Havoc and Mayhem

by Derrick A. Bonner

“Oh ok.” She nodded then a look of sudden dismay etched over her face. “What’s wrong? Is she gonna be okay?”

  Havoc glanced back at Donnie. She still looked a bit shaken up from tonight’s revelries. “Donnie? Yes, she’ll be fine.” he hoped.

  “No-no, not Donnie…her!” Tee-Tee asked pointing past everyone.

  Havoc, Donnie and Nicky looked back stunned. “Oh no!”

  Mayhem was lying on her side twitching with labored breathing. “Mayhem!” he rushed over to her side and dropped to his knees noticing the severity of the long gash across her under belly for the first time.

  “That bitch cut you…deep.” Havoc said gently stroking his dog as she whimpered. “Oh no. Don’t die. Please-don’t.” he begged realizing his on call veterinarian was good but he wasn’t a miracle worker. Mayhem looked up at her master, wagged her tail twice then licked him in the face and all the light faded out of her eyes as she slipped into oblivion. Havoc gently stroked his best friend’s head then buried his face against her lifeless form slowly rocking her in his arms inconsolable.

  Chapter 40

  Nicky, Donnie and Tee-Tee watched from the shoreline as Havoc carried Mayhem towards the ocean. It was on this very same beach that he used to bring her in the summer and they’d race up and down it playing, tossing sticks and having a good ol’ time. The water was freezing cold but he didn’t react. Once he was up to his waist he gently placed her in the water and stroked her head.

  “You always seemed happiest out here. So, I figure this is where your final resting place should be.” Havoc said as his bottom lip trembled. “Damn Mayhem you were the best friend a guy could ever ask for. You were loyal, loved me unconditionally, overlooked my faults and made me a better person. And for that I’ll be forever indebted to you. I love you!”

  Havoc did not regard crying as a sign of weakness, but it did take quite a bit to milk tears from his hard-bitten eyes. Like the car accident that stole Tee-Tee away from him and right now as he stared at his best friend’s lifelessly body floating in the water. He wiped his face then said, “Goodbye girl.” then kissed his dog and let her float off into the blue waters of the Atlantic.

  Back on the sand all three women were waiting for him with tears in their eyes. Havoc stood before them inconsolable. A profound sadness swept his face. “She was my best friend and now she’s…” he dropped to his knees struggling to come to terms with his tremendous loss.

  Nicky found Havoc’s coat lying in the sand and started to go to him then caught herself and gave it to Donnie. Donnie graciously mouthed ‘thank you’ then went over to comfort her man. Havoc felt his coat placed around his shoulders and looked up at Donnie. His eyes were red and wet. He stood and looked out on the horizon as the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean. Seagulls began circling overhead and the sound of crashing waves played in the background. An early morning jogger could be seen running in the distance.

  “We’ve got to get out of here. It won’t be long before people and the cops’ll be here and I can’t do this right now. I don’t have the energy. I’ve got to find us a car.” he said.

  “Take your pick. There’s plenty.” Nicky said referring to all the abandoned cars his enemies drove there. And would no longer be needing.

  “I’m scared.” Tee-Tee said.

  Havoc turned to his kid sister then took a deep breath and placed his hands on her shoulders, “Tee-Tee, do you remember those bad men that were chasing us all night in their cars?” He asked her.

  “Uh-huh,” Tee-Tee nodded frightened.

  “Well they are friends of the other bad men who attacked us at Pizza hut.”

  “We beat them up right?”

  “That’s right we did. And that’s why they chased us because they wanted to get even. So, if anybody asks you about what happened tonight, Mom, Dad, the police. That’s what you’ll tell them. That all of this started because of the bad men at Pizza Hut okay?”

  “Okay!” she nodded.

  Havoc looked over at Donnie and Nicky and their faces both agreed that it was the perfect cover up to what went down tonight.

  “I’m sad about Mayhem.” Tee-Tee sobbed.

  Havoc glanced back at the ocean in time to witness a huge wave wash over Mayhem and just like that, she was gone, forever. “Yeah, me too.” he sighed and dropped his head.

