Following their boss to the waiting SUV, the two guards he trusted with his life were having a hard time keeping their faces straight.

"What is it now, Ace?" one asked.

"I feel like a lackey for that boy of mine. Why do I have to get mixed up in this crap? I should be rocking a grandkid to sleep and listening to the other one is telling me of their day. This is a waste of time," the older man grumbled. 

"So you expected two little ones from the young boss?" "Doesn't he have a company to run?"

"Are you two on his side? Did he order you guys to trump on my heart? When did I raise such a callous boy?" Ace continued. His guards gave up and laughed heartily at their boss's pouting. 

"No, he didn't boss. Give it time, he's still young. Are you sure you want to add all of this to his workload? He's doing a lot in New York."

"It's not big of an empire like Delacourde's or Poscov so he will be able to keep it running wherever he is. He knows how to prioritize. Look at the job young Lucifer had him do. It's time," Ace countered. 

The drive to downtown became quiet, having Bryan take over from Ace was an important act for the older members of the gang. They only saw him as the perfect heir to it all. Younger members came in the same time Ace took in Bryan as his son, believing one of them was better suited. 
"The best we can do is wait. He's probably thinking the same. Not only he has to make changes but he has a family to grow," one commented, breaking the silence.

"I know."

                                                                            *****

"He's around the corner with our newbies. He came back a day after Joker had a talk with them." 

Ace sighed after hearing the full report on the Russell kid, he knew they should have simply gotten rid of them. He hated to come back to stubborn and foolish people. The warning from his son was a courtesy, if they were handled by the teenage joker, someone would have been missing a son. Marriage and adulthood tamed the wild card a bit but if bothered that crazy Joker will be back. 
"Ten minutes." Not saying another word, Ace hopped out of the parked van onto the dimly lit street. Dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and a weathered leather jacket, he looked the part of a down-and-out druggie. Clutching the folded forty bucks in his right hand, he began his slow distracted walk and turned the corner. His face was known on these streets, but Russell never saw him. Ace stayed hidden knowing he would have harmed the kid on the first chance. No one has ever been so bold to start selling their shit on his streets. He knew the kid was warned by his men but his cocky attitude was the basis of his bravery. 
The sidewalk was filled with the normal Friday night stragglers. Three clubs, five bars, two 24hr hotels, and two restaurants occupied both sides of the street. It was a money-making two-way for both legal and illegal businesses. Ace had a hand in both. Walking through the milling crowd, a few people recognized him, giving him a wide berth and quick nod they knew something was up. His days for roaming the streets were over but this pick-up required his personal touch. Passing four loud talking youths leaning against the wall, he saw in his peripheral when they moved and began to follow him at a moderate pace. 

He was nearing the designated spot for his men when he spotted Russell joking around with the two of them. Before he approached them two older gentlemen were leaning against a post both taking lazy pulls of their cigarettes, keeping a watch of the area. 

"Hey, kid. How's it doing? How your pops?" Ace called out to Russell when he got two steps away from him. Offering him, his right hand in a show of greeting, the kid was quick on the uptake for the sale but not his surroundings. He didn't notice when the two guys on either side of him disappeared and were replaced.

"He's good, chillin' at home. You good?" 

"Yeah, man. Just lost forty pounds so I feel fucking lighter," Ace carried on. 

Russell stuck his hands in his pockets, stashing the payment and probably getting the money's worth from one of his designated pockets. "That's a good way to live. I wish I can help make you feel much better. I'll give my old man your wishes," he countered offering Ace his right hand which held the package. 

"You do that."

Taking the laced weed, Ace walked away, blending in with a passing crowd before slipping into a dimly lit alleyway. A club and a laundromat shared the space and the only light sources were the security lights for the backdoor exits for both businesses. He walked deeper into the alley and stood below the light from the club. It wasn't long before the little commotion began at the beginning of the alley. Glancing that way, he retrieved a cigar from his inner pocket in the jacket and nonchalantly clipped and lit it. The four young men who followed him on his way to the kid were his men, they were with him long enough to know his actions. The two men by the post were now idly standing at the entrance, goofing off like old buddies. 

"What the fuck man."

The sound of Russell being thrown to the ground then kicks and punches being landed were the only sounds in the alley. He was defending himself against four seasoned street guards but he was being overpowered easily. The men were actually allowing him to fight back. Each time he was knocked down, he came right back up with some taunt or some angry words. He didn't ask of their identity nor of the reason why he was being jumped. Ace liked his spirit but it got him in the shitstorm he was about to enter. Another three minutes passed of the guys fooling around with him until he gave up. Slowly he joined the group and crouched beside the barely conscious boy. 

