by Max Winters
Thoughts of the previous night haunted him as he contemplated making a headline about his discovery in the news. He wanted to give his boss a good impression and probably gain promotion but the thought of putting his life at risk was far dreadful. Uneasiness overtook his day but all what kept his mind busy was the thought of going back to La Salsa in the night and probably getting more incriminating information as per the human trafficking syndicate. A case of such magnitude with an official of the law was definitely a no-go zone, but Robert was not just any kind of journalist who could overlook injustice. He was always on the side of truth perhaps that was the bigger problem of his entire life.
The murder incident of Tessa was also a nightmare that he fought to forget. He had seen someone on the girl’s chase that night but his mission to uncover the mystery of the human traffickers in La salsa had drowned his focus completely. Moreover, he had been scared to death, to help the helpless girl as he couldn’t risk being attacked by the menacing assassin that was on her trail. His conscience castigated him for having walked away; probably he would have saved the girl if he would have tossed cowardice aside and embraced bravery a valiant that he was. He had taken down notes at the murder scene with a heavy heart but fear of the unknown didn’t permit him to utter any words regarding what he had witnessed the previous night.
He didn’t want to end up as a major suspect or rather a target for the ruthless killer who couldn’t have sat to watch him reveal the truth to the cops and the public. In his usual hood regalia over blue jeans, he stormed La Salsa once again though this time he didn’t proceed to the back of the building as he always did. The loss of his car was probably a big blow as he came to the club in a cab. His vision caught someone whom he thought he had found dead in the morning. It was Keisha and hock ran through his veins. Could she be a ghost? That curiosity typical of every journalist arose and possessed him and instantly he moved closer to ascertain that his eyes were not making a fool of him.
He was certain that he had seen her dead that morning on the crime scene unless there was something about the case he was missing out and as the inquisitive journalist spirit possessed him, he glided to the area were Keisha was. She looked furious like he was about to kill someone. She was searching for Malcolm but no one seemed to be able to produce Malcolm. The shock in Damon’s face immediately his gaze caught hers was remarkably weird. He seemed threatened like he had seen someone from the death. Damon was fearless but seeing him in that mood told Robert that there was more to the girl and he was going to do everything in his power to find out. On a second thought he dismissed the insinuating thought that Damon may just have been shocked to see her probably because he thought she had died.
Chapter 11
Damon had given orders for her to be escorted out of the hall as her words didn’t make sense. She was making claims that Malcolm had killed her identical twin sister because she and he had a fight. Robert had approached Keisha like a hawk rushing for the chicks. He face was pale and her wealth of brown hair rumpled. She didn’t smell too good probably because she hadn’t had a proper path for a while. She had been in hiding from the night when Malcolm chased her and came out of her hiding place only when she heard over the news that she was dead. Her worse fear came to pass a she was expecting Tessa the same night when she and Malcolm had fought.
Tessa had arrived late that evening and tried calling Keisha to no avail. She was disappointed; nevertheless the urge to party was what could get her off her bad mood hence she was recommended to La Salsa. Her arrival spurred weariness in the air. She had entered the hall with eyes that spoke that she didn’t know her way around. Someone had reported to Damon that they had caught a glimpse of Keisha. Apparently their resemblance was undeniable so much that even Malcolm was convinced Tessa was Keisha.
“I knew that girl was trouble but you insisted on making her your women now look at the kind of mess you are putting us into.” Damon yelled in frustration. Malcolm had reported to him immediately he lost tract of Keisha in the street. He had warned Damon and his boys that Keisha had found out his involvement in drugs and was about rating them out to the cops.
“I’m sorry Don Damon…I had been very careful. I didn’t know how she found out.” Malcolm pleaded, he was tense as he knew things would not work out for him should Damon be associated with his drug dealings.
“In this business women are off limits and you know it.” Damon remarked lighting a huge cigarette. “You cling to the fallacy of love which doesn’t exist.” He smoked the cigarette and puffed out thick smoke. “Love is for the weak.” He thundered, playing and angry stare while he looked through the window in his office that exposed the club down floor. His gaze pinned on Tessa with a frown brushing his temple.
