Chapter 1 - Father and Son

 

"Daddy I sim!"

 

Justin smiled slowly, as he watched his two year son Kyle, swinging his arms back and forth, pretending to swim in the small bath tub. It was amazing how children could have so much fun taking a bath.

 

"You sim too?"

 

Justin laughed, taking a seat on the side of the tub. "No buddy, I don't fit."

 

"Is small?"

 

"Yeah, it's too small for me." He smiled, as he drained out the water. "All right kiddo. Bath time is over." He lifted him out of the tub, drying his small body.

 

"Tie go nigh?" He asked, as his father placed his pull-up diaper in place.

 

"Yep, it's time for bed." He placed his superman pajamas on him, as they walked into Kyle's bedroom.

 

"Daddy read boo?" He asked softly, picking up a Dr. Suess book from the floor.

 

Justin smiled, as he helped him into the bed, "You want me to read you a book?"

 

"Yea, tis." He said, handing him the colorful book.

 

Justin shook his head, a small smile tugging on his lips. He sat on the edge of the bed softly reading the childern's book. After four pages, he looked down to see Kyle snoring softly by his side. "I love you buddy." He placed a kiss on his forhead, shutting the lap off.

 

He shut the bedroom door softly, as he stepped into the bathroom, to get himself ready for bed as well. He switched on the light, looking at his reflection. He sighed heavily, as he stared at the blue eyes staring back at him. They were empty, soulless. He cringed at the thought, looking at the tatoos around his neck and chest. He stripped off his clothes, starting the shower, as he slowly stepped under the hot spray of water.

 

He breathed in deeply, listening to the sounds outside. The bass of the music rebreviating off the walls, the shouts echoing all around him. He lived in a pretty shitty neighborhood, drive-bys and drug busts were very common in this praticular area, but it was better than living behind a dumpster. Besides, his homeboys lived down the street, along with the rest of his gang.

 

He cursed silently, as the water flowed down his chest and back. 'His gang.' That was his only job. Leader of a powerful gang. It was all he knew how to do. Fight, steal.... And kill. And he was good at it. Having never been caught. Keeping the money he stoled, hidden underneath his hardwood floors. Thousands and thousdands of dollars. He cursed again, as he thought more about his life style, his head hanging low, as he thought about the one person that meant everything to him.

 

'Kyle'

 

He was lucky and grateful to have him. But he hated himself for having Kyle surrounded by violence. Kyle was everything to him, was the only one that kept him in check. The only person that 'loved' him. He wanted nothing more than to take him and the money and leave this place for good. But he couldn't. Not yet. There's still so much more to do around here. His job wasn't done. He cleaned himself quickly and dressed himself in some sweatpants and a wife beater.

 

Making a quick check to see if his son was still sleeping, he headed towards the kitchen. He opened the refrigarator, a wide variety of food and drinks in display. Liquor was out of the question, wine seemed tempting, a bottle of Heinken looked good, but instead he settled for one of Kyle's juice boxes. He popped the straw into the little hole and took a sip as he gazed out the kitchen window, when his cell phone vibrated on top of the kitchen counter.

 

"Sup?" He answered quickly.

 

"Yo Jay, where you at man?" It was his homeboy Tyler.

 

"At home dawg." He said quietly, throwing the empty juice box in the trash.

 

"Hey dude, you need to come out here. Party up at Fabians. Badass shit, with drinks, and hot bitches everywhere foo."

 

"I ain't going out tonight. I've got Kyle with me."

 

"So? Call up Nicole and have her watch him for a few hours."

 

Justin sighed heavily into the phone. "No thanks dude. She had a shit fit about leaving him here for the weekend. So, I really don't want to see or deal with her right now. She's not too happy about this joint custody thing." He answered softly.

 

"Anthony and Brandon are here." Tyler said slowly. "They're packing about five G's each."

 

Justin sat quiet for a minute. Anthony Richards was the leader of the rival gang and not to mention, Nicole's older brother. Brandon Wiles was Anthony's second in command and a pussy who always kisses Anthony's ass. "Is anything going down?" He asked quietly.

 

"Other than him talking shit? No. He's still pissed that you knocked up his sister, than dumped her two months after Kyle was born."

 

Justin snorted. "Not like she gave me much of a choice. Threatening to take my son away from me was something I wasn't going to tolerate."

