Wrong Step (Urban Fiction): A Sinister Syndicate Thriller

by Kyle Robertson

  Tanaka knew she did that months ago, but he just wanted her to be safe.

  “You remember the name of that car that almost hit Mister Sizzy that day?” he asked ignoring the sarcasm.

  Sheddi remembered the drunk teen, and his Toyota.

  “Yea.”

  “Meet me at that location in an hour, can you make it there?”

  “Yea.” She knew if the subways were running, she would be there.

  “My phone’s secured well so they can’t tap me. I’ll be in the lobby in an hour. Be safe, Dedzo.”

  “Yea.” She clicked off her phone.

  Do you want me to gather the rest of the crew to help you?” Osei asked.

  “They don’t need to be in this at all. I just knew you would be home on a Friday night in New York,” she said.

  “You haven’t seen Marnu or Abena in a year. They probably want to help you stop the Dread Mambas. Those maniacs have destroyed enough families we’re trying to help. We have enough orphans. We don’t need a new batch from parental overdose.”

  Sheddi was a loner because she never wanted to be responsible for her friend’s pain, but if they want to skydive with a moth eaten parachute, it would be on them.

  “Fine, call them all. Even Nana, Salom, and Mame. If they don’t want to do it, don’t pressure them. I have to get to a hotel. I’ll call you tomorrow. Thanks, Osei.”

