Hurricane

Hurricane

A Novel By

Diamond Cartel

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Any characters, incidents, situations, or the like are not real nor are they based on actual events. Similarities to individuals, living or deceased, are purely coincidental and not deliberately intentional.

Hurricane © 2009 by Diamond Cartel. All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be copied, duplicated, reprinted, or reproduced in any form (print, digital, verbal, or otherwise) under any circumstances without written consent from the author. This novel is also available in print. Please visit http://www.isyspublications.com for more information.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Hurricane Lydell Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Hurricane Robert Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Hurricane Jovan Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

About The Author

The Story Behind Hurricane

As I Die Slowly Snippet

To those that have survived,

may your heart heal.

To those that have fallen,

may your spirit forever live on.

Love does not hurt.

~ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS~

It’s been a long, hard road getting to this point in my career. I have been creating stories since the third grade, but never once did I think I would see my creations come to life. I knew I had a gift; I just didn’t know how to use it. Well, after years of soul searching, heartache, life lessons, blood, sweat and tears I finally see my gift’s purpose. There were so many that stood against me. That’s not what matters now. This section is for those that stood FOR me…even when I wasn’t for myself.

First and foremost, I must thank The Almighty God! Nothing, and I mean absolutely NOTHING, in my life would be possible without God’s grace. I am now, always have been, and always will be one of your soldiers.

To my children Kyrah and Kaysan, you two are simply THE BEST! It’s amazing how you put up with my ups and downs, busy schedules, and stressed out moments and still find ways to make me smile! I used to think writing was the best gift God could give me until you both came along. No matter what path you choose, I will always love and support you. Chase after your dreams, catch it, and never let it go!

To my baby girl D’Monica that never got to see the light of day, yet is with me every second of it. You already know what’s in my heart. I’ll leave it at that.

To the ones that created me; my parents. Thanks for putting up with my crazy goals, backwards life, and many nights of babysitting. I am forever grateful to you. Special thanks to my mom for telling me in so many words that the only person I should compare myself to is me. I didn’t get it then, but I get it now.

To my siblings that challenged me either directly or indirectly. The push helped me to excel forward. I love you all dearly…and I’m STILL the baby!

To the rest of my family; thank you simply for being you. We may not talk a lot or see each other often, but I know when push comes to shove you’ll have my back as much as I’ll have yours.

My girls! My girls! My girls! Where on Earth would I be without my aces?! My BFF Joy, we have been thick as thieves since ’95! We’ve never had a fight, argued over a man, threw blows (at each other anyway), or anything else negative. Even when we disagree, it’s always done with respect and understanding. I know when your time comes you are going to BLOW! And I’ll be there every step of the way cheering you on like you did for me.

Nikki! My roll dog! Our adventures are priceless. Even though you want me to stay in Ohio, you’ve pushed me to follow my dreams. Always know that I’ll do the same for you. I can’t wait for our next adventure.

Brandy; thanks for your friendship and prayers. I know you will be the one that keeps me grounded, and it’s so important to have friends like that. From softball, to Capital, to CallTech and beyond; we will always be friends whether near or far.

My Café mommas. Tiffany, my protégé! I’m making this path for a reason. Time to get writing, momma! Kori, the day you give up is the day you take your last breath. Until then, make it happen! Grams, your undying love and support meant a lot to me. Cassandra (Madame Mixtress), they better get ready for Bleu Kashmere and Rosalyn Scent! Ash, I know your road has been tough, but keep pressing forward. It’s always worth it in the end, even if it doesn’t seem like it now. Jenn (SoSo), Jenn (Turtle Girl!), Sheena, Cherie, Cookie (I’m destined to become a Peach!), Sheridan, Krystan, and the rest of my CM clique. Thanks to you all for your undying support for me and my first run of Hurricane.

Mi-Chelle My Belle, my extended sister from another mister. You helped me to perfect this novel thanks to you keen eye! I love you to pieces and more. Always remember that! Always!

Shanel Cooper-Sykes. I’m finally getting my ish together thanks to your guidance. You are a mentor in more ways than one and have pushed me just as much as those that have known me for years. Thank you for being such an extraordinary woman.

Isys Publications. This is the first in a series of novels to come. I believe in you, your vision, and your purpose. I promise to do everything in my power to uphold it.

Now it’s time to mention the important men in my life. Every strong black woman needs a strong black man to support her. I’m no different. As self sufficient as I claim to be, I would be nowhere without the support of these men.

I have to thank Les, my male best friend. I’ve always told you the reason why I see things clearer now is because of you. The things I’ve learned can never be replaced or forgot, just like you. I love you with all of my heart. Every one has a reason and a season. As hard as this season was, you’ve make it one of the best!

