Out of Control

“Is Nick all right?”

“I heard he’s all right and Rain got him hidden somewhere in case Wanda tries it again,” Lexi told her.

“That’s some shit right there,” Jackie said.

“Then Rain killed Grant and four of his men, then she set his club on fire,” Tara said.

“I heard that last week two more of Grant’s people were found dead in the back seat of a car. Both of them were shot point blank in the face.”

“Damn, Rain ain’t no joke,” Jackie said.

“I’m surprised you haven’t heard any of this,” Tara said.

“I’m not,” Lexi laughed. “Jackie never leaves that gambling house. What I’m surprised about is that you’re out tonight.”

“I have a home and I go there everyday,” Jackie said in her defense.

“To sleep, and then you go right back. That game is your life.”

“Does Black know about this?” Jackie asked wishing to change the subject.

“If he does, he letting them go at it,” Lexi said. “Wanda came by here last night with three big ugly niggas.”

“What did she want?” Tara asked.

“Just asked me a bunch of questions. She was trying to see if I knew anything. But I just played dumb. You know I don’t want any parts of this mess.”

“I don’t either,” Tara said.

“I don’t think either of you got anything to worry about. You’re not that end of the business. Whatever’s goin’ on shouldn’t touch what you do,” Jackie told them.

“I hope you’re right, Jackie,” Tara said. “We ain’t all gangster like you are, Jackie.”

“I ain’t all gangster,” Jackie said.

“Really?” Lexi asked. “I know for a fact that you got two guns on you right now, don’t you?”

Jackie unbuttoned her jacket and opened both sides to reveal a 9-millimeter in each holster. “Always armed and extremely dangerous.”

“Looks pretty gangster to me,” Tara said.

“What should we do if they try anything?” Lexi asked.

“Like what?”

“Like try to take over,” Tara said.

“How much security do you have?” Jackie asked.

“Some, but they’re the type of security that can handle loud customers and drunks, not the kind that’s gonna stand up to a takeover bid,” Lexi said and Tara agreed.

“If somebody were to try and takeover the club, all I could do is roll over and let them have it,” Tara said.

“Like I said, I don’t think that’s gonna happen, but if it does, call me,” Jackie said.

“You gonna come shoot it out with them yourself two gun?” Tara said jokingly, but she really wanted to know.

“No. But I got some people that I can send to back you up,” Jackie promised. And that seemed to allay their concerns, at least for the time being.