Pushed by Hustle: Driven by Lust

By Ashley Mooring

This book is a tragic tale of the consequences of choosing a life of hustle and lust. The story begins with LaQuan, a.k.a. Cain Jenkins (the main character), being released from prison.

Now in the fight of his life, there is a fierce battle being fought for his soul. Satan wants him to be a promoter of his kingdom and lures him with lustful rewards. LaQuan chooses riches, fame, women, and money; but he realizes that his choice of material possessions is not filling the void in his heart.

LaQuans family is close and supportive. His mother, Beverly, is always encouraging him to come to church. Her dream is that one day, he will bring Gods Word to others. LaQuan ignores this calling and pursues the hustle and sex with many women. While incarcerated, he finds love with Carmen, a correctional officer; but his lust causes him to be unfaithful. LaQuan witnesses death and murders, indulges in unprotected sex, and sees his friends incarcerated because of the hustle.

Nothing seems to get his attention until his worst fear comes true and the love of his life is murdered. It is only at this point that he surrenders and denounces a life of lust and hustle. It is only at this point that his life begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543440102

Ashley Mooring

I, Ashley D. Mooring, was born into poverty in Bryan-College Station, Texas (home of the Fighting Texas Aggies) to parents -- Beverly and Cecil Mooring. As a child the cards were stacked against me. I turned to the streets at an early age to find comfort and a sense of belonging. I soon became involved with some rebellious kids and led down their bumpy path. For over 25 years I wandered in the wilderness. I've been addicted to drugs, shot twice and nearly died of stab wounds. I've been homeless incarcerated I went to a place in my life where everyone who knew me lost all hope of me ever rebounding and doing something positive. It had been prophesied, when I was 19 years-old, that one day I would be a minister of God's word. This was something I neither foresaw nor desired until my life along a destructive path caused me finally to surrender to the will and the way of the Lord. Once I did, my life changed. I've not visited a prison since and I've conquered my drug addiction. I currently hold Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees in Divinity and preside as one of the ministers at Castle Heights Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Ashley Mooring.

Library of Congress Control Number:         2017911672

ISBN:                        Hardcover                       978-1-5434-4008-9

                                  Softcover                          978-1-5434-4009-6

                                  eBook                               978-1-5434-4010-2

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 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.

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.

Rev. date: 07/31/2017

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

763704

Contents

Prologue

Laquan

Day Two Out

Carmen

Laquan

Carmen And Laquan: The Connection

Keshawn

Laquan

Carmen

Laquan

Keshawn

The Family

Leroy

Laquan a.k.a. Cain

Keshawn

The Dream

Keshawn

Laquan

Leroy

Beverly

Laquan

Carmen

Keshawn

The Family

Leroy

Saturday: The Twenty-Ninth

Laquan

Detective Crenshaw

Leroy

Keshawn

A Family Dilemma

Laquan

Funeral Day

Carmen

Leroy

Keshawn

Laquan a.k.a. Cain

Kierra

Laquan

Six Months Later

Keshawn

Carmen

Beverly

District Attorney/Detective

Kierra

Kris

Tronda

Keshawn

Leroy

Carmen

The Sermon

Kierra

The Attorneys

Kris

Laquan

Beverly

Laquan

Keshawn

Leroy

Carmen

Two Months Later

The Lawyers

Monica

Keshawn

Laquan

Keshawn

Tronda

Keshawn

Laquan

Beverly

Laquan

T

O THE WORLD’S greatest father, Cecil Mooring, who has always been supportive of me in all my endeavors.

In memory of my mother, Beverly Mooring, and my sisters, Kierra and Krystal Johnson.

To my precious kids, Tammy, Raven, and Corey, who never gave up on and always believed in their dad.

To my friend, Tracy, who has always encouraged me to be my best.

To Darlene, who typed my manuscript.

To my church family at Castle Heights Baptist Church, who loved me through my foolishness and gave me a chance to pursue my calling without being biased or judgmental.

In memory of my grandparents Richard and Onella Mooring, Wanda and Anthony Anderson, Tonja, Kim and Rocunda Mooring, Felcia Lawerance and Arnetra Sparks for giving me some great, beautiful and amazing children, my uncle Joe, Bobby, Arthur and Milton Mooring, my amazing aunts, Pamela Cooks, Patricia, Elnora and Mary Mooring, Tracey Lewis, Tamara Bean, Devana M, to my mentor and Big Brother Reverend Allen Brown. To Maurissa Turner and Debra Cooks.

PROLOGUE

LAQUAN! LAQUAN! MR. LaQuan Jenkins, peep game. Look over here.

LaQuan looked but couldn’t get a visual on anyone. The deep, scratchy, demonic voice continued to echo within the walls. Finally, the voice’s ghostlike body floated into view. LaQuan stared, riveted in fear. When his terror finally subsided, he cautiously asked, Man, who are you? And what ya want?

