Undercover

34.

Maya's P.O.V.

"What's going on? Who is this Maya?"

I sighed and turned to my mother as she stood behind me with an umbrella in her hand ready to strike.

"Mom it's okay, I know him." She put the umbrella down and stood up straight, still looking defensive.

"I'll be in the back." Mom narrowed her eyes at the guy and walked into my room.

I sighed and looked at the tall figure in front of me.

"Hey, you just can't be popping up at my place unannounced my guy."

"My fault. Kind of urgent."

"You good. Maya." I held my hand out for him to shake.

Instead, he walked past me and sat down on my couch, rubbing his beard.

"Look I'm trying to be respectful to your family but I'm at my wit's end and my patience is running thin."

"Yo my mama just went to the room, I'm not putting her outside."

"Nah nigga I'm not talking bout ya mama, I'm talking about Tesoro grimy ass."

I nodded. "Oh."

"I don't know if you remember who your cousin is or what he's capable of, but he's capable of a lot more than you think. You betrayed him and he's not going to stop until you're in a body bag."

"I was just trying to help Dinah. I never meant for it to go this far-"

"I don't care about the details Maya. Honestly I don't. I came to thank you for helping when I couldn't. Per her request I'll have my guys come through routinely to check on y'all."

"Thanks?"

"But not for long." I frowned.

"Oh. How long?"

He stood up and pulled a glock from the back of his pants. "I want you out of this city before Friday. Got me?"

"Yo wait, Friday? I had enough to come to the city and figure out a way back but I ain't got cash just lying around. I'm gonna need some time."

He reached into his hoodie pocket and pulled out a large stack of hundred-dollar bills wrapped in rubber bands.

"This enough?" I nodded. "Good, Friday. If you're still here, I won't be able to keep you safe."

"Why are you helping me?"

He sighed, rubbing his temple. "My sister likes you. She said you good people so, I'm doing what I can to help you. Consider this a mutual interest of ours."

"Well, thank you."

He started walking to the door. "No problem, but there's one more thing I need you to do for me."

"Shoot," I said.

"Take Dinah with you. She can't be in New York."

"What?!?"

"Problem?" He raised his eyebrows.

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"Easy. Take her with you, I'll send for her later. Just keep her safe and we won't have no problems."

I rubbed my forehead and nodded. "Okay. I got it."

"Thanks. Oh and that little condo you're trying to get in Jersey, don't. Go home. I got people waiting on call to keep y'all protected."

"Fine. Thanks again Mateo."

He nodded and handed me the gun that was still in his hand. "Just in case."