Chapter 2
TWO
Armond Davis
THE SOUND OF THE OCEAN woke me up before the buzz of my cell.
The soft clash of the water against the land brought peace that was quickly replaced by the rattle against my dresser.
I shifted around the silk sheets and instantly grew irritated knowing this level of comfort would be left behind as soon as I answered the call.
I peered over at the digital clock on the nightstand and found my irritation growing by the second. It was well into the early morning and I wasn’t to be disturbed unless I was already in the streets. Everyone knew this.
Once the call ended then started again, I threw the sheets from over me and put on my slides before crossing the hotel room to my cell I had plugged up away from me on purpose. I rarely got sleep, so once I was able, I took full advantage and wanted no interruptions.
I looked at the moon dancing against the ocean then slid my thumb across the screen to answer. I didn’t care who it was. They knew they’d be hearing it if this wasn’t worth the disturbance.
“Ciao.”
“Bro…” He sighed. He didn’t say anything after that and it was rare that my brother Arlando didn’t jump into the conversation, so I knew something wasn’t right. I just needed to know what so I could dismantle whoever intruded upon my flow of operations.
“Arlando, what’s good, man? You’re taking forever when you can just say it.”
“My bad. I’m frustrated as hell right now. DiMarco.”
“I take it the tradeoff didn’t go as planned?”
“No. Not at all. And not because of Guardo. Everything went smoothly until DiMarco decided he wanted to be bold.”
“Quanto?” I sighed.
I hadn’t dealt with bullshit like this in years and I knew the minute I got comfortable things were going to hit the fan. Though I was hardly comfortable, I thought I could breathe for a weekend without any mishaps.
“More like how many. Ten military grade rifles, a case of grenades, a rocket launcher, and a series of Glocks, Nines, and Eagles.”
“How?”
“Between transporting from the warehouse to the link up. Made it look like he was being robbed just to be seen meeting up with the same vehicle across town an hour later. I still got eyes on him. Just wanted to see how you wanted to go about it.”
“Where?”
“He’s staying at our resort.”
I chuckled. This fool.
“No further action needs to be taken when it comes to DiMarco. I’ll handle him. As far as our shipment goes, get it back by any means.”
“Already in progress, Boss.”
“Keep me posted.”
“Bet.”
The call ended and I sighed. Idiots tended to roam closely and if he were smart, or simply paid attention, he would know his boss owned and was staying at the same resort where he was hiding.
I would find pleasure in taking this task on because the minute it was complete, I could go back to relaxing like I planned to do this weekend.
I was in search of a spiritual cleanse. Needed my body worked on to knock some of these kinks out and I might even do some yoga and other exercises to get back in tune with myself. I wasn’t above taking care of every facet of my being. I couldn’t perform well if I didn’t.
How would I look as a leader if my workers only saw me drinking, smoking, and out of breath when it came to taking care of business?
That wasn’t me. Though I smoked and drank, it didn’t keep me moving.
It did what it was supposed to—give me temporary relief.
Help me unwind for that moment. Like I was about to do now.
I stepped onto the balcony and took in the water and the bar not too far from the wave pool's entrance. I saw everyone who sat at the bar clearly yet remained out of view unless someone was truly looking. I loved that about this room. I asked for it every single time. I wasn’t a nosy individual but I did like to see people enjoying themselves and the music selection wasn’t bad either, even this late.
I pulled out a pre-roll and watched the water as I listened to the soft tunes filling the air.
Sparking my blunt alive, I watched a woman walk up to the bar and place her order.
She laughed at something the bartender said and my eyes lowered.
She was ravishing. Though her attire was simple, in biker shorts and a sports bra, her hair was in a loose bun, her skin glowed against the light, and that smile of hers was liberating.
She looked my way and I almost choked on my blunt. She didn’t look at me directly, but she might as well have. It was like she knew I was watching her, but when I noticed her eyes roam around the entire area, I just took it as her being aware of her surroundings.
Or at least trying to be. She should’ve noticed me. I wasn’t high up or anything like that. Look hard enough and you’d see me tucked in the corner of my balcony in my shorts with this blunt in my hand.
She laughed again at something else the bartender said and I just knew I had to speak to her. Something made me gravitate toward her and I always followed my instincts.
The second I stood, I noticed someone approaching the bar. He placed his hand on her lower back and she instantly jumped out of reach, revealing his face when he turned toward her.
DiMarco.
I scoffed and hit my blunt once more then headed inside to get dressed. I was sure he would keep trying so there was no use in rushing. He was a persistent fuck and that would work in my favor tonight.
Not only had he stolen from me, but he was also now harassing women. It was time for him to go. And here I thought I wouldn’t be making a move for another hour or so. Such a shame.