Chapter 1
“We’ll take your most expensive bottle of Chardonnay and some crab bisque for starters, Timmy.” Perry places an order for Vvee and himself in the dimly lit booth of J. Alex’s Steakhouse, his favorite restaurant. “Ah! Great choice, Mr. Wade. It’s always a pleasure to serve you and missus.” Vvee gives Perry a knowing look as the waiter scampers off with a look of delight on his face, knowing one of Perry’s tips will make his night. “So how many women have you brought here, Perry?” Vvee quizzes her date because she know very well of his womanizing ways. Perry smiles. “Fancy Face, this establishment is very special to me, so I don’t just bring anyone here.” Perry looks deep into Vvee’s sea-green eyes. “Truthfully, I have only brought two women here.” Vvee lowers her eyelids, cocks her head slightly, and responds, fearing the worst. “Oh yeah? And who might those two lucky ladies be?” “Just my sister and you.” Vvee’s demeanor changes upon Perry’s response. “Let me ask you something, Perry.” Perry leans back in his chair, interlocking his hands behind his head,
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enjoying the Q and A from the love of his life. “Shoot,” he states, looking forward to her upcoming question. “Are you scared of anything?” Perry exhales audibly through his nose. “Fancy Face, there is not a day that goes by that I do not feel fear from the thought of Tyde getting out of prison.” “Oh, come on, Perry. Tyde is never going to be released from prison.” “Yeah, Vvee, it’s easy to say our justice system will never release him, but can our corrections department thoroughly contain him?” Vvee smiles, reaches across the table, and grabs both of Perry’s hands. “Relax, Perry. He is not El Chapo in a Mexican prison.” Perry laughs as Vvee continues. “Besides, he is on a twenty-three-hour lockdown. He will never be able to influence an officer under those conditions. And if, God forbid, he does get out, I’ll just have to save the day again.” Perry looks at Vvee with a slight grin. “If I recall correctly, wasn’t I the one who took him out?” Vvee smiles. “Yeah, but if I hadn’t saved your ass, you would have never made it back to your gun.” “Okay, you win, Fancy Face.” Timmy arrives, as cheerful as ever. “Your Chardonnay and crab bisque.” He sets down the two bowls and then pours a sip into Perry’s glass. Perry drinks what he is given, looks up at Timmy with a satisfied look, and nods. Timmy smiles and fills both Vvee’s and Perry’s glasses to the perfect level. “Now what would my two favorite customers like?” Vvee looks up. “I’ll have the salmon and asparagus.” Timmy nods. “Nice choice, ma’am. And for you, sir?” Perry finishes scanning the menu. “Timmy, give me the bacon Swiss burger and fries with a side of macaroni and cheese.” “Okay, sir, your usual, coming right up.” Timmy scurries off, and Perry returns his attention to a smiling Vvee.
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“What, Fancy Face?” Vvee looks at Perry and shakes her head. “Nothing, Perry. It’s just funny. We come to a steakhouse for you to order mac and cheese and a cheeseburger.” “Sorry. It’s what I want today.” “It’s what you always want. That is what’s funny.” Perry shrugs. “You know, Fancy Face, there are two other things that scare me as well.” “Oh yeah? And what might they be?” Vvee questions Perry, wondering where this conversation is going. “Well, one would be you never taking my hand in marriage.” Vvee sighs, “Perry, you know why we are not together.” “Fancy Face, we were kids!” Perry states, trying to defend himself and his choices as an adolescent. “Perry, that is not the only reason. There’s not a woman on this earth who does not want you physically or emotionally.” “Oh, come on, Vvee. You are being ridiculous.” “No, I’m not, and you know it. I would never be able to sleep at night wondering if you were out with someone else.” Perry looks around the room of well-dressed customers. “Well, if you would give me a fair chance, I would show you otherwise.” The conversation dies, and the booth becomes awkwardly quiet before Perry breaks the silence. “Would you like to know the last thing that scares me?” Vvee looks up from her plate with an apologetic smile because even though they have their differences, Perry is definitely the best friend she has in this world. “What is it, Perry?” Perry looks around with a paranoid look on his face and speaks. “One of the surrounding tables noticing I passed gas.” Vvee laughs. “God, you can be so silly sometimes.” The two finish up their meals, and then Perry takes care of the bill.
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They stand in the waiting area, awaiting the host to return from the coat rack. The host approaches them and hands Perry his leather jacket and then helps Vvee into her mink coat. Perry looks at the white furry coverall and shakes his head. “What?” Vvee questions defensively. “It’s sad how you women treat animals.” “Oh, whatever, Perry. You bought it for me.” “Only because I knew how much you wanted it.” “Well, I highly appreciate it, Perry, because I love it,” Vvee admits while petting the coat as if it were a live animal. Perry smiles. “I bet you wouldn’t pet that coat if its mother was right here.” Vvee smiles. “Thank God for animal control, huh?” Perry grins and nods while opening the door for Vvee to exit, with him right behind her. The two of them enter the parking garage, still joking about the coat, oblivious to their surroundings. “Stop right there!” a man yells at the couple while pointing a gun with a laser sitting directly in the center of Perry’s chest. Perry and Vvee stop dead in their tracks, complying with the gunman’s order. “Look, give me all your valuable shit, and don’t you dare try anything heroic because my trigger finger has not put in work for a while.” Perry takes off his watch and jewelry and then throws them in front of the frantic gunman. “Hold on, motherfucker. What are you doing?” “I’m just trying to give you my wallet,” Perry responds calmly. The gunman looks at Perry and then at Vvee and then back at Perry again. “Okay, go ahead, but move slowly.” Perry does as he is told and throws the wallet in front of the crazed man. The gunman now turns his attention toward Vvee. “Okay, princess. Now it’s your turn.”
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Vvee takes off all her jewelry and throws it into the already-existing pile that Perry started. The gunman just stares at Vvee, not moving one inch toward the sparkling pile of valuables. “What?” Vvee questions. “I want the coat!” “No way. Take the jewelry and go.” “Listen here, bitch. Give me the fucking coat because I know some ghetto bitches from the hood that will buy it with a couple of holes in it!” “Just give him the damn coat, Vvee.” She looks up at Perry and then decides to take the coat off. She throws the mink down by the pile of gold. The man squats down and throws all the merchandise into the coat. He stands and looks Perry in the eye. “Man, Tyde told me this would be easy.” Then he shoots Vvee in the head. “Vvee!” Perry screams as he sits up in bed, sweating profusely. His late-night companion, Janelle, stares at him with a look of disgust on her face. “Goddamn it, Perry. No matter how good I pleasure you, you still manage to have dreams of the bitch.” Perry looks at Janelle as he reaches for his flask. “First off, watch your mouth. She is not a bitch.” Perry takes a healthy swallow from his drinking container and then continues. “And second, they are nightmares that I do not want to keep having.” Janelle looks at Perry, not believing he would speak to her in that tone. She holds the silk sheet up over chest. Then she decides to try and sweet-talk him. “Well, if you don’t want to have nightmares about her, you should try thinking about something special before you go to sleep. Try our love for each other.” Perry smiles and then reaches onto the floor, grabbing his pants. He pulls out his wallet and reaches in, pulling out a one-hundred-dollar bill, and hands it to Janelle. “What’s this for?” she questions.
