By Mistydawn
I return home from the cemetery physically and mentally drained, having lost everything that meant anything to me the day the goon pulled his trigger.
"Oh Lord, please take me too," I sob. As an agonizing pain continues to lurk deep inside my being. It was like a cold, empty darkness has seized my inner soul. This harrowing sensation seems to worsen the closer I get to our house. "Why them, Lord, why? Why did you take my family away? Why did you take them away?" I cry as I robotically open the door.
I hear my family's laughter the moment I step inside. I find my husband watching TV on the couch and my daughter kicked back in her chair. For a few fleeting moments, I forget the horrid events leading up to this sorrowful day. "John, Katelyn?" I blubber as I run towards them. They smile and then their images slowly fade away. Reality suddenly hits me. I'll never have those joyful times again. I scan the room in hopes I'll see them one last time but discover their precious memories scattered through the house instead.
"I can't do this, I just can't," I bawl. Overwhelmed with emotions, I run through the door; a ghastly man shoves me back inside. My exhausted body stumbles across the floor, landing against the stairway.
The man's filthy clothes cover a small portion of his large, tattooed body. His dark greasy hair falls well past his shoulders. The five o'clock shadow hides a few of the numerous scars spread across his pale, sunken face.
"Wha.. what do you want?" I question as I scoot backward up the stairs.
Running over, he shoves his gun against my head. "Your husband, John, didn't make good on Katelyn's debt, so it's up to you to pay," he snarls,
his breath a disgusting combination of tobacco and liquor. The stench is so appalling that it makes me gag. He cocks his gun and then pushes it deeper into my skull. "You have two choices, either pay up, or you die."
I realize I have three options: I can pay what my daughter owes, not pay and end up with my family, or I can fight like hell. Raising my head, I stare into his cold, soulless eyes. Through gritted teeth, I say, "You killed my family, so, now you're going to pay." I lift up my leg and whack him as hard as I can in the balls. My stilettos slip through a hole in the worn fabric, he doubles over in pain. I draw back my leg and kick him again. He tumbles backward, crashing against the entrance stairs.
The gun flies out of his hand as his body bounces across the marble floor. I race for the weapon; he grabs a hold of my leg as I run by. I try to pull free but I lose my balance, plummeting face-first to the ground. I kick him with my other heel. His head flies back; thumping against the steps.
I reach for the gun but find I'm still too far away. I scoot forward and try again. My fingertips graze the tip of the cold hard barrel. I start to move closer when I feel the goon's hand squeeze my calf. I draw up my leg and I kick him again. His head falls back; blood spurts from his nose. I bring up both feet and kick him as hard as I can. His muscular body crumbles to the floor. Scooping up the gun, I turn back around.
"No one messes with my family, no one," I scream. Something deep inside of me snaps the second I pull the trigger. It was like a cold evil being that had been lurking inside me finally escaped.
I pull the trigger one last time and then head towards the door.
"I'll take care of every last one of you junkies." Happy to have a new purpose, I climb into my car.
***
The sun is shining brightly overhead making the beautiful day unseasonably warm. Mia watches the crowd say their final farewells to her twin sister, Katelyn. She didn't feel strong enough to face their questions, the rejection that'll undoubtedly follow; so she decides to watch from afar.
Mia thinks back to the last time she and Katelyn skyped as she gazes across the lawn. "I'd be happy if they'd answer just one of my questions," Mia says into the computer screen.
"What, sis?" Katelyn questions.
"Why did John and Sarah put me up for adoption but decided to keep you?" Mia glances down at her small frail body and sighs.
"I'm sure they have their reasons."
"I think I already know. Guess Sarah and John didn't think I was worth the extra effort." Unlike her sister, Mia's feeble health required a lot of care. A strict diet, special equipment, numerous trips to specialists. It was more than what most parents were able to give. If only they could see me now, she thinks. She has a 4.0 average at one of the most prestigious schools in the country and she was promised a job when she graduates in May. All of my success doesn't make up for what John and Sarah did, discarding me at the fire station like I was a piece of trash.
"Don't talk like that, Mia."
"You'd feel the same way if they chose me over you." Sniffling, she wipes the tears from her face. "Do you know how it makes me feel to find out that my own parents don't love me, that I wasn't good enough for them? Do you, well, do you?"
"Do you want to know what I see when I look at you, Mia?"
"A big hot mess?" She sniffles.
"No, no, I see a brilliant young woman who's going to make something of herself someday. And as far as I'm concerned, your adoption was our loss, not yours. That's why I think you should meet them, prove to them that they were wrong."
"I'd love to, really I would, but I don't think I'm ready to meet them just yet." She recalls the kids making fun of her in school. Shivering, Mia pushes the thought aside.
"You have to introduce yourself someday, especially if you want your questions answered."
"I will when the time is right."
She thinks back to the chain of events that had taken place just moments ago. I wish Katelyn would've pushed me to confront them. Who am I kidding? I wouldn't have told them who I was, even if we did have a chance to meet. No, I'd hide like a coward the way I did today.
Mia sees that Sarah is about to leave. It's now or never, she thinks. She starts to walk towards Sarah; her hands start shaking, her legs feel weak. I have to do this. Mia starts to introduce herself; she loses her courage and quickly steps away.
I wonder what it'd feel like to be wrapped in her arms, she dreamily thinks as she glances towards the dwindling crowd. Mia imagines feeling the warmth, the love as Sarah draws her in closer. If only it could be.
"Where's my money, Katelyn?" A deep voice asks.
Startled, Mia gasps. She feels his hot breath against the nape of her neck as a sharp, pointy object digs into the center of her back.
As though anticipating her scream, the intruder warns, "Make a scene and I'll slice you where you stand."
Mia brings her right fist over her left shoulder, making contact with his nose. The weapon lodges deeper into her skin as his head plunges back. She pulls a gun from her pocket as she spins around. His long, sharp blade slashes across her back as she turns. Mia feels a hot, sticky liquid trickle down her back; she pushes the sensation from her mind.
"My sister is dead because of you," Mia pulls the trigger. The thug's body thuds to the ground. She stands frozen in place as a bright red liquid covers the tip of her shoes.
"She's got a gun," one of the men yells. His outburst brings her back to reality. The attendants scream as they run for the safety of their cars.
Mia hears sirens in the distance. She turns to find red and blues barreling down the road. I have to get out of here, she thinks. Shoving the gun in her pocket, she darts the opposite way.
By Mistydawn
I return home from the cemetery, feeling physically and mentally drained. I'd lost everything that meant anything to me the day the goon pulled the trigger.
"Oh Lord, please take me too," I sob, trudging across our lawn. I feel a harrowing pain lurking deep inside. Like a cold, empty darkness has seized my inner soul. This agonizing sensation seems to worsen the closer I get to our house.
"Why them, Lord? Why did you take my family? Why did you take them away?" I cry, slowly opening the door.
I can hear my family's laughter the moment I step inside. I then see my husband watching TV on the couch and my daughter kicking back in her chair.
"John, Katelyn?" I blubber, running towards them. They smile and then their images slowly fade away.
"I can't do this, I just can't," I scream. I start to step out of the door when a ghastly man shoves me back inside. My exhausted body stumbles across the floor, landing on the interior steps.
"Wha.. what do you want?" Feeling dazed and confused, I start scooting backward towards the second floor.
"Your husband, John didn't make good on Katelyn's debt, so it's up to you to pay, Sarah," he says, shoving the gun against my head. Looking up I see his filthy clothes only covers a small portion of his tatted body. I then see his dark greasy hair is fastened loosely at the nape of his neck.
"Pay up now!" he yells. Cocking the gun, he pushes it deeper into my skull. At that moment, I realize that I have three options; I can pay them off for the rest of my life, not pay and end up like my family or I can fight like hell. Raising up my head, I look him square in the eyes.
"You killed my family," I scream. Lifting up my leg, I whack him as hard as I can in the balls. My stilettos slip through a rip in his pants, he doubles over in pain. Drawing back my leg, I kick him again.
He tumbles backward crashing against the entry stairs. The gun flies out of his hand as his body bounces across the floor. Scrambling to my feet I race for the weapon. He grabs my leg as I run by.
I lose my balance trying to pull free, plummeting face first to the floor. I kick him with my other heel. His head flies back, thumping against the steps.
I try reaching for the gun, but find I'm still too far away. Scooting myself forward I try again. My fingertips barely graze the cold hard barrel. I start to move closer when I feel the goon's hand grab a hold of my pants.
Drawing up my leg, I kick him again. His head falls back as blood spurts out of his nose. Using both feet I kick him as hard as I can. His muscular body crumbles to the floor. Scooping up the gun, I turn back around.
"No one messes with my family," I scream, pulling the trigger. I feel something inside of me snap as I watch blood gush out of his lifeless body. Like a cold evil feeling lurking deep inside was finally ready to escape.
Staring at the brain matter spewed across the floor a thought came to mind. This is my purpose, the reason I'm still here.
***
Mia watches the crowd say their final farewells to her twin sister, Katelyn. She didn't feel strong enough to face their rejection so she decides to watch from afar. Gazing across the lawn, Mia starts thinking back to the last time she and Katelyn skyped.
~~~
"I'd be happy if they'd answer just one of my questions," Mia says into her computer.
"What's that, Sis?" Katelyn asks.
"Why did John and Sarah put me up for adoption?"
"I''m sure they have their reasons."
Mia glances down at her frail body. "I know why. I guess Sarah and John didn't think I'm worth the effort." Mia tearfully sighs. Unlike her sister, Mia's feeble health requires a lot of care. More than what most parents were willing to give. If they could only see me now, she thinks.
She has a 4.0 average at one of the most prestigious schools in the country and she was promised a job when she graduates in May.
"Don't talk like that, Mia."
"I can't help it."
"Yes, you can." Seeing tears running down her sister's cheek, Katelyn continues.
"Do you want to know what I see when I look at you, Mia?"
"What?"
"A brilliant young woman who's going to make something of herself, and as far as I'm concerned, your adoption was our loss, not yours."
"Then why won't you let me talk to them?"
"You will when the time is right."
~~~
I wish Katelyn would've let me confront mom and dad. Who am I kidding? I wouldn't have asked them, even if I did have the chance. No, I'd hide like a coward the way I'm doing today. She glances over at Sarah crying over the caskets. I wonder what it'd feel like to be wrapped in her loving arms she dreamily thinks, watching the crowd dwindle away. Mia pictures herself running into her mom's arms. She then imagines feeling the warmth, the love as Sarah draws her in closer. If only that were possible.
Seeing Sarah leave, Mia starts walking towards her. At the last second, she loses her courage and quickly steps away. You're a coward, Mia, a big fat coward, her inner voice tearfully scolds.
"Where's my money, Katelyn?" A deep voice asks. She feels his hot breath hiss against the nape of her neck as a sharp, pointy object digs into the center of her back.
Feeling her take a deep breath, the intruder quickly blurts out, "Make a scene and I'll slice you."
Lifting up her arm, she punches him in the nose. The weapon slides further into her skin as his head falls back. Pulling a gun out of her pocket, Mia spins around. She feels the sharp blade slash her back as she turns to face him.
"My sister is dead because of you," she screams, pulling the trigger.
"She's got a gun!" One of the attendants yells. Screaming, the crowd runs for their cars.
Hearing sirens wailing in the far distance, Mia turns around. She sees flashing red and blue lights barreling down the road. I have to get out of here, she thinks, darting the other way.
By Mistydawn
Mia is running down the road not sure where she is headed. Her legs hurt and her chest aches as she gasps for much-needed air. Her thoughts are traveling at record speed as she continues to search for safety. She glances around, hoping to get a sense of her surroundings. Being oxygen-deprived and at this fast pace, the towering buildings are one big blur.
Sirens continue to get closer as she darts through the desolate area. Mia discovers red and blues headed her way. I have to hide. She darts behind a dumpster; the glimmer of lights is a few feet away. She begins to tremble as she gasps for much-needed air. “Please don’t let them find me, oh please don’t let them find me,” she begs.
She peeks around the container to find a horde of cruisers headed towards her. Her entire body begins to shake. "What did I do, oh, what did I just do?" Mia pictures the stranger tumbling to the ground. She then imagines blood oozing from his body onto the cold hard dirt. She glances down to find blood splatter on her clothes. "I… I just killed a man.”
"Hey, get away from there."
Mia turns to see a large man stomping towards her. He has long, ratty hair and a scraggly gray beard. His jerry-built glasses sit crooked on his face. His frail, thin body is covered with layers of filthy, threadbare clothes.
"I said get away from there, that's mine."
Mia finds a makeshift home beside her. Its materials consist of cardboard and pieces of multi-colored wood. Its construction doesn't look like it'd survive small turbulence much less a large storm.
"Get your own place." The man waves his cane in the air as he waddles towards her.
"Ok, ok, I'm… I’m sorry.” She moves away from the lean-to.
"That's Clyde's home and he wouldn't appreciate you being in there either."
"I'm not taking over anyone's home. I'm just trying to find a place to hide." Mia looks down the road again.
"The cops after you, huh?" Glancing at the nerdy girl in front of him he continues. "What did you do, steal a book from the library?" He laughs.
"That's none of your concern, now is it?" She pulls her jacket around herself, hoping to hide the blood. Mia sees a squad car pull into the alley. Frightened, she ducks behind a pile of garbage. Flies swarm around her; she shoos them away.
"Don't worry, they won't come down here." He points towards the ground. "There's too much glass and other crap in the road for them to venture too far.”
Mia watches the cruiser back out of the alley, she sighs with relief.
“You wouldn't happen to have some spare change, would you? Clyde and I haven’t eaten in days.”
Mia is searching through her purse when she hears a man yell.
"There she is."
She turns to find two men from the cemetery headed towards her. “Here, take it.” Handing him some money, she darts the opposite way.
***
Sara is cruising the streets for her next target. After driving around in a state of oblivion for hours, she concluded her family would still be alive if it weren’t for the drug dealers and their wretched friends. After all, they were the ones who supplied the dope. It was Katelyn’s debt, her addiction that led to their demise. “I’m going to make sure they don’t send another child to their grave.” She glances down at the gun beside her. “My personal war on drugs.”
Sarah sees a string of stripped cars on either side of the street. She then notices tires stacked five high further down the road; behind it sits mounds of trash. A large dumpster overflowing with garbage behind it.
She looks back to find a homeless man crossing the road. Sarah’s mind drifts back to the day she found Katelyn rummaging through trash as she waits for him to cross.
------
Her clothes were filthy, and her hair a matted mess. If I could only hold her one more time; tell her it’ll be alright. Sarah tearfully thinks as she watches her daughter scavenge through the dumpster.
She and John have been fighting with Katelyn’s addiction for years. They've put her in the best rehabs’ money can buy; went to family therapy three times a week. John and Sarah even put her in several different support groups but nothing they did seems to help. The last time Katelyn was home proved that.
---
Katelyn stumbles in the house at three am high and drunk. This wasn't the first time she came home in this state, but it was the first time John was aware; so, Sarah thought.
John gets upset when she wakes him with her constant banging. His anger intensifies when he realizes how inebriated she is.
"I think it's time for some tuff love, Sarah," John announces as he stomps across their bedroom floor. His heavy tramping causes her knick-knacks to rattle on the shelf.
