Serious calls

[landiek]

"hey glad to see that you are awake. I decided to make some serious breakfast, Hope you like bacon and eggs"

I moved around kinda stiffly. "I've got something that I need to do so I know that Casey can handle you. Here's my number if you need to get in touch with me, okay?" Setting the plates on the table and grabbing my coat.

"I'll call you guys later this afternoon okay?"

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

The food smelt great and i watched as Tiffany left. Starting to eat my breakfast i smiled occasionally at Casey and wondered what she wanted with me. Taking the occasional mouthful of my orange juice i finished my breakfast and started to move slowly out of bed.

Carrying my plate across to a small table i looked at Casey as my thoughts gathered...

"Thank you for staying, if i can help you please let me know."

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

Seven numbers rolled off the auto dailer, then the shrill squeal as the electronics connected to the frequency...and finally the dialing tone and the ring...Once, twice, three times as I stood in the alley full of trash. looking at it and thinking how familiar it was and what I had done to get out of one just like it.

A fourth ring and I was ready to disconnect, to write off the offer made and move on with my own brand of investigation. Sighing I moved back onto the cobble stone streets and towards the diner, my thumb hovering over the red button....

 

[landiek]

I left Matt's and started walking over towards the park. Wondering if the cell phone was going to ring or not, as I sat on the park bench. I had more and more questions as each minute ticked by.

I reached in my purse and took out the matchbook that had the same info that I gave Casey. I frowned as I kept rolling the thought 5th and Bulls. Casey had that look of delight when I saw her at the hospital. I wanted to kick myself for being impatient.

I clenched the cell phone again. "DAMN IT .....FUCKING RING"
I was getting angry and it was showing every second.

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

A fifth and final ring. I had been sure by the determination in Tiffany's face that she would have done almost anything to find her sisters killer and bring them to justice.

But it seemed that I was wrong. I lifted the mate to the cell phone I had given her and checked the number it was dialing on the display...it was the right one...

"Too bad Tiffany, we would have made a great team, I think"

I spoke to the unanswering ring of my phone and laid it down, turning to set out on my own...and bring my own brand of justice to the killers.

 

[landiek]

I was holding the cell phone and I kept waiting for a ring. Nothing, I looked at it closely. I made sure that the battery was in place and that it was charged. I was nearly ready to cry. I wanted to get the answers for Justine, but I was just not capable of doing that alone.

I noticed a lite up number. Someone tried to call me. Why didn't it ring and I started checking the sides. Damn the ringer was off. I quickly dailed the high lite number and prayed that someone would answer.

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

"Tiffany?" I asked as I scooped up the phone, out of breath from the mad dash back to it when I heard it ring.

"Yes, who is this?"

"I'll tell you that after we meet and you give me your own answer"

" Where, then? And why all the theatrics?"

"It's not theatrics to the men you're looking for, Tiff, it's life and death. Let's meet at the coffee house on 23rd and go from there"

 

[landiek]

"Okay I know where that shoppe is, but I am warning you. You best have some damn good answers."

I hung up and looked around. Thank god for the city transit, I smirked as I headed for the nearby stop. I looked around the bus for anyone that I might know but there wasn't anyone on the bus. So much for a hint, I sighed.

I got to the coffee shoppe and ordered some coffee with honey. My mind replayed what the voice told me. It's not theatrics to the men you're looking for, Tiff, it's life and death.

Life and Death, that seems to be surrounding me lately. I watched the door for signs of someone that was going to walk in and stand at my table and say... "I was the one that called"
Then I'd feel better about meeting in a coffee shoppe, thinking about revenge for Justine.

I looked up and noticed that Lucky walked in. Shrugging my shoulders and sighing. I looked at my watch and wondered how long I would be waiting.

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

Leaning over the counter I ordered coffee, then gingerly carried the hot contents to the table where Tiffany sat.

"What'cha doin, Tif?" I asked casually and slid uninvited into the bench across from her.



"Waiting for someone, Lucky...They'll be here any moment so don't get too comfy."

