God Has Spoken (7 page)

Feeling a little better now that she had some clothes on, Tiny skulked around the side of the house. The roof of the neighboring house provided a dark silhouette which looked safe enough to hide until daylight.

Sitting with her back against the outer frame of the house, her chin resting on her bended knees, Tiny closed her eyes. Her tummy growled, but she ignored it. Before long, the night's activities caught up with her and Tiny nodded off.

“Good morning, Jamaica! Thank you for tuning in to the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. This is JBC, your favorite radio station.”

Tiny's head jerked up in alarm at the DJ's voice that came through an open window above her head. Wincing at the crick pain in her neck, she used her right hand to massage it. It was daylight. The beautiful rays from the sun could be seen over the top of the trees in the distance. It was also time to go before she was discovered. Obviously, someone was awake inside the house.

Tiny tiptoed to the backyard. Scanning the area, she saw no one. Silently, she made her way back to the opening in the fence that she had jumped through. Squeezing her body through the tight space, she found herself on the sidewalk.

The street was now bustling with activities unlike a few hours ago. Vendors rushed their carts loaded down with goods toward the Parade market. Vehicles zoomed up and down the road, and small businesses were opening their shutters.

“Good morning,” Tiny said to a kind-faced woman who was passing by. “Can you please tell me how to get to New Kingston from here?”

“Oh, dear Lord. Are you okay?” the woman asked as her eyes ran over Tiny's bruised face in alarm. “What happened to you, baby? Do you want me to take you to the hospital? Want me to go and get the police?” She fired one question after the other at Tiny.

“No no no,” Tiny said quickly, shaking her head. “It looks worse than it is. Really, I'm fine.” She looked at the woman with one bloodshot eye, the other was partially closed.

“You don't look fine to me,” the woman pressed on. As a mother of five daughters, her motherly instinct refused to drop the issue. “I think you need medical attention.”

But Tiny shook her head and turned to walk away.

“Okay, okay,” the woman's voice stopped her. “New Kingston is a little distance away. You will need to take the bus.”

“Oh, I can walk,” Tiny said. “It won't be a problem.”

The woman looked Tiny up and down. Her eyes narrowed as she began to put the pieces together. “You are not from around here,” the woman noted. “Where are you from?”

“Trelawny,” Tiny mumbled as tears filled her eyes. She looked away from the woman.

“Sweetheart, look at me,” the woman said. Her brows were knitted with concern as her eyes met Tiny's. “Please go back home. This is no place for a beautiful, innocent, country girl like you.”

“I can't go back,” Tiny whispered. “They are going to hurt my aunt if I do.”

“Come on.” The woman grabbed Tiny's hand. “I'm taking you to the police station. You are going to tell them who threatened your aunt and why you had to run away from your home.”

“No!” Tiny's voice was laced with panic. She pulled her hand out of the woman's. “Please. I just need to get to my friend who works in New Kingston.”

“Fine. What does your friend do?” the woman asked skeptically.

“She works at a club there,” Tiny answered.

“So you are going to be staying with her?” the woman asked with apprehension. She was still bothered by Tiny's situation.

Tiny nodded her head. “Once I get to her I'll be okay.”

“All right then.” The woman reached into her handbag and pulled out some money, which she handed to Tiny. “This is enough to get something to eat and for your bus fare to New Kingston.”

As if on cue, Tiny's stomach grumbled its appreciation. Embarrassed, she took the money. “Thank you, ma'am.” Tiny expressed her gratitude. “I promise I'll be okay.”

“I'm still praying that you will go back home soon,” the woman told her. “You don't want to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Come on, let me show you where to get the bus.” Again, she took hold of Tiny's hand and they walked toward the bus stop.

Approximately an hour later Tiny hopped off the bus on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston. Her eyes traveled up the modern, high-rise buildings as she took in the hustle and bustle of the busy financial sector. But unlike the day before when she gazed wide-eyed at everything, Tiny wasn't that impressed with her environment any longer. She knew that despite the glitz and glamour, danger was also lurking around the corner.

