Episode 13: THE FINAL EPISODE "Payback's A Bitch"

I’d been trying my best to do right by James; at least when he was around. I was still struggling with my “addiction” as many people tried to call it. But I was home more and spent more time with James. He just seemed like he wasn’t feeling it. I didn’t know what was going on with him.



I was on my way home when I tried to call James but he didn’t answer. I was hoping he was still up. I wanted to spend a little time with him. The worker’s in the house should have been gone so we would have the house to ourselves but when I pulled up to the house, it was pitch black. Something wasn’t right. I pushed the garage door opener but nothing happen. I tried several times then parked my car in the front of the house and unlocked the door with my key. The house was still dark. The clock on the kitchen microwave was not glowing and I didn’t hear the ticking of the clock on the wall in the foyer. What was going on? I walked forward into the living and cut on the light. I could have fainted standing right there; everything in my house gone; completely empty. Every picture was gone, every piece of furniture was gone. I screamed out for James but the house just echoed. I ran upstairs to my bedroom and found my old suitcase with all my old clothes I had in it before I met and moved in with James. There was a note sitting on top of the suitcase.


“Michelle, if you are reading this note it means that you have realized I have left you. I knew from the beginning that you were a gold digger and cared about nothing but my money. What I didn’t know was that you were a gold digging hoe that sleeps with more men than I can count on my fingers. Yeah I know about all the guys you’ve been secretly seeing behind my back. I wondered why my wife wouldn’t have sex with me or why she spent so much time in the streets than with me. I’m smarter than you think I am princess and I’m glad I thought twice before I married you. By the way, don’t think about calling a lawyer or the police. Remember, you signed a pre-nup before we got married so you leave with exactly what you came with and it’s sitting under this note. Have a nice life.”


As I read the note, the tears were pouring. I couldn’t believe that James was leaving me and had knew about everything I was doing. I paced around the room where the bed used to be, where the couch used to be, where all my fine jewelry used to be. He took everything. I had nothing. My dumb ass signed a pre-nup thinking if I didn’t he would think I was all about money and he wouldn’t marry me.


“Fuck!” I screamed at no one. I had to call my girl Kami. She would let me come stay with her until I got things in order. I quickly grabbed my cell phone out of my purse and called her.


“Hello.” There was noise in the background as she answered. A woman on the loudspeaker was talking but I couldn’t make out what she was saying.


“Hey girl, um, I need a huge favor. Wait. Where are you?”


“At the airport.”


“Oh are you leaving or something?”


“Yup, headed out of town.” Kami answered.


“Well I have your spare key. I was wondering if I could go over to your house and stay a few days. I got a lot of drama going on.” I tried to laugh but it didn’t help soothe my broken heart. “James is divorcing me. Apparently he found out about the guys I was sleeping with and he took everything. I went home and the house was empty! All I have are the things I had before I met him.” I cried so heavily to my friend.


“Well you can go to my house but I won’t be coming back there.”


“What? Why? What’s going on with you?”


“Michelle, you thought I was so stupid. Thought you had me fooled huh? Well you’re the dumb one because I know about Keith. I know you’ve been sleeping with him and the only reason you needed my help was because he was blackmailing you. I get it now. I see the whole picture. I’m glad James is leaving you. You’re nothing but a gold digger and you don’t deserve a good man like James. You reap what you sow. Pay backs a bitch ain’t it.”


Before I knew it, Kami had hung up in my face and at that moment, every person I’d crossed had double crossed me.


Carlos was expressionless. No highs, no lows...only a straight stare to the wall. He'd been staring in that direction for the last half hour. The distinctive theme song to "Law & Order: SVU" was playing in the background...Carlos not paying any attention to the crime drama. He had his own drama: a little less than $5000 was left in his bank account after more than $750,000 was taken from it...supposedly by "Johnnie Sutton", the third bank robber who he knew was dead. Carlos unconsciously shook his head. That Flex dude didn't know what hit him. Just like a straight jab to the back of the head, Keith put him out for the count, just like he did Carlos...twice now.


The sounds of a chase, then gunfire was coming from the tv behind him as he continued staring at the wall. Not that it was the wall that he was staring at, but what was on it. Carlos ignored the geisha girl on the top half of the calendar. He was more intent on the days of the month. In particular, this very day: June 13th...what was to be the final day of the Brother Jenkins down in the ATL. Suspicions of his bros doing anything like stealing his money from a bank went out the door. This was Keith's M.O. Plus, he was the only one who knew where his account was being held, since Keith was the one who recommended the bank to Carlos. "A good gesture" Keith had told him, for doing Carlos wrong back in the day. Carlos finally broke a smile, then chuckled under his breath. Ice-T's character as Tutuola was having a disagreement with Munch, telling him that his theory was all wrong, and that he needed to think outside the box. Carlos heard it while staring at the number 13 on the calendar, and laughed even harder, as he finally finished cleaning his .45...silencer and all.


Back at the safe house...


There was movement. The slightest twitch of a finger at first, then the whole hand slowly coming awake...grasping at the dirt beneath it. A soft moan. The body catching up with the hand...each movement followed by a louder moan. After what seemed hours, Keith was slowly coming around. Blood and dirt caked his arms and face. His head throbbing where a gash was still bleeding. After 15 minutes, he finally realized what happened.


Keith got up gingerly, dizziness trying to take control. He ignored it. More important matters were at hand...like the whereabouts of his briefcases, and the contents of what was inside. He spun around, as his head spun in the other direction, causing him to lose his balance. He fell, yelled in pain, but got back up and continued to search...one million dollars should be easy to find. Nothing on the dirt road. He ran clumsily to the safe house...nothing. Just the way he left it: empty of any of his funds. All of his money was gone. Keith fell to his knees and cried out loud, not believing what was happening to him. No, not Keith...not the Great Deceiver of so many people who he's schemed over the years.


Then he thought of it; ever since Carlos came back into the fold, nothing has been going Keith's way. Only losses...at Carlos's expense. Now it was all coming together. Carlos finally got even. His day finally came to shine. Keith ran back to the dirt road...no car, but a bloody duffel bag at his feet. He needed to get home, clean up, and prepare for battle...wherever Carlos was at, Keith was going to find him. With this thought, he took off down the dirt road towards the main road...grabbing the bloodied duffel bag in the process. Once he got there, he noticed the back end of his Lexus sticking out from a ditch. Keys were still in it, bringing a sigh of relief to Keith, lessening the pain just a little bit.


At Keith's house in Powder Springs...


The taxi dropped off Carlos down the hill from Keith's place. He walked up to it, and around the back, towards the pool. The .45 with the silencer stuck out like a sore thumb from his pants, but he didn't care. He was going to get back what was his one way or the other. Walking around the patio, looking for a way in, Carlos found it...by kicking through the glass patio door. A quick search through the house found it empty. A dead end. Carlos cussed under his breath. For all he's been through, now was not the time to sulk. He took his time, and began to search the drawers, closets...ram-shacking everything he touched...looking for a clue to where Keith and his money could have gone to. Then he heard the front door open. Keith. Carlos walked towards the front...not hiding...not caring whether Keith saw him coming. The .45 was already in his hand.


