Smooth... A Ruben Kane novel. (Meet Ruben Kane Book 5)

by Eddie Martin

  Fuck the girl, once our people got wasted she don't matter anymore. We got hundreds just like her, Baggy said.

  We need to concentrate on the money, Raybe said.

  Searcy, you took the biggest hit what do you want to do? Raybe said.

  Searcy, out of Louisiana and chairman of the group for this month said.

  I hear all of you and I'll admit it was my responsibility for sending the men up there and losing the money. The money that was lost was my own and I'm not asking you to take the loss, but this meeting is for your input because ultimately what affect one affect us all. The girl I think you're right, she don't matter that much anymore but I do want to know what the real story is.

  What about this, Simpson said. We send Vincent up there to look around and see if he can find out what happened to the money? If the cops has it we know it's out of our reach, if someone else has it then Vincent can deal with it. Are we all agree?

  Everyone in the room raise their hand and uttered the word agreed.

  Vincent… 5 foot 11, 235 pounds and Creole. Black hair and eyes, small limp to his left leg from getting shot with a bow and arrow searching for a guy in the Everglades. He found the guy and left him out there. Vincent was the group’s handyman, he only came in when the situation was dire. He never asked questions other than what they wanted him to do and where.

  Thursday morning Vincent boarded a train for Cleveland Ohio. ETA 1 PM Saturday afternoon.

  Saturday afternoon

  Smooth was at the local car dealership, he was talking to a salesman that he usually dealt with about a new ride.

  What kind of wheels can I help you with this time Smooth? Richard said.

  I'm kind of leaning towards that Dodge, looks good to me.

  What about that Buick over there, that baby is you. Why not take it for a test drive, or that Cadillac looks good to.

  No, Smooth said. I think I want to take that Dodge out, it's just something about that baby. What do you girls think? Smooth was talking to two of his girls, whenever he goes shopping for a new ride he brings one or two of them along with him.

  One said she liked the Cadillac and the other said that she liked the Buick, but both said that they wish they had another color to choose from besides black.

  Okay Smooth said. It’s settled then, the Dodge it is.

  From their Smooth picked up the other three girls and took them all shopping. He would sit in the lounge area in a big leather armchair and drank champagne while the girls would model for him. After that he took them to the Cave club for dinner and dancing. For that night he was the man but then, wasn’t he always. Making rounds of the clubs he ran into almost everyone, even ran into RK, and bought him a drink, a double. What a night, must have hit him for up to $10,000 but he didn't worry about it, he could afford it.

  Sunday morning,

  Smooth woke up, around him on the bed was all 5 girls. The bed was special made and large enough for them all. They love being close to Smooth and each other. The apartment if you want to call it that was really a warehouse diverted into three apartments of approximately 5,000 ft.² each. The warehouse was set on the river and three stories high, Smooth was on the 3rd floor. You drive into an elevator, it takes you to the 3rd floor and you drive on to the floor itself of the apartment. The place was big enough to drive around in. In the room were also a bed, pool table, white wrap around couches and lounge chairs, 25 foot long bar with stools. And a kitchen all in one open area. Two other bed rooms and a powder room for the girls. Four baths, three other rooms with nothing but cloths and dressing areas. Windows floor to Ceiling and a roof skylight.

  Smooth fluffed up his pillow, put his hands behind his head and looked at his new ride at the foot of his bed, and it was sweet.

  Saturday 1 PM

  Vincent came into town and headed for the Royal hotel, the place where he was told Thibodaux and Seth stayed.

  He tried to get the same floor that they stayed on but was told it was under construction, due to the incident. Later on that day he did find his way to the 3rd floor to get a looksee. Room 325 had a lot of bullet holes that they were trying to cover up but failed. He glanced in and saw that the carpet was being removed and replaced. Also notice that the window was being replaced, that kind of explain the guy being in the alley. He must have been on the fire escape looking in. The other 4 bodies were found in the bed room.