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“Cab fare,” Perry answers coldly. Janelle cannot believe her ears. “Perry, it’s four fifteen in the morning!” she screams. Perry sighs and digs into his wallet, pulling out another hundred, and hands it over to his angry passion partner. “Then take a limo. Just go.” Janelle grabs the crisp hundreds, gets dressed, and storms out of the house, leaving Perry with his face in his hands, wishing he would stop having these horrible nightmares.
6 Perry Wade Intro
Perry Wade was raised in Russellville, Arkansas, by a happily married Robert and Susan Wade. At the age of eight, his life would change forever. Perry and his father sit outside his parents’ master bedroom. Robert Wade looks at his son, trying to be strong for his little man. “Daddy, why is God taking Mommy from us?” A tear slides down Robert’s face as he looks down at his troubled son. “Well, Perry, God probably needs more angels in heaven.” The bedroom door opens, and Perry’s elder sister, Savannah, exits the room, full of tears. Perry’s father wraps his arms around his princess and then looks at Perry and nods toward the bedroom. He enters the room and closes the door behind him. The sound of beeping coming from the machines that are keeping his mother alive fills the room. He approaches the bed and looks at the woman who has been the most important person in his life since the moment he opened his eyes. “Hi, Mommy.” Susan uses the little bit of strength she has to open her eyes and smile. “Hey, champ.”
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Perry crawls up into the bed, being extra careful not to mess with any of the wires, cords, or hoses that are helping his mother breathe. Perry stares at his mother, trying his hardest to be her strong little warrior, as she always calls him, but cannot help the flood of tears that rushes down his young face. “I’m gonna miss you, Mommy!” Perry’s voice trembles as he realizes this may be the last time he ever speaks to his mother. Susan pulls the respirator hose from her nose and then speaks to her son in a very sincere manner. “Perry, Mommy needs you to be strong and listen carefully. “ Perry chokes back his tears and puts on his tough mask. “Okay, Mommy.” Susan smiles. “Yeah, that’s my little warrior,” his mother states while rubbing his cheek. “Perry, you are a very special little boy. God has huge plans for you. He is going to use your greatness to make a mark on this world that no one will ever forget. I want you to promise me one thing, Perry.” A teary-eyed Perry gives a half smile and then responds. “Anything, Mommy.” “Perry, no matter what, always take care of your Elder sister.” Perry’s shoulders drop a little. “Oh, Mommy. Savannah is crazy.” Perry’s mother chuckles. “I know she is, sweetie, but she needs you, so do it for me.” “Okay, Mommy.” “That’s my little angel. Now give your mommy a hug and kiss. Then go get your father for me.” The mother and her son embrace. Then Perry follows her orders. He enters the hallway and meets his crying sister. Perry’s mother passes away a few hours later in his father’s arms. A year later, while Perry is playing, he notices a moving truck pull into the vacant house across the street from his own residence. The family of three get out of the truck and happily approach their new home. Perry is entranced by the smallest member of the family, who is a beautiful young girl with tan skin, auburn curls, and sea-green eyes. Perry watches intently
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all day as the family members unload the contents of the truck and fill their new home with each item. The sun goes down, and the family have completed their mission. The pretty young girl, who is visibly exhausted, sits on the swing in her new front yard. Perry works up the nerve to speak to her. He approaches her hesitantly with a soda and two Dixie cups full of ice. The young girl notices Perry approaching and perks up nervously. “Hi. My name is Perry Wade.” “My name is Veronica Valdez.” “Hi, Veronica. I saw you working hard over here, so I brought you a drink.” Veronica looks down at the soda. “Thanks, but why did you bring a diet soda?” “Because all pretty girls drink diet,” Perry answers confidently. Veronica smiles shyly as her cheeks flush red. “You think I’m pretty?” “Absolutely. I’m gonna call you Vvee.” Veronica smiles at her new friend and nickname. Veronica’s parents stare out of their living room’s large rectangular window, a front-row seat to Cupid setting his mark on true love. The pair’s friendship quickly blossoms into something so perpetual that nothing human could ever disrupt the beauty that it creates for the world to see that love is real. Throughout their childhood, the two do everything together, from walking to and from school to playing in the sandbox and even eating out of the same ice cream cone. Perry’s love for Vvee has really helped the young girl cope with the fact that they moved away from her much elder half brother, Juan, in Miami, Florida. Vvee’s mother met her father years after her first husband, Juan’s father, passed. Veronica’s father, a high-ranking military official, took a vacation at Miami, Florida, while on leave. During that time, he met her mother, and the two fell in love. Years later, Veronica was born. Her parents decided against the marriage because her mother’s heart was still
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with Juan’s father. Perry is crazy about Vvee, and it shows in his everyday actions. Vvee is not the friendliest girl. She hates all the attention all the other school girls would whore Perry with. Sometimes she would rush out of the schoolhouse, leaving Perry behind. Young Perry would always catch up. Then one day it gets to a point where Vvee wouldn’t dare leave without her best friend. Perry runs out of the schoolhouse and catches up with his partner. “Vvee!” he yells, trying to slow his friend down. Vvee stops and turns around. “Perry, you don’t have to walk me home every day.” “Yes, I do,” Perry replies. “And why is that?” Vvee questions with a raised eyebrow and a hand on her hip. Perry smiles. “Because you’re my girlfriend, and a man should never allow his girlfriend to walk home alone.” “Perry, I am not your girlfriend, and you are not a man. You are a boy. You are only ten years old.” “No, you’re wrong, Vvee.” “How am I wrong?” “I am eleven.” “Oh, whoop-de-do.” “What do we have here?” Vvee and Perry turn around and see the three Whatley brothers walking toward them. “What are you lovebirds doing?” Perry grabs Vvee’s hand and tries to pull past the three bullies. The brothers close in, shoulder to shoulder, creating a wall. Perry and Vvee back up. Perry turns around and mouths the word run. Vvee looks at Perry, confused, and says, “When?” Perry smiles, turns around, and punches the biggest one square in the chin while screaming, “now!”
