Serious calls

[landiek]

It was a nightmare that became a reality. I was sitting in the hospital crying for my sister. In the moment of disbelief from the rumors that were whispered down the halls of the hospital.

The nurse brought me some coffee as I waited to speak with the doctor. The doctor merely confirmed the murder of my sister, Justine Clark. I wept for her as I reread the letter that she sent me. She had gotten in trouble once more and the police had spoken to her boyfriend, Rufus Jenson and a man called Lucky Rollins was thrown in jail.

I was told that some rumors popped up that Justine was working as a call girl downtown in Chinatown, Chicago. "What have you done, Just..what have you done?"

Lincoln Stevenson, was sitting in the waiting room too. I was able to convence him into bringing me. His eyes full of tears, since they had known each other for years.

I'm Tiffy Zimmerly, Justine's kid sister. I follow the old saying trust no one. I knew that I would have to have answers and no one seemed to be giving them to me. I returned to the flat that Justine called home and reveiwed her buddy list and sent messages to her buddy list friends informing them of her death.

Matthew Bryant was the first to answer me and let me know that he was alarmed by the news. I felt bad since he was willing to help with the funeral.

Casey Blynn was Justine's roommate for three years. She helped me pack up Justine's things. I felt that things were hardly said between us and I felt more miserable when I was driving back to the house that we grew up in.

Sharika Jones had dropped by to tell my parents that she was sorry to hear about Justine's death. It seemed that her death was effecting friends differently.

The police had released Lucky the day of Justine's funeral and I wasn't surprised to see him. I was surprised to hear that he was claiming his innocence. Something wasn't adding up and I was certain that my answers were waiting for me, somewhere in Chinatown.

I spoke to Casey and revealed that I was going to check into details that are being omitted. "Are you in with me? I can't let this rest, considering that she was found in Chinatown. A place that Justine hated going to."

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

I had been busy testing out some cracking software on the comp when the phonecall came through from Tiffy. I was in shock for a few seconds before i blurted out that i would help out with the funeral etc. Replacing the phone receiver i walked around my apartment and wondered where to start.

Sitting back down at my computer i pulled up a few old records i had kept from conversations with Justine to check over old haunts. I would find out later today if i was correct about something that had bothered me for some time now; why would she go to Chinatown of all places. Working away for what seemed like an eternity i picked up the phone and called Tiffy again.

"Tiffy i would like to come over and help you with anything else that needs doing" i said.

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

I had stood at the back of the crowd that came to the funeral, the cool air cutting thru my dark slacks and jacket, paying no attention to it but only the grieved family.

I waited patiently, letting the numbers pass by and each person pay their respects to Tiffany and then walk away, then approached her and the scathing look she gave me.

"I'm sorry for your loss and want to tell you despite what you think she meant the world to me. I'm going to find out what's happened and even the score for Justine"

I could tell it took an effort to bite off the retort she had ready, turning before I made a bad situation even worse, and walked slowly away.

The police had released me after holding me the maximun amount of time, trying their best to work something out of me..anything...and failing as I laughed at them and walked away...

Don't leave town for a few days until this is over They informed me and I laughed again, knowing that was exactly what I intended to do.

 

[landiek]

I wasn't very good at keeping a straight face or keeping strong. That was Justine, who was lieing in a casket now. Family and friends were there and I was meeting everyone again. I felt bad that I was depending on so many people.

I glanced over at Matt who offered to help so I elected him to be a pall bearer with some of Justine's other high school friends. I noticed another man at the funeral that stood out. I didn't know him by man but just the same he seemed to be mourning alone.

Casey was sitting on a chair in tears as the Reverand said words that were meant to comfort our broken hearts but I found no comfort what so ever in his long speech. I leaned over and squeezed her hand. I wanted Casey to know that I was there for her when dealing with the death and everything.

When everyone started to give me their condulances I felt numb until that man walked up. I recognized him! It was Lucky, the guy that was arrested for Justine's murder. What was he doing here? Yet the nagging suspicion was that he really wasn't involved as deep as the police were saying. I was half tempted to give him a hug when I noticed that look.

