Serious calls

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

"How's Matt?" I questioned instead of answering and remained behind the headlights rays of the borrowed car.

I had ditched the moped, stuffed a C note inside the empty tanks neck, then made my way to the Oasis Club and filched another ride.

Now? Now I stood wondering what the hell I was doing here, involving myself in something that should have been over with, dragging myself closer to sharing a grave with this womans sister.


She answered and I nodded, a bit relieved that he was with us in the land of the living, and I was able to move forward with this...task.

"The answers you're trying to find. What you're trying to accomplish? You're going about it the wrong way. And if you keep pushing it this way...You'll get someone seriously hurt, or worse."

So just what was I doing standing here? I wasn't sure. But for a short time because of my relationship with Justine they had become my associates, my comrades...my freinds?

No, not the last but it was close enough, as near as it came for me.

Close enough to make me feel I owed a debt.

"The people you're after? They take nice young ladies and turn them inside out. Use them and make their money off of them. Then dispose of them like a well used tissue and forget them. It's been their way for centuries. They've gotten used to it and everyone they do business with has as well. You're not only going to reveal the truth about a murder, but the life she led before she died... And bring down a house that has stood quietly for too long, feeding off of the wealth and corruption in this city, and getting fatter every day."

Now what I done? I shook my head and mumbled a curse. I knew I was going to a grave, but did I have to drag her into it as well?

"Leave it alone, forget it, I know it's difficult but listen to me and you'll walk away alive...that's all that counts in this world, Tiffany."

 

[mya]

Casey

OK, so Lucky was a touchy subject with Tiffy. I saw that clearly now and I’d have to be careful how I referred to him in her presence in the future. I’d seen women fall all over Lucky before. Hey I couldn’t blame her. Lucky had an edge to him that the ladies liked—they felt protected around him I guess. He was street smart, sexy in that dangerous way of his, and I’d be kidding myself if I didn’t admit that he was rather handsome. Still I’d never completely fallen for his schtick. There was something in his eyes that always told me that Lucky knew a lot more about the things that went on in this town than he’d ever let on to. And that was fine with me…fine as long as he didn’t drag my friends into his “life”. I felt certain that any girl dumb enough to fall for him, would end up emotionally scarred at best. And at worst, pregnant and barely eking out a living as “trailer trash” on the wrong side of the tracks.

My thoughts were drawn away from Lucky as Tiffany showed me the matchbook. “Hmmm, that sure looks like important information Tiff. Fifth and bulls, fifth and Bulls, 5th and bulls,” I chanted as though something would come into my head to make sense of it if I kept on saying it. One thing for sure, bells were ringing in my head only I couldn’t quite place them. I continued to study the matchbook cover while Tiffany went to answer the phone.

“Fifth and Bulls…something to do with a Bulls game on the 5th maybe?” I muttered to myself. But the fifth of what month even? I’ll have to check their game schedule and see if anything matches up. An address maybe? Hmmm…maybe some searching on the internet might help?

My attention was drawn back to Tiffany as she returned. She looked flustered. "Something popped up and I am needed home right away. Can you wait for Matt? Here are his keys, just in case he might need them. I'll call you tomorrow. okay?" she told me quickly. Tiffy’s mind was definitely on something else. Something was odd for her to be blowing me off like this. But I couldn't quite figure out what was going on right at that second.

Before I could even ask questions, Tiffany tossed me Matt's keys and hurried out of the hospital, what could I do about it? Someone had to wait for Matt. I pondered her sudden departure and noticed the computer for patients and relatives right by the reception desk. I moved to the desk and checked in with the nurse on duty. “I’m a friend of Matt’s. I’m waiting to see him as soon as he’s able to have visitors OK. Until then I need to send a couple of emails and I’ll be right there at the desk—my name’s Casey.” The nurse nodded and I moved to the computer to do some searching and wait. I set the matches down in front of the keyboard and began to search.

 

[mya]

Casey's snooping begins...

First I checked the Bull’s game schedule. The only game they were playing on any 5th was an upcoming AWAY game on November 5th against Orlando and it wasn’t even being televised. I frowned as I tried to figure out just what, if any significance that could have in Justine’s death.

A quick search of “bull” and “Chinese” turned up only one website from a law firm, “Bull, Smith & Jones”, a law office that helped Chinese clients invest in American ventures. Hmmm, interesting, but what connection would the 5th be? Perhaps still an address or a date. I’m not convinced this is anything, but I still scribbled it down in a note pad in my purse. It might turn into something.

