by Bobby Dennis
Punch had spun to try and push Dennis away from Lex. But in doing so, he took his eyes off of Roger.
Roger looped his arm around Punch's neck and jerked him backwards. Punch’s feet flew upward as Roger pulled him deeper into his embrace. Roger's blade slashed out and severed the man's throat. A gush of air hissed from the gaping wound soon to be followed by a geyser of blood from his severed artery. Roger shoved him forward as Dennis let Lex's body slump to the ground.
Roger made the call of the night bird and Baron and the others quickly made their approach. The men never doubted that the back was taken care of, so they hurried into the club.
Baron stepped thru the door closely followed by Will and L.J. The patron's were all into their own things when Chance, Bobby and Sha stepped into the club and spread out. Nard and Leo stepped inside and hurried to catch up with Baron and the others. Baron spotted Chauncy, his two sons, and Tab sitting at a big table in back of the club.
The club was dimly lit and smoke was in layers. The men at the table never saw Baron and Will, when they pulled the four colt .45 automatics from their coat pockets. They never even perceived the threat until it was too late.
Chauncy looked up from his conversation with Tab, just as Baron stepped up and raised both of his pistols. Will at his side did the same, then they both fired in unison. Before Chauncy could speak a round smashed into his forehead and shattered his skull. Exiting in a spray of blood that painted the wall behind him in grisly still life.
The four men were pinned in and Will fired round after round into their jerking bodies.
Pandemonium reigned in the club as people rushed for doors, or hit the floor.
Son Kellum had just stepped out of the men’s room when Baron and Will opened fire. He pulled the big revolver from his shoulder holster and sought a target. He fired a round that smashed into the meaty part of Nard's left shoulder. The force spun Nard around and Son fired again. L.J crashed to the floor, as the big slug slammed into his thigh breaking the bone.
Bobby and Sha both raised their pistols and fired a hail of rounds at Son Kellum. One slug hit Son in the chest and punched him backward. Three more rounds hit him and he dropped to his knees, where wearily he tried to raise his pistol. The two men took aim and fired. Son's head seemed to explode, as the big slugs impacted. He reeled around one time then crashed sideways to the floor.
Ace, looked up from under the table where he hid then quickly looked around. He locked eyes with L.J, who sat on the floor grimacing. One hand held his thigh and the other his pistol.
Ace raised his pistol with lightning speed and swung it toward L.J. Who just raised the barrel of his pistol, braced his hand against the floor and pulled the trigger twice in rapid succession. The rounds punched upward and pulverized his intestines, heart and lungs. The force caused him to lunge upward and launch the table into the air.
"Any more of them left?" Baron asked. "If you fuck with a Sumner, you're fuckin with us!"
The men looked around the Tip-Top, then hurried and filed out.
* * * * "Pike can't you control them niggers?" Sheriff Carl Lee Eggers asked. "I know you got your hand in everything that's illegal over there. You niggers are a greedy, grasping lot, if ever I seen one!"
Pike looked at the white man with hatred in his eyes, and said. "You'd be greedy and grasping too, if you had to scrape by on the crumbs white folks give!"
"Damn all that revolutionary talk!" Carl Lee shouted. "You're supposed to be keeping the niggers towing the line and that's what I expect. If you can't do it, then I'll find a man that can!"
"Carl Lee, you ain't gonna find another nigga to do what I do. You'd have to send your boys in bustin heads, to get done what I do!" said Pike. "Some shit is brewing between the Spires and Sumners. If that Kane bunch gets involved, you might as well round up the militia, cause there's gonna be big trouble!"
"I know about them Kanes, and I've heard the stories, but I'll be damned if I'll be cowed by legend. You just get things calm over there. With niggers on the rampage, it ain't safe for decent white folks to walk the streets!" Carl Lee said seriously.
"I'll do what I can, but I need help, I'm gonna call on you." Pike said.
