Mastermind Robert Ricks Paperback ISBN 0977343804 Publisher: Black Pearl Books List Price: $14.95 BBP Price: $9.99
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Clarence Kittles a.k.a. 'Clear' is the mastermind behind his New York crime-crew, The Black Mob. But, he's more than just street-smart. Clear knows exactly how to organize and keep his biz on the down-low, disguising his true identity through a legitimate business, a barbershop. Growing up in poverty, he vows never to go back to that life again. Anyone trying to hook-up with him better understand one thing -Clear is
a stickler for rules! Understanding that most hustlers get caught by not following them, he has no patience for rule-breakers and quickly turns into the most ruthless man when dealing-out punishment. On the flipside, most people in the community have come to know Clear as the 'Ghetto Robinhood', an up-standing businessman who gives away free haircuts to kids of women on welfare and donates money to churches.

Magic Jr. is a smart-youngster who basically grew-up without a father just like Clear. When they meet, Clear can't help but think about how much Magic Jr. reminds him of his deceased brother, Brandon. He begins to treat Magic Jr. like a younger brother, even hooking him up with his sister (Dayja) while schooling him on the game.

Dayja is Clear's little hot-mama sister that he's trying to wrestle free from the grips of the Child Protective Services system that he'd originally had her placed into because of her wild ho-like behavior. She's also the main reason that he works so hard at the game, so that he can provide her with anything that she wants.

Magic Sr., was a drug-addict during Magic Jr.'s early childhood. It wasn't until Magic Jr.'s teen-years that he even knew the man that he was named after. Having endured the bad-side of the game, Magic Sr. cleans himself up and decides to now profit from the very same game that had him strung-out by becoming a dealer. When he chooses to set-up his operation on drug-turf that belongs to Clear, that action could lead to a deadly conflict.

Big Mac is the co-founder of The Black Mob and Clear's boy from way back. But, just because he was there at the beginning doesn't mean that he's immune from the rules that he helped to create - Clear ain't having it! Porsha is Clear's ride-or-die chick that is like a mother to Dayja. She is no stranger to thugs and the drug-game. She says that she's down for whatever and will do anything for Clear, but has never been tested. Candy is a booty-shakin' stripper turned conniving strip-club owner.