Several finds came up related to dog—breeders, kennel clubs and the likes—for Bull Terriers and Chinese Shar-Peis. That seemed like a dead end, so I quickly scanned by all the dog related sites.

A restaurant called the “Cock and Bull” offering Chinese cuisine came up. The phone number didn’t match that written on the match book, but given that the matchbook was for a different Chinese Restaurant, maybe there was a connection? I jotted that down into my notes also.

And there were several references to a company run by a man named “Bull” specializing in finding hard to get Ming Dynasty art real cheap. Another Chinese connection. Could it be related at all? A notation was made on this also.

Lastly two references showed up discussing an ancient Chinese aphrodisiac being sold illegally in the US under the name of “Red Bull”. Apparently the drug had as it’s base some form of opium product and therefore had been banned from entry into the US by legal means. I underlined the name “Red Bull” and aphrodisiac. Given Justine’s supposed link to the sex trade, I couldn’t not include this one on my list. Still what could the 5th mean? I thought again of the Bull’s game in Orlando on the 5th. Given the hotbed of drug trafficking in Miami, could that be the connection? And just who’s phone number was on the matchbook. Everything else was speculation, but this number could be some real hard evidence.

My eyes darted to the pay phone. There would be a really easy way to find out something about the number…I dug in my pocket for a quarter. I closed the internet screen and headed for the phone. Quickly I dialed the number and heard the phone ring on the other side. My palms sweated as I waited for an answer…

 

[landiek]

"The answers you're trying to find. What you're trying to accomplish? You're going about it the wrong way. And if you keep pushing it this way...You'll get someone seriously hurt, or worse." ........ "The people you're after? They take nice young ladies and turn them inside out. Use them and make their money off of them. Then dispose of them like a well used tissue and forget them. It's been their way for centuries. They've gotten used to it and everyone they do business with has as well. You're not only going to reveal the truth about a murder, but the life she led before she died... And bring down a house that has stood quietly for too long, feeding off of the wealth and corruption in this city, and getting fatter every day." ........ "Leave it alone, forget it, I know it's difficult but listen to me and you'll walk away alive...that's all that counts in this world, Tiffany."

"What makes you think that I am pushing the wrong way? And you didn't answer my question.. who are you? Are you the one that called me at the hospital?"

I sighed as he went on "How dare you insinuate that Justine was a hooker. I happen to know that she had a habit but it wasn't working corners." My face was getting redder "I can't forget it. Something is going on and I intend to find out what it is. Justine knew something and I damn well won't let her have died for nothing. I just have dig deeper. Maybe instead of telling me to stop .... " calming a little bit. "Maybe you can help me." Then another thing occured to me. The man I was talking to knew me by name. I grimaced as I had more questions then answers

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Have i been dreaming i wondered as i moved my hand to my head as my eyes opened. My head was bandaged, drips in my arms , monitors all over the place ; was all of this necessary i pondered to myself as i tried to get my bearings on where i was. Hitting a switch by accident i noticed flickerings on a monitor, what i had just done i thought

"Can anyone hear me , where am i, why am i stuck in here" i screamed as i tried to sit up.

A few minutes before someone introducing herself as a nurse entered and looked me over. Stopped the flickerings before once again leaving.....Was all i alone here , oh sheesh now it came flooding back to me as i noticed the door move again...

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

Her words were filled with pain, with anger and with denial.

Denial of the pain she felt and the tainting of the memories of a sister she loved so dearly.

I could understand it, agree with it even, but wondered just how much...


"Maybe you can help me."

"Maybe I can, but help down here like anything else comes with a price."

I could see the scowl on her face, frustration, and...curiousity?

"And just what might be the price?"

So despite her anger she could see past it, far enough at least to try to reason out what I was tossing out at her.

"We don't discuss price yet. Terms come first. You'll agree to listen to and abide by what I say. You won't question me in public if you do disagree, only in private, and none of what you see or hear goes to the police."

I stepped back, behind the headlights and into the shadows, the glare still near blinding her as I increased the distance between us.

"I'll reach you by the cell phone that's on the seat of the car tomorrow. You can tell me if you agree to the terms when I call. Then and only then will I tell you the price you'll be expected to pay."

I stepped into one of the derelict passages that were weaved into the makings of the ancient and now abandoned bridge, winding my way thru them with the ease of many years of practice, and comforted by the knowledge she wouldn't follow.

I'd do my own hunting tonight. Turn over a few rocks, then a few more, eventually I'd rattle the right cage...And if I didn't, with a little luck and planning I'd have help tomorrow...and I knew exactly just what would work.

