Chapter 1

June 2007

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Dallas, Texas. Ricardo Carter, affectionately called Rico, was in his backyard with a close friend, Alonzo Wilson, better known as Zo. They were measuring and cutting wood planks that they just picked up from the local hardware store. Ricardo liked to spend his down time fixing, creating or building random projects around his house or for other people that he knew. Just last month, the two men finished building the backyard deck at Rico’s house. Now, they were adding furniture to that deck to complete the project. Some old-school hip-hop music was playing in the background and could be heard whenever Rico or Zo were not using the mechanical saw or drill. Rico was almost finished measuring and marking out the planks he was working on when Zo’s voice got his attention.

“Rico, you have visitors!” Zo shouted behind himself.

Two men had come through the side gate and into the backyard. When Rico looked up, he immediately recognized one of the men, as did Zo. It was not hard to recognize the elder of the two men. He is Rico’s grandfather, the famous Richard Carter, Sr. Most, if not all, of the armed forces knew who he is. His stories carried weight. An eternity seemed to pass as grandfather and grandson looked at each other. Rico stood in place, trying to figure out why his grandfather was in his backyard. Was it because of his mother? Mr. Carter was not in his usual military attire or in civilian clothes with some sort of military recognition like a cap or custom bomber jacket, but rather a tailored gray suit. This was the first time Rico had ever seen his grandfather without any kind of military markings. So, Rico had no idea what this visit was for.

“I wish this visit was under different circumstances.” Richard spoke as he stepped towards his grandson.

“Whatchu mean, Pop?” Rico retorted.

“Is there somewhere we can talk?”

Zo was about to continue with their project, but Rico stopped him and motioned for him to follow them when he passed by. There was a little hesitation before Zo obliged. To him, it seemed like a family matter. But there was something about Rico’s body language that told him sooner or later he was going to be included. Rico led his guests inside and into the living room. Richard and the man accompanying him sat on one couch, Zo sat on another and Rico sat in his recliner. There was a long moment of silence amongst the group. Rico was trying to read his grandfather’s body language as they sat across from one another. He could not get anything from the man that came with his grandfather either. The unidentified man looked nervous. There were manila folders on his lap and he kept fidgeting with them. Even Zo looked a little nervous and that was a first for Rico to see. It seemed like the mere presence of Rico’s grandfather had everybody on edge, except Rico.

“Before we start, anybody want something to drink?” Rico asked. Everybody shook their heads.

“Ok, so what’s up Pop?”

“I don’t know how to necessarily say this, but your friend Marcus is in the hospital in critical condition.”

“Wh…what are you talkin’ ‘bout?” Rico leaned forward in his chair.

“He has been working on something back home for us. I don’t know how it happened or what happened. We’re still trying to gather all the details.”

The room went silent. Rico could not believe what he was hearing. He was having a hard time wrapping his head around the concept that someone that he considered a mentor was laid up in a hospital. Rico felt his body go limp as he slumped back into his recliner. He mustered up the strength to stand up and walked back out to the backyard. At first, guilt filled his body. It was quickly replaced by rage as the thoughts of exacting revenge on whoever placed his friend in the hospital.

It seemed like hours went by before Zo came out to get Rico. Nothing was said, Zo simply placed a hand on Rico’s shoulder and made a hand gesture for Rico to come back inside. Zo grew up in the neighborhood that Rico moved into. They are a year apart in age, Zo being the elder, and quickly became friends. Since they turned twenty-one, they have been doing things together around the area, working on various house projects or fixing cars, just a few of their common interests. Rico was blessed that Zo was there with him when he received that news. The two men walked back into the living room and returned to their seats.

“Sorry about that Pop.” Rico stated.

“No need to be sorry kid. I understand. I’m sorry for you.”

“What happens now? It seems like you came here for more than just to deliver that news to me. Or else he wouldn’t be holdin’ those folders.”

“You weren’t lying about him, sir.” The man next to Richard stated.

“I told you, Mack. My grandson is observant and intelligent.”

“I learned from the best Pop. So, talk to me.”

Richard looked to the man he called Mack and nodded his head.

“My name is Patrick McKenzie. I handle all of the little nuances that pertain to your grandfather and what he does. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what that is. These folders have all the information you’ll need for the latest craziness we’ve been dealing with. It also has what your friend, Marcus, was helping us with.”

“What about your promise to Bunny, Pop?” Rico asked. Bunny is what he calls his mother, Richard’s daughter-in-law.

“After she heard about what happened to Marcus, she knew it would be a matter of time before word got to you. She called me immediately and I told her I would handle it.”

“One condition, Zo goes with me.”

“I don’t see a problem with that.”

“Ready to raise hell?”

“I got your six.”