My Brother's Keeper

By Alieu Mansaray

If you've followed me as a reader of my "Life Redemption I, II, and III" series and "Boss of All Bosses" novel then get ready for this next one part trill ride installment of, "My Brother's Keeper" more in line of a movie script turned novel. Separated at an early age after the murder of their Police Officer of a father and a Caucasian Madam of a hooker mother. Charles is raised by his Caucasian Madam of a hooker mother. Charles is raised by his Caucasian drunk of a grandmother, while Benjamin Johnson is raised by his African American grandmother. Being brought up by different family members. Benjamin grows up to become a straight lace Rochester Police Officer, while his half-brother Charles raised in Buffalo comes back down to Rochester navigating its cruel streets as a truly feared hustler not knowing of their connection, nor each others existence. When their path become cross in their adult lives due to unfortunate circumstances, after one is set up by some racist state troopers, and a pimp named, Baker Bank, will they come to the realization what each brother truly mean to one another. So in the immortal words from New Jack City, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Come along on this journey to find out what those words truly mean in "My Brother's Keeper" that should be a movie turned novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alieu Mansaray
• Release date: Jun 6, 2015

Alieu Mansaray

Alieu Mansaray is the first Sierra Leone Urban Street literature novel writer. He is a Self-Publisher who founded Sierra Leone Prince Publishing in 2010.He was born in Sierra Leone, Freetown and came to the United States at the age of 9 years old. During his schooling he attended Saint Charles Borromoe catholic school, located at 135th Street on 7th Avenue in the section of Harlem. While living at 145th. Street on 7th. Avenue right in the heart of Harlem, was when he started to take notice of the hustlers and drug dealers. After Saint Charles, Alieu went to Manhattan Center High School for Science and Math, located within a section of Harlem known as Spanish Harlem to most located at 116th Street by the F.D.R. Drive on 1st. Avenue. It was during these times he began to immerse himself in the streets and notice what fast money could bring. After Manhattan Center he began his college studies at City College University where he graduated with a Bachelor degree in Education but still had his dealings within the streets attending parties within Brooklyn and hanging out at notable clubs such as Temptation, Warehouse, etc with his fellow Brooklyn friends. It was also during his parting days that he caught his first weapons charge which sent him to Rikers for a few days. Not understanding the circumstances of his first charge Alieu under unforeseen circumstances will catch a second charge of weapons possession. While going back and forth to court from Brooklyn House for the second case of felony weapon possession he started to realize those he considered his friends, associates , and even his girlfriend started to abandon him plus disassociate themselves from him when he needed them the most. Alieu found his only solace through working on an Urban novel, which transformed to the literature called, "Life Redemption". After being found guilty for his second weapon possession case, he was sent upstate for a five years sentence and there he completed his "Life Redemption" series. The first of the three "Life Redemption I, II, III Abdul's Story" series tells of the first character Abdul's A.K.A. "Al" and his journey from a young boy to manhood with his friends at Manhattan Center to his college studies at City College, while still traversing himself in the drug game with his friends. At the end Abdul finally finds the one woman who would bear his child. Due to his drug dealing it would lead to circumstances unforeseen by Abdul nor his friends. Abdul will have to make the biggest decision of his life whether, his girlfriend or his unborn baby. He has to decide who is worth more to him. Find out his ultimate decision and choice! if it was up to you who would you save and why? The next three series will then lead you into "Life Redemption IV, V, VI Isis's Story" about 'Isis. Which will tell you the humble beginnings of Abdul's godfather General Priest's female bodyguard Isis, from her stint in the Sierra Leone special forces unit, where she will meet her friend Nefertiti, to becoming the bodyguard to a general while in America who is a major drug distributor, then getting to know General Priest's own crew apply labeled "Foreign Money Makin' Posse". At the end of this story you will come to know the formation of "Murder Mayhem Incorporated" comprising of three females that treat the drug game as there own killing field for murders. The last of the "Life Redemption VII, VIII, IX Cleopatra's Story" series then leads to the end of this series which will then tie everything together and have you understand why this series was apply titled "Life Redemption". Cleopatra will have you knowing what a young female who has lost everything, has nothing, been molested by those with power who were sworn to protect her is capable of implementing when immersed into the drug game. She will have you rethink what a cold blooded killer is all about. Better yet if you want to get to know Cleopatra let me allow a sample of her talk to two females who where trying to flirt with her girlfriend's boyfriends. “Bitch who the fuck ya ass talkin’ to? Talkin’ ‘bout ya goin’ get ya brother. I got friends too an’ it’s sixteen of ‘em an’ one waitin’ to start some shit. I’ll bring ‘em all out an’ they got three extra friends waitin’ to tag along. ‘Cause I’ll bring the fuckin’ beats an’ we can all ‘ave a muthafuckin’ block party!” Cleopatra told them talking about her gun and the three extra clip she was carrying.As far as the self-publishing author goes Alieu has four books that are out right now in book print format right now "Life Redemption I, II, and III" the last of which called "Boss Of All Bosses" which was about a female named Wanetta who takes over her family business after the death of her mother and father. When he is not working his thoughts on paper, Alieu Mansaray enjoys working out. All Three "Life Redemption" series for Abdul's Story will be posted up very soon on Smashwords for e-reader along with the "Boss Of All Bosses" series for anyone to purchase and download to their e-readers. Stay tune to the upcoming novel "My Brother's Keeper" and "Vampire Origins 'The Genealogy" Coming Real Soon!

