The Story.                                                                                 Began July 19th, 2002
- by Jeremy, Emanuel, Mike

                                                                                           CHAPTER: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

CHAPTER FIVE

 

JEREMY

The pier was dark, wet and smelled like rotting fish left out too long during a dock workers strike. The fog was thick as molasses and twice as sticky. I couldn't see five feet in front of me, every step felt heavy and drawn. It took all of my senses to continue on my line and not plunge into the murky waters off the edge. I could hear the waves slapping against the shore sharply in my ears. There was a distant motor running in the water. My heavy shoes clumsily clodded across the walk.

I left my apartment earlier tonight mulling over the past events. There was much to think about and I found myself making my way down to the docks and to a destination I wasn't sure of. I could feel the weight of a thousand enigma's that had just been unleashed in this Pandora's Box of my past. What was I trying to escape?

The soft echoing of footfalls could be heard behind me. For each step I took, I could hear two more behind me. Someone was following me. These docks were not known for their strollers and joggers, especially not on a night such as this.

I started to quicken my pace, but I didn't know where I was going and couldn't see past a few feet. The repeating steps seemed to hasten their approach too. Now I knew for sure that someone was following me, chasing me even. I reached out in front of me and grasped the air to try and gain some sort bearings. Nothing but the milky fog slipped through my outreached fingers.

An anger and fear began to fester inside me. I could feel the acid in my stomach bubbling with furious might. I was tired of running. Pulling out my pistol, I turned right around to catch my pursuer head-on.

She slammed into me before I even completed the turn. We were falling to the ground, and my brain had yet to register anything that was happening. Her arms were wrapped in mine, my gun was flying to the floor, our clothes flapped in the breeze and our grunts and groans accentuated the fall.

Once we settled, I opened my eyes to see Ramona on top of me; her lush blonde hair had fallen in front of her face and she lay atop me gently sobbing. I pulled her off of me and to the side as I stood.

"Where are you running so quickly, Trixie?" I said in as much of an accusation as a question.

"Please, Jason, you have to believe me, you have to help me!" She pleaded, refusing to look me in eyes.

"What should I help you for? You offer me nothing but more pain and loss. Who are you really working for? Is it anyone but your own selfish desires?" I was yelling at her, scolding her further to the ground.

Taking a deep breath, trying to stand, "Why can't you see? We're being twisted and used. You know I would never do anything to wound you." On her knees, she looked up at my eyes, with a pleading look of helplessness.

Looking away, I stared into the vast white fog that seemed to represent my mind and soul at that moment. How could I believe her? Something about her eyes and this not so chance encounter seemed to warm my heart, make me forget all the crimes she had in some way helped perpetrate against me and my own.

Reaching down, I helped her to her feet. I grabbed her shoulders and squeezed tight, holding her gaze in mine. "Ramona, all that we've been through has made my passion for you grow stronger and the flames glow brighter."

"I know, Jason. This has all been tearing me apart..." These words and the sweet voice behind them melted my heart. She smiled, caressed my face and brought her face so close to mine, I felt her breath on my lips. "Please, no more..."

With that, our worlds became one. An embrace so powerful that I could see our very spirits dancing beside us in their own ghostly ballet. All at once, everything that seemed wrong in the world was suddenly right. My brain was lost and my heart was found. Never in my life had a moment so profoundly moved me.

Our moment was cut short by a roar of an engine at our side.

I looked to the intruder and saw Charlie sitting in a familiar cherry roadster about ten feet away. The fog had apparently lifted enough to see this new presence.

Pulling Ramona behind me, I stared a piercing gaze at my best friend behind the wheel. "What do you want, Charlie?! Why are you here??"

He revved the sports cars motor. "You betrayed me. You let me die. You brought me down. How could you do that? I loved you." He revved the engine once more.

"I didn't let you die! I would never betray you Charlie! You are like a brother to me!" I yelled this out in a high pitched wail, pleading with him. I feel to my knees. My hair fell in my face as I began to cry, to weep. His words were stinging me like red hot pokers in my gut. I reached back for Ramona, only to grab at air.

