The dreadful day arrived when the Brothers of Death revealed their ultimate objectives: to turn neighborhood kids into unquestioning kleptomaniacs, sex objects, and subservient slaves. We were forced to pilfer food, drink, newspapers, and merchandise, as well as rob vending machines and pay telephone booths. Equally troubling, we were made to steal money from our mothers’ purses or our fathers’ wallets. Many of the children were sexually molested and made to perform unconscionable lewd acts. At six years old, my innocence was stolen, never to be returned or forgotten. There was no end to their tyranny and domination in sight. All we boys could do was dream of someday escaping the wrath of the demonic Brothers of Death. That day was coming for me, and I prayed it would be soon.