By Mistydawn
Storming out of his office, the captain glances across the chaotic precinct. I'm going to go Rambo on his scrawny ass when I find him. Anger surges through his entire body as Joe quickly scans through the clutter. Discovering who he's looking for, he charges across the room. Joe's body shakes with fury as he glares at his detective. "In my office, now, detective." The station grows eerily silent as the remaing officers watch the scene unfold.
"I... I can explain, sir," Nick nervously replies.
"Office, now." Spinning around, Joe stomps toward his door.
"I've never seen him this mad before," Rachel says, shocked by his outrage.
"What did you tell him, Sergeant?" he nervously asks glancing over at Jerry.
"I didn't say a thing."
The captain turns back around. "Today, Detective."
The terrified officer gulps. "Do...Do you have any advice?"
"Get in there before you piss him off more."
With his head hung down, Nick trudges towards the office.
Pulling him inside, Joe slams the door behind him. "What the hell were you thinking, detective, huh, what? That little stunt you pulled could've got everyone killed."
"I... I..." he begins, unsure what to say.
"I warned you about getting too invested in this case, but you ignored my advice." Joe slams his fist on his desk. "I thought you had potential, son, I really did, but now I'm not so sure."
"I...I do, sir."
"You've been a disappointment to me, to all of us, you let everyone down."
"I can explain, sir." He fidgets with his clothes trying to figure out how to begin. "I wanted to prove to you, to everyone that I was right about Diaz, but...."
"You jeopardized innocent lives just to prove a point?" Joe tightens his jaw as he clenches and unclenches his fist.
"It wasn't supposed to go down like that, no one was supposed to get hurt."
"Your partner isn't hurt, he's dead."
"He... He died?" Nick gulps back tears.
"Took his last breath amongst the trash."
The officer recalls all the fun times they've had together. He wasn't just my partner, he was my best friend. "I'm so sorry, sir." A tear slides down his cheek; he brushes it away.
"Save it for his family."
"Yes, sir." He lowers his head.
"You're suspended without pay until further notice."
"But, sir..."
"This isn't up for discussion. I need your badge and your gun." Joe holds out his hand. The officer glances at each item one last time before he hands them over. "I want you to go home and think about what just happened, what you could've done differently."
"Yes, sir." He slogs toward the door.
"Don't talk to anyone about this until you speak to your representative."
"Sir?" He turns back around.
"The higher-ups want your head on a platter; I can't say I blame them, but for your sake, it's best you don't talk to anyone without your counsel present."
"Yes, sir." He drags himself out the room.
Joe turns toward the window. "I lost two good officers today." He tearfully gazes across the Ozark mountains.
~~~ Present day ~~~
That's not the end of it for me. Oh no, I'm going to take care of that SOB Diaz one way or another. Nick glances at the pizzeria again. After being fired from the police force, he realized that convincing Diaz to hire him would be the only way for him to get access to his business records. Two months in, he discovers that the pizza deliveries are smokescreens for narcotic sales. This pisses Nick off even more. Drugs are what caused him to be born prematurely; why he has so many health issues. Drugs are what sent his mom and brother to their graves and him to foster care. "Daddy Diaz just thought he got rid of me when he killed mom, but he'll soon find out it's going to be the other way around."
***
The detectives are discussing their latest case, hoping they'll find a new lead. With no witnesses and very little evidence, the officers aren't having any luck.
"Remember our last case where we thought it was one guy, but ended up being his brother?" Rachel questions.
Jerry looks up from his computer. "Our suspect isn't a twin and the rest of his relatives would only have familial DNA
"So it has to be him," Jeff says.
"Our records show he was in holding when the murder occurred."
"What if Sharon is mistaken about the time of death?"
"I've already asked, Jeff."
"Could the DNA be manufactured?" Noticing their skepticism, Rachel continues. "I heard they can do that now; I'm just not sure how or if you can tell the difference. I bet Sharon would know." She starts to dial her number when she realizes how late it is. "I'll have to ask her tomorrow."
"Let's say it is manufactured, who would want to frame him and why?" the sergeant questions.
Jeff scans through the reports. "Everyone we talked to claims he doesn't have any enemies."
"We have to be missing something." Jerry tosses his glasses on his desk.
Noticing their frustration, Joe walks over to their cubical. "There's nothing more you can do tonight, so why don't you go home, get some rest."
"You don't have to tell me twice, boss." Jerry jumps up from his desk.
"Me either, see you guys in the morning." Rachel starts to collect her things when her phone rings. "Berryville PD, Detective Webb speaking. What's the address?" She grabs a pen and scribbles it down. "We're on our way." Hanging up, she turns towards her partners. "That was 911, they just received a call about a suspicious death."
"You guys check it out, I'll talk to the operator; see what she can tell us."
***
Jerry and the two detectives pull up to an overgrown lot on the outskirts of town. The rusty gate is hanging from its hinges, tall grass is drooping over the top.
"Are you sure this is the right address?" Jeff questions.
Rachel looks at her paper and then the houses around her. "This should be 1510."
"I see a house," Jeff points to the corner of the yard. The rundown shack is overtaken by weeds, trees, and vines. The roof is caved in and the porch is rotting on the ground. "The greenery is probably the only thing holding it up."
"That's for sure,"Rachel agrees, climbing out of the car.
"Watch out for snakes," Jerry cautions as they start through the weeds.
The detectives discover five people lying just inside the doorway when they make it to the hut. They check for signs of life but soon discover they're dead. They then hear crying coming from the back of the house. Rachel heads towards it; Jerry grabs her arm. "It might be a trap," he explains. The baby's wails gets louder.
Rachel glances at the sergeant and then towards the noise. "I'm not going to just stand by." Drawing her gun, Rachel runs down the hall.
"Damn it, Rachel, " Jerry says, running after her.
***
Nick pulls up to a yellow two-story Victorian on the edge of town. He notices the paint is chipped off and the roof has caved in. I'm surprised this hasn't been condemned. Working his way across the rickety porch, NIck knocks on the door. The wooden barrier swings open; a thin, frail man steps outside.
"What the hell do you want?" The sickly man raises his piece.
"I...I have the pizza you ordered."
He glances at the delivery man and then the pizza carrier. "It's about damn time." Opening the door he yells, "Hey Jack, our pie is here." A gangly man gives Nick a quick once over as he steps outside. "I think we should check the product, make sure it's all there." Glaring at their guest, he walks back inside.
"You heard Jack, go." Shoving his piece into Nick's back, Doug pushes him across the threshold. "Show us the product," he orders, cocking his gun.
Nick pulls a small bag from the pizza box. Snatching it away, Jack inspects it. "It's good." He slaps money into the lad's hand.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Nick starts to leave; stopping when he remembers his plan. "Have you heard about Diaz's latest invention?"
"His what?" Jack asks.
"His latest gadget. Hold this and I'll show you." Nick hands them the box. Pocketing their money, he pulls out a pen-shaped device. "This is a safer way to shoot up. See this?" He points to a small dial at the bottom. "It sets the exact amount, so you never get too much or too little. It's smaller needle won't leave a mark. Wanna try it, see what you think?'
"Put mine at two mg's." Jack wraps a tourniquet around his arm. FInding a good vein, Nick pulls the trigger.
"Don't leave me out of this." Doug rolls up his sleeve and does the same. Nick pulls the trigger again. "Enjoy, boys." Picking up the pizza box he walks outside. Seven addicts down, dozens to go. He smiles walking across the yard.
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
In Chapter 1, Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed seven addicts. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's. They're investigating the latest crime scene.
"Rachel, no, stop, " Jerry yells trying to catch up. She continues towards the crying baby. The sudden commotion causes the birds to fly from the rooftop. Their sudden shift sends rotten timber and dried foliage through the gaping hole; Sidestepping around the debris, Rachel continues on.
"Stop, it's too dangerous," the sergeant yells.
She glances at her partners and then towards the room; The baby's wails have increased to blaring shrills. "I have to save her."
Hearing something crack above him, Jerry looks up to see a dead tree branch heading their way. "Take cover," he yells, dropping to the floor. The limb falls with such force that it causes the remaining roof to collapse on top of them.
***
Joe walks into the 911 headquarters on the fifth floor. The spacious area holds over a dozen workstation. Each appearing to be occupied. I didn't realize Berryville needs so many assistants. He then notices the large colorful map across the room. They must cover several districts. He concludes as he continues to glance around.
"What brings you up here, Captain?" the director asks, as she walks towards him.
"One of your techs called about a suspicious death and I'd like to speak to them about it, get a little more information if I can."
"That was me, sir." A homely lady walks towards him. She has thick dark-rimmed glasses, a ghost-like complexion and nicotine stained buck teeth. Her fire red hair only adds to her anemic appearance. "I'm... I'm the one who called you, sir." She self-consciously pulls her sweater around her.
The poor thing has probably been made fun of all her life, Joe thinks, recalling his childhood days and how relentless the bullies could be. The way their torment stayed with him well into his adult years. Kids can be so cruel. "What can you tell me about the caller?"
"Not much I'm afraid." Gulping she continues. "He wasn't on long enough to trace his location and the number came up as a bunch of zeros." She walks towards her station, Joe follows.
"Was his voice high-pitched, low pitched, monotone, excited?"
"Listen for yourself." She rewinds the tape and then pushes play.
Joe glances at her, a confused look on his face. "That sounds like..."
"Bart Simpson?" She smiles timidly. "It's a new app you can put on your phone. It has over a dozen voices to choose from."
Joe runs his fingers through his hair as he pieces together what he's been told. "Whoever found the bodies had enough sense to use a voice changer and make the call untraceable. The caller didn't sound shocked. It was more like he expected it to happen. So, he either knew the perp's motives and didn't want to get involved, or..."
"It's the killer and he wants his work found," the operator finishes. Puzzled by her conclusion, Joe turns to face her. His head is slightly tilted, eyebrows raised. "I watch a lot of detective shows, sir." She nervously shifts in her seat.
"That's a plausible theory." He pauses to read her name badge. "Great work, Penny."
"Thank you, sir," she murmurs, looking down.
***
Nick walks into the parlor chuckling, as he replays his latest accomplishments in his mind. Eight bums and one nasty geezer, not a bad start, he thinks. After a week in the cage, the molesting bastard took his final breath. I just hope the reaper made him pay. He suddenly recalls the terrified expression that spread across his face as he took his final breath. I bet he did. Nick snickers.
"What's got you so tickled?" Diaz asks.
Nick jumps back as he screams. "I... I didn't see you there, sir."
"Lucky for you I'm not a thief."
"Yes, sir."
"You should always be aware of your surroundings, son; Otherwise, predators will see you as an easy mark."
"I'll keep that in mind, sir."
"See to it that you do." Patting him on the back, Diaz continues. "I wouldn't want anything to happen to my favorite employee."
"Your favorite, sir?"
"Wish I had more loyal employees like you."
"Thank you, sir."
Don't tell the others, but I'm bumping your pay higher than theirs." Noticing the shocked look on the lad's face he continues. "I figure you deserve it since you take most of the risks."
"Thank you, sir. Speaking of payday, it's coming up soon, right? Rent is past due and I don't want to be evicted again." Recalling his living arrangements, he continues. "It's not the best place in the world but it beats the streets." Nick was homeless for nearly three years until he was old enough to get a legitimate job. It was tough at times, but anything beat where he was at; In a rundown barn in the middle of nowhere, being caged like an animal with no food or water for days. I finally got even with the perv. Nick recalls his crumpled body on the floor of his cell.
"Living at the Brixton Apartments must be really hard on you, after everything your foster parents put you through."
