Page 35 of A Boy is a Gun: Part I
Que almost spits out his drink and stares at me. “I’m sorry, did you just say something about crypto when people around us are getting murdered?”
“Hear me out,” I set the glass down, “you and I both know that the EAC wants an all-out war. I reckon that’s what Ethan wants as well. He’s been gunning for any reason to take us down, and all he needs is a reason. But it’ll be hard to do so if someone is bankrupt and too focused on getting their act together.”
It took a minute for Que to figure out where I was going with it. Suddenly, his eyes light up, and he nods. “Getting close to Ethan’s sister and talking to her about crypto….”
“…as well as the EAC,” I help Que put the pieces together. “Sometimes war isn’t about murder, but psychological warfare.”
“You’re going to bankrupt your future bro-in-law?” Que asked with a raised eyebrow. “Jamie will just foot the bill.”
“Jamie will foot the bill becauseI’llfoot the bill.” I smile at Que.
“Got it,” Que understands, “and Roadie is getting closer to Post, which means it’s only a matter of time before things get into motion.”
“And that’s going to happen within the next few days,” I reply. “We could kill them quickly or make sure the deaths are slow and painful.”
“Send a message that just because we’re quiet doesn’t mean we gave up our power.” Que nods, and I agree.
“Exactly,” I take another sip. Our bartender slash gunner, Mitch, approaches us with an annoyed look. He’s an older white man that doesn’t look like he would kill anything, let alone be a sniper.
He reminds me a lot of Steve Carrell’s character inThe Anchorman;that’s how unassuming he is. That’s the deadliest type of person –the one who looks like they wouldn’t do anything.Mitch isn’t the type to be annoyed by anyone or anything, so I know he’s incredibly pissed off if the emotions are on his face. “What’s up?”
“You have company.” He chews the inside of his cheek. “The EAC.”
Que and I look at each other. “Well, let’s not keep our company waiting,” Que says.
Mitch nods. “Shooters?”
I never go anywhere without someone protecting me, even when they’re not seen. This is no exception. “On standby.”
Mitch nods and disappears. Seconds later, members of the EAC appear, including the one responsible for Patrice’s assault. He looks incredibly smug since he knows there is no way I will attack him in front of his crew.
Let me correct that – he knows I won’tphysicallyattack him.
“I just wanted to introduce myself formally,” Pharoah says. He looks nothing like what his nickname implies. If I didn’t know better, he seems like one of the unfortunate trap rappers out, and they all look alike to me.
Pharoah may not be new to the game, but it’s clear he’s still very green. He’s flashy – grills in his mouth, ice on his neck, wrists, and fingers. None of it is fake, but all is from the quality of the jewelry store at the mall.
I recognize the Gucci accessories with Burberry shoes, and Louis Vuitton clothing tossed in. Not only is he insulting my intelligence, but he can’t even dress right shit. Never mix more than two labels. That’s the number one rule of fashion.
Above everything else, Pharoah is one thing I can’t stand – he’s loud. He’s loud with his money, and he’s equally loud with his intentions. Guys like him never last long. If the cops and Feds don’t get him, another dealer will.
I wonder how long it’ll be before he tries my patience.
Pharoah sees my non-reaction, and he chuckles. He’s trying to insult me, but I’m too busy reading him. He felt if he came in 10-deep against only just me and Que, it would be some intimidation factor. I see it all the time. There’s only strength in numbers if you know for sure, you will win. Most people don’t. They onlyhopethey will.
No matter how fast Pharoah thinks his shooters are, mine is more rapid. All they need is a signal from me, and Pharoah’s crew will all die before the first body drops. Que and I may be alone to their faces, but we’re never alone at any of our businesses.
“You’re here at my place of business,” I’m done playing games because these men are genuinely boring me, “may you be helped?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to let you know I’m taking over. Where Jacqueline left off, I’m taking over.” Pharoah nods.
“Okay.” I blink. “Is there anything else, gentlemen?”
“Okay, maybe you didn’t hear me,” Pharoah leans forward, and I remain unmoved and unimpressed. “I’m taking over everything, dog. Everything. Everything Jacqueline did, I’m now running the show. Everything Jacqueline wanted to take over, I’m going to do.”
“Okay.” I blink again and stand up. Que follows suit. “It was nice meeting you all. We’re pretty busy today, so if you don’t mind….”
“Maybe you don’t understand what I’m saying to you, white boy.” Pharoah stands up, and we’re face-to-face. “When I said I’m taking over everything, that includes your little coffee shop. You think the robbery and the shooting were just for show?”
