King of Hearts
Chapter 66 – Knuckles.
Twig's POV, Los Angeles.
Verno plan was simple. Simple, yet extremely effective. Use Don Cora's love for drugs against him. Word is there is a huge dealer he plays ball with theses days who goes by the name of Knuckles. Some beefed up red echidna who started out selling weed as a teenager. Now he's on the FBI's top ten most wanted list for drug dealing. Word is, Don Cora would be furious if Knuckles changed hands for the other team. Or at the least he refused to sell him anything. That would be enough for Cora to want to meet him in person giving me the chance to whack him clean. Now I don't know how to convince this knuckles guy to help us out, but I know how to be persuasive if needed. So if he refuses to cooperate I may have to convince him using other means.
Now according to Don Verno, Knuckles is based out of some old factory. He's said to have a lot of protection and he's also said not to be too big on helping the Verno family. So it could be hard just getting to him. Not like I expect them to just let me walk in through the front door.
Driving up to the factory that is said to be his location. I looked out my tinted windows to spot a few guys placed all along the complex keeping an eye out for people like me. It was going to be impossible getting in by just running straight. There has to be another way.
Keeping my eyes around the area, I came up with a quick thought to process.
This factory used to be municipal waste warehouse in the sixties. I wonder if the lines run through the streets still? If they do, I might be able to get into the factory that way. It wouldn't be the cleanest but it would be a way in.
As I continued to think; my phone began to go off. Gently looking to the number, I answered seeing that it was Jin. Don Verno said he would call.
"What's up?" I asked as he soon wondered.
"Don Verno said you were going after Knuckles. Did you find a way into his hideout yet?"
Looking up to the roof of the factory to spot a sniper, I replied.
"Nope. I have an idea but I don't know if I should chance it."
"What you got in mind?" He asked next as I calmly stated.
"The sewers. I remember someone telling me this place used to be a transfer station for the city's waste. Maybe one of the grates could take me into the factory."
Giving me a chuckle Jin urged.
"Screw that Twig. No need for you to get all dirty. Plus those tunnels were sealed off years ago due to flooding."
"So you know a way in Jin? Cause from where I'm sitting the front door isn't an option."
Keeping my focus on the guards around the area, Jin soon asked.
"Where are you at?"
"Right in front of the place. Why?" I wondered.
Quickly starting up again, Jin replied.
"Because if you go around the back; there is a fire escape leading to the roof. Now if I'm correct, you can sneak up there and use the skylight to drop down to a catwalk inside."
"So your plan is for me to just walk right in there?" I questioned as he chuckled again.
"If your silent, you won't be seen or heard."
"So where would I find Knuckles?" I asked next as I started up the car to begin the drive around the back of the factory.
"He should be in the manager's office."
Coming to a stop to see the fire escape, I urged.
"You better hope I don't get killed doing this."
"You'll be fine. Knuckles is a reasonable guy. Just try not to kill any of his men. He may kill you for that."
Nodding as I saw all the guards were focused on the front of the factory, I stepped out to reply.
"Yeah, got it. Tell Verno I'll be back within the hour."
"Yes sir." Replied Jin as I hung up the phone to get walking across the street.
As soon as I was across, I had to hop a wired fence. It was easy enough. This place sure wasn't a prison. As soon as I landed back down to the ground I made my way for the factory fire escape. To be honest I was surprised a guy like Knuckles wouldn't have all his flanks covered. Cops could roll right in like this.
Making my way up to the roof with a calm and slow pace. I looked ahead to see the sniper from earlier aiming over the roof. He had no clue I was here and I plan to keep it that way.
Crouching my way forward, I found the skylight Jin mentioned. Below was the catwalk, but god it was like a beehive in there. Under the catwalk and towards the main floor was nothing but gangsters and thugs. Drugs from wall to wall and even guns stacked around in wooden crates. Knuckles wasn't small time that was clear, but how the hell did Jin expect me to get through without a single eye spotting me dropping in? I guess he thinks I can turn invisible or something.
Ether way I had no other option. Quietly opening the roof, I threw my legs over to try my best and get a feeling to where I was going to land. The fucking thing was a good fifteen feet down. If my landing didn't get anyone's attention I would be amazed. Still I had no choice.
Looking back up to find the sniper still looking away, I took my chance in hand and leaped down to the catwalk.
"Thump!"
Staying completely still as the metal I landed on rang around the factory. I listened closely as no one said a word about it. Looking over the side of the railing, I found all the men still focusing on the drugs and weapons. How the fuck didn't they hear me?
I had no words or actions to describe the problems this group of men had if they couldn't even hear that above their heads. Just going along with the plan, I looked to my right where the factory came to an end. There was a set of stairs connecting to both my catwalk and the ground floor. And in the middle was the office Jin mentioned. If Knuckles was here he would be there. I hope anyway.
Making my way down the catwalk and towards the stairs, I slowly took myself down till I was on the level with the office. No one seemed to be alive down there. If I was Knuckles I would check these guys to make sure their not doing the product before selling it.
Continuing to ignore the stupidity around me, I went for the office door to gently take a hold of the knob. Taking out my gun just in case, I quietly went through to find Knuckles sitting behind a small desk with his feet up. He wore a dark leather coat and a dark pair of jeans. If I knew any better he looked like a common hood around here. Guess that's the role he wishes to take when on the FBI's hit list.
"You could have just knocked terminator." He stated with a deep voice as he saw my gun and confused face.
"Do me a favor 007 and put the gun away. I know your not here to kill me like most of the rubble in this city."
Knuckles seemed calm enough. Placing my gun back in my pants I asked.
"You were expecting me then?"
Shaking his head he replied.