"Didn't we have a talk?"

Russell tried to speak but he opted for trying to breathe easier so his chest won't hurt. "Don't talk, just listen. My son gave you the courtesy of being alive. Any other cunt trying to push tainted drugs like this shit on our streets either ends up spread across the state or pleading for his life to be taken in jail. The reason why he did that is beyond me but coming back here was a major disrespect to him so he sent me to pick you up." Rising to his feet, he tapped his cigar and watched as the ashes fell onto him. 
Garbled speech reached the group standing over him, he tried twice to get the sentence out, on the third try he was barely audible.

 "Rush... will... w-will... kill you!"

The group was silent for but a moment before erupting in highly amused laughter. Ace was the loudest, without any warning he kicked him in the face, a satisfying crunch accompanied their laughter. He screamed in pain, trying to reach up to hold his now broken nose but couldn't. The more he moved, the more the pain coursed through his body. "Cute, that's really cute. Let's go. My son is waiting for you," Ace said stepping over him. In the process, he stepped on his toes with unnecessary force and made his way to the waiting SUV. 

"Put him in the back. I have no time to put plastic on my seats," he grumbled at one of his men.

"Already lined the back. Joker called. He's waiting on the stretch," the guard relayed.

"That means he's eager and pissed. The job from the Delacourdes unveiled a lot of crap going on in our backyard. If anyone is spared tonight, they better count themselves blessed."

                                                                                      *******

"How far out is my old man?"

Bryan was tired but the adrenaline to erase all existence of Rush and Dominion's dealings was overpowering that. Sitting at the back of the black panel van, idly waiting for the detail from Spencer to arrive, he took to texting his wife. Though it was late, she was still waiting for him to get home.

"Ten minutes, sir. We have eyes on the place. Good call in using our uniforms, he placed his base in a neighborhood."

Bryan sighed at the extra work Rush was putting him through. "That's alright. Agent Young contacted the local police, they are in charge of keeping their civilians in check. I just want Rush. I want full coverage when we go in. Though he's only selling Dominion's laced weed, greed can make men do stupid things," he relayed over the earpiece.

"Yes sir." The channel was switched off, just as a call came in on his personal cell.

"Kitten, you should get some rest. I'll be done in two to three hours tops," Bryan answered. On the other end of the call, Katie can hear his wariness under all that bravado. Their conversation through text took on a serious note before she called. He's always mindful of her feelings, it was the pure side of him and she loved him more for that. 

"You're not getting rid of me that easy. Tell me what you really wanted to say. You were typing something before you sent that simple message. Tell me, B," she responded.

"N-now isn't the time, love. I have to go kill someone in a few... umm..."

"B."

"I'm ready," he blurted out.

"Ready for what? Use your words, Bryan Winshall," she pressed. He can hear her little laugh, loving the fact that she got him flustered but in truth he was scared. He brought up this topic in the past and it made her emotional for a few days.

"For a family. I'm ready to create our own family. I want a child with your eyes and your gorgeous smile. I'm ready," he rushed out on one breath.

Silence.

His hands shook nervously by the silence on her end. Her past made the conversation a bit of a taboo subject but he really wanted her to know.

"It will be nice to have our child grow up in our hometown, don't you think?" she answered softly.

"Katie." Her name came out as a whisper, her words affected him more than they should. Closing his eyes, he can picture his wife's blushing smile with her blonde hair tumbling around her face. 

"Hurry home. I'll be waiting like always," she continued.

"Kitten... I..."

"Yes? It's been years since it happened and you along with everyone has been helping me heal. I think it's time too.  I'm curious as to how our child will turn out. I love you."

Bryan chuckled and ran his fingers through his loose hair in happiness. She was truly made for him.
"I love you too."
With a few more whispered words of love, they ended the call. 

"A family. Right here in Spencer. I bet the old man will love that," he muttered to himself. Rocking back leisurely on the only seat at the back of the panel van, he thought about his future with Katie. He had things to put in place, things to do, they can do this.
The back doors opened with a flush, he slowly opened his eyes to see his old man holding a barely conscious Russell by his shirt collar. 
"You seem happy?" Ace commented.

