by Kenya Wright
There would be no escape for her.
Hurrying, I showered, dressed, and left with Crusher.
My phone buzzed as I headed to the limo. I checked the text.
Butterfly: Call me.
What is she doing up so early?
Dawn would be coming soon. Minute-by-minute, the moon climbed down from the sky.
I ignored Butterfly’s text and put my phone up.
On the ride, Crusher assaulted me with more Disney songs. We left the South, blasting Frozen’s Let It Go. We rushed through the North, blaring the Lion King’s Be Prepared. Crusher crooned and I leaned back in my seat ready for the musical torture to end. If anything, the crazy man had definitely put me in the mood to kill somebody.
I get it! I get it! Life is fucking magical! Stop singing, Crusher!
Din City International Airport stood on the border in the North. We pulled into the long-term parking lot and parked near a white van. Not waiting for Crusher to open the door, I got out. Three boys jumped out of the side of the van. I had been assuming they were grown men, but they were three teenaged boys. I doubted any of them had a driver’s license or money to purchase the van. They’d probably stolen it after hearing about the $100,000 price on Domingo’s head and decided to race for their destiny.
Three boys. So young. Hunger blazed in their eyes. They said nothing to each other while they dragged Domingo from the van. They’d roped his hands and legs, and taped his mouth.
Little boys? Fuck. How did they catch him?
That morning, Domingo didn’t have his priest collar on, but he did have several wooden crosses hanging around his neck and a long brown robe with yellow twine tied at the waist. He wore black sandals. He looked like a deranged monk.
Displaying perfect teamwork, the boys got in front of me, not talking, but communicating with their eyes.
Damn. They remind me of how we used to be. Fuck you, Rasheed. Why would you make me miss you?
I didn’t even have to take a step forward. They gawked at me like I was a king, carrying Domingo over and dropping him at my feet.
“How old are you three?” I asked.
The only boy with a mohawk stepped forward. “I will turn fifteen soon.” He gestured to the ones behind him. “They’re sixteen.”
I figured the boy for Puerto Rican. He had the tan skin. His mohawk didn’t have the silky strands. It was all a curly mess, besides the hard tapered edges on the sides.
I made sure to memorize their faces, knowing I’d see them again, one day. That future moment might not be as friendly. “You three are about to be rich teenagers.”
They exchanged excited glances and turned back to me.
“You’re young. Are you ready for that?” I asked.
Mohawk shrugged. “You were fourteen when you shot the Eastside gang after they took down the West Boys. Now forever, there ain’t no east or west, just the North and South, and you got more money than the President.”
“Yeah, but the President rules the world and won’t go to jail for it.”
“The President ain’t Noah. And everybody in Din City want to be Noah.”
“That’s a hard dream to go after, little one. And not much of a life.”
The boy stared at my clothes, glanced back at the limo I’d shown up in, and then studied Crusher as he waited for my order. “Naw. I still want to be you.”
It’s hard to explain how much shit and blood I’ve had to trudge through, when in the end, I smell like money.
I let out a long breath. “Crusher, give them the suitcase.”
He carried over a big bag and handed it to Mohawk. It was clear he was the leader. Even my beast recognized that. Already, I could see the two older boys in the back stirring and glaring at him with envy.
I snapped my finger at Mohawk as he drooled over the bag. “Make sure you watch your back.”
The little one sneered. “I wish a motherfucker would.”
“Wishes are for children.” I sneered. “Keep your mind focused and your eyes open.”
“Okay.” With a confused expression, he bobbed his head. “I have a question, Mr. Noah.”
He reminded me of Mary Jane calling me that. How would she feel with this situation, right now? Probably would think badly of me, rewarding a bunch of kids for catching a guy.
“Go ahead with the question,” I said.
His lips curled into an evil smile. “Can we watch you kill him?”
A cold shiver ran through me. “Are you really ready for that?”
“Yeah.”
I glanced at Crusher. “What do you think?”
“Shit.” Crusher frowned. “If you think this one hasn’t already seen death, you’re blind. Might as well let him see what being Noah is all about.”
So Crusher thought I could teach the boy a lesson. Freak him out. Show him how life was. . .or maybe the big man thought the opposite. Times like these made me realize how many sick people I worked with. Times like these. . .made me realize how sick I was in the end.
I turned my attention to Domingo. “You three. Take off that tape and hold him up for me.”
They did as I asked. Crusher handed me my old gun. The one I’d used to take out the Eastside Gang. It was important for me to end it with this weapon, but I couldn’t think of why. I only knew that it had to be this gun to solve the problem. Maybe I didn’t want to ever forget. And the damned gun already held too many ugly memories. Why not add another to it?
They pulled the tape off of Domingo’s mouth holding him up. He struggled, but couldn’t break free of the teens.
“And I saw a beast coming out of the sea,” Domingo roared, spit flying out of his lips. “It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.”
His brown robe swung around his legs while he tried to free himself of their grips.
I cocked my head to the side. “Are these your traveling clothes, Domingo?”
Domingo spat at the ground. “The one who practices sin is of the devil. For the devil has sinned from the beginning.”
