product. We introduce Hell’s Wheels’ drugs into Darkhorse’s territory. The users like Hell’s Wheels’ shit because of how pure it is. Of course they’re going to want more, so we tell them they can only get it from Hell’s Wheels crew. We let them know that they operate only 5 miles south of this block. Then we steal Darkhorse’s customers, killing off their sales. It’s genius! Shit man, you made this sound like it was a bad situation to be in. Seems to be a good opportunity if I’ve ever seen one!” Bruce stood up and headed for the door.
“Bruce. This doesn’t seem right to me. What if an all out war breaks out? This could be worse than anything we’ve ever seen.” I said.
Bruce suddenly turned very serious. His eyes creased and he bit his lip. “Then we blame it on Hell’s Wheels. We had nothin’ to do with it. You hear me, boy?”
“Yeah.” I said, shaking my head. “I hear you. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” And without a word, Bruce walked out of the room.
“ Shit . What have you gotten yourself into, Rust?” I muttered out loud.
----
I thought for a long time about all of this and decided that it wasn't up to me. It was Bruce’s call to make. None of this would've happened if I hadn’t engaged that woman. Now she was seemingly running my business. Dammit, Johnny. You always introduce me to bad women.
In the back room of my club, the sound of the pumping bass coming from the dance floor thumped against the walls. This place was a lonely empire and most of the time, I was stuck here, by myself. I had to get away. I decided to head over to a different spot, the Hell’s Wheels’ “Magic 8” bar.
I pushed past the bouncers and proudly adjusted my vest. “Courage.” I proudly wore those words on my back and arm. It was branded into my skin. For life. Truth was, I came here for two things: a drink and a fight. Sure enough, as soon as I sat down, I got just that.
“Hey Bradley, get the fairy over there a shot of whisky, with love from his pals!” A man shouted at the other end of the bar.
I tightened my fist and called out, “Is there a problem, brother ?” There was a group of them, maybe 4 or 5. I wasn't payin’ too worried. I could take them around the bend and back if they wanted.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you.” A voice said beside me. I turned to see none other than Jackie Matthews.
“And why is that?” I couldn't even bear to look her in the eye. I was a product of rage, and I sure as hell didn't back down from a fight. Still, seeing her now, wearing those jean shorts, it was hard to resist wanting to take her in the back and…
I shook the feeling off, remembering where I was. She said to me, “Just cool it. These people aren’t too fond of Courage. It’s like walking into the White House wearing a shirt with a Swastika. They don’t like you.” All the while, she was leaning forward, once again, and I couldn’t stop drooling.
“And that should make me scared?” I asked her, looking directly at her breasts. I had to admit, they were perfect.
“Look at me,” she said. “and listen for once. This isn’t about rivalries or disagreements. And it damn sure isn’t about your little pride. These men will kill you if you don’t wise up. Make peace with them or leave. That’s the only advice I can give you.”
I shook my head. The man at the other end of the bar flipped me off and started howling loudly with laughter. “What, are you staring at, chump? You want a piece of me?”
I smashed down my fist and looked at him fiercely. “I would crush you like an ant.” I said. The man walked up to me, full of anger and contempt.
“What did you just say to me?” I couldn’t help but laugh directly in his face. That, of course, is when all the trouble started. I don’t remember much, but I do remember his bottle crashing down against my face. Glass flew everywhere and I fell to the floor. Nothing broke my fall, except the hard wood and