"I'll tell you later. Throw him in, I need to get home to my woman," he said with a wide grin.

"I hope it's good news, I'm retired you know," Ace groused. Clutching Russell's shirt collar tighter and the back of his pants, he threw him with a force that made him roll twice towards Bryan. 
"Yeah, yeah," his son said with a dismissive wave of his hand. He stopped Russell from coming further with a booted foot on his head.

"Have fun. Later, son." 
Bryan gave him a nod and went back to his relaxed position. When the doors closed, the van started up with a low rumble, shaking Russell a bit out of his slightly unconscious state. "Where am..." he tried to say.

"We're not there yet. Take a nap. You'll need it," Bryan voiced in the dimness of the van.

"B...Bryan?"

"I warned you." That's all he said before lapsing into silence.

The drive to the next town took twenty minutes. The drivers were ordered by Bryan to do a slow pass near the police station. They saw why when two uniformed officers who stood at the entrance gave them a sharp nod then disappeared into the building. Passing the commercialized downtown area, they made their way through a school district then the suburban area. Like any other town, signs of wealth had their own area. The middle-class area led way to the wealthy neighborhood. Each house was either ten or fifteen feet apart, giving everyone their privacy. Three houses before Rush's, the two armored vans ahead of Bryan stopped to allow all ten of his men to disembark.

"Incoming transmission, sir," the driver of his van said. Beside Bryan was an iPad encased in a military-grade case, ready for him to use and communicate with his team. Connecting the specific earpiece, he reached the ground team leader.

"Take out guards if any," Bryan ordered.

"Yes, sir."

On the iPad, he followed their progress via three-body cams, dressed in Black Hawk Security uniforms and fully geared, they made their way on either side of the street. The homes they passed were locked up for the night, security lights shone, dogs barked but that didn't phase them. It wouldn't.

"Nearing the house."

"High walls, motion-detecting cameras, large front gate."

"Detecting six heat signatures beyond the wall in patrolling formation. Is it a go?"

"Jam all signals. Four enter over the walls, make a path for me via the gate."

"Yes, sir."

Bryan gave the side door two knocks in which were promptly opened by one of his men in identical gear to him. Another approached to help him with his guns and the covering of his identity. "Get the gift," he muttered and proceeded to walk to his destination.

On the video feed, he watched on as the guard with the body cam skillfully scaled the twelve feet stone wall along with his partner undetected. The second feed showed the group guarding the gate, awaiting further instructions as the third feed showed the other pair scaling the wall. Walking a few feet to his men, he calmly watched on as the two duo team reached the other side of the wall, keeping to the dark areas lined by flowerbeds. Adjusting their rifles with their compatible suppressors, they each waited for the team outside for confirmation of all signals being jammed. The motion sensor cameras were already hacked into and were currently being manipulated, thanks to the techie on the team, he was able to get a visual of inside the house. 

"All cell signals are down. Proceed."

Calmly they all walked across the lawn until one of the men spotted them. They were in simple jeans and t-shirts, carrying unconcealed weapons and lazily patrolling the grounds. One of Bryan's men sighed, "Pity." To punctuate his statement he pulled the trigger to his rifle before the man utters a sound. The bullet was now lodged in the middle of his skull, his eyes wide in disbelief. This happened for the other five as they were all caught off guard. 

"He's cocky. He believes putting a house in the suburbs makes him invisible and safe. This will be a piece of cake," Bryan commented. Reaching the gate, his men simply slid it open and escorted him across the lawn.  That was proof of how lightly Rush was taking his rivals. 
"I say we need a stress reliever. Nashville was a bit tense. What do you think boys?"

The men copied their boss's cold grin when he revealed it after his question. Their adrenaline from Nashville's raid was still there and knowing Rush have a role to play, they needed the outlet.

"I think we deserve it," one answered. The guard holding onto Russell harshly threw him to the feet of his boss. Before them, wasn't calm and collected Bryan, they were now seeing the chaotic Joker they grew alongside with.

"Let loose, boys."

Windows were being shattered, the front door was kicked in, moving into the spacious ground floor they made the unnecessary noise and damage to the gaudily decorated living space. Joker kicked Russell in the stomach, ordering him to get to his feet and walk in on his own. He followed the stumbling walking of the man and found a seat on a leather armchair to watch the incoming show. "He will kill all of you," Russell rasped.

"We'll see. Search the place. Kill anyone who comes at you. Save at least two lackeys if you find as much," he ordered.

