Ty

 

Ty’s mind was still on his situation as he left Cheddar’s block. He took the bus back to his side. He had another stop to make at Sharain’s shop to deliver her new package, and his next drop-off was one of Rock’s bootlegger spots, just a few streets from his place. The bus was crowded, and he quickly noticed and disregarded the passengers just as fast as they did him. A man about his age got on at the next stop, shuffling large shopping bags and a huge cell phone tucked between his shoulder and ear. He made his way to an empty seat and daintily placed his bags beside him, crossing his legs and flipping his nonexistent long hair.

“Oh girl, you wouldn’t believe she tried to come at me when I didn’t even send for her, you hear me?” The man giggled the same way the ladies did in the salon.

It was evident the guy didn’t hide his sexuality and was very comfortable in his skin, if the blue suede boots and skinny jeans weren’t indication enough. Ty held back a grin when the man went on with his obnoxious conversation. He was ignoring it, and so were the other patrons. When Ty needed privacy and peace of mind, he didn’t take MARTA.

“Fuckin’ loud ass, fruitcake. They worse than some of these bitches. Running they damn mouth.”

Ty didn’t have to turn around to know the two assholes in the back row, one on the left and one on the right of the aisle were the ones spouting hate. Ty sensed they had no women in their lives. A good mother, a wife, sisters, nothing. Because if they did then they wouldn’t speak that way and refer to women as bitches.

The man let his phone slide off his shoulder and glared at the guys. After a few tense seconds he put his phone back to his ear. “Oh nothing girl. Just the same bullshit, different day.”

“Got something you want to say to me, bitch?” the idiot yelled loud enough to turn the bus driver’s head.

The slim man rolled his eyes while nonchalantly staring at his long blue and gold nails as if all this was beneath him. He yawned and went back to his conversation.

“Say what’s on your mind, cupcake!”

“Hey! Enough! Or you two will have to get off at the next stop,” the driver called out.

Everything was quiet for the rest of the trip. No one got off, including Ty. He knew exactly what was about to happen, and he had a feeling the slim man on his phone did too. He tucked his cell away, his expression grim and a little nervous as he pulled the handle for the bus to stop. Just as Ty thought, the assholes in the back followed right behind the slim man and Ty followed right behind them. If a man was gonna do dirt, he should always watch his back. Ty moved slowly, with his collar pulled over his ears. The anxious man kept looking back as he tried to move through the dense crowd at the intersection, trying to lose his tail.

The assholes caught up to their target, whispering something in his ear from behind. The man stiffened and moved in the opposite direction of the crowd, at his tormentor’s demand.

“This is crazy. You think I won’t press charges? Just let me go.” The man gritted through clenched teeth as he moved back down the sidewalk in the opposite direction.

Ty turned and followed, staying inconspicuous, trying to keep a decent distance but close enough to react. He knew these cowards wouldn’t do anything on the streets in broad daylight. When a man is dead wrong, he’ll do his dirt in the dark where no one else will see and judge him. Ty would be their judge and if it came to it… he’d be their executioner. The two jerks were scoping for a side alley to turn down, and sure enough the opportunity arose as soon as they rounded the corner. The taller of the two assholes shoved the man into a darkened nook that held the trashcans for the apartment complex they were behind. His shopping bags flew out of his hand as he hurried to right himself. He looked horrified, then angry.

“If this is how ya’ll want it to go down then come on!” the man said sternly, putting his fists up, his femininity fleeing in the face of danger.

“It’s not gonna go anything like you thought,” the shorter one sneered, slowly inching forward while unbuttoning his pants.

The slim man instantly lost all bravado. “W-wait. What the hell?”

“Let’s see what else that loud fuckin mouth is good for,” the punk answered, inching his pants lower.