Grinning I sipped at the coffee and studied Tiffany, the tiredness around the edges beginning to show, and I felt a small twinge of guilt.

"Who for Tiff?" I continued. "Man, woman, friend, enemy?"

"I don't think that's any of your business, do you?"

The reply was cool, level headed..tough but not rude.

"It's good to know who your friends are, Tiif. Who you can depend on to watch your back when you need it watched" I tossed out as I drained my cup. "You never know when you'll need someone"

Was I toying with the already stressed women, or testing her, I wondered a little myself as I reached into my shirt pocket and pulled out a small passbook.

"You ever see this before, Tiff?" I asked and handed it to her.

 

[landiek]

"It's good to know who your friends are, Tiif. Who you can depend on to watch your back when you need it watched" I tossed out as I drained my cup. "You never know when you'll need someone"

That made sense, what is it.. keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Yet Lucky wasn't an enemy, he was someone that everyone distrusted. Not really being fair but still he is distrusted. I sighed wearily as he finished his coffee. I glanced past him at the door, no one was coming and then he spoke again.

"You ever see this before, Tiff?"

I looked at the small grey book. "Looks like a bank book." Reading the front that read Bank of America. "That's nice you have a bank account. So do I and a majority of other people." Then I noticed the nibbled corner, like Justine's. She always chewed on things when she was nervous. I opened the book slowly as the tears fell down my cheeks. It was Justine's.
"How did you get my Sister's bank book?"

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

"She mailed it to me in this envelope, look at the date on the envelope and the last deposit recorded in her book"

I gave her time after I handed her the envelope the book had arrived in. Time to wipe away the tears that threatened to roll down her pretty cheeks and time to look at what I pointed to.

Time to digest how an honest working girl could put that kind of cash away in such a short time...

"Your sister trusted me enough to ask me to send this to me, trusted that I wouldn't try to get that money out of the bank she put it in and instead bring it to you. Maybe you should trust me as well and give me the answer I asked for last night."

That hit her, square between the eyes....

"Then?...then we can get going on this and catch the ones that hurt Justine."

 

[landiek]

" That was you! With the car in the ..and the headlights.. damnit, you could have just said so.. I mean... " I was ticked. I felt that he could have been a little more honest with me. Yet after a look at the dates, how could I stay mad.

Matt said that Justine wasn't hooking, yet the money said otherwise, or worse doing drugs. I shuddered and shoved that thought out of my mind.

"Then?...then we can get going on this and catch the ones that hurt Justine."

"What makes you so sure that you know exactly who did it?" I prodded. "Plus what is going to keep us safe if you're wrong?"

 

[mya]

Casey

I smiled up at Matt.

"Hey Matt! It's so good to see you looking so much better. Are you up to a little computer sleuthing? I'm hoping you can hack into Justine's email account. She used my computer all the time. I know her email address, I just don't know her password. I did some computer searching when you were in the hospital, and a few interesting things came up. I'm hoping if we can get into Justine's email account, that maybe we'll get more of a lead."

I patted the couch beside me. "Take a load off there Matt." As Matt sat down, I added, "I also think we should phone the number on the match book cover...it might give us a lead. How about you, any ideas?"

I caught a glimpse of Matt's naked thigh were his robe parted open. I gulped. His thighs were nicely muscled, not like you'd expect from a computer nerd at all. Do you suppose he was naked under that robe? I dragged my eyes from his thigh, up his body and to his face. I worked hard to keep my mind on the business at hand.

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

"What makes you so sure that you know exactly who did it? Plus what is going to keep us safe if you're wrong?"

Draining my cup I leaned back, letting Tiffany's questions roll thru my mind, and knowing I had no concrete answers.

"Justine was a high priced call girl for Chang Xiong, he introduced her to his elite Chineses associates and lent her out on several occasions to them. It was a perk of doing business with him. Don't ask me how I know, I can't tell you that yet, but believe me... it's the truth. But that's not all of it. Justine had made contact several times with a fast rising drug dealer named of all things..."Master Whipp", he's a pusher of the worst kind, the only funny thing about that relationship is Justine was to my knowledge never a user."

