When I rounded the corner of Tiff’s block, a florist was just beginning to open his shop. I paused when I saw him in the window, placing arrangements of lilies on display. It was a stark contrast to the snow that still graced the ground in spots. Winter had been hanging on this year, and even though spring was technically just around the corner, Mother Nature had been saying otherwise.
My chest tightened as I thought about my father and how he used to bring my mother lilies. It was their thing. They were her favorite so if he had to work late, apologize for something, or tell her he loved her, whatever the case may be, he always brought lilies. His unit teased him about it because most women wanted roses, but not my mother. Whenever I went to see them now, I always took her some since he couldn’t do it anymore.
When the clerk in the store flipped the sign hanging in the door to ‘open’, I made the decision to enter. I quickly purchased a single lily, and then raced back to Tiff’s. Conflicting emotions swirled inside me. I wanted to grab onto the happy moments. The moments that happened when we forgot the outside world, and I was able to let her see the real me. I wanted that more than anything, but I knew I couldn’t have it. What happened if I let her in, and she was taken away? Could I survive knowing that Tiff was gone because I couldn’t protect her? Simon’s gang was still out there somewhere. He thought he’d taken everything that meant something to me when he took my parents, but if he found out about Tiff, I knew he’d take her too.
I took the stairs to her apartment two at a time. The knob twisted silently, and I crept inside, making my way into the kitchen. I opened a drawer and searched for a pen before tearing a small piece of paper off a takeout menu. I scrawled the words I couldn’t tell her aloud as I ended whatever this was between us. I couldn’t risk hurting her further, and I knew if I stayed, that’s exactly what would happen. Tiff needed to forget me. She needed to find someone who could give her what she wanted and needed. She had to move on, and as I placed the lily over the paper, I said a silent prayer that one day she’d forgive me for what I was doing to her.
ooooooooo
“So that’s it? You’re going to leave knowing what’s here? You’re signing up for this even though you don’t have too?” Dev growled as he leaned over my desk. I’d gone to the station to tell the boss I’d take the job they’d offered me last week. My brother was back to his old ways running dope on the streets for Simon, and neither knew anything about me being a cop.
The last time either one saw me I was trying to get out. I’d told Simon I wasn’t interested anymore. He didn’t know I followed my dreams, and was doing exactly what I’d planned. I wasn’t in Narcotics. I never had been, so I didn’t run into his goons when they were arrested. Dev didn’t even know I had a connection to these lowlifes. No one did. Dev and I had said we were getting out. I’d jumped at the chance, and had been doing fine in my new role, but something inside me kept telling me to run from Tiff and I knew this was a way to do just that. I could push her away, and take down the assholes who destroyed my life all in one swoop. I’d come to the station as soon as I’d left Tiff’s. I could still smell her on me, could still feel her against me when I closed my eyes.
“I need to do this. You don’t understand,” I grumbled.
“Then help me understand. We’re partners. How can I have your back if you don’t open up to me?” He shook his head as he pulled his desk chair out and sat down. “What am I supposed to tell your girlfriend when she asks about you? You know she will.”
I narrowed my eyes on him, “She’s not my girlfriend. We’re not together anymore.” I yanked open my desk drawer and grabbed a stack of paperwork for the job I was taking. I was using a fake ID. Si knew Jase Stevenson, but he knew Jase as a kid. My hair was shorter, I had scruff on my jaw, broader shoulders, and I’d gotten a few tats since he saw me last. I hoped he didn’t remember me, but if he did, that was fine too. I’d been doing this long enough that I could get in with him. I’d done it before, I’d do it again.
“Not anymore,” Dev mumbled as he scratched his jaw and slowly shook his head. “What the fuck did you do?”
“I didn’t DO anything. It would’ve never worked. She’s too good for me. I can’t be that guy,” I grumbled as I holstered my gun. “I gotta go. I’ve got a job to do. Here,” I tossed a burner cell at him. “You’re my contact. Call me on that with updates. Boss wants to talk to you too. I’m outta here,” I grabbed the black beanie that was sitting on my desk and tugged it onto my head before slipping into my leather jacket. I had to look the part if I wanted to be successful at infiltrating this group. They were tight; if any red flags popped during this first meeting, I was screwed.