* * * * As Baron and Will, stepped out of the Tip-Top. Haney, Slocum, Bill Lee and Step pulled up in two police cruisers and leaped out with their weapons drawn. Baron still held the twin .45's and he raised them and fired. The big rounds smashed into the patrol car and a round hit Haney in the shoulder. It drove him backward into the car, where he sprawled across the seat, his legs kicking in the air. A round smashed into the sole of his shoe, smashing his foot in the process. Haney fainted from the excruciating pain.
Will fired and a round punched thru step Harvey's waist, blowing out a chunk of flesh and fatty tissues. Though it was only a flesh wound, the force knocked him against the car. He dropped his pistol and clawed at his bleeding side. The other deputies quickly hit the ground and covered their heads with their hands, as the rounds smashed into the cars. Baron and the others, quickly disappeared into the dark night.
"Them was Kanes!" Slo Lewis said, after they got up off the ground.
Haney lay unconscious in the car, while Step Harvey moaned in pain. Bill Lee looked at the bullet holes that scared the patrol cars and knew that when Pike saw it he would go nuts. "Let's see what we got inside. Make sure you get help for Step and Haney."
Bill Lee walked into the Tip-Top and knew shit was gonna be hectic when he saw the bodies on the floor. "What the hell happened here?" Bill Lee shouted.
He was met with silence. He looked into the fearful eyes of the many witnesses and knew he'd get the story sooner or later, but not tonight. It was all too fresh in their minds for them to talk. They had witnessed cold blooded murder and most knew of the Kanes and their wrath. So, mouths were tightly shut.
"Ain't nobody leaving until I find out what the hell went on here!" Bill Lee shouted.
* CHAPTER # 24 *
The next day at about 11:00 a.m., two big Caddilacs pulled up outside of Raven's store. Ransom and Raven were standing by the windows looking out and talking when the cars pulled up. They watched as three hard looking, olive skinned men got out of the first car. All of the men were well dressed. One of them walked to the other car and held the back door open. Out stepped a big, silver haired man, in a beautifully tailored suit. Two more men got out of the car and they flanked the man. One took the lead and they walked to the store.
The first man opened the door and stepped in. He panned the room, as the other men came in. Raven looked at Ransom, who hunched his shoulders in the universal I don't know sign. They turned their attention back to the men.
A crowd had started to gather, because this was an uncommon sight. Whites rarely if ever, did business with the Kanes.
Raven and Ransom walked over to the men, as Nelson slipped from the backroom and flanked the men. He held a Thompson Sub machine gun with a drum magazine.
"Good morning gentlemen, how can I help you?" Raven asked cordially. He looked at them closely and could see that these men were true warriors. They had an almost Spanish look about them, but taller and broader than any he had seen. The silver haired, big man stepped forward, he looked to be in his early 40's or even younger.
"Yes you can help me, if you're Mr. Raven Kane." the man said. "I'm Giancarlo Torronelli and we need to talk!"
"About what?" Ransom cut in.
"Aww, you must be Mr. Ransom. I've heard a great deal about you." Giancarlo said smiling. "Please allow me to introduce my associates. This is my brother Salvator.”
Salvator was a big man like his brother, but he was a little soft around the edges.
“This is Paolo Castellano or Paul Castle.”
Paolo Castellano was a man of average height and size, with thick jet black hair plastered to his head like a skull cap.
"Joseppe Verda or Joe Green. Vincente Deleon or Vinnie Dee.”
Vinnie was a tall thin man, with acne scarred cheeks and a mean
disposition.
"Guido LoCasa or Gus Lowes.
Guido was a round bowling ball shaped man. He was always at the edge.
Raven and Ransom greeted the men, then Raven said. "This way gentlemen please." as he lead the men into his small cramped office.
Giancarlo raised his hand and stopped his men when they had come to the door. "Just me and Sal." he said to the others, who stood at the door.
Raven gave the men a seat, then asked. "Would you men care for a drink? It's a little too early for me."
Both men declined, so Raven and Ransom took a seat.
"Mr. Kane, it has come to my attention that you had a dispute with some of my business associates." Giancarlo said. "It seems your people terminated our contract with prejudice last night."
"I'm not sure which business associates you're referring to." Raven said.