 

"So, you coming?" Tyler asked, after a moment of silence. "All the soldiers are here waiting for your command."

 

Justin sighed heavily, running his tatooed hand across his face. "Tell them not to make a move until I get there." He said quickly, with alittle edge.

 

"Yes sir." Tyler said quickly, hanging up in the process.

 

Justin walked into his bedroom, dressing in usual attire. Baggy demin jeans, an XXL Titans jersey, along with his plantim Rolex and chain necklace, and his white lugs. He sighed heavily, walking into Kyle's room. He leaned over the bed carefully, as he watched his son sleeping peacefully. "One of these days, we're going to get the heck out of here. Just you and me buddy. I promise." He kissed the top of his head and left the room, blinking away the unwanted tears. He looked down the hall to see his mother walking in through the front door.

 

"Hey mom. Thanks for coming." He said softly, entering the living area.

 

"How long will you be gone?" She asked curtly, not bothering to look at him as she removed her coat.

 

"Uh, I don't know really. Hopefully not that late." He sighed deeply, knowing that she was upset with him. Not that he blamed her.

 

She looked at him slowly. Her eyes were empty. But her voice was sad. "You're going to go fight again aren't you?" When he remained silent, she knew the answer. She shook her head, her eyes teary. "Go." She said quickly, as she turned away, making her way to her grandson's room.

 

"I love you mom." He said softly.

 

"I know." She said, her voice cracking. "I love you too." A lonely tear creeped it's way down her cheek, as she heard the front door shut behind her.

Chapter 2 - Fabian's Party

 

"Yo Jay! What's happenin' man?"

 

Justin smiled slowly, only the edges of his mouth curving upward. He manuvered his body toward the sea of half naked bodies at the party. Femanine hands brushed against his arms, down his chest, and along the sides of his face. These women were itching for sex, the smell coming out of their very pores. But he wasn't interested- not tonight anyway. His eyes roamed the crowd of people; the men, or boys at the party kept their eyes to the ground, making sure to avoid any sort of eye contact with him. But the women were a another story. Eyes hooded, skirts hiked up to their thighs, flashing more skin then nessesary as they licked their lips seductively itching to have any piece of him.

 

"Hey holmes." Greeted the young hispanic male. "What do you got that I ain't eh?"

 

"What are you talking about Fabian?"

 

"The women dawg." He shook his head slightly, eyeing the row of women trying to get Justin to notice them. "All you do is walk in here and they all over you ese."

 

He shrugged "Beats me." He said nonchalantly. He shook his head, refusing the bottle of Corona Fabian offered him. "So, where's Anthony?"

 

Fabian sighed heavily. "He's by the garage." He said softly. "Listen holmes, ponte tursha. He be talking some mad shit about you holmes. And I ain't want something to go down. My heffita will kick my ass."

 

Justin smiled, patting the young man on the back. "No worries dawg. I got it covered." He said quickly, before making his way towards his 'gang'. "Sup fellas?"

 

Tyler stepped forward. "What's the 411 boss? Are we taking them down?"

 

Justin let his gaze move towards the back, where Anthony sat with Brandon. They were talking amongst themselves, more than likely arranging for the next delivery of daily narcotics, cocaine, and heroin. His eyebrows grew tight as he watched Anthony pull out a HUGE wad of cash. Drug dealing in his hood was something he wasn't going to tolerate. He looked back at Tyler and his gang that stood closely behind them.

 

"What are you packing?" He asked all of them. They all lifted up their shirts, each of them revealing a  <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Anaconda target="_blank">44 Magnum Colt Anaconda.</a> He nodded his head. "Good. Don't make a move until I say."

 

All men stood patiently, as they watched Justin make his way towards Anthony and Brandon. "I don't like this man. I don't like this one bit." Ricky, one of Justin's second in command said quietly.

 

"Nah, don't worry bro. Justin knows what he's doing. Just trust him." Tyler assured quietly.

 

"I do trust him dawg. It's that bitch Anthony that I'm worried about." Both men, stood silent as they watched in anticipation as Justin sat in the empty chair in front of Anthony. And boy, Anthony did not look so happy to see him there.

 

"Gentlemen." Justin said curtly. "What do I owe this pleasure of your company?"

