The Underworld Empire

By James A. Grosse

The Underworld Empire is an action packed suspense fiction novel. James G. Ross is an teenager who made a mistake of stealing from the Italian Mob in Pittsburgh PA. Now they are searching to eliminate him and his friends. James has vowed to protect his friends, he is left with the realization that he would have to become as cunning and ruthless as them to survive. He infiltrated their organization and stategically set his plans in motion.
The Mobs highest ranking assassian attemped to kill James but hasitated for one second which cost him his life! James had to gear-up and go to war. He destroyed their private club, killed them and took their money, guns and product.
The New York Italian Mob was on their way!

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Sep 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781489737953

James A. Grosse

James A. Grosse is from The Steel City, Pittsburgh, PA. He is an Architect Engineer, an inventor, and a writer. He has 5 college degrees, 10 vocational trades, and 27 self-improvement certificates. He believes in hard work, education, and a good attitude. Live a good life, and focus on your destiny.

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Copyright © 2021 James A. Grosse.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-3796-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-3795-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021917430

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 08/28/2021

CONTENTS

Book One

THE UNDERWORLD EMPIRE

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Book Two

CORPORATE POWER & MONEY

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Book One

THE UNDERWORLD

EMPIRE

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CHAPTER 1

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James G Ross, AKA Outcast woke up on the floor of an abandoned house. The cold air sent a shiver down his spine. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He partied late, then evidently stopped here and fell asleep.

The events of yesterday came rushing back to his memory. He got kicked out of school for his repeated violation of the school policy dress code plus his rebutted verbal comment. That sealed the end of his education.

His mom was waiting for him when he came home. She was drunk as usual and in a bad violent mood. She kicked him out the house and told him never to come back. He was no better than his long lost deadbeat father.

He was certain he was nothing like his father. Outcast never believed in hitting a woman, he didn’t smoke cigarettes, he gave his mom money at times and helped her out around the house.

After he left the house yesterday, he tried to join the Marines. They said he had to have a GED. He then walked around looking for a job but no one hired him. It seriously felt like the whole world was against him.

He ended up at a house party with some old friends. If you can call them that. Outcast attended twelve different schools in and around Pittsburgh P.A. He knew a lot of people. The only two people in the world he could trust were Trina and Streets.

Outcast stood up and fixed his clothes. The gears in his mind started to turn. He tried to do things the right way. But realistically he was now a product of the environment, the hood and he was going to be true to it.

He had no money, no car, no cell phone and no gun. He was on the NorthSide of Pittsburgh. He headed to the Pawn Shop by the Alleghany Mall. They had everything he needed. He pulled his skull cap tightly on his head and put his leather gloves on.

Outcast had a screwdriver that he used specifically for stealing cars. He spotted the older Camaro in a used car dealership. 30 seconds later he was on the road driving.

He pulled up at the front of the Pawn Shop as the owner was unlocking the door. He popped the trunk as he got out. The owner began to turn. But Outcast moved swiftly behind him and jammed the screwdriver in his back.

I have a gun. This is a robbery. Step inside and shut the alarm off. Don’t say a word and do exactly what I tell you.

The owner stepped inside and turned the alarm off. Outcast memorized the code. Hand me the cash you have on you, then lay down on the floor with your head facing the wall and don’t move.

The owner pulled out a roll of cash. Outcast shook him down. He relinquished the owner from his Bushmaster 45 and store keys. He smashed the owner’s cell phone.

Outcast snatched a black duffle bag off the shelf. He headed straight for the guns and bullets. He first picked the AK-47 and then an assortment of 12 pistols and boxes of bullets. Then he went to the jewelry display counter. He unlocked it and put the chains, rings and watches in the duffle bag. Then scooped up 2 walkie talkies, 2 cell phones and 2 binoculars on his way out.

He jumped in the Camaro and punched the gas pedal to the floor. The tires screeched as he left a trail of smoke behind him. The whole crime took only 3 minutes. He shot back to the used car dealership and parked the Car back on the lot.

He retrieved the black duffle bags and headed to one of his spots; an abandoned house. He tossed his hat, gloves and jacket in the duffle bag. A minute later he heard the police siren off in the distance.

Outcast’s heart was pounding out his chest as he eased the old door shut. No one had seen him enter. The sun was just breaking dawn. He headed to the Dining Room where an old oak table survived a lot of late night parties.

