SUMMARY Tired of constantly reading headlines about the violence being committed in his community, Xavier Brunswick decides to form Brothers Takin’ Over (BTO) with three of his childhood friends. BTO’s original intention is to help clean up the ‘hood, but large egos and clashing personalities causes them to lose focus of their main goal. In addition to dealing with BTO, Xavier ‘s problems at home continue to fester. He’s angry at his father who is “passing” for white and vows to never become like him. Just when he thinks things can get no worse, his dope-fiend brother, Woodrow, returns from the streets and throws the family into chaos. Having to deal with back-stabbing friends, an alcoholic father, and a crack-head brother is almost more than Xavier can bear. How much can he endure before he finally snaps?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Teresa D. Patterson is the author of several novels, novellas, and short stories. She is the founder of Edit Again Publications. She attended St. Petersburg College and has a degree in business. She resides in Florida with her three children.
Chapter One “Aw man. It happened again,” Xavier exclaimed, slamming the newspaper down on the table with a vengeance. “What is this world coming to?” His father barely glanced up from his breakfast of grits, sausages, eggs, and toast; the same thing they’d eaten every morning for as long as Xavier could remember. “What is it LaMont?” His mother always called him by his middle name. He watched as she tested the water in the sink for warmth before she placed the dirty dishes in it. She turned, wiping her hands on a white apron that she wore. She ran a tired hand through her graying hair. “This article in the paper,” Xavier vented. “Black-on-black crime is increasing and there’s nothing that anybody can do about it. Not the police, not the public, nobody. I’m sick and tired of reading about brothers killing each other. Something needs to be done.” His father snickered but said nothing in 1
Teresa D. Patterson response. “I’m going to find a way to do something.” Xavier got up from the table abruptly. “LaMont, you’re not going to go and get yourself into trouble now, are you?” his mom asked worriedly. “Of course not, Ma. You know me.” He grinned sheepishly. “She knows you all right and so do I.” His father finally spoke. “Land your ass in jail and don’t expect to be getting out anytime soon. You hear?” Xavier threw his dad an annoyed look that he didn’t bother to cover up. “What the hell do you care, old man? Huh? You ain’t never gave a damn before. Why you tripping now? If I get in trouble, I wouldn’t turn to you for help anyway. If I go to jail, that’s my damn business.” “If you get hit in your mouth, that’ll be your business too,” his father warned. Xavier shut up immediately. “All I’m trying to do is tell you right from wrong,” he continued. “That’s all I ever tried to doteach you right from wrong. And what do I get for my troubles? Huh? Not shit. All I got is what’s standing before me now- a snotty nosed, smart-mouthed troublemaker.” 2
Teresa D. Patterson “Oh no. Not another speech,” Xavier mumbled. “I guess you’re going to start preaching to me now, right?” He glared at his father. “Preaching ‘bout how Woodrow got caught up with the wrong crowd, got lost along the way and now he don’t know if he’s coming or going. Well, I don’t want to hear about Woodrow. I’m sick and damn tired of hearing about him. Woodrow ain’t a part of this family no more. As far as I’m concerned, he ain’t even my brother.” He pointed at his father. “And if you had some sense old man, you’d do the right thing and cut him out of your life too. But you can’t see it like that.” Xavier threw up his hands. “Forget this, man. You ain’t even worth me wasting my breath talking to.” “Lamont,” his mother said tentatively. “Don’t start now.” She spoke quietly. “You know how your father’s blood pressure acts up. Don’t upset him so early this morning, okay?” “He don’t care Mabel,” his father told her. “That boy don’t care about nothing but his self. He’s a selfish ass son-of-abitch.” “Fred Holloway Brunswick,” Mabel gasped. ` 3
Teresa D. Patterson “I’m sorry, Mabel. I didn’t mean it like that now. You know I didn’t.” Mr. Brunswick apologized quickly. “It’s just that the boy done got me so upset.” He suddenly clutched his stomach and moaned. “I think my ulcer is acting up now.” ‘Get off it, Pops,” Xavier said. “Now, everybody in this room know that ain’t nothing wrong with you. You’re just faking so we can succumb to your wishes. That was discovered a long time ago. I ain’t with that program no more. Nah bru. You need to start being a man and stand up for what you believe in. Stop wimping out. Ain’t you tired of always backing down? Ain’t you sick of bending to the wishes of the white man? I know I am.” Xavier’s whole expression became animated. His body language showed that he was serious as he continued speaking. “We as black men and women have to stand up and speak out. If we don’t, we ain’t never going to get anywhere in life.” He gave both of his parents a sad frown. “We’ll all end up like Woodrow- so high on crack that we’re off in our own lil’ disillusioned world. Is that any way to live?” He got up from the table, walked over to his mom and gave 4
Teresa D. Patterson her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you after school.” He didn’t even acknowledge his dad as he walked out. Xavier was well known at his school, Gibbs High. Not only was he academically successful, he was also active in many of the school’s functions and clubs. He was a member of the varsity football team. He made use of his time. If he couldn’t beat the white man with his fists, at least he’d be able to beat him with his mind. At least that’s the way he saw it, until lately. “Hey fellas. What’s up?” he greeted his friends. The usual group of four had gathered at his locker, impatiently waiting for him to show up. “Man, you’re late.” A short, overweight guy named Peter Hall said. He was medium complexioned and wore glasses like Malcolm X used to wear. They all sported similar glasses. “Hey, I had it out with the old man. Y’all know how he is,” Xavier stated. They all nodded because they knew how Mr. Brunswick could get because they’d known him for years. “I could blow him away for you. You wouldn’t have no more trouble,” another 5
Teresa D. Patterson guy named Mike Williams said in a serious tone. Mike was known as “Pretty Boy” behind his back. Xavier gave him a sharp look. “Just kidding.” Mike smiled tightly. His eyes said he wasn’t kidding at all. “Man, if you fuck with my father, I’ll take your ass out.” He glared at Mike until Mike got uncomfortable and looked away. “That goes for any of y’all,” Xavier snapped. It was clear to see who led the group now. “My dad ain’t the problem. It’s these fuckers in the street who shooting each other up, selling drugs and robbing people that’s the problem.” “So, what we gonna do about it?” Tim Connor asked. He was a handsome young with a muscular build. He wore a serious expression on his face most of the time. “I’m all with trying to solve the problems any way that they can be solved,” he added. Donnell Brown just nodded. He rarely said anything. He had a mean look on his face that everyone was used to seeing. He was tall and thin, which gave the impression of weakness. That wasn’t the case. He would be the first to instigate a fight if someone got him wrong. Over the 6
