The Demise (30 page)

“It's me, Anari,” the woman said, announcing herself.

Again, Carter was drawing blanks. He had never heard of Anari but her name was legend in the streets. She was the woman who could make it snow. She was heavy in the game and was a member of the supreme Clientele drug syndicate.

Carter was tired of playing guessing games, so he made his presence known. “My name is Carter … Carter Jones,” he announced. He also was bound and blindfolded. “The last thing I remember is being ambushed out of the blue in Spain.”

“I'm Dahlia,” another woman spoke up, “and the last thing I remember…”

The sound of metal doors clanging open caused everyone to freeze. Carter didn't know what to expect. Some of the most powerful people in the underworld were in that room, but ironically none of them had control over what was about to occur. The sounds of shoes clicking on the floor echoed throughout the room. Every single soul in the room was on edge, and the anticipation was thick. It was as if they could hear each other's heartbeats. The sound of the clicks got louder and louder and eventually they stopped. The hairs on the back of Carter's neck stood up as his imagination got away from him. He wasn't used to being in a position like this. He was the play-caller, but someone else was pushing the buttons in this situation. One thing was for sure: This wasn't the feds.

Carter's pillowcase was pulled from his head, and the bright lights of the room blinded him. He squinted as he looked around and saw that he was in a spacious room with marble floors. The artwork on the ceiling was incredible, something like he had never seen before. The hand-painted ceilings were beautiful and so high that it looked like he was staring into the heavens. They were all seated around an oak table that had a gloss that shined like no other. There were six of them in total. Carter recognized no one. A man walked around the room, freeing them one by one.

“Who are you?” Carter asked.

He was tall, slender, with salt-and-pepper hair. His brown skin was fair, and he wore his hair in a low cut. Carter's apprehensions eased as he stared intently at the man. There was something about his eyes. They were warm, showing no malice.

“I apologize for having to bring you all here in this fashion, but it was the only way. Please do not be alarmed. I am not your enemy. I have no bad intentions here.” He had a smooth, relaxing voice. He spoke loud and clear. Most of all, he spoke with confidence.

Once he had uncovered everyone, there was complete silence. Everyone looked around the gigantic room and admired the black-and-white checkered floors and stunning paintings on the walls and ceiling. It was something none of them had ever seen before. It was simply amazing.

Everyone wanted to say something, but no one did. Carter's mind raced.

“Every single one of you has been handpicked to help me and my organization. All of you are considered to be the best at moving narcotics. The best drug dealers in the world are at this table, and we felt that you could help us move a new product,” the man said, looking each one of them in the eyes as he talked. He moved his hands elegantly as he spoke clearly. He grabbed everyone's attention, and they were itching to find out more. “If anyone wants to walk out the door, you have the right. A car will be waiting outside and will take you to a private jet. That private jet will take you anywhere you want to go, and you will never hear from my people or me again. The choice is yours,” the man said. He paused for a second and waited to see if anyone wanted to leave.

“Keep talking,” the woman named Anari said as she clasped her hands. She set them on the table and leaned forward, obviously very interested in what the charming man had to offer. Carter sized her up. Her beauty was unmatched, but the cunning look in her eyes told Carter that she was ruthless. She carried herself like a boss, and her power was evident at first glance.

“My organization is a society that works together to achieve a common goal. We have seen others do this on a massive scale and control the country … the world, even. It's time to tip the scales and restore the order,” he said with conviction. He placed both of his hands behind his back and slowly began to circle the table.

“My organization has created a drug that provides the high of cocaine and yet when the drug fades, it gives the euphoria of heroin. It is taken orally and, get this … it's not a health risk. There is no downside to the drug. It doesn't affect your health, organs, or burn cells in the brain. It is a drug that gives you the high that so many desire without consequence. It also gives you the libido and desire of a twenty-one-year-old spring break student—all in one pill. Of course, we could take this public, but once the USDA gets ahold of it, the generic knockoffs will be on the streets in literally weeks. This will crumble our market and destroy our purpose. There is an exotic plant in India called the ‘rebe' flower. This particular flower is the only strand in the world … and we are the only ones who have access to it,” the slim man said just as he stopped at the opposite end of the table.

“I want to take the time to introduce everyone here. To my left is Baron Montgomery. We've been looking for him for months now. He was one of the biggest drug distributors in the Midwest and is known for his business savvy.

