Mind Games: A Brick City Story

By Ikish Mullens

Sex . . . Drugs . . . Love . . . Lies . . . Secrets . . . and Betrayal are just a few things Des encounters on his road to redemption.

Sworn to secrecy about his inheritance, Des secretly began making plans to leave his life in the streets behind, only to open Pandora’s Box, and unleash a wave of chaos and destruction in the lives of those he love.

Moreover, caught in a bloody drug war – with outside forces plotting his downfall – Des must look to the past, and remember the lessons he’d learned along the way, if he planned to outsmart his adversaries.

Because the only way to survive in this game, you must keep your enemies close, and your friends even closer. . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ikish Mullens
• Release date: Apr 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9780984058211

Ikish Mullens

Ikish Mullens was born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in the Vailsburg area of the city, in the Westward. He graduated from the University of Phoenix and independently published his first novel Mind Games: A Brick City Story in 2004. Additionally, in 2009 he founded and created MYCA Publishing.Furthermore, Ikish’s other notable accomplishments include a cameo appearance in the independently released film produced by Shii-Fyne Productions title The Git Em Gyrlz.In addition, he has also worked behind the scenes and as an on air radio personality for New 105.5i The Heat and Elite Radio in New Jersey.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1: Genesis

Today should have been the saddest day of Des’ life, but how could he be sad knowing he’d inherited millions due to his father’s sudden death. Not to mention the fact that Des wouldn’t have shed a tear for him, since his father was never a part of his life. Moreover, for as long as he could remember, Des believed that his father was dead. However, today Des learned the man known as his father was very much alive the entire time.

As a child, Des never knew his father’s name. He never knew what he looked like, nor did he have a clue what his father did for a living. Growing up, Des’ mother never spoke a word of his father. Whenever Des would ask her questions about him, she would pretend as if he’d never said a word; as if it was a sin to speak his name.

However, like they say, What’s done in the dark, will soon come to light, because God has a way of revealing things. No matter how much a person may try to hide their secrets, no matter how bad the truth may be, God has a way of making the truth known.

Silently standing in the doorway of the room where his father’s body was resting for viewing, Des quietly stared at him. Petrified, Des could not bring himself to enter the room, so he chose to turn around and walk away.

Excuse me, Des said apologizing to the elderly woman, he’d mistakenly bumped and knocked off balance, I didn’t see you there.

It’s okay young man, she replied adjusting her glasses. Oh my, I don’t believe it. I’ve heard the rumors, but this, this confirms it.

Confirms what? Des asked himself.

I’m sorry to hear about your father, the elderly woman continued, He was a good man, an honorable man, who tried his best to do right by the community. You know, there are not that many good men like him left in the world. He was truly one of a kind.

Sorry? Why are you apologizing? You say it as if you killed the sorry bastard. Besides, I didn’t even know the bastard. As a matter of fact, I don’t know you either. Des thought to himself.

Snapping back to reality, Des kindly replied, I’m sorry madam, but I think you have me confused with someone else.

No . . . No . . . I have the right one, she assured him. Just look at you, looking like Ray spit you out himself. There is no way in the world he could have denied that you were his son. The only thing I can’t understand is why he kept you a secret for all these years.

You and me both, Des thought.

Well it was nice meeting you, but I have to be going now; you take care of yourself now, you hear, she told him, Don’t let the Devil get a hold of your soul. Too many of you younglings’ now days are giving your lives over to him, and I doubt very much that your father would want that type of life for you. You should live by his example and follow the path he traveled.

Thank you, I will, Des lied while wishing the elderly woman would go away.

Oh excuse me my dear, she said nosily looking over his shoulder, I see some folks I haven’t seen in years, but I’ll be seeing you around.

Des cracked a slight smile as the elderly woman eased her way across the funeral home, to meet up with her old acquaintances. Turning his head slightly, looking over his left shoulder, Des could still see his father’s lifeless body lying dormant within his casket; looking as if he was finally at peace.

For years, Des imagined how his father might have looked; never thinking for a moment his first and last time seeing him would be the day he would be laying him to rest.

Standing alone in the entrance of the sanctuary, Des tried once more to muster the nerve to approach his father’s casket. He wanted to make peace with him for his past mistakes, to forgive him for his sins.

Taking a step forward, Des felt a cold chill move through his body. Moreover, with each step he took, Des could feel his heart pound rapidly, beating faster and faster at an unusual pace.

