Page 7

Story: Hood Legacy

I took my time pushing my car through the city. Legacy sleeping in my passenger seat felt a little too right, but I wasn’t about to fight the feeling. My phone rang, and I sighed before answering it.

“What's good?” I said as I switched lanes.

“No fingerprints and the same shit on video as before, “ Yeti said. I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Whoever this nigga is knows where the cameras are.”

“Got to,” I agreed, then wiped my hand over my mouth. “I stopped at the light and adjusted in my seat before taking a deep breath. “And the guard on her said he ain’t seen shit out of the ordinary?”

“Nah,” he answered. “He said, for the most part, Legacy doesn’t do shit or go anywhere. The last time she was out was when Givens was going to show out at the club over Mercy. Besides that, she is at the arena or home. She doesn’t visit family.”

“No dates or niggas coming through?” I checked my surroundings before stepping on the gas.

“He said she was supposed to go on a date a few weeks back, got dressed, and dismissed him for the night but she ended up not going.”

Guilt hit my ass hard, and I shook my head. That date was supposed to be with me, but at the last minute, I canceled, telling her that I needed to work on some shit. The truth was, I canceled because my Mama had done chemo that day, and it’d taken a toll on her. Legacy was cool with me canceling without an explanation; low key, it fucked with me that she didn’t expect more from me or question me. I was used to women crashing out and showing their asses because they thought I was a way into getting a player. I used that shit to my advantage because I wasn’t looking for anything but a fuck anyway.

“What about her people?”

“They don’t fuck with her like that,” Yeti said. I took my eyes off the road for a second to look at Legacy. “The DeCortes claim her as one of theirs, though, so I know she looked after.”

“Damn,” I sighed. “Alright, so keep looking to see what you can find. Ain’t no way this nigga that damn smart.”

“I got you,” he replied. “Until then, I got two on her detail. “ He let out a chuckle and then kissed his teeth. “Ra was on her way, but that damn Infinite made good on his promise.”

“What do you mean?” I pulled into her driveway and looked around. Legacy’s house was dope as fuck, with all white brick, black shutters, and a huge wrap-around porch. Her lawn was cut, and she had rose bushes lining the walkway with a big ass tree in the middle of the yard that shaded the house and porch. It gave me a country vibe, but it was in the suburbs.

“She stepped off the plane, and her signal dropped,” he answered.

“He took her?” I sat forward in my seat and shook my head. Why was every nigga I was cool with on some kidnapping shit right now?

“If Ra is with him, then it’s because she wants to be; she doesn’t do shit without a reason,” he laughed. A part of me was skeptical, but I knew that Yeti didn’t play about the safety of the people he was close to, so if he said she was good, I would take his word for now. “I called Infinite before I called you and let that nigga know that if my little sister doesn’t call me by midnight. I was going to show up.”

“Wait, Ra, is your sister?” I questioned.

“Twin sister,” he answered. My face twisted in confusion, and then I shook my head. Yeti was a big black nigga, and now I was picturing a woman that looked like him in a wig. My stomach flipped at the thought, and I had to laugh because ain’t no way the lord would do that to her ass.

“How far back you and Infinite go?” I asked instead of continuing with my thoughts.

“College,” he said. “Infinite and Ra went to the same school. They met because he was her tutor.”

“Wait, he was her tutor?” I knew Infinite was brilliant; he graduated high school at sixteen, walked on to his college team, and would later lead his team to the NCAA championship. He didn’t need a sports scholarship because he had an academic one. But, to hear Yeti say he was the tutor and not his sister was wild. Usually, the woman helped the man.

“You’ve known that nigga smart.” Yeti kissed his teeth in annoyance, and I chuckled. “His ass tutored in college to keep his mind busy. When he bored, he a fucking handful. Ra needed help in her business class, so her coach suggested he tutor her. They shit went from there.”

“What sport did your sister play?”

“Lacross,” he answered, and I nodded with respect. “But let me get off here so I can head home. Legacy security already checked her house. It’s cool, and he said once you pull off, he will step in.”