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Vvee takes off running. She looks back and stops about a hundred feet from the uneven fight. She sees Perry holding his own with the three bigger brothers. Perry looks over and yells, “Go, Vvee!” She listens to her friend. An hour later, as Vvee sits on the curb in front of her house, she looks up and sees a bruised and bloody Perry turning the corner. She gets up and runs to her knight in shining armor. “Oh god, Perry, are you okay?” she questions while hugging Perry. “I’m fine, Vvee. No sweat.” “Why didn’t you just run too?” “Because then they would have caught you too.” At that moment, Vvee realizes Perry really does love her more than anything in the world. A couple of years later, while in middle school summer camp, Perry gets wind that some of the boys drilled holes into the walls of the girls’ shower. Perry informs Vvee of this issue and sneaks her down to the bathroom by the lake so she doesn’t have to be violated. Vvee gets out of the shower as Perry stands guard at the door of the small bathroom. “Don’t look, Perry.” “I won’t, Vvee.” “Hey, Perry?” “Yeah, Vvee?” “Thanks a lot.” “For what?” Perry inquires. “For just being my friend.” “Yeah, no sweat.” Vvee taps him on his shoulder, and when he turns around, he is met with the first lip-to-lip contact he has ever experienced with a girl, causing him to blush. Vvee smiles. “Come on. Let’s get back.” Their love continues to grow at a rapid rate, and the two grow closer
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and closer. Right before Vvee turns fifteen, she is kidnapped, sending the community and Perry into a tailspin of worry. Days go by, driving Perry crazy. He calls the police department every couple of hours. There isn’t a hospital in Arkansas that does not receive a phone call from a worried Perry at least once a day. Every light pole in the city of Russellville has a picture of Vvee on it. Perry does all he could to find his friend, his love, his soul mate. Perry kneels at the foot of his bed. “Dear God, I praise you for your greatness. I was hoping that since you already have a perfect angel in my mom, can you please let us keep Veronica Valdez? If you ever need me, I promise I will help you. Amen.” The next day, as Perry walks into his house, he is met by his father. “Hey, Perry. Sit down.” Perry sits reluctantly, fearing the worst because this was the way his father had notified Perry that his mother had cancer. “What’s up, Daddy?” “Listen, Perry. They found Vvee.” “Is she okay?” Perry asks quickly. Perry’s father stares at Perry. “She is in critical condition.” “Where is she?” “She’s at the hospital.” Perry jumps up. “Let’s go see her.” “Calm down, Perry. We have to wait until her visiting hours.” “When is that, Daddy?” “Six thirty. Go get cleaned up.” Perry runs to the bathroom and takes a quick shower. The next two hours are the longest of Perry’s young life. Perry walks into the hospital with “Get Well” balloons and a bunch of flowers. He makes it to the room and is met by Vvee’s parents and a doctor. He hugs Vvee’s mother and shakes the hands of Vvee’s dad and the doctor. “She hasn’t spoken yet, Perry, but go inside and see her.” Perry walks into the quiet room. He closes the door and approaches the love of his young life. The bruises and scratches all over Vvee’s face and
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body make tears roll down his face. He grabs her hand. “I’m so sorry, Vvee.” He leans over and kisses her head. He thanks God for answering his prayers. “Perry?” Vvee’s strained voice calls her best friend’s name. Perry looks up and smiles so wide it causes Vvee to mirror him. Tears roll down Vvee’s face. “He hurt me, Perry.” “Who did this?” Perry demands. “I don’t know, Perry. I’m so sorry.” Perry shakes his head. “Don’t be sorry. Everything will be okay. Let me get your parents. They want to see you.” Perry calls Vvee’s parents, who rush into the room, asking Vvee a hun- dred questions. The visitation is filled with questions and promises. The nurse comes in and notifies everyone that visitation is over. As everyone is walking out, Vvee calls Perry back. “Perry!” He runs over to Vvee. “What’s up, sweetheart?” Vvee grabs Perry’s hand. “Perry, I’m scared.” Perry looks at Vvee and feels horrible. He scans the room and then looks back at Vvee. “Don’t be scared. I got you.” “Perry, I don’t want to be alone.” He smiles. “Just a couple of hours, okay?” Vvee gives a half smile. “Okay.” When Perry and his father pull into his house, he quickly devises a plan. His father comes in to say good night. Perry does not allow him to leave his room until he promises to make sure he gets to see Vvee every day at visitation. As soon as Perry hears his father’s bedroom door close, he jumps out of his window and hops on his bike. Perry treks the five-mile trip through the mountainous terrain of Russellville with one thing on his mind: Vvee. He arrives at the hospital with a plastic grocery bag full of drinks and Vvee’s favorite candies. “Excuse me, ma’am.” Perry tries to get the attention of the receptionist in the lobby in the most respectful manner.
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“Yes, dear. How can I help you?” “Ma’am, I’m here to drop these candies and drinks off for my best friend, Veronica. My father said I have to hurry because it’s already past my bedtime. He’s in the car right now. Can you buzz me through the door so I can go drop this stuff off?” The receptionist looks at Perry and smiles. “Okay, but you hurry up, all right?” “Yes, ma’am.” Perry takes off running through the corridor to Vvee’s room. He enters her room, and Vvee is watching TV and looks as if she has seen a ghost as Perry enters. Perry drops the bag of goodies on Vvee’s bed. “What are you doing here, Perry?” “I’ll explain in a minute, but I have to move quick now.” Perry opens the nearest window and drops to one knee. He pulls a rope out of his book bag and ties one end to the foot of Vvee’s bed. He then throws the remainder of the rope out the window. Perry, we are on the third floor Are you crazy?” Perry stands and smiles. “Only for you then.” He walks out of the room, back down the stairs, and past the recep- tionist. “See you tomorrow, ma’am.” “Okay, dear. You and your father get home and get some rest.” Vvee is sitting there, wondering what is taking Perry so long. It has al- ready been thirty minutes. Then Perry comes climbing through the window. “Honey, I’m home!” Perry jokes as he comes in the room. He turns around and pulls the rope up slowly. “I’m sorry I took so long. The delivery man had a hard time finding me.” “The delivery man?” Vvee questions. As Perry pulls a box of pizza into the room, the aroma of Hawaiian pizza fills the air. “I had to bring you your favorite meal.” Vvee smiles wide. Perry sets up a pallet of blankets and cushions from the visitor’s couch. He slides everything under Vvee’s bed.
