Hood Ornaments

Malik rushed to put his gun away as he heard someone come down the steps. He could tell by the heavy creaking it was Dennis. Malik wasn’t afraid of him, actually, as his mother became more round with child the more Dennis contributed to the house. So hiding his gun was more out of respect than anything else. Malik never thought his mother would get off of drugs and have real man take care of her. He also never thought that he would like working construction. The work was mindless, but at least it kept him in shape. With the money he was making, he could afford to leave the game alone. Dennis reached the bottom of the steps and held out his hand for Malik to shake,

“My bad Leek, I guess I should have knocked.”

Leek actually smiled as he shook his hand, “Nah you aiight D. I wasn’t doin nothin. What’s up?”

Dennis sighed, “Well it seems we are gonna be extra busy at the site. You have a problem pickin up some extra hours?”

“Nah, money is money. Why what’s goin on?”

“Well it seems there was an issue with the foundation in the building so it has to be torn up, and it has to happen soon before it causes structural damage. The process is too much to explain, but let’s just say there will be a lot of clean up afterwards.”

Malik was a master at keeping his face expressionless even during the most tumultuous times.

“Notta problem D. Just let me know when.”

Dennis nodded his response and struggled walking up the steps, “We gonna fix things up here once things slow up a little. Stace…your mama, wants a nursery upstairs and you deserve a grown up pad down here…”

It seemed like Dennis wasn’t going to stop talking, and Malik thought it was rude to start texting right in front of him. He was thankful when his mother called and he went upstairs. This way he could text Dell and Sticks to meet him immediately at the Waterfront.

Shit was about to get real.

***

Tori had no idea what kind of attire was appropriate for a gallery opening. She finally came to a few conclusions:

She was a featured artist, so she could technically wear whatever she wanted to and get away with it.

When all else fails, there’s the little black sweater dress.

Costume jewelry rocks.

The bigger problem was her hair.

She decided to dig out her black taxi driver cap and tuck her massive mane within it.

This night had the potential to be the best or worst night of her life.

Tori shook her head and exhaled. She was going to be fine. She was confident in herself and her work. Michael apparently was smitten with her. She never had a problem with meeting people’s parents before. As a matter of fact, parents typically loved her. At that moment she decided to speak positivity into the Universe so it would come back to her.

***

It was a lucky break autumn decided to hold off for a little while. Otherwise, meeting at the Waterfront wouldn’t be such a good idea. The wind could be vicious at times. But nothing was as vicious as the look on Sticks’ face as he and Dell approached the bench where Malik was sitting. Sticks turned his head back and forth to check if everything was clear, then he pointed to Malik with his head as he spoke to Dell.

“Pat him down.”

Malik sucked his teeth; and Dell began to protest.

“Oh c’mon Unc, it’s Leek. He don’t have…”

“I don’t remember asking for your fucking opinion!” Sticks growled back.

Dell motioned for Malik to stand up. Malik complied. Dell sighed and began to pat him down for a weapon.

“Check his chest.”

Malik stared him down.

“Look bamma, you texted me on a humbug all early. I don’t know what the fuck is goin down.”

Malik lightly chuckled and replied, “At least I know where I stand with you.”

“It ain’t personal.”

“But it is, cuz I have no business with you.” Malik retorted as Dell finished the frisking.

A look of epiphany came over Sticks face. “Is something wrong with Tori?”

At that point, Dell’s head whipped around and nervously waited for Malik’s reply.

“Not now, but there may be later.”

Sticks and Dell stared at Malik intently as he told them what Dennis said about the building looming ominously behind them.

No one was able to even look at it.