He dumped the duffle bag out on the table. He matched the bullets with the guns. He had bullets for the #2. 45s millimeter glocks and #2 AK-47. He put the other guns and bullets in the duffle bag. He picked out 7 nice chains, 14 rings and 7 watches. He put the rest of the jewelry in the duffle bag.

He called Streets. What’s up! It’s 6:10 AM Man! No, it’s money time. Just hit a real lick. I need you to meet me at the spot by Smokes Trap house. I’ll be there in 20 minutes.

Outcast took his screwdriver and scraped the serial numbers off the guns while waiting on Streets. Finally, Street arrived in his BOSS 302 MUSTANG. Outcast jumped in with the duffle bag. I want you to sale all of this. Outcast opened the duffle bag. Get me as much as you can in cash and weed. Pick out 2 chains and 2 rings for yourself.

Outcast waited outside in the car while Streets went into Smokes Trap house. He came out looking serious and quickly jumped in the car. Smoke got the guns, ammo, 3 watches, 3 rings and 3 chains for 3 pounds of perk. He wouldn’t come off with no cash.

Streets started the car. His eyes searched everywhere as he pulled out. We’ll go see Money and he should buy some of this jewelry. Set the 3 pounds of Perk on the back floor board.

Streets drove to a nice house off of Perrysville Ave. Outcast waited in the car. Streets returned with a smile. I got $10,000 for all of it. He handed Outcast the cash. Outcast pocketed the cash. Then he put the 3 pounds of PERK back into the duffle bag.

I appreciate it Streets. Are you straight with the 2 rings and 2 chains? Hell yah. I also got an ounce of perk and $200 dollars cash. Outcast laughed, cool.

Streets looked at him. Did you keep something for yourself? Outcast smiled. He pulled a nice thick 18 K solid diamond cut rope platinum chain with 2 rings and a medallion on it. Man, that’s nice. Yah it’s worth around $20,000. I figured they would undercut us pretty bad. So I held out.

We could go see Kilo. He may give us a brick for that. He has to get off them pretty quick. Sure, let’s go see. But don’t take anything under a kilo. Outcast tossed in a Rolex watch.

Streets came back looking paranoid once again. He started the car and took off. He eased the kilo out. That goes for $25,000. It’s 36 ounces if you break it down.

Street pulled out his ounce of perk. Roll us a joint. Outcast held his hand up. Hold off. We have some more business to take care of. We got to keep our mind clear. I want you to sell 30 ounces for $1,250. Bring me $30,000, keep $7,500. Meet me at the spot at 8:00 tonight. Make sure you are not followed. And don’t use your car to sell this coke.

Outcast broke off a chunk that weighed about 6 ounces and dropped it in a baggy. Drop me off at Trinna’s house. Trinna’s! Don’t let her break your back? She might break yours. I got that ho* in check.

Outcast knocked on her door and waited for her. The door wiped open. What the fu** you want? It’s 8:30 in the morning. He stepped past her entering the house. Shut up bit**! I got some work for you. And you better not fu** it up.

He set the duffle bag on the dining room table. I got 3 pounds of perk and six ounces of coke. I want you to break it down and sell it all before 8:00 tonight if you can.

Damn she was looking sexy in her long tee shirt and no bra. He pulled out the chain and rings he picked out for her. I got you a little something. But first I need to know if you are gonna be my "Down Bit**? I need you to be on my team, 100 all the way?

She looked at the jewelry. Then the duffle bag. Well if you are balling and doing it real big. Then I’m down for whatever!

Outcast eased her tee shirt over her head. That’s what I’m talking about. You are fine as hell.

An hour later, Outcast got a shower and he was out of there. He caught a bus and headed to the Alleghany Mall.

He bought a small black backpack, 3 sets of underclothes, 2 pairs of gray Carhart pants and 2 gray shirts to match. He got a pair of Timberland Pro boots, a pair of leather gloves, a black ski mask and a nice leather jacket. He found a good waterproof wallet and an ankle pouch.

He headed to the bathroom and got dressed and tossed his old clothes in the trash can. He looked like an average construction worker. He headed to the tool store.

He bought a hand held battery rechargeable grinder and drill, plus titanium bits. A portable saw with diamond cut abrasive blades and a tool box with tools. He picked out a pair of work gloves, tool belt and overhauls. He had plans for tonight.

Outcast had to get a ride of his own. He called a cab and went to the biggest used car dealership on McKnight Road. He found an old Monte Carlo SS. The last owner had it built for speed. Outcast got it for $10,000. He got full coverage insurance and plates.

