The Hill (Ch 21)

Reginald left the studio feeling pretty good about himself. While he had physically stood up to Spit Fye at Club Sol, everything else he had done was indirect. This time, he said what he had to say and held his own. He believed he had the upper hand for the first time.

As he arrived at his apartment, he saw several of the same federal agents that were at the police station were all over his building. He expected that though, considering Duane owned the building.

"Morgan, if you've got something to hide in your little shit hole, we'll find it," said Sonny as he walked up from behind Reginald's car. Reginald turned and cracked a slight smile. "There's nothing to find in my apartment," he said. Reginald started up the stoop and into the building. "That's what they all say," said Sonny as he watched Reginald walk into the building.

As Reginald reached his apartment, he saw agents were looking all over. One of them handed him a search warrant. He watched them calmly as he sat on the couch. Reginald wasn't happy with the situation, but he also knew that making a scene wouldn't help. That's exactly what Sonny wanted him to do. It would also give more ammunition to Spit Fye.

After a few minutes, his cell phone rang. It was Farley. "Reggie, you okay man," he asked. "Yeah, I'm good," he replied. "I heard they were search all of Duane's properties, every single apartment in every building. All his trucks, his vehicles, his townhouses; they are on his ass," said Farley. "I hope that you're clean," he continued. "Man, I've always been clean," said Reginald. "There's nothing to find, not even a half burned joint," he said. "That's good, Reg. Listen, I wanted to talk to you about something else too," said Farley. "Okay, that's cool. Where you wanna meet," asked Reginald. "Just come over to my place," said Farley. "I'll be there in a minute," said Reginald as he got up off the couch.

As he walked to the door, Sonny met him there. "Where do you think you're going," he asked. "I've got a meeting. Just lock up when you're finished," Reginald said as he walked out.

Reginald quickly arrived at Farley's apartment. He noticed that Tommy and Vance were home as well.

"Crew," yelled Reginald as he walked in. "What up bro," Tommy said as he greeted Reginald. "Good to see you man," said Farley. "Nigga," yelled Vance. Reginald sat down after he greeted his friends. They seemed unusually subdued.

"So what's going on fellas," asked Reginald. "Reggie, you know that all of Duane's assets are frozen," said Tommy. "That includes The Hill," said Vance. "That means we gotta find somewhere else to work," said Tommy. "Yeah, we can't wait for all this shit to get straightened out in court," said Farley. Reginald sat back in his seat. "I see," said Reginald. "What can I do for you guys," he asked. "A couple months rent would be nice," laughed Vance. "I'll do anything for you guys, a couple of months rent would be no problem," Reginald said, as the thoughts raced through his head. "But I can do you one better," Reginald said behind a smile. "I'll get you jobs in my road crew," said Reginald. "Initially, you won't be my band, but as you improve, I'll get Image to hire you as my permanent band," he said. "In the meantime, while the pay isn't that great as a roadie, I'll pay your rent," he said.

"Word," said Vance as he smiled. "You don't have to go that far Reg," said Farley. "We are family and we don't want to take advantage of you," he said. Reginald stood up. "I wouldn't be where I am without you guys, and even Duane," he said. "I owe you guys so much, and I thank you all for being my boys from day one," he said. A tear streamed down Tommy's cheek. "Reg, thank you," said Tommy. The four stood up and embraced. "Hey man, I love you guys. No thanks necessary," Reginald said. He felt his phone vibrating on his hip, but he ignored it. It was a special moment for him and his close friends.

Farley went to the kitchen and came back with four beers. "A toast to good friends," he said. They all clanked the tops of their bottles together and took their first drinks of the beverage. Reginald discussed a few details of the positions with them as they enjoyed their drinks.

After a while, Reginald decided to check his phone. He had two new voice messages. One from an unknown number and one from the Image office.

The unknown number was Duane.

"Reggie, I need you to handle some affairs for me. Can you come down and holla at me tomorrow. I'd rather talk to you about it in person," said Duane. "They are transferring me out to a federal facility in a couple days," he said. "Get at me," he said as the message ended.

The phone beeped and the second message came on.

"Reggie, this is the event secretary here at Image, Darlene McKay. You've been booked to a promotional concert in two weeks, it's a tribute to Big Mic. The proceeds are being donated to his foundation. Please get into contact with us as soon as possible so we can iron out the details with you. Thanks," said Darlene as the phone beeped.

