“Jane Blackmoor was my mama. Only thing Elaine did was give birth to me from her tired ass pussy.”
“I might have a bargaining chip.” Elyse spoke up, briefly eyeing Coast bouncing Iara in her arms briefly before looking at Mozzi again.
“You got five more minutes to get to what you want or get the fuck out.”
“Moses.” Coast cut her eyes in his direction. “Hear her out.”
“You should listen to the wife. This could benefit both of you. You have a problem in the form of a five-foot eight attorney, right? Stuck up, bourgeois as hell.” Elyse rolled her eyes.
“You know Shalice?” Coast queried.
“Honey, Shalice is in so deep with Donahue she practically got that nigga’s DNA in her.”
“What you want for that information?” Mozzi lifted his chin.
“Donahue is hot right now. The Feds are all over him, right along with the DEA. None of us want to get caught in the fire when he goes down. I didn’t come here for him. I came for self-preservation. He’s gotten away with too much over the years, and folks around here got a long memory. Riddle’s protection and influence can only go so far. Donahue and his camp is out of control. A bunch of flashy hotheads who can’t even think for themselves if he doesn’t give them the idea.”
“You still ain’t telling me shit.” Mozzi shrugged.
“You don’t really think Shalice got visitation because she’s this upstanding citizen, do you?” Elyse taunted. “Her brother was a fuck up. Between him and Nickel, Donahue took more than enough hits and was left exposed. Especially when you dealt with both of them.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mozzi smirked.
“Okay then, allegedly.” Elyse teased, smirking. “Bottom line, eliminating Donahue levels the playing field for you in more ways than one.”
Coast’s eyes lingered over her husband as he stroked his beard and considered what Elyse was telling him. The back and forth with Donahue had gone on long enough. He was personally ready to end it so he could form the next chapter of his life. His family meant more to him than the streets now, and that was coming from a nigga who loved the block. Coast made him realize quickly that none of that mattered.
“What’s your plan?” he asked Elyse.
“It’s a slow burn. Right now, it’s hot, which is only frustrating him more. Perfect time for him to make a mistake. He’s losing the reins on his operation. Even Riddle has noticed. Just consider me your inside man. For whatever you need,” Elyse offered.
Skeptical, Mozzi continued to look her over. Her personality was nothing like Elaine’s, but they were both assertive straightshooters, even when they were scamming you. Elyse was more feminine and sexier, whereas Elaine was sensual but still confident.
“I’ll let it marinate. Give me your—” Before he could finish his sentence, Elyse went into the side pocket of her Prada bag and retrieved a glossy black business card with gold embossed font.
Taking slow strides toward her nephew, she held it up to him and smiled. Always two steps ahead, she searched his handsome face. She knew his father and mother, so she recognized every feature.
“It’s a good thing you’re married. Men like you need that. Be in touch.” Looking over her shoulder, Elyse smiled and waved at Coast and Iara. “Pleasure to meet you ladies. Enjoy your evening.”
“You a trip.” Mozzi took a peek at her business card before shaking his head.
“Get to know me, nephew. I might surprise you.” She touched his arm and leaned in to kiss his cheek before sashaying through the open door and letting herself out.
Mozzi closed the door behind her and tapped her card against his balled fist. Velvet Society was the name of her service. It provided her website, email, and cell phone number. Very professional.
“What are you thinking?” Coast asked, intercepting his thoughts.
“What are you thinking?” He fired back, swinging his head in her direction. “Some random family member of mine pops up offering to help me. Shit like that don’t happen every day.”
“You don’t trust her?”
“I don’t know her, Trouble.”
“But you have good instincts, Moses. What do they tell you about her?”
“That she’s an opportunist, but she’s in a position to help us.”
Iara stretched her arms and pushed away from Coast. She whined for her daddy, and he took her in his arms with little hesitation.