“Appreciate it,” I said, looking around. There was no reason to even act like I wasn’t here because I didn’t give a fuck who knew. We hung up, and I continued to look around before settling back in my seat. I didn’t want to wake Legacy or have her go inside yet. Shit probably was selfish, but I wanted every second I could get with her.

“How long have we been here?” Legacy softly asked. I looked up from my phone and shrugged. “You don’t know or don’t want to tell me?”

“Both,” I answered with a smirk. “You looked like you needed that nap.”

She raised and quickly stretched before nodding. “I did; I haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Why?”

Her hand went to the door handle, and I chuckled when I noticed her trying to open the door. She looked over her shoulder at me and lifted her brow. A small smile tugged at her thick lips, and I felt my dick start to twitch. She wasn’t even trying to be sexy; the shit just came off naturally. “Unlock the door, Aceyn.”

“Answer my question, Point Guard,” I replied. “Why haven’t you been sleeping?”

“I’m scared of the dark,” she answered with a serious expression, and I wasn’t sure if she was joking.

Instead of responding, I opened my door and rounded the car to open her door. I pressed the key fob to unlock the doors, pulled it open, and put my hand out. Legacy put her hand in mine and got out of the car. I grabbed her bag from the back seat and walked her to the door.

“Pyrite said Jermaine already cleared your spot and is waiting over there,” I said, nodding to the tall man standing near the tree in her yard. Jermaine was one of the few details that came to the team with a player. He’d been with Legacy for a few years, and they seemed to have a decent relationship.

“Hey, Jay,” Legacy called out. She threw him a small wave, and he returned with a gesture. A pair of black aviators covered his eyes, but I could tell he was watching us hard. “You don’t have to stay out here all night.”

“Yes, the fuck he does,” I said, stepping into her eyesight. Legacy looked up at me and lifted her brow in surprise. “He has a fucking job to do, don’t interfere with that nigga doing what he needs to do to get paid.”

“Jay does his job,” she said, shaking her head. “Trust me, I feel safe when he’s around.”

I looked her up and down, then licked my lips. “Only nigga you should ever feel that comfortable around is me.” I was serious as fuck, too. Legacy having her guard down like she did was na?ve as fuck. She might not have acknowledged that she was a fucking star, but I was aware. People knew who she was; she needed to start acting like that.

“Jay has been with me for a year,” she sighed, and I shrugged. “He’s the only constant in my life.”

“That’s changing,” I declared. I kissed her on the forehead and then turned her around. “Go in the house, chill, shower, then hit my line in the morning when you’re heading to the arena. I gotta make a run in the AM, but I’ll meet you there.”

“Aceyn,” she started to protest. I took her hand and put her thumb against the scanner to unlock her doors. The locks flipped, and I opened the door. The smell of vanilla hit my nose, and I looked around. Something told me to check out her house for my own sake of mind.

“Step aside,” I said, guiding her from the door by her waist. “Let me check it out first.” I pulled my gun from the back of my pants and stepped into the house.

“Jay’s already done that, remember?” she questioned. I turned around and grilled the fuck out of her, and Legacy threw her hands up in surrender. Over her shoulder, I saw Jermaine watching us with an unreadable expression. “Go ahead and do what you need to do, Aceyn.”

I nodded, then kissed my teeth. “Jermaine, watch her while I check,” I said. I watched him run his tongue over his teeth, give me a quick nod, and approach Legacy. He closed the distance between them, and I let out a small chuckle when he crowded her space. Nigga was trying to be possessive like I wouldn’t yoke his ass up. “Step the fuck out of her space like that, nigga.”

“I’m just doing my job,” Jermaine said with a chuckle. He took his glasses off and looked me up and down. “Protecting Legacy.”

I grabbed Legacy’s wrist and moved her out of the way, then tapped the barrel of my gun against the middle of Jermaine’s forehead. “Make me relieve you of your duties,” I grilled him. “I don’t know who the fuck put a battery in your back, but you better take it the fuck out.”

“Aceyn,” Legacy sighed as she grabbed my wrist. “Take the gun out of his face!”