 

"Sup puto." Brandon said loudly, rising from his seat.

 

"Brandon, chill holmes." Anthony said quietly, not wanting to cause a scene. "Sup Jay. What are you doing here?"

 

"This is my hood Tony. Whatever's going on here, I'm the first to know. You should know that."

 

"Yeah, and you should also know that I'm about ready to beat your ass for dumping my sister after my nephew was born."

 

Justin sighed heavily. "You know my reason for that Tony. She bought it on herself."

 

"Yeah whatever man." He said quickly, sticking the wad of cash back inside his pocket. "Whatcha you want man?"

 

"Your money." He smirked, as Anthony's eyes grew wide. "You of all people should know that drug dealer in my hood is prohibited."

 

"Well, Justin. I'll have you know that your 'hood' as you call it, are my prime customers."

 

"I'll tell you once Tony. Hand over the cash and get out of here. Or... Suffer the consequences."

 

"Is that a threat puto?" Brandon stood up abruptly. "C'mon puto, show me what you got. You fuckin puto."

 

Justin chuckled lightly, which only made Brandon's temper rise even higher. "Is puto the only word in your vocabulary Wiles?"

 

Brandon's face was literally red from anger. "Hey holmes, don't make me kick your ass."

 

Justin stood up slowly, the smirk never leaving his face. "I won't tell you again Tony. Give me the cash or watch your back."

 

"Fuck you bitch!" Tony spat angerly, as he watched Justin walked back to his men. "Stupid son of bitch." His eyes glowed with anger, as he watched them leave the party through the side of the yard.

 

"I don't trust that puto T." Brandon said quietly, his eyes glowing with anger as well. "He's up to something holmes. That puto look to calm to just walk away from us like that."

 

Anthony looked up at him. "Hey man, cut it with the puto shit it's really fuckin annoying." He shook his head, as Brandon remain silent after that. "Let's get out of here holmes. I think our business is done for tonight." Both men stood, as they made their way towards side of the house. "We just need to make one little pit stop." He pulled out the bag of heroin, as they stepped onto the dark streets.

 

Five minutes later, they appeared on the dark streets of Whitter Blvd. "Yo T, how much we make dawg?"

 

Anthony smiled, as he pulled out the enormous wad of cash. "Twenty grand easy." They both laughed as they rounded the corner of S. Maple Ave and Whittier Blvd. The streets were empty and quiet. The street lights casting an eerie glow against the asphalt. What sounded like a beer bottle, shattered loudy, only a few short feet away from them. "What the fuck was that?"

 

Brandon and Anthony stood in the middle of Whittier Blvd. They watched Justin's men emerged from the shadows. "What are you vatos gonna do ese?" Anthony stood still, as they stopped three feet away from him and Brandon. They were confused for a minute, wondering why Justin's men were standing there in a circle, and not doing anything.

 

"I warned you Tony. But you didn't listen." Both Anthony and Brandon turned to see Justin enter the small circle. Under the glow of the street lights, he looked like the really dangerous gang member he was. And the smirk never left his face. "Ramirez was kind enough to let me the business you two have been doing. And tonight's delivery was what I needed to end your little escapade."

 

"You don't know who your fucking with asshole."

 

"Oh really?" Justin stood inches away from him, calm as a lake. "Hand over the cash and you and Wiles will walk away clean."

 

In a sudden movement, Anthony's fist came forward rapidly but Justin's head whooshed to the side, completely avoiding Anthony's punch. Justin's fist came forward next, knocking Anthony forcefully to the ground. He turned around quickly, knocking Brandon down before he too punched him. Justin's men stood by watching and observing the streets for any signs of the cops. In less than five minutes, Anthony and Brandon were lying on the ground unconscious. He pulled the wad of cash from Anthony's pocket, along with the drugs he found on them.

 

"Dispose of this." He said, handing Tyler the drugs. He divided the money, giving each of his men two grand. He looked at Tyler, as he disposed of the sustance in the streets sewer, while Ricky poured water to help dissolve it. "That's it, we're finished here boys." He said, as the other men chuckled lightly, walking away from Anthony and Brandon's unconscious bodies.

Chapter 3: Hello Ms. Warren

 

"Oh please dear could you at least be a bit more rashional?"

