When I Get to Dakar

By Winston Pinnock

An American soldier who defected from the Afghanistan war finds himself in Senegal lost and unsure of his next steps. Masood, a wayward Senegalese teen is also on an unsure life trajectory when their two paths meet.

Masood is fed up with desolate small village living and feels that the key to a successful future lies in the "promised land" -The Capitol City of Dakar. After being thrown out of his house, he embarks on a solo journey across the beautiful Senegalese landscape. With little money and wavering motivation he tries to stay focused.

When Masood meets Shawn the American soldier an unlikely bond forms and the two take on unbelievable odds as they move towards their joint 'promised land". Faced with opposition from drug dealers, crooked police officers and local thugs, the two show remarkable perseverance in the face of unbelievable circumstances.

Despite both young men being somewhat unsure of their ability to craft their futures, overcoming the many obstacles reinforces their ability to succeed. Along this journey through some of the most challenging and naturally break taking scenery in the world, Masood and Shawn both take joint journey of self discovery that parallels the journey that we are all on.

Take a peek. You'll be glad you did.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Winston Pinnock
• Release date: May 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476470047

Winston Pinnock

Winston Pinnock is a professional in the banking industry. He holds an Honours Degree in Economics from York University in addition to certificates in Leadership Sciences. He has continued to purse his passion for literature over the past few years. "House of Cards" is Winston Pinnock's first full length novel. Winston is currently finishing off his second novel which is entitled "When I Get to Dakar." Winston lives in Toronto Ontario

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When I Get to Dakar

By

Winston Pinnock

SMASHWORDS EDITION

*******

PUBLISHED BY:

Winston Pinnock

on Smashwords

House of Cards

Copyright 2012 © by Winston Pinnock

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be 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 are 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.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons living or dead, or places, events, or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author's imagination and used fictitiously.

This book is dedicated to my family and friends who have inspired me to take the road less traveled

Dakar is the capital city of Senegal in West Africa. Over 1 million people live in Dakar (double that for the whole metropolitan area) making it Senegal's largest city. Dakar is located on the Cape Verde peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. It was first settled in the early 15th Century and the Portuguese arrived just a few decades later to set up slaving forts on Goree Island (Ile de Goree).

Today, Dakar is a sprawling, lively cosmopolitan city. Modern buildings stand side by side with impressive colonial architecture.i

French is the official language however three-quarters of the population speak the Wolof language.ii

Chapter 1

You scared me half to death! Kired exclaimed as he woke to see the image of his brother Masood crawling through the bedroom window. It was three thirty in the morning and Masood, the prodigal son was just getting home from another night of drinking and gallivanting with some of the other low lifes in the village. A silly inebriated smile adorned his face.

Luckily both Masood's mom and dad were fast asleep. Shhhh keep your voice down Masood ordered his younger brother. Kired was five years younger than seventeen year old Masood. Within minutes, Kired was back in dream land.

Masood crawled into his bed with his street clothes still on. He had at least 5 Flag brand beers in his system and the room was slightly spinning. Masood felt both numb and peaceful as he looked at the ceiling. Although his parents weren't up, he knew that he would still be in for an earful in the morning.

Masood was supposed to help his dad clear the field behind the house so they could plant more ginger and potatoes. He was hardly enthusiastic about the idea and made the executive decision to skip school and the planting. It wasn't the first time and it probably wouldn't be the last.

Masood's dad was priming him to take over the small plot of track farming that provided sustenance to his poor family. Masood was coming up to the end of his schooling and would subsequently need to start to take on some of the manly duties especially as his father aged. Masood wasn't taking this imposition on his future with his hands down. He was fighting it tooth and nail. This led to some rather volatile arguments with his six foot five father. His tiny little mother was constantly trying to play referee.

