Respect the Jux
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Frank C. Matthews

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Karen Hunter; Original edition (September 21, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439193940
ISBN-13: 978-1439193945

RESPECT THE JUX (Excerpt)
Available September 21, 2010 from Simon and Schuster (Karen Hunter Publishing)

     At around 3 a.m., Cat returned. This time, he didn’t pull up on the same block as the house. Instead, he parked a block over, behind a different house, and under a tree. Dressed all in black with gloves and a mask, he turned the ignition off and sat listening to his own breath for a while. Just this one time. This guy obviously doesn’t need the money. Just this one time to get enough money to rest on while I look for a legit job. Just this one time…

     He looked around at the surrounding homes to see if any nosy neighbors were peeping out their windows. The coast was clear. He climbed over into the passenger seat, opened the door, and stepped out under the darkness and the cover of the trees. He softly shut the passenger-side door and looked around again, making sure no one’s eyes were on him. Satisfied, he made his way up the driveway of the house and continued toward the rear, climbing up and over a fence. As his feet touched the ground on the other side, he crouched low, scanning the area. The black Benz was in direct view. Cat utilized his army training, bending at the waist and dropping low as he moved along the bushed until he reached the back windows. He crab-walked his way to another window so he could get a better view inside. There was no sign of movement within the house. It was now or never. Having ran through similar scenarios during his army missions, he knew exactly what to bring along with him. Inside his “thief pouch” at his waist were wire cutters, an interchangeable flathead screwdriver, duct tape, small pliers, and an eight-inch-blade knife. Tucked on the right side of his waistband was a P7 pistol, loaded with Parabellum rounds he’d stolen during his tour.

     Cat located the point of entry, a basement window just wide enough for him to slip through. The window had three glass sections, which could be opened and shut by winding the crank on the inside. It was a simple task with a screwdriver. Slowly and gently, Cat separated each sheet of glass from the window frame. He placed each frame, one by one, on the ground, leaning them against the house. Cat took his time, careful not to crack one of the glass partitions, which would cause unwanted noise.

     When the third and final piece was removed, Cat placed it along the wall with the other two. As he did so, he caught a quick glimpse of his reflection in the glass. He didn’t recognize himself. He did a double take. He slowly brought the glass to eye level again. It was definitely him. His clenched teeth distorted his face, making him look sinister. Was it a sign that he was losing it? Was this whom he wanted to be? He looked up at the night sky and saw nothing but blackness. A cool wind blew and leaves scattered all around him. The sound of the leaves scraping against each other brought him back to reality. He had to go through with the job.

     Along the wall, he located the phone line. He used the wire cutter to disable it. Since the neighbors’ lines were linked together, he cut their lines as well. He again glanced around to see if his actions were attracting any attention. He crawled through the basement window, landing inside a tiny bathroom. Instinctively he reached for his gun, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the dimness of the house. Silently, he crept through the basement until he reached the stairwell. His heart was thumping loudly. Cool beads of sweat rolled down his back as his body angled up the steps.

     His mind began to run wild. Could he be waiting for me upstairs with his finger on the trigger? Do I really have to go through with this craziness? Should I just let the kid slide? I could just get another job, stay legit and be okay. I am in America now. Why do this? He knew it was wrong. Dollar signs floated into his head. He wanted to reach out and grab them all. He shut his eyes tight to take a minute to regain his composure. You made it this far, and for what? To turn your back now on what could be waiting upstairs? Hell no! This nigga gonna go down, he said to himself.

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