"I didn't want to go back, believe me, I didn't, but it was the cheapest place I could find." His old pal in narcotics fixed him up. He even exchanged his police training for a rap sheet, claiming Diaz only hires cons. Although he appreciated the help, Nick hoped that he'd never have to live in that dump again.
"If you keep working for me, I'll guarantee you'll be able to afford something a lot nicer soon."
"It won't be soon enough for me."
Diaz laughs. "I bet not. You don't mind locking up, do you? I have a date with a special lady friend. Going to show her a good time, if you know what I mean." He winks.
"Have fun, sir." Nick laughs.
"I plan to. See you tomorrow, lad." He heads towards the door.
"Goodnight, hey, wait, what about my paycheck?"
Diaz pulls money from his register. "I'll make good on the rest tomorrow."
"Thank you, sir."
"No, thank you for being such a hard worker. See you tomorrow." The small bell sounds behind him as he closes the door.
Now's my chance to snoop around, he thinks, watching his boss pull away.
***
Joe and Kirk are in the office trying to figure out who the killer might be. Since they don't have any leads, they're looking into the victim's history hoping to find a clue.
"Here's something interesting, Captain. All of our victims have priors for drugs, they've all had court-ordered rehab at the same facility, did time upstate, and they've all had the same judge."
"That's a lot of coincidences. Were the arresting officers the same?"
"No, sir."
"See what else you can find."
Sharon knocks on the office door."Guys, I finished my autopsy on our victims. They've all OD'D as I suspected. My analyst says the heroin we found wasn't laced with anything and it was cut with sugar, which is common for these parts."
"So, they just tempted fate one too many times?" Joe questions.
"He did say that if an addict stops using and then relapses; the amount they used before may kill them the second time around."
"Why is that?" the captain asks as he runs his fingers through his thinning hair.
"Their body has less of a tolerance to the drug than it did before."
Kirk glances at the screen. "They did just get out of prison."
"That could be your reason," Sharon concludes.
***
That's two more off the street, Nick thinks as he walks into the parlor. Laying the money from his last run on the desk, he grabs a stack of papers from the machine. Nick started making copies of Diaz's business records before he left. That should do it. He's shoving them into his backpack when he hears someone stomping down the hall. He looks up to see Diaz's right-hand man coming towards him.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
| Author Notes |
Did you enjoy Deadly Confessions? If so, I'd greatly appreciate you leaving a review in Amazon.
Please be sure to write you read it for free in exchange for a fair review. Otherwise, Amazon won't except it. https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Confessions-Deathbed-Confession-Untimely-ebook/dp/B07J3RKMDD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539017339&sr=8-1&keywords=Deadly+confessions+by+misty+dawn+bratcher |
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
In Chapter 1, Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed seven addicts. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's. They're investigating the latest crime scene.
Nick is shaking frantically behind Diaz's desk trying to figure out what to do. Tony continues to clomp towards him; his unnerving stare coupled with his towering frame of pure muscle makes Nick shudder even more.
"What are you doing in here?" Tony repeats.
Nick glances down at the backpack and then at the goon. I can't blow my cover now. "I... I..." He begins hoping to come up with a plausible excuse.
"Well, spit it out, numbnuts, I don't have all day."
"I... I."
"You said that already," Tony barks as he continues towards him.
Get it together, Nick, thinks, trying to gather his thoughts. "Diaz said I could copy a few things for my parole officer, hire date, pay and that, so I won't be violated, sent back upstate." Glancing at the screen he continues, "I tried to do it on my own, but I can't find my file."
"Have Diaz get it for you tomorrow."
"I have an appointment in the morning," Nick lies.
"Let me do it then." He heads towards the desk. "Damn newbies are more trouble than they're worth," he grumbles, pushing the lackey out of the way. Losing his balance, Nick falls to the floor. "I'm surprised a wimp like you survived prison life." Tony chuckles, as he pulls the flunkey to his feet.
"I spent most of my time in the infirmary."
"That doesn't surprise me at all." Tony notices Diaz's business records scattered across the screen when he glances at the computer.
"I... I didn't know where to look." Nick quickly explains. Noticing Tony's skeptical look, he decides to dummy down. "What are all those codes for anyway?"
"They're not encryptions, you idiot, it's spreadsheets and it shows that our boss is doing well."
"Really, so what does this mean?" Nick points to the screen.
"I'd try to explain it, but I doubt if a pea brain like you would understand."
"I did flunk out in seventh grade," he lies. He figures the more dim-witted Tony thinks he is, the less guarded he'll be.
"You stick to deliveries and let me handle the books." Grabbing a piece of paper from the copier he hands it to the newbie. "That should satisfy your PO."
"You saved my life, man." I can't believe he's buying this act, and he thinks I'm the idiot? Grabbing his backpack, he heads towards the door.
"Hey, moron."
Nick stops in his tracks. I almost had him fooled. He gulps. "Yes?"
"You dropped this."
He turns to see Tony holding a long, thin shaped devise in his hand. I'm glad I emptied the heroin into the last customer. If my death gadget did kill him... No, I'd rather him go down with Diaz than die, Nick thinks.
"What is this anyhow?"
"I... I, ah... I use it to take my medicine." Running across the room, Nick snatches it out of his hands. "See you tomorrow." He races out the door.
**
"Take cover," Jerry warns. The tree branch lands with such force that it causes the remaining roof to collapse on top of him and his two detectives. Please let us get out of this unharmed, he thinks as rotten timber continues to fall around them. When the cave-in finally stops, Jerry pushes himself off the floor. "Is everybody alright?" he coughs, anxiously searching for his crew.
"I'm alright, sir," Jeff says as the dust continues to settle.
"Rachel?" Jerry sees a huge pile of debris where she was standing. Panic-stricken, he runs over and starts to clear the mess. "Hang on, Detective, I'll have you out in a minute." The sergeant soon discovers that for every piece of timber he clears, more falls in its place. Exasperated, he glances over at Jeff. "Don't just stand there, help me," he barks.
"Yes, sir." The detective runs to his side.
"What are you doing, guys?" Rachel asks.
"I'm..." Jerry glances up to see Rachel heading towards them, a baby in her arms. Tossing the rubbish aside, he jumps off the floor.
"I thought... How did... I'm just glad you're alright." He hugs her.
She laughs. "I'm fine, Jerr and so is she."
Recalling the cause of the catastrophe, the sergeant takes a step back. "I should write your ass up for disobeying orders, putting everyone in harm's way."
"Look at this cute face and then tell me she's not worth the risk." Rachel plops the baby into his arms.
"That's not the point. The point is..." The baby starts to coo.
"She likes you, Jerr."
Seeing the baby's smile, the sergeant's temper quickly fades. "Just don't do it again."
"Yes, sir."
***
The sun is slowly rising over the mountains when Jerry trudges into the station; still exhausted from last night's events.
"You look like you're raring to go." Joe laughs, walking to his desk.
"Boss," he murmurs as he plops down in his chair.
"You could've come in a little later, you know."
"Now you tell me, boss." He collapses across his desk.
Joe laughs at his dramatics. "Why don't you catch a little shut-eye in the bunks?"
Gazing at him through bloodshot eyes Jerry wearily asks; "Does Sharon have anything for us?"
"I haven't heard from her or forensics."
"Think I'll take you up on the offer then."
"Good morning, Captain, Sergeant," Rachel says, plopping stuff down on her desk.
Jerry turns to see Rachel, all happy and bubbly. "I hate youth," he grumbles as he continues towards the back.
"What's wrong with him?"
"He didn't get enough sleep."
"I brought my famous coffee." Jerry mumbles something as he schleps across the room.
"Guess that's a no for him. What about you, Captain?" She holds the thermos towards him.
Joe remembers the last time he drank her stuff. "No, I'm good." He pushes it away.
"Drinking on the job again, Rachel?" Sharon asks, heading towards them.
"It's just my famous coffee."
"Don't let her fool you, that crap is more potent than alcohol," Joe says.
"I remember." Sharon laughs.
"Do you have something for us?"
"According to the baby's DNA, she's not related to anyone in our system."
"Jeff and I didn't find a birth record for her either and the victim's family has no idea who the baby is."
"I'll have one of my techs see if any hospital filed her DNA in the government databank."
"Hospitals store newborn's DNA?"
"Most parents don't even realize it's been done."
Rachel gets a perplexed look on her face. "Isn't that against our constitutional rights?"
"You'd think it would be, but our government believes the pros outweigh the cons."
"They better not store my kid's DNA in their system." Noticing Sharon's inquisitive look, she continues. "Oh no, I'm not." She laughs, nervously rubbing her belly. "I'm just saying they better not do that if I ever have a kid." She thinks about the blonde-haired blue-eyed mystery baby. I hope I have a little girl just like her, she sighs.
Joe hangs up his phone. "Someone just found four more bodies in an abandoned house. Here's the address." He hands the detectives a piece of paper.
"Do you want us to get grumpy butt?" Rachel questions, pointing towards the back.
"Let the old man sleep."
"I'll go in his place, sir." Kirk volunteers. He recently passed his detective exam but agreed to stay on at the lab until they can find a replacement.
"That's fine with me. What do you think, Sharon?"
"Go."
***
Jumping out of bed, Nick starts racing around his room. He forgot to set his alarm last night and now he's running late. Diaz is going to kill me if I don't make it on time. He recalls what happened to the last guy that was late. I'm not scrubbing nasty toilets if I can help it, he thinks. Grabbing his keys and his loaded death gadget from his table, he races out the door. I wonder how many I'll get off the street today, Ten, twelve, a couple dozen? Excited, he peels out of the parking space. Nick hears a whoop, whoop behind him when he pulls onto the street. He looks back to see red and blues on his tail. I shouldn't have burned rubber the way I did. He glances toward his clock. I don't have time for this, now. He hears the screech again. Guess I have to make time. Nick starts to pull over when he remembers what's in his pocket. He then notices last night's pizza box beside him; a small foil of heroin amongst its layers. I should've gotten rid of that when I had the chance, he thinks. The sirens sound again. The drugs in my pocket coupled with what's in that pie could send me away for life.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel,
Tony, Diaz's right hand man.
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
In Chapter 1, Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed seven addicts. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's. They're investigating the latest crime scene.
Nick nervously glances around his car, hoping he can figure out where to stash the drugs. I could put it under the mat, behind the visor, inside the seat. No, they'll definitely look there. The cop sounds his siren again, longer than before. "Oh, it's no use, they're going to find it no matter what I do." He slams his hand on the steering wheel. I could try to outrun them, he thinks, glancing at the long stretch of road ahead. He recalls the last fugitive pursuit he was on as a cop and how badly it turned out for the driver. This piece of crap couldn't outrun them anyhow. He glances down at his dashboard. Besides, I don't have enough gas to make it too far. If I answer all their questions, show them respect, they won't have a reason to search my car.
Signaling, Nick pulls to the side of the road. He grabs his registration from his glove box and his ID from his wallet. That should move things along. Nick realizes the cop is still in his car when he peeks in the rearview mirror. "What's taking him so long?"
His mind drifts back to his grueling days as a beat cop. I bet he's running my plates through the system. He waits a little longer and then glances back again. "I wish he'd get this over with." Nick nervously shifts around in his seat. I better stop doing that, otherwise, he'll get suspicious, have a reason to search my vehicle. He anxiously taps his finger on the steering wheel, trying to find something to preoccupy his mind, His thoughts are such a jumbled mess, he finds it hard to do.
A few minutes later he looks in his mirror again. He sees a second cruiser pull up to the scene. "Two cars, oh, that can't be good." He anxiously watches a third unit pull alongside the others. He glances towards his pocket and then at the box. "I hope they don't link me to the murders too."
***
The detectives pull up to an old farmhouse on the south side of town. With its shabby conditions, the place looks more like a lean-to than a home.
