Chapter Fifty-Three

As I hunkered down to do some writing this morning, I realized something — today is Wednesday. It’s new Chapter day (mostly!).

So here it is, the next Chapter of my memoir/novel, Lost and Found.

I have managed to get quite a bit of writing done on future Chapters of the book this past week. It felt good to make some real progress. Now, I just need to keep it up and not get bogged down with other projects.

As always, thanks for your comments. It helps to know there are people reading this.

Be well — be in peace,

Ron Rink
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The following morning Bob Morton had told Billy to spread the word among the gang members about a meeting at the Sugar Bowl that afternoon to talk about the rumble. The word must have spread quickly, because by the time afternoon rolled around everyone was there, even guys who had after school jobs were there. Sally Russell and her cousin were there along with other Duchesses I had never seen before. Sally and I had nodded to each other, but neither of us broke a smile—we were back in gang-mode.

When Morton showed up about five o’clock, everyone walked across State Fair and went behind the school building, the same place where I had my two fights to get into the gang. Some gang members leaned against the walls of the school building or sprawled on the ground. Other guys were in high spirits and played around by pretending to spar with each other. There were many jabs thrown at shoulders along with pushes and shoves. I got into a pretend sparring match with Billy and a few of the guys stopped horsing around to watch us. It felt great to be such a good fighter where others would want to watch my moves. I was growing more accustomed to being someone who was respected as well as feared. I liked it.

Morton sauntered to the middle of the gang. He put his right thumb and index finger between his lips and let out a piercing whistle.

“Okay, let’s settle down and listen,” he yelled.

Everyone stopped fooling around and got quiet.

“Okay,” Morton said, “We’ve got a rumble with the Livernois gang next Saturday night over in Hazel Park. It’s gonna be chains, clubs and knuckles—no knives. But watch for knives—don’t get cut.”

“Why’s this happening?” a guy named Sammy yelled out.

“This is happening because Sally and her cousin got messed with by three of their guys. They’ll be there to point out which guys. Me, Billy and Van Buren will take the three guys. The rest of you spread out and pick someone to fight.”

“What’s the colors?” yelled Sammy again.

“They’re gonna wear red bandannas, we’re gonna wear blue. Jimmy and Bobby will jump in and help any of you who get in trouble. We’ll probably have more guys than they will, so if you see one of the Dukes in trouble, don’t wait for Jimmy or Bobby, jump in and help. Same goes if you get in trouble—yell out so somebody sees you. You girls stay back unless you see some of their girls jumping in. Make sure you keep them off our backs. Listen for the cops. Billy and Van Buren will tell you about the escape route in a minute.”

Morton stopped talking and lit a cigarette. He slowly moved his eyes over the gang. “Anybody got questions?” he asked.

Freddy Shaw piped up and asked, “How bad you want them hurt?”

“Enough so they know they’ve been in a rumble with the State Fair Dukes,” Morton answered. “Get it done as fast as you can.”

Morton nodded at Billy and me. We told the gang about the escape route. Morton listened, looked around to see if there were any more questions, then turned and headed back to the Sugar Bowl. Some of the guys started a game of handball against the wall of the building. The others slowly drifted away, some to the Sugar Bowl, and some headed for home.

As I walked back to the Sugar Bowl, Sally stepped in beside me and we walked together without saying a word.
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