Sarah watches as one falls to the floor. Shattered to bits just like my life, she tearfully concludes. She looks up to find John stamping back and forth.
“I should’ve put my foot down long ago," John continues.
"She's going through a lot right now with school and all. I'm sure she'll settle down soon."
John spins around. "Stop making excuses for her.”
"I'm not. Besides, she doesn't come home like this every night."
"Oh no, when was the last time she came home sober and at a decent hour? Huh, when?"
“I …I…”
"It's time for some tuff love." He throws the door open and storms down the stairs.
Sarah runs after him. "What are you going to do?"
"What I should have done years ago, kick her out."
She grabs a hold of his arm; a river of tears streams down her sallow face. "No John, stop; you can't do this to her, to us, to our family," she sobs.
He jerks his arm away. Flames shoot from his eyes. piercing her mangled heart. "Watch me," he growls.
Two months later, Sarah sees Katelyn scavenging through a dumpster. Heartbroken over her condition, she decides to take her home. She cleans her and feeds her, the way she believes a good mother should.
A month later, John and Katelyn are gunned down in the street.
~~~
And it’s all their fault, Sarah thinks.
There’s a thump on the hood of her car. Sarah looks over to see a tall brawny man glaring at her as he presses his face against the glass. He mouths something and then pounds on the vehicle again. Seeing the homeless man in front of her, Sarah locks the doors.
The car's bright interior becomes dark as shabby characters surround her. She turns to find two angry men by the driver’s door. The goons, pound on the hood, bang on the glass as they continue to make threats on her life.
Frightened, Sarah pushes on the gas. The edge of her bumper smacks the old man's legs sending him to the ground.
She looks back to find a horde of men chasing her; guns pointed in her direction. Terrified, she pushes the pedal down more.
She hears glass break and then feels something whizz past, just millimeters from her head. Sarah screams as she pushes the gas to the floor.
She’s almost to the crossroad when a young girl dashes across the alley. Sarah swerves as she slams on the brakes. The tires squeal; the car's backend spins around.
Mia jumps back as the car skids to a halt. Once the dust settles, a familiar face appears. Now's my chance. She quickly discovers that her body refuses to move. It'd be a lot safer in the car. What will I say when I climb in? Hi, I’m Mia, your long-lost daughter. The shouts get louder, Mia glances behind her to find the angry mob a few feet away. She gazes at the woman one last time, and then darts across the road.
Sarah watches as the young woman races away, still unsure about what she saw. “Are my eyes deceiving me? Maybe my grief is playing tricks on my mind.” Sarah reasons. She realizes the girl’s hair, clothes, and makeup are all Katelyn style. “Even the stare she gave me, her run is identical to my baby’s. It can’t be Katelyn; it just can't be.” The girl turns and looks at her one last time before she slips out of sight.
I feel like I'm losing Katelyn all over again. "No, don't go. Please come back, please come back,” Sarah sobs as she watches the mystery girl fade away.
By Mistydawn
The sun shines brightly overhead making the day unseasonably warm. The forensic team is collecting evidence at the gravesite while the detectives question the witnesses.
Larry wipes the sweat from his brow as he heads towards his partner. "The ones I talked to don't remember seeing her until after she fired her gun and only briefly then." He started on the force ten years ago. He's worked homicide for three.
"The people I talked to said she was wearing a large-brimmed hat and sunglasses, so they didn't get a good look at her face."
"Mine did too."
"I have something that'll help," Jeff says as he walks towards them. "I found a shoe print in the dirt. It was made by a lady's dress shoe, size 8. My team is checking the pattern now." Jeff transferred from the tenth precinct five years ago.
"What can you tell us about the victim?"
Jeff glances at his notebook. "He was released from prison a few days ago and is currently staying at his Aunt's on the south side of town. Here's the address." He tears a piece of paper from his notebook and hands it to George.
"What was he charged with?" Larry asks.
"Assault with a deadly weapon and evading arrest."
"Who did he assault?"
"His wife and a guy by the name of Billy Mueller. I also wanted to tell you the bullet is from a 22. I can tell you the make and model once I get it to the lab."
"Do you have anything else for us?" George questions.
"That's all we know so far, sir."
"Is any of these cars the shooter's?" Larry asks, looking around the crowded lot.
"No, sir."
"Search the garages and the streets for abandoned vehicles. Check the cameras in the area see what you can find."
"We'll get right on it, detective."
***
I have to get out of the city, Mia thinks as she dashes towards the bus station. A horde of daily commuters beside her.
Katelyn suggested she move to New York claiming it will make it easier on her when she goes to Berkeley. Katelyn then proposes they assume the other's identity. She argued that it'd save Mia from having to pay rent. Mia was afraid to take her up on her offer but now wonders if things would've turned out differently if she had.
Mia sees a tall lanky dude running towards her when she glances over her shoulder. Recognizing him from the cemetery, Mia pushes through the crowd. Several pedestrians use a few choice words as they tumble to the ground.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she apologizes as she rushes past them. She looks back to find the guy is just a few feet away. I'll end up like Katelyn if I don't hurry.
Using every ounce of energy she has left, Mia pushes through the mass. A pair of strong hands pull her into the alley; Mia screams. A large filthy palm presses firmly against her lips; muffling her cries for help. Mia tries to squirm away. He jerks her against him; a rancid smell spews from his clothes when their bodies collide.
"You're not going anywhere, Katelyn, not until you pay me what you owe," he tightens his grip on her neck as he drags her further back.
Mia's head spins as she gasps for much-needed air. I can't pass out now, I just can't. She forces air into her lungs. The world dims around her. I have to do something, quick. She grabs the gun from her pocket and lifts it over her head. Making a quick calculating, she aims and shoots. His hold slips as he folds to the ground.
Gulping in precious air, Mia spins around. "No one hurts my sister, no one," she screams. She pulls the trigger again. She hears scuffling at the end of the alley. She looks up to find another goon barreling her way. Mia lifts her weapon and squeezes the trigger. The gun clicks in response. It can't be empty, it just can't be. She glances up to find the man is a few feet away. Sirens blare down the road.
***
"They don't give you guys a lot of space, do they?" George complains as he tries to maneuver his plump body around the small enclosure. George has been with the station for fifteen years. He thought about becoming a sergeant but isn't sure if he can handle the politics that go with the fancier title.
"Are you going to make it, doughboy?" Larry chuckles from his seat."
"Yeah, yeah just keep laughing." George sneers at his brawny partner as he plops down beside him. "I think I'm ready now." George repositions himself in the chair. "Yeah, I'm good."
"I started the search on our mystery lady a half an hour before the incident occurred. I was hoping we might be able to pick her up entering the cemetery." Jeff explains. He looks at the digital clock at the bottom of the screen. "The tape is now up to when it occurred."
"I can't believe a single camera didn't pick her up," Larry says.
"I'm beginning to think it was purposely done. Wait, what was that?" George points towards the monitor. The technician pauses the tape.
"Go back." Jeff rewinds the footage. Good, now move it frame by frame. There, stop, zoom it in." A picture of a woman appears on the screen. She's dressed in black. A large brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses hide her face. Her hair appears to be a sandy blonde but the way she has it tucked it was difficult to tell.
"No wonder they couldn't give us a description," Larry says.
"Do you think you can do anything with the picture?"
"I'll try." The tech taps a few keys.
"Maybe we can find a better shot," Larry suggests. The technician continues to move the tape frame by frame. A few seconds later, the camera catches a quick shot of her face.
"I should be able to work with that." Jeff pushes a few more buttons, pictures flash across the screen. He looks back to find the detectives anxiously watching. "This may take a while, guys."
"Maybe not." Larry points to the computer.
Jeff skims through the information. "Your mystery woman's name is Katelyn Johnson. She has several priors for drugs and one for prostitution." The tech scribbles down the address and then hands it to them.
"Thanks, Jeff."
"Yeah, thanks," George says as he squeezes out of his seat.
***
Sarah decided to start her war with guys Katelyn had recently mentioned and then expand her crusade from there. She tries to recall what Katelyn had said as she heads towards the south side of town.
~~~~
"He's the worst one of them all, mom," Katelyn informs her. Her hands shake uncontrollably as she tries to drink her tea. She needed a fix but wasn't sure how she was going to score.
"Why is that, sweetheart?"
"He'll kill anyone who crosses him, or who doesn't make good on their debt. That's why I think it's best if we pay him first."
~~~
"I'll pay him alright; I'll pay him with a bullet straight to his cold, worthless heart." Sarah glances at the weapon beside her. "Him and all of his goons." She smiles.
Sarah finds him on the corner of Nostrand and Park Avenue like Katelyn had said. She wrinkles her nose at the ghastly sight. How in the world did my baby get hooked up with that? She then recalls what Katelyn had put them through. She wasn't a saint.
Sarah rolls down the window as she pulls up to the curb. "Hey, got green for powder?" Sarah nervously states.
"What?" he anxiously takes a step towards her. Not recognizing the face, he backs away.
"I got green for powder." Sarah holds up a wad of cash.
"Are you for real, lady?" He anxiously glances around. His friend was busted a few weeks back and he didn't want to be next.
"Come on, man, I need the stuff."
"You must be trippin if you thinking you can approach me like that."
Sarah lifts her gun up to the window. "No man, you're the one who's tripping, thinking you can get by with killing my girl." Sarah pulls the trigger; his body collapses on the ground.
"She's got a gun," an onlooker yells.
Sarah holds the weapon out further and shoots everyone she sees. "You guys can't take another innocent life, now, can you?" She laughs as she pulls the trigger again.
Sarah watches his crew scatter. She glances behind her to find red and blues barreling down the road.
By Mistydawn
The hot afternoon sun glares unmercifully overhead. Its sweltering heat adds misery to the harrowing situation as Sarah attempts to flee.
She glances to her right, to her left and then behind her. Sarah discovers cruisers in all four directions. I can’t let them catch me, I just can’t. Her tires squeal as peels away from the curb.
Her entire body begins to tremble as she races down the road. Her breathing becomes labored. Her heart pounds savagely against her chest; making her entire insides feel like they’re about to explode. I have to find a way to escape. I just have too. Leaning forward, Sarah pushes the accelerator to the floor. Angry motorists lay on their horns as her car whizzes by.
Sarah looks back to find the cop is a distance away. She swerves onto Flushing Street, hoping to throw them off her trail. Horns blare, tires screech as her car fishtails around the corner. She looks back to find a four-car pileup in the middle of the road. That should hold them, she thinks, as she dodges around the traffic.
Sarah discovers a cruiser behind her when she glances back again. What am I going to do now? Sarah zigzags through the slower moving traffic as she conjures up a plan. When she glances in the rearview mirror she sees the cruiser weaving around a lorry. The towering vehicle momentarily obstructs their view. This is my chance to escape. She anxiously looks around hoping to come up with an idea.
She notices Empire's congested parking lot off to her right. I could hide among all the cars. Sarah pulls into the store and nervously looks around. The place needs to be unnoticeable, away from their direct view, she concludes as she continues to scan the lot. Sarah sees a delivery truck by the loading docks. She pulls in between it and the store. Please let my plan work; please let this work. She prays as she turns off her car. Sarah scrunches down in the seat to where she’s barely noticeable but can still peer over the dash.
Sarah's hands begin to shake. Her entire body quivers as she waits for the cops to drive by. “Oh, please don't let them find me. Oh, please don't let them find me," she begs. A line of vehicles drives past her, followed by another. They’re going to be here soon. She sees the oversized truck that had once blocked their view, but the cop was nowhere to be found. Where can they be? Maybe they’ve already driven by. Sarah quickly scans the traffic. I don’t see them. She glances in front of her and sees the cruiser pull onto the lot. Please let them drive past me, oh, please let them drive past, she begs as she wiggles back down.
Her heartbeat starts pounding furiously in her ears as sharp pains shoot through her chest. Her lungs constrict making it difficult to breathe. Sarah becomes dizzy, lightheaded; her vision blurs. Her throat tightens as she forces oxygen into her lungs. The airflow around her seems so thick, so still; making it hard for her to take in. Sweat gushes from every inch of her body worse than it had before. I can’t have a panic attack now, I just can’t. She takes a few deep breaths, hoping to calm her nerves. Her symptoms slowly lessen and then subside.
She discovers the cops red and blues are fading in the distance when she glances up. That was to close, she thinks, reaching for the ignition.
She starts to turn the key when she hears a tap on the window. Sarah springs back in her seat as she screams. The intruder knocks again. She turns to find a man in blue beside her. "No," Sarah cries as she collapses against the wheel.
***
Discovering the wall around her is unscalable, Mia spins back around. She sees a tall, muscular man barreling towards her. She then realizes the blaring sirens are now just a few blocks away.
She glances over at her first attacker’s corpse she’s hidden amongst the trash and then the intruder again. If this man doesn't kill me, the cops will. Her body begins to tremble as she tries to figure out what to do.
I can face him head-on or dodge past. She notices piles of garbage on either side of the alley. It could hinder my escape and he’s too brawny to go face to face. Oh, why does my gun have to be empty now, why? Her heart begins to race as her intruder closes in.
Mia suddenly recalls putting a clip in her inside jacket pocket. I hope it's still there. The cold hard metal brushes against her hand when she reaches in. Closing her fingers around it, she pulls it out. This tiny piece of steel just might save my life. She shakingly replaces the empty clip for a new one. You wanna play, fine, let's go. Mia tromps towards him. Stopping when they’re mere inches apart. "What do you want from me, huh, what do you want?" she screams as she waves her gun through the air.
He's never seen someone so crazed in his life. Knowing firsthand how violent addicts can be, he cautiously backs away.
"Why couldn't you just leave me alone, huh, why?" she screams as she swings her gun through the air.
"I. I just wanted to see you, Katelyn." He continues to move back. The intruder glances behind him and discovers the street is still a distance away. He then realizes trying to dodge a bullet is a crazy idea. I hope I calm her down. “I’ve really missed you these past few days. I’ve been asking around, hoping I can find you."
Mia realizes who he is as she inches closer. "I'm not your girlfriend, moron, she's dead.”
“Katelyn is d... Dead?”
“Shot in the street in Jersey and it's all because of you." Mia pulls the trigger. She watches his brawny body fold to the ground. The approaching sirens bring her back to reality. Shoving the gun in her pocket, Mia darts amongst the lookie-loos stunned by the recent events.
***
The Detectives see a horde of officers standing on the lawn when they pull up to the Johnson's two-story Victorian. It and several other homes in this subdivision were built to resemble the older, historical landmarks, that acts of nature had destroyed through the years.
George sees the entire front yard taped off as he glances around. "What's going on?" he questions, as he surveys the busy scene.
Larry knows from experience that with this much police presence, whatever's happened here can't be good. He also realizes he and his partner have just caught a new case. "Maybe Katelyn killed her parents too."
"Let's hope not." George takes a hankie from his pocket and wipes the sweat from his brow. I can only imagine how hot summer is going to be if it’s this warm already. George wipes his brow again. He feels his clothes stick to his moist skin. He readjusts them as he continues across the yard.
The detectives walk over to the first uniform they see.