Ty had seen enough. What self-respecting man took what wasn’t his? Parasites. He laid his own book bag against the brick wall then inched around the corner, quietly coming up behind the one with his pants almost to his knees. He was already an easy target. Fool. It’d been four minutes and fourteen seconds since Ty had stepped off that bus in pursuit. In two minutes he’d already concocted a plan to eliminate the threat, get the slim man to safety and then get the hell off that block. If he’d had ten minutes, those men would be no more and properly disposed of. He’d put them where trash belonged. However, time wasn’t on his side.

The slim man’s eyes widened as Ty moved in, giving his position away, but it didn’t matter. He was already on them. The tall one with his pants still on turned, his scowl in place ready to bark at Ty to mind his own business. But before he could open his mouth, Ty dropped him. One right hand to his temple. The guy’s body hit the ground like a sack of cement, rendering him no longer a problem. 

Ty whirled and landed his fist square on the pervert’s chin, making his neck snap back. The man looked stunned, his hand immediately going to the spot he’d been hit. Ty didn’t hesitate.

“No fight was ever won by second-guessing. On the heels of hesitation lies broken bones, son.”

As his father’s words led his actions, Ty never faltered. While the man stumbled in confusion from the first punch, Ty threw another right, followed immediately with an elbow to the temple. It was enough to bring the bastard to his knees at Ty’s feet.

“All right! Damn, man. Stop.” He begged.

Disgusted with their feebleness, he didn’t savor the victory, instead he easily swept the rapist’s legs from under him while he tried to refasten his pants. When Ty stood over him, he scampered backwards like a crab out of water with his hand up to ward off any further attacks, not caring as he crawled through piss and garbage.

While the one still conscious was crying and whining like a child, Ty quickly picked up his pack and the few shopping bags on the ground and took the slim man’s clammy hand and hurried them out of the small alleyway. Ty checked the street first, then set the last part of his impromptu plan into motion. Safety next. The man didn’t try to pull away as Ty practically dragged him down Ralph David Blvd St.

“Oh my gosh,” the slim man huffed alongside him, double-timing it to keep up with Ty’s long gait. “Jesus. These boots were not made for walking.”

“Sorry.” Ty slowed down. “What’s your name?”

“Jess. Well, actually, it’s Jester but everyone calls me Jess or Jessie”

Ty was sure they hadn’t been followed, matter of fact he was pretty sure those animals were going in the opposite direction, but he still kept one ear peeled for rushed footsteps behind them. He finally cast his eyes toward the petite guy who still held Ty’s hand like it was a life preserver.

“Who are you?” Jess asked with awe. “You didn’t think to ask those guys anything, you just beat their asses. Why… why’d you help me?”

Ty contemplated the answers. He didn’t need to comment on the ‘ask no questions’ part. What could he have said to a rabid animal? Even now, his answer was nothing. A rabid animal could only be put down. Instead he answered the man’s last question. “Why wouldn’t I?”

Jess pfft’d, like Ty should know the answer. “Not many men, hell, no one really, would’ve stopped to help me…” Then, as if his memory had caught up to him. “You were on the bus. Who are you? Did… did you follow us?”

“Yes.”

When Ty didn’t elaborate, the small man huffed an incredulous laugh, clamping his free hand over his chest. “Do you usually do that? Go around helping random people?”

“No.”

“Oookay,” Jess drawled. “Not a man of many words either. Just a savior. Hmm. Well, I can’t thank you enough.”

“Where’s your husband, Jess?” Ty asked.

Jess gaped at him as if he was surprised by the inquiry. Ty wouldn’t play stupid, didn’t even know how to play that game. It was obvious this guy’s preference wasn’t women and Ty could care less. All he knew was the slender man was in a bad neighborhood and he was vulnerable. Dressed in designer clothes with high-heel boots, carrying bags from expensive boutiques and weaponless. “You shouldn’t shop alone. Those men would’ve took what they wanted… anything they wanted and left you there.”

“Thank you for helping me. My own personal hero. You’re like the Dark Knight, for real.” Jess had gone from being grateful to flirting.

Perfect. He asked again, “Where is your husband?”

