Raw's Committee

By Victor Gillis, Jr

Katana is a beautiful African-American woman, born and raised in the notorious section of New York City - Brooklyn. During her childhood, she endured the unfortunate and saw what most children have not. At a very young age, Katana had already concluded that life wasn’t fair. However, at age 27, Katana befriends a gentleman by the name of Thriller. He introduces her to a life she never knew existed. They fell madly in love and are willing to take their relationship to the next level until their world is turned up-side-down by tragedy and they are ultimately forced apart. One man stands in their way preventing Katana and Thriller from making plans for their future. His issue is with Thriller, but with the unconditional love Katana has for her man, she maybe in harm’s way. Venture with Katana and Thriller as they struggle, feverishly, to keep the bond and love they have for one another alive; if they can stay alive...... WHO EVER SAID RIDE OR DIE CHICKS NO LONGER EXIST?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Victor Gillis, Jr
• Release date: Apr 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301496938

Victor Gillis, Jr

V. Gillis, Jr. was born December 28th, 1974. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, the poor decisions and choices he made on the streets, resulted in his being sentenced at age 23 to a twenty-year federal prison term. During his incarceration, he discovered a latent talent for creative writing. At the same time, he found himself dissappointed in urban literature that entertained without accurately dipicting the sobering reality that awaits young African-Americans who embrace self-destructive lifestyles. V. Gillis, Jr penned his inaugural book, RAW'S COMMITTEE", to illustrate what results when young black men and women neglect self-improvement, education of self, and self-restraint. He knows his characters intimately - he has lived the situations he fic- tionalizes in the fast-pace story, and has made the same ill-advised decisions and blunders that lead some of Raw's Committee's characters to their tragic fates. In the end, V. Gillis, Jr. has crafted an action-packed piece of urban literature that is much more than the sum of its gunshots. V. Gillis, Jr. knows the streets, and more importantly, knows the causes of so much violence, hostility and betrayal amongst young African-Americans. Raw's Committee is a compelling work of fiction written by an author with a compelling past.... YOU MAY ALSO BUY RAW'S COMMITTEE AT midnightexpressbooks.com. ISBN: 978-0-9888063-3-7 Price: $14.95 Pages: 279

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The woman was rudely interrupted out of her sleep from the sound of her door bell. After crawling out of bed, her feet dragged, wearily, against the Persian rug when she headed toward the door to see who it was.

The door bell had rung once more. The young lady became agitated, not only because the sound of the bell was exceedingly loud, but because this particular person decided to pay her an unexpected visit at 2:45 am.

Hold your horses! I’m coming, she managed to express in a tone that was obviously cranky.

After sliding the copper lid of the peep-hole upward, she peered cautiously through the nickel-sized glass and noticed an unfamiliar face.

Who is it? she asked, curious to know who this stranger was.

I’m so sorry to bother you at this time of night, but I was wondering if Katana was home. I really need to talk to her, the man pleaded.

When the woman opened the door, the man stared at her with cold, evil eyes; eyes that made her have an urge to slam the door in his face. Nevertheless, she sensed that it was too late.

Is your name, Katana?! he snarled.

Confused, the woman didn’t know what to say. Hmmmm?

I said, is your fuckin’ if name, Katana?! He repeated with authority in his tone.

Yes! That’s me, but what have I done to get you so worked up? I don’t even know you.

She waited for a rational explanation, but instead, she felt his huge hand that clutched tightly around her throat. She tried her best to scream in order to get the attention of her neighbors, but his firm grasp had her temporarily muted. She struggled to pry his fingers from around her throat while looking at her attacker with unalloyed terror.

Oh, my God!! What... do you... think you’re... doing?! She gasped with fear, as she found it difficult to breathe. Her captor forced himself into the apartment and wrestled her to the ground after he had kicked the door shut.

Her 120 pound frame bucked and thrashed beneath him, but he held her down until she no longer possessed the strength to fight back. The victim laid back and cried, while chanting, N0000!! Please. Don’t hurt me!!

Don’t try to fight me, Bitch! I’ll kill you and still have my way! So, relax!

No!! the woman screamed. She stuck her fingers into his eyes and tried to make a run for it. However, it only caused her attacker to become more aggressive. He used his hard, ashy knuckles to pound on her once flawless face. Blood was everywhere. The intruder seemed satisfied when he observed his victim lying motionless on the ground. As pain needled through the woman’s face, she prayed silently to herself.

Please, take my money out of the drawer and leave me alone.

I’m gonna make an example out of you tonight! He then unbuttoned his pants, parted her legs, and fixed himself in between them.