After he spoke, he left. I felt horrible that I couldn't say anything to him. No appreication that he came or anything. Maybe he felt the same way, I wouldn't know for sure as I was ushered into the limo.

Three days later I was going thur the last of her mail and found some letters from Rufus. I smiled at the hearts that were drawn on the envelope. That was like Justine to doodle all over the envelope and not open the letter. I was getting ready to do that when the phone rang. It was Mom, crying and being miserable. She sobbed for nearly an hour before I got anything intelligent from her call. Some guy called for Justine from the Jade Palace in Chinatown and wondered when she was coming in to work.

"I gotta go, Mom something just came up and I'm running late. Love ya" and hung up. Searching thur her things I found several books of matches from Jade Palace. Well, I was going to visit the Jade Palace and see what was going on there. I had even considered calling Matt for help.

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

The funeral went as well as it could and as it finished i noticed a guy speak to Tiffy before leaving. Sensing he could be trouble in some way i tried to think not of him as such but just the day getting to me. A few days later with still not much work on my new programmes as my mind kept going over things to do with my friends death. I couldn't get that guy's image from the funeral out either. Were they both linked, sketching up his image onto a piece of paper i paced my room like a caged animal.

Not having heard from Tiffy for a few days i wondered if everything was ok. Had she found a lead that needed following up. Taking a quick shower i left my place and soon arrived where she was staying. Knocking on the door i hoped she was home. Not hearing anything my mind started racing as to what to do next when my hand tried the handle and the door opened. Stepping inside i looked around and called out to Tiffy.

"Tiffy you about anywhere, came to see how you are and whether you found out anything else."

 

[landiek]

I heard the voice in the next room. "I'm back here and I think I found something"

I dumped out the box and found something else unusual. There were dozens of condoms packets. Some empty and some weren't. Just what the heck did it mean? Then I came across Justine's bank book. A week before her death she put five grand in the bank. How did she do that?

I looked into Matt's face. "I think Justine was in deep trouble. I also think that someone at the Jade Dragon is looking for her too" Tossing a book of matches at him that had a phone number on it and some note about a Bulls game. "What do you think?"

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

I heard Tiffy call from another room and stepping i saw her sorting out and moving some boxes. Noticing the condoms i just shook my head a little and tried to catch my breath. Catching the packet of matches i looked at the phone number, it didn't ring a bell to me.

Taking only a few minutes to gather my thoughts i softly smiled and started to speak.

"Tiffy i can call this number on the way down to Jade Dragon, you are welcome to join me but have heard its a rough crowd there."

"If Justine frequented there like it looks like she did then i am figuring the one responsible for her death is closely linked somehow."

 

[landiek]

"My thoughts exactly but I gotta get dressed first." Standing up in my teddy mini gown and panties. I smiled cause I was used to being dressed like this back home. I hoped that Matt wouldn't freak on me

I slipped past him and rushed in the bedroom and tossed off the teddy and threw on a dorm shirt over some short shorts. Then in the bathroom and closing the door to take care of the toiletries.

"Okay I'm ready" I snatched my purse and was headed for the door.

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

My mind had been all on the packet of matches, the phone number and the Jade Dragon that i hadn't even noticed what Tiffy was wearing. I didn't think it was anything that i needed to worry about and i had sort of pushed my way into where she was staying. In future i would knock more and wait i thought to myself as i waited for her to come out.

I turned as i heard her footsteps and watched her heading for the door, following her out i closed the door and proceeded down the stairs. Stopping at my car i looked at Tiffy as i gathered my thoughts.

"We can take my car, will use my comp on the way to the Jade Dragon as well as call this number."

 

[landiek]

I glanced at his car "Wicked wheels" then whistled.

The other thing that caught my attention was that he mentioned his computer. That was surprising to hear!

"I can call while you drive unless you think that you can get further then I can." Then I thought about it, more then likely he would get further, since I was unfamiliar with Chicago.

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

I heard the whistle from Tiffy as she looked at the car. Twas nothing flash from my point of view but i had made a few modifications. As we both got in i picked up the phone and flicked a switch. Starting the car we drove off towards the Jade Dragon.