“Umm. My boyfriend is at home.” Jess shrugged, tightening his hold on Ty’s hand. People glanced in their direction, but Ty kept his eyes trained on his safety point, which was the BP gas station at the corner. “He ain’t feel like coming out today. He works… and I shop. He makes the money and I spend the money.”

Ty didn’t comment. But he couldn’t help but think that not only did the women in his hood not hold their men down as they hustled to provide, but it seemed as if some men had problems with their men standing with them as well, and not just clinging to their coattails enjoying the free ride. Why do men pour their money and time into another person then refuse to commit to ‘em? His father had been blessed with a family because he’d made wise choices. He’d claimed his soulmate quickly, committed himself to her for life, and given her his family’s gold and diamonds; then put his seed in her womb. If Ty met his other half, he’d waste no time; just like his father.

“Call him. Tell him where you are and that you were assaulted. Tell him you need him to come get you right away,” Ty instructed, his tone leaving no room for debate. That should get your boyfriend off his ass.

“He’ll just tell me take a Lyft.”

Ty stopped suddenly and spun around, making Jess stumble over his tall heels. “What?” Ty couldn’t have heard right. A damn Lyft… a cab? “Even if you tell him you’ve been assaulted?”

Jess chuckled. “I’m not dying, I’m not laid up in the hospital.”

“You could’ve been. Does that mean nothing?” Ty looked down at Jess with sorrow. Sorry that he didn’t have a more caring partner in his life for moments like this. His man should be wrapping him in his arms and thanking whatever God he worshipped for saving his treasure. Instead of arguing that he did have a good man, Jess simply pulled out his cell phone and begin scheduling a ride. Not bothering to even send his partner a text.

“They’ll be here in five.” Jess squinted after closing his Lyft app. He stared back at Ty, who was still standing close to him. “You’re not from around here are you?”

“I am. I was born and raised in Rosewell. I’ve lived in Mechanicsville since I was eighteen.” Ty glanced down the street then back at Jess.

“You don’t talk or act like you’re from the hood.” Jess tucked his phone back into his suede fanny pack. Even that silly contraption looked expensive to Ty.

“I’m not from the hood. The hood is a mentality. A way of life and a way of thinking.” Ty stared in Jess’s eyes to make sure he got his point. “Many good men who physically resided in the projects have gone on to be doctors, lawyers, bankers and investors because they never had the hood in them. I’m not hood.”

“No you are not,” Jess whispered. “You’re amazing.”

Ty didn’t respond. Doing the right thing or simply doing what any man should didn’t make him amazing. He’d learned that when he was very young when he’d thought bringing home straight As his first year in high school would warrant him special recognition, but he’d been wrong, and his father had explained it that simply.

“So what will you do after I leave? Go back to the bus stop and see if anyone else needs your help?” Jess smirked. He set his bags beside him and began to wipe at a spot that caught his attention around Ty’s collar. “I think this is blood.”

“It’s not mine.” Ty continued to stare as Jess’s fingers lightly touched his throat and the sensitive skin just under his collar. He swallowed roughly, not sure what the fluttering feeling was deep in his belly. It wasn’t Jess. He didn’t desire anything that belonged to another. So what was it?

“I don’t know your story… or even your name for—”

“It’s Ty. Tyrell Jenkins.” Just then the Lyft driver pulled up to the curb and cracked his window.

“You waiting on a Lyft?” the man asked gruffly through the thick hair over his top lip. He was shabby and unkempt, but he appeared harmless.

Ty answered before Jess could. “Yes.” He opened the back door when Jess went to get in the front and motioned for him to sit in the back with the rest of his belongings. “Go home, Jess. No more adventures for today.”

“Only because it’s you. I’ll say okay.” He gave Ty a flirtatious smile and leaned up to kiss him on his cheek. Ty accepted the innocent gesture for what it was. A simple thank you. “I don’t usually do what I’m told.”