"That was quick," the officer says, glancing at his watch. It was one of those fancy smartwatches that can do just about everything imaginable.
George thought about buying one once until he discovered his old brain couldn’t grasp the technology behind it. He gives the rookie an inquisitive look. "What was, son?"
"I just got off the phone with the captain."
As if on cue, George's cell phone rings. "Hi, captain, yeah I know, we're already here." ... "Larry and I were following up on a lead from the gravesite shooting." ... "I'll keep you in the loop." Hanging up, he turns towards the officer. "What can you tell us?" George questions as he surveys the scene.
"The neighbors heard gunfire and then saw Mrs. Johnson run from the house."
"Wait, did you just say Mrs. Johnson?" Larry questions.
The rookie waves his hand towards a small crowd. "That's what they claim."
George counts a half dozen witnesses, maybe more. "Are they sure it wasn't her daughter, Katelyn?"
"The daughter is dead, sir. She and her daddy were killed in a drive-by in Jersey a few days ago. They held her funeral at Greenwood Cemetery this morning.”
"Did you say, Greenwood?" Larry questions.
"Yes, why?"
"That's where we saw her on surveillance."
"If she's attending her funeral, then who's in the grave?" George dials the captain's number. "I think we have a situation, sir," he begins.
By Mistydawn
The late-afternoon sun blazes through the shattered windshield. Sarah's body is trembling across the steering wheel as she continues to sob. The man in blue taps on the window again. There’s no sense in running. She lifts her weakened body from the wheel and slowly turns around. Sarah wipes her face with the back of her hand as she reaches for the handle with the other. Her entire body quivers as she watches the glass slide down.
“I didn’t mean to do it, I really didn’t, but he left me no choice,” she blubbers through her sobs.
"I don’t know what you’re blabbering about, lady. I don’t care to know either. This is a loading zone, and no one is allowed to park here." He points to the rusty sign.
“What?” Sarah anxiously dries her face again.
“You’re in a loading dock lady. So, either move your ass or I’ll have you towed.”
"Oh, of course. I…I’ll leave right now." Embarrassed by her emotional meltdown, she wipes the tears from her cheek.
"Sometime today would be nice," the man growls as he impatiently taps his foot on the ground.
Sara glares at the beastly sized man. “Don't get your panties in such a twist.” The man grumbles under his breath as Sarah starts her car.
Not seeing a cop in the near vicinity, she pulls onto the street. I have to do something with this car now the cops know what I drive, but what? Her thoughts travel a mile a minute as she tries to come up with a plan. John's younger brother suddenly comes to mind. I know exactly what I'll do. Smiling, she makes a quick left turn onto Van Brunt Street. I do hope Jimmy is willing to help.
Sara first notices the abandoned buildings on either side of her. Ankle-high trash lines the edge of the road. Sarah then finds a collection of stripped cars parked in an abandoned lot. She pulls up to the last shop in the area as she continues to look around. It’s sad to see the south side in such a state. She recalls how the subdivision was so lively back in the day. It was a small city all on its own.
Seeing his sister-in-law climb out of the car, Jimmy walks over to greet her. "What a nice surprise.” He notices a distraught look on her face when she glances up. "What's wrong, honey?”
"Oh Jimmy," she cries as she collapses in his arms.
"There, there sweetheart it'll be alright," he says as he gently strokes her hair. He's had a thing for her long before she and John dated but despite his best efforts, she chose the fancy attorney over the lowly grease monkey.
"I'm in a lot of trouble, Jimmy and I need your help." She sobs in his arms.
"What kind of trouble are you talking about?" he asks, knowing how dramatic she can be. Jimmy feels her body tremble against him. He wraps his arms around her and holds her tight. This is the way it should’ve been, he thinks.
“A gang is after me and I don’t know what to do.”
Jimmy pushes her an arms-length away. “Someone is after you?”
“Yes, yes. It was awful, Jimmy, just awful. I shot a man in self-defense and now his friends are trying to shoot me.”
"Someone took a shot at you?" Jimmy gasps.
“Look.” She shows him the hole in the back glass. “The bullet barely missed my head.” She shivers from the thought.
“Where did this happen and when?”
“It happened yesterday evening but I’m not exactly sure where. I’d gotten lost and was trying to find my way home.” Sarah lies.
"Do you think this has to do with Katelyn and John's death?”
"The goon I shot said as much.” Noticing the perplexed look on his face she quickly explains. “See Katelyn owed a drug dealer a lot of money, so they sent a thug to collect …”
“Wait, did you just say you shot a man?”
“I had to Jimmy, I just had to. It was either that or die.”
“What?”
“He threatened to kill me when I refused to pay.”
"Do the police know about this?"
“I can’t go to the cops.”
“Why not?”
“I shot a man, Jimmy. I… I took a life.” She bawls. She recalls the man in her house and then the dead victims on the street. "Oh, Jimmy, what have I done? What have I done?" She cries harder.
“You said it was in self-defense.”
“It was, but the cops may not see it that way. You've gotta help me, Jimmy you just gotta.”
Jimmy scratches his head trying to process what he’s been told. Sarah continues to sob beside him. “What do you want me to do?”
Sarah sniffles. She takes a tissue from her pocket and blows her nose. “Since the gang knows what kind of car I drive, I either need to get a different vehicle or paint this one."
Jimmy glances at the car again. He didn’t want to get in the middle of this, but he doesn’t want Sarah killed either.
"So, are you willing to help me, Jimmy?”
"Let me talk to the owner and see what he can do."
"I thought you owned this place?"
"I got into a bind and had to sell. The owner still lets me work here, so I figure it isn't a complete loss."
"That's nice of him, I guess." Getting a harrowing feeling, she anxiously glances around.
The two hear tires squeal. They glance up to find a black car speeding down the road; a gun pointed towards them.
"Duck," Jimmy screams as he pushes her behind a dumpster. Bullets ping off the metal container as the two huddles in the corner.
"You weren't lying about them being after you," he exclaims.
“Will you help me, now?”
***
The hot afternoon sun reflects off the steamy pavement. This makes the day seem more sultry than what it actually is. Mia continues to sprint down the sidewalk attempting to make her grand escape. The police presence seems to thicken the further she gets down the road. Her entire body trembles; her stomach squeezes into a large, hard knot as she tries to blend in with the crowd.
If I keep walking normal, they probably won't notice me. She tries to reassure herself. She pulls the brim of her hat down further and then adjusts the sunglasses on her face.
Mia sees two cops headed towards her. She glances back and discovers two more a few feet behind. I need to find a place to hide before they sandwich me in. She discovers a clothing store on her right. I could lay low in there for a while.
The small bell on the door rings when she dashes inside. Mia jumps from the sudden noise. Realizing she’s being watched, she glances at the employee and smiles.
"Can I help you?" the lady barks, annoyed by the intrusion.
"Don't let me interrupt your show. I'm sure it's more important than making a sell." The clerk mumbles something as she returns to portable TV. Realizing the cops are about to pass her, Mia ducks behind a rack of clothes.
"Can I help you find something?" A second sales lady asks. She jumps again. “I didn’t mean to startle you, honey.”
Mia finds a short, rounded woman beside her. She’s wearing a white floral dress that hangs well past her knees; a light pink, cotton sweater over top. Her thick gray hair is pulled tightly into a bun and fastened at the nape of her neck. Her makeup consisted of a dab of red lipstick and a touch of rouge. Mia quickly discovers what the lady lacks in makeup she makes up for in perfume. She coughs as she takes a step back. Guess I had too much coffee today.” She chuckles then coughs again.
“Are you looking for something in particular?”
"No, I'm just browsing, but thanks for asking.”
The lady points to the rack behind them. "All our clothes on this side are half off."
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." Mia discovers an officer in front of the store when she looks towards the window again. She quickly pulls a few items down. “Do you have a fitting room?"
"Yes, but...."
"I see it. I think I'll try these on too." She grabs a few more pieces and then heads towards the fitting room. Mia hears the doorbell chime when she's halfway across the floor. She turns to find two cops’ stepping through the front door.
By Mistydawn
Summary
Katelyn and her father were killed in a drive-by because Katelyn owed them money. They're now going after Sarah. Telling her to pay up or she dies. They're also going after Mia thinking that she's Katelyn. Mia is Katelyn's twin. The child Sarah thought she'd lost at birth.
Mia's heart pounds rapidly in her chest, her entire body trembles as she searches for a way to escape. The officers continue across the store behind her. They have to have an exit they just have to. She discovers the red neon sign in the corner. I need to stay calm, walk like I normally do so I won't draw attention to myself. She takes a big breath and then heads towards the door.
Paranoia overtaking her, Mia spins around. She quickly discovers the cop chatting with a cashier. They haven't spotted me yet. She turns towards the back door. I'm seconds away from freedom. Her insides quiver as she reaches for the metal bar.
"What do you think you're doing?" the employee asks. Startled, Mia jumps back. "You're not stepping foot out that door with them." She points to the clothes in her hands.
"Isn't this the dressing room?"
"The sign is clearly marked as an exit," the employee huffs. With over twenty-five years in retail, she's heard every lame excuse imaginable.
Mia sees the cop chatting away when she glances towards the front. I'm still in the clear. She starts to turn around when she notices the clerk pointing towards the back. She's telling him where to find me. She glances towards the door again. I could be long gone before they get back here. Shoving the clothes in the employee's hands, she bolts through the door. She glances back to find the officer behind her.
***
The late afternoon sun is creeping across the sky. The detectives have spent the day talking to Jovani's lovers. They discovered their answers are all the same. They didn't know much about his personal life, but he was marvelous in bed.
"I bet the working women can tell us more." Larry glances over at his partner.
"You think Jovani is into prostitutes?" George questions.
"With his sexual appetite, I bet he's done each one at least twice."
Pulling up to 10th and 42nd street Larry gets out of their car. Being familiar with the blighted area, his partner reluctantly follows. They're soon met by two young women dressed in sexy attire.
"What's your pleasure, honey?" The younger, more attractive female asks.
"We want to ask you ladies about this guy." Larry holds up a picture of the deceased.
"That's Jovani. He's a good boy toy, great eye candy, but I wouldn't want him around all the time."
"Why?" Larry asks.
"He has some bad habits if you know what I mean." she holds her finger against her nose. "You name it, he's done it. It's scary to watch him sometimes." Her friend nods in agreement.
"Do you know anyone who'd want to kill him?"
"I can name at least a dozen."
"He'd probably been dead years ago if you guys didn't ship him off so much." The second lady adds.
"What can you tell me about her?" George shows them a picture.
The first lady takes a drag from her cigarette before she answers. "That's Katelyn. She usually comes around in the evening, but I haven't seen her in a week or so. Found out she was gunned down in Jersey this morning." She glances towards the ground. "I usually don't get attached, but there was something special about that girl." She wipes a tear from her eye.
"You're sure it's Katelyn?"
"Positive. I use to tease her about the birthmark on her right cheek."
"The birthmark is on her left."
The lady looks at the picture again. "I guess it is."
"Did she and Jovani ever date?"
"Hell no. She thinks he's a disgusting sleaze, told him as much too."
"So why was he at her funeral if she hates him so much?"
"She hates him, but he adores her."
"No, it's more like he worships the ground she walks on. It's weird I know but guys like Jovani are like that, always after what they can't have."
"How about you guys?"
"We get mad at him and all, but he always makes it up to us doing what hot-blooded Italians do best."
"He does have magical fingers and a magical...."
Feeling uncomfortable, George clears his throat as he adjusts his suit. "Thanks for your time, ladies." He nervously heads towards the car. Larry chuckles.
"Was it something we said?" The first lady laughs.
"My partner is an old fashioned kind of guy."
"I can fix that real quick."
Larry gives her a quick once over. "I bet so."
"I can fix you up too, on the house." She winks. She runs her fingers down his shirt.
Larry backs away. "Don't think my wife would appreciate it."
"She'd never have to know."
Larry glances towards his partner. George smiles. You'll get yours, pal. "You wouldn't mind giving me a list of Jovani's enemies, would you?"
"I have nothing better to do." She takes the notebook from his hands.
"Do you know how we can reach his parents?"
"They still live in the old country as far as I know. That's all I can think of for now."
"Call me if you think of any more." He exchanges his card for the paper.
"Can I call you if I get in a jam?"
"You help me out and I'll help you. Thanks for your time, ladies." Larry quickly walks away.
"My offer is always good." She winks.
"Thanks a lot, pal." Larry barks as he climbs in the car.
"I figured you can handle your own." He chuckles.
"At least we got a list of suspects." He tosses George his notebook.
"And your girlfriend's number." George laughs again.
***
Sarah pretends to look around the grimy shop as she listens to the men's conversation. The putrid smell of grease and motor oil seem to hang thickly in the air despite it being empty.
The owner's brows furrow; a scowl creeps across his face as Jimmy explains her situation. I don't want to get him into trouble, but I don't know what else to do. Sarah thinks.
"Why did you bring her here, Jimmy, huh, why? Are you stupid or something?" The owner smacks the back of his head.
"She came to me."
"That's all we need, a bunch of people wandering in from the streets," he says in a huff. Lou chose this garage because of its isolated location.
"I don't know why you're getting so upset over a measly paint job."
Lou watches her stroll around the shop. "You didn't tell her about the other stuff, did you?"
"No, of course not."
"You better hope you didn't let anything slip," Lou warns as he heads towards her car. Jimmy has a habit of speaking before he thinks. "What happened here?" The owner points towards the glass.
"Someone tried to shoot her. That's why she wants us to paint it, so no one will recognize the car."
"Who won't recognize her, Jimmy, who?" Lou nervously looks around. Noticing a suspicious car parked down the road, he steps inside.
Jimmy follows suit. "The ones that killed her husband and daughter are after her too."
"Her being here could get all of us killed." Lou moves further into the shop. "I don't want any part of this, Jimmy. No part in it at all. So, tell her to get in her car and go."
"We have to help her, boss, we just have to, for my family's sake."
Seeing the despairing look on his employee's face, he walks towards the lady. "Jimmy said you ran into a little trouble on the streets?"
"A group of thugs killed my family and now they're after me."
"Do you know why?"
"I have no idea." Sarah lies. "Please, help me, mister, please, before they kill me too."
"I'll paint your car, but I suggest you get out of town the second I'm done."
"I... I will."
***
Finding Sarah's car parked at the garage, Mia heads towards it. Her nerves get the best of her, she turns back around. I can't let a few jitters get in the way of my dreams. She sees Sarah talking to the owner when she peeks inside. It's now or never.
Jimmy hears scuffling. He turns to find the silhouette of a small figure in the entryway. "Can I help you?"
"I...I need to talk to her." She points towards her mother. I have to do this. She then recalls her narrow escape. How she jumped on the subway in the nick of time. I might not be that lucky again. She takes a big breath before she continues. "It's about Katelyn's death." She steps through the door. Her body trembles as Sarah turns around. Please don't let this go badly. Oh, please don't let this go badly.
Sarah sees Mia in the doorway. "What the..." she mutters before she faints.
Characters
The Atlanta Police Department
George, detective
Larry, detective
By Mistydawn
The sun is slowly setting casting a narrow ray of light on the girl standing in the doorway. Her hair is a tangled mess. Her thin, sullen face is caked with layers of dirt. Her clothing is filthy and torn. There is a small brownish area just below the muck that appears to be dried blood.
