by Iris Bolling
“I don’t have all the answers to solve all the things you have mentioned tonight. But I can eliminate the cause of your problems, which is the gang activity. As you all know, we received indictments on some of the key people in the organization that is holding your building hostage, Mrs. Gonzalez.”
“Yeah, but will they just get off like before?” one person yelled.
“I don’t take cases to court I can’t win,” JD replied. “The suspects we have will be sent away for a very long time. I am going to be honest. As long as Juan Cortez is out there, he will just replace and rebuild. Therefore, until we get him, things will continue the way they are. We have to hit him from both directions. We will do our part with the law. You must do your part by standing up and fighting back for your neighborhoods.”
“Man, are you crazy? They have guns and thugs that will kill us just for looking at them wrong,” another person responded.
“I believe you,” JD said, “but at some point, you’ve got to say enough is damnit enough. When Lisa Gonzalez was killed, that was enough for me. What is it going to take for you? Maybe your daughter, or your son?”
“So, Mr. Harrison, what can we do? Where do we start?”
Magna interjected, “Start simple, nothing fancy or anything that would cause suspicions. Like a simple community day or block party. Anything that would bring people out as a community, showing a united front.”
“But they will show up, too.”
“Yes, that’s the whole point. Let them see you doing nothing but living, having a good time with each other. Rather than everyone running into their homes at night out of fear, do some cooking, have music; invite your neighbors out of their homes just for one night. Then after that, just start small conversations regularly with other people in the neighborhood, start building alliances. Take one small step at a time.”
JD kicked in. “They did not take over this neighborhood in one night. You are not going to get it back in one night. It will take time, but you’ve got to start somewhere.”
“Well, we could just throw an old-fashioned block party,” Victoria offered. “Pot luck, everyone bring a dish. Get a DJ, for some sounds. Have some activities for the children.”
“Yeah, but how do we keep the thugs out?” someone asked.
“You don’t want to keep them out,” JD said. “You plan the block party; we will provide security for that night.” A few murmurs went through the room. “Not to make any arrests, just a show of force to keep things under control. If they don’t bring no mess, won’t be none.”
The group laughed.
“It costs money to do even a small block party—where is that supposed to come from?” someone asked.
“We’ll find a sponsor. Hell, I’ll pitch in myself, but you all have to remember, I work for the state, I am not a rich man.” JD smiled.
The group laughed and began talking amongst themselves.
“The group is laying plans for the block party,” Magna said to JD. “I think you may have them.”
“Maybe. Your input was on time. Thank you.”
“Let’s hope it works.”
“Oh, I think it’s a good start,” Victoria said, walking over. “This is the first time in a long time I have seen them with even a little ray of hope. JD, I just might forgive you for that interrogation you put me through.” She laughed.
“Yeah, well,” JD replied, “sorry about that. But I was not going to put Mrs. Gonzalez at risk. I did not know you; I wasn’t taking any chances.”
“Well, I’ll do my story on you with just hearsay.” She smiled. “You didn’t check out my place the other night. I was wondering why.”
JD just looked at her.
“Word has it you’re off the block. Can I get a confirmation on that?” Victoria asked flirtatiously.
Magna started to walk away, guessing that the woman was making a pass at JD, and knowing she did not want to be a part of it. JD’s answer stopped her in motion.
“Yes, that is true, and I could not be happier,” JD replied with a smile. Magna smiled. A man actually admitted to this very attractive woman that he was not available.
“Can I quote you on that?” Victoria asked, blinking back, not believing he turned her away.
“Yes, you can.”
Victoria smiled and walked away. Magna looked at JD and smiled. “It must be love, JD.”
“What’s that?”
“You just told that gorgeous woman you were not available to her or anyone else and then you told her she could publish that info. It must be love.”
After the meeting was over, JD was pleased with the outcome. He called Tracy to see where she was—his place or hers. Tracy met JD at the top of the stairs.
