by Bobby Dennis
“I suggest you be more amenable to Raven, he could be useful. They’re a big powerful family.” said Drake.
“Well I guess I could do that, since I got a plan.” said Mace.
“Tell them the plan Pa.” Ford said excitedly.
“Shut up Ford!” said Mace. “I been thinking we should provide liquor to the blacks in town as well.”
“You know the Bellamy’s got that end tied up, Pa.” said Drake.
“That’s because we let them.” Mace said.
“Bull Parsons lets them you mean. I bet he gets a cut off it, plus he keeps the niggas in line. If we go against the Bellamys, we’ll have Bull to deal with too.” Drake said.
“So what. Bull’s a man too, and all men can die.” Lefty said.
“I’d wait and think it all out first.” said Drake.
“We’ll do that then. Now get the hell out of my house.”
* * * * Sheriff Early “Bull” Parsons was a big, over weight, red faced man. He had at least three rolls of fat hanging from his neck, that made it seem like he had three chins. He wore Khaki uniform, as did all of his men. A big dingy, once white, straw cowboy hat and it seemed that he was born with a chew in his mouth. He was a sloppy man and tobacco stains were always on his shirt front. Bull was also the Imperial Wizard of the, Duval County order of the Klu Klux Klan.
His chief deputy was his younger brother Shelby “Shel” Parsons, who was a short, rat faced man. Shel’s face was always screwed into a frown and he was a mean spirited man that suffered from a Napoleonic complex. He felt the need to prove he was as tough as men bigger than he.
The other Deputies were Conner “Con” Majors, who was a big muscular man. He had straw colored hair, and pale washed out blue eyes. He wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he was fearless and idolized Bull.
Then there was Anton Billings, an olive skinned man who the others often jokingly called nigger, because of his skin complexion. Anton was a man of medium build , but he took particular pleasure in putting blacks in their place as he called it.
Lastly there was Carlton “Cad” Lowe, who was considered the ladies man. Cad kept his jet black hair slicked back and he had vivid blue eyes. He was an ex cowboy and never let anyone forget it. He was tall and rangy with corded muscles.
All of the men were members of the Klan as were the Bellamys. They had an old house out on the outskirts of town, where they held their meetings. The Duval order of the Royal Knights of Klan were better known in the south as Klavern 9. A large number of townsmen were members, almost all of them influential men. The town leaders were at the top of the order. The only man with clout that wasn’t a member, was Prescott Snidely Wellington. A one time English aristocrat, who sympathized with the down trodden. He did fair business practice with the Black, Asian and Indian community. A fair price for goods was his motto and he lived it.
On a Wednesday night the Klavern held a meeting, and Prescott Willington was the topic of discussion. “Pres, isn’t a bad man, he just has different ideas.” said Mayor Wally Cronin.
“Yeah the type of ideas that could run us all out of business, while he grows rich.” said Big Oscar Bellamys.
Oscar Bellamys, was the head of the Bellamys Clan. Because the Bellamys were once dirt poor and looked down on, Bull Parsons decided that they would run the Klan’s illegal activities. What they didn’t know at first, was how lucrative it would be. When they found out, it was way too late. For the Bellamys, through murder and mayhem, had a tight grip on the underworld. Oscar Bellamys brother, Simon, was his right hand man. He and Oscar both at 50 & 51, looked like Lumber Jacks. Big muscular men, with dark brown hair and beards.
Oscar’s sons, Thomas, Bernie, and Ronnie were in the mold of their father, just smaller versions. Simon’s sons were both tall, Slim men, but the Bellamys all bore an uncanny resemblance to each other.
“What do you suggest we do to Wellington.” asked Bull Parsons.
“I don’t really think it’s him we need to do something to. “ said Bubba Stanley.
Bubba Stanley, was in the Bellamys clique. He was a mean man, small in stature, but not in reputation. He had red hair and big ears, freckles over the bridge of his nose and both cheeks. He looked like a man child, with emerald green eyes. He was the smartest man in the room, but few knew it. He was very manipulative and could make the men think it was their idea if he came up with something. It was because of him, that the Bellamys prospered. He knew his success was linked to them so he made sure they did well.