The words hit Tiff hard, I could see it in her eyes and her reddening cheeks, but that was tough. If she wanted to see this through there would be a lot worse things to be dealt with.

"As for being safe, Tiff? I grew up on these streets, pulled myself out of the gutters and made a living on the accuracy of my information, staking my life and reputation on it. Once we get to the bottom of this I can't guarntee anything but one chance to get even with the guilty party, then it's every man and woman for themselves, understood?"

She nodded, sipping at her own cup as her brow wrinkled. It was difficult dealing with scum like we were about to, but if you wanted to stay alive there was only one way.

"All they respect is money, power and good looking flesh, Tiff, everything else is of no value to them. That's thier flaw and weakness.."

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Having sat down next to Casey i noticed out of the corner of one eye her eyes roaming over my body before meeting my face. Smiling i moved my laptop closer and opened up my new program as i glanced across at Casey occasionally wondering what else she was planning with me.

"Casey if you wish to type in the email addy i will do the rest with the program and see what we can find out. I will try this phone number again as i hook up a little tracking device to my other computer."

Turning slightly i typed away on my other computer as i dialed the number. Waiting several minutes the screen started flashing as i listened to someone speaking what seemed to be Chinese on the other end of the phone. With my eyes on the screen i couldn't tell if my leg was touching Casey's or whether her eyes were devouring my body again.

 

[landiek]

"Xiong is a big name in Chinatown. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't own all the Chinatowns in America. But Xiong is a popular name among the Chinese." I took a sharp breath when he mentioned the drugs. "I never heard of a Master Whipp. Yet I am not involved in drugs. I can't understand what Justine would have to do with a lowlife like that either."

I shook my head in disbeleif my sister was becoming a stranger as he told me more and more. Then he told me about his street life. I frowned as I listened.

"As for being safe, Tiff? I grew up on these streets, pulled myself out of the gutters and made a living on the accuracy of my information, staking my life and reputation on it. Once we get to the bottom of this I can't guarntee anything but one chance to get even with the guilty party, then it's every man and woman for themselves, understood?"

Yeah I understand. It might getting ugly, but then Justine's death was an ugly crime too. Flaws, I had a lot of flaws but I was pretty determined to change that.

"okay, Lucky. No more fooling and sneaking around. Tell me what we are going to do next." I looked at the bank book once more, before adding "Cause we got the money and the pound of flesh. The power is going to be your problem."

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

"Power comes in a lot of different forms, Tiffany" I replied with a thoughtful look. "Money, guns, muscle, contacts on the street, knowing how to manipulate a mans wants and needs"

I lifted the passbook from her hands and looked at the numbers in it, thinking just what I could do with that kind of money, how much I could enjoy it in a warm, sand and sun filled world...

"All men have the same basic wants and needs, Tiff, some with largers and ambitions to take what they want..."

Eyes off the tiny book and on her face now I studied it as I answered her question of what we were to do...

"The greatest desire in these mens lives is to possess and control the women in thier lives...and I'd suggest we introduce one I know they would never turn away....you"

 

[landiek]

I dropped the cup after it sunk in what he was talking about, "ME!" I squeckied. No way was he honestly talking about me. "What in God's green earth makes you think that they would be interested in me?"

I realized that the amount in Justine's bank account was enough to tempt anyone and why wouldn't it send signals to Lucky. It was at this moment that I was wondering if I was losing my mind as I stared at Lucky. "I'm listening" Steeling myself for what came next.

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

It was difficult to remain calm and objective as I began, but after the first few words I surprised myself and was able to sum it up for Tiffany.

"You possess all the same qualities your sister did. Your features in your face, the long sensous neck, hair color, the full lips...I've never seen you near a swimming pool but would wager you fill out a swimsuit quite well and more than one man has done a double take when you've walked by, correct?"

Tiffany looked at me like I was crazy, but then that was the normal result you got when you began discussing something like this in the middle of a coffee shop.

