Page 136 of Gotti
Peaches quickly wiped beneath her eyes. “I love you too.”
“Now can you please try your watch on please?”
It took Peaches no time to place it on her wrist.
She sniffled dramatically. “I’m officially who these hoes think I am!” She couldn’t wait to pop her shit the next time she hit the pole.
The two women shared a laugh. Nina wasn't counting down the hours until she had to get back to work. It felt good to be out and about, enjoying the afternoon with a dear friend. As she grew older, it was the little things that felt like the greatest luxury of it all.
η
Jio sat behind the wheel longer than he intended. The engine idled quietly and it seemed like his thoughts were in a battle against who could be the loudest. His spirit or his flesh? Behind his seat hung his garment bag that swayed gently every time it seemed like the air conditioner hit at a certain angle. Inside was a navy Tom Ford suit that he’d just picked up from the tailor that morning after having the sleeves shortened. His haircut was fresh. His beard had been lined with precision. Beside him in the passenger seat was a floral arrangement, white peonies to be exact, for his main lady. The smell filled his truck and overpowered the weed he’d been smoking.
Everything about the upcoming night had been planned to a T. They were going to get appetizers at a Spanish tapa bar to hold them over during the play, and after he’d arranged for the Chef at his club VIBES to prepare a special dinner for themand Ephrem to enjoy in the VIP suite. For the most part, he’d done the best he could to make sure nothing stood in the way of making the night beyond perfect for his baby. He’d cleared his calendar, moved obligations, and canceled plays all for one night. But in his line of business, some shit was always bound to pop off.
His phone vibrated against the center console. He let it go to voicemail but it rang again and again. He didn’t move to look at the screen because he already knew who it was. He’d been ignoring the calls all damn day. After the seventh one, he finally picked up.
“What?”
The voice on the other end was calm. “You still coming?”
Jio pinched the bridge of his nose. “I told you I had somewhere to be.”
“This can’t wait. How many times do I have to tell you that?” the voice hissed into the phone.
“You said you wanted answers.”
“I do, but bro you’re going to have to wait.”
Jio looked through the windshield at nothing.
“There won’t be a tomorrow.”
His jaw tightened. “Tonight isn’t good for me. I got something to handle.” He tried his luck.
Another long pause passed before the voice spoke again. “I’m doing you a favor by even making this call and you know that.”
Jio sat forward as if he could see him. “What do you have to tell me that’s so important, huh?”
“I’m not discussing it over the phone.”
“You called me.”
“Yeah because I owe you that much.”
The detective lowered his voice. “You been looking in the wrong direction.”
Jio frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You keep watching the men standing in front of you.”
His voice dropped even lower.
“Start looking behind you.”
A chill settled over Jio’s shoulders. “What the fuck are you trying to say?” He wanted this nigga to stop beating around the bush. He didn’t have time for mind games.
The detective exhaled. “If you want to know who’s been moving around your without your knowledge,” he paused. “Meet me in one hour.”