  The next day Vincent went down to the desk to ask where he could get breakfast, the manager told him of a diner within walking distance. He thanked him and headed out. After breakfast he return to the hotel. Bernie gave him his key and Vincent asked him was he present when the shooting started? Yeah, I was here, sounded like the 4 of July. One big bang and after that all hell broke loose. I'd say 10 to 15 shots. You could hear that well down here Vincent asked? Well from what I hear Theo’s wasn't small weapons they were using, besides this is an old building and that's all I'm saying until somebody grease the Palm. Vincent reached in his pocket and pulled out a large roll of bills, pull off $100 bill and gave it to Bernie. What do you won't to know? Bernie asked.

  The two men that were staying here did they have any visitors? Did they go out while they were here? Anything like that.

  They had 5 visitors, the 3 they found dead up there and the 2 hookers. Tell me about the hookers Vincent said. Two working girls, the men wanted for the night and I supplied them. Were they with them all night? Yeah, they were, they went out partying got back to the hotel about 3 that morning. Everyone looked pretty lit up when they return. What time did they leave? Vincent asked. Oh I don't know about 11 AM I guess, why you asked? No reason, Vincent said. As he was about to leave he said, Bernie does every room have a safe? And if so you wouldn't want to tell me about the safes combination would you? You know I can't tell you that even if you gave me another hundred. But your room has one to, right behind the picture in the living room. Thanks Bernie, I didn't think he would give me that information but I had to try.

  Vincent went back to his room laid across his bed and started thinking about what he learned.

  They put the money in the safe when they got here, the only ones that knew that would have been one of Macomb men but if he were to take it they wouldn't have showed up for the trade. Then there's the girls but Thibodaux and Seth would have been all over them, they'd have no chance. Then there’s Bernie, the manager. He has the combination to all the rooms and the time to do it. Right now my bet is with him... Unless. Hookers have pimps! Pimps tend to be very protective of their girls, I wonder! Vincent called down to the desk to speak to Bernie but was told he was off the rest of the day. You wouldn't happen to have his address would you? Vincent said. I'm sorry sir but we can't divulge that information.

  Monday morning

  Ruben was in his office and Rita informed him that he had a call from Raymond, Ruben picked up the phone and said, yeah! Raymond?

  Ruben got a little information I think you be interested in, won't cost you but 100 bucks.

  Is that all Raymond, by all means sock it on me. You only taken my life's blood you know.

  We have out of town people asking questions about the diamond heist that went down and the ones that got knocked off.

  So, there's been a lot of people asking questions, reporters, radio and movie people, so what. Ruben said.

  This person is from Down Louisiana Way, Raymond said. And he not so much asking about the diamonds but money that would have been here to purchase the diamonds. Said money was never found, Raymond said.

  And where was this guy at asking all these questions? Ruben asked.

  The Ebony club, Sunday night.

  Okay Raymond thanks, I'll check it out.

  Hello, Lieut. Jeffries please.

  Lieut. Jeffries, this is Ruben Kane, how's it going?

  What you won't Kane, I'm busy.

  I need to ask you a couple questions, you got time for that?

  If I don't I guess you won't get off the phone, okay asked away.

&n
bsp; The robbery of the diamonds, did you ever find out where the out of Towner’s came from? And why were they up here in the beginning?

  Yes and yes! Jeffries said. The men were up from Louisiana, they're from the organization “the group “and they came up here to fence the diamonds, we think.

  Did you find the money? Ruben said.

  No money Kane, the thinking is after the gun battle somebody came by and picked it up.

  If that were the case Ruben said, why not pick up the diamonds as well?

  We haven't figured that one out yet, but we know there's another player involved.

  There is Lieut. and he got in town two days ago from guess where, Louisiana!

  Why do you think he's here, Kane?

  The money and, the money! I think they figured out that the cops don't have it so they have to guess who, Ruben said.You don’t have it, do you Lt.?

  That don’t deserve an answer Kane, so I won’t.

  You have any idea where he’s staying, Jeffries said?

