The Village Squires - Tales of Mayhem and Revenge

By Michael André Fath

The Village Squires
Tales of Mayhem and Revenge
is an exciting and eye-opening story about a young and extremely talented rock and roll bands path to professional status and acclaim. Yet, its members' underlying sense of justice and retribution, resulting from several childhood and young-adult traumas, presents the band with a collective and debilitating dichotomy...in that they sometimes, very purposefully, become vigilantes, creating a shared alter-ego/lifestyle; and, while unique and noble with intent, eventually sabotage themselves in terms of greater career success.
The main characters, Paulie Bayonne/lead vocals, Johnny Wilson/drums, Rocky Reeves/bass, and Mickey Franz/guitar, have all been best friends since junior high, growing up in a small city of Northern Virginia. Paul and John are one year older than Mickey and Rocky, and, by design, take on the roles of big brothers to each, respectively.
These four experience the intoxicating highs and anguishing lows of flirting with stardom, as well as all the trappings of the music business, good and bad; but, it's the ubiquitous enigma of righteous decision and dilemma of consequence that gives this story its underlying and psychological foundation, ending, quite possibly, with reasonable proof of the concept of guardian angels, after all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475971705

Michael André Fath

Michael Fath is an internationally acclaimed rock guitarist, composer, mandolinist, singer and producer, with hundreds of recordings to his credit. His band American Crush is signed to the European rock label Mottow Soundz, Brussels, Belgium. Their debut record, American Crush, was released July 4, 2021. American Crush II will be released in late 2023/2024. Michael’s extensive martial arts resume is reflected in several professional ventures including owning and operating The Blue Chip Academy and training American and Israeli military, police, American and British Special Forces, government agents and civilian clients in hand-to-hand combat. He is also on the motivational speaking rosters of Celebrity Speakers Associates (United Kingdom, Andorra) and Speakers, Inc. (San Diego, CA).

Book preview

The Village Squires

Tales of

Mayhem and Revenge

a novel

Michael André Fath

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

The Village Squires –Tales of Mayhem and Revenge

a novel

Copyright © 2013 by Michael André Fath

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-7168-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-7170-5 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-7169-9 (hc)

iUniverse rev. date: 1/30/2013

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Dedication

Since my earliest teenage years, I have played in numerous rock and roll bands, progressive fusion instrumental groups, jazz ensembles and as an acoustic and electric soloist…from pool parties, VFW and American Legion Halls and high school functions in the beginning, to the stages of Washington, DC’s esteemed Kennedy Center, London’s infamous The Marquee and Wembley Arena, Glasgow’s prestigious Exhibition Hall, and concert venues in Frankfurt, Toronto and even Bermuda; as well, and most affectionately, several hundred American arenas, night clubs, beach settings and festivals, from Southern California’s Anaheim Civic Center to Baltimore’s iconic Hammerjacks, and Burlington, Vermont to Miami, Florida, with literally most points in between.

Both as an amateur and professional, with thousands of shows experienced, I have plainly seen and mostly done it all…Mafioso running a DC night club (and well known ones, at that), strippers’ after hours parties, some of the most wicked bar brawls imaginable, gunshots, police actions, celebrity fans, and even bands fighting amongst themselves on stage, whilst smack in the middle of a show.

This novel is just that, a work of my imagination, and while it’s very true that fiction is sometimes based upon a great deal of reality, in no way are the characters of this work meant to portray anyone you might think is represented (other than possibly yours truly), as the circles I’ve run in and paths crossed represent countless well-known players, singers and groups.

So, at the risk of leaving someone feeling personally left out, I would like to dedicate this narrative to the personal managers, attorneys, publicists, booking agents, magazine editors and related staff, artist relations people, producers, graphic designers, industry critics, the many music manufacturers that graciously sponsored me, video and publishing companies, and the record labels and personnel that have had their direct influence.

However, and most importantly, this is for the rock and roll bands that I’ve specifically played in and those musicians with whom I’ve shared the concert stage…and, as well, the ancillary players and groups that I’ve been involved with, either as a guitarist and singer or even producer, with intent always aimed at stardom!