Jimmy hears a loud kerplunk, he turns to find Sarah on the floor. He dashes to her side. "Sarah, Sarah, wake up, honey, wake up. " Carefully lifting her head off the cement he places it in his lap. "Sarah, Sarah honey, wake up," he repeats as he gently pats her face.
"What... What happened?" she asks, as she groggily glances around.
"You fainted honey."
George and Larry see patrol has the entire area blocked off when they pull up to the scene. George sees a couple of young rookies struggling to keep the heated crowd behind the yellow tape. A few of the rowdier ones are being escorted to the cruiser.
"Cracker comes in packing, kills my bro and you throw me in the slammer? Ther's something F'd up about all that"
"Save your sob story for the judge." The rookie shoves him in the car.
"I don't miss those days one bit," Larry says as he walks across the lawn.
"Me either," his partner agrees."
"What can you tell me?" George asks, stepping up beside his pal.
"The witnesses said that a white lady in a cream-colored continental pulled up to the curb. I victim went to see what she wanted she pulls out a gun and shoots him and then everyone she sees."
"When was this?
"Around 4:45. Patrol tried to chase her but lost her somewhere around Navy Street."
"Get an APB out on the car."
"It's already done, sir."
"What can you tell me about the weapon?"
"It's a Glock, like the one she used at her house."
"You know who the shooter is?"
"Yes, sir, the plates, and the description of the car come back to Sarah Johnson and a couple of witnesses picked her out of a photo array."
"What do we know about the victims?
"Her primary target is Juan Hernandez. He's a known drug dealer with a rap sheet a mile long. He was a part of the DEA's take down a few months ago, paroled out to his mother yesterday."
"Get me a list of everyone arrested during the sting."
"Last I heard the DEA has the file locked up pretty tight."
"Get me anything you can find."
"I'll try, sir."
"I know you will." George pats him on the back.
"What can you tell me about the others?" Larry questions.
"They're all working girls. Each of them has priors for prostitution."
"Have they ever been arrested for drugs?" George asks.
"A few times, but it was all petty stuff."
"Where were the witnesses when the shooting occurred?"
"They said they were standing beside the victims. A shot rang out and they ran for cover."
"So maybe this wasn't a random shooting after all."
"What are you thinking, George?" Larry questions.
"I think we have a couple of vigilantes on our hands."
By Mistydawn
Sarah is driving back into the city, hoping to finish what she started. After thinking it over, she realizes that killing everyone who's after them is the only way they'll ever be free.
"Once we take care of business we can go somewhere exotic," Mia says.
"That sounds nice Mia, but how do you propose we do this?"
"I have the perfect plan in mind." Mia smiles. It's actually a plan she and her friend thought up.
"I think it might be a good idea to get disguises before we go any further," Sarah says, nervously glancing towards the sky. A police copter has been hovering above them for the last few blocks.
"What are you watching?" Mia questions, gazing into the starry night.
"The police are using air surveillance to find my old car. That's why I think it'd be a good idea to get a new look."
"That'll screw up my plan." Mia protests.
"There won't be a plan if we get caught," Sarah says, pulling into a parking garage.
***
The station is usually chaotic but for some reason, it's unusually quiet tonight. George actually prefers it this way. He can concentrate better, get a lot more done without all the commotion. Seeing his Detectives sitting at their desks the Captain walks over to them.
"We exhumed what we believe to be Katelyn's body." The Captain begins.
"And?" George asks, hoping for some good news.
"The fingerprints, DNA and dental records confirm that the body is Katelyn Johnson."
"Then who is this mystery woman?" Larry questions.
"I can answer that, Sir," Jeff says, walking towards them.
"Did you find something, Son?"
"I was looking through Katelyn's Facebook page and found her in the contacts." Handing the Captain his tablet, Jeff continues.
"Who is she?"
"Her name is Mia Jordon. She goes to college at Columbia University and rents an apartment over on Amsterdam."
"You guys head to the apartment, I'll meet you with a warrant," the Captain says, running back to his office.
***
Sara and Mia are patiently waiting their turn at the hair salon. The receptionist said it'd only be a few minutes but it's already been half an hour. Seeing the wait was going to be longer than expected, Sarah decides to get to know Mia better.
"You never did tell me how you know Katelyn." Sarah begins.
"I met her on Facebook when I was looking for my real family."
"Your real family?" Sarah questions.
"I was put up for adoption when I was born."
"Were you able to find them?"
"I did." Reaching into her purse, Mia pulls out a piece of paper.
"What's this?" Sarah asks, reaching for it.
"It's a DNA test to prove who my real parents are." Glancing down, Sarah sees her and John's names at the top of the page.
"I... I don't understand?" Sarah says. Confused, she glances up at the young woman.
"You're my biological mom."
"That can't be right, it just can't be." Sarah protests.
"I'm ready for you now, Mia," the hairdresser says. Picking up her purse, the young woman follows her to the back. Sarah looks down at the paper then towards Mia.
"This isn't possible," Sarah cries, glancing at the paper again.
***
The Detectives see the Captain busy typing on his computer when they knock on his office door.
"Are we interrupting you, sir?" Larry questions.
"No, no, come on in." Closing his computer, he glances up from his desk..
"We searched her apartment, and didn't find anything useful."
"Mia doesn't have a gun registered in her name, either," Larry adds stepping up beside his partner.
"I take it she wasn't home."
"No, sir. We have uniforms sitting on her house."
"And the school said they'll notify us if she shows up," Larry adds. Hearing someone knock, they look towards the door.
"Guys, I found something on Katelyn's Facebook account."
"What is it, Jeff?" the Captain asks.
"It's a conversation between her and Mia. From what I've read so far Mia is claiming to be Katelyn's twin." He hands the computer to the captain.
"I thought you said her twin died at birth, Larry"
"That's what the records show."
"Mia tries to run a scam, it doesn't work, so she kills Katelyn and her father," George concludes.
Larry glances at his notes."The bullets from Katelyn's drive-by doesn't match the gun Mia used at the cemetery."
"She could have used a different weapon," George pipes in.
"Saying she did, why would she shoot the others?" the Captain runs his fingers through his thinning hair.
"Maybe she's getting rid of witnesses sir?" Jeff glances towards the detectives they nod.
"Then how does Mrs. Johnson fit into all of this?"
"Maybe she's part of the scam too, captain."
"Why would she do that to her own family, Larry?"
"I don't know, sir."
"See if you can find a connection between Mia and Mrs. Johnson. Talk to Mia's friends, her family, neighbors, see where she might go. What are we doing about Mrs. Johnson?"
"We're talking to her friends now, sir. Can I see that picture again?"
"Sure, Larry." The captan hands the tablet to the detective.
Larry enlarges the picture."Hold this for a second," he says, handing the tablet back to Jeff.
"Do you have something, detective?" the captain asks.
"I just might." Taking a picture out of his pocket, he compares the two photos."
"They look identical," Jeff says.
"Except for the birthmark." Pointing to the screen, Larry continues. "Mia's birthmark is on the right cheek and Katelyn's is on the left."
"Your right, it is."
"That explains why the guy was so confused."
"Who's confused, Larry?" The captain questions.
"A guy I spoke to claims her birthmark is on the right cheek when the picture clearly shows it on the left. I thought he was mistaken at the time, but now I understand why he said what he did."
"I bet the others think Mia is Katelyn too." The Captain adds.
***
Sarah was thinking about the DNA results as she was getting her hair done. Why would a test show something that couldn't be the furthest from the truth? What exactly is DNA testing anyhow? Why is she showing this to me now? Sarah glances over at Mia.
"Your daughter didn't get her gift of gab from you." The hairdresser comments.
"What?"
"Your daughter, Mia, she's been talking nonstop since she sat down," she answers, pointing towards the young woman sitting across from her.
"She's not my daughter."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed she was since you two look so much alike."
"You really think we look alike?" Sarah asks, studying Mia again.
"If you were the same age I bet you could pass for twins."
"Do you know anything about DNA?" Sarah asks.
"A little, why?"
"How accurate is DNA testing?"
"A hundred percent, I believe."
"So if you and I were related our DNA would prove it?"
"The genetic markers will show a familial match."
"So how would you get someone's DNA?"
"A hairbrush, toothbrush, saliva, sweat, blood, the list goes on and on," the hairdresser says, waving her hand through the air.
"Can a DNA test be fabricated?"
"I'm sure someone could pay to have the results printed differently. Why are you asking all of these questions anyhow?"
"Mia and I were talking about it before we came in," she says, glancing at the young woman again.
***
"Sir, we just found Sarah Johnson's car on a surveillance camera. It was sitting at an auto body shop over in Brooklyn. When we asked about it, the owner said she wanted to repair the bullet hole in her windshield. Lou told her it'd take at least two days for the order to come in and another to install it. She said she couldn't wait that long and drove off."
"Did he say where she's going?"
"Lou claims he doesn't know. He also said she was acting really nervous the entire time she was there like someone was after her."
"Check the cameras, find out where she went."
"We did, Sir and the cameras don't show the car ever leaving the garage."
"Did you check the shop for her car?"
"The only vehicle in the place is a vintage Mustang."
"Go back out there and talk to him again. This time try to convince him to be a little more forthcoming."
***
"Did you get a chance to read the papers," Mia questions as Sarah pulls away from the curb.
"It isn't possible because Katelyn's twin died at birth."
"The hospital records show that I died at birth, but the doctor who delivered us claims that he switched a live baby for dead ones, then sold the healthy babies on the black market." Seeing the skeptical look on Sarah's face, Mia continues.
"I have court documents to prove what I'm saying is true." Mia pulls a bunch of papers out of her purse."
"How did you get my DNA for this supposed test anyhow?"
"Katelyn helped me. See I'll show you." Taking out her phone, Mia pulls up her Facebook page. Clicking on a small icon, she brings up her and Katelyn's conversations.
"There it is. I ask for a sample of your DNA and Katelyn brought me your toothbrush the next day."
Sarah starts thinking back. My toothbrush did mysteriously vanish a few months ago, and John's a few days after that.
"How do I know the test results aren't fake, Mia?"
"We'll do it again if you want."
"Why are you doing all of this for,? Is it to extort us out of money?"
"I'm doing all of this because I want to know who my real family is. Now that I see where I came from, I'm sorry I ever did," Mia cries. Glancing over at Sarah, tears streaming down her cheek, she continues, "I thought for once in my life I could be loved, accepted, for who I truly am. But instead of my story ending in a happily ever after, it ends with me being a fugitive. I should've listened to everyone when they told me not to do this. I should have just listened. What was I thinking? Oh, what was I thinking?" She bawls.
"Is your phone in your name, Mia?"
"Yeah, why?" she asks, wiping the tears from her cheek.
"Give it to me."
"I don't understand?" Snatching the phone out of her hands, Sarah tosses it in the truck bed beside them.
"Why did you do that for?" Mia protests.
"Because the police are tracking us with your phone signal."
Looking around, Mia sees cops coming towards them from every direction.
"What are we going to do?" Mia asks, frighteningly glancing around.
By Mistydawn
"What are we going to do?" Mia cries, watching squad cars emerge from every direction. Mia imagines herself being held at gunpoint and then being manhandled to the ground. She then envisions blood pouring out of her frail body as she lay shivering on the cold damp pavement.
"We should be fine now that your phone is gone."
Mia sees the police blocking traffic at the other end of the bridge as the swat vans pull between the idling cars. Within a matter of seconds, a dozen large vested men swarms around the truck. She then sees the driver being knocked down to the ground. Just like what you'd see in the movies. She nervously glances at Sarah.
"Everything is going to be alright.now." Sarah smiles as she continues across the bridge.
***
Sidestepping around the maze of desks scattered around the station, George makes his way over to the boss's door. He starts to knock when the Captain waves him in.
Relizing George was about to say something, the Captain points towards the phone.
Nodding, the Detective plops down on the black leather sofa. George starts admiring the vintage furnishings as he waits his turn. He sees his two favorites standing in the corner, the seasoned bookshelf and the glass case containing police memorabilia. When asked why he keeps these old relics, the Captain simply replies; "I save these things to remind everyone how far the department has come." The Police Force has come a long way. Geoge concludes, turning his attention back to the Captain.
"Yes sir, I will. Thank you, sir." Hanging up the phone, he turns towards his detective.
"Do you need something, George?"
"I have some great news, Captain,"
"What's that?"
"We've traced Mia's phone to a truck going across the Brooklyn Bridge. A team is pulling her over as we speak."
"That is good news," the Captain agrees. Hearing shuffling coming from the hallway, they both turn towards the door.
"George, Captain, they found Mia's phone, but no Mia," Stepping into the office Larry continues. "It shows she last used it at 7:45 going across the bridge,"
"Have patrol check every car out there."
"They already have and she's not there."
"Check the cameras in the area, see what you can find."
***
"This is where Katelyn use to hang out," Sarah says, eyeing the shady characters cruising up and down the streets as she circles the block again. Seeing a small space between two stripped vehicles, she carefully maneuvers her way in between them. Shutting off her car, she turns towards Mia.
"This is what I want you to do," Sarah begins, nervously looking around. This area is frightening enough in the daytime and a hundred times worse at night.
"I thought we're in this together," Mia questions.
"We are, we are." Seeing the uncertainty on Mia's face, Sarah continues. "You're going to lure him away from the others so I can shoot him."
"Oh no, you're not using me for bait?" Mia exclaims, crossing her arms in front of her.
"You have your gun, right?"
"Yeah, but..."
"And I'll be right behind you, so what can be safer than that?"
"I still don't like the idea of being used as a decoy," she protests.
"You know for a fact that killing them is the only way we're ever going to be free."
Mia glances out the window again. She notices more sleazy characters heading their way. Maybe if I stall long enough she'll come up with a better plan, or I can tell her my idea. Mia glances at her watch. My friend should've been able to make the adjustments by now. "If you do shoot the one you're after who's to say the rest won't gang up on us?" Mia asks, pointing towards the growing mob gathering on the street. Sarah watches as more join the crowd. Her mind starts thinking back to earlier today and how they barely escaped.
"You're right, this plan is too risky," Sarah agrees, starting the car.
"I've got it."
"Got what, Mia?"
"A safer way to get revenge. The damn stoners won't know what hit them until it's too late."
***
Seeing his Detectives working hard at their desks the Captain smiles. I'm so lucky to have these two on my team. He walks towards them.
The two have thought about perusing a different avenue a few times through the years. Being offered better hours, and double pay, who can blame them, but the Captain somehow manages to convince the detectives to stay with him a little longer. He just hopes his luck will hold out until he retires in a few years.
"Any word on the ladies?" the captain asks.
"No, Ssir, there's no sign of them or their car leaving the Brooklyn Bridge," George answers, glancing up from the screen.
"What about the body shop?"
"We didn't find anything there either. When we asked the owner about it, he said she tore down the back alley and there's no camera's back there."
"Detectives, sir, Patrol found an abandoned vehicle on 25th street. When they ran the plates it came back to a Mia Jordon." A dispatcher announces.
"Have them haul the car to the station so forensics can process it."
"Yes, sir."
