Tempted by the Badge

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  Joanna sighed. “I guess so.”

  “You got kids?”

  Joanna shook her head. “No.”

  “It’s harder if you have kids. Not being able to see your children grow up. My daughter was six the first time I got locked up. She was eight when I got out. Losing those two years hurt us both.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “No reason for you to apologize. I know what I did and why I did it. I hate that I got caught, but crap happens!”

  “So why did you go to jail the first time?”

  “I like to eat. And I needed to feed my baby girl. I worked for this nonprofit and I started helping myself to some of the donations to supplement my minimum wage. I got a little greedy and it caught up with me. I served time for an embezzlement charge.”

  “You’re not scared about this new charge? Drug trafficking is a big deal, isn’t it?”

  “Hell yeah, I’m scared! I just hope I get a good public defender.”

  The two women continued chatting for over an hour. Joanna appreciated the other woman’s perspective about their situation. She didn’t feel quite so alone. When an officer returned, calling Gloria by name and unlocking the cage door to let her out, Joanna was a little sad to see her go.

  She was beginning to wonder why she hadn’t heard anything from Ellington or Mingus. She wasn’t sure if she was allowed one phone call, or if she would be seeing a judge before the day ended. Every time she asked a passing officer, she was ignored. She was beginning to feel abandoned, even though she knew she wasn’t. She had no doubt Mingus was doing whatever he needed to get her out, but she hated that she had made being able to do so such a chore.

  Joanna lay her body against the cot, pulling her knees to her chest. The wool blanket scratched her arm and the pillow was thin. All she could do, she thought, was go to her happy place and think about what made her happy. Thinking about Mingus had her wishing they were back in her home, in her bed, still making love. Their night together had been as near perfect as either could have imagined. Now she was missing him and thinking that her impatience, and her impulsiveness, had clearly been a mistake.

  Chapter 16

  Even though he didn’t often say it out loud, Mingus appreciated that when he bent the rules, he had family members who were willing to help him bend them back. He knew Joanna was not going to be happy with their decision, and that she might not forgive him for her current situation, but she was safe. Her safety was his primary concern.

  He stepped through the storefront entrance of the Wicker Park neighborhood restaurant. His father had insisted on meeting him at Schwa, a fine-dining establishment with a renowned chef whose artistry with the food fully engaged the senses. They typically serviced an exclusive clientele, patrons waiting weeks for a reservation, but the Chicago police commissioner always seemed to be able to snag a table when he wanted one.

  Commissioner Black was seated near the window. He was holding court, in conversation with the young waitress, who was giggling at the attention. His father gave him a nod as he took his seat. “My prodigal son, I was surprised when you called me.”

  “It’s good to see you, too, Dad.”

  Mingus gave the waitress a smile as his father waved her away.

  She returned moments later, resting two shots of bourbon on the table, announcing the chef was preparing their meals. Mingus knew to expect the unexpected. The meal would be twelve courses of freshly prepared decadence, the two table settings putting them back some two hundred dollars each. He would enjoy each plate. He always did, but a burger and fries from 25 Degrees would have served him just as well.

  His father always chose Schwa when he wanted Mingus to remember the finer things in life, like he would forget his family’s affluence if he didn’t partake in reminders so ultra-extravagant. Dinner at Schwa was supposed to be an example of what one could achieve with hard work, commitment and dedication. Mingus always showed up to remind the patriarch that he had raised them all to be more pragmatic, abstemious and thrifty. That his hard work didn’t necessitate unnecessary accolades and honors. It had become a thing with them and something the two shared at least once every other month.

  The patriarch had a thing with each of his children. He and Armstrong shared their love of the prestigious Union League Club of Chicago. Parker and their father both collected Winchester rifles, spending hours together searching for the beloved antiques. Jerome traveled with his daughter’s annually, surprising them with vacations to destinations that only they shared. The city of Paris had been the first trip for both girls, celebrating their sixteenth birthdays.

  He and Mingus dined extravagantly, both considering themselves connoisseurs of great cuisine. The two men had an affinity for good food and always challenged each other with conversation.

  “Parker told me about the situation with your friend. Your brother is taking a lot of risk to help you.”

  “I like to think Parker is doing what’s right, even when the system is set up against Joanna, wanting to see her fail.”

  Jerome’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly. “Well, you and I always do see things differently. I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything to change.”

  “I disagree. I think you and I see things exactly the same. You’re just willing to accept things I’m not.”

  Jerome shook his head, his annoyance visible. “So, what can I do for you, son? I’m sure you weren’t calling just to enjoy my engaging repertoire.”

  “What can you tell me about the Tower Group?”

  His father bristled ever so slightly. “What do you want to know?”

  “Who are they laundering money for?”

  There was an awkward pause. Jerome sat back in his seat. “Why don’t you start by telling me what you do know?”

  Mingus sat forward, folding his hands together on top of the table. He’d been digging since the organization had come on his radar. Following the paper trail, he’d discovered his parents had invested a substantial amount of money in two of the Chicago skyscraper projects. On the surface it seemed to be a typical real-estate venture. But it was tied to moneyed speculators with questionable backgrounds that gave rise to suspicion. “I know you have a substantial investment in the company,” he said.

