THE DUKES BY LANA LUND

Jobo’s fist was big and powerful and seemed to make a whooshing noise as it
hammered into Joey’s shoulder. Joey slipped the punch effectively
and the punch had little effect and it didn’t slow Joey down in the
least. The punch left Jobo off balance and Joey used that to his advantage.
With Jobo leaning forward, over extended Joey brought his knee up into
Jobo’s nose busting it open and blinding him with the pain. Joey was
slight but quick and lethal. Two quick punches, a left and then a
right ended the fight as Jobo’s boys stood by stunned by the outcome. Joey
used that opportunity to make his escape. Like a shot Joey bolted pass
two of Jobos gang and was at top speed in two strides with a half of
block head start. “Get that sucker” Jobo shouted spewing blood
over the others as they turn to see where Joey had gone.

Joey reached the corner before looking back, and seeing a scene that made him laugh.
There lie Jobo with his crew trying to help him up while he was
pushing them to get after Joey; blood was flying left and right!! Joey took
off running knowing they would never catch him now! Zigzagging his way
through the neighborhood Joey slowed to a walk. The Congress Street Drug
store awaited him as he ducked inside to get out of sight for a moment
and to make a quick change.

Joey walked up to the counter and ordered a coke. The brief run had left him dry so he chugged the drink down and watched the rest rooms for five minutes before heading for the restroom door. Looking over his shoulder checking to see if anyone was watching
he ducked into the lady’s restroom. Quickly he checked the stall only
to find the room empty so he entered the stall and locked the door behind him.
Not wasting any time he opened his backpack and he began to strip his clothing off.
Reaching inside he found the bra the matched the aqua panties he was
already wearing. Quickly he secured the bra and spun it around to the
front and he placed his arms through the straps and he made the
necessary adjustments. He dropped his jeans and stepped out noticing some
of Jobo’s blood on his knee. He hung the jeans and t shirt on the hook
and retrieved a denim skirt from the backpack. Joey kicked off his
sneakers as he buttoned and zipped the skirt securely. He sat down on the seat as he stepped into the wedgies and fastened the straps. He stood careful as his sea legs returned. “Quick change girlfriend” he uttered to no one. He removed
the rubber band from his ponytail and his hair fell to his shoulders.
Shaking his head the hair fell evenly into place and with it his
femininity fell in place as well. Joey stuffed his boy clothing into
the backpack and found the clutch purse with his makeup. He opened the
stall door and approached the mirror looking like every other teenage
girl looked these days except with no makeup.

Within a short period of time he applied the make up that change him to her. As she ran the brush thought her hair she thought about how she had reached this point in her
life and about just how right it felt to be Dee Dee Perez!

Joey was the leader of the Duke’s a street gang that consisted of
eight Latino boys from the same neighborhood. Joey was not the biggest of
the boys but he was the unquestioned leader of the Dukes. He was the
toughest and the smartest, the former serving him as much as the
latter. Joey had many challenges on “the streets of the flats,” the name
for the neighborhood in which they all lived and Joey had answered each
challenge with fist and feet. Older guys had fallen to the ground in front of Joey with out Joey breaking sweat. The one thing that his father had taught him before leaving the Perez family behind five years ago was how to fight.

Mr. Peter Perez beat up everyone including his wife and kids. Joey knew at an early age how to take a punch and how to give one. His father use to play a sick game with his kids the girls and the boys. It was called “round and round.” He would play “round and round” when the kids had done something seriously wrong or when Pete was in the mood. He would say to the kids “hit me go on hit me.” Of course the kids would not hit their father. So Peter would hit the kids right across the mouth and tell the again to
“hit me!” This would continue until he tired of the game and often left
the kids bruised and bloody. Only his older sister Maria had every hit him back and he
then proceeded to beat her to within an inch of her life. That was until
Joey had turned just eleven years old. Joey had been brought home by the
Police department. Joey and his boys had been shoplifting and gotten
caught. Peter Perez hated cops and he hated being noticed by cops even
more. So when the Officers had left he turn toward Joey and punched him
squarely in the chest. Joey flew backwards and fell on his living room
floor. His father stood over him with fist clenched, “Get to your room
kid you and I are gonna go round and round” Peter announce as a smile
came across his face. Peter enjoyed this cruel game a great deal. As Joey ran
to his room fighting back both anger and tears he convinced himself that
he was going to hit back this time!

Joey knew that the only chance he had was to catch his father by surprise. That was one of the lessons that Joey had learned from his father and he learned it well “be
first” his father would yell during those boxing lessons in the back
yard. Joey positioned himself behind the door in his room with his
baseball bat! “I’ll be first and I’ll be the last one to hit
too”, he promised himself. Peter Perez got himself another beer and
thought that this was going to be fun said sadistically. He opened
the door to Joey’s room with beer in hand only to be slammed in the
stomach with Joey’s ball bat. “Surprise I’m first“ Joey yelled as
he stood over his father who was now doubled over with the beer still in
his hand, the drunk!
Quickly Joey brought the bat down across his fathers back knocking him to the floor on all fours. Three more quick shots on the back and his Dad was done. Joey stepped on his fathers back as he left the room. As walked down the hall toward the front door he
turned to see his father in a heap on the bedroom floor, “I’m all done taking your shit, we all are, we’re DONE!!”

Joey had sent the message to his father and his father had received it
and left the Perez family that day and was never heard from again.
Joey’s mom worked hard to support the family from then on. Often
working two or three jobs and taking any overtime that was offered. Joey
older brothers and sisters were grown and had gotten away from their
fathers abuse as quickly and they could. That left Joey and his youngest
sister Bella, pretty much alone and on their own.

