“Pass me the ketchup, would you?” I met up with my friend Officer Jamie Cook at the pier around her lunch time. We sat on a bench watching the big carrier boats dropped off their shipments. “These burgers be slappin’ from Angela’s. Ally you should have got one.” I turned and watched her stuff another bite in her mouth. She laughed at my expression as she tried not to choke. With her left hand, she flicked a piece of her strawberry blonde hair away from her face after picking up her pop from the ground. Her and I connected after giving one another leads on cases. On the low, of course. Jamie was probably the only officer that would talk to me in the Freeside Police Department and I was okay with that… “No seriously dude, thanks for that heads up with those missing girls. I don’t know how you came about that tip but we were able to bust the whole sex trafficking ring. Motherfuckin’ Panda Now was selling Chinese food during the day and girls in the back at night. Ugh! I’m glad we found them though.”

“Me too…” I chime in. “You better be careful with those burgers though. You gonna bust out that uniform.” I laugh a loud. We always sat on the same bench. The one closest to the water and away from anyone who could hear our conservations. Behind us was stone walkway that led to a small business district and restaurants. Jamie’s favorite spot was Angela’s Bar and Grill. It was the best bar and grill in Freeside.

Jamie snapped her lips and cut her baby blue eyes on at me, “You’re just mad cause you didn’t get one… What brings you here anyway? Our pier sessions are always to swap information, so what’s up?”

“I need the scoop on Douglas Edwards…”

“AW! If I hear that name one more time I’m going to scream!” Jamie jerked her head back then closed her eyes.

“His daughter hired me to investigate what happened to him.” I jumped at her reaction.

Jamie’s eyes popped open and she looked at me in shock. “And you took on the case? What are you trying to say?” I could hear the hurt and disappointment in her voice. “Do you know what his daughter saying now? Racial discrimination! She’s been on all over the news talking about how ‘us police’ targeted her father because he was black. I mean you’re black… ish. You’re light skinned…”

I gave her a look and said jokingly, “Watch it.”

“You know what I mean Ally. I’m not like that and never been…” Jamie was really worked up.

“Why are you taking it so personal?” Then it hit me, “Were you the officer that responded to the call? You were there?”

“Yea I was there and it was a mess, Ally. The whole house was destroyed and shit was everywhere. The maid was screaming her head off and we had to calm her down. She kept yelling ‘they ambushed him!’ then pointed up the stairs. That’s when me and Thomas found him hanging in the attic. It took us awhile to find him cause he had so many damn rooms and the maid wasn’t helpful at all.” Jamie shifted sideways facing me and extended out her pinky finger. “You have to promise me you won’t repeat what I’m about to tell you…”

I extended out my pinky finger and grabbed hers, “Okay…” I replied.

“We were in the middle in the of the investigation, you know putting the pieces together. Two days after Douglas’ death my captain classified the case high profile. That afternoon, the Chief of Police goes on the news saying deeming his death a suicide and shut down our investigation. He claimed to have spoke with the coroner and the evidence concluded to self inflicted wounds… A few others and I didn’t know what to make of it but we had no choice to go along with it.” Jamie let out a deep sigh like it was refreshing to let that out.

This information was interesting though… why would the Chief of Police step in like that? What would the police department have to gain by not finishing the investigation of a high-profile case?

I shift the conversation back to Shanti. I know this situation made Jamie upset. “About Shanti… The moment she stepped into my office I knew something was up. We had known each other as kids but not as adults, you know? Honestly, it’s not unusual for some of my clients to not tell me everything. Some believe I’m on a need-to-know bases and still expect me to do my job right. Once I found that out, I confront the client and tell them they have to tell me everything, otherwise no deal. This time Jamie, Shanti’s already lied and twisted things and I’m letting it ride. Something in me wants to see how the pieces fall this time without me having all them already in my possession.” I turned and extended out my pinky finger this time towards Jamie, “Now you have to promise me you won’t repeat what I’m about to tell you…” Jamie laughed as she grabbed my pinky hard with hers. “I think my dad has something to do with this…”

Jamie stopped swinging my finger around shocked, “Your dad?”

