Knights of Labor

Chapter 1

Who Were They?

The mind was racing. The body was filled with adrenaline. This was an intense moment. She knew there was a lot on stake. This moment had come, and now it was time to take advantage of it.

This mature woman, in her early thirties, had on her favorite black-and-white outfit. She wore it underneath her white vest with black writing. The jacket had a strange indescribable signal on it with the words Knights of Labor written underneath it. Her boots were black and had the same logo.

This woman, known as Janelle Roxanne, had jet-black hair with blue eyes and was pale-skinned. A mixture of Italian and Puerto Rican, she was beautiful. She wore a limited amount of makeup on her face.

At this time, she was in a famous city close to the capital city, District of Columbia. This city, known as River Coast, was closer to the Atlantic Ocean. River Coast is a big attraction along the Atlantic Coast, but Janelle wasn’t there to enjoy the sights. She was here on a mission.

She was on Forty-Fifth and Sunshine Boulevard, in an abandoned office. Or at least that was how it appeared when she went there. She had kicked the door open and ran through an empty hallway with her pistol at hand. She was determined to find what she searched for or whom she searched for. She felt her anxiety rise while running through this empty hallway, expecting for something to surprise attack her. Every time she went to an intersection, she looked in every direction, just in case of a surprise attack. So far, nothing.

She felt her heart pump harder with every moment that past. On the outside, she looked calm and ready for any surprise that came her way. She was used to being in situations like this, she had been through many of them in her years. She knew when it was too quiet, someone could be plotting, scheming an attack.

She kept her guards up while checking the walls on both sides. She saw pictures that had no interesting designs or anything she wanted to know. She kept it moving and she starts hearing cries. She knew she had closed in on her objective. The sudden cries caused her to react faster. She ran toward the cries. She turned left at the next intersection and ran through this next hallway, realizing the voice was a child.

She heard the cries grow even louder than before. She ran past a locked door initially after the turn and that was when the cries were at its loudest. Janelle became frantic and she ran back to the locked door. She tried opening it but at first it didn’t budge. She thought her time was short, so she wasn’t wasting any time. She had to save the child now. She put all her weight on the door trying to get it open; however, it still didn’t budge. She decided if she couldn’t open it by force, she’d use the next best thing—her gun.

She pointed her gun toward the door and she waited momentarily. She felt her heart drop to her stomach before she let off the first shot. Three bullets and the door lock was broken. She then kicked the door open and entered the room. She proceeded with caution.

The child, a young girl, was on the floor crying. She had been in this room for who knows how long, and it showed on her face. Her eyes were red from crying this whole time. Her hands trembled with fear constantly. Her legs shook even though she sat on her knees. Her hair was unkempt, and it looked like the girl had been pulling on it constantly.

This girl was Elliot. Janelle was told by her leader to search for her after word got out that both her and her father went missing suddenly. She had found that girl after fifteen minutes of searching for her.

Janelle went toward the girl after placing her weapon to the ground. She hugged the girl and placed Elliot’s head near her bosom. Her first goal was to try and calm this girl down to make her feel safe. She spoke to Elliot in a calm voice even though she was just as nervous and anxious as Elliot. Don’t worry, Elliot. Your safe now. You’re in my care. She rocked back and forth while holding Elliot.

Elliot cried for a little bit longer but slowly died down. She felt comfortable in Janelle’s arms and it stopped her tantrums. The young girl with a squeaky high-pitched voice was curious. How did you find me?

Janelle had thought for a moment before she gave Elliot the answer. She thought of a lie she believed would work on Elliot. Your dad was the one that sent me. He was looking for you and he’s very—

Elliot immediately shook her head and knew that wasn’t the case. She wiped the dry tears from her eyes when she did that. "That’s not true. He wasn’t the one and I know it!"

Janelle continues to act like she was sent by Mr. Prowers. How do you know he didn’t call and told me his baby was missing on Forty-Fifth and Sunshine.

But Elliot was persistent. She told Janelle what she knew. Because he was here with me. Until they took him from me.

Janelle wanted to know who these people were. These people were also on her hit list. Her boss had slightly mentioned this was a possible gang attack. Or something like that. Janelle didn’t quite remember everything the boss told her. And who are they?

