The Darin’ Plan: NYSSA
There was no way I would let a total stranger into the house. This was how I had let Ember come into the house and she did what in the end?
“Take me there,” I was more than ready for the trip so I called Kazmir who sat on the bed of our room. “Are you busy or should I drive on my own?” My words made ‘im look up and our gaze met, while he jumped on his feet, shook his head, and grabbed the key to the car.
“What do you know ’bout drivin’ cars?” He scoffed, takin’ my hand in his. “Let’s get goin’. But have you called the woman to let her know we’re on our way?” He looked at my phone on the table next to the bed, hurryin’ to pick it up for me. “Here you go.”
“Thank you, baby-” I snatched my handbag also and started walkin’ to the door.
There was no need to have breakfast this mornin’, not when the man I live with has become more than worried ’bout everythin’ that’s happenin’ and there was no way I would watch ‘im get worried the more. “I’ll call her right now.”
Without any hesitation, I dialed Jane’s contact. She didn’t pick at first, which got me worried.
What was she doin’?
Makin’ plans with Ember who has called me in the past few days, just so she could get back to bein’ friends with me? I heaved a sigh, let the call end, and tried again, with a wish that she would take the call this time.
“Is she not takin’ her calls? What happened to her line all of a sudden?”
He looked at me and looked away, choosin’ to settle down on one of the chairs in the dinin’ area, while I tried all over with a wish that the woman – whether young or old – wouldn’t waste my time.
“Relax, baby, I think she’s ’bout to pick up-” I looked at the screen and saw the call had been picked up. “What are you doin’, Jane? Where are you?!” With anger evident in my tone, I posed the question.
“I am tired of waitin’ for you. I just wanted to let you know we’re on our way to the location. My husband won’t be stayin’ with us.”
“I am on my way, too, Mrs. Draven. Let me know when you arrive at the Estate.” She pleaded. “I am sorry, but I can’t take calls on the wheels of my car. This is why I delayed you a little bit.”
Understandin’, I nodded as though she could see me before endin’ the call. “She’s on her way also-” I explained and grabbed my handbag that was dumped a while ago.
“We should get goin’ already.” I pleaded with the man who snatched the car key once more from the table and started walkin’ to the door of the livin’ room with me who was all smiles, and also worried.
We hopped in the car in due time.
A lot went through my head when we were out of the Estate, and now drivin’ in the streets. What would the woman do? How exactly does she want to help me? I wondered over and over again, with a sigh I held back from runnin’ out of my mouth.
While Kazmir followed the location of the address, I watched keenly with the many thoughts that ran around my head. In due time, he stopped and said, “Let her know we’ve arrived at the Estate. Can she at least come out so that we can recognize her with her pictures?” He looked at me who did as told, while Jane on the other hand had no choice but to comply.
We caught up with the location in due time, and I met the woman who claimed to be from my past. This part of the information was somethin’ Kazmir was yet to know and I wished also that the woman would not say anything ’bout it.
“Hello.” There was a short moment of pleasantries and hugs before walkin’ into the venue where many people stayed – eatin’ and drinkin’.
It looked good for business discussion and for all that I knew, that was what we came for.
Kazmir walked with us, but behind. He stayed at a separate table while myself and Jane stayed at another table. “Is your husband not joinin’ us, Mrs. Draven?” Jane asked when we were settled. “It’s nice to meet you, I must say.” She smiled and looked around, snappin’ her fingers so that a waiter would come.
“My pleasure, Jane, although I don’t recall where and how we met. I’m glad to meet you again, and my husband won’t be joinin’ us. I believe he has his reasons, so please ignore ‘im.” With a smile, I said these words while a waiter served us only drinks. I didn’t want it, although, but I sipped. Anythin’ to get Kazmir and his company out of the mess it was in.
“I’ll be as fast as I can so that we don’t waste each other’s time. I have places to be in, Mrs. Draven. Would you like some food? Bills on me, I don’t mind payin’ for your meal. You know it’s been a long time since that happened and I’d love for it to happen again which can be now. What do you say?”
“Thank you, Jane. But I’ll pass.”
“So-” she began.
“Theodore Crowley is a drug dealer, in case you don’t know. I worked with ‘im in the past and made this discovery on my own. Somehow, he got to know that I knew ’bout his doin’s and what did he do? Kick me out of the company.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you, but I am gone past that,” she smiled and sipped from the glass again. “You’ll have to play the role of his worker so that you can lay your hands on the evidence we’ll be usin’ against ‘im. Do you understand me?” She sipped again and there was me who nodded, understandin’ without hesitation
But how was I supposed to go ’bout it?
“I’ve got you, Mrs. Draven. You have nothin’ at all to worry ’bout,” she cut short my thoughts, causin’ me to look up at her face. “I have uniforms I used when workin’ under ‘im. You can use it to get into the company. I’ll be sure to give you the details you’ll be needin’. How to get into his office and also, the cabinet to search for evidence we’ll be needin’ against ‘im.”
“Thank you so much, Jane. This is the best thing you would do for me and I have you to thank.” A genuine smile planted on my face and I got on my feet, changin’ my mind and takin’ a seat this time. “When do we begin this plan?” I asked, watchin’ her.
“As soon as tomorrow evenin’. It’ll be my place or your place. We can’t possibly do all of these in public, you know. Theodore Crowley has eyes everywhere and I want you to believe this statement I have made.”
“I believe you.”
I gave a nod after thinkin’ ’bout it.
“You should come to my place. The security in my husband’s estate is top-notch.” I explained and got on my feet. “By tomorrow mornin’, the address will be sent to you, although I expect to know where the house is located. Do you, Jane?”
“Yes, I do-” she got up also.
“I’ll need you to let me know by tomorrow mornin’ when I should be on my way.” She said and grabbed her handbag. “Have a nice day, Mrs. Draven.” And with this, she turned around and walked away.
I turned around also, headin’ to the table where my husband was seated. “I told you I’ve got this, didn’t I?” He looked up at me, smilin’ and standin’ on his feet – glints of hope in both our eyes.