Bella was studious and cared for the home while their mom was at work. Between Joey and Bella they had become able to cook, do the laundry, and clean the house very well.
Both had decided that their mom shouldn’t have anything to do but
sleep when she finally got home from work.

The two siblings worked well together and kept things neat and picked up at all times. They were very close and Bella was the first and only person that really knew Joey’s
true self.

Joey had the outward image as a tough and streetwise gang member, and an athlete, but behind the doors of their home he was a teenage girl named Dee Dee Perez. Their days were spent as sisters Dee Dee and Bella. The day would begin with showers before they even went downstairs. Their mourning routine would mirror each others shower, doing their hair, getting dressed always skirt or dresses, doing there makeup and then
chores around the home. They did everything together chatting away as they worked. They talked of things all girls do closes, makeup, style
trends and boys. Joey would talk openly with his sister about his
feeling about being a boy that felt like a girl! This would include the
struggles he faced with being a boy that had strong feeling for other
boys. Together they taught one another about creating a classy Perez woman style.

As Dee finished applying her makeup she quickly did a check to make
sure the Joey was totally gone and all girl remained. The only
semblance of Joey was the backpack. Dee Dee exited the ladies room and
scanned the drug store to make sure there were no threats in the store.

The familiar nervousness that she always felt while dressed returned. She
quickly exited the store and head for her home. Her sister Bella would be wonder
where she was as she was already about a half an hour late. She noticed
her reflection as she walked past the store front windows. She knew from previous trips out that she had nothing to fear that no one would think she was anything
other then a beautiful teenage girl. Dee Dee always found a great deal
of joy in just being out in the public presenting as what appeared to
all that could see, as a typical teenage girl. She loved the feel of her
hair on her shoulders. She loved the evening air blowing gently of her
legs under her skirt. She loved the taste and the scent of her makeup
and even the sounds that her shoes made as she walked toward home. She
counted herself lucky that she could openly experience these feminine
feeling and get away with passing as Dee Dee Perez.

As she rounded the corner to get to her home, there scanning the street that she lived on were Jobo and his crew.

The Dukes II

Dee Dee had thought that she was home free and seeing those who wanted to kick Joey’s ass presented a problem. Jobo had a towel up to his face that had a lot of blood on it. Dee Dee laughed to herself because the clown was still bleeding!

Jobo was a powerfully big African American man! Not a boy any longer, like his crew or Joey for that matter. Jobo was the leader of the Supree’s, six foot and 190 pounds of muscle. He was thick in the upper body, with powerful arms. He had been “dogged” in front of his boys and the neighborhood by his rival and leader of the Dukes Joey Perez. Jobo was a mean kid that hurt
people for fun and until the Dukes came along had ruled “The Flats” as King! His reputation had been tarnished and the Supree’s were being disrespected around the neighborhood…Jobo wanted revenge on the Dukes and Joey Perez!!

Dee Dee always quick to figure things out knew she was in trouble. Jobo was staring at her and his crew was positioned to cover the neighborhood, so there was not escape! Dee Dee bought a minute of time by appearing to window shop though the glass of Gimbles Department store. “Those shoes are so cute” Dee Dee thought as she fought to focus her thoughts on how she was going to get out of this one. She too scanned the street for options and saw none. She didn’t see any of the Dukes around, not like that was an option that would help because she/he was wearing
a skirt and espadrilles!!

When in the most serious of situations Joey’s strength was he always remained cool and was he was able to think clearly. He never felt fear and he always remained cool.

Dee Dee shook her head side to side to make her hair fly up in the slight breeze. She bent at the waist thrusting her hip out and pretended to be adjusting the strap on her shoes. Not
only did this movement solidify the girly image she was projecting, but it also allowed Dee Dee to access if Jobo had any clue that he was staring at Joey Perez right now.

Dee Dee had made her decision and turned toward Jobo and began walking with all the confidence that she could muster right toward this beast! She kept the air in her lungs high in her upper chest to be on the ready if things turn bad. This also made the breast pads she was wearing stand tall under her bra and Jobo noticed every feminine movement. Joey knew that the best place to be is on the offensive. So “getting his girl on” he walked up to Jobo and as innocently as she could muster said “Oh my god you’re bleeding, are you alright?” The many years of practice with her sister had prepared Dee Dee to be very convincing!!

“It’s just a bloody nose I’m alright” Jobo replied as he spit
blood on the sidewalk. Dee Dee thought this was such a manly move that she found so disgusting and yet exciting. She stepped close and said “let me see” and placed one hand on Jobos chest and the others on the towel to lower it slightly. She could feel the desired effect on Jobo, he skipped a breath as she touched him and Dee Dee got what she needed too. She knew for certain that Jobo thought nothing other then “this is one hot Mexican chick”! Mister Smooth could only stammer “you see anyone running though here?” “I just came from the Drug Store on Congress Street and I didn’t see anyone” she said. “You need to see someone about your nose, it looks awful” she advised. Jobo noticed that she still had her hand on his chest and thought that it felt good. Dee Dee knew this too and just want played with a man’s head so she played with Jobo even more. She brought her hand to Jobos cheek and he flinched and she softly stroked his chin. “You’re Jobo aren’t you” she said softly with her face only inches from his. She smiled and said “I’m Dee Dee Ortiz” while thinking that she needed to use another name then Perez in the situation. “How you know me” Jobo fumbled out of his swollen mouth! “I make it my business to know some people in the neighborhood, plus The Flats are not that big everyone knows everyone” she said with a strong Mexican accent!! Knowing that she was still in danger Dee Dee stepped back from Jobo and looked casually at the rest of Jobos crew to see if her act was working and the tensions of the
situation was relived. Jobos crew had begun to filter back toward him and they all were looking at the “hot chica” in the short skirt.

