Doc Brock & The Black Book

My fists are tied, kid. The officer shut the door and marched back up the stairs. He sat there perplexed, wondering if he could have done anything to prevent this moment. He flashed back to the events from the previous night. Then, to the day that he first signed the lease. Something was not adding up!

Nine months early:

So, have you put any thought into what you guys are going to do?

Andrea was referring to the pending lease renewal. In their last discussion, Kandy had mentioned possibly renewing; however, she was a little irritated by the steady increase. This would be their 4th-time renewing with little benefits outside a washer machine, and the company supplied white paint. Paint, they had recently used to touch up the walls which, had begun to show evidence of wear due to constant leaks from the neighbors.

For residents new to Los Angeles, this was the Welcome to LA Package. An eight hundred square foot apparent with basic amenities. And for a few dollars extra, you could receive an attached two-car garage. It was considered the best of best; if done correctly, one could essentially add some precious real-estate to their living space.

Just let me know because I have an opportunity that might interest you. I was going to do it myself; I still have a few months on my lease. But this would be perfect for you guys!

She was well known for shady activities, so any opportunity coming from her one should be cautious. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and her interest sparked. Oh, Okay, she responded.

What you got going on?

Well, I wouldn’t do this for anyone else but, I trust you guys, and I know you will take care of it.

Already, it sounded like a setup but, Kandy continued to listen. According to her estimations, only 10% of the entire complex was set aside for reduced rent. And she now had one available.

Furthermore, the waitlist was said to be about a yearlong. So, once passing on this, then finding another opportunity could be complicated.

You must be prepared to move right when an opening occurs, or you are placed back at the bottom of the list. I should also add, you need decent credit.

Though she droned on, Kandy had all the information she needed (and she took notes in her little black book). She could present the idea to her husband.

Doc Brock arrived home later that night after a long day on set. It was the third day of a back-to-back, and he was noticeably stressed. How was work, she asked? Work was work, he replied, as he passed out on the floor. The next morning, Dad woke up feeling spritely.

Hey, sleepy head you look rested.

Kandy (taking the opportunity to cash in on the Docs jovial mood) responded, Well, you will not believe this. In detail, Kandy recounted the conversation with Andrea, adding her reservation and the benefits. It was almost as if she was playing good cop, bad cop, all by herself.

I am not sure how much I trust her. Still, can imagine how much we will be saving?

His mind began clocking, $20,000, sold.

From the point of nursing the idea, to signing papers was only about a week. For their part, Kandy and Doc had prepared. They had a decision to make.

As move day arrived, the anticipation thickened. It was almost as if everybody was rejoicing in this exclusive opportunity.

Wow, this is so NICE! Look at the ceiling, hardwood floors, and the kitchen WOW! I am staying the night, she quipped. You guys gone have to kick me out of here. Everyone laughed and continued.

Time passed as it typically does. And, with extra money, they bought all new furniture for the new place. Each night Kandy would grab her little book to practice gratitude. The exercise, she had found useful in one of her many magazines. In the book, she would write:

I am so lucky; I feel like I hit the lotto. I am blessed, beyond measure.

These entries would also mark their various major and minor life events. Such as new tattoos, which had become somewhat of an addiction for them both.

One afternoon, Kandy heard her phone ring. It was Andrea.

OMG. I received an eviction notice. I just came home and looked at my door, and there is a 3-day notice. Do you mind if I come over?

Kandy paused the phone momentarily, relaying the information to Brock. He replied, sure. They realized that she wanted the apartment.

Sobbing incisively, Andrea explained her predicament capping it off with the kicker, and now I am homeless.

Naturally, they assumed as much and were ready to find an arrangement. But, given the limited announcement time, un-ready to sign over the keys.

Andrea requested to keep a few of her belongings in the garage. However, in a span of two days, she had moved in, turned on the cable in her name, made a copy of the spare key, and invited a female friend to take up residence as well. They had been played.

While Brock was content with the new situation, Kandy was far less amused.

Kandy asked, what is the endgame? Doc Brock had not thought it out but, the prospect of returning to market rent was anything but appealing. If they cash us out, we go. Until then, we stay. After weeks of passive-aggressive taunting, Andrea invited her ex-boyfriend over; An ex-boyband member, whom Brock was somewhat familiar with.

What up King, Brock declared upon first meeting. A typical response (he often gave to young brothers).

What up, Blood? Ken replied. Interesting. After years of writing and composing love songs for teeny boppers, Ken was now a full pledge gangster and was proud to represent this distinction. Doc, on the other hand, had made a transition of his own. He was now a father and husband, with various examples of how street life typically ends, especially for young brothers in Los Angeles.

