Procreation: The Birth of a New Era

By Willie L. Sheard

Joisaint is a kindhearted Lawyer whose sense of justice is rivaled only by that of his wife, Kenyeta. Together, they stand against those who wish to tear down their community. That is, until Mr. Mason, the sitting Mayor decided to burn down their city’s only soup Kitchen. Fueled by rage, Joisaint decided to fight fire with fire. He began campaigning for Mayor. With his wife at his back, Joisaint pressed forward only to learn the horrible secrets that laid beneath the surface of his beloved city.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Willie L. Sheard
• Release date: Dec 10, 2019

Willie L. Sheard

I was born and raised in the small town of Gifford, FL along with my mother and her parents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. Our house was small, but what it lacked in space we made up with love. It was the only place I have yet to truly call home. As I grew older and wiser so did my hunger for "more." I eventually moved from my home and ventured outward. By the age of nineteen I set my sights on entrepreneurship and like every great idea, I failed. Numerous times. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I was able to narrow my focus and latch onto my dreams. With a bit of wisdom from my grandparents and a strong dose of reality, ultimately lead to the creation of Drizbits Publishing. A company dedicated to the aspirations of the dreamer.

Book preview

Procreation

The Birth of a New Era

Drizbits Publishing, LLC

Orlando Florida, 32811

This book is a work of fiction.

Any references to real people or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are

products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblances

to places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2019 by Drizbits Publishing

Drizbits Publishing edition December 2019

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Willie L. Sheard of Drizbits Publishing at [e-mail]

Dear reader:

Before you embark on the latest chapter in the Drizbits Publishing Universe, allow me to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Procreation is the 5th installment in the DPU, and it would not have been possible without your support. Thank you for supporting the dream and walking alongside us.

This story, like the many that will follow and those that came before it, is a reflection of the society we choose to turn a blind eye to. So many people are losing their lives in a battle that others simply look past. Here at Drizbits Publishing, we will tell the unpopular stories, the ugly truths, and hang them out to dry so that all may see. For now, we hope that you continue to read and enjoy our stories.

Thanks again.

Contents

Reflection

Going Public

Conception of a Rebellion

Decisions

Baby Steps

Teamwork

Beside Every Strong Man

The Turning Point

A Vow to Never Change

A Bold Statement

For what’s Right

Phase One

A Sinister Plan

Damien X Carter

The Big Bad Three

Damned If We Don’t

Change In Plans

One Way In

One Way Out

Goodbye

Mr. Mayor

Through Thick and Then

Allies

Law of Procreation

Enemies or Allies

Fake Friends

Together Again

A New Dilemma

Never Alone

Elijah

Timeline

Last Resort

Down the Rabbit Hole

A Break From Reality

Mistakes Were Made

The Story Begins

Missing Child

Compromise and Guilt

A Forgotten Promise

Forgotten Promise

Decisions

Reflection

As the sun sets, a full moon rises from the depths of the land. Shining its crimson light down upon a small cabin, tucked away in an isolated forest. Two men sat in the living quarters of the cabin, sharing their thoughts over a bottle of well-aged brandy.

In just a few short hours, the results will be in. The seeds of my labor will either sprout from the soil of this overpopulated country or shrivel up and die. Either way, it will mark a new day in our history. You see, I cannot lose. I will not allow those . . . imbeciles . . . those . . . pieces of worthless garbage . . . good for nothing . . . assholes! To beat me! They cannot and will not win!

Assholes? Imbeciles? Your tongue is quite slippery this evening President Detelus. My apologies, Governor, Detelus.

And you speak as if you don’t know me . . . Raymond.

Raymond, Sir? I believe you may have had your fill of drink this evening. As I recall, that group of imbeciles, as you put it, are being led by one of your childhood friends.

You mean OUR childhood friend. Besides, he dug his grave once he chose to turn his back on us.

True, but you seem uneasy this evening. Whether you are elected or not, you have already won. Think about it. You have already proven that the Procreation Program is a success in our home state. You have single-handedly provided the solution for hunger and homelessness, as well as solving our population crisis. If those feats were not good enough, through your proposal, we would be able to reduce pollution by 73% within the first five years alone! Governor, ask yourself, who can argue with those kinds of results!?

The A.P.P.R.