Having dialed the number i spoke eloquently" Yes i was wondering if you could help me" the conversation flowed back and forth until i realised it wasn't helping me much. Half slamming the phone down i looked at Tiffy and smiled.

"Tiffy that guy was useless but did get a trace on his location from my computer, will track that down later."

Soon i was right near the Jade Dragon and taking a few deep breaths pulled in, parked the car and started to get out.

 

[landiek]

The Jade Drgon was impressive from the start. From the outside it resembled some of the house in China with the swayed roofs and teired levels. The red coloring made it even more impressive as the spotlight moved across the rooftop showing off the jade statues that graced the four corners.

"Wow" I looked up the building and then looked at Matt. "Maybe eating here might help too."

We went inside and was greeted by a woman in her forties, that was wearing an obi and sash of emerald green. She directed us to a table and promptly sent a waiter to our table.

"I've hardly eaten oriental, so you pick something. On me and maybe we'll get a lead." I smiled trying to be optmistic and handed the menu to Matt.

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Entering the Jade Dragon i looked around and was in awe of all the detail intricacies on the woodwork. Taking a seat i took the menu and perused it. My eyes moved occasionally from the menu around the room as i recalled the image of that man. The waiter returned and i ordered our meals, nothing fancy but it would do.

"Tiffy this place is making me think there is more to it than just a restaurant. There could be another building attached somewhere."

 

[mya]

Casey Blynn (Justine's roommate and friend)

I’d been amongst the crowd of mourners at Justine’s funeral that day and when I’d broken down in tears, Tiffy’s comforting hand was there on mine even as she dealt with her own grief. When I saw Lucky stride in as though he belonged at the funeral, my temper rose. Afterall the cops thought he’d done it—they had arrested him for Justine’s murder. All I knew for sure was that he’d been hanging around Justine for the last few weeks, and something about him didn’t sit well with me. When I saw the murdering Lucky move in on Tiffy at the funeral, I moved closer to stand beside her to lend her some of my strength. My blue eyes drilled angrily at him as I wrapped my arm around Tiffy’s shoulders for support. Of ALL the nerve, the jerk didn’t just have the balls to show up at the funeral, he even dared to give Tiffy his condolences.

The only redeeming factor in Justine’s interest in Lucky was that it meant she spent less time with Rufus and therefore he wasn’t around our place as much. Halleluia! As much as I didn’t like Lucky, I disliked Rufus more. Rufus was Justine’s boyfriend. He was a star football player, with an athlete’s muscular build. His skin was nicely tanned and his dirty blond hair was streaked with pale blond highlights. Personally I think both were unnatural—the tan probably came from hours at a tanning salon, and I’m pretty sure that the blond highlights came from a bottle. Sure he was sexy as hell, but he knew it, and he acted like he knew it. And he couldn’t keep his hands to himself. One thing for sure, Justine was better off without the jerk.

When Tiffy came up to me after the funeral noting that things just weren’t adding up with Justine’s murder and asked me if I would help her, I couldn’t agree fast enough.

“Sure Tiffy, and I totally agree. Justine wouldn’t hang out at Chinatown that’s for sure. Something’s fishy there. You know you can count on me to cover your back so to speak. I want to see Justine’s murderer brought to justice.” I scowled in Lucky’s direction again. In my mind the cops had indeed arrested the right person. Unfortunately they’d let him out again too. I couldn’t wait to get him behind bars.

I kissed Tiffy on the cheek and gave her a big hug before leaving the funeral. “Don’t forget to give me a call when you’re ready to start checking into things. I’m ready and raring to go.” Tiffy nodded and hugged me back as she blew her nose once more. I returned home to my quiet and now empty-feeling apartment with a renewed sense of purpose. I couldn’t bring Justine back, but I could sure as hell help snag her killers.

I waited at home for a couple of days. Since Tiffy hadn’t called, I called her. The phone rang several times before her machine picked up. Tiffy wasn’t home. As I waited for the beep, I twirled my long red hair around my finger. BEEEEEP “Hi Tiff, it’s me Casey. I’m hoping everything is OK. I thought you might have called me by now. But since you didn’t, and I know you’ve got a lot on your mind right now, I just wanted to tell you again that I can’t wait to help you with your mission. Call me soon OK. Any hour of the day. With any job you might need doing—anything at all.”