Masood who had never been an over achiever was in their opinion sliding down the wrong side of life. Masood, a good seven inches shorter than his father still didn't let up. In their last barrage he was derided about focusing on what was important in life. Masood's father couldn't see any direction in him other than wanting to hang around some of the known criminals and high school drop outs.

In the last blow up, Masood's father told him that if he wanted to be a Sai Sai otherwise known as a bad boy he could do it outside of his house. He didn't want a thief of drug dealer living under his roof.

This was interesting indeed considering that the family house was not much more than four rooms made of cement and zinc. They were only able to install electricity in the house within the last few years- and it was highly sporadic in its reliability. Despite his drifting level of motivation, Masood ironically made it to school most of the time. He even went at times even when he had only slept a few hours. Whether he would stay the whole day at school was another story entirely.

The main reason that Masood fought sleeplessness to get to school was because of the budding relationship between him and his new friend Clarise. She was two grades behind him. She was relatively new to the area. Masood had seen her a number of times and within the last few weeks he had finally summoned up the courage to talk to her. Masood was definitely far from shy. Still, something about Clarise made him nervous. He always had butterflies in his stomach when she was around.

She was extremely pretty with long black hair. She had a perfect dark complexion that looked so soft to the touch. She also seemed to have a keen eye for fashion. She never seemed to wear the same thing twice which was unusual in that part of Senegal. On this particular day she was wearing fitted blue jeans a white t-shirt and flip flops. Masood was smitten to say the least. He waited for her after school as he did every Tuesday and Thursday.

I thought you were not going to show today. Clarise chastised Masood as he quickly turned the corner to the front of the school. He was running late and was so happy that she was still waiting. Just because I was late, I am going to carry your books home today. Masood said enthusiastically as he simultaneously took the bags out of Clarise's hands. You carry my books home all the time. Clarise started.

You should carry me home for being late! she said with a big smile on her face. Masood was extremely happy with the way his courtship with Clarise was progressing. The beaming hot sun glistened off Clarise's hazel eyes making her seem even more angelic.

Masood continued to do his best to engage Clarise in witty conversation. Despite walking with her on at least four occasions, Masood still didn't know too much about her. He was too nervous to ask many of the hard hitting questions so he kept conversation light and simply did whatever he could to make her smile.

Masood figured that today would be a better day than any to try to get to know more about her. His mission was clear: he wanted to do everything in his power to become her official boyfriend. To get to that point he needed to know exactly what made her happy.

Just as Masood was leading Clarise across the street from the school, there was a loud booming sound that continued to get louder. Both Masood and Clarise turned around to see what was happening. The noise sounded like it was coming from a car. There however was no car to be seen.

Just as they were about to continue on their way a shiny black Mercedes came cruising around the corner. The loud noise was coming from the powerful speakers of the car. As soon as Masood saw the car his heart sank. It was Jikour. He was one of the biggest thugs in the area. He prayed that the car would pass by without incident. It seemed as if time slowed down to a crawl. Masood wanted it to do the opposite.

Just as Masood had feared, the car pulled up along side the two as they walked. Clarise was nearest to the road while Masood was on the other side of her. He remembered hearing that a man should always be on the side closest to the road to protect his woman.

It was too late for that now as Jikour's head was now out of the window as he tried to get Clarise's attention. There were two other boys in the car around twenty one, which was roughly Jikour's age.

Hey pretty brown school girl. Jikour shouted oblivious to Masood's presence. Your healthy shape almost made me crash my car. Do you know that?

Jikour's cronies all started to crack up at the comments. Clarise tried her best to ignore him. She kept walking while Jikour allowed his car to match her speed.

You can't get away that fast girl. I ain't going to tell a lie, I dropped out of school a long time ago. That's why I need a smart girl in my life. Jikour smiled at his own remarks. So what do you say? Come here for second.

Masood was feeling so insignificant and useless. He couldn't stand the way Jikour was talking to Clarise. Even though he had never spoke to Jikour before, he figured that if he had any chance to redeem himself it would have to be now. He knew that Clarise could not love a coward. He walked in front of Clarise and the car.