 

[mya]

Casey (with more pressing business to attend to first)

The hollow ring of the phone at my ear went on and on. Not even an answering machine picked up. As I clutched the phone with my heart pounding in my ears, the louder “Ping Pong” sound that announced a message coming over the public address system sounded from the speakers in the ceiling of the hospital. “Casey Blynn please report to the nurse’s station in Emergency. Casey Blynn you’re needed at the nurse’s station in Emergency.”

I hastily hung up the phone and collected my returned quarter. “I will be back,” I promised to the phone before turning on my heel and heading for the nurse’s station as requested. Upon arriving, I was informed that Matt was awake and a bit agitated. They felt it best if he had someone with him. They gave me his room number and sent me to find him on my own. I hesitated at the door as I heard the nurse in with him. But it was obvious he didn’t want to be there and he didn’t want to listen to the nurse no matter how much she tried to explain to him what was going on. I took a deep breath, plastered a small smile on my lips and moved into the room.

“Hi,” I offered tentatively to announce my presence. Matt lay on the bed in the little blue hospital gown, wearing what appeared to be nothing more than that, a frown, and some tubes and wires hooked to his arm and head. Moving to the side of the bed, I looked at Matt, “Hi Matt. Remember me? I’m Casey, Casey Blynn. You know, Justine’s roommate?” Matt and I were acquaintances, but we were not the best of friends, so I wondered whether he’d have known who I was even without the blow he’d taken to his head.

“Tiffany had to leave and asked if I’d stay with you. I hope that’s OK.” Matt studied me. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to place me, or if it was something else entirely. But the good thing was that he had quit fidgeting in the bed. The nurse sure looked relieved. “I’d like to help in any way I can. The nurse at the desk just told me that there is a chance they’ll be releasing you a little later today if all their tests come back OK. They also said you’d have to have someone stay with you for at least the next 48 hours. I’m not sure if you’ve got someone to hang with, but if not I’d be happy to keep you company for as long as you need it.”

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

As the door opened further i watched a woman enter and then introduce herself...Studying her more i was almost looking past her. Thoughts raced as to where Tiffany had gone and whether she was ok or not... Moving a little i heard her words about leaving and tried to sit up more.

Having got myself to a sitting position i could see her a little more clearly. I would not impose on anyone i thought to myself as i had been pretty independent of late. Damn that chinese restaurant too. Whoever put me here would pay dearly for that i thought to myself as the nurse came back to talk to the woman.

"Um if its about me i would like to hear it" i said..

Time passed and they both re - entered. I studied both before speaking again.

"Can i leave this hospital please, i would like to return to the comfort of my home where i can recuperate a lot quicker and easier. Just a lift home is all i require too please."

I waited for a response from one of them.....

 

[mya]

Casey

Oh boy, just what I needed…some guy pulling that macho crap. But then again, it was his head that someone had used as a drum. I moved closer to Matt’s bed, and with hands on hips sternly told him, “Not so fast Buster! You’re not going any where until the Doc gives the OK. Tiffany,” I pinned him with my glare, “you do remember her don’t you?”

I could see Matt’s own dander getting ruffled but he looked anxious when he heard Tiff’s name—he remembered her just fine. “Tiffany made me promise to stay here with you and help you until you’re back on your feet again. She had to go home…I think this place kind of creeps her out. The memory of her time here waiting to see Justine after her death is pretty fresh I guess.”

I took another step closer and held on to the bed rail as I leaned in closer to Matt. My red-headed temper had kicked in during worse situations than this to give me the upper hand. “Now, what is it going to be Matt? I can leave and go home…in which case Atilla the Hun over there,” my head indicated the nurse, “can keep you in line. Or you can promise to be a good boy and do just what the doctor. orders, and maybe I’ll take you home to my place and look out for you. Besides, you’re a computer geek right?” I chuckled as Matt bristled at being called a computer geek.

“Relax Matt. I like computer geeks. I have some ideas I wanted to run by someone with your err…” my eyes travelled his body teasingly before I finished my sentence, “skills!” I leaned closer so I could finish telling Matt exactly why I needed his skills without being overheard by the nurse. The less people who knew we were snooping into Justine’s death, the better. “Justine used to use my computer all the time for email and stuff. Do you think you can help me hack into her emails to see just what she was involved in before she died? I have a couple of theories and I’m hoping we can find something to tell me if any of them might be worth looking into further.”

I could tell Matt was more interested in what I had to say now. “So what’s it to be big fella,” I drawled in my best May West voice, “are you working with me? Or shall I just head on home and leave you here?”

