He could not emotionally disconnect himself from family - unwilling to remain free in order to avoid bonds and ties. They saw him, as they had many others like him, who wanted the stamp - in order to police their own surroundings, controlling incidents that impacted their lives and those in it. Persons of that ilk were of no use to the system that had long been established. He was unwilling to be used by the government for their purposes. Thus, the officials who could categorize him, denied him - due to his clear disdain of them and what they stood for. To them, his thoughts, his logic, his reasoning, his objectives, clashed with their own - in the end, he could not be used for their needs, not now anyway, as long as he was the way he was. As long as he held the capacity to be moved to 'love' and 'feel' and question them, who would be questioned by no one; while embracing 'friends' - 'family' and a lifestyle that slotted him as of common mind and thinking, he would never be given the figurative 'license to kill' - where there were no written rules.
In short - he was denied and dismissed - wrong state of moral and mind.
They saw him, and those like him as a waste. Those that could be used, baffled cops, detectives, judges, who brought them in - case filled with evidence against them. But one call later, all would be dropped and free to go about their way, they went. They, the ones free to go, had 'paid' the price.
As Ivory Saitama discovered, Shawn had not, nor would not pay it. He, Shawn was not interested in that line of work, although he qualified and had past all tests written and physical to do so. What was sad to those at the top is that he had the added bonus of being a photographer, a natural born surveyor with the best cover of all.
Nope, he wanted his freedom.
Ivory was of the same mind as Shawn, and thus, he played the game, appeared to pay the price, in order to get what he needed to do what he was now doing. He didn't understand why Shawn didn't go along with it just to get that stamp? That baffled Ivory about him. The stamp was a valuable thing when one lived in this kind of world, it gave a freedom like no other. It gave a sort of power, like no other. Putting one in a position to really - get to know people and watch them. In a sense, he was like a physical angel of God that could see all, but kept all to himself. Unlike the angels however, Ivory made no reports back to God - he used it only to know the people surrounding him, and to know who to trust and who not to trust - and who might end up on the list for elimination - with him having full authority to dispatch them accordingly.
Shawn Everett McPherson was the first, 'one' of many like that - that he'd come into contact with. He was dying to know the mind of someone that would give up the chance to hold in his hand, what he held. What possessed a man to blow the chance to hold a license to police, judge and execute?
Holding all within him, Ivory smiled and joined the family to enjoy the pizza - this gave him greater access to learn even more. Only thing that was a disappointment to him, was that Shawn soon departed from them to take care of things Ivory could only theorize about. That was okay, soon - he would have all in place to monitor even the goings on within the home, phone and computer tapping. All information would be used to help him know what was developing to be ready for any threat to Angela. What he was being paid, he could retire by 30 on, living the rest of his life, more than comfortable.
Upstairs in Sylvia's office, Shawn gathered all the things he had on Armundo sr. - saying a little prayer, he called Paul once more, who answered the second ring, now that he was home.
"I'm impressed, I can't believe you waited so long to call me back." Paul started right away, having answered it after seeing Shawn on his display, which showed up with the ID he'd given him, MS-ES-CA. His own classification filing method he used not to ever place names in his system or phones due to the kind of work and research he did. Shawn was CA due to his relationship with Paul's aunt, Merriam Styles. Other's not close to him or his family, were usually classed as Cb - Cc. Lowercase second letter - detached work or person. Capitalized letter A - meant a person's relevant importance to him.
"I can't walk away from this, I can't."
"I wouldn't think so, considering the situ. It amazes me how with you, a simple life is almost impossible."
"Don't get sidetracked - please? See, I'm begging."
"There's no need, I was going to do it anyway. So send all you can on him to me right away."
Shawn sighed deep and thankful. "I can't thank you enough, what made you change your mind, about helping me?"
"I hadn't changed my mind, I just needed you to rethink how you'll be dealing with it. How will you be dealing with it, if - what you suspect is true?"
"Hands off."
"Give me your word."
"You have it, hands off."