Across the street and behind the wall of Avitia’s Cleaners Nicky
Rivera was watching Jobo and his crew intently. He had sent Jude the only white member of the Dukes to find Joey and the Dukes. Jude was moving through the neighborhood giving the series of whistles that belonged to the Dukes and alerted everyone that something was up. But he couldn’t find Joey. Nicky noticed the chick too and knew that he had seem her before but didn’t know her and that was gonna have to change! Nicky felt the anger building inside as he watched the Suprees having the guts
to walk around The Flats like they were all that! Plus it really pissed him off that “she was talking to him!!

Dee Dee knew that every minute that she stayed in front of Jobo and the Suprees was foolish so she had to get out of this scary yet excited mess she had stepped into. “I have to get home or my Dad will kick my ass” she said knowing that these facts would help cloud the attempts of Jobo to figure out who she was and where she lived. Just then several whistles reveled that the Dukes were gathering near by. Jobo knew the whistles and so did she. “Yeah I got get to, see you again some time” Jobo offered as he and his boys quickly walked away from the whistles. Dee Dee shifted her weight to the other foot and knew that this made her butt stick out even more. Jobo and the boys noticed to as Chico pulled at Jobos arm saying “we got drip bro, NOW!” The Sprees ran down the street glancing back to check out Dee Dee but also to see if they were about to be chased by the Dukes.

Being the leader of the Dukes in addition to being smart allowed
Joey/Dee Dee to know not only where the Dukes were coming from but also how close they were. She quickly ducked back into Gimbles and headed for their back door. It would take a little longer to get home but it would also allow her a chance to get into her place without being seen.

The Suprees were back across Western Ave. and Jobo felt safer now. He replayed the day in his mind. Joey Perez beat his ass and he was pissed about that. I’ll have to get even with him some how. That chick Dee Dee Ortiz “I’ve got find out more about her, she is so hot” he said. Chico and the others all answered “she is so fine she gives eyesight to the blind, bro!” Jobo thought “I got tap that” and then it hit him,
“THAT BACK PACK”!

Jobo thought about the fine honey Dee Dee Ortiz that he had just left. She was Mexican, with long black hair, beautiful full lips, and a fine behind too. She was some body that he would feel real good having on his arm as he strolled though the neighborhood. But that backpack she was carrying was just like the one that Joey Perez had on when he whipped Jobo earlier today. They had to be contacted some how. She must know Joey or something. All the kids in that neighborhood shopped at Gimbles so it could be nothing but maybe it was more then that. Maybe that chick was carrying Joey’s backpack so Joey could get away. Maybe she was Joey’s lady? Maybe she was a way to get to Joey. Jobo was certain that he wanted to see that girl again real soon. Jobo considered the options about getting even with Joey. He was shaken by what happened today. Joey got him earlier, bad enough. Joey messed him up too. Joey is the leader of the Dukes and his main rival in the neighborhood. Joey really pissed him off. He was getting angrier with every passing minute. That chick Dee Dee Ortiz was the key to getting to Joey Perez he reasoned.

Dee Dee arrived home about a half an hour late. Bella was surprised to see her dressed and coming home that way during the day. Joey was always more careful then that. Ever since Bella first learned about her brothers feminine side she had always admired that how he handled the whole thing. At first look he was all boy in every way. He was good in sports, the girls all loved him, and he had a lot of friends. He was the leader of all the neighborhood boys. He had earned that role the hard way. He was respected. With her he was in charge there too. He protected her and took care of Bella. He had for many years. He treated her like she was special, at least to him she was. They could not be any closer. Their situation at home with their Mother working all the time to make ends meet, had thrust them into a strong brother and sister bond. That closeness is what freed Joey to express his femininity so openly in front of Bella. It began when she was about six or seven years old. At least that is when she can point to Dee Dee openly immerging to her. He had always, kind of been showing signs but for Bella she just thought that what Joey did, is what all people did in their homes male and female. Bella for the most part, just had her Mother and Joey. So for example every one always got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around their heads and yet another towel around their chests. Joey had long hair too so it was perfectly natural for him to use the same shampoo and conditioner that she and her mom used. The two of them were together all day so she was use to seeing him in a nightgown when they awoke every morning. As they got dressed for the day’s chores around the house Joey would teacher Bella about dressing and how to make her self look pretty. Joey would dry his hair with the drier and she would do the same. Joey would use the moisturizer on his face and she would too. Joey would shape his eyebrows and Bella learned to also. They would both put on makeup before getting dressed. And Joey would teacher her everything about being agirl from her underwear to her outer ware. Growing up Bella thought that she and Joey were the same she had no idea that boys did anything differently then girls. When she turned twelve Joey sat her down and explained how he was different then most boys. He explained to Bella that most boys didn’t ware skirts, blouses, and makeup. He explained that for them to remain sisters she had to keep what they did between just them. She remembered that day when they showed their mother that Dee Deelived in their home too. Mom was coming home that night and was taking a much need three day long weekend. She had worked the night shift that Friday and would not have to go to any of her three jobs until Monday morning. Bella and Dee Dee had gotten up early that day and made sure that the house was spotless and that breakfast was ready for their Mothers return home. They had gotten dressed and Dee Dee explained that today Mom would be meeting Dee Dee for the first time. Joey had set everything up and planed this day for a long time. Bella stood looking in the mirror dressed in a yellow top, and a denim skirt. She had a yellow head band in her hair. Standing behind her was Dee Dee also in a denim skirt and wearing a blue tank top and a head ban too. Both were lightly made up and Bella was proud of herself and her sister. Mother opened the front door and announced “I’m home breakfast smells great.” Bella ran to greet her mother with a big hug and a kiss, carefully wiping the lipglossed kiss from her mother’s cheek. Bella took her mother bags from her and hung her sweater in the closet. “Where is Joey mija” mother asked. “He is not here but Dee Dee is” Bella replied. Mother started to ask “who is Dee Dee when Dee Dee walked out of the kitchen. Mother smiled at her daughter Dee Dee.

