In Too Deep Read online

  IN TO DEEP

  A Novel By,

  YVONNE BENNETT

  ©2019 Published by After Hours Publications, Inc. www.afterhourspublications.com

  All rights reserved.

  Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage without express permission by the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Contains explicit language & adult themes suitable for ages 17+

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  CHAPTER ONE

  Bobbie Smith pranced around her kitchen as Jodeci's 'Freek 'N You’ played through her phone. With each shimmy she did in front of the stove, the long, red, halter top lace dress she wore accented her size 12 frame. Cutting the stove on low, she removed the top from over the mashed potatoes and stirred them. Placing the top back down, she went to check on the green beans and steak. Seeing that everything was done, Bobbie cut the oven and stove on low then went into the dining area and made her way over to the table. Reaching out, she began unboxing the hummingbird cake she bought from the bakery earlier today. Her boyfriend, Freddie Rockwell, loved hummingbird cake to death, so Bobbie thought what better way to celebrate their first anniversary as boyfriend and girlfriend than to get his favorite cake. Sitting the cake in the middle of the table, Bobbie ran her left hand over her slicked-back low bun.

  Stepping into the living room, Bobbie went to the wall mirror across from the TV and glanced at herself. Her eye and face makeup was nude, but her lipstick was fire engine red. Mini pearls dangled from her ears and a strand ran across her neck in adornment. Bobbie took a deep breath at her reflection, nerves attacking her stomach restlessly. This hot Mamacita look wasn't Bobbie's style, but she wanted to surprise Freddie for their anniversary and do something different. Turning, Bobbie went back into the kitchen and checked the time on her phone. 8:30pm. Going to her text messages, she texted Freddie, then sat the phone down. Pivoting, she stepped over to the food and made sure everything was still simmering. Bobbie picked her phone up and paused her music, then checked her messages. She sighed when she didn't see a reply back from Freddie yet. Going to her contacts, she clicked on Freddie's name and brought the phone to her ear.

  The phone rang...and rang….and rang. Snatching the phone down, Bobbie ended the call and threw her phone onto the countertop in frustration. She had told Freddie to be home by 8:30 tonight, so they could have a nice dinner by themselves and talk. Ever since Bobbie got her new job as an interior designer downtown, she and Freddie hadn't been spending as much time together as Bobbie would like. When Freddie was coming home from working as manager for his brother's club, it'd be 7 in the morning. Bobbie would wake up and cook breakfast for her and Freddie and then they'd talk all morning and then take a nap before Freddie had to be back at the club by 6pm. Now that she worked mornings and Freddie still worked nights, they hardly ran into each other at the house. But since it was their anniversary, Bobbie had got off early today in order to prepare dinner. She had even gotten Freddie a nice watch from the mall. She wanted tonight to be perfect. Bobbie picked up her phone again, and her message inbox was still bare. Rechecking the time, she saw it was 9:15.

  Huffing, Bobbie went into the living room and sat down. Grabbing the remote, she cut the TV on Turner Classic Movies. ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh was on. Getting comfortable, Bobbie laid her head down on the arm of the sofa and stretched out. As she watched TV, her eyes grew droopy, and her breath started to even out. Before Bobbie knew it, she was fast asleep.

  ****

  Loud banging caused Bobbie to jump out of her sleep. Looking around in confusion, she scanned the house for an inkling of where the treacherous knocking was coming from. The banging sounded again, and Bobbie shot up from the couch and walked over to the front door. Pulling the curtains over the door back a little, Bobbie noticed Agostino Carmine and his men standing outside. Dropping the curtain, Bobbie pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned in angry frustration. Was Freddie serious right now?! Not only was he late, but his drug handler was here now, too! Undoing the lock, Bobbie opened the door and stepped back so the men could enter. The five, dark dressed Columbian men walked into the house and went straight toward the living area. Closing the front door, Bobbie locked it, then turned and weaved through the living room, toward the kitchen, on her bare feet. Making it to her phone, she quickly texted Freddie, then went about pulling out a serving tray and five glasses.