Keith was breathing heavily, struggling with his broken nose, his swollen eyes, and the throbbing wound on his head. He saw the mess laid out all around. His expensive furniture, his beautiful artworks...his picture of Kami, all of it in ruins before his eyes. He didn't have time to lament about them, as he saw a huge shadow quickly approaching him. Carlos smiled as he realized that Keith had spotted him. With determination, Carlos kicked away the broken furniture that was in his way from getting closer to Keith. At the same time, Keith ran into the kitchen, forgetting pain, and went to the island counter. Carlos was right behind him. A speeding "whiz" of a bullet that Carlos shot through the silencer passed by Keith's ear, grazing it enough to sting. Keith yelled out then turned around holding a gun of his own. To Carlos's surprise, Keith got off a quick shot...knocking the gun from Carlos's hand. In fact, a forefinger followed the gun to the floor. Carlos stared at his hand, blood pouring out the missing finger socket. He didn't feel any pain when he boldly walked up to Keith. Before another shot was sent off, Carlos tackled Keith through the kitchen, out through the broken patio door. They both hit the ground, tumbling over the broken glass. The gun was knocked away from them in the direction of the pool. Keith held his own against a hulking Carlos, and managed to grab a shard of glass. He put it to his throat, while grabbing Carlos's injured hand. Carlos finally felt the pain, and yelled out in pain.


"So you couldn't just walk away with the money, huh? You had to come back here to finish the job...huh? ANSWER ME! Where's my fucking money?!!" Keith squeezed his hand, spurting blood all around. Carlos yelled again, but then started to chuckle.


"You stupid son of a bitch...you're the one who could have been long gone with MY money. Just like you had to bring Johnnie Sutton back from the dead. You couldn't just let him be another one of your victims'" said Carlos through the pain now flowing throughout his body.


"What the fuck are you talking about? He is dead, and yes I gave him his death sentence. He was about to rat me out, so fuck him...a bullet between the eyes." Keith was getting agitated now.


"Well guess what? I don't have your money, but I know you got mine. You fucked up this time, 'Randall'. You should have stayed away." Carlos managed to use his four-fingered hand to push away Keith, getting his throat slashed in the process.


Like a madman bleeding profusely, Carlos was able to grab the broken glass, and used it on Keith, stabbing him in his left arm. Keith got up in total pain, the shard of glass still in his arm, and ran for the gun. Carlos followed. They both ended up in the pool, quickly turning the water blood-red. Water splash, gasps of air, screams of agony as Carlos and Keith tussled in the pool. Like a cue from a conductor's waving wand that comes to a stop, so did the music. The sound of the gunshot echoed throughout the Upper scale neighborhood, ending the splashing and the screams, but not the blood flow. The water got a deeper shade of red as both Keith and Carlos went under....


....A few minutes later an arm emerged from the bloody water, grabbing hold to the edge of the pool for dear life.



Days later...


Flex Willingham was in shock. When his lawyer told him that he couldn't do much with this particular federal case, Flex screamed at him. "Are you fucking kidding me?! I didn't do this! What kind of lawyer are you? Help me here, damn it!" The bailiff took Flex by the arms, and took him out the courtroom, still yelling at his lawyer, who sat at the defense table playing with his pen. The judge calmed the room down with a couple of pounds with his gavel.


"ORDER! Now, this bail hearing will come to a close. Mr. Wales, your client will not be granted bail. Trial will begin in four months time...with your client adding to his already possible max sentence of 15 years by his actions today. Word of advice, counselor: Contain Willingham's attitude, because if you don't this won't even go to trial...this court is dismissed," said the judge with one last hard pound of the gavel. Flex could be heard in the hallway still calling for injustice.



In a few months, Dominique and Darryl are going back to the drawing board to put their series Crimes of Passion in the ATL and The Dirty Sexy Chronicles into a book. In the meantime, hit them up on twitter and let them know what you thought of the series! Ask plenty of questions!!!

www.twitter.com/write_of_fusion and www.twitter.com/almondeyesdiva

Episode 12: "A Million Dollar Beatdown"

It was finally that time. Kareem was on his way over to my house to finalize the plan against Keith. Keith was supposed to be going to get some cash for us to leave in a few days, at least that what he told me when I talked to him a few hours ago. I immediately got on the phone with Kareem and said “It’s time.” He said pack your bags and everything you wanna take with you. I’ll be there in a little while, get the money and then we hop the first flight outta here. So I was packing and Kareem was ringing my doorbell.

I ran down the stairs to answer the door. He looked like he packed everything he had in a matter of minutes and came rushing over. Sweat beads were on his forehead. His shirt was little wet.

Kareem had walked right by me without giving me a hug or a kiss. "Baby, forgive me, but I got over here as fast as I could, and as you see I'm a little bit funky. So, I did a bit of googling, and found out where Keith lives. Powder Springs section of Atlanta, huh? Yeah a brotha like that wouldn't dare keep his stash in the most obvious place like the mansion that he lives in." Kareem put his belongings close to the door, while grabbing a wet towel from me.

"Thanks babe. Here, take this." Kareem handed me two airline tickets for a 4:30 flight to Newark Liberty. "Be ready. This won't take long."

“Be safe.” I locked the door behind Kareem and got the rest of my things together. I called my mom to leave her a message and let her know I was taking another big turn in my life and moving from Atlanta. Things just weren’t working out and I needed to take another big step in my life; my writing career. I packed the last of my things grabbed my dog and walked out the door just as my cab was pulling up.



Meanwhile…

He left the house, and got into Andre's Mercedes. He kept the empty duffle bag in the front seat with him, as he made his way towards the upper class neighborhood of Powder Springs.

On the other side of town…..
Kareem had been acting strange as of late, Andre noticed. He shook his head when Kareem asked him to borrow his car for a little while. He didn't argue, but just gave him the key...telling him to fill it up with gas on the way back. Andre chuckle even at that; knowing that he wasn’t going to be riding that Mercedes again. He was still shaken on how easy it was to have Carlos's money wired to his off shore account. He wasn't going to sit around and pat himself on the back...not with Carlos out there still trying to find his money. That $100,000 insured limit on any funds in the bank wouldn't stand with Carlos. Not when there was over $750,000 on its way to Grand Cayman as Andre was thinking about it right now. He needed to make this call. Shanese was heavy on his mind; the only person he was thinking about spending his funds with.
Andre packed up everything he had, and called a cab. He was hoping Shanese was home, as he rang her phone.

Flex was calling and calling since I last talked to him about the incident at his job. I knew that Flex was a decent man and wouldn’t steal anything. Someone was surely setting him up. I wasn’t sold on staying around with Flex knowing that he would be locked up and I would be back to fend for myself. Lil Mark had to eat and his daddy was too consumed with his new baby girl. It wasn’t like I could run to him for anything and if I did it wasn’t like he had it to give. So I had to make a decision. But just as I was getting my thoughts together, the phone rang.

“Hello?”

"Hey, Shanese. Hi, listen, I got a proposition for you: how would you like to go to Paradise? It'll be a...rather long vacation." Andre laughed, then got serious. "Shanese, I want you to be with me. I think we can make a great couple, plus one. That job I just completed paid off rather handsomely."

I laughed. Andre didn't seem very serious. "What are you talking about?"

"Baby, Paradise will be a permanent vacation. Let's just say you, me and lil Mark will never have to worry about money again. This is my gratitude to you being such a great and understanding friend...and hopefully...lover." Andre held his breath, hoping not to hear any more laughter on the other end of the phone.

