Chapter 27
Mary Jane
A husband with bad breath asks his wife, “My dear, why do you hate me?”
She gives him an answer, “Because you kiss me.”
–Philogelos (The Laughter Lover)
In my dream, we all stood in front of a marble angel. The statue’s wings glistened in the sunlight. Her robe rippled around her. A little marble girl hugged her left leg and smiled. Whoever had carved the statue had been a true artist. She and the child looked alive and close to flying out of there. Her eyes seemed to move. Her lips were full and reminded me of Butterfly’s. I wondered if the angel had been sculpted with the mother’s image in mind.
Several police cars outlined the cemetery. A midnight suit draped Noah and reeked of money. Fuji had on a black jogging suit on. Crusher had on a black leather trench coat with Mickey Mouse silk fabric lining the inside of it. Along with that, he wore dark jeans and a shirt.
305 took off his sunglasses and turned to Noah. “Why are we all wearing black again?”
Noah kept his concentration on the parking lot. “Ask Mary Jane.”
“Mrs. Boss.” 305 turned to me and bowed. “Why are we wearing black?”
“This is sort of like a funeral.” I said. “Plus, I thought it would be cool if we came united and dressed together.”
“Like a football team?” 305 asked.
“Yes, like a football team.” I grinned. “I like you, 305. You’re pretty funny.”
“That’s me. Funny.” He put his glasses back on and adjusted his jacket. Thick, black fur covered the collar. Like Noah, he symbolized money. Everything on him portrayed exclusive and expensive—from the patterns in his jacket to the stitching on his pants. Even his shoes gleamed against the setting sun.
Oh, God. Is this her?
A red rolls royce pulled up. A tall dark skinned guy stepped out. He had no muscle, just bones and a mean stare. His dreadlocks fell down to his knees and pretty much hung around his body like a cloak. His ropes of hair swung back and forth as he made his way to the back of the car and opened the door.
I leaned Noah’s way. “Who’s that?”
“That’s Sam,” he muttered.
“Sam,” I said. “Really? Finally, a regular person.”
“I wouldn’t say normal. Have you ever heard of the Son of Sam? That serial killer in New York that shot tons of people in the 70’s?”
I frowned. “Yes.”
“The guy wrote this letter to the police saying all of this stuff about how he was the son of Sam and that Sam was this satanic sort of father that locked him in the attic and killed women behind the house.” Noah must’ve looked at my horrified expression. “Anyway, this guy over here has a fascination with the serial killer. He calls himself Sam in an effort to connect with the Son of Sam. His living room looks like one of those FBI boards as if he’s trying to solve the crime—pictures of the Son of Sam, red lines going to images of the victims, descriptions of each murder, and the bullets the guy used. I had to deal with him a few times and meet him at his place. I hated it.”
I shook my head. “I’m so glad you’re retiring.”
“Me too.”
Sam opened the back car door and then Butterfly stepped out.
She had impossibly long legs, perfect hips, big tits, and a taunting pout that I bet made most guys give up all they had. Noah had said that girls from the streets gain strength once they learn the power of their pussy. I was sure she’d learned that in kindergarten and graduated at the top of her class. She probably could write a book series about how to be a bad bitch.
But if she touches me again, she’ll be a dead, bad bitch.
With a practiced elegance, she strolled our way—black six inch heels, crimson red fur coat, fire engine red dress with two splits that went up to her crotch, and her breasts bounced with each step. Today, she had her hair cornrowed and gathered in a bun in the back with roses stuck all around it.
I hate the whore, but she is fucking beautiful.
I glanced at Noah. He stared at her, but there was no appreciation or lust in his gaze. Nothing but rage radiated from him.
305 tried to add humor to the moment. “Apparently, she didn’t get the memo about wearing black.”
Tension and silence was the only thing to be heard after that comment. Everyone teetered on a sharpened edge, even me. I placed my hand in my purse and gripped the gun.
