Changed Man

“Then give these men whatever they’re drinking!” Gomez shouted and threw some money down on the bar. “Remy Martin, isn’t it?”

“As long as it’s cognac,” Bobby said.

“I didn’t know that this place was yours,” I said. “I mean no disrespect, but—”

“Papa.”

“Excuse me, Black,” he said. “My young son, Diego.” Gomez shook his head. “He is a boy who has yet to learn not to interrupt men when they are talking business, my friend. He lacks manners and respect.”

“Kids today, what are you gonna do,” I said as Bobby tapped me on the shoulder.

“Bone Crusher is here,” he said with a smile and pointed at Lewis ‘Bone Crusher’ Simpson. Six feet, six inches of the dumbest mutha fucka known to man. Then Bobby rushed off, because he likes fuckin’ with his dumbass.

“I mean you no disrespect, Gomez, but that is the business we came for,” I said and went after Bobby.

“What’s up, big boy?” Bobby said and tapped him in the back of his big head. Bone Crusher turned slowly.

“What’s up, Bobby?”

“That’s what I’m here to find out.”

“What’s up, Black?” Bone Crusher said when he noticed me. Bobby tapped him on the forehead.

“I was talkin’ to you.”

“Sorry, Bobby.”

“That shit was fuckin’ disrespectful.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“Fuck that, big boy,” Bobby tapped him on the forehead again. “I need you to tell me what’s up.”

“What you wanna know?”

“I can fly but I have no wings, I can cry but I have no eyes and wherever I go, darkness follows me. What am I?” Bobby said, and I shook my head.

“Huh?”

“Stay with me, big boy. I’m gonna say this slowly, okay?”

“Okay.”

“I can fly but I have no wings, got that?” Bone Crusher nodded. “I can cry but I have no eyes, and wherever I go darkness follows me. What am I?”

“You’re Bobby and that’s Black,” Bone Crusher said, and I laughed.

“No, big boy.” Bobby tapped his forehead a few times. “It’s a riddle and the answer is, I’m a cloud.”

“I don’t get it, Bobby,” Bone Crusher said and looked confused. It was starting to get old.

“Crusher!” I shouted to get his attention.

“What?”

“Where’s Marquez?”

Bone Crusher stood up. “Why you wanna know?”