Mystery and Crime Fiction posted March 3, 2024 Chapters: -1- 2... 


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A chapter in the book Living On The Edge

Living On The Edge - Chap 1

by Begin Again

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"Freedom!"

 

Troy Sinclair's clenched fist shot into the air as he let out a roar of triumph. The clanging sound of the steel gates closing behind him sent shivers down his spine. He had spent the last four years of his life living and breathing prison life, but today, he was a free man.

He had a plan, a mission to complete. As he walked away from the towering prison walls, a guard's voice echoed in his ears, "Try to stay out of trouble, Sinclair. You don't want to make this your permanent home." 
 
Troy turned around and shot the guard a withering glare, his eyes blazing with fury. He could feel the anger boiling inside him, but he kept his cool and walked away. Another guard laughed and taunted him, "We'll be waiting for you with a nice, cozy cell with your name on it." 
 
Troy flipped him off and breathed in the fresh air, feeling the sun's warmth on his face. He tipped his head towards the sky and closed his eyes, letting the sensation wash over him. He savored the feeling of freedom, being alive, and being in control. Finally, he was free!
 
A brown paper bag held Troy's meager belongings, symbolizing four years of nothing, time he could never retrieve. He wasn't sure where he was going or how he was getting there, but it didn't matter. For a few precious moments, he wanted to drink in the fresh air and forget about the hell hole he'd left behind. Tomorrow was early enough to search out the justice he deserved.
 
As he strolled out of the yard, he spotted a sleek black town car parked across the street. It was a stark contrast to the drab surroundings he’d left behind. He smiled. Maybe after four years, they still remembered him.
 
He recognized the driver and quickened his step, rounding the front of the car in seconds. The passenger door swung open. Cigar smoke wafted past him as he climbed into the vehicle.
 
"Long time no see, my friend." The driver's voice rumbled around the car's interior, followed by his laughter. "Heard you might be looking to hitch a ride today."
 
Troy slid across the plush, cream-colored leather seat and closed the door, sinking back into the comfort of the headrest. He turned his head toward his friend. "It's good to see you, Sam." He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Where'd you steal the car?"
 
Clutching his chest, Sam feigned injury. “Already a dagger to my heart,” he joked. "I borrowed it from my hundred-year-old grandmother. She can't drive, but she’s got good taste."
 
Troy laughed, "And that building over there, it’s a five-star resort, right?" 
 
Sam joined in on the joke. "You know it. We're living the high life now!" He started the car and shifted it into gear.
 
As he took a deep breath, a familiar fragrance of Calvin Klein's Obsession wafted through the air, making his nostrils tingle with recognition. A sultry and alluring voice that sent shivers down his spine accompanied the perfume. His heart skipped a beat. 
 
"Welcome home, big boy. Did you miss me?" The voluptuous blonde in the back seat leaned forward, exposing two generous mounds of creamy flesh straining against the powder blue silk fabric of her shirt.
 
"Every second I was inside, babe." Troy loosened the collar on his shirt. She was smoking hot, and he could feel the sizzle. He'd played with fire before, but this one was different.
 
Nikki's eyes met Sam's dark and piercing gaze in the rearview mirror. A puff of smoke escaped his cigar as he extinguished it in the ashtray. "Calm down, Nikki. You're just here for the ride," he said, his voice cold and authoritative.
 
Her face contorted with frustration. "You're such a buzzkill, Sammy. My husband doesn't have to know everything. I'm not a pet on a leash."
 
Sam's expression hardened. "Trust me, what he discovers will buy us all early graves. And don't you forget it."
 
"Now, now, children, let's not fight." Troy gazed outside the car window and watched the scenic countryside slowly transform into a concrete jungle. "Town's gained a few impressive buildings, but it's still a hick town. Nothing ever changes around here."
 
"Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't." Sam tossed the morning newspaper into Troy's lap. "Thought you'd be interested in some reading material while we drive."
 
Troy picked up the newspaper. "Humph — there can't be anything in this piece of garbage that'd interest me," he scoffed. "If you think I'm checking the classifieds, you're mistaken. I've already got a job in mind."
 
Unfolding the paper, he stared at the bold headlines.
 

               EARLY RELEASE FOR COP-TURNED RAPIST

A big grin spread across Troy's face. "Nice of them to announce my homecoming. Are they throwing a party?" The trio laughed as he added, "We all know this is nothing but political lies. I was wrongfully accused."
 
"Yeah, you were lucky the rape charges didn't stick. Not taking sides, but you and I know you walked on the wild side more than a time or two."
 
As Sam maneuvered the car into the traffic, he pointed his finger at the paper. "I thought you'd be more interested in the story at the bottom," he said.
 
Troy scanned the newspaper, stopping near the bottom. A familiar pair of eyes with the same rich chocolate brown as his smiled back at him. "Well, ain't that nice? Big Brother made the front page just like me. It's an all-in-the-family sort of thing."
 