Hey we were on our way somewhere. And in any case, she's with me. Masood managed to utter in a not so authoritative tone. Jikour immediately opened the car door and stood up. Masood's heart sank into his stomach. Jikour, who was a few inches taller that him looked down at him with bloodshot eyes.

Are you trying to tell me that this disquette is your girl? Jikour said while looking for a reaction from his friends who were still in the car. She is way too good for you. Silly boy. Jikour said as he placed his focus back on Clarise.

Masood felt smaller and more insignificant than he had at any other time in his life. He was determined to do something more that just talk. As Jikour went to touch Clarise's folded arm she stepped back. Masood instinctively stepped back as well. Unfortunately a large rock was behind him and he ended up falling backwards.

Masood's level of embarrassment couldn't go much farther as he was lying on his back while Jikour and his friends were laughing hysterically. Clarise offered to help him up. Despite not get any type of encouragement from Clarise, Jikour continued to persist.

Finally after a few more minutes, Jikour advised that he would be back another day to continue the conversation with Clarise. He looked Masood up and down before getting back into his car. As the trio drove off a steady stream of laughter emanated from the car.

Needless to say the rest of the walk home with Clarise took a turn for the worst. Masood's confidence was shattered. His former charisma was no longer there. He proceeded to walk Clarise to the usual junction near her home. She tried to make conversation but Masood's focus was lost.

Masood mustered enough courage to smile and wish Clarise a good evening. There was an awkward moment as Masood went for a hug and then pulled back. As if things couldn't get any worst.

After an extremely lonely walk home Masood went straight into his room without saying a word to anyone. He was happy his father wasn't home as he wasn't in the mood for any type of confrontation.

I have to find a way to make Jikour pay for this embarrassment Masood thought to himself To say that Masood was humiliated would have been an understatement. Masood never felt so helpless and disrespected. He knew that for all intensive purposes, Clarise would not want to date him.

A man needs to be able to protect his woman. Masood thought to himself. Masood barely knew Jikour, he had never spoken to him before. He just knew that he wasn't good. Everyone in Masood's village had heard stories of him robbing storekeepers, selling drugs and fighting with gangs from rival parishes.

Jikour also had a car which was unusual for most men in the area, much less a young man. It was an older Mercedes but it was still a big deal in the area. Masood knew that the only way to repay Jikour was through the one thing he held dearly: his car.

It took Masood a couple hours of constant thought but after concocting his plan, Masood immediately felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Masood decided that he would find a way to inflict harm to his car. This would be payback that Jikour would never forget.

Masood knew that any act of aggression on his part would be met with more aggression from both Jikour and his goons. He needed to plan the attack in a way so that it would just be him and Jikour.

While Jikour was bigger than him, Masood was willing to face him man to man. Masood decided to wait a few days until the weekend. There was a weekly soccer match with all of Jikour's friends however the friends all lived in neighbouring areas so they wouldn't need a ride home. This would be Masood's chance.

He waited patiently until the day of the soccer match. Masood found a nice hill overlooking the road which Jikour would need to pass on his way home. Masood assembled a group of baseball sized rocks and waited for the game to be over. From his vantage point, Masood could see the soccer game in the distance as well as Jikour's car.

After about forty minutes, the game was over and Jikour said goodbye to his friends. The car slowly made its way up the street. Jikour's arm was out the window totally oblivious to Masood's pending retaliation.

Masood wondered to himself if he should still go through with his intended mission. As soon as the thought came into his head, his mind flashed back to the incident with Clarise. He needed to avenge his embarrassment and also the embarrassment Jikour caused to Clarise. There was no turning back.

Masood thought about this day every night since the incident. He visualized how it would be to make Jikour taste his own medicine. Masood could feel his palms sweating as the moment of truth was almost upon him. He had to time everything perfectly or the situation wouldn't have the impact he desired.

