Vicious Is The Name That They Gave Me: A Philly Story Read online

Chanelle

  While walking towards the room with Tori where the safe was, my mind began to think of names. I wasn’t sure who would do this shit. It could be any of these slimy ass bitches. It could be Kareema because I made Vicious lose her virginity to Roc. And Kareema said by the end of the week, she is going to have a surprise for me. But the incident happened last week. She couldn’t have meant tonight, though. Tori, although she claimed is one of the loyal bitches in here; she blames me for Dymond’s death. That hoe needs to believe me when I said I did not have anything to do with Dymond getting killed. It may be Kassidy for sleeping with Roc. Whatever my feelings are about Roc and what our arrangement was, it still does not excuse me for what I did. It may be Paris for being with Dollah. I don’t even understand how she is mad. She is a side bitch, so fuck out of here. But I should be fair right? Out of all the money he left, I should give the bitch a dollar right? I changed my mind, fuck her. Who is left? Retta, Katrina, Ceyanna, and Simya, all of them bums ain’t about anything. Damn, who then?

  When we walked into the room where the safe was, I looked at the safe door, broken. I don’t know what to think. I am mad as hell. I stared at Tori as she examines the door. It’s as if she’s a fucking robbery investigator. It probably was your nut ass that did it. Could she have done it? No, we’re partners. But there is always room to deceive in a partnership. I really don’t know. I am trying to keep my cool.

  “Who else knew?” I asked her while studying her body language. I have to look at everyone has a suspect.

  “Only us. Damn, how the fuck did they know it was in here? How did they even get in here?” Tori asked looking around. “The door was locked but not the window,” she stated. You probably left it opened for them to come in. I tried to stop my mind from accusing Tori. I walked over to where the window was and I could tell someone came through it. The window frame was scraped and tampered with.

  “Oh, shit,” I whined.

  “What?” Tori asked.

  “I have a deal to do tomorrow,” I said.

  “Chanelle, I know you didn’t put everything in here. Did you?” Tori asked. I did not answer her. Instead I turned the other way making it seem as if I was thinking. Of course, I didn’t put everything in the safe. I always split my shit up.

  “Chanelle,” she yelled my name. I turned around to look at her.

  “The majority of it is in there, well was in there,” I lied. I had to change my ways to make it seem as if I was lost and made the mistake of putting most of the money in there. Hopefully it would draw out who was responsible for betraying me. Actually, they lost the majority of their profit. There are two banks; one for the squad and then an account where I pay them from. Their account which held their money is the thief’s lottery. Oops bitches. Everyone loyalty was at stake and I could not risk putting the squad’s hard earn money on the line, so I used their girls account.

  “Why? Why would you do that? Are you fucking stupid?” Tori asked me. I can tell she grew rage.

  “The rest of the money is secure,” I tried to make her feel better. I cannot focus on Tori and her feelings right now. Shit is about to get crazy.

  “So, we still lost the majority of the damn profit,” Tori didn’t change her tone.

  “Look, Tori we are going to find who did this. Let’s go downstairs and keep it cool. You know you’ll get extra and shit,” I told her. We both walked out.

  “This is some bullshit,” I said to myself.

  As we walked downstairs I kept a straight face on. One of these mother fuckers stole my shit. There wasn’t any evidence left. It was going to be hard to find the burglar. But I’m going to find out.

  “Chanelle, what is wrong?” Retta asked walking up to me.

  “Nothing,” I lied

  “Are you sure?” Retta asked. I can tell she was concerned.

  “Yeah,” I answered. I scanned the room and no one seemed missing.

  “We hooked this joint up,” Retta said. I wasn’t listening to one thing Retta was saying. Hopefully she’ll leave me alone.

  “Chanelle,” I heard Tori’s voice from behind me. I turned around. “Take a walk with me,” Retta had already walked off. That’s strange, why did Retta walk off when Tori came over? They probably teamed up together and took that shit. And this walk she wants me to take with her is a trick for me to go outside so they can cap. Stop, Chanelle. Stop thinking these crazy ass thoughts. Fuck.

