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Chapter 9 - The Vice Kings of 3rd Street.
November 1995 - Frat Row Boys' Boarding School
- "Let me lick you up and doooown 'till you say stop"
- Let me play with your body baby, make you real hot
- "Let me do all the things you want me to do"
- " Cuz tonight baby, I wanna get freaky with yoooou " Jack and Tyrone sang in duet.
This morning, in the boarding school showers, the boys were in a particularly good mood. Although they had not slept much last night, Jack and Tyrone felt great and were dancing half naked in front of the large mirrors in the dormitory's common bathroom. The two boys took exaggeratedly lascivious breaks while miming sexual acts to the beat of the music. Their classmates were amused and some sang along.
- So, Nate, are you still a virgin or what? one of the boys laughed.
- Not since I spent the night with your mom.
Tyrone burst out laughing followed by Jack.
- We're pretty handsome," Tyrone said.
- Especially me, yeah.
- But you're just showing off! On the other hand, you've put on a lot of weight. What did you do?
- It's puberty, that's it," laughed an intern.
- Nonsense," replied Jack, laughing. Sports. Every day.
- Seriously, where do you find the time?
- All the time. We all have at least 30 minutes a day to work out. Of course, if you use them to touch yourself in front of the TV, it doesn't work. You need a minimum of motivation.
- Maybe I should start.
Still listening to the radio, Jack wiggled his hips when one of the boarding school boys snatched the towel that covered his nakedness.
- You guys are such kids, seriously.
That didn't stop him from continuing to dance, even naked, until the same boy reappeared with the stolen towel that he had previously wet and slammed it down on Jack's buttocks, who let out a scream to the laughter of the other boys.
- So, are you big heads faggots or what, dancing like two fags? asked an intern.
- You can suck me whenever you want, I don't mind," replied Jack, winking at him.
- You're sick, I not into that !
- In the meantime, it is not me who amuses me to put you with naked to see your cocks.
- For what to see.
- Oh yeah? You want to compare our dicks? Well go ahead, take it out so we can see for ourselves.
The boy was not shy but not really excited by the idea. But the shouts of encouragement from his friends motivated him to take up the challenge. And so a horde of boys found themselves, side by side, comparing their attributes in absolute bad faith, punctuated by laughter.
With the hubbub echoing all the way downstairs, the supervisor stormed into the showers. No one really liked him, he was rude, boorish, and the boys called him "the pedo" because of some rumor that no one bothered to find out if it was true or not.
- What the hell is this again? he asked breathlessly.
- Nothing," a boy defended himself.
- But, what are you doing here? Where do you think you are, you stupids?
A little taken by surprise, the boys got dressed as quickly as they had undressed except Jack to whom nobody had given back his towel.
- Well, for a change. Collins.
- What, I was going to shower, lied the teenager with affront.
- Of course, of course. In my office right now.
- Should I get dressed first or not? provoked Jack, who knew the answer.
The supervisor turned back, taking off like a rocket into his office, waiting for Jack to join him there.
- He's a slacker, always yelling for nothing," Tyrone lamented.
Jack raised his eyes to the sky and collected his stuffs with a sigh.
- Well, I'm going to go right now, otherwise I'll be torn apart because I'll be late for class... Fuck, it's great, there's always something wrong.
- You don't give a damn, he's going to do his two-bit moralizing and he'll leave you alone.
- Go naked to piss him off," suggested a boy.
Jack and the boy giggled. Dressed, and after collecting his school stuffs, Jack resigned himself to going to the supervisor's office - which he knew well -. He was relaxed, not particularly stressed about being called in. He knocked on the door and entered when he was ordered.
- Hello again," he said with enthusiasm and sarcasm.
- Collins, you're starting to seriously bust my balls, sit down," the supervisor ordered, bluntly.
- Because I shower naked?
- You've taken off several times in the night over the past month.
- Maybe I have.
- I made a tour in your room this morning, it stinks of cigarette and weed. And I found beer cans downstairs, right under your windows.
- Yeah, I didn't have time to pick them up," said Jack, who didn't really care.
- Shall I remind you of the liquor laws in the United States? Or would you rather copy it a thousand times to make sure you get it right?
- Nah, I get it, I'll just drink water.
- And now I catch you groping out the other interns.
- Groping? Didn't understand Jack.
- You're the youngest one in this section, Collins, I think," the supervisor assured him, getting up from his chair.
- Yeah... Jack was suspicious.
- And it seems to me that you've already had a lot of trouble in your previous boarding schools. Violence, problematic behavior, insolence obviously, you don't change a winning team, he said while closing the lock of the office.
- It must be fate that I always end up in shitty boarding schools.
- And you set fire to the last boarding school you went to, which resulted in a permanent exclusion.
- So what's your point?
- I might as well file a report right now.
- What, for a lousy cigarette and because I was naked in the showers? You're not serious?
- I'm serious. It won't be hard to get you fired.
Jack wasn't really expecting this. He still needed the boarding school as a home while he got his mother's house back. And above all, the proximity to his school was most comfortable.
