Jack from the Row

by Jack Saint

Nathan is a fifteen year old teenager, revolted by the world and its justice. Brilliant, intelligent, cold and taciturn, his destiny is turned upside down when he is accidentally recruited by the Third Street Saints, a street gang that preaches for a better world for the Saints Row ghetto. For the best and especially the worst.

11. 1-10 : Old good friends

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Chapter 10 - Old good friends

November 1995 - Frat Row Boarding School for Boys.

- Your name please.

- Nathan-Jeremiah Collins.

The policewoman scribbled something on a notepad before motioning to a nurse to take some blood from Jack.

Sitting on his bed, still in his T-shirt and boxers, Jack felt vaguely nauseous, but more importantly, he was having a hard time emerging. He did not even react when the needle planted itself in the vein of his arm.

It must be said that nobody was very awake in this boarding school. The alarm was not given until the early morning when the teachers noticed that they were missing a good number of students, all strangely interns. Intrigued, a team of teachers went to the site and found all the supervisors and students asleep. Although they managed to wake them up, no one had any doubt that this was not normal.

Tyrone had remained silent, numb from his night. He had been afraid that the Kings would be waiting for him outside and did not dare to look for help when they left the place. He sat up all night by his bed with the Desert Eagle in his hand.

- I'm cold," said Jack, blowing his nose. Can I go outside to smoke?

- No, you still need to be questioned, but it shouldn't take long.

- Question me about what? I was asleep.

- I'll have my colleague come in, just wait a couple of seconds.

Jack rubbed his eyes with a yawn and went to his closet to get something to wear.

- Hey, somebody went through my stuff!

- Keep it down Nate, I did this," Tyrone whispered.

- And can I ask why? Damn, all my clothes are on the floor, what a shitty day. All we need is the pedo who drugged us with GHB to fuck us and everything will be perfect.

Tyrone paid attention to the fact that the policewoman had her back turned to talk to his friend who was ranting while folding his clothes.

- Nate, something happened last night.

- Well, thanks, I can imagine.

Jack put on a pair of black jeans, looking annoyed.

- While you were all sleeping, some guys came into the rooms.

- What guys? What for? Jack worried.

- I think they were looking for you.

- Me? Did they do something to me? I don't remember anything.

- No, they didn't do anything to you. But they had guns, and one guy, a black guy, asked who Julius' guy was.

- What...? Was he dressed in yellow?

- Yeah, he was.

- You can't be fucking serious, Tyrone, was he young enough? Bald?

- Yes, he was.

- That's Warren Williams from Vice Kings! How the hell did he find me?

- I don't know, he didn't seem to really know you, he just knew you were potentially here.

- Damn it, I have to go see Jul right now! Ty, you can't tell the police about this.

- I didn't say anything. I was waiting to talk to you. So you're sure about this? They were coming for you.

- I have no doubt about it, they came to kill me.

- You see, your bullshit with your Saints and all that crap. You see where this is going? We all almost died last night.

- We're alive, I think.

- Thanks to me! And only because I was sick last night, can you believe that?

- Nathan-Jeremiah Collins, a policeman interrupted. Can you come with me?

Jack and Tyrone looked at each other with a discomfited expression.

- I'm really counting on you, Ty, please.

Tyrone pursed his lips and looked down. Jack followed the policeman, who led him into the pedo's office.

- Take a seat.

The teenager took a chair.

- Can you tell me about last night?

- If you like, but I'm afraid it's not very interesting.

The night before, Jack and his tablemate cleared their dinner trays, throwing away half the food.

- Fuck, that was disgusting," Jack grumbled.

- Serious, really bad shit. Let's have a smoke and sit in front of the TV?

- Yeah, come on.

The two boys headed for the smoking area of the dorm but were stopped by the hall monitor.

- Where are you going?

- To have a smoke," said the student.

- Collins, you know you're not allowed outside.

- No shit. I can go outside and smoke if I want to, what's wrong with you?

The supervisor refrained from saying anything, he was too afraid that Jack would go and complain to someone about the other incident.

- Damn, you sure did pack it in, that faggot! his friend exclaimed.

- He's starting to break me down, that son of a bitch," Jack replied, lighting a cigarette.

- Still, Nate, I've known you for what, two or three years at boarding school, and I never realized how cool you were.

- Normal, I was invisible. A real victim.

- I think you have balls. I like your tattoo, it's really stylish! What's that?

- It's a fleur-de-lis.

- What does it represent?

- Royalty, power, it's the symbol of my gang.

- Are you in a gang? Like in Stilwater?

- Yeah, I am.

- Seriously? You don't look fucking gangsta to me. You ever kill anybody?

Jack didn't have time to answer when, in the distance, the supervisor was waving at them and tapping his watch with his finger.

- I'd kill him.

Soon after, almost all the interns had gathered in the large living room where they used to hang out at night. They could watch movies until 11 p.m., the curfew time. Jack and his partner took their seats with the other residents.

- Gentlemen, I'd like to show you a movie that I really enjoyed. I hope it will titillate your sensibilities a bit," said the pedo, proudly.

He took out a VHS of the movie Dirty Dancing, to the booing of the residents.

- What kind of faggot movie is this? complained an intern.

- Shut up, go jerk off in your rooms if you're not happy, retorted the pedo.