  “Alright,” I didn’t take my eye off the crowd. The thief or thieves could still be in here. I can feel it and soon I am going to kill whoever was involved.

  I didn’t understand why Tori wanted me to walk with her. She was starting to get on my fucking nerves already.

  “What, Tori?” I asked her.

  “Look, whoever took the shit from the safe did this, too,” she said. I don’t believe this shit. Whoever broke into the safe vandalized my car and Tori’s. So Tori’s name is scratched off my list. Tori wouldn’t do this. She does not even like taking her car to the car wash. Unless she went out and bought another one. No, no, I need to stop thinking it was that. Why only our cars, though? No one knew Tori and I worked inside together. I already knew it was an inside job, but who is the bitch that traded on us?

  “That’s it. I have had enough of this. I’m going inside to end this bullshit,” I stated.

  I went inside and told the DJ to turn the music off. Everyone stopped dancing, stopped eating, stopping dinking, and looked at me as if I am crazy. At the moment, I don’t give a fuck. After what the thief did to my car and stole what I consider to be my shit that was in the safe, I am going to start acting like a maniac.

  “C, what’s up with the music?” My friend Jerome asked. What do you mean what’s up with the music? I turned that bitch off.

  “Shut up. Now you mother fuckers are going to listen to me,” I told the crowd.

  “What’s going on Chanelle?” Wanda asked. Why when somebody says shut up there is always somebody that still has to talk?

  “Didn’t I say listen? What are you, deaf?” I said to Wanda. I turned my attention back to the crowd. “Now look, I don’t know who did it. But one of you mother fuckers think your slick. Going to walk up here and steal from me. Whoever it is, you’re going to be fucked up. I promise. You’re going to get fucked up,” I informed. Everyone in the crowd looked at me clueless. Go ahead and look at me clueless, but whoever broke into the safe is not clueless.

  “What are you talking about?” Retta asked. I turned towards Retta.

  “I didn’t stutter. One of you bitches took my shit. Then you have the nerve to still be in here. As a matter of fact, get the fuck out. Everybody get the fuck out,” I yelled to everyone. My judgment was clouded. I began talking recklessly to everyone. I did not want to mention the cars. This was enough for right now. Until further investigation.

  “What?” I heard everyone said.

  “I said, get the fuck out. The party is over,” I told everyone.

  “But, it’s only one o’ clock,” said Simya. I don’t give a rat’s ass if it was an hour into the party and I found out someone stole from me. I would still end it.

  “So is that supposed to mean something. I don’t care what time it is. You get five minutes to get your shit and get out. Period,” I ordered. Everyone tried to finish whatever they were doing before I interrupted and left, hissing, mumbling, whispering and giving evil looks. But none of them are going to step up to me. They all can kiss my ass.

  “Uh, Chanelle,” Katrina called. I looked her. Bitch you’re a suspect too.

  “What?” I answered with an attitude.

  “Somebody outside the front is looking for you,” Katrina informed.

  “Who?” I asked. Who is looking for me?

  “She didn’t tell me her name. She just said to get Chanelle,” Katrina said.

  “Alright,” I wasn’t expecting any personal visits. It could be a set up. Somebody is probably waiting outside to put a bullet through my head. Fuck it. I took my chances. I t
ucked my gun behind my back underneath my shirt and walked downstairs to go outside. I’m ready.