Marcus, I always said you were the calm male version of me. Even during our bouts of separation we always remained close. Thank you for being one of my biggest supporters; and for putting the fire on me when I slacked off.

Terrance, my extended brother. You were another long time supporter of my gift, and for that I am truly grateful. I know your family is very proud of you, and so is you little sis!

Cameron, my other extended brother. I know that if I ever need advice on anything I can call on you day or night. Thanks for loving, protecting, and supporting your sis…and for feeding me! LOL!

Anyone that knows me personally knows that my memory is shot! I know I’m forgetting some key people that helped to get me to this point. Please don’t take it to heart because I love and appreciate you all. Just remind me for the next novel!

Finally, I’d like to leave my own peace of advice for my children, nieces, nephews, siblings, family, friends, and readers. Your dreams are yours alone. They are a vision of what God has for you. It may seem far away, but God wants to see how bad you want it. It’s there for a reason, so go after it. Don’t wait for your dreams to come to you. Don’t let anyone steer you away from your dreams. Like I said earlier, chase it, catch it, and never let go!

Expressively yours,

~Diamond Cartel~

Hurricane Lydell

Chapter 1

It was a cold day in January. Twenty degrees Fahrenheit; and that was the day’s high. Northland Mall was jam packed with shoppers. People were wall to wall in almost every store for the post New Year’s Day sales. Among these people was Lisa Simmons.

Lisa was a petite woman. Standing at 5’4", she was a vision of pure beauty. Her long, curly auburn hair rested at her mid-back. Her body was shaped like an hourglass. Women envied her, men wanted her, and she knew this. She didn’t let it faze her though; especially not when it came to men. Lydell, her fiancé, already had her heart, and although she felt like he didn’t deserve it she couldn’t bare to be without him.

As Lisa and her best friend Robyn continued to breeze in and out of stores, she became more and more irritated by the hundreds of people lingering in the mall.

I hate shopping! Lisa said. I hate shopping after the holidays even more!

I know girl, but just think of all of the good deals we’re getting. You even got a cashmere sweater at 60% off. You can’t beat that! Robyn said.

Robyn was the complete opposite of Lisa. She was 6 foot even and very slim. Her shortly cropped hair was jet black, which complimented her mysterious jet black eyes. For being a black girl, she didn’t have much of a behind, but she was very blessed at the top so to speak. Robyn was often mistaken for a model. While she admired the compliments, she couldn’t fathom being in that industry.

Lisa and Robyn had been best friends for over twelve years and they did everything together. They talked every day, usually about men and their issues, and they would go out every other weekend. You rarely saw one without the other. Separately they were strong, educated, child-free, disease-free, financially able, self sufficient women. Together they were a force to be reckoned with.

True, but I still say this whole post-holiday sale thing is overrated. Oh, will you remind me to get my make-up from Nordstrom’s? Lisa asked.

Since when did you start wearing make-up? You have beautiful skin. What do you need make-up for? Robyn asked half jokingly.

It’s not an everyday thing. I just like to get a little extra jazzy for Dell every once in a while, that’s all. You know, role playing! Lisa said with a naughty grin.

Robyn wasn’t buying it, but she said okay. As they continued to shop they became consumed with too many bags. They decided to make a trip to the car. On their way, Lisa accidentally bumped into a woman passing her.

Excuse me, I’m so-...

Before Lisa could finish her apology, the woman snapped at her.

Watch where you’re going, bitch!

Robyn stepped up to her.

I got your bitch heifer! I suggest you watch where you’re going. She was trying to apologize, and you want to act ignorant?

The girl stepped up to Robyn, just barely reaching her shoulders. Robyn immediately dropped her bags.

Feeling froggy? Robyn said. Then leap bitch!

Just as the girl drew back her fist the mall security officers came to break up the fight. They pulled the woman away from Robyn and began to escort her out of the mall. Before she got too far away she yelled out to them.

Next time watch it Lisa!

Lisa and Robyn both looked at each other, stunned. Robyn asked if she knew who the girl was. Lisa said she didn’t know who she was or how the she knew her, so she shrugged it off. Robyn gathered her bags and they continued walking to the car.

After putting their bags up, Lisa and Robyn headed to Nordstrom’s. They decided to treat themselves to makeovers, hoping to block out what just conspired inside the mall. They experimented with new shades, colors, and even added dramatic lashes. By the end of the makeover they forgot all about the incident in the mall. They were back to laughing and joking again.

