Real As It Gets (9 page)

W
hen I pulled up to my house, I was surprised to see Sammy's car there. He and Travis were sitting outside looking like they were in an intense conversation.

I pulled up behind Sammy's car in our circular driveway and got out. When they saw me, they immediately stopped talking.

“Hey, guys. What's going on?” I asked as I approached them.

Travis's brow was furrowed and he looked stressed out.

“Hey, babe,” Sammy said, a huge smile across his face as he leaned in and kissed me.

Travis grumbled something so I turned to him and said, “What's wrong with you?”

He kind of shook his head like he was shaking off whatever was bothering him.

“Nothing. I'm straight,” he replied.

“I think Sheridan is lookin' for you. Weren't you guys supposed to be meeting up?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I saw she called. But I, um, I got a little tied up.”

“My, are we to the point of ignoring her calls already?” I smirked.

“Maya, don't start.” He turned to Sammy and gave him some dap. “Man, I'll holla at you later.” He frowned at me as he walked back in the house.

“What's his problem?” I asked.

“He got into an argument with his mom so he's just buggin'. He'll be a'ight.” Sammy pulled me closer. “How was your day?”

“It's fine. Working on a story.”

“You're always working on a story. What is it?”

I started to tell him, then decided I was tired of talking about the whole K2 situation.

“Nothing.” I motioned toward the house. “So what you gettin' in today? You wanna come inside or go somewhere?” I asked.

“I'd love to, babe,” he said. “But I gotta get out of here. I have to meet someone at the studio.”

“Oooh, can I come?”

“Nah, it's a closed session.” He kissed me again. “But I gotta get out of here for now.”

I said good-bye, then made my way inside.

I looked around for Travis, and when I didn't see him, I figured he must be in his room. I headed up the stairs and stopped just outside his door. His door was cracked and he was pacing back and forth. Whatever it was he'd gotten into about with Aunt Bev definitely had him stressing.

I was just about to say something when my cell phone rang. I looked down and didn't recognize the number. I answered anyway.

“Hello,” I said, stepping away from Travis's door so that he wouldn't hear me.

Silence.

“Hello,” I repeated.

“Yeah. It's Piper. You wanted me to call?”

My heart started pacing. “Hey, Piper. This is Maya, Lauren's friend.”

“I know who you are,” she said hesitantly.

“So did Jodi tell you what I wanted?”

“Yeah, but I'm not buying it.”

I knew if I wanted Piper's help, I'd have to be honest, so I said, “Okay, I'm not really trying to buy any drugs.”

“Tell me something I don't know. So why are you trying to track me down?” Piper said. “Lauren is always talking about how squeaky clean you are so I can't imagine what you want with me.”

Me, squeaky clean?
Well, I guess compared to them, I was a Girl Scout.

“First, let me say I'm sorry to hear about Tabitha.”

It sounded like she swallowed a lump in her throat. “Thanks. She was my best friend.”

“Secondly, Lauren asked for my help. She wants me to help bust the K2 ring, or at least bring some attention to it.” That wasn't exactly the truth. It was actually Lauren's mother, but Lauren was locked away at rehab so it wasn't like she could confirm anything. “I want to find out where the drugs are coming from.”

She was quiet before saying, “I don't know if you want to do that.”

“I do, and I need your help.”

More silence, before she said, “What you want me to do?”

“I want you to help me figure out who's behind it. I want you to take me to meet the person your dealer gets his drugs from.”

That actually made her laugh. “Girl, you've been watching too much TV. I don't know who that is.” She let out a long sigh. “But I can take you to Antoine, my new dealer. I'm not messing around with my old guy anymore after that mess he sold us at the party.”

“So your new guy, he sells the K2?”

“Yeah. I've only met him twice, but he's cool and I really don't want to get him in any trouble....”

“I understand that. And I'm not trying to get him in any trouble. But we've got to do something,” I warned. “How many more Tabithas have to die?”

“I guess,” she slowly said. I couldn't be sure, but it sounded like she was crying.

“Thank you so much for helping me.”

She was quiet for a minute before saying, “If it can save one other person, then it's worth it.”

