The Death Knights

By Gerald C Anderson Sr

They stole his life. Now he's taking it back.

Kidnapped and shipped to a secretive government training program, Brandon Alexander never stood a chance. Brainwashed and relentlessly abused into becoming part of an elite team of killers under the heel of the cruel military mast

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gerald C. Anderson, Sr.
• Release date: Jul 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9780578939346

Book preview

Prologue

2013

Assistant Director Edgar Bishop headed to the most important meeting of his life. He planned to create an organization that would change the world. After spending years in the field as a CIA agent, saw dictators ruin countries, kill their citizens and get away with it while powerful countries like the United States stood by and watched. Today that would change. Today he and his associates would plan to create assassins to obey their every order and terminate people who feel they are above the law.

He arrived at the approved location. Waiting for him was an agent he trusted. Agent Tyler Jefferson spent five years in a Turkish prison because the American Government disavowed him. That pain never went away, and Edgar knew he would play on that pain to have him join his group.

Agent Jefferson, how are you today?

I’m doing well and excited to start this project with you and Colonel Grace. Where is Colonel Grace by the way?

He should be here by now. I don’t like lateness.

Neither do I. If my team wasn’t late five years ago, I would not have spent years in a Turkish prison. Lateness is not…

Good morning Gentlemen, excuse me for my lateness.

Edgar answered. Let’s not make a habit of it.

I will not Assistant Director Bishop.

Gentlemen, this world is spiraling out of control. Dictators in several countries are torturing their people, using kids as soldiers while hording all the money. Powerful countries like ours stand by and allow these dictators to destroy human life. It is time we put a stop to it. The creation of the Death Knights is the only way to ensure we stop these dictators, business executives, and politicians from destroying the world.

Colonel Grace said, This will take at least a year to plan, several years to weed out the weak and train the strong.

Edgar replied, What is the best approach?

Colonel Grace responded, These dictators didn’t have it all wrong. Using children as soldiers is a good idea because they can be trained to do the job. My suggestion is to recruit 100 young men age 16 from three different locations. We will bring them to another location away from their homes. Isolate them, starve, torture, beat them and pit them against each other. We will make them rely on me. They will love me and do whatever I say.

Agent Jefferson asked, You want them to fall in love with you?

Colonel Grace answered, Remember Jim Jones? His flock loved him. They cherished the ground he walked on. They loved and trusted him so much they died for him. These boys will be the same way. They will do anything I ask them.

Edgar asked, Where do we get these boys?

I suggest three states with a coordinated attack. We take them all at once. Starting today, we research boys in three states, then we have teams go out and grab the boys simultaneously. Before the authorities realize it, we will have our 100 recruits. Then we take them to the training location, and begin the process of re-education.

Edgar pulled out a bottle of Dom Pérignon and poured three glasses. Here’s to our successful future gentlemen. We will change the world and make it a better place.

They rose their glasses and drank. Here’s to the best group of assassins this world will ever know… The Death Knights!

Brandon

Brandon Alexander moved from Belmont Heights projects in Tampa, Florida to a middle-class neighborhood on the East side of Tampa, along with his brother and sister, when his mom remarried. He also gained a stepbrother, Richard, with whom they would reside. Brandon and his brother, Alvin, had issues about moving, but Brandon accepted the move more than Alvin.

A few months into the new living situation, Brandon’s mom asked him to call his stepfather Dad. Brandon refused, citing the fact he did not call his real father Dad. From that day Brandon was told he would amount to nothing. That is when Brandon realized why Alvin had problems accepting the new living situation.

The day he moved in, he laid eyes on Janet Wilson. Am I seeing double? He realized Janet had a twin sister, Jackie, and he laughed at his thought. She checked the mail and returned to her home. Brandon previously had a crush on Diane Allen from his old neighborhood, but what he saw in Janet thrilled him. I wish I had the courage to go up to her and tell her I like her, but I guess it will be like Diane. I can’t believe I sat behind her in homeroom all those months and never told her my feelings. His stepbrother, Richard, interrupted his thoughts.

Hey man I got this bunk.

Yeah, I know, Alvin wants the bottom bunk here. I guess I’ll take the top one.

I saw you looking at Janet.

She’s pretty.

Richard said, She has a twin.

I saw both of them, thought I saw double for a minute.

He laughed, Yeah, I’ve known them all my life.