Money was all Shanese heard. It was like God himself had come through the phone and said you never have to worry about money again. Just minutes ago she was worrying about Flex and his issue and how she was gonna fend for herself. God had answered her prayers.

“Andre you want me to leave with you? You will take care of me and my son? When do we leave?”

"Ha ha, yes Shanese, I see how much love you have for your son, and I know from our talks that it's been a struggle for you at times. You've open me up again to love. I've been in a hole for so long, that I didn't think I would ever get out of it. We could be on the first flight to Paradise with just a word. Let me do this for you, please."

I thought about it for a minute before responding. Lil Mark was sitting on the floor staring at the TV, I looked around my house. I was getting now where here on my own. The only choice I had was to leave. I hated to do Flex like that when he was such a good man but I had to think about my son and myself on this one. I quickly told Andre yes I was serious. He said he was on his way to get me. I started packing.


On the other side of town….

"So, that's the infamous Keith Forbes," said Kareem to himself. He sat in the Mercedes just down the hill from where Keith was leaving his house, watching him getting into his Lexus. Kareem was checking Keith out, noticing that he was a "pretty boy", with his wavy hair, nice clothes...a true metrosexual. "Too bad there won't be anything pretty to look at when I'm done with you," Kareem continued to talk to himself. Keith was on the move, and so was Kareem.

Staying at a good distance behind Keith, Kareem followed along as Keith headed west. Less than a half hour later, the Lexus finally slowed down...slowly pulling onto a narrow dirt road. Not wanting to take a chance on being seen, Kareem drove pass to road, and pulled over down deep into a ditch. He wasn't sure how far down the dirt road Keith was going, but he took a chance and left the car to follow on foot...grabbing the empty duffle bag in the process. In less than a mile, Kareem finally arrived to see the Lexus pulled over onto the grass, between a couple of tall pine trees. He looked around and didn't see anything else but trees and bushes. Maybe there isn't a safehouse. Maybe it's buried out here, Kareem thought to himself. Just then he saw Keith get out the car holding two thick briefcases, and headed into the wooded area. Kareem followed as quietly as he could.

Rounding a heavily wooded patch of land, Kareem saw it: the safehouse. Keith was just now entering it, looking back towards Kareem before entering the house. Kareem got low to the ground, not sure whether he was spotted. Looking up again, he saw the door close. He got back low to the ground, and decided to wait for an ambush.

It didn't take Keith long to come back out. Kareem heard the door shut, took a peek that way, and saw Keith carrying the now filled briefcases of money...walking right towards him. He opened up his duffle bag...and waited. He could hear Keith's footsteps as he approached closer. Finally, Keith walked right by Kareem, who was squatted within the low bush he was using to hide out. With Keith's back towards him now, Kareem stood up, and quickly rushed Keith, throwing the duffle bag around his head and using one of his kick boxing moves...knocking Keith to the ground while pulling the duffle bag tight around the head and shoulders. Keith dropped the briefcases, struggling to get the bag off of his head. Kareem used a grappling hold on Keith, subduing him while pounding his fist into the duffle bag covered head. Keith yelled out in pain, trying to break the hold but with no success. A few more punches to the head, and the yelling stopped.

Blood started to soak the bag, as the body went limp. Kareem stood up and looked around to see if there was anyone around. He loosened the tie from around Keith's head, and took off the bag. Kareem sucked in air as he saw the results of his punches: both eyes were swelling up, his nose busted and bleeding, and a opened gash on the side of his head. The bloody bag was a lost cause, thought Kareem. Quickly, he grabbed the two briefcases, and started off towards the main road. He then stopped, and turned towards Keith.

"It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Forbes," said Kareem. He walked around the unconscious Keith, talking to him some more. "That's for my brother, for letting him take the rap for your sorry ass. And for Kami, too. That's for treating a fine woman like her like shit. You don't deserve her, or this money. So we'll take care of it for you. Hasta luego, you son of a bitch!"

Kareem grabbed the keys to the Lexus, and walked back towards it, hopping in and driving off back to the main road. He pulled it in front of the Mercedes, deeper into the ditch, then got into the Benz and took off back east to catch a flight back home to New York with his girl Kami.

 
Darryl Mims's Crimes of Passion in the ATL is collabing with Dominique Watson's The Dirty Sexy Chronicles . Be sure to read those articles so you can really know what's going on and meet the characters that are being introduced throughout Crimes of Passion in the ATL: http://dirtysexychronicles.blogspot.com/

Episode 11: "Dre's Big Day...At Flex's Expense"

Flex Willingham ran his hand through his sandy colored hair, trying to determine what he did wrong. The document that he looked over had his name under the word "Investigation". Andre stood by, watching Flex's reaction to his fake document. The bank was emptying out, say for a few who were talking around the water cooler, and the security guard who was pacing the floor by the entrance.

"Sir, if you'll allow me to explain," said Andre. He walked into the office, and shut the door behind him. Flex took off his jacket, and placed it on his chair. His brown skin was starting to glisten from nervous perspiration.

"Yes, please explain this to me, because I've done nothing wrong. Why am I being investigated?" Flex stood with arms folded, starting to breathe more rapidly. He saw the name on Andre's ID card, pinned to his jacket..."Johnnie Sutton".

"Mr. Willingham, I'm with the Financial Crime Investigation Unit, part of Atlanta's Homeland Security, and we are investigating possible money transfers to terrorist organizations. Since you are the Financial Advisor for this bank, we're obligated to check with you on any transactions that were made overseas within the last two months." Andre played it cool, seeing Flex breathing a little easier.

"Oh, so this is throughout all the banks in the area," responded Flex. Andre nodded yes, then pointed to the computer.

"Sir, I'm going to have to check the records of the transactions. I should only take half an hour or so," Andre said as Flex frowned up.

"Half an hour...I don't know," Flex started. Andre took his jacket off, and walked over to the computer.

"Mr. Willingham, the sooner we start, the quicker I can be on my way. Now, this is normal protocol. Most of the time it's a dead end. This is my fourth bank today, sir, so if we can just get started..." Andre stood in front of the computer, waiting for Flex to log on. Flex paused for a second. The sparse crowd by the water cooler dwindled down to two. He wanted to get home, and prepare for a night out with his girlfriend Shanese. Then, without anymore reservations, he went and punched a few keys, and got the computer back up again.

"Make it quick," said Flex, as he stepped out the office. Andre went to work in a hurry, confirming Carlos's bank account was there at the bank. He saw all the recent transactions, where every few days a deposit was made. Andre shook his head at the amount...over $400,000 stashed away, with more to come. With just a couple of days left til the job was complete, Andre was expecting a lot more to come in. He sat back on the chair, and was contemplating his next move. Something was sticking him in the back. He turned around, seeing Flex's jacket in the back of him, with his ID badge in the pocket. Andre watched the office door, while removing and pocketing Flex's ID badge. He quickly logged off the computer, and left the office...watching out for anyone watching him. Walking to a security area of the bank, Andre slid the ID badge into the slot, granting him access to another room. A computer sat on a desk in the empty room. Andre quickly got on it and used Flex's ID badge to unlock its security code. Andre smiled, and pulled out a piece of paper with his off shore account number on it. In a matter of a few minutes, he set up a transfer to have every single dollar of Carlos's money to go into his untraceable off shore bank account in Grand Cayman, including any automatic deposits made in the next day or so.

