The Shadeaux

By Djay Samuels

"The Shadeaux" is a thrilling story of atonement and redemption. After eleven years of being considered dead, Jacen Collins returns to Baton Rouge with secrets and superpowers. He returns to a familiar place… but nothing feels the same. Now, he is on a mission to make up for the things he did while he was away. That mission brings him home to save his city from a gang of ruthless killers led by a man out for power and revenge.

After years of pain, suffering, and bloodshed, Jacen's beloved city is controlled by a murderous crime syndicate known as the Warlords and their tyrannical leader is shrouded in shadows and mystery. As Jacen wages war on this gang of killers, he finds that the people he loves the most are on the front lines of the battle. Dark secrets are revealed, shedding light on things that were supposed to stay buried. Jacen must contend with all of this while being haunted by his own dark secrets and bloody past. Can he survive? Or will he fall victim to the Warlords and his inner demons?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667835310

Book preview

Prologue

2011

Detective Jonathan Collins snapped awake to agonizing pain throughout his body. He was bruised and his right eye was swollen shut. Dried blood covered his dark face. He stood up on shaky legs and almost passed out from the effort. He tried to walk and found himself handcuffed to an old train; he was in an abandoned train yard. The fog started to lift from his brain, and he remembered what happened to him. He was picking up his 15-year-old son Jacen from the police station. Jacen had gotten into another fight and Jonathan had to pull his ass out of the fire again. They were walking to the car when they were stopped at gunpoint then beaten up by a group of masked men. He remembered that they’d hit Jacen with the butt of a gun. Thinking of his son he panicked.

Jacen?! he yelled. No one answered. He tried breaking out of the cuffs. No luck. Son where are you?! he yelled again. The fear and frustration started to set in. He didn’t care what happened to himself, he just wanted to know where his son was.

Dad! Jacen yelled. Jonathan saw his son. His lip was swollen and bloody, but he was alive. But he wasn’t alone. A very large and muscular man wearing all black and a white theatre mask had Jacen’s hands tied behind his back, walking him towards his father. The man threw Jacen to the ground.

You ok son? Jonathan asked him.

Yeah, but what the hell is going on Dad? Jacen asked fearfully. The masked man took out a large gun and pointed it at Jacen. Jonathan’s eyes went wide with fear.

Hey hold on! Don’t hurt my son he’s just a kid! Jonathan begged.

Put it down! a voice boomed. Jonathan looked behind him and saw three more individuals dressed in all black with theatre mask on. Only the one in the middle’s mask was blood red instead of white.

I said put the gun down. Red Mask said again. The large man lowered his weapon. Red Mask stopped in front of Jonathan. The other three flanked him. You have to excuse my associate. He tends to take things a bit too far sometimes. He spoke with a silky African accent.

Look, I don’t know what this is all about but you’re making a mistake. I’m a detective. Jonathan said trying to sound brave. Red Mask chuckled.

We know exactly who you are Detective Collins. You see, we were hired to convince you to stop snooping around where you don’t belong. Our client feels you’re getting too close into their business. So, I’m going to tell you nicely, back off. Red Mask said as if they were having a casual conversation. Jonathan had been working a narcotics case for months now and was close to solving it. Jonathan laughed much to the surprise of his captors.

You find this funny? Red Mask asked. Jonathan finally stopped laughing.

A little bit, yeah. You think you’re the first bunch of flunkies he’s sent after me? I’ll admit you’re the first to get this close to me, but like I told the last group I ain’t stopping until I put that motherfucker behind bars! Jonathan spat in defiance. Red Mask shook his head.

I must admit Detective, I would have been upset if you had said anything different. But the difference between us and those other crews is that they didn’t have your son, we do. All the bravado faded out of Jonathan. He’d almost forgotten Jacen was there tied up on the ground. Red Mask nodded his head at his comrades, and they lifted Jacen up. One of them who Jonathan just noticed was a woman took a long blade and held it at Jacen’s throat.

No! Jonathan yelled. He started struggling against the cuffs with no success.

Now I’m going to say it again. Back off or we chop off your son’s head. Red Mask threatened.

Don’t give him what he wants Dad! Forget about me! Jacen yelled at his father. Red Mask let out a maniacal laugh.

You should be very proud Detective; your son is quite brave. he said. He nodded at the masked woman, and she pressed the blade to Jacen’s neck making a trickle of blood appear.