Nicky Rivera had moved up the ranks of the Dukes quickly. All the boys were friends first before they were gang members. They had come together for protection when they were very young. In the City therewere lots of dangerous people and some of them lived on the flats. Nicky was a “tall for a Mexican” good looking boy who had developed early in life. He was a boy that had facial hair when he was eleven years old.He and Joey had been friends since he they were in preschool together. Nicky was the leader early even before they were the Dukes. But Joey began to emerge and grow too. Nicky was always in the streets and with some of the guys. Joey had to care for his sister so he was not around as much. Nicky had given the Dukes their name and Joey was his second in command. One day when the “River Rats” came into the neighborhood that all changed. The Rats were older boys sixteen to eighteen. They had been together for a lot longer then The Dukes. The Rats camelooking for the Dukes and saw them as easy pickings. Nicky and Bobby Mudgget stood nose to nose even though Bobby was at lest three years older. Behind Bobby was Lyle Mudgget Bobby’s older brother. Lyle had a big reputation for being a brawler and a very tough kid. Behind Nicky stood Joey and Jude, both a foot shorter then the Mudggets. The fight was epic, the much bigger River Rats had the upper hand and Bobby and Lyle had both taken on Nicky. Nicky went down and was getting “the shoes”, kicked by the Mudggets. Joey got behind the brothers and remembered what his father had taught him about fighting. “Be first and make it count” he thought. Joey lined up Lyle without being scene as the Mudggets were so focused on kicking Nicky while he was down. Joey used a three punch combination to drop Lyle and pretty much end the whole fight. All of the Rats and all the Dukes saw Lyle go down and bang his head on the street. Bobby turned and looked at the Joey in time to see a second combination of a left and a right heading his way as well. Bobby didn’t get knocked out but he did go down to a knee low enough to see the eyes in his brother Lyle roll back into his head. Bobby yelled “we quite” The rats picked up their boys and headed back toward the river.The Dukes rushed to Joey as he helped his friend Nicky get to his feet. It was at that time that the torch had been passed from Nicky Rivera to Joey Perez the new leader of the Dukes.

Dee Dee finished fixing her makeup and she soaking her hand in coldwater. Her hand hurt a little bit from the punches she had thrown in the fight with Jobo. Her shoulder hurt two and was bruised from the one shot that Jobo landed. She had just finished brushing her hair when thephone rang “Hello” she said in a slightly deeper voice then she usually used. “Where were you today” Nicky asked "the Suprees were all over the place today and no one could find you!” “It was no problem brother they were looking for me” Joey answered. “We were worried about you when no one could find you what happened” Nicky asked. “I got into in with Jobo today and I busted his face, he was a little mad about it” Joey added. “I saw him with a bloody towel on his face, it kind of looked like your work, you coming out tonight” Nicky asked? “You guys at the pool hall” Joey asked? “Yeah the guys want to hear about your deal today with Jobo, I’ll see to later then,” Nicky confirmed before hanging up. Joey/Dee Dee put down the phone and adjusted her bra and walked to the kitchen to finish dinner and to help Bella seated at the kitchen table doing her nails. Dee Dee didn’t want to go out that night, she wanted some of the drama to settle down. But if Joey didn’t show at the pool hall Nicky would have plenty to say about it.

The Dukes Chapter Four

Dee Dee informed Bella that she had to leave for a bit and that she would not be too late. Dee Dee went into her bedroom to change from girl to boy. She removed the tube top that she was wearing to reveal the push up bra she had worn since the incident outside of Gimbles earlier. She hung the jean skirt in her closet and was just in her underwear when Bella came into the room. Bella had seen her sister in her underwear many times before and thought nothing of it. But for Dee Dee the change to Joey was something he was not comfortable sharing with Bella. She grabbed her robe to cover and said, “what’s up cutie?” Bella asked “Can I go with you?” “No, not tonight, I’ve got a few things I have to do with the guys and you do not need to be around that stuff” she answered. “I like being with Joey too and I know how to keep my mouth shut” Bella offered one more time in an attempt to get Joey’s approval. “Yes you do know how to keep your mouth shut most of the time” as they laughed together.

Joey slipped out of his house and went right to the alley behind it. It always amazed him how quickly and comfortably he switched between the two people that shared his body. Just twenty minutes ago he was a female named Dee Dee Perez, and now he was Joey Perez, leader of the Dukes on his way to meet his boys. Joey had long ago gotten used to both worlds that he lived in. It took a lot of effort to separate them but he had been successful to this point. Being the baddest dog on the block helped, no one would ever say anything when he forgot and crossed his legs in the feminine manner. Or when he walked his hips moved to music that only he seemed to hear. No one would ever say anything for fear of pissing him off. Joey was good at protecting the two people that live inside of him along with protecting his family and neighborhood as well. He had an ability to see things quickly and make an accurate assessment. With the Dukes they were never caught by surprise, they never made the wrong move; they never had to step back from where they stepped in the first place because Joey always made the right choice. His senses were on high alert after what had happened with the Suprees earlier that day. Jobo would come at them, he had to come at them. That is why Joey went to meet the Dukes at the pool hall so they would be ready for it when it happened.

