Made Men

By Joseph Stone Poke

Welcome to the streets of Macon Georgia, the worlds seventh most dangerous city in the world. This is a novel about the pure streets of Macon Georgia, the home of Otis Redding, Little Richard, and many more great artists and musicians. For those of you who havent been to the Mac Town and are afraid to come, trust me, I do understand completely. Here is where it really goes downmoney, murder, and mayhem. The streets of Macon are for real, but you dont have to take my word for it. Come take a ride with me through the streets of the Mac Town.
Tony Blacka suave, intellectual, rich businessman caught up in a web of deceit and corruption. Tony is trying to balance his life between a betrayal from his good friend, his new girlfriend, and running his chain of luxury hotels, but tragedy has taken Tony to a whole other level to a place he swore never to return.
Shantella beautiful, successful woman who found her way into the life of a man she was in love with, although he never knew. Through a horrific tragedy, they were brought together, and she found herself into a world unknown to herfull of power, luxury, and loyalty, although it has its dark sides. But is it for the good? Will she be able to withstand the powers placed in her hands? Or will she prove not to meet any of Tony Blacks expectations?
Never bite the hand that feeds you.
Because you will regret it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524685096

Joseph Stone Poke

Joseph Stone Poke also known as Black Stone, was born and raised in Atlanta Georgia in the apartment complex of Carver Homes in Fulton County. He went to Campbell Elementary School in the neighborhood. He grew up in a four-bedroom apartment where he and his brother shared a room. He was a musical child, at the age of 9 he discovered his magnificent voice. He occasionally went to the studio as a child with some of his childhood friends. Raised by hardworking parents who raised he and his brothers and sisters in the church. In 1997 his parents moved down south where they grew up to a small town called Ashburn Georgia, They lived there for a few years then moved to Tifton Georgia. He relentlessly packed up and left too for the good or for the worst, he didn’t know yet. He knew since he was a child that he was very gifted, coming from a gifted family. He wrote his very first book ‘WHY PLAY GAMES’ in 2001 but didn’t take his writing as serious as he did his music until 2015 when he wrote the book ‘MADE MEN’ and several others during that time. As a singer/songwriter, he discovered in his book writing that he could write a book in a month, multitalented, he enjoys singing, writing, skiing, long walks on the beach, spending time with his kids and his wife/ assistant and editor of his books Jennifer Friedman Poke.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

JUNE 1

ST

, IT WAS THE beginning of summer, Tony Black was awakened in the wee hours by a small noise. He disentangled himself from the woman laying next to him without waking her. He grabbed his 45 Desert Eagle from under his pillow and pulled on his boxers and a pair of jeans, he slipped them on as he pulled a small powerful German 9mm out of a drawer and placed it in the small of his back, the cold steel sent a chill down his spine. He walked slowly yet quietly down the curved stairs. When Tony reached the living room he could see from the moonlight that his door to the back patio stood open, that had been the noise he’d heard, the wind blowing the door back and forth. Tony knew that he’d always checked all the locks on every door along with the alarms before going to bed. He had given the guards the night off, which he almost never did. The only way that it could be disabled and the door opened was if someone from the inside opened it. The alarm would sound if someone tried cutting the wires, it was equipped with a waterproof state of the art military battery. The only other person who knew the code was Crystal, the woman laying upstairs in his bed, his daughter’s mother who he had allowed to come over from time to time. Tony and his daughter’s mother weren’t at all back together, he had been raising his daughter alone because Crystal wanted to run off with some hot shot producer to California. After he was tired of her he kicked her to the curb, it was for her own good Tony Black had thought because she was too damn money hungry. Tassy was his everything, only five years old and he vowed that it wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his daughter, he always gave Crystal the benefit of the doubt to be in their daughter’s life.