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Vvee looks over the side of her bed. “Hey, Perry?” “Yeah, sweetheart?” “Thanks.” Early the next morning, Perry helps Vvee out of her bed and shows her how to tie the rope. After he is done, he kisses her and climbs out the window and races home, trying to make it home before his dad wakes up. Perry repeats this process every day and night for the next two weeks. Then after the end of the second week, they discharge Vvee—but not before giving her a bit of troubling news. Vvee and her parents are informed that she is pregnant. Vvee’s mother tells Vvee that they will keep the child and she will help her raise him or her. Over the course of Vvee’s pregnancy, both of Vvee’s parents are great in supporting her, but no one helps more than Perry. His around-the-clock love makes Vvee feel like the most special girl in the world, so special that when she finally does give birth to her son, she names him Perry. Now with two Perrys giving Vvee their full attention, her whole life changes dramatically. Vvee’s parents work out a schooling schedule so their daughter can continue with her much-needed education. Now that she spends all her time at home, she becomes very computer literate. Any work that has to be completed by hand is brought home to her by Perry. They do everything together, and Perry treats little Perry like his own. Vvee is definitely madly in love with Perry but is battling with personal mental issues because of the dramatic episode of her being kidnapped and raped. She has a hard time expressing herself to Perry’s many romantic gestures, which pushes a young but sexually maturing Perry to fall victim to infidelity. Vvee is crushed by the rumors that spread of Perry being caught under the bleachers making out with the head cheerleader. When confronted by Vvee, Perry is unable to lie, even though the truth turns Vvee’s heart ice cold toward Perry. Vvee’s parents try to convince her that it was a mistake and that she should forgive him. She could not get over what happened. Over the course of the next year, Perry dedicates his focus to two things:
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little Perry and high school football. He spends Tuesdays and Thursdays with Vvee’s parents and little Perry. He moves forward with the head cheerleader, Maribeth. Vvee acts as if it does not bother her, but deep down inside, it kills her inside. Even though she feels betrayed, she could not deny Perry’s obvious undying love for little Perry, and that in itself is enough to never take her little man away from her former lover. Football is a big deal in Russellville, Arkansas. It’s even bigger when the best quarterback in the country is Russellville’s own Perry Wade. This incredible young athlete is geared up to lead his Russellville Wildcats into battle for their first state title in twenty-five years. Their opponents are the neighboring Fayetteville Warthogs, who are no strangers to the illustrious trophy, hoisting the shiny prize on the fifty-yard line in the last three years. By halftime of this game, it looks as if the quarterback in the country and his Wildcats are physically outmatched by the much bigger and faster Warthogs. With the Warthogs holding a twenty-eight-to-three halftime lead, even the Wildcat fans are losing hope. Perry enters the locker room first, trying to gather his thoughts. As his teammates trudge in behind him, he can feel the negative aura in the air. Coach Davis wastes no time trying to motivate his players. “Okay, guys, we need to execute better. Our route running is flat. We ran a half back sweep with no blockers. Defense, let’s get on our toes out there. We are missing too many tackles. We dropped into a zone coverage, and everyone looked lost.” A collection of players start chiming in and pointing fingers at one another. “Coach, they are just way too good. We might as well just forfeit and save us and our families the embarrassment.” Perry throws his helmet across the locker room, sending it crashing into a locker, putting a huge dent in the storage compartment. “Shut up!” he yells at the top of his lungs, causing a dead silence throughout the room. His teammates all stare at him with saucerlike eyes.
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“I can’t believe what I’m hearing. We are the Wildcats! The undefeated Wildcats! Do you know why us Wildcats are undefeated?” he questions his team while scanning the room. “Because we beat mediocre teams?” one of his exhausted teammates guesses. “No, because we are Wildcats!” Perry yells. “Wildcats!” he states as he slaps his chest. “I waited three years to be the starter. I did not wait all this time to forfeit in the big dance. Dammit! Bobby has not washed his jersey all year. I rode three and a half hours on that damn bus next to Bobby to get here. I damn sure am not riding that bus back having to smell that horrible odor as a loser. If I get on that bus, then that is gonna be the worst smell a winner has ever produced. I refuse to let y’all tuck your tails between your legs. Last time I checked, this jersey said ‘Wildcats,’ not ‘Scared Kittens’!” Perry screams while grabbing a fistful of a teammate’s jersey. “This is my last game with y’all, so I’m going out there and putting it all on the line!” Perry’s voice is at max level. “So if you ain’t gonna do the same, then stay in this locker room like the scared kitten you are. I don’t want anything behind me but vicious, nasty, football-playing Wildcats. I’m going to stand on that fifty-yard line a champ. You know why?” His teammates stare at him, all standing on their feet. “Because you’re a Wildcat!” Coach Davis yells. Perry looks at his coach, stands on a bench, and yells louder than he ever has in his young life, “What are we?” His team screams, “Wildcats!” “What are we?” “Wildcats!” his team screams louder. “Well, then let’s go ahead and let those Warthogs know what they have for the second half!” Perry grabs his helmet and starts hitting it against a locker, causing a repetitive beat. His teammates follow suit, and they all start chanting “Wildcats!” so loudly that even the crowded bleachers outside can hear the commotion.
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After a solid ninety-second chant, Perry lifts his hands, causing everyone to step up and listen to their fearless leader. He pops his helmet on. “Now let’s go win us a state title.” He runs out of the locker room with his teammates on his heels, chanting and yelling all the way on the field. Throughout the second half, Perry pumps life back into his team and brings them all the way back to within four points, with forty-eight seconds left in the game. Fayetteville is in Wildcats territory and moving the chains. After a crucial block to the Wildcats’ safety that sidelines him, Perry throws his helmet on and starts to run by his coach, who grabs his arm. “Perry, where do you think you are going?” “I’m going to get that ball back, Coach,” Perry states with a confidence that is unmatched by any man the coach has ever encountered in his fifty years on earth. “You are my quarterback, son. I can’t risk you.” “Coach, this is the last game of our season and some of my teammates’ lives. That’s my game ball out there, and I’m going to get it.” This comment causes his no-nonsense coach to smile. “You are the best player I’ve ever coached, and I’m honored to be able to say that,” Coach Davis states. Then he perks up, smacks Perry on the back side, and turns his mean face back on. “Go get that ball, son!” Perry lines up at safety, easing toward the line. “Blue 42! Blue 42! Set! Hut, hut!” At the quarterback draw, the quarterback comes straight up the middle and shakes the linebacker while he has daylight. Here comes Wade head on. Crash! Fumble, fumble! Perry lands a menacing blow that sounds like lightning. The Wildcats recover and return it thirty yards into Warthogs’ territory. “God, what a hit by Wade!” the announcer screams. “Wade is hobbling toward the sideline, bleeding from his mouth! Wow, this kid is tough!” Perry trots back out to the huddle with the play. Perry drops to one
