by Max Winters
Keisha’s face went dark with sorrow. The last time he saw Johanna was in prison. She had assured her that she would dig up evidence that would acquit her. She believed in Johanna and the thought of her death was a nightmare that was going to haunt her for life. Who was going to help her with her case she wondered? Malcolm read her countenance immediately he hung up the call with Grey. He drifted towards her and reassured her that Grey was going to help them out.
Grey had suggested that it was safer to communicate via emails so that it would be difficult to trace. Malcolm had contemplated the idea because he didn’t have a laptop but Roderick had promised to help them out with the financial resources. Grey had scheduled a meeting with Elizabeth. Agent Steele had decided to meet them first without the intervention of Graham as she wanted to ascertain that there was some truth in Malcolm’s and Keisha’s story. She knew Graham and her impulsiveness and how he was going to make a farce if she didn’t present any solid evidence. He had warned him to keep their investigation a secret from Phil who for some reason was curious about the case. Nevertheless Graham saw reasons with her. He too had begun to see reasons with her especially with the untimely death of Johanna
Malcolm’s cooperation however was of utmost importance. He had admitted his involvement with drugs and that the leader of the deadly syndicate was Damon but Elizabeth had to prove that. He had guaranteed Malcolm, Keisha and Roderick’s freedom. She was going to search La Salsa once again and this time Malcolm promised to give her tips on the right areas to check.
Roderick’s confession about his witness of the killing of Tessa was also a breakthrough that was going to acquit Malcolm. The bone of contention however was the mystery behind Robert’s death. However, Roderick had witnessed Robert’s death first hand as during that period he had been trailing Keisha with the thought she Tessa. His hesitation to corroborate the incident the cops was justifiable as he was afraid of being convicted. He had dedicated to serving as a witness for the justice of Tessa and nothing more. He didn’t want to be caught up in the intricate police investigation. Keisha had been unjustly jailed and the so-called cops who claimed she was guilty were now canvassing for her. The drama in the air was too much he wanted to wrap things off and return to his business and family. His quest for love was leading him into a dead end-a den of drug lords and human traffickers and it was the easiest place in the world to get one killed and he feared for life.
Grey established that Johanna had died when she was in the process of unraveling the mystery behind Robert’s death. Robert had discovered another sinister activity that was worse than drug trafficking-girls and even minors were sold for prostitution across the coast. His heart bled for the inhumanity and cruelty of mankind. Their decision to uncover the human traffickers was as lethal as the act. This time it was blood for blood. Elizabeth was willing to go to any length to make the city habitable once more.
Chapter 18
The memory of their unscrupulous activities flushed down his memory as he took the greatest decision of his life. He had never thought the day would come when he would be standing face to face with his destiny. Denouncing the drug lord was a death warrant but Malcolm was ready to go down the road of truth. He had drenched his hands in so much atrocity that his conscience taunted him on a daily basis. Meeting Keisha had given him a new meaning to life and for her; he was willing to do anything. She made him feel important and loved. He wanted to spend the rest of his life being loved by her. His actions were despicable but the beautiful brunette was willing to overlook his past and start anew.
The almost nude girls flung their legs in a seductive dance on the silvery poles to the enchantment of the rich audience, mostly men and a couple of lesbians. The expensive penumbra dimly lit the podium gave the audience a glint of the dancers in their incredible and irresistible appearances that sent the men rushing for each one as they stepped down the stage followed by others who had been waiting to perform.
The gambling section of La Salsa was blessed with beautiful girls who pampered the players on Damon’s orders. He always sat in his room upstairs with a large window that revealed the entire club. He gave his commands from on high like a God and didn’t fail to get whichever woman he wanted in his bed. He forced himself on others when necessary. His sex toy was Sasha and her love for affluence however was ample motivation for her to cling to the drug lord. She had been incorporated into the business, giving the public a false image of him. He had always posed her as his wife to mask his frivolous and perverted sexuality but Malcolm and his other boys were fully aware of the state of their sexual relation.
The twenty eight year old African American girl had the figure like no other and perhaps her charms were in her ability to lure the men she wanted into her bed as she bore no exquisite charms that could bring a man like Damon crumbling. Her several attempts to lure Malcolm into her bed were perhaps a pointer to the fact that Damon was not the best of companion. Her advances however were not as enticing and tempting to lead Malcolm to go against the one man who could end his life in the twinkle of an eye.
After the girls had entertained the crowd, Damon and Lynx always had their share of fun with the prostitutes they desired while the others satisfied the clients’ sexual demands in the sophisticated rooms at the top floor of the building. Incidents of countless rapes abounded especially with minors who usually refused to compromise but all the assaults and abuse were buried within the four walls of the renowned La Salsa club.