Silently he checked that it was a round in the chamber of his pistol then made his way, slowly ducking low in the dark across the living room he checked around as best as he could to see in the darkness around him. He was checking for any unwanted company until he came to the open door for the second time, he wished he would not have let the guards have the night off. He looked out around the porch and carefully stepped out on the patio, the chilly night air made him shiver, slowly he eased back in and silently closed the door.

You couldn’t sleep I assume? A voice asked from his living room.

A heavy African accent that Black noticed as he jerked in its direction. The pistol pointed out in front of him, he could see three men’s faces covered by the dark.

Please don’t be stupid Mr. Black, the one sitting on his couch said.

The others stood huddled in the dark on each side of the couch, the one on the left was holding a small figure in his arms trying to wiggle free.

Black’s heart dropped when the lights were flicked on by Crystal, the bitch, his child’s mother was fully dressed. Tony Black was not afraid until now, watching this big baboon holding his daughter with one arm and gun in his other hand. Crystal made no attempt to rescue their daughter, she simply looked at her then looked down to the floor.

Daddy his daughter cried as the man’s hand slipped from her mouth. Black started to go after her but stopped as the man held the pistol up to her head

You are a dead man, Tony Black said dangerously looking from Crystal to all three men.

Now now Mr. Black, this is all very simple, all you have to do is open your safe and let my men assist you into loading my duffle bags of the 3.2 million in cash that I know is in there. you just need to sign some paperwork that I have Black glanced at Crystal who wouldn’t make eye contact with him.

I will be happy to help you Black said but you have to let my daughter go

You see Mr. Black it’s not that simple and you are in no position to negotiate but I give you my word, no harm will come to her if you comply. First, you must lower your weapon and put it on the floor in front of you and take at least 5 steps back please. Tony Black was calculating his every move, he knew why Crystal couldn’t look at him or made no attempt to save their daughter because the bitch had set him up and put his daughter’s life in jeopardy. Crystal was the only one that knew he had that money in his safe but signing some papers this man said he had, he didn’t know what that was all about. God, how he would make Crystal suffer if they somehow made it through this. He looked at her with so much hurt, anger and disgust thinking that he could rush the guy that was holding Tassy but decided against it, not wanting anything to happen to her.

Tell me Black started, what does this paperwork of yours consist of? he asked

Oh just a few of your biggest businesses where you will be signing over your shares of The Garden Hotel and a few others, but the Garden Hotel is the main one and you will be given a hefty fee for your business. The African said smiling. He was nicely dressed in an all black suit, Black didn’t notice any jewelry except a wedding band.

Crystal will be the witness who signs under your name, Black smiled to the man and to Crystal.

Congratulations to the both of you, Black replied with death in his eyes. Crystal had seen that look plenty of times and began to shake.

Damose can we please hurry this up? She finally spoke nervously.

Now again Mr. Black, could you please lower your weapon and step away from it?

Black could feel the 9mm in the small of his back as he slowly placed the 45 on the floor and slowly backed away but not too far, he shook his head in defeat.

Thank you, now what’s the code to the safe? Asked the African.

22,19,04 Black said blandly, the man looked to Crystal who took off towards Black’s office to check the code. Crystal was back in seconds and nodded to the African who then nodded for her and one of his men to grab the three big duffle bags. Slowly the man on the left eased the little girl to the floor with his gun to her head.

I want my daddy she retorted and tried to run to him but the big man snatched her by her hair as she let out a loud scream. Black wanted so desperately to go to her but not wanting to risk anything happening to her. The African sitting on the couch motioned for Black to come around the love seat in front of him, he knew that he wouldn’t risk letting them know that he has the 9mm in the small of his back. Slowly, Tony stepped over his 45 and came in front of the plush white love seat and sat down. Tassy was like ten feet away he calculated as he looked at his daughter with so much pain in his heart. What kind of woman would do this to her own child? He thought.

It’s okay baby girl daddy’s here, I love you, he said hurtfully.

I love you too daddy, she said, tears falling down her face.