Book preview

Prologue

Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes, I am... the immortal words from the movie New Jack City

Officer Fredrick Johnson sat at the kitchen table with his oldest son, Benjamin Johnson on his lap. His youngest son, Charles Johnson who was one year younger than his brother Benjamin laid in his crib napping. The one thing Fredrick was proud of was, knowing he was a father of two boys. He could not believe he had such beautiful babies. For a man who was going through tumultuous times with his young wife Jennifer Johnson, he took pride knowing both of his sons had some sort of resemblance to him or his wife.

The only differences in his sons were their shade of color. The son he held in his hand resembled more of his mother, than him. The child he knew could pass of as being Caucasian and not of mix parents. Fredrick had heard the jokes from fellow co-workers on the Rochester police force telling him about his son. To Fredrick he laid claim to Benjamin the minute his name was legally changed to Johnson. Officer Fredrick believed Benjamin was starting to take on some of his traits in the nose, as well as his appeal. He played with his oldest son who grasped his thumb in his hand with a strong vise grip.

That’s right, you going to be just like your daddy. You going be real strong like your daddy and your brother, aren’t you? said Fredrick to his child.

Fredrick watched as his son made goggle-eyes at him laughing and smiling. He was so proud of being the father of two strong boys. The only thing he wished was for his wife to get her act together, and stop working in the profession she was into. Although he had falling in love with her, he had hoped through some sort of miracle she would come to love him as he did her.

It had gotten so bad Fredrick had become the butt end joke of the whole police station house. The one thing no one dear was say what was on their mind in front of his face. For being a standard height man at five feet six inches he was a very strong individual. One of Fredrick’s fellow officers had come to learn the hard way he was no slouch when it came to defending his wife’s honor no matter what sort of woman she was.

Fredrick had been having a few drinks with his fellow officers at their favorite watering hole bar within Rochester after hours. The partner of another officer came staggering over to him drunk as a skunk. The officer, same complexion as Officer Fredrick asked, Fred? How long do you think it would take to have your wife come over and screw in two light bulbs for me?

The other officers who were on hand were not amused, including Fredrick’s Irish partner Macknetti, who had warned Officer Anderson not to go any further with his joke. Anderson just brushed

Macknetti’s hand aside.

Come on now, chap. said Anderson to

Macknetti. I was only having a slight go, with mee...ole’ chap here, there is no harm in that now is there, Macky mee...ole’ chap? asked Anderson mocking Macknetti heritage as if he himself was Irish.