"Last I heard the only thing living here were rats the size of small dogs," Rachel says as she carefully maneuvers her way through thick, overgrown weeds.
"The place isn't fit for them either," Jeff adds.
A putrid stench of decaying flesh nearly knocks them over when they get closer. "This is going to be a bad one, guys." Rachel plugs her nose. They see four half-eaten, rotten corpses by the doorway when they step up to the house. There is a large amount of vomit beside two of the victims; a used rig beside one guy's hand and a bag of brown powder near the other.
"I'd say the wild animals had a feast," Kirk says as he inspects the remains. "According to the bite marks, I'd say they were attacked by a large cat." Noticing a paw print near the victims, he gets a little closer. "I'd say that our culprit is a hungry mountain lion."
"Was it before or..." Gagging, Rachel runs out of the house.
Shaking his head Kirk continues, "By the looks of it, I'd say they've been dead for weeks."
"Think I'll check on her," Jeff says, trying hard not to lose his lunch.
"You're a couple of wimps." Kirk chuckles.
"What's wrong with them?" Sharon asks as she glances across the yard.
"They can't handle the smell."
"So, what did you find?"
"It looks like a cat got a hold of them after they OD'd." He points to the drug paraphernalia and then the gaping hole in a victim's neck.
"There doesn't appear to be any signs of healing, so I'd say you're right. You know, we've had more OD's in the past few days than we had all last year."
"You're sure it's not a bad batch of drugs?" Rachel asks, stepping back inside. The foul smell hits her, she gags again. "I thought I could do it this time." She turns to leave.
"Rachel, wait." The detective turns around. "Put a little of this under your nose." Sharon hands her a small bottle. Noticing her hesitation, she continues. "Trust me, it works."
Rachel does as she's told. "You're right, that is better."
"It's what gets me through the horrific autopsies."
"So you're certain it's not a bad batch?"
"I'm only finding heroin in the drugs and their Tox screen."
Kirk steps up beside them. "I ran their fingerprints through our system. Their names are Bill Barnes, Charles Hensley, Pete Simmons, and Andy Moffitt. All four are career criminals with a rap sheet a mile long. All of them were recently released, within the last month or so."
"Did they come from prison?"
"No, Bill came from jail, the rest from prison. It looks like each of them were sentenced to rehab within the last few weeks." He gets an inquisitive look on his face.
"What is it, Kirk?"
"All of our victims going to the same rehab facility can't be just a coincidence. Think I'll check out their employees, see what I can find."
Rachel hangs up her phone. "Dispatch just called, said that there's been a reported death on the other side of town."
"I'll meet you guys there." Grabbing her equipment, Sharon heads out the door.
***
The three pull up to what's left of a decaying structure. It's one of the few places that hasn't been demolished. "Wasn't the city supposed to tear this place down?" Jeff questions.
"They were, but then the historical society got involved; claiming it holds a lot of history. When that didn't work, they encouraged the owner to register it as a historical site in the State and National Registry," Kirk says.
"Wasn't it a brothel at one time?"
"A hospital in the war, and a home for wayward girls too. Some even claim a few outlaws and a couple of presidents stayed here when it was a motel," Kirk finishes.
"No wonder they want to save it."
"There's not much left to salvage," Rachel says as she inspects the large eyesore.
They see their ME shaking her head as she walks down the steps. "How did she beat us here?"
"She wasn't in the bathroom forever like someone we know, Jeff."
"When a guy's got to go, he's got to go." He didn't want to admit to getting sick in fear that it would ruin his reputation.
"For an hour? I've known women who've popped out kids quicker than that."
"It wasn't an hour, Rachel." Jeff rolls his eyes.
"It was pretty darn close." She teases.
"You're so full of it."
"Not as full as you were." She laughs. Halfway across the yard, Rachel turns around. "Hey, Jeff."
"Yeah."
"I wouldn't go much further if I were you."
"Why is that?"
"I'd hate for you to get sick again." Seeing the shocked look on his face she laughs. "You're not as slick as you think you are, bud." She chuckles again. "What do you think, Sharon?"
"According to their body temperature and rigor mortis, I'd say they died between 12 and 2. I didn't find any puncture wounds other than needle marks. There aren't any signs of strangulation or foul play. So, if I had to guess I'd say the COD is a drug overdose. I'll know for sure when I do an autopsy."
"The drugs have to be laced with something," Rachel says, walking around the victims.
"I think so too. Why we can't find it is beyond me." Sharon starts running through the possibilities, hoping to find an answer, but comes up empty-handed. "Think I'll run it by a few colleagues, see what they say."
***
Nick sees three officers walking towards him when he peeks out his window. This can't be good. He glances towards his pocket and then at the pizza box beside him. I could try and stash it, but where? It'd have to be a place they wouldn't think to look. He glances around the car's interior as the cops continue to get closer. Why didn't I think of that before? He reaches for the device. Hearing a tap on the window, Nick turns to see a blue uniform standing by his door. It's too late to hide my stuff now. He starts to move his hand from his pocket when he notices an officer grabbing something on his belt. Terrified, Nick freezes in mid-motion. They think I have a gun.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
In Chapter 1, Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's.
"Take your hand out of your pocket, nice and slow," the cop orders, drawing his weapon. Nick recalls what usually happens in these situations. This could end badly, he thinks, too terrified to move. "Hands where I can see them, now." The officer aims his gun at Nick's head.
"Ok, Ok."Nick nervously does as he's told.
Seeing his hands on the steering wheel, the deputy opens the car door. A second officer reaches in and pulls Nick to the ground.
"What... What did I do?" Nick questions.
"You haven't stopped by to see us," the first cop answers in a deep gravely tone.
"What?" Confused, Nick glances up. The sun's reflection blinds him; he lays his head back down.
Laughing, the two officers pull their suspect to his feet. "How you been, Nicky?"
The only one that calls me that is... He quickly realizes it's his buddies from the academy. "I'm fine... Fine, I guess," he stutters, still shook from the recent events.
"Did we scare you?" Jenkins laughs as he removes his cuffs.
"A little, I wasn't sure what I'd done."
His friends laugh again. "Consider that a payback for the pranks you pulled on us."
Nick thinks back to all his stunts. "I guess I deserved that." He chuckles.
"Damn right you did."
"What have you been up to, lately?" Jenkins probes.
"You know, doing what I can, trying to get by."
"We stopped by your old place a few weeks ago, but they said you'd moved," Smith adds.
"I lost my place shortly after I was canned."
"We heard what happened, and we think you got the raw end of the deal."
"I appreciate it, guys, I really do."
"We'll always have your back, Nicky, old pal, despite what the brass thinks," Smith says.
You wouldn't say that if you knew what I've been up to. He glances toward his pocket and then the pizza box in his car. Just stay cool and they won't suspect a thing, he thinks.
"Are we keeping you from something?" Jenkins asks.
"I... I really need to get this pizza delivered before it gets cold. It's been great seeing all of you again." Nick hops in his car.
"You too, don't be a stranger."
"I won't." Closing his door, Nick lets out a sigh of relief. I thought I was a goner for sure, he thinks, glancing in his rearview mirror.
***
The detectives are gathered around their desks, trying to figure out what's causing all these OD's but are getting nowhere fast.
Jerry adjusts his glasses as he glances through the reports again. "These drugs have to be tainted with something; it's the only thing that makes any sense. Jeff, I want you to find their supplier so we can get this shit off our streets."
"I'm on it, sir."
"Rachel, I want you to go through child abduction cases, see what you can find."
"Jeff and I already did. In fact, I rechecked our data bank this morning, and she still hasn't been reported as missing."
"What about her clothes?"
"The outfit she had on and what's in her diaper bag came from Wal-Mart. Kirk is looking into sales and video footage now."
"Check with pediatricians, see if they recognize her face." Noticing she's about to protest, he continues, "Tell them that we're trying to find her parents."
The captain rushes to their desk. "Guys, we have two more bodies at the old Winthrop house. Narcotics found them during their bust."
***
Nick pulls up to a large mansion on the north side of town. This isn't anything like his normal clientele, he thinks as he admires the beautiful home. Maybe I've got the wrong address. He checks his slip of paper again. This is the one. I guess he would have to sprinkle a few real deliveries in, to make it look like everything is on the up and up.
He sees an attractive blonde on the porch as he walks up to the house. Her tight shirt and skimpy shorts accentuated her figure nicely. Money and looks, she's every man's dream, he thinks, gawking at the beautiful vision. Not watching where he's going, Nick trips over himself. Embarrassed, he looks up to see the lady trying not to laugh. Way to go, bonehead, he thinks. Regaining his composure, he continues towards the porch. "I have the pizza you ordered."
"Diaz said he was sending someone new, come in, come in."
Nick follows her inside. "You have a nice place, ma'am," he says, looking around.
"Thank you. This is for the pizza, and this is for you." She hands him a twenty."I know how Diaz pays you next to nothing. It's something I've been trying to correct since our partnership began. Speaking of the old miser, I have something you need to take back to him." She grabs a bag of poppy seeds from the table.
"Birdseed, ma'am?" he asks, pretending not to know that it's the main ingredient of heroin.
"That's what keeps our business profitable, why I can afford all these nice things. You run along now, tell the old cheapskate I said hi."
"I will, ma'am, and thanks for the tip." He turns towards the door.
"Hold on a minute."
Nick turns back around. "Ma'am?"
"I don't know why I didn't notice it before."
"Notice what, ma'am?" I hope she doesn't recognize me from my days on patrol, he thinks, fidgeting with his clothes.
"You look just like Diaz when he was younger, I'll show you." She grabs a picture from the mantel. "This was taken at our grand opening; he would've been twenty-five at the time."
"I can see a little similarity, I guess. Well, I better get back before Diaz gets mad." He steps out on the porch.
"Watch out for that invisible rock." she teases.
"You're not funny, ma'am." Chuckling, she closes the door. I wish I didn't have to take her down too, he thinks pulling away from the curb.
***
The detectives pull up to an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. The once elaborate home is now a monstrosity of loose rotten boards. It's such a shame the city let this place rot, Rachel thinks, remembering how beautiful it used to be. It'd been on the market for years, but because of its bad reputation, no one dared go inside. Now's my chance to get even. Rachel snickers as the three of them walk towards the structure. "You know the rumor about this house, right, guys?"
The sergeant rolls his eyes. "I don't believe in that crap."
"Neither did the last people who lived here, that's why their time was cut so short." She moves her finger across her neck.
Stopping, Jeff glances towards the house and then at Rachel. "What... What are you talking about?"
"According to the legend, whoever steps inside, dies within a week." Rachel notices the horrified look on Jeff's face. This could be fun, she thinks.
"I know what you're trying to do, and it won't work," Jerry says.
"Don't say I didn't warn you."
"She's kidding, right, Sergeant?"
"The last people who lived here died of natural causes." He left out the part about them dying shortly after they moved in.
"Believe what you want, but I know the truth."
"You believe in a tall tale you mean." Jerry steps up to the porch; Concerned about his well being, Jeff decides to hang back a bit. They find a used rig by each of their victims, a bag of brown powder in the center. "It looks like another OD."
"Are you sure it's not the curse of this house, Sergeant?"
"Give it up, already."
Hearing something in the distance, Rachel turns towards the noise. "What was that?"
"What?"
"I think someone is around back." Rachel draws her gun.
"Sure, there is." Jerry chuckles, shaking his head.
"I'm not kidding. There it is again." She glances over at Jeff. "You heard it, right?"
"I can't say I did."
"I think we should check it out." Neither partner moves. "You'll go with me, right, Jeff?"
He glances at the sergeant and then back at her. "I'm not falling for your joke, Rachel."