- Don't do this, you know it's not going well with my parents and I have nowhere else to go. Honestly, it's okay, it was just a smoke for fun, I usually behave myself.
- I read in your file that you want to get into a math college next year. It would be so sad if a bad application keeps the doors closed for you.
- You really want to ruin my future, what good will it do you? Can't we work something out?
Jack wasn't bragging anymore. Although his grades were close to excellent, his behavior was far from unanimous. He knew he'd been tugging at the heartstrings for too long and suddenly realized that his future could be in jeopardy, just for some bullshit.
- I really need to go to college," Jack insisted.
The supervisor spun around to look at Jack's chair with a worried look on his face, and suddenly put his hand on the teen's shoulder.
Jack didn't like being touched, but he didn't want to make a comment.
- I know, kiddy, we can work something out.
The supervisor patted his hand paternally on the teen's shoulder, and he didn't flinch. But he soon sensed that it was getting strange when the man slid his hand down his arm before moving it up his torso.
- What are you doing here...?
Jack naively thought that his remark had been enough for the man to withdraw his hand, but the man came back to the charge by resting it on his cheek and drawing it gently towards his crotch.
- Be just a nice boy.
The turn that took the maintenance did not like at all to the teenager who found himself taken by surprise and with the unprepared one. So, when the man unbuttoned his pants to take out his sex, Jack remained without the slightest reaction with only wide eyes.
The man had not chosen him at random. He was very young, he was a concern, everyone knew that his parents were not providing for him and that no one really cared about him. Physically, he was still halfway between a juvenile and a young adult. He was the perfect prey.
- I can see you like cock, the supervisor convinced himself as he stood with his erect sex only inches in front of the young man's face.
- What...?
- So we'll make a pact you and I. I won't say anything, you won't say anything, and we'll both be fine.
Seeing that Jack remained totally stunned, the man tried to bring him closer by gently pushing his head. As the shock wore off, Jack finally realized what was going on.
- No... Not again! He rebelled by pushing the supervisor.
The guard fell against the door and looked at the teenager with a look of hatred.
- Fuck you, you faggot. Who did you think I was? I'm not your whore.
- You're making a mistake Collins, this was your last chance.
- Oh yeah? Then I might as well blow it.
Mad with rage, Jack jumped up and grabbed his chair, smashing it into the supervisor's face. He fell backwards heavily, his mouth bleeding. It was disgusting to be lying on the floor in that scarlet pool that flowed from his mouth. Jack could only see the vice once again. Once again, an adult who was supposed to protect him was hurting him and betraying him.
- You just signed your death warrant... Vociferated the man while holding his bloody jaw. No one will believe you, no one believes the damn delinquents like you. You cause problems wherever you go, I'll be happy to get you out of here, you little shit!
So Jack grabbed his bag and pulled out the Desert Eagle, stolen the day before from Anthony Green. He stuffed it in the mouth of the supervisor who shriveled up on himself.
- You're not going to ruin my life. You're not all going to ruin my fucking life! Jack shouted, filled with hatred.
He cocked the gun and the supervisor began to piss himself.
- My name is Jack from 3rd Street Saints, and I will never again be disrespected by an adult in authority over me. Ever again.
This time it was the supervisor who feared for his life, he had not imagined for a second that the situation would escalate to this point. He begged in tears for the teenager to spare him. Jack didn't shoot, he pulled the gun from the supervisor's mouth and the supervisor broke down crying.
- Don't ever tell anyone about this, or I'll come back and kill you, I've got nothing left to lose.
- I won't say anything, I won't say anything !
- Get out of the door then, I have to run.
The man was still shaking on the floor as Jack stepped over him to leave the office.
Never again would he be abused by an adult, he swore to himself.
Of course, he was late for his French class, which had already started. He entered the classroom, barely excusing himself, and went to sit in his seat with the grace of an elephant, swinging his bag on the floor in a deafening din.
- If you're already late, at least have the courtesy to be discreet," said her teacher.
- I apologized," Jack retorted, as friendly as a prison door.
- It is not what I reproach you.
- And besides, it's not my fault, it's the boarding school monitor who came to bust my balls already in the morning.
- Collins. You watch your mouth or it's the door.
- But I'm just explaining that...
- Et en français s'il-vous plait ! Et taisez-vous désormais.
- Je ferme ma gueule en français du coup, ou comment ça se passe ? Jack insisted, in French at least.
- Get your stuff and get out," the teacher said.
- Ouais, ben va bien te faire enculer, connasse de mes deux.
Although not all the students understood the richness of the French, they did understand that this last tirade of their classmate towards their teacher was not a nice one and they all laughed. Not knowing how to manage his emotions, Jack was excluded from class once again. He had every intention of joining his crew at Saints Row, when the principal stopped him in the hallway. No disrespect to him, Jack knew he was risking too much and followed him without fuss into his office.
- Collins, it's not even 9:00 a.m. and you're already getting suspended from class. What's going on now?
- I don't know, I must have used the wrong French word, there must have been a misunderstanding.