Ok Ok! I’ll give you what you want just get the hell away from my kid! Jonathan said with terror in his voice. Red Mask motioned for the woman to remove the blade from Jacen’s neck.

Very wise. Now when you return to work tomorrow, you will dispose of all evidence you have on my client. You will tell your superiors that the trail has gone cold, and you will close the case. Red Mask told him. Jonathan shook his head.

I can’t just close a case with no results. They’ll want more information than that. said Jonathan.

I’m sure you’ll figure something out Detective. And if you don’t, you will just have to quit. Whatever you decide, the investigation into my client will end. said Red Mask. Jonathan wanted to argue. He was a detective. The best detective in Baton Rouge. How could he just let a criminal walk free? As bad as he wanted to tell the masked people to go fuck themselves, he couldn’t. His son was in grave danger.

Fine. I’ll end the case. Jonathan said feeling defeated. Red Mask loudly clapped his hands together.

I knew you would see things my way Detective. said Red Mask. He took out a key and proceeded to unlock Jonathan from the cuffs. He rubbed at his sore wrist.

Let’s go. said Red Mask to his team. He began to walk away, and they fell in line behind him, except for the large one. He stood there and stared at Jonathan with his head tilted to the side, making him look quite creepy. Jacen ran over to his father and Jonathan looked him over.

You ok son? he asked.

Yeah, I’m good. said Jacen a bit shaken up. He noticed the large man still standing there. What the fuck is your problem? Jonathan put Jacen behind his back attempting to shield him. He called out to Red Mask.  

Hey, I think you left something! he yelled. Red Mask turned to see his comrade still standing there. He walked over to him putting a hand on his massive shoulder.

Come on now brother, our business here is done. said Red Mask. The big man stared at them a moment longer then turned and walked away. Red Mask shook his head at the big man.

Forgive him Detective, he is new to my team and is still learning. And while I’m thinking about it, if the investigation doesn’t end tomorrow, I will come for you again and I won’t be as polite as I was tonight. He threatened. He took something out of his jacket and tossed it on the ground. It was a picture. Jonathan picked it up and what he saw made his blood run cold. It was a picture of his wife getting into her car. His hand started to shake from the rage boiling up inside of him. He stared at his beautiful wife. He looked at her flawless dark skin and the smile that stole his heart every time he saw her and vowed that no matter what happened, he would not allow his wife to be put in harm’s way. Jonathan was about to run at them but before he could a brick soared pass his head headed straight for Red Mask. He simply side stepped out of the brick’s path, and it struck the large man’s chest. Which was like throwing pebbles at a brick wall. He didn’t even seem to feel it. Jonathan turned on his son.

What the hell are you doing?! he asked in terror. Jacen’s eyes went wide with fear. It wasn’t fear of his father, but of the gun Red Mask had aimed for his head. Everything seemed to slow down. The gun went off. Jacen closed his eyes and waited for the pain, but it never came. He opened his eyes to find Jonathan staring at him. But the light in his eyes was almost gone. Jacen fell to the ground from the weight of his father’s dying body.

Dad? he waited for a response. Dad! he yelled again. He tried to resuscitate his father by performing CPR. He realized it was pointless. He laid his head on his father’s chest and just cried. He didn’t even care that he was lying in the spot where the bullet hit Jonathan. Blood caked the side of his face. Red Mask walked over and kneeled next to Jacen. He took a deep breath.

I had no plans on killing your father. I actually admire him, but your hostile temper forced my hand. He told Jacen. Jacen lifted his head and the look on his face shocked Red Mask. Blood covered the right side of his face. His eyes had a deadly calm to them, and he spoke in a low voice, but his rage was apparent. 

You’re a fucking dead man. he said in a quiet roar. Then he lunged at Red Mask. He didn’t expect Jacen to do that and couldn’t move fast enough. Jacen got hold of his mask and pulled it from his face. The other masked individuals ran over, and tackled Jacen then hauled him to his feet. Jacen thrashed in their grasp trying to break free to get their boss. Red Mask stood up and turned to look at Jacen. He sported a short nappy afro with patches of grey at the temples. His skin was smooth and so black it was almost purple. An ugly scar ran from his left eye, which was milky white and dead, to his jaw on the right side of his face. He touched his face and realized he wasn’t wearing his mask.

He’s seen your face. He has to die! the woman yelled.

Let me do the honors! said the big man. He pulled out his gun and put it to Jacen’s temple.

No! Red Mask yelled at them. Everyone froze.