"I'm not joking around, guys, I'm for real." They don't budge an inch. "Fine, I'll go by myself then." She stomps towards the back of the house.
"Have fun with that." Jerry laughs.
A few minutes later they hear leaves rustling followed by Rachel's muffled cries for help. Jeff glances towards Jerry. "What if she's telling the truth, Sergeant?"
"It's one of her pranks, trust me." Rachel screams again. Jeff starts to run towards her, Jerry grabs his arm to stop him. "I wouldn't do it if I were you."
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all. Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. He heads to work hoping to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's. Rachel gets herself into a dire situation in the midst of their investigation.
Jeff anxiously glances towards the clatter coming from the back of the house and then at his sergeant. Rachel screams for help again.
"My gut's telling me something is wrong." Jerking out of Jerry's hold, he darts towards his partner. Jeff rounds the corner to find Rachel's gun amongst a jungle of weeds; a copious amount of fresh blood alongside it. The amount is so vast, it looks like a massacre has occurred. "Holy shit. You... You need to see this, Sergeant," he stutters, quickly glancing around.
"I tried to warn you, but you didn't listen." Jerry chuckles as he walks towards the back.
"It's not a prank, sir, Rachel might be dead."
***
Nick sees Diaz in his office when he steps into the parlor. I could take a quick peek around, get an idea of where to look when I do my search, he thinks as he heads towards the back.
Hearing footsteps coming towards him, Diaz glances up from his desk. "I'm surprised you're back so soon, lad."
"It was only one order, sir."
"Yeah, but that one is very chatty, she'll talk your ear off if you let her. She has everyone else I sent out there; it's the reason they don't want to go back." Chuckling he continues. "Julie claims it's her way of getting to know our staff; says she wants to make everyone feel like family."
"She tried to keep me, sir, but I told her I needed to get back."
"She's your boss too; my silent partner, that's anything but quiet. I don't know why I put up with her sometimes." He laughs.
"Because she's nice to look at?" Nick grins shyly, not sure if he should admit his infatuation.
"She is that, for sure, but she has no business sense at all. Pushing me to remodel when the place is perfectly fine the way it is."
"The original decor does seem nostalgic, a walk through memory lane."
"How did you know this is the original furnishings?"
"She showed me a picture of your Grand Opening."
Diaz's mind drifts back to that blissful day. "What a day that was. The place was packed from the time we opened until we closed. My only regret is that my beloved Nora wasn't here to see it. She helped me set it up, you know, did all the interior designs. That's the main reason I don't want to change it because it reminds me so much of her." He wipes a tear from his cheek.
He isn't talking about my mom, is he? That murdering rat bastard couldn't be. "What happened to her, sir?"
"A drunk ran her and my two sons off the road." He glances up at Nick, an astonished look on his face. "My youngest son would've been your age if he'd lived."
First the resemblance and now this, I've got to stop them from figuring out we're related, but how? Maybe my buddy in narcotics will know. "I better get back to my deliveries, sir." He turns to leave.
"Don't you have something for me?"
"I almost forgot." Nick starts to pull it out of his bag.
"Why don't you close the door first?" Diaz suggests. Nick reaches behind him and pushes the barrier too. "That's much better."
"All of this secrecy for bird seed, sir?"
Diaz glances up at him, shocked that his employee is so obtuse. "I know it all seems silly, but if Tony finds out, he'll haul them away."
"He'll take them from you, sir?"
"He claims they contain a lot of sodium, which is bad for my heart."
Tony doesn't know about the drug sales? How is that possible? "Your secret is safe with me." Nick hands him the bag.
"I appreciate your discretion on this, son."
"No problem, sir. This is the first time I've been in here," he says as he quickly glances around. "The second time, if you count my interview, but I was so nervous, I didn't pay much attention. This is nice."
"It's another one of Nora's projects."
"Well, I better get back to my deliveries before my boss gets mad."
"You do that, lad." He chuckles.
Nick is in such deep thought about what he just learned that he doesn't notice the cook outside the door.
"Hey, watch where you're going," Jim protests.
"Sorry, man."
"Just be careful from now on, OK?"
"Sure thing. Hey, do you know anything about Diaz's wife and sons?"
"They were killed by a drunk driver eons ago, why?"
"He was just telling me about them, but didn't say how they died."
"He's never really gotten over the loss. We hoped that bringing their killer to justice would help but it didn't."
"Their murderer was caught?"
"He's serving life upstate. Anyhow, your next order is ready."
"I'll be right there." Nick recalls what he was told as a child; that Diaz brutally beat his mom and brother to death. He was born prematurely because of it. How can this be true? Did he claim she died in an accident to cover up his murder? Maybe he staged it; paid someone to make it look like she ran off the road. Why was I told differently and why did everyone tell him I died when I didn't? None of this makes any sense.
"The order needs to go out today."
"Ok, Ok."
***
Jerry first sees Jeff, darting towards the woods, he then notices the large trail of blood by his feet. She isn't joking, he thinks. Reaching for his radio, he calls it in. "Officer injured, repeat, officer injured, we need backup at this location, we need backup at this location."
"A unit is on their way, sir," a dispatcher replies.
Returning his radio to its pouch he follows the bloody path. He'd just reached the end of the blood splatter when his phone rings. He grabs it from his pocket as he continues to look around. "Sergeant Bower," he says as he puts it on speaker.
"What the hell is going on out there?" Joe demands.
"Rachel is missing, and we think she might be injured."
"Missing, injured, why did you let this happen? Huh, why? I thought you could handle this job and its responsibilities, I really did, but now I'm not so sure."
"I thought she was pranking us, sir."
"Your damn horseplay has gone too far this time, way too far. Don't be surprised if you get demoted for this."
"Demoted, boss, but..."
"We'll discuss it when I get there. Where's Jeff?"
"He's trying to find her."
"Get your lazy ass out there and help him. Move it, move it," Joe yells into the phone.
***
Nick continues down a rugged dirt path, hoping to reach his destination. He's been traveling down this treacherous road for over a half hour and there are still no houses in sight. I had to have made a wrong turn somewhere, he thinks, glancing at the GPS on his phone. Nope, this is right and it doesn't look like it's much farther now. He swerves to miss a large pothole, running into a larger one in the process. "I'd been better off staying where I was at." His entire car starts to squeak as he continues down the road. I think that caused some damage; Diaz should have to pay for repairs if it did. The noises get louder. "I hope it doesn't fall apart before I get out of here." He notices an eroded log home at the end of the road. "Finally." He gives his car a little more gas.
A monstrous looking creature jumps out in front of him. "What the ..." Nick jerks his wheel to the left as he slams his foot on the brakes. His car skids sideways before it comes to a stop; dust particles fly all around him. He sees a man with thick matted hair and a grungy beard to his right when the dust finally settles. His overalls are nothing more than filthy rags; his body is caked with gobs of soot, like he hadn't taken a bath in months. The man lifts up his gun as he walks towards him. He's... He's going to shoot me, Nick nervously thinks. He starts to put the car in reverse when he hears a loud commotion behind him. He looks back to find a second man tramping out from the woods with a sawed-off shotgun in hand. He then notices the third man off to his left; he's carrying some type of military weapon. I've ... I've got to get out of here, Nick thinks, trying to figure out what to do.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all. Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. He heads to work hoping to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but he's now facing down some armed, gorilla-like men. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's. Rachel gets herself into a dire situation in the midst of their investigation.
Nick glances around trying to figure out what to do. Three, armed, gorilla-like men are coming from behind him and on both sides; a huge bluff in front of him. Maybe I should show them why I'm here. He starts to grab the container beside him when another thought comes to mind. More terrified than ever, he freezes in mid-motion. What if they think I'm reaching for a gun? He looks up to see the men are getting closer. I can't just sit here and do nothing. He quickly surveys the area, in hopes he'll come up with a plan. The only way to do this is if I run someone over. How will I explain all the dents, the blood splatter on my car? I won't have to worry about any of that if I don't do something quick. He envisions a horde of bullets whizzing through his vehicle as he backs up. One good shot would be all it'd take. Nick gulps as he eyes the three mountaineers.
***
Jeff runs back to his Sergeant in a state of panic. "I can't find her anywhere, sir." He breathlessly replies as he continues to search their surroundings.
"We need to keep searching. I'll go north, you head south."
"Copy that, sergeant." Jeff turns to see Joe stomping towards them. "The captain is pissed."
"He's mad at me for letting this happen; like I could stop her."
"We wouldn't have this problem if I went with her." Jeff lowers his head.
"What the hell are you guys doing just standing around? Go, go," Joe orders as he clomps towards them.
"Sorry, sir." Jeff darts south.
"We were regrouping, boss, figuring out where to look next."
Jerry starts to leave, Joe grabs his arm to stop him. "I hope you can come up with a reason why I shouldn't can your sorry ass by the time this is over."
***
Kirk sees Sharon finishing an autopsy when he steps into the room. I'll never know the answer if I don't ask, he thinks as he walks towards her. He usually doesn't question her authority, her wisdom, but her conclusions seems a bit off. This might help solve our case. Taking a deep breath, he continues across the room. "Did you find anything different?" He nervously steps up beside her.
"I'm afraid not, Kirk. I just can't understand how so many can OD in such a short time span. It's just not possible, not this large of an increase." She slams her tools on the table.
"About that." He hesitates a minute, not sure if he should continue.
"Go on, spit it out." She swipes a loose hair from her face.
"You know I normally don't question you."
"But."
"You said so yourself that there's been a large spike."
"Double of what we had last year. But I can't find a single thing to negate any of my findings; my colleagues can't seem to either."
"What if they're being killed with poison, but it's staged to look like an OD?"
"Something would show up in their tox screen or autopsy findings."
"Not if the drug degenerates before you find them, or if it doesn't show up on a routine test. He hands her a tablet. "You have to search specifically for these."
The ME glances at the information. "I thought I covered all the possibilities." Sharon scrolls through the list. "Let me do a little research and see what I can find."
"You're not mad at me for showing you this, are you, Sharon?"
"Heavens no, I appreciate any help you can give me."
"Good." Kirk breathes a sigh of relief. Sharon is his dear friend, his mentor and he doesn't want any hard feelings between them.
***
"What the hell do you think you're doing trespassing on private property?"
"I... I..." Nick begins, raising his hands in the air.
"You're lucky I didn't kill you." Throwing the driver door open, he grabs a hold of Nick's arm and jerks him to the ground. Scuffling up on all fours, he tries to crawl away. The man plants his oversized boot into Nick's back as he presses a cold metal object against his head. "You better explain yourself, boy, and you better do it fast."
Nick hears a loud click as the man thrusts the hard metal into his skull. "Please... Please don't kill me. I... I was only doing what I was told."
"Who told you to come out here, huh, who?" He spits tobacco juices beside Nick's head. Wiping his mouth on his filthy sleeve, he continues. "Well, who was it, huh? Answer me, boy, answer me." He whops the trespasser with the barrel of his gun.
Nick glances up to see the other two standing over him; their weapons pointed at his head. "I... I have the pizza you... You ordered. It's... It's in my... My car."
The man looks inside the vehicle and then towards his friends. "What happened to the other man?"
"I... I don't know."
"I think this is all a setup."
The third man sniffs the air. "He smells like a pig to me. He nervously glances around before he continues. "What do you think we should do with him?" he asks, scratching his crotch.
"We haven't done anything wrong yet." Pulling Nick off the ground, he shoves him in the car. "Go on, get out of here. Tell your copper buddies if I find you, or anyone else on my land I'll shoot you dead. You hear me, shoot you dead," he yells.
"This... This isn't a set up I swear. Call Diaz, he'll tell you, better yet, look." He opens the pizza box beside him.