Leaving the room, Andre headed towards the bank's entrance, where Flex was conversing with the last couple of people at the water cooler.

"Mr. Willingham, thank you very much for your time. Everything is good to go, sir. You are in the clear," said an overly ecstatic Andre. Flex nodded his head at Andre as he bounced out the door.



THE FINAL DAY...

Sleeping in on his day off, Flex finally got up to get ready for a picnic with Shanese and lil Mark. Things have been looking good for their relationship since Shanese was finally letting go her obsession with her ex, Mark. Today was going to be the day he finally asked her to move in with him, and talk about the future. Then, the phone rang.

"Mr. Willingham, this is Doug Palmer, Head of Security at Bank Of America, and you need to get down here to the bank this minute." Flex's appetizing thoughts of a great day just turned sour.

"Well this is my day off. What's this all about?"

"Willingham, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way, and you wouldn't wanna know what happens with the hard way. So get your ass down here this instant!" Palmer ended the call, leaving Flex totally confused. He rushed to put on his workout sweats, and hurried down to the bank...thinking, this must be some kind of joke.

He arrived at the bank in ten minutes flat, looking like he ran here all the way, with perspiration staining his sweat top. It was quiet...too quiet, with everyone staring at him as he walked towards his office. Once there, he saw three bank officers, including Palmer, who was sitting at Flex's desk. When Flex entered the office, he saw another person...a monster of a man, who had the meanest look he had ever seen: Carlos Jenkins.

"Wh-wha-what's going on," asked Flex, staring at Carlos as he stepped closer to Flex. One of the officers stepped in between the two, before blood was shed.

"This gentlemen here is Carlos Jenkins, and he is not a happy man as you can see," said Palmer, who stood up and handed Flex a copy of a transaction from the other day. "According to our records, you granted a transfer of Mr. Jenkins' funds to an unknown destination. Now, you wanna explain to me or to him want the hell is going on?"

"I never granted anything of the kind! All I know is that the other day someone named Johnnie Sutton came to me to check on overseas transactions for terrorist funding." Carlos's ears perked up when he heard the name Johnnie Sutton...the third bank robber who was killed most likely by the hands of Keith. He was seething inside, knowing that once again, Keith left him high and dry. This wasn't gonna be settled by these officers, thought Carlos. He knew this Flex dude was set up, but let security think it was this guy. Carlos was gonna settle things his own way.

"We've got surveillance of you using your ID badge to enter an unauthorized area in the bank...YOUR ID badge," emphasized Palmer.

"What?! I'm telling you, you've got the wrong guy!" Flex checked his keys for his ID badge, where he has always kept it on. It wasn't there. "Hey, wait a minute...my badge is gone! Look you gotta believe me, I know nothing about this transfer. I was set up by that Sutton character!"

The officers looked at each other, with Palmer finally walking up to Flex.

"If I were you, I'd call my lawyer," he said. He left the room along with Carlos. The other officers blocked the door once closed. Flex ran his hands through his hair, and sat down at his desk. He knew Shanese was waiting on him. First he had to tell her the deal.



It was around noon and Lil Mark and I were waiting on Flex to call and say he was on his way. I got a sweet little text from his morning saying he loved me and hope we were ready to move forward in our relationship. Mark had finally come a thing of the past and I was letting him have his life with his new girlfriend Trina and daughter Mariska. He came through every now and then to see Lil Mark but I paid him no attention. I’d finally let him go and live his life while I lived mine with Flex.

I put Lil Mark’s shoes on after he finished making a mess with his crackers on the floor in front of the TV. I looked myself over in the bathroom mirror. My long weave was now gone. I had a cute little short doo that fell to my chin. My Brown skinned looked flawless in the tan and black sundress I wore. I grabbed my cell to see what was holding Flex. But as I was about to call him, he called me.

"Hey baby, I...there's been a situation here at work. Doesn't look like I'm gonna make the picnic," said Flex as he looked at the two dudes blocking the office door.

“What! Why?”

“Well I am being excused of doing something that I know wasn't my doing. Ah...they told me to call my lawyer. Looks like I was set up, but these guys don't seem to believe me when I tell them that. Shanese, I might be in big trouble. I need you there for me, baby. I stuck it out with you...you think you can do the same for me?" Flex didn't know what else to say to Shanese.

I hesitated before answering. Flex could be going to jail. Who was gonna take care of me and Lil Mark? I couldn't be with a man that was locked up. I had a mouth to feed. "Of course I'll be there for you." I lied. There was no way I'd be by his side if he went to jail. No way!

"Hey, I think I need to make that call now. Thanks babe, I needed to hear you say that," said a nervous Flex. He ended the call with Shanese and called his lawyer.

Darryl Mims's Crimes of Passion in the ATL is collabing with Dominique Watson's The Dirty Sexy Chronicles . Be sure to read those articles so you can really know what's going on and meet the characters that are being introduced throughout Crimes of Passion in the ATL: http://dirtysexychronicles.blogspot.com/

Episode 10: "Setting Up For The Steal"

I was nervous as hell to meet up with Keith. I really didn’t want him back but I knew this was the only way to find out where his money was so Kareem and I could get paid and I more importantly get my revenge. I took a sip of my wine and relaxed a bit as I dialed his number. He answered on the first ring.


The scene had played in Keith's head...over and over again. The Kiss. It wasn't just a friendly kiss, but a kiss that seemed to say "this is the start of something good". He paced the floor for about ten minutes now, trying to forget that he was responsible for Kami getting with Kareem. He was totally through with Michelle now, even though he gave her permission to bring in any girls to occupy Andre and Kareem. Well, Kami was a bad choice, and now he was regretting everything about Michelle.


The phone rang. He quickly saw Kami's name on the ID, and answered the phone.


"...Hello? Kami?"


“Yeah it’s me” I hesitated. “How are you?”


"Good, now that you called. You know, you've been on my mind a great deal lately...I was wondering if we could talk...you know, about how things fell apart?" Keith was actually nervous.


“Wow I’m shocked to hear you say that. I didn’t think you wanted anything to do with me.” I was smiling on the inside. He played right into it. “But yeah we can definitely talk. I’m not doing anything at the moment. Wanna hook up for drinks or something?” I asked.


"Drinks, yeah cool, drinks will be fine." Keith started to smile, but remembering that kiss cut it short. "I'll pick you up in half an hour? There's something I think we should discuss."


“Ok see you in a little while.” Keith and I cut our convo short. I quickly called Kareem to give him an update then I got in the shower to get ready for Keith.


Keith was starting to get those ol' feelings back once he saw Kami coming to the car. He could smell her favorite perfume even before she got into the car. She gave him a side-ways glance once she got in the seat...with a hint of a smirk. Keith played it off, but that look always got him excited. T-Pain was playing on the stereo...Kami gently bouncing to the beat, as Keith drove to the restaurant. No words were spoken, only quick glances at each other.


Keith ordered a strawberry daqurri for Kami, and a Long Island Tea with a shot of Patron for himself.


"So, you never told me why you gave me a call."


I laughed. “That’s because you took the words right out of my mouth. You’ve been on my mind and I…I…miss you. I miss us you know? I tried getting involved with someone else but it didn’t work. I figured out just last night that we belong together, Keith. I know you have your reasons for leaving which you never told me but I feel like we can start over right. Try again.”