"Bullshit. I know you. I tried to help you. You have no idea what I could have given to you! ...If you had only loved me in return... You knew what was at stake. Now, you help him???" Charlie screamed out in a pained cry.

"But I am in love him! What do you want from me?" I heard myself calling out to him.

"My dear Ramona. I want you to pay for your sins." With that, the wheels screeched and squealed and the car was bearing straight down on me.

Time seemed to slow. I leaped to the side, rolled away to what I hoped was safety. Getting to my knees and turning myself around, I saw the car racing towards the spot where I just was - to the spot where Ramona now stood, holding my gun, leveled at the car.

The bullet left the chamber, the smoke rose from the gun. The vehicle seemed bent on destroying her. But the bullet found Charlie first, lodging itself into his skull. I tried to scream out, but my voice had no strength. I felt helpless to stop the car from slamming into Ramona, snapping her legs and tossing her over the hood. The car continued on and over the edge of the pier, taking driver and mangled woman with it, down to the murky depths below.

I was immediately running to the edge, tears streaming down my face, my insides burning. When I reached the edge to peer over, I could only hope and pray that somehow there would be survivors. All I saw was the sinking vehicle, floating in the black waters... and the bloodied body of a heavenly woman floating beside it.

My soul emptied. I screamed out to God or whoever would hear me, crying for justice or help or anything at all that could make this desertion and pain go away.

The Mustang below exploded in a giant fireball that knocked me back, and had me flying in the air, my body was Satan's playtoy. I slammed into the ground - only to have my eyes jolted open and a terrifying shout leave my lips.

- I sat up suddenly, convulsing and slamming my car horn hard. That only shocked me more. Drawing in deep breaths of air, trying to steady myself, I looked around.

Out of my windshield, I could see the sign, 'Caenavron's Cove'. It was almost dawn. I was in my car... I was waiting for the place to close, for the crowd to clear. I'm looking for Nick, I had to remind myself. I must have fallen asleep. Yes... I was looking for Nick.

Shit. Holy shit.

It took all of my willpower not to breakdown and cry right then.

MIKE

At 2:15, the last of the Cove's patrons drunkenly shambled out the front door. One by one, the neon bar lights winked out in the small barred windows. Still shaking off the rollercoster ride of emotions from the dream in the car, I found myself pounding on the door.

"Fuck off, we're closed. It's passed bar time," the Nose yelled from the other side.

"Nose! It's Jason, open the God-damned door."

"Hold on one second.. Jason.." The nasal voice stammered.

In my gut I knew the little bastard was going to run. Sprinting around through the alley, I turned the corner in time to catch Nose emerging like a charging hippo out of the back door. I just barely missed plowing into him.

Reaching out with my right hand, I caught Nose by the back of his jean jacket. Jamming my right foot hard into the asphalt I pulled Nose toward me. His feet slipped out from under him, and he sat down hard.

"Owwwww, fuck Jason, this is police brutality," he whined, staring up at me.

"Why did you try to run Nose?" I poked him in the ribs with my foot.

"Well fuck Jason, last time I saw you, you shot at me." He rubbed his ribs with a chubby hand.

"C'mon you sloppy bitch, back in the bar. You and I are going to have a serious conversation, and this time if your answers are not what I'm looking for, I won't miss." Nose's eyes got a bit wider, as he huffed and puffed to pick himself up.

I followed Nose back into the bar, winding my way through the alcohol laden tables and chairs. Assaulted, at one point, by the stench of a pool of vomit by one of the pool tables.

"Jesus Nose, this place went to hell."

"Cuz all you cops stopped coming in here once Charlie bit it..."

"Watch your mouth Nose, Charlie is...was a good man."

Nose looked up at me his eyes narrowing, a grin crept across his face.

Ignoring the grin, I continued. "Nose, where is Nick?"

"How the fuck should I know?? Last I heard, he was on some probation shit, running Kentucky kind bud up here. Got pulled over... three pounds in his car or some shit."