"That doesn't prove shit."
"Then... Then call Diaz." He offers them his phone.
The man knocks it out of his hands. "How do I know Diaz isn't a part of this, taking us down to save his own skin?"
"Diaz would never do that to you, his most valued customers. In fact, he told me to offer you a freebie."
"A freebie, is it? Now I know you're lying, cause, that penny-pinching bastard would never give anything away for free."
Nick laughs nervously. "I was just as surprised as you are until he explained it. He said he knows how hard it is to get clean rigs, since the government's crackdown. So, he invented a contraption similar to an EpiPen that'll make it where you'll never have to worry about it again."
"And he's giving it away for free?"
"That and the smack if you'll try it." Nick starts to reach beside him, the man shoves his gun against his head. "I'm... I'm just getting the device."
"Try anything stupid..."
"I won't." He pulls a pen-shaped object and a bottle of liquid heroin from his pocket. "I put a little of the drug in the top here and you're ready to go."
The first man snatches it out of his hands. "How is this different from the rigs?" he asks as he examines the object.
"You can set the amount, so you won't get too much or too little and a fresh needle replaces the old one after each use."
"How do I know this isn't all part of a setup?" He nervously looks around.
"You don't want to do business, that's fine, I'll go to someone who does." He grabs the pen from the guy's hand. "Don't think Diaz will be too happy when he finds out you wasted all this time." Closing the door, he throws his car in gear.
"Hold up a minute."
"Yeah."
The man glances at his pals before he continues. "Let's see that rig again."
Nick notices sweat pouring down the man's face as he hands it over. He then notices his buddies jittery beside him. You're coming down hard, he thinks. "A click of this button and your pain will go away."
***
"We've searched everywhere boss, and Rachel is nowhere to be found," Jerry replies meekly as he walks towards him.
"What about the canines?"
"They didn't find anything either, boss."
"Jeff, you and I are going to check all the side roads; Jerry, keep looking out here."
"Yes, sir."
"Jerry, you better hope we find her alive. Your career, your livelihood depends on it."
Jerry lowers his head. I'm always letting everyone down. His mind returns to the day stray bullets took his wife and daughter's life. It wouldn't have happened if I'd been there to protect them and this wouldn't have happened if I'd went. He wipes a tear from his dirt-smudged cheek.
"Stop your damn moping and go." Joe orders.
"Yes sir, boss, sir."
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all. Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but he now finds himself facing some armed, gorilla-like men. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's. Rachel gets herself into a dire situation in the midst of their investigation.
Nick's nerves finally calmed down by the time he reaches the highway. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it out of there alive. Swearing that I'm a cop and we're setting him up like he's a big fish in the pond. If anything, we'd have him help us get Diaz. What am I doing, talking like I'm still a cop? I gave up that gig a long time ago. I'm doing a lot better without them. Well, I will be once I take down Diaz and his men. If I do it right, I'll never have to work again. I figure pops owes me that much. That's if I can survive my charade. His recent event suddenly comes to mind.
The first man is still trying to decide if it's a real deal or if it's all a big setup. Frustrated from the waiting, Nick starts to leave. He then notices the man's buddies beside him. They were bouncing back and forth, anxiously scratching their goose bumped skin as sweat continues to pour from their body. Those two won't need much convincing, Nick thinks, holding his pen out the window. "One little stick and your troubles will go away." He watches them lick their lips as he dangles his device in front of them. They're just like Pavlov's dogs. Nick chuckles to himself.
"We need to do this, Larry, we really do," Rick says twitching beside him as he keeps an eye on the object.
"I need this shit, Larry, cop or not," Donny says, reaching for Nick's device. Larry smacks his hand away.
"What do you say, Larry, are you willing to give it a try?" Nick asks.
"I'm thinking, I'm thinking." He nervously looks around.
"Your friends are coming down pretty hard." Larry glances at his two pals. "You know what that feels like, right?"
"I've been there a time, or two."
"It's no fun, is it?" Larry continues to watch his buddy. "Are you willing to make them suffer because you're not sure?"
"What if I'm right?"
"Don't you think the cops would've busted you by now if you were?"
"Maybe." He continues to look around.
"How would you feel if your buddies did this to you?"
"I'd be pissed."
"Of course, you would so give me the word, I'll fix them right up and we can all go on our merry way." Nick takes the cap off his pen.
"I... I still don't know about this."
Time for your final push, Nick thinks, eyeing the two men jonesing for a fix. "That's it, I'm done wasting my time with you. I just hope your buddies can survive their withdrawals." He glances towards the two men. "It only gets worse from here, guys, a whole lot worse, trust me." Nick starts to move his object back inside when he hears footsteps running towards him. He looks over to see Rick darting towards the car.
"I... I can't take this shit anymore, Larry, I just can't." Rick snatches the pen away. It's about time you grew a pair, Nick thinks as he hands the device over. Rick turns towards Larry. "I ain't dying out here, in the middle of nowhere waiting for you to decide."
Larry starts to walk towards him, Donny lifts up his gun. "Leave him alone," he warns pulling back on the hammer.
"You want to play like that, fine, I'll play." Larry points his gun at Donny's head. "Either give it back, or your pal takes a bullet to his skull."
"You want this so damn bad then take it." Shoving the pen into the side of Larry's neck, Rick pushes the button. Larry collapses on the ground. The other two are so fervid about getting their fix, they don't realize their friend has OD'd.
Three more victims and all I had to do was sanitize my pen. Plus, I got a hefty bonus on the side. He glances at the backpack full of loot and smiles.
***
A large firm pillow is being pressed against Rachel's face, making it impossible for her to breath. She tries to fight her attacker, but something keeps pulling her arms to the bed. "Help me, please, someone help me," she screams as she thrashes around the mattress. Her metal binding clanks with such force that it startles her awake.
That was a hell of a dream, Rachel thinks, scanning her surroundings. Where am I, who brought me here and why? She soon discovers that she's in an old, rundown log cabin. Its rustic decor consists of a crudely constructed table and a makeshift chair.
I've got to get out of here before they come back. She tries to sit up, but the restraints pull her to the bed. She looks up to find her hands are tied to the iron frame. She then realizes her legs are bound as well. She tries to pull free, but the chains are too strong, and the cuffs are on too tight. There's got to be a way out of this.
She's studying the bed frame, hoping to come up with an idea when she hears footsteps coming from across the room. She glances over to see two figures in the darkened hallway. One appears to be tall and thin, while the other is short and rounded. She tries to make out their features, but with the fireplace being her only source of light, she can't make out any specifics.
The small, plump figure points towards her and whispers something. Rachel strains to hear but can't make out a sound. Chuckling, the second individual answers in what sounds to be Italian as they step into the room.
I didn't piss off any Hispanics, did I? I don't think I did. She tries to focus on the people, hoping that'll give her a clue. The couple continues towards her. Rachel quickly realizes the taller figure looks identical to a suspect, she shot in the field. I thought he died. She thinks back to that day of the terrible shooting. He did and so did his dad. Rachel then remembers him having a twin. Is Tito getting even for what I did to Luigi and his father? Why now, almost a year later? Could he be behind all these deaths? Why would he do that and how? Who's that lady with him and what are they going to do to me?
***
Jeff sees Joe and Kirk waiting for him when he climbs into the vehicle. "Hi, Kirk, sir."
"Jeff."
"I figure we can use an extra hand," Joe explains, starting his car.
"Who better than boy genius? The walking, talking book of knowledge."
"Did you know that the original Book of Knowledge was printed in 1940? There have been several additions since, the last in 2005."
"I bet you've read every one of them." Jeff chuckles.
"Only the latest edition, sir."
"No wonder you're so smart." Jeff sees Jerry mope away when he glances out the window. I need to speak up before he's fired. He starts to say something when another thought occurs to him. The captain might fire me if I do. How can I not say something? Besides, he's stood up for me more times than I can count. Jeff glances at Joe and then at Jerry. Here goes nothing, he thinks. "I don't mean to disrespect you, or your authority, sir, but I don't see how you can blame Jerry for this when Rachel decided to run off on her own."
Joe turns towards his detective so abruptly, Jeff startles back. I have to do this for my buddy's sake. He gulps.
"Are you trying to say this is Rachel's fault?"
"She disobeyed a direct order, sir."
"Jerry is in charge, so it's up to him to make sure everyone follows his command and that their jobs are done correctly without anyone being in harm's way."
"I understand that, sir, but hasn't Rachel disobeyed your orders before?"
"Rachel knows better than to question my authority, my decisions and you should do the same," Joe barks, slamming his hands on the steering wheel.
"I do, sir, but..."
"Then I suggest you drop the matter."
"Yes, sir."
Wanting to help Jerry, Kirk slides to the edge of his seat. "Captain, sir." Nervously clearing his throat, he continues, "She was kidnapped in the park after being told to stay out of sight."
Joe turns around, Kirk anxiously slides back in his seat. "I don't want to hear any more about this from either of you, do you understand?"
"Yes, sir." They reply in unison.
***
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all. Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but he now finds himself facing some armed, gorilla-like men. Meanwhile, the Berryville PD is trying to figure out why there are so many OD's. Rachel gets herself into a dire situation in the midst of their investigation.
You'll find Italian with its English translation in bold italics.
Joe starts mulling over what his detectives said on their way to the station. No, they're wrong, this is Jerry's fault. It could've been avoided if he'd gone with her instead of worrying about some stupid prank.
His mind quickly switches to Rachel's part in this mess. I've warned her numerous times about wandering off on her own. She wouldn't have been forced to if the Sergeant was doing his job. She should've had Jeff go with her when Jerry refused.
He starts thinking back to when Rachel first began. My detectives are right about her disobeying my orders, Jerry's, too. He then recalls all the times their old captain called her into his office. She was noncompliant with him despite his reprimand. Well, her insubordination has gone on far too long.
Joe is trying to decide on an appropriate punishment when he and Jerry's conversation comes to mind. I can't let him keep thinking this is all his fault; it's not fair, not right, torturing him like that. He reaches for his phone; pausing when his hand hits his pocket. Will it undermine my authority to admit I was wrong? Will it encourage them to challenge my decisions? He glances at his detectives. I want to come across as firm but fair, a respected leader, not a hard ass like the ones before me. What if Jerry and I have a good heart to heart, once this is over? He suddenly recalls the sullen look on his Sergeant's face when they drove away. "Damn you, Jerry." He pulls to the side of the road.
"Why did you pull over, sir?" Jeff questions as he glances around.
"I need to make a quick call." He takes his phone from his coat and dials a number. "Jerry, this is Joe." He puts his cell on speaker.
"We haven't found her, sir, but we're still looking."
"I want you to get everyone together and meet us at the station."
"Copy that, sir."
"Sergeant."
"Yes, sir."
"Rachel's disappearance isn't your fault; she has problems listening to commands."
"Sir?" He questions, uncertain he understood.
"Since you're her superior, and this is the second time she's disobeyed you; I believe you should be in charge of her reprimand."
"I won't be too hard on her, boss."
"I'm leaving that up to you. Just know this has been a long time coming."
"Yes, sir, boss."
Hearing the gusto in Jerry's voice, Joe smiles. I apologized and saved face, not bad for a beginner. "One more thing, Sergeant."
"What's that, sir."
"You owe your pals a big thanks for showing me I was wrong." The captain smiles at his detectives.
"Thanks for having my back, guys."
"No problem, sir."
"You'd do the same for us," Jeff adds.
***
Rachel anxiously pulls on her restraints fastened to the bed as Tito and his partner continue to walk towards her. I don't know what they want with me, but whatever it is, can't be good, she thinks, jerking on her chains again.
