He looked like a kid doing his homework at the kitchen table as he stretched uncomfortably to read a report he’d pulled out of his box. I draped my arms over the table, claiming its surface as my territory. Gilkyson was forced to stay back-out of my reach.
“Hello, Mr. Mozambe,” he said.
“That’s Detective Mozambe.”
“Not anymore. You’ve been fired-effective immediately.”
“On what grounds?”
“You’ve been fired for engaging in police corruption.”
“You don’t have the authority.”
“You’re right. I don’t.” He turned the report around for me. “Here is your termination report, signed by acting Chief of Police Banks. Paul Chang was removed from his position as chief of police. The mayor has appointed Diego Banks in his absence.”
I told myself not to worry. Paul would figure out a way to get his job back. “You won’t get away with this, Karl.”
“We already have. He was escorted from the building a half hour ago.
Gilkyson pulled more goodies from his box. “Now Mr. Mozambe, I have some propositions to discuss with you. I think you’ll be interested in what I have to say.”
I wanted to kick his self-righteous ass. “Talk.”
“We’ve built a case against you. We know you take kickbacks from whorehouses and gambling dens.”
“That’s not true.”
“I thought you might be resistant.”
He started a vid. Holos of Bensaid and me at Bensaid’s bar. Bensaid handed me a wad of money. We started arguing. Bensaid slammed his glass on the table. I walked out.
Next vid: Bensaid testifying against me.
Next vid: Me taking an envelope from a streetwalker in fishnets.
Next vid: Me taking a cut of the pool at a basement card game.
Next vid: Me shaking down a dope dealer, scoring some painkillers for Niki.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! “You can’t do this!” I was up out of my chair, my finger in his face. The pair of uniforms lowered me into my seat.
Gilkyson talked over my head to the uniforms. “If he gets up again, cuff him.” He lowered his gaze to me. “Please spare me your famous temper.”
“What do you want?”
“I want your testimony.”
“You expect me to testify against myself?”
“No. We want you to testify against Paul Chang.”
This was why I was still alive. Simba let me live so they could use me to prosecute Paul. I wished he’d killed me. “No. I won’t do it. I don’t know anything.”
“You were his partner twenty-five years ago. You’re his best friend. You can’t tell me you don’t know anything about his activities.”
“I don’t know anything.”
“You were there when he made his first big busts. In fact, you made them together. You know how he managed to rise so fast through KOP. You know all about his dealings with Ram Bandur and his son Ben. You know everything.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Paul Chang is a great cop.”
“You’ll tell us everything, or else…”
“I won’t do it.”
“…we’ll prosecute you. You’ll go to jail. How long do cops survive in jail?”
“I can’t testify against Paul. Do what you want to me. I’m no rat.”
“Your misguided loyalty is almost touching, Mr. Mozambe. You leave us no option but to go after…let me see…” He checked his notes. “Natasha…is that her name? I understand she goes by Niki.”
I couldn’t speak.
“Her father was a drug dealer; right? She picked up some bad habits from him. I have a warrant here to search your home. Do you think we might find some illegal substances? If we find her in possession of anything illegal, it will carry a mandatory sentence, you know. Two to four years. How will she fare in prison?”
“The pills are mine. You’ve seen my hand. I need them for the pain.”
“The warrant includes blood tests, Mr. Mozambe.”
I lunged over the table. The cops responded with vice-grip holds on my arms. They had me back in my seat before I could touch him.
Gilkyson leaned back in his chair as he set a form in front of me, careful not to get too close. He marked an X. “This form is a testimony agreement. It states that you will testify against defendant Paul Chang in the case of the People vs. Paul Chang on the charges of racketeering, corruption, conspiracy, and participating in a criminal enterprise.”
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!!! My body shook. Paul’s my friend. I can’t do it. I can’t. “You kicked him out of KOP. That’s enough. You don’t need to prosecute him.”