Some bad men. Evil men. I can tell. Just by their appearance. I saw their type in cartoons. They were all big and broad. Scary looking. Red eyes. Look like the devil. Daddy told me to hide here and lock the door when I went in here. Elliot pointed to a television behind her. This is a surveillance TV. I saw them take my father and drag him off. I couldn’t hear him but I saw his face. He was scared, frightened… Never seen my daddy like that before. Elliot started tearing up again.

Janelle continued caressing Elliot and encouraging her. She kept telling Elliot things would be okay. She felt Elliot’s pain but also needed more information. Please tell me. Did you see exactly what they look like? What outfits they had on? And when did this happen? Janelle wanted to play the surveillance but first she wanted Elliot to feel fully comfortable with her. She could feel slight tension building up.

Elliot answered again quickly, I lost track of time. I been here with no phone, no food… Elliot’s stomach growled. I’m hungry. I need some food in my gut. I haven’t eaten in so long! Elliot started groaning while holding her gut. She rubbed her own gut.

Janelle promised she would get this girl food, whatever it was. And I’ll take you to Mommy. Just let me know where she lives.

Mommy doesn’t live anywhere around us. She moved to Magnolia, Texas. She’s there with her new boyfriend. It’s just me and Daddy here.

Janelle didn’t utter another word. She moved toward the TV while still holding Elliot’s hand. She turned it on and just like Elliot told her, the surveillance cameras popped up. Each channel was a different camera in this abandoned building. Janelle checked every channel before she found the camera pointing to the hallway outside the room. As she looked at every channel, Janelle was curious. Why would your daddy bring you here? What is here for him?

This was his old business. He recently lost majority of his money. Some suit-wearing people came to our house and took majority of his possessions. They claimed they were taking back what was already theirs.

Janelle assumed Elliot’s father had evaded taxes. Janelle nodded and focused back on the surveillance. She tried rewinding the footage but she couldn’t. At least, she didn’t figure it out just yet.

She showed no anger though she was pissed. She needed more evidence on how these men looked. Elliot’s description wasn’t enough.

Elliot continued describing the thieves to Janelle. Two of them looked black. All black. One man looked Spanish and another looked Indian. Three men had long hair. One had short hair.

Janelle heard enough. She placed her hand up and thanks Elliot for trying her best. Thanks. How about this? How about we leave here. This place is eerie and I think it be best if I get you some food. Then I’ll see where I can take you.

Elliot’s stomach growled again. And Elliot asked, What were you going to do if you saw those men?

I would pay them a visit. And convince them to bring your father back.

Elliot remained inquisitive. She also noticed Janelle’s slim figure. She was certain Janelle wouldn’t try taking on those big men with her slim figure. They are all three times your size. Are you sure you’d be able to convince those great big men? They look like they have the same attitude my classmates have. Well, some of them.

Janelle reassured Elliot that size didn’t matter. Size doesn’t scare me, Elliot. I’ve stood up to some big bullies before. The old saying has always been true. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Janelle held Elliot’s left hand and slowly walked through the hallway. She moved at Elliot’s speed.

Elliot then changed the subject. My dad hasn’t gotten me chicken nuggets in a while. I want some chicken nuggets!

Elliot didn’t realize this. I was a part of a vigilante group. A major vigilante group that made its way to eight main cities in the US. We were the Knights of Labor, a group dedicated to cleaning up the leftovers the cops couldn’t apprehend. There was many of us years ago, having at least eight per city. We went up against some major criminals and many of these battles, we overcame. There were only a couple incidents were that wasn’t the case.

The cities we resided were mainly these. We had Imperial City in New York, Los Ace Dos in Southern California, Angelinos in Northern California, Magnolia in Texas, Yahmira in Illinois, Carson City in Pennsylvania, which also stretched out to South Jersey, Empire City in Northern Jersey, Lancaster in Florida, the nation’s capital, DC. All together there was close to sixty-four members, with a possibility of more.

We as a group went against some major groups that terrorized communities. Our main enemies were the Tailores, a group we spent years cleaning up their mess. And still to this day, there are some stragglers lurking. But not for long…

I was originally from New York branch of KOL. I and a few of my closer friends had joined the group after witnessing some of the most gruesome crimes happen to people closest to us. From that day up until now, ten years later, I’d seen some major victories. I’d been through it all. I’d fought against some hasty criminals. Nearly died four times. Overcame each obstacle thrown in my path. And each battle had made me stronger. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. And I had grown accustomed to this lifestyle.