"Looks like we're finally getting somewhere," George says.
"Keep me posted."
"We will, sir."
***
Pulling up to a shoddy part of town, Sarah turns off the engine. Looking around she sees car parts and other odds and end pieces of junk scattered around the tall weedy yard. She then notices a small brown shack that looks like it's barely standing amongst all of the debris. The building looks more like a firetrap than a home. Sarah then notices a few zombie-like humans stumbling around the yard. This has to be the place Katelyn told me about, Sarah concludes, turning towards the young woman beside her.
"This is what I want you to do, Mia."
"Me, why does it always have to be me?"
"Well, I thought that..." Sarah begins.
"I'm the one that came up with the plan, so I think it's only fair that you get the product." Mia firmly states.
"I just think you'd fit the part better." Realizing Mia didn't agree, she continues, "Look at me, Mia. Who'd believe me, an overweight, middle-aged lady is a drug user?"
"So because I'm younger, a little thinner, I get to play the addict?"
"You have to admit that you'd fit the part better. Especially when you wear these," Sarah says. Pulling clothes out of a bag, she hands them to her..
Mia turns her nose up at the clothes. "Oh no, I'm not wearing these things."
What's wrong with them?."
"They're hideous. No, no they're beyond hideous they're horrifying. Grabbing the edge of the shirt with her fingertips, she disgustingly tosses it aside.
"If you approach anyone in the clothes you're wearing they'll think you're a cop."
Mia looks at her clothes and then at the people walking around the yard. "This is one time I'm glad that I don't fit in," Mia says, reluctantly pulling the clothes over her head.
"Do I look horrifying enough to you now?" Mia asks, turning towards Sarah.
"Not quite," she says, pulling a cosmetic bag out of her purse, Sarah gets to work. A few minutes later she looks at Mia and smiles.
"Perfect," Sara says, turning the mirror towards Mia.
"I look like something off of the Walking Dead."
"Exactly, now to do something with your hair."
"Oh no, you leave my hair alone," she says, smacking her hand away.
"All I'm going to do is tangle it a bit," Sarah says, reaching for her. Mia dodges her again.
"We have to do this, for Katelyn's sak."
"Alright, alright, but just a little, ok."
"That's perfect," Sarah says, pointing towards the mirror.
"Now I look like one of those creatures from Zombie Land. No, I look worse than that."
"You do look pretty frightful." Sarah chuckles.
"I'll probably scare everyone away."
"You just might." Sarah laughs.
Mia turns back towards the window. It's now or never. She reaches for the handle.
Seeing Mia is about to get out of the car, Sarah grabs a hold of her arm.
"Now what?"
"I want to give you a few pointers before you go."
"What?"
"Remember to constantly look around like someone is after you. Keep moving, and twitching like this. The key is to never stand completely still. Shuffle around if you have to but keep shifting your body in quick jerky movements.
"Like this?"
"Exactly."
Looking at Sarah one last time, Mia steps into the cold night air. This is going the way I'd hoped, well almost. She looks down at the hideous outfit. Glancing around, Mia sees a tall, thin, stick figure of a man standing in the shadows. He looks to be nothing more than fluorescent white flesh covering deteriorating bone. She notices how his clothes hang loosely from his mummified body when she gets closer.
"Hey you, I got green for powder."
"Do I know you?" he asks, turning towards her. Mia could see the few teeth he has left are rotten splinters. Why do people do this to themselves? She starts thinking about Katelyn and how she could've ended up like this. Feeling herself getting teary, she pushes the thought from her mind. Clearing her throat, she continues.
"I'm Katelyn's friend, Mia, remember?"
"I don't think I ever saw you before," he replies.
"I was with Katelyn a few weeks back when she was getting some h from you."
"I don't deal with people I don't know," he says, looking around.
"Come on man, Katelyn is coming down hard and needs the stuff."
"You have the green?"
"Right here," she says, opening her hand.
"Where did Katelyn get that kind of cash?"
"She didn't, I did."
Thinking he's being set up, he looks down the road. Not seeing anything suspicious he continues, "How much do you want?"
"A brick?"
"She knows I don't carry that much," he says, glancing down the road again.
"Give me what you have and we'll settle up later," Mia says. Remembering what Sarah told her, she starts moving around.
"I don't know," he says. Still not convinced it's a legit deal, he nervously looks around.
"Give it to me, now!" she screams, pulling the piece from her pocket. Hearing the commotion, a couple of goons s walk towards them. He motions the guys away.
"Ok, ok here take it," he says, handing it to her.
"You better have the rest of my shit next time I see you, or else," she says. Tossing the money on the ground, she stomps away. Realizing she's out of the gang's sight, Mia nervously runs back to the car.
"Now we can get to work," Mia says, climbing into the vehicle.
By Mistydawn
Seeing the detective over by the coffee pot, the Captain walks over to them. "Any word on the ladies, yet?" the Captain asks, grabbing the container from Larry's hand.
"No, Sir but I did find a link to all of the victims."
"What's that, George?"
"They were all caught up in the sting with Katelyn. So I'm looking at the arrest records to see who their next target might be."
"The DEA released their files to you?" the Captain questions, surprised the detective was able to accomplish such a task.
"Not quite." George smiles.
"I don't want to know how do I?" The captain realizes that George occasionally manipulates the system to get what he wants. Although his tactics don't always follow standard protocol, it's never blown up in his face.
"Probably not, sir." George winks.
"Have you come up with anyone, yet?"
"I'm only halfway through the list but the rest seem to be in prison."
"Maybe that's why it's been so quiet the last few hours."
"Don't say that Larry," George scolds, glaring at his partner.
"I just hope they're not looking for a different set of targets." the Captain adds.
"Me either, captain." George walks back to his desk.
"I have an update on the guys in the alley, captain. Their names are Rafael and Renzo Ronaldo. They are members of a local gang and are thought to have ties to the Italian Mafia."
"Were either of them busted with Katelyn?"
"Several times, sir but they're covered under their parents diplomatic status so no one can touch them."
"Go talk to the parents; see if they can shed some light on the situation."
"Yes, Sir."
"Larry, tread lightly when you do."
"I will, captain."
***
Sarah is driving to their first destination as Mia upgrades the product.
"You're sure this is going to work, Mia?"
"It worked over in New Haven, didn't it?"
"New Haven?" Sarah questions, unfamiliar with the story.
"Twenty people OD'd on a bad batch of heroin last summer. The police believe that the drugs were mixed with strychnine." Mia holds up a large brown bottle.
"How are we going to do this?"
"All I have to do is drop off a few tainted bags and leave. Their addiction will do the rest."
"That's it?"
"It's that simple." Mia smiles. Seeing they're at their first location, Mia climbs out of the car.
"See you in a few," she says, closing the door.
Mia hears horrid music coming from inside the house as she walks down the sidewalk. Getting closer she hears people talking, over the god awful noise. How can anyone stand this crap? Mia sees a large burly man standing on the porch when she pushes the gate open. Intimidated by his size, she pauses. I have to do this for Katelyn's sake. Taking a deep breath, she walks towards the steps.
"Where do you think you're going?" A deep voice asks, stepping in front of her.
"I thought it was you," Mia begins.
"Do I know you?" The man asks, eyeing the petite figure standing in front of him.
"You don't remember me, your little southern peach from Georgia?" she asks with a southern drawl. Seeing the confused look on his face she continues, "I guess it has been a while. See I got pinched a few months back and had to do some time upstate. But I'm back now and I'm ready to party." She shows him a bag of drugs. "Do you want to make up for lost time with me?" she asks. Seeing him hesitate, Mia adds, "I'll make it worth your while." She rubs his chest. Mia watches his eyes get bigger as her hand slowly travels down his body. Reaching his growing bulge, she playfully squeezes. "Just the way I remember," she says, squeezing again. "What do you say, baby, ready to party with your sweet Georgia peach?" she asks as she massages his hardening appendage.
Grabbing her hand, he pulls her inside.
"I like it when you're forceful with me." She laughs. Reaching into her purse, Mia grabs a couple of baggies and drops them on the floor.
"Where are you taking me?" she asks, dropping a couple more.
"You'll see." He smiles, racing down the hall.
***
Seeing the perplexed look on the Detective's face, the Captain walks over to his desk.
"What's wrong, George?"
"The rest are still doing time upstate. So I'm looking into her other arrests, see if I can find anything there."
"This is a switch, captain."
"How is that?"
"We're protecting the users from getting killed instead of people being killed by the users." Larry laughs.
"Like it or not, they're citizens too and it's our duty to protect them, whether we want to or not," the Captain replies sharply.
"I know, sir, I know, I was just saying ..."
"I think it's best if you keep your opinions about this case to yourself." The captain storms away.
"What's got him all riled up?"
"Drug addiction hits a personal note with the captain. See, his brother overdosed when he was a young boy."
"Oh gee, I'm sorry, I didn't know."
"His brother is why the captain became a cop. In fact, his pet project is to help people with addictions find the resources they need. That's what he was trying to do for Katelyn."
"Katelyn?"
"Yes, he feels like if he'd done more for her, she'd still be alive."
"He should know better than most that you can't help anyone who doesn't want it, and that addicts usually have to hit rock bottom before they'll even think about asking."
"Katelyn wanted his help and she was doing good too, until that night."
"What happened that night?"
"No one can say for sure. The Captain blames himself for her death because he didn't pick up when she called."
"Why didn't he answer her if he was so concerned?"
"The doctors were getting a bullet out of his chest."
"That couldn't have been helped, then."
"Not according to the captain. He says he would have been there for her if he'd wore his vest."
"How did the Captain get shot?"
"We were arresting a suspect when the perp's grandma came from the back of the house and starts shooting everyone she sees." George pictures the round, gray-haired granny in a long dress and stocking cap running up behind them. "She was one mean pistol-packing mama."
"The Captain had no way of knowing that Granny would be packing."
"Believe me; we were all taken by surprise."
"I went back out and talked to the neighbors about Katelyn's shooting but no one wants to admit seeing anything," Larry says.
"That figures."
"I did find out that the bullet came from a 38 special double-barrel revolver. So I'm looking into gun owners that live in the area." Larry finishes.
"You'll probably find it was stolen."
"Yeah, probably but it's worth a shot, right?"
"I guess." The one thing George hates the most about investigations is when their leads dead end."
"I just got a report back from forensics. They found some spent bullets that match the one used at the gravesite and the alley in Mia's car."
"I'm going to talk to Mia's parents, see If they can tell us where she might go."
"You mean her foster parents,." Larry corrects.
"Foster parents?"
"Mia was put up for adoption when she was born."
"So what she typed in facebook was real?"
"The adoption part is. I'm thinking she uses that as an excuse to prey on wealthy families." Larry concludes.
"I'll talk to her foster parents and see if they can help."
"I've already tried. They haven't spoken to her since she aged out of the system twelve years ago."
"I guess this is useless too," George says. Wadding up a piece of paper he throws it in the trash.
"What was that?"
"The list the girls gave you."
***
Slamming the door closed, the burly man pushes Mia onto the bed.
Seeing him walking towards her, she tries scooting away. He grabs a hold of her leg and pulls her to the end of the mattress.
"It's been a long time since I've had any," he says, unfastening his belt.
"What about our little party favor?" she pulls a baggie out of her purse as she scoots further away.
"We'll get to that later," he says. Pulling her towards him, he lifts her skirt up to her waist.
"Nice," he says, fondling her through her panties.
"That can wait." Lifting up her leg, she kicks him away. He tumbles backward crashing against the bedroom door.
"I like it when a girl gets feisty with me," he says, stumbling towards her. Mia moves out of the way. "Playing hard to get are you?" He smiles. Scampering across the bed, he grabs a hold of her leg.
"Not now, I said." Using her free leg she kicks him in the nose. His head flies back as blood spurts across the mattress.
"I'm done playing around with you," he yells, dabbing at his nose. Seeing him coming after her, Mia reaches for her purse. He grabs a hold of the strap, spilling small baggies all over the floor. Realizing her gun wasn't among them, Mia runs for the door.
"Oh no, you're not leaving until I get what I want," he says, jumping off of the bed.
Throwing the door open, she pushes through the crowd. Looking back, she sees him stumbling after her. Shoving people out of her way, she races towards the front.
"Stop her!" the man yells, as Mia bolts through the house.
By Mistydawn
Realizing the door is just a few feet away, Mia plows towards it. Looking back she sees the hefty man waddling down the hall.
"Stop her, stop her," the man screams over the blaring music. Mia starts feeling dizzy, light-headed and her stomach becomes woozy, as she turns towards the front of the house. She sees two blurry outlines of the door when she glances ahead. What is wrong with me? Looking around she notices layers of smoke hovering around the room. Am I getting a contact high? She blinks hoping that'll correct her vision. Her head feels like it's spinning out of control the moment she opens her eyes. I've got to keep going, she thinks, pushing herself harder. She's almost to the door when she feels two large hands grab a hold of her arm. Terrified, Mia quickly spins around. She sees a short stubby man saying something to her. His voice was so distant, so muffled that Mia couldn't understand what he was saying. She strains to hear but his words seem to jumble together.
"Huh," she asks. His head starts weaving back and forth as he's laughing at her. This makes it seem like he has two heads instead of one. He looks like one of those circus freak shows, she concludes, quickly glancing around. Seeing more gangly looking people walking towards her, Mia screams. Their boisterous laughter continues to get louder as Mia struggles to break free. "Let me go, Let me go," she screams. Glancing over, she sees the hefty man is only a few feet away. Lifting up her hand, Mia punches her subduer in the nose. Feeling his grip release, Mia runs for the door.
"Stop her I said," the thick man yells as Mia bolts down the sidewalk. Pushing the gate open, Mia runs for the car.
"Let's go, let's go," Mia says, jumping in the vehicle. Putting the car in gear, Sarah speeds away.
"Did you get rid of it?" Sarah asks, glancing over at the shaken woman.
"Every last baggie," Mia replies, anxiously looking back.
"I have another place for us to try," Sarah says. She sees Mia trembling in her seat.
"What?" Mia asks, turning back around.
"I have another place I'd like for us to go."
"You're going in this time," Mia says, looking behind them again.
***
George feels like he'd just crawled into bed when his cell phone rings. He fumbles his hand across the dusty nightstand until he finds the noisy device.
"Hello," he groggily replies, turning on the small desk lamp beside him. Glancing at the clock he realizes it's only four in the morning.
"I hate to do this to you, George but we have 5 deaths over in the Macy Projects," the Captain begins.
"Five people dead in Brooklyn, Sir?" he questions, trying to wrap his head around what he'd just been told.
"That's what the dispatcher said."
"What happened?"
"It looks like they've all OD'd on a bad batch of heroin."
"It's the New Haven Massacre all over again, isn't it, Sir?" he asks, sitting up in bed.
"It looks that way."
"Does Larry know?"
"He said he'll meet you out there."
"Tell him I'm on my way."
"I will and I'll have him text you the address."
"Thanks, Captain."
George sees the paramedics dragging bodies out of the house when he arrives. That looks like a lot more than five. He walks over to the first officer he sees.
"How many are there?" George asks, looking at the bodies sprawled across the lawn.
"We've counted fifteen so far."
"Fifteen?"