 

[Your Lady X]

Sharika Jones (Justine's friend)

Sharika hadn't known what to think when she got the call.

It was hard to believe, of course. Justine had been so full of life, and it was strange that she couldn't just pick up the phone and call her. The two had had a lot in common... particularly their choice of vocation. Both were working as prostitutes, and had shared a lot of ups and downs together.

Damn...

Just the tuesday before last they had went to a little no-name shop together and had their nails done, long and slick. Justine had joked then that the nails were for self defense rather than vanity. How strange that seemed now.

Justine's death affected Sharika harshly, because she knew the risks that came with working the streets. There wasn't a girl out there who didn't. It hit close to home. She chose not to attend the funeral.

For the next few nights Sharika had had nightmares of Justine's visitation... of approaching the casket and finding not her friend's cold body, but her own, still and silent. She woke in a sweat, each time with a sense of danger that was hard to shake as she went through her day. She dreaded the approach of evening as she would set out to her regular corner, which was noticably more seedy than the one Justine had worked. She would have killed to have the spot... so would a few others.

Girl aint using it no more...

The thought flashed into her mind, and she pushed it out just as quickly. It was probably taken by now, and it was horrible that she was thinking of profiting from her friend's death. But the idea pursued. I aint as classy as you, girl... she thought, But I gotta live...

She flagged down a taxi and told the driver to take her to the corner of 5th and Vine. Justine's Corner.

 

[landiek]

We were sitting in the corner that gave open view of outside. I was surprised that you could see almost three blocks from here. I scrambled thur my pocketbook and pulled out a book of matches. I glanced at the note scarlled on the backside. Fifth and Bulls. What did that mean?

I glanced at Matthew after he mentioned soemthing about this place.

"Yes, I heard that at one time it was the Chinese Theather. There is four levels to the place if I remember correctly."

The mix of languages seemed to drown any suggestions we made about our worries or decisions. I noticed that one girl that was serving drinks was wearing a necklace like one I had seen before. I frowned and tried to think of what the police hadn't done already.

"There are stairs back near the kitchen." I noticed a man going upstairs in a business suit. I just didn't see the staircase in the main room.

The waiter brought our meal to the table and told me something odd. "We miss you. You no come around. Yang think you no like food. Say you no go to other Chinese Restaurant."

"Excuse me, I've never been here before. You have mistaken me for someone else." I muttered.

"So sorry, Miss ." He quickly walked away.

I gave Matt another glance. "What do you make of that?"

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

I looked around the room as we waited and listened to the waitress speak to Tiffy. A soft smile creased my face and pondering for only a few minutes i started to speak

"I think that young waitress is saying that Justine used to visit here, maybe there is another chinese restaurant somewhere else that she started to visit."

Taking note of the stairs i moved my chair back and started to stand up. Only taking a few steps i stopped near Tiffy and spoke quietly.

"I am just going to investigate that door near the kitchen, will be back shortly, i will leave you my phone in case i don't return too soon."

I strode across the room stepping out of the way of another waitress as i neared the door. Trying the handle it opened and i headed through it. Taking a quick look around i saw another couple of doors as well as another staircase.

 

[landiek]

I nodded and watched as Matt disappeared behind the door. I fidgeted in my seat but remained pretty calm. I debated on going after Matt so that he wasn't alone. Yet that would mean that I was not trusting his gut instinct.

The upstair rooms were designed to resemble the homes of a family in China. The rooms were luxuriosly decorated with marble statues that overlooked the room. Guardain symbols marked the four walls. Tapestries graced the walls and elaborate screens separated the opening from the bed that housed a young girl. Some rooms opened easily as others didn't. Shoes were neatly placed outside of the room occupied by a girl and her guest. The man in the suit entered the green light room and placed his shoes on the floor. The walls had many cases of ancient weapons that marked years and years of craftmanship. Some dated to the Ming Dynasty as others were placed under glass to preserve the honor that the blade held. Insense was lit to give honor to the relative that bore the symbol. Centuries of lineage in one place, marking the wealth associated with this family and the restuarant. Whispers came from several rooms indicating that someone was being treated as royalty and others echoed soft sobs. Upstairs held a wide variety of adventure, depending on what one looks for

I looked out the window and noticed a cab stopping down the way from the Jade Palace. I blinked as I recognized Sharika. What was she doing over here near Chinatown?