“The Spires." Giancarlo replied. "From the reports, your son Baron and his group, hit the Spire's last night and left not a man standing. I don't have a problem with that, but I'd like to propose a business venture we can both engage in. I assure you it will be beneficial to us both, financially!"
Raven looked over at Ransom and raised his brows. Ransom nodded his head slightly, as Raven turned back to Giancarlo.
"Just what is this venture and how might we be instrumental in making it a success?" Raven asked.
"You have a small trucking business and I can throw a great deal of work your way. But, I would want you to move certain products from New York, to Miami and several points in between." Giancarlo said. "There's gonna be a vacuum in the spot left open, because of Chauncy's untimely demise. I'll need it filled."
"Just what product do you want us to move and what about storage space?" Raven asked.
"We'll take care of the storage and handling. All I need you to do, is move it!" Giancarlo said. "I'm talking about heroin, horse, junk, skag. That's the product. I'll pay to have hidden compartments built into the trucks, so there won't be an immediate concern if they're stopped."
"What kind of money are we talking here?" Ransom asked.
“$40,000 a trip, fifty if you drive it straight thru!" Giancarlo said smiling.
Ransom looked to Raven for confirmation. Raven just stared ahead, in his mind he was calculating how much the $50,000 could do for the clan.
"If you step in and take Chauncy's place, I'll even give you a discount on product. I'll sell it to you for twice what I pay. Trust me, it cost a lot more on the open market." Giancarlo said.
Ransom looked at Raven again, then said. "We'll make the runs straight thru as often as you like, but we want $60,000 a run. As for taking Chauncy's place, count it done. I believe we have a deal Mr. Torronelli!"
Giancarlo chuckled, then said. "I would've went as high as $80,000!"
The men shook hands, then Raven asked. "Where does Carl Lee and Pike fit in here?"
“They don't!" Giancarlo said. "A man that won't uphold his duties to the public for money, is not to be trusted!"
"When will we make the first run?" Ransom asked.
"I'll make the arrangement, then Pauly Castle will bring you half the money. The other half you get when the shipment is delivered!" Giancarlo said. "I know me and my people couldn't win a war against you if we fought on your turf. So, I decided to see if peace could be established. You're a powerful group and I would rather us be friend than foe!"
"Thank you Mr. Torronelli." Raven said. "As long as we are honest in our dealings with each other and crush the greed that may arise, we will prosper. But, should we come at odds it would be a battle to remember!"
* * * * Several hours later, Ransom had called all of the men in the clan. They were gathered at a farm that Raven had way out on the west side.
"This is the deal," Ransom said. "We're getting into the heroin trade! We got an offer that was hard to refuse and it's worth $60,000 to the family a trip. Chauncy's dead, so that leaves a vacancy in the trade here in town. We will fill that vacancy. Baron it's your show here in town. You've got full control, but you can't tie up all of the men!"
"I do get to choose the men I'd like with me right?" Baron asked. "No reflection on those that I pass over. I know you're all capable men!"
"You might as well go on and pick your men. Will, you might as well stand with him!" Ransom said.
Will Mace walked over to where Baron sat, they were like brothers. They had been raised together.
"I want Bobby, Sha, Dennis, Roger, Ben and Sam!" Baron said. "I think we can hold this end, and provide security if needed!"
"Alright, Baron has his men. Now I'm gonna call out the men who will drive the trucks! Prime.”
Prime, was Turk Kane's son. Turk and Rosita had three children, Prime the oldest, then Roy and Betty.
"Jeff," Jeff, was the son of Drake and Lisa Mace, who had four children. Chaney, Greta, Will the oldest and Posey the baby boy.
"John," John, was Lao and Esmeralda's son. They had two daughters, Pearl and Susan.
"Chance,” Chance, was the son of Tim and Lucy and they had four children. Chance, Rose, Phillip and Lucretia.
"George," George, was the oldest son of Lefty and Beth Mace. They had three children, George and two daughters, Lisa and Raylene.
"T.J" T.J, was Trace Jr. the oldest son of Trace and Myra. They had four children, Trace Jr., Ausha, Drew and Louise.