- Look, I've been patient and understanding with you, because of your personal and family problems, but at some point, it's not possible anymore. You're a senior, you're supposed to be mature enough to set a good example. Nathan, I feel like I keep telling you the same things over and over again, that it works well for a while and then you do it again. And I'm sorry about that, because your grades are excellent. Your last math assignment was perfect, you're the only one who got the maximum grade and in record time. So why are you screwing it up?
- I'm not the one screwing it up...
- Your file keeps coming back to my desk and frankly you know that you won't escape the disciplinary board. So I'm telling you personally, but this time, you'll be summoned, as well as your parents, so that we can talk about a temporary or even permanent exclusion or a more structured system for people like you while you wait for your majority. It's a pity, because you have the level for the universities that you want, but your file will not pass, be sure.
- Okay. Anything else?
- I was hoping you'd react," said the principal.
- What do you want me to do? Throw myself on the floor and beg you to support my case? Or suck your dick too so I can have a chance at life?
- Excuse me...?
- I don't need all of you patting me on the back and telling me how good I am, only to shoot me in the back and try to train me like a trained dog. I am not an animal.
- You're going too far Nathan, be careful.
- You don't mean well to me either. You're just like all the others. You just want me to stay quietly in the place you have chosen for me. If you don't want me to go to college, then I won't go, too bad.
- That's not what I said.
- Maybe I don't want this life after all. In college, it's going to be the same, I'm going to be expected to sit back and be obedient, and then I'm going to have a job where I'm going to be somebody else's good boy. So fire me if you want, but above all, stop acting like a nice and understanding guy, you don't give a damn about my fate. I'll decide for myself what I want to do with my life.
With these words, Jack got up and without waiting for his principal's answer, he left his office with the impression, for once, that he was the only one holding his fate in his hands.
Several days after the boarding school incident, Jack took advantage of his weekend to wait for his friend to be released from the hospital in Saints Row.
After a little surgery, and a splint that went from his thigh to his ankle, Johnny walked out of the hospital, supported by Aisha, and smiled when he saw his friend in the parking lot.
The two men hugged.
- Glad to see you up and around," Jack said.
- Just glad to see you," Johnny replied.
Jack went to hug Aisha, who wouldn't let go of Johnny, and the three of them headed for the purple Ford to take a ride to the safe house.
- Isn't the hospital too boring? Jack asked.
- Yes, it's a hell of a place. The only cool thing was that I could pretend to be struggling to get the nurses to help me undress. I was on to something here.
Aisha gave him a cold look and Johnny swallowed hard.
- What else was new while I was away? Any word from Tanya?
- No. She's pretty well holed up by now. We don't have too many tangible leads. My guess is that she's going to lay low for a while.
- I wish I had fucked her.
Aisha looked at her again, with a look of hatred.
- It's an expression, babe!
- That's it...
- Anyway, we should do a raid to try to find her. Could you tell me a little more about Warren William? He seems to know her well, asked Jack.
- He's some kind of brainless jerk. He thinks he's the top man in the music business, but he's got nothing in his pants, he's an idiot.
- No, he's not," Aisha defended him.
- What's wrong? Johnny questioned.
- His hip-hop label is excellent, he's far from being a moron. So he may work for the Kings, but that doesn't mean he's a loser.
- Ooh, you're taking his defense a little too personally," Johnny snapped.
- I'm just saying, don't trust him. He's charismatic, he's good at convincing people with his words. Don't underestimate him.
- I'm not afraid of him.
- It's not fear I'm talking about!
- Then what are you talking about? Did he become your big buddy because you worked with him on your last album?
- Maybe.
- Wait a second Eesh, you didn't...?
Aisha looked away, ashamed.
- You didn't fuck Warren, did you? Johnny choked.
- Look Johnny, I'm not going to fool you, but there was a time when you and I weren't on the best of terms.
- What does that mean?
- It means I was allowed to see other guys.
- What! Fulminated Johnny. You've been giving me the cold shoulder for ages about Anissa and you've been sleeping with Warren? You can't be serious!
- She gave you a blow job, that disgusting bitch!
- What did you do to Warren?! Did you play cards, maybe?
- We weren't together! I didn't have to account to you then.
- But I don't believe that! But you're a dark bitch.
- Wait a second," interrupted Jack. What's the big deal, why are there cops everywhere?
- Plus Anissa, she didn't suck well," Johnny continued.
- There's something fucking wrong with the row here.
A police car drove by the Ford. Johnny and Aisha were too busy killing each other to pay attention, but Jack immediately recognized some familiar faces of Saints in the back of the vehicle.
- Damn, there's a police raid, they're arresting Saints.
- What? Johnny finally got interested.
- But look, there are cops everywhere! Just happened to be near 3rd street. We can't fucking go there, we'll get screwed.
- Shit, what are we doing?
- Low profile, we don't want to be seen. Call Dex and Troy and ask them to meet us somewhere quiet.
Johnny did, but he could only get through to Dex.
- I can't get Troy, maybe he got caught.