“I’m afraid we do.”
“After all he’s done for Lagarto, you’re going to treat him like this?”
“The man conspires with the most vile criminals in Lagartan history.”
“I can’t do it.” My mouth was bone dry. I needed a drink.
“What’s your answer, Mr. Mozambe?”
Sweat soaked my underarms. I felt sick. I had to piss. I can’t sign.
“Mr. Mozambe?”
We were so close. I held that vid in my hand. What can I do, Paul? I can’t let Niki go to prison. I just can’t. I banged my head on the table…
I’m sorry, Paul. “W-what do I get for signing?”
“I always knew you were more reasonable than your reputation. I will bury the evidence against you. I will let you tear up the warrant to search your home right now.”
“You promise to leave me and Niki alone?”
“I promise. All we want is Paul Chang.”
“I get my pension.”
“That can be arranged. We’ll let you retire instead of being fired. How does that sound?”
What can I do, Paul? “Do you have a pen?”
Gilkyson had to hold my hand still while I moved my fingers and signed by the X. He ran his scanner-hand over my signature, uploading it into the system.
They kept me locked up for another thirty minutes. I spent the time formulating a long-shot plan to save Paul. I had to redeem myself. They unlocked the door and ushered me out of the building before the silent stares of my former workmates. I was weaponless and badgeless. I wasn’t a cop anymore.
I hit the street and was instantly drubbed by pouring rain. I called Paul. His holo materialized on the street, falling rain making his image blur. “Hold on, Juno.” His holo froze on hold. Damn!
I made for the car, Paul’s frozen holo floating alongside. I called Maggie. Her holo appeared on my other side, the three of us moving through the downpour. I blurted, “Where are you, Maggie?”
“I’m at the station. Where are you?”
“They just let me go. I’m on my way to the car.”
“What happened? They wouldn’t tell me anything. All I know is Chief Chang is out as chief, and C of D Banks is in charge. Nobody knows why.”
“They’re forcing me to testify against Paul.”
“You agreed?”
“They have me dead to rights. They were going to arrest Niki.”
“Niki? What for?”
“Never mind that. We can still pull this off, Maggie. I’m going to organize a raid of the spaceport.”
“You’re not a cop anymore, Juno.”
“Paul and I still have loyal friends in KOP. They’re not all rats. We’ll find somebody to do it.”
“What if it leaks back to Simba and the mayor?”
“We go anyway. We’ll find something…we have to find something and find it fast, before the Bandur cartel crashes and the whole city comes under their control. Get all the paperwork together on the shipping orders. We’ll need names, tracking numbers-anything related to Vanguard Supplies. I’ll call you when we’re ready to move.”
We’d get proof of the slavery operation, proof of the mayor’s involvement. Then they’d have to reinstate Paul. They’d let me recant my statement. I’d claim I signed it under duress.
I made it to the car and climbe
d inside. Holo-Paul passed through the passenger side door and took a seat. I waited impatiently until Holo-Paul finally unfroze. “Juno,” he said.
“They’re making me testify against you.” I spat the words so fast that they were hardly intelligible.
“I heard.”
“They were going to arrest Niki.”
“I know, Juno. It’s okay. You did what you had to do.”
“I’m sorry, Paul. I didn’t know what else to do.”
“You had no choice. You’re forgiven, okay?”
The knot in my gut began to loosen. “Thanks, Paul.”
“Listen, Juno, you don’t need to worry about this anymore. You’re off the hook. Sasaki and I have it under control. We just made the decision to go to plan B while you were on hold.”
“What’s plan B?”
“We’re going to take him out.”
“What do you mean?”
“Mayor Samir. We’re putting out a contract on him.”
“Wait, Paul, there may be another way. Let Maggie and me raid the spaceport. We’ll get you evidence of the slave trade.”
“It’s too late for that, Juno. We’re going ahead and offing the bastard. He doesn’t know who he’s messing with.” Holo-Paul smiled all chipper. I could picture Real-Paul’s expression, closed fist, gritted teeth.