He leaned over and grabbed the well whiskey, poured it into a rock glass.

"Don't fuck with me Nose, everybody knows that... you know more. So why are you holding out on me?"

Nosed reached behind himself grabbing the Glenlivet he poured another glass and slid it to me.

"Jason I'm not on your payroll anymore, I don't owe yo..." I never let him finish, grabbing my rock glass I slammed it in to the side of his face . I felt the broken glass bite into my palm.

The Nose squealed, and doubled over clutching his cheek. Blood oozed from between his fingers. "Jason your a fucking psychopath, that's why fucking Charlie is the way he fucking is, you're a bunch of Gung-ho GI Joe mother fuckers," his voice rose a couple octaves and his eyes got wider. "You wanna know were Nick is, he is working for Charlie...." The Nose waited, expecting the shock. When it was not forthcoming he grunted. Grabbing a dirty bar towel he pressed it to his face.

"Tell me something I don't know Nose, or I swear to God you will not see sun up..." I leaned over and grabbed Nose's cheek through the towel. Slowly I squeezed, Nose clawed at my arm, screaming like sow. Blood welled between my finger through the towel.

The back door suddenly flung open. I pushed Nose down, and spun pulling my glock in the process, leveling it at a skinny man in a black suit.

"Leave Nose alone Jason," Nick said.

EMANUEL

"Niiiick" I cooed as calmly as I could. "I was wondering when I would be seeing you again buddy?!" I lowered the gun and casually leaned back against the bar.

"Fuck Jason, you look like shit," (and I'm sure I did too) "Take off Nose."

"But I-" Nose began to object.

"I said get the fuck out," Nick hissed and shot a cold glace at the bleeding bartender.

"Fuck you Nick, fuck the both o'ya!" Nose spat as he scurried out the back door, clutching his bleeding cheek and not waiting for a response.

"Well Jason, it's been some time hasn't it?" This was defiantly not the blithering half drunk petty criminal that we had taken in a few years ago. Nick looked sharp in his jet black Armani, further accentuated by the white silk scarf draped across his shoulders. He just looked healthier too, like he had been hitting the gym and staying away form the hard stuff. But the biggest change was in his eyes. They were no longer the fleety eyes of a frightened kid, but the cold and calm gaze of dangerous man.

"So how ya been, Nicky? You're looking damn sharp, must be doing well for yourself."

"I make a living. Now what do you want with me Jason?"

"Straight to business huh?" I forced a chuckle. "How about a drink?" I walked around the bar and poured myself a stiff three fingers of Scotch. "You will never guess who I saw the other day?"

"Oh? Who did you see?"

I shot the Scotch, and poured another. "Well… I saw Charlie! He isn't dead." I looked at Nick hoping to see some form of surprise, but Nick didn't even blink.

"So?"

"So? What the fuck do you mean so? Nick, the man you did jail time for killing IS NOT DEAD! Doesn't that surprise you just a little? Because it sure as shit surprised the hell out of me."

"Sorry Jason, that's just the way things are. Your just gonna have to deal with it."

"Fuck that!" I yelled and smashed my glass on the floor. "What the hell do you mean I'm gonna have to deal with it?" The front door of the Cove opened and a large thuggish type peeked his head in and gave me a menacing look. Nick casually waved him off and turned his attention back to me.

"Listen Jason, sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you just need to deal with it and swing away. We all have choices to make, and I am content with mine."

"Fucking philosophy from you Nick, that's a new one." Nick took an annoyed step forward.

"Shut up Jason, you are this fucking close to getting plugged, you hear me? Your cowboy shit is not going to fly anymore. You need to accept Charlie's offer, trust me its for your own damn good."

I just stood there in quiet disbelief. How could I have missed all this? Was this all going on behind my back? Was I really that naïve?

"Why the hell are you protecting a man that you were convicted of killing?" I asked.

"Its complicated Jason, and I don't expect you to understand."

"Try me!"

"I have certain obligations," he said, and for the first time I could see the frail Nick under those respectable threads. "Some sacrifices needed to be made."