They are from the beginning to today: The Love Company, Renaissance Blues, Barefoot Trader, Teaser, Taste, Heather, Peaches and Herb, Tahoka, Wizzard, Orphan, King Dazzle, my namesake and all related entities (which are several, but especially to Corey Holland, Dave Crigger, Andy Hamburger and Chris Neubauer), Ricky Phillips (Styx) and Terry Lee Glaze (Pantera)…together we actually started Bad English, The Virginia Rangers, Le Jazz, Truth, The Cherry People and Faith.

Thanks To

Jennifer, Jade and Sierra, mom and dad (with God), Kris, Vic and Eddie (with God) and their families, my amazing friends, students (guitar and martial arts), coaches and training partners, and, of course, the musicians…

Credits and Special Thanks To

Stilson Greene – Graphic Design

Eddie Solomon – Photography

Linda Hayes and Janice Spillan – Editing

Wes Driskill – Latin Translation

Joe Ritenour – Legal

Naval Commander (ret.) Georgia Gill – Spiritual

Cast of Characters

(in order of appearance)

Mickey Franz – guitarist/vocalist for the Village Squires

Rocky Reeves – bassist/vocalist for the Squires

Paulie Bayonne – lead vocalist for the Squires

Johnny Wilson – drummer/vocalist for the Squires

Jenna – Mickey’s first sexual encounter

Charlie Reeves – Rocky’s older brother

Sandy – Mickey’s significant girlfriend and eventual wife

Dusty Wells – radio DJ, friend and champion of the Squires

Lover – local band and rival of the Squires

Dorian Fields – guitarist for Lover

Marcus Mann – lead singer for Lover

Mr. Walker – the band’s first communal landlord

Jack Fortino – the Village Squires’ first professional manager

Baltimore Glory – friends and national rock act from Charm City

Pacific Records – Baltimore Glory’s record label

Katherine Wilson – Johnny’s younger sister

Michael Oz – Nantucket Talent’s founder and top agent

Shawn – soundman/bass tech and crew chief for the Squires

Scott – Shawn’s brother, lighting tech/drum tech for the Squires

AJ – stage tech/guitar tech for the Squires

Trevor Baker – lead singer for Josey Blue

Josey Blue – Nantucket Talent’s main act

Traci – backup vocalist for Josey Blue, Trevor’s girlfriend

Rose - backup vocalist for Josey Blue, Michael Oz’ girlfriend

Vicki – backup vocalist for Josey Blue, love interest of Mickey’s

Beau McGee – successful record producer (Squires’ second release)