"Even your heigth and the length of your lean legs, Tiffany, it all adds up to one well put together package"

"Are we discussing a sports car or me, Lucky?"

Smiling at the caustic comment I nodded, then continued.

"The short version of all of this is you're exactly what the Chinese want for thier private parties, put you in a low cut evening gown and with a single introduction Chang's customers would be clamoring to him to put you in his stables...and being the kind of business man he is?"

I lifted my cup and let the waitress fill it then sipped and waited for her to leave before continuing.

"He'll send his goons after you and with some help from your friends we'll set a trap that will finish his business and him off...permanently"

 

[landiek]

As Lucky gave his eye's view look at me through hardly an objective position I was squirming in the seat. I honestly thought Lucky had lost the last of his marbles. I mean I felt like I was the prize mare at the breeding auction or something.

"Are we discussing a sports car or me, Lucky?"

His nod made my stomache deep even lower, almost out of my body all together. Then he continued talking about the right look. Even worse was that as I listened I was considering risking my humanity to give it a shot. Even more set in the idea when he finished.

"He'll send his goons after you and with some help from your friends we'll set a trap that will finish his business and him off...permanently"

"When did you plan on making this viewing of goods?" I wanted the full details before I mentioned anything to Casey. In the first thought she would most likely kill me for even considering such a foolish act. Even Matt might insist that I reconsider my options.

I looked at Lucky sternly before I took a breathe and nodded, "Okay, I'll try.... but we have to tell Matt and Casey first and I mean WE ."

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

"WE"

Why did I always stick my nose into somewhere it didn't belong? I asked myself, then remembered...It was because of Tiff's sister and a promise I had made...

"Tiff, They won't believe me and because I'm there...not help?" I tried, my eyes pleading with her, silently begging.

"Then WE will have to convince then and if they refuse, change thier minds"

Sighing I knew I was doomed, then answered her earlier question...

"Then we'd better get busy and make some calls, Chang has a "Ball" set for this weekend, a very beautiful, sophisticated thing he does every year, a chance for him to parade all his precious commodities and at the same time scout for more. He sends out invitations to his most perverse and wealthiest friends, then closes the club until it's all finished. It becomes an orgy of food, drink and tender flesh...and he stops at no expense..."

"So when is it and how do we get in?" Tiffany pressed and I winced before answering.

"This weekend and with the invitation I have"

 

[landiek]

I was determined that Lucky explain it to Matt and Casey. He mentioned how quick we had to work on getting the package together.

"THIS WEEKEND!" I squecked as my face turned bright red... "I don't know anything about how to do that stuff."

Lucky looked at me with a serious look, sort of take it or else type of look. "Give me your phone, I have to call them.. three days isn't enough time but I guess that isn't an option is it?"

Once I had the cell phone in my hands I dailed Matt's number and hoped that he wouldn't think I was as insane as I was begining to feel.

"Matt, it's me Tiffany.... I am calling to meet up somewhere with you and Casey.... Why meet up.. cause I am with Lucky and we got to talk... seriously talk and I expect Casey to blow a gasket."

I paused and looked over at Lucky who seemed glum now. I guess I could understand since Casey doesn't like or trust him.
Well here I go from the frying pan to the fire

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

Sitting quietly I watched Tiff make the call, the look in her face and eyes showing the determination she felt and I knew it was no longer up to me.

I had kept my promise. Begun the process that would stop all the wrong doings...and avenge her sister.

Soon with the others he would face the anger of Tiffany and her own brand of justice...

It was all up to the friends she claimed and how determined they were now...........

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Almost lost between trying to cipher some of the addresses and the occasional glances from Casey the phone rung. Wondering who it was i picked it up and listened to Tiffany speak about meeting. God this was not going to be good i thought to myself. Smiling across at Casey i took a few minutes as i tried to work out where to meet Tiffany

"Tiffany give us 40 minutes and meet us both at the Head's Horse Cafe not far from the restaurant where i met trouble before."