I knew I probably wasn’t making any points with Matt by talking the way I did, but the most important thing right now was to make sure he did what was necessary to get better. Tiffany sure didn’t need him collapsing on her when she needed him most.

 

[landiek]

"I'll reach you by the cell phone that's on the seat of the car tomorrow. You can tell me if you agree to the terms when I call. Then and only then will I tell you the price you'll be expected to pay."

Then he disappeared. I rushed over to the car and sure enough there was a cell phone. I picked it up and turned off the headlights. I turned and looked around to see if there was any other clues about who I was talking to.

I walked for a mile before coming across a payphone. Talk about being stupid as I shoved the two quarters in the slot. I have a cell phone in my hands and still sought out a payphone. The cab finally came after me and I returned to the hospital. I was snoozing in the lounge when I over heard a voice.

"Your friend, Matthew Bryant. He has been admitted for observation for 48 hours. You can go up to his room for a few moments before visiting hours are over."

I walked over to the elevator and punched the button to his floor. I was heading for his room when the door opened and a nurse stepped out. "Excuse me, can you tell me if Matt is doing okay?"

"I'm sure he'll do fine" the nurse retorted. "After all his girlfriend is putting him in check."

Girlfriend, what girlfriend? I stepped into the room and overheard Casey's voice... “So what’s it to be big fella,” I drawled in my best May West voice, “are you working with me? Or shall I just head on home and leave you here?”

"Hopefully we can all be working with you, Ms West." I teased as I waited for Matt's answer.

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

I noticed Casey's eyes looking me over as she spoke. Listening to her words i absorbed then and just as i was about to speak i heard footsteps enter the room...Looking past Casey i noticed Tiffany enter the room. Both ladies were waiting for my answer. The last place i wanted to be was stuck in this damn hospital.

"I will gladly let either of you ladies take me home and stay with me for awhile. Casey i can and will sort through those documents for you. Just please get me out of this hospital."

 

[landiek]

"The doctors said that you needed to stay here for a few days. I'm sure that you really need to be here of they wouldn't be making such a fuss." Though I understood the reluctance about being here. Who wants to stay in a crummy hospital when they have a home to go to.

The nurse returned and remarked "I can only tell you that you have to have proper nursing care. The doctor will tell you the same thing, son. If you presist in wanting to leave, I'll send in the doctor and you can discuss AMA procedures with him."

I glanced at Casey and then back at Matt. "If you really think you want to go home, I suppose I could keep an eye on you."

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Laying in this hospital bed was the last place i really need to be as my mind recalled the events of the last 24 hrs. I heard Tiffany speak then listened to the nurse. My eyes met the nurses with some venom in them before i spoke.

"Yes i know the doctor will need to do that, i totally understand but i need to get home." i said.

Calling Tiffany closer i half whispered " You get me out of this hospital and i will help you track down not only Justine's killer but my assailant from the restaurant." I waited for her reaction as i moved in the bed ....

 

[landiek]

Moving closer to Matt's bedside and hearing his promise, I knew that I couldn't deny him. Hell! I didn't want to stay here at the hospital either.

"All right, we'll see what the doctor says. Okay?" Looking into Matt's eyes.

Casey seemed to understand what we all were feeling, something like the caving in the spiral of nerves that tightens your chest and causes a panic attack.

The doctor walked in and I recognized him as the one that told me about Justine's death. He looked at us glumly. "Mr. Bryant, I will caution you about the decision that you are making. We only want you to stay so that IF there are any side effects from the trama you received that you will get the emergency care nessacery. I'll ask you once more, Is it your wish to refuse care and be discharged?"

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

My eyes glanced between Casey and Tiffany as i heard footsteps out in the hallway. Damn this waiting around i thought there were things to do and places to go. I heard the doctor and looked at him.

"Yes Doctor i fully understand what you are saying and yes i would like to be discharged as soon as possible please."

 

[landiek]

I watched as the doctor handed Matt the discharge paperwork and the nurse brought in some other instructions for us girls.

"He needs to be watched, any signes of dizziness, vomiting, headaches, ear ringing, dry mouth, .... I want you to call his doctor right away. Here is his prescription for the pain killer, this is for any vomiting, and this is an anti-inflamintory."

I nodded as she handed me the other instructions about the care to his bandages. "So how soon can we go?"

The nurse looked at Matt, why as soon as he signs the form and gets dressed. Call me where you are ready, Mr Bryant and I'll bring the wheelchair."

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Taking the discharge papers from the doctor i let my eyes peruse them as i heard the nurse talking. Only one thing could bring about those symptoms i thought and that was staying here. As i signed the papers i placed them near the bed and moved to sit up more. Looking around the room i noticed my clothes stacked on a chair.