Ronnie – one of Baltimore Glory’s guitarists

Jackie Hill – producer for Baltimore Glory

Charisma Records – the Village Squires’ first national label

PolyGold Records – parent record company of Charisma Records

Jimmy Edouard – producer for the Squires’ debut and third records

Karen Anderson – national marketing director for Kramer Guitars

Al Moreli – popular Long Island guitarist, and jealous rival of Mickey’s

Sheila Blackstone – Jack Fortino’s main assistant

Dana Fortino – Jack’s wife

Gary Blackstone – Sheila’s husband

Benny - Baltimore Glory’s other guitarist

Chris – the Glory’s lead singer and lyricist

Ricky - the Glory’s bass player and main writer

Master Tommy – the Squires’ Muay Thai instructor

Denny Patton – southern Maryland’s world-renowned guitarist

Tommy Gun – Manhattan’s transvestite rock promoter and bad-ass

Michael Mathis – RIP magazine’s main advertising executive

Phil Sane – owner of The Junction, Old Town Manassas, VA

Georgie Maddox – owner of the Cat Club, Greenwich Village

Barry Goldman – president of Charisma

Barbara Manning – Guitar Musician magazine’s advertising director

Becky – Katherine’s best friend

Anthony Driver – Maryland rock guitarist and sexual predator

Mary Bettis – noted Washington, D.C. R&B singer and band leader

Brad – Mary’s drummer

Cathy and Cindy – creators and publishers of Metal News magazine

Miles Madsen – well regarded, Los Angeles based road manager

Jimmy – Los Angeles rehearsal facility’s studio manager

Rabbit – prickly road manager for a local Los Angeles band

Rory Flame – guitarist/leader of the California blues band Rory Flame

Dion Neal – Special Forces officer, eventual mentor/friend to Mickey

Black Widow – Al Moreli’s national act

Dee Winters – vocalist for Black Widow

CrossChild – PolyGold’s well-known and longstanding rock act

Maria Ponte – Paulie’s Italian wife

Mary and Michael Bayonne – Maria and Paul’s twins

John Bayonne – their third child, named after Paulie’s best friend

Doc Macon – beloved second manager for the Village Squires

Barbara Greene – owner of Barbara’s, Nashville’s legendary club

André Emile Franz – Sandy and Mickey’s first baby boy

Georgie the hammer Beauregard – Barbara’s notorious club manager

Anton Shiflett – known drug dealer, suspected attacker of Doc Macon

Billy James Hamilton – Anton’s accomplice

Tanya – Barbara’s best girlfriend

Docere Maconi Franz – Sandy and Mickey’s baby girl, named in honor of Doc

Stephanie – Rocky’s fiancé

Trisha – Johnny’s girlfriend and eventual wife

Latin Phrases

A verbis ad verbera - from words to blows

Beati sunt pacifici- blessed are the peacemakers

Communi consensu - by common consent

Dies felices - happy days

Exitus acta probat - the end justifies the means

Fallaces sunt rerum species - the appearances of things are deceptive

Vires per fidelitatem - strength through loyalty

Gratia placendi - for the sake of pleasing

Graviora manent – greater dangers await

Hac lege – with this law

Hunc tu caveto – beware of this man

Ad terrendos alios – in order to terrify others

Justitia omnibus – justice for all

Juventus – the age of youth

Labor omnia vincit – work conquers all things

Contendo optima – I strive for the best

Nihil obstat – nothing stands in the way

Non placet – it does not please

Omne initium est difficile – every beginning is difficult

Pactum serva – keep the faith

Quaere verum – seek the truth

Res gestae – things done

Rumor – rumor

Semper fidelis – always faithful

The Successful Rock and Roll Musician

A lifestyle encompassing one’s talent with instrument and/or voice, song writing, live performance and studio recording ability, stage presence, physical splendor, demeanor and attitude, commensurate with the industry’s prevailing and flourishing artists…and LUCK!

The Victorious Street Fighter

One talented, savvy and fortunate enough to remain relatively injury-free…and, of course, to ultimately stay alive.

The Village Squires

Four young men meeting the dichotomous blend of the above criteria, trying to simply understand the meaning of life, collectively battling their mental, physical and spiritual demons, realizing that often one pushes the proverbial envelope without taking the time to read the enclosed letter.

The Village Squires

Tales of

Mayhem and Revenge

Chapter One

V ery likely it started when Mickey and Rocky were kids, young teens actually, and they got beat up pretty badly by two older boys from the neighborhood, just because one of the bigger boys’ girlfriend said she thought Mickey was cute. Well he was, but that’s the last thing an insecure, zit-faced, greasy-haired, weight-lifting psycho needs to hear.

These two bullies cornered Mickey down at the bowling alley, specifically in the men’s room, and were proceeding to jack the ever loving shit out of him when Rocky came flying in, bowling shoes and all, and proceeded to get his ass kicked, right alongside his best friend. Still, they went down swinging together, and together is how many future battles would be managed and fought by this pair, sometimes fairly, many times not so.

Fair! What the fuck is fair anyhow? Is it equitable when two much larger and tougher older boys pick on a smaller and younger one, even if provoked? Is it impartial when, after lipping off, a girlfriend gets slapped by her drunken, yet more powerful lover? Is it right for an adult to hurt a child in any instance, not counting, of course, a potentially life-threatening situation?

Mickey and Rocky grew up hard, but still love was found in each household. There was violence to be sure, yet affection always followed, and in this their future dichotomy lay.

Yes, the encounter with the two at the bowling alley probably started everything, but in truth, it was when they went on and executed their first adventure of revenge for said transgression; this is where it all faithfully began.

They waited for many weeks, healing through their various maladies: cracked ribs with each boy, Mickey’s broken nose and Rocky’s fractured right hand. Also, they did not tell a soul, even their parents, of what had happened. Coming from their respective vehement families, such physical abuse, while not usually so normal, was not so uncommon either.

They waited, healed and recovered.

They also trained; trained with their baseball bats and the heavy bag hanging in Mickey’s garage where his dad would work out when he got just enough liquor in him to be revved up, but not too much where he possibly would/inevitably could cross the line into mean.

Rocky’s left hand technique was improving rapidly, with and without said accoutrement, while his right mended. He was such a formidable puncher, even as a young teen, but knew that more was needed in this particular case, hence his left-handed swing development. Still, working out was extremely tough, as the ribs when misplaced, even just a fraction, create such stress on one’s pain threshold that it’s sometimes too much to bear, no matter how tough one thinks he or she might be.