Teresa D. Patterson years, he’d been nicknamed “The Mean Kid,” which was well deserved. “I got an action plan,” Xavier told them. “It starts with us becoming known in the hood for who we are and what we do.” “What do we do?” Peter asked. “If you shut ya fat ass mouth I’m getting to that,” Xavier snapped. The rest of them slanted their eyes at Peter and he visibly cowered. “Now,” Xavier continued. “Up to this point we ain’t did nothing to clean up our communities but talk.” He paused. “Talk is cheap. It’s time for some action.” He stared at each of them. “From here on out we are going to be the hardest ass Negroes in this city. Right now if you ain’t down with what we gonna be doing, it’s time for you to walk.” They all stared at him, unblinking. “Anybody here who don’t want to be here?” He paused, waiting for someone to say something. No one did. “Good.” He nodded. “Number one, we got a new name and motto. BTO, which stands for Brothers Takin’ Over. We are gonna clean up the black community our way. Number two, we are gonna have to recruit some new members. I know we’re hard, but five brothers ain’t nearly enough to clean up this city. I’m counting on each of 7
Teresa D. Patterson you to bring me at least five men between the ages of seventeen and twenty. They have to want to make a difference. They got to be brothers who care about their people. But-” He paused for emphasis. “They also have to be ruthless. They got to be down with fighting because when we get out there, some people are going to want us stopped. We will have to be strong enough to fight these people, whoever they may be.” “Wait a minute now,” Mike interrupted. “What are you saying? What do you mean by whoever they may be?” “That’s obvious, Bonehead,” Xavier snapped. “The police, ya daddy, whoever.” “Man, how we gonna fight the police?” Mike whined. “You ain’t down?” Tim asked. “Didn’t X say you had the opportunity to walk a few minutes ago? Why didn’t you walk?” Tim glared at Mike thinking of how much he’d like to hit the wimp in his chest and watch him curl up in a ball of pain. “Yeah,” The Mean Kid agreed. His eyes became mere slits in his face. The rest of the group glared at Mike too. Mike got nervous. He hated confrontation. “I- I just meant that we 8
Teresa D. Patterson need to have a plan or something,” he stammered. “You know, so the police won’t know what’s going down. That’s all.” “I was getting to that.” Xavier said tightly. He fixed his eyes on Mike for a full minute. “I just can’t hold it in,” he exploded suddenly. “What, man?” “What’s up?” “I get a strong gut feeling that you want to take my place.” This he directed at Mike. “What’s up with that?” Mike said nothing. “You think you’re man enough to fill my shoes? Huh? You have tried me too many times in the past and I’m telling you if you try me like a sucker again, I’m going to take your fuck ass out. You got that?” By now he’d gotten in Mike’s face. “Yeah, I got it,” Mike finally mumbled. “If I was X, I’d shine my size ten right off in ya ass,” Peter declared. “Well, you ain’t X. You wanna try me?” Mike challenged. “It ain’t no factor for me. I’ll bend ya lil’ ass like a fragile toothpick.” “Hey. Hey,” Xavier intervened. “You two chill. We need togetherness in this.” He looked at each of them. “Y’all down or what?” 9
Teresa D. Patterson “Yeah, I’m down,” Peter said quickly. “Me too,” Mike replied. “I been down from the jump,” Tim spoke out. Xavier nodded. He admired the qualities of the younger guy. If anyone could fill his shoes, it would be Tim. He wasn’t going to let on to someone how much they were like him though. That’s when they began trying to take your place. Xavier didn’t need that. Not now. Not ever. The bell rang for their first period class signifying that their discussion was over, at least for the time being. They all headed off after confirming they’d meet again at lunchtime. ***** During lunch they all sat together at a table in back of the cafeteria. If others thought about joining them, they quickly got the message that the five didn’t want to be bothered. They wore set expressions on their faces. Xavier received many admiring glances from the girls. If he noticed, he didn’t acknowledge it or let on. He was extremely handsome, with high cheekbones and an oval shaped face. He had thin, firm lips and unusual hazel eyes that he’d inherited from his mother’s side of the family. His 10
Teresa D. Patterson had a low cut hairstyle but by the texture of it you could tell it was of a fine quality. The color of his skin was medium-light, by choice. He made sure he stayed in the sun for hours and hours, because the darker he got the better he felt. His family was from mixed blood. His grandmother had been half white, half Native American. His father’s ancestors were of Creole descent. Xavier despised the white portion of blood that ran through his family line and dispelled it every chance he got. For some, having his coloring would have been an advantage. He knew he could pass if he wanted to. But for him passing wasn’t an option. He didn’t want to pretend to be white in order to live as white people lived. He wanted the same equality because he deserved it in spite of being black. He wasn’t his father. Thinking about his dad made him angry. His facial expression hardened. He shook his head to clear it of the thoughts. “Let’s get started,” he told the group. “First, I’m going to appoint titles to everyone here. Of course, I’m the Head Man in Charge.” He paused. No one said a word or disagreed with his choice. “Now, I’ll tell you who’s going to be my Right 11
Teresa D. Patterson Hand Man, my Left Hand Man, and My Back Up Man. The last person will be the Look Out Man.” He paused again, letting it all sink in. “My Right Hand Man will be the one who’s in charge if I’m not able to be around. If something happens to me, he’s to take over.” He looked at Tim. “I appoint Tim Conner as my Right Hand Man.” Tim smiled briefly, but was all seriousness again immediately. “My Left Hand Man will be responsible for getting all necessary supplies that we need. He’ll also manage any money we make- and believe me, we’re going to make plenty of that. I’m appointing Peter Hall as my Left Hand Man. Donnell Brown will be my Back Up Man. Cause you good at looking out for a brother,” he directed to Donnell. “I know you won’t let nobody creep me.” Donnell looked even meaner, if that was possible. “Mike Williams is my Look Out Man. You’ll play an important role of looking out for the rest of us. Can we count on you?” His eyes rested on Mike. “What makes you ask that? Do you doubt me or something? Of course you can count on me,” Mike said in an annoyed tone. 12
Teresa D. Patterson “Watch the level of ya voice, man,” The Mean Kid warned. When he spoke everybody listened. Mike took heed. He knew that Donnell wouldn’t offer any more warnings. He’d just catch him off guard with a quick, right hook. Mike didn’t want to contend with Donnell. Not when he had a date with Lolita Stevens later that evening. He wanted his face perfect, not all bruised up. “Sorry,” he offered by way of an apology. The Mean Kid smirked. “Since we got that out of the way, let’s eat.” They all gobbled down their lunches just as the bell sounded for the next class period. “Everyone meet at my place at exactly five o’clock. We got a lot of planning to do. BTO is going to be heard about before this week is over,” Xavier told them. After school, Xavier went to talk to his football coach. He was supposed to be at practice, but he was going to ask Coach Lester to let him get out of it. “What do you mean you’re not going to be at practice this evening?” Coach Lester exploded when Xavier relayed the news. “You know, this is the third time you’ve 13