You better behave, bitch.
Butterfly swayed her hips more as she got closer and directed all of her attention on Noah as if she knew he was into her and just pretending.
I don’t know, if this is going to work. She looks like she would kidnap and rape him if she could. I’m glad I have a backup plan. I just don’t know if I can do it.
Sam followed Butterfly into the cemetery. She nodded at the police. We all remained there. Off in the distance, Mo crept around some graves. He was behind Sam, but not too close.
What is he doing? Is he going to try to kill them? Or is he working with a backup plan? The kid is creepy, but he’s smart.
Butterfly moved in front of Noah and kept six feet between them. Sam stepped on her side. This close up, I realized he was even darker than I’d thought, but had hazel eyes. And just like all the rest of them, death lounged in his pupils.
Butterfly opened her stupid mouth. “Why are we at my mother’s memorial, Noah?”
“It was the only place that I figured you would respect.”
Butterfly spit on the ground. “Mommy always wanted us to be together. She would be happy if I killed that bitch right here.”
Noah stepped her way. Sam drew his gun. Our men drew their’s. Not phased by all of the guns out, Noah closed the distance and got in her face. Barely two inches separated them. “You were lucky last time. You won’t be able to get to her this time.”
“Whatever.” She inhaled him and licked her lips. “I miss you. This war is boring me.” She stuck out her bottom lip. “Business is bad. No one wants pussy when they think somebody is going to crush their head or slaughter the entire place. Thanks for that, by the way.”
Noah said nothing.
Butterfly batted her lashes. “I think we should work together. If you want the college slut, then have her, but you and I keep the streets to us.”
Noah maintained a neutral expression. “You and I keep the streets to us?”
Hope blazed in her eyes. Her voice came out in a low, sultry whisper. “Yes, baby.”
I gripped the gun tighter.
A chuckle left Noah’s mouth as he stepped back. “How about you keep the streets to yourself.”
Her face twisted into anger first, probably due to him laughing. And then she must’ve mentally processed what he’d said, because her mouth gaped open. “What did you say?”
“Keep the streets to yourself. They’re yours. You win.”
She turned to Sam and raised her eyebrows. “I don’t have time for your stupid games, Noah.”
“I’m retiring. I’ve already told Police Commissioner White. Now I’m telling you.”
Butterfly searched Fuji and Crusher’s faces seeking a sign of what was going on. “You’re not going to run Din City anymore?”
“No.”
“What does that mean?”
“That the throne is empty.”
She squinted and her mouth formed words, but nothing came out. She looked like a young kid trying to read a hard word.
“No one wanted the throne,” Noah said. “So it’s up for grabs.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Noah growled, “I don’t give a fuck.”
She shook her head. “You’re not going to be ruling Din City when the streets run in your blood.”
“I’m in love, Butterfly.”
An odd noise came from her.
Was that a gasp?
“But. . .” She looked at everyone behind him, even me. She’d probably been prepared to make threats or even shoot and fight. What she hadn’t been ready for was Noah giving up all control and bowing out.
“But what?” Noah tilted his head to the side.
“But who will run the city?”
“I don’t give a fuck.”
For the first time since hearing her speak, her voice sounded innocent. “What are you going to do?”
“Whatever the fuck I want, just not here.”
“You’re leaving?” Her bottom lip quivered.
“Yes.”
Her voice cracked with the one word. “Why?”
She sounds like she’s about to cry. Fuck. That’s not a good sign. She really loves him in her sick way.
“Focus, Butterfly.” Noah placed his hands in his pockets and got closer to her. “What do you really want?”
“You,” she whispered.
“No, you want what I am. And that’s the power that runs this city. The money that keeps the lights blazing on every block. You want the throne. Not love.”
“We were going to sit there together.”
“Then dream a new dream.”
Shaking her head, Butterfly turned her focus to me. “You’re leaving this all for her?”
