Murderville Page 0,1

I always have. We have a love made for the history books.

To my heart, my joy, my reason for everything that I do . . . my son, Quaye Jovan Coleman: I love you. I love you. I love you. I don’t know any other way to say it. You are the seed of true lovers and the most perfect baby for whom anyone could ask. I am looking forward to seeing you grow and learn. Your mommy would do anything for you and I cherish you. Since the day I found out I was pregnant, you have brought me so much joy. Your love is untainted…the purest thing I have ever felt. You teach me to be better every single moment of your life. You inspire me, and you are the fuel that sparks my ambition. On the worst of days you brighten my world. I will forever be indebted to you for the serenity you give me. You are the legacy of two great people and you were made from true love. I know that the mark you leave on this world will be remarkable. Greatness is in your bloodline so always live up to your potential. If you never believe anything else in your life, believe this. I love you from the depths of my heart.

To Carl Weber: there are not enough words to express the amount of respect and gratitude that I have for you. We are family and you have truly helped me build a reputable brand in this business. After so many acknowledgements, I’m running out of things to tell you, lol. Thanks for all of your wisdom and for believing in my talent. You are a great mentor, dear friend, and GODfather to my son. We have so many feats to conquer ahead of us in this business.

To Baby, Slim, and Vernon of Cash Money Content: Thank you for the wonderful opportunity. I appreciate you for recognizing my talent and for elevating A&J to the next level of street fiction.

To our super agent, Mr. Marc Gerald: You are the best at what you do, and I think this new relationship is a perfect fit. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store. Thanks for everything that you do and for having our best interests at heart.

To Molly, Sasha, Natalie, Brenda, and Denard: Thanks for all of your hard work. I appreciate each of you.

To Davida Baldwin: your creations are unmatchable and so remarkable. You are so talented and I thank you for the wonderful cover designs. You’re the best at what you do.

To all of the readers: I value you more than you will ever know. Thank you for riding with A&J. I hope to never disappoint you. I love what I do, and I put every piece of me into these stories. I appreciate your loyalty and support. Without the fans, we would be irrelevant. I hope you enjoy our new classic.

Ashley Antoinette Coleman

MURDERVILLE

ONE

“BLOW HIS MUTHA’FUCKIN BRAINS OUT, A’SHAI!” the man ordered. His heavy accent laced every word as he stared at the young rebel that stood before him. The boy was inexperienced when it came to murder and was intimidated by the chaotic madness that he was amidst. The older rebel looked at his protégé while slyly grinning in sick satisfaction, as he anticipated the fatal gunshot. A’shai’s hands shook as he held the rifle firmly and looked into the terrified eyes of the man who lay on the ground. A’shai was only twelve years old and was about to kill for the first time. The man who was about to become a victim was three times A’shai’s age; tears filled his eyes as he begged A’shai for mercy.

“Do it!” the older rebel instructed A’shai as he smiled in amusement. A’shai’s mind urged him to pull the trigger, but his index finger wouldn’t budge. The look in the man’s eyes was a reflection of his own emotions: in them A’shai saw fear. The sight of the grown man’s submission did not make A’shai feel powerful . . . instead he felt powerless because there was nothing he could do to save him. A’shai gripped the rifle even tighter and grit his teeth, trying to muster up enough courage to do it. His adrenaline pumped furiously and despite the guilt growing on his conscience he knew that he had to pull the trigger. His manhood depended on it. Once he made his first kill, he would be respected as a