With his knees wobbling, the palms of his hands sweating, and throat becoming dry, Des felt as though he was going to pass out in the middle of the sanctuary, in front of everyone who’d come to pay their last respects to his father.

Desmond . . . Is everything alright Sugar? a voice asked calling out to him, breaking Des from his trance.

Heeding the sound of the voice, Des repeatedly played it in his head, trying to remember where he’d heard the voice before. However, nothing seemed to jog his memory.

Turning slowly to face the mystery woman, Des silently stared at her. Unable to place a name with her face, Des felt that she looked familiar.

Hello! Is anyone home? The woman asked, waving her hand in his face, trying to get his attention. You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.

Oh . . . No . . . No . . . I’m fine, he lied not wanting to offend her in any way.

By the look in your eyes, I can tell you’re wondering how it is that I know your name? She said assertively, It’s been years since we’ve last meet, and I must say, you haven’t changed one bit. Actually, you have grown to be quit a handsome young man. With many characteristics of your father, she explained, causing him to blush. Now see, there’s the smile I’ve missed all these years.

Indeed, Des was a handsome young man. He possessed all the qualities a woman could ever ask for in a mate. He was tall, dark, and handsome; a clean shaved face, with his hair cut low, and a body that no woman could resist. A pretty boy some would say, but unlike most pretty boys, Des was not full of himself. He never was one to let his reputation get the best of him, because his mother taught him to never brag about his accomplishments, but to let those who witness his work spread the word for him. She warned him never to let popularity get the best of him, because self-indulgence was the work of the Devil.

There is an old saying: You can lose a lot of money chasing women, but you’ll never lose a lot of women chasing money.

Those words of wisdom are words that Des had chosen to live by, because with the will to grind in his blood, Des knew to put his business first, and let everything else fall where they may.

For instance, in the past, a few young women had tried to trap Des. Infatuated with his lavish lifestyle, they would come to him with all kinds of crazy stories just to keep him from leaving them.

Moreover, one young woman went so far as to try to convince Des she was pregnant with his child, but he was not buying it. From the beginning, Des had doubts about her. In addition, Des knew the games the trifling women from the hood played, so he called her bluff, asking her to get a DNA test to prove if the baby was his.

However, once the test results returned, it proved what Des had already known in his heart to be true. The DNA test proved that Des was not the father, and he was pleased with the results. Des promised himself long ago never to have a child out of wedlock. He made a promise that he would only bare children with, and marry the woman he truly loved, because he only planned to do it once.

I see you still have that bright beautiful smile, as always, the woman continued.

Thank you, Des replied, still trying to figure out the woman’s identity. I’m sorry . . . but I didn’t catch your name.

I know, that’s because I didn’t throw it, she playfully replied. But since you asked me so nicely, my name is Gwendolyn . . . Gwendolyn Jones. However, my friends and close acquaintances call me Gwen, but you can call me grandma.

Grandma! Des gasped in shock.

Yes grandma, I’m your father’s mother, Gwen explained. Reaching into her purse, Gwen removed a piece of paper, passing it to Des.

I have a grandmother? Des repeated in disbelief.

Of course you do. How else do you think you got here?

Oh no, It’s not that. I’m just shocked. Des replied. I thought after my mother passed, that I was alone.

Well, now you don’t have to worry about being alone anymore, Gwen assured him. We have each other now.

I don’t know, you have to excuse me, all of this is just a little confusing for me right now, Des confessed, I grew up my whole life thinking Ray was dead, but after seeing him today, I don’t know what to believe anymore.

I know it’s a lot for you to take in right now, but listen, that is the number and address to where I’ll be staying while I’m in town, Gwen informed him, And since you’re the sole heir to the Jones Dynasty, there are some things we’ll need to discuss before you can take over.

Is this a joke? Des laughed listening to what Gwen had to say. Do you really expect me to believe I’m the heir to some kind of Dynasty? Des asked.

Does it look as if I’m laughing to you Mr. Jones? Gwen asked with a stern look on her face. This is not a laughing matter. There is a lot that you need to catch up on, and your family’s legacy has been left up to you to control.

I hear you.

Don’t just hear me . . . Understand and listen to me carefully. She demanded. Don’t tell anyone about what we’ve discussed here today. It’ll be in your best interest, and the interest of this family, that no one knows who you really are.

Okay!