Tiny got directions to the club from a passerby and hurried toward Dominica Drive where it was located. It was early morning but maybe someone was there who could give her some information on Dolly. “Please be open,” Tiny mumbled as she walked. “Please, God, let there be someone in that club who can tell me where to find Dolly.”

But there wasn't anyone. “
CLOSED
” read the sign hanging on the front door of the “Champion Girls” club. Tiny's shoulders dropped in frustration. She would have to wait until eight p.m. when it would be opened.

Tiny felt a sharp cramp in her tummy, a reminder that she hadn't eaten in hours. Slowly she walked away from the club onto Trinidad Terrace. Across from an insurance building, she noticed a small restaurant. Crossing the street in a hurry, Tiny opened the restaurant door and went inside. The strong smell of the Blue Mountain coffee, fried dumplings, ackee and saltfish, and other tantalizing dishes tickled her nostrils. Her stomach growled in anticipation.

A few customers stared at Tiny curiously as she quickly walked to the back of the room, her head hanging low to the floor. Taking a seat in a corner with her back toward everyone, her face to the wall, Tiny picked up the menu off the table. She decided to order the cheapest thing on the menu. Before long a waitress came over and took her order, barely glancing at Tiny's injured face. Returning fifteen minutes later, she placed the food on the table in front of her. “Enjoy,” the waitress mumbled before hurrying off to attend to the next customer.

A groan escaped Tiny's lips after she took a big bite of the fluffy fried dumpling. Biting, chewing, and swallowing, the four dumplings disappeared in record time. Tiny sat back contentedly in her chair and took a few sips of the hot mint tea. A loud belch resounded in the room. She quickly looked down at her empty plate embarrassed. She felt eyes digging into her back, but she ignored them as she drank the rest of her tea, draining the cup.

Moments later, Tiny stood up and walked to a register at the front of the room. “How much is it?” she asked the cashier.

“Two dollars.”

Tiny took out some money from her jeans pocket and counted out the two dollars, leaving her just a few dollars to spare. She exited the restaurant and stood on the sidewalk in uncertainty. What was she going to do until eight p.m.?

Tiny was exhausted and quite frankly, her body was still aching from the beating she took the night before. Now that she had something to eat, some sleep would be nice. She decided to just walk around and look for somewhere to sit and wait.

Back on Knutsford Boulevard, Tiny noticed some long benches under big trees alongside the busy main road. Walking across the soft, manicured grass, she wearily sat down, stretching out her long legs. It was broad daylight, and she felt safer. As she watched the vehicles zooming up and down the road, people scurrying in every direction, her eyelids grew heavy.

Maybe I should go home.
But just as quickly as the thought entered her mind, the angry face of Beverly Gregg filled her mind as well. She saw Officer Gregg's furious eyes as he almost choked her to death, and finally she remembered the teeny creature that came from her body. Tiny shuddered. No, she could not go back home.

Moments later, Tiny groggily curled up on the bench, her knees pulled toward her chest. Soon she succumbed to the exhaustion, her troubled thoughts put to rest . . . at least for a while.

Tiny woke up suddenly. Her heart pounded in her chest. Wide-eyed she jumped to her feet and frantically looked around. She was by herself under the tree.

Night had fallen. New Kingston was brightly lit and still full of life. The workday had ended for most, and it was now time to have some fun. Tiny walked down to the street and asked a lady passing by for the time. It was eight thirty p.m.

Yay! It was time for her to see Dolly.

Excitedly, Tiny made her way back to the club, which was just on the other street. As she got to the front door, the sign now read “OPEN.” Finally.

Tiny pushed the door inward and was welcomed into a semidark room by vociferous voices. The melodious sound of Beres Hammond streamed from loud, hidden speakers declaring to everyone, “I'm in Love with You.”