Noah held no emotion in the next words. “What do you think? And stop looking at her.”
Cold fury. That was all I could see come from her. If she’d been close, I bet she would’ve tried to stab me again.
Try it, bitch. Just fucking try it.
Butterfly scanned the area, probably counting all of the people and guns around her and brought her focus back to me. “You’ll never keep his attention.”
I flashed her a fuck-you-smile. “How would you know, bitch? You’ve never had his attention.”
Butterfly shook and I knew it wasn’t fear. She was furious. I pulled the gun out of my purse. 305 cursed on my side. Noah kept his gaze on her, not even knowing that I’d raised my own gun and pointed it her way.
“You’re going to end this with him.” My hand shook a little, but I meant it with all of my heart. Enough had been enough. She’d terrorized my man for too long. Then she’d gone into my dorm room and took my family album. I was glad that Noah wanted to leave the game, but I didn’t think it would be enough for her.
He didn’t know how amazing he was. And he damned sure didn’t get how hot that cock made women. If he’d given her ten percent of the loving he’d given me, she would never quit.
We had to end this here. “You’ll never get Noah. That’s clear. I’m not from the streets, Butterfly, but I will kill you. I’ll spend days doing it. I may not have your flash, but I’m a lot smarter, because if you’d had any brains, you’d realize that there is no winning his heart. It’s already gone.”
Noah glanced over his shoulder. Shock covered his face.
Sam moved his gun’s target from Noah to me. Silently, Crusher left his spot with his gun still in the air and aimed at Sam. Mo came out of his hiding spot and kept his gun on the back of Sam’s head.
And then the cops took out their guns.
Calming my nerves, I kept my attention on the bitch. “Did you graduate from school, Butterfly?”
“Fuck you.” She spat at me.
I grinned. “Can you count how many guns are on Sam and you?”
She didn’t turn or look around. All her fury stayed on me.
“That’s okay, sweetie.” I winked. “I’ll do it for you. Mo is behind you pointing at Sam.”
Sam raised his eyebrows, but didn’t look over his shoulder. I didn’t blame him. Crusher was directly in front of him.
“And then we have Crusher targeting Sam.” I whistled. “Sam, I don’t know you, but are you really ready to die for Butterfly, because the bitch can’t get laid?”
Sam cleared his throat. “Look. I was just hired to have her back. No other guy would do it. Noah has every guy shook out here.”
I quirked my eyebrows. “But you’re not shook?”
Sam quickly glanced at Noah, who was now fucking smirking at the scene. “Naw. I mean. Look, I’m not shook, but I’m not going to die for this bitch.”
Butterfly blinked as Sam raised his hands in the air and gave Crusher his gun. “She told me it wouldn’t even be a gun battle or anything since she knew Noah. Said that he would never shoot her next to her mother’s grave.”
“Yeah, but I would,” Fuji said and he pulled the trigger.
There was no sound, yet the bullet dashed through the air and slammed into her forehead within seconds. She’d tried to say something, but everything had happened too quickly. Her mouth had opened and I swore she’d been whispering Noah’s name, but none of us would ever know.
Blood spilled from the hole in her forehead. Her body lost balance and collapsed. Sam lost the only bit of courage he had.
I bet your shook now, huh?
And then all of those cop guns targeted us. Bullets Fired. All of them filled us. None of them missed. 305’s face exploded. Holes filled Noah’s chest. Fuji lay on the ground as I collapsed, feeling nothing, but knowing that I’d been hit.
I’m dying!
I screamed, but no sound left my lips. As I fell to the ground, I tried to turn my head, but couldn’t. The only person in my view was Noah, dead and coated in blood.
No! No! No!
I woke up screaming.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” Noah pulled me to his chest and wrapped his arms around my shivering body. “What did you dream about?”