  She finished her tea, got up, and walked out.

  ~~~

  She made it to the Avalon Hotel. She had a few minutes to wait, so she went in to the bar. As she walked in the bar, she saw Tanaka nursing a white soda waiting for her. She walked over to him.

  “I take it you’re still on duty, Knocks.” She alerted him of her presence.

  Tanaka turned to her. “I’m a vet, Dedzo. My shift is over I’m just not hittin’ the hard stuff to stay focused. Moira said she was sorry she got you into this before they administered the morphine. She’ll walk funny for a couple months, but she’ll live.”

  “They’ll come back after her, Knocks. I heard Pop say no witnesses,” she said.

  “The reason he said that is to never leave a trace in order not to be caught. Well I have my witness, and I’m catching him this time,” Tanaka said.

  “You’re not using Moira as bait, Knocks, She’s been through enough. This is what I do, use me. They probably think she’s dead anyway. Leave her alone. I got this.”

  Tanaka was thinking of it, but Sheddi told him a better plan.

  “Are you really ready for this, Kid? This won’t be investigative photography. The Dread Mambas won’t think twice, or negotiate about killing you.”

  “That’s the main reason for my request. I’m way more qualified than a limping Moira. I take care of my friends.”

  “Even if your life hang in the balance?”

  “Yes, Knocks. I’m crazy, remember?”

  “I don’t have enough solid evidence to authorize any support for you. Are you sure you want to play in the muddy sandbox?” Tanaka asked.

  Sheddi smiled.

  “Worry not, Knocks. I have the Ghanaian Coalition for support.”

  Tanaka became very concerned.

  “You don’t mean your poverty helping friends from Laila’s Shepards. They can’t fight a sinister drug cartel with Meals on the Go.”

  “They’re from Africa, Knocks. They fought tigers bare handed. I think they can hold their own against some bawdy Jamaicans.”

  “I deal with illegal contraband as a New York cop, but even I know tigers don’t live in Africa,” he said. “Stop trying to placate me. You’re like my daughter, and I always worry about you.”

  Sheddi felt his concern.

  “Okay, fine. Dad, can I please play with my friends so we can help you take down some big ‘ole mean mambas?”

  Tanaka felt her determination, and knew he couldn’t stop her.

  “You always use levity when you want to juggle grenades without pins. This is deadly serious, Dedzo, and I emphasize the word deadly.” He took out a few bills. “You can’t go home so sleep here tonight, and when you wake up in the morning, rally your troops.”

  She took the money, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

  “Gee, thanks, Dad.”

  “Okay, that’s the last time I’ll admit anything to you, Dead Horse Kicker. Get some sleep. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow. I’ll tell Moira you said no harm no foul. Just don’t visit her if you want to stay alive.”

  “It’s funny you think I’m new at this. I know the drill, Knocks. Don’t visit until the coast is clear. You’re more like the overbearing mom.”

  “Just don’t get your ass shot off, Dedzo.”

  Chapter Three: Shepards Summon!

  It was 6 in the morning when she got her wake-up call. She got up very groggily, but everything came back to her like a large electro-magnet attracting a metal paperclip. She was being hunted by the Dread Mambas, and their leader shot her friend with no remorse. She got away from her friend’s disguised pseudo-boyfriend, and she made it to Osei. He offered to call all her friends, and she would call him back today.

  “Ugh, I need some breakfast first, and then I’ll call. They’re probably nursing hangovers this early anyway,” she said to herself as she got out of bed.

  She swung her legs off the side of the bed, got dressed, and went to freshen up in the bathroom. Her shower last night helped her sleep. She put all her gear in the corner.

  I should have given Knocks that evidence last night. Well I did tell him Saturday, she thought. Last night was a bit of a disruption in her routine, so thinking was in the back seat when Moira was her initial concern.

  She walked out of her room, and went to the dining area on the lobby floor. She got a bagel, and the last of the coffee, sat down at a table, and contemplated her situation.

  It’s time for my friends to buck up. Marnu, and Salom should be fine with the help. Nana, and Abena are probably feeling their rooms spinning right now, but Mame, and Osei can organize everyone when Osei tells them I’m in trouble.

  “Scuse me, Ma’am?” She looked up to see a younger woman in a Carowinds North Carolina t-shirt with a 35 MM digital camera. “I hate to bother you, but where did you get that shirt from? I haven’t seen one like that yet.”

  She looked down, and remembered her Statue of Liberty shirt. She got an idea.

  “Oh, I got this last year on Liberty Island at the gift shop. They probably don’t have this one anymore. Are you from North Carolina?”

  “Why yes, Ma’am. So I guess I’m outa luck buying that one then.”

  “You may be in luck. I like Mount Rushmore, and I have another one of these in my closet here in Manhattan. Why don’t we trade? There’s a ladies room right over there.” Sheddi pointed to the rest room.

  The woman looked at her shirt, and smiled.

  “You got a deal, Ma’am.” They both walked to the ladies room to switch shirts.

  Sheddi came out not looking as she did last night so the Dread Mambas wouldn’t find a young light ebony woman in a Statue of Liberty T. She had Washington, Roosevelt, Jefferson, and Lincoln plastered across her chest, and really looked like a tourist.

  She went back to her room to call Osei. The phone rang for a minute after she put on the scrambler Tanaka gave her. Osei picked up.

  “You should be tired, Tina.”

  “When there’s a price on your head, sleeping in isn’t a luxury anymore,” she said. “Did you call the others?

  “They were all on the town last night so I haven’t called yet. It’s seven so I’ll give them a chance to wake up, and call them at eight. Maybe you can get here before then, and tell them yourself. They miss you.”

  Sheddi thought Osei would break the old ice before she would speak to them, but petty feelings over her absence from them wasn’t as important as her immediate dilemma.

  “I’ll be there in forty five. Make some tea. This coffee is horrible.”

  “Hotel coffee isn’t meant for taste. It i
s fuel for the day. You probably got the old pot. I’ll make a new pot. I’ll see you when you get here.”

  “Thanks, Osei, and I’m not just talking about your gourmet herbal tea. You didn’t hesitate in your assistance.” Sheddi was grateful.

  “It’s mandatory for friends in a strange land to stick together. We have more power in a group.” Osei said.

  “I’ll be there by eight. Make that tea. I need something to clear my palette from this coffee. If I don’t have your tea, gasoline would taste better that this.”

  “You could never be a food critic, Tina. We would have to defend you against assassin chefs instead of the Mambas. Just don’t rob a gas station, and be here by eight.” Osei said bye, and hung up.

  Sheddi gathered her gear, and left the hotel. She went across the street, and into a subway terminal to get to Osei’s

  ~~~

  As Osei buzzed her up, he had a piping tea cup waiting for her. Sheddi walked in, and dropped her gear on the cocktail table.

  “I’m sorry I don’t have any whiskey to take off your edge, but this dandelion tea should calm you.” He gave her the cup.

  She smelled the tea, and sighed.