"Yes, Sir, and the house still isn't clear."
"Did anyone tell you anything?"
"They were all dead when we arrived."
"Who called it in?"
"He did, Sir." Pointing to a young man leaning against a cruiser, he continues.
"He said that a guy stumbled in front of his car then fell to the ground. When he looked towards the house he saw another guy fall on the porch and another lying in the yard. So he calls 911."
"Can he identify any of the victims?"
"No, Sir and the owner claims he hasn't rented the place in over a year."
"Start getting Id's on these people," George orders, pointing towards the yard.
"We're running their prints through the system as we're pulling them out."
"I want a copy of the list as soon as you're finished."
"Yes, Sir."
"The Captain told me that you guys think they died from a bad batch of heroin?"
"We found used needles and product by a few of the victims."
"George, the Captain just called, said we need to get to the hospital right away," Larry says, running towards him.
"Why?"
"The police picked up a young man stumbling down the road a few blocks from here. They said they were taking him to the station when he slumped over in the seat. When the officers checked on him they saw that he was barely breathing so they rushed him to the ER." Larry finishes as they race towards their cars.
"It sounds like another OD."
"That's what the Captain thought too."
***
Pulling up to an old log home, Sarah turns off the engine.
"Where are we?" Mia asks, quickly glancing around.
"This is an old Boy Scouts Camp. My dad used to take us here all of the time."
"What are we doing here?"
"I figure this will be a good place for us to hide out since we can't go back to our homes."
"I guess it will have to do for now," Mia halfheartedly replies, glancing around the spooky area. She's never understood the concept of the whole camping thing. Eating nasty tasting charcoaled food while being eaten alive by the pesky, bloodsucking bugs wasn't Mia's idea of a vacation.
Her friends explain to her that many people go camping so they can get in touch with nature. Mia figures taking a walk through Central Park is more than enough nature for her.
"We did good tonight, Sarah and tomorrow we'll do even better."
"Tomorrow, but I thought."
"I know what our original plan was, but I've been thinking about it and I believe Katelyn would want us to get rid of all of the addicts and their dealers so they can't hurt anyone else."
"Everyone?"
"Not everyone, just the ones in the drug scene."
"But we agreed, Mia."
"Do you want other people to go through what we have? Wives losing husbands, mothers losing their babies all because of drugs?"
"No, of course not, but.."
"What about the crime rate, huh?"
"What about it?"
"Over half of the inmates in State and Federal prisons were high when they committed their offense."
"Half?"
"Over half and most of their crimes were committed so they could buy more drugs. That's why I figure if we kill all of the drug addicts the world will be a much happier, safer place. Don't you agree?"
"Yeah, but.."
"Good, I'll start by getting this ready tonight." She smiles, holding up another large bag.
"Where did you get that?"
"I stole it, well, actually I swapped it for some of our product."
"Swapped it?" Sarah asks, confused.
"Yep and the dealer doesn't even know I did it."
"So he's selling our tainted stuff thinking it's his?"
"That's the best part." Mia laughs.
***
Seeing a nurse at the front desk, George walks to where she's standing. "My name is George Pasco and I'm with the NYPD." Showing her his badge, he continues, "We're here about the OD the cops just bought in."
"I'm sorry, Sir, but he died a few minutes ago."
George looks around "Where are the officers who brought him in?"
"You just missed them," she says, pointing towards the door.
"Oh George, I'm so glad you're here," the doctor says, stepping out of a room.
Turning, George sees an older gentleman walking towards him. He was a heavy-set man with a rounded body and short stubby fingers. As he gets closer George realizes his freshly pressed lab coat hangs mid-way down his leg. He looks like a little boy playing dress up in that thing. George smiles. George then notices how the doctor's black hair was graying around the temples. I guess he is getting up there in age. George thinks back to how Dr. Goodwin used to take care of him when he was little. I thought he was ancient then.
"It's been awful around here, George, just awful," the doctor says as he continues to walk towards him.
"Why, what's going on?" The Detective asks.
"We've had two more OD's die here and three more die on the way over in the past hour."
"Doctor, we have another OD in route." The nurse replies, handing him a small slip of paper.
"See what I mean."
"Are they all from the same area?" Larry questions.
"No, some were found in the Meat Packing District and the others in the Port Morris area."
"The deaths are scattered around Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx?"
"That's what your men are reporting."
"The one that just died is from Brooklyn, right?" George questions.
"Brooklyn, no, he was picked up over in Harlem."
"I better let the Captain know what's going on," George says, taking the cell phone out of his pocket.
"Captain, George here, I think I know what our two murderers are up to."
By Mistydawn
The detectives are watching the latest news break in the Captain's office. They're hoping the report will give them a few good leads.
"The NYPD has just announced twenty people died from a heroin overdose late last night. They've concluded it's all from one bad batch that's circling around the city. The police also believe these two are responsible for these heinous deaths." The station posts Sarah and Mia's picture on the screen.
"These two are also thought to be connected to several shootings in the area. If you see them or have any information regarding these suspects, you're asked to call the number flashing across the bottom of your screen." The reporter finishes.
"That should stir up a few folks," the Captain says, turning off the TV.
"Hopefully your press release will stir up a few more," George adds.
"How are we doing on the investigation in Brooklyn?"
"We've talked to the neighbors, and they said that people come in and out of the house all of the time."
"No one remembers seeing either of the women?"
"I don't think they really pay much attention to who goes in and out of there." Larry answers.
"They're probably safer not knowing," George concludes.
"You're probably right about that. The street cams didn't pick them up?" the Captain asks.
"There aren't any cameras in the area, not working ones at least."
"I'm sure the gangs made sure of that," George says, rolling his eyes. The city spent thousands of dollars replacing them just a few months ago.
"Check the closest working cams, see what you can find."
"Yes, Sir." Larry starts walking towards his desk the captain and George follows.
"What about the witness?" the Captain continues. George starts shuffling papers around on his desk. Finding what he's looking for, George starts reading the report. "According to his statement, he saw a white lady, driving a Lincoln, shoot the victims and then drive away."
"Was he able to ID her?"
"He gave us a good description, then picked Sarah's picture out of a photo array."
"Did he say if she was with anyone?"
"He claims that he doesn't remember seeing anyone else in the car."
"What about the people who OD'd over in Brooklyn?" The Captain asks, turning towards Larry.
"I'm working on the list now, Sir but everyone I've checked so far has several priors for drugs."
"Were any of them arrested with Katelyn?"
"Some were convicted with her multiple times."
"Try looking up everyone Katelyn was arrested with, see if you can figure out who their next target might be."
"I already did, they're either dead or in jail"
"How about the list of the 38 special's?"
"They've all been accounted for but one. Apparently, it was stolen along with his car last year."
"Did they find out who did it?"
"No, Sir, the officers found the car parked over in Jersey, but the gun wasn't in it."
"I doubt if they'll find out now."
"Probably not, Sir. The weapon wouldn't help our case anyhow because the markings on the bullet don't match the ones found at Katelyn's crime scene." Larry adds, glancing up from the computer screen.
"What about the Ruger that was used at the house and the Macy Projects?"
"They've all been accounted for, Sir."
"The Johnsons don't have a gun registered in their name?"
"No, Sir and I didn't find a gun purchase in her financials," George says, handing the Captain his report.
Looking through it, the Captain continues. "Mrs. Johnson would've had to get the gun from somewhere."
"Maybe it was our victim's gun," Larry suggests.
"So you think that he held her at gunpoint; she takes it away and shoots him?" the Captain questions.
"There were signs of a struggle by the front door, Captain," George adds.
"If Sarah was being held at gunpoint, his shooting would be considered self-defense."
"That clears her of his death but not all of the others, Sir." Larry quickly points out.
"Maybe his shooting, along with everything else that's happened to her over the past few weeks has triggered something," the Captain concludes, walking back to his office.
"Any halfway decent lawyer can use the Captain's reasoning to enter a mental defect plea."
"Unless we can find something to prove differently," George says, glancing at the stack of reports scattered across his desk.
***
Springing up in bed Sarah starts looking around. Thank god that was only a dream, she thinks. Sarah starts to lay back down when she sees a silk scarf lying at the foot of her bed. That's the one Katelyn was wearing the day she was killed. Sarah brings the precious garment up to her face. She can smell her daughter's floral perfume lingering on the expensive fabric as she lays her head on it. Sarah starts thinking about the dream she'd just had as she's breathing in the heavenly scent.
~~~
Sarah finds herself standing by Katelyn's grave. Glancing around she realizes that the people she deeply cares for are scattered around the spacious site. Looking closer she sees that each of her friends is grieving over their children's graves."What happened?" Sarah solemnly asks.
Glancing up from the tombstones the group begins to chant."This is all your fault, all your fault."
"It's not my fault it's not, it's not!" Sarah cries.
"This is all your fault all your fault." The group repeats as they continue to get louder.
"Stop it, stop it!" Sarah screams. Seeing the group walking towards her, she starts backing away. In the far corner of the cemetery, she sees a young boy walking towards an empty grave.
"Stop!" she screams as the child steps off the edge. Sarah horrifyingly watches as child after child falls in behind him. I have to save them. She tries to run towards the children but soon discovers that her body wouldn't budge. Sarah tries to break free of the hold but nothing she does seems to loosen the invisible confinement. Looking up, Sarah sees her friends being pulled into a dark abyss trying to save their children.
"I told you this would happen if we didn't follow through with my plan," Mia says, slowly walking away.
"Why didn't you stop them, mom, why?" Katelyn tearfully asks.
Hearing her daughter's voice behind her, Sarah spins around. "I tried Katelyn, I really did," Sarah replies.
"Well, you didn't try hard enough, and now, thanks to you, everyone we know is dead."
"That can't be true, it just can't be!" Sarah cries, turning back around. Sarah soon realizes she is standing alone in an overgrown field.
~~~
"You really were in my dreams last night weren't you honey?" Sarah tearfully questions into the great unknown. Glancing towards the ceiling, she continues.
"Well, if you want us to stop everybody then that's exactly what we'll do." Jumping out of bed, Sarah runs over to her partner.
"Rise and shine, sunshine," she says, gently shaking the young woman.
"What time is it?" Mia groggily asks, wiping a loose curl away from her face.
"It's nearly noon and we still have a lot to do," she says, pulling back the covers.
"Like what?" Mia asks, Jerking the bedding back over her head. Grabbing the covers, Sarah tosses them on her bed. Mia stomps her foot in protest as she glares up at Sarah.
"We have to get more product, rebag it and figure out where we're going to hit next," Sarah informs her. Mia starts to climb out of bed when she notices the silk scarf dangling from Sarah's hand.
"Wh-where did you get that?" Mia nervously stutters.
"I found it lying at the end of my bed."
"I... I can explain."
"What's to explain?"
"Well, I..."
"I know Katelyn left it to let me know she was here," Sarah replies, glancing around the room.
"She did?" Mia asks, surprised by her reaction.
"She told me so in my dream. She also told me that you're right about killing all of the dealers and the addicts."
"She did?"Mia asks, confused.
"Yeah, so come on let's go, let's go."
"Can I get cleaned up a bit, first?" Mia asks, running her fingers through the tangled mass of curls.
"You look perfect for what we're about to do."
"At least let me go pee then?" She sighs, climbing out of bed.
"Oh, alright but make it quick." Slipping into her shoes, Mia rushes outside. Looking back she sees that Sarah is just a few steps behind her. Aggravated by the lack of privacy, Mia ducks behind a small shed.
"You know I've been thinking, Mia, when this is all over, we can find somewhere quiet to get to know each other better." Smiling she continues. "You'd like that right? Of course, we'd have to get new identities, change our hair, things like that," she finishes, glancing towards the building.
"That sounds nice," Mia agrees.
"Where would you like to go? You did say you'd like to go somewhere warm and sunny, right?"
The young woman didn't answer.
"So I was thinking about finding a nice quiet area. Maybe we can even rent a beach house. What do you think about that idea?" Not hearing a reply, Sarah continues. "You and I will be beach bums for the rest of our lives," Sarah laughs. Hearing a muffled cry over by where Mia was standing, Sarah runs in that direction.
"Mia?" she asks, cautiously stepping towards the back of the building.
"Hold it right there." Sarah hears as she feels a hard object press into the small of her back.
"Run, Mia run!" Sarah screams, quickly glancing around.
"I wouldn't worry about her right now if I were you," the man says.
"Wh-what did you do to her?" Sarah cries.
"The same thing I'm going to do to you." They hear a gunshot echoing in the far distance.
"No!" Sarah screams, dropping to her knees.
By Mistydawn
Hearing a gunshot in the far distance, Sarah frighteningly glances around. She hopes to see Mia walking towards her, but all she sees is a few fallen leaves rustling in the wind.
"No!" she screams again, folding herself onto the cold hard ground. "Please, don't take Mia too, oh please don't take her too," she sobs.
"Like I said, I wouldn't worry about her." He smiles. Grabbing her hair the intruder jerks Sarah to her feet.
"Walk!" he orders, shoving her towards the shed. Stumbling over a pile of rocks, Sarah falls to the ground.
"Please, don't hurt me, please, please," she tearfully begs, glancing up at the young man.
"Get up," he says, pulling her hair again. She starts to get back on her feet when she hears a metal click behind them.
"Drop your weapon," Mia demands, shoving the gun in his back.
"When you shoot me my reflexes will automatically pull the trigger," he smiles, cocking his gun.
"That'll save me a bullet, now won't it," she says, pushing the gun deeper into his skin. Realizing he's distracted, Sarah grabs a hold of his arm and twists as hard as she can. Seeing his gun is pointing outward, Mia grabs a handful of his greasy brown hair and yanks his head backward.
"Drop it now!" Mia warns, Jerking his head back further.
"Ok, ok," he says, opening his hand. The gun falls to the ground beside him. Scooping it up, Sarah aims for his crotch.
"Who sent you here?" Sarah demands, shoving the gun into his privates.
"No one, I swear."
"No one?"
"No, Brad and I came to collect what Katelyn owes on our own," he says, wincing from the pain.
"How did you know we're here, huh, tell me how?" Sarah screams.
"We followed you from the city. I was about to give up when Brad spotted your car. This was all his idea, honest it was. I wanted to give up but he wouldn't let me," he cries.
"Where is your partner now?" Sarah questions.
"I... I don't know," he stutters.
"He's dead." Mia smiles.
"Brad is dead?" the man gasps.
"Yeah, and your next, right Sarah?" Sarah quickly sizes up the half pint of a man.
"I have a better idea, Mia."
***
"I have some news on our case, Sir," Larry says as he steps into the Captain's office.
"What's that?" the captain asks, glancing up from his desk.
"The only car leaving the alley around the time that Sarah disappeared is a 1998 red PT Cruiser."
"A Cruiser?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Did you get a reading on the plates?"
"It comes back to Sara's Lincoln, Sir."
"How much do you want to bet that Lou traded the Cruiser for the Town Car?"
"Then where is the Town Car, Captain?" George questions, stepping up beside his partner.
"I'm guessing that if we look hard enough we'll find pieces of it lying around the shop."
"What do you want us to do, Captain?"
"Go back out there with a warrant, see what you can find. Larry, I want you to see if there's any connection between the Johnson family and Lou, and see if there is any connection between Lou and the victims."
