Wolves In Helfire

W A K E U P C A L L

“Justin… Justin, wake up.”

“What is it, Karen?”

“We have a problem.”

As she’s telling me this, I hear banging on the front door. I jumped up, pulling the AR-15 from under the bed.

“Who is it?”

“It’s a group of seven.”

I rushed downstairs with Karen on my heels.

“Yeah, who is it?”

“I go by the name Hampton. Please, open the door so we can have a proper conversation.”

“I’m gonna assume I don’t need this big gun in my hand and not use it when I open up. Are we clear?”

“Crystal.”

I opened the door.

“Mr. Hampton.”

“Sorry to intrude on your morning Z’s but I feel like we needed to speak. Face-2-face.”

“Yeah, what about?”

“Have either of you good folk run across this young fella?”

One of his people held up a picture of Jacob.

“Yeah. His car broke down and he asked if he could use a phone to call a friend.”

“You didn’t happen to see which way he went when leaving, did you?”

“No. I overheard him telling his friend to meet him at the car and then he left.”

“Now you see, that’s odd. I could’ve sworn he told me he got robbed by a man and 3 girls who were heavily armed and, well, you two are certainly armed.”

“Wait… That bastard said we robbed him? He’s lying.”

“The aroma from inside your home says otherwise.”

“The weed? He took your f*****g weed and gave it to us like he was doing us a favor? Look, we didn’t rob him. He gave it to us. Said he had s**t loads of it.”

“Keep the flowers, young man. Consider it as a gift for your lovely Miss. However, I will be taking my cocaine back. By force if necessary.”

“Cocaine? I never saw any cocaine, Mr. Hampton. Besides, he told us he was getting his product from a guy two states over.”

“Interesting. He didn’t happen to mention this guy’s name, did he?”

“What, you think I wanna start a drug war? Figure it out yourself.”

Emma and Stacey came downstairs armed after hearing the commotion.

“Babe, is everything alright?”

“It’s fine. Mr. Hampton was just asking us some questions about Jacob.”

He chuckled.

“He told you his name is Jacob? Sounds to me like Zeus is trying to throw everyone off his trail.”

“Wait, so he’s Zeus?”

“Zeus Cortez. Local street punk who’s obviously trying to get his name on a tomb.”

“So, Zeus isn’t his dealer? Then, who the hell is Jacob?”

“Jacob’s his half-brother. Let’s just say he turned up missing after pulling a stunt similar to what’s happening now. If you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to.”

Him and his people turned and started towards their cars. He stopped.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”

“Justin.”

He demanded a phone from one of his crew members and told me to catch.

“When that phone rings, you answer it. If you see Zeus before I do, ring the contact that says BOSS.”

“Hey, Mr. Hampton, I don’t work for you.”

He smiled.

“I never said you did. Good day.”

We watched them leave. I slammed the door.

“I’m gonna kill that little punk.”

“Calm down, Justin. It’s over now.”

“Back off, Karen.”

I searched the bookbag I’d gotten from him and found his number. I called it.

“That little s**t. Getting us mixed up in his mess.”

Disconnected.

“f**k. I knew it. Not this, but I knew something bad would come out of two trash bags full of free weed.”

“At least he let us keep it.”

“That’s not helping, Stacey. Why the hell did we trust him?”

“Uh, excuse me? You were the one that said he was cool.”

“Karen… Not helping. If Jacob shows up here again, I’m taking him down.”

“Zeus…”

“What?”

“Hampton said his name was Zeus.”

“I don’t care what his name is. He got us involved with these people, and I’m ending it soon as possible. We already got too many against us right now.”

“So, how do we play it if he shows up again? I know you’re not just going to shoot him on the front step.”

“No. We play it cool. Invite him in then hold him captive until Mr. Hampton shows up. What happens from there just happens.”

“Does this mean we’re not going to the waterhole this morning?”

“Emma, it wouldn’t be wise to go today. It’s best if we kick it in the house.”

They reluctantly agreed.

“I’m going back to sleep, you guys. This baby got me feeling crazy this morning.”

“Ok, bae. Just holla if you need anything.”

Karen walked Stacey upstairs. Emma and I sat on the couch. She started flipping through the stations.

“So, what do you wanna watch?”

“Nothing.”

“So, what do you wanna do?”

“Nothing.”

“So, what are you thinking about?”

“You know what I’m thinking about, Emma.”

“If he shows up, you want me to kill him for you?”

“No. Like I said, we catch him and hand him over to Mr. Hampton.”

“How do you know Mr. Hampton won’t turn on us when he’s finished with Zeus?”

“He doesn’t seem like that kind of boss. Then again, I could be wrong.”

“Yes, you could. Just like with Jacob. I mean, Zeus.”

“Emma…”

“I’m sorry, brother. I’m just saying.”

“Yeah, I get it. I got a poor judgement of character.”

“If you were wrong about this, how do you know Stacey is the one you’re meant to be with? Could be someone else.”