“You’re wasting your last words.”
“You think that when you kill me that all of your problems will end. No. They’ll just be beginning. You have more enemies on these streets.”
“I don’t really give a fuck.” I decided to explain his violation. Although the words would be wasted on Domingo’s crazy ears, the boys needed to understand and report it all back to the streets. “Rasheed and you fought in front of Dawson Park on a sunny Saturday where kids hung kites and climbed jungle gyms.”
Domingo tried his best to wrestle free from their grips, but it was useless. “Then, I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”
I had no more time for bible verses. “One of you was trapped. Your men said it was Rasheed. His men told me it was you. But one of you were trapped in a dead end of the park, and that person turned his gun to a playground and shot over and over, killing kids until everyone rushed in, bumping around and providing an escape. Both of you fled. Rasheed said it was you who shot the kids. And you said it was him. But I believe you’re the one who’s guilty. I think you went crazy after that shit. I hope you did.”
Domingo hissed, “The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies!!”
I moved in front of him. “In the end, it doesn’t matter who did it. I’m starting to like the idea of both of you being dead.”
One tear spilled from Domingo’s eye. “And he threw Satan into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer.”
I’m getting tired of his mouth.
With my free hand, I grabbed his neck and squeezed. Gagging, Domingo parted his cracked lips. I placed the tip of my gun into his mouth and shoved the length in.
He was my brother, but this would be
the easiest kill of my life. I’d seen the pictures of all the dead children. The commissioner had delivered them to me personally. Little legs sprawled on the concrete. Blood spattered on dolls and teddy bears. Bits of skin stuck to a Hello Kitty ball. Mothers on the ground, squeezing lifeless bodies. A playground soaked in blood and terror. The nightmares had come—mangled little bodies, blood-covered kids screaming at me, and too many singing baby corpses.
Yes. I love him like a brother, but it’s time to say goodbye. How many more kids should die over my love for him? No more.
Domingo continued to cry as his eyes widened. “And Satan—”
“Say hi to the devil for me.” I pulled the trigger.
Just like that. No shake in my hand. No regret in my heart. No fear. No sorrow. No emotion.
But time stood still as the bullet ripped through Domingo’s throat. The back of his head exploded. Blood sprayed. My stomach churned. Domingo’s skull tore and my heart broke. His mushy neck separated. His body crashed to the ground.
It’s only blood. Remember. I’m not scared of that, anymore. This is regular blood.
My body wouldn’t accept the lies. I swayed back, but kept my balance, blinking through the scene. Ripped flesh stuck to the boys’ clothes and faces.
Goodbye, friend. Will I see you again?
On the ground, Domingo’s body went limp, spilling out blood, broken bone, and wet meat. The smell burned my nose. Almost immediately, fear left my body and a euphoric sensation replaced it.
Killing provided a different sort of high. Elated in some ways, but definitely a god-like power ran through the veins and overtook the heart. It was almost like one breathed in the life that they’d taken. As if the victim’s very essence rushed out of their mouths and surged into mine. But this time, no intense high came. Not much exhilaration. Not even any joy. This was the shit that I’d avoided all of my life and Domingo had forced my hand.
At least the situation is over. One check on my list. Goodbye, brother. May you haunt my dreams and not terrorize me, too much.
I thought about the only line from the Bible that had ever stuck with me.
“And God saw all the things that he had made, and it was very good.”
The boys dropped the bits of Domingo’s corpse that remained in their hands. Only the two behind Mohawk reacted. Their faces showed shock. One vomited at his feet. The other’s eyes widened and filled with fear. No one said anything. There was no need. Enough had happened.
I counted my breaths so I wouldn’t get dizzy when I walked. Killing Domingo had been more than I’d bargained for. Crusher arrived with a towel. He was the only one who knew I wanted the blood off of me as soon as possible. We never discussed it, but as soon as I killed someone, Crusher appeared at my side in seconds with a bleach-drenched washcloth and an extra, if I needed it.
What did Domingo mean that my problems are just beginning?
I wiped my hands and face off and handed cloth back to him. “Thanks.”
After a few more minutes of counting breaths in my head, I gestured for the boys to leave. Nodding, the two behind Mohawk inched back and raced to the van as if I’d been coming for them.
They’re too shook for the streets.
Remaining, Mohawk gripped the bag, studied Domingo’s torn apart head, and directed his attention back to me. “Do you want us to help clean up?”
Really? It didn’t get to you? Maybe you’ll be me in the end. . .after you kill me.
“No. I’ve got others coming for that.” I was ready to return to Mary Jane. I’d had enough of this situation. I realized, a lesson had to be learned. This boy was the future, possibly my future murderer, if I chose to recognize the truth.
I studied the kid. “What did you learn today?”
Death flowed through his eyes. “Don’t fuck with the beast.”
“No.” I shook my head. “You’re smarter than that. You know what you’ll become. You see it in your dreams, every time you close your eyes. You taste it, every time you pull the trigger. You know who you are. Every moment you’re building up your skills. You suck the game in like a sponge.”
Mohawk didn’t even blink.