If you were mine, you would do as I said… happily. Ty wasn’t sure where that came from. Instead of overthinking it, he closed Jess inside the cab and watched as he rode off. He turned back in the direction they’d came. He hoped the guys he’d put on their asses were still lingering around. Now that Jess was safe and Ty was no longer his temporary protector, he’d have no qualms finishing the job.

Ty was almost to the end of the street when he felt the rumble of that powerful Mustang well before he saw it creep up to the stoplight. People crossing at the crosswalk swiveled their heads to get a better view of the impressive machine and maybe a glimpse of the driver. They couldn’t see him but Ty knew a hard face and strong physique pushed that whip. The man in that vehicle was a force… Ty could feel it. He remained calm on the outside, regardless of the fact that the nervous flutter in his stomach had been replaced with swarming wasps. Ty didn’t come to a dead halt, but he did dip into a restaurant with a few other patrons, like he was a part of their party. As soon as he was inside he looked for any other exits. He was positive there was one in the kitchen that led to the back door, but that would draw too much attention. He wasn’t running, he wasn’t a coward, but he had to learn his new enemy first. A wise man always did his recon. And if it came to a confrontation, then he had to get the stranger on his turf. On his block.

He stood next to the hostess station until it was his turn, then politely asked her for a table for one. She nodded and showed him to a booth in the back. It wasn’t the one he’d had his eye on. “Excuse me, ma’am. Is that one there available?”

“Of course.” She led him to the table next to the side exit door. “There’s more light over here, yes.”

“Absolutely.” Ty gave her a disarming smile as she placed a single page menu in front of him.

The skylights over his head provided ample lighting, but all the windows were on the other side of the restaurant. He kept one eye on the door while he listened. Listened for the sounds of a V8 engine. After a couple of minutes, he heard nothing. He wasn’t fooled. Ty’s stomach grumbled when the scents of steak and potatoes hit his nose, but it wasn’t time to relax and eat. Too many men had got the business that way. Chilling when it was still time to work.

“Afternoon. How can I help you?” The server approached his table with a wide grin and lots of pep, as if his job was the best in the world.

“Just water please.” Ty asked, pretending to still study the menu.

When the waiter left, Ty’s phone buzzed on his hip. It was probably Cheddar wondering why the package still hadn’t been dropped at Black Rock’s place. Ty frowned at the unknown number and the cryptic message.

Unknown: Stop running from me Jenkins.

Ty almost dropped the phone. It was no doubt the man in black. He wasn’t just following Ty for no reason and he wasn’t a basic thug after something that wasn’t his. Men on Ty’s block were hungry and they suspected Ty was eating good. They wanted what was on his plate. And, if they did want what was his then they had to be man enough to take it from him. Ty didn’t answer the text, instead he got up from the table and exited through the side door. The man was gone, leaving Ty to contemplate what was happening. He was pretty good at piecing things together, but he constantly came up short with this situation. What does this man want?

As soon as he was back in Mechanicsville, Ty felt an immense relief. This was his neighborhood and he knew every street inside and out. If the man in black encountered him here, he’d be met with difficulty. Ty hurried and made his delivery to Sharain. This time, he didn’t go into the private office with her. He dropped her package onto the counter in her shop, gave her a respectable nod that she didn’t return, and left. Moving down Pryor Street, Ty crossed to the side his apartment building was on and walked the last few blocks to Black Rock’s place.

Ty knocked twice on the heavy wood door. A man the size of Andre the Giant answered with an annoyed, “What you here for?”

“Oh. That’s Cheddar’s man. Let him in, Tiny,” Someone said from inside.

Tiny? For real? Ty waited until the man backed up before he stepped over the threshold. He could see the butt of the guy’s revolver just under his protruding gut. “Dropping this off.” Ty said. The big man pointed farther down the dark corridor. It looked as if someone hadn’t paid the electricity bill. Ty’s eyes adjusted quickly as he took in all that he could. He walked by an opening where men sat around in a large den, doing nothing. The chairs and multiple tables were set up just like at a dive bar. Neon signs hung from the ceiling, boasting various brands of liquor, and the television mounted on the wall had a hole in the center of the shattered glass as if someone had thrown a beer bottle at it. A few guys glanced in his direction, but only one stared.