Amidst the sighs and grumbles, the supervisor put on his film and went to sit down happily next to his interns. But the movie had barely started when some of the students were already getting tired and left the room to go to bed.

- That's right, good night babies," laughed the hall monitor.

- Damn, is this movie a total bore or is it just me? Jack asked, his eyes stinging.

- But fuck it man, I want to sleep too.

Next to them, another young boy was struggling not to fall asleep.

- It's 8:30 p.m., what the hell, I feel like I'm pulling an all-nighter," said Jack.

Less than ten minutes later, half of the students had gone upstairs to bed, while the other half struggled to keep their eyes open. The supervisor was no longer bragging and fighting sleep as he was on call for the night.

- Look, the pedo is falling asleep, damn, this is a golden opportunity! Said Jack's friend.

- Man, I'm getting dizzy. I don't know what's wrong with me but I'm so sleepy, I'm going up too.

- I'm feeling a little dizzy too but it's too bad I can't take the chance.

- Yeah, I know but frankly I can't take it anymore. Look, everyone is dead, it's crazy.

Indeed, the students looked exhausted.

Like others, Jack got up and dragged himself into the bathroom where the other boys were brushing their teeth like automatons, some almost literally falling over from exhaustion. One of the interns fell asleep on the floor, and it was his roommate who dragged him down the hall to help him into bed. Another almost fell into the toilet while taking a leak.

- What the hell is going on? Jack asked himself, seeing things in a blur.

The students were literally falling over from exhaustion, some hadn't even had time to undress before they were already asleep on their beds. Jack managed to change into a T-shirt, but before he could do anything else, he fell back onto his bed and fell into a deep sleep.

- Do you think you were drugged? asked the policeman.

- Without a doubt, no one was in their right mind.

- Who would have had an interest in doing it, and especially, why since apparently nothing was stolen?

- I don't know, you are the policeman.

- Are you having problems at the boarding school right now?

- No, I'm not.

- I read in your file that you were recently summoned for various absences and behavioral problems?

- So what? I'm a victim in the case, I don't see what that has to do with the investigation.

- Is that a gang tattoo on your neck? remarked the policeman.

- No, it's not.

- Is it?

- C'est parce que j'adore le Quebec," lied Jack, in impeccable French.

The policeman was not convinced, but he had nothing against Jack and let him go. Many parents had been notified of the incident and had gone to their children to make sure that all was well. They all cried foul and couldn't understand how such an incident could have happened in such a prestigious school. While the principal tried to get out of the way of the angry crowd, Jack went to join his fellow orphans.

- Good thing my parents live too far away, shame on you for making a scene like that," said one student.

- Hey, Nate, your dad was looking for you," said another.

- My dad?

- Yeah, he went that way.

Jack couldn't believe it. He hadn't seen his father in years, and now he'd shown up without warning. He was probably worried about his health, but it seemed almost unreal that his son was so desperate for some attention. But his mother had said he was in prison? Maybe he was on parole and here he was, finally coming back to get him. It was unreal for the young boy. With his heart pounding, Jack pushed through the crowd to find him, but he didn't see him anywhere. His friend must have made a mistake, it wasn't possible...

- Ah here you are kid, I was looking for you everywhere.

Jack turned around. It wasn't his father who was standing behind him, but Troy, still with a cigarette in his mouth.

- What the hell are you doing here...?

- I heard about the drugs at your boarding school, I came to make sure you were okay. We were worried, but you don't have a cell phone and there are no Jack Saint in school here, so it was a bit of a hassle to get your news...

- You came to see if I was okay?

- Yeah, are you surprised?

In truth, Jack didn't know. He couldn't even be disappointed to know that his father wasn't there, as that was to be expected. But knowing that Troy and the others were worried was news to him.

- How did you find out?

- The newspaper. Well, are you okay? Did you get drugged?

- Yeah, I think so. Honestly, I don't remember much. Just that the food was disgusting and the movie at night was totally lame.

- Didn't they do anything to you? I heard some nasty rumors about one of the boarding school monitors.

- It's not him. He was sleeping like a motherfucker before us. It's Warren.

- Warren William?

- Yeah. He came in with some Kings, apparently looking for me.

- How do you know about that?

- My roommate saw them. He didn't eat anything last night, so he wasn't in a mood like the rest of us.

- Shit, that's a real concern... How do the Kings know you're staying here?

- I don't know Troy... But they're gonna come back sooner or later. I'm in trouble, my mom and the principal will put me in a detention center if I run away from boarding school.

- Do the Kings know who you are?

- I don't think so. But it's going to come out eventually. I'm not too sure about this.

- Well, don't worry, we'll think of something.

- Troy, I have no one to turn to... I don't know what to do...

- Don't you have family to help you?

- No, I don't have anyone.

- But who's going to pay for you to go to boarding school in Sunnyvale if you don't have anyone? It costs a fortune a year here!

- I have a scholarship and my father-in-law pays the rest... But he only stuck me here to screw my mom without me being in his way. He doesn't love me. He never loved me, and it's mutual... He won't do anything for me.

- Ah. Ah, okay. Well, that's not good. What about your parents?

- My mom won't do anything either. And my father, I don't know where he is. When he left home, he changed his phone number without giving me the new one, I've never seen him since. I think he's in jail for a robbery or something, but I'm not sure...

- Oh yeah? You're a poor guy, actually.