Sam flashed a grin and raised his eyebrow. "You haven't heard. Big Brother found some friends in high places and is sworn in as the new Chief of Police.
 
Troy responded with a hint of bitterness, "Not surprising! He's a people pleaser. Took after mama." Troy's smile disappeared as he unconsciously massaged the spot on his right hand between his thumb and the pointer finger, where he had a tattoo of a cross entwined with a serpent.
 
A silence prevailed before he growled, "Guess he has the magic touch. He corralled some criminals, including his brother. That had to make people sit up and take notice. He's good at keeping his secrets behind closed doors."
 
Sam's tone was matter-of-fact as he spoke. "Let's be honest. You owe him. Four years was a drop in the bucket compared to the original charges against you. When the department lost their star witness, someone was looking out for you."
 
"Maybe. Think I should visit him, us being family and all?"
 
Sam cautioned his friend with concern, which was evident in his voice, "I don't know. He changed his name for a reason. I'd think about taking it easy, or you'll be in the slammer again. This time for good."
 
"You worry too much, Sam. Just drop me off downtown, okay?"
 
The bustling city was alive with the sound of traffic. Horns blared, people cursed, and Troy Sinclair couldn't stop smiling. He was free and feeling good after spending time behind bars in a 6 x 9 cell.
 
"Damn traffic." Sam blasted his horn as a taxi cut in front of him. "The damn cabbie should count his blessings that he didn't put a scratch on the boss's car. He'd be pushing up daisies."
 
"Relax, Sam. It's just a car, for Christ's sake." Troy liked nice things, too, but cars weren't at the top of his list. He preferred something softer and far more pliable, like a woman.
 
"You try telling that to the boss." Sam steered the car to the curb. "He likes fast cars, expensive wine, and fine women, and not necessarily in that order." The two men laughed. In the back seat, Nikki kept her thoughts to herself.
 
Troy opened the car door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. He leaned over and looked back into the car. "Tell Frank thanks for the ride, Sam." He blew a kiss to Nikki. "You two lovebirds can bicker all you want. I got better things to do." He slammed the door closed and strolled away from the car.
 

*****

Alyssa carefully parked her sleek, silver car on the quiet street just north of the bustling park. The Tipsy Tavern, her chosen spot for the night, was only two blocks away, but the steep incline of the street and her four-inch ruby-red stilettos made it feel like a daunting mile-long journey. 

She had put a lot of thought into her outfit for the night, selecting a striking red halter top that perfectly complemented her shapely figure and skintight jeans that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her long, glossy black hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, framing her heart-shaped face perfectly. To complete the look, she pinned a delicate rosebud in her hair, adding a touch of elegance to the already stunning ensemble.
 
As she approached the bar, she noticed a middle-aged man casually leaning against a lamppost. Although his double-breasted pinstriped suit looked outdated, he was well-groomed, and his cologne had a pleasant woodsy aroma. His chiseled chin, deep-set dark eyes, and black fedora gave him an air of mystery and charisma reminiscent of the famous fictional detective Dick Tracy. As he watched her approach, a minted toothpick rolled in the corner of his mouth, adding a slight crook to his smile.
 
Alyssa's heels tapped a staccato beat against the concrete, their sharp clicks echoing through the street. Her hips swayed with a hypnotic rhythm, drawing his gaze to her curves. As she stopped before him, her lips painted a bold shade of ruby red, parted slightly as her tongue darted out to wet them. Her perfume was heady and alluring, wrapping him in a cloud of floral and musk.
 
"How's it going, big guy?" She leaned close to his chest, running her finger up and down the backside of his tie. She stopped at the knot, curled her fingers around his tie, and tugged him into her well-endowed bosom.
 
Tommy leaned in, his warm breath tickling her neck. "A lot of people in the bar tonight. Check the flashy dresser at the end of the bar who's spreading the cash fast and furious." 
 
She raised an eyebrow. "That's not our guy's style. He's too smart to draw attention to himself like that. But don't worry—we'll find him if he's here. For now, it’s time to party." 
 
Tommy's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Just don't wear yourself out too soon. You never know what the night will bring." 
 
She laughed, feeling a sense of excitement building within her. She planted a bright red kiss on his cheek. "Oh, Tommy, I'll be just fine. Just make sure you don't get too distracted by all the gorgeous women and the booty-shaking going on around here."
 
Tommy stood near the entrance of the smoky bar and watched his partner disappear into the crowd. The bar was dimly lit, and the music was so loud that Tommy could feel the bass thumping against his chest.

He looked between the neon signs hanging in the dirty window. Allie was already gyrating with a tall, well-built cowboy across the dance floor.

Tommy sighed and whispered, "Oh, Mother in Heaven, please don't let it be him. I'm not up to wrestling a bullrider tonight." He removed his tie and shoved it in his jacket pocket, leaving his jacket and hat in the coat closet. He circled the bar, noting the flashy dresser, a biker, two businessmen, and a few other potential targets. Alyssa was moving and grooving with another guy on the dance floor.
 