Was I hearing her right? Keith almost worded his thoughts as he couldn't believe that Kami was feeling him like he was feeling her.


"Baby listen, I screwed up. I threw away five years of us, and have regretted every moment since then. The reason that I...that I left was that I was on a power trip. I realize now that it was a huge mistake on my part to neglect you like that." Keith lifted up Kami's chin to get a better look into her eyes. "Kami, can you forgive me?"


“You always knew how to woo me. You always knew exactly what to say to make things alright. Yes I forgive you but don’t let it happen again.” Keith and I reached over the table and kissed for what seemed like ages. It felt so familiar and for a second I was regretting was I was doing to him. But I remembered what he’d put me through, how he did and me and used dumb Michelle. I stopped and sighed. Keith looked at me as if he was asking what’s the matter. “I got so much going right now.” I told Keith. “ I’m stressed and…I just need to get away. I wanna leave here for a while. I wish I had a large amount of money to just pack up and go and get away from here for a few months maybe years.”


This was it. This was the chance that Keith was waiting for. In less than two weeks, the counterfeit clothing operation was going to be over...with his share of a million dollars added to his already swelling bank account. Money was not going to be an object to him anymore. He was getting back his true love, someone he never thought would want to be with him again after the way he treated her.


"Kami, if you are truly serious about getting away, I can make that happen. I can make us happen again. Money is no object. In fact, you will never want again...I got you baby." Keith moved in for the kiss again, and did it ever feel right. He looked at Kami and smiled, realizing that he just got his life back.


“Really? You have money like that? When can we leave? I’m ready now!” I acted as if I was excited about leaving but on the inside was eager to find out where that money was. “I don’t care where we go Keith. We can get married, have a family, whatever. I just wanna be with you.”


Keith laughed at Kami. He had never seen her so excited before. "Yes I got it like that. Call it, making good investments. I'm ready, too, but let's give it two weeks, ok? I wanna get things situated with my business contacts, and then we can pick up where we left off at."


“Ok well I got a busy morning tomorrow at work, plus I need to give my two week notice. I need to get home. I don’t mean to cut the night short but you know how my boss is about deadlines.”


"Yes I know. You're still doing your writing thang. Good, good...ok listen. I wanna show you something before I take you home." Keith moved onto the bench that Kami was sitting on, and cuddled up to her, whispering. "Baby I've kept this from you for too long. I feel I need to show you where I spent most of my time when I wasn't with you. You see, I own a little cottage about twenty-five miles from here, and...and this is where I kept my money. Well it's our money now, babe. I wanna share everything I have with you from now on." Keith saw the look on Kami's face. He was relieved that he could finally tell her his little secret.


“WOW Keith I didn’t know. Baby are we rich???” I could feel my phone buzzing in my purse. I knew it was Kareem wondering what I was still doing with Keith. I had to get home quick to give him the news.


"Well you can say that," Keith said as he laughed with Kami. He noticed her checking her watch. "Ok, I'll tell you what. It is getting late, and I do know how that boss of yours can be. So we'll make that trip tomorrow." After a final drink, they got back in the Lexus, and headed back to Kami's. They kissed like long lost lovers, for about a good five minutes before Kami walked up the front steps and into to house. The image popped into Keith's head for a moment, then disappeared. She was all his now.


Once I got into the house, my first call was to Kareem. He was too excited that I’d mastered the plan and said we’d meet up soon to go over the details of our next move. I got ready for work and slept like a baby.




Meanwhile...


Andre checked the time again. He got in late from his lunch break, much to the dismay of Carlos, who was doing some paperwork in the small office overlooking the warehouse. There was still about an hour and a half left until work ended, but Andre needed to leave out early. He finished working on the computer, and generated some documents...but not for the job he was suppose to be doing. He looked over to Carlos again...Carlos giving him a dirty look then going back to his work. Kareem was in his own world, off and on the phone, being quiet for some reason. If I was going to be on time, I would have to leave now, thought Andre. Despite whatever work he had left, he gathered he things, including the documents he just signed.
"Kareem, I'll meet you back at the motel room. I'm just not feeling well enough to finish out the day," Andre lied.


"Don't matter me none," said Kareem. "But of course big bro's gonna have a problem with it."


"I'm not worried about him. I do enough around here to at least be granted a little time off early every now and then." Andre put on his best sick look, and went up to Carlos. "Hey man, I'm out. Must have been that Mickey D's I had earlier that's making me sick."


Carlos gave Andre a mean stare. "Alright, but you better get here early tomorrow. We want this shipment ready by noon."


"No problem bro. I'll be ready," said Andre, who was holding his stomach for effect. Once he got back to the room, he changed into a business suit. He carried the clothes he was wearing back to the car, then took off for downtown Atlanta.


He just made it on time, seeing the bank employees he saw earlier, milling out to the street. Andre hurried to the entrance, getting a quick look at the employee board...seeing "Flex" Willingham's picture next to his title of Financial Advisor. He took out the documents, and walked into the bank, passed the guard, who looked like he was ready to leave. Sitting in the office just down the hall, Flex himself was ready to leave. Once he got to the door, he stopped. Andre was blocking his way, with the document he generated in his hand.


"Mr. Willingham...good evening sir. I believe you will want to stick around for a while," said Andre as he handed a confused Flex the documents.

Darryl Mims's Crimes of Passion in the ATL is collabing with Dominique Watson's The Dirty Sexy Chronicles . Be sure to read those articles so you can really know what's going on and meet the characters that are being introduced throughout Crimes of Passion in the ATL: http://dirtysexychronicles.blogspot.com/

Episode 9: "Planning To Make Keith Sweat"

I was running late for me and Kareem’s meeting. I had a late meeting that I had to attend and couldn’t leave. I called Kareem in the car and told him I would be about twenty minutes late.

When I arrived at Starbucks, he was sitting at a table near the front window sipping a drink and checking his phone.


“Sorry, I’m late. That meeting was mandatory.”


"Hey no problem, you look refreshing for someone who's been rushing," said Kareem. Kami smiled then sat down with Kareem. "So, let's get back to what we were talking about before we were interrupted. You said you know that Keith has his cash hidden in a safe house. I wanna help you as much as I can to get back at him, because he dumped my bro some years ago. That wasn't cool. So, this safe house...where would that be at?"


“That I don’t know. I’ve only been to his house. He’s never taken me anywhere special I mean like another house or place he has so I wouldn’t know.” I sat my purse on the chair and turned back to face Kareem to see what his plans were.


Kareem thought for a moment, then looked at Kami, who was patiently waiting for him to speak. He wasn't feeling this idea of his but knew it was probably the best way to find the money.


"Here's what I got. What if you were to...hook up with him again?" Kami's mouth was wide open, ready to protest, but Kareem stopped her. "Hold on! Give me a second. So you hook up with him again, and see if you can get more info on where this place is at. Just lead him on enough for him to start trusting you again. You think he'll believe that you still wanna be together?"


“What!” I thought. I don’t want this man. Not after what he did to me. “I don’t know Kareem. I’m really not trying to go there with him.” Kareem gave me a look that said this is our only way. “Alright, maybe I could try. I’ll call and see if he wants to hook up or something; no strings attached and see where it goes. But if it fails, that’s it. We are coming up with a new plan. But if it works, what’s your next move?” I looked at my phone that said I had about fifteen minutes to get back to work.