Brandon asked, Does she have a boyfriend?

Richard answered, I don’t know. She doesn’t go to school with us.

Oh, how old is she?

She’s 13.

That’s cool.

Are you going to talk to Janet?

I don’t know. I like this other girl in the projects and I’m thinking about going back over there and talking to her.

Let me know man, I can set it up for you.

I will, bro. Richard walked off. Who am I fooling, I won’t talk to either of them. I just don’t have the courage. If I had a Dad to talk to about girls, that would help. I can’t talk to Mom, she won’t understand. Brandon looked out the window on the front door. He saw her again, but wondered if he saw Janet or her twin sister. She walked pass his house. He didn’t know where she went, but he walked out the house and sat on the car parked in front of their house. Maybe she’ll be right back and hopefully I can make my move.

He watched her turn the corner. She’s going to the store so I’ll wait for her to return. A couple of people passed by him while he waited. People aren’t as friendly as they are in the Heights. I guess they know I come from the projects.

Another girl walked his way. Brandon spoke to her, Hi.

She looked at him, I don’t date project boys.

Her comment infuriated Brandon, but he didn’t have the courage to comment back. Richard walked up behind him and said, Don’t mind her man. She thinks she’s high and mighty.

I was only speaking. What makes her think she all that?

That’s the way Ericka has been for years. I’m surprised she said anything to you.

I got it.

Richard asked, I’m headed to the park. You want to come?

No thanks. Maybe another time.

Okay.

He almost went back into the house when Janet came back up the street. He was right she had a bag of chips and a soda in her hands. It was a hot day, but he did not sweat until she got closer to him. What am I going to say to her? God, I’m going to punk out again!

He worried for nothing. She walked up to him. Hi, are you Richard’s stepbrother?

I am. My name is Brandon.

I’m Janet, I live over there.

I know, I saw you checking the mail.

She laughed. That was my sister.

Oh, wow, I guess I need to learn the difference between you and your sister.

It’s cool. How old are you?

I’ll be 14 in a couple of months.

I’m 13, so we’re one year apart.

Yeah, so how is the neighborhood? Anything I need to watch out for?

No, everyone is pretty cool here. Jerome has a crush on me but I can’t stand him.

Why?

He’s too boisterous for me. I like a quiet smooth-talking guy. She smiled at Brandon.

He felt the sweat rolling down his back. I understand. I’m not that kind of guy.

You seem pretty smooth-talking to me.

He laughed, No, I meant I’m not boisterous. I’m pretty quiet. My mom says I keep too much inside.

Why?

I think if I say something people will laugh.

Somebody laughed at something you said when you were younger, so now you have a complex about it.

You’re going to be a doctor someday?

I’m practicing. They both laughed.

Brandon asked, How long have you lived here?

I’ve been here all my life and we know everyone. I have 11 brothers and sisters, so we’ve been here forever.

Wow, 11? Where do you fall?

We’re at the end. I have a younger brother. He’s the youngest.

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

Dang it, why did I ask that? Muster up the courage dude. He held his breath, hoping for the right answer. Do you have a boyfriend?

She chuckled. You haven’t met my Mom have you?

He let out his breath, No, she won’t let you have a boyfriend?

She’s not fond of the idea. I’m only 13.

True, but I know kids that are going together at 12 or 13. I even had a friend who had a girlfriend in the sixth grade, they were 11.

I do too, but Momma don’t play.

So, I guess you don’t have a boyfriend.

Janet giggled, Nope, but I’m not against the idea. Momma can’t find out.

Would you consider me? Oh my God, she’s going to say no, I know it.

I will, but we need to get to know each other.

Yes! She didn’t say no. He jumped off the car, I can do that.

She smiled. Cool, I better go inside before…

Janet! That ringing for her attention made them both laugh.

Janet responded, I’m coming. She turned to Brandon. It was nice talking to you. I hope to see you again.

You will, count on it.

She walked away and Brandon could not take his eyes off of Janet. He liked what he saw and what he heard. The entire conversation went by and she didn’t utter one curse word. I love it!

That all too familiar voice from his sister cried out, Brandon, Momma wants you!

He returned to the house to find out what task his loving mother wanted him to do.

A week later…

Brandon stood in front of his mother and stepfather along with Janet’s parents. He relished this moment as long as they allowed him and Janet to date. He prepared himself to do whatever they wanted to date this wonderful young lady.