The biker leaned into the bar, savoring his whiskey and watching the women dancing. Tommy's gut suggested that he was their target. As the song ended, he circled the bar, accidentally bumping into his partner as she left the dance floor.
 
Tommy's voice rose above the beat of the music. "Excuse me. I'm so sorry." He gestured with a nod and added in a hushed tone, "Blond biker, three-quarters of the way down the bar." With that, he continued on his way, weaving through the crowd.
 
Alyssa made her way towards the bar, her eyes scanning the regulars as she shared a joke or two. As she drew closer to the biker, her gaze lingered on his leather jacket and tattoos. With a graceful stretch, she leaned across the bar top and waved to the bartender.
 
"Manny, this girl's thirsty. It's hot in here." She fanned herself with a cocktail napkin and dabbed the tops of her breasts.
 
"Sure thing, Honey. Just give me a second."
 
Alyssa's hips swayed to the music, occasionally brushing against the biker. On the other side of her, a man was smoking a cigar. She coughed and bumped into the stranger again.
 
"You, okay? Here, take a sip of my whiskey." He held the glass for her, inhaling her sweet aroma.
 
Coughing, she tried to smile. "I'm sorry. Too much dancing in the smoke, I guess, and his cigar." She motioned toward the man behind her.
 
"Do you need some air? I'd be happy to walk outside with you."
 
Her long eyelashes flickered. "Oh no, I can't impose."
 
"It's not imposing. It's getting a little steamy for me, too, if you know what I mean?" His eyes traveled to her breasts and then to her eyes. She giggled and looked shyly away.
 
Alyssa wet her lips and smiled uncertainly at the man standing before her. "I don't even know you."
 
He leaned in close and kissed her cheek. "My name's Jason. I own my company and a big house in the hills. I ride a motorcycle, drink whiskey, and love beautiful women. And you are?"
 
Alyssa felt a shiver run down her spine at the suggestive undertones in his voice. "My name's Alyssa," she replied. "I love the name Jason, a man who owns companies and has big homes in the hills. And I love motorcycles and the men who ride them."
 
Jason grinned at her response. "Perfect! Now we know each other and have tons in common. Let's step outside for a few minutes, cool down, and I'll show you my bike." He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her towards the exit.
 
Once outside, the cool night air hit Alyssa, and she felt a wave of dizziness. She stumbled and fell against Jason's shoulder, feeling embarrassed. But he didn't seem to mind, tightening his grip around her waist.
 
"Guess I drank a little too much tonight," she giggled.
 
"Don't worry, honey," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "Jason will take good care of you."
 
Alyssa smiled at him, feeling a warmth spread through her body. "Oh, promise?" she said, batting her eyelashes and kissing him on the cheek. "I feel so special."
 
Jason leaned against her while her back pressed against the wall, kissing her lips and her neck and then running butterfly kisses across her breast, stopping to flick his tongue down the crease. 
Alyssa wiggled, pushing her breast against his chest, and squealed, "Oh, you're a naughty boy, Jason."
 
"But you like it, right?" He kissed her passionately this time, holding her body tight against him. His breathing was heavy when he released her. "Come on. Let's walk through the park. There's a bench by the fountain."
 

"Oh, we shouldn't. Someone might see us," Alyssa said as she glanced up and down the sidewalk, her cheeks flushed. 

 "I know a secluded place. No one will see us," he replied with a sly grin, planting another kiss on her lips and grabbing her hand. "Come on. You liked naughty Jason, didn't you?" 
 
Alyssa bit her lower lip and nodded as her heart raced. "Just kissing, right? No funny business." 
 
"Just a few kisses in the dark, I promise," he assured her, taking her hand and leading her toward the darker part of the park. 
 
As they walked deeper into the park, Alyssa's eyes widened at how dark it was. "I thought you said there was a bench and a fountain?" she asked nervously. 
 
"Don't worry, it's just a little further," he whispered, pulling her close and guiding her through the shadows.
 
"I don't think so." Jason pushed her to the ground, covering her mouth with one hand and ripping at her halter top with the other. "You wanted to play, remember?"
 
Two seconds later, Tommy firmly connected the butt of his gun with the perp's head. He lay there, unconscious.
 
Alyssa scrambled to her feet, her heart racing as she emerged from beneath the man. With a hiss, she whispered, "You need to work on your timing a little better."
 
Tommy swiftly took off his suit jacket and threw it towards her. "I didn't expect both of you to run into the park in the dark," he said, shaking his head. It's a good thing we put that tracker in your shoe." He scanned the area, his eyes darting back and forth. Now get out of here. It looks like our backup is here unless you're planning on blowing your cover."
 
Alyssa slipped on his jacket, the warmth of the fabric easing the chill of the night air. With a nod, she hurried away from the scene, casting a furtive glance over her shoulder as she disappeared into the shadows.
 



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