“Certain things you can feel with your heart, and it might work out 95%. It’s when you feel it in your soul that you know it was meant to be.”

“And do you have that feeling with her?”

“Of course.”

“We both know that’s not 100% true, brother.”

“Not another word, Emma.”

“I don’t mean to make you mad. I just, can’t stop thinking about what happened the other day.”

“What happened?”

Emma became silent.

“Nothing happened, Karen. Emma just had her first wet dream and can’t stop thinking about it.”

“I made a splash.”

“Ahh s**t. You go girl. I remember my first wet dream. Damn. I woke up ready for it again and again.”

“KAREN… That’s really not helping the situation.”

“What? She’s growing up, Justin. These things are going to be on her mind. There’s no harm in sticking your finger in your….”

“BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH. I don’t wanna hear y’all talking about this.”

For some reason, they both thought this was funny.

“How old are you now, Emma?”

“I turned 18 a week ago, but...”

“WHAT? And you didn’t tell us it was your birthday?”

“I didn’t say anything because I’ve never celebrated my birthday. It just, comes and goes.”

“No. When Stacey gets up, then probably throw up again, we’re celebrating. We always celebrate birthdays, right cousin?”

“Of course. You could’ve at least told us, Emma.”

She smiled as she shy’s away from the conversation. Karen and I started plotting the activities we could engage in while we kept a close eye out front. I wanted to be ready for anything, and everything. Two hours passed before Stacey decided to come to the party Karen and I couldn’t help but start without her.

“What’s going on?”

“Oh, sorry bae. Did we wake you?”

“No. I was getting up away. What’s with the music and dancing?”

“It’s my birthday. Well, a week ago. We’re celebrating.”

“Whoa, your birthday was a week ago? Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Never mind that. Dance with me.”

They started dancing alongside the tunes in the air. Karen and I danced, passing a joint back and forth.

“Should I give Emma anymore?”

“No. Looks like she’s had enough.”

She began to whisper in my ear.

“Hey, cousin, I caught a little more of that conversation than I led on. When you’re ready to talk about it, I’ll definitely be waiting to hear it.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Ok, well, when you find out how to uncomplicate it, I’ll be ready.”

I knew exactly what she was talking about, I just didn’t know if I would nor how to tell her. I’m not even sure I wanna admit it to myself at this point. Honestly, I’m starting to think it was a mistake.

“Justin, let’s dance.”

We swapped out. While dancing with Emma, she, too, started to whisper something in my ear.

“Thank you, brother. This is my first real birthday party, even though today isn’t my birthday. You guys are awesome.”

“You deserve it, Emma. Every person should celebrate the day there were born.”

“Every person should have a family as well. I didn’t, until I met you. Thank you.”

“Of course.”

She kissed me on the cheek. Stacey saw this and came in between us.

“I need to borrow him for a minute Emma.”

“But we weren’t done.”

“It’ll be quick.”

She pulled me to the side until we reached the back porch. When we stepped out, I knew she had to get some things off her chest. I just didn’t know what.

“Your little sister is becoming very clingy, Justin.”

“Give her a break. This is her first real birthday party.”

“I’m not just talking about today. For the past few days, it’s been increasingly harder to get you to myself for a minute. She’s always there.”

“Yeah, well I’m all she’s got right now.”

“You’re not her real brother, Justin. I would understand it a lot better if you 2 shared blood, but you don’t.”

“You saw how they treated her at the facility. They picked and beat on her. All the kids made fun of her and said mean things. After I stepped in, as a good person, she declared me her big brother cause that’s what her idea of a big brother does. Defends their little sibling from the cruel world.”

“It’s not just that, Justin. Karen has told me she caught her m**********g a couple of times…”

“Yeah, who doesn’t?”

“Mumbling your name, Justin.”

I became silent.

“There’s a line between looking at someone as their big brother, and growing close to someone, using that excuse, so they can just be around the one they like. A big f*****g line. Can’t you see that?”

“I’m not commenting on that, Stacey.”

“Because you know it’s true.”

“No. Because there’s things about her you don’t need to know unless she tells you.”

Upset, I started to head back inside. Stacey grabbed my arm.

“I love you, Justin. Maybe I’m just paranoid that I’ll lose you before I fully have you.”

I kissed her.

“You have nothing to worry about. I’m not going anywhere, as long as you’re willing to stick it out with me.”

I rubbed her belly.

“We’re not fighting, son, just talking loudly. You don’t have to worry about anything, either.”

She kissed me, then we went back inside to continue celebrating. Karen had already started the second part of the fun. Cards. She delt us in.

“Cousin, don’t you know this little brat has beaten me already in Crazy 8’s? Y’all want in?”

“She’s a fast learner, remember? Yeah, deal us in.”

After the fourth game, my phone started ringing. It’s my mom.

“Hey, mom, what’s up?”

Static.

“Hello? Mama?”

Static.

