t test out the side effects, this pill will be able to cure the slightest common cold, to the harshest ammonia. This pill here…” he began to say but I had cut him off.
“Wait a minute, your going national with this?” I asked.
“Will you let the man finish…” Marcus butted in.
“No Marcus. I will not let him finish, who you think you are?” I asked as my patience ran short but I realized what I had just said.

His eyes grew wide but I didn’t care, I walked over to the man who walked us into another room.

“Well, yes, we had planned to take this national. This will, in time be a legal drug when we get it out there.” he said.
“And how is that? I mean there must be some type of network you all put together right?” I asked.
“Actually yes. I am one of the top pharmacist and your dad hired me a while back. We‘ve been working on this project for a good ten years.” he said.

Ten years and I’m just finding out about this. We walked into a room that looked like an office.

“So you mean to tell me for ten years you all have came up with a drug that may end the common cold?” I asked.
“Yes, here is a booklet with all the details of the idea, the formulas and the like, so you can take a look and see the route we have took with this. I know your just finding out, but everything should be self explanatory in this.” he said handing it to me.
“A month you say?” Marcus asked.
“Yes, we will contact the local doctors first and ask them to provide it for their patients first, and once we get the go from them we will have your men to go out as pharmaceutical doctors to sell it.” he said.
“Sounds good.” Marcus said.

I was flipping through the book, but couldn’t concentrate.

“Excuse me, but do you have an extra copy, I‘m going to need to take this home and inspect it.” I said.
“Yes, take that copy.” he said.
“We won‘t waste anymore of your time.” Marcus said shaking the man’s hand once again.
“Yes thank you. You and Miss Champion.” the man said shaking my hand as well.

Marcus and I walked out of the door, and back through the lab until we was back running up the stair case and out the door. Marcus was walking fast through the alley and I just tagged along behind him until we reached his Escalade. Once we had got in, I could feel his mood throughout the vehicle. I didn’t bother to say anything at first, but I cannot stand when he act like this.

“What is your problem?” I asked.

He didn’t say anything at first, and I just sat there for a minute before I said anything else.

“Why…” I began to say, but I was cut off by him raising his hand.
“What the hell you raising your hand up? Talk to me Marcus.” I said.

He immediately pulled the car over and stopped in a dark street that only had two street lights working.

“If you don‘t be quite, I will put you out right here right now.” he said.
“Let me tell you something.” I began to say.
“Save it. I don‘t have time, I‘m trying to keep your daddy‘s business alive while you took your little vacation.” he said.
“Keep it alive. You don‘t run shit. I do. I am in power now, so accept it. And you call that a fuckin‘ vacation. My dad‘s death? I had to get over that, something I doubt you truly understand.” I said folding my arms and looking out the window.

Nothing else was said. I can’t stand him.

Chapter 6 |Out of Town|

Most of the day, I spent cleaning, to keep my nerves in control. It wasn’t until eight when I received a knock on the door. I slowly approached, having a gun strapped to my legs at all times because you never know who it could be.

“Who is it?” I yelled out.
“Me sis, open up.” I heard my sister say through the solid door.

I slowly opened it and seen her and her boyfriend, Reggie with a hand full of bags.

“Come in, come in…” I said opening the door wide enough for them to enter.

They both walked in, admiring the view before them. Of course it is a Florida style home so there is an open and airy feel to the rooms. I closed the door after they entered.

“Hey sis…” she said hugging me after dropping the bags onto the floor. “Thank you for taking us in like this. Is daddy home?” she asked and my heart sunk in some.
“Daddy…umm, he‘s out right now.” I said not wanting to tell her yet.

She stopped hugging me as Reggie walked up behind her. We really don’t get along because he doesn’t have any respect for what I do, and for all that I do not care. He glared at me and looked off, but my eyes continued to pierce his way.

“Well guys…” Bibi cut in trying to crack the silence.
“Gather ya‘ll things so that I could show you all to ya‘ll room.” I said continuing to look his way.

I walked past them to lead the way heading to the stairs.

“Now, let me tell you all we do have rules in this house, and for one thing its sleeping in separate bedrooms.” I noted as I looked back to see if they were listening. They were still admiring the house I guess. Once we made it upstairs, I showed Bibi her room, which was next to mine.

“Now sis, this is your room…” opening the door and let her enter. Of course I chose it because it was her favorite color…”And Reggie…” I began walking down the hall opposite from her. “This is your room.” I said stopping and opened the door to let him in. I waited in the middle of the hall until they came out. Reggie was out of his room before her and once she came out we walked back downstairs.

“Of course, make yourselves comfortable and help yourselves to anything…” I said but was cut off as the door rung.” Give me one moment please.” I said heading to the door. I asked who it was and from the sound, it was Marcus. I opened the door and stood there as he stared at me.

“Would you like to come in and meet my family?” I asked.
“No, not really…” he said with no expression. ”Can you come outside though so we can discuss some things.” he said, then walked off, I guess expecting me to follow him.

