Shakedown: Method of Operation (Book 2)

PART ONE

ONE DEADLY NIGHT

UNDERESTIMATING THE TARGET

"Oh shit my stomach’s burning!" Carlos banged his head against the passenger door in obvious pain. The bullets that pierced his abdomen and ripped through his small intestine were causing a vast amount of blood loss.

Hang in there Los, Slim reached over and grabbed his friend’s arm in an attempt to calm him down. With one hand on the steering wheel and the other on his friend, he sped away from the Bahama Breeze restaurant; making it to Interstate 4 was the only thing on his mind.

Heading into the night, the plan was supposed to be simple. Enter the restaurant, locate Patrick, and kill him; but plans rarely go as expected. Patrick somehow found a way to turn the tables on the New Orleans hit squad; leaving Danny fatally wounded, Carlos gravely injured, and Slim with bullet fragments lodged in his shoulder. 

The daring escape from the crime scene was becoming a fast and furious one for Slim as he disregarded speed limits and ran through several red lights while swerving in and out of Saturday night’s traffic.

I aint gone make it, Carlos whispered. His eyes rolled to the back of his head repeatedly while he struggled to remain among the living. He grabbed his stomach and squeezed it. The blood squirted onto his hands and turned his white tee shirt crimson red.

 Hang in there Los, Slim kept repeating the same line. He was in shock. Watching his friend die was heartbreaking, but there was nothing he could do about it. They had to flee the area. So Carlos was either going to be spared by God or the car would be his final resting place.

Carlos mumbled something inaudible, then his body went limp. His eyes stared straight ahead transfixed on a world only the dead could describe.

Los!!!!!!!!!! Finally, Slim found something different to say. Unfortunately for him, he screamed at deaf ears.

Fuck! This can’t be happening! Tears welled up in Slim’s eyes as he glanced between the road and Carlos’ lifeless body. The sound of a siren and the glare of flashing blue lights made him look in the rearview mirror. He saw a police car speeding in his direction so he turned on his right signal and pulled to the side of the road near a Hess gas station.

A quick glance up the road, he could see the Interstate 4 westbound exit sign. After reaching under the seat and grabbing his 9 mm Glock, he chambered a round, then slid it underneath his right leg. He cocked his head to the side. Looking through the side mirror, he watched the officer get out of his car and approach the driver’s side door.

Slim rolled down the window. The moment of truth had arrived.

Officer Gilbert stopped in front of the car door.

When Slim looked up, he saw a middle age white man with a receding hairline staring at him.

Sir, could I get you to step out of the—

Slim fired his gun at close range. The hollow point bullet cracked the officer’s forehead and separated him from his senses.

Fuck the police! Slim yelled at the top of his lungs as he got back on the road.

After getting on Interstate 4, he drove the speed limit and mixed in with the flow of traffic. At the next exit, he got off on Maitland Boulevard. A half a mile down the road, he turned into a 7-Eleven convenience store and parked.

I’m sorry things had to end up this way, Slim reached over and grabbed Carlos by the shoulder and gave him a half hug. His friend was gone. There would be no coming back from that.

Several cars drove into the parking lot. The loud music snapped Slim out of his stupor. He watched as a group of teenagers got out of their cars pumped gas and then left. He turned his attention back to Carlos. Tears flowed down his cheek as he reached over and closed his friend’s eyelids.

This shit aint over Los. I’m going to kill that muthafucka, He reached over and hugged his friend for the last time.

Slim got out of the car and walked to the side of the building. He stood in the shadows, leaned against the wall, and watched as more cars full of teenagers zoomed in and out of the parking lot. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. After two pulls on it, he calmed down.

I got to get the fuck out of here before the cops roll up. I can’t waste another second.

 A minute passed, Slim held his position. He continued to watch groups of cars come and go. A party must have been in the area. The high activity was a great cover at the moment, but he needed the parking lot cleared except for one absent-minded driver.

A second later, his wish was granted. The parking lot cleared and Michael, a young teenage white boy, pulled up in a black Range Rover with tinted windows with Trinidad James’ All Gold Everything song blasting through the speakers. He parked, got out, and walked slowly into the store; oblivious to his precarious surroundings.

After making his purchase, Michael returned to his car carrying a box of White Owl blunts and a 22 ounce Heineken. He held his phone in his right hand; texting away.

Slim strolled from the side of the building and made his move.

Excuse me, what’s the quickest way to I-10 from here?

I-10 from here? The question made Michael think. He scratched the back of his head as his red eyes looked to the sky. He thought for a second, then snapped his finger as if a light bulb went off in his head.

