Shark Killer

As the city cop was returning to my truck, his radio summoned him back to his car, only this time he didn't return. A stalled truck had suddenly became a low priority.
Ninemil's phone chirped about the same time the black helicopter made it's appearance.
I could hear G shouting through the earpiece "GO GO GO"
The city cop nailed the gas in reverse and smoked tires through the median, effectively blocking the westbound lanes, almost getting T-boned in the process.
The SWAT team was bailing out before the chopper even touched down.
Chad was oblivious to the commotion surrounding him as he frantically searched for the missing SI magazine and wondering where the hell Lola ran off to.
As I got straightened up and rolling, I got a glimpse of Chad facedown on the ground surrounded by large men in black uniforms.
I also saw blue lights approaching the scene from the west as the green GTO raced by with a pretty lady waving at me from the passenger seat. What the hell?
All I could do was let out the breath I had unknowingly been holding. WOW! was all I could say.
"You got that right brother" Ninemil said as he came out of the sleeper. "About that thing we talked about, you still ok with it?"
"Oh yeah, man. No problem. Don't hurt to pick up a new skill either. Never know what life is going to throw at ya"
That's when Ninemil got a call from Brother G.
"Yall ok?" he asked him
"Yes,sir. We fine. Everbody get out ok?"
"Yeah, we done good. Now look here, it ain't a good idea for yall to be showin up at that little private airport in that big truck, what with all that commotion back yonder"
"Oh, I understand" Ninemil answered."Listen boss, I ain't never had a real vacation, and I was wonderin if it would be ok if I rode down to Miami with Ricky. He said I could drive a little too"
"Put Ricky on the phone"
"Before you say anything G, I just gotta know two things. How much juice do you have to call in a chopper like we was in 'Nam or something, and who the heck was that beautiful woman?"
Brother G chuckled and said "I didn't have a #### thing to do with the first part and I claim pure luck on the second. Anyway, be time for reminiscing later. Do Ninemil good to see Miami. The boy ain't never been this far from home before anyway. And don't come cryin to me if he wrecks your truck"
"I think he'll do good. Seems like a smart guy" I answered
"That he is. Just messin wid ya. But I want to see yall in Memphis next saturday back at the BBQ place. Gonna unwind a little. And throw that cell phone in the ocean first chance you get"

 

We made it to Miami without incident and did my usual reload for Houston. I called Billy Bob to tell him not to schedule me back out right away. I didn't even worry with a load to Memphis. Just left my trailer at Billy Bob's lot and bobtailed up.
Ninemil turned out to be a quick study in the art of handling a big rig. I sincerely told him should he ever tire of being an officer in Brother G's army, I had a place for him.
He seemed to appreciate that and promised me some firearm tips at the indoor range in Memphis.