I’m the devil! I’m Lucifer, the bright morning star. I want to possess your soul. I will give you all the riches you crave if you will bow before me and worship me. I can give you every woman you desire, any whip you can handle. And I’ll pave the way for you to become the next Scarface. Just follow me. Deal?

LaQuan moved past his fear and spoke. Damn, playa! If you got that much pull, I’m down with ya! Consider it a deal! Just one question—why ya chose me?

There’s a fierce battle being fought for your soul. You see, God, the Creator, and that Jesus, the one who stole my heavenly position, want very badly to control your destiny and use you to promote their kingdom.

Look here, devil. Say no more. I want the riches, the women, the whips, and the fame and glory. Now tell me, how do I worship you? Whadda I hafta do?

Just keep doing what you’re doing now and promise to never cross over to the other side. Now look over there, the spirit directed. LaQuan looked. There in front of him was a fleet of shiny black luxury vehicles: Maybachs, Benzes, Ferraris. A large black Gucci bag lay on the hood of each vehicle. It’s all yours, said the spirit. Now go take ahold of it.

LaQuan walked closer to examine the vehicles and inspect the leather bags. To his surprise and amazement, each bag was filled to the top with $100 bills.

The spirit floated closer. Look in the trunk of the black Benz Coupe, he instructed.

LaQuan cautiously obeyed. The opened trunk revealed what appeared to be a lifeless female body covered with about two hundred kilos of cocaine. He reached for the head, turning it to get a better view. To his horror, he recognized the powdery-nosed dead woman. It was Chandra—the mother of his two kids.

NO! NO! screamed LaQuan. No, Chandra! The kids! What have you done, you stupid girl? Damn, girl! Come back! Come back! Come on, Chan, ya gotta come back! LaQuan glared at Lucifer. What have you done? What part of the game is this?

"This ain’t no game, this is life! Besides, this is what you chose, LaQuan."

NO! NO! TAKE IT BACK! I don’t want this …

***

LAQUAN! LAQUAN! Wake up, nigga! His cellmate was shaking him. You musta had a really bad dream. You been screamin’ like a lil broad all night.

Forget you, nigga, and watch your mouth. But yeah! I had a crazy dream—talkin’ ’bout crazy.

The conversation between the two inmates was cut short by a correction officer. LaQuan, your parole has been granted, and you’re being transferred to another facility for release.

LAQUAN

L AQUAN SHAWN JENKINS, a.k.a. Cain, was released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after serving seven and a half years of a fourteen-year sentence for aggravated robbery. Cain was truly innocent of the charge, but the all-white jury thought otherwise. He was no robber. He was a grade-A dope boy who chased money like a NASCAR driver chases the checkered flag. Two witnesses swore at trial that it was him who they saw put a pistol to the head of the restaurant owner, fire a shot into his arm, and make away with a money bag containing $50,000 cash.

Cain’s twenty-grand lawyer failed to perform for him like he promised. After exhausting all appeal remedies, no relief was granted. Now on parole, with almost half his sentence remaining, he was cast into a cruel, cutthroat world. The world he was returning to was nothing like the one he left.

Cain had been a model prisoner. He learned a trade (welding), got his barber’s license, was an avid weight lifter, and attended church services regularly. But the hustle was embedded deeply in his soul and ran freely through his blood. He still yearned for the streets and the benefits that came with street life.

He didn’t want anyone to know he was out, so he rode the bus from Huntsville to Houston. The Metro took him to the North Side, to a middle-class suburb off Ella Boulevard—to Mom’s. His mom, Beverly, worked all her life as a counselor for the Houston Independent School District. When LaQuan was sentenced to prison, she was still in their home of twenty-seven years in the Third Ward on Elgin Street. Cain walked into the house without a knock. He was immediately greeted by Beverly, his sister Kierra, and his stepfather, Larry. There was a beautiful reunion—laughter, tears, hugs, and stares.

Beverly finally broke the mode. Son, why didn’t you call someone to come pick you up?

Mamma, I just wanted to ride the bus, enjoy the scenery, and digest this freedom that’s been granted to me.

Well, son, I’m so glad to have you back home. I missed you so much.

Mom, this house is what’s up!

Yeah! The Lord has truly blessed me with this beautiful place. You know, son, I stand on His word. He tells me in Psalms 37:4 to ‘Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.’ He’s been so good to me. That’s why I serve Him, praise Him, and worship Him with all my heart. And yes, son, I do expect to see you in church on Sunday. Now, son, what are your plans now that you’ve returned safely?

Mom, it’s mandatory that I find a job soon. I got this letter from the attorney general telling me that I owed $45,000 in back child support. I need a job so’s I can start paying down that debt. I asked Chandra about that when I was first served in county jail, for Raven and Junior. She said she didn’t stick me with no support. Since she was gettin’ AFDC from the government, it is them that is makin’ me pay up. You know me, Mom. I’m like you. I don’t like being in debt to no one.

"I do understand, son. We renewed your driver’s license online, and you can drive that old Yukon until you can afford something better. Just remember to take life one day at a time.