"So it was all a set up? All that shit at the docks was some fucking plan that you guys had all worked out? Why didn't anybody tell me? Why was I not in on it?"

"Because you used to be such a fucking boy scout! And anyway, it wasn't up to us… we had our orders."

"So who was calling the shots Nick? Charlie would never have gone bad on his own, so someone big had to lean on him. Was it Alihandro?"

"Alihandro was a bitch ass, and he got what he deserved. I would have done him years ago if it was up to me!" Nick chuckled nastily to himself.

"So who was it Nick? Who called the shots?"

"Sorry Jason, I cant help you… I have obligations." With that he turned to leave.

"Fuck you and your obligations!" I yelled jerking my gun up. "I want some answers." Nick just glanced back at me and smirked. Reaching the door he paused.

"You need to get with the program Jason. Either you get with us, or you get dead capiech? If not, then the next time you see me you better be prepared to use that thing. Oh, and one last thing… stay away from my sister."

JEREMY

I'm not quite sure how long I was standing there dumbfounded, a bitter knot in my stomach and a cold sweat on my brow. Nick must have been gone for several minutes by the time I heard Nose speaking to me.

"I SAID, I've had enough of this shit from you guys and I want you out Jason! Out!!"

The Nose was shocked, I'm sure, when I turned and slammed the butt on my gun across his face. The blood and spit flew from his already broken nose.

I grabbed the back of his bloodied shirt and pulled him into my thrusting knee, doubling him over. My left hand was flying back to smack him across the face, making him tumble backwards to the floor behind him.

The rage had overwhelmed me, my closest friends were becoming my worst enemies, trying to lure me into their sick game. My mind tossed all rational thought aside as I kicked and pushed Nose even more. He managed to even get in one or two solid blows himself between his bellows and his cries for me to stop, but my blind fury was not hearing any of it. Lifting poor half-conscience Nose up off the bar, which he was leaning on for support, I focused my anger into my fist, holding it above his battered body.

"Jason. Stop," came a voice from behind me.

I closed my eyes, feeling a pain deep in my gut at the sound of his voice.

"Come on Jason, Nose may deserve this, but not from you, not for this and not now."

Opening my eyes, I felt the strength leave my perching blow. Taking in a deep breath, I lowered Nose gently to the ground.

Cracking my neck, I pulled a cigarette out my pocket and screwed it into my mouth. I lit it and took in a deep hit from the stick, letting the warming smoke smother out the flames that were raging within me. Keeping my back to him, "What are you doing here T? Have you come to try and talk me into joining this cult with the rest of my closest friends?"

Chuckling to himself, "No, Jason. Not at all. I came here to find you. I heard that Nick was coming to see you. At least that was the word."

"Oh yeah?" I said as I slowly turned around. "The word from who?"

"You know I have connections Jason, you shouldn't need to question that. But given the fact that you have just been betrayed by Nick and... oh yeah, Charlie, I suppose I shouldn't give you a hard time about questioning me."

"What are you doing here, Tommy?" Flicking the the cigarette off to the side, I moved in close to T, as if to strike him.

Not moving a muscle, "What are you doing here, Jason? What do you think about that offer of Nick's? And Charlie! Whoa! Pretty intense that he is alive and well, huh? I just found that out myself, I must say I'm as shocked as you."

Trying to sort out his riddles, "I don't understand, T. You just found out? So, what the hell???"

Big T's large form moved forward, much faster than his hefty frame should allow, "I asked you a question Jason. What do you think of the 'Wonder-fucking-twins' offer??" He pushed me several steps back, pinning me against the bar.

Stammering, "What the hell do you think? I feel like a God-damned spike has been shoved through my heart. I say no fucking way," spitting directly into Big T's face. "I chose my side long ago, and even if Charlie isn't the man he used to be, I learned a fuckload from him about right and wrong." Growling this out in a feral voice, "And I chose RIGHT. So I say fuck him and fuck you."

Our eyes were locked, a challenge had been issued and met, like two wild beasts, neither of us were backing down.