“That's all I'm trying to do.”

Piper blew a long breath. “Maya, I feel like I have to tell you, this is serious stuff. You're playing with fire.”

“You just lead me to your dealer and I'll take it from there,” I said.

“Okay. I'm telling you, be careful what you ask for, but I'll do it. I don't even want to know what you plan to do once you meet him. I'll just make the introduction, then you're on your own.”

That was all I needed. “Okay. When can we do it?” I needed to let Tamara know what was going on.

“Well, there's a party this weekend. It's one of those private things for those of us who, umm, who indulge. I'm supposed to be meeting him. We can hook up there.”

“Sounds like a plan. And Piper, you're doing the right thing.”

Her voice was sad as she replied, “Too bad it's too little too late.” She hung up the phone without saying good-bye.

I
stood outside the door to Tamara's office. She and Dexter were inside. I knew once I told them about this story, there would be no turning back so I had to psych myself up again. Did I really want to get in this deep?

Yes, like Kennedi said, I had to use my voice.

“Knock, knock,” I said, lightly tapping on her door. Tamara was sitting at her desk; Dexter was in front. “Can I come in?”

“Hey, Maya, come on in.” She motioned to the seat in front of her desk next to Dexter.

“There's my superstar,” Dexter said, a huge smile across his face.

“We were just going over the numbers,” Tamara said. “Girl, this show is through the roof. It's doing better than any of us ever expected, especially in our target market, the eighteen-to-twenty-five demo.”

I didn't understand any of that TV jargon she was talking about. “If you're trying to say that everyone is watching my show, tell me something that I don't know.”

“Kelley told me you have a whole list of appearance requests coming in left and right,” Tamara said.

“I know. I just asked that she be a little more selective in what she has me doing because I don't do malls anymore.”

“Yeah, you're bigger than that,” Tamara said.

“Way bigger,” Dexter added. “Is the exclusive with Savannah still on?”

“Yep, just confirmed. As soon as she gets out of rehab we'll set up the interview. She promised not to talk to anyone else.”

Both Dexter and Tamara grinned widely.

“So, what can I do for you?” Tamara asked. “Or did you just stop through to say hello?”

I took a deep breath. This was it. No turning back. “Actually, no. You know we've been covering a lot of celebrities hit by the K2?” I began.

Both of them sat up like they were waiting for some blockbuster revelation.

“Yes?” Tamara said.

“Please tell me you have exclusive details on someone major?” Dexter said, his eyes dancing excitedly.

I side-eyed him. Was he really getting excited and worked up about someone getting hooked on drugs?

“No. No A-listers. But I think I may have a line to one of the dealers. He's the man next to the man.”

“I'm not understanding,” Tamara said.

“Apparently, the K2 is being funneled into the country through Miami. And I know someone who can get me next to one of the dealers. I was thinking if we could get the exchange on tape, we could do a whole exposé on it.”

Dexter frowned. “Yeah, that sounds like a job for
20/20
or
Dateline
.”

I knew I had to tread carefully because Dexter cared about ratings. He couldn't care less about being some voice or stopping people from dying. I had to present it in a way that he could relate to. “No, here's the thing, this thing is taking out celebrities left and right, right?”

Both of them nodded. Tamara studied me like she was trying to see where the story was going.

“Well, we've been covering that, but my source also tells me the man at the top is a former A-lister.”

Dexter looked like he was about to pass out. “Oh my God. Who?” he asked.

“Not sure yet, but that's what I'm trying to find out,” I replied. “There's a party this weekend that I'm going to and I was hoping to get an undercover camera or something to get some stuff on tape.”

Tamara shook her head. “Ummm, I don't know....”

“So, all I'm saying is imagine how many people would be using and crediting our video if we have teen celebrities and rich kids and teens in general getting high on the drugs. We could have undercover video of them in action,” I continued. “And you'd have video of the dealer as well.”

Even though he'd gotten excited, I could see Dexter still wasn't completely sold. “I'm still not seeing what that has to do with rumor and gossip.”