 

Edward Warren sighed heavily, as he looked longfully at his wife. "Olivia, please. Our daughter knows better than to support these delinquents!"

 

"Edward dearling, how many of these youngsters has she supported? Quite a few correct? And how many of those were innocent?"

 

"It doesn't matter Olivia. Those boys are dangerous criminals. Just wait, they'll be back to their old ways.

 

Sylvia Warren sighed heavily, as she stepped into her parent's backyard. She sometimes, detested visiting them. Especially her father. He had never supported her through her years in law school. And now that she's managed to succeed and become California's top lawyer, her father has been shitting bricks. "Hello mother." She greeted the elderly woman, with a kiss on the cheek. "Dad."

 

"Hello honey." He said, as he kissed her cheek quickly. "What brings you here today?"

 

"Just wanted to let you know that the hearing is over."

 

"Ah yes, that juvenile I arrested for doing that drive by on South Whitter. What the jury say?"

 

"Not guilty." She smiled, as her father's face glowed red with anger. She loved it when she won cases. Watching her father erupt in anger made her job more meaningful. And she was good at it. Every kid that has been thrown in jail was freed because of her and her research. All those kids were innocent. And now, they're all in school or getting successful jobs. "Oh it isn't that bad dad. The boy was innocent. They thearten him to come along. If he didn't they'd kill him."

 

"Edward?" Mrs. Warren stated firmly. "Relax darling. You did your job, as a dectective in shooting and robbery. To find him justice is Sylvia's job."

 

Mr. Warren looked at the two women. "I have to be back at the station. See you at dinner." He turned to look at his only daughter. "I suppose you'll be joining us?"

 

"Of course." Sylvia said quietly, as she watched her father walk inside the house. "Oh mom, please tell why dad always has to act this way, whenever I win a case."

 

"I wish I could say dear. But your father is a stubborn man. Don't worry though, he'll come around."

 

"I suppose. Well, I'm off mother. I have to stop by the office and file my paper work. I'll see you tonight." With a quick kiss on the cheek and a hug, Sylvia stepped quickly through the side of her parents mansion.

 

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"Daddy, I have iceam?"

 

"Sure buddy, what flavor do you want?"

 

"White."

 

"White? You mean vanilla?" He laughed, as Kyle bobbled his head up and down. "Two vanilla cones please?" He asked the gentlemen behind the counter. He paid the man and grabbed both cones, handing one to Kyle. "Hold it tight okay?"

 

"Tay." He said, as he happily started licking. "Daddy is cod."

 

Justin laughed, as they stepped into the warm whether. "I know it is. It's suppose to be that way." They walked hand in hand, eating their ice cream cones in silence. Justin sighed, as he looked around the busy downtown streets. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and the streets and sidewalks were covered with people. "Hey Kyle, you done yet?"

 

"Yeah." He said quietly.

 

Justin looked down and sighed. Most of his ice cream was on the front of his shirt and dripping down his arms. "Dude, your a mess." He sat his down on the bench. He stood and saw a woman with dark brown, shoulder length hair walking towards them. "Hi? Excuse me ma'am?"

 

The young woman looked up from her purse. "Yes." She said impatiently.

 

"I'm sorry to bother you, but do you happen to have a napkin by any chance. My son spilled his ice cream and I need to clean it off."

 

"Sure." She said, taking out two napkins for her briefcase. "You're just in luck, I just came from lunch. Here you go." She said, handing him the napkins.

 

"Thanks." He smiled, somehow his eyes not moving away from her. Just as he was about to ask her a question, her cell phone went off.

 

"Yes?" She said quickly. "Yes Charlie, I'm on my way to the office right now..." She pulled the phone away from her ear. "Buh bye." She said to Justin quickly, before returning to her phone call. Not once, did she glance at the little boy, sitting on the bench.

 

"Bye." Justin said softly, as he watched her walk further down the sidewalk. He turned around slowly, as he started to clean Kyle's arms. "Dude, thank god we went shopping before this and bought some clothes."

 

"Daddy?"

 

"Yeah?" He answered, pulling off the shirt over his head only leaving him in his tank top.

 

"Thas a lady?"

 

"Yeah, that was a nice lady who gave me these napkins to clean you." He said, as he pulled his new, clean shirt over him.

 

"She a pweety lady daddy."