His twin brother Randy Stanley, though bearing the same face was like a deaf mute. He could speak and hear, but you’d never know it. He spoke rarely and only in whispers to his brother. Randy was nearly as smart as his brother, but he was a psycho-path. A cold, emotionless killer. Only Bubba could control him and most of the time he just turned him loose.
“Who should we do it to, to hurt his business?” asked Oscar. “His customers. I think it’s time the nightriders put a little fear in the niggers.” said Bubba.
“No killing, none. Whip a few asses, bust a few heads, but no killing.” said Wally Cronin.
“Niggers got hard heads in these parts. We may need to hang one or two to get the message across.” said Bull Parson.
“I don’t think so. “ said Wally Cronin. “You can only push a person so far before he strikes back.”
“Niggers ain’t struck back in all this time, I don’t believe they will.” said Simon Bellamys.
“ I wouldn’t bank on it.” said Wally Cronin.
“The real question is, when do we ride?” asked Bull Parson. “Lets wait til next week,” said Wally Cronin.
All of the men agreed. Drinks were passed around and the men waited while Cad Lowe went in search of some whores.
* CHAPTER # 10 *
Raven and Celia stood on the porch of Mace’s House and waited for someone to open the door. It was 8:00 in the morning and most people hadn’t got up yet. Lola Mace came to the door in a housecoat. She saw Raven standing there with Celia and thought to herself. “I sure would have liked to met that big black nigga when I was younger. Hell, even now”.
Raven wore a black broadcloth jacket, a snow white, starched, wing collared shirt and a white silk waistcoat with pearl buttons. A thick gold chain swung between the pockets, at the end of which was a gold pocket watch. He wore black tweed trousers that hugged his still muscular legs. Black highly polished boots, and as always on this hips hung blue black colt .45 pistols. He still wore his hair in twin braids, that looked like big ropes of sliver hanging from underneath the short crowned Stetson he wore.
Celia was dressed to the nines too. She wore a white summer frock with lace trimming. The dress was daringly cut for the times, as it revealed the twin mounds of her voluptuous, honey colored breast.
Raven, loved the way men stopped to stare as Celia walked by. He made sure she was fabulously attired everyday. Raven was some what of a dandy himself and flaunted convention. He had suits made from a variety of different cloths and in many colors. From greens, yellows and all the colors of the rainbow.
“What brings you young ones here at this ungodly hour?” asked Lola as she opened the door.
“I’d like to speak with you and Mace about an important issue and I’d like to say it just once.” said Raven flashing Lola a white smile.
They walked in and Lola lead them to the parlor. “Y’all ate breakfast yet?” asked Lola.
“Yes we have, but coffee would be fine.” said Raven.
“Give me a minute to wake Mace and I’ll bring the coffee right in.” Lola said walking from the room.
Raven looked over to Celia, and said. “I see where you got all that ass from.”
She swatted at him playfully with her white parasol. Lola came back with two cups and saucers. “Mace will be here in a minute.”
Mace walked into the parlor in pants, shirt and suspenders, he was barefoot. “Raven, Celly. How are ya’ll?” asked Mace eyeing Raven.
�
�We fine Mace.” said Raven.
“Mace, I know you ain’t pleased that Celia’s my woman. I can see your point of view, I’m twice her age. You probably think she should be with a man her age or at least one younger than me. Too late for all that, cause we getting married.”
Mace just shook his big head.
“It was my idea Pa.” said Celia. “I’m having his baby and I wanna be his wife.”
“So what do ya’ll want from us?” asked Mace sourly.
“Your blessing.” said Raven. “If we gonna be family, we might as well get along.”
“And if you don’t have our blessings?” Asked Mace.
“Then we don’t have them. My Celia wants a wedding and she’s gonna have one.” Raven said with steel in his voice his eyes baring in on Mace.
“I guess it couldn’t hurt.” said Lola.
“Ain’t nobody asked you shit.” said Mace angrily.
“I’d watch my tone of voice if I was you.” said Raven ominously. “I don’t take kindly to abusing women.”
