Free Youngin' Blues: The Story of Reed and RaKeem by Mercy B Page A

so well. The two arrogant men would bounce thoughts from one another, creating genius strategies and unwavering plans. For hours they’d discuss politics, gang wars, issues of the hood, and police brutality.
     
    “So how soon?”
    “As soon as possible.”
    “Have your clients been notified of this drastic change?”
    “That’s the thing. Still debating if it’s best to do so or not.”
    “Make it known.” Reed said with finality.
    “Why?” Dade countered.
    “Your hands will be washed. Any radical decisions that they make while no longer under your ruling won’t fall back on you. If you’re exiting, you don’t need anything tying you to that life –even if it’s only a simple thought from others that you’re still involved.” Reed explained. “Cut yourself out of the picture completely. Not halfway. Not a little more than half.”
    “I hadn’t even thought of that.” Dade rubbed his goatee.
    Reed could smell his expensive cologne from the other side of the room. Dade looked splendid in the all black two-piece ensemble. His high-topped Jordans were loosely tied, strings dangling from either side. He was so damn tasteful, but Reed didn’t look at him in any light other than the client he was.
    “That’s what you pay us for… to do the thinking. We’re starting this process, nowish?” Reed questioned. Removing herself from her seat, she walked over to the counter and pulled out the top drawer. Grabbing a pen and her legal pad, she made her way back to her seat.
    “Shit, I guess.” Dade shrugged. He didn’t give a damn if it was today or the next. He’d made his decision to depart, and there wasn’t anything anyone could do to change it.
    Life was too short, and he was done with the streets. He figured it was time to settle, and raise himself a family. He’d had everything that he’d desired in life, except for love. The women came and went, and they were fun while they lasted, but just like the game the hoes had gotten old.
    “How much territory do you cover?”
    “Philly, Jersey, New York, DC, shit… The north.” He stopped to recollect. “Yeah. The north.”
    “Well, looks like we have our work cut out.” Reed sighed, turning towards Keem.
    “How about this… You list every city that you cover. We set it up a while back so that one guy would head each city. We need a meeting with everyone you chose as the leaders. They are the first to know what’s going on.” Keem stepped in. Sitting his beer on the table next to him, he leaned in closer to Dade. “We start there. How soon can you have the list to us?”
    “I can have my assistant get that to you by the nightfall.”
    “Good. I’ll need to go over it.” Reed made a mental note.
    “What else do you need?”
    “That’s pretty much it for now.”
    “Does your father understand this?”
    “Yeah. That nigga knows              what’s up. Shit, he behind it.” Dade assured them. “That man is getting old. He and my moms are ready to have some little minions running around that compound. Speaking of which, Reed, I know you got some friends that could use a nigga that’s willing to trick off.” Dade laughed, causing Reed to roar in laughter as well. Keem just shook his head. “And a baby daddy. I’d make some pretty babies.” He added.
    “Dade, let’s just worry about one thing at a time.” Reed tapped her pen on the notepad. “Then, we can discuss other business.”
    “Whatever you say. I’m a patient ass nigga. I ain’t in no rush. First chance you get, though, put a nigga down.”
    “I’ll see what I can do.”
    Reed had already had someone in mind. She was a good girl, though. Dade would have to have cleaned his plate before she introduced the two. SaeKu was living in New York, so the two would match perfectly. First thing first, Dade needed to clear himself of ties to the streets. Just as soon as that happened, Reed would see to it that they met. Until then, she’d let them both