“What! Screamed Andres. “Are you sure?”
“Si man. It’s Jose. He is wrapped in fishing line and the sharks have been using him for bait. What the fuck man!! He’s fucking muerto!
“Eh. No fucking way!
Felipe cut the rope and dragged the body to the boat. “We have to get rid of him, man. Give me a hand.” Together they loaded Jose’s remains onto the boat and headed out to sea.
As they passed the boat owner’s beach they could see a cop car parked by the house. Andres hit the gas and the boat took off out of the bay towards the wide-open sea. “What are the cops doing there? What’s going on?” Felipe realized that they had to be extra careful. Once out into the open sea they dropped Jose overboard. They threw their handguns overboard knowing they had a further stash back in the cabin.
“What the hell!” Felipe needed to think. The drugs were gone and Jose was fish meat. Andres threw out his line and opened a beer. “Man, we might as well enjoy ourselves. There is nothing we can do today. Better get fishing and bring back a decent catch. I don’t like the looks of a cop at our docking site.”
As the men drank beer and fished in the afternoon sun they were oblivious to the chaos they were causing back at Tiromoana.
Audrey had returned from the beach with only one thing on her mind, - protecting herself, Joan and the stash. She had no choice. She called Detective Bromley to report an arsenal of weapons in two of the cabins. It took only ten minutes for the detective and two other cars to arrive. It was a mystery how the men managed to smuggle in so many guns. Detective Bromley called the local coastguard and notified the Auckland maritime unit and the armed offenders squad.
The coastguard had not reached the men’s boat in time to witness the body or the guns going overboard. By the time they reached the boat the men were happily drinking beer and fishing. They reported back their location and waited for the AOS to instruct them further.
C H A P T E R 3 2
Joan watched the commotion from her cabin. She cursed Ben and Steve for causing Audrey so much trouble. Poor Audrey was just trying to make a living and this was the second time the police had raided the business in just a week.
Wanting to keep out of the way she headed off into Mangonui to find an internet café. Joan, like Audrey, had refused to be sucked into an iPhone and didn’t feel comfortable using Audrey’s computer. Not yet anyway. She pulled her chair closer to the screen, opened up her email and realized she had been neglecting her life back home. Her Facebook page was full of friend’s offering anything they could do to help. “How awful about Ben. “ “I can’t believe it. Poor you.”
The time went by so quickly. As she typed she felt she was taking control of her life for the first time in years.
A search through the sex industry made her realize she had missed the excitement of her career as Black Diamond. Rather than join one of the high- end brothels she would go it alone. Tomorrow she would drive into Kaitaia and pick up a laptop computer. She still had her Visa and it would only take a couple of clients to pay it off. She would set up a website and find a suitable apartment to rent in Auckland. She didn’t want to live in her old suburban house. Living her life as a housewife was over. She would sell it and put Ben’s half in the bank for him. She didn’t want to make any trouble between them. He would only get back at her. The sooner he was out of her life, the better. Her number one goal was to make money, lots of it.
When she returned to Tiromoana the cops had gone and the early evening light shone gold across the grassy slopes. Wood pigeons flew noisily from tree to tree searching for berries and tasty leaves. She knew she would miss this place. She would definitely miss Audrey. When she returned to Auckland, she would go shopping. Black Diamond was known for black lace and pearls. Her wardrobe consisted of French panties, a push up bra, garter belt, sheer black stockings, a single strand of pearls and high heeled black shoes. It was her trademark and men loved it! It made her feel sexy and desirable. Her body began to come alive. She wandered over to the cottage with a special bottle of expensive wine. She knew Audrey could only afford mid-priced wine. Tonight was going to be a special night and it called for a special wine. Tomorrow she would tell Audrey she must leave.
C H A P T E R 3 3
Frankie had lied about having to go to Kerikeri. It was just an excuse to meet with Ben or Steve. Jose had not returned her urgent messages. It had been a couple of days since she had heard from him. Something was wrong. She had found nothing in the guys’ bags. Just dirty laundry. No cell phones, no notebooks, no message, nothing. They could have at least given me a clue as to where they hid the coke. Ninety kilos of coke is not easy to hide. There is only one place it must be. It must be at Hihi somewhere.