That group is just a bunch of kids, led by an old man living in the past. For Christ’s sake, do you think this world would be better if we stuck to the old ways?! Look around! We can barely afford to feed our own. The homeless outnumber available shelters 100 to 1. Food is scarce, and crime is higher than ever recorded, not to mention the countless deaths caused by pollution! We are killing ourselves, and someone must do something to stop it! If the A.P.P.R. can’t understand that, then to hell with them.

Easy for you to say. You’re not the one with his head on the chopping block.

Last I checked, we were on the same side, fighting to achieve the same goals. Governor, are you second-guessing yourself after all of this?

Governor Detelus paused, surprised by Raymond’s bold statement. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope then placed it on the small wooden table that sat between himself and Raymond. Without speaking a word, he then reached for the bottle of brandy and began to refill his glass. Once he poured his fill, he sat forward slightly, swirling the liquid around the cubes of ice.

What’s this? Raymond asked as he looked over his shoulder at the oddly decorated envelope.

Governor Detelus stood to his feet and walked over towards the window near the fireplace, The answer to your question, he said as he sipped from his glass, You asked me, just now, if I’m getting cold feet. Well, there’s your answer. In between those lines, you’ll find my resolve.

Raymond took the final sip from his glass and slammed it down on top of the envelope. "I don’t need a damn letter of approval to understand your resolve! Governor! I’ve known you far longer than any of those yes men you are always surrounded by! Isn’t that right, governor?"

You are right about that. We have known each other for a while.

A while my ass, Raymond said as he refilled his glass. How long has it been?

Too long old friend.

Did you ever think you’d be here? Raymond said as he sat back in his chair and took a sip from his glass. I mean back in college or even before then? Did you ever think that you and I would end up changing the world?

To be honest, I never imagined that I’d be working in politics. Of all things…politics. The governor chuckled to himself. But then again, back when we were boys, the world wasn’t as chaotic as it is now. We could play in the streets without fear, and our parks were parks. But now, the streets are filled with people looking to thieve. On every corner, some unfortunate soul is out looking for a quick come up.

You talk like it’s the End of Days.

Well, old friend, the governor said as he turned to face Raymond while taking another sip from his glass, That is exactly how it feels to me.

Hmph, guess I was wrong, Raymond said as he reached for the bottle of brandy.

Wrong about what? the governor asked.

Wrong about you having too much to drink! Raymond shouted as he raised the bottle of brandy above his head, waving it around vigorously. Come, have another! There’s plenty to go around!

"I see one of us has clearly had too much to drink!"

Aw shit, don’t you start with that innocent church boy crap! Save that for the speeches and the bootlickers.

Governor Detelus smiled as he looked down into his glass, Fuck it, he said as he tilted his glass up towards the ceiling, drinking all the liquid that remained.

There he is! shouted Raymond There’s the guy I know and love!

Don’t get overly excited, the governor motioned as he walked towards Raymond. We have to remember to keep our guard up.

Keep our guard up . . . for what? We are literally in the middle of nowhere, in a cabin, surrounded by trees, bushes, and only God knows what else.

Exactly!

Cool your jets, Raymond said as he slammed the bottle on the table. And have another drink. Jeez! Raymond poured himself another glass as the governor sat down in the chair next to him. Look, governor, the thing is . . . in moments like these, we have to take the time out of our busy lives and stop to smell the roses. You know, just take it all in.

Yeah, you’re right.

I know I’m right! Hell, I’m always right – even when I’m wrong, I’m still right. And you know what else . . . I’m calling it. Right here and right now. Raymond reached for the governor’s glass.

It’s too early to call it now.

Too early?! How?! We are hours away from the election; nothing we do can change the outcome. So why not call it? Raymond reached over and took the glass from the

governor’s hand. Let this be the first night of many to come.

First of many? So, we going public now?

Damn right we are! Joisaint!

Oh shit, he’s done it, the governor said as he reached for his now brandy filled glass.

Raymond stammered to his feet and lifted his glass as he prepared a toast, It has been years since my lips have uttered the name of our governor. For years his name was removed from my tongue. I was forbidden from uttering his sweet . . . sweet name. But not out of hate . . . but of loyalty. The governor and I created a pact long ago, Raymond said as he swayed back and forth, that we would not address each other as friends until one of us became an elected official of the highest power! And that time has come!

Raymond raised his glass as if he were speaking to a room filled with people. He motioned and gestured as if he had practiced every line. Even the laughter was on cue. The governor watched Raymond’s humorous display and occasionally would raise his glass to compliment his antics.