I closed the door some first. “You all, I will be right back.” I said and headed out the door to see what was going on. He was leaning on his car, looking around. I approached him.

“What‘s up Marcus?” I asked.
It was silent before he said anything else, “You have a pickup to make tonight.” he said.
“Tonight…Are you crazy?” I asked getting upset.
“Look Clarese, if we’re partners, you have to give in 50 too. You remember how your dad sent you on deliveries and pickups, well, we have do the same thing.” he said.

I just stood there with my arms folded. “Where too?” I asked looking off.
“New Orleans.” he said.
“New Orleans…There is a Hurricane on its way there.” I said looking at him as though he was crazy.
“They predicted that storm to come Sunday or Monday, we have to pick up our merchandise because its worth hundreds of thousands. If we leave that, we loose a lot of money.” he said. “Flight takes off at midnight.” he said.
“And I‘m the only one that‘s going?” I asked.
“No, your partner will be there too.” he said then walked to his car door and got in, cranking up and sped off.

Chapter 7 |Small Talk|

After Marcus left, I went back inside to see BiBi and Reggie made themselves comfortable on the sofa watching T.V. I felt bad that I didn’t tell her dad was killed, and maybe this time is the right time. I mean she’s going to realize he isn’t here anyway.

“BiBi, can I talk to you for a moment please.” I said heading to the steps.
“Sure…” she said then whispered something to Reggie then kissed his lips gently.

I need a man for myself. Not saying I have jealousy of my sister’s relationship, but I want to experience real love for myself as well. She followed me upstairs where I had lead her to my room.

“Have a seat.” I said, closing and locking the door behind me.
“What‘s wrong Clare?” she asked as she sat down in my chair looking at me with a concerned look.

I didn’t say anything right off. I just looked at her and walked her way.

“I haven‘t been really truthful with you dear.” I said standing there with my arms crossed thinking about how would she react.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“About dad.” I was trying to hold in my tears. “You know how I kept saying dad wasn‘t here right now, but he will be back?” I asked. She nodded her head. “Well, he isn’t coming back.” I said.

The room was quiet and it was hard for me to look down at her, but I did and I could see the tears rolling down her face.

“Look sis…” I began to say, but she cut me off.
“How long?” she asked but the silence appeared again. “How long Clare?” she asked once again.
“It was about two months ago.” I said.
“And you‘re just telling me?!” she said getting upset.
“Bibi…” I said but she had cut me short again.
“Why are you just telling me this now? Why you didn‘t call and tell me that our father died? We‘re sisters, or at least I thought we were.” she said getting up ready to leave my room.
“Listen Bibi…you think it‘s been easy for me. I had to come home and find him dead, I had to see the devastation some bastard left on dad. It took me a month to get the nightmares out of my mind. Weeks to realize he was still gone, and a day to see him get buried six feet under. How was I to tell you Bibi? IF I COULDN‘T HANDLE IT, THEN HOW WAS I TO TELL YOU?” I said as I busted in tears from remembering that tragic event.

She stood there for a minute before walking up to me and embraced me as we both cried out from the lost of our father.

“I‘m sorry I didn‘t tell you, but it was so painful. You‘ve always seen me strong, never crying, I couldn‘t have my lil sis see me like I‘m doing now.” I said squeezing her tighter.
“I know…I know…” she said as her shaken voice let me know she was still crying.

We sat there for about thirty minutes talking about everything, but I realized I soon had to be ready for my trip. I didn’t tell her I was heading to New Orleans but I did let her know I had an errand to run tonight and she knew what was up.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

I sat in the study room, looking at the clock. It was now 11:15 and a sound of the horn blew outside. I got up, making sure I had everything and walked out. I walked past BiBi and Reggie who were knocked out on the sofa. As I walked out, it was a cab picking me up. He opened my door and I got in and off we went. Before long we pulled up to a deserted land where a private plane was waiting for me at. I tipped the driver with a hundred and walked to the aircraft. There was one flight attendant that was unfamiliar to me who greeted me.

“Right this way Miss Champion.” she said and I was escorted onto the plane where I seen Marcus sitting in the seat where my father once sat.

His eyes pierced my way as I sat down in my usual spot. No words were exchanged as we sat, waiting for our flight to take off. Sitting here in silence was uncomfortable, but what was more uncomfortable was feeling someone eyes piercing my way. I looked back to see Marcus still glancing my way. He didn’t even move his eyes once I looked at him like some people would do if you stared their direction.

“What Marcus?” I asked to crack the silence.

He didn’t say anything as he looked back down at his paperwork.

Soon the pilot spoke on the intercom letting us know we were departing soon. We fastened our seatbelts and took off. Soon we stood about 1500 ft above the air.

“This is the deal. We have a separate plane for the cargo, I told the cargo plane to take it to Mexico, leaving it in the basement of the house, so that when we return, we can ship it back once this Hurricane passes through.” he said.