“Hey, you,” she said as they exchanged a loving kiss. “How did your meeting go?”
“Better than I expected. The community is planning a block party to show a little unity and hopefully start opening some lines of communication among other neighbors. All I have to do is come up with a sponsor and security.”
“What do you need a sponsor for?”
“Well, most of the people in that neighborhood are living paycheck to paycheck. They can barely feed their individual families, much less provide food or money for a block party.”
“Next Level could sponsor it,” Tracy offered.
He smiled, kissed her, and then said, “You don’t have to do that, but thank you.”
“Well, why not? What would you need, a couple thousand?”
“I don’t think so,” he said, then looked at her. “You have a couple thousand you can give away?”
“Well, it wouldn’t hurt us. Actually, we could use it as a write-off for tax purposes. Tell them whatever they need the funds will be provided, but don’t tell them by whom,” she stated.
“Why?”
“There’s no reason for them to know.”
JD hesitated. “Let me think about that. I’m not sure I want to get you involved with this,” he said, shaking his head.
“Oh, I can be a part of your life with limits,” she said testily.
“No, don’t take it like that,” JD said, “it’s just I’m not too crazy about my girlfriend giving money for one of my causes. It’s a man thing, baby.”
“It’s a man thing,” she repeated, now irritated. “Okay” she said, “let it be a man thing.” She got up from the sofa. “It’ll be a man thing and your ass will be broke with no money. Yeah that’s a man thing. You got this community to at least try to come together on something, but they are going to go broke trying to do it because it’s a man thing. Okay, that makes sense, Jeffrey.”
“Are you upset?” Jeffrey teased as he lay back on the sofa watching her pace.
“Yes, because that’s stupid,” she replied with a little attitude.
He got up, picked her up over his shoulder and headed to the bedroom.
“Jeffrey Daniel, you put me down right now!” Tracy demanded.
“Okay,” JD said. He threw her on the bed, and down on top of her he went. “You’re kind of sexy when you’re mad.” He smiled at her.
“Well, you kind of stupid with that man thingy,” Tracy said smiling, “but you are so damn good looking with those dimples.”
That was that. They were in for the night. During the middle of the night, JD woke Tracy up and asked, “Your company makes enough money to pay Ashley, Monica and you a salary and still have money left over to give away thousands of dollars?”
Still half-asleep, Tracy answered, “Yeah, the company grossed close to one this year.” She closed her eyes.
JD shook her again. “One what?”
“What?” she asked, still half asleep.
“One what?” JD pressed.
“About one million,” Tracy replied, then went back to sleep. He started to wake her again, but decided to ask her in the morning.
Tracy told Ashley about the conversation with Jeffrey the next morning at the office. That day during lunch, Ashley paid JD a visit at
his office. JD was in a meeting with Magna, Dan, Calvin and Brian when Ashley walked in. “Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, but Mrs. Langston was not at her desk.”
“That’s okay, Ash, come on in.” JD smiled. “I think you know everyone except Magna. Magna Rivera, my sister, Ashley.”
“Hello,” Ashley said. Dan was sitting there clearing his throat.
“Oh, this is Dan Graham from the AG’s office.”
“Hello,” he said with a crooked grin and lust in his eyes.
“Hello.” Ashley smiled, noting the look.
Ashley kissed Calvin. “Hey, Squirt.” Calvin smiled.
“Hi, Brian,” Ashley said.
“Whatsup girl, you looking good,” he replied.
“I can’t help it,” she replied then turned to JD. “I have this check for you for the block party. Now, before you hit me with the, It’s a man thing,” Ashley started, “let me say this to you. You’re my big brother and I love you. But if you ever turn down an offer to help people because of your dumb pride I will kick your ass myself.”
“Ashley, you do realize you are in my office talking to me like this in front of people I work with?” JD replied, a little embarrassed.
“Calvin, Brian, is this upsetting to you?” she asked.
“No, I’ve seen him do it to you plenty of times.” Calvin smirked.