Teresa D. Patterson pulled this mess. How do you expect to be ready for our next game if you keep skipping practice?” “I have more important things to do, Coach. You knew I was a busy person when you begged me to join the team. I didn’t even want to be on the team, remember?” He eyed the older man critically. “Do what you have to, man. I’m outta here.” He turned and walked off. “You know this can cost you your position, don’t you?” The coach yelled behind him. “Brunswick. I expect to see a doctor’s excuse tomorrow. Brunswick?” Xavier kept walking as though he hadn’t heard. He didn’t care about football. Like he’d said, he had more important things to do with his time. If the coach dropped him from the team, that would be to his advantage. He’d have more time to spend with his group and all the work wouldn’t fall on Tim. He knew the young man was capable of handling the responsibilities, but he was skeptical. He wanted to do most of the important stuff. After all, he was Head Man in Charge. “Mama, I’m home,” Xavier called as he walked through the door. As always, his 14
Teresa D. Patterson mother could be found in the kitchen getting dinner ready. “How was your day, son?” she asked, taking time to turn away from the stove to look into his face. “Okay. Ma, the fellas gonna drop by today. You don’t mind, do you?” “Of course not, but your father-” “They’ll be here around five.” He was already half-way out of the room. “I have to study.” “LaMount,” she called behind him, but he left. She turned back to her cooking with a worried frown on her face. Xavier knew that his mama was trying to tell him that his father was having one of his attacks again. He didn’t care. His father was faking, like he always did. He was in perfect health. His ailments were all in his mind. Xavier was tired of the games. If his father really was ill then he was almost one hundred percent sure it was because of the amount of alcohol he consumed. Xavier studied for an hour then went to wash up for supper. He joined his parents in the dining room. His dad was already slouched at the table. He looked up as 15
Teresa D. Patterson Xavier entered. His eyes were bloodshot. As usual, Xavier ignored him and took a seat. “Smells great, Ma,” he complimented as she placed dishes of food on the table. “How did work go today?” he asked, grabbing a pork chop and slapping it on his plate. Mrs. Brunswick worked part-time cleaning for some rich lady. He knew she detested the work and it was a strain on her back. Never the less, she went in each day and always managed to come home in time to cook supper. He felt his dad could be of more help around the house since he was temporarily out of work. As far as he was aware, his dad never lifted a finger unless it was to pick up a bottle to turn up to his thirsty lips. He glanced at his father. His dad actually did look sick, but Xavier shrugged off his feelings of concern. “Probably just hung over,” he mumbled under his breath. “What was that?” his mom asked. “Nothing, Mama. Just thinking aloud,” he answered quickly. He waited until she took a seat then they all bowed their heads in thanks as Xavier said the Grace. 16
Teresa D. Patterson Once finished with the prayer, Xavier quickly shoveled spoon after spoon of food into his mouth. His father stared at him with a deep frown on his face. “Why are you in such a rush? Must be meeting with them hoodlum friends of yours,” he mumbled. “They are not hoodlums. Peter, Mike, Donnell, and Tim are all from decent families. They are decent black folk,” Xavier argued. “Since when did anybody black ever become decent?” his father snapped. “Old man, if you weren’t so bent on being something that you’re not, you’d be able to see that there are a lot of good in black people. You just want to ignore the facts.” “The only facts I know about is what I see and hear. Blacks are considered lower than any other race on this earth. Tell me they aren’t. Why would you want to be a part of that when you don’t have to be?” “Maybe because I’m proud of it. That’s something you could never understand.” He turned his nose up at his dad. “While you’re out there, it’s so easy for you to pretend than to face up to who you are and what you are.” 17
Teresa D. Patterson “What’s wrong with that? His dad asked. “More job opportunities are available to you if you’re who they want to see,” he said. “What they don’t want to see is another black face.” “But why can’t you accept that you are black, Dad? Huh? Mama don’t try to hide her true color and she looks more white than you.” “Look, I don’t want to discuss it any further. I am who I am. You be who you want to be,” Mr. Brunswick said. “You can keep pretending to be white all you want, but it’s going to come back and smack you in the face later on in life. You can’t continue to run from who you are.” He gazed at his father solemnly. “I’m proud to be black,” he ended. They continued to eat the rest of their meal in silence. Minutes later the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it.” Xavier jumped up from the table. He knew it was the guys. They were on time as usual. “Come on in.” He directed them into a nicely furnished, cozy living room. “I’m eating dinner right now, but I’ll be finished in a minute. Y’all wait in here.” They all took a seat and he went back into the dining room. 18
Teresa D. Patterson Family photos lined the walls. Magazines were neatly arranged on a glass-topped table. They guys chose to sit quietly until Xavier returned. “I knew it was that sorry bunch,” his dad said as Xavier sat back down at the table. “I can feel my ulcer acting up,” he complained. Xavier just smiled and shook his head. “Sure, Pops.” He threw his father a comical look, got up and took his plate to the sink. “Ma, I’ll clean up in here first,” he told his mother. She nodded gratefully. “I’m gonna go and watch the news. Kick my feet up,” she said, getting up from the table. She joined the boys in the living room. They all politely spoke to her. Unlike her husband, she thought they were a nice bunch of kids, kind and respectful. She liked each of them and especially enjoyed talking to Tim Conner. He always made her laugh. “So, Mrs. Brunswick, when we going out on that date?” Tim asked jokingly. The fellows laughed and she joined in. “As soon as my back straightens up.” She played along with him. “You know I ain’t young like I used to be.” 19
Teresa D. Patterson “Well, you look better than all the young girls I know, Mrs. B.,” Peter threw in. Mrs. Brunswick beamed. “You boys want some brownies or something?” They all nodded quickly. They loved her cooking, what little they got to taste of it. “Well, go in there and help yourselves.” They did as instructed. None of them were bashful. They each spoke to Mr. Brunswick who barely grumbled a response. They expected that from him so it didn’t bother them. “Ya moms told us we could pig out on some of those brownies,” Peter informed Xavier. He eyed the brownies, licking his lips in anticipation. “You a pig all right,” Xavier snapped. The rest of the guys laughed and Mr. Brunswick even chuckled. “Man, why you dissin’ me? You been rude to me all week,” Peter whined. “Man, I been rude to you all ya life. Why you wanna trip about it now?” He passed the guys the plate of brownies. He stared at Peter critically. “You need to go on the grapefruit diet plan, brother.” Again, everyone laughed except Peter. He was the first to grab a brownie. Looking at Xavier 20
Teresa D. Patterson defiantly, he grabbed two more and stuffed them in his mouth. “Damn, Slim,” Mike said sarcastically. Peter threw him a sour look. “The man might be hungry, lay off him,” The Mean Kid growled. No one said anything further about Peter’s eating habits. They all left the kitchen, to Mr. Brunswick’s relief. As soon as the door closed he headed straight for his stash in the bottom cabinet. With shaking hands, he poured the gin into a glass of orange juice. He took quick, desperate swallows.