“Everything isn't in the moment,” I said. “It's about the big picture as well. It will bring even more people to
Rumor Central
. It will get our name out there more and who knows, maybe we can help bust up the drug ring.”

Tamara shook his head. “Nah, I'm still not feeling it.”

Dexter held up a hand. “Wait. I think I see where you're going with this. And where are you getting this undercover video?”

“Like I said, my connection is taking me to some exclusive party. It's supposed to be some of everyone there. And it's my understanding they get pretty wild.”

I knew I needed to reel them both in. “Imagine if the video caught someone like Orlando Franks? I hear he runs in those circles.”

Orlando was a Miami-based actor who was among Hollywood's elite teen stars. At the mention of Orlando's name, Dexter's eyes perked up. “Orlando's going to be there?”

I thought about telling him the truth—that I really had no idea—but I figured I'd get further if Dexter thought there was even the slightest chance of getting an A-list actor like Orlando on tape buying drugs.

“Well, I heard through the grapevine that he would,” I said just to get Dexter on board.

“Wow, I guess you're right,” he said.

“If we can get video of all these celebrities getting high and get the dealer that's supplying them with this K2 on tape, then all the major networks will air our video and say our name, which will put our brand out there even more,” I said.

Dexter started nodding. “Okay, okay, I'm with this.”

Tamara, however, wasn't smiling. “I don't know, Maya. I get what you're saying, but I'm not feeling right about placing you in harm's way.”

I sighed heavily. “Look, Tamara, I'm going to the party, regardless. So the only question for you all to decide is if you're going to put an undercover camera on me.”

She shook her head with finality. “The more I think about it, the more this sounds too dangerous.”

Dexter had a look on his face like a good story was slipping through his hands.

“Well, it's not like we're telling her to go,” he said. “We told her not to go. But since she's going anyway, we might as well fit her with a camera.”

See, this was why I wanted Dexter on my side.

Tamara hesitated. “How do you know this isn't dangerous?”

“It's not. It's just a party. It's not like the drug lord is going to be there. It's just her dealer and some people who are into heavy drugs and partying. And I'm going to see what other information I can gather.”

“Okay, what about Mann?” Tamara said, asking about the man who worked part-time as my bodyguard. “That's the only way I'll feel comfortable, if Mann goes with you.”

“Tamara, what will that look like, me walking up in this place with a six-foot-four, three-hundred-pound man with me? Nobody is going to talk to me,” I protested.

“Well, we could have him—”

“No. I repeat, I'm going to the party by myself. You can put a camera on me or not. That's it,” I said sternly.

Tamara sighed heavily. “Okay, I hope you know what you're doing. We can get the tech team to get you a lapel camera. It's small and can just be worn like a pin on your shirt. But honestly, we're going to have to have you sign a waiver that this is something you're doing against our advice because the station can't be held liable if something happens.”

“That's no problem,” I said. I had to do this, with or without them. I was just glad that they were now on board.

I
was nervous as all get out. I wasn't used to this serious undercover work. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the celebrity gossip side.
This is as real as it gets,
I thought as I looked at the crowd of people gathered outside the spacious West Miami house. There were whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, even a few Indians. It looked like the United Nations up in here and they all had one thing in common—they were all high as kites.

“You ready?” Piper asked me.

I nodded. I must've looked unsure because she added, “Now's the time to change your mind. After this, there's no turning back.”

“I'm sure,” I said. “I think,” I mumbled under my breath. I made sure my lapel pin was on and recording everything.

“I told you, be careful what you ask for,” Piper said as she led the way inside.

Some guy approached us just as we made our way into the crowded living room. “Yo, Pipe.” He waved a small bag of blue pills. “I got that good stuff.”

“Nah, I'm straight,” Piper said, although I could've sworn her voice cracked as if that was the hardest thing she'd ever had to say.

He turned to me. “What about you, cutie pie?”

Cutie pie?
I hadn't been called that since the third grade. “Yeah, no thanks. I'm good,” I said.

“Y'all some busters.” He opened the bag and popped a pill in his mouth. I watched him dance away to the thumping house music that filled the room. Somehow I had the feeling that this wasn't his first pill of the day.