Janet stood next to him with a smile on her face. Miss Wilson said, Both of you like each other and want to consider yourselves boyfriend and girlfriend?

Brandon looked at Janet then answered, Yes Ma’am.

Then the parents will talk and y’all have some ground rules to go by. Brandon, you are not to be alone with her; no touching each other; no French kissing. Is that clear?

Brandon and Janet both said, Yes Ma’am.

Okay, y’all go on outside while we talk.

They both turned to walk out. Brandon’s Mom said, No babies!

Brandon retorted, Momma, we’re not doing that!

Janet laughed as they walked out, We got rules to go by.

Brandon said, Yeah, I’m okay with it as long as we can be together.

I know. That went better than expected. I thought my mom would flip out, but she didn’t.

I thought mine would too. Maybe because we live across the street from each other and our parents know each other. They can keep up with what we’re doing.

Maybe. You know my sister’s friend, Casey is mad that you’re my boyfriend.

Why?

She thinks you should be with her instead.

Too bad, I’m with you… forever.

That’s so sweet, Brandon.

Two years later…

Sixteen-year-old Brandon enjoyed the last two years of his life. His relationship with Janet grew and everyone expected them to be in love forever. Their living situation made it convenient for both of them to see each other. Mister and Miss Wilson grew to trust Brandon, and Brandon’s parents loved Janet.

It was the summer of Brandon’s 16th birthday and he was excited to celebrate it with the love of his life. Brandon’s parents were at work and he was home alone. Janet called him, Hey babe, what are you doing?

Nothing. I can’t wait until this evening when we celebrate my birthday.

Well, I need to give you your gift now.

No one is home, you know your mom’s rules.

I do. Do you want it now or what?

I do.

I’m on my way.

Okay. They hung up the phone. Like any other teenage boy, Brandon dreamed of the day he would make love to Janet. With them living so close to each other, it seemed impossible. They planned this day for months. Brandon’s nerves rose to an unexpected level. I don’t know if I’m more afraid of getting caught or not pleasing Janet. Who am I fooling, she loves me as much as I love her; this can’t go wrong.

Before he could continue down that road of thought, Janet stood at the fence calling his name. No one could enter their yard because of the two German Shepherds and one Alaskan Husky they had. Most people feared them, and Janet was no different.

Hey girl, did your brothers and sisters see you? You know Yvette will tell if you’re here with no one home.

I know, but she doesn’t know because she’s not home. Janet handed him a package.

You know I don’t want to use these.

Brandon, I can’t get pregnant.

I love you. I want this first time to be like Adam and Eve. If we love each other, what can go wrong?

Have you met my mother?

You said that the first day we met.

Have you?

Brandon pleaded, Please.

Ugh, I will do this for you… once.

I love you so much, Janet Wilson.

She smiled Don’t butter me up. They went into his room to celebrate his Sweet 16 the way he wanted.

The Fight

Brandon was at the park playing basketball with friends. He lost the game and came off the court. Brandon stood with his friends, Jessie and Ronald. A car screeched in the parking lot, causing everyone to look.

Brandon said, I guess he’s out of reform school.

Jessie replied, Yeah, and wherever Jerome goes is trouble.

It wasn’t long before Jerome arrived at the court. Well, well, well, I bet y’all thought I was out of the game. Jerome is back baby!

No one responded, and he continued, So nobody got anything to say? Punks! Jerome made his way to Brandon. Despite his new found courage, he didn’t enjoy these tense moments. So you the dude that’s been screwing my girl.

Brandon replied, Janet is my girl!

Janet has never been your girl and if I catch you with her again, I’ll beat you down.

Brandon tried to walk away, but Jerome grabbed him and hit him in the face with a thunderous right. Brandon went to the ground. He was groggy and did not know what hit him.

Jerome pounced on him and pelted him with several blows to the face. Brandon tried to cover his face, but some blows got through.

Brandon prayed the beating would stop or someone would help him. It seemed like hours before someone intervened. Jessie grabbed Jerome, Get off him, man. You made your point.

Jerome pushed Jessie back and Jerome’s crew stepped up to Jessie and Ronald. Brandon rolled around on the ground in pain with blood oozing down his face.

The stare down ended, and Jerome and his crew walked away. He said, Punk… stay away from Janet.

Brandon’s eyes rolled. He stared up at the sky. His eyes closed.

