My Brother's Keeper, page 21
“I’m sayin’, what happened? What, ya’ll beat him up or something?” Jahad asked, anxious to hear the rest of the story.
“Well, unlike myself, John was an extraordinary fighter, but Bear was just that, a Bear! Six-five, 300 pounds of muscles. John gave him a good run for his money for a while, until Bear grabbed him, then the fight was over. . .well almost over. While he was squeezing the life out of John I grabbed my army issued knife and stabbed him in the back. This only made him madder. He released John and turned towards me with the knife still stuck in his back. When he reached for me, John snatched the knife and started stabbing him repeatedly until some of the other guys pulled him off of Bear. To make a long story short, we were both kicked out of the Army.”
“That’s when our business relationship started. My uncle, my whole family actually, are friends of friends and...”
“Friends of friends? What’s that?”
“The Mafia,” Valentino answered with a smile.
“Oh Word!” Jahad sat up in his chair, “So it’s true what Mrs. H said about my pops having mob ties?”
“Not exactly. I mentioned what John did for me to my uncle. Sicilians are big on returning favors so my uncle sent me to the Bronx with ten thousand dollars for John. This was a few months after we returned to the states and by then John was selling heroin in the same park he was killed in. Honestly, during that time jobs were scarce for anyone who participated in the war, especially blacks. Hippies were running the country with their self-righteous values, so I figure John was only doing what he had to do to survive. When I offered him the money he asked if I would use it to buy him some good quality heroin. From our time spent in the stockade we got to know each other pretty well and I entrusted him with the knowledge of my family, so he knew I was connected. From there we began meeting in Manhattan for...”
“You were the dude my pops was coppin’ from when we made those trips to Manhattan!”
“For a while yes, then I went to law school. My uncle had no idea I was dealing with John, but by the time I went off to school, this was two years later, John was making so much money I informed my uncle and he continued to have someone meet him. So I wouldn’t really say that John had ties, although I did want to avenge his death. During the time my family was caught up in a war with the Leopardi family. After Gotti went down, there were a lot of business interest to be claimed. Anyway, my uncle refused to dispense any of his people, wanting all his forces concentrated on the war. I remembered Emma from their trips to Manhattan and informed her, in hopes that she would have someone avenge his death, but by then she had turned her life over to God and He would handle it. Those were her exact words.”
Jahad nodded, “Call me God then, ‘cause I’m gon’ handle it.” His eyes held a hatred so deep, Valentino looked away.
“I figured you would, which brings me to this question. What are you up to?”
“What you mean?”
“In the past few months, at your suggestion, I’ve taken on twenty four clients. Why?”
“I’m sayin’, you a good lawyer and whatnot, so I figured I’d send some money your way. My man still making payments, right?”
“Yes, but I wasn’t born yesterday Jah. I normally charge triple for what I took to take your case, and these other cases. I’m only taking them now because I know you’re up to something. I want to know why, maybe I can be of some help. Now what’s really good, as your fond of saying.”
Jahad laughed, “You a funny dude Vinny. But yo’, if I tell you its gotta be kept under that strict confidence code you under.”
“Omerta is a term I grew up by. It basically means never reveal a secret.”
“Ayo, I read that book. Mario Puzo wrote it, the same dude who wrote the Godfather. So yeah, I know what it means. But check it...” Jahad went on to tell Valentino his plans, including every detail so he would have a clear picture. “...That’s why I need you to help me get these dudes out, feel me?”
Valentino studied Jahad a moment, surprised that someone so young could put together a structure that could actually work, “I like it, I like it a lot. You planned everything out to the last detail, but you forgot the most important thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Your finances. Every dime you make must be accounted for, that’s if you want to spend it. You won’t be able to put it in the bank or make any investments. If you do so without having a liable front to show where your money came from, then all your efforts to remain anonymous will be wasted. The IRS will swoop down on you before you know it.”
“Damn! I ain’t think of that. It’s called the Ricky law or some shit like that, right?”
Valentino laughed, “The R.I.C.O law and it’s designed purposely for such organizations as you plan on starting. There are ways around it.”
“What up, you gon’ put me on or what?” Jahad asked just as Emma returned to her seat.
“If ya’ll are finished talking, Jahad there’s something I need you to do for me.” She grabbed his hand and stared directly into his eyes, “Use the sense God gave you and leave New York with Michelle. We had a long talk about you and we know how thick headed you are, but you need to listen this time baby, for your own sake.”
Jahad shook his head, “I hate to disappoint you or my moms Mrs. H. but...”
“You’re not leaving,” Emma finished for him. “We both came to that conclusion too. So let me say this. I’ve never condoned killing, still don’t, but if you stay you send those two boys straight to hell where they belong. You hear me?”
Jahad nodded, “Loud and clear Mrs. H.”
~~~~
Monday, November 12, 2000, eighteen months after the day he stepped foot on Rikers Island, Jahad went to trial. Entering the courtroom wearing a black Ralph Lauren suit, a white dress shirt, and a pair of Stacy Adams shoes selected by Valentino, Jahad scanned the courtroom for his family and spotted them sitting on the front row behind the defense table with Tony. He gave them a crooked smile then glanced at the District Attorney, an old white man with saggy jaws, thinning gray hair and liver spotted skin, who returned Jahad’s look with a smirk. Jahad took a seat in the chair Valentino pulled out for him as the D.A. approached the judge’s bench and began whispering quietly.
