by Ryan King
Chapter 7 – A Simple Choice
Brazen wasn’t quite sure how the meeting was going to go and realized he was a little nervous. Lancourt had worked hard to set up a face-to-face with the Paducah mayor and Brazen now sat beside the pastor at a corner table in Little John’s Bar and Grill. Brazen knew Lancourt was slightly uncomfortable in the surroundings, but to his credit he didn’t show it.
Over the past few days the tension in the city had grown with even more violence and bloodshed foreseeable. Brazen knew the mayor was under pressure to do something, which was the only reason he was willing to meet with a gang leader. The mayor probably thought he was there to orchestrate a sort of peace, but Brazen had something totally different in mind.
Lancourt’s words had been working on Brazen’s heart since their earlier conversation and although Brazen wasn’t willing to totally accept what the pastor was telling him, he was willing to try. He was haunted by the memory of what Noni would have wanted him to do and how he sometimes thought she looked down upon him.
The other thing that drove him was a 3 x 5 index card in his wallet which he had carried with him since high school. On the card were two quotes which had always inspired, challenged, and at times comforted him. The second of the two quotes was the one he was thinking of now. It was by an Eighteenth Century British politician Edmund Burke. Burke stated that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph was for good men to do nothing. Brazen spent considerable time trying to figure out if he was the good man doing nothing, or part of the evil.
Little John’s Bar was what could be called neutral territory not really claimed by any rival gangs, or controlled by the city. It was a nice enough place and remained that way because the owner, John, a giant of a man and one-time professional wrestler, tolerated no monkey business. He always kept at least one large goon with a bat around to emphasize the point, today he had four. Brazen had talked to John ahead of time and assured him things would be fine, but John was taking no chances.
As for Brazen, he came to the meeting alone except for Lancourt, something he would not have even considered previously, but things were changing. For the better he hoped.
A large white passenger van pulled up outside the bar, and Brazen knew the mayor had arrived. Very few people could afford the extravagance of fuel, and any working vehicle attracted lots of attention. Brazen and Lancourt rode bikes themselves, with Brazen in a light disguise to protect him in transit.
Brazen expected the mayor to come with an escort but did not expect it to be as large as it was. Four state troopers in SWAT gear and assault rifles got out immediately and two entered the front of the bar while the others went around the building in opposite directions, presumably to check the outside of the building. The two men who entered walked in and without talking to anyone stalked through the bar checking out the kitchens, bathrooms, and offices in back. John’s heavies started to protest, but he held up a hand and no one said anything. The two men finally came over to Brazen and Lancourt.
“Are you two men Brazen Walker and Pastor Lancourt?” asked the one while the other covered him from a safe distance. His weapon wasn’t exactly pointed at them, but it wasn't far off, Brazen noticed.
“Yes, we are,” answered Lancourt.
The first trooper nodded. “Are either of you carrying any sort of weapon?”
“No, we’re not,” Brazen responded. “We didn’t think they would be needed.”
“Good thinking. Stand please and put your hands against the wall.”
Brazen stood while he was frisked thoroughly and then they did the same with Lancourt. Brazen thought about resisting but knew it would do no good. These men were under orders. They must have thought that he would be dumb enough to try something against the mayor here. It remained to be seen if the mayor might be dumb enough to try something against him.
Once the trooper was satisfied, he faced them both. “Remain seated throughout the meeting and make no threatening movements. Also, watch your language.”
“I didn’t know the mayor was so sensitive,” said Brazen.
The trooper frowned at him. “Do what I say, and we’ll all be fine.” He then nodded to one of the troopers from outside who stationed himself within the front doorway. This man relayed a signal to the van. Finally, the mayor emerged from the van followed by an individual in an immaculate state trooper uniform who Brazen guessed was Commander Frank Simm. Two other individuals also followed behind them.
Lancourt quickly grabbed Brazen’s hand. “I don’t know if this is good or bad, but that’s the county exec and the big man himself, President Reggie Philips! Remember, go easy, gentle as a dove, wise as a snake. And…best to let me do most of the talking.” Brazen just shrugged in response.
As the group approached Lancourt stood up and moved around to the other side of the table to greet them. The trooper looked at Brazen angrily and hissed, “Get on your feet and show some respect!”
Brazen responded in his best smartass tone, “You just told us to stay seated, chief.” At this the trooper raised his rifle to eye level with Brazen. “Okay, easy, I’ll stand now if you want, you just need to decide what you want is all,” conceded Brazen.