Well, what you would want to do is—

He stopped mid sentence after a gun was shoved in his face. He looked down and noticed the blood on Slim’s shirt. His eyes widened while his mouth hung open exposing his gold braces.

You know what. I got a better idea. How about you just show me, Slim motioned with his gun for him to open up the doors.

Michael pushed the button on his remote and unlocked the doors, then held the keys out in front of him.

You can have the truck. It’s not worth my life. Please don’t kill me! His voiced echoed through the empty parking lot, but his, if somebody can hear me, please help me, plea was futile.

Slim had had enough of his stalling. It was time for him to get out of the area before the police arrived.

Get your ass in the truck He slapped Michael across the face with the gun. Now, what’s your name boy?

Michael

Well, Michael, if you want to live then I suggest you shut the fuck up and drive. You heard me?

Michael nodded in agreement. His hands trembled as he opened the driver side door and sat in the driver’s seat. He looked confused. All of this was happening because he made a late night stop at the convenience store to grab some blunts and a beer to complete a night of getting wasted. He sat in quiet disbelief.

Slim walked around to the passenger’s side and hopped in the truck. He tossed the keys back to Michael, Start it up and let’s ride..

Michael pulled out of the parking lot just as several police patrol cars converged on the convenience store.

Don’t try nothing stupid, Slim shoved the gun into Michael’s rib cage as they waited for the traffic light to change. Michael eyes drifted over to the RDV Sportsplex while Slim turned around and looked out the back window to see the officers surrounding the rental car he left behind.

Slim watched as one of the officers pointed at the dead body in the passenger seat. Another officer walked back to his car and brought out a German Shepherd. The dog walked to the side of the building, then turned around and started walking toward the entrance then stopped.

When the light turned green, the Range Rover turned left onto Maitland Boulevard and headed in the direction of the Maitland Exchange. Michael drove the speed limit and kept his eyes focused on the road. He did not want any trouble. All he wanted to do is to make it home in one piece.

Listen, I have a GPS system in here. Wherever you want to go, it will take you there. I don’t have to be in the car with you for that.

Didn’t I tell you to shut the fuck up and just drive?

Slim looked at Michael and stared for a second. He bit down on his bottom lip before he spoke again.

You know what, you’re right. You don’t have to be in the car with me no more. I think I can take it from here. Pull over to this CVS store and drive around to the back so I can let you out.

Michael did as he was told and made a right turn off of Maitland Boulevard onto Bear Lake road then a quick right into the CVS parking lot. He pulled to the back of the store, parked, then got out.

Slim walked around and stood in front of him. I saw you bought some blunts and a beer back at the store. Let me get that for my ride.

Michael released the items with no hesitation. He took a deep breath and exhaled. The ordeal was finally coming to an end.

Now where’s the weed at? If you buying blunts then I know you got some weed.

Michael gave him the half ounce of high grade, he had in his front pocket.

You did good lil homie, Slim raised his gun. But unfortunately for you I can’t leave no witnesses.

Slim pulled the trigger without blinking. Michael’s feet lifted off the ground. He fell flat on his back from the impact of the point blank range shot. Not even a second after the body dropped, Slim rushed over and checked his pockets. He took the money out of his wallet and grabbed a plastic bag of what appeared to be Molly pills out of his front pocket.

Oh, so you were trying to hold out on me lil homie? Slim said, holding the bag of pills at eye level. He slid the pills and money into his pocket, then rushed back over to the Range Rover and hopped in. He threw the truck in drive and sped out of the parking lot; leaving Michael’s final thoughts splattered all over the concrete.

THE STRANGER BESIDE ME

Traffic was light when Stephanie eased the Dodge Charger off of State Road 434 and onto the highway. Her eyes stayed focused on the rearview mirror. There were no patrol cars trailing her so she set the cruise control.

A few hours earlier, she was enjoying a nice dinner date with Patrick. Now she was on the road, trying to put distance between them and a crime scene.

On the side of her riding shotgun was Patrick. His ears were glued to the police scanner. He looked over at her and grimaced. The ibuprofen pills he had taken earlier at Anna’s house provided some relief; but by the sound of his soft moans, he needed some stronger medication.

Are you all right over there? Stephanie tried to keep his mind off of his discomfort by drawing him into a conversation.

I’m good. I can feel a little pain every now and then, but it aint nothing I can’t handle. You heard me?

His laughter reached a high pitch after blurting out his response; but it turned out that he was the only one laughing.

Now you got to admit that was funny, how I used that Nawlins wordplay, He looked over and winked at Stephanie then leaned his head back against the headrest smiling as he closed his eyes.