- I'm not a poor guy! You're crazy, don't say that!

But Troy really meant it. He didn't have time to answer his disciple when the principal came towards them, surprised to meet Jack's father, who had been rather conspicuous by his absence since the boy's arrival in their establishment.

- Mr. Collins, nice to meet you, I'm the principal.

- What's up? Answered Troy, cigarette in mouth and not at all conventional.

- Um, well, you should know that we're doing everything we can to find out the truth about this terrible incident. But please understand that we are reassured that none of our students were subjected to violence or aggression during the night.

- Well, at the price it costs per year. Hey, Jacky!

- Nate," corrected Jack.

- My little Nate," Troy smiled, putting an arm around his so-called son's shoulders.

- Nathan is doing well. In fact, I wanted to inform you that he's one of our best 12th graders.

- Oh yeah?

- Yes, we're just having some behavioral issues, which I've discussed at length with your ex-wife. But Nathan will come around, won't he?

- You're the one who'll get it together, Troy threatened.

- I beg your pardon?

- I'm bleeding to pay for him to go to a good school and all this to get him drugged, it's not serious.

- I have a scholarship... Actually, the state is paying for it," Jack explained, a little embarrassed.

- Ah. Well, shit. Well, the boarding school, I'm paying for it, right?

- That's right," sighed Jack, a little desperate for Troy's not really relevant interventions.

- Yeah right! This is an outrage, sir! Troy shouted.

- Mr. Collins, we're very sorry about this incident.

- Yeah, well, I don't know if I want my son to stay in such a lousy boarding school! Today it's drugs and tomorrow it's what? A plague of lice?

- Security will be tightened and the police are investigating. We'll find the people responsible and...

- Yeah yeah, it's all talk! The police are useless. Get your stuff Jack, you're not staying here tonight.

- Nate.

- Yeah, Nate.

- But sir, I can imagine your concern but...

- You don't imagine shit, big guy. I'm getting my kid back and I'll decide when he comes back here.

- There will be no sliding scale of charges if he's away. But for his own good, I would advise you to leave your son at the boarding school.

- I have parental authority, I do what I want. Come on, son, get your things, you're not staying here a minute longer.

The principal had no authority and was forced to let Jack leave the boarding school, under the guise of a parental release from his so-called father. Too happy to leave the place, he went up to his room where he packed his things with relish, while Tyrone looked on in horror.

- What the hell are you doing? You're going straight to the reformatory if you leave!

- Troy, one of the guys in the gang pretended to be my dad. He's allowing me to leave boarding school indefinitely. Damn, that's unexpected.

- You're not well Nate... Don't do this...

- Why not? I can finally get out of here! Besides, I'm not safe anymore, I have to get out of here soon.

- But... Damn it Nate... I can't let you do this.

- Ty... I have to go.

Tyrone was as sad as he was worried. He had known his friend for several years and had seen the shy kid transform over time. But in just three months, these Saints had totally ravaged his brain, to the point that nothing else mattered.

- I'll see you in class. I'm not going to disappear.

- It won't be the same, man. Besides, where are you going to go?

- I don't know," Jack said as he carried a huge bag and slung it over his back.

- What if the guys come back...? They saw me once, the guy said he won't forget my face.

Tyrone looked downcast, he was terrified. Jack felt sorry for him, but the call of the gang was too strong for this clueless and impressionable teenager. But out of friendship, Jack put his bag back on his bed and took out the Desert Eagle, which he put in Tyrone's hands, holding it tightly.

- If you're going to use it, do it Ty. Never hesitate.

Without really knowing why, because of fear, the loss of his friend or simply because he was lost, Tyrone began to cry. Jack put his hand on the back of his neck and pulled him against him, forehead to forehead.

- It's better to die on your feet than on your knees.

The two teens hugged each other tightly, both a little overwhelmed by fights they didn't have to fight.

Troy waited for Jack in the parking lot and got him into his car. As soon as he was seated, he lit a cigarette and offered another to the teenager, who accepted.

- I'll get you out of here while I take care of the Kings, but you're going back to your dorm as soon as this is over, is that clear?

- Yes, that's fine.

- Education is the best way to stay off the streets, you know that?

- I know that, Troy, but don't think you're too much like my dad.

- I'm just warning you. I don't want you to leave your school because of his bullshit. Right now, I'm just protecting you until...

- Yeah, I got it, I got it!

- I just wanted to make sure.

At Third Street Church, the weather was gloomy too. The cops were still hostile with the Saints and many were not coming out of custody, weakening the gang, which was already fragile and wobbly.

- I'm taking the princess back," Troy said as he walked back into the church.

- Son, are you all right? Julius asked, rushing over to Jack.

- I'm fine.

- Jul, we have a problem. Warren has partially identified the kid," Troy explained. It was him and the Kings who broke into his dorm. The kid had a narrow escape.

- Shit... How did they identify him?

- I don't know, but Benjamin's smart, don't you think he figured out pretty quickly that you guys were messing with him by pretending to be the Kings behind his back?

- We had yellow clothes, no way," said Johnny.

- Oh yeah, sorry. That changes everything, it's undetectable.

- That was Dex's plan!

- My plan was very good! It saved us a little time for this new discovery.

Dex unfolded a huge map of Stilwater on the church floor.

- Look, it looks like the cops are cashing in on some of King's rackets, that's why they don't mess with the VKs so much. We gotta get this info out there.