- Shit, that would suck. What about Jul?
- Messaging. Dex is hiding in the streetcar.
- Okay, well, we'll meet him, I'm going to Saints Row station.
Cautiously, Jack parked in the parking lot near the streetcar station and took off his purple shirt and put on the jacket with Sunnyvale's colors.
- What the hell are you doing? Johnny asked.
- There are cops on the platform. If they see the three of us in purple, they're going to jump on us. Take off your jacket Johnny.
- But I'll freeze to death!
- Would you rather we went to jail?
- Well no... But hey...
- I don't want anyone to see me... Aisha panicked.
- Don't worry, it'll be fine, just act natural, we're just three friends who take the streetcar, reassured Jack.
Jack went first to the station, looking relaxed. He pulled his jacket up tightly to cover his neck and lit a cigarette, leaning against the streetcar's schedule board. Johnny and Aisha followed him, keeping their distance a little. They held hands, trying to look as casual as possible.
Eventually the streetcar arrived, and the three Saints made their way to the still closed doors.
- Hey young man," a policeman said to Jack.
Jack muttered a "fuck" before putting his hand on his belt. He was ready to shoot the cops, with his gun tucked under his jacket.
- You forgot your change at the ATM," said the policeman, sympathetically.
- Oh. Uh, thanks," said Jack, surprised but relieved.
He retrieved his coins and smiled to appear polite in front of the policeman before getting into the streetcar that was about to start.
- Damn, he scared the shit out of me," he huffed.
- It was nice of him, Aisha pointed out.
- My heart's beating fast, I thought we were going to get in trouble. Now, where is Dex?
- He's at the downtown station, waiting for us there," Johnny explained.
After several minutes of travel, the Saints arrived at their destination. Dex had given them a last-minute appointment at a rather shabby clothing store downtown. They met in the dressing rooms, out of sight.
- Guys! I'm here," Dex whispered quietly.
- Dex, what's going on? Jack asked as he pulled back the curtain.
- The cops have been hanging around us for a few days, I don't know, it doesn't make much sense.
- King knows people in the police force so that they make us so much shit?
- I'm not sure. But clearly, something's up.
- Don't worry, Dex, I've got a plan," Johnny exclaimed, pumped up.
- Johnny. Your idea of a plan is to find the biggest hammer you can find and smash everything in your way.
- What's that? Sounds like a good plan to me.
- Yeah, a shitty one. As your whack ass-robot leg clearly proves.
- Oh, fuck you.
- Next time you try that cowboy shit, you might not walk away at all. You're lucky the kid was there last time.
- Nah, seriously, fuck you .
- Guys... Can we kill each other later now? Jack said impatiently.
- Yeah. I have a plan to hit the Kings with minimal risk to us.
- How many guys do I have to kill? Johnny asked.
- None.
- Your plan blows.
- Hear me out, alright? King's obviously got something going on with the cops. I'll find out what it is. In the meantime, I want you and the kid to go out and do some havoc. If we can turn the public's eyes to the Kings, the cops will have no choice but come down to them.
- Alright then. Let's go out there and do some damage. How do we pin this on the Vice Kings?
Dex turned around in the booth and tossed a huge yellow sweater to Johnny.
- Put these on.
- I'm yellow enough as it is, Dex.
- Just put the damn shirt on.
- Hmm, that's not dumb," Jack admitted. If we pretend to be Kings, there's a way to draw attention away from the Saints. We need to go to places with lots of visibility, or cameras.
- Exactly," said Dex.
- All right, get dressed, we got a little peace to disturb," Johnny concluded, tossing a big yellow sweater to Jack.
The two boys put on their costumes and covered their faces with yellow bandanas and blew out a breath.
- I'll take Aisha, and try to reach Jul," said Dex.
- Okay, that works," said Jack.
- You'll be careful... ? asked the young woman, worried.
- Well, if I die, Warren will comfort you," replied Johnny, still angry.
- Oh Johnny! You are boring with that!
- No, it's you who are boring!
- You're a kid!
- But at least I'm faithful!
- What's going on now... Dex sighed at Jack.
- Apparently, Aisha got a little bit screwed by Warren.
- Warren William?
- Yeah.
- And Johnny never banged her? Ah shit, that's hot, he would have been better off coming with us to the massage thing anyway.
- Loyalty's a bitch.
As Johnny and Aisha continued to blame each other for everything, Dex and Jack each grabbed their partner's arm to further their mission.
- Honestly, it kills me! Shit, she's already had sex with a guy, damn it," Johnny lamented.
- So what? If you buy a used luxury car, you're not the first one to stick your ass in it, that doesn't make it any less valuable.
- But I'm talking about my girl! Why are you talking about cars?
- Because you piss me off with your stories Johnny! That's not important right now. If you really want to piss off Warren, start by pissing off the Kings.
Upset, Johnny went to kick the glass of the bus stop which shattered into pieces.
- There you go. Get your rage out by being productive.