Mickey was the kicker of these two and had watched just enough martial arts movies to surmise potential, yet realized the extreme discipline involved to make it actual. Also, it was his uncle, who had spent time and fought in Korea during the war, that had shown him what he had learned from his South Korean comrades, literally all highly skilled in combat Taekwondo, not the Americanized and watered-down shit the various belt factories in town, and this country, favored and preached.

It was not uncommon for Mickey to devote equal time with his electric guitar practice and garage training, and ditto for Rocky with his bass guitar skills, now alas on hold while he recovered.

Many times after their band’s rehearsal ended, they, along with their singer, Paul, and drummer, John, would put on the gloves and either go a few rounds with each other, not trying for knockouts as they all needed each other to perform, or take turns on the heavy bag, each displaying his particular and unique set of skills. Once in a while things would get slightly out of hand when someone punched another just a bit too hard, or Mickey let one of the three have it with his foot, but the others always stepped in, cooler heads prevailing, and best friendships remaining intact.

The two older boys who had pounded the shit out of Mickey and Rocky though, were their own problem, even having the offers of Paul and John’s help, the two eventually figuring out what had happened. Mickey and Rocky would handle this fairly, which turned out to be a matter of connotation as to what was truly fair, matter of relevance, that’s all.

A verbis ad verbera

It was nearly 2am as Mickey and Rocky crept up to the bushes just ten yards shy of the sliding glass doors leading into the ground floor apartment of one of the creeps that had enthusiastically contributed to their previous beating. He, along with his buddy, sat nearly passed out, amidst a sea of empty Pabst Blue Ribbon cans strewn recklessly about the floor, with the reflections of the TV criss-crossing their individual countenances, creating an eerie set of moving shadows and an unsettling surreal zombie-like effect.

Shit Mickey, they’re still awake, they’ll hear us trying to break in, Rocky whispered into his best friend’s ear as they lay on the damp ground.

Just barely, Mickey replied, besides, Jenna promised me that she would leave the door unlocked when she left.

Jenna was the girlfriend of the acne-scarred douche bag who, along with his partner, had nearly maimed the two lads in that bowling alley bathroom, and had made the mistake of looking at Mickey just a bit too longingly, even if he was four years younger than she, making those fateful comments that had started this whole mess.

She also had taken a fairly significant beating for said transgression, and apparently was through with her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend. Besides, Mickey had surreptitiously enacted on Jenna’s comments, upon hearing of her affection through the grapevine, by fulfilling her suggestion to visit her bedroom very late one evening, just a week previous.

As implied, Jenna thought Mickey was a little doll and Mickey had lost his virginity that night to a very passionate and loving teacher, and now, she was literally a potential partner in crime.

They waited, lying behind the foliage, 35 oz. Louisville Sluggers, with their handles wrapped in black electrician’s tape, by their respective sides, cautiously regulating their breathing, as taught to Mickey’s uncle by his wartime Korean Masters, ready for game time.

Let’s go, Mickey offered, silently mouthing the words and nodding his head to Rocky as they readied themselves for whatever lay before them.

Rocky’s slow intake of a deep breath reminded his friend of how he prepared for the various and really rather numerous fights he’d participated in as a young boy. In fact, Rocky was very quick on the draw, and this was something that Mickey had tried all through their childhood, and to no apparent avail, to get him to curtail, fearful that one day Rocky would jump into a situation much too soon, with very bad repercussions. Tonight however, they had planned and trained and were very ready.

Both tip-toed, ever so cautiously, onto the cheap cement patio and up to the glass, peeking in from either side and collectively holding their breath, Mickey moving his hand and very carefully grabbing the door handle.

He looked at Rocky once again, and slightly nodded.

They were on the brink of something very life-changing, and both of them had discussed this previously at length, so as not to collapse from a change of heart at the zero hour. Mickey and Rocky knew well that once they crossed this line there was no turning back for a variety of reasons, one of which was the all too significant matter of survival from the retaliation of these two brutes that had hurt them fairly badly. If Mickey and Rocky did not seriously make their case with the two bigger lads, they would be forever looking over their respective shoulders for the beating that would surely lie in wait. Still, they could not kill them, though the thought had crossed both of their minds.