- Are you sure about this, boy? Julius asked.

- I am. I've done my research," said Dex, giving Johnny a glare.

- I did too, and look what I found.

Johnny walked around his office and came back with a huge crate, which he dropped on the map.

- This is much more subtle than your crappy plan," he said proudly.

Cautiously, Dex lifted the lid of the crate, which contained explosives as well as rockets.

- Johnny... You can't be serious.

- Of course I'm fucking serious!

- Where did you get that?

- Anthony's apartment. He had a big mouth.

- This will end badly...

- Jul, you can't let this happen," intervened Troy.

- Unfortunately, if we're going to end this once and for all, we're going to have to get our hands dirty.

Johnny murmured a "yes" and jumped for joy.

- Jul, damn it, Dex is 18! Johnny's 19 and the kid must be under 17. You're not going to leave three kids with weapons of war that they don't know how to use in their hands! Troy exclaimed.

- Well, personally, I didn't want to use them," corrected Dex.

- I'll call Nassim right away, he'll train them faster.

- Julius! You can't be serious! Troy took offense.

- We don't have time for moods anymore. We have to act. You three take two cars. Jack and Johnny will scout ahead. Dex, you'll follow and provide cover with another guy of your choice. If we can still afford it, I'll add one more car with two guys as backup, but it's not a done deal yet.

- I'm dreaming... I'm really dreaming... You're a terrorist Jul.

- Watch your mouth, Troy. Boys, how's it going? I'll train you tomorrow, and we'll act in less than two days.

- Okay, said Johnny and Jack in unison.

- Yeah... I'll do it," sighed Dex, not quite convinced.

Troy shook his head, helpless. Julius was doing his own thing, dragging immature and inexperienced young boys - not even men - into surreal plans. He knew it could only end badly and that blood would be flowing again on the sidewalks of Stilwater within two days.

Nassim took over and trained the three boys in the use of explosives. He, too, thought Julius' request was crazy, but decided to go along with it, at least to get some control over what was happening. Jack and Johnny were pleased, Dex much less so. He preferred to use his wits rather than resort to violence, and he really didn't care about this trip. He swallowed his pride this time, but knew deep down that he couldn't accept the Saints' egocentric delusions and questionable methods forever.

On D-Day, Julius chartered several vehicles for his men. An old blue Dodge Polara for the lead convoy, led by Jack and Johnny, and a fast car for Dex, Kendrick and Johmarcus, who had been requisitioned.

The five young men were dressed in a shapeless way, so as not to reveal their silhouettes, their faces, were already hidden under purple bandanas.

- You feel ready the boys? asked Julius.

- Hell yeah," exclaimed Johnny, loading his glock.

- We have to point out that the police and the VKs are in cahoots and they're making money on their rackets. If we cut off their funding, the cops will have no interest in protecting the Kings. They'll be vulnerable again.

- What a bunch of bastards," grumbled Johmarcus, indignant.

- Yes, a bunch of corrupt people. That's what I've been saying all along, this city needs to be saved, we need to get rid of the Kings as soon as possible and restore justice to the police force.

Motivated, Jack pulled up the hood of his sweatshirt and motioned to his friends to get into the cars. For a moment, Julius shivered. He had never known such a glare from a boy as young as Jack. His innocence was disappearing, leaving him a cold, determined killer.

Johnny took the wheel beside Jack, who seemed totally detached and serene, unlike his friend who looked worried.

- Is something wrong? Jack asked.

- Well ...

As Johnny seemed to hesitate, Jack became annoyed and waved his hand to get moving.

- The other day... Aisha was giving me a hard time because I supposedly don't do anything nice for her. Can you believe that? Every time we go out, I'm the one who pays, so I'm like, "What? What are you talking about, I'm the one who paid at the shooting range" and she goes on about the dinner this, the flowers that. It's fucking bullshits, right?

While Johnny was hoping for some male solidarity that would comfort him in the face of the unjust female oppression he was suffering, he was only graced with a glare and a scowling expression from his male counterpart.

- Thanks for the advice, buddy, you're really helping me," sighed Johnny, struggling with his existential problems that he would have to solve alone.

The rest of the ride was spent in a chilly silence, until the boys arrived at the rendezvous point that Dex had indicated.

- Look Johnny, Dex was right, the VKs are here, and if they're not cops, I don't know anything about them.

- So, we go for it.

The Vice Kings were running their business out of sight, where discreetly, one of them handed a large envelope to a uniformed policeman.

- We'll do as we say," the Vice King assured him.

- Yeah, yeah," replied the policeman nonchalantly, putting the envelope in the back pocket of his jeans.

- Mr. King is demanding, he wants everything to be safe.

- Listen my boy, you're going to relax, there's no problem, you can pass on to dear King, ok?

Paternally, and also a little to make fun of him, the policeman patted him on the shoulder and left with his cowboy gait to his car, followed by his men. His reflexes saved his life, as he managed to get out of the way of the blue car in time, which came straight at them. Not all of his colleagues were as lucky, and Johnny's car hit three men, and Jack took it upon himself to panic the others by firing an automatic weapon. Without waiting, the policeman rushed to his car to call for backup and went after them.

- Little bastards... he shouted, making the sirens of his car roar. To all the units, we were attacked by two individuals, in a Dodge Polara of blue color, they go down on the side of Humbolt Park! They are armed and dangerous.