  Chapter 23

  Ms. Sasha

  I know Chanelle was not expecting a visit from me. I’ve been in Chanelle’s life since she was born. I had to come back and visit my child. I am her mother. She just does not know I am the founder of Tha Philly Ridahs, I am the President, and the CEO. Since my partner Darius was killed, Chanelle took over, and things have not been up to my standards. Although I knew Darius and Chanelle were messing around, I did not pay that any mind. Money was coming in so why should I complain? I paid attention to my money, I paid attention to my product, I paid attention to my distribution, I paid attention to everyone that was running my operation. I saw how they committed murder and took their own family members down. There was no need for me to intervene, my money was still coming. I do not get involved in domestic affairs. I witnessed the betrayal they commit when one would turn their backs. Still, I was not going to intervene, my operation was still running smoothly and my money was still coming in. I saw how Chanelle behaved, like a damn idiot. I have been watching Chanelle and my squad. Not her squad, my squad. I am aware of how she refers to the squad as her squad. That is about to change. She does not know I watch everything, especially her wild ass. I had to come and pay Chanelle a visit. I will no longer tolerate Chanelle’s behavior as being a so-called leader. The way Chanelle has been behaving, that is not how leaders are to be. I did not train her to be this way. A massive destruction.

  I studied Chanelle’s approach coming outside towards me. Chanelle is a beautiful woman I can admit, but her character is dreadful. Her manners are atrocious. I do not know where she inherited that lifestyle. She lies way too much. She sleeps around way too much. She turned these girls into whores. And she is taking people lives as if hers cannot be taken as well.

  “Hey,” She greeted me hug from the side of me. I accepted it. Well I made it seem like I did.

  “How is everything?” I asked her. I always wanted honesty from Chanelle and in some way she always would disappoint me. Is she going to give me honesty tonight? Or is she going to lie? Let’s see.

  “Good, good. Look at you, you look nice. What are you doing here?” She asked. I can tell something was not right. I can tell she was not being real with me.

  “Excuse me? So I can’t be here? What do you mean what am I doing here? Is there somewhere else I should be?” I asked her. I can’t believe Chanelle. She has gotten so greedy with the money she let get stolen. My money at that. Of course she is going to play everything cool. I wonder if she is going to tell me that the money has been stolen. Let’s see.

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I mean usually you are out of town, especially around this time,” She explained.

  “Rephrase what you just said,” I told her. I had to remind her that I am not one of her little street friends. She needs to talk with respect and some common sense. Which I’ve seen she is lacking. She needs to drop the ratchetness.

  “Rephrase what I just said? What?” she was starting to get rude.

  “Don’t talk to me with that ghetto shit,” I told her. She looked at me as if I said something I should not have.

  “And if I do?” Not only has she gotten greedy but she had gotten rude as well. This girl has lost her everlasting mind. No one is obligated to kiss her ass. She intimidates the girls in the squad and in the streets, but not me. I’m about to bring this bitch back to reality.

  “Listen, just because I made you head not the leader of my squad, it’s not yours. Please don’t ever forget that. You still show me respect. I am still your mother,” I reminded. She didn’t respond but she wanted to. And I was patiently waiting for her to. Chanelle I am the one bitch that will step to you. I am your mother. You came out of my wound. I decided if you were going live or have an abortion. I see she has forgotten all of that. “What happened to the safe?” I asked her. I can tell by her face expression she wanted to know how I found out.

  “How did you find out?” she asked.

  “Does it matter?” I responded ignorantly.

  “Somebody broke into it,” she said shrugging her shoulders. She obviously does not care about anyone but her.

  “How did you let that happen, Chanelle? I trusted you,” I told her.

  “I don’t know. They came through the window,” She answered.

  “Auntie Sasha,” I heard my niece Tori yelled. She ran towards me with her arms open. How is it that my own daughter does not greet me gracefully but my niece does? I should have made Tori head of the squad.

  “Hey girl, how are you?” I asked her while accepting her hug.

  “I’m fine. I haven’t seen you in a while. Still looking good like always,” She complemented my aging beauty. I don’t blame her, I do look good to be a forty something years of age and have a body of a twenty something year old. I look fabulous. Honey brown skin with brown eyes, thirty-two D cup breast size, a slim built stomach due to my a few times out of a week fitness commitment, and long multi-color natural hair.

  “I think we need to have a meeting,” Chanelle suggested.

  “Okay,” Tori agreed.

  “When?” I asked Chanelle.

  “Like in the next hour,” Chanelle responded.

  “Alright, where?” I asked.

  “In the chambers,” she answered. She continued to keep it short with me. No problem. Her title is about to come to an end. The meeting will be the first place to make it known.