“There’s the undisputed champ” Nicky announced as Joey reached the back of the pool hall. The guys all started razzing him about starting the trouble with the Suprees and then disappearing. Everyone was talking at once and having fun getting on Joey. Joey heard every comment and shook it off, but there was some bite in the things that Nicky was saying. Joey made a note to talk to Nicky in private as soon as he could. Some of the old guys drifted out of the pool hall to give respect and get some from Joey. Joey liked the fact that the elders of the neighborhood knew he was the boss, but Joey always remained humble and gracious with them. Things settled down as the guys gathered around and Joey told the story of his run in with the Suprees. They were all dialed in as he described the knee to Jobo’s nose and how all the Suprees were right there and “they all dropped their cookies and let me get right by them” Joey boasted. Joey noticed Nicky hanging back and not joining in and thought “this Dude is feeling frisky again I need to talk with him!” There had been an edge to their relationship for a long while. It was about the fact that Nicky ran things before the fight with the River Rats and now he was second banana. This didn’t sit well with Nicky and Joey knew it. The “woofing” continued and Joey drifted away toward Nicky. “Let’s talk, brother” Joey said as he guided Nick to the hall way at the back of the Pool hall. “The Suprees will not come at us when we are together... they don’t have the nuts for it,” Joey said in hushed tones with his arm around Nicky. “I’m going to need you to keep the guys ready and safe, never alone and always ready!” “You know that you are the backbone of the Dukes and that if you slip we all slip” we need you at your best, Rivera!” Nicky knew that when Joey used his last name he was being very serious. While Nicky occasionally was feeling his oats he also knew that Joey was the boss…for now! Nicky assured Joey that they would not be surprised by the Suprees. Then Joey strategically revealed an ace in the whole that he held. “I’m banging this black chick that is Jobo’s cousin she will tell me when Jobo is about to make a move,” Joey revealed. This is the kind of thing that Joey did; he always seemed to be two moves ahead. “When this happens I want to send a message so you are going to take out Jobo, that way he will know that any of us got his number, you understand” Joey asked, not expecting any answer. Just like earlier when Dee Dee had her hand on Jobo’s chest Joey could feel the response in Nicky, that he was eating it up and felt good about this part of the plan… for now!

Joey unlocked the door of the house and stepped inside, at the same time taking off the ball cap that he wore. His black shiny hair fell to his shoulders, he paused to look in the mirror and play for a brief time with his hair to get it back to looking a little more feminine. He kicked off his shoes and slipped into the slides by the front door. He always felt more comfortable in heels. Bella came out of her room and smiled as Dee Dee was home now and she felt safer. The girls readied the house for the night and then readied themselves for bed. Dee Dee took them through what was now their nightly routine of beauty care. The girls put on their night gowns and knelt in prayer thanking the Lord for the day, their life and for one another. Dee Dee kissed her sister Bella good night and then went into the bathroom shower to wash the boy off of her. She always felt better doing that when she had to be Joey for a while. It was near mid night when Dee Dee heard the key turning in the door announcing that their mom was home from work. Dee Dee rushed to the door to help her mom get inside. Alma Perez worked very hard and was always exhausted when she finally did get home for the day. Dee Dee led her to her chair in the living room and she removed her mom’s shoes and rushed to the kitchen to get her mom a cold beer and a taco. As Dee Dee served her she shared with her mom the day’s events as she sat on the floor at her mother’s feet and gently massaged her tired feet. Mrs. Perez listened as best she could even though she was about to drift off to sleep. She loved hearing from and talking with her oldest daughter.

Alma remembered that day four years ago when she walked into her home and met her daughter Dee Dee. Dee Dee had come out of the kitchen wearing a jean skirt and blue top; she remembered it like it was yesterday. Until that time she had wondered about so many things within their home but she never had the time or energy to question them. The clothes that were always washed and neatly folded had things that didn’t belong to her and were too big for Bella! The makeup left lying around; Bella wore some makeup but not that much. And countless other signs she never bothered to see. There stood Joey with Chi Chi’s, wearing a skirt and looking so much like Alma used to look as a teenage girl. Dee Dee explained how she had known since she was a baby that she was a girl. She explained that she took control over her feelings at a very young age and hid everything. As she and Bella got older the feelings got stronger and she shared them with her sister teaching her everything about being a girl and learning herself as well. Dee Dee shared everything about her life, even the Joey side of things. Alma knew that she was very fortunate to have Joey who could handle and care for everything and that she never had to worry about her kids. Alma felt badly that she never really had time to care for Bella and be the mom that she needed. But upon seeing Dee Dee she knew that Bella was in good hands and that she was getting the best help in growing into a lady. Dee Dee was a lady and obviously a great teacher too. Alma Perez immediately and without hesitation accepted Dee Dee, as the beautiful lady that she was and loved her for it.

Jobo couldn’t fall asleep... he was too angry as he made a list in his mind, Joey and the chick what was the connection? Plan revenge on Joey, the Dukes and the flats for disrespecting him. That Mexican chick was so hot!

Dee Dee was making a list too as she waited to fall asleep. “Milk and bread, tampons for Bella, deal with Nicky’s attitude, call Kesha and hook up with her to find out what Jobo is up to and get to Gimbles and get those cute shoes in the window!

"Edited by djkauf".

The Dukes: -5-

Jobo had prepared his revenge with the skill of a general. Not bad for the leader of the street gang called “The Suprees.” Joey Perez and “The Dukes” would soon feel what it was like to get stepped on. Jobo had a plan that would take care of the “The Dukes” and leave Joey standing alone or lying in the street!

Dee Dee was cleaning up the kitchen when Bella peeked in and asked Dee Dee “can I run to the library... I want to return a book.” “Just wait until I finish Bella and I’ll do it for you” Dee Dee replied. “I am not a little baby I’m 12 years old almost 13, I can go to the
library by myself without getting lost, Dee Dee” Bella said angrily.
“I know how old you are and I know that you can handle going there by yourself, but Momma would get upset if I just let you go without saying something,” Dee Dee replied. “These are not very safe times I just want to protect you” Dee Dee said. “I’ll call up my girlfriend Sandy and she will walk with me okay, Bella asked. “I don’t know Bella, call and see if Sandy can go with you; if she can I guess it will be okay” Dee Dee answered.