Stephanie stared hard at him as she took her eyes off the road for a second. Her stare turned menacing as she reached over and punched him in his arm.

Awww! What the hell is wrong with you?! Patrick’s head popped up and his eyes opened. He snapped his head around in her direction. She had his undivided attention now.

How long have you known that Tony was my cousin? Have you been setting me up this whole time?! She yelled in his direction. Her eyes switched between the road and his mouth; waiting for a response.

I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not like that. I wouldn’t do you like that, He took a deep breath, then leaned back on the seat and closed his eyes.

You don’t know what the fuck I’m thinking right now. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t pull this damn car over and call the police.

Because I would kill you if you tried.

That’s a good enough reason for me, she thought.

Her mother had always told her not to ask a question if she was not fully prepared for the answer; and in this instance, she was not ready.

Patrick rubbed his left arm, then looked over at Stephanie. She stared straight ahead with a serious scowl on her face.

Look Stephanie, I’m as real as it gets. I meant what I said earlier, but I would like to apologize for having to talk to you in that manner Patrick finally broke the silence.

Stephanie gritted her teeth. What kind of oxymoronic shit is that? So you pretty much telling me that you would kill me, but you’re sorry about the way you told me that you would kill me! She blurted out, barely able to contain what she really wanted to say.

Fuck you Patrick! Her tongue could not hold back her frustrations any longer. You got me out here looking stupid like I’m going against my cousin and shit. I thought we had something going on here. I thought maybe we could end up..........just forget it. I’m just glad it didn’t happen.

Patrick shook his head. He could not believe what he was hearing. No, you made your own self look stupid for even thinking you could come at me like that. I knew what you were up to all along. You should’ve just stayed in your lane. Your cousin and I have business to tend to. You just stuck your nose in the wrong person’s business. You lucky you didn’t get dealt with.

Stephanie let go of the steering wheel and swung both fists in Patrick’s direction. That was how they did it in Richmond Heights. She was not about to let him talk to her any kind of way.

Patrick tried to grab her arms while the car weaved in and out of the lane. The car veered to the left crossing two lanes before Stephanie stopped throwing punches and grabbed a hold of the wheel. After regaining control, she pulled over and parked in the emergency lane to catch her breath.

Are you cool now? Patrick asked. He was still in shock that she swung on him. It had been a long time since someone challenged him like that.

You know what? Fuck this; I’m out, Stephanie got out of the car and slammed the door. She walked away in a hurry. Patrick got out and followed. He picked up his pace and closed the distance between them.

Stephanie, come on now. Let’s not do this out here. You’re going to make one of these highway patrolmen pull over. We don’t need that kind of heat right now.

Stephanie stopped, but kept her back to Patrick. The truth in his words made her reconsider her theatrics.

Ok, you’re right. So what’s next? Stephanie crossed her arms, then turned around and faced Patrick. Her eyes were red and filled with water.

Let me tell you something Stephanie. At first, I was upset when Mike Lee told me about your little plan, but as time went on I found myself digging you. I have fun when I’m with you.

Mike Lee told you that? Stephanie sucked her teeth. Do you really think I’m going to fall for that bullshit you trying to kick to me? You must think I’m stupid or something?

Patrick rubbed his hands together. I don’t think you’re stupid. And for the record, I would never associate myself with a stupid woman. A stupid woman’s mental foundation is built on quicksand.

Now he had Stephanie’s attention. His words always found a way of grabbing it. She stood with her hands on her hips, waiting to hear what else he had to say.

Let’s talk about this in the car. Aint nothing good going to come to us standing out here.

Stephanie agreed and followed Patrick back to the car. Once inside, they stared at each other, but no words were spoken.

Are you still rolling with me? Patrick broke the silence.

Stephanie rolled her eyes. You got to be kidding me, right?

No, I’m dead serious. I would love for you to hang out with me for the rest of the weekend. Your company would be greatly appreciated.

I’m sure it would. The pleasure would be all yours.

Patrick smiled. He could hear the sound of Stephanie’s hostile tone diminishing.

It sure would be but if you give it a chance then the pleasure would definitely be ours

Stephanie started up the car. Where are we suppose to be going anyway?

The car idled while she waited for an answer. Something would have to give because she was tired of sitting on the shoulder of the road; plus she knew that sooner or later a Highway Patrolmen or Road Ranger would pull over to see what was wrong. They had to make a move soon.

We’re going to Tampa. I’ll have you back by Monday morning.

 Stephanie pulled off from the shoulder of the road and back onto the highway. She had made her decision. Her desire to find a way to make Patrick change his mind about shaking down her cousin outweighed the danger she may be facing.