Outcast drove back to the city. He found a semi secluded house to rent on Perrysville Avenue. This was going to be a place no one would know of. He parked his car in the garage. Then he dressed as a construction worker, picked up his tools and headed out on foot.

Ruth, an old lady next store, came out of her house the same time Outcast did. She was struggling to get the front door to her house closed. She looked flustered as she made eye contact with Outcast. He stopped. Do you need a little assistance?

She smiled. I don’t want to be too much of a bother. Are you a carpenter young man? I’m learning. But I think I can handle the job. May I ask you your name. My name is James. Well James. My name is Ruth. What are you going to charge me to fix this door?

I suspect I’m not going to charge you anything. It probably just needs the hinge screws tightened up. James had to take the hinges off and flip them, they were stretched. Plus, the frame was loose, he tightened it.

She was amazed at how quickly he worked. No man should work for free. How would you ever make any money? Besides I have more work inside if you have a few minutes?

Outcast had a few hours to burn. It couldn’t take that much time. He fixed her toilet, sink faucet drip, screwed in a few new light bulbs, emptied her trash and flipped a breaker. She tried to give him $20.00. But Outcast refused.

Well at least let me cook you a pie or cookies? Oh I’d love that. Outcast set $50.00 on the table. This is for supplies. I’ll see you later.

Outcast quickly left. He caught a bus ride to the North Side. He had spotted a few vans in good areas where he could jack a ride at a low risk of being seen and a time window would be open long enough for him to pull the heist off. He had to time everything right.

He jacked the van from the parking lot behind Rax’s Restaurant at 7:15 PM at 7:22 he was parked in the alley behind the pawn shop.

He used the circular table saw with the diamond cut abrasive blade. He cut straight through the entire door and bar locks. He busted through and ran to the alarm up front. He punched in the code, praying it hadn’t changed.

The digital screen read Disarmed. He let out a deep breath. He sprang into action grabbing a duffle bag and jumping behind the counter. They were partly restocked. He got everything this time. The earrings, bracelets, broaches, chains, rings and watches.

He turned to the gun section and cut the locking rod. He grabbed the uzi, a street sweeper, and a high powered rifle with a scope, 10 pistols and the correct bullets. He carried that load to the van.

Then he ran back and forth loading up the van with house stereos, big speakers, amps, computers, flat screen TVs, a police scanner, and a load of leather jackets. The van was packed full. He had found the security monitor box hooked up to the PCU computer. A camera was in the office facing the safe. He sat in the chair. The computer screen saver was on. He moved the mouse and a code box popped up. He typed the alarm code in.

He laughed, shaking his head as the computer main screen opened up. He selected the Security Icon. Eight small monitors appeared on the screen. He clicked on the office monitor to open it as one big window. He hit the rewind button until he saw the owner opening the big safe. He zoomed in on the combination of the safe.

Outcast worked the combination. He started sweating. He knew he had pushed way past the time limit which was 3 minutes. He had been in the pawn shop for 10 minutes. The patrol police car would be back in the area in 20 more minutes. He should have had a spotter outside keeping watch. But he needed to do this heist by himself. He heard too many stories about how the partner in crime turned state for a lesser time. He would never go out like that. He also knew never go back to the scene of the crime, yet here his dumb ass was.

Outcast eased the safe door open. He thought his heart was going to pound out of his chest. There were stacks of cash, trays of rings, rolls of chains, boxes of watches, old coin collections, old stamp books and small bars of gold.

Outcast looked around for something in the office to put this stuff in. He spotted a closet door. Pulling it open he faced a stack of boxes. Lifting the top box out. It was heavy. He opened it. Staring in confusion. It had kilos of cocaine in them. They were identical to the one he got from the drug dealer Kilo today.

Which meant this was the mob’s drug front operation and Street sold Kilo the same property he stole earlier today. By tomorrow a hit would be out on "Streets’’

Outcast ran to get another duffle bag and scraped the safe clean. He snatched the records & address books & PCU computer. Then loaded the 4 heavy boxes of kilos packing the front passengers side full.

As he pulled off; the van sagged low to the ground. It was 7:35 PM. He was pressed for time. The plan had taken a drastic change. He drove to his rented house and unloaded everything except the gun.

He called it "Streets’ ‘. What’s up! It’s me. I’m on my way. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Is everything cool? Yep, 30 stacks on deck. Is our girl there? Yep.