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Chapter Two “Okay gang,” Xavier said as soon as they were all in his room. “We are gonna take action immediately. I want y’all to look at this.” He held up one of the newspaper clippings he’d cut out just for this purpose. They all gathered around. The headline read: Teen fatally stabbed in project brawl ST. PETERSBURG - - Earl Ray Patterson, a seventeen-year-old black male was stabbed in a brawl instigated by a group of teens. Earlier that day the victim had been involved in a heated argument with one of the members of the group. Witnesses report that the teenagers have been a constant problem in their neighborhood for months. The aggressors fled the scene of the crime before police arrived. Earl Ray Patterson died as he was being transported to Bayfront Medical Center. No arrests have been made at this time.
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Teresa D. Patterson “And this one,” Xavier said, passing around another clipping. Elderly woman robbed, beaten, left tied to chair ST. PETERSBURG - - A sixty-three-year-old woman who lives alone was brutally beaten by intruders who forced entry into her home. The woman identified the intruders as being black males in their late teens to early twenties. They attacked her and tied her up when she refused to give them money. They made off with $250 in cash, some jewelry of little or no value, and a frozen ham. “A frozen ham,” Peter exclaimed. “You would think about food,” Xavier muttered. There were several more clippings that he passed around. Included were incidents where a teenager shot another youth because of an argument over drugs. A sixteen-year-old was shot in the abdomen and left for dead as two others rode off with his bicycle. Last, a teen got stabbed during an argument over a girl. “All of this happened this week,” Xavier stated once everyone finished reading the articles. “It’s all black on black crime. 23
Teresa D. Patterson Brothers are killing brothers for stupid stuff. Brothers are going around jacking old people. We’ve got to put an end to it.” They all nodded in agreement. “I knew Earl Ray and I also knew the boy that got shot in the abdomen,” Tim said quietly. “Those boys had been threatening Earl Ray for a long time.” He paused. “Earl was a good person. He didn’t bother anybody—minded his own business. He didn’t deserve to die.” “Do you know who did it?” Xavier asked. “I think so. Everybody’s been talking about it,” Tim replied. “Then this is where BTO begins,” Xavier said excitedly. Everyone looked at him in puzzlement but said nothing. He hurriedly continued. “We’ve gotta find those guys and when we do, we’re gonna teach them a lesson in black history. Only, it’ll be the new and improved black history.” After their discussion, the boys headed out to put their plans into action. As they passed through the living room, Xavier could see that his mother had fallen asleep in the chair. 24
Teresa D. Patterson “Y’all go on ahead. I’ll catch up,” he told the rest of the group. When the door closed behind the last one, he went over and placed a pillow behind his mother’s back and slid her shoes off her feet. She sighed in her sleep. Xavier stared into her dear face. He loved her. She was perhaps the only person he’d ever have feelings for. He kissed her gently on the cheek and went to join the others. The guys knew what they had to do. Their purpose was clearly outlined. They were going to the projects to locate the ones who had killed Earl Ray. “I don’t like this,” Mike said. “The projects just ain’t my usual hangout.” “Shut up and walk,” Xavier commanded. He was not in the mood for Mike’s whining. They walked through a gate that was supposed to be locked. Months earlier there had been a major clean-up in that section of town. Fences had been put in place to prevent drug dealers from escaping the police. The apartments had been painted bright cheerful colors. Things looked pretty decent, months ago. 25
Teresa D. Patterson Now they could see where someone had forced apart several bars on the iron fences. Anyone could walk right through. Graffiti was all over one side of an apartment building’s wall. Broken glass, beer bottles and cans were scattered about. A garbage bin was overflowing. Flies buzzed about everywhere. “Damn. Something stinks,” Peter said, wrinkling his nose. Xavier looked down and smiled. “Maybe that has something to do with what you’re standing in.” The rest of them followed his gaze. Peter had stepped on a disposable diaper. Its contents were intact until he’d disturbed them. “Shit,” he swore. “Shit is right,” Tim joked. They all laughed. “Enough of that. Let’s get on with it,” Xavier said. They proceeded on. Xavier walked in front. Tim was on his right. Peter walked on his left. Donnell marched behind him. Mike followed a few steps behind them frowning unhappily. Many residents sat outside on their front porches. When the group trod up the sidewalk, they stopped what they were doing and stared openly. None of them 26
Teresa D. Patterson spoke. Their eyes were watchful and suspicious. “Their hangout is right around this next turn,” Tim said. “I know they’ll be there.” Just as predicted, their target was gathered around a utility box. Some stood, others leaned against the generator. They turned when the others approached. “Hey, ain’t y’all niggas on the wrong side of town?” One of them asked. A gold ear ring dangled from one of his ears. When he spoke the sun glistened off the gold grill on his upper front row of teeth. “Ain’t no side of town off limits to us,” Xavier replied cockily. The other group seemed to wake up. They immediately inched closer, fists bawled. “What you tryin’ to say?” The one who seemed to be the leader asked. “Y’all are trespassin’ on forbidden territory. We gonna ask you only one time to leave.” They waited. Xavier and his crew didn’t budge. “We’re here for a purpose,” Xavier said, speaking firmly. “Oh? And what can that be?” Smartmouth asked sarcastically. He spat 27
Teresa D. Patterson a glob of spit that landed close to Xavier’s foot. Xavier’s face tightened. “We’re here to avenge the death of Earl Ray.” One of the guys in the opposite group drew back. That indicated that they knew something no matter how they tried to pretend otherwise. “We don’t know nothin’ ‘bout that,” the leader snarled. “Well, let me ask somebody else. For some reason, I just don’t believe you.” Xavier stepped closer to the one who’d flinched. “Do you know anything about who stabbed Earl Ray?” He glared at the shorter guy. “Anything like what?” he asked. He tried to hold Xavier’s gaze, but couldn’t. “Like Wayne said, we don’t know nothin’.” Xavier noticed every small detail, like how the guy’s eyes shifted and how he appeared to be nervous. “Luke man, you don’t hafta answer him,” Wayne said. He came to stand behind him. “Sure don’t,” another one said. “I’m gonna ask once more and then my foot gonna do the talking in someone’s ass,” Xavier spit out. From his tone of 28