Well Tampa it is then. Hillsborough County here we come.

Patrick grabbed his arms and moaned. He felt a sharp pain that made his face frown up.

Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital? You can get some stronger meds there.

I can’t do the hospital right now for obvious reasons. I will have to deal with the pain. I’m a big boy. The bullets went straight through so it aint that bad. My arms will heal. This aint my first rodeo.

Well, hopefully it will be your last.

I’m not so sure about that. My enemies already have my grave marked if you let them tell it. So I expect some more attempts on my life.

Patrick spoke with such calmness about violence that it gave Stephanie the chills.

So you’re not afraid to die?

Of course not. What’s gone be gone be.

Stephanie gave a half smile. Well let’s just pray it doesn’t happen anytime soon; especially on my watch.

I’ll try to accommodate your wish.

They shared a laugh.

 AM I MY COUSIN’S KEEPER?

Only two cars remained in parking lot 9 on Hughey Avenue when Bobby and James staggered across the street. They were the last patrons to leave Club Antigua and they were wasted. The two for one drink specials were hard for them to pass up and by the looks of their bloodshot eyes, they had reached their limit. After failing to retrieve the payoff from Tony, they decided to hang out and have a couple of drinks before making the call to Patrick to explain their failed mission. But before they realized it, one drink turned into six and now they were outside of the club in the parking lot pissy drunk.   

 Cuz, I’m fucked up Bobby looked around the parking lot. Where the hell did we park?

You ain’t that fucked up. There are only two cars out here. One of them got to be ours James could barely contain his laughter as he watched his cousin stumbled into the side of the car door and fall face first to the ground.

Shit! Bobby felt the concrete pulling some of his skin away from the right side of his face. He pushed himself up off the ground and into a seated position, then leaned his back against the car. He stretched out his legs and looked across the street.

Damn, that’s a big ass building over there. All the bright lights and moving billboards

Man, shut yo drunk ass up. I don’t know why you out here acting like this the first time you saw the damn Amway Center

Bobby chuckled. He knew James was telling the truth. He had seen that building a thousand times, but the alcohol made him see it in a different light.  Alcohol will do that to you, he thought as he leaned his head back against the car door.

A minute later, he felt dizzy and not quite ready to move. His throat had a salty taste in it so he leaned over and spit a couple of times.

I know damn well you ain’t about to throw up out here, James stood over Bobby shaking his head.

Cuz, I feel sick as hell. I think I drunk too much.

Man, this shit aint even funny no more. I can’t take your ass nowhere. You can’t hold your liquor for shit, James looked around to make sure no police were in the area. Hurry up and put your damn finger down your throat and get that shit out your system. Man up!

Bobby nodded in agreement. He shoved his finger down his throat and started dry heaving. After two more tries, he threw up. His stomach muscles felt sore from the nonstop contractions.

After he finished, he looked up at James. All right, I’m good. Help me up

James looked at his outstretched hand and shook his head. He did not try to conceal his disappointment.

You got your drunk ass down there, you can get your drunk ass back up

That’s fucked up Cuz

After making it to his feet, Bobby leaned against the car and wiped his mouth off with his shirt sleeve. He felt much better after emptying his stomach.

Let’s go back to the club, He looked over at James.

James rolled his eyes.-

The club’s closed. You don’t need nothing else to drink anyway.

I’m not talking about Antigua. I’m talking about Metropolis.

James eyed his cousin closely. He wondered if he was still drunk or did he had bumped his head on the ground when he fell.

What the hell we need to go back there for? You already done let some dude throw your ass around like a rag doll.

James arms swung from right to left, then left to right to demonstrate how Taggart tossed his cousin around. He laughed at his own demonstration.

Ha. Ha. Ha, you so funny. I aint mad at cha though. You suppose to laugh at that. Hell, I laughed when Patrick made you go night night.

James forehead wrinkled. Bobby hit him with a low blow that unchained his suppressed memory. The beating his cousin gave him that day was the first and last time he was defeated in a violent encounter. He tried to attribute the loss to his drunken state at the time but in his heart he knew better. So he did the next best thing, he tried to erase it from his memory.

You didn’t have to go there lil Cuz. I was just messing with you. You keep throwing that Patrick shit up in my face but real talk if Patrick ever get out of line with me again then I can promise you that you will be visiting him in the hospital.

Hopefully it don’t come down to that because they say you are only as good as your last fight and Patrick beat the shit out of you the last time y’all hooked up.

The veins in James’ neck pulsated rapidly. "If you wasn’t my cousin Bobby, I would be splitting your