At the words of Anderson’s statement

Macknetti simply allow Anderson to go on with what he wanted to say to Fredrick. The other officers on hand just shook their heads as if in dismay. Although his fellow officers knew Fredrick was in love, they also felt he was unlucky in the love department. Fredrick as an officer was well respected because he was always there for his fellow officers, no matter what the circumstances. It was the one thing Fredrick’s fellow officers respected about him. As far as the streets went, Fredrick was well respected by some of the street hustlers, plus killers in and around Rochester, because he never backed down from giving anyone a fair fight if he was called out in one.

You know Anderson, I don’t know how long, but I am sure you are going to tell me how long it would take. said Fredrick in return.

Come on now, Fred, you know the answer?

Anderson stated to Fredrick once again. It is not hard at all.

No, I don’t know the answer but I am sure you are going to say it though, Anderson, but I will suggest you keep your answer to yourself. Fredrick warned his fellow officer.

On that day Officer Fredrick had been having a bad day, and didn’t want to hear anything from anyone. A joke about his wife was one thing he

definitely had no intention of hearing.

Ahh...ole’ chap, no need to be a sour puss about it. You know it would not take long since she is open all night for business, Fred. responded Anderson.

It was all Anderson had to say before Fredrick was on his ass. Fredrick grabbed Anderson by his left wrist, as he twisted it in the opposite direction. Anderson could only go to one knee as he released the cup of liquor in his right hand, spilling some of the liquid on Fredrick.

It was at that point Anderson realized his mistake. Come on, Fred. I didn’t know you were going to take my joke as a bad taste.

Oh, you did not, did you. said Fredrick as he gazed upon Anderson who was still on his knee. Well, if you did not know, my wife is not anyone butt for a joke. Next time you want to bring my wife into your joke, I suggest you think twice. as Fredrick leveled a punch directly onto the left eye of Anderson giving him a black eye.

Macknetti at that point stepped in stopping his partner from doing any more damage to Anderson. Macknetti knew if he did not stop his partner, he would have done much more damage to the face of his fellow drunk officer.

Come, on now chap. There is no need to go any further. I am sure the chap has learned his lesson that you are not someone to joke with, Fredrick. Macknetti told his partner. Let me take you home. You don’t need to be out here.

Yeah, you right, Mack. said Fredrick to his partner as they walked out the bar.

Fredrick did not know from the fight he had within the bar he would be suspended for a week without pay for punching his fellow officer. A disciplinary record was also included in his paperwork, which he would regret.

Fredrick sat playing with his child waiting on his wife. He heard a noise come from the crib where his younger son was sleeping in. He knew his other boy was awake from his sleep, and would be hungry. The one thing about his youngest son was he was not a crier like his older brother. So, Fredrick knew his young son was hungry and it was the only reason he would cry. Fredrick went and got the bottle from the refrigerator. He poured some of the warm water he had used for himself to make coffee into a pan. He placed the bottle in the warm water, allowing it to get heated. When he went to place his older younger son in the crib, he immediately started to cry.

Ok, I got you. I won’t put you down. Don’t worry I am not going anywhere. Fredrick told his older younger son as if reassuring him he would always be with them.

Fredrick picked up his other son, who looked at his older brother as if his older brother was a wimp. The one thing Fredrick saw in his younger son was the same complexion as him. His younger son Charles could not be mistaken for a Caucasian because he had the same caramel skin tone as him. His older son had only a slight resemblance to his mother. By looking at his younger son Charles, Officer Fredrick knew no one would have thought his younger son was of mix descent, if it was not for his light brown colored eyes. He held both of his sons in his arm. He went and took the bottle he had been warming up in the pan. Frederick went and sat at the kitchen table with both of his sons on each of his lap. He tested the bottle by squeezing a small amount in back of his hand.

Fredrick knowing the bottle was just right for his son Charles placed the bottle into the mouth of his younger son. His son Charles sucked on the bottle, like the hungry child he was.