“Sure,” Dev nodded, resigned that he wasn’t talking me out of this. “I hope you get the answers you’ve been looking for, and I hope you come to your senses about that woman. She’s exactly what you need, and I don’t know how you just up and left her.”
“She wanted tomorrow, and I can’t do that. I can only do todays...and she deserves more...so much more,” I called over my shoulder as I jogged out of the station, hopped on my bike, and rode off to my meeting with Si’s lieutenant, Malcolm.
Chapter 4
Jasen
While navigating the streets as I headed toward the south side of the city, I let my mind wander back all those years ago. This area used to be so much nicer. I never thought twice about venturing down here as a teen, but now as I looked at the rundown buildings and the bars on the windows, I couldn’t help but cringe. This was where I was gonna live for the next however many months it took to put Simon away.
I pulled over when I reached the Rosemont. It’s a dilapidated building that was once one of the nicest hotels around. The paint has faded, and there’s a homeless man sitting beside the front steps. He had a blanket wrapped around him and was shivering. I paused as I turned off my bike and released a deep breath. This is it. Home sweet home. Well, pretend home anyway.
I tugged my helmet from my head and slipped my beanie back in place. After climbing off the bike, I reached into the inside pocket of my coat and grabbed a twenty. As I climbed the stairs to the front entrance of the building, I tossed the money to the man and nodded. He smiled gratefully as he tried to stand. I’m sure he’s on his way to score his next fix; I hoped I was wrong and that he was getting food.
Once inside, I looked around. The place was worn, with peeling paint and threadbare carpets. A guy with greasy hair sat behind a set of bars at the front desk. A small TV behind him played the latest game. He had a cigarette stub hanging from his lips as he rocked back on the chair he was sitting in.
“Need a room.” I dropped my helmet to the ground for effect. I had to turn off the manners and be the asshole I was supposed to be. He turned with an annoyed look on his face, but when he saw me, his lips curled into a smile.
“For how long? I’ve got some that rent by the hour, and if you’re lucky, one of those fine pieces will join you.” His head tipped to the right, indicating the women that were perched near the back of the room.
“I’ll pay you for a week up front, and then by the day,” I growled in disgust.
“Big spender,” he muttered as he spun in the chair to look at the line of keys hanging on the wall behind him. He grabbed one, turned, and slapped it on the counter. “Four fifty,” he sneered.
I slapped several hundreds on the counter and grabbed the key from him. This was a cash only establishment, and I couldn’t risk giving a name to anyone that wasn’t necessary. Having the money on me helped me fit in with the dealers that were going to be in and out of my room over the next several days. I nodded at him as my fingers closed over the key, and I grabbed my things.
The go bag I packed fit easily over my shoulder as I made my way to the third floor. The lights in the dirty hallway flickered as if they were taunting me. The dreary surroundings just made my mood sink farther as I finally reach the door to my room. “Need any company?” A female voice sounded behind me, causing me to paus
e as soon as my hand touched the knob.
I turned to face her and almost let the hard exterior slip. She couldn’t be more than fifteen years old. She was barely covered, and the way she pushed her chest out said that she was new to this. Her teeth weren’t yellowed from the drugs yet, and her arms were clear of track marks.
I sucked in a breath as she moved closer. Her hips swayed as she wobbled in the tall black knee boots she wore. “I can make you feel real good.” Her small hand rested on my chest, and all I could do was stare at it. Her fingers, covered in bright red polish, scratched down my chest and abs in a painfully slow movement that caused every muscle within me to tighten.
“Play the part, play the part,” I recited in my head over and over as I let go of my conscience and turned into Max. “Not today, sweetheart,” I chuckled. “I’ve got places to be.”