“What up with Duke?” Jahad asked nervously, nodding towards the D.A.
Valentino gave him a sly smile, “Don’t worry, it’s already in the bag.”
“Don’t worry! Them muthafuckas might be trying to railroad me or something. Go see what’s up.”
Before Valentino could stand the D.A. returned to his table and gave Jahad another smirk, “Your Honor, We, the state of New York motion for the case against defendant Jahad Andre Copeland to be dismissed. Apparently the state’s witness has disappeared.”
“Mr. Copeland you heard the prosecutor. You’re free to go. Case dismissed.” The judge slammed his mallet against his podium making it official.
Chapter 24
Jahad wasted no time getting down to business. He had a quick lunch with his family while they were still in Mid-Town, where he explained to Michelle that he wouldn’t be coming home, which caused a lot of bickering, until he told her that his life was still in danger. This was true, but his main reason was so he could put the finishing touches on his plan, a plan that would leave a lot of dead bodies in its wake. From the diner he and Tony left for a meeting at Muta’s apartment. Neither spoke as the cab whipped through Manhattan’s heavy traffic, both in deep thought, knowing their lives were about to change although Tony’s in a totally different direction from Jahad’s.
Twenty minutes later the cab dropped them off in front of Muta’s building in the St. Nicholas projects. Tony ushered Jahad inside to the third floor, knocked at Muta’s door. A minute later, it opened and they were greeted by Muta, Crook, Ruff, and Flash, who all gave Jahad a warm hug.
“The infamous Jah. What’s the deal Sun?” Muta passed Jahad a cold Heineken, then put an arm around his shoulder and lead him inside to the living room.
“I’m good homey. What up with you?”
“I’m good. Ready for the rest of the fam’ to come home.”
“Yeah, me too.” Jahad took a sip of his beer and walked to the middle of the living room, “We don’t have time for alotta bullshit, so I’m a get down to business. This move we ‘bout to make is crazy important because it sets the stage for everything else. We can’t fuck it up!” He looked around, making eye contact with each top lieutenant before continuing, “I know Tone put ya’ll up on the two Puerto Ricans I was beefin’ with. When I left the street they were like fifty deep. Tone said they’ve grown a bit, but their people are scattered out so it’ll be easy to tear their asses up. Our main concern is taking out their spots. They have a coke and diesel spot on Beach Ave., a coke and diesel spot on Ftelly, and of course the Big Park on Story Ave. They have a money drop-off spot on Commonwealth, and their hands are basically in all the drugs supplied in every project in the South Bronx. So you can pretty much figure out they got crazy dough. That’s what we want first, and then we want their asses in body bags. From what I understand, both brothers are relaxed right now, José more so than Hector. If they catch wind that I’m out tho’ they gon’ go in hiding. So the plan is to hit ‘em fast, hard, and unexpectedly.” Jahad drove his fist into his palm to emphasize his point, “Tone had Joey and Kwan watching ‘em for a while now, so we know their routines. Hector keeps a low profile but has kids spread all over by different chicks. José is crazy loose tho’. Monday thru Friday, he’s up in Jimmy’s Café on some cool-out shit. That’s our prize. I’ma snatch his ass up and make Hector pay out the ass. After I get the babysitting fee, it’s a wrap for ‘em.” He took a sip of beer to wet his throat, “Now check this, around the same time Hector is delivering the money, Muta you take twelve M.G.’s and organize two teams to hit the spots on Beach Ave. Flash, you and Ruff take six M.G.’s a piece and hit the spots on Ftelly. Tone, the Big Park is you. Try to spare the hustlers we can use. Ya’ll know how we rockin’, gloves and mask. A muthafucka can’t tell on who they can’t identify. I want ya’ll to be here in the morning at eight o’clock so Kwan can take ya’ll to the Bronx and show ya’ll the spots. Crook, me, you, Joey, Kwan, and Derrick will snatch José up. It’s going down tomorrow or either the day after so...”
“Tomorrow?” Ruff said shaking his head, “We ain’t had time to plan this shit all the way out yet.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Jahad wore a scowl, irritated at being interrupted, “we been planning this shit for over a year now. I can tell you exactly what time the beat walkers come through, what cars T.N.T be rollin’ in, and how many people the Coco Twins keep in each spot. So the only thing you need to be stressin’ is handling your B.I. and getting the fuck outta there. Anybody else got questions?”
“Yeah, what time we moving out?” Flash asked.
“I want everybody in position at eight-thirty. Tone got stolen vans ready for each clique. Ya’ll might be packed in there, but it won’t be for long. The beat walkers come through Beach Avenue between 8:00 and 8:30, Ftelly between 9:15 and 9:45, Story between 9:30 and 10:00. I plan on snatching José up around 8:30, and setting the payoff time at 9:00 so Hector won’t have time to do shit but get the money together. When we get José wrapped up, one of us will page ya’ll. The code will be 000. At precisely 9:00 ya’ll niggas do what ya’ll do and kill everything moving. When ya’ll done, dump the vans. It’s a couple whips near each spot for ya’ll to move in. I want you five to meet me back here. Send everybody else to Brooklyn and tell ‘em to lay low.”