"If it works, then you lead me to the cash." Kami just looked at Kareem, not understanding where he was going with this. "Listen, you get him to trust you enough to show you where he keeps his stash. I mean, you had a five year relationship with him. There's gotta be something that you can persuade him with to lead you to the money." Kareem cringed at the thought of what that could be. "So do that and I will follow him. You think you can do that?"


“Alright, I can do that. I’ll give him a call tonight. See what he says and get back to you. Look I gotta get back to work. I’m late already. “Kareem and I stood at the same time. “I sure hope I’m involving myself with someone I can really trust. The last time I gave my all to a man he turned on me. I hope it’s not the same this time.”


“Hey, I know you've been hurt. I can see it in your eyes, but know this: I will never do that to you. I have no motivation to hurt you, and walk away. My motivation is to satisfy you, and make sure you stay happy. Is that good enough for you? Look into my eyes, Kami, and tell me what you see." Kareem stared at Kami's watery eyes, wishing he could make everything better.


“Ok. I can live with that but only time will tell.” I gave Kareem a soft kiss and headed out the door. It was time to get things going with Keith.



Meanwhile….


The bank's windows reflected the morning sun onto Andre's face. He covered his eyes enough to see the "Bank of America" lettering above the entrance. He didn't know whether to go inside and see if he could spot this Flex dude, or to just wait. But time was precious, and in less than two weeks he wanted to have what he felt he deserved. He decided to wait, so he walked pass the sign, up the street. He never noticed Shanese, who was walking in the opposite direction.


“Andre? What are you doing here?” Shanese noticed Andre standing in front of the bank. She had Lil Mark in her arms as She was about to meet Flex for lunch.


"Shanese..." said Andre, taken totally by surprise. "I was, ah, just taking a break from work and wanted to grab something to eat. What brings you this way?"


“The same. About to have lunch with Flex. I haven’t had the chance to see him all week and wanted to spend a little time with him. I’m sorry I haven’t called.” Shanese stopped before continuing. “But umm, I’ll call soon, ok?” If Flex saw Shanese talking to Andre, he would think something was up so Shanese ended the conversation quickly.


"O-okay, yes, we'll meet up soon," said Andre nervously as Shanese quickly walked into the bank with her son. He walked across the street...and waited. Within five minutes Shanese exited the bank, with a man holding the boy this time. Flex, Andre said to himself. He gave a half smile, now knowing what this dude looked like. He turned away, walking away from the happy-looking family, into McDonald's. His mind was working hard, coming up with a variety of ways to "meet" Flex. He laughed to himself. Time suddenly was working in his favor.

Darryl Mims's Crimes of Passion in the ATL is collabing with Dominique Watson's The Dirty Sexy Chronicles . Be sure to read those articles so you can really know what's going on and meet the characters that are being introduced throughout Crimes of Passion in the ATL: http://dirtysexychronicles.blogspot.com/

Episode 8: "Suspicions Confirmed"

Keith was in a foul mood. Not only was he still pissed off at Carlos for working the percentages in his own favor, but he had to take the beating. Forty-five percent was not a good look for him. Also the fact that he was thinking about the past...the very short past when he was happy with what he had. He looked around, and loved every bit of furniture and artwork and luxury he had in his home, but he was feeling empty.


The past was a happy time for him, and he threw it all away...for what? For money? That wasn't worth losing out on a relationship with the woman that he actually fell in love with. Now, those feelings were coming on strong again. Keith walked over to a picture that was framed on the wall. He took it down and stared at the beautiful picture of Kami. No, he wasn't about to throw it all away.


There was still a chance he can save their relationship. Really, five years of kissing, hugging, making love, and being there for each other was hard to get rid of. Without thinking, Keith hurried and put on his sneakers, then hopped in the Lexus. Yes, he thought...Kami was gonna be his lady once again.



Meanwhile….


“Girl I am so not in the mood to deal with Andre. Last time I saw him he was in a foul mood and acted like he didn’t want to be there. If Michelle’s friend was the one to put this together, then why was he even there to begin with. Make no sense to me.” Shanese was busy setting my dining room table while telling me her thoughts about Andre. I had paid her and Andre no mind last weekend. I was too busy flirting with Kareem.


“Yeah well Michelle’s my girl so we’ll just deal with it. Only two more weeks and we’re done.”


“I know. It doesn’t matter anyway. I want my cash. I’m finally beginning to get through to Flex about me and him. Hopefully marriage is on the way and I can stop this side hustling stuff.” I laughed at my friend and finished spicing up the shrimp. She headed up stairs to put on her shoes before the guys got there. Tonight Shanese and I had invited Kareem and Andre over for dinner and more conversation. I couldn’t lie; I was truly feeling Kareem. He seemed like such a good guy but I had to be careful. Keith was a good guy until he crossed me. I couldn’t wait to set my revenge. Two more weeks.


About thirty minutes later, the guys rang the doorbell. Shanese came from upstairs and fixed her mini skirt and spaghetti strap shirt in the long mirror next to the door. I made sure my girls were nice and full and that my long black dress fitted me well. I went to the door; Shanese standing behind me.

“Welcome! So glad you could make it. Come on in.”


"Wow" was all Kareem could think of to say as Kami stood in the doorway. Shanese stood in back of her, just as Andre stood in back of Kareem.


"Hello again, Kami, thanks." Andre slow-footed his way in as Kami and Kareem beamed at each other, and walked inside...leaving him and Shanese at the door.


"Good evening to you," said Andre in his low tone. He walked passed Shanese to fall behind Kareem and Kami, who were in there own little world.


Shanese mumbled “Here we go.” As Andre walked passed her. Kareem and I headed for the dining room.


“You like Shrimp?” I asked Andre and Kareem.


"Most definitely," said Kareem. Andre just nodded his head.


"Look man, wake the fuck up! What's wrong with you," Kareem asked as he got in Andre's ear.


He responded. "Y-yes shrimp is cool with me." Shanese shook her head and walked off with Kami.


"What are you, some kind of loser? If this is about what happened, get over it! I mean, look at her. She's banging!" Andre did what Kareem said, and watched Shanese go into the kitchen with Kami.


"Alright, alright, you do have a point," said Andre. “Let's eat”.


The conversation was great during dinner. Andre seemed to lighten up a bit. We got to know a little bit about them as we spoke about ourselves as well. After dinner, Shanese decided to sit on the back porch with Andre.


Andre and Shanese sat next to each other on the bench, with some space between them. Neither one spoke for the first five minutes...both taking in the cool night air. As an hour passed by, they began to open up to each other. Andre was less depressed, actually enjoying this little conversation with Shanese.


"So anyway, my voice has been this low in tone since I was 13 years old. Of course people would call me 'Base Man'. Needless to say, the girls loved me." Shanese laughed out loud, then got a little closer to Andre. "So tell me, are you engaged? Married? Ready for divorce? Haha! Just playing with you."


Laughing, Shanese answered, “In a relationship. It’s on the rocks but getting better. I’ve been dealing with these rough necks; finally got me a guy who’s decent. His name is Flex. He works in a bank; high position at Bank of America downtown. He’s a good guy. I just need to do right by him.”


"Really? Ok, sounds like a good deal. Hey, you better make sure you get your man, because you don't find brothas in high positions like that these days," Andre said. Shanese laughed again, but Andre wasn't paying it any attention. This Flex dude could be the answer to helping him and Kareem to finally get their money. "For real, he sounds like a cool dude."