“I’ll be out front later if you change your mind,” she turned, waved her fingers in the air, and left me standing there.
My shoulders dropped as soon as she rounded the corner, and I pushed open the door to my room. It was exactly as I expected. A bed that had a dip in the center was pushed against the far wall. It was a wire frame, and when I tossed my bag on it, it squeaked. The carpet was threadbare with a few burn marks from cigarettes that had been dropped. The seventies wallpaper was peeling in places.
The first thing I did was open the window to air the place out. The cold wind that blew in reminded me that I’d need to sleep fully clothed so I didn’t freeze to death if I ever had to actually sleep here. I had another room across town in a mid-priced hotel that would be home base for me to crash, but I had to fit this part. If I wanted Simon to take me seriously, I needed to cover every base.
I opened up my bag and took stock. I had a roll of cash to use for buying and a brick of coke to trade. I was supposed to be a middle man for Simon and his new supplier. He didn’t know his new supplier was the CPD. I took the small baggies that would be used for testing, and folded them into my coat pocket, before securing the cash and the rest in a water tight bag. I placed it in the tank of the toilet. This was only place that was secure in this dump. I took one last glance around before tapping out a text to Dev.
Landed. Heading to meeting now
I clicked the phone closed, silenced it, and stuffed it in my pocket. I couldn’t risk it going off during my meeting with Malcolm, but I’d needed to check in. I scanned the room once more, making sure I hadn’t left any trace of myself before locking the door and heading downstairs. I slipped my helmet on as I passed through the lobby, keeping my eyes straight ahead. I didn’t have time to talk to any of the hookers, and really didn’t want to deal with the sleaze ball at the front desk.
Once outside, I climbed on my bike and made my way to Ruby’s diner. It was a small local joint that had been home to Simon’s dealings long before I ever came into the picture. I knew when Malcolm requested the meeting there it was because they’d never dealt with me before, and I was sure Si would be nearby watching the entire thing.
When I pulled into the parking lot, I sat on my bike, gathering my thoughts for a few moments. I needed to get into character and bring Max back. I’d stuffed him away long ago and hadn’t used the alias in years, but he was just the type to be in on this type of dealing. After settling myself, I climbed off and tucked my helmet under my arm. I pulled my piece out of the glove box on the bike and stuffed it in the waistband of my jeans before squaring my shoulders and heading inside.
The place was quiet, with very few customers. It was the middle of the day, and I was sure if I’d come at mealtime, it would be a different story. An older woman who looked like she’d seen better days stood leaning against the counter, thumbing through a newspaper. Her eyes glanced up at mine when she heard me enter. She sighed as she placed the paper on the bar and grabbed a coffee pot from behind her. I was sure the coffee had been sitting there since breakfast and probably tasted like tar at this point. I let my eyes scan the place as I walked toward a booth in the back. There was an older man with graying hair sitting with a piece of pie in front of him. His overall appearance set him apart from the neighborhood, and I assumed this was Malcolm.
“Malcolm?” I stopped beside him and tipped my chin down, letting my eyes meet his.
“About fucking time. You’re late!” he slowly stood and motioned for me to sit. I was late, but only by maybe two minutes, nothing to get worked up over.
“Won’t happen again. Had a little lady trouble.” I smirked as I nodded at him. These types only understood two things, women and drugs.
“Ah,” he nodded thoughtfully. “She mad you had to leave?”
“Something like that,” I muttered as I thought about Tiff and how pissed she was going to be when she found out what I’d done. “You here alone? I thought the boss man wanted a taste?”
“He will,” Malcolm smiled and then it faltered slightly as he corrected himself. “I mean he does.”
“Wait!” I growled as I started to stand. “I thought this was a meeting to set up a relationship with Simon. I thought he had agreed to this. What aren’t you telling me?” I sneered as I shook my head in disgust. “I don’t have time for games here. When Simon’s ready, you can call me back.”