“Yeah, me too,” Brian agreed.
“Magna, Dan, have I offended you?” Ashley asked.
“No, I’m good.” Magna smiled.
“You can stay as long as you want and say whatever you want,” Dan replied.
“Thank you, Dan,” Ashley smiled.
“Oh, you’re welcome,” he replied. Calvin and Brian started laughing.
“JD, call the people. Tell them you have the funding to have that block party and if they need more just let us know. And do not argue with Tracy about this. Don’t ever argue with her about money. The company is doing very well and so is she. Don’t be one of those men who have a problem with their woman making more money than him; you’re so above that.”
“Are you finished?” JD asked.
“Yes.” Ashley smiled.
“Good, now get the hell out of my office. I will talk to both you and Tracy later.”
“Okay, I love you.” She grinned and gave JD a hug. “Goodbye, everyone; and Dan, it was so nice meeting you,” Ashley said flirtatiously.
“Get out, Ashley,” JD yelled.
“I’m gone,” she said and left.
“You know,” Magna said, “I’m going to quit my job in D.C. and move here just to see what happens around here next.” She laughed. “I loved that.”
“Oh, you think that’s funny?” JD asked.
“I do, I do,” she replied with a smile.
“Dan, you like your coffee a little dark, don’t you?” Brian asked jokingly.
“That was a good-looking woman,” Dan said. “Baby got back is all I can say”
“Excuse you!” JD roared. “That’s my sister.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry about that, JD. She’s a very attractive woman,” Dan smiled.
“How much is the check?” Calvin asked while laughing.
JD glanced at the check. “Twenty-five hundred.”
“What?” Magna exclaimed. “That will really fund a nice block party. You’re not going to give that check back, are you?”
JD hesitated. “No, we’ll call Victoria and tell her we have the funds for the block party.”
“Good.” Magna exhaled.
“Hey, JD, man, just out of curiosity. How much money does Tracy’s company make?” Brian asked.
Calvin hit Brian. “Man, don’t ask a question like that, what’s wrong with you?” He turned to JD. “But if you want to answer, I won’t stop you.”
All eyes were on JD, waiting for an answer. “I don’t know what she makes,” JD replied, agitated. “I never asked.” No one said anything. All sat there waiting for a reply. “The company is worth close to $1 million,” JD replied with a small frown on his forehead.
“Damn,” the group replied in unison.
Chapter 14
The block party was held a week later, since an anonymous sponsor signed on and provided the funds needed immediately. The AG’s office provided security, mostly volunteers. JD held a meeting with some officers he knew and they brought in a few friends. The city gave permits to block off a section of Hull Street for the party. JD talked with Gavin about the party, who in turn talked to Carolyn about it. Carolyn in turn mentioned it to her father. Ashley mentioned the party to Cynthia and Rosaline. They each pitched in to help with setting up the food. Victoria got a popular radio station to donate some airtime and a deejay for the event.
When JD and Tracy got there, the party was in full bloom. The senator, the AG and the DA’s office were fully represented. It warmed JD’s heart to see the outpour of support from people on his behalf. The first person he searched for was Mrs. Gonzalez.
“Hello, Mr. Harrison, do you see this? Can you believe this turnout?” Mrs. Gonzalez exclaimed with excitement.
“It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it?” JD replied looking around at the crowd. “Mrs. Gonzalez, this is Tracy. Tracy, this is Mrs. Gonzalez.”
“It is so nice to meet you, ma’am.” Tracy smiled.
“You, too. Are you Mr. Harrison’s girlfriend?” Mrs. Gonzalez beamed.
“I think so,” Tracy replied.
JD laughed.
“You got a good man. Look at all he’s done for us. He is a man of his word, and you don’t find that nowadays,” she said. “You hold on to him.”
“I’ll try. What can I help you with?” Tracy asked.
“Oh, honey, you don’t have to do a thing but eat and enjoy the people. Victoria, come here, honey,” Mrs. Gonzalez called. “Meet Mr. JD’s girlfriend.”