Nicky Rivera and Tomas Silva had made plans to meet “The Weed Man” behind Gimbles Store, it was heading into the weekend and the boys needed something for the head! Joey had always told the Dukes to stay away from drugs but in unison Nicky and Tomas said, “What Joey don’t know won’t hurt him!” “That sucker’s never around anymore, so I don’t care if he likes it or not,” Nicky asserted. The Weed Man said to be there at 6:30 and they would hook up. Nicky should have listened to Joey’s words.

After Bella left for the library Dee Dee called Shasha, Jobo’s cousin,
to get some intelligence on “The Suprees.” Dee Dee removed her ear ring so that she could her Shasha better. “You really need to come see me Joey, something is going on,” she said coyly. “Jobo has everyone meeting tonight, actually about an hour ago now baby” she added. “Sumpin bouts to go down” she said. A jolt of fear shot through Dee Dee/Joey’s body not from what Jobo had going on, but for Bella!

Jobo had 10 of his boys placed alone on the way in and the way out of the flats. He had four sisters looking for victims as a diversion. His plan was simple yet well thought out; the girls would start something to draw attention while “the Suprees” would be going after the real target, Nicky Rivera! No one knew that the “Weed Man” worked for Jobo so this was going to be easy. Jobo thought that if he took out Nicky “The Dukes” would be crippled and weakened. Joey Perez was the leader but Nicky Rivera was the right arm of “The Dukes”.

Bella and Sandy were coming out of the Library and never saw “The Supree” girls lying in wait. The two young girls were pushed to the ground and punched and kicked before they knew who or what was upon them. Bella remembered Dee Dee’s words “these are not very safe times” just before she was kicked unconscious! The whistles of “the Dukes rang out from everywhere as “The Supree girls” booked for home leaving the two badly beaten girls lying in blood on the sidewalk in front of the Library.

Nicky and Tomas saw “The Suprees” come down the alley and turned to see Jobo and the rest of them coming from the other direction too, they were trapped. Nicky yelled “check the back door homes” as Tomas pulled frantically on the locked back door of Gimbles Store. “Stand back to back Tomas and don’t go down” Nicky advised but there were too many of them.

Dee Dee had begun to change when she first heard the whistles floating through the neighborhood and knew this was not good. She frantically wiped her make up off as she tore at her clothes and kicked her heels on the floor. “Please, Madre Dios, please let Bella be alright!” Joey had changed in record time and was flying down the stairs toward the library. He was not sure that he had gotten all of his makeup off but at this point Bella was the only thing on his mind!

Nicky was the last to fall as “The Suprees” pummeled Tomas and him to the ground but the beating didn’t stop “The Suprees” gave them the boots too, without tiring and without mercy. Jobo pulled a knife from his back pocket and finished the job on Nicky Rivera!

Running at full speed Joey rounded the corner and stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the ambulance in front of the Library. Stevie Solis saw him first and ran toward Joey, “it’s your sister mano!” Joey heard those words and he went black with rage. Though his mind was racing with thought, Joey was very good at control, very good at hiding what he was thinking and feeling, oh what he was feeling and heaven forgive what he was thinking!

Jobo and “The Suprees” ran from the flats. Their planned attack and retreat was successful. The girls were waiting for them as they all joined together. “We didn’t see anyone but a couple of little girls so we beat the dog out of them” Nikita reported to Jobo. “Good, cause I think I kill that punk Rivera” Jobo boasted. “They will be coming so let’s get ready to finish them off tonight, plus I got an ounce of weed, let’s party” Jobo said as they all laughed.

At the hospital Joey stood motionless leaning against the wall praying to himself as the Doctor talked to him and his Mother. “Mrs. Perez, your daughter is badly beaten but it looks like there is no serious damage, we are going to keep her overnight at least to monitor and make sure, the doctor said” Joey’s mom turned to Joey and looked him in the eye. Joey’s eyes began to tear up as he prepared to be ripped for not taking care of Bella like he always had. Alma Perez said quietly, so no one would hear, “I know that you blame yourself Joey, but I do not blame you, but I do expect you to find who did this to my baby and do the same to them” she said coldly.

The Dukes -6-
By Lana Lund

The funeral for Nicky was held at church. The Police had advised the family that in order for them to bury Nicky peacefully they should do everything at the church. None of the Dukes and none of the Suprees would desecrate the church with violence. The Dukes were all there, past and present. They all wore t-shirts that said “RIP Nicky”, everyone except Joey. Joey showed up in a dark blue suit and sun glasses that could not hide his tears. Mrs. Rivera was in pieces as were his two sisters. They wailed in grief for the entire service. Joey was beside himself over the loss of a friend. Admittedly he was one that was his rival for leadership of the Dukes, but still a friend and brother.

The old guard came out, too The Cruz brothers who were legends in the neighborhood. They had formed the Dukes some twenty five years before. Pancho, the oldest Cruz, came to Joey and whispered in his ear “we bury our family first, then we even, we get more than even, we get revenge!” Also every man in the church that day whispered the very same thing to Joey! Joey battled his emotions and the thoughts of revenge against the best strategies and battle plans. This was an opportunity for him to rise from street gang boss to neighborhood boss! Even above the Cruz’s if he was smart. He hated himself for thinking that way at his friend’s funeral but it was his greatest strength... his mind never stopped working.