After the crazed man had his way with her, she never thought he had intentions on taking her life. He removed a gun from his waistline and aimed it at her. With no hesitation, or remorse, he shot the victim in the chest at pointblank range. She managed to feel the burning sensation throughout her chest from the hot .45 slug. She was in unbearable pain and wanted to cry out loud, but knew how important it was to contain the way she felt.

Evidently, the woman played dead and hoped that her attacker wouldn’t fire another round. She watched, intently, through squinting eyes, as the man contemplated pulling the trigger once more. She became at ease when she saw him make his way through the door.

Her body became cold, and she had lost a massive amount of blood. She struggled to roll herself onto her belly. After doing so, she crawled, relentlessly, towards the phone and used the little energy she had left to dial 911.

Things do happen for a reason. I’m glad I forgot my gloves, the man uttered triumphantly, catching her red-handed. It must have been meant for you to die tonight!

Before his victim could beg for her life to be spared, he pulled out his gun once more and shot her in the head. He then picked up his gloves and bolted out of the apartment, leaving the woman’s naked body behind...

IN LOVING MEMORY

OF

ENID GILLIS

6/11/33 - 11/24/10

also

Marvin Brown

Arthur Jacinthe

Jolly Killkenny

Randy Hicks

Micheal Bunton

Grace Williams

OUR MEMORIES OF YOU ALL

WILL ALWAYS REMAIN

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN MAY YOU ALL REST IN PEACE.

CHAPTER ONE

September 11, 1988....

Katana!!? I’m running late! You know it’s your first day of school! You better bring your butt over here so I can comb that nappy hair of yours! Her mother, Debra Hawkins, had shouted. She waited patiently with the comb in her hand. Katana knew it was one of the reasons why her scalp felt so sore. Her mother would constantly ram the teeth of the comb so hard through her hair, Katana sometimes felt them busting from the root of her head.

Awwwww!!! Why you so rough, Mommy? Katana had whined in excruciating pain.

Because I’m late for work right now, baby. I’m not doing it on purpose. I would never do anything to hurt you. It’s just that time is precious, and if I don’t make it to work on time, how will you eat?

I really don’t feel like going to school today, Mommy. I’m tired of being teased and mistreated by everyone in my school! Why don’t they just leave me alone? Katana cried.

Because, you’re letting them get underneath your skin, Kat. You are young, beautiful, and an intelligent girl. They are jealous of the qualities you possess. Who cares if they call you names! You’re thirteen years old now. You gonna let a couple of words get you down, Kat? Debra inquired in a strong tone. She then held her daughter’s hands and said, Despite of all the crazy things they say out of their mouths, remember and never forget... You represent dominance, strength, and beauty. Though their words are insulting, just try your best to ignore them. Once they realize that their silly jokes don’t bother you, they will leave you alone. Walk tall and proud, baby. Please don’t be like me. Be better than me, Debra had encouraged.

***

When Katana had made it to school that morning, she prepared herself for the inevitable. In no time, she had found herself surrounded by at least five girls who eyed her scornfully. It was the same girls who made some of her school semesters a living hell. The ring-leader was obviously the bitchiest of them all. Her name was April Jennings, and whenever she told her friends to jump, they pretty much leaped. April had influence over most of the girls who attended Atwell I.S. 61. She had been known to be a trouble maker, and an instigator. It was how she had gotten her popularity, besides being one of the most glamorous girls in the school.

April, of course, had taken the initiative to dish out disparaging words at Katana. As Katana was being verbally abused, her emotions had started to get the best of her. What made her stand firm were the wise and worthy words of her mother.

Look at her, y’all! She’s wearing the same exact busted up sneakers she had from last year, April had pointed out to everyone in her circle. All the boys and girls stared at Katana’s shabby sneakers and realized what April had said, was the truth. They all laughed at Katana as April’s friends also took cheap shots at her.

Not only is she wearing those old, trashy sneakers, but check out those dirty lookin’ jeans she has on! Looks like she never washed them in a year, one of April’s friends had said.

Another one of April’s friends had walked towards Katana with her arms stretched out in front of her. She felt sorry for Katana, and wanted to give her a hug to provide her with as much comfort as possible. When Katana stretched out her arms to receive the girl’s warm embrace, a tear trickled down her cheek. Knowing that someone cared brought tears to Katana’s eyes. She couldn’t hold her emotions back even if she wanted to.

Psych!!! Did you really think I was gonna give your dirty ass a hug? All that filth on your skin might ruin my beautiful clothes!

Katana thought, she should have known better than to think that the girl truly cared, especially, if they were a friend of April. Once again, everyone laughed heartily. Katana had found herself doing the total opposite of what her mother forbade her to do. She also realized that it was far from over when April decided she would have the last joke.