He launched himself after the Polara, as Jack continued to rattle him by shooting him in the body.

- Go to the second rendezvous point," he demanded of his friend.

Johnny cooperated and sped off to a second point where cops and Vice Kings were also exchanging mysterious envelopes. Again, the two boys went on a rampage and knew that the cops would have a hard time making excuses for why they were hanging out with the Kings.

As several cars chased them through town, Jack and Johnny called for backup, parked quietly on the side of the road.

- Okay, guys, it's our turn," said Dex, still not very enthusiastic.

- I'll take care of it," said Kendrick, arming himself with Johnny's precious rocket launcher.

- I can't believe we're doing this, this is fucking insane.

- Dex, we're at war," Kendrick chanted, also drinking in Julius' words.

- We're going to shoot cops with a weapon of war! Do you realize how crazy this is or not?

- Don't bother Dex, Johnny and Jack are coming, and they have the cops on their asses as planned, Johmarcus alerted them.

Kendrick felt a strange sensation between excitement and forbidden that went up in his whole lower abdomen. A bit shaky, he waited patiently for his moment.

Dex was watching the scene through binoculars, Jack was still emptying his magazine on his pursuers to keep them at a distance while Johnny was shouting "Whooou-oooouh" of excitement.

- On my cue, Ken ...

The blue Dodge Polara sped ahead of them at a totally excessive speed.

- Now! Dexter ordered.

Kendrick didn't let the opportunity pass and fired a rocket towards the policemen. It hit the lead car which exploded in a cloud of fire and smoke, causing a large hole in the road. The other cars were blown away and braked in a hurry, without really understanding what was going on.

- Holy shit, Kendrick realized still feverish.

- Let's get out of here, guys," ordered Johmarcus as he started the car.

In the general confusion, the two cars of the Saints were able to escape from the authorities and each one on its side, they mixed with the rest of the population without attracting more attention.

- And now it's time to leave a little message for that bastard Warren," said Johnny as he headed for the Kingdom Records building site.

- Don't be too hard on him, after all, I'm getting out of boarding school thanks to his intervention.

- You want to leave him a little thank-you card?

- That's right, and I'll give him a blow job too?

The two boys parked what was left of the Dodge Polara at the foot of the construction site.

- I think the Kings are through with the Policeman's balls," Johnny said as he went to open the trunk.

This one was full of all kinds of explosives.

- Wait a minute," Jack snapped. You had all that stuff in the crate when you knew we were going to get shot?

- Well, yeah.

- Johnny, you may not want to live, but I do, and I'd like you to tell me your whole plan when you take me on.

- Details, details. Now all we have to do is give Warren one last "fuck you" and i'd say this has been a helluva day.

Jack rolled his eyes and walked away from the car.

- I think I'm going to take Aisha out tonight. And this time, I'm going to score it up.

- Oh yeah, haven't I heard that a thousand times?

- But this is the one!

- I don't understand how you can still be struggling at your age when you've been dating for years.

- I'm being subtle.

- I always said subtlety wasn't your thing," Jack concluded.

Johnny grinned. The two boys continued on their way like two normal teenagers and Johnny pulled a small detonator from his pocket and raised it in the air before pressing a button. A violent explosion was felt in the neighborhood, barely shaking the two Saints.

Once again, the Kingdom Come Records collapsed like a house of cards, in a cloud of dust.

In Benjamin King's office, news of the attack on his office and the end of his arrangements with the Stilwater police soon made his phone ring. Benjamin remained calm, despite the endless setbacks his gang was experiencing.

- Hello, nice to see you- What? Wait, wait, not so fast... What are you saying? Look, our agreement has benefited us all... Why don't we discuss it tonight over dinner? I'm sure we can find some common ground. See you tonight then.

Benjamin felt relieved and began to believe that he could regain control of the situation. Without betraying his nervousness, he put the telephone receiver down and only then saw that Warren and Tanya had entered his office without his permission.

- You see! Warren threw to Tanya. That's what I want to talk about.

- Who authorized you to come in here? Benjamin asked, getting up from his chair.

- We need to talk," Tanya assured him.

- Do we now. Benjamin grumbled.

- You put your interests ahead of the crew! Warren said excitedly.

- Keep talking, you little shit...

- If you hadn't wasted your time kissing white people's asses, we'd have been the bosses in this town long ago.

- I've told you beforet. We don't care about that.

- Why the fuck not? That's where the money is! If you got down with that shit back in the day, the Carnales woulda been ghosts right now. But you didn't, did you ? You were too much of a pussy then, and you're too much of a pussy now.

Warren's grand gestures and threatening tone pissed off Benjamin more than he should have and he grabbed the back of his neck and slammed him against his desk.

- Fuck! Warren yelled under the pain.

- You're forgetting who you're talking to," Benjamin calmly reminded him. My fucking name is Benjamin King. I'm the man who took my crew from being a bunch of baby gangstas in Sunnyvale to being one of the most into one of the most influential and feared forces in this god damn city. And you know how I did that?

As Warren hesitated in his answer, Benjamin slammed his head against his desk again to get him to talk.

- I said, do you know how I did that?

- How, Mr. King? Warren asked without loosening his teeth.