And I expect to see you at the address I’ve provided for you once the funeral’s over. Only then will we be at liberty to talk more freely instead of with restraint.

True.

Oh and Des . . .

Yes?

Welcome home. Gwen said with a warm smile, giving Des a hug and kiss on the cheek, before stepping away to greet the mourners who’d come to pay their last respects to Ray.

Standing alone in the funeral home, Des thought about what his grandmother told him. Staring at the piece of paper she had given him, he placed it into his jacket pocket, taking one last look at Ray before leaving the funeral home.

Surveying the funeral home, Des was amazed at how loved Ray was within the community. He could not believe how many people had come out to say good-bye to him. Inspecting the sanctuary, Des recognized a number of people he had known from the streets were showing their respect for Ray.

However, the thing that stuck out to him the most was the number of political figures and law enforcement officers who filled the room. Seeing the lawmakers and boys in blue, alongside the Underworld’s elite, made Des ponder about the type of man Ray was. He wondered what kind of man could bring all these different people, from different backgrounds and lifestyles, peacefully together under the same roof.

How do you think he’ll take it when he learns the truth? Ari, whispered.

I don’t know, Reverend Clarke replied with a concern look on his face. I just pray he understands everything Ray did was to protect him.

I’m praying for the same thing, she added.

CHAPTER 2: Destiny

Arriving at the address Gwen provided him the night before, Des stared at the house before him with admiration.

Moreover, for a brief moment, Des wondered what he was doing there; pondering if he’d arrived at the wrong address. However, to his surprise, the large gates opened, and Des proceeded to enter.

After he'd driven another five minutes to the main house, two armed guards (Bruce and Bull) approached Des as he steps out of his car, and thoroughly search him for weapons.

Yo . . . What’s good? Des asked with his arms raised high in the air. I have a meeting with Gwen.

Sorry for the inconvenience, Bruce said with a sympathetic, but stern tone, But we have rules around here…Every visitor must be searched…No exceptions.

What y’all guarding, Des wondered, Gold or some shit?

He’s clean, Bull announced.

Alright . . . Follow me, Bruce instructed him.

Bruce entered the estate first, followed by Des, with Bull walking not too far behind him, as they escorted Des to the library where Gwen is awaiting him.

Wait right here, Bruce instructed him. I’ll be right back.

Bruce opens the large library doors and enters the room.

Sorry to interrupt you Madame, Bruce respectfully said to her, interrupting Gwen’s reading. But your guest has arrived.

Gwen acknowledged Bruce’s presence, and closed her book, removing her reading glasses from her face. Placing her glasses, along with her book, onto the coffee table, Gwen leaned back into her chair. Giving Bruce her undivided attention, Gwen replied, Thank you Bruce. You can bring him in.

Yes Madame, Bruce replied.

Bruce waves his hand to Bull, signaling for him to bring Des into the library. Once Des entered the room, Gwen ordered for Bruce and Bull to leave them and close the library doors behind them.

Standing a few inches from the library doors, Des admired the décor of the lavishly decorated room.

Well don’t be shy. Come in and make yourself a home, Gwen instructed him with a warm and comforting smile. After all, this is your estate now.

This is my what? Des asked in amazement.

All of this is yours.

This house right here is mines? He asked her just to make sure he heard her right the first time.

Yes, this estate and everything in it belong to you, Gwen assured him.

Stop fucking with me. Are you fucking serious? Des blurted excitedly.

Excuse me Mr. Jones, Gwen said in a stern tone. I think you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to. Do I need to ring for some soap and wash your filthy mouth out? Or should I go out into the garden, and get a switch, to beat your black ass raw. Now don’t get it twisted for one minute. Do not think that I do not know how to get down and dirty. Just because I’ve left the hood, doesn’t mean the hood has left me. Now the next time you use that kind of language in my presence, I’ll kill your ass dead. Do you understand me?

Yes, my bad, grandma, Des replied sounding like a 9-year-old child, I was just…

. . . I don’t care what you were just doing. You just better make it your good and watch your mouth. Switching her persona, Gwen continued, Now as I was saying. Your father died and left you everything he owns. And it’s my job to assist you with the transition in any way I can; to make this transition easier for you.