The KOL had gone through some serious changes throughout these ten years. Many people have decided to depart the group. Others died for the cause while some went missing. And still others like me have remained in the group, but only few are left.

What confuses me, however, is the fact that some who used to fight for good have turned on the group. These people have killed some of their closest friends for who knows what reason. Hell, even one came after me, and I dealt with the situation accordingly. I believed that this wouldn’t be the last implosion either.

Which led me to why I was here now. Over the last couple years, I’d been making trips to each of the eight cities to help strengthen or encourage the remaining members of my group. I started with my cities Empire and Imperial first. Then I made my way around the US. Since the original founder of KOL died, these last two years had been the most hectic of them all. I technically became the coleader of the vigilantes by default and this journey helped solidify the remaining members. I’ve been to all but one of the cities. And that’s the nation’s capital. The District of Columbia. This was a pit stop before I head there, and my leader, the new leader of KOL had informed me on this job. Since River Coast was on my list as the official ninth KOL city, I decided I’d take this detour and make the most of it. My goal now was apprehending those criminals on the hit list—the ones who had Elliot’s father as a hostage. When I finished here, I would head straight to DC, which I planned on being there for at least six months or so. I had personal work there anyways.

Speaking of that personal work, I recently found out someone in my family has moved to DC from Los Ace Dos. It’s important I meet her since we have been separated from birth. We found out through research and a mutual party that we were indeed related. And since then, we kept in contact through texts, FaceTime, Skype, whatever we could use.

This is my story… well, partially. It’s also her story too…

Chapter 2

The First Mission

In another part of River Coast, known as Red Robin Court and Thirty-Second Street, was a group of five men. Four were standing in a house making preparations, while the other man was tied to a chair with rope in his mouth. The man with the rope in his mouth was Elliot’s father, Mr. Prowers, and the other four men were his abductors. One of the four still had his mask on. He was a black man with black and gold dreads. He had no intention on staying in the house. He left after staring at the window for close to an hour straight. He said nothing to his peers.

The other three men had remained in the living room and had no clue their fellow member had left. Their faces were mainly on the man whom they tied up. They were considering how they’d go about dealing with this man. Whether it be a ransom or if they’d be better off killing him. They kept these two options open for discussion.

One of the three was a broad Native American man named Reikko. He had long dreads to his knees and he’d been growing them since he was a kid. He never cut them once. He had brown eyes and was a milk chocolate complexion. He had scars on his face and arms. He also wore no named brand clothing and was highly spiritual despite the fact he was a bandit. He classified himself as a socialist, however.

Next was another black male with short black hair. He appeared like a thug. He had the tattoos and the chains while also wearing baggy clothes. He also had a very bad temper, which flares up whenever people ticked him off or said something he didn’t like. He was considered the official hothead of the group and the group relied on his anger tantrums for more intense jobs. His name was Leroy but his group alias was Le-Cannon.

Last of the three was Gonzalez, the Spanish one. Ezekiel Gonzalez. His parents named him from a biblical character named Ezekiel, but his attitude displayed opposite of that man. Gonzalez was a devoted atheist who constantly got into arguments on why God didn’t exist. He always had constant information and articles against there being a God. He would always get into debates with Reikko on this subject when they weren’t out robbing people. These three men stopped hanging in front of Mr. Prowers and went to see where their other ally went. They realized he was gone and they started their search.

There he goes again, Leroy complained. I wonder what that dude is thinking and where he be going.

Ezekiel shook his head and told Leroy not to even bother. You should’ve known he’d be good for doing that. He always been that weird type. Mysterious to work with but I’d rather have him with us then against us. He seems to have loads of knowledge.

Leroy nodded, agreeing with that statement. He then switched gears. Well, we been talking about this the whole day. I think it’s time we come up with a master plan. Are we keeping white boy alive or are we putting him six feet under? Do you think they will give up those jewels for an employee whom they rarely care about? Leroy glanced back at the room where Prowers was tied.

Ezekiel answered by shaking his head. You should know that answer, boy! We should focus more on how we’re breaking into that building and take those jewels. I’ve been thinking of methods that wouldn’t get us detected. Let’s start mapping out those rooms and how many guards are there?