She had one last chance to get a message to Ben. He had a wife. Where is she? Did she know about the drop site? Has Ben told her where the coke is? Has she moved the stash somewhere?
Ben lived on Auckland’s North Shore. She checked online and immediately found the address. I am so bloody stupid. Of course she must know what’s going on. Why didn’t I think of this before?
No one was home. The house was locked and obviously deserted. She approached the next-door neighbor who was returning from walking her dog “Do you know where she is? Ben’s wife.”
“Haven’t seen Joan for a few days.” she said pleasantly. “Awful, isn’t it? What her husband did. All those drugs. And he seemed like such a nice guy. I saw the cops talking to Joan before they were arrested. Poor Joan. What is she going to do now?”
Joan knew the cops were after them. Did she follow them to Hihi? Did she warn the guys and they gave her the drugs to stash? Where the fuck is she? She needed to find her and the drugs – Now!
The four-hour drive back to Hihi was uneventful except for the constant demands of her business. Running ten brothels and hundreds of sex workers was exhausting. Each brothel had a manager whose job was to ensure the girls’ health and safety and handle the day-to-day running of the business including depositing the daily take. Before eftpos and debit cards it was mostly cash. Now cash accounted for only thirty percent of her business. Keeping the expenses down and the income up was her area of expertise. Her girls were all independent contractors who paid a percentage of their earnings to her company for the use of her first-class parlors and for providing their clientele. She only handled the best of the best. Fees started at five hundred dollars per hour to over two thousand dollars an hour. Her girls were law students, medical students, housewives, doctors, CEOs, and businesswomen. They all had one thing in common. They liked what money could buy whether it was jewelry or paying college fees. Once they were in the sex business it was difficult to leave. Nowhere else could you make that sort of money and the age window was getting smaller and smaller. Men wanted young girls. Even though it was legal for someone under the age of eighteen to offer sex for money. It was not legal for a brothel to hire anyone under eighteen.
Frankie’s phone didn’t stop ringing all the way to the Hihi turnoff. The manager of the Christchurch parlor was having a problem. Her girls were complaining about the percentage they were getting – they wanted more. Running a business was expensive. Let them go out on their own and see if they can generate the regular flow of clients she provided. Frankie had been in the business now for over twenty years – over a decade before it had become legal. Sex workers today even had their own union. It just wasn’t the same.
Arriving in Hihi she checked into a cabin at the motor camp on the beach rather than risk staying at the Tiromoana Resort. The less she showed her face, the better. She spent most of the evening calling all the local hotels and motels in the Doubtless Bay area looking for Joan Williams. Her last call was to the Tiromoana Cabin Resort. They said they didn’t know of a Joan Williams and had no future bookings for her.
It seemed fishy to Frankie. It was almost as though the woman recognized Frankie’s voice. She presumed it was the bitch who had called the police on her. It had turned into a dark and moonle
ss night. She would walk up the peninsula and check out the cabin sites. If Joan were staying there she would soon find out.
She had known whom to call. He was most obliging and did a quick check of Joan’s credit card expenses revealing a purchase made in a Thai Restaurant in Mangonui just a few hours ago. She took her gun and looked again at a photo of Joan. She looked familiar. I know her. Then she remembered. Black Diamond! She is Black Diamond, the infamous high-end sex worker. She was the best in the industry. I know her! I wanted her to work for me years ago but she was too good for me. Stuck up bitch. So this is how she ended up. She married Ben. Well Mrs. Black Diamond, looks as though we are going to be working together now, one way or another.
C H A P T E R 3 4
As soon as Audrey hung up the phone, she knew. She had recognized the butch woman’s voice. It was a voice she wouldn’t forget, deep, raspy, rude and masculine. It was Frankie! And she was looking for Joan. Well fuck her! She isn’t going to find her. Audrey walked over to Joan’s cabin and found her getting out of the bathtub. She looked wet and wonderful. Her thick black hair was dripping a puddle on the entrance floor as she stood in the doorway. Before she could utter a single word Joan reached over and gave her a kiss.
