by MT Pope
Epilogue
Corey
Who would have thought that I would be running a drug and crime empire in the city of Baltimore at such a young age? This is the thought that I was having sitting in an auditorium waiting to graduate from high school. I wasn’t a ghost per se, but I wasn’t open with my business either. I had to admit that I was still learning, but with what I learned from watching my father and the things that Dre was teaching me, I was coming along quite nicely. My father’s men instantly became my men upon his imprisonment, and it flowed smoothly. I also had men from Coach come on board with me. I had a meeting with my expectations in place and hopes that we can get along without sexuality issues and egos coming into play. I wasn’t forcing anyone to stay, and I wasn’t making anyone leave. I demanded appreciation for what every individual brought to the table and respect for differences. Be who you are and live your life. I was the boss, but I was open to suggestions that could make us all richer.
“Corey Grant,” I heard my name being called, so I got up and crossed the stage to collect my diploma. You see, I continued my life in high school and was graduating with honors. My parents would be proud of me. I looked in the crowd and found Dre with a smile on his face. He was a great supporter and helped me make some tough decisions over the last year. Like taking my mother off life support and watching her take her last breath. I was heartbroken and still angry at how it all played out, but I was okay with it now. I still had my father, even though he will never see the streets again. I had Coach to thank for all of that. I still had Diana, my decoy, in place. She was in the loop about things now, though. I still had to play the part in the streets, even though what I did for a living wasn’t on public display. My father always said there is always someone looking for the next come up, even if it means killing you to get it. I get what Coach was doing by remaining anonymous, but I didn’t want to live my life as a recluse and unlovable. I believed in love. I didn’t choose this life; it chose me. I believe that. I don’t want this drug game to change me, but I believe that it would. I just hope that it is for my good. The reality of me supplying this city with drugs and such weighs on me at times, but I just move past it. I’m a businessman just like the owner of McDonald’s. We are both supplying a need. It’s just to different clientele and under different circumstances. That’s my logic, and I am sticking with it.
