📸 Photo

LEMON JUICE KING

steps that spiralled inside a canopy of trees and rock, giving him cover for a fast and stealthy entrance to the beach.

A bunch of Marco’s horses sat on the sand, facing the water. Marco was a few metres further up the sand, with his head down in his rubber boat. Rafael crept behind them, then sprang at Marco, shouting, ‘Hey motherfucker, what do you think you’re doing?’ Marco shot bolt upright.

He looks like he’s seen a ghost when he sees me. And then he tried to be arrogant. ‘Why did you come here? If you’re gonna punch me, punch me.’ I was so angry, I use all my power, I went straight to him, pow! My hand hurt for two days. Marco flies across to the other side of the boat. And then I take the knife to his neck . . . I say, ‘Now you gonna die, motherfucker.’

– Rafael

Rafael was kneeling on Marco’s chest as the horses, now all on their feet, were circling threateningly. Rafael thought fast. He turned to look up at the high bridge, packed with locals leaning on the railings, and waved. Predictably, they all waved back. ‘You think I come here alone?’ Rafael shouted at Marco’s men, pointing to the bridge. ‘Those are Chino’s guys and if you touch me, they’re gonna kill you.’ They all knew of Chino and immediately backed off. Rafael stood up and planted his foot on Marco’s neck. ‘You guys want to try to touch me, come and touch me.’

Croakily, Marco pleaded, ‘Rafael, please.’ Rafael slipped his knife back in his pocket as curious onlookers started coming in for a closer look. Fernando and another mutual friend came out of the surf. Looking down at Marco sprawled on the sand, Fernando said, ‘I told you, man, don’t do that with Rafael, he’s gonna fuck you. Now see what you do.’

131