“Ma, are you ok?”

Lost connection.

Now I’m worried. I called her back. It rung until the voicemail kicked in. I called again. Same thing.

“Why isn’t she picking up?”

“What should we do, cousin?”

“I don’t know.”

I called again. Voicemail.

“I’m sure she’s fine, babe. Maybe she’s in a bad area for signal.”

“Maybe. Try calling your dad.”

She called, only to get his voicemail as well. She tried again for the same results.

“He’s probably on a call. He’ll call back in just a minute.”

We waited. The partying came to a halt. Now, we’re smoking to free our mind of unsettling thoughts. An hour dragged by before hearing anything from them. Jim called.

“Hey, dad, Ms. Eva called but there were a bunch of static. Are you guys alright?”

“Eva and I got separated about an hour ago. I’m on my way to find her now. When I do, we’re finishing our mission and bringing our ass home.”

“Why can’t you just find her and come home? Screw that mission.”

“Don’t you get it? If we don’t finish this, we all will be in constant danger until they get what they want. I love you, babygirl, but don’t call this number again because I have to destroy my phone. I’ll call you when the job is done.”

“I love you, daddy. Be safe.”

The call ends. Now, I’m freaking out a little bit. My mom was in danger, and I have no knowledge on their location. The only thing I thought to do wasn’t smart, but I felt it was worth a try. I called Mr. Hampton on the phone he gave me. He answered.

“Good news I hope?”

“Not at all. Is it ok if I ask you for a favor?”

“That depends. What are you willing to do to clear your debt?”

“I’ll -X- Zeus for you if I see him.”

“That’s funny. I was about to do just that myself. If you feel you’re up for the task, we’ll come to you.”

“Deal.”

“Alrighty then. Oh, and Justin, if you waste my time, you’ll most likely be joining him for a dirt nap. Comprehend?”

“I said I’ll do it.”

He chuckled.

“Must be a big favor you’re gonna ask of me if you’re this calm about putting a bullet in the head of someone who gave you 2 trash bags of free weed? Nevertheless, a deal’s a deal. See you tonight.”

End call.

“What the f**k, Justin? You’re really going through with this?”

“They need our help. If I can get Mr. Hampton’s crew onboard, we’ll have a better chance at finding them, and rescuing them.”

“This is madness, babe. How the hell am I supposed to fight in this condition?”

“You can stay here, where it’s safe. Emma will stay with you.”

“Nope. Brother, I’m gonna be right by your side.”

Stacey looked at Karen.

“I’m sorry, Stacey, but if Justin’s going to war, I have to be there.”

“I can’t believe you three. You’re seriously making me choose between fighting while pregnant, or staying here by myself? Easy pickings for the bad guys? f**k it, if y’all are going, I’m going to. There’s no way I’m staying here by myself.”

“Then it’s settled. We should pack a few things in case we have to leave for a few days. I’m sure they have guns for us to use but I’d bring your assigned weapons anyway. Ok, let’s get to it.”

Time passed. When everyone was done, we were all sitting on the couch looking as if we were going on vacation. Bags here, guns there. Time ticked. I’m standing in the door and saw 3 cars pull up. Two behind the one, in triangle formation.

Mr. Hampton stepped out and waved us over. We came out strapped. He popped his trunk revealing Zeus, bound with rope with a gag in his mouth. This was it. This was the time to prove our worth of the favor I was to ask.

Mr. Hampton fired the first shot in Zeus’s arm. He turned to me as if saying it was my turn. I looked at the girls. They raised their aim. I fired a shot through his head. The girls fired their shots as well. Mr. Hampton closed the trunk, then ordered one of his minions to do away with the car.

“A deal’s a deal, Justin. Ask your favor.”

“It’s my mom. I need help tracking her down and possibly rescuing her from a group of people who wants her dead. Stacey’s dad is there as well. Only problem, I don’t even know where to begin my search.”

“What’s the name of the group after your mother?”

“I don’t know this group. We recently were in battle with this guy name Ray, who turned out to be my dad, but he’s dead. Now, these people are trying to collect pay that Ray owed them from the people who killed him.”

“So, you all were the ones that gave that bastard a dirt nap? I know you said he was your father, Justin, but I am glad he’s no longer with us.”

“So, you know him?”

I ready my trigger finger.

“If this is the same militia we’re speaking on, yes, I knew him, and hated him. He turned my business upside down with his rogue ambitions of taking over the world. He’s caused trouble that’s unforgivable in what little heart I have left.”

“We think he merged his organization with the one we’re up against now before he died. We just don’t know who these people are.”

“No worries. We have forces that’ll find out this information. I have ears in many countries. If something this big is happening like you say, it’ll be on my radar by morning.”

“So, what do we do now, Mr. Hampton?”

“Rest and answer that phone when it rings.”

He stopped before getting all the way in the car.

“Oh, and Justin, I don’t work for you.”

I cracked a smile.

“Never said you did. Good night.”