You know what your dirty ass needs to do? Fill your tub up with nothing but bleach and lay in it for a very, very, very long time! Maybe that will help clean that dirt off your skin... You bum!!

Katana couldn’t take it any longer. She had side stepped her way pass the hostile crowd as they all yelled in unison. Bum!!! Bum!!! Bum!!! Bum!!!

Suddenly, Katana had heard another voice out of the crowd.

Why are you always pickin’ on that poor girl!!?

When the crowd became silent, Katana had stopped in her tracks and turned around to get a good look at the person. The girl made her way towards April and her friends. She was also accompanied by another girl.

What do you get out of pickin’ on someone who can hardly defend themselves? Sweet had asked. You’ve disrespected this girl last year, and the year before that! Enough is enough, April! Sweet then stared at her with hardened eyes.

Please! You can’t tell me what to do! You’re not my mother! I can do whatever I want! Be glad that I’m not pickin’ on your ass! April had shot back.

Sweet then stepped closer to her and said, Oh, that’s something you will never do! I don’t care how many girls you have with you! I will beat your conceited ass from here, to your momma’s house, if you ever think about dissin’ me! Besides, you’re not even on my level, bitch!

April never responded. Instead, she snapped her fingers in Sweet’s face then cut her eyes at her.

Come on, y’all. This bitch ain’t even worth it. April had led all of her friends into the school building afterwards. Katana had waited until she saw that all of the students were inside of the building. There were a couple of girls who waited patiently as well. Katana thought it was too good to be true. She was so appalled that it took several seconds for it to register to her brain.

You gonna stand out here in the cold, or come inside with us?" Sweet had questioned. Katana was overwhelmed with so much emotion that it almost caused her to cry once more. Sweet had been the first to introduce herself when Katana finally made it to them.

What’s up, girl? My name is Sweet. What’s yours?

I’m Katana, but you can call me Kat. No one has ever stood up for me like that before. I really appreciate what you and your friend have done.

You don’t have to thank us. That spoiled brat had that coming for a very long time. Don’t pay her any mind. She loves to pick on people who she thinks she’s better than. You’re not the only one she takes advantage of.

Zina then walked up to Katana and gave her a long, tight hug. It told Katana that Zina had been the sensitive one out of the two.

It’s so nice to meet you, Kat. I’m so sorry about the way April has been treating you these pass couple of years. Please. Don’t feel bad. If you ask me, she may dress better than you do, but you look way better than her.

Katana had blushed when Zina had given her that outter most compliment. At that instant, Katana had been absolutely sure that she and Zina would end up being the best of friends.

You really think that I look better than April? Katana had asked, hoping that her ears haven’t deceived her.

Of course! Sweet interjected before Zina could answer her. She continued. "You just need a little touchin’ up here and there. Don’t worry. We’ll have you lookin’ fly in no time.

CHAPTER TWO

What the fuck is wrong with you!!? You know a hard head makes a soft ass! Why you still messin’ with that shit!? Debra’s boyfriend asked, highly upset.

Debra was a very beautiful woman. She had the body of a Hawaiian belly dancer. She stood five foot, eight inches tall and had the complexion of smooth caramel. In her line of work, it was important for her to maintain her physique, as well as her appearance, in order to attract wealthy men who wanted to be pleased; sexually.

Katana was eight years old when her father had left Debra for another woman. Debra was filled with so much grief when she had knowledge about the affair. Their divorce caused Debra to have a severe breakdown, which ultimately led to depression. During the time Debra was recovering from her illness, as well as recuperating from a miserable divorce, she met a man named Brandon Hands Johnson. He had earned the name Hands because they were incredibly huge. He also loved to use them whenever he couldn’t have his way.

The first time Debra had took time out to introduce Hands to Katana, she sensed that her daughter hardly liked him. Katana knew right away that they would never see eye to eye. She thought that Hands was fraudulent and she truly believed he would be the down fall of the genuine connection that she and Debra shared. Years later, Katana realized that she was right. With the help of Hands, Katana had found out that her mother was a drug addict as well as a prostitute. Hands had exposed Debra numerous times whenever he yelled at her in the presence of Katana.

Debra was addicted to heroin and could barely manage to support her drug habit. She thought that selling her body would be the only way to make fast money to provide for her and Katana; and she took Hands’ word for it.

Look at you, girl. You have the body of a thoroughbred, fit to win any race. Do you know how much cash we can make if I put you in the streets? All you have to do is have an open mind about pleasing these suckas. I call them suckas because at the end of the day... we will have all of their money in our hands. Cash rules, baby, and cash is what we need. There isn’t a sucka out there who will pass up on the opportunity to fuck you. Do you hear me, baby?

