“I did. So, when will you have some more items like that coming in?”
“Give me a week or two, and I’ll have some new shit for you.”
“I like the sound of that,” said Mona. “Oh, this is my partner, Ahbou.”
Ahbou reached out and shook Charlie’s hand. “How you doing?”
“I’m doin’ fine.”
“Yeah, that you are,” he flirted.
Charlie smiled politely his way. He was average height, lean, and dark-skinned with a low cropped haircut. Nothing stood out about Ahbou but his badge.
“SL Benz, candy apple red—what that run you, like eighty K?” he guessed.
“Close. I see you know your cars,” Charlie replied, leaning back on her car.
“I know nice things,” he countered, smiling slyly at Charlie, “And I’m looking at something really nice right now—a lot more attractive than the car. You’re a beautiful woman, Charlie.”
Blunt. She had to respect that. “Thank you,” she returned with nonchalance.
“Keep it in your pants, Ahbou,” Mona warned. “She’s a friend.”
“I know. I’m just being cordial,” he said.
“Yeah, and I know your kind of cordial.”
Charlie laughed at their quick exchange. It was comedic, but something about Ahbou was intriguing to her. He wasn’t really a handsome man, but his boldness and demeanor were somewhat attractive.
“Hey, you need to come to the house more often,” Mona mentioned to her.
Charlie raised a brow. “Oh, you’re inviting me to your place? Business or personal?”
“We can entertain both,” said Mona. “But I would like to see you come by. You’re cool. And my partner likes you.”
Charlie grinned. “Thanks.”
“Listen, we need to run. But think on it,” Mona added.
Mona and Ahbou started to walk back to their unmarked car. Before climbing into the passenger seat, Ahbou shot one final glance at Charlie.
Charlie didn’t know what to think. The friendly traffic stop by Mona left her somewhat perplexed. She wondered if she should trust it.
Charlie didn’t really have any friends, and she decided right then that she would take Mona up on her offer. Mona was a valuable ally to have on her side. Charlie needed all the resources and connections she could muster. She was building something big, and the foundation had to be strong.
***
A week after the traffic stop, Charlie parked her red SL Benz on the suburban street in Westchester County and got out the vehicle looking like she was going to a nightclub instead of an intimate gathering at a friend’s place. She wore a short skirt that was more leg than skirt and a halter top that showed how perky her breasts were. Though Charlie was from the streets and she was tough, she couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling of knocking on a cop’s door to hang out. It didn’t make her a snitch, but it was an awkward feeling.
The door opened and Mona was all smiles. “Hey, bitch! I’m glad you decided to come through. Come on in.”
Charlie entered the home, believing there would be other people inside, but it was only her and Mona. Charlie took a seat on the couch, and Mona started to roll up a blunt. Shit, Mona was more hustler than cop.
In no time, the two women got high on the potent Kush and were gradually draining a bottle of Grey Goose.
Mona laughed and slapped the arm of the couch. “Hey, you know my partner really likes you,” she mentioned. “That fool couldn’t stop talking about you that day.”
“So you want me to fuck a cop?”