Array Ashley - Murderville

“I want to be like you. That’s all I know,” A’shai said just before he downed the liquor.

Baron nodded his head slowly and knew at that point that he had created a monster and there was no turning back for A’shai.

After a four hour flight they felt the jet begin its descent over the city of angels. The palm trees were visible beneath them as soon as they crossed the city’s limits, and it was a far cry from Detroit’s dilapidated scene. Samad, Baron’s new coke connect, had arranged for a limo to pick them up. As soon as they landed a chauffeur was waiting at the clear port for them at the bottom of the steps. Quickly Baron and A’shai exited the jet, looking like they had just stepped out of a GQ magazine. The Italian threaded suits, designer loafers, and natural swagger made them look like street royalty. Just as quickly as they entered the limo, they were pulling off on their way to meet the notorious West Coast drug kingpin… Samad Sadat.

Baron was impressed as he walked into Samad’s mansion. The marble floors and wrap around porcelain stairs were immaculate to say the least. It would be his first time meeting Samad face to face, but they both were well familiar with each other off their reputations for moving weight. They had been involved in a few business deals through their various mutual contacts in the past, but this time the two bosses would come in contact personally. The butler escorted them to the spacious living room where marble stone accented the Italian leather furniture.

“Please, have a seat. Samad will join you shortly,” the elderly Caucasian butler said as he waved his hands over the sectional sofa. Baron nodded and took a seat. A’shai followed suit and sat next to Baron. They both looked around and admired the palace that Samad called home.

Baron planned on letting the drug game go and intended to pass the crown down to him. After hearing that A’shai wanted to follow his path, he decided right then that this trip would be his last on any drug business. Baron looked over at A’shai and knew that he was leaving the game in good hands. Baron looked down at his Movado watch and saw that it was a couple ticks before noon, the time when they were supposed to meet Samad. Just like clockwork, the sound of the front door opening and closing echoed through the mansion and moments later a slim, athletic Arabic man came walking into the room. He had on a Nike jogging suit and a towel was draped around his neck. Sweat dripped from his brow as he approached them, wiping his forehead.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” he said as he approached them with a smile and extended hand. Baron and A’shai stood up and both of them were surprised at Samad’s youthfulness. He looked to be in his early thirties. To be that young in that position of power was very surprising. “Excuse my dress attire; I just finished my daily jog,” Samad said as he smiled.

“No problem. Pleasure to meet you,”’ Baron said as he was the first to shake Samad’s hand. “This is my son, Shai,” Baron said as he opened his shoulder towards his son. Samad shook Baron’s hand with a smile and then looked towards A’shai and did the same.

“Please have a seat,” Samad said as he walked around the glass coffee table and took a seat. His butler brought him bottled water and he immediately opened it up and took a sip. He then opened up negotiations. “I’ve heard great things about you, Baron,” Samad said as he sat back and got comfortable.

“Likewise,” Baron replied as he studied Samad’s movements, trying to read him. A’shai, like always, just sat back and watched a master at work. Baron was a genius at mental chess and negotiations; always choosing his words and actions carefully.

“You made a lot of people unhappy with your move against Bonzi,” Samad said.

“Well, it was time for a change. I stand behind my decision, and I always will,” Baron said firmly, not having any regrets and prepared for anything that came from his decision to knock off a boss.

“He was a racist prick anyway,” Samad said lightening up the mood. Samad actually was happy that Baron had done what he did. Baron only got rid of the competition for him, which meant more clients for him. “That mishap brought you here, so I’m not complaining,” he added.

“Right. That’s how I see it too,” Baron said.

“So let’s get down to business. I know you didn’t fly across the country to shoot the shit, my friend,” Samad stated.

“Indeed,” Baron said as he clasped his hands and leaned forward, interested in what was about to be said.

“Coke is your game, right? I will give you kilos of the purest fish scale in the country for sixteen a key,” Samad said as he rubbed his rubble light beard. Baron immediately liked the sound of the price because he had been paying sixteen-five with Bonzi for years. Being the businessman that he was, Baron still attempted to negotiate so that he could get the best price possible.

“How about fifteen a key, and we will buy one hundred per month… consistently?”

“I can’t do that. That’s too low.” Samad said as rubbed his hands together. “I can go fifteen-five, but that’s the lowest I can go.”

Baron liked the sound of that price and just as he was about to answer, A’shai sat up and stepped in. “We are going to pass but thanks for your time,” he said with a no-nonsense expression on his face. He extended his hand for Samad and stood up. What the fuck are you doing? Baron thought as he scolded his son in his head. He was silently cursing A’shai but Baron’s facial expression never changed. He also stood up as he wondered what his son had up his sleeve. Samad shook his hand and then Baron’s as they ended the meeting abruptly. A’shai turned to head out and Baron followed. “I don’t what the hell you’re doing, but it better work,” Baron whispered as they headed to the door. Baron was totally taken off guard as he thought about the great price Samad had just given them.

“Trust me, Pops. We won’t make it to the door,” A’shai whispered back as he put his business skills on full display for his father. A’shai thought about the fact that Samad needed them and not the other way around. A’shai thought about how Samad had gotten in touch with Baron as soon as he heard about Bonzi’s death. He also thought about how Samad had flown them out just to have a sit-down with him. A’shai’s business savvy was beginning to peak its head and A’shai hoped like hell that his plan would work.

“Hold up!” Samad yelled as he thought about how much money he was potentially letting walk away. “Deal!” he yelled as he smiled, knowing that A’shai was a young shark. A’shai smiled and winked at his father as they turned around. A’shai approached Samad with his hand out and they shook.

“I want it for fourteen-five,” A’shai said knowing that he had Samad wrapped around his finger.

“Deal. You have a shark for a son. The two of you have to come back out and join me at The Gentleman’s Ball. It’ll be a great way to kick off this business friendship,” Samad said as he looked at Baron and shook his hand. Baron smiled and looked on at his protégé. Baron hadn’t been to The Gentleman’s Ball in years and he figured it would be a great way to introduce his son to the heads of the underworld.

“We’ll be there,” Baron replied. It was the perfect rite of passage for A’shai, and he would establish many contacts at the exclusive event. He knew at that moment that A’shai was built for this game and was on his way to being the boss of all bosses in due time.

LIBERTY PULLED HER AUDI A8 UP TO the Geisha House sushi bar in Hollywood and stepped out of the car. It had been two months and life was obviously good. She was in high demand at the brothel and had quickly stacked enough money to live comfortably. The first thing she had purchased was a brand new vehicle. She paid the foreign whip off in full… not even realizing that she didn’t know how to drive it until it was time for her to pull it off the lot. She quickly learned with the help of Abia, and the vehicle became her most prized possession. She had a fetish for the finer things. Because she had never had anything, now that she could afford it… she wanted to buy everything and as she walked into the popular restaurant she felt accomplished and as if no one could touch her.