Teresa D. Patterson voice and the look on his face, they could see that he meant business. “Didn’t we say we didn’t know nothin’ ‘bout it?” A tall, dark-skinned teen who looked like a gorilla stepped forward. He glared at Xavier menacingly. The others thought that Xavier would back down but he didn’t. He stood firm and determined. He held the bigger boy’s gaze. Xavier presence and stance emanated internal strength, something the others didn’t possess. He wasn’t afraid and it showed. The rest of the group got their courage from him. His strength was their strength. If he wasn’t afraid, then they weren’t afraid either. They were one together. The Mean Kid was the first to react when one of the boys took a swing at Xavier. He moved like a streak of lightening. Before anyone knew what was what, the perpetrator lay on the ground. Both groups were dazed for a split second. Suddenly, they were at each other. Xavier went for the big man. Something about him just angered Xavier. He believed that beneath the outward exterior the boy was a coward. He wanted 29
Teresa D. Patterson to bring him down before the rest of his posse and make him look soft. Before long the rest of them ceased fighting just to watch the duel between the two. “Darkman, take his fuck ass out,” one of them yelled. “X, tear up the concrete with that nigga,” Peter encouraged. They all formed a circle around the two boys. Xavier had always been a fighter. He’d been forced to become one. In elementary school he could remember being called half-breed by the other kids and he’d fought for his image. Throughout middle school he never allowed himself to get close to anyone so the word got around that he was gay. He’d had to fight for his reputation. During high school they called him a Wannabe. He’d had to fight for respect. He’d been fighting all of his life, so he wasn’t afraid. He sincerely felt that Darkman wasn’t a challenge for him. The first lick was thrown by Darkman. It was a staggering blow that had Xavier shaking his head to clear it. It appeared that Darkman was getting the best of him. Xavier knew what he was doing. He let his opponent get a few good ones in. He could 30
Teresa D. Patterson see how excited Darkman got. He thought he had Xavier beat, but that wasn’t the case. Suddenly, Xaxier threw blows so quickly and fiercely that they sounded off. Soon Darkman threw up his arms to try fending off the licks. Xavier kept moving in, drumming harsh blows on Darkman. The big guy crumbled and fell to the ground. He doubled over, holding his stomach and moaning in pain. “Admit defeat,” Xavier commanded. Darkman shook his head viciously from side to side. “I take that to mean that you haven’t had enough.” Xavier brought up his foot and kicked him square in the face. Blood flew in every direction from Darkman’s nose. It was obviously broken. “Aw man,” someone groaned. “Admit defeat,” Xavier repeated. The bigger teen was now on his knees, tears streaming down his cheeks. “You win,” he finally got past his swollen lips. “I don’t think they heard you,” Xavier yelled. “I said, you win,” Darkman repeated louder. He tumbled over and slipped into unconsciousness. 31
Teresa D. Patterson Xavier’s expression didn’t change. He felt no remorse or guilt. Strangely, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Everyone stood in stunned silence. “Somebody, call an ambulance,” Wayne yelled to some nosey neighbors who had gathered to watch. No one moved. “Call an ambulance for this chump,” Xavier instructed an elderly man who stood nearby. The gentleman nodded and rushed off to do as told. Xavier stared at the crowd. “This garbage got what he deserved,” he said. “Me and my boys came here for one purpose and that was to find out what happened to Earl Ray. We know one of them stabbed him in cold blood. We only want to get to the bottom of what happened.” He searched the faces in front of him. They gave nothing away with their closed looks. “If anyone knows which one of them stabbed Earl Ray, please speak out.” No one said anything. Xavier detected fear in their eyes. “If I give my solemn promise that these guys,” He indicated the other group, “Will not harm you, will someone please speak out?” Again, silence greeted him. 32
Teresa D. Patterson “Man, yo’ word ain’t got nothin’ on no bullet,” someone finally said. “That’s right.” “Ain’t that the truth,” the crowd agreed. “So, in other words, y’all tellin’ us that a young man lost his life and nobody cares? Is that what we hearin’?” Tim asked. “We care. Just ain’t nothin’ we can do ‘bout it,” someone else said. “There is somethin’ that can be done,” Xavier shouted. “You can have the person responsible locked up where he won’t be able to stab nobody else.” He approached a nervous looking woman and stared into her eyes. “What if it was your son? Wouldn’t you want the one responsible for his death behind bars?” He turned to a man next to her. “What about you? Don’t you want to see justice prevail? Aren’t all of y’all tired of being harassed in ya own neighborhoods? Ain’t y’all sick of being scared to walk outside, scared to let ya kids play?” He could tell that he had the audience’s full attention. They seemed to be mesmerized. “We have got to do something. We can’t just let our innocent children die. And what reason are they being killed?” he asked. “What reason? There is no reason. It just doesn’t make 33
Teresa D. Patterson sense. Something has to be done,” he repeated. “I – I think I can help you out,” an elderly woman spoke in a whispery voice. Xavier bent close to hear her. “What is it ma’am?” he asked gently. “That one there.” She pointed at the leader of the group. “He was the one wit’ the knife. I was peepin’ out my window and I saw him. I said to myself, “Lord, what’s that chil’ doin’ wit’ that knife?” I don’t know if he stabbed that other boy or not, but I saw him wit’ the knife,” she ended. “Yep, that’s the one,” someone else said and the crowd nodded. “I witnessed the whole thing,” another woman said. She was a rather larger woman wearing a colorful scarf on her head. She spoke boldly now that everything was out in the open. “That hoodlum there did it.” She pointed. “Wayne something or other. He stabbed that boy like a mangy dog. It wasn’t called for and it just wasn’t right.” “Can I get you to tell that to the police?” Xavier asked. Once again a hush fell over the crowd. 34
Teresa D. Patterson “Come on now,” Peter said impatiently. “What’s the point in getting it out in the open if nobody won’t testify or at least talk to the police? That’s the whole purpose.” “My left hand man is right. That is defeating the purpose. Isn’t there anybody at all who’s willing to testify to get scum like this off the streets?” Xavier pleaded. No one said a word. Sirens could be heard from a distance. “I guess all of this was for nothing,” Tim stated. “It’s never all for nothing, brother. I don’t think we’re gonna have to worry about a certain group terrorizing the neighborhood anymore.” Xavier eyed the leader. “Your day will come,” he warned. “I want you to get the word out that BTO is here. Remember that. Keep looking over your shoulder because you never know when we gonna hit you.” “And believe me brothers, we got our eyes out for troublemakers like you,” Tim added. Xavier walked off and the other four followed him. They walked straight with their heads held proudly. They meant business. 35
