Cheese supplied Ziggy Sobotka with a narcotics package and, when he could not return its value, torched his car and threatened to kill him. Nick Sobotka and La La intervened on Ziggy's behalf but could only convince Cheese to give Ziggy more time. Cheese was forced to back down when Nick involved The Greek (Proposition Joe's suppliers). Cheese subsequently moved into Barksdale territory following an agreement with Stringer Bell, starting a rivalry with Bodie Broadus. Avon Barksdale unaware of the agreement, hired Brother Mouzone, who promptly shot Cheese in the arm and forced him to retreat.