Mirror Image

By Lex

A life of sex, drugs, murder and mayhem, Ace is a living legend. He abandoned his hectic life but is sought after by those who still run the streets. Sharing many stories of his past life, his favorite is when he met Kevin Calico; his best friend and close confidante. Yet, there are strange unforeseen circumstances that was unveiled about Kevin from Ace. Follow along with Ace while he only scratches the surface of learning the truth about Kevin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eugene day
• Release date: Oct 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781647139049

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Mirror Image

MIRROR IMAGE

by

LEX

Copyright   © 2019 by Eugene Day

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available upon request.

ISBN: 978-1-64713-904-9

Cover Design by Maria Ingram

This book was printed in the United States of America

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost I’d love to give great thanks and gratitude to my parents for bringing me into this world and bestowing upon me this literal gift. To my ancestors before them that walk with me on a daily basis protecting and guiding me through this journey of what we call life. To my constant supporters who bought my first book CheckMate and gave positive feedback as well as let me know that I can write lol. Also giving me the inspiration to continue putting out these projects. Big shout out to the Greensboro, NC Community. For allowing the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and making dreams come true by patronizing (as you like to say lol) my barbershop Kurtesy Kuts. My Boston Family: Uncle Tony, Aunt Jean, Aunt Judy, Aunt Joyce(even tho you down south now with Michele) My cousin Stephen ,Lisa, Malinda, Rene, Vanessa, and Tony Jr. Dwayne( I got you next time I’m up there), Mike and the second generation that are too many to name, we definitely need that reunion to jump off. My nieces and nephew we talk enough so I don’t have to personally say your name. My siblings love you. To the most important person who’s came into my life even tho I haven’t given them my all yet they’ve never turned their back on me. The one true love that you only hear about in the movies. Tonye I’ll never stop loving you.

Last but definitely not least a major shout out to Maria my new cover designer you are the best and I got plenty more projects for you to do so get ready. And congratulations to you and Chante on the new baby.

Kevin a.k.a Calico’s life consisted of a world that didn’t know about enjoying the good times. Drawn to the streets at an early age he took on the responsibilities that a person his age shouldn’t have had to. This caused a hatred for his surroundings to grow. It only grew worse when his father and role model passed. Soon after his first love betrayed him and his wife thrown in jail. The only thing kept him grounded was his sister and kids. Then he met Ace.

Ace was a mama’s boy. But when your mother is a known pusher life isn’t all peaches and cream. The streets is all she knew, so it was nothing for him to follow her lead. Being around such a lady caused him to become weak for women. This would be his downfall. It didn’t faze him when his girl left him for someone else. It was the fact that her leaving was the reason his empire was about to crumble. New state,new female and child he began to rebuild. He was a new man until his love died and everything with it until he met Calico.

When Ace and Calico get together they become an unstoppable force. The only thing that can stop them is one another.

PROLOGUE

Maria, see who that is. I’ll get the grease and combs. Its who? Damn! What up yo? I guess you suppose to be some type of playa or somethin’?  Or one of those thugged out street cats? Oh, I get it. You’re a hardcore felon? You probably here to hear a story huh? Some ol real life street shit huh? I don’t know what the fuck’s wrong wit y’all. Always want a nigga to entertain y’all like I’m Mr. Rogers or somethin’! You might as well come in. Yea, I know all about the streets, but not through no story. I lived that shit first hand, but I’m out that life now. You probably don’t believe me seein’ that I got the ox fur carpet, Egyptian furniture, and a tv the size of a movie screen. I might splurge every now and then, but its all in house. I don’t do no showin off in the streets, that only makes niggas envious. Oh, don’t be scopin my shit out thinkin you gon rob a nigga. Just cause I aint in the street don’t mean I’m not street. I will burn your ass up and send you to your mother piece by piece. Matter of fact sit your ass down. Ima tell you about my homeboy Kevin while I get my hair braided. You drink or smoke? Never mind, I need you to stay focused and be able to pay close attention to what I’m bout to say. Hey! Tu tonto puta! What the fuck is wrong with you, pullin’ my hair like that?! You done lost your mind or something?! Oh don’t mind us, we like to argue every now and then, it keeps our relationship goin and interestin’. So, where was I?