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knee in the huddle. “We are on the twenty-two with six seconds left. It’s all or nothing.” Perry looks at his team and knows his team is destined for greatness. Perry calls the play. “On three. Ready? Break!” Perry hobbles into the shotgun formation: two receivers to the left, one to the right. The tailback lines up directly to his right and goes into motion to the left. “Hut, hut, hut!” Perry takes the snap, throws toward the left sideline, and hits the tail- back in the numbers, who runs behind the blocking receivers. When he gets to the ten, he turns and laterals backward across to Perry at the fifteen. Perry’s lone blocking receiver levels the first defender, leaving Perry with two to beat. As Perry approaches the first of two, he looks right and spins left. He runs up the sideline to the last defender coming to meet him head on at the two. Perry drops his shoulder and crashes head on with the much bigger defender. Perry’s legs almost give out, but his determination gets him another yard. Before going down, he stretches his arm out as he falls to the ground. The ball breaks the plane of the goal line. The ref runs down the sideline, signaling touchdown. The Wildcats and their fans erupt. The players grab Perry and hoist him in the air, carrying him to the fifty-yard line to get the trophy. Perry holds the game ball and looks toward the cheerleaders and his girlfriend. He jumps down, runs right at the cheering girls, and darts right past them. He makes it to the bleachers and jumps up into the stands, and little Perry runs up to him. Perry picks up his little man and hands him the game ball. He hands little Perry to his grandfather and walks up to Vvee. The stands become dramatically quiet because everyone in the small town of Russellville knows of the love they share. He reaches in and kisses Vvee so softly and slowly the crowd just marvels in their passion. As Perry pulls away, their lips slowly separate, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Perry’s and Vvee’s eyes open. Perry smiles, but Vvee can’t help but shake her head as a tear rolls down her face. She runs down the bleachers and to her family’s
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car. Her parents hug and console him while he grabs little Perry and hugs him, trying to hide his own tears. Vvee is so embarrassed by what has happened. She feels as if everyone is against her. She decides it would be in her best interest to join the US Marine Corps. Perry has already signed his letter of intent to accept his full scholarship at UCLA, the school that did everything but threaten to hurt or keep Perry to get him to have a commitment to them. He has no idea, but when his best friend, Daniel, informs him of Vvee’s choice, Perry drops the phone and runs straight to his love’s house. The frantic knocks on the door are answered by Vvee. “What’s your problem, Perry? Why are you knocking like the police?” “Vvee, what are you thinking about?” Vvee looks at Perry with a confused look and then answers, “I don’t know, Perry. I’m trying to figure out why you are banging on my door like you have a search warrant.” Perry shakes his head. “No, not that, Vvee. I’m talking about the marines.” “Perry, it’s no big deal. I made this choice, and I’m sticking to it.” No matter how hard Perry begs and pleads, Vvee’s mind is made up. Perry walks home crushed and immediately calls Vvee’s father. Vvee’s father picks up on the third ring. “Hello?” “How you doing, sir? It’s Perry.” “Oh, hey, Perry. How are you doing?” “Sir, I will go enlist today.” Vvee’s father doesn’t understand the change of direction in Perry’s life. “Perry, you need to go play football. You are a special young athlete.” “Well, sir, your daughter is a special young lady, and I would like to make sure she makes it home even if I am unable to. Please do not say anything to my family or Vvee.” How could a father not admire a young man who holds such high regard for his daughter? “Perry, I could never expect you to protect my daughter,
20 Suxxxess b-4 Tyde: Driven by Success
but I know and I am honored that such an amazing young man like yourself would and will protect my beautiful young angel. Thank you so much.” “No problem, sir.” The two hang up. Vvee sits on the bus, awaiting the large vehicle’s departure to take her and the other soon-to-be marines to boot camp. The bus takes off, and some creep wastes no time trying to show Vvee how much of a man he is. “How you doing, sexy?” the attractive but conceited young man ques- tions while running his fingers through his hair. He sits down next to Vvee, and his behavior becomes disrespectful fast—until an unexpected party arrives on the already-moving bus. “Perry!” Vvee blurts out, surprised. Her former lover plays it off smoothly. “It’s okay, Fancy Face. I told you I was only going to ask the driver a question. Who is your friend?” Perry questions while pointing at the previously confident man, who is now cowering from the dominant aura that Perry’s presence commands. The man quickly jumps up. “Hey, sorry, buddy. I didn’t know this was your girl.” He scurries off and gets back to his seat. Vvee is speechless as Perry sits down next to her. Perry smiles and says nothing as he pops open a bag of Vvee’s favorite candy, pops a couple in his mouth, and then directs the opening of the bag in her direction, never looking her way. Vvee pays the bag of candy no mind as she stares at Perry, momentarily confused. Then she abruptly speaks. “Hello?” Perry looks over. “What? You don’t eat candy anymore?” Vvee lowers her eyelids and then speaks. “Perry, you are supposed to be going to UCLA.” “Not anymore,” Perry responds nonchalantly. Vvee shakes her head and smiles. Although she is running from her love for Perry, she couldn’t be happier, knowing she is going into this scary situation with the one man she knows has her back. “Get off this bus, you scum-sucking maggots!” That is how everyone is addressed for the next thirteen weeks. Perry
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demonstrates the most productive behavior daily. He isn’t the smartest, but he easily becomes the recruit who is looked upon by his peers when tasks could not be completed. It does not matter what the scenario is; he makes a positive impression on everyone, a very humble young man without a fiber of arrogance in his DNA makeup. During the final week of boot camp, all the recruits need to compete in an ironman marathon. This competitive mission involves three trips around the same mountain trail. Perry is easily the most conditioned of his peers. He moves so fast and decisively that before the end of the second lap, he is approaching a fellow recruit, ready to lap the individual. As he comes closer to the individual, he is very troubled by what he witnesses. “It hurts so bad. I can’t run anymore, sir,” Vvee pleads to a visibly upset drill instructor. “Goddamn it, you maggot! Get up off that ground and complete your task!” “Hey, she said she can’t run.” Perry surprises the drill instructor from behind. “Recruit Wade, stand down. Where did you come from?” the aggressive drill instructor questions Perry. “It doesn’t matter where I came from. I will not stand down, and I am going to carry Recruit Valdez back.” Perry leans over to lift his true love up off the ground, but the drill instructor grabs his arm. Perry turns and stands tall. He looks into the drill instructor’s eyes with a territorial stare. “Sir, I am going to tell you one more time. I am taking Recruit Valdez back to camp, so you need to get out of my way.” The drill instructor opens his arms and turns his body as if allowing a passage for Perry. Then he tries to catch Perry off guard by throwing a punch. Perry weaves the attack and throws a punch of his own, connecting one time square with the jaw of the drill instructor. The drill instructor is knocked out cold, hitting the ground hard. Perry hogties his superior as
22 Suxxxess b-4 Tyde: Driven by Success
other recruits begin to run up. Perry picks Vvee up and carries her for the remaining two miles to the finish line. After Perry makes sure Vvee is safe with a medical team, he brings a group of drill instructors back to the instructor he tied up so he can be released. As he is being untied, he is screaming obscenities toward a very calm Perry. After three weeks of being held in the stockade, Perry is brought to the JAG courts to be brought to justice by one of the judges for the military. “Mr. Wade, would you like to plead your case?” Perry’s lawyer begins to plead his case as Drill Instructor Red enters the courtroom with two very high-ranking military officials, one of them being Major Hemmingway, Vvee’s father. The judge acknowledges these three men as one by one, they all take the stand. Drill Instructor Red takes the stand first and begins to describe the event involving Perry and Drill Instructor Miller as he witnessed it. “Your Honor, I approached Drill Instructor Miller, who was bound from his wrist to his ankles behind his back—” The judge interrupts. “And how might he have been put in that po- sition?” “Well, Your Honor, apparently, Recruit Wade placed Drill Instructor Miller in that position.” The judge stops and looks toward Perry. “Is this true, Mr. Wade?” Perry looks at the judge. “Yes, it is, Your Honor.” “Proceed, Mr. Red.” The judge returns his attention to the drill in- structor. “Well, Your Honor, as soon as I began to untie Drill Instructor Miller, he was informing me of Recruit Wade’s complete disrespect toward him. I immediately knew that Drill Instructor Miller’s statements were false and unjust.” “Mr. Red, what made you make this determination that your fellow drill instructor’s accusation was false?”
