The Johnson said he represented a consortium of small businessmen trying to make it in the Anacostia Barrens, the worst turf in the DeeCee sprawl. Brave souls—if they existed. Problem was, the Barrens were hotter than usual. The Halfies, top go-gang in the area, were rampaging. The go-gangers were thumping places up and down the Anacostia Barrens, everything from chop shops to clinics. The police were looking the other way—standard—and the locals were terrified—also standard. Word was that somebody had stirred up the Halfies. Mr. Johnson wanted protection. He also wanted to know who was really responsible—and why they were doing it.