Masood was happy that there was no one else on the road at the time, the coast was completely clear. A ray of sunshine glistened off the side of Jikour's car almost like a signal for Masood to proceed. Without any further hesitation or thought, Masood aimed and fired the largest rock he was able to find. It was a direct hit!

As soon as the rock connected with the metal, the shiny car came to a halting stop. Jikour immediately looked up the hill and connected eyes with Masood.

Jikour immediately exited the car and ran up the hill towards Masood. He intended to strike first however Masood anticipated his move and countered with a right hand that connected just over Jikour's ear. The blow stunned him somewhat but he recovered and lunged after Masood's legs knocking him to the ground. The two wrestled all the way down the side of the hill. Each alternated with the lead.

Masood refused to let Jikour get the upper hand. At one point near the bottom of the hill Jikour did get the upper hand. He had Masood's head pinned underneath his arm. It appeared that Masood was stuck. With his heart beating rapidly, Masood did the only thing that he could think of which was to bite Jikour! Oww!! Jikour yelled as he released his grip. He jumped up and put his to arms in the air. Ok stop, stop. he started. I don't want to fight with you. he said sincerely. He paused for a minute before continuing. This is about the girl. I know Jikour said in an apologetic tone. I'm sorry.

Masood stood up on his feet trying to exude as much confidence as possible. Jikour did not have any type of anger or look of retaliation about him however this in itself was reason for Masood to be suspicious. He just threw a rock at Jikour's prized possession. The loud ricochet of the rock hitting the pristine metal of Jikour's shiny Mercedes still resonated in Masood's memory.

To make matters worst Jikour was at the height of his glory. He was just leaving his weekly soccer match on a victorious high. Riding shot-gun in his passenger seat was another prized possession of the female persuasion. This young delicacy was Jikour's new main girl. Despite all the activity, she still sat in the car almost indifferent to what was happening. It was almost as if she was used to all this commotion with Jikour.

Masood hesitantly shook Jikour's outstretched hand. He had to give his head a shake to see if what he was hearing was actually correct. You remind me of myself when I was coming up Jikour said. He couldn't believe these words came out of Jikour's mouth. It was almost enough to make him forget how angry he was about losing his Clarise" -even before she was actually his.

Masood was torn however when he thought back to the embarrassment that he endured when Masood and his cronies drove up and basically assaulted his female companion, the fury resurfaced.

In an almost automatic move, Masood still in the middle of the handshake with Jikour, put his right foot behind Jikour's left and in a simultaneous motion proceeded to send Jikour flying to the hard ground. Jikour fell flat on his back clearly not expecting the move. As he fell back on the ground, his head smashed back on the hard gravel filled hill. It almost seemed as if Jikour was knocked unconscious by the sudden move from Masood.

After a slight pause, Jikour's eyes opened and he looked Masood directly in the face. By this time Masood was sitting on top of Jikour fists clenched about the throw simultaneous punches.

After wrestling control of the situation from Masood, Jikour surprisingly did not launch any attack. He sat on top of Masood and started to shake him vigorously. Would you listen to me dammit? He said in a slightly irritated tone.

I've been trying to get this through your thick skull. I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to fight you. Masood had a look of reverence and sincerity in his face. I really should want to pulverize you right now but for some reason I don't. I wouldn't push your luck though.

Masood finally began to listen to his enemy and eased some of the tension that had been coursing through his body. He laid on his back looking up at Jikour. For the first time, it was as if he really saw Jikour clearly. The fear was gone. He didn't seem as bad and as threatening as most of the community had made him out to be. Masood still thought he was ugly as sin but he no longer had this ominous presence about him. He seemed mortal for once.

Ok I see you have hot blood. You’re mad because I tried to pick up your little friend? That’s it isn’t it? Jikour looked serious as he began to let Masood raise to his feet. Before Masood had an opportunity to do it himself, Jikour began to brush some of the dirt off of Masood’s trousers. Jikour stood looking Masood dead in the eye for what seemed like an eternity. Jikour didn’t flinch; nor did Masood. It was almost as if Jikour was testing Masood one last time.