A smile began to creep across T's face, he released his grip. "Good," he said with complete sincerity, taking a few steps back. "I just wanted to make sure."

"...What?"

"Nick came to me a few days ago with an offer. The offer involved finishing something that Charlie had started before he died, with opportunities to finally be on top in this town. I told him it was just what I was looking for, but I had to think on it a day or two. That's when I contacted you. I told you to meet me at the church at midnight, that I had information regarding Charlie." Big T made his way around the bar and poured himself a stiff drink. "When I arrived, you already had company, that was the first time I found out our dearly departed friend had not quite departed. But I stayed back, I didn't want you guys to know I was there. God knows how those two found out about our redevous."

"So wait, T. You were going to warn me?"

"I was going to get your help. There is a little something I haven't told you Jason, and thankfully something I kept from all others too. After my years of hunting down the fugitives, I needed something else to do. Or at least more security with the job." He went into his pocket, pulled out his wallet and handed it to me. "Ahem, I've been busy."

It read: 'Agent Thomas Falcore - DEA'.

"So, Jason... Who is this woman?"

MIKE

"Ramona, Trixie, whatever she calls herself...." I paused, sitting down on the bar stool. "I suppose... I should start from the beginning. I received a letter at the station about a week ago, no return address, no nothing. Inside was a piece of notebook paper and a photo. The note simply stated: 'I have some information regarding someone you know. Meet this woman, her name is Trixie, at the Kitty Kat Lounge at 9pm. Signed Alihandro'.

"Now I must admit we have been chasing this pig fucker for years, so disregarding the obvious warning
signs of going into this situation alone... I bit, if only for the chance at Alihandro. Plus, what problems could I run into at a crowded club... HA!" I paused leaning over the bar, grabbed myself another rock glass and poured another Glenlivet. Big T stared at me intently. "Yah want a refresher on your whiskey Laddie?" I asked mimicking Big T's heinous Irish accent. He grinned and nodded.

"So I met Trixie at the Kitty Kat Lounge." I proceeded to fill him in on the events up until the present. After I finished, I screwed another cigarette into my lips. Big T looked pensive, slowly rubbing his hand back and forth across his chin stubble.

"Hell of an alibi," T said, finally breaking the silence.

"Excuse me?"

"Hell of a motherfucking alibi. Look at it like this: Nick has a sister we didn't even know about. Nick works for Charlie, and Charlie worked for Alihandro." T grabbed a cigarette from my pack, and lit it.

The realizations hit me like a club.

"Of course, Charlie wanted Alihandro out of the picture. Charlie has Ramona seduce him, so they have a torrid love affair. Meanwhile, Charlie becomes Alihandro's right hand man. When the big day comes to kill Alihandro they take suspicion off of Ramona, by having her meet and greet you. They kill Alihandro, and the only thing linking the cops to a suspect is Ramona- who... has been with me the whole fucking night and then promptly disappears..." Pausing I downed the rest of my drink and then slammed the glass on the bar. "And then BAM! Alihandro must have suspected something, so he sent some of his thugs out to gather up Ramona, or kill her. However, they run into my gun toting ass. Ramona, Nick, and Charlie pick up where Alihandro left off. While playing me like a fine tuned guitar."

Big T started to shake his head, "All the while your common sense was leaking out the head of your dick, for Ramona."

"If it's so neat and packaged T, then explain the fucker I chased down the 164 after he had tried to end my career? Who is he working for?"

Big T's eyebrows furrowed, and he stared into his empty glass. "Well... your theory does have its holes, doesn't it Jason." He crossed his arms and continued, "Could be another family, could be anybody," he shrugged. "Could have been Charlie himself trying to have you killed. Alihandro had a much coveted position and you seem to be shitting in everyone's cereal."

"C'mon T, why the fuck would Charlie try to have me killed and then turn around and make an offer for me to join him! That's absurd! Is this what the fucking DEA teach you? Jesus H Christ Colombo..." I knew the whiskey was making me belligerent, I wanted to take back the words.