"Decided to wake up, did you? I do hope you had pleasant dreams." Tito chuckles, recalling the horrid side effects from his medicine. After a few run-ins with the cops, his father sent him to an institution; where he spent most of his life.
"Why... Why am I here and what, what are you going to do to me?" Rachel asks.
"You'll find out soon enough." His knife gouges through his pocket to his skin causing him to wince.
"It... It doesn't have to be this way. You can let me go and we'll forget the whole thing ever happened." She nervously tugs on her restraints.
"Daddy will be very angry with me if I do, and I don't like it when Daddy is mad. You wouldn't either, cause he hits really, really hard." He pounds his fist into his hand, blinking when the two collide. "Like that to your face."
What is he talking about Maroni and Greco are dead? She then recalls him being institutionalized most of his childhood. That explains a lot, she thinks as she glances at the man-child in front of her. I need to reason with him like I do my cousin, Emma. "Your daddy told you to do this?"
"That's right. He said I should kill you and everyone you care about like you did Mama and me."
"When did he tell you this?" she asks, hoping to keep him talking until she can come up with a plan.
"Last night, when I was asleep."
"That wasn't him silly, that was a figment of your imagination, a dream."
"It couldn't have been, cause, he told me again this morning at breakfast."
"He did?"
"He was right over there." He points to their table. "He said I need to make you pay and that's what I'm going to do." He reaches for his pocket.
"You... You don't want to do that, they'll... They'll send you to the hospital if you do. You don't want that to happen, right?"
"The hospital?" His mind drifts back to those ghastly days.
"They'll try to force-feed you horrible medicines; threaten to restrain you if you refuse. The treatments they'll do to you will be so bad it'll make you wish you were dead. What about all the screaming and their crappy food?"
Tito's face turns ghostly white as horrific images replay in his mind. "Stop it, stop it," he screams, covering his ears with his hands.
Hit a sore spot did I? Smiling, she continues, "We can't forget about the orderlies who sneak into your room. You know what I'm talking about, right? Nasty old men doing the dirty deed and you can't do anything to stop them."
Remembering his nightly guests, Tito shivers. "I won't go back, I won't, I won't," he yells, stomping his foot like a child.
"You won't be able to stop it, not once the police get involved. The captain will make sure you spend the rest of your life behind bars; after he beats your scrawny ass to a bloody pulp. I'm sure the sergeant and my partner will want to get in a few blows." His body starts to tremble when he pictures the scene in his mind. "If you let me go I won't say a word. I'll even say I fell and caused this gash on my head; clearing you of any wrongdoing."
Frustrated by the delay, his mama nudges his arm. "Fallo, figliolo." Do it, son.
"Lei sta dicendo che mi manderanno in ospedale e non voglio tornare indietro, non lo faccio, non lo faccio. Per favore non lasciare che mi porti via, si prega." She's saying they'll send me to the hospital. I don't want to go back, I don't, I don't. Please don't let them take me away, please. Tears stream down his face as he drops to his knees. "Per favore mamma, per favore non farmi fare questo." Please mama, please, don't make me do this.
"Andremo a Itialy dove sarete al sicuro." We'll go to Italy where you'll be safe.
"Promessa?" Promise?
"Te lo prometto, figliolo." I promise son.
Wiping the tears from his face, he gets to his feet. "Mama said she'll make sure they won't send me away." He takes his knife from his pocket and lifts it above his head.
"Wait," Rachel screams, nervously glancing around.
***
Nick tries to open the parlor doors but finds they're locked. Diaz wouldn't close shop in the middle of the day, would he? He presses his face against the window, hoping to find someone inside. He discovers the place is completely deserted; He then notices the chairs hanging off the table tops the way they do at closing. This doesn't make sense. He's trying to figure out what to do when he sees Tony walking towards him.
"I'm glad I found you." Tony nervously glances around as he closes the distance between them.
"Why, what's going on?" Nick asks, more concerned than ever.
"Diaz wants you at his house right away."
"Is... Is he alright?"
"He is, but his business may not be."
"What, why, what's going on?"
"Diaz will explain it to you when we get there." Halfway down the sidewalk, Tony turns back around. "You better start answering your phone."
"I...I didn't hear it ring." He checks his pockets and discovers they're empty. Where did I put that damn thing? He remembers Larry knocking it out of his hands. I have to get it back before the police find it. That couldn't be the reason for all of this, could it? No, there's no way they could've found my victims yet. What if they did? What if someone called it in? I could be in some serious trouble with Diaz and the law. He gulps as he anxiously looks around.
***
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the Mexican cartel
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all. Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but he now finds himself facing some armed, gorilla-like men. He manages to kill them with his deadly pen. Returning to the pizza parlor, he's abruptly escorted to his bosses house. With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. Meanwhile, Rachel finds herself in a dire situation with a suspect's disgruntled family members.
You'll find Italian with its English translation in bold italics.
Nick is taken to a moderately sized brick home on the North side of town. It wasn't as elaborate as his partners, but it was nice, in a historic sort of way. Its arched windows, numerous sculptures, and towering white pillars make
you feel like you're getting a small glimpse of his heritage.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all. Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but he now finds himself facing some armed, gorilla-like men. He manages to kill them with his deadly pen. Returning to the pizza parlor, he's abruptly escorted to his boss's house. With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. Meanwhile, Rachel finds herself in a dire situation with a suspect's disgruntled family member. Finding out that Tito is her abductor, Joe sets up a search team.
You'll find Italian with its English translation in bold italics.
Joe and Jerry are cruising through town in hopes they'll find Tito or the car. They've been asking around for hours, but aren't having any luck.
"This road dead ends soon, so you might as well turn around."
"Sure thing, boss." He starts to back up when he notices a large blue object under a pile of debris. "Look, boss." He points to the heap of dead wood.
"It looks like the car." Bolting out of his cruiser, Joe begins clearing the brush; Jerry quickly follows suit.
"It is," Joe exclaims as he frantically pushes the huge mass aside.
They first notice a puddle of fresh blood aligned across the back seat. Joe then sees a small shiny object in the corner of the floorboard. Please don't let it be what I think it is, please don't let it be that. He silently begs as he reaches for the object. His hands tremble as he turns it around. It is her badge. He glances at the blood again. There's no way in hell Rachel survived this, he thinks.
"What is it, boss?"
Joe turns her shield around as tears fill his eyes. "It's Rachel's badge." He sniffles.
"Maybe she left us more clues." Jerry quickly surveys the area.
Joe sees the hopeful look on Jerry's face as he glances around. The team is counting on me to find her. So, I need to put my personal feeling aside; do my job the way I'm supposed to. Joe wipes a tear from his face as he turns from the horrific scene. "I want you to get a search team out here, be sure to include air and canines, I'll comb the area."
"Copy that, Captain."
***
Anna is sitting on the dusty wood floor holding her son's lifeless body against her. Tears stream down her pale, wrinkled face as precious memories replay in her mind. "Mia figlia, piccola mia, oh mia dolce, dolce bambina. Sei l'amore della mia vita, il mio sole, il mio tutto. Mi hai mostrato gioia e speranza quando non potevo vederne. Mi hai fatto venire voglia di vivere ancora. Come farò a sopravvivere senza di te? Come potrò mai sopravvivere? Sei la mia forza, la mia roccia, il mio tutto. Non posso andare avanti senza di te. Non posso andare avanti se non sei al mio fianco." My baby, my baby, oh my sweet, sweet baby. You are the love of my life, my sunshine, my everything. You showed me joy and hope when I couldn't see any. You made me want to live again. How am I going to survive without you? How will I ever survive? You're my strength, my rock, my everything. I can't go on without you. I can't go on if you're not by my side.
Tears mix with the stream of blood coming from her wound as a similar scene replays in her mind. A four-year-old child was happily playing in his yard when a turf war broke out. He caught a stray bullet in the midst of all the commotion. It's your fault Tito is dead; pushing him to come after me the way you did. She tries to break free from her restraints as the blood continues to gush down her face.
Hearing chains clank together, Anna glances towards the noise. "Hai fatto questo a lui Alla nostra famiglia." You did this to him, to our family, she hisses With fire in her eyes, she springs off the floor, Anna runs towards the detective; a knife raised above her head.
When she's just a few feet away, Rachel swings her arm around. Her fist lands with such force that Anna tumbles backward, landing on top of her son.
Rachel frantically tries to free herself as Anna staggers to her feet. I'm going to end this Greco business once and for all. Wiping the red liquid away from her eyes, she climbs off the bed.
"Cagna." You bitch, Anna screams. Jumping off the floor, she barrels towards her, a knife in a striking position.
Remember what she learned in martial arts, Rachel lifts her leg and kicks her in the chest. Anna's small rounded body flies across the room. She lands with a thud against the far wall. That should take care of her. Rachel turns towards the door.
A horrid image of Anna coming up from behind quickly comes to mind. Rachel spins around and finds she hasn't moved an inch. I better check her just in case. She feels dizzy, light-headed as she walks across the room. Just a little farther, she thinks as she continues to stumble towards her attacker.
Blood pools below her as she checks for signs of life. It's finally over, Rachel sighs as she turns back around. Her legs weaken as she staggers towards the door. I have to get help quick. She's halfway across the room when the wooden barrier creaks open.
***
After apologizing to Nick for his accusations, Diaz gave him the rest of the day off. Shaken by the cop's discovery, Nick decides that his free time would be best spent revising his plan.
Nick is driving back to his apartment, thinking about what his bosses had said. The cops are piecing this together a lot faster than I thought. He quickly replays the evidence in his mind. Why am I so worried when all they have is two pizza boxes and a lot of suspicions? What if I left something else behind, a fingerprint, shoe impression or a piece of thread from my clothes? He anxiously shifts in his seat. No, I couldn't have, I was too careful for that. He suddenly recalls what his academy instructor said. "You always take something with you and leave something behind." Maybe I did leave more than a container.
He replays the different visits in his mind. I wiped down what I touched, made sure I didn't leave any evidence behind. I must've forgotten to check somewhere if the cops found the second box. Was it the last one I went to? He glances at the passenger seat. It's right there. So where did that container come from? Maybe it's an old box. What if it's not? I need to get my plan in motion just in case.
He recalls the discrepancy he found in Diaz's business records. I know that his sales are grossly inflated, but how do I prove that's how he's laundering money? Maybe my accountant friend can help.
He reaches for his pocket and then remembers his phone isn't there. It's got to be in my car somewhere. Pulling to the side of the road, he searches through his vehicle. I'm sure I picked it up, he thinks as he throws the littler into a pile. It's not in that mess. Climbing out of his car, he checks underneath his seats. I don't know where else to look. He continues to glance through his car. Maybe it'd be easier if I get rid of some of this crap. For every piece of trash he picks up, two more falls in its place. Oh, it's no use. He tosses the last handful into the crammed sack. I guess I should go back and check.
***
Startled by the sudden intrusion Rachel jumps back; the door continues to slowly creak open.
I need to arm myself. She frantically searches for a weapon, but other than a few worn pieces of weighty furniture the room is completely bare. There has to be something I can use. Seeing a poker on the hearth, she grabs it from its holder. I'm ready for you now. She dashing toward the door.
Her vision begins to blur, her head becomes cloudy as blood continues to pour from her wound. I have to kill them before they kill me. She lifts the tool up to her shoulder as she takes a batter's stance. The room spins around her as she nervously shifts her weight. Rachel shakes her head, in hopes that will help but it only made things worse. I need to focus. She takes a deep breath for courage. Hearing heavy boots clomp in the entryway, She uses every bit of strength she has left to swing the metal bar towards her intruder.
Rachel sees a familiar face in the doorway when she peeks her head around. "I... I killed him, I killed my best friend," she sobs as she drops to her knees. Her head becomes foggy, her body weak. "I'm going to..." She falls to the floor beside him.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addics. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down, but looses his job his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought.