Jack and Johnny robbed the small convenience store on the corner and grabbed bottles of liquor, which they turned into Molotov cocktails and threw at store windows. Within ten minutes, the entire street looked like it was in the grip of the apocalypse. Johnny shook a can of paint and mimicked a Kings tag.
- But Johnny! Jack lamented, "You didn't write 'Vice Kings' with an 'S' in 'Vice', did you?
- Well, yes, I did. It's plural. Isn't that how you spell it?
- But only at Kings!
- What do you mean? If it's plural, it takes an S. Why not in Vices?
- Don't you know how to tune compound nouns?
- I don't get it. You're explaining it wrong. Besides, I'm back to the car thing, what was the message really?
Jack sighed in despair, he sincerely loved Johnny, but sometimes he thought he was really stupid...
The two young men continued their evil deeds, making sure they were seen.
- The register, quickly! Jack ordered a frightened jewelry saleswoman.
She shakily handed him the contents of the cash register and Jack snatched it out of her hands before throwing it through the glass of the store.
- The Kings are in charge here, remember that. We take what we want, when we want it.
- I'll give you everything," said the saleswoman, totally traumatized.
Jack left the store, holding up the salesgirl.
- Johnny! We have to move now, the cops will be here any minute.
- Already? I was having fun.
He had discovered a construction machine and was destroying everything in his way. Jack signaled to him that they should disappear immediately, as the police sirens were getting closer.
- Don't mess with the Saints! Johnny shouted.
- Goddamn it, are you a complete idiot? said Jack.
- Oh shit! The usual, sorry!
Jack held back to keep from getting angry, but he managed to contain himself and pulled Johnny by the sleeve so they could get out of sight. Jack took off his Vice Kings costume, and unzipped his school suit.
- But I'll be cold if I take my sweater off... said Johnny.
- Do you really want to get busted?
- No, but...
- Then take it off right now!
Resigned, Johnny obeyed and found himself wearing a white long-sleeved undershirt, a little light for the season.
- Okay, now hit me," ordered Jack.
- What?
- We're going to be suspicious walking around the row, so if I look hurt, we can get by more discre...
Before he could finish his sentence, Johnny threw a huge punch right in Jack's face and he fell backwards. He looked completely stunned and obviously had a little trouble getting up. But at least he had a bloody nose.
- Gotcha! Johnny said proudly.
- If you break my tooth, I swear I'll kill you," Jack warned, holding his nose with both hands.
- No, don't worry.
- You fucking hurt me, I wasn't expecting that at all. You could have waited until I was ready.
- That way it looks natural. Let's go back to Saints Row.
To make it look real - and a little bit like Jack wasn't walking straight anymore - Johnny helped his friend by supporting him and they walked down the street, as if nothing had happened. As expected, a policeman stopped them.
- Young men, are you all right?
- My buddy was mugged by some weird guys dressed in yellow. They were crazy guys," Johnny explained.
- Can you describe them to me?
- Well, there were two of them. Yellow.
- You mean Asian?
- No, no. Just yellow.
- They were dressed in yellow," said Jack, who could see that Johnny wasn't making it. But their faces were hidden. We passed them by the bus stop, and they wanted me to give them money, but I didn't have any, so they beat me up. I won't be able to describe them to you, it went really fast. I just heard them say they were Kings of whatever, I didn't really understand.
- Okay, I see. I'll take your statements and check your IDs, then you can leave.
- Sir, they blew my nose off, it hurts like hell. You have an ambulance there, can I go first? We'll wait for you.
- Oh, the policeman hesitated. Okay, okay, I'll take care of the jewelry store clerk and come back to you.
- Okay, thank you, sir.
Gullible, the policeman entered the jewelry store, convinced of the good faith of the two boys.
- What a fucking idiot. Let's get out of here, Johnny, we're going to get in trouble, someone will recognize us.
Discreetly, the two Saints slipped away to the streetcar stop and made it back to the church without too much trouble. As Dexter had predicted, the police had left the area to deal with the problem of the pseudo Vice Kings, leaving the Saints free to go to their hideout. Julius was there, as well as Troy and Dex.
- What took you so long? We thought you got caught! Dex said, relieved to see his friends again.
- Your plan was a piece of shit," said Johnny.
- Are you okay, are you hurt, boy? asked Julius.
Jack's white shirt was soaked with blood.
- Hey, he asked! Johnny defended himself without waiting for someone to say something.
- No, it's okay, Jul. We had to get through the police checkpoint, so I pretended to be hurt.
- You're a good pretender," Troy observed.
- It worked... My nose is still straight...?
- Straight, more or less, but blue, for sure. You're not going to date a girl this week, poor guy.
- Like every week...
- Anyway, you did a good job," Julius continued. It's obvious that Benjamin is corrupting the cops, and thanks to you three, they won't be able to turn a blind eye to the Kings' actions. We're almost there boys, they're getting weaker every day and I didn't think it was possible but I feel like it's almost over for them.
- Cool," Jack said simply, holding his nose with two fingers.
- We've got to find Tanya and Warren and then it's just Benjamin.