“No, he’s ready. I swear. We just needed to know if you were for real.” Malcolm groaned before leaning back in the booth and letting out a low whistle. At that moment, the waitress stopped by the table and set a piece of pie in front of me. My instincts told me to thank her, but I bit my tongue. Max would never thank anyone. “That woman really twisted you up, huh?” he chuckled.
“You have no idea. I need to get some pussy. Preferably some that’s not weathered, if you know what I mean.” I let the sinister smirk I was so famous for slip into place.
“My man,” Malcolm snickered as he slapped the table. “You have come to the right place; I can hook you up.” His phone chimed right then and I glanced out the window as he checked the text. “You’re up.” He clapped me on the shoulder as he stood. “Boss man wants me to bring you up.” He pointed to a building across the street that looked deserted.
“You run the operation from there?” I scoffed. “Doesn’t look very reliable.”
“Don’t tell Si that. He thinks he has Fort Knox, but anyone that would challenge him would be a dead man anyway.”
ooooooooo
I tossed some bills on the table before Malcolm led me outside and across the street. The way he darted his eyes around made me wonder if he was on some of Simon’s product. I know that’s how Si hooked my brother, Jax. Jax was always high when he came around me. If he wasn’t, he was coming down from something and begging me for his next fix. I’m sure that was just Si’s way: get ‘em hooked so they’ll keep coming back.
Malcolm crept through a door, leading me down a hallway and into the room at the end. From the outside you’d never know what was inside. It looked nothing like the rundown building I thought it was. The room was set up with plush furniture, a full service bar at one end, and a door on the other end that looked like it led into a bedroom. Si was sitting with his back to us in one of the chairs. He hadn’t said a word, and I couldn’t see his face, but I knew by the outline of his body that it was him.
“How’d the testing go today?” His voice was ominous, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself. This fucker was not getting away with this shit anymore. I was shutting him down if it was the last thing I did.
“Wanted to wait for you, Boss. I brought the product with me,” Malcolm chimed as if walking me across the street was some big feat.
“Ah,” Simon turned, and when I saw his face, my entire world spun around me. It took me back fourteen years to when I was just sixteen. He’d seemed so big and powerful then. Now he just looked old. His face held more wrinkles, and his muscular frame had withered. His hair was almost white, but still combed back like he used to style it. The suit he was wearing was probably expensive, but it look
ed cheap. He smiled a cunning smile as he waltzed over. “Well, what do we have here? New supplier, eh? You think you can give me a better deal than I’m currently getting?” His head tipped to the side as he appraised me.
“I know I can, Sir.” I stared him right in the eyes. Calling him sir showed that I had respect; the way in with these guys was making them feel like you thought they were important. He smirked as he used a toothpick to pick at his teeth. “I like you,” he slapped my shoulder as he glared at Malcolm. “I don’t even fucking know you, and I like you. Show me what you got,” he offered as he motioned to the bar along the back wall.
I reached into my coat pocket to grab the small packets I placed there earlier while Si grabbed a mirror and razorblade. He chuckled when I placed the packet on the bar and crossed my arms over my chest. “Confident,” he nodded approvingly. “I like it.”
“When I know the product’s good, why wouldn’t I be?” I shrugged.
“Cocky too. You sure you don’t want to work for me? I could use someone like you,” he poured the powder onto the mirror and began creating lines.
“If these fuckers don’t pay up, I might just take you up on that,” I snickered as he placed the straw in front of the blow and leaned over. One sniff and he was pinching his nose. His eyes rolled shut as he stood motionless, letting the high take over.
“That’s some good stuff,” he murmured. “You can get me more of this?” He motioned to the line that was left on the mirror.
“If the price is right,” I nodded.
“You bring me a couple of kilos and I’ll make you a rich fucking man.” He closed his eyes again before pointing me to Malcolm. “He’ll write up the paperwork,” he chuckled as he shuffled back toward the other end of the room. He disappeared through the doorway, allowing it to shut behind him.
Promise Me Tomorrow: Book 3 in the Witness Series (Volume 3) Page 4
