Free A Stainless Steel Cat by Michael Erickston Page B

zone from the order." Darnell asked, keeping his voice as level as possible.
    Wolfe sat back and steepled his fingers as he looked at his Chief Enforcer. He narrowed his eyes in thought. "Why, D?"
    "Because he made me look like a fool, and because there's more to him than most see on the surface. I read his file from where he grew up, and some shit just doesn't jibe. As much as I hate to admit it, that kid's got skills. I just want to have a talk with him is all." Darnell said, then continued after taking a breath. "Hell, he might be an asset."
    Wolfe raised an eyebrow. "He's that good?"
    "He knocked me down the other day, sir." Darnell bit his pride and admitted it.
    Wolfe smiled. "You know what? That's not a bad recommendation. I think I'd like to meet Mr. Royce. Make the offer, and bring him to me if he accepts. Ask him politely, but if he says no, leave it at that and let him go about his business. Do I make myself clear?"
    "Yes, sir." Darnell nodded.
    "Good. I hope you succeed, but if not, don't worry about it." Wolfe nodded and dismissed his Number 1 Enforcer.
    Darnell was smiling to himself as he walked out of Mr. Wolfe's office.
    He took Hook and Slake with him as backup, just in case the kid got violent. They camped out about six hundred feet from the complex that morning, waiting to see if he left the apartment.
    Sure enough, he came out shortly before 9 AM, and Darnell had to close his eyes when he saw Tam in just her robe kissing him goodbye at the door. He felt his stomach knot up in jealousy, but realized he had to see this through. 'Fuckin' white boy ain't gonna know what hit his sorry ass!' He thought.
    The Royce kid was dressed in a nice polo shirt and khakis with all black sneakers, and he got into Tam's car. 'She gave that fuck the keys?!" He gritted his teeth as he saw that. He had to calm himself with visions of Royce dead along with Mr. Wolfe. It would be Darnell's job as Chief Enforcer to take over his deceased Boss's business.
    That was the reason he'd brought Hook and Slake. They were 100% loyal to Darnell over and above whatever loyalty they felt for Wolfe. They would do what needed to be done to 'convince' Royce to come to the party. But for now, they were going to play nice.
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    Royce drove the two miles to the closest convenience store that sold Money Orders, and purchased 6 of them for less than 10K each. He deposited one in his account at the closest Golden State branch, and decided to check out the nearest Ducati dealership for his dream bike.
    The Ducati Il Mostro 696 at the dealer was listed at $9000 dollars, and Royce talked with the saleslady for a while. He used his charm to haggle five hundred off the price tag, and she was more than aware that the cute guy in front of her was young enough to be her son. She kept blushing at his compliments anyway, and even wondered what he would be like in bed.
    When the paperwork was drawn up, and he gave her a large and the small money orders, and she handed him his change. He shopped for a leather jacket and helmet with the change, and after he'd paid for it all, she told him that his motorcycle would be ready in an hour. He left the purchases with her to be picked up with his bike, thanked her, and left.
    He was walking back to the car when he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He looked around and saw three men walking towards him. He recognized the one in the middle as Darnell, and he made a run for the car at a dead sprint. Darnell and his boys were sprinting too, and they reached the car at about the same time.
    "Look, guys. I don't want any trouble here." Royce said with an easy smile.
    "Good, because we don't either." Darnell said with an answering smile. "Look, man. We got off on the wrong foot. Now, I have an offer for ya."
    Royce felt his gut telling him to sucker punch the asshole and run, but he would much rather talk his way out. No way would he be able to take all three of them.
    "Look, Darnell. I don't like you already.