Okay, I don’t mean you any disrespect, but why would Ray leave me the world?, Des asked, "If he never wanted anything to do with me when he was here? To tell you the truth, I don’t want anything to do with this family or anything else that deals with Ray for that matter, because I’m good. I’ll make bread (money) on my own terms. My own way, because I’m my own man. I don’t need a handout from anybody, not even him, Des informed her. I don’t even want this house, because like you said, this is his house. Des said, finally relieving himself of years of pain and frustration. And in the back of my mind, it will always be his house. Ray never wanted anything to do with me while he was alive; I don’t want anything to do with him while he’s dead. I’ve come this far on my own and I’ll get even further the same way."

That’s fine; you have the right to reject anything you’d like. However, before you completely write your father off, let me tell you a little secret. There were plenty of times when your life was in danger, that if it wasn’t for your father, you wouldn’t be standing here right now. Gwen revealed.

. . . Because of the petty rivalry, you have with Dante and his Brotherhood, Ray had to repeatedly step in and help you out. Ray had been watching over you from the sideline up until the day he took his final breath. You see, just because you didn’t see him physically, doesn’t mean he wasn’t there for you. Gwen said getting to the root of the issue.

She continued,Understand this, Ray took a step back and allowed your mother to raise you away from the life he lived. Ray knew the danger you’d be in, that you’d both be in, and Ray also wanted you to appreciate the life of freedom that you had. Because, when it came to you, instead of giving you a life served on a silver platter, he wanted you to experience the hardships of life. Ray believed life, and all of its trials and tribulations, are what shapes us into who we’ll become in the future.

What do you mean? Des wondered, taking a seat across from Gwen.

I could sit here and supply the answers to your questions, Gwen said, But it would defeat the purpose of what your father was trying to do for you. Besides, you’re a Jones, and a quick learner. I believe you’ll learn all you need to know in due time. So with that said, feel free to roam the halls to see what you can come up with.

Alright, but before I go, Des wondered, What’s beneath that cloth above the fire place?

Oh that, that you’ll learn when the time is right, Gwen chuckled, But in the meantime, why don’t you go and take a look around?

Taking a final look around the library, Des did as Gwen suggested, leaving his grandmother alone in the library, so he could have a private tour of his newly acquired estate, to search for the answers he desperately wanted.

Back in the library, Gwen continued reading her book, only to be interrupted by the ringing of the phone.

Hello . . . How did you get this number?

Aimlessly walking the halls of his estate, Des walked down corridor after corridor, admiring the many sculptures and paintings that decorated the halls and walls.

Continuing with his tour, Des took a left turn at the end of one of the long corridors, and found himself in a new area of the estate. Within this corridor, Des found himself in a hallway filled with hand painted hanging portraits of men on each side of the hall.

Looking at each portrait carefully, Des noticed the men were dressed in different clothing, dating from the late sixties to the present day.

Standing before the portraits, Des read each plaque beneath the portraits, examining each of them one-by-one. Moreover, once Des reached the end of the corridor, he noticed a portrait preceding his father’s portrait had a dim light shining above it. However, unlike the other dimly lit portraits, a veil covered this particular one, with a plaque that hung below it that read:

"Thy veil shall hide the here and now,

Like a metaphor of secret yet to be found,

Removal upon which shall be known,

The fall of thy KING and rise of thy SON."

Des pondered for a moment about the meaning of this cryptic message. However, nothing seemed to come to mind.

Deciding to take his chances, Des extended his hand, and took hold of the veil, causing it to slide off the portrait, and cascade to the floor. Moreover, because of Des’ actions, a chain reaction of sorts was set in place; the light above Ray’s portrait became dim, as the newly unveiled portrait brightly shined.

What the Fuck? Des gasped, shocked by the sight of the portrait, That’s . . . That’s me.

Seeing himself in the portrait, Des was more confused than ever. He didn’t know what to make of this new revelation.

Looking at his watch, Des realized that it was getting late, and that he had stayed longer than he expected. Having seen enough for one day, Des decided to let himself out, before saying good-bye to Gwen for the night.

CHAPTER 3: Sticky Situations

The ride home from Ray’s estate allowed Des time to reflect on his life. However, under the current circumstances, Des pondered how much his life would change if he accepted his inheritance. On the one hand, Des and the people that he loved would no longer have a care in the world.

On the other hand, as they say, "With more money, come more problems," and Des knew his inheritance will bring nothing but drama.

However, unlike most drug dealers now days; Des wouldn’t fit into the typical street pharmacist category. Furthermore, within the five plus years Des has been running the streets, he has never once made a hand-to-hand drug deal.