Malcolm and his other friends usually slept with some of the girls and drugged them in the process. Some had become addicts as a result of the practice and girl after girl kept disappearing on a daily basis but no one could account. Damon had captured the sympathy of the society with his pretentious and charitable acts that the world had turned a blind eye to his vices. Even the cops had been victimized as his constant meetings with Agent Phil were rather a call for concern. At the mention of Phil, Elizabeth’s face turned stunned as she had always had her suspicions about her colleague but she had no substantial evidence to back up her claims. With Malcolm’s confession however, more than ever she was sure her guts was not playing over her intelligence as she had always had the feeling that someone in the police was leaking out confidential information.
With the determination that she needed, Elizabeth was able to get a search warrant from Mark though he had been stern in his warnings should she fail to produce results. This time she went in the company of Graham who had wanted to go full regalia with the case as the evidence against Damon was substantial. Graham constantly warned Elizabeth that it could be a careful scheme by Malcolm to lure and deliver them into the hand of their enemy. Elizabeth however saw reasons with him and demanded for backup from her other colleagues in the police force. For the first time in a long time they had found a common ground and that was a stepping stone for Graham to continue his emotional chase.
He had managed once in a lifetime to please the strict female cop especially when he took her daughter out on her birthday. The girl had been so happy that she dared her mom with a question that plunged her into thoughts. She had demanded if Graham was going to be her mother’s boyfriend and it brought a blend of pain and hope in agent Steele’s mind. She had always hoped that if she were going to ever find a man to be with, it would be the man that her daughter could accommodate and seeing it come to the limelight was incredible but she just had too much on her mind to savor on the issues of the heart.
***
“I don’t appreciate this police harassment. You were here a few months ago to disrupt the smooth running of my business. Did you find anything?” Damon barked at Elizabeth and Graham who were in the company of police men stationed outside the club with guns loaded, ready to shoot anyone who misbehaved.
“I know how you feel about our constant searches but we are in the middle of a very important investigation and your maximum cooperation will be of great appreciation.” Graham stepped in defending Elizabeth from Damon’s growling.
“There is evidence that proves you transport drugs in and out of California.” Elizabeth told him pinning his eyeballs overcoming his intimidating stares.
“Evidence you say…” He laughed provocatively. “Same evidence that brought you here the last time and you couldn’t find anything? I’m afraid I can’t let you search this place.” He responded beckoning on one of his boys to bring his cell phone.
“I am afraid we have a search warrant Mr. Carlos and obstructing police investigation is against the law.” Elizabeth insisted showing the search warrant that Damon ignored completely. He scrolled his phone open and dialed a number instantly. He stuck the phone to his ears. His tone was harsh. He was talking to Inspector Mark’s boss who refused that he hadn’t given any such orders. He hung up the phone and dismissed them in a mocking tone.
“I am afraid you will not search my club because your boss says so.” He ignored them, taking out a pack of cigar from his pocket. He lit one and smoked puffing out the smoke in usual provocation while Elizabeth’s countenance went wild. Her phone rang immediately and seeing the caller Id she smiled.
“Hello sir, we have a situation here…Mr. Carlos has refused for his club to be searched.” She said eyeing Damon wickedly.
“There has been a change of plan agent Steele. You and you men should leave there now.” Mark instructed in a nervous tone that confused her. He had been very thrilled to unravel the drug lords that had put the lives of innocent citizens at risk and he was backing out without a fight?
“But sir…” Agent Steele protested.
“Agent Steele I said leave there now.” He cautioned harshly.
“Yes sir.” Elizabeth responded pulling her cell phone off her ears in a fit of anger. She was so close to proving Damon’s involvement in drugs but her boss had ruined things for her. Damon’s actions only proved how guilty he was. Why did he refuse to have the club searched? There was something he was hiding and she was going to find out. Damon summoned his boys immediately Elizabeth and Graham exited the club.
“Did you just see what happened here? His eyes emitted rage that spelt his disappointment in their ability to eliminate his perpetrators.
“I think Malcolm has a hand in this.” Lynx responded with the uncertainty that convinced Malcolm.
“As much as this is hard I have to agree with you.” He nodded accepting his point. “In that case we have a big problem.” He marched in disturbing steps with brows that depicted his worry. “What do we do?” He demanded with eyes stuck to Lynx. For once in his life he was confused. Damon always knew what to do in every situation, but this time it felt like his defense had been broken. Malcolm was his most competent worker and seeing that he was going to bring him down was his worst nightmare.
“We have no choice boss…we have to get Malcolm out of the way.” Lynx advised with a determined look.
“Malcolm…you leave me with no option.” He gave the order in a wicked grimace. “One more thing.” He beckoned him and murmured something into his ears. “Lynx…he called out in a loud tone.
“Yes sir…” He responded instantly.
“I want Malcolm and Keisha death within forty eight hours.” He said in anger. Desperate times required desperate measures. If killing Malcolm was what he needed to exonerate himself from public disgrace and jail term, he was going to do it without any hesitation.