Jikour finally put his arm around Masood’s neck-almost like an older brother who had just finished scolding his young apprentice. Masood didn’t know why but at that precise moment, all hurt, resentment and ill-will for Jikour evaporated like vapour. In what must have been one of the most unusual turn of events in human history, Masood and Jikour walked back down the hill together almost as friends. They walked towards Jikour’s parked car. The dent in the car's side door where the rock hit was larger that Masood thought.

Without saying a word, Jikour gave his female friend a quick look that immediately resulted in her leaving the front seat. As the Jikour put the car into gear, not a word was said between himself and Masood however from this moment on, it was clear that these two would be the close allies if not friends from here on out

Over the next few weeks, Masood and Jikour spent more and more time together. Jikour introduced Masood to all his friends and before long Masood was slowly becoming a member of the cloth. Almost every night the group would be out drinking, selling drugs and chasing girls. Masood was beginning to like this lifestyle.

While he vowed to himself that he would not get involved in selling drugs, the drinking and the chasing of girls was right up his alley. Most nights Masood made it home before it was too late however getting up in the morning for school was beginning to be a challenge.

Despite Masood's friendliness and eagerness to fit in with the group, not all of Jikour's friends seemed to share his enthusiasm. There was one of Jikour's friend's, ironically the biggest of the group that seemed to have a real dislike of Masood. Masood didn't know why but after a few thwarted attempts at conversation, Masood decided to stay away.

One day while Masood as his new friends were standing outside of a shop waiting for Jikour to buy some liquour, the unfriendly individual decided to test Masood's mettle. Just as Masood was smiling and laughing with one of the others, the larger unfriendly guy who somewhat resembled a bear decided to attack him. He slapped Masood in the side of the face while at the same time saying You aren't tough! You aren't a rude boy!

Masood was totally caught off guard by the attack. He couldn't understand why a guy that he hardly said two words to was now launching an assault on him. He felt his body heating up as he was now the center of attraction.

Should he take on the much larger and older bully? His mind was moving a mile a minute through these various thoughts. The blow from the unruly thug had already pushed Masood a few steps back. The rest of the group seemed somewhat surprised by the attack. They all stood around looking to see what would happen next. Masood had no choice it would seem but to defend himself or face public humiliation.

Without any more thought, Masood lunged at the legs of his attacker. He assumed that the force would have served to knock him over. To his surprise the big dark beast of a man was hardly phased by the poorly thought out attack. He also reacted instinctively smashing his fists simultaneously into Masood's back. Masood felt the sharp pangs of pain echo throughout his body. The blow sent him to the left.

The other guys that were standing by now moved closer to see what Masood's response would be. Masood's mind flashed back to his recent scrap with Jikour. Although anger was now coursing through his veins, he didn't have the same internal passion as before.

There was nothing that caused him to feel so abused that he had no choice but to fight. This situation seemed to be almost so petty that it wasn't worth his effort. The thoughts continued to spiral throughout his mind. Even though this was all happening within a few split seconds, Masood knew that he had to launch some sort of response.

It was clear that there was no way that he could fight this indomitable force one on one. He needed something to even the score, to make things less uneven. His mind was going all over the place. What could he do? he reasoned within himself.

Without giving Masood any more time to think, the beast lunged at him just as he was trying to get back to his feet.

Masood moved swiftly to his right escaping the bear hug like movement that was being attempted. With adrenaline pumping through his veins, Masood's vision became crystal clear. He searched by the side of the shop for any object that could serve as a launch pad for the attack that he needed to start. He saw a few stones, some small sticks but none of them would do.

