Bishop's War (Bishop Series Book 1) by Rafael Hines Read Free Book Online Page A

terror and his energy was infectious. Soon after he moved in John was up and out, playing, eating, and being a kid again. Even the nightmares gradually faded, but his face and heart were scarred for life. A shadow remained over him, a darkness and a deep pool of anger. It was something he would use to his advantage in the military many years later.
    John, Felix and Gonzalo went everywhere together and because they were the only ones in the Valdez clan with the “yellow eyes” they were soon known as “los tres gatos,” the three cats.
    As the years went by the bond between the three grew stronger and stronger, and although they always called him Tio, both boys truly loved Gonzalo like a father. He taught them all he knew about life, the family’s long history going back almost two-hundred years and the journey from slavery in Panama to riches in America. He taught them about the streets, about leading men, and being the head of a family. He also taught them to play chess. In return he demanded that they would not be fools.
    “You’ll make choices every day for the rest of your lives. Some are small, but many, many will be big life-changing decisions. Think before you make them. Think before you act.” He repeated this over and over again to them until they could hear him saying it even when he wasn’t there.

Chapter 5
    Sweet Dreams
    BACK IN CENTRAL Booking Bishop sat on the bench brooding, reflecting on his life, and thinking about how he wound up in jail on his first night back home. In the end he knew it wasn’t Felix’s fault that they’d been arrested. If anything he was just angry at himself. He shouldn’t have been sipping on Henny and driving no matter what the occasion. Most important of all he didn’t want his uncle to think he was a fool after all he had taught him and after all these years.
    “Hey Fletch,” John said.
    “Yeah Johnny, what’s up?” Fletcher said eagerly.
    “My bad for jumping down your throat like that. Been a long day and I’m missing my welcome home party.”
    “Don’t sweat it, man. It’s great to see you back, but sorry it’s in here. Listen papa, there’s a Muslim dude against the bars over there who’s been scoping you.”
    “Yeah, I saw him. Thanks for the heads up. How much time you looking at?”
    “Probably eleven months.”
    “I’m gonna get someone to look into your case, but you know if you don’t wanna do the time, you’d have to go to rehab. You down with that?”
    “Yeah, sure. I mean, thanks Johnny. Really, papa, thank you.”
    “You’re getting too old to run these streets, Fletch. You get yourself clean, there’s a job waiting for you when you get out.”
    “For real?”
    John nodded his head.
    “I don’t know what to say, man. Getting busted today turned out to be the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time.” They both laughed and shook hands.
    While John was in his reverie he’d sensed someone watching him and the man Fletcher had just warned him about was standing with his back to the bars across the room, still staring intently. He looked Middle Eastern with dark curly hair, a close beard, deep set eyes under a heavy brow, and a freakishly long hooked nose that gave him an almost hawk-like appearance.
    Clearly enraged, he was scowling at John and started clenching and unclenching his fists. John didn’t want any trouble. For a moment he stared back impassively, but looked away just as the guy screamed out, “Allahu Akbar!” (God is Great) then reared back and spit at him. The thick gob landed just short of his polished boots. John sat there looking down at it for a moment, then exhaled deeply.
    Damn it , he thought.
    Okay pal, you asked for it. Nobody spits at this uniform.
    Make it quick, but whatever you do… don’t kill him.
    I’ll try my best.
    John ended his private conversation and eased up off the bench. His cellmates quickly formed a wide circle so they could all see the action. The spitter edged forward with