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Looking at the doors around me and the staircase i wondered what to do. Had i made the right decision by leaving Tiffy out there or should i have asked her to join me. There was no turning back now i thought to myself as i opened a door only to realise it led to a back alley. Closing it i opened the other , nothing much either there .

Taking a few minutes to gather myself i headed up the stairs and stepped onto a landing. Walking along the smallish corridor there were doors on one side and sounds coming from within most. Stopping at a larger landing area i noticed a large window, looking out i took in the vast scenery that lay ahead of me.

As my eyes looked out the window i heard some faint noises from a room nearby, walking closer to the door i stopped and took a few deep breaths. What could behind the door i wondered to myself as i turned the handle. I was certainly feeling pretty brave i thought to myself. Looking around i only noticed a couple of mice scurrying across the floor, cursing under my breath i stepped back out onto the landing area and breathed a little easier.

"Where to next in this damn place " i said out aloud before all went black for me.

 

[landiek]

I felt like I was ready to pace the floors waiting for Matt. I listened to any noises that might have came from where he went. I had a gut feeling that something was going wrong, deathly wrong. I picked up the phone and then wondered who should I call?

 

[Henry]

Matthew Bryant

Some time later i woke with a headache like i had never had. Trying to get focus on where i was i realised it was a room in the restaurant upstairs somewhere. No one else seemed to be around for the time being as i tried to stand up. Grabbing hold of the bed railing i half stumbled across to the door.

I wasn't sure if i was bleeding or not but one thing was for sure, there was no way i was staying in this damn restaurant any longer. Stumbling into the hallway i half fell and managed to steady myself against a railing. Holding onto the railing i looked around the area as my focus started to come back.

Noticing a set of stairs i headed towards them when i realised i didn't have a clue where Tiffy was. Sheesh what would i do now if something had happened to her i thought to myself. Getting closer to the stairs i noticed her and called out to her.

"Tiffy if you don't mind i would just like to get out of this place" as i put my hand to my head , then looked at it revealing some blood.

 

[landiek]

I jumped from my seat and rushed to Matt's side. Helping him from the bottom of the staircase and to the table as someone called for an ambulance. This wasn't good! Since Matt was bleeding it gave me evidence that someone was out for more blood but Matt really didn't need to be it.

"Matt the ambulance is on it's way. Do you want me to follow in your car? Matt please stay with me!" I was panicing like a poodle needing outside. I needed to know that Matt was going to be okay.

I quickly dailed Casey's cell and told her about our visit to the Jade Palace and Matt being attacked by someone. I said that I was following the ambulance to Mercy in Matt's car. "Casey can you met me at Mercy? I think someone is out for more then Justine's blood."

Dispite Matt's protests, he went to Mercy as I waited in the lobby. I looked at the matchbook once more. There was a huge clue in that scribbling, if only I had a clue what.

 

[mya]

Casey

"Tiffy!!! Thank God you're both safe at least," I exclaimed into the phone as she filled me in on what had just happened. "It sounds like Matt will be OK but I think it's a good thing he's getting checked over at the hospital. I'm on my way. I'll meet you there in 15 minutes."

I pulled on my running shoes quickly. Dressed in slim fitting blue jeans with a sleeveless white t-shirt tucked into the waist and a wide black belt with silver grommets, I grabbed my purse and keys and trotted to the Explorer. I sped to Mercy to meet Tiffy.

Zipping into a parking space, I hurried into the waiting area of the hospital, my eyes scanning the crowd. I saw Tiffy in the corner examining an object in her hands. I sat down beside her and gave her a hug. "Hey Girl! You've got to find a better place to meet guys!" I teased her trying to make her laugh. She'd been spending much to much time waiting in hospitals lately.