Just as I was going to explain about the missing ledgers I found, something caught my eye. Three men were talking while walking down the wooden deck from a shipment carrier. Their laughs echoed as they got closer to the main gate. One of the guys was dressed in a business suit and the second a work vest with a hard hat and blue jeans. The third guy was Charlie… The guy dressed in the suit handed Charlie a large brown envelope as he gave him a hug. The men shook hands one more time then parted ways.

I sprung up from the bench and immediately darted after him. Jamie jumped up with me surprised. “Ally? What’s wrong?”

I shushed her with my index finger, “I’ll catch up with you later, I promise.” I dashed down the ally way leading towards the business district. What a coincidence seeing him here… The urge to know what was going and what he did for the Syndicate fueled the private investigator in me. I had to know why Shanti sent him instead of one of her father’s actual assistants. What was Charlie up to?

As he made his way to the main street, he slowly started walking to his left. I ran as steady but stealthy as possible behind him but my Harley was parked down the street to the right. Good thing Charlie wasn’t walking fast as he crossed the street towards a beautiful classic car. He approached a 1979 Black Monte Carlo with twenty-inch chrome rims and a thick red strip down the middle. I pulled my helmet over and waited for Charlie to drive away.

His supped-up classic was unmistakably flashy. I could hear the rumble of the Monte Carlo’s engine far away as he turned down different streets. It wasn’t easy to follow someone in the motorcycle. The risk was higher of getting caught but I made it work. Charlie’s next destination was a Barber Shop on Third Ave and Fifth. I passed Charlie and decided to park in an empty meter up ahead. There was a lot traffic passing through so it was easy to blend in with the other cars. I sat back and pretended to play with my iPhone as I watched at Charlie in my rearview mirror. The shop was owned by a well known member of the community on that side of town. It shocked me a bit to see Charlie make a pick up there. Honestly, nothing should surprise me anymore…

Moments later, Charlie stormed out of the Barber Shop and stood in front of his car. The white haired, heavy set black owner practically threw the package at him. I couldn’t hear what they saying from the distance I was. I could tell by the way the barber waved his arms he was pissed off. This encounter was not as pleasant as the first one. Charlie held up one hand trying to calm down the older man but it didn’t work. He stormed back inside the shop as Charlie stood there shaking his head. He waved his hand like he brushed it off as he walked around to the driver side.

Once more Charlie drove out onto the main street. He drove pass me then turned left heading North. I wanted for a few cars to pass by so it wouldn’t be so obvious. I followed him to the opposite side of town to an adult club called Roxanne’s. The club that put Douglas Edwards on the map… People from all over the country would come to Roxanne’s to see the dancers and to have a good time. The inside was enormous. Two stories, two bars, six VIP rooms, ten private rooms, a small casino room and one huge stage for the strippers and other dancers. The success from this club in turn allowed Douglas to buy many more in other places in different states. There are three other Roxanne’s around the country…

This was going to be tricky trying not to be seen… I didn’t have to go in there but why stop now? I needed to see who he was going to talk to. Who was the player now that Douglas was gone? It was early in the afternoon and to my surprise the parking lot was almost full. I looked down at my watch and it was five o’clock. Damn, already? This day flew bye… It’s happy hour and the workers from downtown are getting off. I could blend in and use the crowd to my advantage, plus I knew a few of the girls. They always knew the latest gossip…

When I walked inside, the lights were dimmed for the show that was about to start. A group of men in business suites sat around the stage yelling and screaming in excitement. They banged their beer mugs on the stage as the music began to start. Waitresses’ wiz past me carrying trays of drinks and food, the staff was pretty busy. Two girls walking the floor led a few guys to the private rooms. They grabbed them by their ties pulling down a semi dark hallway lit with red lights.

I looked around and saw Charlie walking towards a tall bald muscular man with a thick brown mustache. He was counting crates of liquor bottles near the bar as the bartenders restocked the shelves. Charlie handed the guy a black book bag which I’m assuming was carrying the brown envelopes he collected earlier. I tried to get as close as possible without being seen. Whatever the bald guy said made Charlie mad. He slammed his fist on the counter and grabbed a small glass with a bottle of cognac. He filled the glass about a quarter of the way then gulped it down.

