It is a bright, sunny, calming day in Northeast Portland. Jevon Williams sits on the front steps of his modest three bedroom, one bathroom home in the heart of Northeast Portland. Williams is wearing a baggy white T-shirt, blue denim shorts, white Air Force Ones, a white hat, and a white bandana tied around his neck. Under the bandana he wears dog tags on a long chain around his neck. Between his feet rests an opened forty ounce bottle of Olde English. Williams’ eyes are focused on the street before him, taking everything in. He has always been extremely proud of where he came up and the neighborhood he called his own: affectionately dubbed The NEP. Williams reaches down picking up the bottle at his feet and lifts it to his lips drinking from it. A black Cadillac Escalade pulls up to the curb in front of Jevon’s home, music blaring and the heavy bass thumping, rattling the windows of Jevon’s house in their panes. The music cuts out as the engine dies and the driver’s side door opens. Chris Harris, Jevon’s agent, climbs out of the vehicle and closes the door behind him. He moves around the vehicle slipping his keys into his pocket. Harris wears a white button-up shirt, black slacks, and expensive sunglasses. Harris smiles as he moves towards Jevon and begins climbing the steps. The two men slap hands and Harris sits down on the step below Williams and on the opposite side.

’The Violence’ Jevon Williams “What’s good with you, suit?”

’The Hustler’ Chris Harris “Actually, I just got the phone with the EWF…”

Jevon raises the forty to his lips and drinks once more, his eyes narrowed and focused on Harris. He removes the bottle from his lips and lowers it but doesn’t set it down.

’The Violence’ Jevon Williams “The EWF?”

Harris nods his head with a smile.

’The Hustler’ Chris Harris “The European Wrestling Federation. We talked about this Jay. They showed interest so I’ve been in contact with their front office. The owner himself called and put an offer on the table. It’s on baby, we’re going to get up and get the hell off these streets family.”

Jevon sits in silence, his eyes still focused on Harris. Williams doesn’t seem to be nearly as pleased with the news as Harris. He lifts the forty to his lips one last time, killing the remaining liquor from the bottle. He sets the bottle down on the step under his feet, lowering his eyes to stare at the bottle. The two men sit in silence until Jevon tilts his head looking up towards Harris.

’The Violence’ Jevon Williams “How much they payin’?”

Harris smiles thinking Williams is getting on board with the idea.

’The Hustler’ Chris Harris “That’s still to be decided. We’re going to have to fly out and meet with the EWF for contract negotiations. But don’t worry about a thing baby, this is going to be huge. We’ll meet with these guys, you know I’m going to get every single cent possible, then you’re going to walk into the EWF and do what you do best.”

Williams nods his head slowly thinking to himself. His thought process is interrupted as the screen door opens and a beautiful woman wearing small baby blue shorts and a white tank top, no shoes, half steps out of the doorway looking down at the two men. Jevon slightly turns around, looking over his shoulder and up at the young woman. She smiles shyly before speaking.

’The Booty Call’ Young Woman “Jevon, you’re out of eggs.”

Jevon narrows his eyes looking at the young woman like she’s crazy.

’The Violence’ Jevon Williams “Okay… store’s three blocks away.”

The young woman rolls her eyes. She turns around and reenters the house muttering “asshole” under her breath. Jevon stares into the doorway until the screen door closes behind her. He shakes his head in frustration and then turns his attention back staring straight ahead seemingly deep in thought. He remains quiet for several moments and then finally breaks the silence.

’The Violence’ Jevon Williams “Fuck it, I need to get out of here. Book the flight.”

Harris smiles and climbs to his feet slapping Williams on the shoulder playfully.

’The Hustler’ Chris Harris “That’s what I’m talking about. Welcome to the big leagues.”

’The Violence’ Jevon Williams “Whatever, just get me paid.”