The Union (18 page)
Mox jumped up and tried to grab the gun out of Cleo’s hand and a tussle ensued. They wrestled until they hit the ground, but Cleo still had a firm grip on the pistol. Mox tried to bend his wrist so that he would drop it, but nothing was working. Cleo was using his 100 pound weight difference to his advantage.
“Cleo stop!” Sybil begged. Earl tried to help, but Cleo backed him up by aiming the gun at him.
The butt end of the Ruger came down on Mox’s jaw and the struggle turned one sided.
Cleo made it to his feet and stood over Mox as he lay on the floor, wounded. “Since you miss your brother so bad, I’m ‘bout to send you to meet him.” He closed his eyes and squeezed the trigger.
__________
The livery cab could barely make it into the parking lot because of all the police cars that were lined up. Priscilla looked out the window as she waited for her change. Paramedics and EMT’s were rushing someone to the ambulance on a gurney. She hadn’t paid it too much mind until she saw Mox’s aunt Sybil and his uncle Wise Earl running alongside the men pushing the small bed on wheels.
She quickly pushed the cab door open and sprang from the seat. All she could see were tubes coming out the mouth of whoever was lying on the gurney. As she got closer, her heart beat faster and faster. She looked at the horror on Sybil’s face and knew something was wrong.
When the paramedics whizzed by her, it was as if a video frame was playing in slow motion. She saw the only man she ever loved, stretched across a thin mattress, fighting for his life. She reached out to grab his hand, but could only brush his finger-tips because they were moving fast.
Priscilla looked up and then she looked around for her daughter. She didn’t see her anywhere. The white and red truck with the flashing lights started to pull away and Priscilla jumped back in the cab.
“Hurry up, follow the ambulance!”
Acknowledgments
I literally sat for hours contemplating on what to write for this author’s note/acknowledgments. Finally I said to myself, Fu** it, write what’s in your heart. So here we go.
First and foremost, God is to be thanked for all things being. Secondly, my loving mother, Marion Johnson; without you there is no us. A true UNION starts in the heart. To my two sisters, Keisha & Latrice and my four brothers, Boss, Jah, Matic & Marv. I love all of you, unconditionally! One day we’ll all be able to sit at the same table to eat and share memories together. To my immediate family, aunts, cousins, uncles, nieces & nephews, you all support me and that love is very much appreciated. To Lovey... For being the strong, caring individual you are. I love you and always will. I want to send a special shout out to my cousin, Ralph aka K.O. in Clinton Correctional. Hold your head fam. We love you and we’re here for you every step of the way.
To the readers of my past work and new readers who are picking up a book with my name on it for the first time. There are no words to express the gratitude I feel when someone tells me they read and liked my work. I truly appreciate the support I get from my readers. Y’all are the BEST! You guys are my motivation to keep pushing my thoughts to the limit. As long as you continue to read, I’ll continue writing. It’s love and this love comes straight from the heart.
To my hood, Hartley Housing! I went from playing tag in the front of the buildings, to hustling drugs inside the buildings. I knew it was wrong, but I had a purpose. Maybe every intention wasn’t positive, but along the way I was able to receive mass amounts of knowledge and structure from being in those streets and choosing that life. I did my dirt, paid my dues and respectively bowed out. I’ll never be the one to judge another person on what they do or the way they do it. All I can offer is the knowledge I was given. There is a different way, but it’s up to YOU to make the decision. Be smart!
And of course I can’t forget TEAMBANKROLLSQUAD! It’s not a gang. It’s a lifestyle!! We are the strongest team in AA fiction. Yeah, I said it! We stick together as a family and great things happen. Together we are an UNSTOPPABLE FORCE! I love y’all!
David Weaver, thank you for giving me the opportunity and the platform to showcase my work. I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of this TBRS family. It’s loyalty & love bro…till the END!
Tina Nance, you’re a wonderful editor and a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you! I knew we’d be working together sooner than later! #1 let’s get it!!
H
“You either stay by my side and walk step for step with me to the top or fall behind and get left in the dust. Regardless of your intentions; I will make my mark.”
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