Small, round tables with occupied chairs were scattered about. Thick, heavy smoke slithered in the air from the cigarettes and cigars that dangled from their mouths and fingers. As Tiny looked around she noticed the large mugs of beer and glasses filled with gold and white liquid. Also, most of the patrons were men with only a few women hanging around. Where was Dolly?

Tiny walked toward the counter at the front of the bar. Three women and a man dressed in black were behind it, scampering around as they poured and mixed drinks. Rows and rows of liquor and wine lined the wall behind them.

“Excuse me,” Tiny said as she waved her hand, trying to grab their attention.

“Yes?” the man snapped impatiently as he paused to look at her.

“I'm looking for Dolly. Is she here?” Tiny asked hopefully.

“Later.” The rude one-worded man walked away. He grabbed a bottle of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum off a rack and hustled over to the other side of the bar.

Tiny was ecstatic as she made her way to the back of the bar. She heard a few whistles and catcalls, but she ignored them. At least she found Dolly. Sitting at an empty table, Tiny waited.

It seemed like forever to Tiny as she waited for Dolly. She twisted her neck around and around to loosen the crick in it. Tapping her fingers on the table she glanced around the crowded room again. No Dolly.

Suddenly the dim light went out, throwing the bar into total darkness. Tiny gasped and her heart leaped in her chest. She quickly jumped to her feet as she peered into darkness. The previous night flashed in her mind, and she began to tremble uncontrollably.

She had to get out of here. But her steps were halted by the loud cheering and shouting that echoed around the room as the front of the club lit up with multicolored lights. Tiny stared in amazement at the small stage that she hadn't noticed before.

And there she was. Tiny's mouth dropped open as Rockin' Dolly danced her way onto the stage; naked as the day she was born. Her big breasts flip flapped as she pumped and grinded to the music.

The club exploded in even more cheers and applause.

“Simmer down: can you hear what I say? Simmer down,”
said the voice of Bob Marley and the Wailers over the yelling. But Rockin' Dolly was just too hot to take heed. She spun around, her back facing the audience and the two basketballs behind her began to jiggle. Up. Down. Together.

The crowd went wild. Dollar bills rained down on the stage like confetti at a New Year's party.

“Go, Rockin' Dolly!”

“Rockin' Dolly, marry me!”

“I love you, Rockin' Dolly.”

Dolly grinned in response as she gyrated to the music. She whirled around and gravitated closer to the front of the stage, the sparkling light washing over her pretty face.

“Lord, have mercy,” Tiny whispered behind the hand covering her mouth.

Dolly did a split. One leg was pointed to the east and the other to the west. Bending over backward with her long braid fanning out behind her, Dolly swayed in slow motion. Her small waist going around in circles, she ticked, she tocked.

The club roared in excitement.

Next, Dolly leaped to her feet like a frisky colt and spun around, giving the crowd another fabulous back view.
Clap! Clap!
Her butt cheeks slapped against each other rhythmically.
Clap! Clap!
A few of the men began clapping their hands in sync to her buttocks, yelling and screaming in absolute delight.

Tiny covered her face in embarrassment, peeping through her fingers.

The Rockin' Dolly show continued for another ten minutes before Dolly hurried around the stage, picking up her money. Finally, she exited through a side door, leaving behind a thunderous applause of aroused men.

The dim light came back on and the waitresses and waiter hurried around refilling empty glasses for the now thirsty men. Tiny shakily stood up and made her way outside. She would wait for Dolly there.

With her back braced against the wall, she took deep breaths as she tried to wrap her mind around what she had just seen. Dolly was definitely starring in her own play. But it certainly wasn't the Pantomime.

She heard the voices followed by giggles before the club door opened. Out came Dolly wearing a little, tight minidress with a huge, tall man with long, thick dreads down his back. They both had marijuana spliffs hanging from their mouths.