“I am sorry boss…I love her ….” Malcolm continued trying to present the most humble plea to justify what Damon considered a dreadful mistake.
“This is not time for love Malcolm.” Hi voice rose, silencing Malcolm. “I am glad you still know the meaning of loyalty….if you go down.” He looked at Malcolm intently “You go down alone.” He grinned; probably satisfied that he had sent shivers down his spine.
“I am aware sir.” Malcolm responded, eyes forming tears.
“I must say I am impressed that in spite of your illusion of love, you still remember the rules.” He responded in a rather callous and more threatening tone in a blend of intimidation.
“I will do whatever it takes to make sure she doesn’t rat us out to the police.” Malcolm quickly assured.
“That’s one reason I like you Malcolm…you know how to fix the mess you create.” He pinned Malcolm’s gaze…You of all people know what will happen if you fail.” He twisted his mouth to one side, probably a coded language that Malcolm understood perfectly.
Tessa scanned the club in a scrutinizing gaze especially at someone who had been watching from the moment she had stepped into the buzzing hall. Fright brushed her forehead and she wondered if she was safe. She took calculated step backwards while the stranger moved towards her. As if on a queue, Malcolm approached her too, with a determined to- kill look and at the sight of the monstrous angel she took to her heels. Malcolm trailed her into the gruesome darkness while she fled at top speed, but God knew how far she could have gone-definitely nowhere, as her dead body the next morning was ample proof that Keisha’s foe had made- good his threat though. Unfortunately Tessa was just a victim.
Robert had tried to be discreet about the matter especially as he discovered she was a twin and the victim was her sister. He was going to report the turnout of events with regards to the murder case and that was going to be a plus for his portfolio. He had advised Keisha against the odd of trying to take the laws into her hands and had introduced her to Johanna whom with the help of the police had put Malcolm behind bars. Nevertheless, Robert had been tactical not to mention the fact that he had witnessed Malcolm chasing a girl on the night prior to Tessa’s murder. Keisha’s word and declaration of his illegal affairs were hardcore evidence that sealed Malcolm’s fate.
Five months was like a couple of days for Keisha as the loss of her beloved sister was a nightmare that lingered in her bones on a daily basis. A lifetime couldn’t be enough for Malcolm to pay for his sins in jail, she constantly cursed. What was it about the criminal that had enchanted her that she felt terrible that he was out of her life? She was angry at what he had done to her but she was hurt that she was the essence why he was rotting in jail. Attempts by Robert to woo her ended in the confines of friendship. She was still trying to overcome the fatal betrayal and deception by her convicted fiancé and there was no place for any man in her heart.
Robert however was unrelenting in his advances and in the nick of time Keisha decided to give herself a chance to love again though she was honest with herself to tell that he still felt a thing for the criminal. She cautioned herself to let go of the criminal, as there was no way she was going to mend fences with the killer of her sister as she owed it to her. Robert was
the perfect epitome of a gentleman and Keisha decided to give him a chance. He had been with her during the most delicate period of her life and perhaps it was just fair that she gave her access to her sacred world.
Their several dates ushered a ray of sunlight into Keisha’s world. Robert is willing to walk her down the aisle but his insecurities consumed him. Keisha was very skeptical about marriage and though Robert had proposed to her, she had demanded for more time for her to make up her mind. He loved her a lot and was willing to give her all the time in the world. In Keisha he had found the woman of his life and he knew she trusted him and that was probably the edge he had over Malcolm. However he entertained panic that stemmed from his instincts. He felt like him and Keisha was being watched closely on several occasions and wondered why.