Big T raised an eyebrow. "All right you drunken asshole, you don't want my help, fine! However your running out of friends really fucking quick, and you can't pull your head out of your ass long enough to get a handle on this cluster fuck. This is what I see going on, and I'm at least trying to help you put it into perspective, while your busy dreaming of Ramona sucking your dick."

Big T started to step forward his face flushing crimson. "If you don't start figuring this out your going to end up dead!" His face was inches away, I could smell the whiskey. "I REFUSE to feel responsible for your death because you were stupid!" He spat the last sentence, his breath seemed to burn on my face.

"I'm sorry Big T. Too much has happened in the past few days. I haven't been able to make heads or tails of it. It's frustrating the hell out of me. I'm sorry... Very sorry."

EMANUEL

Big T gave me pat on the back, "Now you are starting to sound like that gritty gum shoe I know and love. So what now?"

"Don't know, T. I'm so confused…" I said, burying my face in my hands. "I just don't fucking know anymore."

"Listen Jason, I know things are tough. I understand tough. You don't go through two tours in Nam without pushing the limits of what the body and the mind can endure. What I learned out there in the shit, is that you cant let it get you down. Going out on ambushes, I saw guys who had that look of defeat in their eyes even before we saw a hint of the VC. Those guys usually didn't come back. Once you give up in here," he said poking me in the head, "then it's already over."

"It just feels like I'm being toyed with, T. Like I don't have any power over what is happening to me. Every fucking time I try to take matters into my own hands someone else has gotten hurt. I just know that the next time is going to be me."

"Snap out of it Jason!" Big T yelled as he slapped my face, "you are not going to be one of those guys!"

Instinctively I jumped to my feet, fists up and ready, "Don't do that T, I'm not in the fucking mood."

"I don't give a rats ass what mood you are in, you whinny bitch," he said slapping me again.

This time I swung. With all the alcohol and rage sloshing around in my gut it should have been an easy blow to dodge, but T just stood there as I hit him square on the cheek. "You call that a punch? My four-year-old daughter can hit harder then that!" He said as he wiped the blood from his chin. With surprising agility T shifted his weight back and swung from the hip. Pouring his solid 270 lbs behind a rock hard fist he caught me right in the stomach. Doubling over the world seemed to swim around me as I clamored for breath. My lungs burned with such pain that I thought I might pass out. Big T gave me a moment to recover, then pushed me over with his foot. "You about done, Jason?"

I lay there for a moment breathing deeply, until T went to prod me again with his foot. Kicking hard at his planted leg I managed to catch his ankle and send him toppling down. In a flash I was on him throwing punches as best I could. He shielded his face with his massive hands until I ran out of steam, then he hit me square on the temple sending me flying. We both lay there on our backs staring up at the cracked and stained ceiling.

"I can't believe I'm laying on this floor!" Big T said, "I'm gonna need one hell of a bath after this."

I blinked dumbly for a moment then chuckled, "I wonder how many fights we have had in this place?"

"Ha, now I know the view all those dumbasses we beat down had… I can't say I like it much." We went silent for another moment and then burst into laughter. Although it hurt my ribs it felt good to let go and just laugh. It had been so long since I even had something to smile at I almost forgot what it felt like. We lay there laughing until we cried, and then scraped ourselves off the grimy floor. Leaning on each other we wiped the tears from our eyes.

"Thanks T, I needed that."

"Sure buddy, anytime you need a reality check, just call me. I will be glad to sock you one!"

I smiled at my friend. It was good to have someone I could trust in my corner again. It gave me strength and perspective. T was right, I couldn't give up, and I was not going to let them get me. It was time for me to end this, and it was going to end on my terms.

I turned to look at T and grasped his hand, "Take care man, and thanks again."

"Sure, sure. Here is my card, if you need anything ay all don't hesitate to call." Turning away from my friend I headed for the door. "What will you do, Jason?"

Without pausing I said over my shoulder, "What I have to."

CHAPTER: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Last Chapter Five Update: 12/27/02

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