  Grabbing the homemade lemonade from the fridge, Bobbie filled the glasses, then went back out into the living area. She placed the tray of drinks down without even looking at the men. Whenever Carmine and his men made special guest appearances at Bobbie and Freddie's home, Bobbie just served them drinks and kept it moving, especially when Freddie wasn't there. This was Freddie's connect, and Bobbie made sure to mind her business as long as it didn't get Freddie physically hurt or put in handcuffs. Plus, the fact that Agostino Carmine was the literal and physical form of death helped Bobbie steer clear of him. Everyone in Miami knew about Agostino and his ‘methods’ of neutralizing threats and snitches that got in his way. Plus, he even had some of Miami PD's finest on his payroll. Agostino was not to be played with, and Bobbie knew to stay away from him with board game shenanigans and just mind her business.

  The first time Bobbie laid eyes on Agostino Carmine, she knew he was a devil wrapped in Armani. He was tall, tan, dark-haired, and had piercing green eyes. His jaw and cheekbones were chiseled and defined. A long scar sat below his right eye, giving him an air of danger. Bobbie's phone chimed, and she turned quickly and stepped back into the kitchen and grabbed it.

  'I’ll be there in five.’, Freddie had texted back. Bobbie stared at the text in bewilderment, then anger.

  She had been texting him all day about tonight and not once did he answer, but when she texted him to inform him his drug dealer was here, his phone had magically seemed to get that text. Inhaling deeply, Bobbie closed her eyes and prayed for the strength to not call Freddie and curse him the hell out. He was really playing with her and her feelings right now, and it wasn't going to be nothin’ nice when they came face to face. Going back to the entrance in the living room, Bobbie relayed Freddie's message.

  “Freddie will be here in five minutes.” She said tiredly, eyes stuck on the still filled cups of lemonade on the table.

  Her eyes drifted up, and Bobbie noticed Agostino staring at her intensely. Her chest jumped, and she whirled around quickly and made her way to the dining room. Sitting down, she sighed as she folded her arms and rested her head on them. The custom stainless steel rose clock Freddie had made for her birthday last year ticked as Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant flirted as ‘Gigi’ played on the living room television. The sound of Freddie's mustang vibrated throughout the kitchen and Bobbie sighed in relief. She hated being alone with Carmine and his men. It scared her to death, especially with the way he looked at her tonight. The front door opened and Freddie stepped in carrying roses and a small gift bag, with his signature black duffle bag thrown over his left shoulder.

  His eyes landed on Bobbie, sitting in the dining room, and he smiled. Walking into the living room, he sat his duffle down and made his way toward the dining area and bent down to kiss Bobbie. She jerked away from him and flexed her jaw.

  “Bobbie, baby I'm so sorry. I promise to make thi
s up to you. I know how important this is to you tonight.” Freddie whispered apologetically as he sat the roses and gift down next to Bobbie.

  Turning, Freddie went back to the living room to get down to business. Leaning over the table, Freddie opened his duffle bag, and money started to flow out.

  “The Columbian batch sold easily. Even my boys in Echo Brickell called to buy some, and they knocked off the last three kilos just yesterday. This is 20 thousand, plus an extra two.” Freddie detailed as he took stacks of money out his duffle bag.

  “How did you get an extra two thousand, Fredrick? Have you been stretching my shit?” Agostino's deadly voice asked in intrigue.

  Bobbie clenched her teeth together as she listened to Freddie deny the claim vehemently, her heartbreaking. She had cooked, got all dressed up and did her makeup and her hair, only to sit at her dining room table and hold back tears as her boyfriend counted dirty money in front of his drug lord. Fingering the roses in front of her, Bobbie tuned out the conversation that was happening in the living room and thought about just ending it with Freddie.