I couldn’t hear shit over the music as Charlie continued talking the bald guy. I managed to get a small table for two in the sitting area but that wasn’t close enough. I took the risk and walked closer trying to get some of the conservation. All I could hear was, “This war over the money is hurting our flow of things. Abram threatening to move his alliances to the BK 5. His Barber Shop and that block will belong to them…”

The bald guy turned his shiny white head towards Charlie and yelled back, “You better do what you can until this is over. You don’t want to end like Edwards…” He put down his pen and notebook pad then headed towards the offices down one of the hallways.

I was trying to see which hallway they were going to down when I bumped into a waitress by accident. “Oh! I’m sorry about that.” I murmured grabbing her arm.

She turned and looked at me then said, “Ally?!” When I turned to look who I ran into it was Keisha. One of the girls I had helped out before. “What are you doing here? Are you working?”

“Sort of…” I replied. I lost the bald guy and couldn’t find Charlie as well. I looked around as fast as I could standing on my tippy toes. My attention went back to Keisha as she was still standing in front of me. “How’s your kids doing?”

“They’re good.” She followed to see what I was looking at. “Who are you looking for?”

I grabbed both sides of her arms and said, “No one, it was nice seeing you, Keisha.” I caught a glimpse of the bald guy and Charlie was walking behind him. They were headed down one of the hallways to the private rooms. The same private rooms the businessmen went down earlier. At the end of the hallway you can barely see the sign on the last door, it read ‘Employees Only’. I slowly started walking that way. This was the end of the road for me, there’s no way I was getting into that office. I took this cat and mouse game a little further than I anticipated. There’s something about him that makes me…

I looked down at my watch again and saw it was a quarter till six. I was supposed to meet Charlie at the diner at six… I quickly maneuver around the crowd and out the door. I had to hurry across town to grab something from my office before heading to restaurant. I got back just on time and when I came running down the stairs, Charlie was waiting for me parked outside. Seeing him made me stop in my tracks… Did he know I spent practically the whole day following him? “Hey!” He yelled, “Wanna ride?”

I stared at him for a minute thinking then I said, “Sure…” I hopped in the passenger seat of his beautifully remodeled classic. The inside was just as beautiful and neat as the outside. “Nice car… You really put some money into this. It’s beautiful.”

“Yea I did but I don’t regret a single penny either. You’re the first person to sit in here with me after I finished remodeling. She’s my baby… It took me awhile but all was worth it.” Charlie smiled from ear to ear as he explained in detail what he replaced and upgraded to his car. He was in good spirits… he was acting like a kid in the candy store.

“How’d you know I was here?” I asked.

“For one, I know you’re a work-a-holic like me and second, I saw you leaving Roxanne’s. I hope you found what you were looking for…” He turned and looked at me like he knew why I was there.

“I’m just trying to get the full story is all…” I didn’t know what else to say.

“Look, I want to work with you Ally. I think we can really tackle this together about piecing what happened. Trust me you’ll get the full story.”

As we pulled up to the diner, I noticed Charlie’s demeanor change. He got quiet and serious again. We walked in together and sat down at the furthest table in the back. Priest liked the old fashion style diners and had florescent lights along the walls. The seats were big read booths that could seat three on each side. The diner was long, rectangular and looked like a gigantic mobile home from the outside. When the waitress approached our table, I asked to speak with Priest. The young girl looked at me weird like she did something wrong. She shrugged her shoulders then walked away screaming, “Priest! Someone’s wants to speak to you!”

A few seconds later we heard a deep voice yell from the back. “Who is it?!”

The waitress walked back towards the front and pointed to where we were sitting. A five foot ten, big burly, black man with long black cornrows always braided to the back. He had sleeve tattoos on both arms and thick scar on his chin. He pulled down his white t-shirt under the white apron that was covered in grease stains and food. When he who it was, right away he go excited. “Ally! Hey how are doing?” He turned and looked at Charlie then nodded his head up. “What up Charlie?” Priest squeezed in the seat next to me. “Did you order some food? I’ll tell Stacy it’s on me.”