Reikko added his suggestion. We should also consider the possibility of surveillance cameras catching our moves. I think instead of doing our usual schemes, we should come up with a new method of approach. Maybe we can get in through flirting with a female worker. Steal her heart, then we steal the goods. And who knows, maybe we get more goods than we expect. It could work way better than the usual method. I’m just throwing that out there.

That other dude is the ladies’ man. If we do go with this plan, he should be the guinea pig. Ezekiel was won over by that suggestion.

Leroy also agreed with the idea. He responded more scornfully. Yeah, that dude spends more time getting into pantyhose than he does helping us get into pockets stealing wallets. I swear that dude only thinks about getting his—

Ezekiel stopped Leroy in that comment. He wasn’t trying to hear any complaints against their fourth member. We won’t speak against our members, especially while he’s not present. He contributes loads to our group, so we must appreciate his commitment. Ezekiel then stated this after he walks back to the other room, Let’s take a few more hours and think through a thorough plan. Whatever sounds best after those three hours will come to fruition. Ezekiel points to Reikko, considering him as the voice of reason.

Leroy noticed and he grew upset. He then asked Ezekiel, And what do you think I should do? Leroy figured Ezekiel wanted him as a scout. And he was right.

Ezekiel then gave Leroy the task for the day. Make yourself useful and do some scouting for our next drop after we get the jewels. Make it worthwhile, Ezekiel waits for Leroy to leave before making this next comment. Finally! That nigga is too damn annoying. His constant nagging about that other guy is beyond annoying!

Reikko agreed as he walked toward Prowers. He removed the rope that was around Prowers’s mouth. Tell me about it. I don’t curse because it’s against my beliefs but Leroy makes me want to call him the B-Word.

Ezekiel knew that was the truth; the feeling was mutual in his opinion. That’s because he is a true bitch. You and I both know this!

While saying that, the rope was fully removed from Prowers’s mouth. Prowers began screaming and yelling at these two men immediately afterward. If his hands were untied, he’d fight them. He kept struggling, trying to break free from the ropes. It wasn’t going to happen though. His constant struggle was pointless.

Ezekiel laughs at Prowers’s constant struggle. Boy! You better stop. There is no way you can break free from the ropes. And even if you did, how far do you think you’re going? You think we’d let you walk out this door? Your best bet for survival now is sit and follow our directions. It may save your life…

Prowers didn’t like that statement, however; there was nothing he could do about it. He was under their control whether he liked it or not. He calmed down, but on the inside, he was furious. Mainly because his daughter was still out there. Also, there was no way he could get her. Her safety was what mattered the most at this moment. At the same time, he wasn’t mentioning her to them. He’d rather keep that info to himself and hope she’d find a way out that room. Maybe someone could somehow save her.

Ezekiel then said to Prowers, So, technician. How much do you think your worth? Your life I mean.

Prowers was silent for the moment and acted like he would respond. He lowered his head, and then he picked it up. He stuck up his middle finger at Ezekiel and Reikko. He then cursed them out.

Ezekiel laughed and liked that response. Good. Make this an interesting week. I like that answer. You’ll be dead within two days… Believe that.

Janelle and Elliot ran out of the abandoned building and into the main street. Janelle had her bike parked on the middle of the block filled with expensive houses. She took Elliot to the bike and then gets on it afterward. Janelle decided she would take Elliot with her to her hotel room after getting her some food.

Janelle drove from Sunshine Boulevard down toward Dakota Avenue, where the hotels and tourist attractions were. It was also no coincidence that Janelle’s hotel, the Caliguan Hotel, was a block away from Dakota Avenue. Instead of turning left and heading up to her hotel, Janelle drove straight into a parking spot closest to the beach. She exited and grabbed Elliot’s hand while heading toward the Boardwalk.

Loads of people were on the boardwalk enjoying the mild seventy-degree weather. Many of them were in their swimming outfits. Others had on shorts with flip-flops. There also were two trolleys full of people heading in both directions. One was en route to the tourist attractions on Abraham Road (first) and Dakota Avenue. The other headed north along the boardwalk.