  Tee-Tee stepped beside her brother and took his hand then sang, “When I’m stuck in a day that’s sad and mopey. I can stick out my chin and then I sinnnnng. Tomorrow-tomorrow I’ll love you tomorrow. Tomorrow’s a brand new day,”

  Suddenly a peaceful look like that of a wanderer who had found his way home transformed his face and Havoc turned to his sister with a smile and kissed her forehead. “Thank you,” he said then looked at Donnie and Nicky. “Well, it’s finally over. The thing is I’ve been in the revenge business so long that I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life.”

  Donnie came forward and put her arms around him and squeezed tight, “We’ll figure it out-together.”

  Tommy Strong nodded. “Let’s get out of here.”

  He had run his course as a paid Trouble Consultant and it was time to move on to the next chapter in his life…

  Chapter 41

  On the corner between Stand and Lean, overly dressed for this season in a trench coat, Tommy plucked a half-smoked Newport onto the ground then untied the doo-rag from his head. He ran his hand from the top of his shinny wavy locks that spun 360 degrees, down to the bottom of his neatly manicured full bearded chin and crossed the street at a red light. Fittingly Nina Simone’s song, ‘Feeling Good’ came from an idle car and he smiled at the irony of it being a new dawn and a new day. But he didn’t feel so good. He continued on past the parked limousines, double parked cars and long line of people to the nightclub’s entrance.

  “Okay I need some order! Can everybody please step back and form a line on the opposite side of the barricade? If you don’t do that then you’re not coming in! And trust me, you want to come in.” Julius a ridiculously swollen bouncer loudly instructed the huge multitude of partygoers anxious to pay the cover charge so they that could get their groove on inside. “No caps, scarves, doo-rags or weapons of any kind allowed inside. And fellas do us both a favor. If you pride yourself on being a troublemaker then save us both the headache and get off of the line right now! We’re here to have a good time.” When the doorman spotted the man who buttered his bread, he immediately unhinged the velvet rope so that he could enter. “Evening Mister Strong.” Julius greeted.

  “Sup Big Jay, how’s everything going?” Tommy asked giving his head of security a fist bump.

  “Major turnout tonight Boss. Mark my words, this spot is gonna go down in history. And you my friend are going to be a huge success! Trust me, nineteen eighty-nine is going to be your year.” the doorman said energetically.

  “Yeah-well, it can’t be worse than eighty-eight…I hope.” Tommy sighed with the apathy of a pallbearer then entered the grand opening of his new club.

  Conveniently located downtown Brooklyn near every form of public transportation imaginable as well as the Brooklyn Bridge, ‘The Crimson Lounge’ was already being hailed as the hippest place to party in Brooklyn thanks to clever radio promotions and a snazzy street team that handed out vivid flyers from Soho to Staten Island.

  Frankie Beverly and Maze’s ‘Before I Let You Go’ bounced off the walls as scores of party goers danced like mad amid the 2,400 lights and numerous video monitors that periodically painted the room in the same color as the club’s namesake. Some walls were splashed in vivid colors and others were covered from floor to ceiling with gorgeous graffiti murals. At the crowded bar, homeboys and homegirls kept the bartenders busy while up on the balcony immaculately dressed hip-hop trendsetters lounged on overstuffed black velveteen sofas sipping colorful drinks.

  When random celebrities such as Mike Tyson, Naomi Campbell, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Heavy Dee, Salt N Pepa, MC Lyte, R&B vocal gr
oup Levert, Queen Latifah and Fab 5 Freddy randomly came over to tell Tommy how flyy and fresh his new club was, and to wish him all the best, he’d put on a plastic smile, thank them, pose for pictures then drop it when they were gone. After briefly conferring with his staff and confirming everything was running smoothly he went downstairs to the restaurant section. His Uncle Booze was at the bar tossing back shots while his parents and Tee-Tee were dinning in the rear. As Tommy watched them he wondered if his father really bought the story about the punks from the Pizza Hut being responsible for everything that happened. But if he didn’t, he never said a word.

  When his mother noticed him she waved him over, but he gestured that he was busy and would be back later. His father waved his arms over the club and gave him a thumbs-up seal of approval. Tommy nodded his appreciation then headed back upstairs. On the way up, he bumped into Bug-Out coming down and the two eyed one another uncomfortably.