Very touching, the man across from him spoke as he slid some papers and a pen across the glass table. Black leaned forward to pick up the pen and began signing the papers. When Black was done he slid the papers back over to the African, the man inspected the papers.

Now let her go please, I’ve done everything you’ve asked. Tony Black said with exaggerated concern for his daughter.

So you have, the man said sarcastically. He then nodded to the man who pulled the trigger with a devilish grin on his face as the little girl slumped to the floor. Tony had his hand on the 9mm from behind his back that caught the man that had just killed his daughter by surprise with two quick shots. One caught the man between the eyes and one in his heart. The African who had been giving all the orders tried to scramble off the couch but Black was too quick and caught him right in the temple. He slumped back into the couch howling, blood leaking through his fingers as he held his head. Quickly Black retrieved his 45 off of the floor with the 9mm turned on the African the whole time. Pointing the 45 at the man he eased behind the couch he sat on and pressed the eagle to the back of his neck. As he bent down in back of the couch looking over the body of his little girl, tears blurred his vision. He heard Crystal and the other man coming from his office, the man came rushing in with his gun followed out by Crystal who looked from him to Damose sitting on the couch and the dead African on the floor near Tassy.

You son of a bitch you said you wouldn’t hurt my baby where the fuck is Tony?" She asked without much concern for her 5-year-old daughter laying there in a pool of blood.

I’m right here you nothing ass bitch, Black said as he stood up.

Whop he hit Damose in the back of the head with the desert eagle.

Tell your man to drop his fucking weapon now.

"Put it down, put it down Jeff, he screamed. Black pointed the 45 at him and shot him four times, blood and brains splattered all over Crystal’s face as she took that opportunity to try and run, Black fired off a round knocking her calf clean off.

Nawl hoe, we ain’t finished just yet, he said lightly.

As for you big man, look at my little girl, look gotdammit.

Whap Black hit him across the face with the 45 as blood spilled from Damose’s face.

Who do you work for?

Boom the big gun took off the man’s knee.

Agggghhh, the man screamed.

You took too long to answer, Black said.

Ahh, please man please, ok, ok, Charlie sent me, that’s who your bitch is fucking with. The man pointed out…trying to gain points. Tony Black was stunned.

Who did you just say? He asked in disbelief.

It was your man Charlie, Damose said faintly.

Charlie was a partner of his with a spot on the board of The Garden Hotel. So that’s what this was all about, Charlie wanted to take over The Garden Hotel and now my daughter is dead because of this greedy bastard, he thought, as his mind began to form a plan of his own.

Okay calm yourself down, Black said.

Man you just blew my knee cap off and this shit hurts, Damose said as he shivered from pain"

Not nearly as bad as I’m hurting, you fucking coward, my daughter is laying there dead muthafucka, responded Black with disgust as he hit the man again.

Okay, okay, you’re right, call him now put him on speaker and tell him everything is done and, said Black and pointed the 9mm at Crystal still laying on the floor.

And don’t you make a sound or you’re dead, she nodded slowly.

Damose pulled out his phone and hit a speed dial button and Black saw the number of Charlie…He knew all too well.

I’ve been expecting your call, said Charlie.

Yes I know, everything is done, uttered Damose quickly.

Is he dead? Charlie asked knowingly. Damose looked up at Black as he whispered softly.

No, he got away.

No sir he got away.

What? Does he know anything? What about the kid?

No, he doesn’t know nothing and the child?… He hesitated, she’s no longer, Damose said softly.

"Okay, okay you did get the papers signed right? Asked Charlie anxiously.

Yes I did Sir, but my men are dead and I sent Crystal away until we are done cleaning the bodies out of here.

Good, Damose you have to find him and get me those papers, and Damose he paused….Get rid of Crystal she’s a liability, Charlie said with asperity.

Of course Sir see you soon, said Damose faintly. He looked up to Black for approval, Black smiled to the man as he hung up then pulled the trigger and watched the man’s face come off. Tony Black walked over to his daughter lifting her limp body into his arms and let out an anguishing howl as he shook her softly in his arms.