 

Justin sighed, as he stood Kyle to his feet. He turned to look down the sidewalk again. "Yeah, she was a very pretty lady." He said softly, as they both continued to walk home.

 

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"Nice work Sylvia. You've managed to save every kid from all this volience."

 

Sylvia smiled, as she filed the last of her paperwork. "Thanks Charlie."

 

"So, what now huh? All the bad kids are doing good. There's no new cases."

 

"Well, I guess it's about time I take a break, wouldn't you agree?"

 

Charlie laughed, as he shut off the main office lights. "I guess so. You've earned it.

 

"Thanks Charlie. You're the best!" She smiled, as they locked the doors. "Well, I'll see you in a week? I'm off to my parents house for dinner."

 

"A week it is, enjoy!" He said, as they both went their seperate ways.

 

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Sylvia sighed, as she stepped into the warm night air. Dinner had gone surprisingly smooth. Not once did her dad agrue with her. But now, all she wanted to do was go home and rest for the next week. In the middle of Goodrich Blvd, her car had decided to cut off. She sat there confused, until she noticed that her car had over heated. She stepped out to open the hood, attempting to cool it down, when she heard voices coming from behind her. She looked up quickly, as two men came circling her car. Her first reaction was to call the police, but she stopped when they turned to look at her.

 

"Hey yo lady, is this your car?" Sylvia said nothing, as she slowly began to walk back towards her car. "I asked you a question mama." The young hispanic male said roughly.

 

"Yo, Anthony this bitch is fine. Let's have alittle foreplay."

 

"In a minute Brandon." Anthony said slowly, an evil smirk across his face. "What's your name mija?"

 

"Wha- What do you want from me? I'll give you money, my car, but please don't hurt me."

 

"I don't want your money. Not yet any way." He grabbed her by the neck, bringing her mouth closer to his. "I just want alittle taste." He gripped her neck harder, when she refused to meet his lips. "Damn it! Give me some now, or by hell I'll beat you down and slit your thoart!"

 

Sylvia's eyes brimmed with tears, as the young man tried to yank her away from the car. Her vision was becoming blurry, when she heard a third voice from behind her car.

 

"How bout you back the fuck off Anthony."

 

Anthony groaned loudly, as he noticed Justin standing behind the woman. His gang just a few inches away from him. He let go of Sylvia, pushing her roughly to the ground. Sylvia gasped, as one of Justin's men pulled her away from harm's way.

 

"Keep an eye on her Rico. Make sure, she doesn't get hurt."

 

Rico nodded, as he and Tyler, kept her behind their cirlce.

 

"Why do you have to go and ruin all the fun ese?" Anthony laughed, as he stood face to face with Justin. "You know, you want to hit that ass."

 

"The difference between you and me, is that I actually respect women."

 

"Yeah whatever puto." He spat, as he grabbed Brandon's shoulder. "C'mon holmes, let's get the fuck out of here."

 

Justin stood tall, as he watched them walk further down the street. He turned around, to look at the young woman sitting on the asphalt. "Are you okay miss?" His eyes grew wide, as she turned to look up at him. It was the same woman from this afternoon in downtown. Holy fucking hell! But she looked at him, like a stranger. A person she never met before. Seems understandable, she really didn't pay much attention to him this past afteroon.

 

Sylvia cleared her thoart hoarsely. "Yes. Yes I'm all right." She said groggily. "My car overheated so I can't drive. I'll just call a cab."

 

"Cab's don't come around this neighborhood at night." He said quietly, as he helped her to her feet.

 

"Hey holmes, take her to your crib ese. She'll be safe there. Me and the boys will push her car over there to your pad." Tyler said, as the other quickly agreed. They all knew, that the only place a beautiful young woman would be safe, would be with Justin. He would never hurt any woman or soul. A man, yes. Unless, he somehow managed to piss him off to the extreme.

 

"C'mon." Justin said, as his boys began pushing her car. "Come crash at my place."

 

"No, no it's quiet all right." She said nervously.

 

Justin chuckled. "I promise I won't hurt you. If I wanted too, I wouldn't have saved you tonight."

 

Sylvia smiled weakly, keeping her arms tight around her. "Thank you." She said softly. Justin smiled, as he kept kept his arms around her shoulders, walking down the dark quiet street back to his house.