“Nah,” I replied and shook my head. “He’s trying me, and he knows it.”

“No, he isn’t,” she said, shaking her head. I could see her out of my peripheral, and her face was twisted, but I didn’t give a fuck right now. “He’s doing what you asked.” She pushed her way in between us and stared up at me. “Now, please go inside to check out the house so you can leave.”

“You want me to go?” I looked down at her, slightly confused. “Is that what I heard you say?”

“Aceyn, just leave,” she sighed. “I don’t do this dramatic male ego shit you are pulling right now.”

“This ain’t no ego shit,” I laughed. “Don’t be disrespectful.”

“Then, what is it?” she crossed her arms over her chest. “Because that’s what it looks like to me.”

“Then get your eyes checked,” I said as I stepped back. Jermaine stood behind her, grilling the fuck out of me, and all I could do was laugh. This nigga had me fucked up.

“Just get out of my way.” She pushed past me and walked into the house. “You two can stand out there and have a pissing contest for all I fucking care.” The door slammed behind me, and the sound of the locks engaging made me laugh.

I didn’t think twice; I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Nine’s number.

“Yeah?” he said, answering on the third ring.

“Unlock Legacy’s front door for me,” I requested.

“She ain’t my client yet,” he laughed.

“Put her on your list for tomorrow,” I replied, then hung up. I put my phone back in my pocket and shot the locks off her door. Jermaine grabbed my shoulder from behind, and I quickly turned and knocked his ass out. He dropped to the ground, and I shook my head. “I didn’t even hit your ass that hard.” I kicked his foot and then kissed my teeth. “Bitch ass nigga.”

I pushed Legacy’s door open and stepped into her house. She came around the corner with a surprised look on her face. I tucked my gun into the back of my pants and looked around her living room. Her house had an inviting feel with light hardwood floors and a large white sectional with black gold and cream pillows. A plush cream rug sat in the middle of the floor, with a white ottoman in the center. Black end tables sat at the end of the couch, and a large TV was hung opposite the sofa.

“What the fuck are you doing?” she yelled. “Did you shoot my door?”

“Yeah,” I answered.

“For what!”

“Because you locked me out; I told you I was going to check the house.”

“Get out, or I’m calling the police,” she declared.

“Okay,” I laughed as I walked past her. I went to the dining room and into the kitchen before returning and walking through the living room to check out the rest of her house. Once satisfied and comfortable, I returned to the living room to see Legacy on the phone.

“Yes, he’s still here,” she answered as she grilled me. I flashed her a smile and sat on the couch. Shit was comfortable. “Is my life in danger?”

“Don’t lie to them, either, Point Guard,” I taunted as I crossed my legs at the ankle. My eyes freely roamed over her body, and I couldn’t help but notice that her nipples were hard. “Tell them that your heart is in danger of falling for a nigga like me.”

“Someone is on the way?” she questioned, then turned her back to me. She continued talking to 9-1-1, and I pulled my phone from my pocket and texted Morning.

Me:

Legacy just called the police on me.

Morning:

Lol do I want to know why?

Me:

Just a lovers spat.

Morning:

You would fall for the one who’s scary as shit.

Me:

It makes life exciting. Be prepared to represent me.

Morning:

No need; the shit will be handled.

“What happened to Jermaine?” she yelled. I looked up from my phone and chuckled. That weak ass nigga was still laid out in the grass. “You shot him?” I opened my mouth to deny it, but seeing her run to that nigga and fawning over him had me seeing red.

I got up from the couch and quickly closed the distance from where she was in the yard with Jermaine, grabbed her around the waist, and picked her up. “Stop worrying about that nigga!”

“Put me the fuck down!” she yelled and twisted side to side to get me to put her down. “I need to make sure he’s okay.”

“You got me fucked up!” I replied as I took her back to the porch. Police sirens echoed through the neighborhood, and I looked up just as a black charger pulled into the driveway and parked behind my car.

“Put me down!” Legacy continued to fuss, but I didn’t give a damn. “Mr. Police officer, tell him to put me the fuck down!” The driver’s side of the police car opened, and I let out a small laugh. This wasn’t about to go like Legacy thought it was. “Tell him to put me down!”