Mace jumped up and shouted. “Nigga you in my house, this my wife and I’ll say or do what I damn well please you got that?”
You’re right in most of what you’ve said, but if I’m here you’ll show Lola and my wife the respect due to women of their caliber.” said Raven raising to his feet. His hands sweeping his jacket aside, so he could reach his pistols.
Mace looked in Raven’s eyes and knew that the wrong words would seal his fate, because here was a man who wouldn’t be trifled with. “I can see your point.” Mace said shakily. Just the thought that Raven would gun him down in his own home had a sobering affect on him. He knew right then that Drake was right. If the others had half the balls of this one, starting trouble with the Kanes would be extremely costly.
“You got our blessing on one condition.” Mace said.
“That is?” Raven asked.
“That I throw an engagement party for you Saturday night.” said Mace.
“Oh Pappa,” cried Celia jumping up and running into her father’s arms.
“Make my baby happy is all I ask.” said Mace.
“I will. You can count on that.” said Raven.
They sat around for a while talking, then Raven and Celia left.
“I ain’t never seen that girl so happy.” Mace said to Lola.
“That’s cause she got a real man honey.” said Lola wistfully.
* * * * Wolf walked out to his barn, then into the back room where Tigger Wells lay asleep on the cot. He walked over and gently shook Tigger.
“Wha….What?” Tigger sputtered as he slowly regained consciousness. Groggily, he shook his big head. Tigger was a massive man in his early 40’s, that stood at least 6’8“. He weighed 350 pounds, if he wore an ounce. His big body smothered the small cot, to the point that it almost appeared he was levitating. He struggled up to a sitting position and placed his head in his huge hands.
“Go wash up and come on to the house and get you some breakfast.” said Wolf. “I’ll be waiting for you, I got a proposition I think you’ll like.”
“I’ll be there shortly.” said Tigger rising from the cot and stretching.
Wolf walked back to the house and Swallow met him at the door. She was 53 years old and still beautiful. Swallow was 6’ feet tall, and still had a fantastic figure. From looking at her, you wouldn’t think she was her age.
“What were you men up to last night, I heard there was a meeting at Ravens?” she asked Wolf.
“Don’t be so nosy woman.” Wolf said with mock sternness.
Swallow laughed, and said. “I’ll just ask Fern or one of the daughters. They know since you wanna be so tight lipped about it.”
“It was just business. You’ll hear all you need to know when Tigger comes in.” Wolf said.
She held out her arms and he came into them. “You know Lyle and Greg Jenson, been courting the girls. They been hinting about marriage.” she said.
“Can they pay the bride price?” asked Wolf.
“You know them boys ain’t got much, but they are respectable, hard working men. They got a small piece of land and I think they’re up and comers.” said Swallow.
“ I was just joking.” he said. “Hell, I’ll be glad to get rid of them.”
“You waited long enough don’t you think?” she asked.
“What I didn’t want was some no good man who wanted them because we’re Kanes. The family holds weight and I’d rather see them as old maids, than with a man not suited for them.” said Wolf.
Swallow shook her head just when Tigger Wells rumbled up.
“Good morning Ms. Kane.”
“It is that, Mr. Wells.” Swallow said. “Come on, I’ll get you some breakfast.”
“No need to go thru that trouble Ms. Kane.” said Tigger.
“Nonsense, we haven’t had breakfast so you might as well join us.” said Swallow.
“Don’t mind if I do.” said Tigger smiling.
They went thru the same thing each morning, both knowing what the outcome would be. Wolf smiled, as Tigger was lead to the big dinning room. When they walked in Timothy, Mandy and Sparrow were all seated. Timothy had taken to dressing like Raven, so he was finely turned out in a black frock coat and pants. Yellow waistcoat, white on white shirt with string tie, thick twin braids, short crowned Stetson and two guns strapped to his hips.
“Boy do you have to wear arms at the tables?” asked Swallow.
“I wear them naked Ma.” said Timothy.
Wolf laughed. They ate breakfast, then Wolf lead Tigger to the sitting room. “Tigger, me and my brothers want you to build some stills for us and show us how to brew liquor and maintain the stills. The job is yours and we’ll pay you a percentage of the profits.” said Wolf.