“Hi”, she whispered softly in Audrey’s ear. “I was just going to invite you over for a glass of wonderful wine. I picked up some delicious looking Thai food. It is my treat tonight. I thought we would just stay in and watch a movie. What do you think?”
Audrey loved Joan’s impetuous nature. She was always so positive and fun to be around. “Of course. That sounds perfect! But I am worried. I just got a call from a woman and I am sure it was Frankie.
“The same Frankie who was here looking for the guys?”
“Yes, it was her. Her voice is so unique. She is looking for you. I would feel happier if you stayed in my cottage tonight. I don’t trust her. I wouldn’t be surprised if she turns up.”
Snuggled together on the big chaise chair they turned on the ten o’clock news and sat back in total absorption as they heard, “This afternoon the police arrested two men they believe are part of a cocaine smuggling syndicate based in Mexico. The coastguard made the arrest when the two men were found in a local hired boat. An arsenal of illegal weapons was seized from an address in Hihi. Detective Constable Bromley did not identify the men, but said they were turned over to the Organized Crime Agency. Superintendent Peter Barton would not release their names until the defendants make their initial appearance in court. These arrests were made just days after six men were found in a Northland resort with a kilo of cocaine with a street value of over $300,000.“
“Shit! They arrested them at sea. How the hell are they tied up with Ben and Steve? You don’t suppose there are more drugs? Oh my God! Audrey, you don’t think they were after me, do you?”
“I don’t think so. How would they even know you were here?”
“I suppose you are right. I wonder what that woman, Frankie wants me for?”
“Who cares? It is our night tonight. Stuff all the men and look-alike men out there! She raised her glass and the toasted. “To us.”
It was in the wee hours of the morning when Audrey heard soft footsteps walking towards the ridge. The gravel driveway was the only access to the property and the crunch of footsteps was undeniable. She grabbed her robe and left Joan sleeping peacefully in her bed. Audrey could see someone in the shadows. She recognized her shape. It was Frankie. She was going from cabin to cabin obviously looking for someone. She’s looking for Joan.
“Can I help you, Frankie?” Audrey asked as she stepped up behind her.
Frankie jumped. “Yes, I was looking for Joan Williams, Ben’s wife. I heard she came up here looking for him before he was arrested and I thought she might still be staying here.”
How the hell did she know she came here? I bet she is bluffing. “Joan Williams?” She paused. “Can’t say I remember her.” I only have a couple staying in one of the cabins. They are from Dunedin. The other cabins are vacant. “She obviously hasn’t heard the news tonight.
“I am sorry I can’t help you. And this is private property so I must ask you to leave.” Audrey said defiantly. Fuck her!
“Don’t think you can fuck with me. I know it was you who called the cops on me. I don’t know what your game is. But you are up to something. Tell Joan I know about her past. You know she is Black Diamond, a high-class prostitute. I used to know her years ago. I know she is tied up with the missing coke. That’s right. Ninety kilos of coke buried here on your property. The cops are going to get wise to it and you can say goodbye to your business.”
Audrey removed the gun from her robe pocket. “Is that right? She said as she put a bullet right in the center of Frankie’s forehead.
C H A P T E R 3 5
The Kaikoe prison was modern. It was quite different from other corrections facilities. It had a highly secure perimeter fence enclosing a large open space and a collection of separate buildings. Being a minimum to high security level, it housed over five hundred prisoners of various risk levels.
The local Maoris complained about the prison being built on thermal land. No one listened and over a million dollars was been spent trying to repair the sinking complex.
Ben had spent the morning pacing up and down his cell. He knew he was facing some serious prison time and realized he had only one way out.
“So you want to make a deal?” The man in the blue suit asked.
Ben looked at the two guys from the National Drug Intelligence Bureau and spoke directly to the guy from the Organized Crime Unit who was right in his face.