Gift Blackmon looked from me and Legacy to Jermaine and shook his head. He closed the door of his cruiser and approached us.

“How did that nigga get you to show up?” I asked as I dapped him up with my free hand. Legacy continued to squirm in my hold, but I didn’t give a damn.

“He said I would enjoy the laugh,” Gift answered.

“You two know each other?” Legacy questioned, and we nodded.

“Gift Blackmon, I think you know my sister, Purpose,” Gift said, putting his hand out for Legacy to shake. She reluctantly did, and I laughed.

“I’m glad you used your manners,” I said to Legacy, who kissed her teeth and rolled her eyes.

“Stop pissing her off,” Gift laughed at me, then turned his attention to Legacy. “You really called the police on this nigga?”

“He broke into my house!” Legacy fussed. I placed her on her feet, and she elbowed me in the stomach before turning her attention back to Gift. “Arrest him for breaking and entering.”

“Nah,” Gift said, then shook his head.

“Nah?” Legacy mocked him as she reared back. I chuckled and shook my head at her annoyance. For someone who everybody swore was scary as shit, she definitely wasn’t showing any signs of fear right now. “What do you mean, nah? He shot my locks off my door and entered my house without my permission.”

“Why?” Gift asked as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

“Because she has a stalker,” I answered. Gift's face twisted in confusion as he looked at me. “I told her that I was going to check out her shit before she went in. Her ass got mad because I had to check her weak ass security guard.”

“The weak nigga knocked out in the yard?” Gift questioned, and I nodded. “That nigga needs to be fired.”

“I agree,” I said. I wiped my hand over my face and then breathed deeply. “Anyway, she locked my ass out, and if I ain't nothing, I’m a man of my word, so I shot that shit off so I could check.”

“And it was clear?” Gift asked.

“Yeah,” I answered.

“Sounds legit to me,” Gift said with a shrug. “So, why was the police called?” he turned to Legacy, who watched us as if we were crazy. “The man said he was going to clear your shit, and he did.”

“Are you slow?” Legacy asked slowly. “Did you ride the short bus as a kid or wear a helmet? How many kids were in your class?”

“What?” Gift legit looked surprised while I was laughing hard as hell.

“Did you go to the gifted classes?” she questioned with a serious expression. “Because there is no way in hell that you think that this shit is okay. As a matter of fact, are you really the police?”

“Morning sent me,” Gift said as I continued to laugh.

“So, that’s a no?” she pulled her phone from her pocket and shook her head. She quickly swiped the screen, dialed a number, and put it on speaker.

“9-1-1,” a voice said, and Legacy’s face twisted in confusion.

“Xoey?” she said.

“Girl, no, this is 9-1-1,” the person said. “Now, what do you want, Legacy?”

“Oh, hell, how did I get the operator personality?” Legacy started rubbing her forehead and paced the porch. “And how the hell did you get dragged into this?”

“This is my night job,” Xoey replied. “Now, I’m going to ask again: what do you want Legacy?”

“I need the police,” Legacy answered. “Someone broke into my house.”

“You shot them, huh?” Xoey asked, and then her chewing echoed through the phone. “You just grazed them, or you got they ass good?”

“No, I didn’t shoot him!” Legacy yelled. “Xoey, just send the police and stop pissing me off.”

“Oh nah,” Xoey denied. “That’s not happening. I got specific instructions from Morning that this was already being handled, and it shows that someone has already shown up to your house and cleared it.”

Legacy cut her eyes at me and Gift, and I shrugged.

“Send someone else,” she said through clenched teeth. “Nothing has been cleared.”

“Yes, it has, Xoey,” I said.

“Oh shit, is that Hood?” Xoey laughed. “Girl, get the fuck off my line so I can get to work. If Hood is over there, then I know you’re safe.”

“He’s the one who broke in!”

“Aww, that’s so romantic!” Xoey gushed. “I hope to find a nigga like that for me.” She sighed, and all I could do was laugh. “Y’all got such a cute little love story.”