“How much of a percentage are we talking about here?” Tigger asked.
“I’m thinking two percent. Now mind you, two percent of the profits will be plenty if this goes how we plan.” Wolf said.
“Hell if you had said 1 percent I was in. I done been around you Kanes long enough to know that y’all think big.” said Tigger smiling . “So when do we start?”
“Right now. The first thing we do is get you with Falc, so you can get the supplies to build the stills. Then we’ll get with Cougar, and get the stuff we need to brew the corn.” said Wolf.
They stood up to leave and Swallow who had stood quietly through the conversation looked at Wolf, who stopped and let Tim and Tigger go out.
She walked over, and asked. “What’s going on here with this talk of stills and such?”
He looked in her eyes, and said. “It’s always been our way to follow the head of the clan and as long as we’re alive that’s how it will be.”
“So Raven the one behind this?” she asked.
“No, it’s Ransom, but we’re all behind him.” said Wolf.
“You know there’s gonna be trouble.” she said.
“We done dealt with trouble before when the odds were against us and we came out on top. Now we have the benefit of numbers and we’ll come out on top again.” Wolf said.
Swallow smiled and hugged her husband. “Keep a tight rein on Tim, the boy idolizes Raven.”
“He hardly a boy woman, he’s a man!” Wolf said.
“You said something different about the girls.” she said.
“I told you my concerns too.” he replied. “I’d better get on they’re waiting for me.” He said as he broke the embrace and walked for the door.
* * * * Wolf, Tim and Tigger drove to Falcon’s place. The Kanes, Maces, and a few other blacks in town had cars. The three men got out of Wolf’s ford sedan, and Falcon stepped out on the porch followed by his sons Lao, Eddie and Lonnie who was called Lon for short.
“Y’all boys rolling pretty early ain’t you?” asked Falcon. “Obviously not as early as you brother.” Wolf replied.
The two men embraced, then Wolf said. “This here is Tigger Wells, master corn maker!
“I done heard
about the great man, but I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him.” Falcon said with a smile. “He’s a big nigga too.”
The men laughed. “Tell me Falc, do you know what you need to build a still?” asked Wolf.
Falcon raised a brow and smiled, then stuck out his hands to Tigger, and said. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wells.”
“Plain Tigger will do, Mr. Kane.” said Tigger with a big smile that seemed to show off all of his big white teeth. “It could get hectic saying Mr. Kane, as all of you boys are Mr. Kane’s.”
The men laughed, then Falcon said. “Just call me Falc, like the rest do.”
“I guess we better try to get us some trucks.” Wolf said.
“Trace and Ransom, done beat you to the punch there.” said Lao. “They got with Elliot Weanberg at Duval Ford and brought five pickups and they should be here shortly.
“ Are Marcellus and Brooks, coming too?” asked Eddie.
“They should be.” said Lonnie. “I still can’t believe them boys are Kanes Them some lazy ass niggas. All they wanna do is cat around.”
“That’s bout to change, but we ain’t the type of folk to bad mouth kin.” Falcon said sternly.
“He didn’t mean nothing by it Pa, but truth is light or so you say.” said Lao.
Falcon looked at his son, and in a hard voice said. “I done had my say and don’t think you’re so grown that I won’t bust you in your chops for taking a condescending tone with me.”
“Rest easy brother, the man didn’t mean anything.” said Wolf staring hard at Falcon.
“I’m sorry if I offended you Pa.” said Lao sincerely.
“I’m the one should be sorry son.” said Falcon. “I taught you to be your own man, and you should, even if it means you disagree with me.”
Just then, five brand new ford pickups pulled in. Ransom and Trace jumped out of the first one. Turk, Prince, Marcellus, Brooks, Blake, Jose, Juan and Hawk got out of the others. Trace walked over and embraced Wolf and Falcon, and said. “Come see what I got.”
All of the men walked over to the truck and Ransom threw aside a tarp.
“Holy shit,” said Lao loudly.
“Hush boy, your Ma might hear.” whispered Falcon.