Earlier that same day Joey and his mom Alma had brought Bella home . She was badly bruised and very sore, but the doctors said that she would recover. Bella and Sandy had taken the beating but it was Joey that both Bella and Alma were concerned with. Joey had not spoken much in the past few days and there had been no sign of Dee Dee at all! Bella looked at her brother and he looked away. Knowing Joey as well as she did, Bella knew what was wrong, he blamed himself for all that had happened to her and to Nicky Rivera. When Joey said to her “anything you need sis, just ask” Bella seized the opportunity “I want Dee Dee now!” At first Joey tried to beg out of it but Alma jumped in too “I need your help Dee Dee to care for your sister. Joey tired to apply the makeup but tears kept getting in the way. She changed into her jean skirt and tube top and just as it always had done, the transformation from Joey to Dee Dee brought her peace. Dee Dee walked into the living room with perfect hair and makeup and Bella’s face lit up followed by her warm smile though the bumps and bruises!! Dee Dee ran to her sister and they gently embraced in a hug between sisters. The Perez family was going to be okay. They were going to recover and put the recent events behind them. Allowing Dee Dee to surface was just what Joey needed this day, so that a good cry washed away the grime and the pressures of the streets of “The Flats”. It bought the Perez’s a gentle peace. Temporarily!!!

Jobo was on a three day run of drugs and alcohol! He posted his guards, put the Suprees on high alert and waited for retaliation and the wait drove him crazy. The two or three girls that serviced him could not take away the edge nor satisfy the leader of the Suprees. In the fog of the drugs the beautiful face of Dee Dee Ortiz came to mind. That is who he longed for. She touched him that day by Gimbles and she reached his soul and Jobo couldn’t get her out of his mind. So he sent some scouts out to look for her.

Dee Dee walked the neighborhood openly and it felt wonderful. Dee Dee knew that any traces of Joey could not be seen and that being outside was her own best medicine. She had been asked to go pick up some pain medicine for Bella, so she did. Dee Dee decided to go as herself so that she could get there and back without the whole neighborhood stopping Joey to talk of revenge. There would be enough of that at the funeral and after.

The smell of her own perfume, the gentle breeze on her legs, the warm sun on her bare shoulders had absorbed her so much so that she did not notice that she was being followed. No Dukes, no Suprees, no Jobo ... just the feminine bliss that she loved so much. The cell phone in the purse startled her back to reality. She stopped to pull the phone out when she first noticed that she was being followed. Shasha, Jobo’s cousin was on the line calling to tell Joey that Jobo was looking for a Mexican girl named Ortiz. Joey spoke to Shasha saying “thanks for the information” and playing with her by saying” I really need to see you girl to thank you in person!” Shasha was hot for Joey and was willing to take a chance; she explained that her family and Jobo’s were together for protection. She also let slip the Jobo was right next door!

Darnell watched the Mexican girl from the alley across the street and felt that he still had not been seen. She was hot and Darnell could see why Jobo sent him of this mission. She was so girly as she talked on the phone while window shopping. She turned toward him and he ducked back into the alley. She had great legs and beautiful dark brown hair just looking at her caused a stir in his baggy pants.

After the mass for Nicky, Father Joseph came to Joey and he whispered in Joey’s ear. “I want to talk to you in the sacristy; please, it will only take a minute Joey!” Father Joseph always got right to the point; “You can not lead this community into a war with the Suprees without many, many families being hurt!” “Joey, you are a wonderful leader. Now you need to lead” he implored. “You give me too much credit, Father, I…” Father Joseph broke into Joey speech on humility by saying “Joey, I know who and what you are. Joey, I know the potential in you for great things and for great violence.” “Please Joey, save us from this madness, please save our community” Father Joseph begged. Wow, you too, Father, Joey thought to himself but he knew that Father was right he would have to spare everyone else and do this alone, if he could.

The Dukes -7-

The after "the funeral party" that "The Dukes" put on was full of sadness, drama, and drinking. The several generations of Dukes had gathered at the pool hall and did what they always did after laying a brother to rest, THEY PARTIED! During the night many of The Dukes came to Joey to offer respect and to pledge their loyalty. “What ever you need bro” was the common theme all night. Pancho Cruz took Joey in the office for a private talk between the current and past leaders of the Dukes. “If you want to go right at those guys (the Suprees) I can get you everything you need at no cost” Pancho promised. If you want to do it a little differently I got some guys I can put you in contact with that will do it for me, what ever you want to do you call the shots” Pancho added.

This was big Joey was being handed elder respect in this. “Pancho, I had a talk with Father Joseph today and that made a lot of sense to me about starting a war and the many casualties of war” Joey said,
showing wisdom beyond his years. Pancho was impressed with this young kid thinking before acting. “I will get them but I’ll get them, not anyone else! I may need a few things from you, but I have a personal stake in this so I’m gonna do this, Joey explained.” “I have a plan, but if things go bad it will fall on me and no one else, and that is what is best. "You will take care of my family”? It was more of a statement or a demand than a question and Pancho readily replied “You know it, it’s done!”

Dee Dee sat at her dresser using a curling iron to put a wave into her
long beautiful hair. She wanted a certain look for this night, one that
said “HOT BABE!” She had spoken with Jobo earlier in the day and set up a “date” for them to get together late that night. Dee Dee had
taken care of a lot of business in less than a day after the funeral of his friend Nicky Rivera.

She had prepared her mother by sharing the whole plan for getting even for the beating of Bella. It was her mother’s idea to do this as Dee Dee. “You will have to do things that are serious and dangerous, "The Sprees and the cops will be expecting something ,just not from a beautiful girl” Alma Perez counseled. “Dee Dee, you have to come home to me when this is over, that is more important than the revenge” she said. Dee Dee had planned every last detail, from how she would kill Jobo down to the shoes she would look hot in and yet could run in if she had to. Her make up was extreme and sultry; she knew that between her low cut lace blouse and the red lip stick Jobo would be looking at nothing else. Dee Dee knew from the phone call and his reaction that day in front of Gimbles that Jobo had sex on his mind and he would not settle for anything less!! This all would help her to get in and do what she must do and get out. The only part of the plan that had not be set was would she cut Jobo’s throat or shoot him in the head!!!