  If I had to guess I'd say the Royal hotel, Ruben said.

  You got a name?

  Hell Lieut., I can't do all your work for you.

  Bernie, Vincent said, let me ask you a question. The girls that were with the men in room 325, who do they work for, who is there pimp?

  You know I can't tell you that Mr. Bargo, if I did no one would trust me around here again and if they don't trust me then my income goes down to zero.

  Suppose I make up for a portion of that, say $500? Vincent said.

  Sorry Mr. Bargo, I just can't do it.

  Well, thanks Bernie. I tried!

  Lelah, if you need me I'll be back in my apartment, Bernie was talking to the other clerk on the desk with him. When Bernie left for the back Vincent asked if Bernie lived here in the hotel?

  She said yes, a couple of us do.

  Vincent thanked her and went to his apartment.

  I think Bernie holds the key and he will tell me, you can bet on that.

  Tuesday 10:30 AM

  Lieut. Jeffries and one of his detectives were at the desk of the Royal hotel and asked about a person who just checked in within the last few days.

  She said there was 3 women and 2 men, two married couples checked in. Let's rule the women and married people out and concentrate on the men. Describe them if you can, Jeffries said.

  Well, one was about 6 feet tall and talk like he was from Boston, the other was about 5 foot 10 Bright skin and she thinks was a Creole and had a limp on his left leg, Louisiana accent. A Mr. Borga, Mr. Vincent Borga.

  What's his room number Jeffries asked?

  525 She said. Do you want me to call him?

  No, we’ll just drop in unannounced.

  At the door Jeffries knocked but got no answer, he knocked again and still no answer. He told his detective to open it, so without question the detective took out a couple of wire pics from his inside pocket and opened the door. After searching the apartment and finding nothing they looked at each other, something’s not right Jeffries said. No toiletries and no bags, the clerk didn't say anything about him checking out did she? The assistant said, I don't think so. Going back downstairs they stopped at the desk and asked the clerk had Borga checked out?

  She checked her books and said no, he's not checked out according to the books. Who would know Jeffries said. Bernie, he was on last night until midnight.

  Would you happen to have Bernie's address?

  Sure, he stays right here in the hotel, apartment B-1, would you like me to ring him for you?

  Yeah, would you. Tell him we'd like to have a word with him.

  The clerk called and let the phone rang a few times and told Lieut. Jeffries that he doesn't answer.

  I'll tell you what, I'll leave my card and you can have him call me when he gets in.

  Okay, the clerk said. Hey, I just thought of something, sometimes he sleeps with blinders and earplugs on and he's told us before if it's important to just come in and wake him. I'll be right back!

  Two minutes later Lieut. Jeffries and his detective heard a scream that would wake the dead. They ran back to where the clerk was and leaning out his living room chair was Bernie. Housecoat and pajamas on, house shoes half off one foot, and a beer laying on the floor. Blood running down from the hole that was between his eyes.

  CHAPTER 5

  It took Vincent until 11:30 PM that night for him to find smooth’s hideaway, if you won't to call it that. It took almost 20 minutes to climb the fire escape to the 3rd floor. Opening the window was no problem for Vincent but it still toke him ten minutes. Just like finding smooth sitting at the bar with a large black woman behind the bar mixing a drink. Both looking like they just come in off the showcase floor. Smooth was in his usual attire, sport coat, silk shirt and gabardine pants. Black Stetson shoes. Cashmere overcoat over the back of the bar stool. Gold watch, diamond rings on each hand and a gold bracelet on his left wrist. A scotch on the rocks in his hand. Della was dressed hooker style, high heel shoes and short skirt above her knees, halter half off her shoulders, with nipples showing thru.

  Vincent walked in with his Beretta and silencer in his right hand, when they saw him.

  While you’re mixing drinks he said you can mix me a vodka on the rocks. Both Smooth and Della stared at Vincent and smooth said to Della; I told you about leaving the windows open, you never know who'll come in. What do you won't smooth asked?

