Chapter 1
Pearl Kachina Residence
East Orange, New Jersey
Sunday November 4, 2007
1:49 a.m.
Now don’t be stupid, Heidi. Drop the gun and hand me the money, and we can all go our separate ways. Don’t try to be a hero. I will make a mess outta you in this kitchen, Heidi. Trust Me!”
Heidi’s heart buckled as she stood in the middle of her mother’s kitchen, processing the violent threat. Vincent“Vegas” Galloway, clearly the most dangerous man that she had ever known, was now pointing his pistol directly at her with sadistic intentions. The cold stare of his grayish eyes momentarily froze her. Every second seemed like an hour as Heidi stiffened with fear. The scene before her was unbelievable. Just a few moments earlier, Vegas had shot and killed Rafeek, one of his partners, right in front of her. She gripped her gun tighter. The terrifying sight of Rafeek’s dead body served as a stark reminder of just how dangerous Vegas and his cousin, Shaheed were.
Heidi’s mouth opened as she quickly turned and noticed her best friend, Faith was lying unconscious on the kitchen floor. During all the commotion, she’d never noticed that Shaheed had hit Faith over the head with his gun, knocking her out cold. Now Heidi was all alone. Her heart began to race out of control as she started backing away from both men.
“I can’t give you this money,” she whispered as she gripped the leather briefcase she held with the other hand. Both her hands were shaking, but she continued to point her gun directly at Vegas.
Vegas’ face tightened in anger as he looked at his cousin, Shaheed standing on the opposite side of the kitchen. He also had a gun pointed at Heidi. There was a chilling moment of silence as Vegas turned his attention back to Heidi, sizing her up.“What did you just say?” he stuttered.
“If I give up this briefcase, you gonna kill us right here,” she continued.“I can’t give you this money.”
“I’m not gonna hurt you, Heidi,” he barked. His deep voice vibrated throughout the room.“Just put down the briefcase. Don’t do nothin’ stupid.”
“No,&rdq