"HOLD IT! WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?"

"Ah, here he is," Joker commented after hearing the expected voice of Rush. The order came from atop the stairs which were not visible to his eyes. His men ignored the silly order and ordered him to get down. A shot was fired from the stairs, it missed his three men at the foot of the stairs. A compressed shot was fired from one of his men that resulted in the idiot tumbling down the stairs. Two of the three rushed to the top floor guns ready to take out anyone opposing them.
 The others were already trawling the place, gunfire was heard in the distance but not for long. Female screams followed, Joker wondered if they here of their own free will or Rush was taking part in Dominion's other businesses. 
"RUSH!" Russell shouted, trying to get closer to his friend. Joker wasn't worried, his hands were bounded in shackles with another pair attached. Currently, it was dragging behind him as he feebly made his way over to the wounded man. Poor thing was clutching at his thigh screaming in pain.

A commotion was heard from the stairs, Joker began to laugh upon seeing the faces of those who were caught. Rising to his feet with a cold smile on his face, he ambled over to the little reunion. "Found these two in the master bedroom and these four cowering in other rooms," his guard reported. The four were men in their twenties, scared shitless with bullet wounds to their hands. They were placed on their knees in a straight line amidst the destroyed living area. Joker approached the two who were being restrained at the moment. 
"Aren't we little adults? Bree and Natalia," he teased.

"It's Natalie!" Her annoyed scream only amused Joker even more. He eyed the scantily dressed girls then looked at Rush and the four men. They were all dressed in their undergarments and hair heavily mussed. "Interesting," he muttered. Russell seemed unfazed by his sister's position, he didn't care that his kid sister was having a fucking orgy at her age. He was about to speak when the other members of his team reappeared with friends in tow. 

"Found a lab in the basement. They were growing chemically enhanced weed and packaging cocaine they just received. The ladies ae the packers, the men were their guards."

"Line them up," Joker ordered. He turned to Bree and Natalie who were coldly looking at him. He sent a smirk their way before turning to Rush and Russell. "I warned you two, didn't I? It's common knowledge to everyone in these parts that one talk equals your life being spared. Didn't you get the memo?" With much force, Joker stomped Rush's face until he heard that crunch. The girls were screaming his ears off, Russell was trying to get in the way but he received a kick in the face to keep him in check. 

"I... stopped.." Rush wheezed.

"You what? Speak the fuck up I can't hear you?" Joker shouted hovering over the man.

"Stop. Please, Bryan, stop," Bree pleaded.

"Little girl. Your elders are speaking. Wait your turn," he said firmly over his shoulder. She flinched outwardly at the intensity in his eyes. She never saw him like that. Heck, she was still whirling from the new knowledge of him being like this. 

"I stopped... my ... sales," Rush said again. Blood loss was evident and Joker didn't care at all.

"Really? I'm supposed to believe that? So why did my old man deliver to me your lousy dealer who is crying by your side? He was on my streets tonight and wanna be all fucking cocky with bringing Dominion's shit in my town."

The mention of Dominion got the perfect reaction they were all looking for. "Lewis."

"Yes, boss," the guard answered promptly. No words were relayed between each other. The men serving under Joker knew all his scare tactics. Lewis placed himself before the line of Rush's men, the man was placed in a position to witness what was about to happen. Retrieving his handgun from his holster, Lewis, without hesitation shot two men then turned to Rush.  Screams of fear came from the ladies, the men beside the dead bodies turned paled, knowing they were next. 

"I swear I had nothing to do with that. What the fuck did you do? I said we were done in Spencer," Rush said desperately. The last two lines were directed at Russell.

"We were making a lot in that shitty place..."

"Are you fucking dense? Look what your stupidity did!" Rush shouted. 

"I was helping your ass after you said you need more income," Russell argued.

"I had that sorted, you fucking prick."

"Russell you asshole. That was none of your business," Bree added to Rush's statement.

"FUCK YOU, BREE!"

Joker laughed at the squabble the three got themselves in. Motioning slightly to the females from the basement and two of the men, three of his guards got to work. Natalie saw this and questioned him.

"What is it to you, Natalia?" he said with a grin.

"It's Natalie, you prick. When I get from here...." she began.

"Who said you were leaving?" he asked with a slow smile creeping upon his face.

"W-What? What are you going to do to me? I know nothing," she said backpedaling.

