I look in the newspaper everyday and the number of folks who pass from sleeping too long has me worried. Are we not doing enough to engage their minds? Is their too much expected from them? Are they just lazy? Do they come here just to die? This has had bothered me now for a few weeks, I myself had to put some to permanent sleep. Out of frustration, I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and yelled, "HOW CAN WE WAKE THE MASSES!!???" I did not expect any replies, but I lit a cigarette and politely waited a bit in case someone had something to add.

Joe sensed the frustration in his voice. It struck a chord with him. He too had been in conversation over the same thing as the one yelling in the street, and just the other day. Whether this was an open question or simply an act of much needed outward expression, the Race Street boss crossed the road and made his way towards Orlin anyways. Sometimes just being there for someone to vent to was all that was needed. Especially when living a hectic lifestyle as theirs.

A car sped by, just missing Adonis, who jumped back a little as he caught sight of it out the corner of his eye just in time. He flipped off the back of the now distant Maybach Zeppelin. With a heavy sigh, he finished crossing the street. A handshake was then offered towards Orlin_Lang.

"How are ya, pal? You seem a little frustrated." Joe said also looking a little annoyed, the almost car accident not yet completely out of his mind.

I felt better letting that out. As I was collecting my thoughts, Adonis came up with his hand extended asking how I was. I shook his hand, "Well, apparently I had some built up feelings." I laughed, "I'm okay, just trying to figure out what I can do to help. I see people show up to this life of ours and some even on the streets, be it there first time here or a return visit, with the glint of determination and excitement in their eyes." I took out a cigarette and offered one to Adonis, the smoke calmed my nerves a bit.

"Some flourish, but a lot lose that spark and just stay home. You greet them, help them get going if they need it, then you notice their name in the paper a while later. Painful to watch. I would like to see them get out and greet the locals more. Stop by a cafe, diner or coffee shop. Visit a casino or barber and just say 'Hello'. Something small. Let people know that your are awake." I paused to look at the people walking by us, "Everybody I see has a story." I smiled as I glanced from one person to the next as they passed, "I would like to hear it. No matter how long or short it is."

I put my cigarette out on the bottom of my shoe and put the butt in my pocket with the rest, "I may just be tired, but when I see people passing in their sleep, it stirs me a bit. It's almost an epidemic. I'm going to keep trying to get folks to wake up and get out of the house more to go visit their neighborhoods. I just got to caught up in the emotion of it for a second there." I looked at Adonis, "Funny, I don't have an answer for my own question. I don't know if anybody truly does, all I can do is keep trying. Thank you for talking with me. I guess I just needed someone to express my thoughts to." I shook Adonis's hand again.

Ah, a smoke. The perfect remedy. Adonis took the offer with a thankful grin, then joined his enthusiastic company in enjoying the cigarette as he told a little more of his reason for being out here. Joe listened in with a curious appreciation for what he was expressing, only taking his eyes off of Orlin when he also looked momentarily at the people walking by.

As the man ended giving his thought provoking series of ideas to wake up the masses, Joe firmly shook his hand.

"I like your take on things." Adonis said between an inhale and an exhale of the cigarette smoke that was easing his earlier edginess. It was either that, the steady breathing that accompanied it, or the positive spirit in which Orlin was expressing himself.

"With more heads like yours about, and coming out here to share, it can't do any harm. In fact, I can only see it doing good."

Joe broke the handshake abruptly as he noticed the sound of a car revving at high speed off in the distance. It was the same black Maybach Zeppelin from earlier. With a quick reach around, Adonis drew a colt revolver from his waistline at the small of his back as his jacket flapped about.

With quick steps, Adonis hopped off the sidewalk and onto the road. A car off to his left had to brake hard, skidding to a halt and nearly hitting another that was parked. Towards the right, the black stallion was nearing at high speed. Adonis stood right in the middle of its path with outstretched hands, holding the colt firmly in both, towards the direction where the speeding vehicle was coming from.

The Race Street enthusiast kept the gun and his posture steady, looking right down his arms and the pointed pistol at the car as it began braking. It too skidded as the tires locked, leaving a good bit of burnt rubber behind it as it slid to a halt in-front of the human road block.

A rather enjoyable smirk joined Adonis' otherwise stiff body language, as he noticed the driver's hands reach skyward inside the chopped top, sleek looking vehicle.

The engine of the speedy vehicle revved once more, this time with Joe's foot planted firmly on the accelerator. It had been a good while since he'd driven, as he had a personal driver taking him here there and everywhere. He was going to enjoy this. Maybe even as much as meeting Orlin Lang and hearing his inspiring words. Joe gave the man of the moment a wave as he took off down the street.