by Doug Houser
“What do you mean?”
“This happened after basketball season was over. Keisha made the All-State team. She had the most assists and scored the most points of anyone in the city.”
“Wow, that’s great. How tall is she?”
“She passed me up last summer. She’s six-three, now. That girl has grown so fast it’s all I can do to keep her in clothes. And food! Marcus eats like a horse and she eats more than he does. All that food and neither one of them have an ounce of fat.”
“They must get that from their mom. You look like you could score some points and get some rebounds, yourself.”
Jasmine laughed and said, “Well, I could a few years back.”
“Did you play in school?”
“I did at first, then my mother got real sick and I had to quit college to take care of her. After she died, I was so devastated that I never went back to school. I know now that it was a mistake. But back then I was a lost kid with no support, no one to point me in the right direction. Then I met the kid’s dad and I thought he and I would be together forever. Another mistake, except for the kids being born. He’s been in prison since Marcus was two. So I’ve been raising the kids on my own, determined that they won’t end up like I did, cooking and cleaning in someone else’s house. It was all going pretty well until this hateful incident happened. Now, I just don’t know.”
“I can see how this must be very difficult. But here’s my promise. If you and Marcus will help, my friends and I will clean up this whole mess.”
Cheryl then showed the church’s pictorial directory to Jasmine. “See this? There’s a picture in here of the guy who threw acid in Keisha’s face.”
“How did you get that?”
“One of the gals in our company got it from the church where Keisha was attending. She’s gone home now. We figured that Marcus wouldn’t have any trouble picking out the attacker from the pictures in here. It’s not like working with a police artist. All he will need to do is go through it and find the man who attacked Keisha. No police involvement, whatsoever. When he’s found the picture of the attacker, my friends will take care of everything. I guarantee you there won’t be any danger to you guys.”
“How can you be so sure? I’m certainly not.”
“Ok, what do you know about Marines?”
“When there’s a problem somewhere, they go first. They’re supposed to be the toughest.”
“That’s right. And within the Marine Corps, there are a few elite units made up of carefully selected Marines. The company I work for consists of veterans of those elite units. Every one of us is a Marine.”
“You’re a Marine?”
“Yes, ma’am. None of us are on active duty any longer, but once a Marine, always a Marine. We take that obligation seriously. We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t positively certain that we can protect your family and effectively deal with the people responsible for Keisha being in the hospital. I know it’s difficult for you to trust strangers, but there’s a bigger problem you’re facing. If whomever it was that did this to Keisha is able to get away with it, then they will be emboldened and more confident than ever. If they’re allowed to go unpunished, who knows what they might do next? We can stop them right here, right now. No next time, for them. All we need is to know who it was. That’s it. Give us that and we’ll take care of everything else. Please, Jasmine, ask Marcus to look at the pictures in that church directory.”
“I’m grateful for your concern, truly I am, but I just don’t think so.”
Chapter 28
Cheryl simply nodded and smiled. “I understand that I am asking a lot of your son. I also know that my team and I can protect you and your family. We both know that jerks like this guy need to be stopped. You and I both agree that no family should ever have to go through what you and your kids have been subjected to. It’s just plain wrong. Let us do what we can to make things right.”
Jasmine looked straight into Cheryl’s eyes for what seemed like forever. Then she seemed to make up her mind. She called out for Marcus to come into the living room.
Cheryl’s first impression when she saw Marcus was of a boy who was tall for twelve years old, kind of gangly but with an intelligent look in his curious eyes. Jasmine made the introductions and Marcus walked over to Cheryl with his right hand extended, saying, “It’s nice to meet you, Miss McAdams.”
Cheryl noted that Marcus wasn’t smiling and even though he was polite, he didn’t seem comfortable in her presence. Jasmine sensed her son’s trepidation. Addressing him, she began, “Marcus, Miss McAdams works for a company that is made up of all Marines. They are concerned that the people that attacked Keisha might want to do us further harm. They want to protect us and also find the men who attacked Keisha.”
Marcus looked briefly at Cheryl and then said, “Mom, this was a big man.”
Cheryl knew immediately what Marcus was thinking and hastily broke in, “I can understand your concern, Marcus. But I didn’t come here alone. I brought two of my good friends from our active duty days.”
Marcus looked at Cheryl without changing expression or saying anything. Cheryl could feel the situation worsening. She said, “Marcus, I have a book that most likely contains a picture of the attacker. If you would take a little time and look through it, there wouldn’t be any danger to you. You said the attacker is a big man. My friends are big men, too. I’ll make you a deal. If you agree to look at the pictures, I’ll have my friends come over to meet you. If after meeting them, you don’t think they can protect you, then you don’t have to identify the attacker for us. But if you feel safe with them, then you can show us the attacker’s picture. What about that?”
Once again, Jasmine did her best to help. She told Marcus, “It wouldn’t hurt to take a look. Let’s meet Miss McAdams’ friends and go from there.”