“Well thank you. You’re pretty cool yourself, Mr. Andre.” They laughed together.


"Aww shucks ma'am, thanks," Andre joked. He was thinking of a way to get closer to Shanese...for the sake of finding out more about Flex, and his "high position" at the bank. "Hey I know you're trying to get back with your man, but would you mind if we see each other again? I haven't had a good talk like this in such a long time. What do you say?"


"Sure why not." Shanese smiled at the thought of being with Andre. Even though she felt like she loved Flex, Andre was a nice guy. He's been hurt but who hadn't. She respected him for having feelings and promised herself she would get to know him better. She had to give it a chance.



Meanwhile back in the living room...


“So do you know Michelle?” I asked as we both sat down on my white couch facing the flat screen on the wall.


"Um not really. The only time I saw her was when I first met you," said Kareem as he took Kami's hand. This time she didn't fight it, but held his hand tight as the other hand caressed his arm.


I smiled. Then got back to my thought. “I wonder who her friend is then. Who set this little date up? Do you know?”


"All I know is that my brother Carlos's boss told him that he was going to look out for us. You know, keeping us happy for the few weeks that we're here."


"Mmmm, my friend Michelle. She's cool. But very sneaky. She's crossed a lot of guys. I don't trust her much. Love her to death but something about her isn't right. She told me that if I helped her with this little favor she'd help me with my plan against Keith. I don't know if I should let her in like that. She's good for double crossing people. She even sleeps around on her husband."


"Keith? Your ex is named Keith? As in Keith Forbes?" Kareem was incredulous, putting it all together. He saw Kami's eyes get wide.


I hesitated. "Yup that's him. Why?"


"Damn. Small world, because that's my brother's boss's name. He's the one who hooked all of us up!"


I stood up trying to take all this in. "If that's the case, Michelle's friend is Keith. Why in the hell would Michelle be involved with Keith?" I walked around my living room trying to piece the story together. "I always figured that there was someone else; that maybe Keith dumped me because he was involved with someone else. That someone else is my friend Michelle. What I wanna know is what motive does she have to set this up. Why is she doing this?"


Kami was talking a hundred miles an hour. Kareem was doing his best to follow what got her all in a rage.


"Whoa, hold on a second. Are you sure about this? Maybe she's just doing him a favor, that's all. I mean, I don't really know Keith. In fact I never met him. And the one time I saw Michelle, it seemed like she was all business. Maybe that's what it is: business."


“I put money on it. She’s either sleeping with him or he has something on her. I don’t believe it’s business. Michelle has no business. She lives off her husband’s money. All she does is spend and have sex. This is too much of a coincidence to be nothing at all. I knew something wasn’t right now she tells me she’s gonna help me with him.” I shook my head in disbelief.


"Damn. And you mentioned that your ex was involved in a bank robbery? When was that?" Kareem's suspicions were on point: Keith Forbes was probably the partner that Carlos had during the bank robberies 13 years ago.


"Yeah he was. I found out one day when going through some of his stuff in his house. The robbery was about twelve or thirteen years ago. He doesn't know that I know but this is fuel to my fire."


Kareem wanted to jump up and down, and tell Andre that he was 100 percent correct. The money WAS here in the ATL, and Keith was the one banking all the cash. He kept his composure, and took hold of Kami's arms.


"Kami, I got something to tell you. But first, I need you to calm down some. This is gonna be beneficial to the both of us."


“What is it?” I asked turning to Kareem and focusing on what he had to say.


Kareem looked around, not seeing anyone in the room besides himself and Kami. He got close to her.


"I know about the bank robberies. In fact, I'm related to one of the robbers: my brother Carlos."


"Oh My God! Are you serious? Keith has all the money hidden in some safe house out here. I never did get a chance to find out the rest of the info but I saw some papers that said a Carlos someone went to jail and they believed he had a partner. After I saw that I started hinting; asking Keith questions about his past life, family and he was just like he had to change some things and he knew that some things he did would come back because someone sacrificed for him. It all makes sense now."


It was all starting to click with Kareem. Carlos partnered up with Keith to get paid his share, as well as getting his share of this counterfeit clothing scheme, and Keith was obligated to let Carlos do what he wanted because he owed him.


"Hey, so this plan of yours to get Keith for his money...I think you're gonna need some help," said Kareem.


I thought for a minute. It would be hard to make Keith pay by myself. Knowing what I know now, I might get in a little too deep and not know how to pull myself out. "Ok so what's your plan? I want in?"


Just as Kareem was about to tell Kami the plan, Andre walked in...with Shanese at his side. He looked a little happier than earlier.


"So, what are you two up to," he asked. Kareem and I both looked at each other.

"Ah, just getting to know each other better. I see you're doing the same."


"Yup. But it's getting late. I gotta get home to my son." Shanese told everyone.


Andre was a little disappointed. "Hey, thank you for the nice conversation. I apologize for how I acted earlier."


"Not a problem." Shanese told Andre. "We'll all get together again real soon. Mommy duties are calling." Andre and Shanese walked to the door. Kareem and I followed shortly behind. I looked at Kareem not believing how me and this man had come together.


“I’ve got a busy week this week at work. Plus I’m in the middle of writing my book and I’m on a deadline for my publisher. Let’s do lunch on Thursday. I’ll call you. We have to finish the conversation.”


"For sure, lovely lady, we do need to get back to unfinished business," said Kareem with his big smile. Just before he left, he turned back to Kami and looked into her eyes. "Wow, I'm really starting to like our connection." He then looked at her soft lips, and took a small taste of them. "Goodnight, Kami."


I hesitated. "Goodnight."




Meanwhile….


The Lexus was parked on the corner. Keith watched Andre and Shanese saying their goodbyes. Kami was in the doorway with Kareem. Like a slow motion scene in a movie, Keith saw Kareem bend down, and kiss Kami. He watched the slight grin on both faces as Kareem turned and walked away...Kami still standing...watching. Keith sat in the car, seeing Kami shut the door and turning the porch light off. Keith didn't leave. He continued to watch the dark porch.....

Darryl Mims's Crimes of Passion in the ATL is collabing with Dominique Watson's The Dirty Sexy Chronicles . Be sure to read those articles so you can really know what's going on and meet the characters that are being introduced throughout Crimes of Passion in the ATL: http://dirtysexychronicles.blogspot.com/

Episode 7: "Occupational Hazard"

The atmosphere to the restaurant was dim, much like the way Andre was feeling at the moment. He just wasn't in the mood to see or even talk to another girl. He was still in mourning...more so now, since he talked about the suicide to his brothers. Gloomy...down..just not in the mood for anything or anybody. Kareem spotted three girls walking their way.


"Ok, Andre, put the sad song away because we got three hot chicks coming our way. I'm pretty sure that's them." Kareem stood up as the girls walked up to the table. Andre hesitated, but stood up and greeted the ladies.


"Hello everyone." Michelle said extending her hand to Kareem and Andre. Only Kareem shook her hand. "I'm Michelle. This is Kami and Shanese."


"Hey" The ladies said in unison. Michelle whispered something in the girl’s ears and then headed to the door. Kami truly felt uncomfortable with this "date" She didn't have time to be mingling with a man. She had an agenda. She slid in the booth and began to "occupy" Kareem with a little conversation.