Reginald decided to call Yvonne. He hadn't talked with her that day and he wanted to tell her about the concert for Mike. The phone rang four times and went to voicemail.

"Hey baby, it's me, Reggie. I don't know if you know about this, but there's going to be a benefit concert for Mike's foundation. Image is putting on the concert. I figure they'll probably want you involved, but they'll contact you. I hope you had a smooth trip home and a good day today. I love you," said Reginald as he hung up.

"Guys, it's time for me to head home," Reginald said. "I gotta handle some business tomorrow at the office and go talk with Duane," he continued. "Tell Duane that he's in our prayers man," said Farley. "Yeah, go do your thing, and don't forget our jobs," Vance said. "Later homes," said Tommy. "I'm out guys," said Reginald as he walked out the door.

"I wonder what Duane needs," Reginald thought as he got in his car and headed home.

When he got home, his door was still partially opened. The agents were long gone and his things were scattered all over the place. He just shook his head. "Damn," he thought as he shut the door and locked it behind him. He put the pillows back on his couch and laid down. He slowly fell asleep.

When he awakened, it was just before 9 o'clock. He stretched, yawned and got up to get ready for his day. "Gotta get outta here and talk with Duane," said Reginald. He quickly got cleaned up and ran out the door.

As he arrived at the city lockup. There weren't nearly as many agents there and Sonny was nowhere to be found. He walked up to the desk. "I need to see Duane Clemons please," said Reginald. "Have a seat, we'll get him out here," said the attendant.

After a few moments, Duane was being escorted to an interview room. He made eye contact with Reginald just before he was lead inside. "You've got five minutes," said the escort.

Reginald walked in and sat down. "I just got a few minutes, so let me make this short and sweet. They are sending me away tomorrow. I get no bail, period. Gerald's going away too, for conspiracy," said Duane. "I haven't seen Hank anywhere. I think he may have turned on me to get a deal," said Duane. Duane scoots a little closer and begins to whisper,"They don't know where Earl is, but I do. Call 555-8989 and tell him where to meet you. Tell him I said, 'Bring the asset.' He'll know what I'm talking about. Also tell him to take out the trash. You take half and put it away for me, and tell him to take the other half. You got it," said Duane.

Reginald was still trying to catch up. "Call the number, get the asset from Earl and tell him to take out the trash and split the asset fifty-fifty," Reginald repeated softly. "Exactly. Look Reggie, I love you man. I had pretty much made up my mind that I was going to get out of this shit, but you can't always get out when you're this deep. Just know that your boy heard you loud and clear. And since I'm going to pay for my sins, I'm going out with a bang," said Duane as the agent walked in. "Time's up," he said. "Let's go Clemons," said the agent. Reginald watched sadly as they lead Duane out of the room in shackles.

As Reginald left the building, he found himself crying uncontrollably, but he composed himself as he got into his car. Knowing Duane's business, as shady as it was, he knew he had to make that call on a pay phone somewhere. He drove several blocks from the lock up and made the call.

"Yes," said Earl on the other end. "Earl, this is Reggie. Duane wants you to meet me. Meet me at the diner at the corner of 5th and Stanley. Duane said bring the asset," said Reginald. "Done," he said as he hung up the phone. Reginald hung up the phone and hurried over to the diner. Earl was already waiting on him.

Earl wasn't even slightly disguised. He sat in the booth in the back corner. When Reginald came in, Earl greeted him with a fist pound. "The asset is under the table," said Earl. "What exactly is the asset," asked Reginald. "Duane had me to hide ten million dollars for him for an emergency. This is an emergency. He trusted only three people in the world with this money. Gerald, myself, and you. Because I'm on the run too, he wants to pass it to you to hold for him until he gets out, if he gets out. If he doesn't get out, it's yours," said Earl.

Reginald looked down at the floor and saw the large blue duffel bag. "This might be your lucky day then, Earl," said Reginald. "He told me that you need to take out the trash and that half of the asset was yours. He told me to hold the other part for him until he gets out," said Reginald.

Earl didn't even smile at the thought of five million dollars. Reginald got an uneasy feeling. "What's the trash," asked Reginald quietly. "Need to know basis," said Earl. "And it's better that you don't know," he said.

To Be Continued...