The Cost of Vengeance (8 page)

What surprised me more was when he told me and Bobby that we were going with him. Usually, his right-hand man, Ricky, would be the one to go to sit down with him. “I’m takin’ you two with me,” André said. “But I can’t take you niggas nowhere dressed like that.” That afternoon, André took me and Bobby down to Delancey Street and bought both of us a suit to wear to the sit down. He even had them tailored to fit us. We went and had dinner while the tailor got them ready. That’s how me and Bobby got with Keisha and Connie that night. Keisha liked the way Bobby looked in that suit. Before that night, Keisha wouldn’t give Bobby the time of day.

We were all set to go to the meeting, when one of Lace’s people called and said Lace was busy and couldn’t make it, but he would be there at ten that next morning. “He’s playin’ me like a sucker,” André said. “But that’s all right; I got something for his ass. Y’all go on and get outta here. And don’t get them fuckin’ suits dirty. I want you both lookin’ fresh; show this piss-ant nigga how a real playa does it.” We left André’s and ran into Connie and Keisha. When we got in her room, I told Connie, “Look, I need to get outta this suit. I got business in the morning and I can’t get it wrinkled.”

“I ain’t stoppin’ you,” Connie said and helped me get undressed.

That next morning, I got out of bed and called André to make sure it was still on. He wanted to know where we were, and said that he would come pick us up. I sent Connie to wake up Bobby and I got in the shower.

When we got to the meeting, Lace was there with four of his men, and he wasted no time. He started talkin’ shit the minute we walked in the place. André took it for the most part, until Lace said, “Your man was operating in my territory.”

André laughed. “I didn’t know you had a
territory
.”

After Lace got finished with his little speech, André looked at me and Bobby. “I’m a reasonable man. So I’m sure we can work something out so both of us can make some money. I don’t want anymore of this unfortunate gunplay.” He looked around the room. “It’s bad for business. So this is how we’ll do it: I’ll keep my people out of your
territory
and you respect mine.”

Lace had a big shit-eatin’ grin on his face. “That’s works for me. But I’m tellin’ you now, this shit happens again, I ain’t gonna be this reasonable about it. I’m gonna want blood.”

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at him.

“Nobody wants war,” André said. “Now, pour me one and let’s drink to this peace we just made.”

Lace poured André a drink and was about to pour one for me and Bobby. “No,” André stopped him, “they don’t drink.”

André, Lace, and his men, drank and talked shit, while me and Bobby looked on. Then André stood up and started laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Lace asked.

“Now that I’m thinkin’ about it, I ain’t givin’ you niggas shit.” When André said that, me and Bobby pulled out our guns and started shooting. The move caught them totally off guard, and we were able to kill two of them before they got their guns out.

Lace didn’t have a gun, so he tried to run, while we shot it out with his men. André pulled his gun and shot Lace in the back as he ran. Lace tried to crawl away and André walked him down. “Look around you, boy,” André said and kicked Lace in the face. “All this is my
territory.”
Then André shot Lace in the head.

Once I had Jenna on board, I began to work with her. I have to say that she was the easiest woman that I’ve ever trained. Since she had been modeling for years, she had the poise and carriage of a polished lady. Jenna knew how to walk, and how to use her eyes and facial expressions to convey certain emotions. Most of my work was spent teaching her how to speak, and adjusting her mindset from being one that looked for a man to please her, to one of a woman whose only desire was to please her client. Jenna Bobbit was going to be excellent.

As a reward for being such a good student, I took her for her first spa treatment. I always enjoy spa day at Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa in the Plaza Hotel. Spa rituals range from classic massages to wraps and scrubs, facial and body treatments, to nail and waxing services. Occupying the fourth floor of the spa was thirteen treatment rooms, along with a VIP suite for two, a Vichy shower, two hammams, and a unique barrel bath, where guests can soak in red wine or delicately crushed grape extracts.

Before and after treatments, guests are invited to the private French Paradox Wine Lounge to sip wines recommended by the spa’s sommelier. I usually get the Premier Cru Treatment. It’s an intensely rejuvenating treatment based on Caudalie’s most precious cream. The treatment begins with a calming massage that helps soothe and ground you, preparing you for the experience to come. A relaxation massage is gently performed on the head, neck and shoulders. Next, a deep smoothing of the face and neck; a long sculpting massage to the face; followed by a warm thermal mask. My entire body experiences total relaxation.

As I lay there, I allowed myself to slip into my usual fantasy. The seduction of Mike Black.
I would answer the door to my suite, dressed in a black charmeuse robe with lace silk, and satin high-heel slippers. I’d invite him in and ask him to have a seat. “Champagne?” I’d offer.

I could feel his eyes on me as I poured the champagne. I’d come and sit down next to him, and we’d chat and laugh the way we always did whenever we’re together. Then he’d lean over and kiss me. “What took you so long?” I’d ask as his mouth cupped mine again. Then I would stand up and hold out my hand. Mr. Black would take my hand and I’d lead him to the bed.

I could almost feel Mr. Black kiss me again, nibbling on my chin, and sucking ever so gently on my neck. He would take off his shirt and ease the robe from my body while he kissed me. Once my breasts were exposed, he would lower his head and take my nipple between his lips.
Ohh, my
. Just thinking about it makes me feel warm sensations rushing through my body.

Each time I see him, I always plan to seduce him; but something, and that something was usually business, either his or mine, prevents it from becoming a reality.