Brandon woke to a splash of water on his face. Jessie said, Man, you okay?

Brandon didn’t know what to say. Jessie eased him to his feet. Once to his feet, Brandon pushed away, embarrassed at the beating he took from Jerome.

Some boys were laughing, and Jessie shouted, Shut up before I come beat you down! Brandon’s best friend always had his back.

He made his way home with his shirt pressed against his face to stop the flow of blood. Janet and several others were outside. She raced to him. Brandon, what happened to you? Brandon!

He did not want to answer. The last person he wanted to see him beaten and bruised was Janet. I’m fine.

Brandon Alexander, what happened?

Jerome happened. He jumped me and beat me. There, I said it, are you happy now?

I know you’re not talking to me like that. I’m the one who loves you, remember?

He tried to push past, but she grabbed him by the arm. Don’t think you’re getting passed me, Brandon.

What do you want me to say? I’m not a fighter, I couldn’t beat him if I tried.

I know you’re not a fighter, Brandon. That’s one reason I fell for you. She grabbed the shirt. Let me help you with that.

By now the other kids gathered around. Janet said, Back off y’all. She took him by the arm and guided him to his house. I need a clean towel.

Brandon replied, They’re in the closet.

Janet walked to the closet and retrieved a towel along with some bandages. She wiped the blood away and bandaged him up.

Brandon asked, Why are you so good to me?

Because I love you.

Two Months Later

Brandon and Janet started high school. Janet wanted to attend Tampa Bay Tech, but she chose King High School because Brandon attended King. Since Janet was a year younger, she went during the afternoon session while Brandon attended the morning session.

Brandon rose early for the first day of school. He headed out the door. Janet stood at her front door. They met at Janet’s front gate and hugged. Janet said, Have a great day at school.

They kissed. Your Mom is going to kill us both.

She’s asleep, and I wanted to send my man off to school with a big kiss.

Mission accomplished, sweetheart. I love it and you.

You better.

Her sister Yvette walked out the door. Brandon and Yvette were in the same grade at King. Y’all better cut it out.

Janet said, Bye Brandon, see you later.

I’ll be at the buses when you arrive.

Okay. She returned to the house, leaving Brandon and Yvette.

Yvette asked, You love my sister?

It’s been two years and you still doubt it?

I’m harder to impress.

Brandon sighed, No Yvette, you think I should have dated your girl.

I do because my sister was too young.

She’s a year behind me. That’s not to young.

So you say, Brandon.

So everyone says Yvette. Anyway, are you excited about our junior year?

Not at all. I’ll be excited about senior year. What are you going to do when you graduate?

Brandon replied, I’m going into the Air Force.

Really? What about Janet?

When she graduates, we’ll get married and she’ll come with me.

Got it all planned?

Got to have a plan. Without a vision the people will perish.

I hear you.

Of course, you don’t believe me.

I’m just in a wait and see mode.

Brandon laughed, knowing he would never convince her of his love for her sister. He didn’t have to, but he wanted all the Wilson family to know his love for Janet was real.

Brandon and Janet’s daily plan involved meeting at the buses when Brandon’s session ended and before Janet’s session started. They would not have long, but they would make the best of the few minutes. He could not wait to chat for as long as he could, then go their separate ways until Janet got out of school later that afternoon.

Brandon rushed through the hallways, sidestepping the oncoming traffic. He had one mission, get to Janet’s bus. Hey Brandon, where’s the fire, bro?

You know I’m headed to see my girl dude, don’t play.

I hear you man.

Cedric and Brandon developed a close friendship when they started at King the year before. Cedric often teased Brandon about his relationship with a younger girl, but it didn’t bother Brandon. His love for Janet transcended anything or anyone’s opinion.

Brandon arrived at the bus area and there she stood waiting. The tight blue dress fit her slim figure snug and he loved seeing her in it. Janet had a twin sister, Jackie, but Brandon figured out the difference between them two years ago. He recognized the love of his life anywhere.

He ran up to her and gave Janet a kiss on the lips. Hey Baby, I got here fast as I could. Mister Edwards kept us in for a few minutes after the bell.

That’s okay, I didn’t mind waiting. How was the rest of your day?

It was great except for the walk to the bus this morning. Your sister doesn’t trust me for nothing.

You know where that comes from.

I do, but I still wish she would let it go. I only have eyes for you.

You’re so sweet, babe.