“We were at Butterfly’s mother’s grave and I killed Butterfly and the police shot all of us and she never fell for your whole leaving the position or anything and you were killed and I was shot, but I felt nothing—”
“Baby. Baby.” He ran his fingers through my hair. “It was a dream, baby. It was just a dream.”
Tears fell from my eyes. “This isn’t a game.”
“No, it’s not.”
“I’m scared, Noah.”
“I know.”
“Your plan sounds all easy and great, but. . .”
“I may have to take further action?”
“No.” I tried to hold back the other tears. “Let’s just leave here.”
“Your family is here and mine. We can’t leave them with a pissed Butterfly.”
My bottom lip quivered. “I don’t want you to have to kill anyone else and I don’t want you getting killed yourself.”
“Then I have to be careful.” He hugged me some more. “I’ll have to take my time. Think every move through. Power up too. Get as many loyal people around me. I’ve got an ally that may help this all end soon.”
“Who?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“No.” I rose from his chest and stared at him. Moonlight spilled in from the window and glowed along his face. “You can’t keep me out of this stuff anymore. Every time we’re separated something happens. I want to be next to you the whole time.”
“We’ll start that in a few days.”
“No, today.”
He glanced at his watch. “The day has actually started. It’s five in the morning. Let’s say tomorrow.”
“Why not today?”
“Because I have to go somewhere and it’s dangerous.”
“Then I don’t want you going.”
“It’s not that dangerous for me.”
“Where is it?”
“A friend’s house.”
“Who?”
“His name is Aristotle.”
“If he’s a friend, why would it be dangerous?”
He chuckled to himself. “Everyone thinks his house is haunted.”
“Why?”
“Because every time somebody goes there, a person dies.”
“Is this Aristotle killing them?”
“Not always. People just end up dying.” He pulled me back down. “Let’s go to sleep and talk more about this later.”
“Wait.” I climbed out of his arms. “What do you mean people are always dying there and he’s not doing it? Are the walls choking people?”
“No.”
“I don’t want you there.”
“I have to go. He’s probably the only one who can run Din City and help me with Butterfly.”
I sat up and crossed my arms. “I’m going.”
He put on that neutral mask and I rolled my eyes.
“Mary Jane, I don’t know if the place is cursed or not. Personally, I think the whole thing is bullshit. But I’ll be damned if I have you go.”
“I’m going.”
“Look.” He rose and his voice held anger. “You’ll stay here and—”
“No, you leave me here and I’ll fucking disappear.”
Something passed over his face and it didn’t look safe or sweet. In fact, I didn’t think I would ever threaten him like that again. I got the feeling that if I ever did try to escape him, he’d destroy the country looking for me.
I swallowed down my fear. “I’m going, Noah.”
“He’s lived in this house for five years,” Noah said. “Let’s say that three people walk into the house. Only two people will walk out. The house has a history of dead bodies. It’s at the point now that anybody who visits him will make sure they come in a huge group. I plan on bringing twenty motherfuckers. But the odds are never clear.”
“This sounds ridiculous.”
“Still, people die every time. It’s not from Aristotle, always. Although, he is known for killing a motherfucker right after cooking him breakfast and serving coffee.”
“You’re trying to scare me.”
“Someone always dies and not solely from gangster shit. Zebo died from a heart attack in Aristotle’s living room. Granted, he was a fat fuck who smoked three packs of cigarettes a day.”
“Why can’t you meet this guy somewhere else?”
“He doesn’t leave his house. It’s like he and the house have symbiotic relationship. They feed off of each other.”
“Now you’re over exaggerating. I’m still going Noah. I’m too scared.”
“T. Chow choked on a fucking bone in Aristotle’s kitchen.”
“I’m going.” I lay back down on my pillow.
“Sizzle had a seizure on the back porch.”
I rolled over. “We have to do this together so you won’t get killed.”
“I haven’t been killed yet.”
“You’re welcome.”
I fell back to sleep with his laughter behind me and dead bodies piling up in my dreams.