Janelle walked the boardwalk with Elliot, looking for that nugget and fry spot she had seen the previous night. There were loads of restaurants and fast food places on the hotel side of boardwalk. Each hotel they passed had three to four of these stores and restaurants behind them. Janelle kept her eye out for the Chicken Shack until she finally finds it.

Elliot tags Janelle’s arm simultaneously. She wasn’t used to being around big crowds of people like this. She had a minor case of claustrophobia and she felt the headaches coming. She focuses on the chicken shack and tries ignoring all the faces around her. She never ate from the store and seeing the window menu intrigued her. Hey, Jah-Jah. Elliot gave Janelle a nickname. Let’s go and eat over there! My stomach is telling me that’s the place it wants to go.

Janelle had already intended on taking Elliot there. She went over there and ordered food for Elliot. As for herself, she wasn’t in the mood for food. She’d rather watch Elliot enjoy her food and then go back to her mission. It’s okay, Elliot. Dig in. I’m not hungry.

Elliot only needed to hear this only once. Since there was no sitting place in Chicken Shack, Elliot ate while walking. She was way too busy eating the nuggets and fries to notice the people or feel nauseous.

Janelle walked back in the opposite direction with Elliot, away from the big attractions that could be seen in the distance. She didn’t hold Elliot’s hand but kept an eye on her since she moved slower.

Elliot finished eating and something told her to look toward the beach. She turned and saw a broad man staring intensely at her. She didn’t look at him for too long; she believed she knew who that was. Jah-Jah, she called out, still walking behind Janelle. She played it cool while walking.

Janelle didn’t look in Elliot’s direction but she responded. Yes, what’s going on, babe? She waited for another trolley full of people to pass before she crossed the boardwalk.

Elliot responded, Don’t look now. But there’s a mysterious man on the beach wearing dark-colored clothes. He is looking hard in our direction. I’m not sure why but I get the feeling he is familiar.

Janelle looked indirectly toward the beach for a split second. Out the corner of her eye, she noticed the man Elliot mentioned. She also could clearly see that man had an aggravated look on his face. She thought that was strange. Nonetheless, she slowed down to Elliot’s speed and grabbed the girl’s greasy hands. She walked off the boardwalk and toward the hotel. Yes, I see him. He’s not your father, I assume.

Elliot shook her head otherwise while holding Janelle’s hand tight. She started to notice the groups of people walking around her and it started overwhelming her. Plus the sudden sight of a big man staring coldly in her direction frightened her. I’m scared. I think it may be one of the men who took my daddy from me! I want my daddy back!

Speaking of Prowers, that statement reminded Janelle of what Elliot had told her. She thought about it as she took Elliot in front of Caliguan Hotel. She discreetly looked back toward the beach and realized this man was headed her way. Janelle then assumed this mysterious figure (Leroy) was affiliated with the abduction. Don’t be afraid. I’m here and I won’t let you out of my sight.

Will you get my daddy back? Will you save him from these not-so-good boys! Please let me know! Elliot whined.

Janelle promised that she would save Prowers at all cost. I’ll find out where they have him and I’ll rescue him personally. No backup needed.

The two walked inside the hotel, and then Janelle points toward the staircase. She changed her game plan after noticing the mysterious man was after Elliot. She opened the staircase door and then allowed Elliot entrance before her. As she followed Elliot upstairs, Janelle asked her, So what is your dad’s profession? And why would it interest robbers?

Elliot was about to tell Janelle what she knew about her dad’s job. As she was speaking, the door closed behind her and Janelle. The conversation couldn’t be heard.

Leroy had immediately recognized Elliot on the beach. He knew they had her father captive, and he remembered the father locking this girl in the abandoned building by that library room. Leroy had thought back then it would’ve been good to have the girl and her father hostages; however, his colleagues didn’t agree with the plan. Which led him to now. Seeing the little girl with that beautiful woman forced him to believe that was her mother. And if that were true, he planned on abducting both of them for more of their money.

All right, little girl. You lead me to your mother and now you need to lead me to some serious cash. We know your family makes six figures. We know who your dad really is, Leroy said to himself before he began stalking them.

He left his spot on the beach and he walked through a group of beautiful women in their bikinis. He pushed some of them to the side while he had his eyes on Elliot. He walked through some crowds of tourists with a huge frown on his face. He also pushed a couple more people out his way while keeping his pace.

