Page 56 - Louisiana Loop (manuscript Edition)

It happens in every major city some more obvious than others but “the hustle” is on in America. From standing on street corners
claiming to be homeless to hitting people up outside McDonalds, or Bus stations, or even passing by, there is a hustle and a hustler
working his trade everyday in America.
As I was leaving Greyhound Bus Station a hustler had been hustling me for over an hour talking and making conversation setting
what is called the ‘the hook’ by playing the friendship card and “connecting” on a emotional level of some kind. I had a name and
number of a yellow cab driver who had told me what it would cost and promised to help me move my cargo from Greyhound to the
water front about a mile maybe less.
The hustler circumvented that. He said his buddy would give me a ride cheaper and was so old he could use the business and let him
call him so he could see me off and ride back with his “friend”.
The hustle came on as I started loading the cab he called and the hustler started helping. I said No, I got it but he persisted and tried
to supervise and even load. I ignored him and loaded the cab then arrived at the Railroad crossing and the “hustler” almost flew out
of the cab and started unloading. Tearing a back pack shoulder harness off and sweating profusely trying to appear as “strong” as he
was tall I was not impressed and slowly unloaded the cab.
The Cabbie said when I went to pay him, he didn’t know how much I was paying

“the hustler” but his bill was 60.00 YES SIXTY DOLLARS FOR A 1 MILE TRIP.
I balked and said No and he said ok How much is it worth to you so I paid him what the Yellow Taxi Driver said………. then the
hustler pulled in his line. He wanted me to pay him for loading and unloading the cab. I said “man, who you trying to hustle?” And
it was on. From that moment on he tried to weasel, he tried to implore, he said he wanted to “kick my butt” as I reminded him over
and over again I had no money and was limited to buying groceries. As he was setting his

hustle line I had told him it would be over a month
before I had funds, but being a hustler he had to
try. HE LOST. Maybe he thought I was an

easy mark. I don’t know. Maybe he
forgot I told I was born in Los Angeles
California and at 60 plus years I had

maybe not seen it all, but certainly
heard it all before. Maybe he
was just fishing and

got skunked.