Throughout the living room, I spotted people doing all kinds of drugs. Some were smoking. Some were sniffing. It was all just too much. And those who weren't getting high were getting plastered with some kind of grape-looking concoction. Piper had taken a cup from someone who was passing the drink out. I'd told them no thanks. They probably had drugs in the drinks.

“Where is your dealer?” I finally asked Piper.

“Chill. I told you Antoine was going to meet me here, so he'll be here. Don't try to holla at him, though. We don't mix business with pleasure,” Piper warned with a smile.

“
As if.
Trust, I will not be trying to holla at a drug dealer.”

“Hmph. When you see him, I bet this is one exception you'll make because he is fine with a capital F.”

I truly doubted that, but I didn't say anything as Piper grabbed my arm and dragged me into the other room.

“Come on,” she said. “You could at least try and enjoy yourself while you're here.”

The whole environment was so not my thing. It seemed like everyone was drunk or high or trying to get drunk or high. Then, there were people kissing and making out as if they were in the privacy of their own room. It was like one big freak fest.

I made sure that I got video of everything. So far, I hadn't recognized anyone. Dexter would be sad to hear that, but oh well, that really wasn't my mission anyway.

Finally, after about fifteen minutes, I asked, “What time is he going to be here?” I asked. I was hoping this thing didn't end up being a bust.

“He should be here soon,” Piper said, glancing at her watch as she sipped some strange-looking drink—something else I'd passed on. No telling what these people were putting in these drinks. After a few minutes, she looked around, then said, “Oh, there he is.” She grabbed my arm again and pulled me through the crowd.

“Hey, handsome,” Piper said, wiggling up to a guy who had his back to us.

“What's up, girl?” he said, turning around.

My mouth fell open as I yelled, “Travis?”

He immediately lost his smile, and his eyes widened in horror. “Maya?”

“You two know each other?” Piper said, confused.

“Oh my God. What are you doing here?” I asked. I felt like I was in the middle of a bad dream.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he replied.

Piper looked back and forth between the two of us. “This is the guy that I was telling you about.”

“
This
is your drug dealer?” I asked.

She draped her arm through his. “Antoine prefers not to be called a drug dealer.” She giggled.

“I don't know what else you'd call it,
Antoine
,” I said, looking at my cousin in disbelief.

“Let me holla at you,” Travis said, grabbing my arm and pushing me out the side door before I could protest.

“What do you think you're doing?” he asked once we were on the back deck.

“No, the question is, what are you doing?” I said, snatching my arm away. “You're dealing drugs, Travis? Really?”

Travis massaged the back of his neck. “Come on, cuz. Don't do this to me.”

“Answer the question,” I demanded.

“I'm just dabbling in a
little something
.”

“Peddling drugs to teens is not a little something.”

He huffed, running his hands over his head. He seemed scared, nervous, and in disbelief. I guess he never expected to be busted.

“So this is the job you have? Selling drugs?” I demanded to know.

He spun on me. “You know, you're trying to turn this all around on me. What are you doing out here trying to buy drugs?”

“I'm working!” I exclaimed. “Trying to track down a drug dealer.”

“For what?”

“Because that's what I do.” I inhaled and shook my head as I went inside my shirt and turned my hidden camera off. “I have a hidden camera and everything to record the jerk who's selling people drugs!”

Travis looked absolutely horrified. “Maya, what are you doing?”

“I told you, busting a drug ring.”

He shook his head and started pacing back and forth. “You don't know what you're getting into.”

“Yes, I do. I just didn't know my cousin was the drug dealer I was investigating.”

Before I could say anything else, gunfire rang out. I screamed as I dove to the ground. People started frantically running out. Travis managed to grab my arm and pull me as he took off running.

“Where did you park?” he yelled as we neared the street.

My heart was racing. “I didn't. I rode with Piper. My car is parked at the mall.”

“Come on.” This time he didn't wait for me to keep up. He didn't have to. I was right on his heels, trying to get away and desperately wondering how in the world I'd ever gotten caught up in some madness like this.