He kept moving away from the Sasquatch as he tried to finagle some sort of weapon. Just as luck would have it Masood escaped another lunge from his attacker just in time to spot a cutlass lying but the side of a nearby work bench. He instinctively darted for the steel lifesaver. The brute noticed the object of Masood's desire and started in the same direction. It was unfortunately too late as Masood was able to make contact with the cutlass.

As soon as Masood got to his feet, he swung the blade with full force at his attacker. While the blade miss the intended target, it did have the desired effect of sending him into the opposite direction.

The much bigger animal took a few steps back and with a weird smirk on his face began to breathe heavily as he tried to regain his breath. Masood cocked the cutlass over is head as if to challenge his competitor to try him. There was a pause between the two acquaintances. Each one was waiting for the other to make the first move.

Their chests both heaved up and down as they tried to suck in any amount of air they could. The adrenaline coursed through Masood's veins so profusely that he could not even feel any of the pain from the scuffle. The beating of his heart echoed in his ears.

At the same time Jikour was coming out of the store when he clearly began to see what was happening. To Masood's surprise, a look a sheer disappointment adorned Jikour's face when he finally began to realize what was happening.

Masood's attacker was essentially oblivious to the approaching leader. He seemed completely focused on how he was going to take Masood down to the ground and continue with the infliction of massive pain.

Masood did everything he could to keep his focus on the fight in front of him. He just couldn't understand why this guy was so determined to take his head off. Just as the thought left Masood's mind, the attacker lunged again at him. Masood was able to sidestep the move and in an instinctual retaliatory action, he made a side kick that landed perfectly in the midsection of the mammoth thug.

The kick must have landed at a precise critical juncture of the attacker's body because he was immediately floored and he yelled out what could only be described as a pathetic yelp as he came tumbling down.

As he lay in an altered version of the fetal position, the group of Jikour's friends could hardly control themselves. They were hysterical with laughter. Although Masood had done the inconceivable and beat this overgrown bear like man child, the group wasn't exactly singing his praise. It had been weeks that Masood had been parading around town with the ensemble however on some levels it seemed that Masood was still the very much unaccepted outsider.

He didn't care though, similar to his all out blow out with Jikour, Masood felt as if he had taken on unimaginable odds and come out on top. He didn't need any further reinforcement. He knew that he had arrived. The old cowardly Masood was gone . Change was here and now.

Not only did Kired , Masood’s younger brother notice the changing behavior, Masood's mother and father and pretty much everyone else in the small town began to notice it as well. Masood’s mother cornered him about his changing attitude about life however he quickly dismissed the lecture by telling her mind your own business old lady. If it wasn’t for fear of the actions of Masood and his criminal minded new friends, Masood’s parents would have thrown him out immediately.

After three months of this behavior they had seen enough. After tipping off the area police office that they would be taking action, Masood’s mother and father packed up all his belongings into four large garbage bags. The bags were waiting by the door upon his arrival home.

On this particular night Masood was especially anxious to get to bed. Although it was well after 2 am, Masood strolled into the small house without a care in the world.

He came in and didn't attempt for a second to quiet himself. He had just tried marijuana for the first time and he was experiencing an assortment of feelings that he had not felt before. Beside feeling that he was able to see into the future, Masood couldn't stop himself from laughing.

This combination was definitely unusual and caused Masood's parents even more concern. The two were laying in bed sleepless as they awaited Masood's return. They hoped that the confrontation would be brief and successful however the anxiety about the entire situation was getting the best of them. The way he had been behaving of late, they were not sure if he had a potential to become violent.

The time for debating and speculating had passed, it was now the moment of truth. Masood's dad began to take the lead and walk down the corridor that lead to the living room. There was no hesitation in his step even though his heart pounded like a drum bass inside his chest.

They could hear Masood making his way to the small kitchen area. He was oblivious to all the actions going on. His steps were slow and steady as if he was trying to find his way to his room without falling all over the antiquated furniture.