“I know you, homie. You Sharain’s man? Or wanted to be.” The guy laughed then got the attention of the others. “This dude shot his nut so fast up in Sharain, she kicked his ass out ten minutes later.”

Is that what she was telling everyone? Ty held back his smirk. These dudes gossiped worse than the hens. Ty was there for business, not to shoot the shit with these lazy bastards. Sitting around doing nothing except talking about other men who were on their grind. 

“Idle hands are the devils workshop.”

“Where’s Black Rock?” Ty asked, after they finished trying to clown him, seeing that he wasn’t taking the bait.

“Black don’t see nobody, homie. Especially no delivery boys. If you got something to drop, then leave it with me and care yo’ ass outta here. I’ll give it to Rock.”

“It don’t work like that. I’ll bring it back later. When you expect him?” Ty said calmly.

“Who the fuck you think you talking to?” The guy stood but no one else followed suit. That meant he wasn’t in charge, he was a flunky and the men sitting around him didn’t have his back.

Ty didn’t answer and they probably hadn’t expected him to. He just stood quietly waiting on the loudmouth to make his move. The guy pulled a powerful weapon from behind his back and placed it on the table in front of him. “If you know what’s good, you’ll roll out, homie. You don’t wanna feel this heat.”

Ty nodded gravely but he hadn’t budged. Instead, his mind moved fast. That was the difference with hood cats. They moved first and thought last. Their actions getting them into trouble that their minds couldn’t get them out of. Like now.

“You harda’ hearing, motherfucker? Raise up.” The man moved from the table, leaving his piece behind.

The act confused Ty, but he kept his face impassive. He could hear other people in the two-story home but his focus was on the idiot boldly advancing on him. Ty stood with his hands at his sides as if he wasn’t a threat. When the man was only a few feet away Ty kicked out in front of him, catching the guy just under his rib cage, making him fly backwards and land on the rickety card table. When he tried to right himself—his mind scurrying to catch up with what’d just happened—the table crashed to the floor beneath him. Ty gave the rest of the men a deadly stare. The posse moved back as if giving them some space. No one else stepped forward. The man had no allies, he was on his own.

This was Hood101. A lesson many men had to learn the hard way. This sucker had run his mouth; solicited trouble… and now he had it. Ty moved his book bag behind him and took a few steps forward. The dumbass was looking for the weapon he’d ignorantly walked away from. When the table went down, so had his piece. Ty pulled the man off the floor and held him at arm’s length. He was taller than him by a few inches, but the man had fifteen to twenty pounds on Ty. It meant nothing. Ty was a calm man, cool, collected, and now his blood ran ice-cold.

“Don’t threaten me with your goddamn gun if you ain’t ready to pull the trigger. Don’t run your big mouth if you can’t back your shit up,” Ty pulled the man to him. “And don’t you dare fuckin walk up on me if you ain’t up for the challenge. I had you on your back in seconds. Weak-ass motherfucker.”

When would these men learn? Ty wasn’t a product of this environment. However, he knew how to walk the walk and he knew how to talk in a way these men would understand. Ty’s lethal steel pressed against his back. His gun was registered, the thugs probably wasn’t. Ty wouldn’t pull it. His pistol was the bottom line. He wouldn’t kill this asshole and leave his body in the street to await a chalk outline. He wouldn’t make this man hood-infamous’ today. Walking out of Rock’s trap house, Ty didn’t have to look behind to know they wouldn’t follow. They’d tell Rock what had happened, and the man would either retaliate against him or against the idiot who’d thoughtlessly started a fight in his place of business. If he was smart, Rock would chose the latter.