He had persisted with his findings about the human traffickers behind Keisha’s back but still there was no lead. On the contrary he had discovered another lead that linked Malcolm to a drug syndicate. According to Johanna, Malcolm had been recalcitrant about disclosing his gang members but Robert had the answer starring him in the face. He had contemplated reporting the incident to the police, but he was afraid of starting war with a group of deadly people who won’t hesitate to end his life or that of Keisha. He assured himself that the case about Malcolm was closed and there was no need to fuel his range further as he had been terribly angry with Keisha for testifying against him.
The desire to spend a lifetime with the beautiful brunette was the rationale behind him abandoning the quest to unmask Malcolm’s accomplices. His security and that of Keisha was of his utmost concern as he dismissed the surging urge to make a police report. The watcher who had been on their trail for some anticipated time by his guts was perhaps an omen that spelt doom for them.
“I need you to do a clean job Lynx.” Damon instructed the huge tug who sat focusing on him entirely. Lynx had worked for him for over ten years and his loyalty was as sure as death. Damon had made Malcolm his right hand man instead of him because of his mild incompetence but with Malcolm behind bars, he had just Lynx to rely on for most of his drug deals.
“You don’t have to worry boss…I have already contacted someone.” Lynx responded in an assuring gaze that made Damon relaxed a little. The issue was a weight on his shoulder and perhaps sleep had deserted him. Malcolm’s custody in the police was a threat to his drug business as he didn’t know for how long Malcolm would keep his mouth shut. Keisha wasn’t a threat at the time as she knew nothing about Damon’s involvement in Malcolm’s drug business. Nevertheless, with Malcolm and the heavy jail sentence, there was a slightest chance that pain could erode his sense of loyalty to the cartel and Damon couldn’t allow that.
“I hope this time we won’t fail…I don’t need to remind you what will happen should he get away.” Damon in his usual terrorizing tone cautioned with refined eyes that didn’t reflect hi monstrous nature.
“That wouldn’t happen boss…I got the finest hands for this job.” Lynx played an according nod in assurance that possessed his countenance. He was sure that the job he had been assigned would be efficiently carried out.
***
The loud tone of the incoming call startled Johanna from her sleep. Her wealth of creamy skin shimmered underneath her black pant and bra while her lopes of dark hair coiled into a single braid that fell over her back exposing her facial cavity completely. She stormed out of bed, towards her small table littered with documents. She must have had a hell of paperwork that evening. She stuck the phone to her ear and dashed a vivid glance at the Chinese clock that emitted mild sounds from the ticking of the second hand meddling with the silence. It was about half past midnight and worry brushed her face seeing Keisha’s contact Id.
“Hello….” Keisha’s distorted voice echoed from the other end of the receiver. She was crying and she could barely speak audibly.
“Keisha…what is going on? Why are you crying? Talk to me.” Johanna’s heart raced, thinking of the worst. Keisha seemed to be in danger but she wasn’t very sure. She marched with the phone still stuck on her ear to dress up. She broke the wardrobe door open and her hands caught the first black trouser that caught her gaze.
“Robert…Robert is….” Keisha burst into a fit of tears. She was sobbing loudly and her voice could barely be heard by Johanna.
“Where are you?” Johanna demanded plunging into her tight trouser in a mighty rush. Her eyes scanned the other dresses for the perfect blouse perfect for the chilly night.
“At Robert’s.” She responded crying out loud.
“What happened to Rob?” Johanna asked, with the attention that was needed to comprehend Keisha as she spoke in bleats. Her voice spelt her pain and Johanna experienced a panic attack.
“He was shot.” Her voice echoed covered with fear and shock.
“What?” Johanna screamed. “How? When? Where?” Johanna’s voice rose in concern. She knew Robert’s inquisitiveness was going to put him in trouble. He had confided in her about the discovery of a human trafficking group in the city and had promised to uncover those involved. She had warned him about the dangers of double crossing such monsters in human skin but Robert’s hot hardheadedness had no match and he had paid the price with his life.
“I need you to come over…I don’t know what to do.” Bewilderment possessed Keisha’s voice.
“Have you called the cops?” Johanna asked.
“The cops?” Confusion took over Keisha. She had lost all sense of reason and hadn’t called the police. “No?” She responded frightened as thoughts of the fact that she would be the very first suspect ran through her veins.