- By knowing when to build, when to watch and when to act. I'm through carrying your punk ass. If I were you, I'd drop them damn flags and get the fuck on out of here before I erase your ass.

Benjamin releases his grip and frees Warren, who stands up, glare and hate in his eyes.

- I'm not going anywhere.

- You don't understand, son. I said...

- Yo fuck that, you're not hearing me.

Benjamin felt an uncontrollable hatred rising in his face, but before he could express it, Tanya opened the doors of his office wide, ushering in several members of the Kings, obviously ready to fight. For the first time since he's been running his gang, Benjamin felt the wind shift.

- What the hell is this? he asked, not feeling very reassured.

- I built... I watched... And now I'm acting," challenged Warren, full of confidence.

In Saints Row, in Johnny's apartment, the atmosphere is a little more relaxed after the events of the day.

Sitting on his friend's bed drying his hair, Jack watched as Johnny made his final preparations.

- Honestly, I had taken a shower this morning, that was enough...

- Johnny, if you want her to suck you off, it seems like the least you can do is shower first...

- It's really complicated with chicks...

- There's nothing complicated about it! It's just a basic rule of hygiene!

- If you say so. So, what should I wear?

- Try to surprise her a little. She always sees you in your street gangsta clothes, don't you have anything a little more stylish to wear?

- Well, I don't know... Me the clothes...

Jack didn't leave him in trouble and got up to go and see directly in the kind of mess that was his dressing room. Between two tee-shirts rolled up in a ball and not necessarily very clean and a crumpled shirt, Jack managed to find a black shirt more or less correct.

- Try this on.

Johnny complied, but it was clear that he hadn't worn this shirt for years, he didn't even fit into it anymore.

- Well... Let's try something else... Jack sighed, still motivated.

But all his attempts ended in failure, nothing went to his friend where everything was in a deplorable state.

- But finally Johnny, you never make of sorting in your business? It's your clothes from high school!

- But I always dress the same! I don't care, chicks who only look at clothes are materialistic!

- A minimum anyway! Well, let's not panic ... You must have a dark colored shirt or something like that?

- Oh yes, I have one! It's clean and it fits me!

As Jack got his hopes up, he was quickly disabused of the idea when he saw Johnny donning a shirt that said "Troublemaker Motherfucker" on the front.

- So, what do you think?

- We're never going to make it...

- It looks good, kind of manly and all.

- No, Johnny, it's not okay at all! Do you want Aisha to sleep with you or not?

- Yes! That's why I don't understand why I'm wasting time looking for clothes when all I want to do is get naked!

- Listen, um... We're going to church, I've got my own stuff there. I can't let you stay a virgin all your life.

- Don't show off too much... You paid for it.

- Maybe, but at least I put it on.

- How was it anyway? Johnny asked intrigued as he dropped onto his bed and lit a cigarette.

- To sleep with a chick?

- Well yes, what else? What's it like when you're in it?

- Well, it's hard to explain actually. It's rather surprising. It's... Hmm. It's really tight already, hot, humid, it's pretty crazy. It's like a tropical jungle, but for the cock. The only thing I know for sure is that it's really good.

- Oh yeah?

- Yeah, and it's exciting to hear the girl moan. I don't know how to describe it to you, but I had a pretty crazy orgasm. It's not like a hand job, you know... I mean, you don't know... Shit Johnny, you absolutely have to be able to close the deal with Aisha so we can talk about it!

- But that's all I ask !

- Then let's go to the church! decreed Jack, pulling on his arm.

Like two excited teenagers, the boys ran to the church where Jack was finally able to make Johnny look a little more presentable to the point of being handsome.

- You'll be careful though, that's a suit jacket for my school's official ceremonies. I'll get ripped if it's ever damaged," said Jack, readjusting the collar of Johnny's shirt.

- I look like a boss, I fucking love it!

- It suits you. Anyway, any man gains maximum charisma in a nice suit that fits him. It's a bit of a secret for classy men.

- That plus the restaurant is in the bag, buddy.

- Did you choose a real restaurant this time?

- At the French bistro, it's expensive, but I know that girls are fascinated by French things.

- Good choice. On the other hand, in this kind of place, you don't take coke, you promise me !

- Oh really, they don't drink coke those fucking French guys?

- Non monsieur, les français boivent du vin, Jack answered him in impeccable French.

- Are you a fucking Frenchman?

- Only a quarter. My father is French-American. I lived in France for six years before coming to America permanently. I'm totally bilingual though.

- Please! Teach me some French phrases so I can wrap this up then! Johnny pleaded with him as he clutched Jack's shirt.

- But, it's not going to change anything!

-Pleaaaaaase, she'll think I'm smart and subtle! Please!

- Come on Johnny! Aisha knows you, she'll never believe it!

- Ah. Oh yes, that's right," Johnny reasoned. It would be too much effort for me every day, so I'll just stay the way I am.

- But yes, come on buddy, it'll work! And you tell me all about it, right?

- Calm down, it will probably be forbidden for people under 18.

The two boys burst out laughing before Johnny finally decided to pick up his beloved in preparation for his crazy night.

Once his friend left, Jack gathered his things and lit a cigarette. It was still early, his day with the gang had already been prolific enough, so he still had plenty of time to get on with his schoolwork, like any normal high school student.

But Jack wasn't a normal high school student, and no sooner had he grabbed his bag than Julius came running into the church out of breath.