The four men walked up and the mood was decidedly tense. Brazen could probably understand why. The dead trooper was likely a friend of some in the room and Brazen was a thorn in all their sides.
Lancourt took the initiative and stepped forward. “Gentlemen, thank you all for coming. My name is Pastor Gary Lancourt and I have been a friend of the family of Timothy Walker here for many years. I applaud your presence here today and hope this will be the beginning of peace in our city and the end to the senseless bloodshed.”
The four men looked on silently for a few moments. Brazen expected an angry outburst at least, but the controlled silence was even more disquieting. Lancourt appeared unconcerned. “Might we begin with introductions?”
“I don’t think that is necessary,” said Frank Simm. “We all know each other as well as we want to.” The hostility fairly dripped off the man and Brazen welcomed it. He knew how to deal with such situations.
“Well, in that case,” said Lancourt, “might we sit? I believe we can also offer you some water or iced tea if you would like.”
“No, thank you. This isn’t a social call,” said Mayor Leslie Mitchell.
“Actually, I would like some iced tea. That would be wonderful,” said Reggie Philips from the back of the group in such a relaxed tone that it shocked Brazen by its contrast to the general mood. “I used to drink it as sweet as could be back in the day, but I’m grateful to have any tea whatsoever, especially if it’s cool.” Reggie’s smile appeared genuine if a little tired.
Lancourt smiled and nodded at John, who was hanging on the edge of the conversation.
Reggie moved forward and took command himself. “Sit, please,” motioning to everyone. The rest of his group didn’t look too happy about sitting with Brazen, but did as directed.
“I must say that I’m surprised you’re here, Mister President,” said Lancourt. “We asked to meet with the mayor to discuss the recent unfortunate events, but we’re honored by your presence.”
“Yes,” said the mayor slowly. “I brought this meeting up at the executive council and both the President and County Executive insisted they join me.” Brazen could tell that the mayor was not happy about having those men here.
“And as far as the unfortunate events,” said Simm, “you need to know that unless you disband and disarm your thugs, there will only be more bloodshed.”
“Not gonna happen,” growled Brazen.
“Hear us out, gentlemen” said Lancourt before anyone could retort. “You’ve come this far, at least hear what we have to say.”
“Yes, let’s hear what they have to say,” said Simm, leaning on the table towards Brazen and crossing his arms. “Shouldn’t take too long, this one here doesn’t seem to be a big talker.” Brazen simply smiled back at him.
“Easy
now,” said Executive Williams, laying his hand on the trooper’s arm.
The trooper shook it off. “Easy hell! This thug got one of my men killed! I knew the man for twenty years! My kids played with his kids! Why don’t we just take him right now like I said earlier? Is there any good reason why we shouldn’t do that?”
“Actually there is,” said Brazen. “If both of us do not return home by six tonight, my boys with burn this city to the ground. And…they know where all your families live.”
The table was instantly silent and all eyes were on Brazen, who looked back calmly.
“You bastard!” said the mayor. He then turned to Lancourt, “And you! You call yourself a pastor! A man of God! How?”
“Perhaps we should hear what they have to say,” said Reggie.
The trooper stood up. “To hell with that!” he said and walked away from the table and out the front door. All eyes watched him as he departed and then they turned back to each other.
“Well, then,” said Reggie in a calm, resigned voice. “By all means, please proceed.”
At first, Brazen took the man’s calm as a sign of an oblivious nature, but he was starting to suspect that Reggie Phillips was more calculating and formidable than all the others. He also decided that Philips was the man to deal with.
Lancourt started to speak again, but Brazen put his hand on his arm stopping him. “Thank you, Gary, but I think it’s come time for my part in this.” He smiled at Lancourt who frowned in return and then sat slowly back in his chair.
Brazen looked at Reggie for a moment before beginning. “Let me first say that I regret there has been any loss of life in the past few days, and the men responsible have been punished.”
“Punished how?” asked the Mayor Mitchell.
“That is not important, and not your concern,” said Brazen never taking his eyes off Reggie. “Just trust that they have been. Also, I want to say that I am not happy with the way things are, and I see the bigger picture.”
“Do you now?” asked Mitchell, clearly growing exasperated.
“Yes,” said Brazen, still locked onto Reggie. “The city is in the midst of a civil war and the JP is devoting scarce resources to keep it contained. At the same time, WTR forces to the south are gathering strength and could look to make a move soon.”