My eye caught the object Tiffy clutched in her hands still. "What do you have there? Is there anything I can do for you or Matt? There must be more to Justine's death. " Before I even gave Tiffy a chance to start answering my questions, I snorted in disbelief, "I don't suppose anyone's seen Lucky have they? How much you want to bet he doesn't have an alibi either?"

 

[BLACK BART]

Lucky

Cursing I dragged the heavy body of Ching's lieutenant down the stairs and to the riverside.

"If she would have only listened to me Matt wouldn't have a lump on his head and she'd be talking to Ching himself right now."

I had scrambled as it became obvious where the pair was headed and arrived too late, the place was emptied as the drill went, the occupants expecting the raid but not knowing who was coming. It worked well, all that had happened on the past was a few furnishings were broken up, a few articles small enough to carry were stolen, and life went on as usual.

But it was different. Without a face the lieutenant would recognize he had lingered and when he realized there was only a pair? He had set out to eliminate them both.

I cursed because his death had become necessary, he was too dangerous to tackle face to face, so I was forced to the last resorts.

"It's not much of a funeral but your men will find you down river."

I gave his eulogy and then erased my tracks, knowing the knife still imbedded between his ribs was wiped clean as well, and by the time his death was discovered it would never be reported to the authorities.

They had a way of dealing with their own problems in life...

I knew that from harsh experience, as did any one else that lived on the streets, and as should anyone that came to this side of the river.

Sliding onto the stolen gas powered moped I pulled the hood of my sweatshirt into place and set off on a different direction, begging forgiveness from the missing owner for the trouble I would cause in them recovering their wheels.

"I'd like to talk to Tiffany Zimmerly, she should be waiting for a friend who's being treated...Matthew Bryant? By the way if Matt is there can I ask how he's doing?"

I was relieved as the news he was stable and not in danger came across in clipped tones, though any more details were refused even though I claimed to be his uncle...(a small white lie hopefully forgiven due to my concern over him)

"Tiffany?" I verified as the unsure voice came on and she assured me it was. "Unless you want Matt or any of your other friends to keep getting get clobbered or worse.... meet me under the old railway bridge in 15 minutes. You know where that is? Good, see you there"

 

[landiek]

Casey's joke made me feel uncomfortable because I felt guilty that Matt was hurt. Even after the doctor said that he'd be fine and bandaged up

"What do you have there? Is there anything I can do for you or Matt? There must be more to Justine's death. " Before I even gave Tiffy a chance to start answering my questions, I snorted in disbelief, "I don't suppose anyone's seen Lucky have they? How much you want to bet he doesn't have an alibi either?"

"I never saw him... that doesn't mean that .. what happened is his doing, Casey." I defended. "I found this matchbook in Justine's things. I was curious about the .... Fifth and Bulls. What does that mean to you?."

I handed Casey the matchbook when I heard a ringing phone.

The nurse replied, "Yes, she's here. As for Mr Bryant, nothing can be released unless you are an immediate relative. One moment and a nurse will have her come to the phone sir."

I walked over to the nurses desk after hearing the page. "I'm Tiffany Zimmerly."

"Phone call .. take it in the chapel line two."

I headed into the chapel and picked up the phone and pressed the lite button. "Hello? Yes this is Tiffany."

"Tiffany?" I verified as the unsure voice came on and she assured me it was. "Unless you want Matt or any of your other friends to keep getting get clobbered or worse.... meet me under the old railway bridge in 15 minutes. You know where that is? Good, see you there"

"Who is this?...... the old railway bridge..... yes, I know where that is .... " I looked at the beeping telephone. Did I trust the caller? I wondered if I should tell Casey or Matt. I glanced at my watch.. no time to waste.

Walking back to Casey. "Something popped up and I am needed home right away. Can you wait for Matt? Here are his keys, just in case he might need them. I'll call you tomorrow.. okay?"

Casey gave me a worried look but nodded and I headed out the door and caught a bus and headed for the corner. Getting off and walking four blocks to meet up there. I kept my hand over the pepper spray just in case and mentally prayed that I would not be killed by my own stupidity.

As I slowly made my way under the old bridge I caught a glimpse of a headlight. "Are you the one that called me at the hospital?"