Back to the Streets by Treasure Hernandez Read Free Book Online Page A

have his back through whatever, especially if it meant seeing Tariq’s head roll. Malek gave him a nod, letting Joe know that he was “ride or die.”
    As Joe and Malek got out of the vehicle, Malek’s heart was pounding, not out of fear, but pure adrenaline. He didn’t know what to expect, and he didn’t see the logic behind Jamaica Joe walking into a setup. He guessed Joe didn’t want to believe that his right-hand man would do him harm, and was hoping that he would have a change of heart and back out.
    This nigga got balls, for real, Malek thought. I’m keeping my hands on my banger at all times. That’s my word.
    Joe instructed Malek to get the duffle bag from his back seat. Malek did as he was told, and then the two headed toward Tariq’s truck. When Joe approached it, he opened the back passenger’s side door.
    â€œWhat up,” Tariq said simply, looking over his shoulder at Joe.
    â€œHandling this business,” Joe replied. “That’s what’s up.”
    â€œThen let’s ride out. Get in.”
    Joe hesitated for a minute. “I was thinking we ride out in my whip. You ain’t really had a chance to roll in my new ride. Besides, I kinda wanna ride in the comfort of my own home, if you know what I’m saying.”
    Malek, who had one hand on the front passenger’s door and the duffle bag in the other, paused to see what the deal was, whether they were going to ride in Tariq’s vehicle or Joe’s.
    â€œWell, uh, you know I done, uh,” Tariq started, with Joe trying to read the expression on his face and his body language, “I done got an oil change and shit and gassed up, you know.”
    Tariq, not wanting to look too suspicious, added, “But we can roll in your whip if you want to. It’s all good.” Tariq took his keys out of the ignition as if he were all gung ho about riding in Joe’s car, but inside he was waiting for Joe to say the words that, within seconds, he eventually spoke.
    â€œNah,” Joe said. “We can go on and take your shit. My shit almost on empty, and I ain’t trying to make no stops riding dirty. You know what I mean?”
    Breathing a silent sigh of relief, Tariq replied, “Yeah, I know what you saying.”
    Joe looked over at Malek and nodded for him to go ahead and climb in, which he did.
    Malek and Joe hopped into Tariq’s truck. Joe sat in the back, just like he always did. He never liked anyone to sit behind him. Malek sat up front with Tariq, who pulled off as soon as they were both in.
    Tariq looked in the rearview mirror and addressed Joe. “What’s good, fam?”
    Joe nodded. “Like I said, just trying to make this money . . . fam .”
    Joe, as hard as it was for him, maintained his composure toward this man who had for years called himself his right-hand man. Tariq had served as his confidant, his ace. Now it sickened him that he had to share the same air with him . . . but not for long. It was do or die. One of them was gon’ do, and the other was gon’ die. But which one?
    Tariq looked at Malek and put his hand out to greet him. “What’s good, Malek?”
    Malek didn’t even respond; he just kept his head straight.
    Tariq’s actions were a dead giveaway to Joe and Malek. Both Malek and Joe couldn’t help but notice how out of character Tariq was acting already. Tariq never spoke to Malek. His jealousy of him had always been present, and he displayed it by being silent and giving Malek the cold shoulder. But today he made an exception. That didn’t sit well. If Malek and Joe hadn’t known something was up before now, Tariq’s actions tipped them off for certain.
    Malek watched Tariq pull his trembling hand back. This nigga has got to be the dumbest mu’fucka in Flint. Look at this nigga . It was obvious that Tariq’s nerves were getting the better of him. It was written all over his face,