At this Reggie’s eyes widened, clearly surprised at Brazen’s knowledge. However, he only responded with, “You are correct. But you must also know that we are committed to doing whatever it takes to provide a safe, clean, civilized society for every citizen here.”
Brazen nodded. “I know that’s what you want, but you can’t do it.”
“And why not?” asked the mayor.
“Because you can’t control the gangs of this city. You can’t stop the rampant crime. You can’t convince the people to trust you, because you’re not one of them. You don’t live among them. I can do all these things.”
Reggie steeped his fingers in front of him, “Let’s say for the sake of argument that you are correct in all your claims. Why would you stop the crime? Why would you help us make a safe and peaceful city?”
“Because as hard as it may be to believe, I want the same thing. We only differ in our methods.”
“Those methods might be the problem,” said Mitchell.
Brazen sighed, “Do you know why no crime or violence occurs in areas under my control?”
“Because you kill anyone who commits a crime?” answered the mayor.
Brazen smiled, “Sometimes…but, that’s not it. Although for some crimes I would say people do deserve to die, but as Pastor Lancourt assures me, we all in the end deserve to die. No, the reason there is no crime or violence is because I do not allow it. You may counter that neither does the city of Paducah, but the chances of breaking laws and getting caught by the city are slim. The chances of someone in my area breaking the rules and getting caught are a certainty. Any person who sees someone doing something against the common welfare will report it immediately. Do you know why?”
This time it was Reggie who answered, in all seriousness. “Because they believe you will do what is in the common interest and because they know you will always punish accordingly.”
Brazen was surprised that he got it so quickly. “That is exactly right. They also know me and they trust me.”
“You’re a regular saint, aren’t you?” said Mayor Mitchell.
Brazen smiled. “That’s not what I said. I have no illusion about what I am and neither do these people. That’s what makes me trustworthy. In a sense, I can be relied upon to maintain order, because that is what allows me to maintain my control and power. Control and power is what we’re talking about here, not whether I am Mother Teresa. Everyone knows if they break my rules…the consequences are ruthless and certain.”
The McCracken Country Executive Brad Williams took this opportunity to butt in. “Mr. Walker, perhaps you should explain exactly what it is you are proposing.”
“Yes,” said Brazen, who turned back to Lancourt. “I’ve heard that you are setting up county regiments for public defense and to provide the day to day law and order. These regiments are made up of volunteers, but the equipment and supplies are paid for by the state.”
“That’s true,” said Williams. “Colonel Gerald Rollins is the new McCracken Regimental Commander.”
“Actually,” said Brazen, “that’s the job I want.”
Everyone across the table looked like they had been hit by a shovel. “You can’t be serious!” said the mayor.
“It makes sense if you think about it from a practical standpoint,” said Brazen. “Get past the fact that you don’t like me for a minute and ask yourself who could better keep the city safe. My people are disciplined and will maintain the peace. That will allow you to move those troops and police elsewhere, perhaps to the south to deal with the Tennessee boys.”
“But,” here Reggie looked confused, “may I ask why? Why would you want this job?”
For the first time Brazen felt uncomfortable, “Because…” here he struggled for words to explain lost and confused feelings. “There’s another way. You think because I’m in a gang I love blood and drugs and violence. That’s not the case. I hate those things. I’m also a realist and understand that the JP could crash and burn at any time. In short, you need my help and I’m willing to give it.”
“But what about Colonel Rollins?” asked Williams.
Brazen smiled, “I can probably use a good second. He could work for Colonel Brazen Walker.”
Williams started to exclaim, but Reggie put his hand on his arm and spoke to Lancourt. “What do you think of this?”
Lancourt seemed to think for a moment before answering, “I think God chooses tools to do His will that man has cast aside. When I look at Timothy, I think of Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ Timothy is being called to something greater than himself I believe, and this might just be it.”
“Excuse me, for just a minute,” said the mayor, “but we can’t all seriously be considering this. It’s ridiculous.”
“Maybe,” said Reggie. “But it does solve a lot of our problems, and we don’t necessarily have the luxury of choosing our allies right now. One question though, Mister Walker, can we trust you to execute your duties in a professional and selfless manner and to be loyal to the JP?”
