The sky was dark and the sun had already set beyond the horizon. As the bus pulled into the station Warren was the first to step off. He was dressed in his usual attire black cargo pants, new balance running shoes, white t-shirt and a black ‘North Face’ coat. Instantly he regretted not wearing a cap or something for his head as the wind howled and whipped past him.
‘Good to be home’ he thought to himself as he scanned around the bus station for no one in particular before grabbing his bag and moving forward. Flagging down a taxi he climbed in the back.
“Queens Bridge, Brooklyn please.” Before sliding a crisp hundred dollar bill into the slot, he knew most drivers refused or requested extra to go neighborhoods such as those, and Warren was used to the drill. Laying back into the firm artificial leather seating, he though back to the month or so he spent back in the District.

Nov 15
Temple Hills, MD

The night air was a bit crisp this evening as Warren and four other gentlemen stood outside the local 7-11.
“I’m telling you all they need is a better defensive line and a quarterback." One man spoke of the locale football team. Another man interjected with his opinion and the discussion continued. Off to the side Warren stood smiling listening to the two men go back to back about the topic. A lone impala with tinted windows pulled into the parking lot. The gentleman watched as the bright store sign offered a glimpse into the cruiser.
Catching the slight reflection off of the two men’s chest the group quieted, watching them slowly as both officers exited the vehicle, another car pulled into the parking lot, this one a white Crown Victoria on black rims.
“What can we do for you gentleman?” Warren stepped forward as the four officers converged on them.
“Which one of you is Warren? Warren Peace?”
“That would be me, am I under arrest?” he stepped forward looking the senior officer over. The cop stood about five foot nine, dark brown skin and a short faded haircut. He was dressed in black Dickies cargo pants and wore shin high combat boots bloused at the top. He wore his vest outside his shirt and a black baseball cap covered with skulls. Definitely not uniform issue.
“How you doin today sir, I’m officer McDonald. Would you get in the back of the car please.”
“May I ask why?”
"First time I ask you, second time I tell you and third time I make you. Now get in the car.”

The moon’s rays shone through the slightly tinted windows of the cruiser. Seated comfortably in the back Warren continued to gaze out the window before a voice broke his thoughts.
“Do you know who I am?” the short bulky officer spoke as he turned to look at Warren from the
“Your officer McDonald…” He replied with sarcastic mocking tone, before staring back outside the window.
“That’s right officer Leroy McDonald…” he stared blankly at Warren before removing his sun glasses. “You seriously don’t remember me dude?”
Warren stared at his face as the named the jog his memory.
“Little Mac from school?!” he exclaimed as both name and face eventually joined into a conclusion.“Slim, I ain’t seen you in years Mo, and who gone and gave you a badge and sh*t?” resorting back into some slang from the old days as they greeted one another with a hand shake. The old friend returned the handshake before turning back to face forward in the seat.

“Yeah, I know it’s been a long time. When I heard you were back in town I had to meet up with you and kick it, ya know.”
Pulling a cigarette from his wallet and placing it between his lips before lighting a match.
“I see, but I didn’t tell anyone I was coming home.” He stared at the back of both officers seats awaiting a response; the driver hasn’t spoken a word so Warren eyes shifted back to Leroy’s seat, growing slightly uncomfortable as the silence continued.
“Relax, I know you didn’t but come on now…” he turned back around to meet Warren’s gaze. “…you don’t think after everything you’ve done down here we aren’t keep tabs on you? Boy you’ve watched since the day you sprinted down that alley. And don’t think you been going unnoticed up there in New York either.”

Warren sat back and smirked at the fact he had created a small buzz at home and up north. “Maybe I’ll find me a cute girl to tote my tommy gun around for me, and really make a name for myself.” Looking at Leroy’s face he could see that he wanted to get to the point of this encounter.
“So what’s the real reason you want to talk to me?”

“I or the police however you want to view it, have a slight problem that I know you’re perfect to fix. And in exchange for your services you can be assured you’ll be rewarded.”

“Rewarded in what, cause to be honest I’m not interested in any medals or crap like that.”

“Naw you can keep anything you get out the house…” Warren started to interrupt but was cut off.
“…before you ask any questions how fast are you?”