Outcast scanned the neighborhood. The same cars that belonged there were there, nothing was out of place. Outcast had lifted the street sweeper. It was loaded with 50, 223 bullets in the drum. He had it strapped on under his jacket with his finger on the trigger.

He checked the spot and listened as he circled around back. He eased the back door open. Trinna was waiting for him. You can’t sneak up on us Outcast. We are on point. He eyed her suspiciously. Is everything straight? Yah, common.

They walked into the Dining Room. Streets were staring out the front window. He turned. What’s Up! Outcast held the Street-Sweeper up. We got to have a meeting. Strip down to your undershorts, both of you.

Streets gave him a messed up look. What the fu**! Chill, do as I say and I’ll explain in a minute. Set everything on the table. They reluctantly did. Outcast went through things looking for bugs or wire taps. Get dressed. He started to strip. I have to be certain no one planted anything on us.

He checked his stuff while they watched. Okay we are clear. Streets pushed the $30,000 over to Outcast. Trinna pushed the $24,000 she made over. Outcast pushed $4,000 back to her. He pocketed the rest.

Unknowingly I robbed a mob boss who supplies the drugs to the dealers we sold the stolen property to. It’s just a matter of time before a hit is put out. This is my mess and I’m going to clean it up. And I also plan to take over their entire operation at the trap house. I need to know right now are you down or are you out?

Trinna was smiling, putting her money up. I’m down for whatever. As long as I’m making stacks every day. I’ll do whatever. I don’t play.

Streets had a serious, thoughtful look on his face. There are 7 gangbangers at the Trap House. Kilo the boss isn’t there and he always has two thugs with him at all times. He hangs at his club called The Underground City. It would be hard to get to him.

Outcast looked at Trinna. Not for her! I can get to any man. I’ll slip some of this liquid acid in his drink and I’m out of there. Acid! Outcast said. Yah enough to OD on. Street spoke up. He ain’t going to fall for that. He got a car right. Set the alarm off and when he comes out blast his ass. Trinna said, Down Town?

Outcast spoke up. I got a high powered rifle that can reach out and tuck him. We got walkie talkies and binoculars to assist us. They shook their heads in agreement. After that we’ll hit his Trap House. Then Smokes Trap House. Then Money’s house. They are all connected. Anyone clicked up with them will get smoked.

Outcast got the AK 47, pistols, and surveillance equipment. They geared up. Outcast stated if we get split up we’ll meet here. If anyone gets shot go to the hospital and get fixed up. We will sneak you out. If you get arrested. Say I want to call my Lawyer, that’s it! No matter who’s left. We must complete the mission tonight.

They got in their own rides and headed downtown. Streets got into position with the high power rifle way down the block. Outcast was the lead block car. Trinna drove by and threw a brick through Kilo’s car window. The alarm went off and a moment later Kilo and his two thugs showed up.

Streets hit Kilo with two shots and sent one to each of his thugs. Then he took off. While he crossed the bridge he tossed the rifle in the river.

Outcast called the Pawn Shop - Mobster.

Hello, who is this? This is the kid that was sent to rob, kill you and get your alarm disarm code. Kilo sent me to do it but I ain’t no killer. Kilo took everything I got from you. He kidnapped my girl and made me do it. He raped my girl. She just blew his head off. Click.

Outcast hung up, smashed the prepaid phone and tossed it out the window. They parked a block away from Kilo’s trap house. Everyone got into the stolen van. Street you can get us in right? Yah, just remember we are buying our own separate cocaine. Pull out the cash and that’s our pass.

The doorman opened the little window peep flap on the door. Streets, who’s your friends? They are cool, they have plenty of money and want to be connected directly on long term bases.

He opened the door. They stepped into the entry hall. When he went to lock the door. Street put the pistol to his head. Put your hands behind your back or I’ll blow your brains out. Trinna handcuffed him. Outcast shook him down. He took his gun, cash and jewelry. Then knocked him out. Trinna dropped a few drops of liquid acid in his mouth.

They headed to the basement. A guard was at the bottom of the basement stairs waiting. Street who are your friends? Big buyers. You know you ain’t supposed to bring anyone here. He looked over at everyone suspiciously. Who’s all buying? All 3 of us.

Street you go in first. He indicated through the steel door. A camera was in the corner of the room. As soon as the steel door opened, Street lifted the AK-47 from underneath his coat and opened fire. Outcast and Trinna both blasted the guard at the same time. Then they ran in. Streets was trying to shoot a steel door open.