“You can trust me to be loyal to the people here and to deal with you honestly and straightforwardly,” answered Brazen. “As far as selfless, there’s nothing really that this gets me that I couldn’t already take by force if I wanted, except legitimacy. Legitimacy has eluded me for a very long time.”
Reggie thought for a moment and then looked at the others. Both Mitchell and Williams looked like they wanted to discuss this with Reggie in private, obviously to express their further misgivings. “Well, Mister Walker, you have given us a lot to think about. We will present this
at the next council meeting and…”
“No,” said Brazen.
“Excuse me?” asked Reggie.
“You will not bring this up at the council meeting. This is a onetime offer. You agree to my proposal now or you reject it now, there is no in between. I won’t be debated over and vilified. It is ‘yes’, now or it is ‘no’, forever.”
“I don’t like ultimatums” said Reggie.
“So that’s a ‘no’?” asked Brazen with a lifted eyebrow.
Reggie stared intently at him without speaking for several long moments.
Brazen broke the silence. “You don’t need the council’s approval for this, you all have the power right here. You can do up the paperwork or whatever later, but I want a gentleman’s agreement, right here, right now. I shouldn’t have to warn you gentlemen that you do not want to go back on a gentleman’s agreement with me.”
“Let’s go,” said Williams. Mitchell got up to follow but Reggie didn’t move, he just sat there staring at Brazen fixedly.
“Mister Walker,” said Reggie, “I’ve spent most of my life trying to do right by those around me. I haven’t always succeeded, but I’ve tried. Now I’m in a position where if I make a mistake, lots of people suffer, maybe even die. I take that responsibility very seriously. Would you? Could you? I don’t question your abilities, I question your motives. I want to trust you, hell, we need to end this fighting and trust you, but…” here Reggie waved his hand as if he couldn’t find the words.
Brazen decided on the spot that he liked the man and should be honest. “Sir, I’ve done some bad things in my life, things I’m not proud of. I’ve tried to get past them and do right. That’s what this is about for me and I also know I can fix the problems I see around here. I’m not sure anyone else really can. That’s not arrogance, its truth. You need me and part of me needs to help. I also want to regain something I lost long ago…my self respect.”
Williams saw how this was going and he laid his hand on Reggie’s shoulder. “Reggie, you can’t. Not against my will, I’m the County Executive, this is my business.”
“You’re right,” answered Reggie. “But what is your answer to the problem? We talked about it coming over here. We’re in a pickle. I admit it’s a gamble, but we’re getting to a place in the game where we have to gamble. I think Mister Walker might be a better than even bet.”
Williams stared at the back of Reggie’s head for a moment before saying quietly, “Go ahead then, do what you want, but it’s on your head if things go wrong.” He then turned and walked out the door with the mayor following along behind him.
“Isn’t it always,” said Reggie quietly to himself.
Brazen stared at the departing men and then at Reggie, “So do we have an agreement?”
Reggie nodded for a moment and then said, “Yes, we have an agreement, but with one condition, this is only for one year. At the end of the year, you can stay if we like or you step down peacefully. I want your gentleman’s agreement on that.”
Brazen was amused and excited in spite of himself. “You have it.”
Reggie continued on. “We’ll have lots of details to work out, but in principle we’re in agreement. Give us three days to figure out how to announce this and in the meantime no more fights with the police or the army.”
“Understood,” said Brazen, who reached across the table to shake Reggie’s hand.
Reggie stared at the hand for a moment before sighing and accepting the firm grasp. He noticed for the first time that Brazen was still a young man.
He almost looks like a kid when he smiles, thought Reggie. Could all the things I've heard about this man be true? Does any of it really matter at this point?
Brazen reached down under the table and brought back up a bottle and two glasses. After he straightened he saw the man with the rifle pointed at him with his finger white on the trigger. Brazen briefly thought how ironic it would be for him to be shot and killed here now.
He placed the square clear bottle on the table. “This is Woodford’s Reserve, the best Kentucky Bourbon in the world and very hard to find, I might add. I would be honored if you would drink a glass with me.”
Reggie felt touched in spite of himself, nodding at the bottle and Brazen poured him a small glass in response.
Brazen lifted his drink looking at the amber liquid. “Here’s to Kentucky.”
Reggie lifted his glass in return. “Here’s to the JP.” He took a sip of the bourbon and felt the smooth, slightly smoky, flavor slide down his throat and into his stomach, warming his entire body.
He smiled at both Brazen and Lancourt. “Gentlemen, please don’t make me regret this.”