“Aww thanks Uncle Julius. I know it’s been too long. How have you been?” I wrapped my arm around his big shoulder as much as I could giving him a hug. Julius Consuelo aka Big Pop and now known as Priest was my godfather. I told this to Charlie already. He was famous for two reasons… a former notorious leader to the Latin gang the Folk Kings and younger brother to Juan Consuelo, the leader of the Syndicate. Rumor has it, he earned his name Big Pop for being his brother’s hitman. Anyone Juan pointed to, they got ‘popped’. He gave all that up and turned his life to God the same year my dad died and changed his nickname to Priest.

“I’m good but I know you’re here on business if you’re with him.” Again, Priest nodded his head towards Charlie. There was obvious tension between the two of them, like they were sizing each other up.

“You were the last person to see Douglas. Did he tell you anything?” Charlie just came out with it. His expression was firm and tense. It was also obvious they didn’t care for one another. The question I had was how do we know so many people in common and yet we’ve never met?

“Yea I saw him… Douglas came up here looking for his son, Ernesto but he wasn’t working that day.” Priest replied.

“Who?” I asked. When I heard the name, I didn’t recognize it. I only knew Chad as Douglas’s son. I didn’t know he had more children then Shanti and Chad.

Our waitress Stacy came back to the table with our food. She reached over Priest and placed a tray in front me and Charlie. We ordered the same thing, a burger and some fries. Charlie grabbed a fry and blow on it before taking a bite. “The children from his side pieces…” He looked up at Priest before asking, “Two from Monica and two from Jessica…”

Priest didn’t say a word. He just watched us eat our burgers. He was acting cautious for some reason, it had to be because of Charlie. I’ve never seen this man this quiet before… I didn’t know he was capable of not talking. Priest loved to have meaningful conversations which usually ended with him siting a Bible verse. “Does Shanti know about the other children?” I asked them both.

Priest huffed loudly replying, “She does now!” He laughed aloud while holding his stomach. I giggled at Priest for being silly but I noticed Charlie didn’t laugh at all… He excused himself from the table and walked to the back where the restrooms were. Priest was still laughing as we watched Charlie turn down a small hallway. Once Charlie was out of view, he quickly turned towards with a very serious look on his face. “What in the hell are you doing with him? Do you know who he works for? Bringing him in here and shit.”

I was so confused, “No I don’t. Who is he?” I almost felt like I did something wrong…

He exhaled deeply, “He’s Syndicate Ally. He’s not someone you can trust believe me.”

“That doesn’t tell me anything… What does he do Priest?” I was getting tired of these half ass answers.

“He does a lot of underground or under the table jobs. I know he works close with my brother. Honestly, I’m not sure what he has Charlie doing. What do I always tell you? What have I told you your whole life?”

“Never trust anyone…” I replied. “I know how to handle myself Uncle Julius. It sounds like he’s the new… you.” Priest turned and gave me a look for his answer. He didn’t have to say anything else. A few moments later, we heard the back kitchen yelling his name as well as seeing Charlie leaving the restroom.

Priest slowly stood to his feet and yelled back, “I’m coming!” Before looking down at me again. “Just remember what I told you. I think you should stay out of this one…”

“Why?” I whispered.

“Because baby girl, you don’t know what you could be tumbling into… Stay out of it. Love you.” Priest wobbled away back towards the kitchen without saying a word to Charlie as he returned to his seat. He picked up his burger and took a big bite before grabbing slurping his pop.

“You two seem to be besties. What was that all about?” I had so many damn questions. I thought I knew a lot about the people around me in my circle but I was obviously wrong.

“Me and your ‘Uncle Julius’ go way back. Let’s just say, it wasn’t an easy retirement for him. My boss didn’t want him to leave.”

Charlie must think I’m dumb as nails. “I know who your boss is. Juan Consuelo, the leader of the Syndicate. If Priest is my godfather, of course I would know his brother. I’m just not close to Juan and I prefer it that way, so does his brother.”