"Charles," Charles was the oldest son of Prince and Consuela. They had four children, Charles, Matty, Princeton and Sharon.
"Larry," Larry, was the oldest son of Blake and Laine. They had three children, Larry, Bobby and Connie.
"Joe," Joe, was the oldest son of Juan and Tracy. They had three children, Joseph, Dennis and Jack.
Ben, who Baron chose, was the oldest son of Lyle and Mandy. They had two children, Ben and Josephine. Sam was the oldest son of Greg and Sparrow Jenson. They had two kids, Samuel and Prissy.
"I don't know what us old men will do, but I'm sure some of us will tackle some of the driving too. Hell, I've always wanted to go up there!" Ransom said. "If y'all got a problem with who you'll work with, speak up now!"
"How will we be paid cousin?" Drew Kane asked.
"Trace, you ain't taught that boy no manners yet?" Ransom asked laughing. "Good question son. Times been tight for us, but everybody ate. That's how it's got to be. If we prosper, so do those around us. The first thing we do is take care of the family, then we make sure to keep some pocket change in everybody's pocket. If you fellas would have heard this man talk, he's talking about us being rich! The continued survival of our family, could well depend on our success or failure in this. I say we go full speed ahead!"
The men looked up to Ransom, and said. "We gonna win!"
Ransom smiled, because he saw the future in Baron and the other youths. Plus his grandson Nelson, who was constantly by Raven's side. He knew that come hell or high water, they'd be alright. The family was the most important thing, Raven had instilled in his generation and they in turn passed it to their sons and daughters.
* * * * "Celia, I don't think we should've got involved in this heroin business!" Raven said distastefully. "I can't see me profiting from my own folks misery. I just can't."
"Why didn't you say something then?" She asked. "I wanted to, but I knew that would cause a big problem. See, Giancarlo Torronelli is a mobster and he has pretty big pull. He exudes warmth and charm, but the man is as vicious as a fox in a hen house. If I had interfered, it would have changed the outcome. We cut off their money and to them Italians that's like cutting off one of their nuts!"
"So what do you do now?" she asked.
"What I've always done sugar, if you want peace you have to prepare for war!" he said.
*
"Carlo do you think we can trust those dinges?" asked Joe Green. "Let me tell you guys a thing or two here. You've never in your life met a man like Raven Kane and probably never will again. That old many is sharp as a razor and not to be taken lightly. We could maybe beat them in a fight. Only reason is, becau
se we're closer to being white. That man is a fighter. It wouldn't surprise me if he gave either one of us a run for it. Even now, look at how organized they are, almost like this thing of ours. But, with one big difference, they're all blood ties. Raven is like a feudal Lord, he controls them. If he said no, they wouldn't have done it no matter what the cost in money or lives. Trust me, these are some dangerous men. Their loyalty for each other is fierce. Personally I plan to pick this man's mind, I can learn a lot from a man like him once I get him to trust me!"
"Speaking mighty high of a nigger ain't you?" asked Sal sarcastically.
"I don't wanna hear that word again from any of you,
even in privacy, nor any other word that they could take as
disrespect. They're men, so we'll treat them like men in every
way!" Carlo said authoritatively. He made eye contact with
each of the men and with his vivid blue eyes he drilled his
point home.
Giancarlo Torronelli was indeed a mobster and so
was his father Gianni, before him. He was married to an
Italian woman named Sophia and they had two small children.
Rose Marie and Fransisco Luigi, who was called Frankie.
Frankie, bore a striking resemblance to his father at 1 year old.
Carlo hoped to have more children and he worked at it with
Sophia who was a lusty woman.
"This is about honor, so don't forget that!" Carlo said
seriously. "These are men who will suspect us from the start.
They've never got a fair shake from whites, so they'll look at
us thru their past dealings, because we're white to them. They
don't know our culture or history, but we'll show by our
actions that we're men of honor!"
“I'm not trying to cause no problems Carlo, but why
are you so intent on impressing them?" Pauly Castle asked. "I told you from the start that we may never have the
chance to meet a man like Raven and when he dies I want him