"That's all I care about, that you don't touch him - directly that is. There are many methods to seeing about him, learn to start using them, if - that is, he is still alive, refer to them."
"I've already thought it through - and I will."
"I'm happy - let's find out then, shall we?"
"Can I send all now? I'm in my wife's office, going to use her fax to get it to you."
"Long as you remember to clean up afterwards."
"That goes without saying."
"My fax is on, send it. Photos as well, I can re-color them on this end."
"How long will it take you to find out if this is all in my active imagination?"
"I never give a date and time."
"I'm paying you!"
Paul laughed, "I'm worth it. If you'd been a good boy, it would be free and within 24 hours. Bad boys wait in line."
"Bastard!"
Paul laughed even more, "You never learn. It's a good thing Auntie loved you so much - and I must admit, you've grown on me too ... like a wart that keeps returning."
Shawn had no choice but to laugh as well, "Sorry about that, what can I say?"
"After this, you're gonna calm down, be happy - live domestic, right? Stay shit free, right?"
Shawn smiled, "Aren't I always, shit free?"
Paul shook his head, "Yeah - sure, send the fax."
"It's on it's way - again, thank you."
Within fifteen minutes of closing the call, all that needed to be sent, was sent, including macro pictures of Armundo's jewellery Shawn found in Sylvia's jewellery box. He only waited for the ok confirmation that all had been transferred successfully. When he received it, as he promised, he removed the data trail and reset her fax machine to re-number the faxes as if no extra had been sent. Sitting at her desk, he made another phone call. He couldn't wait until his own office across the road was live, until then, hers would have to do, long as he was done before she came home and his mess was cleaned up.
As the phone rang, he played on her computer, checking out her brochures, smiling to himself how they were arranged, he was impressed. She really was tech savvy - even though a few things needed cleaning up on them, he did it while he sat with his phone to his ear, wouldn't take long. He figured he needed all the points he could get with her, this was worth at least an extra snuggle, kiss and feel. He chuckled, shaking his head at himself.
"Hello?" Sheila answered.
"What's up m'darlin' - how you doin' tonight?"
Sheila giggled, smiled, "Listen at who in a good mood, I'm doin' just fine. How you all?"
"Like pigs in wet, cold mud on a hot blazin' day."
Sheila laughed, "You somethin' else, I swear you are. I'm glad to hear it, you call to talk to me?"
"As much as I love it, no - Dennis there?"
"Hang on a minute, I'll get'im. - 'Oh Den-ni-i-is - Shawn on the phone'!!" He heard her shout out, and then, a fumbling line cut in and Dennis' voice, "I got it!"
"Talk to you later Shawn!"
"Okay."
They heard her hang up with a click.
"Hey man, what's up?"
"Concerning what we talked about last time?"
"Yeah, what's up with that."
"I have someone very reliable looking into it. We'll kno
w soon enough, just how smart we are in deciphering coincidences."
"Man, I can't get my mind off it. My guts been tied in a knot since."
"Well then you can imagine me, seeing as how she's my wife."
"Oh yes I can, so what you got planned?"
"What I have planned Dennis, I'm going to need your help on."
"I don't give a shit what it is, I'm in - what you need? Because that motha'fuckin' Armundo - need to be buried 20-feet deep, hell with 6 feet under."
Shawn exhaled, "Thank you so much, I wasn't sure you would."
"You know what, for Sylvia, for them kids - no hesitation. What you got planned?"
"I'm gonna notify. If - that is - if he is still alive, there are - persons - who need to know, if you know what I mean?"
"Spell it out man, fuck code words and shit - spell it out!"
"Okay, I need to know who he's cheated. Who he shit on with the drug deal. Can you find that out for me?"
"That's all you need me to do?"
"Part of it."
"That's done, I know exactly who. I don't like him and his posse - but I know who he is."
"Oh Dennis, Dennis thank you. So, here it is. If - that is, if he is still alive, and we find out where he is, we need to let that man know, he's alive and kickin' - enjoying the proceeds of his stolen goods. And then, we step back and leave it alone, and pray for the best."