They waited another couple of minutes, which seemed to both like an eternity, going over the plan in their heads for the last time.

Mickey cautiously slid the door an inch, to ensure Jenna’s promise on her end, and found it to indeed be unlocked. He then very quickly threw it open and in rushed the two, both targets predetermined: Mickey would of course attack his original tormentor, Rocky the other.

Just as Jenna’s ex screamed what the fuck, rising fast, Mickey cracked him with a low level right-handed swing, most likely shattering his left kneecap and shinbone, dropping him immediately back to his knees. He then front kicked him just under his chin with all he had, viciously knocking his head back.

Rocky, meanwhile, had taken advantage of his slower reacting opponent’s rising arms in defense, to break a forearm with his left and one-handed perfectly executed stroke; then, forgoing his weapon, started placing his left hand punches precisely on the targeted nose, eyes, and ears of his unfortunate enemy, eventually smashing him into unconsciousness and then moving to help his best friend.

What he saw in Mickey actually frightened him. Even though Rocky was, historically by far, the more aggressive of the pair, his fights were so far just of the parking lot – after school variety, with no one ever getting seriously, physically hurt, just various prides and reputations. He was now witnessing, though, his heretofore calmer and more level-headed best friend’s metamorphosis into a raging persona he did not recognize.

Mickey had somehow gotten behind his attacker, wrapping his legs around him, and was using his baseball bat to crush his windpipe. What was scary to Rocky was that his mate’s former attacker was offering little or no resistance, and Mickey was on his way to actually maiming him, or even worse.

Rocky screamed stop, you’re killing him, and grabbed his lifelong buddy from behind, bear-hugging him and digging his head into the back of Mickey’s neck for added effect, all the while repeating it’s Rocky, it’s me, it’s me!

All of a sudden Mickey’s entire body seemingly deflated, with him collapsing into his friend’s arms. Rocky held him for another minute or two, both regaining their respective composure, and taking as deep a breath as could possibly be managed under the circumstances.

The bigger boys were definitely beaten, and quite badly. Mickey and Rocky had indeed crossed the line and now resided in the business of calculated and cold-blooded revenge, plainly and simply. They had administered a retribution that most might say was beyond the punishment called for, if even at all, but to them it was the genesis of something very powerful, something exhilarating and definitely most gratifying.

Still, Mickey had to run outside and puke his guts out, cleansing his system at first, and then his soul.

When he came back inside, the groaning of the two hastened their departure, as they truly were in deep shit if placed at the scene, and neither was quite sure if anyone had called the cops, albeit the entire episode lasting just a few minutes.

Mickey, you okay? Rocky whispered as they scurried off into the darkness and hopefully eventual sanctuary.

Yeah Rocky, I’m fine. You?

Fine, buddy.

Both had made sure to grab their respective bats, neither miraculously having been broken in the melee.

That was almost too easy, Rocky commented, as they both now walked through town on their way home, still having quite a ways to travel. I had expected to really have to fight, and I was so sure that I’d re-break my right hand, not thinking of my injury and just losing my mind and going wild.

Mickey paused and then answered, Rocky, we surprised the fuck out of them, that’s the key, same as my Uncle Eddie would tell me when they were fighting the North Koreans. They were always looking to catch the enemy off guard: sometimes sleeping, sometimes eating, and sometimes when they had just returned from a battle, which, according to an ancient Chinese philosopher and General, was an army’s most vulnerable time.

They walked in silence for several blocks.

Do you think they will come after us? Rocky asked, hoping to get the response of no from his friend. It’s not like we are hard to find, hell with all the parties and dances we play, he continued.

No, I do not, Mickey responded, alleviating, at least temporarily, his bass player’s fears. They are too old to be hanging around our high school; still, we should be on our guard when we are around town, don’t you think? he furthered.

Yeah, I do, Mickey.

Another thing, Mickey added, we should try not to go anywhere alone for awhile, maybe have Paulie and Johnny (Mickey’s affectionate names for his year older band mates) hang with us, even when we are not at a gig.

Word would get out, it always does, of how these two 15 year old boys cracked the ever-loving shit out of two older and bigger boys (actually young men, as they were at least 21), and either some sort of retaliation would manifest itself upon them, or, if lucky, they just might have scared the two bullies into thinking that these younger lads were just plain crazy