“How much dough you gon’ get off them dudes?” Muta asked.
“I don’t know yet, but I’m figuring a couple hundred thousand or so... Ya’ll niggas know after we do this shit the streets gon’ be crazy hot so stay on point. The only way we get fucked up is if somebody makes a mistake, so try not to make one. We got twenty niggas, twenty wild official niggas, straight off the Rock who know how to get busy so we should be able to pull this off without no problems. I figure by the time the rest of the fam’ comes home, our numbers should be right... Muta, you don’t mind me coolin’ out here until we handle our B.I. do you? I don’t wanna risk being seen in the Bronx.”
“Nah Sun, my crib is your crib. Somebody’s coming through to check for you anyway?”
“Who?” Jahad arched his eyebrow.
“You’ll see.”
“C’mon Muta, I ain’t with that surprise shit.”
Muta laughed, “A’ight man, damn! Shorty from the Polo Grounds, Candy. She’s coming through. Prince set it up as a surprise.”
“Oh word!” Jahad smiled, picturing Candy in his mind. He hadn’t spoken to her in a few weeks with all the planning he had been doing. “Yeah, I need some Candy in my life right now.”
“Shit you might be too weak to do anything tomorrow,” Muta patted his back.
“Picture that. Killing the Coco Twins gon’ be better than busin’ a nut... Ayo Crook, pick me up tomorrow at seven o’clock. Sha’ told me how creative you are. Put something together for José’s ass.”
Crook gave Jahad an evil grin, “I already got something in mind.”
“Cool... Well I guess that’s about it then. I’ll see you niggas tomorrow after we do what we do.” As everybody was leaving out, Jahad grabbed Tony’s shoulder, “Ayo, Sun, when you get home do me a favor and get my family somewhere safe. If you can, send ‘em back to Long Island with your aunt. I know my moms is gonna have beef with it, but tell her it’s only for a few days. Don’t let her talk you out of it Tone. You know how she is.”
“C’mon your moms is my moms, so you know I’ll handle it.”
Jahad nodded, “What up with Koran? He ain’t been on no bullshit has he?”
“Nah, lil’ dude been chillin’. He makes sure I take him shoppin’ every time he gets his report card... Ayo, were you hittin’ him off for his progress reports too?”
“Nah, just his report cards. Why?”
Tony laughed, “That lil’ nigga ran game on me. He said you copped him one outfit if his progress reports were up to par, his slick ass. He’s crazy smart tho’.”
Jahad smiled, “Yeah, I know. He ain’t gon’ like it, but when I get this dough together, I’m sending him down south with moms. That’s about the best opportunity I can give him.”
“That might be a good idea. To be only twelve, he’s a little too serious, word up. He ain’t into shit normal twelve year olds be into. To be honest he reminds me of you after your pops died and you see how you turned out.”
“If he’s like me won’t shit be able to change him. Circumstances made me what I am tho’... What up with Trice?” Jahad asked, looking Tone directly in his eyes.
“She’s good, and before you say anything, yeah, she’s my girl,” Tony replied authoritatively, stepping out of Jahad’s swinging distance, while Muta watched amused, “If you wanna fight lets get it over with now... What’s up?”
For a second they stood like two lions posed to fight, then Jahad burst out laughing so hard tears ran from his eyes, “Oh shit Tone! You dead ass ‘bout fuckin’ me up huh?”
“I’m sayin, however it goes down, whether you beat my ass or I beat your ass, I ain’t hurting her no more. She ain’t trying to be with no one else but me and I feel the same way. I ain’t gon’ let your notion of me hurting her keep us apart. In fact, after all this shit is over we’re getting married.”
“Married!”
“Yeah nigga, married. We been talking ‘bout it for a while now. She’s kinda shook, thinking you gon’ body me or something. She wanna keep our relationship in the dark like we been doing since you came home from Spofford.”
“Hold up,” Jahad said, screwing up his face, “I thought...”
“You thought I could just turn off my feelings. It don’t work like that Jah, not with me anyway.” Tony cut his eye at Muta while watching Jahad out the side of his eye in case he tried to swing. “Ayo Muta, if we break up some of your shit I’ll pay for it.”
“Don’t sweat that Sun. I’m a bounce for a while, so talk it out, fight it out, or whatever. Just don’t kill each other in here... O-yeah, Candy should be here in a little while Jah, so don’t let Tone fuck you up too bad.” Muta laughed, as he walked towards the front door.
“So what’s up?” Tony asked again, expecting a fight.
Jahad smiled, “Chill nigga, I ain’t gon’ fuck you up, so you have my blessin’. All I ask is that you never raise a hand to hurt her.”
Tony shook his head, “Never that Jah. I ain’t no woman beater, that’s that coward shit. Besides Trice is my baby so that’s something you never have to stress... Now what I’m ‘bout to say you might not be feelin’, but when this shit is over, I’m out Sun.”
