didnât respond.
âLet me refresh your memory, Mr. James Cortell Frick. Youâve known me since I was seventeen years old. Back then, you were a white man with a dim future. Because of me, my connections, and for damn sure my money, youâve become one of the most prestigious and wealthiest attorneys in St. Louis. Now, Iâve gotten myself into a liâl trouble. Trouble that I am positive you can get me out of. After tomorrow, if Iâm not back at home with my wife and kids, shit gonâ get real ugly. So, my only question for you is, what time shall I meet you in court?â
Frick was pissed. His forehead wrinkled, and his green eyes shot daggers at Jaylin. He spoke calmly and pointed his finger. âDonât you ever come in here and speakââ
Jaylin slammed his fist on Frickâs desk and spaced his words as he yelled, âWhat time do you want me in court!â
Frick remained calm. âYouâre not listening to me, Jaylin. Iââ
Jaylin reached for his checkbook and started to write. He ripped the check out and slammed it in front of Frick. Frick picked up the check and was taken aback by what was written on it. He then looked at Jaylin and cracked a tiny smile.
âYou know, my wife and I could use a new yacht,â he said.
Jaylin stood up straight and rubbed his goatee. âAnd all my wife wants is a really good fuck. I canât give it to her if Iâm still here, can I?â
âI guess not,â Frick said, standing up. He reached out for Jaylinâs hand. âNine oâclock, Jaylin. And donât be late.â
Jaylin just looked at his hand and turned his head toward me. âLetâs get the fuck out of here. Iâm getting screwed by everybody but Nokea, ainât I?â
I stood up and reached for Frickâs hand. âSee you tomorrow, Mr. Frick.â
âGood-bye, Shane. And take your friend somewhere for a drink. I need him on good behavior tomorrow, all right, Jaylin?â
Jaylin cut his eyes and walked out. I knew everything would be cool with him and Frick, but at times, they had their moments.
On the way out of Frickâs office, Jaylin and I felt like a million dollars. Two black men sharply dressed, clean shaven, and smelling good were enough to turn many heads. No doubt, I loved the attention and so did Jaylin. It was rather funny to see so many folks with big bright smiles, but underneath it all, we knew some were fake.
Since Jaylin had a big day ahead of him, I suggested going to get a bite to eat and heading back home. He agreed, so we stopped at Mortonâs of Chicago for dinner.
The waiter seated us quickly, and when Jaylinâs cell phone rang, he stepped away to take the call. I looked at the wine menu and ordered a bottle of expensive wine. When Jaylin returned, he sat across the table.
âThat was Frick, ole punk ass. He wanted to ask me a few questions so he could have everything prepared for tomorrow.â
âThatâs cool. Are you worried?â
âA liâl bit, man. I will just be glad when itâs over.â
âI feel you. After tomorrow, everything should be cool.â
The waiter came back, and we ordered our food. After he took our order, he leaned down and whispered, âThereâs two lovely young ladies sitting nearby who would love to join the both of you for dinner. I told them I would ask, but itâs completely up to you.â
Jaylin didnât bother to look. I turned to the side and noticed two attractive black women sitting at a table behind us. They waved, and I waved back.
âWhat do you think, Jay?â
âHavenât you already got me in enough trouble? Besides, I donât think Scorpio would appreciate you having dinner with another woman, would she?â
I turned again, taking another glance. âNaw, she wouldnât approve. But take a bottle of wine to their table,â I suggested to the waiter.