Teresa D. Patterson “BTO? I wonder what that stands for?” someone asked. Everyone shook their heads. The crowd parted and the ambulance attendants rushed in to get Darkman. He had regained consciousness. The two attendants thought the young man was delirious when he continued to mumble “BTO” over and over. “I’m really disappointed with the way things turned out,” Peter complained once they arrived back at Xavier’s place. “I’m not. That’s the kind of reaction we have to expect, at first,” Xavier said. “Those people are afraid. You don’t just overcome that in one day.” “You’re right,” Tim agreed. “I think you got the message across though. I think they know that BTO is on their side.” “It was amazing the way you smashed that nigga’s nose.” Mike finally spoke after being quiet for too long. Xavier chuckled. “You saw how he just bawled up?” Peter threw in. The Mean Kid laughed. They all looked at him in surprise because he rarely found humor in any situation. Now, he was actually cracking up. Soon tears rolled down his cheeks. For a while, Xavier just stared in awe then he joined in. The 36
Teresa D. Patterson Mean Kid looked pretty comical with tears in his eyes. That alone was something to laugh about. The other three looked at them strangely. After the guys left, Xavier got on the phone. He arranged having jackets made with their new name embroidered on the back of them. Pleased with his accomplishments for the day, he went to finish his homework. About an hour later he went to the kitchen for a snack. He saw his father hiding his stash. “What’s up old man?” He pretended that he hadn’t seen, but his father knew better. “What are you doing, sneaking up on me?” Mr. Brunswick growled. “A man can’t have privacy in his own home.” He continued to mumble under his breath. Xavier got what he’d come for and left the kitchen. A picture of how his dad used to be flashed through his mind. Back in the day, his dad was a very prominent figure in the community. That changed when Xavier made it known that Mr. Brunswick wasn’t white. It marked the beginning of Mr. Brunswick’s drinking and also 37
Teresa D. Patterson pinpointed the dueling between father and son. It had been an accident that led to Mr. Brunswick’s business associates discovering he was black. He’d been at a meeting with board members of his company, his boss, and many more important businessmen. Xavier barged into the meeting because the secretary refused to disturb them. The looks on everyone’s face when he’d called Mr. Brunswick “Dad” will always be etched in his memory. He felt like a cockroach as they stared at him. He’d felt lower than a flea on a mangy rat. That day made him forever despise white people- and his dad. It was summer so he’d been exposed to plenty of sunlight while being outside. His usual pale skin had darkened at least two tones. It was clear to all eyes that he wasn’t white. He’d rushed to get his dad because there was a family emergency. Woodrow had been demanding money from Mrs. Brunswick for drugs. When she’d refused, he’d pushed her and her head hit the edge of the kitchen cabinet. She’d been rushed to the emergency room to get stitches. 38
Teresa D. Patterson He knew he was forbidden to ever visit his father’s job, especially now that he actually looked like a black. He didn’t have a choice under the circumstances. The shame he’d felt that day was like nothing he’d ever experienced in all of his thirteen years. He saw the disbelief on all the white faces in the room. His father turned red with embarrassment. “Mr. Brunswick, what is the meaning of this?” his boss asked. “Wasn’t everyone given specific instructions not to have anyone disturb this meeting?” All eyes turned on Mr. Brunswick. “T-there must be some explanation,” he stammered. “Is this child indeed yours?” “Well, yes he is my – adopted son,” Mr. Brunswick lied. He avoided looking at Xavier. “Go see what it is that he wants and be sure he doesn’t disturb us again,” he commanded. Mr. Brunswick got up and rushed from the meeting room. “How dare you come down her and embarrass me like this,” he hissed at Xavier as soon as the door closed behind them. 39
Teresa D. Patterson “Dad- I-” “How many times have I told you to never come here? Never.” His father’s anger riled him. “Why don’t you shut up and listen. Stop thinking about you all the time,” Xavier yelled. “Mom is in the hospital. That’s what I came to tell you. Since you’re so set on rubbing elbows with all your white coworkers, I’m sorry I bothered you.” He turned and stalked off. The father and son relationship deteriorated from that day forward. It was replaced with anger, resentment, and distrust. Xavier would always remember how his father lied, claiming that he was adopted. He’d never forgive him and he’ couldn’t alleviate the pain. A few months later Mr. Brunswick got demoted. His boss did some investigating and discovered that Mr. Brunswick was black. He couldn’t have blacks climbing the ladder of success at his expense. It wouldn’t do. To prevent that from happening, he informed Mr. Brunswick that there’d been a clerical error. The promotion he’d received five months prior was a mistake. 40
Teresa D. Patterson Mr. Brunswick knew what was up. Ever since the incident when Xavier interrupted their meeting, Mr. Gromwell had displayed a different attitude toward him. He’d anticipated the demotion for a while. He wasn’t in the least bit surprised. Just as Mr. Gromwell predicted, Fred turned down the demotion and gave his letter of resignation. Since he’s resigned, he’d taken to drinking heavily and every job he got wasn’t good enough. He’d quit for the slightest reason or he’d get fired for being drunk on the job. Xavier sighed. Yes, his father had changed a great deal in five years. He remembered a proud man who held his head up high. Now all he saw was a bitter man, filled with hatred for everyone, especially his son. After watching television for a while Xavier locked up the house as he usually did. His parents had already turned in hours ago. He made sure all the doors and windows were locked. Just as he switched off the light in the living room, a knock sounded on the door. 41
Teresa D. Patterson “Hell,” he swore. Thinking it was one of the fellows, he jerked the door open. “What the-” He stopped mid-sentence and stared at the disheveled, dirty, ranksmelling man who stood there. He hardly recognized his brother through the filth. “Home sweet home,” Woodrow said. “There’s no place like home.” He began to laugh. He laughed so hard that his body shook. Soon he gasped for air. Xavier let himself feel a small amount of concern. “Man, you okay?” he asked. He kept all emotion out of his voice. “Am- I – okay?” Woodrow rasped. “Of course not. Why else – would I be here?” After he spoke those words, he sank to his knees and collapsed with a thud on the floor. Xavier couldn’t control his feeling at that moment. He felt genuine fear for his brother’s life. He hurried to awake his parents. “Oh my God,” Mrs. Brunswick exclaimed as soon as she saw Woodrow lying in a heap. She rushed over to him. While she got Woodrow undressed and bathed him, Mr. Brunswick took that opportunity to hit his secret stash. He 42
Teresa D. Patterson needed a double dosage to get him through this one. The prodigal son had returned.