"You think he might be a part of this?"
"He's probably the main conspirator."
***
"What do you have in mind, Sarah?" Mia asks, glaring at the man in front of her.
"I think he could be the connection we're looking for."
"Connections, I don't have any connections, none that matter anyhow."
"Sure you do," Sarah says, pulling a glass pipe out of his pocket.
"That's nothing."
"It looks like something to me."
"Ok, ok, I know a few people who use so I bring it just in case."
"Sure you do," she says, watching him fidget around.
"I bet you want some right now, don't you?" Sarah smiles.
"Me, no, I never touch the stuff."
"Are you sure?" Sarah asks, taking a bag out of her pocket.
He starts licking his lips.
"That's what I thought."
Hearing something behind her, Mia spins around.
"What's wrong, Mia?"
"I think someone is out there," she says, nervously glancing around.
"It's probably just an animal."
"The sound was too big to be from an animal."
"You'd be surprised how much noise those little creatures can make." Sarah laughs.
"If these two idiots can find us, who's to say others can't find us too?"
Sarah glances at her hostage. He doesn't seem to be very bright. Hearing branches break a few feet away, Sarah spins around.
"You're right Mia. Let's pack up and get out of here."
***
George darts out of the shack as the vomit continues to rise in his throat. He prides himself on his strong stomach but this scene was more than even he could handle. How can anyone live like that? he questions. Images of what he'd just witnessed starts replaying in his mind as he hustles across the yard.
The structure's walls were nothing more than pieces of moldy plaster, while the remaining bits of the roof was crumbling down on top of them. The shacks disintegrating floors were covered ankle high with putrid-smelling trash, and the hollow window frames were covered with decaying newspaper. What sickened him the most was watching rat's the size of small dogs gnawing away on the victim's flesh.
Leaning against the car, George takes a few deep breaths hoping to settle his stomach. Throwing up now would be a rookie move, one that I'll never live down, he thinks. Looking around, George starts noticing all of the changes East Harlem has made.
Despite its numerous improvements, many New Yorkers believe Spanish Harlem is still far from being safe and many parts still are. What the critics don't realize is that amongst all the corruption you'll find the foundation that our forefathers worked so hard to create. Varies nationalities striving to make their community a better place to live. Feeling a little better, George pulls out his phone.
"Captain, I wanted to let you know that I'm at another crime scene over in Harlem. Yes, Sir, it looks like they've died the same way. We've counted ten so far, but who's to say there isn't another crime scene a few blocks away," he says, glancing down the road.
"I'll keep you posted," he says, hanging up his phone. He starts to walk back towards the house when an officer approaches him.
"Detectives, this gentleman says he remembers seeing a red Cruiser parked a few houses down." An officer begins.
"You remember seeing the car?" George asks.
"Yes, around four this morning. I was letting my dog in when I saw it. The only reason I noticed the car is that it stuck out," he says, waving his hand in the air.
"I imagine you don't see that kind of car around here much." Chuckling, George continues.
"What happened after you spotted the vehicle?"
"I saw this middle-aged woman climb out and start looking around. I think she has to be lost or something. So I go see if I can help her before she finds trouble, but she and a younger woman take off before I could get across the street."
"Did you get a good look at them?"
"I saw her just fine with these," he says, showing the detective his binoculars. George pulls his cell phone out of his pocket.
"Are the women you saw in this photo array?" George asks, handing him the phone.
"That's the girl I saw getting into the car and that's the one that was driving," he says, tapping the two photos on the end.
"Are you sure?"
"I''m positive. They're alright, right?"
"Yes, they're fine. Next time you see either one I want you to call this number," he says, handing the old man his card.
"I hope I don't see them cause it's hard saying what might happen to them on this side of town."
It's more like what'll happen to this side of town if they do come back, George thinks. "I"d worry more about your neighbor's safety than theirs."
"They're that bad huh?"
"If you do see them don't approach them, just call this number alright?" the detective says, pointing to his card.
"You don't think they had something to do with the slaughter over there, do you?" he asks, pointing towards the house.
"What do you know about that?"
"Just that a bunch of crack heads OD'd. You know I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner with all the drugs that go through that place. Those damn junkies are making it so it ain't safe for anyone to walk these streets anymore day or night."
"If you see the two girls, please be sure to call."
The old man starts to walk away when another thought occurs to him. Turning back around he yells at the detective. "Hey, there wouldn't happen to be a reward for calling it in, is there?"
"I bet I can arrange something but only if your information is good."
"I"ll see what I can do." Pulling the phone out of his pocket, George makes a call.
"Captain, George here, A witness said he saw the two women leave the crime scene in a red cruiser around four this morning. You already have a Bolo out on them. Larry and I will start setting up roadblocks and I'll have Jeff alert the toll booths and the Ferries."
By Mistydawn
"What are you doing?" Mia asks, watching Sarah run back and forth between the two cars.
"I think it might be a good idea if we switched vehicles, in case someone saw us last night," Sarah reasons, as she continues to move everything over.
"We don't have time for this, Sarah."
"We will if you help me instead of standing there complaining."
"Oh no, you're not taking my car." Billy protests from across the yard. He tries to stand but the restraints pull him back down.
"You want some more of this, don't you?" Sarah asks, holding up an empty bag.
"Yeah?"
"We have to use your car to pick more up."
"I'm driving."
"Of course you are," Sarah says, loading the rest of the stuff in the trunk.
"What are you thinking, Sarah, letting him drive us around?" Mia asks, glancing over at their prisoner.
"Don't worry, I have it all worked out."
"I'd like to hear this little plan of yours," she says, placing her hands on her hips.
"He drives us to get more stuff, and we give him a little for getting it for us."
"What's to say that he won't drive us to the police station or to his friends so they can ambush us?"
"He won't if I sweeten the deal."
"And just how are you going to do that?"
Smiling closes the trunk. She starts to walk towards the hostage when Mia steps in front of her.
"How?" Mia demands.
"I'll tell him that if he sells it, he can keep half of the profit. Billy will be so happy thinking he's making big bucks that he won't realize he's actually helping us kill off his friends."
"That is clever, Sarah."
"I thought so. The best part of all is with him doing all the distribution the police will be after him and that will take the heat off of us."
"So we can escape when this is all over."
"Exactly, Mia."
"I just hope he doesn't sample the tainted product."
"I have that planned out too. I'll tell him I'm going to mix it with other stuff to make it go further. Explaining that it'll increase his profit."
"That greedy SOB will go for that." Looking over at him, Mia smiles.
"Hey, I need more stuff," Billy yells.
"We better get moving," Sarah says, walking towards him.
"We have a proposition for you, one I think you'll like," Mia begins.
"Two beautiful women at once, I must be dreaming."
"Not that kind of proposition you moron," Mia says, slapping the back of his head.
"Hey," he protests, ducking her second swing.
"How would you like to make a lot of money?" Sarah asks.
"Doing what?"
"Peddling drugs."
"I already do that."
"Yeah, but do you get to keep half of the profit?" Sarah questions.
"You'd give me half of the take?"
"Yep." Sarah smiles. Why are they offering me such a sweet deal after I tried to kill them? Something has to be going on. Billy concludes, watching the girls."What's the catch?"
"No catch," Seeing the inquisitive look on his face Sarah continues.
"I figure it's the least I can do for you after what you did for my baby, keeping her safe and all."
"I tried."
"I know you did Billy, besides you said she owes you, right?"
"Yeah," he says, still not convinced.
"So let me repay you with this deal." She seems to be on the up and up, and a few more bucks in my pocket sure wouldn't hurt. Billy concludes. "When you put it that way, how can I refuse?"
***
"Sir, I didn't find a connection between Lou and the victims, but I did find one between him and the Johnsons," George explains, stepping through the captain's door.
His office is the only part of the squad room that remains untouched by time. With its mahogany wood walls and its hand-carved bookcases, you feel like you're stepping back in history.
"What's that?" The Captain asks, glancing up from his computer.
"Lou is John's step-brother."
"Step-brother?"
"That's what the report says. Evidently, Lou's dad and John's mom married when the boys were twelve. Lou's dad was killed in a drive-by a few months later. Lou stayed with the family until he graduated high school."
"So maybe the Johnsons took their cars to him out of loyalty to the family."
"Or maybe they're a part of his illegal activities." Larry pipes in, stepping through the door.
"The Johnsons are a part of a criminal ring?" The Captain questions. Picturing the happy middle-aged couple in his mind. Up until now, neither's had any personal dealings with the law, not even a speeding ticket. This is why he believes that Katelyn's unlawful behavior and her family's death sent Sarah over the edge.
"Have you seen how they live, Captain?" Larry asks.
He thinks back to the extravagant house. He then remembers how Katelyn went to a private school, and to one of the most prestigious colleges in the area. "Check their financials see what you can find. Check Lou's too, see if anything unusual pops up."
"I'll get right on that, Sir," George says, stepping out of the door.
"I wanted to let you know that everyone's been notified, Sir," Larry says.
"So start checking toll booth surveillance."
"I figured you'd say that Captain, so I'm having the tech set it up now."
"You guys are always one step ahead of me."
"You're welcome, Sir." The detective smiles.
***
"We'll need to go somewhere to package this," Sarah says, as Mia and Billy climb in the car.
"We can go to my place," he volunteers, pulling away from the curb.
"You know I've been thinking about our profit," Sarah begins. I knew it was too good to be true.
"I bet we could make a lot more money if we added a little of this," she says, pulling a bag of white powder out of her pocket.
"What is that stuff?"
"Crushed Xanax. It'll make the batch go a lot further and if we only use a little no one will know the difference."
"Sounds like you have it all figured out Mrs. J. You don't mind if I call you that do you?"
"Why not?" She laughs.
He sees Mia rolling her eyes when he glances in the rearview mirror. I'll have Mrs. J. eating out of the palm of my hand before it's all over, he smiles, glancing towards the road.
***
Seeing George half asleep at his desk, the Captain walks over to him.
"Any luck on the surveillance, Detective?" George jumps in his chair.
"I didn't mean to startle you." The captain snickers.
"That's ok, Sir. I haven't spotted the car yet but I still have hours to go," he says, glancing over at the stack of tapes beside him.
"Why don't you let Larry take over for a while?"
"Thanks, Captain," he says, standing up he starts stretching. George is the kind of guy who'd rather be working the field than tied to a desk all day. This is why he's turned down a lot of the cushy offers, that and all of the politics behind the fancy titles.
"Do you remember the guy you talked to over in East Harlem today?" Thinking back George smiles.
"He is quite a character, Captain."
"Well, that character called and asked to speak to you."
"To me?"
"Yeah, he wouldn't tell me what it was about just that he needs to talk to you as soon as possible."
"Guess I'll go over and see what he has to say."
"He did mention something about a deal you made."
"I said I'd pay him if his information is good."
"He's willing to help you?" The captain asks, surprised.
"He wants these thugs off the streets more than we do, Sir."
"He's not worried about the retribution?"
"I think this old man can hold his own." George chuckles.
***
"Remember this stuff is pure and the rest of these are mixed," Sarah says, handing Billy a few bags.
"You're not coming along?" He anxiously questions, glancing over at Mia.
"No, I figure you can sell this stuff better on your own, " she says lying back on the old worn-out sofa.
"Well, I'm not so trusting," Mia says, hopping out of her chair. Billy looks over at Sarah with a bewildered look on his face.
Mia and Bill have fought nonstop since they've left the campsite. A few times, Sarah thought the battle was going to turn into a bloodbath. Maybe I should go just to keep the peace. Sarah wearily thinks. The past few weeks have been draining on her both mentally and physically and she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep up this masquerade.
"Are we going to do this shit or not?" Mia asks, opening the door.
"You may look like Katelyn but you sure as hell don't act like her," he says, walking past her.
"I'm the evil twin, the one who wouldn't think twice about capping your sorry ass if you screw us over," she warns, stomping down the stairs.
Billy sees Mia is already in the car when he climbs in. "Hold on," Billy warns, as he peels out of the parking lot.
Frightened, Mia grabs a hold of the dusty dash. "Look out!" she screams, bracing herself for the impact. Smiling, Billy swerves around the car. Glancing over, Mia sees the speedometer pegging 60. "You need to slow down."
"Look, lady, I've been driving these streets before you were even born, so don't tell me how to drive, alright," Billy yells, as he dodges through the traffic.
"You don't have to be such a dick about it," Mia says, plopping against the seat.
"I don't know what you've got against me, but I wish you'd lay off for a while."
"What I've got against you? I'll tell you what I have against you," Mia begins, springing up in her seat. Turning towards him, she continues, "You and your gang took my only sister away from me."
"I didn't tell her to go out there. In fact, I told her not too. Besides, my guys didn't kill her."
"Maybe not, but it was you that got her hooked on this stuff in the first place."
"Oh no, you're not pinning her addiction on me. She came to me looking to score. I told her I didn't have any, so she moved on." Glancing at Mia he continues. "Let me ask you something, miss goodie two shoes. If you're so against drugs then why are you doing this for?"
"I have my reasons." She smiles, turning on the radio.
"Ten more people overdosed on heroin in Harlem early this morning. That brings the total up to 35," the broadcaster announces.
"I don't want to listen to this drab shit," Mia says, reaching for the knob.
"So that's what you're up to, you two are killing people with your tainted drugs."
"We're only doing it to get Katelyn justice," Mia quickly explains. Realizing what he's about to do, Billy stops in the middle of the road.
"What are you doing?" Mia asks, nervously glancing around. She hears tires screeching, and horns blaring behind them. She then notices people screaming out of their windows as they pull around. "You can't stop here!" she exclaims.
"Here, take your stuff and get out of my car," he says, pulling the small baggies out of his pocket.
"Oh no, you're not backing out on us now, not after everything you know."
"Well, I'm sure not selling this shit for you," he says, as he continues to empty out his pockets. Reaching into her jacket, Mia pulls out a gun. "I figure you have two choices. One you can sell this like we've planned," she says, cocking the gun.
"What's my second option?" He asks, glancing towards her weapon.
"You can meet your maker the way my sister did."
"You won't shoot me, not here, in the middle of town," he says, as a nervous smile dance across his lips.
"Do you wanna make a bet?" she asks, raising the gun up to his head.
By Mistydawn
George sees the old man walking his dog when he pulls up to the complex. It's one of the older brick apartments in the center of town. Unlike the bland structures popping up all over the city, it has a warm, friendly appeal. It's shrubbery on either side of the building and its grand entryway adds to its delightful decor.
"You wanted to talk to me?" George asks, climbing out of the cruiser.
"I found something that might interest you." Grinning, the feeble old man continues, "I'll go get it." Scooping up his dog, he rushes inside. A few minutes later he returns with a small baggie of fine white powder in his hands.
"I found it over by where the girls parked last night." Pointing across the street he continues.
"My first thought was to get rid of it, you know to get it off of the street, but then I thought about you and how this might help your case."
"We can analyze it to see whose fingerprints are on it and maybe figure out what they're mixing with the drugs," Geoge says, holding out an evidence bag. The old man carefully drops the baggie inside.
"I'm going to need your fingerprints too," George says. Reaching into his car he pulls out a small kit.