Marcus didn’t seem real enthused, but reluctantly said, “Ok, I’ll meet them.”
Immediately Cheryl felt a flood of relief pour over her. She thought she’d done a good job breaking the ice with the two Williams family members and was certain that Marcus would be comfortable with her “friends.” She took the cell phone out of her purse and hit a speed dial number. When Hopkins came on the line, she said, “Billy, Marcus would like to meet you guys. Where are you?”
“Parked right behind your car.”
“Good. Give me two minutes and come on up.”
“See you then.”
Looking at Marcus, Cheryl said, “When you meet these guys, remember that they are on your side. But try to imagine what it would be like if they were after you. Believe me, you’ll know what I’m talking about when you meet them. They are highly motivated to straighten this situation out. They want your family to be totally free from the worry that these attackers could return or that the police will somehow protect them at your expense. The training these guys have received ensures that they can deal with any situation that might arise. If you point out the attacker from those pictures, your family will be protected by the very best, most highly skilled individuals available, anywhere. I know you’re still a little dubious and I don’t blame you. Just be prepared to be impressed. You guys are really fortunate to have the resources you’re about to be given. From now on, things are going to start going your way. That’s my promise to you.”
Before Cheryl could add anything more, the doorbell rang and Cheryl said, “Here they are.”
Jasmine went to answer the door. Cheryl watched Marcus and could see the look of excited anticipation on his face. When Billy Hopkins came through the front door, Marcus’ jaw dropped and his eyes became like saucers. Then Jerome Davis entered and it was obvious that Marcus had no more qualms about his safety. Both of the former Marines were wearing jeans and form fitting tee shirts. They looked like football players who already had their shoulder pads on underneath their shirts.
Cheryl took Marcus’ ha
nd and led him over to the two behemoths. She said, “Marcus, I’d like you to meet my two friends. This is Billy Hopkins.”
Hopkins bent down and extended his right hand toward Marcus who eagerly took it. Then, Marcus’ hand disappeared inside the mitt that Hopkins had extended to him. Hopkins said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marcus.”
Marcus was at a loss for words and merely smiled at Hopkins. Cheryl then said, “Marcus, this is Jerome Davis.”
Davis came forward and repeated the handshake process with Marcus. He said, “What’s up, Marcus?”
Marcus replied, “I, I, I’m glad to meet you guys.”
Cheryl said, “Guys, I think you met Jasmine at the door.”
“Yes, we did. Thank you for inviting us to your place. We consider it an honor to be working for you and your family.”
Jasmine replied, “I’m feeling better already, now that you two are here. Thank you, so much.”
“You’re welcome. Mrs. Williams, Marcus and Cheryl have some pictures to look at. Could you make us a cup of coffee in the kitchen while they work in here?”
“Of course. That sounds like a great idea. Cheryl, Marcus, do you two want something?” Marcus asked for cookies. Cheryl said, “Thanks, but nothing right now.”
Davis and Hopkins sat down at the kitchen table while Jasmine started the coffee maker. She then took a plate of cookies into the front room. When Jasmine returned to the kitchen, she said, “Those two are really at it. They didn’t even look up when I put the cookies down.”
Hopkins said, “That’s good. I don’t think it will take them too long. You know, after they identify our guy, Davis and I will be gone for a few days. We would like it if Cheryl could stay here with you guys while we’re gone. Would that be ok with you?”
“It would be, but I don’t have any extra space.”
“Don’t worry about that. Cheryl won’t mind sleeping on the couch. She’s slept in a lot less cozy places. We’d feel much more comfortable knowing that she was here. She could walk Marcus to school and back, take you to the hospital, shopping, whatever you need.”
“It sounds like you’re expecting trouble.”
“Actually, ma’am, we’re not. But we thought that after making the identification, Marcus might feel more comfortable if you two have a Marine body guard. Cheryl knows how to anticipate potential problems. She’s fully capable of providing any protection that could possibly become necessary, even though that’s very unlikely. We don’t like to leave anything to chance, that’s all. You know, an ounce of prevention.”
“Not that I don’t believe you, but how could Cheryl protect us from men like Marcus is looking to identify?”
Davis replied, “Ma’am, Cheryl is very well trained, just like the rest of us. There are a lot of things she knows how to do that ordinary people would never think about. Plus, if things ever got really dangerous, Cheryl is an expert shot. She came here armed. Our boss wanted that extra level of protection to be provided while Billy and I aren’t here. Please, don’t take this as a sign that we anticipate trouble. It’s just additional insurance. Believe me, you’re going to be in good hands.”
“To be honest with you, I wish this whole thing was over. I really don’t like any of this.”
“Yes ma’am, I fully understand. We’ll get this done as quickly as we can.”