Hmmmm?

I said, do you hear me!? Hands had grabbed her by the arm and gripped it tightly. Knowing that Debra hadn’t taken heed to his words made him furious.

Yes, Hands. I heard you, baby, Debra had replied in a nervous manner.

Good! Just keep your appearance tight: stay fit as you are; and we will have nothing but success in this game, Hands had promised.

During the past five years, Hands continued to find young, black powerless girls who were willing to do anything unimaginable for a buck. The young and beautiful competition Debra had to face, made Hands wonder if she was even able to keep all the customers she had. Debra’s innocent, youthful looks began to diminish due to her profound drug use. Though she was thirty-years-old, she tried her best to keep up with other women who were in their early twenties; even girls who were in their teens. Hands considered Debra washed up and was getting too old for the game he had introduced her to. He was determined to let her go, and now, had a reason to do so.

This dope is fuckin’ you up, Dummy!! Who do you think will be willin’ to pay for your pussy? No sucka want a smoked out, washed up woman like yourself! What makes you different from a cracked on the street corner tryin’ to sell pussy for a $10.00 hit? You probably would’ve had another four or five years in you if you weren’t stickin’ that needle in your veins!

Yeah! Thanks to you! Did you forget that you’re the one who encouraged me to use drugs? You told me it would make me feel good, and take my mind off the fact that I was sleeping with so many men a day! Now, you wanna talk down at me like you’re all perfect and shit!? You’re the reason why I’m hooked, and you’re the reason why my life is a fuckin’ mess!!

Bitch! You made that choice! Did I put a gun to your fuckin’ head!? As a matter of fact, I can’t do anything with you! I don’t have any use for you no more!!

What the hell are you sayin’, Hands? You think you can just use me to make money for your ass, and then toss me to the side like some piece of garbage? Debra had cried, with her face buried in her palms. She continued. I’ve made lots of money for you fuckin’ Tom, Dick, and Harry because I thought that one day: we would live as one big happy family.

Get the fuck outta here! What makes you think that I would settle down and build a life with you? Pssss... That will never happen!

So that’s how it’s gonna be, Hands? After I’ve given you all my trust, loyalty, and unconditional love for all these years, this is all the respect I get? Hands never answered Debra. Instead, he walked towards the door and opened it.

Leave, now!

Okay! At least give me a little cash so...

I ain’t givin’ you shit! What the fuck you think I am, a bank?

Please, Hands! I promise. I won’t use drugs anymore! You can punish me, but don’t take food out of my daughter’s mouth! I’m dead broke and I need some money, right now, Debra had pleaded on her knees with her hands folded.

Please! You and your daughter are not my concern! I could care less about what happens to either of you! Now, either you get the hell out, or I’ll beat the dawg shit outta you! Hands never had to ask twice. Debra had rose to her feet then walked out of his house.

CHAPTER THREE

The apartment that Katana and her mother lived in hadn’t been furnished like any other traditional home. Their place of rest would’ve given anyone the impression that it was under construction. Mostly everyone in a house-hold had sofas and a bed to sleep on. Katana and Debra, on the other hand, had to put up with sitting on milk crates and sleeping on garbage bags that were filled with the very little clothes they possessed. The flowered pattern wall paper was soiled and peeling along the seams. All the curtains that covered their windows had grease and thick balls of dust on them. Katana thought that her living quarters was nowhere fit to entertain her new friends.

Okay, y’all know the routine by now. Take your shoes off before you enter, Sweet instructed.

Sweet’s house was plushed with the finest furniture and appliances Katana had ever seen. The Kitchen had opened to a family room that was furnished just as gracefully as the rest of the house. No matter where Katana went, the aroma of fresh roses commanded her nose’s attention. The entire place was laced in black and gold. Sweet’s house was so comforting, she never had to tell her friends to make themselves at home... They always did.

When they finally entered Sweet’s bedroom, Katana and Zina dived onto the bed. Sweet’s bed was covered in pink satin sheets with the name SWEETIE embroiled on it.

Everything was in order, from her desk top and her nightstand, down to her pictures that hung on the wall.

Come here for a minute, Kat, Sweet opened the huge doors to a spacious closet. Katana carefully examined numerous shoes, sneakers and clothing. Sweet’s closet reminded Katana of a miniature department store.

Sweet had scanned

Reviews for Raw's Committee

[Victor Gillis Jr. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is my second book i wrote. Raw's Committee is a good read. A revised copy will be coming your way soon. Also my third book "Trigger Happy 2".