I can’t wait until this afternoon when you get out of school.

Why is that Mister Alexander?

It’s Friday and we can spend a lot of time together.

Right… She laughed. You know you’re supposed to come over for dinner? Did you tell your mom?

I remember and yes, I did. I will be there with bells on sweetie.

Alright now, Momma will be looking for you.

Your Mom knows where I live.

Yes, she does.

I better get on the bus before I end up here all afternoon.

Would that be bad?

It would because I have chores to do and if I don’t do them, my Mom won’t let me come for dinner.

Get on the bus, dude.

They both laughed, hugged and kissed goodbye. See you later, Janet.

Okay, Baby.

He watched her walk off, loving every step she took. He smiled thinking about her and the day they first made love. The memory would remain forged in his mind forever.

Janet turned and smiled at him like she knew he stared at her body walking away. Her radar goes off every time.

He got on the bus. Most people did not ride the bus home because of after-school activities. He and Brenda Washington shared the entire bus. Brandon did not know Brenda very well. He knew her sisters Trina and Sonia, but Brenda was a year older, so he didn’t know her like he did them.

The bus ride did not take long to get back to the neighborhood. Brandon always practice being a gentleman and let Brenda get off the bus first. She smiled and said, Thank you, Brandon.

He did not know she knew his name. You’re welcome.

They lived one street apart, so Brenda walked ahead of him. She walked fast compared to Brandon. He often got teased for his slow walk.

He dropped behind her more because he looked at the text Janet sent him. He giggled at her charm and sense of humor. He never noticed the black van pulling up behind him. Brenda shouted, Brandon!

The van stopped. Brenda’s called out to him surprised him because she rarely spoke to him. He froze, looked up at Brenda, then the van. The side door flung open and before Brandon could move, a man jumped out. He grabbed Brandon.

The man was powerful, but Brandon fought hard. He did not want to lose another fight, especially in front of Brenda. Brandon got in a punch to the man, knocking him backwards, but another man hit Brandon from behind. He heard Brenda’s scream. The first man shouted, Go after her!

They threw Brandon into the van and sped off after Brenda. Brandon could not let them get to Brenda. He jumped and grabbed the man driving, causing the vehicle to spin around.

Another man shouted, Colonel!

Brandon saw Brenda dart behind some houses. Brenda knew the neighborhood well, and if she got out of their sight, they would not find her. They won’t find her now. Another blow to the head caused him to pass out. Janet, I love…

Hostages

Brandon woke to find himself in an unknown room. He looked around and there were several other boys his age with him. Some were awake, others still out. Their faces had marks. They suffered from beatings; some cried.

The boy next to him tapped him on the shoulder. You okay, man?

Yeah… yeah… where are we?

I don’t know, no one does. Most of us were out cold when we got here. I woke right after they put us in here.

Brandon said, This doesn’t look good.

Not at all, bro. What’s your name?

Brandon, you?

Harper, I’m from Macon, Georgia.

Macon? I’m from Tampa, Florida.

I think they rounded us up from several places and brought us here. That dude said he was from Alabama. A couple over there are from Tampa too. Must have been with you.

Yeah, I think I recognize one of them from the van. No girls?

Not that I’ve seen.

Well, that’s good.

Harper asked, Why is that?

Brandon answered, There was a girl walking ahead of me from school. After they snatched me, they went after her. I tried to stop them by attacking the driver. I guess she got away.

Either that or…

Or what?

Come on dude, don’t make me say it.

Brandon sighed, I believe she got away.

Me too.

He did not believe Harper, but he was glad he said he believed. Brandon learned in church to speak life over any situation he was in. This would be the toughest situation he experienced in his brief life, so speaking life and keeping his faith is all he had.

The door to the room opened and men with machine guns walked in. The leader ordered, Line up!

No one moved. He shouted again, I said, line up… now! He sprayed the ceiling with bullets and the boys jumped up and lined up against the wall. Brandon estimated there were at least 30 boys in the room. Some were sniffling. The man approached one of them. You crying boy?

The boy answered, No Sir.

Looks like you’re crying to me. He punched the boy in the stomach, and he went to the ground. The leader turned to the other men, Soft. They all laughed. There’s no room in here for crybabies. He turned to the boy, Stand up!

The boy stood to his feet, and the man looked him in the eye. Brandon worried the man would hurt the boy. The man said, "You have ten seconds