  Vincent walked up to the bar, the other end from smooth. He told Della to pass his drink to him, took a sip and sit down on one of the stools facing smooth.Layed his weapon down on the bar near his hand. Now you're not going to give me any trouble he said to Della?

  No, not me. I'm just a lonely hooker trying to make a dollar.

  Good, Vincent said. When I get finished here you just may get your wish.

  You were saying, smooth said. What do you won't?

  You have something that don't belong to you and I want it back. Now, I must tell you that I don't have a lot of time, Vincent said.

  You want to tell me what it is I'm supposed to have, smooth said?

  Money, Vincent said. 150,000 worth. Once I get it I'll be on my way and everyone's left happy.

  Suppose I tell you I don't have what you're after, smooth said.

  Then I guess you'll be taken this bullet for someone else.

  Suppose I were to offer you half? Smooth said. That is if I had what you're after.

  The people that sent me up here would not go for half, it's all or nothing.

  And you're willing to kill me for this money, smooth said.

  Short answer, yes! Ask your friend Bernie, if you could. That's how I got on to you, of course he wouldn't talk right away either. He didn't want to die but like I told him, everyone dies.

  And after I give you the money, will you kill me to?

  Hey, who knows, you just have to trust me.

  Smooth, Della said. Haven't you heard enough yet?

  Yeah, I think so babe, let's end this.

  As soon as it was said a deafening sound erupted in the room and Vincent flew back off the bar stool, his midsection blown out. Eyes wide open and surprise on his face. Della had shot him thru the bar with the sawed off shot gun they kept there. Vincent laid spread out on the hard wood high gloss floor bleeding like a pig and said to himself beforehe died;I let a Gotdamn bitch get to me.

  I told you this shotgun would come in handy one day, Della said. You just too nice smooth, you'd let him talk you to death before you’d do anything wouldn’t you?

  Well, smooth said. Now it's cleanup time. What time are the girls getting back?

  Thursday

  Lieut. Jeffries please, hello Lieut. this is…

  I know who it is, what the hell you won't this time Kane?

  I wanted to ask you about that killing you had Tuesday morning and if you had any suspects?

  I'm thinking you already know before you call but okay I'll bite. The deceased was a 32-year-old manager of the Royal hotel, we
thank he was kill some time Tuesday morning. One shot between the eyes. Looks like he was hit upside his head a few times before being shot.

  Suspects, Ruben asked?

  You know that guy you were telling me about, Asking questions at the Ebony club? We think he’s the same one up from Louisiana and has a room in the Royal. When we got there he had gone, bags and all and the manager was on the floor in his apartment dead. Suspects you say, I'd say he's our boy. Regardless we have an alert out for him right now.

  I wonder why he killed the manager Ruben asked?

  I'd say he had some information he wanted, I guess we'll never know until we catch up to him.

  Well, thanks Lieut. I guess that'll do it for me, I was just curious.

  You mean you're not taking this one any farther Kane?

  I don't have a client Lieut., no client means no paycheck.

  So we’re square now right?

  Lieut. we'll never be square, see you!

  3 Months Later:

  RK, RK. Smooth bust through Ruben’s office and ran into Rita. Smooth why you doing all that yelling? She said.

  I need to see RK, I need to see him now!

  Well, let me call him smooth and see whether he’s busy or not.

  Rita call Ruben on the intercom and said, RK, smooth’s out here raising all kinds of hell talking about he needs to talk to you.

  Okay Rita, send him on back.

  RK, I got problems, I've got big problems.

  What is it smooth?

  I got problems! Smooth set down in the only chair that Ruben had for clients and hung his leg over the arm rest and said, I'm in big trouble RK.

  You said that smooth, now what is it?

  Would you believe it, would you just believe it?

  You got a drink RK?

  I reached in my desk drawer and pulled out my bottle of Jim Bean. Poured smooth a half cup and sit back and waited. After I gave him his drink, I said. Smooth, you need to relax.