Lisa purchased her make-up and Robyn bought a few new lip liners and some lip gloss. On their way out, Lisa received a call from Lydell.

Hey baby. Lisa said, hoping this was not about to be another argument.

Where are you and why is it taking so long for you to come home? Lydell started ranting. You know I have places to go and things to do. What the fuck could you possibly be doing?

Lisa walked away from Robyn to talk to Lydell. He was yelling and screaming so loud you could hear his voice through the phone.

I’m sorry baby, but Robyn and I…

Lydell cut her off in mid-sentence.

I figured that anorexic bitch had something to do with it. Look, I don’t give a damn what you two are doing. I expect your ass here within the next thirty minutes or you will regret it.

If you have somewhere to be why don’t you just use your car? As soon as the question left her mouth Lisa regretted it.

I’ll see you when you get home.

Baby I…

Before she could finish he slammed the phone in her ear. Lisa feared the worst and told Robyn they had to go. Robyn sensed something was up.

Lisa what’s the matter with you? We were good just a second ago. Now you’re all jittery. What’s wrong?

Nothing, I just need to get home. Lydell needs to use the car. Lisa said, trying to reassure her friend that everything was okay.

Doesn’t he have a car? Robyn asked in a sarcastic tone.

Yeah, but his is acting funny and he said he had something really important to do. Lisa frantically walked out of the store towards her car.

Not working? Yeah right! Just like that broke, busted, and disgusted bastard! There is nothing wrong with his car. He’d just rather cruise around in your Mercedes truck than in his little two-seater bucket. Trifling I tell you; just trifling! Robyn exclaimed.

As they got into the car, Robyn noticed that Lisa was shaking so badly she could barely put the key in the ignition.

Baby girl what is going on? Why are you acting so nervous? Robyn asked, but Lisa just blew off her question.

Look, we just have to go okay? Lisa said.

Fine, but if something is wrong you better tell me. You know I’m going to find out one way or the other anyway. Robyn said, trying to coax Lisa into tell her what’s wrong.

I know, and we’ll talk. Lisa said. Just not right now. Later, okay? I promise.

Lisa was always good for keeping a promise, so Robyn agreed to let it go. After Lisa dropped Robyn off she jumped on the highway and floored it to get home as fast as she could. Fearing the worst, she said a prayer just before she turned onto her street.

She pulled up in the half circle driveway and parked her truck right in front of the door. Not even bothering to get her bags out of the trunk, she ran up the stairs and into the house. Lisa began yelling for Lydell.

Dell! Dell! She got no answer. Lydell I’m here. You can leave now.

Lisa still got no reply. She went all over the house searching from room to room looking for him. Finally she checked the garage. His car was gone. He already left.

That bastard! Ooh! I can’t stand his bitch ass!

Upset she had to cut her shopping date short, she went back to her truck and parked in the garage. After taking the bags out, she went in the house and locked the door behind her. As she began to head upstairs, her phone rung.

Lisa checked the caller ID. It was her friend China.

Hey C. What’s up? Lisa said, happy to hear from her friend.

Your man that’s what! China said. He’s out here in the Equinox all over some young breezy! You want me to bust that ass for you?

China was a lot like Robyn when it came to confrontation. Standing at 5’11", she was solid muscle and not one to get bad with. China was an army brat; born a twin on an American army base overseas. Her father is a retired soldier, and her mother is still active as a physician. She’s enlisted in the military herself. So needless to say she’s very tough, disciplined, and protective of her people; and Lisa was one of her best friends in the world.

What are you talking about C? Lisa said.

I’m talking about that leeching man of yours named Lydell. I just came in here to get a drink before my so-called date….

Lisa cut her off.

You are going on a date?! Miss ‘I don’t need a man; I can make it on my own’? How did that happen? Who’s the victim? Lisa asked while laughing.

Girl fuck that for a second. I’m trying to tell you something here. Your ‘baby’ is up in here drooling all over some chick. She’s not even cute! Hell, she can’t even be considered alright! They’re on the other side of the building and I can see the color of her teeth! So what are you going to do? Better yet, what do you want me to do?

Lisa tried to piece together what China was telling her.

Your cell has a camera, right?

Girl? Camera, digital recorder, Internet; you name it my phone has it. Did you forget who I am? Miss High Tech here! Hello?

Right, my bad. Get as close as you can without letting him see you. Take some pictures, and send them to my phone. Lisa said.

I got you girl, but if this bitch’s face breaks my phone somebody’s going to pay! China said, trying not to laugh.

Lisa snickered at that one. No matter what the situation was China always knew how to get a giggle out of it. Even though this wasn’t a laughing matter to Lisa, she appreciated China trying to downplay it for her.

