TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

The Burden of Birth

CHAPTER TWO

The Loss of Love

CHAPTER THREE

The Lingering Loneliness

PART TWO

A Trail of Tragedy

CHAPTER FOUR

The Agony Outside

CHAPTER FIVE

Running Anywhere but Here

CHAPTER SIX

Back to the Grind

PART THREE

New to the Game

CHAPTER SEVEN

Enter the Life of a Lion

CHAPTER EIGHT

Bags to Bitches

PART FOUR

True to the Game

CHAPTER NINE

A Man’s Man

CHAPTER TEN

The Transnational Playas Ball

CHAPTER ELEVEN

A Time to be Tested

CHAPTER TWELVE

Showdown before Sundown

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The Unexpected Come up

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The Menacing Message

CHAPTER FIFTHTEEN

Happy Birthday

DEDICATION

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It is with heartfelt appreciation that I dedicate this book to my many friends and supporters, who have kept me determined over the years to relentlessly pursue my writing career in spite of the enormous odds. I would like to thank Karla Davis-Talley, Dana Clark, Sue Combs, Felicia Johnson, Jenn Richards, Tiffany Redeker, Greg Corbin, and Tonia Thompson for reading my early drafts and offering both insight and inspiration. I also like to thank my mentors Dr. Zachary Williams, Dr. Jon Moore, and Dr. Elizabeth Mancke for believing in me both academically and professionally. In addition, I want to give a special thanks to Roszetta Watkins, James Watkins III, Delbert Ammons, Mathew “Automatic” Talley, Kym Talley, Ali Nour, Scott Pine, Antonio Pugh, Derrice Pugh, and Tywon Pugh for their vital support of helping to make The Do-Dirt Doctrine a reality.

In addition, let me thank my former inmates who read my initial hand-written drafts, gave me feedback, and encouraged me to believe in being that one in a million to make it across the bridge of prosperity. Last and certainly not least, this book is dedicated to my strength, to my progeny, to all of my children, who gave me a reason to live, turn my life completely around, and fight for the life I so desired. Due to the limited space, if I have forgotten to mention anyone in particular, please charge it to my head and not my heart. I really appreciate each of you for supporting The Do-Dirt Doctrine.