- Yeah, and the Carnales and the Rollerz, we're not the masters of the world yet.
- One thing at a time, Dex. All the cases are moving forward, but the Kings case may be the first to be closed for good. We're going to put the Saints name on this city and it's all thanks to you.
- I can't believe you didn't want the case, Troy" Johnny laughed.
- Don't think I'm twiddling my thumbs either, smartass. And not to be snarky, but you were lucky to have Jack with you. He clearly did all the work.
- What? Fuck you, have you seen my leg?
- That's what I'm saying, you're full of shit.
- Well, at least I did something.
- Let's stay focused, gentlemen. We're gonna lay low for a few days until our guys get out of custody. Troy, if you can, see who Benjamin is bribing, I want their names and positions.
- Do I look like a fucking cop to you?
- With your faggot moustache, you'd look good in a police station," Johnny laughed.
- Dex, congratulations again, keep up your research on the Carnales, they'll be our next target.
- All right, I'll keep working on it.
- Johnny, stay put. Jack, you're going to be quiet for the next few days. You've got exams coming up, focus on that.
- Yeah, yeah, don't worry...
- I'll get you back to Sunnyvale. The rest of you, don't make any decisions without talking to me. Benjamin is probably going to counterattack, so we have to see it coming.
In the Kings' office, Benjamin was indeed annoyed. On the phone, he tried in vain to justify himself.
- Don't worry about it. If it was one of mine, I would have taken care of it. I don't care what colors they were wearing. Since I'm telling you it's that Saints Row crew I was telling you about. And this is not an excu... All right... say hello to your wife. Goodbye, Alderman.
- Great," Warren snapped. Now you got your white-boy buddies tripping. Partnering with City Hall was a waste of time!
- Wrong, working with them is what gives us power.
- Fuck that. This is what gives us power," said Warren, pulling out his glock.
- Get the fuck out of my office," ordered Benjamin, excited.
- What's next? We're going to let two poor bastards humiliate us by letting them sully our colors?
- We're already going to find out who they are.
- They're the Saints!
- Will you keep your voice down. Those two," Benjamin pointed to a black and white photo taken by the security cameras, showing Jack and Johnny, in their civilian clothes. The guys are formal, they have already seen them with the colors of the Saints. But the youngest one intrigues me.
- Why, he sure looks like a son of a bitch.
- He's wearing a school uniform that I recognize well. He's a senior at Sunnyvale Gardens High School.
- We're getting screwed by a high schooler? It gets better and better.
- He looks like he has some sort of role with the Saints and he won't be able to be protected within his high school. We'll just have to pick him up on the way out. Bring this guy in and we'll have a little chat with him.
In Sunnyvale, Julius pulled into the school parking lot and dropped Jack off.
- Are you going to be okay? You're not going to have any problems with your appearance?
Jack did look a little shabby with his half-blue nose and bloody white shirt.
- Nah, don't worry. I've got clothes at the boarding school and then I'll say I got banged up, it'll pass.
- Okay. Take it easy for a few days, Jack, and stay away from the church. I'll call you as soon as I hear anything.
- You got it. You'll let me know, right?
- I don't see how I'm going to get through this without you, so be sure. Get some rest, you've earned it.
- All right, I'll see you soon then.
- I will, son.
Julius left Jack alone in the parking lot and headed for the dormitory. The building was close to the university campus, but because it was only for underage boys, it had much stricter rules. Jack had been living there for three years, and although he never really felt at home there, he had gotten used to the communal life. But when he returned to the boarding school, he was surprised to find the principal and his mother waiting for him.
- What the...? Jack was surprised, not expecting it at all.
- We've been waiting for you," said the principal, who didn't look friendly. In my office, right now.
- But what am I still accused of...? Jack sighed.
- Did you see your face? Tamara grumbled.
Jack rolled his eyes and walked past his mother without looking at her. In front of all his classmates he followed the principal to the school, in what seemed to him to be a march to the firing squad.
- Nathan. Mrs. Collins.
- Whitaker. I've remarried," Tamara corrected.
- Well... Nathan, Mrs. Whitaker. As I stated earlier, and in order to protect your son, a decision has been made by the disciplinary board regarding Nathan's absences and behavior.
- I am behaving well... Jack defended himself.
- It has been established that your son, in addition to skipping a considerable number of classes, when he is not excluded of course, is behaving in a way that is most harmful to him, his classmates and his teachers. Insolence, obviously, ordinary violence such as slamming doors, raising his voice, disrespect. Dress code violations.
- That's not true, I'm still in uniform!
Seeing his blood-stained shirt, Tamara glared at him.
- Shut up, she ordered him.
- I'll take over... The teachers have noticed an overall lack of interest in just about everything. Nathan sleeps in class but not at the boarding school, where he doesn't show up on certain nights without asking. Of course, I could add that he smokes in the school's corridors, that he has recently been tattooed and that the boarding school supervisors have noted some sexual behaviour towards his classmates.
- Well, I'll be damned.
- I'm sure Nathan will come around," Tamara said.