As the masseur worked magic with her fingers, I thought back to the last time I saw Mr. Black. It was at a party given by Congressman Martin Marshall. The invitation said that the affair began at nine. I was dressed in
a red Carolina Herrera off-the-shoulder, draped silk gown with a deep V back and a high front slit; Jimmy Choo lance mirrored open toe sandals, shiny mirrored leather with a double ankle buckle and a 4½-inch heel.
I arrived at eleven; just in time to be fashionably late. I was supposed to meet Diane and Tangela House there, but it was getting close to midnight and I hadn’t seen either of them.

I knew that Diane wasn’t the problem; she was never late for an appointment. I knew the reason they were late had something to do with Tangela. She had only been with me for a few months. When Diane first brought her to me, I thought she had so much potential: five feet seven inches tall, one hundred and twenty pounds, long silky black hair, full breasts, and curvaceous hips. Although she was black, Tangela’s skin was creamy; almost white enough to pass. At first she worked out well, but lately I’d had some complaints from her clients.

“Hello, Ms. West,” said a voice from behind me.

I turned around to see who it was. “Well, hello, Congressman Canfield.”

“How have you been, my dear?” the congressman asked.

I looped my arm in his. “I have been just fine. Wondering why it has been so long since we last spoke,” I said as he escorted me to the bar.

“I’ve been in Washington, my dear; doing the country’s business. And unfortunately, your, shall we say influence, doesn’t extend that far.”

“My dear, congressman, I believe that is why they made airplanes.”

Congressman Canfield smiled. “I believe you’re right.”

“Are you going to be in town for a while?”

“A day or two maybe,” Congressman Canfield said.

“Perhaps we could get together for lunch; in our usual spot, of course. And we can discus some type of exclusive arrangement. I’m sure that I can handle all of your needs,” I suggested.

“Perhaps we could do just that,” Congressman Canfield said, and then he was approached by another man.

“
Geoffrey,” the man said.

“Ms. West, this is Congressman Terrence Redding.”

I accepted the congressman’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He bowed slightly and kissed my hand. “Believe me, Ms. West, the pleasure is all mine. But you must excuse me, I need to steal Geoffrey away from you for a minute,” Congressman Redding said.

“That’s quite all right.” I turned to
Geoffrey.
“I hope to speak with you soon, congressman.”

“I am sure that you will, Ms. West. Please, excuse me,” he said and walked off with Congressman Redding. I’d heard a few things about Redding and I intended to make it my business to get back to him and make him a client before I left.

I looked at the door and saw the ladies coming toward me. Tangela was wearing a
Carmen Marc Valvo halter crepe gown, crafted with delicate sequins, a pleated neckline and an open back.
Diane was wearing an
Armani Collezioni blue stretch silk gown with ruched bodice, and softly draped front and spaghetti straps
. I looked at my watch as they got closer to me. Diane cut her eyes at Tangela. “Sorry we’re so late,” Tangela said.

“You’re here now and that’s what’s important. Go ahead and mingle,” I said and both ladies started to walk off. “Diane, may I speak with you for a minute?” I waited until Tangela was far enough away. “Okay, Diane, what’s the problem here? You are never late.”

“I know, Jada, and I’m so sorry. But I had to wait on Tangela to get ready.”

“What took her so long, Diane? Because her hair was done earlier today and it doesn’t take that long to put on a dress?”

“Tangela has a problem,” Diane said reluctantly.

“What kind of problem,” I pressed. “What is really going on?”

“She has a drug problem and it’s getting worse.”

“I thought as much,” I said and shook my head.

“I’m sorry, Jada. It’s my fault.”

“No, Diane, it’s mine. I should have known that if she was a friend of Crème’s, she had the same issues that Créme did. Go on and mingle,” I said and Diane disappeared into the crowd. I was so disgusted with myself for not seeing that coming. I should have known better. I went straight to the bar and ordered a drink.

I stood there for a while sipping my drink and thinking about Crème, and I wanted to kick myself.

The bartender brought me another drink and I looked around the bar. My eyes focused on Tangela standing there talking to Congressman Cantifield and Congressman Redding. I watched as she gently touched Cantifield’s face and looped her arm in his, just the way I taught her. But instead of being happy about how she was working him, all I could think about was her drug problem and how I hoped she wouldn’t ruin my relationship with Congressman Cantifield, or the one I planned to forge with Congressman Redding.

I finished my drink and was just about to order another when I heard, “Hello, Ms. West.”

That voice seemed to reverberate throughout my entire body. Suddenly all thought of Tangela, her drug issues, and business, escaped me. I smiled and turned around. “Good evening, Mr. Black.” He was wearing a tuxedo and he was wearing it well.

“You look extraordinary this evening,” Mr. Black said.

I gently touched his face and looped my arm in his. “Why, thank you, Mr. Black. You look very handsome in a tuxedo.”
And I want to rip it off you
, I thought, but didn’t say.

“I was just about to get a drink. Can I get something for you?”

“I’ll have whatever you’re drinking.”

He signaled for a bartender. “Remy Martin, VSOP, and one for the lady.”

“I think you better make mine on the rocks,” I said and thought back to the days when I used to drink Hennessy straight from the bottle.

“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Black.”

He leaned close to me and I wanted to kiss him. “Believe me, Ms. West, it is my pleasure to see you. Did I mention how nice you look in that dress?” he asked as the bartender returned with our drinks. He handed one to me.

“Yes, I believe you did, but don’t let that stop you,” I said and laughed a little. “You can never tell a lady that she looks nice too many times.”

“Well you look beautiful, Ms. West.”

“I’m actually quite surprised to see you here. I know that you mentioned that you knew Martin Marshall.” I looked around the room. “This just doesn’t seem like your type of affair.”

“It’s not. And I was just leaving. That’s when I saw you standing here, and I had to come and say hello.”