Read Online The Last Kings by C.N. Phillips - Free Book Online Page A

hustlers he’d grown accustomed to seeing in Detroit. The majority of them weren’t about business, just quick cash, but with the information he’d dug up about Ray, he knew he would be the perfect attribute to his cartel. Vinny needed to expand his work. He didn’t want to control any territory, he just wanted to get off his product. He was looking to be the supplier; however, he needed someone trustworthy and business savvy enough to supply to. At first he’d heard about a man named Coopa, but after scoping him out for a few days, he saw how sloppy he handled his work. Doing business with a man like him would be too much of a liability. Vinny needed someone he could depend on. Not someone who would end him up in federal prison.
    After testing Coopa’s product, Vinny knew for a fact that the hunger in Detroit was real because nobody wanted to deal with a plug who couldn’t even deliver. Vinny heard about Ray through the grapevine and was pleased with what he’d seen. He had one of his men contact him and ready a meeting as soon as possible. The streets of Detroit were getting hungry, and Vinny had what their appetite craved.
    â€œGentlemen,” Ray broke the silence nodding his head at the occupants of the Mercedes, and they returned the gesture.
    â€œI believe we met indirectly before,” Vinny said, holding his hand out from the far side of the backseat where he and Ray sat. “I am Vinny, and that’s Eduardo,” he nodded to the heavyset, slick-haired driver. “And that man right there is Stanley.”
    Stanley nodded at them from the passenger seat. His sleek black hair was combed up into a Mohawk, making his beaklike nose even more distinguishable. Stanley gave Ray the eye, and Ray stared back wondering why the muhfucka was staring at him. Stanley then nodded his approval to Vinny, who smiled wide. Vinny was a middle-aged man. He’d come from a wealthy family of mobsters, so he knew no other life than the dirty one he lived.
    â€œThis, my friends,” Vinny pointed at Ray, “is the future! Ray, you’re not new to this, so let us get straight into business.”
    â€œI couldn’t have said it any better myself,” Ray said cockily and got comfortable in his heated leather seat waiting for Vinny to continue.
    â€œAs I’m sure you know, Coopa has some very unhappy customers. He doesn’t have what the streets are looking for, and pretty soon, he’s going to pay for it. Probably with his life or his dick; one of the two.” Vinny’s accent was laying on thick with every word spoken. “The city needs some new work . . . and a new leader. Someone willing to get their hands dirty.”
    â€œSo what are you proposing, Vinny?” Ray asked, cutting to the chase. “You got some work for me?”
    Vinny chuckled at Ray’s boldness, but little did he know Ray was just as deadly as him.
    â€œYou know how this shit works. To rule, you need a connect. I got what you’re looking for,” he told Ray, staring seriously into his eyes. “I’m not going to lie. I’ve been watching your every move for a few days now, and I like you, kid. You’re smooth; the little operation you have going on is nice. I just don’t know yet if I can trust you.”
    Ray nodded, agreeing with what he said. He didn’t trust them either. He’d heard crazy things about the Italian cartel. They were up there with the Dominicans—definitely not anyone to be on any beef level with.
    â€œHowever, I feel that you’re the man who can get the job done. What I’m saying, Ray, is I need you,” Vinny said. “None of that homo shit. This is strictly business. I need my work in Detroit, and I need you to push it.”
    Damn, these muhfuckas been following me? Ray thought to himself making a mental note to double security.
    Ray sat taking everything Vinny was saying in, not trying to look too eager.