  “I do, but it’s completely aboveboard.”

  “That’s questionable.”

  “Are you saying it isn’t?”

  “I’m saying I have questions. I also know that anything tied to the Balducci family is never on the up-and-up.”

  One of the oldest crime families in Chicago history, the Balducci family was notorious. His father and the Balducci patriarch, Alexander Balducci, had a long-time friendship that many didn’t understand. For years the two had walked on opposite sides of the law. Even their children had history of going toe-to-toe with fatal outcomes. His brother Armstrong had gone up against Alexander’s sons and both had lost; one his freedom and the other his life. But through it all, Jerome had continued a relationship with the man that others would have publicly distanced themselves from.

  “Until you can show me there’s something illicit about my investment, then it shouldn’t be a problem. Whether people want to admit it or not, the Balduccis have done a lot of good in this town.”

  “Is that before or after the drugs and prostitution? Is there anything they’re not trafficking illegally?”

  “Don’t be a smart-ass,” Jerome snapped.

  The chef delivered the next course himself, interrupting the conversation. He’d plated a fried fish tray of walleye, morels, malt vinegar, fava and blackberries. Mingus sat back, offering little to the conversation, as the young man and his father chatted about the food. From the first bite to the last, the dish was exceptionally good.

  They both fell into silence as they savored the meal. His father was watching him intently and Mingus knew he was carefully choosing his words be
fore he spoke.

  “If there is anything untoward about the investments with the Tower Group or how it’s operating the business, I don’t know it. I haven’t been given any reasons to believe they’re not what they say they are.”

  “What about the third project they’re trying to get off the ground?”

  “It’ll be much like the other two. Investors have been assured of a sizeable return on their investments. Personally, your mother and I have netted a gain of fifteen percent on the first project and twenty-three on the second. We could potentially earn over thirty on the next one. And for the record, I took the deal to Alexander. He didn’t bring it to me. His company didn’t come on board until the second building. But the Tower Group has been a part of my portfolio since before building one was even under consideration. I helped secure that financing. There’s a minimum buy-in for investors and Balducci’s pockets are deep enough that he didn’t blink. Plus, it was a good deal.”

  “What’s the minimum?”

  “One million.”

  Mingus blinked as he let that settle. He continued. “The proposed location for the third skyscraper... Do you know why they want that property?”

  His father shrugged. “Look, prime real estate of any kind is a hot commodity. The right building site and investors can make millions on these projects. The wrong site can mean the difference between ten million and one hundred million.”

  “Do you know a man named Frank Sumpter?”

  “We’ve met, and I’ve talked to him briefly. He is spearheading building three. I know that securing financing was a challenge for him at first, but he seems to have gotten it done.”

  “Is there a public record of the investors somewhere?”

  “Now, Mingus, you know how that works. People know what we want them to know.”

  “Do you know who the investors are? Even the ones who don’t want to be known?”

  His father gave him a look, suddenly tight-lipped. He turned his attention back to the food on his plate, polishing off the last bite of his fish. He dropped his fork to his plate and wiped his napkin over his lips. “So, let me ask you a question, son. What does all of this have to do with your new girlfriend?”

  Mingus shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. But I plan to find out.”

  Jerome studied him briefly. “I’ll text you that list.”

  Mingus nodded. “Thanks, Dad.”

  Their conversation continued over unagi with sweet watermelon and togarashi. Dessert was cheesecake made with Humboldt Fog cheese and adorned with a glaze of fermented apricot and edible nasturtium flowers. The food combined a complicated mix of flavors and textures to satisfy and bring patrons to a happy ending. It felt much like the relationship between Mingus and his father and Mingus and Joanna—complicated and textured, and joyous in all it offered.

  * * *

  Joanna’s nerves were completely frayed. She had no idea of the time, simply aware that it had been far too long without someone, anyone, coming for her. She had begun to fear that Ellington wasn’t able to get her in front of a judge and that she would have to spend the night behind bars. Suddenly the thought of losing her freedom was very real. She was scared to death, realizing that this might very well be her future if proof of her innocence was never found.

  When Lieutenant Black signaled for the jailer to open the gate she was shaking as though she were cold. Just the sight of him brought her immense relief.

  “Is there anything I can get for you, Joanna?”

  She shook her head, wrapping her arms tightly around her torso. “No, I just really want to go home. Have you heard from Ellington?”

  “Why don’t we go up to my office?” he said as he guided her down the corridor of concrete walls. “There’s an agent here from the monitoring company who needs to take off your ankle bracelet.”

  Joanna’s stomach fell. Panic cramped her limbs and she suddenly felt like she might vomit. It was a struggle to maintain her composure, but she didn’t want Mingus’s brother to see her cry. Her bottom lip quivered and she blinked rapidly to stall the threat of water wanting to rain from her eyes. If they were removing her monitor, then most certainly her bail had been revoked, she thought.