“That’s right. I have some information that will blow your mind. You think that one kilo of coke was the whole stash. It wasn’t. We pulled one hundred kilos of coke out of the bay and there is a lot more coming to shore.” Ben watched as the cop’s expression changed from menacing to pure shock.
“One hundred kilos? You brought in one hundred kilos? Where the hell is it?”
“So I get a deal?”
“Not so fast. Your mate, Steve has decided to talk too. The first one to talk gets the deal so you had better not leave anything out.”
Ben told the whole story: how he met Steve in Paremoremo earlier last year and his long time association with Frankie. Frankie’s association with a guy named Jose who was tied up with a Mexican cartel and headed the Australian cocaine business. How Jose had set Frankie up in business and the plan to use the parlors to distribute the coke to their high-end customers.
The first drop was at the Doubtless Bay beach. The stash was to be kept in the remote cabins at Tiromoana. But the stash was stolen. Only an open one-kilo bag was left. That was the bag the cops found when they were arrested.
“I have no idea where Frankie or Jose are.” He told the officers. “I have not heard from Frankie since our arrest.”
“Have you tried calling her?” the cop asked
“No. I knew the coke was missing and shit would hit the fan. I knew she would contact me sooner or later. Later suited me.”
“Do you think it was Frankie or Jose who could have taken the coke?”
“No. Why would they? They needed us to distribute it. We were just to hold on to the stash for a couple of days until secure locations were set up for them.
“How often were the beach drops scheduled?”
“Every couple of weeks initially. Same location. Same plan. Unless we heard otherwise.” Ben replied.
“Who knows about the missing stash, apart from you, Steve and your crew?” asked one of the suits.
“Just us, as far as I know.” Ben said.
“So Frankie doesn’t know?”
“Not unless someone told her.” Ben replied.
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing. Just that she has friends in high places, customers, you know.” Ben said looking around the room.
“We’ll check out your story,” said Superintendent Peter Barton. “If it checks out we will be in t
ouch.”
Ben was cuffed and taken back to his cell leaving his lawyer, Rick, to continue the discussion. Rick gave the Super the contact information for Frankie. He explained to the group Frankie had called him wanting to see Ben. She had even asked him to arrange it. It only confirmed her involvement in the whole set up.
“As far as I know, she hasn’t talked to them. I understand she wasn’t on their contact list. Now I know why.” He surmised.
“The meeting was over. Detective constable Jimmy Bromley left knowing he must call Audrey immediately. There was a possibility she was in danger. Why is it always Audrey who attracts danger? What is it about that woman?
C H A P T E R 3 6
Joan heard the door close and looked at the bedside clock. Where is she going? It’s two thirty in the morning? She grabbed her clothes and followed Audrey into the night.
She heard them, voices raised, angry shouts. Who is it? Who is she talking to? Then she heard the shot. Holy shit!
Audrey was still holding the gun. A woman lay bleeding on the wet dewy grass.
“What have you done?” She said in horror. “Who is she?”
“You don’t recognize her?” Audrey asked quietly. “She was looking for you. She had a gun. I shot her in self defense.”
“But why? Why would she be looking for me? I don’t understand. I don’t know her.”
“Apparently you do.” Audrey replied “She said she knew you as Black Diamond. She also knew about Ben and the coke. She was out of her mind. Crazy. I asked her to leave. She wouldn’t and pulled a gun. I had no choice, Joan.”
“Oh. It is all my fault.” She said looking at the dead woman. “Shit! I do recognize her. It’s Frankie Perkins! She owns the biggest chain of brothels in the country.” Oh Shit! I’m in deep trouble! Joan’s mind was spinning. “I knew her years ago when I ran an escort business as Black Diamond. But I haven’t been in the business for years. I haven’t seen her for years. I’m sorry Audrey, I should have told you. In fact I was going to tell you tonight. I need money and I was thinking about going back into the business. Now, I don’t know what to do.“
The Murder Trail: The Audrey Murders - Book Three Page 6