Now, I can finally introduce you to the future. Your new head of state and my best friend, JOISAINT ‘Jo’ Detelus! Bravo! Bravo! When did you become such an outstanding speaker! The governor said as he applauded sarcastically, Well done!

Raymond plopped back down in his seat. "The seal is broken Joisaint, no more formalities. Now tell me what’s really bothering you."

Joisaint smiled as his face saddened. He raised his glass as his lips trembled with emotion. Joisaint took a breath, and as his eyes watered slightly, he spoke confidentially, How about a toast? To us! Not as colleagues but as friends.

Raymond could feel the tension in the room rise, but instead of targeting the elephant in the room, he raised his glass and listened in silence.

"To us. Joisaint and Raymond . . . no . . . to Jo and Ray.

May our friendship stretch to the end of days!"

Here—Here, they said in unison before knocking their glasses together. After the heartfelt toast, the two men were quiet. Neither of them spoke a word to the other. Nearly three whole minutes passed before Joisaint spoke again.

Do you remember the story of Damien Carter?

Who?

Damien Carter. The inmate who was executed a few years back. You had to have seen it in the newspaper or on social media.

Oh, you mean the cop killer. Yeah, I remember that story. Why do you ask about that now?

I have something I want to tell you, and it’s a pretty long story.

Well, we have time and plenty to drink, Raymond said as he pulled another bottle of brandy from underneath his chair and slammed it down on the table.

Joisaint chuckled to himself as he crossed his legs and pulled two cigars from his front coat pocket. He kept one for himself and handed the other to Raymond It’s best if I start at the beginning, he said as he struck a match and lit his cigar. Keep the drinks coming because this is a good one.

Going Public

Everything that I’ve done, even back then, was to make this world a better place. I was a successful lawyer with my own practice, but I would always find a way to be active in my community. I wanted to do more than just represent the people in court.

As Joisaint spoke, he began to recall the events of his past in vivid detail. He sat in the living room of his home, while he and his wife argued politics. She, an accomplished professor of political science, never missed an opportunity to share her opinion.

And that’s where you are wrong! We need to refocus our attention on domestic issues. I’m not saying that foreign policy isn’t important, I’m simply stating the fact that domestic issues are equally important as foreign diplomacy.

Kenyeta. Honey. Calm down. I’m not saying that what you believe isn’t true . . . but the discussion isn’t about the importance of domestic affairs over foreign ones. It’s about rather the current administration is going to acknowledge the crisis that’s happening here, before or after, addressing the foreign ones.

Well honey, in order to do that, wouldn’t we have to prioritize one above the other?

Yeah, but…

Okay then! So, if we must prioritize, that means we would have to put the more important issues at the forefront and deal with them first. Then, and only then, can we think about the lesser problems.

That’s true, but…

Alright then, so you just proved my point!

No! Joisaint said as he turned to face Kenyeta. He positioned himself so he could face her directly, folding his left leg and forcing it deep into the couch’s cushions. Think about it from this angle, he said while motioning with his hands as he spoke. Truth and fact are the same but can differ based on the perspective of the individual. In our case, it’s not a matter of importance. It’s a matter of perspective.

I hate it when you talk to me like that, Kenyeta said as she turned away from Joisaint.

Talk to you like what? What’d I do?

Kenyeta ignored Joisant’s remarks by turning the volume up on the television, Now I see why you’re the lawyer, and I’m the professor, she muttered. As Joisaint prepared to apologize, a peculiar news story caught their attention.

BREAKING NEWS: Today marks the 45th day of the government shutdown. With most government businesses and organizations inoperable, there seems to be little to no help for the homeless. Shelters, bus stations, and churches are all filled, leaving many with nowhere to go. While lawmakers are unable to compromise on a solution, our streets are becoming more unsafe by the day. Just moments ago, this popular soup kitchen was vandalized because it was unable to keep up with the demands of its occupants. If acts of violence such as this were to continue while the government does nothing, lock your doors and windows because no one will be safe.

Kenyeta jumped to her feet, That’s Anecia’s kitchen! she shouted. Damnit! What are they thinking! Anecia is one of the few people that is always trying to help the public. Why would they do something like this!? Kenyeta tossed the remote on the couch and ran to her room! Get dressed! We’re going down there now! she shouted out to her husband.

Without wasting a moment's time, Joisaint and Kenyeta were dressed and out of the door. Anecia’s Kitchen sat on the corner of 45th and 34th street, in the heart of Gifford. Anecia, Kenyeta’s childhood friend, had bought out the old convenience store called ‘This-n-That’ and turned it into a soup kitchen. It served as a refuge for the local homeless residents in the late evenings, as well as a laundromat and convenience store during its daytime hours.