- But it's too late, ma'am. Nathan's been pushing too hard. The only thing he has to show for it is his excellent grades, which saves him from being expelled forever.
Sitting with his arms crossed, Jack grinned. This did not bode well.
- Because of his young age and because I know his potential, I decided to give him one last chance.
- I'm grateful for that.
Jack hated the way he was talked about, when he was right in front of people who were deciding his life without even addressing him directly.
- The board decided that Nathan would be allowed to return to his class and his place in the boarding school, but with conditions. His behavior must be impeccable until the end of the school year. And of course, his presence in the boarding school would be obligatory, except on authorized weekends or in case of justified absence.
Jack rolled his eyes.
- In case of failure to attend and in view of his age, it will be the social services who will take over. It has already been decided that Nathan will be placed in a closed disciplinary center until he reaches the age of majority, with permission to go out during the Christmas and summer vacations only.
- What...?
- Very well, that's fine with me, Tamara said without trying to argue.
- In a closed center? Is that prison? Jack panicked.
- No, it's a disciplinary center," corrected the principal.
- But it's exactly the same! Except that it's a prison for the innocent! Mother, you're not going to let this happen, are you?
- If it helps you get back on track, I think it's a very good thing.
- Well, yes, of course. I don't even know why I'm asking you for help.
- Nathan, you have to understand that this is for your own good, the principal explained.
- My own good? It's for my own good that I'm being locked up like a fucking dog without being asked if I agree or not?
- You'll do what they tell you to do," Tamara said.
Furious, Jack left the room and slammed the door.
- Rest assured, ma'am, that we are as concerned as we are worried about your son's future. He has enormous potential, and his IQ test is nothing short of impressive. We have rarely had a student with such intellectual faculties.
- I know that.
- We must not spoil him, I know that it will surely be difficult for him, but it is imperative that for his own good, he be more docile and mature.
- I know, I've been fighting for this for years. Train him as you wish. Thank you for taking care of him.
Tamara smiled politely at the principal and walked out of the school to find her son fuming nervously on the steps. Even from a distance, she could see he was shaking and teary-eyed. She approached him, but he did not pay any attention.
- Nathan, this couldn't go on.
- Leave me alone. Don't ever talk to me again.
- One day you will be a father too, and you will understand that one does not always make choices for the sake of it.
- I will never be a despicable parent like you were with me. Besides, I won't have a child. You have disgusted me.
- You know, a philosopher once said that a child is a monster that adults make with their regrets. You'll understand one day.
As she tried to take a step toward her son, Tamara's phone rang like a bolt from the blue. She stepped away from him to get some privacy. She left her bag at her son's feet. As he threw away his cigarette butt, he unintentionally kicked it in and something caught his attention inside...
- Nathan, I have to go, I really have to get back to work...
- Do what you want, anyway, I'll stay here and not move like a good dog.
- Think about it. Tell yourself it's for your own good. Finally, if you stay in care until you're 18, it might be good for you. You can come to our house on vacation if you want and...
- I'm not placed yet, I think.
- Not yet, anyway.
- So good-bye, Tamara.
- Right. Well... Goodbye then...
Faced with the anger and coldness of her son, Tamara capitulated. She knew he was stubborn and no longer inclined to hold a conversation. She tried to make a tender gesture towards him, but did not feel the strength to touch him. Her arm fell back along his body, and without any sign of affection, she went on her way.
Jack watched his mother walk away, holding firmly inside his pocket the letter for his emancipation application that he had stolen from her.
Forced to stay quietly in his boarding school, Jack felt very much cut off from the world and from the people he loved. He missed Julius and Johnny. And he still hadn't been able to see Dee-Dee since then. But the prospect of ending up in a detention center scared him. Once he was there, there would be no way out. So wisely, Jack clung to the idea that he could join the Saints on weekends, even though he was sick of not being able to see them at will.
A few days passed without Jack causing a ripple. He was true to himself in class, taciturn and self-effacing.
In the evenings, he obediently went to the boarding school, where the supervisor of his section was happy to check on him. The two men knew they had power over each other and were careful not to provoke each other.
Fortunately, Tyrone came to brighten up Jack's life, who was feeling more trapped than ever.
But that evening, in the dining hall, Tyrone had trouble finishing his plate. Across from him, Jack was talking to one of his tablemates.
- And "Seven", have you seen him? He's really good," the young man said.
- No, but I watched "Scum" from Alan Clarke, he was really nice," Jack explained.
- Damn, that's a bit of a boarding school story.
- Yeah, kind of, I thought so too! Remember Ty, we talked about that!
- Huh, about what? Tyrone asked.
- About the movie, "Scum". You know, we said it was a bit of a mess in here.
- Did we? Oh yeah, we said that.
- Ty, what's wrong?
- I don't feel so good.
- Yeah, you look like crap. You want me to call somebody?
- No, I'm just sick to my stomach, I'm going to go upstairs I think.
- At the same time, I don't know what the food was like tonight, but it was fucking disgusting, it was bitter.