  “Hey cuz,” Bug-Out said timidly.

  “Sup!” Tommy replied even toned.

  “Uncle Smitty invited me. He um-told me about you and him going into business together with the club. The place looks really great.” Bug-Out said squirming like he was under hot lights.

  “Thanks.” Tommy nodded eyeing his cousin from head to toe. Even though they had not spoken in over a year Tommy still kept tabs on him. That night when he took little AJ away from his dysfunctional drug addicted parents, was an awakening for Bug-Out and shortly afterwards he checked himself back into and completed the rehab program. When he got out Bug-Out did an amazing 360. He left the drugs alone for good and began anew with his son. He even began attending Church with his mother. And while some days were harder than others he got through them all without using. But in spite of his efforts to help his wife get on the straight path, Laquita’s habit won out in the end and they parted ways.

  “You put on some weight.” Tommy noticed.

  Bug-Out grinned. “I moved back home. And you know how my mom’s is. She keeps a nig-,” Tommy raised an eyebrow. “I mean she keeps a brotha full.” he smiled patting his belly.

  “Drug free looks good on you.”

  “Thanks. Coming from you, that means a helluva lot. Look Tommy, I never got a chance to apologize for what I did with the bad blood between us and all. But from the bottom of my heart, I’m really sorry cousin.” Bug-Out said and offered his cousin his hand in act of contrition.

  A slight smile formed at the corners of Tommy’s lips and he pulled him in for a brief embrace. “We straight. So, you working yet?” he inquired.

  Bug-Out shook his head and sighed. “No, not yet. I’ve been looking everywhere. But it seems nobody wants to hire an ex con slash ex drug addict. Go figure.”

  “Well, I do. Especially when it’s family. I tell you what, stop by tomorrow afternoon and we’ll discuss putting you on the payroll.”

  “Wow man for real? Thanks cousin I really appreciate the opportunity. And I promise I won’t let you down.” Bug-Out swore.

  “I know.” Tommy said then walked up the stairs.

  “Hey!” Bug-Out called and his cousin looked back. “I still wanna be you when I grow up.”

  Tommy smiled and continued on.

  Upstairs a deep voice came over the PA system asking for everyone’s attention and the music died down as Tommy standing on stage, thanked everyone for coming out for the opening of The Crimson Lounge. After a few choice words about the night club and a joke at his expense, about his father being pleased he finally got a real job, he said that it was an honor and privilege to have one of the founding fathers of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc, spinning on the ones and twos. Then he demanded, that everyone give it up for the smoothest Black Man to bless a microphone and introduced Big Daddy Kane. The crowd went into overdrive as the suave rapper along with his back-up dancers Scoob and Scrap lover took the stage, gave Tommy a pound and then performed his hit song ‘Set it Off’ while his DJ Mister Cee put on a dazzling turntablism display. Tommy waved at the crowd then exited the stage feeling like he didn’t belong there.

  Dressed in a knockout spaghetti strap black dress, Donnie walked up holding a full champagne flute and greeted her man with a squeeze and a kiss. “Hey bay-bee.”

  “Hey,” Tommy turned with a half-smile.

  “Come, I have a spot set up for us over here,” she said leading him over to a table with a large basket adorned with a Purple bow sitting in a chair. He took a seat. “Everything looks wonderful.” she said sitting beside him.

  “Yeah-thanks.” Tommy said unenthused.

  Donnie spotted her girlfriends enter the club and bit her bottom lip. “Ok, don’t be mad but I invited Pumpkin and my girls.” she said cringing expecting an argument.

  Tommy shrugged unfazed. “It’s cool.” He said and called over his hostess and instructed her to set Donnie’s friends up with a VIP table and free drinks and appetizers.

  Donnie smiled relieved. “Thanks baby. That was so nice. And I still can’t get over the new look. Got a sister feeling sea sick from all those waves.” She teased running her hand over his thick wavy hair do.

  “Yeah-well, I felt it was time for some changes.” Tommy muttered like he was distracted with something on his mind.

  She detected his sullen mood but assumed he was just nervous about the club’s opening and let it go. “O-kay. But honey, what’s up with the Inspector Gadget trench coat?” Tommy shrugged with no explanation. “Are you coming down with something?”