  “I never really wanted you to help me any farther than letting me in last night.” She began to sip her tea to get any hotel coffee remnants out of her mouth.

  “You know us, Tina. We can’t leave you out there. You’re tough, but a group thinking is better than just you. We can discuss your next actions so you don’t get shot.”

  “In my profession, I avoid bullets every week, Osei. I know what I’m doing.”

  “You’re going up against an international drug cartel with highly trained soldiers, not street punks. We just hand out meals, not shoot. Marnu hasn’t even touched a gun. The Nigerian cartels hadn’t made it to Ghana before he left. We need to think in order to win this time, because if we lose, you die.”

  “Thanks for sugar coating my situation, Osei. I bet you tell your girlfriend she looks fat in those jeans.” Sheddi got sarcastic.

  “The reason you came to me is because I would tell you the truth. I don’t need a deluded dead friend.” Osei got serious.

  “Yes, but a scared lonely woman needs a boost every once in a while.”

  Osei picked up the phone, and gave it to her.

  “Marnu’s number is preset to three. Call him to ease your desperate loneliness.”

  She took a deep breath, and hit three. It rang four times, and Marnu picked up the phone.

  “Hi, Marnu, it’s Sheddi… sorry, Tina. I know it’s been over a year since we spoke, but my job made staying in touch kinda difficult. I know, I know, but now I need your assistance along with the other Shepards. No, it’s not a soup kitchen promotion. I need your aid with helping me stop some bad dudes. I know you do charity, but I think your help can assist you too. Well, these bad dudes disrupt you as well. The Dread Mambas. Yes, I know they’re scary. Ganja Pop shot my friend, and now he wants to shoot me. She’s still alive, barely. No, I’ve had no dealings with them until last night when they tried to recruit Moira, my roommate. She told them to screw themselves, and he shot her. So you think they’re bad, really. I’m sorry, Marnu, I’m on the run, and I’m freaky nervous. My defense is sarcasm, forgive me. You’ll call the rest? Thank you! I’m at Osei’s. No, I’m not going anywhere. Noon? I’ll be waiting. Thanks Marnu, bye bye.” Sheddi hung up.

  “How are you, really?” Osei asked.

  “Better now. I’m not dodging bullets from a megalomaniac, and Marnu is calling the rest so I don’t have to explain my troubles individually. Phase one is done.” Sheddi sipped her tea.

  “That’s what’s unique about you. Most people would lose it being hunted by bad drug dealers. You don’t lose it, you make a plan for victory. You know the odds of being killed with the soup kitchen warriors as support, so seriously. How are you feeling?” Osei was earnest.

  Sheddi looked directly at him.

  “I could never fake control with you. I’m scared as hell, Osei. Those are highly trained soldiers with high powered assault rifles. We can’t knock them out with soup ladles. I know the Shepards are a smart bunch, but multiple bullets don’t care about I. Q.”

  “Bullets are less than stupid, Tina. We can outsmart a bullet, and probably the shooters. They’re thugs, not MENSA candidates. We’re better than them in intelligence. If they were half as smart as Marnu, they wouldn’t sell this poison to the underprivileged. The Shepards don’t knock heads on a daily basis, but when you mess with our people, we will knock some heads.”

  “And you truly believe that. You were always the optimist, Osei. I’m just more of a realist, and bullets don’t have negotiation skills. We need to figure out this deadly puzzle before they kill us,” Sheddi said.

  Osei looked at his watch.

  “We have a few hours. I’m going to the deli. Do you want some soup?”

  “Get me a corned beef hash sandwich, and a cream and broccoli soup.” She gave him some bills. “I’m paying, you’ve done enough.”

