He turned the door knob and opened the door. He bumped his head with a small pouch that hung over the door frame. He thought that was strange and decided not to even touch the thing afterwards. When the door shut behind him, it chimed.
"Hello?" Alexander asked. The place was small, but deep with shadow. Only a small light was lit. There were glass shelves with items on display. These items were plants, amulets and antique books with symbols that he didn't know or understand, but associated supposedly with magic. He didn't believe in any of that stuff. Maybe it was a cover up for something, probably for illegal drugs. There were vials with different colored liquids in them. He touched the glass and observed the vials closely. He wondered what the hell were in those vials. He wondered if anything in them were legal. He doubted that.
"Do not touch the glass," a man said. He had a strong Caribbean accent. Alexander tilted his head and looked at him. Half of his body was in the shadows and the other half was visible. He was a black man, slim, but strong, tall and elegant. He wore an impeccable white suit and red tie. His hair was long and with dreadlocks. He had a full beard and mustache and he had his hands closed and to the sides. Alexander noticed that he wore a skull ring.
"Are you Adio the so-called Voodoo doctor?" Alexander asked him. The man smiled and laughed a little. He had a golden tooth right before his canine tooth.
"So-called Voodoo doctor? I see," Adio replied.
"Yeah, so-called because I don't believe in this shit, that's why. Just answer the question," Alexander said.
"Yes. I'm Adio. Would you mind putting your weapon away? I am not armed."
Alexander nodded and put his gun in his pocket. He then carried on.
"Done," he said and showed his hands up to Adio. Adio gave him one single nod.
"How did you know of me?" Adio asked him. He stepped forward into the light and now he was clearly visible. He was a tall man indeed, as tall as Alexander and a bit more muscular than what Hardy had observed.
"I'm a detective. I'm paid to know," Alexander began.
"Am I under arrest or something? If so, shouldn't you read me my rights?" Replied Adio with more questions. Alexander shook his head.
"No. I overheard a conversation. I don't know who you are specifically, but the conversation geared towards paranormal powers. Now as rational human beings, we know that shit isn't real and that what you're really offering is drugs. So, you tell me," Alexander said and pointed with his chin.
"Drugs? Well… weed is legal, so-"
"I'm not talking about weed. I'm talking about something you gave that kid to become stronger or withstand pain or whatever. Was it something that heightens adrenaline?" Alexander asked.
"I don't know what conversation you're talking about," Adio said.
"I'm talking about the rookie wrestler Rocky Roads. He just fought with some champion by the name of Punisher Gloves. Now, I'm not saying that the kid is or isn't good, but his height and weight were no match for that guy. The win was absolutely impossible. He used a substance. Your substance and I want to know what it is," Alexander said pressuring him.
Adio had another inner laugh. It was amazing just how cool this guy was with all of this. He thought he was going to get away with this.
"Can I see your badge?" Adio asked him. Shit. He couldn't because he had turned it in.
"I left it at home," Alexander lied quickly.
"Hmm… really? Wait a minute. I have seen you somewhere, haven't I?" Adio asked waving his index finger. Shit. If he was busted, this was all over. He would be the one in trouble for fucking around with private citizens. Adio could easily charge him with harassment or unlawful procedure. Alexander swallowed bile and tried to play his nervousness off as best he could.
"I'm no celebrity. Listen, punk we still have laws in this city and I want to know what's going on?"
"Punk? Punk, you call me? Wait a minute, aren't you that cop who got suspended for some case? You were the one screaming like a lunatic, isn't that right? Is that you? Holy shit," Adio said and laughed.
"Dude, that's not me," Alexander denied, but it was too late the guy had caught him cold handed.
"Let me look at my cell phone and see. I think it's you. If not, then you must have a twin brother," Adio said taking out his cell phone.
"Dude, I just want to know why you're following me?" Alexander said shifting the conversation.
"I'm not following you."
"You did. I recognize your car. Are you working for someone?" Alexander asked. His heart beat fast. This wasn't a light question.
"I work for myself. I got nothing to do with trash like Mancinni, if that's what you were implying," Adio said.
"No. I didn't imply anything. I don't know what's going on and I want to know why you're following me around," Alexander said. He wanted to keep the pressure on him, but he knew he was losing. He wasn't going to give up that easily though.
"How many black Sedans are in Crave City?" Adio asked him.
"In this particular area, not many. I want answers Adio. I'm not kidding around."
Adio didn't speak out again for a while. He instead studied Alexander. He looked at his thick eyebrows, his blue eyes, small, round nose and thin lips. He even observed his square shaped chin.
"You want me to get a warrant? I can get one," Alexander bluffed.
"Like you did with the Mancinni case?"
"Fuck you, that was-" Alexander suddenly stopped. He realized that Adio had caught him bare handed. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Shit…" Alexander mumbled to himself. Adio observed him again. He saw a man who was tired and who wanted justice. He saw a man frustrated.
"Yes, I gave to Rocky Roads something, but I can assure it, it is not a drug. It is a magical potion, made by my family for many generations," Adio replied. Alexander raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"Magic potions are usually drugs."
"Drugs, medicines? Does it really matter?" Adio asked him.
"It matters to me and if you're distributing it in this city, it's my business," Alexander replied. Adio pursed his lips.
"Hmm… well. I am impressed Mr. Hardy. You are committed to this city."
"I'm committed to justice and if you're fucking around, you're going to find out," Alexander warned him with a glare. Adio laughed.
"My, my, you are better than what I expected. I am so relieved," Adio replied.
"Better?" Alexander asked him with confusion. What did he mean that he was expected? Did he know Alexander would be coming into his shop?
"Yes… I know you're confused Mr. Hardy, but I will explain everything to you and then you'll understand," Adio replied. Alexander frowned.