- Where's Gat? he asked, trying to catch his breath.

- Uh, he's out with Aisha, he said he'd be out of touch for the evening.

- What the fuck? Well, listen carefully son. Ben King just called. Apparently, one of his guys got a big head and tried to whack him. Right now, he's stuck in a park and needs help.

- And, uh... ? Serves him right, doesn't it?

- You may not give a shit what happens to him, but he and I have a history. I've owed him a favor for a long time, and I'm not gonna let him get hurt if I can help it. You're going to go in there and save his ass.

Jack stood in awe, thinking it was a joke. Julius had been talking about gang warfare and the Kings' bad influence all along, and now he was sending him in alone to save their leader.

- I'm not messing around, boy. Get King back here in one piece. You got it? He's in Amberbrook, near the museum, so hurry up, son!

A little disconcerted, but still willing to do anything for Julius, Jack reloaded his Desert Eagle and tucked it into the waistband of his pants. He walked around Johnny's office and came out with a shotgun and walked past Julius without asking any more questions.

He didn't say a word, but his mentor's attitude made him wonder why he wouldn't save his friend himself if he cared so much.

Jack didn't brood any further and headed straight for the Amberbrook district, where gunfire was already echoing before he even set foot near the museums. The police were already there, trying to calm everyone down.

Jack decided not to take his shotgun with him, judging that it would not be very discreet, and preferred to use the advantages of the falling night to approach Benjamin King. The young VKs were more or less gathered at the bottom of a staircase of the park and were shooting blindly, no doubt that their former leader had to be just a little higher...

Discreetly, Jack crouched down towards the imposing figure of a man he had spotted a little higher up. In the middle of all these gangsters, with shabby clothes and a more than questionable sense of fashion, he had no doubt that the person he was tracking, dressed in an elegant black suit and an impeccable yellow shirt could only be Benjamin King. The Kings' leader didn't know it yet, but behind him stood one of his former men, ready to shoot him in the back.

But Jack spotted him and fired first. The VK fell to the ground and startled Benjamin, who turned, gun in hand, toward the young Saint.

The two men's eyes met and Ben knew immediately that this too young boy was his friend's prodigy.

- So you're the kid who sent Julius?

- My car is a little further down the road," Jack replied.

Confident, but cautious, Jack turned back. Benjamin didn't dare admit it, but he was relieved to have an ally, however young. Warren and his men had already seriously damaged his left arm, and Benjamin knew he had no chance of getting out of there alone. So he blindly followed Jack through the park and they both made it to the car parked on the side of the road.

- My men won't let me get away that easily," Benjamin admitted.

- Because I looked like I was going to let them? Jack retorted in his adolescent insolence.

- Hey Playa! called out a Saint.

- Hey, you came!

- Yes, Jul sent us as backup. Is he the Big Boss of the Kings? How does it feel to be fucked over by his men?

For his own safety, Benjamin didn't answer, but he frowned impressively enough to silence the Saint.

- I'm going to take King back to the church on Third Street, can you block off the VKs who are trying to follow us? Jack asked.

- No problem, Playa.

- Great, I'll meet you there.

The two Saints greeted each other and Jack sped off in his car, shaking Benjamin unpleasantly.

- Outch, do you even have your license, boy?

- I'm not your boy.

- Yes, you are. Your name is Playa, right?

- No.

Benjamin didn't dare to comment any more, for fear of offending the inconvenient boy.

- It's a nickname. My name is Jack Saint of the 3rd Street Saints.

- Okay. Nice to meet you Jack Saint of the 3rd Street Saints.

Jack remained focused on his driving without paying any more attention to Benjamin King who was having a hard time. When he saw a yellow car chasing them, Ben had no qualms, and fired at his men, who crashed into a streetlight a few feet away.

- What a waste... he grumbled.

- You were their boss, you're the ones who messed up.

- You should know, kid, that being the boss of a criminal organization is anything but a given... I have always led my men with an iron fist, if I am here today, it is because I misjudged the greed and stupidity of one of them. When you're in this business, mistakes are unforgiving.

- So, don't make a mistake.

- Most certainly, yes. That's a good philosophy, but all men make mistakes.

Benjamin remained pensive and watched the lights go by in the night that fell on the city. In a fraction of a second, he had lost everything and was still struggling to realize the price of Warren's betrayal. He would inevitably have to account to Julius, but if this one had saved him from this ambush, he had inevitably matter to discuss calmly. All those years of friendship had counted for them, and even if life had forced him to ignore them, the memories were intact.

Benjamin came out of his musings when, by total chance, he recognized Warren's yellow BMW Z3 driving in the opposite direction.

- Damn, it's Warren! Jack, it's Warren! King repeated, confused.

Jack needed no further explanation as he saw the yellow car pass them by. He put on the handbrake and made a U-turn in a very unpleasant smell of rubber and squealing tires in order to pursue his enemy. Warren glanced anxiously at his rearview mirror and immediately recognized Benjamin King, armed with an automatic weapon, shooting at him through the passenger window.

- Hey, that's the Big Boss. With the fucking Julius' brat ! This must be my lucky day, I'm going to smoke them both.

Warren armed himself with an automatic pistol and pulled his arm out of the passenger compartment to fire at Jack's car.

- Don't be a jerk, Warren," Benjamin yelled at him.