  Osei took the bills, and went to the deli while Sheddi waited, and contemplated.

  ~~~

  At 12:13, Marnu buzzed the ringer.

  “They’re here, Tina. You ready?”

  Sheddi took a deep breath. “I can talk to them, so let them up.”

  Osei buzzed them in, and they walked up the stairs, and knocked on the door. Sheddi adjusted herself, and nodded to Osei. He opened the door.

  Nana was the first to enter. She hugged Osei, and briskly went to Sheddi to hug her.

  “I missed you, Tina. How are you?”

  “She’s knee deep into being chased by those drug demons. How do you think she is?” Mame interrupted. She went over to hug her too.

  “Hi, Mame. I’m a little disturbed, but now that I see you guys, I’m feeling much better.” She looked at them, and didn’t see one. “Where’s Abena?”

  “She’s getting another Shepard. An experienced Shepard vet from Afghanistan. You did say to bring the other Shepards so since we’re going up against the Mambas, she wanted to stack our deck,” Salom said. “I partied like a rock star last night, and I wouldn’t get up before noon for anyone else but you. Hey, Tina.”

  “Hi, Salom.”

  Marnu finally walked to her.

  “You always put us in positions, Tina. Osei told me you didn’t want anyone to be forced into this, but you’re our sister. You may have fallen into the estranged category, but you’re still sis.” He kissed her. “When I told everybody you needed help, they didn’t think of not assisting.”

  “That’s just because they hate the Dread Mambas too.”

  “They offered to help you even before they knew the Mambas wanted you dead. If you’re in need, we’ll always help. We know you wanted to change the world with your camera, and not delivering plates of food. You’re too adventurous for that. We aren’t mad, we all miss our sister.”

  Sheddi was nervous seeing them again after a year, but Marnu killed her nervousness.

  “We have an idea, but we know you always plan ahead.”

  “These people aren’t street thugs, Marnu. They’re a Jamaican cartel Pablo Escobar would’ve been scared of. I have no plan,” she said.

  The door intercom buzzed once more.

  “Well we do, and his name is Tyler. He was a Ranger in Afghanistan, and he lives for payback. You’ll get to meet him momentarily.” Marnu saw Osei buzz up Abena, and Tyler.

  “Does he have a beef with the Mambas as well as you?” Sheddi asked.

  “One of the Mambas overdosed a little girl’s parents, and made her an orphan. That little girl was found raped and murdered in Central Park. If it wasn’t for that Mamba killing her parents, she would never have been there, so yeah, he’s got a very big beef with them.”

  Osei opened the door, and Abena came in with a tall caramel complected man in fatigue cargo pants, and a t-shirt that said Rangers Don’t Die! We Just Go To Hell To Regroup. Sheddi didn’t have a boyfriend du
e to her job, but Tyler was handsome, and looked rugged enough to deal with her exploits.

  Abena came over to Sheddi with Tyler, and hugged her.

  “I heard you were in a fix so I went to get a corrector. Hun, this is Tyler. He’s a Shepard, and knows what he’s doing. He’s got a special hate for the Mambas.”

  Tyler stuck out his hand.

  “Good day, Ma’am. I’m Tyler Rodgers. I think my tactics can help you.” She felt his powerful confidence.

  “Hi, Tyler. These people are dangerous.”

  “An I. E. D. is dangerous, Ma’am. That’s an improvised explosive device on the road. These people are just a nuisance. A Ranger neutralizes nuisances “

  “Call me Sheddi. I’m not old enough to be called ma’am.”

  “Begging your pardon, Sheddi, but ma’am is a respectful address that has nothing to do with age. I just address you that way until you tell me otherwise.”

  He was respectful, but being former military must have been the reason. She didn’t see his interest.

  “What do we have here? Are you ready for this?” Osei asked as he walked up.

  “I know the Mambas’ primary assault weapon is an AK-47 which breaks down to 21 parts, and uses 7.62 rounds while my modified AR-14 uses a 2.23 ball tumbling round that doesn’t use the entry wound for damage, but ricochets inside the body, turning a person’s organs to soup, and I’m an expert shot. I’d say I’m more ready than you all are.”

  Osei became very quiet quickly, and looked at Sheddi.

  “I think Abena brought us a ringer, Tina. We should really listen to him.”

  Sheddi marveled as well. She was out of sorts dealing with this situation, but Tyler told her in so many words she would be alright.

  “You were a United States Army Ranger. How do you know about a Russian assault rifle?” she asked him.

  Tyler smiled.

  “I was Special Forces, Sheddi. I know Mikhail Kalashnikov made it, and it’s a cartel’s favorite weapon along with terrorists. A Special Forces soldier knows his enemy’s weapon intimately, and I can even break one down, and fire one accurately.”