Outcast joined in with the street sweeper. He yelled back at Trinna. Shake them down and get the coke. The door gave in and they barged into a small lab. A rough cut tunnel sat to the left. Street ran in it shooting blindly. Some shots came whizzing back as Outcast entered the tunnel.

Street emptied the clip as he fell forward onto the floor. His clothes were soaked in blood. Outcast unleashed the street sweeper as he rushed blindly forward in the dark smoky tunnel.

The tunnel opened up into another basement in the house next store. Two older OG boss gang bangers laid dead with a lot of bullet holes in them. A briefcase and duffle bag laid by their side. Outcast shook them down. He took their cash, jewelry, the briefcase and duffle bag. He then ran back to Streets. He was clearly dead. He got the AK-47, cash, car keys & jewelry. Then ran through the lab. Trinna had a duffle bag full of stuff.

Common, Outcast reloaded the street sweeper with a new drum. They ran past the door and a gang banger in handcuffs was still laying there. Trinna popped a cap in him. They jumped in the van and took off. Outcast parked by the two cars they came with. He sprayed the van down with lighter fluid and set it on fire.

Trinna jumped in her car and Outcast got in Street Boss 302 Mustang. They headed to Smoke’s trap house. Outcast used the walkie talkie. Trinna, Yah! We are going to have to take them down through there! Yah Street can’t get us in so we are going to have to blast our way in.

They parked a block away. Trinna got into the Mustang with Outcast. He handed her the AK-47. It’s loaded. Street is dead so technically we are unknown. So we don’t have to do this. I just wanted to protect Streets. Then it’s pointless to continue.

They drove both cars back to the spot, where they hid the guns real good. Then Outcast counted $20,000 for Trinna. He zipped the duffle bag back up. I want you to go to Florida on a long vacation right now. Don’t go to your house. And don’t contact anyone but me.

I’m going to lay low myself. Okay baby, she smiled. I’ll call when I get situated in Florida. She got into her car and drove off.

Outcast drove to Perrysville Avenue. He parked the Mustang by a local bar. He wiped everything down. He left the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked. He hefted the two full duffle bags and walked to his newly rented house.

He spent the entire night carrying things in his attic. He turned the large attic into his private den. He hid most of the cash and jewelry in his car. It was 1:00 AM by the time he got a shower, burnt his old clothes in the fireplace and fell into a deep sleep.

CHAPTER 2

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Officer Washington was in his new police cruiser when he received the coded call. - Gunshots fired in a drug infested area on the North Side. It was 9:00 PM. He punched the gas pedal to the floor as he flipped the police lights and sirens on.

He thought. Has the city gone mad? He knew once the Pawn Shop got robbed. The guns would hit the street. He dreaded what tragedies laid ahead of him.

As he pulled up. The neighbors gathered around the scene in front of Kilo’s Trap House. A few big guys, obviously Pittsburgh Steel City Iron Workers. Dave Darney was the leader. He was a Marine and bigger than the rest. This whole neighborhood is turning into a ghetto? I should have been a Pimp? What the hell are the cops going to do?

Officer Washington noticed the 3 big guys were pissed off. What’s going on? Two young thugs with guns drove off in a black van. Washington reported it immediately. One man pointed at the house. That’s a drug house. It looks like they just got exterminated.

Dave raised his voice. We work hard for an honest living and pay city taxes for our families to live in a safe community. We are not going to tolerate gang activity, drug deals and gun play.

Tomorrow we are filing a petition and formal notice to the Chief of Police, The Mayer and The Governor to have all gang affiliated thugs removed from the city for their own protection.

The news van arrived. Officer Washington headed into the Trap House. It looked like a war zone. He wasn’t surprised to see that the guys were dead. Some had been arrested a time or two.

These were the convicts who refuted rehabilitation. Most are high school drop-outs who refused to work or get a trade. They come from broken families, poverty and alcoholics. Most develop a mental disability called PDS - Post Traumatic Stress syndrome. They are addicted and react to violence as a soldier would act in a war to stay alive.

Detective Richardson arrived at the Trap House crime scene. He broke down each stage of assault collecting evidence.

The attackers were let in. Which means they were known by the victim. They handcuffed the doorman which means they weren’t going to kill him at first. The handcuffs were an off brand. All the victims were robbed. Most of the bullets and shells collected matched the description of the guns stolen from the pawn shop robbery. So these crimes were connected. There were footprints in the blood that revealed two robbers who as stated got away. Projections of gunfire and position revealed a 3rd robber who got shot to death. There was a camera and monitor but no NCR and tapes. He did have the video disc from the Pawn Shop. The kid was about 6 foot tall and weighed 190 pounds. He was very athletic. His face was covered by a ski-mask and he wore gloves. He was a white kid and right handed with a medium built body.