But boss he- the big man started. But Red Mask raised his hand for silence. He approached Jacen and grabbed his face and forced him to look up at his scarred face.

There’s a lot of fight in you. With some training, you could be a useful asset to my team. He said. Jacen spit in the man’s face. The other three began beating the life out of Jacen. They punched, kicked, and stomped him for what seemed like hours.

Enough! Red Mask yelled. The beating stopped and they backed away. Jacen lay motionless for a moment. They all thought he was dead and Red Mask thought he was wrong about Jacen. Then, very slowly Jacen stood up. He was bruised and bloody, but he was alive.

Impressive. said Red Mask. You’re going to make an excellent addition to our little family. He said with delight. With his last bit of strength, Jacen ran at Red Mask but was met with a kick to the face. Jacen hit the ground and was out cold. Pick him up and let’s go. Red Mask said as he headed for their car. Big man picked Jacen up, threw him over his shoulder, and followed his boss. Jacen came to his senses long enough to see his father’s dead body lying on the ground.

I’m sorry dad. He said before he passed back out.

One

2022

The dream attacked his mind again. The images he saw were his own personal horror movie. He heard people’s screams of terror, and pleas for their lives, and then saw blood shoot from their bodies. There were hundreds of them. Each one of their deaths more and more gruesome. Just when his mind was on the brink of insanity, it all stopped. No more death and no more blood. Just the hundreds of dead bodies scattered across an endless white void. He stood there with his body covered in their blood, when he saw her. A beautiful little black girl was walking towards him. She had natural hair that she wore in a pretty puff with a yellow bow, and she wore a white dress. She walked through the sea of dead bodies as if it was the most normal thing in the world. She was like a ray of hope in his endless despair. The little girl stood in front of him smiling and reached her hand out to him.

 It’s ok. She said in her little voice. He took her hand and fell to his knees. He couldn’t bear to look her directly in the eyes, so she lifted his head and made him look. He broke down to tears when he looked at her. She put a hand on his cheek and sent warmth throughout his body causing him to close his eyes and he almost thought it really would be ok. But then he heard her scream. His eyes snapped open, and he saw the shock on her face. They both looked down at the knife sticking out of her chest. Blood trickled from her mouth, and she fell into his arms, and he yelled at the top of his voice.

No!

Then he jumped out of his sleep scaring the hell out of the elderly woman who was standing over him. Jacen was breathing heavy and sweating as he always was after he had the dream. He looked around and remembered he was on a Greyhound bus. The elderly woman, who happened to be the bus driver composed herself.

That must have been quite the nightmare you were having son. You ok? she asked. Jacen stood trying to fully wake himself.

Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry for scaring you. he said to her. She waved it off.

Oh, it’s ok dear. I was just letting you know that we made it to the station. She said in her sweet voice. She walked away and got off the bus. Jacen calmed himself down and wiped the sweat from his face. He pulled his nappy dreadlocks into a ponytail and got off the bus. When he stepped off, he took a deep breath, breathing the humid air. He let the warm rays of sunlight wash over his body. It had been eleven years since he’d been home and in all that time he had been around the world and back again. But in his mind, there was nothing like Baton Rouge.

He got his bag out of the cargo hold of the bus and went into the station. It was a typical day at the station. People stood in line trying to buy tickets or sat in the lobby waiting for their bus. The first thing he wanted to do was eat. He hadn’t eaten in hours and was starving so he ordered a burger and fries from the kitchen in the station. It wasn’t the southern cuisine he was hoping for when he made it back home, but it would have to do for now. When his food came out, he went back to his table and took a big bite out of the burger. When he did, he almost threw it back up. The burger was awful. It was under cooked, and the bun was hard. The fries tasted as if they had been cooked in old oil. He got up, frustrated about the disgusting food and headed over to the counter. Before he could get there, a woman stepped in front of him. The woman had clearly seen better days. She had rough ashy black skin and barely any hair on her head. Her lips were crusty, and her eyes had started to draw into her skull. She was so skinny that Jacen wondered how she was even alive.

Excuse me, she said in a scratchy voice. I noticed you was bout to bring that food back and I was wondering if I could have it. I know the food in here taste like shit but I ain’t ate in three days, so anything looks good to me right now. She asked politely. Jacen stared at the starving woman’s pleading eyes and felt sorry for her. In his travels, he’d seen people living in poverty barely surviving and he always did his best to help them out. It was one of the ways he tried to atone for his past sins.

