A sliver of light in the darkness, accompanied by muffled voices and sharp pain. Jays’ consciousness begins to return, the voices becoming clearer and the pain increasing from pin pricks to stabbing blades.

“He’s awake” said Moe, interrupting the inaudible murmuring. Cedrique sighs and strolls over to Jay, who is strapped down with belts to a flimsy collapsible chair, “Ite… Listen Jay, I ain’t saying this twice!” Jay struggles to keep his head raised and steady, “Huh…?” He mumbles; Cedrique backhands Jay, leaving a large cut on his cheekbone from where his signet ring connected.

“A said listen ya fuckin’ bobble ‘ead!” The room is filled with laughter and mocking words, “Ya cost me two more o’ma guys back there… TWO!” Cedrique grips Jays face and forces it to meet his eyes, “Now… You’re ma baby cousin, I’ve put you on here, don’t fuck me about again!” He said seriously, “Without me you’d still be a broke little fucker wi’ nothin’ goin’ on, show me some fuckin’ respect would ya?” Jay attempts to respond but Cedriques’ grip isn’t allowing anything to come out.

“I’m sick of cleanin’ up after you Jay, every fuckin’ job I give ya! How do you fuck it so badly every time?” Cedrique releases Jay with a shove, the flimsy chair straining with a series of squeaks threatening to collapse. Cedrique turns to face the others,

“We’re plannin’ somethin’ big, and we need you to pull it off. I don’t wanna hear any more talk about wantin’ to leave the gang, it’s not happenin’.” Jay starts to vocalize a response and Cedrique immediately shuts him down,

“A a a! I said I don’t wanna ‘ear it!” Moe, hands a package to Cedrique, “Now, this ‘ere’s a kilogram o’ coke.” He said while tossing it up and down in his hand, “This is our cover up for the main lick; we’ve got a buyer for 25 grand, some dickhead down East End Park.” Cedrique turns and walks towards Jay, still tossing the bag in his hand.

“We need ya to make the deal, and as ya give it him, slit the bag and do a runner. Simple.” Jay now near full consciousness begins to panic and stress about what’s being said, “We know he’s a little fuckin’ rat so he’ll bell his boss soon as. All ya need to do is lead them on a fuckin’ treasure ‘unt while we raid their actual yard.” Cedrique slams the bag into Jays’ chest, “Ya got that?”

Jay looks down at Cedrique pushing the bag onto him, before slowly raising his head to look his cousin in the eyes, “Y-yes…” he stutters. “Right, now fuck off! Sick’o fuckin’ lookin’ at ya…”

Moonlight streets disguise Jay on his way out of the gangs den; he walks hurriedly to get back in doors. Rain pours down, working its way into the lashings on his bust up face. He grimaces in pain, “FUCK SAKE! WHY ME?!” screamed in his mind. “Why can’t I get away from this shit?! I hate it!”