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“Your Honor, from the minute we came into contact with Recruit Wade, he demonstrated exemplary behavior toward all his peers and especially his superiors. Aside from all the physical records he broke at our basic training facility, the respect he showed, along with the determination he showed to be a better man every day alone, makes him the best recruit I myself have ever had the pleasure to train. It would truly be a shame to see this man dishonorably discharged before he is given the opportunity to represent our country with pride—how each one of us was able to.” The crowd stirs into a bit of commotion after Drill Instructor Red fin- ishes up on the stand. Major Hemmingway and the general approach the bench. After a lengthy discussion among the three men, the two military officials take a seat, both walking by Perry with proud looks on their faces. “Mr. Wade?” The judge looks toward Perry. “Yes, Your Honor.” “I do not want you to feel as if you can take justice into your own hands. There is a protocol that everyone, even myself, needs to follow in the military. But based on Drill Instructor Red’s statement of the said event and his and Major Hemmingway’s respect that they hold for you, I hereby declare you free and cleared of any charges pressed against you.” “Your Honor, I object the determination of the courtroom!” the military prosecutor yells at the judge for his findings in the matter regarding Perry. The judge looks at the very thin representative of the US Marines. “Mr. Wallace, I personally know both General Madden and Major Hem- mingway, and they swear by Drill Instructor Red’s statement. Because of that, I suggest you leave well enough alone, or else you and the man who is pressing charges against Recruit Wade will be the only men leaving this courtroom in cuffs.” Later that night, Major Hemmingway receives a call from his daughter. “Hey, princess. Are you okay?” “No, Daddy, I’m not. You have to pull some strings and make sure that Perry and I are transferred in two different directions.”
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Vvee’s father admires Perry’s love for his daughter but knows she is right. “Okay, princess. I will see what I can do.” “Thank you, Daddy.” After hearing his daughter’s pleas, Major Hemmingway sets up a special meeting. Major Hemmingway enters General Madden’s office. The general stands and salutes the major, who, in return, salutes his superior. “Have a seat, Major.” Vvee’s father sits down and slides a folder toward the general. The folder has the American Service Agency (ASA) emblem. The general looks at the major. “The ASA project? I didn’t think we would ever talk about this again,” the general states while opening the folder. Major Hemmingway nods. “Well, General, I reviewed the scores of both the recruits presented, and they meet the criteria for what we have been looking for to launch this project.” The general scans the information given to him. “Major, this is your daughter.” “Yes, it is, General,” Vvee’s father agrees proudly. “As you can see, Re- cruit Valdez scored extremely high in computer technology, almost thirty points higher than the required total for our intelligence department. And as far as Recruit Wade, sir, you’ve heard it for yourself how special he is.” The general looks at the major and smiles. “Well, Major, if you are sure about this, you will be in charge of this training operation. You need to set up their training courses immediately.” “Yes, sir,” Vvee’s father agrees and walks out of the general’s office. Vvee is stationed on a remote island just east of Fiji, where she spends the next four years learning about all the technology that the US military would use but withhold from the rest of the world. Perry, on the other hand, is stationed on an unknown island where he goes through around- the-clock simulated battles that would make the average man break. There is not a day that goes by that he does not think about Vvee, the woman who has his heart.
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When Perry returns to the States four years later, he is told that he is the first of two agents to be offered a position in the ASA. The project is designed for specially trained military personnel to go undercover and bring down dangerous terrorists all across the world. Since Vvee has clearly not responded to his four years’ worth of letters, on top of his father passing away during his last year in training, he decides he would take the job. Throughout the first several years, Perry completes three missions, bringing twenty different terrorists to justice. He collects two Purple Hearts and two Medals of Honor, coining the nickname “Success” from General Madden. Perry takes a portion of his inheritance left to him by his father and invests it, turning him into a millionaire. Even though he has the financial stability to retire, he decides to continue with his career in the ASA. Everything in his life is running smooth until the day he is brought into the general’s office to be assigned the biggest mission of his career. As he walks into his superior’s office, time seems to stand still. “Success, my boy, come on in and have a seat.” Perry takes in the sight of Vvee and begins to panic. Perry points at Vvee. “Sir, what is she doing here?” Vvee looks stunned by the sudden outburst of negativity toward her presence. She quickly defends herself. “The same thing you are doing here. Getting briefed on my next assignment.” Perry looks toward the general. “Sir, what is going on?” The general smiles. “Perry Wade, Agent 01, meet Veronica Valdez, Agent 02.” Perry looks shocked but holds his composure while sitting down, slowly looking back and forth between the general and Vvee. “Perry, Agent Valdez has put in countless hours in our technology department. If it were not for her hard work and dedication, there would still be a lot of equipment wherein we wouldn’t have realized a lot of their capabilities.” The general’s intense demeanor shows Perry that he believes in Vvee,
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but Perry himself is not sold. “That’s great, sir. I am very happy that Agent Valdez learned how to use a high-tech blow-dryer.” Vvee rolls her eyes as Perry continues. “But what if we end up in an all-out battle?” “Success, I can assure you that Agent Valdez was not just playing with blow-dryers. We are the US military. She trained very hard throughout the course of her training period. Physical training every morning, hand-to- hand combat three times a week, and every night, six days a week, we took her through numerous shooting drills with all types of different artillery Perry holds up his hands. “Sir, target practice is nothing like the real thing. Anyone can hit a stationary target.” “I bet you I can hit a moving target with higher precision than you,” Vvee challenges. Perry looks at Vvee. “First off, that is a bet you will lose, and second, that is irrelevant to my concerns.” “Well, what is your concern, Success?” “General, my concern is for Agent Valdez. What is going to happen if our cover is blown and the two of have to engage in battle? I do not want to have to cover two people unless I absolutely have to.” “Perry, I can handle myself. Stop making a big deal about this and just focus on what this department needs from us.” A defeated Perry just looks at the general and nods, acknowledging for his superior to proceed. The general slides two folders in front of his agents. Perry and Vvee open their folders, and the first page is a picture of a man and a woman. “This man goes by Tyde. His full name is Vicktor Miguelito Tyde. He is of Spanish descent. The beautiful woman standing next to him is an Icelandic woman named Elektra Tyde. This will not be an investigation that ends quickly. This man is very dangerous and extremely intelligent. You are both looking at the most dangerous man this world has ever seen. We have received word that he is designing a weapon that will give him