Moreover, there are different levels and paths an individual could walk in order to make a quick buck. For instance, you have your car thieves, con artists, money launderers, drug dealers and runners, and individuals that deal with B&Es (breaking and entering), and armed robbery. However, when the individuals considered pros in one of these criminal fields decides to venture into another, that is when they make their fatal mistake.

Fortunately, for Des, he knew his role and played his position well. From the moment Des stepped his foot in the streets, he was known as the brains of the operation. Always planning, plotting, and orchestrating, Des used the lesson he’d learned within a classroom, and translated them to fit his needs within the streets. In addition, Des was an observer, known for watching his surroundings, and paying close attention to detail; which allowed him to predict events and realize things that most people would miss.

Moreover, whenever Des encountered a problem or issue with one of his rivals, he’d attempt to peacefully resolve the issue before deciding to resort to senseless violence, because Des knew that bullets and bloodshed would bring unwanted attention to his criminal empire. However, if push came to shove, Des had a fury matched by no other; ready and prepared to eliminate anyone who posed a direct threat to his life, or the lives of the people he loved most in this world.

Entering Bradley Courts’ parking lot, Des peered through his rear view mirror as his cautiously backed into one of the empty parking spaces, before shutting off his ignition.

Sitting quietly behind the wheel of his car, Des surveyed the housing complex for any signs of danger, before exiting his vehicle. Furthermore, from the position in which he had parked his car, Des had a clear view of the entire housing complex. Looking up, down, left, and right, Des was curious as to why there wasn’t a soul in sight; which was unusual for this time of day.

Speculating, Des wondered if five-o (police) hit the block, and forced everyone into hiding. However, Des quickly pushed the thought aside, because he knew once the coast was clear, it would have been back to business as usual.

Finally exiting his vehicle, Des walked across the small rectangle shaped field, which separated the sidewalk from the blacktop where the jungle gym sat. Lost in his thought, Des didn’t notice the poorly dressed fiend approaching him, as he walked along the path near the basketball court.

Ay, Des man, Joe said raising his arms in the air. What’s the deal?

Joe what the fuck do you want? Des nonchalantly asked.

"I was looking for that Feel Good (heroin), Joe replied unable to stand still, But nobody has any."

What do you mean? Des wondered, getting agitated, "You haven’t been to the Hole (narcotic distribution building)? Isn't Anth or Tone out there?"

Naw man, I haven’t seen no Anth, Joe replied swaying side to side, scratching his arms and face. But that bitch ass nigga Tone out there though.

"So what happened? Why didn’t you cop (purchase) from him?"

Because Des man, he said he was done for the day.

Aight my nigga, give me a minute to see what’s good with these niggas, Des instructed him, And check back in about an hour, aight?

An hour! Joe snapped, You really want me to wait that long? I don’t need the shit in an hour. I need my shit right now.

Nigga you been waiting for the shit this long, Des snappily replied, stepping closer to Joe. Another hour won’t kill you,

Aight man . . . aight, you got it, Joe frantically replied, backing down from Des.

After speaking his piece, Des walked off, leaving Joe near the basketball court and the field in the middle of the complex.

Silently eyeing Des as he approached the Hole, Joe mumbled, Fuck you too muthafucka. Y’all niggas got the game fucked up. I don’t know what y’all be thinking, but y’all niggas ain’t the only dope boys around here. Believe that.

Walking up the steps towards the entrance of the Hole, Des spotted Tone exiting one of the apartments within the building.

What up big bro. When did you get back? Tone asked, showing Des some love (a handshake and hug).

I didn’t go anywhere, Des replied.

So where the hell you been? Tone asked, jokingly questioning him, You’ve been M.I.A. for a minute now.

I've been busy handling personal business.

Word?

Word bro, Des said before changing the subject. So where is everybody, on vacation?

Naw, we been holding shit down since you been away, Tone informed him. Even though you took a little leave of absence, you know niggas still have to eat.

Yeah whatever nigga, Des sarcastically snapped, causing them both to laugh. But yo, what’s fucking wit' it, I haven’t been back in the hood a good five minutes, and I’m already getting complaints. Why the fuck is my building not open?

Because you haven’t been here to re-up, Tone said reminding him about his absence. We finished the bricks last Friday. I been hitting your phone, but you haven’t been answering my calls. Even Shea's been on my back looking for your ass.

Naw, fuck all that. You know what to do when I’m not around. Des said with an authoritative tone. You know the show don’t stop for nobody.