Masood's younger brother Kired was in his room. Although the lights were off and he was comfortable under the warm sheets, he was far from asleep. He was dreading the events that were about to take place. Masood's careful steps were in vain as just as he reached the the wooden end table, one of the beer bottles in his bag slipped out crashing loudly on the top of the table.

Masood shrieked as the noise echoed throughout the small house. He looked down almost wondering if he should just continue on to his room without picking up the bottle. The way the mixture of beer, cheap wine and greasy fried chips was percolating, Masood didn't want to risk bending down and further upsetting his stomach.

Just as he was about to push his way past the half empty beer bottle which surprisingly didn't break, his eyes met with those of his father's who had now reached midway through the hallway.

The look in Masood's father's eyes was past disappointment, there was a also a hint of disgust and fury. Masood was however too drunk to analyze these small details.

Masood attempted to make his way passed his father. He was quite used to acting as if his parents didn't exist. Normally Masood was ready for a battle however today the only thing he was looking forward to was the warmth and softness of his bed.

As Masood tried to pass, his father harshly grabbed his left arm preventing him from going further. The force used startled Masood causing him to fall back. He was able to use the hallway wall to break his fall. It took him a moment to regain his composure, however once he did, Masood was immediately in his father's face trying to retaliate.

His father was in full anticipation of this reaction. In his mid -sixties and of only slight build it wouldn't seem that Masood's father could be a physical threat however he was filled with vigor and determination.

You think you can come in here at any hours of the night? Masood's father shouted. You think you are a big man who can do what ever he wants, hang with the bad boys? His eyes were bloodshot. As he spoke he moved forward and regained his grip on Masood's shirt. It was almost as if he wanted to pelt him right through the front door.

Let go of me before you regret it old man! Yelled Masood. Kireid could hear the commotion clearly from his room. He tip toed towards his closed bedroom door. The two began to struggle as the older man tried to show his remaining physical prowess.

The power was evident as before long Masood was on his back with his father hovering over him. As he was pinned with his back against the floor Masood tried to fight his way up.

The situation was quite different than the one involving Jikour. Jikour was no where as strong as Masood's feeble looking father. He had no idea that this simple farmer still retained so much strength.

Masood soon gave up the fight and began shouting obscenities at his father. The old man's pride was already weary from the beating that his reputation had taken in the village from Masood's recent behaviour. It was almost as if all the anger was pouring out at once.

As Masood challenged his father to hit him and wait for the retaliation from his new crew, his father lost all control. He cocked his fist back with an anger that he had not experienced in some time. All the pent up anger from the last few weeks began flowing out all at once. Just as he was about to bring his arm back forward to strike his oldest son, Masood's mother yelled out and simultaneously threw her body over Masood.

Please don't hit him, he's wrong but don't hit him! As Kireid heard the desperate plea from his mom, he couldn't keep himself resigned to his room any longer. He had to see what was happening for himself. Kireid kinda wish he hadn't been so curious as the image of his father restraining his recently troublesome older brother was startling to say the least.

His mother was in the process of lifting Masood up. Kireid's eyes met those of his brother however there was no feeling in Masood's eyes. He was oblivious to the cares of his younger brother who's heart was completely breaking. Masood's mind was under the control of the marijuana and alcohol cocktail that he had been consuming for the last four hours.

After Masood's mother raised him to his feet, he seemed to regain some life. He resumed threatening his father you are lucky I am so drunk or I would really teach you a lesson. You are trying to disrespect me! As these words hit his father's consciousness, the rage that was beginning to subside began to surface again.

He charged at Masood but the panicked look in his wife's face caused him to back down. The raging venom inside Masood's father still sought a point of escape. He raised both his arms in the air and started to proclaim this boy must leave this house tonight, not tomorrow, not next week but now!

To show his seriousness, Masood's father started down the hall walking right past Masood, Kireid and his mother. Kireid could hardly remember his father being half as upset as he was right now.

Over the past few months this