Thanks girl! Now go get your sleuth on. I’ll drill you later about your ‘date’! Lisa said.

You know I got you. Talk to you later. China hung up, and Lisa was left to wonder.

Later on that night, Lisa got a phone call from Lydell.

Hello? Lisa said half-heartedly.

I won’t be back tonight. I’m going to chill at my spot so don’t wait up. Lydell said.

Lisa sensed a conspiracy, so she decided to test Lydell.

How about I come over and chill with you?

Did I ask you to come over? Lydell said.

No but….. Lisa got cut off.

But nothing. If I want you to come over then I’ll ask you. Besides, I’m still pissed off at you for leaving me earlier today. You knew I had shit to do but you decided that you’d rather go off tricking with your bitch ass friend. I mean what the fuck Lisa?

Lisa tried to explain what happened.

I didn’t mean to be gone for so long. It’s just that the stores were so crowded; it took forever to get any help. I had trouble finding things that I was looking for. I just had so much to get and it was a mess in that mall. I’m sorry, baby. I got back as fast as I could, but by the time I got here you were already gone. Lisa hoped it would be a good explanation, but deep down inside she knew it wouldn’t matter.

What the fuck ever bitch. Wasn’t no store that damn busy that it took you four hours to get your shit! You were out hoeing with that trick friend of yours, weren’t you? Sucking every dick that was put in your face, huh? That’s where all of this extra money is coming from isn’t it? Answer me! Lydell screamed at Lisa, impatiently waiting for an answer.

No! Lisa said whimpering It’s not like that I swear! Why don’t you believe me?

Stop crying bitch. You did this to yourself. Just wait ‘til I see you. Lydell threatened. You think you got something to cry about now, you won’t be able to stop crying when I’m done with you!

Baby don’t…. Lisa began to beg, but Lydell hung up on her.

Feeling panicked, Lisa went all around her house locking all of the windows and doors. She set her security alarm and ran to her room, locking the door behind her. Lisa moved slowly to her bed, wondering what Lydell would do to her this time. She sat on the edge, rubbing the bruise on her shoulder from when he manhandled her a few days ago because his dinner wasn’t ready. She looked in the mirror on the dresser. Staring at her face, uncovered from make-up, she softly touched the black eye that was no longer puffy, but still lightly bruised. She got that for looking at one of his friends too long.

Lisa just sat there, looking past her face, past the marks, trying to see her soul. She couldn’t figure out how someone so loving could end up with someone so hateful. Thinking to herself, she wondered how she ended up here. What did she see in Lydell? What made her make him a part of her world? Why was she letting him stay? Why can’t she leave? Lisa had so many questions running through her mind that she began to feel dizzy. So she did the one thing she always does when faced with adversity and uncertainty. She dropped to her knees and prayed.

Lisa was on her knees for a long time. She begged God to take her away from this misery. She was unhappy and she knew it. Being a psychologist, she’s dealt with numerous women that had similar problems with abusive and neglectful spouses and significant others. As she listened to each one of their stories, she found two common threads. The first being these were all successful women at one point in their lives, until they met the person that made them so miserable.

The second was how every man started off the same; being a true gentleman. They always called, spent quality time with them, took them out, and spoiled them with lavish gifts if they could afford it. Most importantly, they made these women feel like they were above God Himself. Then after the molding and training, it all slowly began to stop, and control took over. One by one they were losing friends, contact with loved ones, and eventually their privacy. The ones with children were worse off because they were always threatened with ‘If you leave, the kids stay with me’. Most of the time these women knew this wouldn’t be the case, but they were trapped by the fear of leaving their children with such an awful person.

Lydell was the same way when he met Lisa. She was in the parking lot of the mall when she locked her keys in her car. At the time, he was working there as a security guard. He drove up to her and asked if she needed help. She explained what happened, and within five minutes he had her door unlocked. They talked for a while until he got a call from his boss inside. He asked Lisa for her number and she handed him one of her business cards. It took about a week, but eventually he called her and they talked for hours. Although they seemed like total opposites, somehow they clicked. It was always like that whenever they talked. At least it was in the beginning.

Over the next few months, Lydell did everything possible to impress Lisa. He didn’t make nearly as much money as her, but with the things he bought her you couldn’t tell. She always questioned in the back of her mind how he was able to afford some of the gifts, but she never asked him about it. She was love struck, and although she always had a nauseous feeling whenever he came around she just couldn’t let him go. Lisa knew about listening to your gut instincts, but it’s a different story when you’re on the receiving end.

Slowly, she stopped hanging with her friends and spending