“Wait, let’s talk about this first.”
“The decision’s already made, Juno.”
“Dammit, Paul, let me handle this. I’ll prove the mayor and Simba are running slaves. Once we get that proof, we’ll be able to say that they trumped up the charges against you. We’ll say we were probing into the slavery ring and the mayor fired you to kill the investigation. You’ll come out smelling rosy.”
“No. This way is better. You can’t guarantee you’ll get the evidence.”
“Think it through, Paul. The mayor just fired you, and the next day the mayor shows up dead? Everybody will know you were behind it. You’ll lose the public’s support. Once that happens, you’re finished.”
Paul spoke with steely resolve. “He’s taking KOP away from me, from us. I’m not going to let him get away with it.”
“He already took it away. They’re going to charge you with corruption. After you kill him, you think the new mayor’s going to reappoint you?”
“If I lean on him hard enough, he will. I’ll show him pics of his dead predecessor, and he’ll learn to stay out of my way.”
“You think you can intimidate the entire city?”
“If that’s what it takes. We took over KOP, you and me. We can take over the mayor’s office, too.”
“You took over KOP because you wanted to make a difference. What do you want now?”
After an annoyed sigh, he said, “That was a long time ago. I was a fool to think I could change anything. Lagarto can’t be helped, you know that.”
I paused for a few seconds, arranging the words in my head. “You know what your problem is, Paul? You always think too big. Maybe saving the planet is beyond your reach, but you have it in your power to stop the slavery ring. As we speak, Simba’s people are trolling Tenttown, buying up kids.”
“What difference would it make if we did stop Simba? Another slavery ring would just take its place.”
“Yeah, but until it did, think about all the kids that would’ve been saved. It would make a difference to them. ” I took a deep breath. “Listen to me, Paul, if you kill the mayor you won’t get KOP back. Call off the hit, and we’ll talk it out. Where are you?”
“I’m at Bandur’s.”
“I’m coming over.” I started the car and steered for the Bandur place. “Tell me you won’t do anything until we talk.”
I felt encouraged when Paul didn’t respond immediately. He was thinking it over. I was getting through. “You know I’m right,” I said.
“Okay, Juno. We’ll talk first.”
“Is Tipaldi there?”
“Yeah, he’s around here somewhere.”
“Watch out for him, Paul. He’s with Simba.”
“You sure?”
“Hundred percent.”
“Okay, Juno. I gotta go.”
I gunned the gas.
TWENTY-NINE
I swung the car onto Bandur’s street. I knew that if I could just keep Paul from killing the mayor, we could turn it all around. It wasn’t too late.
I left the car running, jumped out into monsoon rain, and rushed up the walk past shrub animals that accused me, the mayor’s turncoat witness, with still stares. Bandur’s door swung open of its own accord. The home system’s voice welcomed me and told me to go to the lounge. I skidded over the stone floor with wet shoes, my twisted ankle making me slide all the more. The lounge door moved aside for me.
The lounge was decorated with recessed lighting and space furniture. Tip Tipaldi came my way.
I met him nose to nose. “You’re a traitor. You told Simba about the vid of the mayor.”
Tipaldi thumped me in the stomach. I keeled over into a fetal ball, gulping for oxygen. I rolled on the lounge floor, Tipaldi’s spit-shined shoes at eye level.
I gasped, “I have to talk to Paul.”
A voice sounded from the far side of the room. “You’re too late, Juno. You missed him.”
I looked around, but couldn’t see the source of the voice from my floored perspective. A pair of scuffed shoes with mismatched socks walked out from behind the bar-Simba. A second pair followed, imported leather-mayor. NO!
I looked up to see the two of them standing in front of me. The smell of recent lase-fire registered in my nose. Oh god, no. It couldn’t be. Paul was still alive. He would still pull through this one. He’d been down before, but he’d always wound up on top. He was too smart to let this happen. He was too damn smart.