“Yes boss…consider it done.” He played a smirk and exited the room in a mighty haste. He loaded his backpack with weapons and bullets then he and Martin drove into the night. Their informants had trailed Keisha and Malcolm to the remote hideout in the country side. By Graham advice, Elizabeth had stationed two bodyguards to protect Malcolm and Keisha. They had been tactical not to inform Mark as it was against the law for them to use people out of the police force for the investigations.
Martin and Lynx drove for over eight hours and finally arrived at the location where Malcolm and Keisha were hiding. There were cameras installed in the small bungalow as they had anticipated that Damon would stop at nothing to eliminate them. As anticipated, Martin and Lynx approached the house which was walled by security bulbs unaware of the presence of the body guards who laid ambush at the obscure corners of the building.
“Come here.” Martin ushered as he the door gave way. The door had been left open. It was about midnight and Malcolm and Keisha had fallen asleep. There was no sign of life anywhere as apparently the guards had fallen asleep also and this spelt doom for all four of them. Lynx rushed into the house and as they marched, searching everywhere, there was a loud gun sound in the house, stemming from a gun.
Chapter 19
Martin screamed at the impulse of the gun shot while blood oozed profusely out of his leg. The men on guard had watched them make their way into the building and had advanced immediately as they were aware if no desperate measures were taken, the tugs won’t hesitate to end the lives of Keisha and Malcolm.
“Damn.” He screamed pressing a hand over the injured area while Lynx tried to make his way out but unfortunately he was blocked by the two men who were well armed. He pulled the trigger of his short pistol but there was no bullet in the gun. Before he could save himself, the cops fired a bullet on his right leg, slowing his pace. Elizabeth and Graham reported the next morning in the hospital as the two criminals were taken for medical attention. Their hands were jointly cuffed while the cops guarded them with state of the art weapons. Elizabeth had warned that they were deadly and taking life meant nothing to them.
The interrogation sessions as usual were challenging. The criminals were die- hard and were probably operating under the same code of loyalty as Malcolm. They were witty in their twisted minds and were determined to conceal the truth in other to save whoever it was that they were working for. Elizabeth had suggested the implementation of torture which was the best method to get the criminals to confess to their crimes but Phil for some reason was sympathetic and advised for a more diplomatic measure to be taken.
Elizabeth however had shunned him that he wasn’t a part of the investigation team and as such his suggestions to the investigative measures were inconsequential. He had stormed out in a furry that agent Steele had ignored completely. She had a reputation and her job at stake and she wasn’t going to jeopardize the chance of a successful investigation because of the conceited ideas of her colleague.
Graham used the current torture on Lynx but he swore on his life that he was alone and was working for no one. He was willing to die than to be disloyal to Damon. Disloyalty to Damon itself meant death and there was no where on earth were one could hide from the dreadful drug lord. He had his tentacles spread in and out of the Californian territory. There was no hiding place for traitors.
“Who sent you to kill Keisha and Malcolm?” Graham thundered holding Martin’s head over a pool of water.
“I have told you no one.” Martin refuted resisting Graham’s hand that wedged his heard forward with eyes that spoke of his intentions to suffocate him in the huge basin of water.
“You think I’m kidding right?” Graham demanded forcing his head into the basin and ensuring that his head was there for a couple of minutes. He wriggled with his body against Graham’s thrust but the struggle was futile as Graham made sure his head was immersed in the water for as long as he wanted it to be.
“It seems to me that you don’t know the enormity of your crime. You are going in for attempted murder and it has been established that you are working for Damon. Why would you want to go down all alone?” Graham mocked with the concealed intention of provoking him to tell him the truth.
“You don’t have any proof that I do drugs. I won’t confess to something I know nothing about?” He boasted and before he could savor his brag, his head was once more in the water and he was practically gasping for more air. Hid head fought Graham’s hand but his unrelenting grip suspended him completely and after
a couple of minutes he released him and his breath came pounding endlessly.
“Okay… I will talk.” His breath stiffened as he managed with the uneasy and near dead feeling that still possessed him. His eyes looked reddish from the water that had entered it. He batted his eyelids to get rid of the tormenting drops of water that lingered on his eyebrows.
“I knew you would cooperate…” Graham jeered and pinned his gaze expecting to hear what he had to say.
“I don’t know Damon and I have never seen cocaine my whole life.” He mocked infuriating Graham.
“I see where this is going, but not to worry we are going to play this game.” He grabbed his head forcefully and plunged it into the water once again and the thundering steps of agent Steele hushed him.
“Any new developments?” She demanded in a harsh tone that got agent Wild Curious.
“Steele…you don’t look all right?” Concern rose in his voice.
“My daughter has been kidnapped.” Lamentation possessed her voice. She had one suspect in mind but the criminals’ recalcitrance to confess was making her loose her mind. Someone had called her and warned her to stay off Malcolm’s case and had threatened her but little did she know that her daughter was their major target. She fought with the tears that forced themselves down her cheeks hiding her face from Martin. She didn’t want to appear weak but from every indication the abduction of her daughter was demoralizing and God help her if she could stand the investigation with the pain in her heart.