“Xoey–”

“Oh girl, let me get off this line so I can go gossip with the group chat,” Xoey said, then hung up.

Legacy stared at the phone, then looked up at me and Gift. A wave of emotions washed over her face before her shoulders fell, and she tilted her head to the sky and closed her eyes. She took a few deep breaths before righting her stance and fixing her clothes. She looked at us, nodded, and then went into the house.

“What is she about to do?” Gift asked, and I shrugged. I was used to dealing with women who tried to be crazy. The ones who crashed out, fought and drank. Legacy wasn’t that type. She was more calculated and controlled. “She legit got a gun?”

“I don’t think so,” I answered, shaking my head. “But she is Mercy’s best friend.”

“Shit,” Gift sighed.

“I just want to sleep,” Legacy said, returning to the door with her phone in her hand. “That’s all, Aceyn.” She shook her head. “No, I take that back; I want to shower and then go to sleep.”

“Okay,” I said, nodding. I was uneasy as fuck with her calm approach. “Anything else.”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. She turned to Gift and looked him up and down. The phone in her hand beeped, and she looked down at it before swiping the screen. “He’s about six-five, dark brown skin, muscular, five o’clock shadow, flared nose, dark eyes, thick brows, fade, but has deep waves.” She looked him over one last time before looking at the phone. “You and the twelve will love him.” She hung up the phone and put it in her pocket.

“Did you just put a hit out on me?” Gift laughed.

Legacy smiled at him sweetly and shook her head. “Worse, I gave Xoey your description,” she said, then looked at me. “Fix my locks and be gone by the time I get out of the shower.”

“What you gonna do with his bitch ass?” Gift asked once Legacy walked away. I turned to look at Jermaine and sighed. “You going to kill him?”

“Fuck him.” I pulled my gun from my waist, walked over to Jermaine, and put a bullet into his head. “For all I know, he could be the nigga stalking Legacy.”

* * *

“Yeah, this nigga was obsessed with her,” Yeti said as we looked around Jermaine’s apartment less than an hour later. “He got pictures of her and shit like they together.”

“Nigga had a death wish,” I said as I pulled pictures off the wall and dropped them on the floor. If I were just a nigga visiting and didn’t know better, I would’ve thought Jermaine and Legacy were a couple by the amount of pictures he had up. I picked up her jersey from his coffee table and shook my head. “This shit is sick.”

“He had unlimited access to her,” Yeti said as he continued to look around. “He knew her schedule, been with her from state to state but was too chicken shit to step to her like a man?”

“Cuz he was a bitch,” I spat as I walked around. The longer that I stood there, the angrier I got and wanted to bring Jermaine back to life, only to kill his ass again. “It’s that simple.”

“Agreed,” Yeti said, nodding. “Now, how do you want to move?”

“Let one of the twelve have fun with this shit,” I absently remarked. “She sounded bored on the phone when Legacy called her earlier.”

“Oh, you mean when Legacy called the police on your ass?” Yeti laughed, and I shrugged. “Nigga, I swear she the funniest person in the world for that shit cuz who would’ve thought she would’ve really done it?”

“Man, I don’t put shit past her ass to do some shit like that,” I laughed.

“I texted Pyrite and told him. His ass was laughing so hard when he called me; I thought he was going to have an asthma attack.”

“Fuck both of y’all,” I said, trying to hold my own laugh in. “My girl gonna be a thug soon, watch.”

“I doubt it,” he said, shaking his head. “But it's cool cuz she's good the way she is.”

I walked into Jermaine’s bedroom and saw red. On the wall across from his bed was a life-sized poster of a naked woman with Legacy’s face taped to it. On his stand next to his bed was some lube and a pocket pussy. This nigga was sick.

“I think you killed him too soon,” Yeti said, walking into the room. “Cuz this shit right here is disgusting.”

“Yeah,” I said, nodding. “But I’d rather that nigga be dead than stressing her out.” I pulled the poster from the wall and let it drop to the ground. “Sick ass muthafucka.”