“Victoria Murillo.” She extended her hand to Tracy.
“Hello. Tracy Washington.”
“This is a good thing JD has accomplished. Looks like a good turnout,” Victoria commented.
Mrs. Gonzalez came back with a plate. “Tracy here, sit; sit.”
“I’ll tell you what, Mrs. Gonzalez, I will sit if you sit and talk to me,” Tracy replied.
“Oh, honey, I have too many people I have to recruit for the real work, but Victoria will keep you company.”
Mrs. Gonzalez left. Victoria and Tracy sat at a table. “So you are the woman that has taken JD off of the market?” Victoria asked.
“I don’t know about that,” Tracy replied, not sure where this woman was going with her comment.
“That’s what he told me, and I hope it’s true because I put it in print,” Victoria responded.
Senator Roth walked up to JD and pulled him away. “Hell of a turnout, son,” he stated.
“Yes, sir, it is,” JD said, looking back to where Tracy was. “Let’s hope it’s effective.”
“If you get 10 people in addition to what you already have to turn out in a community like this, count it as a success,” the senator replied with a smile.
“Well, thank you for taking the time to support it.”
“JD, whatever you need, whenever you need it.”
“I appreciate that, sir.”
Carolyn spotted JD and her father talking and decided to interrupt. “Well, hello stranger, it’s been a while. Are you alone?” Carolyn asked, looking around.
“Carolyn,” her father said, “not here, not now.”
“I’m just saying hello,” she replied.
“Hello, Carolyn, and no, I’m not alone,” JD replied with an icy voice.
“Oh, Tracy’s here?” Carolyn asked, attempting to locate Tracy. Carolyn was still very livid over the last conversation she’d had with JD. He did not like what she said to Tracy at the park and he had let her know it. He made the mistake of telling her what effect it had on Tracy. “There she is, let me go say hello,” Carolyn exclaimed, and then walked away.
“I’ll take care of that for you
,” the senator said as he went after Carolyn. JD walked behind him and Magna, who was nearby watching the scene that followed.
“Tracy,” Carolyn called out with a sweetness that was filled with loathing, “I see you are still hanging in there.” The senator walked up as JD and Magna stood behind Tracy. Victoria sat there taking in the action.
JD jumped in. “Senator, this is my friend Tracy. Tracy, this is Senator Roth; and you know Carolyn.”
“Hello, Senator, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Tracy said, extending her hand. She turned to Carolyn. “To answer your question, Carolyn, yes I am still around and I plan on being around for a while. Now you can get used to it or not. The choice is yours. But you will not do this at an event like this. It is not the place or time. Here’s my card. Whenever you need to talk, call me. But do try to contain your anger towards me here, today.”
Gavin walked up. “Everything okay here?” he asked, crossly looking at Carolyn.
“Yes,” Carolyn replied with serious attitude, “everything is fine.”
“Good, let’s go,” Gavin responded. “You all enjoy yourselves,” he said as he guided Carolyn away.
“It was really nice to meet you, Tracy,” the Senator said. “The next time I need to put Carolyn in her place, I’m calling you.” He smiled and walked away.
Tracy sat back down. JD rubbed her shoulder and sat beside her. “You okay?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m okay. Go mingle. The people here need your attention right now,” Tracy replied.
He kissed her and said, “All right.”
“I got her,” Magna said to JD as he walked past her. “Hey, ladies, may I join you?” Magna asked. Tracy wondered if this was another one of JD’s issues she would have to deal with.
“I’m Magna Rivera. I’m working on the Gonzalez case with JD.”
“Hello,” Tracy replied.
“Hello, Magna,” Victoria said. Speaking in Spanish, Victoria asked, “Did she just tell the bitch off or what?”
Magna, speaking back in Spanish replied, “I couldn’t have done a better job myself.”
Tracy looked at both of them, and stated, “I could have, but I didn’t think smacking her would make for good publicity.”