Eventually, he saw Janelle and Elliot walk into Caliguan Hotel through the entrance closest to Dakota Avenue. He decided he’d take that entrance in the back of the hotel. He cuts through the tourist clothes shop before he found the group of revolving doors. Since he came in through this entrance, he moved even faster, breaking into a jog.

Leroy scouted the hallways while he walked through the luxurious hotel. He had a weapon in his pocket just in case he needed it. He wouldn’t use it on the woman and the little girl unless it was a scare tactic. It really was for accidents like the cops or if some other male tried playing hero. He fiddled with the gun in his pocket for a little bit until he reached the main hallway.

Come on, little girl, he said to himself while he made it to the main hallway. He figured the two rode the elevator and he want to cut them off. He checked the elevator and saw it headed to the third floor. I’ll see y’all on the third floor. Uncle Leroy is coming. Leroy walked to staircase A, the same one Janelle and Elliot went into moments before him.

He took the stairs up one flight to the second floor and he stopped by the exit door. He opened it, and he looked into the hallway. He checked there just in case the elevator was a distraction. He closed the staircase door behind him and kept on moving to the third floor. Okay. You have to be on this next floor! I’m sure of it. He made it up halfway of the flight. When he got to the second half of the stairs, he hears a slight screeching noise from behind him. He looks back swiftly. The noise startled him, but he was prepared for whatever came his way. He takes out his gun and he looked toward the staircase. You think you can scare me little girl! Do you know who I am! He bellows. I’m part of the four men who stole those jewels back in Lancaster, Florida! We did it with ease and what you think you can do that’s different from those guards we took down? You’re better off coming with us and submitting to our authority! That’s if you want to stay alive.

He was saying this as he moved down the stairs slowly. He thought the screeching noise was the girl or her mother. He heard the screeching noise again, and it grew louder when he made it back to the main floor. He looked back toward the door and he noticed another door. This door led to the basement. The screeching noise came from the basement door. The noise was made again before Leroy opens the door.

Leroy unlocked the door and then he went further downstairs. The flight of stairs here were smaller than the regular flight. As Leroy walked down these stairs, the lights flickered on and off. Once he made it to the basement floor, the stair lights shut off again. The lights on this floor constantly flickered while he walked and followed the screeching noise. He heard what he thought was a motor making noise. Finally, he found out what made that constant noise and he placed his hands on his hips.

It was actually the air-conditioning system for the hotel. The system was a little older and needed oiling. The screeching came from the bolts between the conveyer belts rubbing on each other.

Leroy then shook his head. He let that sound distract him from going after that woman and that little girl. He figured they probably had disappeared into a room. Can’t believe I let them get away over this petty shit.

While he turned and headed back toward the stairs, he was caught by surprise. When he walked on the first step, he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He turns around and sees the one he thought was the child’s mother.

Welcome to Caliguan Hotel! Janelle then throws a fist at Leroy’s face while also kicking the gun out of Leroy’s hand. And why do you have a gun in your hand? Didn’t your mother teach you how to be a gentleman? Guess I have to do a refresher course on chivalry. Janelle rushed toward Leroy.

A little struggle between Leroy and Janelle happened. Leroy threw punches at Janelle, using his space and reach to his advantage. Janelle expected Leroy using this strategy, and she dodged his attacks with ease. She ducked a couple punches, and then she evades to the right when he does another attack. She saw her first opening and strikes. She hit him in the chest, and it pushed him back on the steps. While Leroy was in the sitting position on the steps, Janelle jumped on the wall. She pushed off the wall and the force from that caused her to do a spinning kick, connecting Leroy in the chin. She caused Leroy’s head to hit the other wall.

When Leroy hit the opposite wall, he was stunned immediately. He couldn’t defend himself against any other attack from Janelle. He forced himself to ask, What are you? It took a couple moments before he was back in his senses.

That was too late, however. Janelle was already on him after her last attack. She clobbered him some more with powerful kickboxing strikes. She also threw a few boxing combos, and she won the fight easily. She had Leroy where she wanted him, then she placed him in a chokehold for further insult to injury. Now, it was time for her to get some valuable information she needed in her search for Prowers. Otherwise, she’d continue beating the crap out of Leroy.

