Episode 4: Dirty Money Dirty Deeds, Book 4

by Nico Jackson

  Dirty Money Dirty Deeds

  Episode 4

  Nico Jackson

  Iceflo Publishing

  This Complete Book is Copyright (c) 2019 by NorthStar Studios

  Dirty Money Dirty Deeds (and what happens within / characters / situations / worlds) are copyright © 2019 by NorthStar Studios

  All rights reserved. No part of this specific publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of NorthStar Studios

  This is a work of fiction.

  All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  1

  Jay walked inside and waited by the cash register. The diner smelled like bacon, fried potatoes, and coffee. He realized it smelled and looked the same as it had when he was a teenager. The seats had been re-upholstered, but they were the same dark red they always were. It was just after the breakfast rush, but the floors were spotless.

  Maxine Carr smiled when she saw him come in. She was about sixty, but she worked and carried herself like a woman half her age. Her uniform was sparkling white. Jay always wondered how she managed to stay clean for the whole shift. He didn’t know she kept five fresh uniforms in her office.

  “He’s in the back,” she said. “How are you doing?”

  Jay smiled. “I’m fine. You’re looking great, Miss Maxine.”

  She blushed. “Go on with that, boy. I’m old enough to be your mama.”

  He wiggled an eyebrow. “Too bad I’m spoken for.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “Are you now?”

  He shrugged. “You wouldn’t leave your husband, so I had to find a substitute.”

  “Is she pretty as me?”

  “Nobody’s as pretty as you, but I had to make do. She’s smart, too.”

  Maxine laughed. “Then what’s she doing with you?”

  Jay clutched his chest. “You’re breaking my heart.”

  “Go on. He’s waiting for you. I’ll bring you some coffee.”

  “Yes ma’am. Thank you.”

  Jay walked to the back. There were two booths that weren’t visible from the front of the restaurant, and Big Sam Bishop was sitting in one. He was wearing a royal blue shirt and gray wool pants. Jay had never seen Sam wear jeans or athletic pants. He was usually in a suit. Sam was an average looking man with a medium brown complexion. He wore a beard to hide most of the acne scars on his face. His hair and beard were graying, and that didn’t bother him in the least. He was over fifty, and trim for a man his age. Sam had worked hard to get that way. He finished a cup of coffee as he read a magazine.

  “Old school,” Jay said. “You can get that on an e-reader now.”

  Sam looked up. “I like to touch what I’m reading,” he said. “Technology isn’t always good.”

  Jay slid into the booth. “I thought I was on time.”

  Sam made a show of looking at his watch. Today’s choice was a gold Rolex with diamonds around the dial. Jay thought it probably cost more than a small car. “You’re five minutes early.”

  “What are you reading?”

  “Economic news. You should read it, too.”

  “What makes you think I don’t?”

  Maxine set a cup of coffee in front of Jay and exchanged the carafe for a fresh one. “You ready to order?”

  Jay looked up at her. “Ham, eggs over easy. Grits. Biscuits.”

  “You want cheese in those grits, right?”

  “You know I do.”

  “Sam? The usual?”

  “No, think I’ll have pancakes and sausage today.”

  “Careful, Sam. You don’t want to gain that weight back.”

  “I think I deserve a treat.”

  “Your funeral,” Maxine said. She closed her order pad and walked away.

  Sam shook his head. “That woman acts like she’s my wife.”

  “She doesn’t want to lose a good tipper.”

  Sam laughed, picked up his cup and studied Jay over the rim. “What’s wrong?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “How long have I known you? Money problems?”

  “No, the money’s better than ever.”

  Sam poured himself more coffee. He tasted it and frowned. “Still not used to coffee with no sugar.”

  Jay sipped from his cup. “I always liked it. Kendra likes a little cream in hers.”

  “How is she?”

  “She’s good.”

  “So what is she? A plaything? Or is she a partner?”

  “What do you think?”

  “Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude. Top five of her class in law school. Never gave the cops anything. From what I hear, she’s not hard on the eyes. You light up like a Christmas tree whenever you mention her.” Sam grunted and drained his cup. “Sounds like a partner to me.”

  Jay topped off his cup. “She’s the whole package.”

  Sam looked him in the eye. “I want to meet her.”

  “Why?”

  “She’s important to you.”

  “Yeah, okay.” Jay chuckled. “How long have I known you?”

  Sam grinned. “You just told me the money’s good. She’s good at what she does.”

  “I think so.”

  “I could use somebody like her.”

  “I don’t think she’s taking any more clients.”

  “I’ll look out for her just like I look out for you.”

  “I’m strictly legit, Sam. So is she.”

  “Convince her it’s in her best interest.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  “You know better than that.”

  Jay poured more coffee. He hadn’t spoken to Kendra in two weeks. He had stopped calling her the week before. A week of being sent to voice mail had been enough. “She makes her own decisions.”