“To the right of him is Carter Jones, head of The Cartel of Miami. Son of the late Carter Diamond. He is young, aggressive, and has the leadership qualities that the youth flock to.

“Next we have the one and only Anari Simpson. I have to be honest with you, I am impressed. She single-handedly entered the ranks of the elite and is believed to be worth over a billion dollars … and her empire was built on dirty money.”

“You better believe it,” Anari confirmed as she looked down at her manicured French tips cockily. The whole room burst into laughter and lightened up.

“I told you she's a keeper,” the slim man said while smiling and giving her a wink.

“Next we have the Dahlia. Our African connect, and our way to the five families in Africa. We want to use your connections to expand to your homeland.”

Dahlia rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, not sold on the idea. “What can you do for me? Why do I need to help you? I'm doing just fine on my own. I have the African mob behind me. I am above this,” Dahlia said, letting her greed and power trip take over.

“Like I said before, this is optional and we are not begging you to be a part of this thing of ours. It was just an invitation,” the slim man said calmly. “With all due respect, of course,” he added, not wanting to offend anyone.

“I'll pass. With respect, of course,” Dahlia said sarcastically as she slowly stood up.

“Well, thank you for your time, Dahlia. Sorry to have inconvenienced you with the sudden abduction. I wish you nothing but the best. The door is just to your rear,” he said as he politely waved his hand toward the exit door.

Everyone watched as Dahlia made her exit.

“Well, now that we have handled that, shall I continue?” the man asked. After getting a head nod from the group, he proceeded.

“Everyone, meet Millie,” he said as he pointed to one of the two ladies in the room. “We have been watching her for years. Her game is heroin, and she has established a great track record in moving street product. We need that. We want to put this drug in the high society of America, but also on the street level.

“Last but not least, we have Brick. He has a following like no other. He has the manpower to help distribute,” the man said as he looked over at the well-built man who remained quiet and observant. He had a real intense look, and his stature and strong facial features made him intimidating. “He owns the streets and has the muscle to handle whatever needs to be handled if a problem arises. His connections with the GDs and bloods will be instrumental. We need his followers to follow us. With that, we will be strong and have a street presence.”

The room was quiet, and everyone looked at one another, trying to feel one another out. They all had one thing in common: They knew the game. They couldn't believe what was happening, but they all wanted in. One by one, each of them began smiling and slowly nodding in agreement.

Carter cleared his throat and spoke up. This sounded like the opportunity of a lifetime, but he had situations back in Miami that couldn't be put on hold. “I can't commit to this at the moment. Sounds good, but I have some loose ends to tie back home.” He was vague, but the man looked at him knowingly.

“I'm aware of your conflicts, Carter. If you are a part of this movement, once we are done, I will make those problems you're having in Miami disappear,” the man assured him.

“Just like that?” Carter asked, wondering who this man was to yield such power.

“I'm a man of my word, if nothing else,” the man answered.

Carter reluctantly nodded.

“Well, I guess there is nothing more to say. Anybody up for a trip?” the slim man asked as he rubbed his hands together while smiling.

“Absolutely,” Anari said as she looked at him with her piercing eyes. “One more thing. Where are we? It's beautiful,” she said as she looked around the gigantic room and its artwork.

“We are in Rome. This is inside the Vatican,” the man said.

“You've got to be kidding me,” she said. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. They were talking business inside one of the world's most sacred places. This institution was more powerful than all of them combined. It was eerie.

“No lie. I will let you guys catch up and mingle. I will be outside waiting. Everyone has a car waiting for him or her outside. From here, we will go to the jet strip and head out. I will explain everything you need to know on the way to India.

“White men have been doing this for years. It's our turn. We don't even have to name this thing of ours. The public has already done that for us. Welcome to the Illuminati.…”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

A
SHLEY AND
J
A
Q
UAVIS
are the
New York Times
bestselling authors of more than thirty novels. They are the youngest black writers to ever debut on the prestigious
New York Times
list. The duo is responsible for breathing life back into black fiction and was recognized by
Ebony
when they made the Power 100 list in 2012. The duo has also signed their first movie deal for their bestselling novel
The Cartel
. You can sign up for email updates
here
.

 

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