“So what did you really learn today?” I asked.
“One day,” The boy’s bottom lip quivered. “I might have to kill one of my friends.”
“Yes.” I stuck my hands in my pocket. “Come down to my club tomorrow.”
“Do I bring the others?” he asked.
“No.” I turned and walked away. “Crusher?”
“Yes, Boss.” He slung the dirtied cloth into the trunk.
“Take me back to the club.” I continued to the limo door. “And if you fucking play another Disney musical, I’ll be burying you next to Domingo.”
“Okay, Boss.”
Jesus! Both of them are dead! Do you even exist, Jesus? Who would allow such a thing—brothers killing each other? Are we a twisted version of Cain and Abel? Which one am I?
I shook those thoughts away and the ache rising inside of me. “Keep the news about Domingo away from Mary Jane. In fact, no one should be talking to her anyway.”
Maybe, she’ll keep away more nightmares.
“Okay, boss.” He smiled.
“Take that look off your face. This isn’t a fucking Disney movie.”
Finally, I was able to cross off things on my list.
Kill Domingo.
Figure out who’s going to take Rasheed’s place in the South.
Let the police commissioner know everything’s been handled.
Deal with the crazy comedienne chick.
As we left the airport, I made the call to the commissioner and put 305 temporarily in charge of the South until we could find a permanent position. 305 was too loyal. Due to that, I liked him right by my side and not far down in the South. But he’d have to be down there for now.
Flipping the page, I made a new list.
Figure out a way to keep Mary Jane around.
Replace the North and South leaders.
Bury my friends.
Send their families money.
Sighing, I put the notebook away and studied the sky.
The sun beamed down hot on the city. My meditation music filled the car—sounds of rain within slow melodic flutes. I swore I heard Crusher grumble a few times, but he’d have to deal with it.
Now, what am I going to do about Mary Jane?
No solutions came. The whole time that I fucked and got close to her, I never considered the fact that I might want to continue having sex with her. I never realized that a day of nearness wouldn’t be enough.
I didn’t love Mary Jane, but I damned sure loved her in my bed and on my cock whenever I craved that pussy. I didn’t have any plans to marry her, but I wouldn’t let her go, just as any husband would declare to his wife. I didn’t have a plan, but I knew the result—her in my loft with no way to leave without my permission.
I hadn’t imagined myself a possessive man when it came to women. Yet here I was, plotting where I would put the chains to lock her down.
Think, Noah. She’s smart and fast. She’d figure out a way to break free. She’s already won over my two bodyguards. Fuji is a sucker for her. The very fact that Crusher didn’t ask if he could cut her fingers and keep them in his top drawer shows how cool he thinks she is. What am I going to do? I don’t think she’ll stay on her own.
We arrived back at my nightclub, too soon. Pulling into the parking lot, there were at least twenty of my men gathered around something, laughing and cheering.
What the fuck is going on?
I got out of the limo as soon as Crusher parked. No one even noticed that we’d pulled up. They continued to clap and roar a chant over and over. What the hell are they looking at? Taking my time to walk over, I caught the words to the chant.
“Go, MJ! Go, MJ!”
So now everyone’s calling her MJ? Great. There goes more of my fucking men. Maybe I should change the rule about no women. Clearly, they don’t k
now how to act when they’re around a female.
I pushed through the guys. Once they realized it was me coming through, many rushed away. Others scurried to their positions. Only Fuji remained with his back to me, still clapping as Mary Jane, my sexy nymph, danced around on a Segway board, twirling and twisting, rolling back and gliding forward. Sunlight bathed her brown skin. She wore tiny shorts. They looked like someone had painted them on that curvy bottom. A Din City University shirt hugged her breasts.
“What’s another way to say Segway scooter rider?” She spotted me and halted. “Oh, you’re back!”
“Yes, I’m back.” I raised my eyebrow. “What’s the answer?”
“Huh?” The electric board lit and brought her to me. Instead of stopping, she wiggled her hips and circled me as if music was playing. “Oh.” She giggled. “Another way to say Segway scooter rider is virgin.”
“That’s good. You made that up?”
“I wish.” She circled me again. “I hope you don’t mind, but I opened the present and decided to test the Segway board.”
“I don’t mind, but where did you get these clothes?” I asked.
Fuji chose that moment to escape. The rest of the parking lot emptied, leaving only Mary Jane and me.
“Where did you get those clothes?” I asked her again. “They fit you perfectly.”
“A good friend went to my dorm room and grabbed a few of my thing.”
“A good friend?”
I’m going to slap you, Fuji.
“Yes, a good friend went to my dorm with my key and grabbed a bag of stuff for me.” She zigzagged away from me. “Are you mad? Because if you are, I can roll away to freedom on my magic board.” She sped away and then came back. “Bhahahah! Eat my dust! Perish in the inadequacy of your human-like legs while I ride with the wind!”
She twirled over and over. Her curls spun in the wind. Her breasts bounced and ass jiggled and my heart boomed and boomed.
I moved next to a car and leaned on it. When she finally stopped relishing in her and the board’s awesomeness, I gestured for her to come to me.