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the power to complete his ultimate task.” “And what task might that be, General?” Perry inquires. “This man wants to take over the world.” Perry and Vvee look at each other and then back at their superior. “So how are we going to create a personal encounter with the man, General?” Vvee questions. “Well, his wife moved from Iceland to Belize to become a fisherman. After marrying a wealthy man such as Tyde, why would a woman continue such a filthy occupation when her husband probably spoils her rotten? Her love for the ocean has kept her scuba diving by a coral reef a few miles east of the coast of Belize, where they live with their daughter. Our plan is risky but should work. We are going to wait for Elektra and her daughter to go scuba diving. When they go under, we will move in and tow their boat away. When they reach the surface, she will panic for her child’s and her own safety. That is where the two of you will come in. “There will be a small pallet on your boat that will be slightly uncovered, revealing a large quantity of narcotics. Agent Wade, as soon as Mrs. Tyde sees the drugs, you make a point of covering it up as if you never intended for her to see them. Then you proceed to bring them to their home. When you arrive, you must portray that you are very paranoid and want to leave. Make a big deal about the time schedule quietly but loud enough for Mrs. Tyde to hear you speak about the coast guards. Agent Valdez will try to calm you and present you with an idea that you will refuse numerous times until you finally give in to your wife’s wishes. “Agent Valdez, you will then approach Mrs. Tyde and inform her that because the two of you saved both her daughter and her, now the coast guard will have a much better chance to catch the two of you and your cargo, which you cannot afford to lose. So y’all would highly appreciate if you can dock your boat at their house. Then have them drop y’all off at the nearest hotel in the area.” Perry looks at Vvee and then at the general. “I must say, sir. This idea
28 Suxxxess b-4 Tyde: Driven by Success
does seem extremely sketch.” “Success, these people are very smart and very secretive. The only way you will be able to build a relationship with Tyde is to do something drastic, like saving his family.” “Sir, what about the narcotics? What is the purpose of carrying a pallet full of a controlled substance?” Vvee questions. “Agent Valdez, the Tyde family have no use for drugs and have no history of them in either one of their lives. We are using them as a simple measure to allow the Tydes to see the two of you live a crooked lifestyle. It will immediately make them assume that the two of you are not the shield or badge.” “So how long do you think this investigation will go on for, sir?” Perry questions. The general looks at both of his agents. “Let’s just say the two of you will be going through a couple of calendars away from US soil. Your un- dercover names and origins are in the brief. Study them and each other’s for the next two weeks. You will be leaving in fifteen days.” Vvee and Perry get up to leave. As they approach the door, they are stopped by the general. “Success?” “Yes, sir?” Perry and Vvee both about-face and stand at attention. The general salutes his two agents. They both follow suit. “Good luck. You will need it.” “Thank you, sir.” Everything goes as planned, and not only do the Tydes allow Perry and Vvee to dock their boat, but also Tyde offers for the two of them to stay for a week, truly showing his appreciation toward the couple for saving his wife and daughter. “Tell me, Mr. Smith.” Tyde prepares to question Perry. “How does someone like yourself get trapped into the smuggling of drugs?”
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Perry smiles. “Well, Tyde, my wife here is of Cuban descent. So she is tied into some very heavy people in the cocaine trade. Since I have such a strong distaste for the way my country is run, I figured, what better way to present my displeasure than to assist in numbing their bodies?” Tyde lets out a faint chuckle. “Mr. Smith, I can assure you there are other ways to present your displeasure, as you say.” “Like how?” Perry asks. “Mr. Smith, if you would like, I will offer you employment in my re- gime. I will make you a very wealthy man. But you must give up the drug smuggling business.” Perry looks at Tyde. “Okay, Tyde. I’m all ears. What would I be doing?” “You will be the head of my security.” Perry laughs. “Tyde, clearly, you do not realize how much money my wife and I make running drugs up the Gulf.” Tyde stares at Perry. “Mr. Smith, clearly, you do not realize the power I possess in the region. I will buy you a house down here and start your salary at five hundred thousand annually.” Vvee chokes on her drink, causing everyone to look at her. “Well, Mr. Smith, it is obvious Mrs. Smith is enticed.” Perry looks at Vvee and smiles and then returns his attention to Tyde. “Yeah, she did not give me much leverage to negotiate.” The four of them laugh. Perry lifts his glass and cheers. The group all clink glasses. “Tyde, what makes you feel the need to be so generous?” Vvee questions. “The two of you saved my darling Elektra. I could never repay you enough.” Perry thinks that it is odd that he does not mention his daughter as well but thinks better than to bring it up. “The only issue we’ll have is my wife will have to travel back and forth from here to the States,” Perry states. “Why is that?” Tyde questions. Perry improvises. “Well, Tyde, my mother-in-law is very sick. She needs
30 Suxxxess b-4 Tyde: Driven by Success
to spend time with her because her timeline is shortening.” Tyde sends a supportive glance toward Vvee. “Mrs. Smith, I’m sorry about your ill mother. Anytime you want to see her, I will send you in my jet.” “Oh, Mr. Tyde, thank you for the very nice gesture, but that is not necessary,” Vvee counters. “Mrs. Smith, anyone who saves my wife gets the shirt off my back.” “Thank you so much for your generosity, Mr. Tyde.” “No, thank you, Mrs. Smith, and please call me Tyde. My father would have had it no other way.” “Okay, Tyde.” Vvee smiles. Within the first six months of Perry’s new employment, Tyde invites his new friends over to this house for a celebration. Perry and Vvee arrive at the semi full house of people they have never seen. Tyde and Elektra stand on the shoreline in their backyard, barefoot as the small waves come in slowly. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” Tyde greets his friends, who are all staring at Tyde and Elektra, with the sun setting in the west. The eastern sky behind the couple gives off a beautiful orange haze. “Today I am proud to let you all know that my Elektra will finally give birth to the next and most amazing Tyde boy to ever bless this earth.” All the guests clap and then raise their glasses. Nine months later, Vick Tyde Jr. is born. Two months after Junior comes into the world, a strange turn of events arises for Perry and Vvee, almost compromising the entire investigation. “Perry, we need to talk,” Vvee states while Perry goes over some taped footage of one of Tyde’s properties. “What’s up, Vvee?” Perry questions while never looking away from his computer screen. “I’m pregnant,” Vvee blurts out. Perry spins around in his chair. “With whose baby?” Perry asks with his arms stretched out. “I met someone a year ago when I went back home. Things really took
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off between us, and it just happened.” Perry can’t believe his ears. “Vvee, what the hell are we going to tell Tyde?” “I don’t know, Perry.” “Have you notified the general?” “No. I thought I should tell you first.” Perry paces the room for close to an hour, trying to gather his thoughts. Then he calls the general. “What do you mean she’s pregnant?” the general fumes. “Sir, I think the best scenario we could use is I will make the Tydes believe that Vvee’s mother will not allow her to raise a newborn in Central America. Then Vvee can come back three months after the baby is born. Until then, we will lead them to believe that the child is mine and that we couldn’t be happier.” Eight months later, Crimson Valdez is born. Perry’s plan is fully brewed to a T. Vvee returns to Belize ninety days after giving birth to her daughter. Years have passed, and Perry has worked diligently to gather every bit of information he can regarding Vicktor Tyde’s plan for a future takeover. Perry has everything under control and, over the years, has really demonstrated extreme loyalty toward Tyde. Perry is confident that within months, he would have everything he needs to put Tyde away forever. Then the general makes a call, enforcing an abrupt change of action. “Success?” “Yes, sir.” “Success, we have to move on Tyde this weekend.” “What?” Perry questions frantically. “Sir, we are not ready. I am really covering some serious ground here with Tyde. If we move now, it will blow everything.” “Wade, it’s not my call.” “Well, then whose call is it, dammit?” “Wade, calm down.”