At 7:00 AM the Chief and Commander Mr. Pentington’’ called a Top Priority Investigation Meeting. He had reviewed all the crime scene reports, witness statements and evidence.

Detectives are looking for two white kids around 18 to 21 years of age. They are armed and dangerous. They have over $100,000 in cash, $200,000 in jewelry, 22 guns and an unknown amount of cocaine. They are going to sell some of this stuff and buy some nice things. Follow the money. Keep in mind, they could be working for someone higher up.

There is an X-factor surrounding this case. The Pawn Shop owner is Italian and is related to the Italian Mob. If they get involved the FBI may take this case from us. So we need to hit the streets hard.

Outcast woke up at 6:00 AM. He laid in bed thinking. He had all the material things he could ever want. Yet he still felt like the whole world was against him and now they were after him. He eliminated one threat only to open the door of another. He figured he covered his tracks pretty well.

He had to lay low and step back into his old life as if nothing changed. He had to find a way to get back into school and move back in with his Mom. He got up and got dressed in his other set of clothes. He noticed the dry blood on his new boots. Man, he almost slipped. He scrubbed them clean. He found a used can of black spray paint in the garage and made his boots look a little used. He looked at the old Monte Carlo SS. He sprayed the chrome rims flat black and kicked the fenders in denting them making the car look pretty beat up.

The garage was filled with paint cans, a compressor, sprayers and a pressure washer accessories. Outcast loaded the trunk and back seat with these supplies and headed to school. He got there at 700 AM 45 minutes before school opened up.

He set up in the teachers parking lot and pressure washed the graffiti off the wall and sprayed the entire parking lot clean. He was painting the curb stops a fresh bright yellow when the Principal Mr. Lamar pulled up. He stopped and took everything in; then parked.

He stepped out of his white Cadillac with a grin on his face. Mr. James G Ross what are you doing? I’m sincerely apologizing. Sir I don’t want to be a drop-out loser menace to society. I’ll pressure wash and paint the entire outside of your school. I’ll wear a white button up dress shirt every day and I’ll improve my grades.

Well Mr. Ross, you seem pretty sincere. Continue to work throughout the day and I’ll reinstate you back to school. I’ll see you in class tomorrow. I think you have made a wise decision to complete your senior year. You might consider college.

Yes, sir I think I’d like that. Can you please call my mom for me? Yes, I’ll do that, but I also have one more request! Outcast drew his expression back a little. What might that be sir? Our school football varsity team needs a versatile player. I want you to be a one man wrecking crew on our opposing team. They’re all jocks on the team. I know, they think too much. We need a Quarterback killer. Yes, Sir I’ll play.

The Principle walked off. Outcast went back to work feeling a lot better. The students started showing up. Some of them gave him the, "You’re a loser look! Others made a funny comment about him doing manual labor. Some gang members looked at him hard. One girl - out of everyone smiled and gave him a wave. He remembered her from his math class. She really did just make his day.

The Principle came out at lunch time. James, you are doing an excellent job! Thank you Sir. Listen. I called your mom and she stubbornly stated you are grown and on your own. Where are you living? Oh I live with my god grandmother on Perrysville Ave. Well drop the new address off at the clerk’s office when you pick your new schedule up tomorrow morning.

Outcast was finishing up as school was letting out. The math girl showed up smiling. Didn’t you go to school here and got kicked out? Yah but I will start back tomorrow.

He looked her up and down. She hid her figure and good looks. What’s your name? Stacy. My name is James. I know who you are, Outcast! I may be a prep but I know all about you thugs.

Really! Well in that case. You ought to know if I take you out, what would happen? She put her hands on her hips. In your dreams. He laughed. I guess you don’t know me. Stacy I do need your help if you have time?

She looked applauded. I don’t do manual work. Outcast almost died laughing. No, I need you to go shopping with me and help me pick out the best prep clothes there are? Well I could do that. Great, it’s a date! No it’s not. She said unsurely.

He put the compressor and accessories in the trunk. Everything else got thrown away. Stacy looked at the car. Is this your car? Yah, it’s a real piece of junk. Are you going to fix it up? Maybe one day.

As they got in, an undercover narc car drove very slowly by. Stacy almost distracted from staying on point. When he cranked the car up,