"Naw man, his ass slippery. We find out where his ass is, we need to get him and bury him, simple as that. He show back up on the scene, do you know what that could do to Sylvia? Them kids?"
Shawn went quiet, "I didn't think - you would feel that way, you're surprising me to be honest."
"Shawn, to say I don't like him, is putting it mildly. For all intents and purposes, he dead anyway, right? He made that decision, so hey, let's just officialise it."
"I can't Dennis. I gave my word, hands off. We have to do it this way, and pray. Believe me, if I didn't have to give my word to find out, to find him, I wouldn't have. I like your method much better, because then, no if's ands or buts - but my hands are tied this time."
"Shawn - if he show up on your doorstep-..."
"Dennis, if he shows up on my doorstep, within my domain, on my property, on my land? He's all mine - all bets are off - I will not hesitate, I mean that."
"The thing is man, sometimes - you have to go for it - to keep it from coming to you, sometimes you gotta do that."
Shawn shook his head chuckling, "My wife would be very upset with you if she heard you saying that to me, knowing how I am."
"She ain't got to know, don't be tellin' her shit!"
Shawn laughed, "Dennis - you just don't know."
"I guess not. All I know is, the world ain't right - and long as it's not - we have to learn to take care o'ours! 'Cause you know damn well - if he alive - that mean David is dead. If David is dead, what that tell you, in who we dealing with?"
"I know Dennis, I know, believe me I do."
"I wish you knew dawg, I wish you knew. Fact is, the law don't give a damn about the black man killin' off his own. If it was left up to them, they'd turn a blind eye until we all exterminated each other. I got no use, or compassion for a black man, that don't give a damn about his own! The white man in power is killin' us off left, right and center, and then, we gone help'im? What kind of shit is that? I'm tired of it man! I swear to God, I've had enough of the shit. A man that don't give a damn about his own, can't be trusted to give a damn about nobody! Take - that - motha'fucka' - OUT! Fuck'im and every damn one like'im!"
"Whoa Dennis, what's going on with you?"
"I'm gettin' tired man - I'm gettin' fed up with all the bullshit! Brotha's killin' brotha's!"
"Look what you're suggesting Dennis."
"He ain't my brother man! You hear me? He is not my brother! The ones driving by shootin' us down because he need to sell more drugs, ain't my brotha' - you hear me? The ones preying on our own when they down and out, at their weakest to hook them on what they prescribe - to grow that dollar - ain't - my - brotha'! Okay? I am not confused in my thinkin'!That's just the way I feel. I got boys I'm raising - my beautiful sons! The less of those sonof'bitches on the street screwing us all over, the better chance my boys got of making it to 21 - 35 - 40 or hell, retirement age. I didn't bring my sons into this world to be taken out by someone that should be their brotha' - but not! I'm tired man, I tired of all this bullshit! Sitting in that police station, looking over them books, did something to me man, it did something. I haven't been the same since. And I'm telling you now - Armundo Payne - is good for only one goddamn thing, and that's fertilizing the soil somewhere! Goddammit if you can't be a benefit to us walking on the earth, then fuck it - we gone plant a tree over yo'ass! Hell, the tree we need, but motha'fucka's like that, we don't! That's where I'm at right now."
Shawn whistled, "Wheeooo! Wow. Dennis, I'm afraid - you and I could be considered the worse combination of association. There's not a thing you've said that I disagree with, but I've given my word."
"I have to respect that - and I'll do my part. First things first, find out if he still alive and kickin' - if so - the right - persons - will know. I'm gone make sure of that. Even so, we still got this situation with David. How do we see to it that his family knows, what really happened to him? IF - our if - is so?"
"Let's cross that bridge, when we get there. For now, please please please - make sure, Sheila says nothing to Sylvia about what's going on. Or Vivian for that matter."
"She won't, I guarantee you that. What about Ms Martin, Mr. Martin?"