You better tell me what I want to hear. And if I don’t hear it, this won’t be a happy ending for you! Janelle exclaimed. She placed a tighter lock around Leroy’s head. You better believe that I’m not playing with you! Why were you staring at my client and why did you follow us here!

Leroy denied following her. You don’t know what you’re talking about lady. I wasn’t following you. Where is the proof on that?

Janelle wasn’t buying that answer. She continued holding Leroy forcefully. You want to hear a secret? she calmly asked. Well, I’m telling you anyways. I’ve trained myself in eight different fighting styles. I was twenty when I started and now I learned and mastered these eight fighting styles. What does that mean for you? I can break your arm in eight different ways. Keep messing with me. Janelle threatened Leroy while still holding on to him.

Leroy still acted like he had no clue what Janelle was telling him. You misunderstood me, woman! I work here and I was checking on the router. I have no problem with you. Leroy’s lies were too horrible.

Janelle could easily see through the lies. It made her even more frustrated. You really must think I’m stupid and didn’t see you! Janelle then switched positions. She used tai chi on Leroy, pinning him to the ground with six attacks. She didn’t stop there. She did jujitsu on Leroy too and could hear his cries with every attack. Then she forcefully grabbed Leroy by the neck and asked again, Why are you following my client and what have you done with her father! Don’t play stupid, the answer is written all over your face!

Leroy still wasn’t going to give her the answer she wanted. I’m going to sue you for all the pain you caused me. This is harassment and assault. You’ll be rotting in jail for what you’re doing now. Leroy felt a trickle of blood on his lip. You amazon bitch! You wrongly mistaken!

Janelle then used her elbow and elbowed the chest ten times. Each time she did it, she used more power. And she still demanded an answer from Leroy.

Leroy was slowly starting to crack. His lies weren’t believable and he decided to tell her the truth. You’re getting in way over your head. You may have taken me down, but what will you do against my team? They won’t go down as easily. Let’s see how you stand against them. Leroy then spat on the ground next to Janelle. And you’re going to have to kill me before you get any answer from me.

Janelle heard all she needed. She now knew he was one of the men who abducted Elliot’s father. There was no need for him anymore. You shouldn’t say that. It can be done. Janelle put Leroy’s lights out. She knocked him out and had another plan for him. We’re not done with you yet. I know a squealer when I see one. Your week just got longer!

Janelle then calls her boss and tells him the good news. I’ve got one of the men. There’s still three more out there. I’ll be working on getting to them soon.

Janelle then dragged the body all the way up the stairs to the second floor. She saw a few people look her way when she pulled up the body but she claimed he was drunk. She walked to the room 208, where she left Elliot. She used her key card and opened the door room. She dragged the still unconscious body in the room.

Elliot’s voice was heard, shocked that Janelle would bring the body here. She exclaimed, Why is this man here with us? Are you serious, Jah-Jah? Elliot was ecstatic, not knowing what Janelle’s intentions were.

Janelle reassured Elliot not to worry about it. Janelle had the perfect plan for him. Don’t worry about it, Elly. He won’t be here for too long. Hell. He won’t even know what hits him when we are finished with him. And trust me, when we’re done with him, your father will be saved. I can guarantee it.

Elliot shook her head. But she hoped Janelle had a smart plan. Okay, Jah-Jah. I trust you. I never hear of a good guy holding a bad guy hostage. That’s not how it goes in cartoon movies or stuff like that.

Janelle chuckled. She thought it was cute that Elliot considered her a good girl. Elliot called me a good girl. I thought that was interesting. The cops and the feds would consider me something other than a heroine or Good Samaritan. I guess in this case, I was fighting for the better good. Or maybe in this short time, I managed to become Elliot’s role model. Either way it did feel good, I mustn’t lie to you. Maybe this was a fresh start for me. Maybe my future considered of more heroic acts than my past.

Chapter 3

Fort Knox

I ’m telling you, guys, you should go with my plan. It will save you a headache, the mysterious one of the group said. He spoke to Reikko and Ezekiel as they discussed the plans going further.

Ezekiel didn’t agree with the dread-head black male wearing a ski mask. Listen. We talked about this before and we all came to an agreement. We shouldn’t be talking these petty ideas again.

Reikko, Ezekiel, and the Watchman had been walking on the boardwalk further up from the tourist location. They were on 125th side by the boardwalk and had met up an hour ago. This was about four hours since they had split up earlier. They were only missing Leroy, the one who had went missing awhile ago. They haven’t heard anything from him and it had sparked some concerns.