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“No, I will not calm down! General, why would allow whoever it is to pull the plug on this operation? I still don’t even have the names of all his contacts. Who’s supplying the plutonium? Who is helping him design the weapons? Hell, I still haven’t even seen a blueprint of what these special weapons are going to look like. Isn’t that what I am here for, sir?” Perry tries everything he can, but it seems useless. “General, what can we possibly get him on?” The general sighs. “Well, from my understanding, we have enough audio from the bugs you planted to get him for racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy to manufacture weapons of mass destruction.” “Sir, you have to be kidding me. So we are going to apprehend him and leave the rest of the empire out here with the design of his weapons. Perry questions angrily. Wade?” Perry questions angrily. “Wade, my hands are tied. We will be moving on him Saturday night. Await your next orders. You did great, Success. Contact me after the apprehension is completed.” Perry hangs up his phone and throws it across the room. Saturday night comes, and Perry talks Tyde into going to a nearby bar for a celebratory drink. Upon their arrival at the bar, as they enter, Tyde stops dead in his tracks. Perry senses Tyde’s paranoia and tries to coax him in. “What’s wrong, Tyde? Come on. First drink’s on me.” Tyde looks at Perry with a confused expression and then speaks. “That bartender has never been here.” “Maybe it’s his first day,” Vvee tries to persuade him. “This is a family establishment, and that man is definitely no part of the Zuniga family. Let’s leave now,” Tyde responds quickly. “I’ll drive. Give me your keys. Get in quick.” The trio get in Perry’s vehicle, not wanting to appear suspicious. Tyde drives frantically around the Belize coast. He then notices he has a tail following him. He pulls into a quiet neighborhood and parks on the side
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of the road. He pulls a pistol out and points it at Perry’s temple. “Mr. Smith, please convince me that you are not a cop.” Perry remains calm. “I’m not a cop, Tyde. Calm down.” “Mr. Smith, then why are there two individuals sneaking up on your car?” Tyde questions nervously. Tyde opens the car door and rolls out, fixing his pistol, hitting both of his targets in the head. Then he stands to aim at Perry, who has already taken position behind the front of his car, with his own pistol pointing at him. He looks for Vvee and sees her in a similar position to the rear of the vehicle. “Listen, Tyde. Just put the pistol down and let us take you in. I can help you, I swear.” “Fuck you!” Tyde yells and then opens fire at the two people who have betrayed him. Perry and Vvee both take cover behind the vehicle. Tyde takes off on foot. “Vvee, check on the agents and call for backup,” Perry orders as he takes off on foot after Tyde. Perry enters an open yard slowly with his gun extended, ready to shoot. Out of nowhere, he is tackled by Tyde, causing Perry to lose his weapon in the dark area. “Get up, you pig!” Tyde orders with his pistol pointed directly at Perry’s face. As Perry goes to stand up, Tyde kicks him in the ribs, causing him to fall back down in the high grass of the yard. “I said get up!” Tyde yells. Perry goes to stand again. Then Tyde kicks his other side. The sound of breaking ribs makes Tyde grin deviously. “I can’t believe you betrayed me. I would have treated you like royalty.” Tyde straddles Perry and starts punching him in the face repeatedly. The sound of gunfire causes Tyde to roll off and drop down in the tall
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grass. He shouts in the direction of the light producing bullets and hits Vvee right in her shoulder. Vvee unleashes her magazine in Tyde’s direction without knowing his exact position. Vvee tries to reload a new magazine into her pistol as Tyde runs up and punches her, sending her falling to the ground, losing her pistol. Tyde gets on top of her and sinks his thumb into her shoulder where the blood from her gunshot wound is already pouring out heavily. Vvee screams from the pain, and Tyde continues to savagely beat Vvee until she is unconscious. Tyde stands to his feet and points the gun at Vvee as a bullet rips through the back of his shoulder. He spins around as two more bullets hit him, one in the stomach and one in the chest. Tyde falls to the ground. Perry crawls to Vvee and notifies backup of their location. Backup arrives and takes all three of them to the hospital. Tyde is immediately brought into surgery. He remains in the intensive care unit for one week. Once he is cleared, he is extradited to the federal holding facility in Miami, Florida. He is later put on trial, where he is found guilty of racketeering, conspiracy to manufacture weapons of mass destruction, and conspiracy to commit mass murder. He is sentenced to two life sentences on all charges without the possibility of parole. Vvee is discharged from the hospital, never understanding how the beating that Tyde was giving her stopped but knowing that she and Perry both came to within an inch of their lives in capturing Tyde. Perry remains in critical condition for three weeks. Tyde broke four of his ribs, three of his fingers, and his left knee cap; fractured his skull; dislocated his jaw; and broke his right orbital socket. Perry has never re- ceived such a severe beating like the one he endured that night. He does, however, make a full physical recovery, although now his mental state of mind is not in a good place. He continues to have horrible dreams of Tyde killing the woman he loves.
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