“Call the cops right away… I am on my way.” Johanna assured slipping into her blouse and searching for her car keys.
Keisha trembled as she placed a call to the police. Rob was shot on the head and the murder weapon was on the ground. She had rushed into the house after she received a call from Robert and saw him on the ground. She couldn’t tell if he had committed suicide or someone had killed him. She hand held the gun before she could think that she shouldn’t. She tried effortlessly to dial 911 and her phone died out completely. In the twinkle of eye, loud sirens from the police vans echoed with rushing steps that invaded Robert’s apartment in their fed attires and huge guns that drove fear down her spine.
Chapter 12
“Hands on your head.” One of the cops shouted from behind while another rushed with gloves walling his hands. He picked up the gun on the ground and placed in a plastic Ziploc bag with a torch in his hands examining the body. There was blackout in the entire building and the police men flushed their lights on every angle of the room. Agent Phil approached Keisha with a wicked stare on his face.
“You are going in for the murder of Mr. Copper.” He pulled out the cuffs from his back pocket with two police men pointing their guns straight at her; he clipped her hands with the metallic weapon.
“What? I didn’t kill Robert… I could never hurt him because I love him.” She insisted trying to make a point that seemed futile at that moment.
“You may want to remain silent and tell your story to the court.” Phil warned sternly. He knew Keisha back in the days when she worked as a dancer in Damon’s club. He played a seductive and licentious stare at her as the other police men guided her into the car while others continued looking around for any clue or evidence.
“Suspect has been identified in the deceased home…Suspect has been identified in the deceased home…copy…over.” Phil spoke into the small walkie- talkie that held over his mouth. “Don’t touch anything.” He commanded and in a split second,
“Sir, look at this.” One of the men almost picked up a broken bottle from the floor.
“The order was very clear…do not touch anything. Did I make myself understood?” He brooded dashing an angry and nerve-racking gaze at the officer who immediately stood at attention and raised his hand to his temple in manner of salutation, respect and comprehension.
“That wasn’t
so difficult, was it?” He stormed out of the house and as if on a file Johanna arrived at the scene bewildered by the scene that caught her sight. Robert was lifeless and Keisha was in the police van with hands clipped and her face drenched in tears.
“Stop right there.” Phil shouted seeing Johanna approaching the room.
“I’m here to see her.” Johanna responded in a stiff breath with her hands held high above her head, indicating that she meant to harm whatsoever. She managed to show a pointing hand towards Keisha who emitted a desperate gaze. “I am her attorney.” She remarked hoping it will calm Phil and his determined cops.
“She is a suspect to this case and your presence here at this time automatically warrants police interrogation.” Phil responded in a gaze that depicted that she was also a suspect.
“Excuse me officer…I hope you know the enormity of your allegation. I am her legal representative for crying aloud and she called me, that’s why I am here.” Johanna argued with the confidence typical of anyone who had a complete grasp of the law.
“You see what I mean? She called you but she didn’t call the police.” Phil played a provocative smile and showed an indicative hand that she should peacefully move into the car or be forced. His eyes spelt the warning his words had failed to.
“She didn’t call the police?” Johanna darted a shocking and questioning look at Keisha who emitted a regretful stare.
“Do not waste my time.” Phil persisted in his bullying tendencies.
“I will go with you, but that doesn’t mean I am going to accept any false allegations from you guys.” Johanna remarked succumbing to the cop who ushered her into the car while she constantly held Keisha’s gaze to perhaps explain why she had failed to call the police yet they had arrived and taken her into custody and she too was being dragged into the mess.
“No worries counselor…finally we agree on something.” Phil responded in his usual sarcasm that was incredibly annoying. The interrogation session with Johanna wasn’t an easy one as she was a custodian of the law and attempts by Phil to label her as an accomplice to the crime was frustrated. The finger prints on the gun were that of Robert and Keisha a fact which exonerated her completely.