Dee Dee checked the mirror one last time before leaving to meet Jobo. She was wearing a short skirt that emphasized her legs and her butt. Her perfume was perfect enough to drive any man crazy. She knew that with only a little bending the top of her stockings would be revealed. Alma Perez gasped as Dee Dee entered the kitchen to kiss her goodbye. Her daughter looked wonderful, pretty, seductive, and deadly!! Alma pulled her daughter close in a motherly hug and whispered “I want the last thing that pig hears to be our family name, Perez!”

Dee Dee grabbed her purse with an untraceable pistol inside and began her mission of revenge. She climbed out the attic window careful not to run her stocking and used the roof tops to move four buildings down from her home. The Police Gang Unit was set up on surveillance down the block from the Perez home. Officer Tina Diaz and Sgt. Scott Mitchell had been there since the morning and were just 20 minutes away from getting relieved! Both were caught by surprise as Dee Dee bounced down the street apparently out of no where. “Where did she come from” Stevie Mitchell asked? Seated in the passenger seat, Diaz, an openly lesbian officer commented on what they both were thinking, “that bitch is smoking hot!” They both cracked up with laughter “I don’t know somewhere behind us”, Diaz said. Sgt. Mitchell had a thought about that “smokin’ hot babe” but it was lost somewhere between her legs and her ass.

Dee Dee turned into Gimble’s store stopping to make sure she had gotten past the cops without a tail and waited for the cab that Jobo was sending.

Jobo went down in the basement and left his uncles house through a hallway that adjoined the house next door basement, which adjoined the house next door basement. When he came out side he found himself behind the cop car that had been watching his uncles house for almost a week. He got into a truck that had been parked in the alley down the block earlier that day by his uncle. He immediately left the area and drove to the East Side to meet Dee Dee Ortiz. She sounded hot on the phone like she couldn’t wait to see him and that closing comment of “I think you are the hottest man on the planet and I promise that after tonight you will never be able to walk away from me again!”

Jobo parked the car in the lover’s lane that was located in Lorrian Park on the East Side of the city. It was just getting dark and there were no cars in the parking area. The plan was that he would arrive
early and make sure the area was safe and then she would arrive by cab shortly thereafter. Jobo fingered the nine millimeter in his pocket and moved it to his belt behind his back, as he set up two different ways out if he needed them. The cab came into the lot behind him and slowly drove up even with his truck. The light was on inside and he could see Dee Dee Ortiz and the Ethiopian driver were the only ones in the car. She was digging in her purse for money and he jumped out of his truck to pay the driver, heck he wanted some one to know that he was about to bang the sexiest babe in town. He opened the back door and she slid her legs out first. Her eyes were focused on his, he noticed her lips were red, and her legs were long as he caught a glimpse of her white panties and tops of her stockings. She stood up after grabbing Jobo’s
hand. Her nails were red, too, and God, she smelled incredible. He stood close to her and she to him. The cab pulled away and they stayed as they were, locked into a no contact sexually charged embrace! Jobo spoke first “Do you want to go somewhere or just walk?” I don’t want to be with anyone else right now. I came to see you, sweetie” she answered.

Jobo took her hand and they walked toward the end of the park. Stopping to admire the view of downtown and the river below, they turned toward one another; Jobo thought that “not only is she beautiful she wants me too!” He leaned in for a kiss that was moist, gentle and inviting more! Jobo’s reaction to this kiss was instant and Dee Dee could feel it “is that a gun in your pants” she coyly asked. “My gun is back here in my belt that is all me, about all you, Dee Dee!” She ever so slowly slid her hip into him and got lost in the moment and his powerful embrace she too was getting turned on. She pulled
him toward a bench so they could be seated. She pushed him down on the bench and sat next to him crossing her leg right of the left because the knife was in her stocking on the left leg.

They began “the getting to know you” as Dee Dee looked around the park to make sure they were alone. As Jobo talked he too was on the ready, often looking around and watching for cars pulling in the parking lot. Dee Dee talked of going to more school after high school and
wanting to travel and see the world. Jobo had not slept in two days and the smell of her perfume along with her closeness help him to relax for the first time in days. Her voice and her entire presence were intoxicating as she placed a hand on his thigh and she began to gently rub the inside of his leg! He placed his hand on her thigh too, the stockings were so soft, maybe silk and he could see the tab from her garter too. He had a hard time listening to her as she continued to tell him about her plans for the future. His big hand inched its way up her leg to the area between the stocking and her panties and she uncrossed her legs invitingly. Her skirt stopped just short of the prize and he couldn’t take his eye off her legs. His hand was under her skirt and with his little finger he gently brushed her panties, she gasped but did not stop him!

At that moment, Pancho Cruz’s limo, driven by his sister, Lydia Cruz was
parking one block away from Lorrian Park and at the precise time and location Joey Perez had asked for. The bag he had given her was in back and all she knew was the she was supposed to pick up and drive who ever got into the car. She wondered why she was asked to do this but when Panco asked she said yes without question.

A car turned into the far in of the parking lot and Jobo turned his head to the right while reaching for the gun in his belt behind his back. Dee Dee gasped and reached for the knife. With the blade in her left hand she used the right hand to massage Jobo’s crotch, disarming him even more. The car parked down at the other end of the lot and Jobo relaxed a bit and turned his attention back to Dee Dee’s hand. He ignored the click that the spring loaded knife made, he felt so good in her hands. Dee Dee cut his throat quick and deep and whispered in his ear this is for my sister Bella Perez you dumb animal!

Right before he died Jobo’s eyes registered pain, surprise, realization and the recognition that Joey Perez had bested him AGAIN!!