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Chapter Three The next morning Xavier awoke later than usual. He lay in bed trying to remember what had changed, why he felt strangeness in the air. Then it dawned on him that Woodrow had returned. The whole family would be affected. He got out of bed and went to take a shower. Once dressed, Xavier peered in on his brother. Thinking that Woodrow was asleep he crept closer to the bed. He stared into his face. Woodrow was only nineteen, almost twenty, but he looked much older because of his drug abuse. He’d been using since he was twelve years old. Xavier gazed at the scrawny arm that had slipped from under the blanket that half covered Woodrow. There were sores all over. You could see where he’d stuck himself with a needle. Some were healed. Others still oozed. Xavier couldn’t see a part that hadn’t been poked. The disgust rose in his throat. How could anyone do that to themselves? He wondered. Woodrow used 44
Teresa D. Patterson to have it all. Why did he turn to drugs? He just couldn’t understand. “Man, you gay or something?” Xavier jumped when his brother spoke. “I thought you were asleep,” he said calmly, ignoring his brother’s sarcastic remark. “What you want?” Woodrow barked. “Nothing. Just checking up on you. That’s all.” Xavier turned to leave. “If you cared you’d get me something,” Woodrow tossed at him. “Something like what?” Xavier paused waiting for the answer he knew would come. “Drugs. Any kind. Cocaine, crack, heroin,” Woodrow pleaded. “No way.” Xavier headed for the door again. “Wait. Please Mountie.” He reverted back to the nickname he used to call Xavier. Xavier turned around again. “Please, I got to have just one more hit man. Please, don’t leave me hanging.” “I said no,” Xavier repeated more strongly. “I figured you’d be back after your money ran out. Just like a mangy dog. Back trying to scratch up another 45
Teresa D. Patterson bone. Well, I hope you don’t think I’m going to help you kill yourself. Nah bru!” “If I want to die that should be my choice,” Woodrow shot back. “You need to stop getting high on crack and start getting high on life,” Xavier advised. “Oh, I come back after only four months and suddenly my brother’s a preacher,” Woodrow said sarcastically. “Check that out. My brother’s a fucking preacher and he’s trying to save my lost black ass.” He laughed that wild laugh of his that soon turned into coughs. Xavier just looked on sadly, shook his head and left the room. He closed the door quietly behind him. “Mountie wait,” Woodrow yelled. “Wait a sec. I didn’t mean it like that, brother. I need you, man. I need you to help me.” Xavier breathed deeply. His still had his hand on the knob. Should he go back into the room? His fingers turned the knob. “No LaMount.” His mother stood there. “Ma.” He looked at her, slightly startled. “How much of that did you hear?” “Most of it,” she answered. “Mama, I don’t know what to do. Woodrow is sick and he needs to be placed in some kind of a treatment program.” 46
Teresa D. Patterson “I know, but what can we do? That child isn’t going anywhere willingly. You know that.” “There’s not much we can do unless he asks for help. I’m afraid that as soon as he gets better, he’s going right back to the streets.” He shook his head. “There’s nothing we can do, like you said.” He exhaled. “Well, I have to go.” He hugged his mother. “Don’t want to be late for school. I’ll see you later.” He stared into her lovely face. “And don’t worry yourself over Woodrow. We’ll think of something. Okay?” She nodded. “What about breakfast?” she asked. “You need to eat something.” “Not this morning. I have to hurry. I’ll pick up something on the way,” he promised and rushed out. Xavier knew the guys would be waiting impatiently. He’d told them he’d be on time. Fooling around with Woodrow had made him late. The boy was trouble and he hoped he’d leave again. At least none of them would have to put up with him if he left. Sure, his mom would worry, but she’d worry more with him in the house. She’d have to worry about him stealing them 47
Teresa D. Patterson blind, that included going through her purse, ramshacking drawers, selling things from under their noses. Xavier felt Woodrow was better off at home, but they were all better off when he was in the streets. Xavier made the promise that the next time Woodrow made off with something of his, brother or not, he was going to plant his foot in his ass. The last time Woodrow left, he’d stolen Xavier’s new stereo system and compact disc player, the family’s VCR, along with $450 dollars in cash. He came back later and hot-wired the van. They later found out he’d sold it for $500. The vehicle had been worth thirteen thousand dollars. Selling for such a small amount showed Woodrow’s desperation. Xavier’s guess was that Woodrow had run out of money and out of ways of ripping people off. He’d probably shacked up with some girl for the four months he’d been away. Xavier was sure that the money had run out long before Woodrow stumbled back home looking and smelling worst than a derelict. Xavier shook his head of all thoughts of his brother when he saw Peter, The Mean Kid, Mike, and Tim waiting for him. Peter 48
Teresa D. Patterson didn’t mention time but he did glance at his watch and back at Xavier. “Sorry I’m late,” he apologized. “More trouble on the home front,” he explained. “What is it?” Mike asked. He wasn’t concerned, just nosey. “Woodrow stumbled back home last night,” Xavier said. He wasn’t ashamed to tell the guys. After all, they had grown up with Woodrow and knew what kind of a fix he was in. “How is he, man?” Peter asked sincerely. “Not good at all. The boy look like he been to hell and back.” He shook his head. “And he’s still asking for more drugs. When will he learn? When will any of them learn?” He got a faraway look in his eyes and the group knew he was no longer with them mentally. “I want to know what BTO is going to do next,” Mike said impatiently. He didn’t care about Woodrow or Xavier’s feelings. “Just chill, man,” Tim said. “Give him time to pull it together.” “He should already be together. Things aint’ going too slick with my family either, but you don’t see me snapping out of reality.” 49