  Inside his office, Parker gestured for her to take a seat. He sat in the other chair, turning his body to face her. “I’m glad we have a few minutes to talk,” he said.

  “I’m so sorry,” Joanna said. “I really didn’t mean to be so much trouble.”

  Parker shook his head. “I understand you’re in a very difficult position right now. I also know my brother wants to do everything he can to help you. You and Mingus are just getting to know each other, but he has a reputation for being reckless. So it really doesn’t help either one of you when you’re behaving just as impulsively.”

  “You’re right, I know it. But I felt like I needed to do something.”

  “From this point forward, I need you to do what the state of Michigan has ordered you to do. Nothing more, nothing less. You are fully aware of your restrictions and boundaries, so don’t violate them. Stay away from the school. Stay away from Mr. Locklear. And just trust your legal team to do what you are paying them to do.”

  Joanna nodded her head again. “So what happens now?”

  “Because there is a defect in your ankle bracelet, you were held for your own safety. They are going to replace that monitor with a new one. Once the new one is in place, Mingus should be here to take you home.”

  Understanding suddenly washed over her and she gasped. “That’s why your brother brought me directly here to the station. He was giving me an alibi!”

  “Mingus was breaking the law. He could’ve been charged with aiding and abetting. Like I said, my brother can be reckless. And you violated your bond. You also violated your restraining order. The next time, you being impulsive could very well keep you in that jail cell.”

  “I swear, it won’t happen again.”

  “It better not.”

  “Thank you! I really appreciate all your help.”

  “Like I told Mingus, thank Ellington. If it had been left up to me, the two of you would have been sharing a jail cell together.”

  The two exchanged a look. Joanna didn’t bother to respond.

  Minutes later she sported a new ankle monitor pulled right out of the box. The technician was still muttering about the old device seeming perfectly fine. Mingus walked through the door just as the other man was walking out. She had never been happier to see anyone in her entire life. Leaping from her seat, she threw herself into his arms, her tears finally falling against his shoulder.

  Mingus held her tightly. She was shaking, and her distress pulled at his heartstrings. “Shh...it’s okay, baby...everything’s okay...shh...” he muttered into her ear.

  Minutes passed before she finally pulled herself from him. He cupped his palm around her face, lifting her chin to kiss her lips. Silk glided against silk, his touch like a faint whisper of warm breath. She had missed his touch, in that moment, realizing how much she needed the security of it.

  She hugged him a second time. “Can we go home?” she whispered.

  Mingus looked to Parker, who nodded his head.

  “Check in with your attorney in the morning, please. And the two of you, stay the hell out of my precinct!”

  “Thanks, bro!”

  Parker gave them both a slight smile. “I’ll see you two on Sunday,” he said, wishing them both a good night.

  Joanna looked confused as she shifted her stare from one man to the other. “Sunday?”

  Mingus sighed. “Mandatory family dinner.”

  Parker winked at her. “Welcome to the family, Joanna!”

  * * *

  Joanna didn’t have the energy to be mad. Her short incarceration was the result of her own bad decision. She was grateful that Mingus’s brothers had cared enough to want
to teach her a lesson. Despite her assurances that she was well, Mingus was still concerned for her.

  “Mingus, I’m fine,” she said for the umpteenth time. “Really, you need to stop worrying. It’s not like your brother put me in a maximum-security prison. It was a local jail cell. We both know it could have been worse. I could still be there.”

  Mingus nodded. He climbed in beside her on the lounger, her body shifting until she was reclined against his lap, his arms wrapped warmly around her. He kissed her, nuzzling his face into her hair.

  After leaving the station she’d insisted on going to her house first to pick up an overnight bag. From there they’d gone to Piece Brewery & Pizzeria on North Street to get her a white pizza with clams, garlic and bacon. Standing in line to place her order, she’d become acutely aware of people staring, recognizing her from her fifteen minutes in the spotlight. They’d whispered, some speaking loudly enough for her to hear; most remarks were rude, a few even cruel.

  She’d felt her anxiety level rising tenfold. “I should have just gone home,” she’d whispered. “This wasn’t a good idea.” She’d turned to face him, leaning her forehead against his chest.

  Mingus had pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Before he could respond an older woman had stepped up to them, hand on her hips, venom spewing from her mouth like water from a faucet. “I can’t believe you would show your face in public! You’re disgusting. Sleeping with young boys. God should strike you dead for what you’ve done to that poor child! They have a special place in hell for women like you!”

  Mingus had stepped between Joanna and the woman. His gaze narrowed, he’d shaken his head from side to side. Voice low, even as he’d spoken, his tone was edged in barbed wire. “Step off!” he’d snapped, his hardened expression speaking volumes.

  The woman had persisted. “Someone needs to tell her about herself.”

  “Should I tell you about yourself?” Mingus had questioned. “Because we can discuss your bad behavior. You’re rude, nasty and judgmental, and for you to invoke God’s name while you spew hatred speaks volumes about your Christian spirit. Now, step...off...and if you even look in her direction again, you may come to regret it!”