- He's not likely to surrender," Jack observed.

- I don't want him to. I want him dead.

Jack and Benjamin glanced at each other before the ex-Kings leader started shooting at Warren's beautiful BMW again.

- You motherfucker," grumbled Warren, who was having trouble handling the driving and shooting alone.

But he was very good at it, and with one hand free, he managed to make Benjamin retreat from the car and hide some bullets in the car's interior.

- So King, we're scared! he boasted.

- I hate that kind of condescending pisher," Jack hissed before pulling his Desert Eagle from his pants.

With only three bullets, Jack managed to hit Warren in the arm, who dropped his weapon with a scream. Under pain and stress, he lost control of his car and it hit the sidewalk, causing him to do an impressive roll before ending his adventure on the roof. Warren didn't die on impact, he tried to climb out of the wreckage of his car, totally broken and bleeding. Jack and Ben stood in front of him, looking down on him as he spat out blood.

- Already giving his ass to the enemy while loudly proclaiming that his whole life was for the crew. Pathetic... Warren sighed, between two bloody spits.

- I feel so sorry for you, answered Benjamin, not more moved. See you in hell, Warren.

To his surprise, Warren stayed alive, as Benjamin turned and walked back to Jack's car.

- Aren't you going to finish him off? Jack quipped.

- It's much more humiliating for him to stay alive. He's learned his lesson, he'll never shit on my shoes again. Thanks for your help, kid. Take me to Julius.

Jack shrugged and took his seat behind the wheel before driving off into the night.

Warren shuffled along for a few more yards, his legs breaking, before he heard the sound of a car pulling up and the distinctive sound of a pair of heels on the pavement.

- Hey baby... A well-known voice said to her.

On her high heels, Tanya looked at him, between pity and relief.

- What do you make there? Annoyed Warren. Give me rather a fucking hand.

Warren continues to agitate on the ground, without realizing that Tanya does not move of an iota.

- Little bastard... I'll show King who the little fucker is. And that fucking kid, I'm gonna fuck him in his dorm. I know his face now, he won't get a second chance. And King... I'm gonna put a hole in his fucking leather. But oh Tanya! Are you fucking helping me or what?

Warren only heard the click of the safety that Tanya had just removed from his gun.

- You're a smart boy. I'm sure you'll figure it out for yourself.

- You better not miss me bitch... Because if I do...

Warren didn't make it. The bullet which transpierced his skull made perfectly the job and he fell to the ground, stiff dead.

- Thank you for the advice, Tanya gratified him, while returning quietly to her car.

It was now quite late on Stilwater, and in order not to create a riot within the gang, Julius had ordered to bring Benjamin directly back home, where he was waiting for him, in company of Johnny. The reunion between the two men was frosty, but the mutual respect they had for each other was not lost on the two teenagers.

Benjamin was asked to sit at Julius' table as if it were a council of war.

- You look good, Ben," Julius said to take the pressure off.

- It's been a long time, Julius.

- Sorry about Anthony.

- That was business, let it go.

- So, what's the plan? Johnny said impatiently, not caring about their courtesy.

- We kill Tanya and I get back to business.

- I don't think so, Benjamin," Julius said, trying to remain calm.

- What?

- I said no. You're alive, we're straight. The Vice Kings are finished.

- So kill me and stop wasting my god damn time.

- You got a choice. You can keep your pride and die now or be a man and walk away.

Benjamin looks around the table for a sympathetic look but sees only contempt and indifference.

- When did you get the balls, Jules?

- So, what's it going to be?

- I'm not leaving.

Julius is stunned, convinced that his friend would have chosen the path of reason.

- Fair enough... He says with a heavy heart. Johnny.

Johnny doesn't ask for any more explanation, and he points his finger at the leader of the Kings.

- I'm not leaving until I deal with Tanya," Benjamin said.

Julius's heartbeat calmed, relieved to hear these wise words.

- My brother... he sighed before tapping his best enemy on the shoulder. Johnny... Put the damn gun down. Ben, you understand that this isn't just about Tanya, right? We're finishing the whole crew.

- Yeah... I know...

- Let's think of a plan. Boys, let's call it a night. Johnny, I want you to be on duty all day tomorrow, is that clear?

- Yeah, yeah, I'll be available.

- Playa, I'm gonna need you too.

- Okay, well, either way, I'm staying put.

- Oh yeah, that's right, you're sleeping here tonight. How much longer are you staying anyway?

Jack pouted, a little surprised. He thought Julius was welcoming him unconditionally...

- Well, I'll see you tomorrow," said Johnny, taking his leave.

- See you tomorrow, Johnny," Julius replied.

Julius looked quite different than usual. He seemed happy, almost euphoric, as if the reunion with Benjamin had triggered something in him. In fact, he didn't even hide it, and it was with real joy that he invited his friend to his table and served him some wine. Benjamin gladly accepted the glass and the two former enemies toasted to their newfound friendship for most of the evening.

On the couch in the living room, Jack tried to be discreet, as he had already sensed that his presence was not particularly desired, and began to work on his schoolwork. But with the two men laughing and talking loudly in the next room, he had a hard time concentrating. Finally, the evening went as Jack had feared, Benjamin and Julius talked all night, without paying attention to the teenager who could not sleep a wink.

Jack was discovering a side of his mentor that he didn't know and he wasn't sure he was comfortable with it.