“I know you know, Ally. It’s dangerous times right now for me and some others, which is why we have to find that money. It’s causing a lot of underground shifts that are going to be surfacing really fast.”

I hit my fist on the table in frustration, “Enough with the code talk! Just tell me what’s going on!”

Charlie looked over my shoulder and something or someone caught his eye. “Fair, I’ll lay it out but not here. Too many people are also looking for that money, it’s a race at this point to find it.” I started to turn my head over my shoulder to see who he was looking but he stopped me, “Don’t! If you’re done we can talk on the way to your office. Okay.”

Charlie scooted out of the booth and grabbed one more fry before leaving towards the door. I did the same and skipped a little to catch up, he was really moving fast. He walked up to his car and quickly unlocked it, hopped then started it up. He pulled the shift gear down to drive before I had both feet inside. “What’s going on?” Say something dammit…

“Buckle up. I need to get you back to your office.” Charlie kept looking up at his rearview mirror. He looked paranoid and a bit on edge like he knew something was about to happen.

“Charlie!” I screamed.

“Okay! I lied to you earlier… I saw you at the Barber Shop too. It’s my job to know when someone’s tailing me like we are right now. The whole money thing is about dethroning Consuelo. Douglas stole the money he allegedly stashed away and no one knew about it. I’m still trying to figure out who was working with him to pull this off. The other families weren’t too happy with Consuelo and decided it was time for a change. Rumor is there’s been a plot to take out Consuelo for years and this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

The truck behind us resembled a Bronco but I wasn’t sure because it was too dark outside. From what I can see in the side mirror was there was three people inside. I could barely see the third person sitting in the back. They turned down every street Charlie turned on… for sure we were being followed. “So, who are they?”

He shrugged his shoulders as he moved his rear view away from the truck’s headlights. “I don’t know… Someone probably trying to take me out. I told you it’s dangerous times for me right now.”

“Because you work for Consuelo?” I glared at him with a mad look on my face. This is not what I signed up for.“Well, you can let me out. This has nothing to do with me… I am just a private investigator trying to figure out if Douglas got murdered or not. Case solved! He got murdered, now let me out.” Shit…

Charlie turned down the last neighborhood street before reaching a dead end. The truck sped up and got right behind us. “Oh no! You’re involved… Some date night huh?” The truck got as close as it could before bumping into the back of us. Up ahead the signal lights started flashing a train was coming. The tracks divided the neighborhoods from the downtown area. My loft was not that far from here… The rails came down then the train blew it’s horn announcing it’s arrival. “Shit!”

I looked ahead of us and said the same, “Shit! What are we going to do now?”

The car came to slow stop with the truck inches away from bumping the back. A few seconds later, the truck reversed back. I’m guessing we were the only ones caught by the train. The truck’s tires squeaked loudly from the driver flooring the pedal. They rammed the back of Charlie’s Monte Carlo hard. The car jumped forward as Charlie held on to the steering wheel tight. “Fuck! They’re trying to ram us into the train!”

I held on with my life on the handle on the door. The truck reversed back again and this time I looked behind me to get a better look. The headlights got smaller then bigger again as it rammed us again for the second time. The impact was harder this time and the driver didn’t pull away. The car jerked hard as Charlie pressed the brakes as hard as he could. “Listen to me Ally we have to jump out of the car! I don’t have enough room to turn around and I’m not taking that chance.”

I was utterly shocked, “What?!”

“You have to otherwise you’ll go with the car when it hits the train! On three I’m going to pull up the emergency brake. Wait till I say so!” Charlie grabbed the emergency brake with his right hand and his thumb on the button. The truck lifted off and reversed again for the finally time. Charlie’s car was banged up and smoking from the hits and the tires fighting for traction. To our right was area of weeds and tall brush, to the left were a few houses close to the road. “On three run as fast as you can ok! One!”

“Charlie, I don’t know about this!”

“Two!” He pressed the button on the emergency to release it while looking out of his rearview mirror.

“What about you?!” I screamed as I gripped the door handled to open it.

He tightening his grip around the bar in the middle nice and tight. There were no room for mistakes… Just before the truck rammed us for the final time he screamed back, “Just run! Three!”