Page 5 of Treason's Temptation
“He’s not sold on your legal empire. He thinks it's a trap. Everybody’s waiting on him.”
We were all from the same cracked sidewalks and corner stores, but took different roads out. I went to school and studied politics, and K-Low stayed in the streets. I didn’t knock his hustle, but he was trying to knock mine. That was K-Low’s problem. He was too emotional and wanted credit for doing less.
“Ain’t shit to wait on. Cops have been off everybody’s back, and it’s more money in his fuckin’ pocket.”
“K-Low doesn’t like change unless he’s the one pullin’ the trigger,” June explained, taking another drag of the cigarette.
“Yeah, aight. He’ll be the first to get left behind.”
“He’s probably mad at yo’ ass took Courtney to prom. He still ain’t over that shit,” June joked, hitting my chest. “Anyway, I didn’t just hit Ward about K-Low. I got something else for you.”
“What is it. Now?”
“Damn, Tre. That’s how you do family?”
“Yeah, because you’ve been full of shit lately.”
At times, the information June provided was accurate. Others, it wasn’t worth the hassle. He caught the apprehension in my expression and immediately copped a plea.
“It’s legit this time, but I do need a favor.”
“Let me hear what you got first.”
“My girl, Coco, works at the housing authority office. She’s been coming home bitching about her boss and these secret meetings with some rich nigga that wears suits like you,” June joked, unable to resist.
Flipping him off, he continued, “Anyway, she said the landlords are getting checks from the city to relocate tenants, but tenants aren’t getting a dime.”
“The guy her boss has been meeting with. What does he look like?”
“All she said is he’s old and white with a fucked-up hairline. I can ask, though. She scribbled down some names from the list. It’s yours if you can help a nigga out.”
“I’m not your lawyer on retainer. What did you dothistime?”
“I didn’t do shit,” he maintained, causing Ward to laugh. We’d heard that line since we were kids. Now, I understood how stupid that shit sounded to our mothers.
“What is it, June?”
“A shorty I know needs an abortion.”
“Tell her ass to go to the clinic.”
“She said she can’t. Not without her husband finding out.”
Even Ward’s neck buckled.
“Let me guess. It’s yours?”
“Her nigga will be home from deployment next month.” June shook his head in disbelief. “She said if her shit gets blown up, she’s blowing up mine, and you know I’m on my third strike with Coco. I know you know somebody who’s discreet.”
“Discretion costs money.”
“I got money,” June stated, then paused, “How much we talking?”
Ward chuckled while June alternated between us, awaiting an answer.
“If the information checks out, I’ll see what I can do.”
“That doesn’t sound too promising, Tre.”