Sure. He said to her. Let me at least take it back so we can get fresh food, and I’ll order another meal so we can eat together. He said with a smile. Her eyes lit up and she showed her yellowing teeth in a wide smile.

Thank you so much! she said emotionally. They walked over to the counter where a greasy overweight white guy stood taking orders with an attitude.

Yeah? What do you want? he asked in his gruff voice.

I need to replace this nasty ass burger and fries you gave me and another order for my friend here. Jacen told the man. The man looked at the food and frowned.

You already bit into the burger. I ain’t replacing this. The man said and slid the food back to Jacen. He stared at the fat fool like he’d lost his mind.

Look man I’m not trying to cause trouble, but that burger was undercooked, and those fries are old. You can’t serve that kind of food to people. So, could you please just replace it? I won’t ask again. The man looked Jacen up and down, leaned over and got in his face.

You won’t ask again? Sounds like you’re threatening me boy and I don’t take kindly to threats. I’m not replacing shit! Now get the hell away from my counter! the fat man yelled. Then he spit in Jacen’s face, and he snapped. He grabbed the man by his throat and pulled him over the counter with unbelievable strength! Then he put the man into a tight sleeper hold and whispered harshly into his ear.

You fat piece of shit! I was trying to be polite about this, but you wanted to make a fucking scene. I should twist your damn neck just for pissing me off. Jacen said to the man fiercely. The people in the station were watching the scene in shock. Most of them had their phones out getting it on video. Before the man passed out Jacen let him go. The man hit the ground rubbing his bruised neck.

I’m calling the cops you son of a bitch! he yelled. Jacen took a few deep breaths and calmed himself. He took a knot of money out of his pockets and peeled off a few hundreds and tossed them to the man.

Look, I apologize about that. I’ll leave just don’t call the cops. He said, the rage in his voice was gone now. He turned to the homeless woman who’d been staring at Jacen in shock. He gave her a few of the hundreds as well. Make sure he gives you fresh food. He told her. She was speechless. She had tears of appreciation forming in her eyes. Out of nowhere she hugged Jacen. It caught him off guard at first, but then he relaxed and hugged her back.

See you around. he said to her when she let go. He got his bag from the table then walked to the station doors with everyone staring at him. Some looked a little scared by what he had done and looked away when he met their eyes. He walked out of the station and was surprised at how warm it had gotten. He’d forgotten how hot it could get in Louisiana. He unzipped the hoody and took it off, leaving on the long sleeve black t-shirt he was wearing. It was too hot for the shirt too but taking it off in public was not an option.

He took a seat on the bus stop bench and tried to calm his nerves. He thought about the altercation with the fat man and realized how close he had come to letting out his other side. His dark side. It had been a long time since he had been that person. It took him years to learn to control his evil urges and he couldn’t mess it up by killing an innocent person. Even if he was an asshole.

The bus pulled up while he pondered all this. He got on and fished around in his pockets for change. He found two dollars and slid them into the ticket machine. When his ticket came out, he took his seat at the back of the bus. During the ride, he thought about the family he hadn’t seen in eleven years. He thought of his beautiful mother Chatta, and her reaction when she saw that he wasn’t dead. He also thought of his little brother Nathaniel. He couldn’t wait to see how much he had grown. Thinking of his family put a smile on his face. His family was the one thing that got him through all the suffering and pain he endured, and he couldn’t wait to be reunited with them.

When the bus entered the south side of Baton Rouge, Jacen became excited. Until he noticed the condition of the streets he grew up on. It was as if the world had completely forgotten about the south side. Most of the buildings were abandoned and boarded up with graffiti on them. Trash littered the streets, and no one seemed to care enough to pick it up. But the worst thing of all were the people. Most of them were filthy, homeless, and looked as if the plague of drug addiction tainted their lives. Scandalous women walked the streets looking to show desperate men a good time if they could pay for it. He also noticed the young black men who were holding down the blocks. Clearly, they were dealers, and they had the hood jumping. Fiends went back and forth trying to get their next blast from the young gangsters.

Jacen pulled the string so the driver would stop at the next bus stop. He stepped off the bus and marveled at how unfamiliar his city looked. He walked down Government Street which was once a busy strip in the heart of the city. Now it was a barren and impoverished wasteland. When he got closer to the residential area, he saw tents line the streets. Homeless people roamed around begging for change or scavenging for food in trash cans. It hurt his heart to see his home in such a horrible shape.

