So it would be a war. Not between two rappers. That war had sizzled out. Both sides were sick of losing money and scared of dying.

But the Dockside King and the Seaside Jesus. Those two had nothing to lose. They were in it.

Baka travelled back to the west coast using a rented car. Rented under the identity James McGaffan. The kid Dylan had made a comment about this. "that name doesn't suit you."

Baka had kissed his teeth. "BAKA doesn't sweat what others think. I'll go by James if I want, bruv."

He began the drive listening to 

Drake

like always. But by the time he reached Kansas City he suddenly wanted silence. It was weird turning the stereo off. He had always rocked Drake when in a car. Especially when doing a job.

Things were different now. His old boss had left him to die. No word from him. But The Barrel Chested man and his assistant Dylan had reached out. Gave him a lifeline. So maybe he was done with Drake now. Who knew.

For dinner he pulled into a Denny's. He'd be eating enough pancakes to put himself to sleep in an uncomfortable hotel for the night.