"I'm calling them next."
"I'mo let you off to do that."
"Thanks Dennis - last thing - we do need to work on getting you out of the city - it's getting to you man, it is."
"Man, it's on my mind, but the truth is, I can run from this shit, but I can't hide from it. One way or the other, it always finds it's way back to you."
"True, but moving away from it, buys you that extra bit of time in between so that you can at least, catch your breath, know what I'm saying?"
"Yeah man, make yo' calls - I'll catch you later."
"Alright Dennis, got you on speed dial."
Chapter 284
Hanging up from him, he hit the next person on speed dial of his phone, Lydia answered.
"Lydia, it's me, Shawn."
"Hey sugga, what's going on?"
"I ah, know about what's going on - you and Lucas searching for David." He spoke softly, uncertain of her mood.
"Em, Dennis tell you?"
"Yes ma'am, he did. I'm calling to ask a favor concerning all of this, if you would?"
"If I can, what?"
"Until something concrete arises, can you please not tell Sylvia about this? I just don't want her getting all upset when nothing is sure."
"Honey, I agree. That's why I ain't said nothing to her about it yet. Them two use to be real close growing up. I hope he just out there somewhere, neglectin' to call."
"Me too Ms Martin, more than anything, I sure hope you're right. Besides that, you all right?"
"I'm fine, Lucas fine."
"I also heard that your other son, Lucas Jr. showed up, he's the one that raised the alarm?"
"Yes, and he's the one that might blab it out to Sylvia. He lookin' for her by the way."
"I know, I've heard."
"You listen t'me, don't put up with no mess from him, you hear me? Ain't no tellin' what likely to come out of his mouth, no matter what he say to you, I love'ya, Lucas see you good for our Sylvia - don't matter what no body else say, or think! You hear me?"
"Yes ma'am, I do. I'll be all right. You wouldn't know how to reach him would you?"
"Nooo chile, he just showed up here and before we could exchange anything like that, I was showin' him the door. So, I can't help you there."
"That's okay - no matter - we'll just have to deal with him when he gets here. On a lighter note, guess what?"
"What?" She perked up right away h
earing the upswing in his tone.
"Vivian - might be pregnant!"
"Wooowee! Ya'll something else!" She laughed, "I should'ah known news like that be here soon."
Shawn was laughing, "Well it's not a sure thing yet, my sister is spreading it all over the place - at the same time she's planning their wedding. It's in August and a good thing too if she is pregnant."
"She probably is with that brother of yo's! Lord the thangs Ms Earthaleen say be goin' on down there, I ain't never seen her so animated. She be fussing about the stuff going on, but she ain't never been more happy! Now she mopin' cause ain't nobody down there!" She laughed. "Wait 'til I tell her she might be pregnant! I hope she is, lord, all these babies comin'! That sho'is good news, an' I need me some good news!"
"Now that I know that, as I get it, I'll be passing it on to you." He promised.
"The more the better!"
"Alright then, I'll be lettin' you go, but I'll be back in touch."
"You know I'm always glad to hear from you, talk to you later sugga'."
Shawn sat a moment taking a breather, glad that he'd gotten all of that done. He looked around making sure everything was as he found it, as well, putting all of the things he collected on Armundo back where he'd gotten them from. As he was leaving Sylvia's office, coming into the upstairs kitchen, still under construction, he saw the back of Crystal heading for her room. Obviously her talk with Victor was over and he could only wonder how that went. He walked to the door, noting it was closed, he tapped on it.
"Crystal? You okay?"
On the other side of the door Crystal was checking herself in the mirror, a bit nervous. She was looking at her face, from one side to the other, to her horror - there was slight bruising evident along her lower jaw bone where Victor had clamped his hand on, holding her in place to kiss her. She knew it was from her fighting against it that caused her bruising, but there was no way of explaining that to Shawn, because he would want to know, why the hell was he holding her so tightly, firmly, roughly in the first place? She knew he would ask that, and what could she say? No, she had to cover it up.
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