Yeah, I know you were definitely hungry. So, how is the bottle? His son looked at him as if he did not understand what was being said to him, as he went on sucking on the bottle. Fredrick heard the locks to the apartment being unlatched. He knew who it was as he sat watching the door.

Look At Your Daddy

The door came opened as Fredrick stood up with both of his sons in his arm. He walked over towards the crib as he placed his older boy Benjamin in the crib, who started crying immediately. He held on to his youngest son Charles, as he placed him over the shoulder patting him on the back. He wanted his son to burp before placing him in the crib as well.

Fredrick’s eyes were focused on the entrance to the kitchen door. He knew whom it was coming into the house. His younger son all of a sudden burped throwing up some of the milk he had drank on his officer’s uniform. Fredrick knew he had to replace the shirt. He grabbed a towel wiping the throw up from his son away. He went and placed his youngest son in the crib.

Fredrick went and grabbed a hold of his coffee as he took two sips. So, where you been? he questioned his wife.

I’ve been takin’ care of my business, since we can’t live on one income alone.

So you went back out to work? asked Fredrick of his wife.

Went back out? Who told you that? I never stopped working from the beginning when we got together. How did you think we were able to maintain ourselves? It was not through your cop salary. I’ve been booking clients for the girls while I was in the house.

Fredrick at that point punched a hole in the

wall. He was a man who could not control his emotion for his wife, but he knew how to regress it and hold it in check with others.

Isn’t it jus’ like ya to make a hole in the wall, when the wall ain’t do nothing to ya, but now you tryin’ to take your anger out on it.

I am not angry! You told me you were done with that lifestyle!

I never told ya ass such a thing. All these name brand outfits I wear did not come from me sittin’ on my ass all day playin’ some sort of house wife role. I had to go out and get things done. Plus what I told you were knock offs from New York’s Chinatown were from 57th Street. They were the authentic shit from Madison Avenue. Ya ass should know I don’t wear knock offs.

So, you telling me, Jennifer you still been dealing with Jeffery? questioned Fredrick of his wife.

When ya ass meet me you knew I was a hooker and I wanted to become a madam. I never planned on being a housewife. Ya ass knew I was never the type. Now if you can’t deal with that, then it’s on ya.

The messed up thing about what Officer

Fredrick’s wife Jennifer was saying, he knew was the truth. He was so deep in love with his wife Jennifer he had ran her young pimp’s older madam out of town by paying her off, and treating to kill her if she returned back into Rochester. That was how his wife got the position of being a madam instead of a regular hooker.

"So, you still running around with that young

pimp, and got my fellow officers trying to make me the butt end of their jokes at the station house, huh?"

An’ them makin’ a joke of you is my fault?

Jennifer questioned.

If you were any less of a woman, you should at list think of both of your sons. What do you think will happen when they start to attend school, what then? Why don’t you think on what their friends would tell them about their mother being a madam for a young boy who thinks he is a pimp?

Well my sons should be able to take criticism from their friends because they’re asses are tough like their mama, or at list one of them is tough like his mama. as Jennifer went towards the crib were both of her sons were. Benjamin began to cry.

What I told you about cursing around our sons.

Well, it’s not like when they’re asses get older and around their friends they not goin’ to hear them using profanity.

I still don’t want my sons hearing any curse words coming from us. I don’t want them picking it up within our home.

An’ does it look as if I give a damn ‘bout what you want or think? asked Jennifer.

Woman, don’t start with me right now. I don’t have time for this, because I only have a few more minutes before I need to be at work. You need to think about raising our children the right way.

An’ what does that suppose to mean?

"I told you I don’t have time for this. You need to change B.J., because he went in his diapers. I will

be back later on."

What do you mean by raisin’ our sons? You act as if you are the only one capable of raising our children right. said Jennifer.

I did not say that, J. Just take care of B.J.’s diapers, because he is starting to cry, which means he needs changing.