"Why are you running my prints for, I didn't do anything," The gentleman argues, anxiously backing away.
"I'm not going to run the prints, I'm going to eliminate them from what we find on the bag," George explains, seeing the relief on the old man's face, the detective curiously continues, "Why are you so worried about me running your prints for? You don't have a warrant or anything, do you?"
"N..not anymore," he stutters. Seeing the skeptical look on the detectives face, the old man nervously explains. "I got myself into a lot of trouble a few years ago, and I didn't want it brought up again. It's all taken care of now, I promise," he anxiously rambles on.
"I'm glad." George smiles. Relieved his new friend believes him, the gentleman continues, "I talked to my neighbor lady after you left. Actually, she talked, I listened, but I'm sure you know how that goes," he chuckles, glancing down at the detective's left hand.
"My wife and I have had a few of those discussions. It's usually after I've done something wrong," he says.
George notices an ornery smile creep on the detective's face. "Not you." The old man laughs, thinking back to when his wife Millie was alive. He then remembers how he'd complain about her constant nagging to the boys. I'd take her bickering over living like this any day, he thinks, looking back at the apartment.
"So what did you do?"
"It wasn't me, it was my dog, Barney. He keeps waking her up barking at the damn cat."
"Dogs are good for that, but I'm sure the cat wasn't helping matters either," he says, pointing to the feline playfully rolling around in the dirt. Looking over, they see the dog barking frantically in the window.
"I'll have to tell her about this." He laughs.
"Tread lightly when you do cause women don't like to be contradicted."
"I know that to be true. Chuckling he continues, "Anyhow, Mrs. Bianchi said she remembers seeing the red car. She also said another car came barreling down the road as they were pulling out. Isabella, I mean Mrs. Bianchi said they had to be doing at least 50 trying to catch up to the girls."
"So she thinks the car was following them?" George asks, looking up from his notebook.
"Yep. She also said the red car turned left, and then the black car followed in behind them."
"Maybe they're going the same way."
"The only thing down there is an abandoned garment factory."
"So did she see them turn around?"
"She didn't say, but they must have because neither of them is down there now."
"Could she describe the car?"
"She can do better than that, she took pictures then she called it in."
"Can I talk to her?" George asks, glancing around the neighborhood.
"She's at the church right now. They do a community lunch on the first Saturday of every month."
"What is the name of the church?"
"St. Pauls over on 117th."
"Ok, thank you." George starts to walk to his car when the gentleman grabs a hold of his arm. "She left her phone with me in case you wanted to see the pictures," the old man says, pulling the phone out of his back pocket. Geoge starts looking at the pictures.
"She said she tried to get the license plate, but they were going so fast it came out as a blur." The guy explains. I bet our techs can do something with it.
"Can you send these pictures to my phone?"
"I don't know how, I've never owned one of these fancy gadgets before so I' m not sure how it works."
"Can I do it then?"
"I'm sure she wouldn't mind, especially if it's to get those hoodlums off of our streets."
Finished with what he's doing, George hands the phone to his friend. "Thank you for all of your help and if you find out anything else, or see the girls, please be sure to call."
"I will." Walking back to his car, George pulls out his phone.
"Larry, I sent you some photos of a car believed to be following Mia and Sarah. I want you to find out who the owner is." Laughing, George continues.
"I was hoping our techs can do something with it. I know it is, but it's worth a try, right? I'm going to go talk to the lady who took the pictures then I'll head back to the station. Let me know if you find something."
***
"Did you do it?" Mia asks as Billy climbs into the car.
"I got rid of every last baggie." And all of my enemies. He smiles, remembering how he pushed them to buy. When his friends approached him, Billy would explain how they didn't want it because it was bad stuff.
"See, that wasn't so hard, now was it? And look at all the profit you made." Billy felt good about getting rid of his rivals and making money on the side. He just hopes his friends take his advice and stays away from the tainted stuff.
"Sarah wants us to pick up more before we head back."
"More, don't you guys think you've done enough? I mean the 35 last night another 20 today."
"She wants to make sure she gets Katelyn's killer," Mia explains, counting out the money.
"So what is she going to do, kill everyone who uses?"
"Something like that. Don't worry she likes you so you're safe." Lucky me, he thinks, glancing towards the road.
***
"I'm looking for Isabella Bianchi?" George announces as he steps through the church door.
"She's right over there," the priest says, pointing towards one of the tables. Glancing over, George sees a short rounded woman busily serving the patrons. The detective soon realizes the middle-aged lady is as tall as she is wide.
She's wearing a floral print dress that looks handmade, a long white apron is hanging over it. Her long black hair is fastened loosely at the nape of her neck. Looking closer he notices how the numerous streaks of gray seem to highlight her raven hair.
The lady says something in what he thinks to be Italian then laughs. Reaching across the table, she pinches the chubby baby's cheeks, she then bends down and talks to a little girl whose made her way around the table. You can tell by the way she acts Isabella was enjoying every minute of the brunch.
"Mrs. Bianchi?"
"Si."
"I'm Detective Monroe and I have a few questions about the pictures you took."
"Si, Si."
"Do you speak English?"
"No Inglese."
"We might have a problem," he says, glancing around.
"I think I can help," the priest says, stepping up beside him.
"Ask her if she's seen the red car before last night."
"Avete visto la macchina rossa prima?"
"Solo ieri sera."
"No."
"Ask her if she saw who was in the car."
"Chiedetelo se ha visto chi era in macchina?"
"Si." Pulling out his phone, George hands it to the lady.
"Erano in macchina," she says.
"They were in the car." The priest interprets.
"Ask her if the black car followed them," George says.
"la vettura nera li stava seguendo?"
"Si Alla fabbrica dell'abbigliamento."
"To the garment factory."
"Grazie," George says, walking away. He'd just stepped out of the building when his phone rings.
"You have the name and address of the car owner, send it to me, Larry," George says, climbing in the cruiser.
***
"You guys did good, tonight," Sarah says, eyeing the money scattered across the table.
"We can double that tomorrow," Mia informs her, pulling more product out of her pocket.
"I don't know about you guys but I'm bushed," Billy says, walking towards the back of the apartment. Halfway down the hall, he turns back around.
"The couch pulls out to a bed and you'll find clean linen in the closet. Walking to the bedroom he closes the door. I need to figure out how to stop their killing spree once and for all, he thinks, plopping down on the unmade bed.
By Mistydawn
George pulls up to a run-down complex on Lexington Avenue. I can see someone like him living here. The detective concludes, surveying the shady characters stomping around the yard. George watches a young man run to a group standing on the corner. A few seconds later, he sees the gang look his way. Shoving something in their pockets, the pack starts walking in the opposite direction.
"That wasn't obvious." George laughs, climbing out of his car. He starts to head towards the building when another thought occurs to him.
"Hey you, in the black hat," he yells, marching towards the boys.
The gang speeds up.
"You, in the black hat, stop police," he yells, picking up his pace.
Hearing those words, the group starts pushing through the crowd.
You're going to regret making this fat boy run, George thinks, chasing after them. With only a few feet between them, George leaps on the guys back. The suspect lets out a loud whoosh as they hit the ground.
"I didn't do nothing." The guy begins, trying to catch his breath.
"Then why did you run?"
"I didn't know who you were."
"Right, and I'm Mother Mary. Come on, get up," George says, pulling on his shirt collar.
"You could have saved yourself a lot of grief if you'd stopped when I asked you too," George says, patting him down. Seeing he's clean, George spins him around. Losing his balance, the suspect falls against the chain link fence.
"Do you know this guy?" George asks, pulling his phone out of his pocket.
"Sure, that's Billy."
"Where can I find this Billy character?"
"I don't know." Glancing down the road he realizes that his friends are long gone.
"He still lives around here doesn't he?"
"His old lady kicked him out months ago after she caught him sleeping with her best friend."
"Does his wife still live around here?"
"He doesn't have a wife."
"So where is his old lady?" George asks.
"She moved in with her mama over in Brooklyn Heights."
"You might want to tell your buddies to get rid of their stash before the DEA gets here," George says. Seeing the puzzled look on the young man's face he continues, "You guys aren't as slick as you think you are." Smiling, George walks away.
***
Knowing how he's going to stop them, Billy walks back to the front room. He sees the two women are busy chatting on the couch.
"I was in my bedroom thinking about our situation."
"I'm surprised you're able to think," Mia answers." Sneering at her, Billy continues, "We're doing all of this for Katelyn, right?"
"Yeah," Sarah agrees.
"So it'd only make sense that we'd have a toast to our success in her honor, right?"
"That's a nice thought Billy, but I'm not much of a drinker," Sarah says.
"What do you have?" Mia asks, turning towards him.
"I have a few cold ones in the fridge." Walking into the kitchen, he pulls out two brown bottles.
"I don't like the taste of beer," Mia says, turning back towards Sarah.
"I think I have a little wine left over from a party," he says. Running back to the kitchen he starts checking the cabinets.
"Here it is." Grabbing two glasses, the wine, and his beer he walks back in the front room.
"So what do you say, you wanna have a drink with me, in Katelyn's honor?" he asks, pouring the red wine into two small plastic cups.
"I guess one toast won't hurt," Sarah says, picking up a glass from the coffee table.
"Yeah, why not," Mia agrees.
"Here's to Katelyn," he says, lifting up his bottle.
"To Katelyn," the girls say, taking a sip.
***
Not believing the guy's story, George decides to check the apartment out for himself. After the third loud knock, a little old lady answers the door.
"What do you want?" she angrily blurts out, throwing the metal divider open. Startled, George jumps back a step. Seeing the old lady in front of him, he chuckles.
"I hate to bother you so late ma 'me but I'm looking for a guy by the name of Billy Mueller."
"You and a dozen others," she spat.
"Really?"
"Yeah, they pound on my door all hours of the night wanting to buy drugs. That's all this city is anymore, a cesspool of drug addicts." Seeing a strung out couple walking down the hall she shakes her head.
"They are our future leaders," she concludes, turning towards the detective.
"That is a scary thought," George agrees.
"I just hope I don't live to see the day."
"Did Billy leave a forwarding address?"
"All he left behind was a pile of dirty laundry."
"How about her?" he asks, showing the lady a picture.
"I didn't even know a girl lived here."
"Well, thank you for your time."
"If you see any of those punks heading my way, you tell them to leave me the hell alone!" she yells, stepping into the hallway.
"I'll be sure to tell them." George chuckles. He's walking towards his car when his cell phone rings.
"I was just about to call you, Captain. What, no, not again. I'm on my way," he says, rushing across the lawn.
***
Stepping into his bedroom, Billy closes the door. It's either them or me, he thinks. Pouring a small portion of powder into a cup, he starts adding hot water. He stirs the mixture with the tip of the syringe until the powder dissolves.
"Perfect," he says, inspecting his work. Placing the container on the nightstand, he starts drawing up the cloudy liquid into the syringe. That should be enough for both of them. Opening his door, he glances towards the couch. He sees the two girls are sleeping.
The pills are working like I'd hoped, he thinks, carefully edging towards them. He was almost to the front room when the rug catches his toe. Billy grabs a hold of a bookcase, trying to stop the fall. Both he and the shelf thuds against the floor.
***
When George pulls up he sees the area is swarming with cops. I bet this is over half of NY's finest, he thinks, quickly scanning the yard. Seeing his partner talking to one of the officers, George walks over to him.
"This is worse than the last one," Larry begins.
"How can it possibly be any worse?" Geoge asks, running to keep up with his long-legged partner.
"Look for yourself." Peeking through the door, he sees dozens of bodies lying on the floor.
"What's the count?"
"It's too soon to tell."
"I think the girls have started their own war on drugs," George concludes as he continues to scan the house.
"They've certainly gotten more druggies off of the streets in two days than we have in years," Larry agrees.
"Does forensics have anything for us?"
"They found a bunch of dirty needles lying beside our victims. They also found a small baggie of heroin. From the looks of it, I'd say it's the same stuff they found at the other crime scene."
"Any witnesses?"
"Everyone they've spoken to says dozens of people come in and out of this place day and night."
"No one saw the girls?"
"No, and they don't remember seeing a red PT Cruiser either."
"How about the Mustang?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Everything is exactly the same so I know it has to be them."
"What do you want us to do now, George?"
"Check cameras around the area, see what you can find and keep talking to the neighbors," he says, walking towards his car.
"Where are you going?"
"To get the strongest cup of coffee I can find."
"Bring me one too," Larry says.
***
"Damn it," Billy mumbles, picking himself up. Glancing over he sees the girls are still asleep. He then notices Mia's arm hanging over the edge. Guess you're just dying to be first. Snicker over his pun, he carefully works his way towards Mia. Taking the cap off of the needle, he forces it into a vein.
"We have to save some for your mama," he says, pulling the needle out of her arm. A large droplet of blood quickly rises to the surface.
"Now to take care of you," he says, walking to the other side. He starts to pull the covers back when Mia springs up in bed.
"I've already taken care of her for you."
"But, but-but how." Billy stutters.
"How did I survive your lethal injection?" She pulls back the covers. "You got her arm instead of mine. Nice try with the sleeping pills too." Moving Sarah's arm off of her she climbs out of bed.
"I was hoping you'd go to sleep, so I can take care of you too," she says, holding up a half-filled syringe.
"But I-I don't understand. I thought you two were in on this together?"
"We were never together on this thing." Seeing the confused look on his face, she continues.
"I was just using old money bags for her resources, once her tightwad husband was out of the way."
"So you're using her to avenge your sister's death?"
"It's more like I'm settling an old score."
"I'm confused."
"You're always confused, Billy Bob." She laughs.
"How do you know Katelyn's pet name for me?"
"It was Mia's pet name, not mine. Mia's the one you dated, the one you screwed in the park, isn't that right, sis?"
"Hi, Billy Bob." A tall thin figure says, stepping out of the shadows.
"I must be trippen or something," he says, backing away from the girls.
"What's wrong Billy Bob, didn't you miss me?" Mia pouts.
"He acts like he's seen a ghost." Looking at each other the girls laugh.
"I thought Katelyn died," he says, glancing back and forth between the twins.
"She faked her death so everyone would leave us alone."
"When everyone started coming after us, I decided to fake my death, so we can finally be free."
"I've been dating Mia and not Katelyn?" Billy questions.
"I think he's finally catching on, sis." Katelyn laughs.
"We were about to leave when Katelyn came up with this brilliant plan."
"That's right," Katelyn adds, proudly.
"Who's doing all of the killings?"
"We both are." They say simultaneously.
"Switching back and forth is easy when your identical twins," Mia adds.
"This can't be happening it just can't," he says, trying to wrap his head around everything they're telling him.
"Why is that, Billy Bob?" Mia asks.
"Because I saw Katelyn lying dead in the street."
"No, you saw Jimmy's cracked out girlfriend in my clothes lying in the street."
"What about the ME?"
"What about him?"
"How did you get him to say it was Katelyn when it wasn't?"
"You can get anyone to do what you want for a price."
"And now we're going to get rid of our final adversary. Isn't that right, Katelyn?"
"Yep," Katelyn says, walking up behind him.
"No, please don't hurt me, no!" Billy screams as the sharp needle plunges into his skin.
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