"Jimmy's Smokin' Pig" was a familiar and welcome sight. The first thing on my agenda was a big frosty pitcher of what the billboard proclaimed to be the "coldest beer in Memphis".
Ninemil and I recieved a heros' welcome as we entered the smokey establishment. Glasses were raised all around.
"My man Ricky" G said as he shook my hand. "Allow me to introduce you to my friend Lola, who was gracious enough to accompany me back from the gulf coast"
"Ah, the elusive lady in the GTO. It's a pleasure to meet you maam" I said, trying not to overload her with my country charm.
"The pleasure is mine" she answered.
As with my last visit, the BBQ was served in abundance. The ribs were succulent, as was the brisket. The hush puppies were perfect, as was the slaw.
I was well into my second pitcher when G summoned me to his office. I accepted his offer of a cigar this time along with a snifter of brandy.
"I reckon you remember what got this whole thing started don't you?" G asked, not really expecting an answer. "It started with you coming to the aid of my little cousin Latisha.
You may have very well saved her life and for that I consider myself forever in your debt. And you proved yourself to be a stand up guy down in Florida last week"
I knew this was going somewhere and didn't interrupt. Besides the afterglow of the meal and the warmth of the brandy had me pretty mellow. This is the most relaxed I'd been in a great while. It felt like the beginning of an overdue vacation.
"That day was a turning point for Latisha as well. She hasn't worked the street since then. After some soul searching, she took some night courses and got her GED.
Didn't stop there neither. She is in her second semester at Memphis Business Academy. Making some good grades too. Wants to be a licensed CPA.
No reason she can't succeed at that. I'm proud of her and support her all the way. And I'd be honored if you would ask her out"
I tried to hide my surprise as I searched for an answer. I suppose I wasn't successful from the look I got from G.
"Don't answer yet. Wait til you see her. Besides, you think I want her foolin around with any of these hoodlums I got working for me ?" he said as he pulled his cell phone from his pocket.
"James, send Latisha to my office"
Once again, I couldn't hide my surprise as Latisha entered the room. The time off the street had been good to her. Her mocha skin had a healthy glow and her eyes had the earnest look of a diligent student. Inquisitive with a sparkle of humor.
"Latisha, you remember Mr Ricky, don't you?" G said by way of introduction.
"Why of course I do. Good to see you Ricky. Glad you could make it back to Memphis"
I was instantly smitten. She had aquired some poise along the way and her voice was as silky as they come.
G's phone chirped and he excused himself on urgent business, which was calculated I'm sure.
As the pleasant small talk ensued, I told Latisha I would be infinitely more witty and charming after some much needed sleep. She admitted to needing to study for an upcoming exam. With that, we agreed to meet for coffee in the morning and I lumbered out to the old Pete for an overdue siesta.
Climbing into the cab, I found something familiar laying on the driver's seat. A somewhat worn copy of Sports Illustrated with the the baggie containing the twenty grand.
What the hell? Included was a handwritten note. "Take her somewhere nice" Signed "Brother G"

 

Fort Walton Beach Daily Ledger

What appeared to be just a routine traffic jam caused by a broken down tractor trailer rig could have been much more than it appeared.
Motorists at first thought the helicopter arriving on the scene to be a life flight unit although there appeared to be no accident.
Imagine their surprise when a heavily armed SWAT team swarmed a white sedan and quickly pinned a man to the ground.
The man, who is yet to be identified, is being held in custody in the Okaloosa County jail pending charges.
The big truck, which appeared to have caused the initial traffic jam seems to have disappeared.
A FWB city policeman who was observed talking to the truckdriver is unavailable for comment and no one seems to have a clear description of the truck.
There is speculation that this may have been an interdepartment sting operation involving the Florida State Patrol, FWB City Police, Okaloosa County Sheriffs Dept. and the FBI, although there has been no official comment on this.
There is also speculation from an unnamed source that the tractor trailer was an FBI decoy, although this is yet to be confirmed.

 

Fort Walton Beach Daily Ledger
Byline Chip Hernandez, Court reporter

Jacksonville, Florida resident, Chad Marberry, who has been in custody since the bizarre traffic jam on US 98 last week, is facing a variety of charges.
Of local interest, he has been charged with the abduction, assault, and attempted rape of Penelope Pennyworth.
MS Pennyworth is the daughter of hotel and cruise ship magnate Joeseph Wellington Pennyworth III, who was unavailable for comment.
The FBI involvement stems from a long running kiddie porn investigation. The computer hard drive in Marberry's possesion indicates he may have been a key player.
A confirmed source within the prosecutor's office says Marberry has been uncooperative during interviews and may be attemtpting to fake an insanity plea.
According to our source "He keeps talking about some mysterious Cuban guy and a truckdriver named Ricky in a porn film. And something about somebody killing a shark and a woman who stole his magazine. He is clearly delerious."

 

Well, as Bugs Bunny would say, that's all folks.
What started as a one-post goof just kept going and going.
(Another rabbit reference, sorry)
I appreciate the encouragement and hope everybody enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I was surprised at how much I got into the arrest scene with Sgt Billy Dalton. That was completely unplanned and it got me thinking about trying more cop stuff in the future.
I definitely plan on using the mysterious Miss Lola again as well. I haven't decided exactly who she is is yet, but she seems to have powerful connections on both sides of the law.
Once again, thank-you everybody.

 

Thank-you Lastat. You might want to check out my other work in progress, Tale of Johnny Ray, which is more serious than Shark Killer, but who knows, you might get into it.
I got some ideas last night watching Sin City with Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Michael Madsen etc. Pretty cool with the old gangster movie dialoque. Really thinking about trying something like that.