"Girl, shut up. He can't do shit to us. If we turn up missing,..." Bree began to say this time with so much confidence in her voice

"If you two end of on missing person reports I doubt anyone will put much effort. The shit you two have been pulling will create so many theories by your schoolmates. The cops will get frustrated by so many dead leads and give up. They will hit your folks with a pitiful look with the words, 'No apparent leads'.  By the fear in your eyes you have grasped the situation." Joker approached Rush and shackled him to Russell. The man wasn't looking too good, he was getting weak from the blood loss, it won't be long before he dies. 

"Let's make this quick. My wife is waiting for me. You remaining idiots stand," Joker ordered. 

"C-cops! The cops will come," Natalie stuttered. Her eyes were on the guns aiming at the men. She didn't want to see any more dead bodies. A stupid sleepover turned into a real nightmare.

"Oh they will," he said with a chuckle. He placed himself behind them and gripped their necks tightly. Their startled screams put Rush and Russell in defensive mode. They were handicapped not only by the shackles but by their injuries. The two ended up face-first on the floor, screaming in pain.

"Don't hurt them!" Rush pleaded, trying to get closer.

"I won't. Not in the way you think though. Watch."

All four pairs of eyes turned to the remaining men all trembling in fear and pleading for their lives. "No more. We are sorry. Joker, sir, please. That shit with Dominion is now over as you said. Please, "Rush begged. 

"I love it when they beg. Watch closely you two. You wish to be grown right? Having a bad boy boyfriend is what you want right? This is part of the deal." With a sharp nod of his head, shots rang through the house, bodies dropped to the floor with a thud and punctuated with female screams.
"You're enjoying the show, little Bree and Natalia. You're going to love the next one. You two will remember it for the rest of your lives." His words were cold, they can actually feel the chill running down their spines.

"W-what do you mean? Let us go. Please. We won't say a word. I'm sorry for messing with Elijah and his friends. I'm sorry," Bree begged. She certainly felt the magnitude of the situation.

"Little brother has nothing to do with this. You may not realize it but his payback was already made. I'm pleased that you found the error in your ways. Let's go you two." His hand still clutched onto their necks, he pushed them in the direction of the front door where two guards stood place. During their little show and tell, two of his men were setting small explosives in the basement.

"All set?" he asked of them.

"Yes sir," one answered throwing the remote detonator to him. 

Rush and Russell looked at the black remote in confusion, it was Rush who came to the understanding of what it was. "Are you crazy?" he yelled.

"No. I'm simply doing what I should have done before. Getting rid of future issues," Joker drawled. Reaching for his handgun holstered on his thigh, he positioned himself behind the two, chuckling at their begging and the crying from the girls. One hand had a gun pointing at the back of Russell's head, the other had the detonator. It will create a small blast in the basement near the chemicals. The fire will regulate that area of the house until it spreads, it won't be long before it engulfs the house.
"Don't look away. This is part of the life you wanted." His men held both Bree and Natalie's heads still to witness what was about to happen next.

 Cruel? Yes.

Setting an example? Yes.

Cares about the outcome? Fuck No.

"Don't. Please. He's my brother. Please." Bree's tears did nothing to him, it didn't waver his decision nor did it make him hesitate in pulling the trigger and pushing the detonator. Her scream was louder this time. Her brother fell face forward revealing the hole at the back of his head. Natalie was pale and stricken in fear. The floor shook with the small blast in the basement. The slight scent of smoke filled the air, counting down the time they have left in the house. 
Joker moved the gun to a weak, trembling, and sweaty Rush, his eyes were on Bree. She was now on her knees begging Joker not to kill her man. Natalie looked a bit sick but these things meant nothing to him. 
One pull of the trigger and it was over for the man. 
Stepping over the bodies he made his way to the exit, Bree clutched onto his leg, cursing his entire existence as her friend threw up her dinner. "You better walk the fuck out of this house or die along with your bitch ass brother and low-level hubby," he groused. Grudgingly, she followed them out to the sidewalk to the idle panel van awaiting them. Crying their eyes out, they joined the others who were scared shitless and watched on as their boss's home burned to the ground. Small explosions were seen and heard, windows exploded with heat and pressure. Through the windows, they can see the flames licking their way through the rooms. Fire can be both dangerous and hypnotizing at times. 
At that moment, it was enchanting for Joker, the job was over with. 

Now he can focus on more important things.

His wife.