I'll wait for you

Chapter 2: The Underground

Later that night, Michelle and Jasmine went to bed right after the block party was over, as they were both worn out. While, Jackie left them to hang out with his friend Slick. Slick and Jackie were very close and used to be coworkers before Jackie got laid off.

Slick pulled up to pick up Jackie so they could head out to The Hole, a nightclub/gambling spot downtown. Jackie and Slick were regulars there and good friends with the owner, Big Pooh. However, when they arrived, the place was empty.

Slick was surprised, "Mane, Jackie, ain't nobody here."

Jackie replied, "Maybe we're just early. The block party just ended, people are probably just moving slow getting out. Let's just chill in the parking lot to see if anyone shows up."

Slick agreed, "Maybe you're right, bro. I hope they do pull up, especially since I've been having a hot hand all day."

Jackie said, "We both have. I'm trying to stack up the rest of the bill money so I can keep Michelle off my back about gambling."

Slick nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you don't need another bad day. I hate to see Michelle put you out of the house."

Jackie and Slick sat in the parking lot for 30 minutes, but still, nobody showed up.

Slick said, "Bro, I don't think anybody is going to show up. People would be pulling up by now if they were coming."

Jackie was disappointed, "Dang, bro, I think you're right. I haven't seen The Hole empty like this in a long time."

Slick suggested, "I guess I'll just finish my liquor, and we can just head home. You want some?"

Jackie declined, "Naw, bro, I don't want none of that cheap liquor you got."

Slick tried to conceal the seven-dollar label on his drink when he told his friend, Jackie, that it was a special imported liquor from France. Jackie found it amusing and laughed uncontrollably until tears rolled down his face. Slick finished his drink and started the car. As they were about to leave, they spotted Big Pooh, the owner of The Hole, walking out of the club.

Slick called out to him, "Hey Big Pooh, what's the plan for tonight?"

Pooh replied, "Man, no one showed up here, but I heard The Underground is packed and there's a lot of money flowing through there. That's where I'm headed now. You guys can come with me if you want to."

Jackie was intrigued by the idea of going to The Underground when he heard that a lot of money was circulating there. He asked, "What is The Underground?"

Big Pooh explained, "It is a private establishment, and you need an invitation to get in. I know the owner very well, and you guys are cool, so you can come with me. My brother called and said it's popping there tonight."

Slick grinned at Jackie, and they both agreed to give it a try. They got into Big Pooh's car and headed towards The Underground.

The Underground was not too far from Big Pooh's club. Upon arrival, Slick appeared confused and unsure if this was the correct place.

He asked, "Is this the club? This looks like a 24-hour shopping store."

Big Pooh clarified that it was indeed the location but explained that the store was a cover-up. He parked his car near the employee entrance, and they followed him around to the back of the store.

However, before they could reach the door, Slick pulled Jackie aside and expressed his discomfort about the place, "Man, I have a weird feeling about this place."

Jackie tried to reassure him, "Bro, calm down. I think that cheap liquor you were drinking is kicking in."

Slick checked his breath and asked, "Can you smell it on me?"