Putting down the phone i stood up and looking at Casey told her we had to go meet Tiffany down town . Taking a quick shower and putting on a pair of jeans and t-shirt i handed the car keys to Casey and smiled.

"You will have to drive, my leg still isnt the best. We need to head to the Head's Horse Cafe."

 

[landiek]

Talking with Matt was promising since I didn't have to talk to Casey directly and she couldn't exactly object too readily.

I disconnected the call and looked at Lucky. "Okay, Matt and Casey are going to meet us at the Head's Horse Cafe. I honestly hope that we can keep Casey from getting too upset." Frowning at that thought, she was really certain that Lucky had a major part in Justine's death. I believed that he wasn't and the more I talked to him the more I was more positive that he was innocent.

I overheard the television talking about another death in Chinatown. I lowered my eyes, it seemed that another girl was going to be buried. "That's Chang's doing isn't it?"
Not that I needed his affirmation but just a sign that we were doing the right thing.

I reached over and touched Lucky's hand, "You know that I DO believe you had nothing to do with Justine's death. I want to do the right thing too. I just worry that when we meet Matt and Casey that things might get a little hairy and I need your promise not to bail on us."

Lucky was silent and that wasn't really a good sign. I bit my lip and took a bigger gamble. "I might be willing to bet that.... I can prove that if you can stick it out with us too." I trailed off as I gave him a sly smile with an encouraging movement as I moved my hand to hold his tighter and licked my lips.

Lucky's smirk proved a valueable inkling that I was heading into the fire alright. That or he got the idea that I needed some breaking in and training. There was an area of exploration.... how do you train a girl to be a hooker when they've never had sex before? Plus we were fighting a deadline since Lucky already mentioned this weekend.


We met up with Matt and Casey at the Cafe, they were ordering drinks probably they got there slightly before we walked in the door. I saw very few patrons which was a good thing. Casey already looked uncomfortable as Lucky came in the door behind me.

We joined them at their table and I took a deep breathe. "I know that you don't like Lucky, Casey. Yet there are some facts that make it necessary that we enlist his help."

Casey's face had that like what expression.

"We all have heard the stories about the Chinese Mafia and that gangs are rampid in Chinatown.... Just like we know that Chang pretty well owns it too.... Chang has answers to Justine's death and all fingers on the guilt lead back to him. Lucky has devised a plan that will help us lay my sister's fate to rest, but at a cost."

"What kind of cost?" Casey's question dripped with sarcasm as she glanced at Lucky.

I gulped, I didn't want her slitting his throat with her firey temper so I quickly added. "Someone has to go into one of Chang's gala affairs and ferret the truth. Kinda like going undercover."

Matt gave me a serious look "You mean you are going to one of his parties?"

"I have to... I need to put his kind behind bars for Justine. It was his doing that put her in the ground."

Casey made a protesting growl. "We all want her killer to be behind bars but he has a way of worming out and back into society."

"Lucky's innocent, Casey. Justine sent him her bank book and the money that is in that account doesn't add up for someone that is working parttime at the 7-11 while going to college. Yes, I was pretty shocked when I saw the thousands of dollars that was deposited before her death. Justine trusted Lucky and we need to do that too." I was begining to feel sick to my stomach once again. I figured it was that I hated being in the middle of confrontations. I had played peacemaker between Dad and Justine dozens of times when we were still living at home. "Lucky has an invitation to one of Chang's gala events. I plan to be his da.... escort."

Lucky's eyebrow raised at the obvisious change of words. "Basically she has to be ready for the qoute gala event unqoute. This takes place this weekend. Tiffany has that look that makes the Chinese go insane. Facial beauty, breeding, sensous long legs and neck, not to mention her chest is a haven to the Chinese men that would bury their faces into with kisses and promises of riches. All in all, Tiffany is stepping to Justine's shadow. Chang will pay for Tiffany's charms because she is a youthful replica of Justine. What Tiffany is leaving out is what really happens at these parties."

"Which is?" Matthew inquired

"I most likely will lose my virginity." I replied.

Somehow that wasn't what any of them wanted to hear.