  They had been together for a year but had just started living together five months ago. She had only found out three months ago that Freddie dealt in cocaine when Agostino Carmine paid them a surprise visit. Bobbie had just gotten home and had her arms filled with color swatches, pictures, and drawings as she tried to unlock her door. A sleek black Benz pulled into the driveway and out stepped five men dressed in all black. Bobbie was so stunned and scared, all the items in her hands fell onto the concrete ground below. When she bent down to pick everything up, the most deepest, menacingly smooth voice she had ever heard graced her ears.

  “Where's Fredrick?” The voice questioned, making Bobbie still.

  Looking up, Bobbie stared into Agostino Carmine's eyes for the first time. They were intense and peered through her soul. That's when she knew Freddie didn't just work as a nightclub manager. He partook in some extracurricular activities that he didn't even think to tell her about during the beginning of their relationship.

  Huffing gently, Bobbie pulled her hand back from the roses and stood. Walking out of the kitchen, she passed Freddie and Agostino and went up the stairs.

  “We'll talk later, baby. Okay?” Freddie called after her.

  “Oh fuck you, Freddie!” Bobbie whispered angrily as she turned down the second-floor hall and made it to her bedroom.

  Going over to the bed, she sat down and crossed her arms. Her foot bounced up and down as she fumed, not believing Freddie had the nerve. Bobbie was so upset. She didn't want this life for her and Freddie anymore. She wanted him to strictly commit to the nightclub while she did her thing at her new interior design job. The more Freddie continued dealing in drugs, the more Bobbie grew scared for him. Just last month, Freddie had gotten jumped and robbed, and Agostino had been up Freddie's ass ever since. The only reason Freddie had an extra two thousand was because he was trying to easily remove Agostino's size 13 croc skin loafers out of his colon. Bobbie wasn't stupid, she knew the deal. She laid back against the headboard and relaxed, staring at the open bedroom door. About twenty minutes later, the front door closed, then she heard the sound of pots.

  Freddie's exhausted image appeared a few seconds later, and Bobbie looked away from him.

  “Bobbie, baby, please forgive me. I had so much going on at the club tonight I forgot about tonight. You have to believe me.” Freddie came to stand by her and lifted her chin.

  “You could have called and told me you would be late, Freddie. I called and texted you a hundred times and not once did you answer one call or text, but when I text you about Carmine, you suddenly have strength in your fingertips to reply back?! Can I at least get the same respect you show Carmine? Hell, can I get the same fear you show him? You knew how much I was counting on tonight, but instead of you as my date, I got the television. I'm hurt, Freddie.” Bobbie expressed, tears building in her eyes.

  “Bobb-.” Freddie started, but Bobbie stopped him.

  “No, Freddie, I don't want to hear it! I don't think I can be in a relationship with you if you're going to continue to sell coke and put me on the back burner.” Bobbie spoke candidly as she peered into Freddie's hazel eyes.

  His handsome features were furrowed and frowned up, while his honey-colored skin appeared to be pale.

  “Bobbie, listen… The reason I've been so busy is because I'm trying to wrap all my loose ends up.” Freddie replied as he sat down on the bed next to her.

  “What?” Bobbie inquired in confusion as she leaned her head to the side.

  “I...I'm going to stop slanging, Bobbie,” Freddie answered, staring straight ahead.

  “Really, Freddie?” Bobbie whispered as she stood quickly.

  “Yeah, man… Pedro got busted yesterday, and he keeps his shit on lock. If Pedro can get busted, then I know they can come for me at any time, especially with the kind of weight I be moving. Once I finish paying Carmine back for that shit that happened last month, I'm done, Bobbie. I swear.” Freddie sighed, and Bobbie got down on her knees in front of him.

  “I'm so proud of you, baby.” Bobbie grabbed Freddie's face gently and kissed him deeply.

  Pulling back, Freddie ran his hand down Bobbie's cheek. “Plus, I don't need my wife involved in any of this drug shit, what kind of husband would I be?” Freddie teased, and Bobbie pushed him softly.