  “You good with that?”

  “Who taught me weak women are a liability?”

  “Guilty as charged. All I want is the introduction. All I’m asking.” Sam fought a smile. “I don’t want to make trouble.”

  “You never cared about making trouble, Sam.”

  Sam chuckled. “True. A word of advice. If you mess something up, don’t be too proud to make it right.”

  * * *

  Kendra opened the door slowly.

  “Hey,” Jay said. “Can I come in?”

  She unlocked the storm door and took a step back. Jay came in and closed the door.

  “I’m sorry to just drop by, but you haven’t been returning my calls.”

  “Why are you here?”

  He watched as she walked into the living room. She wore pink knit pajamas, and he liked the way she filled out the bottoms.

  “Those new?”

  Kendra turned toward him. “What?”

  “The pajamas.”

  “They’re not new.”

  “I like them. I don’t remember seeing them before.”

  She sat in the armchair and put her feet up. “Why are you here?”

  “I wanted to talk to you,” he said as he sat opposite her.

  She leaned back in the chair. “Go ahead, I’m listening.”

  “I miss you.” He searched her face, but he didn’t see a reaction. “I want to fix this.”

  She pointed at him. “There you go
again. I don’t need you to fix everything. Let me ask you a question.”

  He sat on the edge of his chair. “Okay.”

  “When did you decide that I’m weak?”

  “I don’t think that.”

  “Why did you go see Isaac?”

  “I told you, he doesn’t respect you.”

  “I asked you to let me handle it. But no, you had to go see him.”

  “I thought I was getting you what you wanted.”

  “No, you went after what you wanted. You kept pressing me about the divorce, and you decided to fix it. Not for me. You ‘fixed’ it for yourself.”

  Jay ran his hand over his hair. He opened his mouth, then closed it. Big Sam’s words rang in his head. “Maybe you have a point.”

  She crossed her legs, and he lost his train of thought. He thought about how long it had been since she had touched him. Since she had smiled at him.

  She raised an eyebrow. “That’s all you have to say?”

  “I don’t think you’re weak. And yes, I have a problem with you still being married. You already know that. I should have let you handle it.”

  “You mean that?”

  “Look, I’ve never lied to you. I won’t start now. I had breakfast with Sam. He wants to meet you.”

  “Why?”

  “He said it’s because you’re important to me. He never does anything unless there’s something in it for him. He wants you to work for him.”

  Kendra threw up her hands and headed for the kitchen. “I need more coffee. Do you want some?”

  Jay followed her. “I’ve had enough.”

  She got a cup from the cabinet and went to the refrigerator. She put a splash of cream in the cup, then filled it with coffee.

  He leaned against the counter and watched her as she moved around the kitchen.

  “Did you tell him we’re not together?”

  Jay grunted. “I haven’t given up on us. Not yet.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “I told him he would have to talk to you.”

  “So you didn’t refuse.”

  “No, ma’am. You can speak for yourself. He wants a meeting. I told him I would ask you.”

  “What happens if I tell him ‘no’?”

  “He won’t hurt you. He won’t stop asking, either.”

  Kendra let out a long breath. “I won’t work for him. He’s caused me enough trouble, and I’ve never met him.”

  “You know me, I know Sam. Bobby sold you out. You’ve had all that trouble because of me.” He moved closer to her. “I’m sorry. I never wanted to make you feel...I heard you. We can work this out.”

  Kendra took a step back. Her heart hammered. She couldn’t trust herself that close to him, so she walked away. He stood, not knowing whether to go after her.

  She turned. “Come on. I want you to see something.”

  She went into her home office and opened a desk drawer. She pulled out a large envelope and held it up.

  Jay folded his arms. “Are those the divorce papers?”

  She took the papers out of the envelope, held them with both hands, tore them in half, then put them through the shredder. “I’ll take care of this when I am ready, understand?”

  “Yes,” Jay said. “Why did you shred it?”

  “I will take care of it when I am ready. I want to be clear.”

  “Damn, girl, you know how to make a point.”

  “Set up the meeting with Big Sam.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded. “Can you do that for me?”

  “Yeah, baby. I can do that.”

  2

  Kendra heard someone trying to open the front door. She glanced at the security monitor, wrapped a robe around her and went downstairs. She yanked the door open.

  “My key doesn’t work,” Jay said.

  “I changed the locks,” she said. “You’re early.”

  “You knew I was coming. You need to put some clothes on.”

  “It’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”

  “It’s been too long. Why did you change the locks?”

  “Why do you think? You don’t respect boundaries.”

  Jay swallowed hard and held the key out. Kendra took it and tossed it into the trash can.

  “I’ll be ready in a few minutes. Why don’t you pour yourself a drink?”

  “Okay.”