And forgive me for bringing this up, but I sure hope you’ve gotten over Chandra. That woman is no good. She lost y’all home, two cars, and all your possessions. She’s spent every dime you left for the kids. I hear she’s running them streets pretty hard. They say she’s on them drugs—that ecstasy and snorting powder. I don’t understand why someone would want to abuse themself like that. Her mother, Glenda, is just like her. Glenda is back in rehab. This is like the tenth time she’s relapsed on that crack. God bless her soul.

Mom, I’m not going that route. I love Chandra ’cause she’s the mother of my kids. I’m very concerned about her and her parenting skills. It’s my job to get to my kids. To provide, guide, and be there for them.

That’s right, son. We gotta take care of my grandbabies. Hell, I’ve been looking out for them since you’ve been away. They come spend weekends with us periodically. It’s just so hard to track down Chandra at times. Junior looks just like you. And of course, that Raven has Grandma’s good looks.

RING! RING!

Kierra answers the phone.

Hello, may I speak to LaQuan?

Who is this?

This is Chandra.

Oh! Hold on, Kierra says. Brother! Pick up the phone.

Who is it?

It’s the tramp who gave birth to your kids.

Kierra couldn’t stand Chandra. She was especially bitter about the way she did her brother while he was in lockup. Word has it she slept with Keshawn, LaQuan’s close friend. Keshawn! The one who ate at their kitchen table and spent weekends at their home while they were growing up.

Sister, I got it. You can hang up. Hello.

Tell your sister I heard that smart aleck, sarcastic remark! Anyway, how are you doing?

I’m cool, glad to be home. How did you know I was out? I haven’t heard from you directly in two years.

"I’ve always checked on your status. Keshawn told me you made parole, so I’ve been checking the computer every morning. This morning it had you exiting out of TDC. So, LaQuan, where do we stand?"

What do you mean, where we stand? Put it like this, Chandra: We have two precious kids together. That’s it! I do have love for you, but a relationship with you is not even in reach. You dawged a nigga heart beyond repair. You know you can’t hide nothing from me in my city. The streets of Houston speak loudly. Honestly, how do you think I felt when all your promiscuousness and selfish behaviors reached me in that cell? Your stripping, the drugs, the boosting, losing the house, and being unable to maintain the empire that I built around us. You had it all, Chandra. I left you wanting for nothing. But you know, I’m not gonna 100 percent blame you ’cause when the man is out of place in his household, the woman becomes displaced. I left you somewhat vulnerable. But damn! I thought you stood for something. Evidently not! It’s all good. I ain’t trippin’ on the material stuff ’cause all that can be replaced. Now where are Raven and Junior?

They go to summer camp, and their bus haven’t arrived yet. It should be here in about thirty minutes.

Peep this, Chandra. Today is Thursday. I will be over there tomorrow after I report to my PO. Have the kids ready about five. I’ll take them for pizza or something.

Cain! Cain! Chandra yells through the phone.

What is it?

Keshawn left a number for you to call him. He said he heard about you getting your barber’s license. He owns a barber shop on the North Side—right down the street from your mom on Kuykendahl.

Bet that, baby! I mean Chandra. I’ll be sure to call that nigga and see what it do. Bye! Bye! Talk to you later. Bye.

LaQuan! his mom calls.

What’s up, Mom?

Come get you some’n to eat. Dinner’s ready.

Cain fell up in the kitchen just in time. Larry, Kierra, and Beverly were already sitting. As soon as Cain sat, Larry blessed the food, following the Lord’s Prayer. They immediately dug into the delicious grub Beverly prepared for them: pork chops and potatoes smothered in cream of mushroom gravy, broccoli and cheese, and for dessert, German chocolate cake and oatmeal cookies fresh from the oven.

Cain was exhausted. His first day out of lockup had gone well. He asked the family to excuse him ’cause he needed to rest. He had a long day tomorrow. Cain went to his room and crashed on the bed. He turned the stereo to Old School Magic 102.1 FM. No TV. No lights. The last thing he heard was a tune by the Isley Brothers—Drifting on a memory, there’s no place I’d rather be than with you.

DAY TWO OUT

M ORNING CAME QUICKLY. Cain awoke to the sweet aroma of eggs and bacon cooking. He cleaned himself up, went and got a bite, and immediately went to the porch to enjoy himself a Black & Mild. It was 9:30 a.m., and he had to report at 1:00 p.m. Cain put on a Fresh Black label outfit, along with the Jordans his sister Kierra bought for him. The iced-out piece, chain, and ring (Beverly kept that for him) matched the $20,000 iced grill in his mouth. Cain always had to look fly, even if he was just going to the mailbox.

I’m gone, Mom! Cain yelled out.

All right, son. Be careful.

Cain jumped in the Yukon, slid in a Purple Panthers CD, and said to himself, I got to get me a cell phone ASAP. He’d heard about a Boost Mobile deal. For a flat $50 a month, you get unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and no credit check. Cain found himself a nice phone, paid $200 for it and $50 for