- Yeah, really bad," confirmed her neighbor.
- It's still on my stomach anyway, I'm going to bed, Tyrone decided.
- Do you want me to come with you?
- Nah, it's okay Nate. I'm just going to sleep, don't bother.
- Well... Call me if you need me, I'll be up by curfew, so I won't bother you. Is the pedo showing a movie tonight?
- Yeah... "Dirty dancing"... sighed his friend.
- Olala damn, what a faggot...
Tyrone left the two young men to discuss movies and went upstairs to his section. But before he even got to his room, he was taken by terrible vomiting and spent an abominable fifteen minutes over the toilet. Not feeling well, Tyrone struggled to get back to his room and collapsed on his bed. It took him only a few seconds to fall asleep.
It was already very late at night and everything was dark in the boarding school. Only the dimmed lights in the hallway provided a little glow under the doors.
Tyrone still felt nauseous and looked at the clock. It was 3:15 in the morning.
He stood up with difficulty, intending to get a glass of water. He took a quick look at his neighbor's bed. Jack was sleeping there, in a black T-shirt and shorts, directly on his comforter. It was a bit strange... Jack never slept in underwear usually. It wasn't especially warm this time of year and Tyrone thought his friend was a little crazy anyway. He must have been freezing, but it shouldn't have bothered him so much, otherwise he would have woken up long ago. He snored lightly and seemed to be in a deep sleep.
Without making a sound, Tyrone left the room and headed for the bathroom.
As he passed the pedo's desk, he saw that he was fast asleep too. Not so good when you're in charge of watching a bunch of young boys.
In the bathroom, Tyrone splashed some water on his face before taking a few sips. He felt a little better.
He was surprised to hear footsteps in the hallway, and already imagined that the pedo had woken up to ruffle his feathers.
But the sound intrigued Tyrone, there seemed to be several people, so he glanced discreetly into the corridors of the boarding school. He saw several men, black, dressed in yellow. He didn't know it, but Warren was among them, flashlight and handgun in hand.
The men entered the rooms and Tyrone was surprised to see that not a single student from the boarding school reacted.
Lurking in the shadows, Tyrone waited for the Kings to enter a room before making a dash for his own. He rushed to his roomate, who had not moved, and shook him.
- Nate, Nate wake up! There are guys with guns in the dorm!
Jack opened his eyes for only a second before closing them again. He didn't move.
- Nate damn it! I'm not messing around!
He shook his friend harder before he realized something was wrong. Jack wasn't a great sleeper, and besides, he was a particularly light sleeper. There was nothing normal about him not waking up. Tyrone pulled him by the arm before suddenly letting go, Jack didn't react.
- What the hell is going on here? worried Tyrone.
Panicked, Tyrone suddenly made the connection.
The students who didn't flinch when strangers with guns broke into their rooms, the pedo who was fast asleep, Jack who was snoring. This was no coincidence. Suddenly, he had a flash and remembered tonight's meal, he had hardly eaten, but in addition to his stomach ache, he distinctly remembered that the meal had a very bitter taste. Jack and other students had complained about it too. There was no doubt about it, someone had intentionally drugged the interns and if Tyrone had slipped through the cracks, it was only because he had thrown it all up again.
Tyrone was scared to death as the men approached his room. He glanced over at his unsuspecting sleeping roommate.
He knew they had come for him, otherwise why would the Vice Kings go into rooms without taking anything?
Without thinking too much, Tyrone searched Jack's things. Panicking, he threw half of it on the floor. He knew he had something he was hiding.
He turned the room upside down in record time and suddenly, in a Jane Austen book, the inside of which had been cut out, he found the Desert Eagle and its bullets.
Shaking, Tyrone put the magazine in the gun and waited with his arms outstretched toward the door.
He could hear the men coming closer and closer.
Warren finally opened the door and jerked back when he saw young Tyrone, trembling, with a gun in his hand.
- Don't move! Tyrone threatened them.
- Ola, calm down kid, said Warren.
- Put the gun down.
- Are you Julius' guy?
- I said drop the gun!
While Tyrone was in a panic and ready to shoot. Jack chose this moment to turn in his bed coughing, fortunately for him, he turned to the side of his tattoo, hiding his membership in the Saints. Tucked into sleep, he didn't notice. The Kings looked at him, but did not make the connection. At Tyrone's insistence and seeing nothing suspicious, Warren complied and put his weapon away.
- I'm here to talk," Warren said.
- Get out of here, I just called the police, you're screwed.
- Benjamin King is looking for you. We know what you look like now, if we see you in the row again, or hanging out with the Saints, we'll get you. I just came to warn you today.
- Get out of here," Tyrone repeated.
Warren motioned for his men to retreat.
- What's your name?
- None of your business.
- Okay, too bad for you. It amused King to know what the name of the kid who gave him such a hard time was. You can die like a nobody if you want to, you just missed your moment of glory.
The Kings snickered and turned back. Tyrone was shaking all over and looked back at Jack who was sleeping, not suspecting for a moment that he had just escaped death.