  “I’m fine.” Tommy said and stopped a passing waiter and ordered a double shot of Johnnie Walker RED.

  Concerned about her man Donnie placed her head over his forehead and face. “You don’t feel warm.”

  “Would you stop already Donnie, I said I’m fine!”

  “What is your problem?”

  “Nothing!” He snapped then realized he was out of line and eased up, “Nothing really-sorry baby. It’s just the club opening and you know, stuff.”

  “Well never fear, Donnie is here. And together we can get through the opening and your stuff.” Donnie smiled and Tommy nodded returning her smile with one of his own as the waiter came back with his drink.

  “So, what’s in the basket?” he inquired changing the subject.

  “One of two major surprises that I am certain will cheer you up.”

  “Oh?”

  “Uh-huh, here.” Donnie smiled and struggled to lift the gift basket and place it in his lap.

  Something inside of the basket moved and Tommy looked up at Donnie bewildered. “What the hell!” he said then pulled back the purple ribbon and an adorable black and sandy-brown dog with pointy ears pushed its head out the top. It was so cute it looked like a stuffed animal come to life. Tommy perked up instantly and removed the small dog from the basket. “Whoa well would you looka’ here! A mini German Shepherd. Hey little guy,”

  “Actually, he’s a Belgian Malinois. A Shepherd look-alike.” Donnie informed.

  “Not familiar with the breed. What is he a year old?”

  “Try three months old.”

  “Wait a minute, this is a three-month-old puppy and he’s already this big?” Tommy asked amazed at the puppy’s size. “I thought he was a small dog. Look at his paws for crying out loud. They’re huge!”

  “Well you ain’t seen nothing yet. The man at the pet store told me that this breed of dog can grow pretty big.”

  “Say word? Hey there-big guy. How’s it going?” Tommy laughed at the feisty pup as it playfully growled nibbling on his finger. “Wow look at him. He’s a tough little son a gun.”

  “I’m glad you like him. I was worried you might not be ready because, well you know.” Donnie said.

  Tommy nodded sadly but immediately smiled at the puppy. “You were right. This is a major surprise. Thank you.” He said.

  “The first of two remember?”

  “So, what’s the other one?”

  She checked her watch. “Later. When the time is right.” sh
e said then leaned in for a kiss. When she pulled back he looked troubled.

  “What is it?” She asked,

  He tossed back his double shot of liquid courage then turned to his woman. “We need to talk,”

  “Yes, we do.” She agreed.

  Outside in the back alley of ‘The Crimson Lounge’ at the bottom of a flight of stairs, Donnie watched as Tommy was down on one knee using the belt on his coat to play tug-of-war with his new puppy.

  “I’m so proud of you honey. Your club is already a huge success and who knows, after a year or two maybe you can expand. Pretty soon you’d have your own chain of clubs all over the map. Wouldn’t that be something?”

  “Yes, that would be something all right.” Tommy shrugged unenthusiastic.

  “Okay I gotta’ ask. What’s up with the gloomy face? This should be the happiest night of your life. Aside from the day we met of course.” Donnie smiled. “Hey I bet my other surprise will put a smile on your face.”

  “I have something to say as well.” Tommy mumbled avoiding eye contact.

  “Ok you first.” Donnie said.

  Tommy nodded and rose to his feet. He cut his eyes up at the exit door of his club. “I tried, but I can’t do this any longer.”

  “Can’t, lives on won’t street. I mean are you sure? All that work for nothing? And besides if you don’t want the club what else are you going to-” Donnie paused when something suddenly occurred to her, “You weren’t talking about the club, were you?” she asked nervously and Tommy shook his head no. “Are you breaking up with me?”

  “No, it’s not that. But you might want to break up with me after I tell you what’s really going on.” Tommy frowned and slowly unbuttoned his trench coat allowing it to fall to the floor. A moment later Donnie realized what was eating Tommy as Havoc the Trouble Consultant stepped forward reborn dressed in a tailored red silk outfit that complimented his physique. Donnie shook her head ruefully and sipped from her champagne glass that she brought outside with her.

  “Aren’t you at least going to comment?” Havoc asked.