  She went back upstairs and came down a few minutes later. She had put on a skirt and sweater. The black wool skirt fit her well. It was long enough to be respectable, but short enough to show off her legs. The silver silk sweater hugged her curves. Jay held his breath.

  “What do you think? Is this conservative enough for Big Sam? I want to look professional, but casual.”

  “It’s perfect. I like the pearls. Nice touch.”

  “Thanks. They belonged to my mother.” Jay was sitting on the sofa. She paused to look him up and down. He was wearing black pants and a light gray shirt. His black loafers were shined to a killer gloss. He had a fresh haircut and beard trim. “You look nice.”

  “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  “I just realized we’re wearing the same colors.”

  He shrugged. “Great minds think alike.”

  “I don’t know why I’m worried about my clothes. It’s not like I want the job.”

  “Tell him. You know I have your back.”

  “You’ve known him longer than you’ve known me. We’re not even together.”

  Jay set his drink on the coffee table. He leaned forward and laced his fingers together.

  “You look like you want to say something.”

  “We belong together. I’m not talking about business, Kendra. I can’t guarantee I’ll never fuck up again, but I’ll never intentionally hurt you. And I won’t make the same mistake twice. I’m sorry about the key. I thought it would be okay since you knew I was coming to pick you up. I understand why you’re mad.”

  “It wasn’t right. I don’t want you waltzing in and out of my house.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that.”

  “Damn straight I don’t.”

  “Can we call a truce for tonight? We have dinner with Sam, and I’ll bring you back home.”

  * * *

  Sam stood when he saw Kendra and Jay coming. He hugged Jay and pounded his back.

  “Sam, this is Kendra Mason.”

  Sam bent, took her hand, and brushed his lips against the back of it. “Glad to finally meet you. Jay has been singing your praises.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bishop.”

  “My friends call me ‘Sam’. If you’re with this knucklehead, you’re a friend.” He sat and took the menu from the server.

  The server gave them menus. “Welcome. Is this your first time here, ma’am?”

  Kendra shook her head.

  “Very good. Would you like a drink while you look at the menu?”

  Kendra nodded. “Woodford Reserve, neat, please.”

  He turned to Jay. “I’ll have what the lady’s having.”

  The server looked at Sam. “Shall I bring the Cabernet with dinner, Mr. Bishop?”

  Sam gave a slight nod.

  “Very good.” He bowed and retreated.

  Sam raised his glass to Kendra. “Good choice. You know your bourbon.”

  “Thank you.”

  Sam eyed her, then smiled. “So tell me, Kendra, how did you start drinking bourbon?”

  “My uncle gave me a glass on my eighteenth birthday. He started us off with whisky and water. I liked the ritual. He would sit with my cousin and me at the dining room table, and we would drink and talk. It made my mother and my aunt crazy, but he held his ground. He told them that full-grown women know how to drink brown liquor, and he wasn’t goint to let us learn in the streets.”

  “Sounds like you two were close.”

  “Yes. He’s been more of a father to me than my actual father was. We’re still close.”

  “
I never heard that story,” Jay said. “You’re talking about Uncle Dell?”

  She nodded.

  Sam looked at Jay. “You met him?”

  Jay chuckled. “Oh, yeah.”

  “He dragged Jay into the kitchen for a conversation.” She waited as the server set a glass in front of her. She thanked him and looked at Jay. “I never heard what the chat was about.”

  “Man talk,” Jay replied. “Let’s just say Uncle Dell loves you.”

  Kendra grunted and took a sip of bourbon. “Okay, we’ll go with that.”

  Sam watched them. He saw Jay put his hand on Kendra’s. She seemed to flinch, but she didn’t pull away.

  Something was up with those two.

  He finished his drink and held up the glass.

  The server saw him, nodded, and scurried to the bar. He returned and put a glass in front of Sam. “Are you ready to order, Mr. Bishop?”

  “I think so.”

  The server looked at Kendra. “I’ll have the small filet, medium rare. Grilled asparagus.”

  They made small talk as they ate. Sam noticed that Kendra seemed to enjoy her food. She took her time, savoring each bite. They finished, then ordered dessert and coffee.

  “I wanted to get to know you, Kendra, but I don’t play games when it comes to business. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.”

  “I agree.”

  “Did Jay tell you I want you to work for me?”

  “He did.”

  “Do you have any questions?”

  “No, sir, I don’t. While I appreciate your offer, my plate is full. I can’t take on any other clients.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  Kendra looked Sam in the eye. “I was trying to be polite. I won’t take you on. I’ve been run in twice because the police think I know something about your business. I’m sure you know I had my home turned inside out and drugs planted to leverage me against you. I don’t know anything about what you do, and even if I did, I wouldn’t talk. I’m not interested in working with you or for you. It’ll only make my life harder.”