"Nah. Unlike you mafia types I know when and where people of interest are. And you my good friend are interesting. And when someone like yourself comes marching through my town and into my turf. I tend to have you tagged just in case. Once I heard you were driving around the neighborhood I kind of guessed you were looking for me. So now that you found me...what do you want? Don Verno isn't too tight with me at the moment. So I'm impressed he had the balls to send you here alone. Must be important. Or just retarded." Stated Knuckles as I slowly approached his desk to ask.
"Don Verno said you may be able to help us with Don Cora. Word is he buys all his candy off you. Is that correct?"
Looking into my eye, Knuckles put down his feet to reply.
"He's my top buyer. Guy orders a couple of keys every week and in return I get twenty percent for what he sells it for. So it's a win-win on my part. I've made quite a killing on that coke-head."
"Well we need you to stop." I stated as he began to laugh.
"Haha! And please tell me, cause I'm willing to hear jokes. Why the hell would I want to stop selling my product to a guy that makes me two hundred g's a month?"
Standing before him, I replied.
"Because Cora's time has come that's why."
Nodding, Knuckles then stated.
"I would like a little more then that two face."
His nicknames were starting to annoy me. Pointing to him I said.
"We're at war for LA. You know that. Don Cora may be your best buyer but he's slowly losing his grip on the city. Don Verno understands that he makes you a lot of money, but we need you to refuse to sell to him."
Nodding some more, Knuckles then wondered.
"So he'll want to meet in person and you guys can whack him?"
"Yeah." I replied as he sat up straight to reply.
"I respect you guys I do. And I would love to help but look at it from my angle. I sell drugs. Weed, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroine, acid, absinthe, benzodiazepine, cat, GHB, Ketamine, STP, Snuff, X...all the stuff the Verno family is against here in LA. If I work with you to take out Cora I'm out almost half my business here. And I know for a fact Don Verno will never agree to help lend a hand as big a Cora does."
"What about the guns out there?" I questioned as he muttered.
"Ahhh well that's a new thing I'm trying to get into. Drugs and guns seem to be the top selling problem solvers on today's market. But with the cops on my ass and guns being an expensive business it's been a bit patchy to get going."
"What if Don Verno agreed to help you? Could you maybe then think about changing teams for a bit?"
Looking me over, Knuckles replied.
"Only if he can supply me with the missing cash that I would lose from Cora."
"Do you mind if I call him?" I asked as he shook his head.
"No go ahead. Be my guest."
Nodding to pull out my phone. I dialed up Brock to wait a few rings before he would answer.
"What's the word Twig?" He wondered as I looked back to Knuckles who began to smoke a cigar.
"We may have a deal but he wants something first."
"What is it?" He asked as I explained.
"Cora is indeed his top buyer. And by changing sides he would be losing a good portion of his racket here. Now...?" Cutting me of Knuckles urged.
"Let me talk to him face lift."
Going silent. I handed over my phone to the echidna who greeted.
"Hey Verno, I hear you need my help."
After a few words from Brock's end Knuckles stated.
"If you want my help you need to cover the costs I would be losing. Now I have a gun business going on that I'm looking to get started and I'd be willing to lend a hand if you would...let's say...sponsor the opening."
Nodding his head as his eyes reconnected to mine, Knuckles soon stated.
"Two hundred thousand a month and you got yourself a deal. I'll ship you whatever you need directly to your warehouses and soon any family looking to hit you will be met with extreme force. Sound like a plan Don Verno?" He asked as he took another puff of his cigar.
After a short answer was given, Knuckles replied.
"One hundred thousand won't do. You want my help your going to have to pay me what Cora was. I won't help you otherwise. I'm not in the business to lose money."
I had to figure Knuckles wouldn't get his asking price. But Verno may have to hand it over if he wants to do this.
As things kept going on and on about the price, Knuckles finally said.
"Well how about this? You give me one hundred and twenty five thousand on the guns and on top of that another twenty five on some of my drugs here? Without Cora I wouldn't be able to keep this going. I need some of the product to get moved. I know you don't like to deal in it but it's all I can do. Take it or leave it."
Keeping my eyes out the window leading back into the factory, I heard from Knuckles.
"Okay then. You got yourself a deal Don Verno. Just call me when you have details and a date for Cora's set up. I need some time in advance to plan an escape. You understand."
After a quick response from Brock, Knuckles hung up to hand me back my phone from across the desk.
"Your lucky I'm desperate." He stated as I slightly smiled.
After taking back my phone, he asked.
"So what happened to you face lift?"
After getting my phone placed back in my pocket, I replied.
"It's a birth mark."
Immediately letting out a laugh, Knuckles shouted.
"I know your bullshitting me kid! Hahah! Well I won't keep you any longer. Your free to go. Come find me if you ever need some gear or just a fix."
Making my way back to the door, I replied.
"I'll keep it in mind."
Watching as I left the office. I decided to go out the backdoor. With my car across the street I was soon set and rolling back to the compound. All there was to do now was wait till Brock was ready to make his move. Until then I get to rest up and think about Remp. After Cora is done I'm going after him and it won't be pretty.
As I drove down the road, I neared an empty intersection. Keeping my eyes ahead however, I panicked as I heard from my left side.
"Beeeeeeep! Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!"
As my head turned, I widened up to find a large pickup truck at my drivers side door. It was almost too close, but I nearly broke my neck as it slammed right into me.
"BASSSSSSSH!"
Hitting my head as the truck forced my car over. I braced myself for a long series of rolls. With each one I felt like a punch to the gut had hit ten fold, but it all ended when I soon came to a stop on the side of the road by a streetlamp.
Sorry this is on so late I was doing some work on my internet. Leave a love and a hug and let me know what you think.
mT Shadow.