  “I’ll meet you there. I have a business matter to attend to first,” I explained.

  “Auntie, what do you have to attend to?” Tori asked jokingly.

  “Grown folks’ business child,” I teased while laughing.

  “Oh okay, go handle your grown folk’s business then,” Tori joked. I laughed.

  “Alright Chanelle, I’ll see you in a little while,” I told her. I gave Tori a hug.

  “Uh huh,” Chanelle responded. I could tell she did not care for my attendance. I began to walk towards my car.

  After leaving Chanelle and Tori, I made a quick stop. See, what is kept in the dark will eventually come out to the light. The girls, and especially Chanelle do not know they are involved in a family matter. None of them know that Chanelle, Tori, Kassidy, Vicious, and I are related. Hell they don’t even know Dollah and I use to be married but that was more so for business purposes. I had everything under my control. Hell I allowed the dysfunction to continue for so long. I allowed them to make an income, shit I am the orchestrator of all the jobs they went out to. But Chanelle has gotten carried away. Murdering Dollah was so brutal. We had a very close business relationship. And to add more salt, she slept with Kassidy’s boyfriend and made Vicious fuck him. What is wrong with this girl? No worries, everything is about to come to light. Wait until this meeting. I pulled out my phone to call my sister.

  “Hello,” She answered.

  “I’m outside,” I told her.

  “Alright, here I come now,” I watched my sister come out of the house and get in the car. Tonight is going to be a night to remember.

  “Everything is set?” she asked.

  “Yup,” I answered. I drove to the chambers. I had a surprise for them.

  Chapter 24

  Vicious

  Riding in the car with Simya on our way to the chambers to have our meeting with Chanelle, I thought about everything that has transpired. I never thought at fifteen my life would be this way. I didn’t have the privilege that most teenagers around my age have. I didn’t have a mother and father figure in my life. I didn’t have a mother who was employed by a legit job where the state takes taxes out, her social security comes out, and has a 401K. I didn’t have my father around, but I believe not every teenager does. I didn’t have that typical single parent livelihood. I didn’t have the privilege to stay in school and build friendships, join an extra circular activity such as cheerleading or softball. I didn’t have the privilege to stay in school and go to the boys’ basket
ball and football games. I didn’t have the privilege of a typical teenager’s life story but then again what is a typical teenager life story? A mother who is a chronic drug addict? A mother that is addicted to drugs she will do anything to purchase her next hit, including giving me away? Her own daughter, do I not matter? Does she not care about me? How could she, but she never asked how I felt about anything. She couldn’t go get a regular job somewhere and buy normal stuff such as milk, cereal, rice, chicken and instead it was needles, heroine, coke, and liquor. Somebody tell me what a typical teenager life story is.

  Too many random thoughts came through my mind. I thought about how I do not want my life to be this way. I do not want to live doing this shit for the rest of my life. I do not want to die in these streets. I want to continue my education. I actually have someone in my life that is willing to take their time and get to know me. I don’t want this street life. I want to get out. I don’t know how but I will. Is God going to give me a way out? I don’t know.

  “Why are you so quiet?” Simya asked. I came back to reality.

  “I’m just thinking,” I answered softly.

  “About what?” I can tell she was concerned with whatever I had on my mind.

  “How I want to change my life around,” I told her. I turn towards her. “You don’t want to change your life around?” I asked her. She sat there quietly for a few minutes.

  “I thought about it,” she said.

  “And?” I wanted to know what she wanted in her life.

  “I mean I thought about getting out of the streets and having a regular life,” She paused. Her eyes began to get watery. “I’m so deep in I wouldn’t know where to begin. Chanelle and Dollah took me in. It’s like I feel as though I owe them because if it wasn’t for them I probably would be dead,” Simya paused again. She did not let her tears flow. “I know this shit isn’t the way to live because your life is not guaranteed, your life is at risk. I know all that shit, but I don’t know how I would be able to get out. My family doesn’t give a fuck about me. My own mother doesn’t even care about me,” she confessed her feelings.