The Adventures of Norvell Jamison

By David Goodman

Inspired by a true character born in 1892 to the son of former slaves, Norvell Jamison grows up in the violent and racially impoverished south under the harsh Jim Crow laws after witnessing a young boy get brutally beaten to death by the Klan. Norvell is traumatized for life. Norvell grows up to be a quick tempered 6-foot 7 inch, 350lbs ultra-violent world wind of destruction whose blood thirsty path leads him to fighting in WWI. Upon leaving the army and after the war, he travels the world seeking adventure. This path would take him to the Belgian Congo, to an encounter with the natives of the land that would transform his life forever by taking Norvell on a bloody path of destruction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781663254665

David Goodman

David Goodman is an independent journalist, contributing writer for Mother Jones, host of the radio show, The Vermont Conversation, and the bestselling author of ten books. The author of Fault Lines: Journeys Into the New South Africa, and Democracy Now! (with Amy Goodman), his work has also appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Outside, The Christian Science Monitor, The Boston Globe, The Nation, and numerous other publications. He lives in Vermont.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-5465-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-5466-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023913748

iUniverse rev. date:  07/14/2023

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 1

D uring the late 1980s and early ’90s, in the midst of the crack epidemic in Kansas City, Missouri, a rash of people—mainly drug dealers—were coming up missing. One particular drug dealer rose to prominent status. His name was Milton. He had taken over all the drug corners on the east side of town. Milton made hundreds of millions of dollars a month. He had two enforcers who he called Reaper and Spirit, and people who saw those two coming ran in fear. The mere mention of their names would give people goosebumps. Reaper and Spirit were the top generals in Milton’s organization. If someone didn’t take Milton’s packages, he would send Reaper and Spirit to take care of the matter.

One day, word got back to Milton that there was a drug dealer making $100,000 a week on a certain corner. Milton learned that this thirty-year-old man was serving people nonstop all day and decided to pay him a visit. Milton and his two chief enforcers walked up to the man.

What’s up, my brother? I see you out here grinding. What’s your name? Milton asked.

With a smirk, the man replied, My name is Norvell Jamison.

Milton said, I got a proposition for you. You start taking some of my packages or else. I’ll give you a chance to keep y’all spot and a sixty-forty split.

Norvell looked over at the two enforcers to see if they were reaching for their guns. Then he looked back at Milton. Drop your package off tomorrow. I’m down with y’all.

As Milton and his two men started to leave, Spirit said, I’ve seen that guy’s face before, but I can’t place where I saw him.

Jokingly, Reaper said, Maybe one of our victims came back from the dead.

The next day, two of Milton’s workers dropped off the package. One of them said, Sixty-forty split. Don’t play with Milton’s money, or you’re gonna turn up missing.

Three days later, one of Milton’s workers came up to him and said, Boss, that guy whose corner you just took? I think it’s a bad idea.

Milton asked, Why?

Everybody I know who’s rolled up on this guy hasn’t been seen since. There’s something about him—his eyes stay bloodshot, and his hands are cold as ice. That guy gives me the creeps.

Reaper said, We punked him into taking our package with ease.

I know, the worker said, but something about him just don’t feel right.

Sunday rolled around, and two of Milton’s men—a worker and a driver—showed up for Norvell’s second delivery and payment.

Hey, man, this some more product. You sell all dat? the