When did our small town become so dangerous?

Kenyeta asked as she sat in the car and fastened her seatbelt.

I don’t know, Joisaint replied. But for now, let’s focus on what we can control.

You’re right. One thing at a time. Kenyeta looked over at Joisaint, We need change, fast. They left their home in Micco and drove south towards Gifford. The normally forty-minute commute was riddled with stop and go traffic, extending their drive.

What’s going on today! Kenyeta said as she swerved in-between slower cars.

I’m not sure, Joisaint replied. Take the back road towards 58th. That should be much faster than staying on US-1. Kenyeta quickly darted in front of the next car, stealing their right of way at the next light. Oh, my Lord! Joisaint shouted as he held onto the safety latch above his head. Let’s make it there alive and accident-free! He said as he braced himself while Kenyeta sped through traffic.

Close your eyes then, Kenyeta replied. Relax. We will be there in no time.

Lord help us . . . Joisaint muttered as he reclined his seat, "I would like to arrive alive and in one piece."

Kenyeta ignored Joisaint’s comments as she remained focused. She didn’t blink or make any unnecessary movements. Her thoughts were linear and precise. Joisaint would occasionally look over at her and smile, even after strapping himself down with the seatbelt.

After, what seemed to be an eternity, they arrived at Anecia’s Kitchen. Kenyeta stepped out of her car as she stood in front of the burning building. The flames had engulfed the building entirely. Firefighters swarmed the building like ants, as the first responders worked to secure the injured. News reporters, helicopters, and local police were all trying to report what was happening.

As Kenyeta stood in awe, she noticed Anecia in the distance. She was sitting at a nearby bus stop across from the burning building. Without a moment’s hesitation, Kenyeta ran over towards her with open arms and tears in her eyes.

I’m so sorry! Kenyeta said as she and Anecia embraced. How did this happen? Are you okay? Do you need anything? Kenyeta asked as she began to frisk Anecia.

I’m okay . . . I’m okay, Anecia replied as she wiped the tears from her eyes. I’ve seen better days, but I’m okay. Kenyeta gave Anecia one more hug and sat next to her on the bench. They looked out at the burning building as a cool breeze brushed across their faces. I never imagined that it would end like this, Anecia said as she rubbed her hands together. I worked so hard . . . for so long . . . just to have it blow up in flames. Literally.

Kenyeta paused. She watched as Joisaint struggled to make himself useful. Look, Kenyeta said, pointing at Joisaint in the distance. That is the clumsiest, scariest, most determined man I know. As much as he likes to make everyone believe he knows it all, his ass don’t know a damn thing! Kenyeta and Anecia laughed aloud in unison.

But, Kenyeta said as she continued to watch Joisaint from a distance, He never stops trying. No matter how hard things get, he’ll never give up. Not for a moment . . . and that’s why I love him. Kenyeta looked back at Anecia and said, We will help you rebuild. Joisaint and I can—

That won’t work, Kenyeta! Anecia said abruptly.

How do you know when we haven’t tried yet?

Because I know who burned it down.

What?! That’s great? How do you know? Do you have proof?

None of that matters…

Kenyeta paused, shocked to hear Anecia give up so quickly. ". . . Anecia . . . what’s really going on? I’ve never seen you like this."

I’m surprised you haven’t noticed it yet. Look around, that burning building . . . my business was the last local business in our city. Anecia slouched over, placing her elbows on her knees as she spoke. The Greene Leaf Bar, gone . . . Golden Fried Rice, gone . . . Whimps, gone . . . The Shaker, gone . . . every local business in this city has been shut down or lit on fire.

What exactly are you saying, Anecia?

We go out every chance we get to protest, with you and I leading the pack. We demand justice for the many injustices that plague our small town. We march, we rally, but for what? Nothing ever changes!

Change is coming. We just have to be strong and endure.

Change isn’t coming. Not for you, not for me, and definitely not for this town.

So, you’re giving up!? What will that accomplish?! Not a damn thing, that’s for sure! So, you’ve got a minor setback--

Minor?!

Okay, a major setback . . . but it’s not the end of the world. So, a few businesses went under . . . just because they failed at their dream, doesn’t mean you should give up on yours. And it’s not a sign that the city is crumbling either.