I first met Calico in the summer of 2001. I believe it was May or June, I’m not sure which. I just know it was hot as fuck outside. I had just got back in town after bein’ gone for 6 years. My mind was set on takin the streets back over, so I was chasin’ only two things; money and pussy, like I was just released from the joint. I was never into what other niggas did, like goin’ to the strip club, dance club, bike week or none of that. While niggas threw away their doe every weekend, I was out there grindin’ for it. There’s nothin’ wrong wit havin’ fun.

I just can’t seem to ever enjoy it whenever I try to have some. Some would say well that’s too bad, but on the one night that I decided to go out, my life would change for the better. For others, the worse.

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Ch-ch boom! This party is officially over. I would appreciate it if everybody would stop what they are doin’ and slowly get against the wall. The faster you move, the faster this’ll be done and over with. Those were the words that came from a medium built, light-brown complexion fella, waving a pistol grip Mossberg at the crowd.

It’s crazy how one minute you can go from gripping this black beauty’s ass and letting that fire water burn down ya throat, to watching the results of what a desperate man, with a loaded gun, will do. Me personally, was too far gone to realize what was going on til I saw someone fall in front of me with three of his teeth knocked out of his bloody mouth. Dude must’ve tried ol’boy or something, but all I know is that whatever he did he won’t be trying again.

Now this wasn’t no Hollywood where motherfuckas be screaming and trying to run for the doors. This was the hood. So, the best thing for you to do was comply or get shot. And looking at the hole in the ceiling,son was dishing out straight slugs. So, if one hit you at close range, go ahead and pull out the white sheets.

Glancing around I noticed all types of flashy shit. Watches, rings, chains, fronts, and all. Niggas must’ve thought they were at a fashion show or something! But this was only the two to six (liquor house) not the club. Oh, you thought homeboy was in the club with a shotgun? Man fuck no! Security nowadays is tighter than a rat’s ass. But this was the next best thing,because when the block was dead, the two to six was jumping! Obviously ol’ boy knew this too, just like he had to know that this specific liquor house was where most of the top hustlers be at.

But like I said, you don’t get all braveheart and try to play hero like that one cat did. You just get a good look at this nigga and give him what he wanted. Next time you see him, set his ass ablaze. That’s what my intentions would be. I can’t front, at the time I was drunk, but I wasn’t assed out. Yeah, that’s what I was, tipsy and feelin good. So I was like semi-conscious to what was going on around me. I see all these people wit big jewels on and shit, then I looked down at myself. All I got on is some white on white Air 1’s, some Evisu jeans, a red short sleeved shirt, a red long sleeved three button polo over that, a red do rag, and a blank red hat pulled down low so you couldn’t see my eyes. (oh, if you haven’t noticed by now, I have a thing for red). I had that and a forty-dollar Dakota watch on. I was lookin below average compared to the next man. If shorty would’ve known that I was palmin her ass wit nothin but a twenty in my pocket she probably would’ve bounced a long time ago. Come to think about it, I didn’t even have that much, because I know I drunk about ten dollars’ worth of vodka. So if homies pockets were kissing like mine, I don’t blame him one bit for what he was doing. The funny thing was how shorty looked at me when I pushed her away as soon as I figured out what ol’ boy was up to. She had on a few accessories of her own and must’ve thought I was her superman or some shit, not while that nigga was packing that sure ‘nough kryptonite! Plus my name Ace not Teflon. I’d be damned if I take a slug for anyone, especially some broad I just met, so she was on her own. You should’ve heard her. Nigga, no you didn’t! I was like Bitch yes I did. I was tryin to fuck, aint no pussy good enough to take a bullet for. On top of that, I was ready to go and wasn’t feeling this shit one bit, knowing I was suppose to be on the block, taking my chances with the cops, not some stick up kid. And I only got madder watching how motherfuckers were trying to stall.