In the living room, Marcus was looking carefully at each picture as he and Cheryl turned the pages in the church directory. Cheryl asked him if he’d like to take a break, but he shook his head and kept at it. Cheryl had been careful to tell Marcus that the attacker’s picture might be in the book. She knew that research had shown that if a witness was told that a suspect’s picture was in a group of pictures, a false identification could be made. So far, after looking at about a third of the pictures, Marcus hadn’t seen anyone that he considered even possible. They turned another page and about halfway down, Marcus stopped. Cheryl could see his eyes get bigger as he looked at one of the pictures. He pointed to the photo and said, “That’s him.”
Chapter 29
Cheryl looked at the picture Marcus was pointing to and she felt a chill. She didn’t know what she had thought this guy would look like but the man in the picture definitely fit any mental images she had of a hate crime perpetrator. Cheryl asked Marcus if he wanted to look at the rest of the pictures. He shook his head. “That’s him.”
She called out, “Guys, come on in here.”
When the three who had been in the kitchen were gathered around, Cheryl said, “Marcus, do you want to show them?”
Marcus pointed to the photo. The name printed beside the picture was Lucas Jamison.
Davis said, “Well, well, look at big ol’ brave Mr. Jamison. Picture sure makes him look like he feels confident that he got away with it, don’t it, now.”
Hopkins looked at Marcus and said, “Marcus, you won’t have to worry about this guy anymore. Mr. Davis and I will pick him up and make sure the snake in him is defanged.”
Marcus asked, “Do you have guns?”
Davis grinned and said, “Nah, we won’t need any firearms to deal with this Lucas.”
Cheryl added, “Everyone in our company is trained by the best martial arts instructor there is.”
Marcus’s eyes got big again and he asked, “What does he teach you?”
Hopkins and Davis looked at each other and smiled. Davis said, “She teaches us how to deal with guys like Mr. Jamison without needing to use guns.”
“She?”
“Yep. She’s about the toughest Marine you’d ever come across.”
“Wow. Tougher than you guys?”
“Well, when she talks, we listen. And when she tells us to do something, we do it.”
“Wow. How big is she?”
Davis looked at Jasmine and said, “I’d guess she’s about as tall as your mom. Lots more muscles, though. Super quick, fast and strong.”
Jasmine laughed and said, “Hey, I’m pretty quick.”
Davis laughed and said, “Yes ma’am, no offense intended. It’s just that Sarge is unique.” Marcus said, “Sarge?”
“Yep. She was a Sergeant in the Corps. She taught Marine Martial Arts to guys for several years. I think it’s safe to say, nobody messes with Sarge.”
Thinking of Johnson, Davis added with a smile, “At least, not more than once.”
Marcus looked at Cheryl and asked, “Does she teach you, too?”
“Yes, sir. Everyone in our company is required to attend Sarge’s classes. She makes sure you learn too.”
“Wow. I wish I could do that.”
“Well, while the guys are gone, after you finish your homework, maybe your mom will let me show you a couple of things.”
“Wow, Mom, could she?”
“Yeah, but forget you, I want her to show me!”
With everyone laughing and the mood light, Davis and Hopkins said their good byes and left.
Lucas Jamison sat on a straight chair, hands duct taped together behind him, legs duct taped to the chair legs, duct tape around his torso securing his upper body to the back of the chair, blind folded and gagged. His gag consisted of a washcloth jammed into his mouth, held in by duct tape. He had been in this position for the last four hours. He had heard no one speak during that time. More accurately, Jamison had been awake for the last four hours. Of course, he didn’t know how long he had not been awake prior to that. The last thing he could recall was reaching in his pocket for his car keys in the parking lot outside of his office. That had been about nine o’clock. He had called his wife a few hours earlier to tell her he would be working late. He exited the building unaware of anyone around him. Then, the next thing he knew, he woke up sitting on a hard chair, tied, gagged and blind folded.
Lucas imagined that he had been kidnapped for ransom. He couldn’t think of any other reason that he would be in
this position. But the longer he sat, the more his imagination ran wild and the more frightened he became. He had tried several times to calm himself by breathing deeply, pretending that he was somewhere else, but without success. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t block out the fear that was nagging at him and it was getting worse. He had tried to make noise but couldn’t manage anything that was worth the effort. He had tried to move but couldn’t. He couldn’t feel his hands. Apparently, the circulation had been cut off. Then he heard a chair being pushed back in another room, or at least quite a distance away. Footsteps approached and someone said, “Hey, asshole, you awake yet?”
Jamison made an effort to nod his head up and down. He was temporarily blinded by the light when whatever had been covering his head was removed. He squinted and blinked until his pupils contracted back to normal. Lucas Jamison looked up at the man standing over him and almost wished his head were covered again. What he saw was the most frightening looking individual he had ever seen. Jamison knew his eyes must be bulging out, but he could do nothing to control it. Now, he was really scared. Jamison’s immediate thought was that this guy didn’t look like a kidnapper. For the first time in his life, Lucas Jamison peed in his pants.