Teresa D. Patterson “Just shut up,” Peter snapped. “We’re all anxious to get things rolling, but we’re also concerned about X. If you can’t deal with it, walk.” “You got too much mouth anyway,” The Mean Kid added. Mike got nervous. He was okay as long as just Peter and Tim were on his case, but Donnell didn’t play. He was sure that he’d gone too far now. “I guess I do talk too much sometimes,” he replied, trying to make amends. “I’ll learn to control it.” “You better or I will,” Xavier snapped. His brain registered what was going on. “I think it’s high time that you and me had it out, Mike.” He jabbed his index finger into the other boy’s chest. “I get the feeling that you think I’m incompetent. You don’t want me as the leader of this group. Before BTO goes any further we have to settle this.” He began to roll up his shirt sleeves. “Man, I don’t want to fight you, if that’s what you mean,” Mike said nervously. “It’s exactly what I mean.” Xavier gave him a push. “I want you to get whatever’s bothering you off your chest. Until then, you and me can’t be in the same room, let 50
Teresa D. Patterson alone the same group.” He gave Mike another shove. “Come on man. It don’t have to be like this. We can solve it some other way,” Mike pleaded. He remembered the way blood had gushed from Darkman’s broken nose. “Ain’t no other way,” Peter said. “You been asking for it, man. Get on that ass X.” The other guys stepped aside. They had known all along that it would come to that point. They’d been anticipating it. Mike hadn’t. “Stop trying to wimp out and be a man,” Xavier said. He swung out and caught Mike in the mouth. Mike’s lip immediately became puffy. He held his mouth, looking dazed. “Come on man, hit me,” Xavier urged. “You got to be a man to belong to BTO. Hit me. Wimp,” he taunted. Mike put his fists up. “Come on.” He swung at Xavier so awkwardly that the others laughed. “I know you can do better than that.” Mike tried again and this time he hit Xavier weakly. “I’m gonna keep digging off in ya ass until you learn to be hard.” He drummed licks upon Mike until he fell to his knees, begging him to stop. He looked pitiful. 51
Teresa D. Patterson “Get up and fight me back,” Xavier commanded. “I know you can swing better than that. You ain’t even tried. Get up.” Mike struggled to stand. Blood dripped from his nose onto the front of his shirt. “Aw man X, leave him alone. He’s too sorry to be a part of BTO,” Peter said. “What do the rest of you think?” Xavier asked. “Should we allow him to stay in the group or not?” “Only if he fights you back, X. He ain’t even give it no effort,” Tim said. “Yeah,” The Mean Kid agreed and Peter nodded too. Xavier turned back to Mike. “They have spoken. So you know the deal. Either you fight me back or you’re out of the group for good.” Mike seemed to think about it for a while. If he didn’t have the group, he wouldn’t have anyone. He wanted so desperately to belong somewhere, to feel important. All his life he’d been a nothing; just worthless. All he had going for himself was his looks. Looks could only get him so far. He wanted something concrete. He needed to belong and be a part of BTO so badly. 52
Teresa D. Patterson He licked his lips and got a firm, determined look on his face. Xavier and the rest could see the light in his eyes change. He was no longer a coward, but a man with a purpose. Mike pulled himself together mentally. Maybe he wasn’t as strong in the mind as Xavier, but they were about the same build and height. If he wasn’t so scared he knew he could stick with Xavier. For a few seconds he told himself that he could do it. Without warning, Mike drew back his fist and caught Xavier with a blow that staggered him. He saw his chance and kept swinging left and right. The licks were solid. Mike let go with all the resentment he had for his leader. Xavier could see and feel the fury. He backed up and braced himself. This wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought. He had to find a way out of it. He couldn’t just let Mike show him up in front of the group. He’d never be able to hold his head up and lead with respect if he didn’t think of something. Under any other circumstances Mike would have been easy to take out. Now he was beside himself with rage. He kept 53
Teresa D. Patterson swinging. Xavier tried to fend him off as best as he could. He back up into something. A glance out of the corner of his eye showed him that it was a fire hydrant. An idea popped into his head. He let Mike get closer and closer. When Mike advanced on him, he ducked, grabbed him by the waist and fell back with him. That’s all it took. Mike was out for the count as soon as his head connected with the fire hydrant. Xavier and the other three looked at him. It was plain to see that he was alive, but he’d have a knot on his head the size of a tangerine later. “He’s still in,” Xavier told them. “So, what we gonna do with him? Just leave him there until he wakes up?” Peter asked. “Nah, let’s get him home.” Xavier bent to lift him and slung him across his shoulder. “What we gonna tell his mama?” Peter asked. “You know how mean she is.” “Mike just claims that she’s mean. Mike can lie,” Tim said. None of them had ever met Mike’s mother. She’d recently moved to Florida after her mother, Mike’s grandmother, passed away. Mike told 54
Teresa D. Patterson them all types of stories about the woman who’d left him as an infant. “What you gonna tell her, X?” Peter insisted. “Stop nagging me man. I’ll think of something. Just chill out.” “Okay, man. Don’t have a cow.” They continued on in silence. After a while Xavier slowed down. “What’s up X? Man, why we stopping?” Peter asked. Xavier threw him a cold glare. “It ain’t like this bitch a sack of potatoes. Shit. He’s heavy as hell,” Xavier complained. “We can take turns carrying him,” Tim said. He went over to assist with Mike. Now that the weight was off him, Xavier bounced back to himself. “Our outfits are gonna be ready today. I can’t wait to see the results,” he said enthusiastically. “As a matter of fact, I think we should just drop Mike off at his house then go get our outfits.” “Wait a sec, X. What about school?” Peter again. “What about it? It ain’t like we dumb. We can afford to miss one day. If any of y’all got an important test or something you can’t miss, go on to school,” he 55
Teresa D. Patterson instructed. All of them assured him that they weren’t missing anything. “Then let’s keep it keeping on. Tim, how you holding up, man?” “Doing it,” Tim replied. “Let Peter know when you get tired. It’s his turn next.” Peter frowned, but said nothing. Of all the guys in the group, the only one he disliked was Mike. It all stemmed back to his childhood. He’d always been overweight, but back then, he was plain fat. When he started school the taunts began the first day. One guy in particular was the ring leader.
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