The mayor spoke with a politician’s rehearsed tone. “Sorry we can’t talk. We’re on our way out. We’ll be placing our anonymous call in ten minutes, so you won’t want to dillydally.”
I watched the three of them leave, Tipaldi carrying a box brimming with tech equipment-Bandur’s books.
I called out for Paul, knowing there’d be no response. “Paul!” My stomach felt like it had collapsed in on itself. I took deep breaths to keep from vomiting. I crawled on all fours, my arms and legs shaking. I made it to the bar and took a look behind. Matsuo Sasaki and Ben Bandur were lying on the tiled floor, one blackened hole in the back of each head. They’d been done from a kneeling position-execution style.
I grabbed a bar stool and pulled myself up. Music was playing-some kitschy lounge tune.
“Paul! Where are you? Paul?”
I saw him. I went to him, crossing the room on wobbly legs. I said to him, “I’m sorry.” He didn’t answer. He was sitting in an egg-shaped chair that floated over the floor, lase-pistol in his mouth, his brains slagged across the eggshell back of the chair.
I was home, on my sofa, watching the report for what must be the tenth time-Jessie Khalil on the street holding an umbrella, her hair sprinkled with just the perfect amount of rain. Her hair was wet enough to show how she was toughing it out in the elements to bring us the story, yet not so wet that her salon ’do lost shape.
“I am here at the home of Benazir Bandur, son of the deceased Ram Bandur reputed crime boss.”
“His son Benazir…”
“…has denied any involvement in criminal enterprises. A denial that is now proved unequivocally false.”
“It was early this morning that police were given an anonymous call stating that a shooting had occurred on these premises. It is believed that the call came from somebody on the house staff. When police arrived on the scene, they were confronted with a story so shocking that-”
Niki came out of the bedroom. She slept late this morning-pain-pill hangover. “Why didn’t you come to bed?”
I didn’t answer.
I made room for Niki on the couch.
Jessie Khalil reported on. “…Koba’s honored police chief for the past ten years w
as removed from office by Mayor Samir. Last night, the mayor’s office announced that it was going to file an indictment this morning formally charging Chief Chang with multiple counts of racketeering and conspiracy.”
“As you all know, Mayor Samir has made the elimination of corruption in the Koba Office of Police his highest priority since he was elected. We are prepared to take the first step in that direction by filing charges against former Chief of Police Paul Chang, who we allege is guilty of racketeering, corruption, conspiracy, and participating in a criminal enterprise. Former Chief Chang was relieved of his duties immediately when we secured our key piece of evidence, the testimony of police informant Juno Mozambe. Detective Mozambe and Chief Chang were partners many years ago, and Detective Mozambe is set to testify in court against his former boss.”
Niki’s hand slid over to hold mine.
“In a bizarre twist, those charges will no longer need to be filed. Based on the initial findings of the Koba Office of Police, it appears that former Chief Chang came to the home of Benazir Bandur and killed both him and his associate, Matsuo Sasaki, before turning the weapon on himself.”
Niki’s fingernails dug into my palm.
Jessie Khalil rattled on. “Here’s acting Chief of Police Diego Banks.”
“Our initial findings indicate a murder/suicide. It has come as a total shock to me personally as well as to so many of our finest officers that Chief of Police Paul Chang was conspiring with Benazir Bandur, one of our city’s most despicable criminals. It appears that Chief Chang was enraged upon learning of his impending indictment, and he took out his anger on the criminals who had led him down this path. He came to this residence and murdered both Benazir Bandur and Matsuo Sasaki. Uncertain of his imminent life in prison, he sadly took his own life.”
“The mayor is expected to make a statement later this morning, so be sure to stay with us. We will continue to bring you updates as soon as we have them. This is Jessie Khalil reporting for Lagarto Libre.”
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