I know . . . that’s why Anth went to hook up with Danny Boi a little while ago.

When it came down to handling business, Anth and Tone were the only two members of Des’ crew that he trusted outside of his little cousin Trey. Whenever Des couldn’t personally oversee his growing empire, he would leave one of the two in charge.

Tone has been Des’ right-hand man, ever since they met in Speedway Elementary School. However, Anth on the other hand, Des met him through his little cousin Trey back on New Year’s Eve back in ‘99, and ever since then the two of them have become the best of friends.

Word, who he took with him? Des wondered.

Trigg and Pee I think, Tone replied.

Pee! Des snapped, furious with Tone’s response. I thought I told you not to let him leave the block? I don’t trust that muthafucka wit' knowing too much of my business.

Chill my dude, that’s our man.

He ain’t shit to me, that’s your nigga. Des reminded him. Remember, you're the one who put him on. You and that nigga Blaze.

"I know you still not tripping about his knots (money)? Tone inquired. You know how shit go. Some days you just might come up a little short."

Fuck what you heard, I already told you. Let me find out the nigga been stealing money from me, I promise you I will end his ass. Simple as that, you dig?

Yeah I hear you.

I’m getting tired of every time I turn around; he always got a story about why his shit not straight. Des said rambling on. I’m starting to think he's using the shit.

But it’s not like he’s the only one you should be worried about, Tone insinuated.

What you mean? Des asked curious about Tone’s insinuation.

Blaze been on some other shit since you been M.I.A., he informed him.

On some other shit like what? Des asked trying to understand his point. You think he’s stealing too?

I can’t really say, but he's been acting a little strange, like he’s up to something. Tone implied, Every time I give him work, he disappears for a few days, and pops up later to turn in his knots.

Does he show up with straight money, or short money?

Yeah his shit been straight, but the word is he not always selling the same shit.

So you think he's selling his own shit on the side or cutting my shit?

To tell you the truth, I can’t call it, Tone said. But I wouldn’t put anything past him.

Aight, you don’t have to worry about Blaze, I’m back now. Des assured him. If he’s pushing his own shit in my buildings, or fucking wit' my product, I’ll handle it myself. Just keep this conversation between you and me.

You got it.

Look, I’ll be at the crib if you need me. Chirp me as soon as you hear from them niggas.

I got you.

Des and Tone showed each other love before walking their separate ways.

***

The Connect

On the other side of town, Anth was in the middle of conducting business with their supplier Danny Boi. Normally when time came to re-up, Anth would accompany Des to meet with Danny Boi. However, today things have changed.

When it came to his money, Anth was never the one to trust foreigners, and Danny Boi was as foreign as they come. Usually whenever Des went to re-up, he would meet with Danny Boi in an undisclosed location close to the hood. However, today for some reason, Danny Boi insisted that Anth meet him at his home.

Wassup rude boy? Danny Boi said greeting him.

What’s really good wit’ you, Anth replied.

I’m good, but where’s the boss man? Danny Boi wondered, looking around for Des.

He couldn’t make it, so he sent me instead.

So who’s the girls you have wit’ you now? Danny Boi asked, examining Anth’s associates.

GIRLS! Pee snapped, offended by his statement.

Nigga calm down, Anth instructed him. I got this.

Ay son, check yo man, Pee warned Anth. He's on some bullshit right now. Did you hear what he just called me and my nigga?

Wow fellas, my bad, Danny Boi said, apologizing for offending them. I didn’t mean no disrespect. It was just a joke. It’s all love here.

Ay chill, they cool, Anth assured him, These my niggas and that’s all you need to know.

Danny Boi suspiciously looked Pee and Trigg up and down. I don’t know about this. I do business with the Boss man and the Boss man only. For all I know, you could be trying to work this deal behind his back, and that’s bad for business.

Ay man, on the real, go ahead with all that shit, Pee said interrupted them again, growing tired of Danny Boi’s stalling. What difference does it make whether you see big bro or not; as long as you're getting paid in the process? Right?

Fall back, I told you I got this, Anth said to Pee once more.

I’m just playing it safe. It’s all love around here, no. Danny Boi replied trying to ease the tension. You just never know about shit in this business.

Yeah I bet, Trigg whispered, eyeing Danny Boi, while clutching his .45.

Well come, come now and make yourselves at home. Danny Boi said, inviting them in.