He made his way to Wisteria Street, the street he grew up on. The houses on the street were run down and falling apart but some still had people living in them. Distraught looking people sat on porches watching Jacen warily. A few of the men sized him up trying to scare him. But he glared at them right back and they all looked away when they saw he had no fear in his eyes. He stopped in front of a house that looked to have been abandoned for years. He walked up the steps and to the front door. He stood there for a moment not sure what to do.

After a minute or so he worked up the nerve to open the door. When he did, the door fell off the hinges. Rats scattered through the house from the noise. He cautiously walked into the empty house and looked around. Dust caked the floors and it smelled like something had died. He walked through the house letting the memories wash over him. He entered the old bedroom he shared with his brother. He thought of the times they spent in that room and got teary eyed, so he walked out. He went back into the front disappointed. There was nothing there left of his old life, and he had no idea where his mother and brother were.

After he left the house, he just roamed around the streets not sure what to do with himself. He walked for hours, not really paying attention to where he was going. He heard footsteps behind him and looked back to find one of the tough guys from earlier. He picked up his pace a little and the man behind him did as well. Three more men joined him. Jacen wasn’t scared of the thugs he just didn’t want any unnecessary violence. He broke into a run, and they ran behind him. While Jacen ran his surroundings seem to stand still and he became a blur to his pursuers. They started to breathe heavy, and their bodies began to sweat.

Fuck this! one of the thugs said. He stopped and pulled a big gun from his pants. He aimed at Jacen’s back and pulled the trigger. The sound of gunfire made Jacen stop running. He couldn’t believe these dudes were shooting in broad daylight. He turned and literally watched the bullet come towards him. Jacen didn’t duck nor did he take cover. He just stood there while the bullet slammed into his chest. But he didn’t fall to the ground in pain. The bullet simply bounced off him and clattered on the ground. He felt the impact, but his abnormally tough skin made it feel like a punch instead of a gunshot. When he looked down at his shirt there was a hole in it, and he could see a black bruise on the spot where the bullet hit skin. The thugs just stood in awe and shock, but the shooter kept his cool.

Shit! He must be wearing a vest! the shooter said. This reassured the rest of them, and they all pulled their pistols. They confidently strolled over to Jacen who just stood there watching them approach.

I’m glad you got that vest on playa. I really wasn’t trying to kill you, just get your attention. The shooter said. He was a young dude. He was dark skinned and lanky and sported a nappy philly fade. So just come up off your bag and whatever else you got on you and me and my niggas won’t leave you stretched out in the street. Jacen angrily glared at the thugs.

Y’all shot at me. The cops will be here any minute so maybe you should get out of here. Jacen told them. They all looked at each other and laughed.

Cops? Man, cops don’t ride down this way. These streets belong to us now give up your shit before I aim at your face this time. Said the shooter. He walked closer to Jacen and put his gun directly against his forehead. Jacen sighed deeply.

Oh well. Faster than lightning, Jacen grabbed the thug’s hand and twisted until the bones snapped causing him to drop the gun. He wailed in pain but a right hook to the jaw made him go silent and he crumbled to the ground. The other thugs were about to pull their triggers, but Jacen was on them. He stretched his arms out and hit two of them with a double lariat causing them to flip then crash to the ground. The other thug managed to get a shot off and the bullet slammed into Jacen’s temple. His head snapped to the side but other than that he was fine.

What the fuck? the thug said. He shot again with the same result and Jacen slowly stalked toward him. He dropped his gun and hauled ass back up the street, but Jacen was on him. He picked the boy up by the shirt and slammed him against the wall. He was about to punch him in the face intending to kill him, but he stopped. His fist hung in the air shaking and he breathed heavily. The darkness inside screamed for him to end the little bastard but he brought it under control and let the boy go.

Leave. He growled and the thug took off. Jacen’s heart was racing, and adrenaline pumped through him but against all of that he picked up his bags and walked away leaving the thugs unconscious on the street.

He absently roamed the streets a while longer until he found himself in front of a church. After a moment he realized he recognized the church. It was the one he and his family attended when he was little. They went every Sunday before his dad became a detective. The building looked like someone had been keeping up with the maintenance on it. It was still as white as he remembered it. Though the bell that sat at the top of the building looked old and rusty. He walked into the dimly lit church and the smell of burning candles calmed him. The church wasn’t very big but that was what Jacen always liked about it. A statue of Jesus on the cross hung