Man, y’all better get against the goddamn wall. What the fuck wrong wit you? You see this nigga aint playin, I said to those who were acting like it was a game. That’s another reason why I pushed ol’ girl, so this shit could be done and over wit. Them niggas were cussing under their breaths, but they moved just the same. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I moved too, but what did I care, all I was losing was some precious time. You didn’t even attempt to rob me of nothing! That’s how I felt. Not invincible, but undeniably respected. I knew I’d see this cat again because the city wasn’t big enough to hide in. Matter of fact, the county wasn’t big enough to hide in without somebody telling it. And sooner or later the word would spread about what happened.

Now, I respect the code of the streets, which most people have stopped doing. But if you rob me, I don’t care if its for a piece of bubblegum. I gotta see you. You know what though? Even after I found out who ol’ boy was, where he lived, hung out and all you know what I did? Absolutely nothing! I know you like, ‘What?! Man you a puss!’ But hold up, check what happened before you judge a nigga.

I was in Greensboro, North Carolina around this time, circling the eastside, making sales and joking wit the neighborhood prostitute-crackheads, when I got a ring from this chick I dealt wit from around the way.

Talk to me, I said answering my phone.

Ace?

Yeah, who dis?

Sebation.

Oh, what up homie?

Cynthia told me to call.

Yeah? Where she at?

She right here, hold on.

Hey Ace? How you doin’? Cynthia’s voice cooed through the phone.

What's goin’ on boo?

Nothin’ much, just thinkin’ about you.

Is that right

Yup

What’s really goin’ on C? I chuckled.

You know I’m still mad at you right?

Now you mad at me? For what? I asked, like I didn’t already know. I was supposed to pick something up for her, but I was tied up wit another broad, so you know how that go. I played the innocent role and kept it moving.

You know why, but anyway. Remember you asked me to find out who stuck up the 2 to 6 last week?

Yeah. So what’s up? I asked sitting up straight, because I had a bad habit I picked up from my cousin of leaning to the side while I drove. I was trying to be attentive while listening to the news Cynthia had for me.

It was some guy named Calico, no last name, so I figure it’s an alias. Nobody really knows him, but I wanna know like News 2.

News 2 was the local news station and that was their slogan, News 2 wants to know. And nine times out of ten, they were gonna find out.

You know what's crazy though? She asked.

What’s that?

They say he looks like you!

I know that’s right. Don’t nobody look like me, plus he did something that’s totally against my m.o. But I’m not stuck on the robbery part, because he didn’t get nothin’ off me, it’s just the principle .

I know that’s right. Your mother can't get a dollar out your ass. You so tight.

Whatever. She got dough. And don’t act like I never gave you nothin.

I know. I know. But anyway, I got his address, well not his address but where he be at.

Give it to me, I said taking down the info.

You know that’s gonna cost you right?

Yeah I know I acknowledged before hanging up. I had forgot about the whole thing until I swung by Cynthia’s a couple of days later. She seemed real eager to remind me and demand I pay her back with some marathon sex. I didn’t mind ‘cause that was my boo. Yeah I was calling a lot of broads that at the time. Like I said, I had been gone for a minute and was making up for lost time, and dealing with a nympho like Cynthia it was like I never left. Even though I wasn’t missing nothing while I was gone, except my kids, Cynthia was more than a piece of ass. She was cool to chill wit, smoke a el or two, and just shoot the breeze. The only thing was, that she knew too much. Like she said ‘she was like News 2’ so you couldn’t tell what she did or didn’t know. I knew I was playing with fire, but I felt like as long as I kept feeding her dick I was alright. Plus, I didn’t fuck wit her too tight, so she wouldn’t feel obligated to pry into my business. She was still a reliable source though, being that she worked at the magistrate office. Yeah they like to get fucked too. And she was one of those bitches who kept it real to us street niggas, well at least this one. Its hard to find people to take that type of risk for anybody, let alone a criminal.