Meanwhile, Rachel finds herself in a dire situation with a suspect's disgruntled family member. She's about to escape when another intruder starts to walk into the house. She bashes them over the head only to discover the trespasser is her best friend.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
After being fired from the police force, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all. Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust and killed ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing some armed, gorilla-like men. He manages to kill them with his deadly pen. Returning to the pizza parlor, he's abruptly escorted to his boss's house. With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. Meanwhile, Rachel finds herself in a dire situation with a suspect's disgruntled family member, which lands her in the hospital.
Joe is pacing back and forth in front of the hospital waiting for news on Rachel. He's unaware that the door opens and closes each time he passes. I hope she'll be alright, oh, I hope she'll be alright. I don't know what I'd do without her. Fond memories replay in his mind as tears stream down his cold pale cheeks.
Feeling a blast of cold air, the charge nurse glances up from her station. She finds Joe walking frantically across the threshold as he talks to himself. "He'll freeze to death out there." Another burst of air hits her. "He's going to freeze us too." She grabs her coat from her chair and steps outside.
Seeing Mary coming towards him, Joe rushes over to meet her. "Any news on Rachel?"
"Not yet, Joe, but they should be done shortly. In the meantime, why don't you wait inside where it's warm?" Taking a hold of his arm, she tries to guide him in the building.
Panicking, the captain pulls away. "I'll... I'll be just fine out here." He wraps his arms around himself.
"It's thirty degrees, Joe and it's only going to get colder once that sun goes down."
"I said I'm fine," he barks, giving her a steely look.
Hearing his sharp tone, Mary takes a step back. "I'll let you know when I hear something." She starts to leave when Joe grabs her arm to stop her.
"No, wait, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that; you're only trying to look out for me."
"So, you'll come inside?"
Joe glances toward the doorway again. "I... I can't do it, I just can't." His eyes get teary as a horrid memory replay in his mind. "My mama died in there and..." He sobs.
"It's ok, Joe, I understand. Why don't I bring you a hot cup of coffee and a warm blanket out here?"
"That'd be nice, thank you."
"Don't worry, Captain, everything will be alright."
"I sure hope so."
"You care a lot about her, don't you?"
"She was my partner for over ten years."
"I think it goes much deeper than that."
"No, we're just good friends, have been for years."
"Who are you trying to convince, Joe, me or you?"
"No one, it's the truth."
"If you say so. Let me get you that coffee." She's halfway to the door when she turns back around. "I think you should tell her how you feel. Who knows, it just might turn into something spectacular?"
"Our relationship isn't like that. Rachel is like my little sister, my best friend."
"You can honestly tell me it wouldn't bother you if you see her with somebody else?"
"I wouldn't mind if he makes her happy, treats her right."
"I'm sure the guy in the waiting room will be happy to hear that."
"What guy, where?" He presses his nose against the glass and quickly looks around. He soon discovers the area is deserted.
"That's what I thought." Mary laughs.
"I... I just wanted to make sure he's good enough for her, lives up to the old Joe standards."
"Sure, you did." Chuckling, she walks inside.
Joe paces back and forth as he thinks about what she said. "I'm not denying my feelings for Rachel. I do love her as a partner and a friend."
***
Nick is driving frantically down the rugged dirt road in a state of panic. His stomach has been rumbling for hours and his gas tank is nearly as empty. I'd hate to have to spend the night out here but the way it's going I just might. I can't be stuck out here not with the cops on my ass.
He starts to make a left at the intersection when his oil light comes on. There's no way it's low, I just changed it a few days ago. A frightening thought comes to mind, he glances in the rearview mirror. I must've sprung a leak when I bottomed out. I don't have any more with me either, not that it'd matter the way it's pouring out. What am I going to do, oh, what am I going to do? I can't be caught out here in the middle of nowhere with the cops on my tail, but I can't drive my car like this either.
The check engine light comes on as the car starts to cut out. He hears metal hitting metal from somewhere under the hood. I can either push it to see how far I can get or pull over and save the engine. He looks around the desolate area. I don't like the idea of walking out here, especially when it gets dark, but I need my car to get what I need to do done.
The vehicle rattles get louder as smoke barrels from the back. The car sputters one last time and dies. Why did this have to happen now, why?
Grabbing a jacket and flashlight from the back, he nervously glances down the road. I... I wish I had my service revolver, he thinks. He feels something hit the side of his leg when he tosses his jacket around him. Nick reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. That's where I put it. Laughing he continues down the road.
He sees headlights coming towards him when he gets a little farther down. I just might get out of here after all. Delighted that things are looking up, he starts to flag them down. He quickly realizes it's an unmarked car. Joy turns to panic as he tries to figure out what to do. What if they're searching for me? I need to hide somewhere, but where? He anxiously glances around the barren forest. The cop flashes his lights. I could run. They'll probably shoot me before I get a few feet. He sighs with dismay. I guess there's only one thing left to do. He tearfully heads towards the car. This might be my last little bit of freedom. He tearfully looks at the car. So long wonderful life. He sniffles. Hanging his head, he continues.
The officer rolls down the window as his partner pulls the squad car alongside him. "Need a lift?"
Hearing a buzzard’s screech above him, Nick sees four large foul circling overhead. I'm not dead yet, you bloodthirsty birds. They caw in response like they had read his mind. Maybe they know what's coming if I stay out here. Nick turns toward the vehicle.
"Well, hey Nick, whatcha doing?"
Nick turns to see Jenkins and Smith in the car. "I was making a delivery when my car died." He anxiously glances at the flying predators again.
"This is a hell of a place to be stranded. Especially this late in the evening. " Jenkins laughs.
"Tell me about it."
"Hop in and we'll give you a lift home." Smith points to the back.
"Home?"
"Unless you want us to drop you somewhere else."
What if they interrogate me, trick me into a confession? "No, that's ok, I'm good." He shakely looks above him. His newfound friends are still there, a little closer than the last.
"Are you sure? It's ten miles to town, six to the nearest house."
"Ten?" Nick asks nervously glancing around.
"That's if you don't get lost or a wild animal doesn't decide to eat you." As if on cue, a coyote howls in the distance.
Nick jumps. He looks up to see the birds are still making their rounds. "Think I'll take that ride after all."
His buddy laughs. "I figured you'd change your mind."
"We could stop by the hospital, so he can see Rachel. You'd like that, right pal, see your lover again?" They used to harass him about his infatuation. How he stutters when she's around.
"What... What's wrong with Rachel?"
"She still has that effect on you." Jenkins laughs.
"What... What's wrong with Rachel?" he asks again as he pulls himself to the edge of his seat.
"She got her head smashed in by a perp. The doctor said she's going to be fine."
"That... That's good."
"She still has feelings for you, talks about you all the time."
"I thought she liked the captain."
"Joe, no you’re the one she wants."
"Really?" Nick smiles.
"You know it, pal." Smith smiles at Jenkins and winks.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Jenkins, Smith Nick's cop buddies
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addics. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down, but looses his job his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought.
Meanwhile, Rachel finds herself in a dire situation with a suspect's disgruntled family member, putting her in critical condition.
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addicts. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down, but looses his job his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought.
Meanwhile, Rachel finds herself in a dire situation with a suspect's disgruntled family member, putting her in critical condition. Nick and Joe have a throwdown in the hospital. Rachel threatens to call security.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Jenkins, Smith Nick's cop buddies
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addicts. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down, but looses his job his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought.
Meanwhile, Rachel finds herself in a dire situation with a suspect's disgruntled family member, putting her in critical condition.
Deciding their apology should be a collaborative effort, Nick and Joe slowly trudge down the long hospital corridor as they try and figure out the best way to handle their dilemma. Nervously glancing at each other, the two step into Rachel's doorway, still unsure where or how to begin.
Rachel looks towards them, an annoyed expression on her face. Folding her arms in front of her she begins. "Are you going to say something or are you two going to stand there and look stupid all night?"
"Ah, Rachel, we ah, well, we..." Joe glances at Nick, hoping for a little help.
Nick shakes his head as he steps through the door; retreating a step back when Rachel sits up. Why am I so frightened; I've stared down armed perps twice her size. He starts to take another step but, stops mid-motion.
"I'm waiting." She taps her foot on the mattress.
Nick takes a deep breath for courage before he moves closer to her bed. "It's like this."
"Yeah." She re-crosses her arms as she leans forward.
"You're a beautiful young woman whom any man would love to date." He sees Joe motioning him along when he glances over.
"And?"
"When it comes to beautiful women, well, we menfolk act kind of stupid sometimes."
"Childish," Joe adds, smiling sheepishly. Rachel glances at Joe and then back at Nick. "Go on."
"I know that's no excuse for the way I, we, behaved." He points to Joe and then himself.
"You're right, it isn't."
Nick lowers his head. I'll lose any chance of being with her if I do this, but it's obvious these two are in love. He lifts his head back up. "We're sorry for the way we acted and promise never to do it again."
"Do you have anything to add to this, Joe?"
"I'm sorry and it'll never happen again?"
"That sounded more like a question than a statement; like you're trying to pull a fast one on me."
Running across the room, Joe kneels down by her bed. "No, no, that's not what this is at all. I love you, Rachel, I have for a while and I think we can have something special together if you'd only give me, give us a chance."
Rachel is flooded with emotions as tears fill her big brown eyes. I've been waiting for him to say that for forever.
"Please say you'll forgive me, please," Joe begs as moisture streams down his tan face.
"I forgive you, Joe, I forgive you; I love you too." Springing off the floor, Joe wraps his arms around her. Hearing applause behind them, Joe looks back to find several of the hospital staff cheering in her doorway.
"It's about time you admitted it, boss," Jerry says as he steps through the crowd.
***
Diaz is pacing back and forth across the restaurant floor waiting for his partner to show. Discovering that Nick is nowhere to be found, he decided it's best to tell Julie what's going on.
The police probably have him in protective custody until after my arrest. So, if I can figure out where he might be, we could take care of this matter once and for all, he concludes as he continues to pace to and fro. Seeing Julie's caddie pull up to their restaurant, he runs out to greet her.
"I got here as quickly as I could," she exclaims as the driver's door swings open.
Diaz helps her out of the car. "We need to talk and we need to make it quick." He glances around.
"Why, what's going on?"
Diaz nervously scans his surroundings again. "Not here, inside, where it's safe." He grabs her arm and escorts her towards the door.
Julie turns to face him. "You're really starting to worry me, Diaz."
"You should be concerned, very concerned." She turns pale as a terrified expression crosses her face.
"Go." Pushing her inside, he secures the antique glass door and then pulls the red checkered shades over its picture window.
She grabs his shirt and starts shaking him the moment he turns around. "Does this have to do with our side business? Oh my god, it does, doesn't it? It's those damn cops again, isn't it? What's going on? Tell me, Diaz, tell me, what's going on?"
"Calm down a second and I will."
"You better make it fast." She takes a few deep breaths hoping to prevent a panic attack.
"You see..." He stops in mid-thought and glances around.
"What is it, Diaz, what, what?"
"It's that damn Plumber you hired."
"All this over a day laborer, really?" She thrusts the palm of her hands against his chest knocking him a step back. "Fire him if you don't like him, I don't care." She gazes at her watch. "I've got to run." She turns to leave, he grabs her arm to stop her. "Now what?"
"It's not that simple."
"If you don't have the balls to do it then, I will."
"That's not it either, let me explain."
She scans her watch again. "I have a business engagement to attend and you've already made me late." She taps on its white crystal facing.
"In here." He leads her to the walk in.