As they walked the boardwalk, they turned toward Dakota and headed to Turnpike 94. They had a car parked on the side street close to a shop that sold mopeds. They were about to head back to their main hideout. They’d done their scouting on random shops and had some ideas on their next move if the abduction plan had a fall out.

Ezekiel was the designated driver. He drove on Turnpike 94 and weaved through the traffic. He watched out for the tourists driving the mopeds as well as the drivers who went extremely fast. The traffic had died down significantly within the hour and it gave Ezekiel more freedom on the road. He was on the right lane after he passed the 125th Street bridge. From that lane, there was a stellar view of some million-dollar houses by the river. He had his eyes on those houses through the mirrors.

The Watchman continued his suggestion. You forget I was the reason you all made it away with those jewels in Lancaster. I know what I’m saying is the truth. Leaving that former CEO alone in our patio is only damaging our group rather than bringing in big bucks. We should focus on those small restaurants down California Avenue and that child park close by here. We have a better chance of revenue from…

Ezekiel considered himself the leader and all his decisions were final. Usually they were. Reikko and Leroy followed every move or decision he makes. Ever since the group formed in Lancaster, this Watchman was the only one who rebelled against his leadership. It was only until now that this frustrated him. And you propose killing Prowers. What else you claim will help us! Please tell us since you have the answers to everything!

Watchman continued, Your golden boy Leroy can’t be trusted either. I guarantee you when he gets put in hot water, his true colors will be revealed. Like a tea bag. I know a squealer when I see one. I have a radar on that like I have a ring for all that good pussy. And if you don’t believe me, please tell me where our affiliate Leroy is now.

Ezekiel turned that theory down immediately. Leroy? A squealer? Please! He isn’t a rat. He’d take a body before he snitches on family. But since we are on that topic, we have no clue who you are, Watchman! You have been the most mysterious one out the group. I know Reikko. I know Leroy. None of us know who you are. You wear masks and cover your face and do random disappearing acts. The only thing we know about you is you’re black, have dreads, and love white women. We don’t even know what your real name is. We call you by the alias, Watchman!

Watchman nodded. He agreed. You’re correct. It’s better for you that I don’t go into detail on who I am. It’s not important right now. Soon, you will know it all, Watchman teased, taking off his mask, but he pulled it back down. You will see for yourself. What I’m saying will happen in that exact order. Then you’re going to wish that you heed my warning. By then it will be too late. I won’t hear anything. My ears will be closed by then. Watchman then lay down in the back seat.

You are retarded, bruh. Ezekiel continued driving on the right lane, and he kept checking the signs before it was time for his turn. Eventually, he turns on Drake from Sixtieth Street. He went to Fortieth Street from Drake.

I’m slow but I’m also paid and good at what I do. I’ve been doing this for years. One day you will understand.

The conversation ended there once both men and Reikko arrived at Thirty-Second Street. Next, they went toward Red Robin Court and parked on the road over there. They exited the car as a group and headed to the house.

The plan was final in Ezekiel’s opinion. No changes would be made to the original plan. They would still keep Prowers as a hostage and would make a threatening video afterward. Then they’d go to his new job and personally create some problems. They’d definitely get the money they were asking for.

Watchman was against the idea wholeheartedly but he was outnumbered. All he could do was nod, even though Ezekiel’s plan was foolish. Nevertheless, he could still keep to his own accord. When they got toward the house, here’s what happened. Reikko and Ezekiel walked on ahead of Watchman, and they were moments from entering the house. They turned around and held the door for Watchman but he disappeared again.

Reikko had a response to that. He shook his head and then walked inside the house. There he goes again. And only the Lord knows what he has on his agenda.

Ezekiel agreed with Reikko. It was hard to tell who Watchman really was and if they could trust him or not. This guy is something else. He’s eventually going to tell us what’s on his mind. His motives will also be revealed to us. The one thing I learned about doing things in the dark is that it always comes to the light. Always!

The two men walked into the main room where they had Mr. Prowers. They gave him food and allowed him to use the bathroom under their direct supervision. They made sure he had no way of escaping.

After they finished letting Prowers freshen up, they locked him