Anyway, after I left Cynthia’s , I figured I’d peep where she said this cat be at. As I cruised the neighborhood, it started looking real familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. So what I did was parked up the street a bit, but not too far, just enough so I could still see the house he was suppose to be resting at. I get out my car and act like I’m taking a stroll, which to a nigga like me would’ve looked out of place, because this was the type of neighborhood where people knew if you belonged or not. I was just hoping nobody called the cops, being that I was holding.

I paused right across the streer from the address Cynthia gave me. I saw two young girls laughing in the front yard but I didn’t see him. I didn’t wanna look suspicious so I dug in my pocket for a Newport. Just as I was exhaling smoke from the first drag, I looked up and there he was. It didn’t blow my mind to see this same cat who stuck up the 2 to 6 (and some other places or people) playing in his yard with the two girls, because notorious niggas have a sensitive side too. Especially when it comes to family. I know because I’m like that with my kids. I’d give ‘em the world if it was possible. I just didn’t expect him to put his kids or anyone in jeopardy by being out in the open acting innocent.

He must’ve felt me staring at him because his eyes shifted in my direction and locked in on me. Recognition must’ve set in because he sent his kids back in the house before turning back to me. Gone was the peaceful look he had on his face a second ago. Back was the look I remembered from the liquor house.Pure anger.

What’s up he said more than asked. He knew he was slippin’ and tried to keep some dignity by being the opposer. I walked towards him, not really mad, just curious. You know what’s up, I said reaching under my windbreaker to pop open the strap on my shoulder holster. 

So this is how you bringin’ it? In front of my kids?

Ha! Why should I care whose around, you didn’t.

That was business, nothin’ personal.

But I took it personal.

Well, there isn’t nothin’ much to talk about then is there?

Oh so you brave hearted now huh? Don’t care if you live or die? I said folding my arms, not knowing if it would be worth murking this nigga or not. But I knew deep down inside that I wasn’t gonna do nothing to him, and at the same time I knew I couldn’t.

We all gotta go sometime and you wantin to shoot me ain't gonna turn me pussy. So if you expect me to cop pleas or something, it ain't happenin’.

This conversation should’ve been over. Matter of fact it should’ve never gotten started, but there’s somethin’ about you I haven’t seen in awhile.

I’m the last of a …

Dyin breed, I finished off for him. How could I not like this cat? He reminded me of….me.

What’s your name homie?

Calico he answered, confirming what Cynthia told me.

Like the cat?

Nah, like the gun.

A hundred rounds huh?

Of pure anger.

I’m Ace.

I’ve heard of you

Yeah? Where from?

Them McConnell bitches

Don’t believe everything you hear. But its too bad Calico doesn't ring a bell, or any bells at that.

I like to stay low key

So what you angry about?

You're better off askin’ what I’m not angry about

Then tell me.

I already got three strikes against me.

Let me guess. Young, black, and male?

Plus a two time convicted felon.

So you can't get a job because nobody wants to hire an ex-con, let alone a black one?

You tryin’ to be funny or somethin’?

Nah. Its just that I've heard them excuses so many times, even made a few of ‘em myself.

Oh you ain’t no bow and arrow nigga yaself. I know all about the dope spots and blocks you aired out

But I move wit a purpose, not all reckless like you do.

I move wit a purpose too," he said, with a little conviction like an adolescent trying to prove he can do what an adult can.

What, death?

Nah, wit hopes of seein’ a better tomorrow.

You don’t even plan your shit out,you a spur of the moment nigga.

I better explain so you’ll understand where I’m comin’ from.

Im listenin’.

CHAPTER ONE

CALICO

"Growin’ up in Boston it seemed like the sun never shined, and it rained more than it didn’t. Maybe the bad weather is all I remember. Still, that’s nothing to complain about. I’m pretty sure that that’s a normal description in a lot of people’s lives. Just like what I’m about to say isn’t that much different from most people