“Dolly,” Tiny said as she walked toward them, her eyes searching Dolly's face.

Dolly's eyes widened in surprise as they met Tiny's. “Oh my God. Tiny, is that you?” Dolly asked as she ran to her. The two friends hugged. “What happened to you?” Dolly asked after she pulled away and looked at Tiny's face. The bruises were still evident on her face and she was sporting a black eye.

“It's a long story,” Tiny replied, embarrassed. “I'll tell you about it later.”

“Ahem,” said the man behind them.

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Dolly smiled and walked back to him. Grabbing him by the arm, she gently pulled him forward to meet Tiny. “Tiny, this is my baby, Big Dread,” Dolly said proudly. “Remember I told you about him?”

“Hello,” Tiny said as she looked at the huge man. For some strange reason, a feeling of distrust and dislike for him filled her body.

“Hi, beautiful,” Big Dread replied as he pulled away from Dolly and walked closer to Tiny. “Where have you been hiding?” His long, yellow teeth smiled at Tiny as he slowly ran his index finger down her cheek.

Tiny took a step back and looked over his shoulder at Dolly, confused.

“Don't pay him any mind, Tiny,” Dolly laughed loudly. “Big Dread is just messing with you.”

“That's right, Tiny. I mean no harm,” Big Dread said with a wink and swiped his long tongue across his thick, black lips. “Any friend of Dolly's is a friend of Big Dread.”

Tiny looked at him skeptically but nodded her head. She didn't like him one bit.

“So are you going to be staying with Dolly and me?” he asked with a smile as he looked over Tiny from head to toe. “Some people say three is a crowd, but Big Dread says, the more, the merrier.” His yellow teeth flashed again in the night.

“Is that okay, Dolly?” Tiny asked looking over his shoulder at her. “I really came here to stay with you. Well, at least for a little while.”

“Girl, please.” Dolly cut her eyes at Tiny and flicked her right hand in the air. “You know you are always welcome wherever I am.”

Tiny grinned and ran over to hug her friend. “Thank you, Dolly,” she whispered in her ear. “I really do appreciate it.” Tiny choked up as she pulled away from Dolly. She didn't have to sleep outside again that night.

“Now that we have that settled, let's go and get the party started,” Big Dread whispered in Tiny's ear from behind.

Tiny jumped away from him in fright and spun around to face him. “Party? What party are you talking about?” she asked him suspiciously, her eyes locked on his face.

Big Dread took two big steps toward Tiny until he was standing merely inches away from her. She felt a chill run down her spine but stood her ground. Her head shot up determinedly to stare into his small, beady eyes.

“Big Dread has big plans for you, baby,” he said to her. “You are little bit on the skinny side, but Big Dread doesn't specialize. With some good Big Dread loving and proper food, I'll fatten you up in no time.” He reached out and grabbed one of Tiny's breasts and squeezed real hard.

Tiny gave a yap. As if it had a mind of its own, her hand lifted up and connected with his face. Big Dread's head snapped back, more from the shock of being hit than the force of Tiny's hand.

“Tiny, what's wrong with you?” Dolly screamed loudly.

“So you like to play it rough, huh?” Big Dread growled before he grabbed Tiny by her neck with one hand, lifting her off the ground. “Okay, let the games begin.”

“Let me go!” Tiny screamed as she kicked wildly, her hands slapping at his face harmlessly.

“Baby, please let her go,” Dolly pleaded as she softly patted Big Dread on his behind. “She isn't worth it, darling.” But Big Dread ignored her.

“I was going to take care of you and even make you perform with Dolly,” Big Dread said angrily. “But now I am going to teach you never to disrespect Big Dread again.” He tightened his hold around her neck.

Tiny wheezed as she struggled to pry his hands away from her throat. Her eyes rolled in her head. She felt light-headed as the little strength she had left slowly drained away.
My God, I am going to die in Kingston after all,
she thought.