  Bobbie stood and was about to turn around when Freddie stopped her.

  “Bobbie…” he whispered as he pulled a small ring box from his pocket.

  Bobbie froze, her heart beating a mile a minute.

  “I was going to do this next week, but since I fucked up and I want you to see that I'm serious about us, why not do it now? Bobbie Smith, will you marry me? I know I'm not perfect, but every day when I wake up next to you, I feel like it. I feel like I can do anything because you're right by my side, pushing me on.” Freddie proposed, and Bobbie frowned.

  “How can you be so sure about everything, Freddie? Is your heart truly in it to stop, or are you just doing this to please me?” Bobbie questioned as she turned away.

  “Both Bobbie. I want to stop, plus knowing how much you hate me selling, it only seems right to let this shit just die. I mean, I got enough money saved and weekends down at the club always leaves me walking away with fat pockets, so it's not like we need extra money. I don't need the extra money. All I want is you, Bobbie, and maybe some mini Freddies in the long run. I don't need this life anymore, I just need you.” Freddie confessed and pulled Bobbie into his lap as he opened the ring box.

  “So watcha say, boo?” Freddie licked his lips and motioned to the princess cut diamond ring in his hand. Bobbie gazed into his eyes lovingly and leaned forward, placing a soft, passionate kiss on his lips.

  “Of course, Freddie.” She whispered as she nodded rapidly. Freddie grabbed her hand and slid the ring on. Bobbie burst into tears, and Freddie held her tight. She was so happy, but in the back of her mind, she couldn't stop worrying.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Bobby sat in the living room with her vision board and numerous pictures of furniture, color and texture swatches, and her tablet and sketch pad as she worked on creating a room for her current client. Aretha Franklin's rendition of 'I Say A Little Prayer For You’ floated from her phone as she worked. The haughty, 58-year-old socialite Bobbie was working for wanted her living room to look as if it was apart of Buckingham Palace. With the budget she had gifted Bobbie, the old woman would be lucky to get Nottingham Palace. Looking at the sketch she created last night, she began adding colors mentally until the theme for the room hit her. 'A sunny day in London.’, Bobbie smiled at the title. Bobbie began shading in her sketch with yellow, white, and gold. It took about an hour and a half to finish, and Bobbie was satisfied. Taking a picture of the sketch, Bobbie saved it to her Google drive, then scanned it onto her design app.

  Once the image was saved to her design app, Bobbie began editing the image, bringing it from boring 2D to a vibra
nt, realistic 3D design. After she was done, she began looking for decor that matched or were similar to what she had envisioned. After all her pieces were picked out, she sent the photos to her living room printer, then her tablet. Bobbie got up and went over to the printer and grabbed her copies. Stepping back over to her work area, she began cutting the furniture out and tapping them to her board. Completing her vision, she started going over textures and tiles. The afternoon bled on into the evening, and Bobbie decided to take a break and make dinner.

  Walking to the kitchen, she flicked the lights on and started the stove. Bending down, she rummaged through the bottom cabinets as she looked for pots. Grabbing a small, round pot and two skillets, she straightened up and sat the items down on the counter. Going over to the fridge, she pulled out a pack of sealed and sliced chicken breasts. Bobbie set the chicken down next to the pots then opened her higher cabinets to pull down a bag of rice and two cans of green beans. Now that all her items had been acquired, Bobbie washed her hands then started cooking. As the food cooked on medium, Bobbie went back to work.

  She cut on a little music as the food cooked and continued to design, contentment filling her. Dionne Warwick's 'Anyone Who Had A Heart’ floated around the house and Bobbie smiled. A loud knock interrupted her, and she furrowed a brow before rolling her eyes. Huffing, she sat her photos down then went toward the front door. Throwing the lock, Bobbie jerked the door open and stepped back as Carmine and his men flooded her house. She closed the door and leaned against it to get her nerves together. Once she was calm, Bobbie went about grabbing cups, a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade, and a carrying tray.