My mind was so focused on other things, that he had to question me.

“Did you hear me?” he asked.
“Yes, that sounds perfect.” I said.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.

Wait a minute. Is this question out of concern or is it just another get the job done anyway?

“No, no I‘m good.” I said and looked back out of the plane.
“Well, here are a few items you may want to strap onto yourself, just in case. Although these are our men, they aren‘t expecting a female.” he said as I turned back around to see some nice pistols laying nicely for display.

We made it to New Orleans within an hour span and landed in another vacant land area. From there, a car with a private driver came and escorted me to our first place, located downtown. It wasn’t too long when we arrived at the place where many people were still roaming around like dead drunken zombies. Marcus stayed in the car until I finished. I walked inside of the building, which was filled with smoke and many woman walking around half naked. One approached me.

“May I help you?” she asked with a bit of attitude.
“Yea…Need to see Dice…” I said straight forward.

She glared at me with so much attitude, then rolled her eyes and asked for me to follow her. We walked to the back of the building where a narrow stair case led me into a small room. She tapped on the door.

“Enter.” the voice said.

She opened the door and held it open until I entered then closed it behind me.

“How may I help a beautiful woman like you?” he asked. “Looking for a job here?” he asked.
“No, but I did come to pick up the merchandise.” I said and glared at him.

His stares eventually led into laughs.

“On whose account. That nigga is dead, long gone…I own this …” he began to say until he heard me load gun gearing for action.
“I don‘t take shit from nobody, especially when they talk shit about my dad. Now get it together now, or suffer the consequences.” I said with no shame in my words.

I was ready to kill him for that rhetorical remark. Let him make one false move and watch my gun leap into action.

“So you‘re daddy‘s lil girl…” he grinned looking at me.
“I don‘t have time for this Dice. We need the merchandise shipped back to Florida until this Hurricane pass.” I said.
“Hurricane. Your worried ‘bout a lil‘ hurricane? Hurricanes are the least thing you should be worried about.” he said.
“Look, enough chit chat…If you don‘t get it now then expect to suffer the consequences.” I said.

He glared at me to see if I showed any sign of fear.

“Okay then, look here is what we could do.” he said getting up from his desk.
“I don‘t listen to orders, I give them. Now this is my last time telling you to get the shit.” I said feeling my patients wearing thin.
“You really think I‘m gonna…” he began to say, but my finger touched the trigger as I watched the bullet fly dead into his chest.

I walked over once that happened and pulled his chin up to look my way.

“Where is my merchandise?” I asked as I watched his eyes flutter slowly back into his head while he tried to speak.

He pointed to a big picture hanging on the wall.

“Combination?” I asked, while he began to spatter out the words.

9198 was the words that came out, so I let his chin go and let his head fall on his desk while I approached the picture. Suddenly loud banging appeared on the door with a lot of shouting. I didn’t pay it much attention as I struggled to get the painting off the wall. It wasn’t too long when his men finally busted through the door, but I had my gun ready for them. They all stood there, looking at their boss, then back at me who would not let the gun down.

“Make one false step, you will be like your boss man.” I said. “Now someone get this picture down for me so that I could retrieve my merchandise.” I said as I step back so they could handle it.

They immediately did as I told them. I could tell they were nothing but teenagers because he could pay them a lower percentage and keep a lot for himself. They finally removed the picture.

“Stay there. I will need you once I unlock this.” I said.

I walked over and coded in the combination, but of course I didn’t get it the first time. So I tried it again and it was right. I opened it to see a big space full of our drugs. All kinds.

“I need boxes to fill up. Get me four boxes.” I demanded and watched as they headed out to grab it up.

I waited until their return, and suddenly heard someone approached. I kept my gun up, so whoever it is seeing I’m not up for games. The boys came back with the boxes, and we began filling them up…There were ten more major stops, but Marcus and I rotated getting all of the merchandise, or at least most of it. It was now four in the morning as we boarded on the plane, tired and worn out. I sat down in my seat worn out, and tired of seeing blood from left to right. Marcus sat down in my father’s seat and heard the plane start up. I just stared out the window as we began to take off. Nothing was said until Marcus interrupted my thoughts.

“Rough night?” he asked.

I turned my head towards his way.

“What you think?” I asked rolling my eyes and looked back out the window.
“Be happy we saved over half a mil.” he said.
“Yea, I‘m really happy.” I said. “Can I ask you something and you give me an answer?” I asked looking at him with a serious face.

He gave me a nod.

“Is money all you think about?” I asked.
“It‘s my job. My life.” he said.

I just shrugged my shoulders.

“Do you have a family?” I asked frankly.

He looked at me confused as to why I was asking that.

“I mean, you‘ve been around my father and I for so long, I always wondered if your family was worried about you.” I said.

He turned his head and silence entered back on the plane…What’s the deal? Why is he keeping everything to himself? Did he have a real life as a kid back then? Did he ever had a girlfriend or just a friend?