I’m sorry baby girl, I’m sorry, please God, please bring my baby back please Jesus, she didn’t deserve this father please, I’m begging you please. He prayed as he rocked back and forth as if trying to rock a baby back to sleep. He heard a sniffle and remembered Crystal lying there at the foot of the steps. Bitch I know you ain’t trying to act like you are crying with your fake ass, he said as he slowly laid his daughter’s body back down,

Daddy loves you, baby, I’ll be back ok! He said kissing his little girls cheek as if she would respond to him. He tucked the 9mm into his back pocket as he walked over to Crystal with the 45 at his side. Tony Black stood in front of her as she tried to shuffle backward dragging her leg and smearing blood.

Tony I didn’t mean for any of this, not this to happen I swear Tony, she said in a weary voice.

Tony Black just stared down at her, he squatted down in front of her.

Really Crystal? look at my baby, our child! you are such a poor excuse of a woman…

Please listen Ton…

"Bitch, shut the fuck up he spat, spraying spit in her face,

You’re a poor excuse of a woman, God should have never let you take up precious air like this, you gave no consideration of you own child, you good for nothing ass bitch.

Tony don’t kill me, please I’m begging you. Black stuck the muzzle of the 45 into her leg.

Aggghh God agghh, she screamed, Black laughed

Bitch you fucking up my carpet, he said as he got up and headed for his office. He picked up the phone and dialed a number.

Ben I need all of you to the house now, Black spoke into the receiver.

On the way Sir, Ben replied, one of Black’s main bodyguards. Five minutes later, Ben and six more guards made it and were standing in the living room.

Ben Meadows, a big bear of a man, handsome with dangerous eyes, six foot two 250 lbs saw the bloody scene with little Tassy’s body as well as all three of the dead African’s and Crystal who Black had wrapped and taped up in a clear tarp with only her head out and her mouth taped up. Black sat on the floor holding his daughter’s lifeless body in his arms as if in a trance until Ben knelt down beside him and placed a hand lightly on his shoulder.

Sir Ben said, tears in his eyes as he lightly touched the little girl’s cheek, what happened here?" He asked miserably.

Charlie had this bitch, he pointed with his head towards Crystal, to try to set me up because he wants The Garden Hotel all to himself.

Son of a bitch, said Ben as he got up, excuse me Sir but I’ve never liked this bitch cause she was never a real mother to my niece, he said referring to Tassy.

Her eyes stretched as Ben’s big frame came into her view, he kneeled down in front of her.

How could you Crystal? Why? Ben asked as the tears fell from his eyes. Black never knew that Ben could cry until now, losing little Tassy really broke him. Black reflected, Tassy had loved Ben as if he was her blood uncle. Ben took out his 40 caliber looked back at Tony Black and Tassy, Black looked down at his daughter as Ben swung twice with the gun against Crystal’s head.

You no good bitch he mumbled, as he walked back over to his boss. Black stood and sat on the couch with his daughter still in his arms. Carlos, Gary, Max, Ricardo, Andrew, and Chad all stood with tears in their eyes regretting that their boss gave them the night off, each hating themselves for not refusing their boss for once.

Get the hoe to the warehouse and then call Derrick and let him know that… On second thought get one of those guys guns, unwrap and blow that bitch’s brains out and then call Derrick, I wanted to make that bitch suffer but fuck it. Black announced, referring to Crystal.

My pleasure Sir, Ben said.

Unwrap that bitch, Max, and Carlos, Gary call Detective Derick and tell him what we have here and Gary… tell him to take his time.

Ricardo load the money up with Chad and Andrew.

***

Well, well what do we have here? Asked the man as Charlie came into his office.

Smiling Charlie came in with a briefcase in his hand. Charlie Hassler a tall, thin, wiry man in his mid-thirties, with a crooked nose and a slight limp in his walk from being shot. Charlie had gained most