You drink? Ken nodded in response. Doc left the room and returned with a brand-new bottle of his finest tequila. I will have my wife make us some drinks, and we will do shots after when the bottle is nice and chilled. As they set sipping, they began to bond over discussions of sports, music, and other basic commonalities. Still, every few minutes, Kandy would pop her head out of the room as if she were watching over a play date. Are you guys okay?

As the men sat chatting late into the night, Andrea arrived back at the apartment. Hey babe, looking at Ken. Do not hey babe me. Why is there another man living here in my house? Doc, noticeable confused, continued to watch as the two exes began yelling at one another. Then arose walked to his room as to give them privacy. Moments later, he heard a bang on his door. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!!! All of you have got to go now! Ken exclaimed. What Andrea had not disclosed was that Ken also suffered from bipolar. So, these hot and cold spouts were the norm.

Earlier in the evening, Ken had tried to light a cigarette, and Doc informed him that it was a nonsmoking residence. However, Ken was now infuriated and fueled by liquid courage. He now saw this as a prime opportunity to assert himself. As Brock opened the door, Ken reached in his pocket, pulled out a lighter, and sparked his cigarette again. This my house. The Doc sensing a challenge, smacked the burning flame from his hands and tackled him. Ay, Young buck do not ever, come in my house talking reckless, Doc whispered. Tase him, Ken squealed. Grab my gun, yelled Doc. Realizing the severity of the moment; Andrea, chimed in, we all have kids, please no, no, no! Brock released his grip, laughing as he jumped to his feet.

Then with his chest poked out like a prizefighter, he returned to his room. Andrea sat on the floor crying while wiping the face of Ken. I am sorry, I did not know. Woman, you almost got me killed, Ken screamed.

As if on cue, the cops arrived moments later. Ken had been threatening to call the police but, the Doc assumed it was just talking.

After all, he was a gangster. Right? Kandy and Brock came out of the room.

Doc Brock: How is it going, officer?

Police: We are responding to a report. Confrontation?

Really? said Doc, knuckles bleeding and starring directly at Ken. That is funny. Andrea attempting to seize the moment, pointed to Brock saying, he attacked my boyfriend, and he needs to go to jail. Doc understood the importance of body language and physical cues. He sat back. No confrontation. But, if there were, I would have only been defending myself, IN MY APARTMENT. Andrea realizing the flaw in her approach, contended I think everyone is okay.

Chalking the whole situation up to overindulgence, they retired to their rooms, once again.

The next morning, Lisa, Doc, and the kids all woke up to doors slamming and furniture banging. But, by the time they finally came out of their room, Andrea and Ken were gone. I will take a shower, and then we can eat. At least that was the plan.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!! Police.

Kandy answered the door. Is there a problem? Brock jumped out of the shower placing a towel around his waist while listening at his bedroom door. Yes, we need to speak with the Doc. Brock opened the door. No problem, do I have time to put clothes on? Wearing only a tee shirt and a pair of shorts, he came out.

Police: Rumor is, you have a gun.

Jay: Yes, a registered pistol, in the safe next to my bed.

The cops confirmed the weapon and walked him down the stairs to the police car.

My fists are tied, kid. The officer shut the door and marched back up the stairs. He sat there perplexed, wondering if he could have done anything to prevent this moment. He flashed back to the events from the previous night. Then, to the day that he first signed the lease. Something was not adding up! The officer returned. Thank God your gun is registered. Now, tell me what happened. Doc replayed the events from the previous night. Well, she says you two were dating, and she threatened to tell your wife. He thought to himself, how sadistic could she be.

Just then, he gazed out the car window to the second-story balcony where his wife stood waving her hands and lipping, The Book, tell them about the book! Justin turned his gaze to the officer then muttered, excuse me, sir. But if you are willing to read something, I think I have information that can help clear any confusion. Brock gestured with his shoulders (hands still cuffed behind him). You see that book that my wife is holding; it explains everything. The officer got out of the car once again and summoned Kandy over. Do you mind? The officer asked. No problem, she replied.

Moments later, the officer opened the door and removed the cuffs. I believe you but, these things rarely turn out in favor of the men. I recommended just separating yourselves from this situation. Next time it may not work out as well. He returned the gun, Kandy and Doc embraced one another.

The next morning The Doc walked to the front office put in his notice.

Kandy turned to Brock and said, what about R.V life? I bet we could save a bundle doing that as well. Using the money that they had saved they bought an RV and began traveling. Unfortunately, without a cosigner on the lease, Andrea lost the apartment. And Ken disappeared