Easing myself out of bed i grabbed my clothes and headed behind a screen to change. A few minutes passed and i re-emerged fully dressed and steadied myself near the bed.

"Ok im ready to go, hope i look ok, can that wheelchair be organised now please. The papers are signed already."

 

[landiek]

The nurse left and returned "Okay Mr Impatient, lets go."

I chuckled as Matt nearly flew into the chair. Once off the elevator I got the keys from Casey and brought Matt's car to the door. Once we were inside, I nodded to the nurse.

Making one quick stop by the 24 hour Drugstore and heading straight to Matt's. Once we got to his door, I felt pretty drained. I glanced at my wristwatch and realized that it was almost 3 am. Forcing Matt to take his meds, I sat in a chair.. in a matter of moments I was snoozing peacefully.

Somewhere in the course of my dream I was talking to the voice behind the lights...

What makes you sure that you have the right answers. What is your connection to my sister? The dark face coming closer and taking my hand and leading me into a strange place and men surrounding me with money. I can't dance, I say.. the dark face laughes... that don't matter, Bitch.. ain't dancing that the men pays for.. it's your ass.

"NO" I bolted upright in the chair only to have Matt and Casey give me a stern look.

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

The drive home seemed like a blur to me , entering my place i took the meds and tried to make myself comfortable in my bed. Half drifting in and out of sleep i was vaguely aware of some background noises. Opening my eyes i looked across at Tiffany as she was talking in what looked to be a dreamlike state.

"Either this medication is stronger than i thought or something really needs to be investigated and i do believe i know which club you are referring to. Not in my present state though and i will not let either of you ladies go alone if i can help it."

 

[landiek]

Snapping awake from my dream was scary enough but Matt talking about some club worried me even more. I lowered my head for a moment then got up and sat by Matt.

"Come on, you're suppose to be resting." I reminded him. Then I couldn't help it and was forced to ask, leaning over to Matt and whispering.. "Was Justine hooking?"

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

I watched as Tiffany moved closer to me. Her words of comfort and concern were welcome and heart warming. The softly spoken question i half expected , lifting a hand i placed it near Tiffany's mouth...

"Tiffany i do not think so but i know she frequented a club for some reason" i said softly.

Then added "I think we all need to get some rest"

 

[landiek]

Matt's touch was reassuring for some reason and I was half thankful that he didn't start asking me more questions. Casey opted to head home and catch us later but fell asleep on the couch and I didn't feel like heading over to that chair. I sat by Matt as he reclined in his bed and rested... before I knew it I was snuggled against him, and drifting off to dreamland once more

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

As i rested in bed my eyes closed but felt movement during the night. Opening my eyes a little i noticed that Tiffany was resting against me. Moving a little in the bed i slowly moved her back onto the bed as i eased myself out. Walking slowly to the bathroom i took a few minutes in there and returned to sit at my desk in front of my computer.

Loading up some stored files of Justine's that i had saved i started to sort them into areas of interest. There were a few referring to a club but nothing that made much sense at the moment. The tablets slowly took effect again as my eyes closed with my head slowly hitting the keyboard.

 

[landiek]

I woke up and looked around. I was confused on where I was at until I saw Matt. I blushed hotly seeing that I was in his bed too. Oh god, I hope I didn't do anything stupid I thought to myself as I looked around. Relieved that Matt was at his computer, I slipped from the bed and wrapped a blanket around him.

I walked into the kitchen and checked his fridge. Hardly anything in it, so I wrote a note and walked to a corner store. By the time I got back, I noticed the screen flashing. I sat the bag of groceries on the counter and looked at the computer screen.

Download complete... hmmm I wondered what Matt had found. I decided not to wake him but made sure that he wasn't hurting himself while I washed dishes and then had a bowl of cereal. Thinking about the meeting with the guy in the dark, I kept falling back to the thought of who that guy was. He called me by name and asked about Matt. It had to be someone that knew me but I didn't know his voice.

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Hearing the familiar sound from the computer of a download complete woke me , looking around i noticed Casey still sleeping in the chair. My bed was vacant but i could smell food cooking in the kitchen. Moving a little i closed off the download box on the computer and slowly stood up.

Sliding the small desk across towards the bed i got back into bed and grabbed the computer. Hiding some of the downloaded files so they couldn't be found i went about checking on some of the addresses that were stored on comp. Hearing soft footsteps i looked up and noticed Casey moving as well as Tiffany entering with food.

"That food sure looks great, feel free to freshen yourselves up whilst you are here" i said softly.