Stepping inside, she spins back around. "I want answers and I want them now." She stomps her stilettos on the floor. Her heel slips through the mat's drain hole, causing her to stumble sideways. Diaz grabs her before she falls. She smooths a wrinkle from her dress as she straightens up. "I've had just about enough of your games," she warns as she pushes a loose curl away.
"Be patient." He walks to their security camera and smiles.
"This is no time for a damn selfie."
"Grab my hand and hush."
"What, why?"
"Just do it." Seeing her hesitate, he grabs her hand instead. The cooler fills with a thick white fog.
"I can't breathe." Julie gasps.
"Hang on just a little longer." A side panel opens, Diaz pulls her inside; the door closes behind them.
"What is this place?" she asks, glancing around the small cramped office.
"It's where all the major transactions take place, illegal ones anyhow. That smoke was a cover-up, so no one will know this place exists." Noticing the confused look on her face he continues. "If anyone hacks into our video feed, they'll think we're still in the cooler; a looped video takes care of that."
"What's going on, Diaz? Tell me, damn it, tell me now."
"A situation has come up and it looks like we may have to run."
***
"Thanks for picking me up, Steve," Nick says as he climbs into his friend's car.
"Sure, no problem. It looks like you and the boys were getting pretty chummy back there."
"They've asked me to come back to the station, full benefits and everything; the way it used to be."
"That's great."
Nick glances at his pals. "Yeah, maybe."
"I thought you liked being a cop?"
"I do, well, I like getting the bad guys off the streets. I just don't like the bureaucracy that goes with it, brass always on your tail."
"I understand that, but you don't want to deliver pizzas forever, do you?"
"I was thinking about starting my own business, PI for hire you know."
"Think you can make a living that way?"
"What's the worst that can happen? I go back to menial work for minimum wage?"
Steve laughs. "You've got me there. How's your first case going?"
"I figured out how he's laundering money now I just have to prove it."
"Did you hear any more about the new batch of drugs coming in?"
"There should be a new shipment at the end of next week."
"Let me know when, alright?"
"I promised you I would." Nick sees two burly dudes across the yard when they pull up to his building. He then notices a pair of goons parked out front, a couple more in the alley. They look vaguely familiar, but I'm not sure from where. He suddenly recalls them leaving his boss's house. Why would Diaz send these men after me? The brakes squeak as Steve pulls up to the curb, causing Nick to jump.
"Here you go, pal."
"I... I don't like this, Steve, the setup, the feel of it all." He nervously scans the yard.
Steve notices his friend shaking when he looks over. "What's going on with you?"
"See those men?" He points out the window.
"Yeah."
"They're part of Diaz's crew."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Do you think they're after you?"
"Why else would they be here?" He watches them take their positions.
"What do you want to do?"
"Keep driving until I can figure out what's going on."
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Jenkins, Smith Nick's cop buddies
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Mary a charge nurse
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addicts. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down, but loses his job his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought.
Joe struggles with his feelings for Rachel finally telling her the truth.
~~~~~~
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Jenkins, Smith Nick's cop buddies
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Mary a charge nurse
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Max Webb Rachel's father, the commissioner.
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addicts. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down but loses his job, his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought.
Joe struggles with his feelings for Rachel finally telling her the truth.
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Jenkins, Smith Nick's cop buddies
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Mary a charge nurse
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Max Webb Rachel's father, the commissioner.
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addicts. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down but loses his job, his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought. He thinks everything is a go when he realizes Diaz sent his men to kill him.
Joe struggles with his feelings for Rachel finally telling her the truth. They received some evidence on Diaz.
***
Nick and Steve are flying down a rugged dirt road trying to outrun Diaz and his goons. Wild creatures are scampering from every direction as the uproar continues. Nick realizes their assailants are right on their tail when he nervously glances behind them.
"Go, Steve, go," Nick yells as he anxiously scans the road ahead.
"I'm going as fast as I can." They glide around a sharp corner and then another.
Nick looks back to find the distance between them and their assailant quickly diminishing. "We're never going to make it out of this alive."
"Not with that in our way."
Nick turns back around to see a barricade of cars lined up across their pathway. Glancing back, he discovers that their attackers are only a few feet away. "What are we going to do?"
A mischievous grin spreads across Steve's face as he taps on the dash. "Are you ready to find out how well this bad boy can handle what it was designed to do?"
Nick rolls down his window and anxiously peeks over the edge. "You want to go mudding through that, are you out of your freaking mind?"
"Do you have a better idea?"
Nick peeks behind him and then down the steep mountainside. "I wish I did."
"Hang on." Nick grabs hold of the dash and hangs on for dear life. Seeing the horrified look on Nick's face, Steve laughs. "Don't worry, I've got this." Miscalculating the distance, Steve makes a right too soon. Their vehicle becomes airborne over the rocky terrain.
"We're going to die." Nick braces himself for what's about to come. Their vehicle lands with such momentum that it tumbles end over end down the steep slope. The jeep creaks in protest as it jars into its resting spot at the bottom of the hill. Their ATV lands upright, its front end propped against a tree. The high pitched whine coupled with the forceful collision caused dozens of feathery friends to flee from their home; mimicking a scene from the classic movie The Birds.
Nick is startled awake by the strong scent of burning rubber. He opens his eyes to find white smoke barreling from underneath the hood. We got to get out of here. "Steve, Steve?" He coughs as he reaches for his friend. Not feeling his buddy in the seat beside him, he quickly fans the thick fog. It clears enough for him to see a large puddle of blood where his friend had once sat. He then notices a gaping hole in the windshield. "Steve?" Nick anxiously surveys his surroundings in hopes that he'll find his pal alive.
~~~
Several cars skid to a stop at the top of the hill. Diaz runs to the edge of the pavement and starts searching for survivors. His men quickly gather alongside him.
Diaz notices the dumbfounded look on their faces when he turns towards them. "What are you waiting for, go, go?"
The men peek down the hill and then back to their boss. After a long pause, one of the men timidly replies: "It's a long way down, sir, besides the cops could be here any second." His buddies anxiously survey the road above them.
"That's why you need to hunt for them now, while you still can." Diaz shoves him down the hill. Losing his balance, the man tumbles down the mountainside. Diaz turns towards the rest of his crew. "Do I have to give you a boost too?"
"No, sir," they reply in unison.
"Then get your ass down there and help." The men reluctantly work their way down the steep cliff.
Nick is still searching for Steve when he hears a loud commotion behind him. He finds several men working their way down the cliff when he turns around. I've got to get out of here. He quickly discovers that his legs are wedged between the dashboard and his seat when he tries to climb out of the vehicle. He tries pulling them loose and finds his extremities are pinned so tight that they won't budge a fraction of an inch.
Think Nick, think. He quickly assesses his situation. I have three choices: I can either break the dash, chop my legs off, or pull as hard as I can. He jerks on his legs one last time, but his extremities don't move. He glances back to see his assailants have made it down the hill. Nick grabs a crowbar from the backseat and starts pounding the dash. He realizes that his attackers are quickly approaching when he peeks in the side mirror. He looks back to find the dash completely unharmed. Aggravated, he tosses the tool on the floor. "All of the risks I've taken, the crazy things I've done, and this is how my life is going to end."
***
"Signed, sealed and delivered." The DA hands the captain two pieces of paper. Seeing Joe's inquisitive look, he explains. "I managed to get the judge to sign two warrants; one is for the pizzeria and a second one is for his home."
"You really came through for us, Tom."
"Make it worth my while, find me something I can use."
"We will." Joe pulls his phone from his pocket and dials the sergeant's number. "Do you have the team ready, Jerry? Good, good. I want you to split them down the middle. Send some to Diaz's house and the rest to the pizzeria. It doesn't matter who goes where as long as we search both places. That sounds like a plan. I'll meet you at the house in a few."
Joe sees Jerry barking out orders when he pulls up to their suspect's home a few minutes later. I don't know how I'd get anything done without him by my side, he thinks as he climbs out of the car.
"Diaz isn't here or the Pizzeria, boss, so I've put an APB out on him and his car. I've also alerted all public transportation to be on the lookout, and roadblocks are being put in place as we speak."
"Good work, Jerry."
Jerry smiles. "Thank you, sir."
Joe's phone rings. "Maybe they've found him already." Taking his cell from his pocket, he glances at the caller ID. "It's Kirk."
"He's at the restaurant."
Nodding, Joe answers his phone. "Whatcha got for me, Kirk?" Putting his cell on speaker, he and Jerry continue towards the house.
"We've found boxes of glassine envelopes and a small electric scale. We also found a brownish powder by the grill. We tested the substance, and it came back as heroin."
"So, Diaz's pizza parlor is a ruse like we suspected."
"I believe so, sir."
"Keep looking, see what else you can find and be sure to keep us Informed."
"Copy that, Captain."
Hanging up his phone, he turns towards Jerry. "I want half of each team to start searching for Diaz."
"I'll take care of it, boss." The men just take a step inside the house when something explodes in the far corner of the building; a flash fire travels down the long hallway, sending Joe and Jerry backward through the door.
***
A tall, lanky figure lurks in the shadows of the hospital's darkened hallway with only one thing on her mind. That's to get revenge on the woman that made her lose it all. I'm going to make sure the meddling bitch doesn't hurt anyone else the way she did my family. She opens Rachel's door and quietly slides inside. She finds the patient sleeping peacefully underneath the glow of the soft moonlight. This is going to be easier than I thought. The metal door clanks behind her, causing her to jump. Why am I so worried about getting caught when I'm dressed for the part? She glances down at her scrubs. I can even make these ugly things look good. She smiles as she straightens out her clothes. Taking a pre-filled syringe from her pocket, she walks across the room. She won't even know what hit her, and neither will anyone else. The poison she chose mimics a heart attack and doesn't leave any evidence behind. So long you nosy whore. She thinks as she reaches for Rachel's IV.
***
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Jenkins, Smith Nick's cop buddies
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Mary a charge nurse
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Max Webb Rachel's father, the commissioner.
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
By Mistydawn
Summary
Nick was told that Diaz killed his mom, brother, and caused his premature birth. Nick spent his childhood bouncing around the foster care system, being constantly abused by addicts. As a detective, Nick tries to take him down but loses his job, his partner in the process. More determined than ever, Nick decides to take down the crime ring that made him lose it all.
Nick won the drug lord, Diaz's trust, killing ten addicts. He hopes to get rid of more when he's stopped by the police, with drugs in his car. He squirms out of that but finds himself facing armed, gorilla-like men. After a long struggle, he kills them with his deadly pen.
With his phone MIA, Nick fears his crime spree has been discovered. He ends up stranded in the middle of nowhere trying to cover his tracks.
His cop buddies give him a lift into town. Nick discovers his plan isn't compromised like he thought. He thinks everything is a go when he realizes Diaz sent his men to kill him. He and his friend Steve try to escape from Diaz's retched manhunt.
Joe struggles with his feelings for Rachel finally telling her the truth. Receiving some evidence on Diaz, they obtain a warrant to search his home and business.
Rachel has an unexpected visitor in her hospital room.
***
Characters
Nick, ex-cop determined to take down Diaz and his crew
Jenkins, Smith Nick's cop buddies
Diaz, the drug lord, part of the cartel
Julie, Diaz's partner in crime.
Tony, Diaz's right-hand man
Tito Greco, Luigi's twin Bruno Greco's son. Bruno and Luigi were killed by the police in a hostage situation.
Anna, Tito Greco's mom
Mary a charge nurse
Berryville PD
Joe Bower, Captain
Jerry Andrews, Sergeant
Rachel Webb, Detective, the captain's girlfriend
Max Webb Rachel's father, the commissioner.
Jeff Montgomery, Detective.
Sharon, Medical Examiner
Kirk, Forensic tech
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