“My goods better be in there,” King Kong complained to Phil after Saddam left. “You know if we lose this, we’re in big trouble.”
Phil nodded and replied, “I know, but it’s not the right time to hassle Saddam. His grandfather was just killed.”
King Kong sucked his teeth without sympathy. Fear and anxiety filled his eyes. “I owe people a lot of money for that shipment. The money from the last six months is in that house. I cannot lose that,” he hissed. He turned to stare at the action a few feet away.
The house was taped off as detectives from the Spanish Town Police Station went in and out, searching for clues to the murder of the gentle, kindhearted, Christian man. The couple lived in a very nice house, but they didn’t have anything worth killing for.
“I bet it’s some crackhead who knew that they lived alone,” King Kong lied to the police when questioned.
Detective Stone frowned. “From what we can see so far, nothing obvious was taken. The television and other electronics are here. Mother Bloom’s jewelry box with a few nice gold pieces is still on her dresser. Of course, we’re not finished yet.” He ran a hand over his smooth bald head.
“Nothing was taken?” King Kong’s eyes lit up. “No furniture—”
“Maybe Elder Bloom prevented them from robbing the house,” Phil remarked, discreetly stepping on King Kong’s toe. “That would explain why they killed him.”
Detective Stone bobbed his head and said, “You could be right. This could be a random burglary that went wrong.” He was young and just became a detective a few months earlier. “But I’m going to solve this one.” The hunger showed in his eyes. Detective Stone had to prove himself worthy of this position. “Whatever happened here tonight, I’ll find out.” He turned on his heels and marched back to the house.
“Anything new?” Detective Stone asked as he walked into the kitchen where two officers were.
“No, we haven’t found a thing,” one answered. “We searched the entire house.”
“But do you know what you’re looking for?” asked a gravelly voice from the doorway.
The three men turned to see Detective Bird leaning against the door, a toothpick dangling from the corner of his mouth.
“We’re looking for clues to a murder.” Detective Stone’s voice held resentment at the insult. He frowned at the older detective.
Detective Bird said, “I bet you think this was a normal burglary gone wrong.” His voice was grainy from years of smoking and drinking. Gray hair sprinkled all over his head and in the thick beard he sported.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Detective Stone snapped. He was an admirer of the veteran detective, who had been on the police force for almost forty years. However, he didn’t like the way Detective Bird was trying to undermine his investigation. “Why are you here, Detective?”
Detective Bird peered at him through slanted eyes. “Watch your tone, son.” His droopy face had a hard look. “I’m taking over the investigation.”
“No, you’re not!” Detective Stone was appalled. “The lieutenant sent me over here.”
“Why don’t you give him a call? He’ll explain everything to you.”
“Explain what?”
Detective Bird sighed aloud. He walked over to the kitchen counter and rested his hip against it. “Can you give us a minute?” he said to the other two officers. “Do you know who that is outside there?” He pointed toward the door that the officers just exited through. “That’s King Kong and one of his right-hand men, Phil.”
Detective Stone looked puzzled.
“Do you know who the victim’s grandson is? Saddam.” He answered his own question. “He is King Kong’s other right-hand man.”
“And who is King Kong, and why should I care?”
Detective Bird threw his head back and laughed out loud before dissolving in a whooping cough. After composing himself, he replied, “That’s why the lieutenant reassigned the case to me. The three biggest drug dealers in Jamaica are King Kong, Suave, and Queen Bee. While their headquarters are in Kingston, they operate in all fourteen parishes. I’ve been after King Kong for years, but he’s always one step ahead of me. Yes, he owns legal businesses to justify his wealth. But trust me, most of that comes from the cocaine and marijuana that he deals. Weeks ago, my informant told me that King Kong was robbing his rival, Suave.”
Detective Bird continued. “Suave is even bigger than King Kong in the drug business. I’ve been working with some detectives in Kingston to get him too, but nothing ever sticks. Rumor has it that Suave had kidnapped King Kong’s partner, Danny, in retaliation of the robberies. Danny was badly beaten and released. Now Saddam’s grandfather is dead.”
“So, you think it’s all related?” the younger detective asked the veteran. “All of this is about drugs?”
Detective Bird pointed at him. “Now, you get it. Elder Bloom didn’t deserve to be killed, but this just might be the way for me to finally get those two criminals. Cross my heart and tell no lie, I’m going to get them one day soon.”
Stone saw the determination in Detective Bird’s eyes. It looked as if King Kong and Suave’s days as free men were numbered.
Chapter Twelve
“I’m out,” Suave barked after exiting the club. He threw a cold look at Cobra before storming off toward his Benz. It was 1:00 a.m.
“Suave. Wait.” Daddy Lizard ran up to the car as Suave slipped behind the steering wheel, slamming the car door shut. He started the car and rolled down the window.
“At least take two soldiers with you,” Daddy Lizard implored his boss, his head hanging inside the car through the opened window. “Things are going to get rough. You can’t take any chances.”
Suave replied, “I’m good. You know I don’t leave my piece. Plus, where I’m going, King Kong won’t venture.”
“Are you