I’m done, Anecia said as she forcefully took Kenyeta’s left hand and stuffed it with a wad of paper. I’m not saying the city is crumbling, but someone sure as hell trying to destroy it. Anecia stood to her feet and began to walk away, Burn it after you’re done, she said as she walked to her car and drove away.

Kenyeta pressed her back against the plastic wall of the bus stop and carefully opened the wad of paper. As she read the crumpled message, her hands began trembling. She stood to her feet, infuriated by what she had read, Joisaint! she shouted, Who the fuck does he think he is?! Kenyeta shouted as she stomped about in anger. Joisaint stood in front of the news camera for an unprompted interview. He, along with his wife, were former residents and current activists within the community.

After being recognized by Deann Pyke, a local reporter, Joisaint reluctantly answered her assortment of questions.

Joisaint . . . Joisaint, I’m Deann Pyke from the ten o’clock news. Care to tell us why you are here today?

Oh, hi, Deann. I’m not really prepared for an interview at the moment.

I recognized you from the many anti-government rallies you’ve hosted.

You may have me confused with someone else. Every event that I have attended thus far, has been to spread awareness about the epidemics that plague our town.

Why are you here? Is there some rally or march that we don’t know about?

I’m here because this business belonged to a dear friend of mine! I’m not here to rally or protest…I’m here to help a friend in need!

Are you saying that the owner of this establishment isn’t able to help themselves?

No! Why would you say something like that? Friends help friends. That’s what any good friend would do— just as Joisaint’s emotions were about to flare up, Kenyeta pulled him away from the cameras and stuffed the wad of paper she had received from Anecia into his hand.

Today is the day, she muttered. It’s now or never.

Joisaint carefully opened the crumpled wad of paper and read it aloud as he walked. He’d only read the first paragraph before he stopped abruptly and tore the crumbled paper in half. Without any second thoughts he walked back over towards Deann Pyke with a startling announcement, As of today, Joisaint said as he held Kenyeta close to him, As of today, I will be officially running for Mayor!

Conception of a Rebellion

Mayor? That’s a bold statement. Mayor Mathew Mason has run unopposed for quite some time now. Do you honestly believe that you have a chance at winning?

Not only will I run for mayor, but I’m also going to win. Ms. Pyke, you must understand that it’s time for a change. Look around . . . our streets aren’t clean, our parks act as local landfills, and there are no local jobs. This establishment behind us was the last local business in our town! We need change, not today, not tomorrow, but yesterday.

These are bold claims – what exactly do you plan to change if you are indeed crowned mayor?

My wife and I are not new to this. We’ve worked side by side with most of you. We’ve rallied, we’ve marched, we’ve protested, and I can assure you that once I’m mayor, we won’t stop there. I will clean our streets, rebuild our parks, create more local jobs, and bring this city back to life. Better than it was before!

I can see you are fired-up, but why the change of heart? Just moments ago, you stated that you weren’t ready for an interview! Why the sudden change?

Well, Ms. Pyke, I understand the duties of the acting mayor. I can relate to having to make life-altering decisions that will impact the lives of others. As a lawyer, my actions, as well as my vernacular and pose, can cost another person their life. However, I’m a firm believer that doing nothing is worse than making a mistake. What our city is going through isn’t a mistake; this is the result of the powerful doing nothing. I will not sit idly by and do the same.

The fires of Kenyeta and Joisaint’s passion stretched to all local news networks within hours. Joisaint’s announcement to run for mayor was reported as a passive protest and quickly gained popularity. What started as a defiant shot in the dark, became a prominent promise for change.

After the fire had been put out and the news networks were long gone, Joisaint and Kenyeta decided to visit Anecia.

Do we really have to go over there, Kenyeta?

Yes, we do! My best friend just lost her business, and I need to be there in her time of need.

She has Gideon for that.

Oh, I see what’s going on. You don’t want to go because Gideon is there.

Can you blame me? He’s the definition of crazy! Their whole relationship is crazy!

Why? Because he’s anti-establishment?

Baby, he’s anti EVERYTHING!

Boy, bring yo ass on!

I see, you with the shits today! If anything goes wrong, it’s your fault! And I’m driving!

Whatever! Kenyeta said as she tossed him the car keys. They live over in Pine View off 40th Ave.

They chose to live over there!? Do they know that area is a sinkhole waiting to happen? It floods there nearly every year.

Yeah, I’m sure they know the stories. All the more reason for you to become mayor.

Joisaint smiled as he walked towards the car.

Let’s go before I change my mind.