Kareem was all smiles as he formally introduced himself to Kami. She didn't look like she wanted to be here, but Kareem wasn't about to let her down.


"Hi. I'm Kareem. Is everything ok? I mean, if you're feeling uncomfortable, I can understand, since this is sort of like a blind date."


"No I'm ok. It's nice to meet you. Michelle said she needed a favor from a friend so I don't mind." I lied straight through my teeth. One thing I hated was for a man to be able to read straight through me. So I put on all smiles for this rather good looking man. "So are you from here?"


"No, actually I'm-we're from Brooklyn. Me and my brothers are here for some work." Kareem saw the put on smile. What was this girl's deal, he asked himself. "Listen, why don't I get you something to loosen up a bit, because you obviously seem to wanna get up and run from here. I don't bite...I promise," said Kareem, giving his best manly smile to this beautiful lady next to him.


"Kareem, I'm fine trust me. But a drink would be nice." Kareem called the waiter over and I order a girly drink, Strawberry Daiquiri. No need in getting drunk with someone I don't know. "Anyway, I've never been to New York. I'm a writer/author. I'm sure the time will come for me to make a trip there. My Publisher is in New York. What is it that you do?" The waiter came back with my drink. I crossed my legs and turned to face Kareem. My short strapless baby blue dress was rising up a bit. Of course that caught Kareem’s eye. Maybe I wanted it to.


He just had to look at Kami's shapely legs. He tried not to be obvious, but the eyes just did their own thing.


"I'm a computer technician. Yeah, you can call me a geek, but actually, I'm the furthest thing from a geek as you can get," Kareem laughed. He stopped the waiter before he left. "I'll take a coke please," said Kareem. Kami gave him a sideways look.


"A computer technician? Nothing to be ashamed about. That just means you make a lot of money. Everybody has computers." I laughed as well but not at him, with him. Kareem seemed real cool and I was glad I decided to do this favor for Michelle. "So Michelle says that this "favor". I put fingers up for affect. "Is supposed to last for a few weeks. What do you like to do? Any places you may like to see while you're here? I'm not much for being out in the clubs. I just came out of a five year relationship that ended bad and I was trying to do the right thing and stay out of the clubs but that's another story." I laughed. "But I'm sure my girl Shanese knows a few places.


Kareem nodded as Kami was talking, taking it all in, especially the relationship part.


"Yes, I'm comfortable on what I get paid. Three weeks is correct. My days will be busy, but my nights," Kareem started. He was noticing Kami's beautiful eyes, and how she seemed interested in every word he said. "My nights are free, and as you can see, I'm not much of a drinker either. They can keep the clubs. Give me a secluded spot of a restaurant, with good food, and a nice conversation with a lovely lady...who I believe is NOT in a relationship, based on what I heard?"


I laughed at Kareem's little hint of me being single. "Yeah you heard right. I'm single. Wasn't by choice. It was a hand I was dealt but I'm a big girl. I'll get through it."


The hurt on Kami's face was so noticeable, even though she put on a brave front. Kareem took hold of her hand, which scared her just a bit.


"Listen, I told you I don't bite. What I'd like to do is to make you comfortable, and ease those bad feelings from your head, because you are so tensed up, I can feel it. " Kami smiled, and her hand loosened up to take a better hold of Kareem's. Kareem continued, “"So, a five-year relationship, huh? How can anyone be with a gorgeous gal like you for so long, and just give up on you? That is how it went, right? Because you seem like the committed type; in for the long run. Does this person still have your number?" Kareem, as smooth as he is, was hoping that the relationship was completely over, because he didn't need any headaches.


“Thanks but yes I was committed. He ended the relationship just when I thought he was going to ask me to marry him. But something about the situation does seem right. Things have been crazy in my life since then." I took a sip of my drink. "He doesn't know but I know about a huge secret that he's keeping. Something happened a few years ago concerning money. Needless to say, I plan to use my information."


Damn, she wanted to take ol' dude's money, Kareem thought. That hurt look returned to Kami's face, this time with a little bit of fire. Kareem stared at her for a few seconds, seeing the wheels turning in her head. The wheels were turning in his head as well. Kareem heard the word money, and his heart started racing. This was another chance to get paid, and what better way than to help out a fine-ass women bring down her ex.


"Um, wow. Ah, so you really want this dude to pay, huh?


"Something like that. I invested a lot of time in this man. I can't just let him walk away like that. A few months back I found out that he was involved with a friend in a bank robbery and got away with a lot of money. I have plans once this favor for my friend is over." As I told Kareem about Keith his eyes got big like he'd just seen a ghost but before he could respond or ask another question, Shanese walked up to me.


“Hey I'm leaving. I don't know what's up with ol' boy but I'm outta here. I'll hook up with ya'll again later.


"You leaving?" I asked.


"Yeah I need to get Lil Mark. You might as well come with me. I don't wanna leave you here by yourself." She finished.


"Well Kareem I guess we are gonna have to cut this little date short. How about we exchange numbers and hook up again later?"


Kareem couldn't believe his ears. Say what? He stood up as Kami stood, ready to leave.


"Yes, we definitely have to meet up again. So, how about dinner? Some nice convo? You pick the place."


I stood up with Kareem. "Great. Here's my number. Call me this week." I gave Kareem a small hug and headed for the door. He headed over to his brother Andre.


Kareem watched as the babe in the slinky blue strapless dress walked out the door, then sat down with Andre.


"Bro, what the fuck? That Shanese chick was too through with you," said Kareem.


"I don't know, me and blind dates...it's ridiculous, man. I wasn't feeling her, she wasn't feeling me." Andre looked more depressed than usual.


"Well, let me tell you this: me and that fine thang that just walked out the door are hitting it off. In fact, we're hitting it off so well, that she opened up to me," said Kareem. Andre was still sulking. "And, you're not gonna believe what she told me."


"What, that she wants to be your baby's mama? Look, let's just forget about these tricks, and go back to the motel and talk money. That's what we're here for anyway." Andre started to get up.


"BINGO!" Kareem's face lit up. Andre waited for Kareem to explain what bingo meant. "Bingo, as in money! Andre, she just told me that her ex was involved in a bank robbery, and she's about to set him up and get paid. Dude, doesn't this sound familiar?"


Andre eased back into the chair. "Bank robbery? Don't you think it's a coincidence?"


"I don't believe in coincidences, bro. I believe in being at the right place, at the right time." Kareem's smile went wide, causing Andre to do the same.






Meanwhile….


When Michelle left the restaurant with Kami, Shanese, Andre and Kareem, she planned to go home but had other things in mind. She vowed a few weeks ago that she was going to try to work on her marriage and not sleep around but of course while out she met a gorgeous, caramel skin guy named Travis that got more than her attention. After a few brunch dates they’d had one sexual encounter and tonight would make the second.


As she pulled up to his house in Lawrenceville GA she fixed her lips and hair. She got out of the car and walked up to the door not realizing she was being followed by a Private Investigator because her husband thought she was cheating on him.

Darryl Mims's Crimes of Passion in the ATL is collabing with Dominique Watson's The Dirty Sexy Chronicles . Be sure to read those articles so you can really know what's going on and meet the characters that are being introduced throughout Crimes of Passion in the ATL : http://dirtysexychronicles.blogspot.com/