Chapter Four
Captain Thomas Fitzroy had received the report from the coroner's office. The deceased, Henry Alexander Brown, was thirty-five, unmarried, no kids, and no known living relatives. He was shot in the head with a 9mm and killed instantly. Whoever committed the murder wanted it done quick and with as minimal evidence as possible. Maybe the guys didn't want Henry to talk. The message left for the cops was also being investigated, but no fingerprints or other DNA evidence could be found on the paper. These guys were good, and the captain knew something bigger was at play. The only mystery was who were these guys, and what was their motives?
It was hard to investigate any leads. Henry had clearly been tied to them in some way, but the way was unclear. Maybe it was a gang, and he was a member; maybe he was in debt and working for them, or maybe he made an enemy out of the wrong people. It was hard to say. Thomas decided to get a trusted member of the force, Det. James Mercer. James was always ready to work a case, and this one seemed particularly interesting.
James: So, a dead crook and a threatening note? This one is going to be a hard nut to crack. I'll get my team on it right away.
It would be hard, because there was nothing solid to go off of.
Meanwhile, at school:
Demetrius went to periods 1-5 with nothing out of the ordinary happening. In period 6, the coach let them play basketball, and Demetrius was shooting hoops in the corner again. While he could hoop, he wasn't exactly a social butterfly. Halfway through, Coach David blew his whistle.
The kids all lined up.
Coach David: We got a new student in our class today. Say hello to her.
Demetrius perked up, wondering if the student in question was that Diamond girl from before. When the girl slowly walked over, she was certainly...not Diamond.
Girl: Hi, my name's Aurora. Aurora Tyler.
Aurora Tyler, as in daughter of the Mayor, Thaddeus Tyler? Demetrius couldn't believe he was in a class with the daughter of NYC's mayor.
Well, that was that.
All the guys in the class started fawning over her. Even most of the girls went up to her. She had a couple guards around her that seemed skeptical of the kids, but she waved them off. Demetrius did a simple wave and went back to hooping. The star of the school's JV basketball team, Dominic Sullivan, went to greet her.
Dominic: So, what grade you in?
Aurora: Oh...I'm a freshman.
Dominic: Nice. I'm a sophomore, I play JV.
Aurora: Oh?
Dominic: Yeah, I hoop for real.
As Dominic and his friends chatted up with the girl, Demetrius pulled out his phone, went incognito, and tried to search up information related to Henry's death. The police knew the cause of death, but that's all they currently knew. Demetrius decided to wait and see if any other leads popped up.
The rest of PE went exactly the same. Demetrius went to art class, did art, and left. He, yet again, got on the bus and went home. Two new girls showed up in his school. Something didn't feel...right. He did his homework and decided to wait for nightfall, eager to get out in the field again. While waiting, he went to the kitchen and found his dad on the phone with his "partner" again.
Darius: Yes, I'm trying to meet the deadlines--
He looked up when he saw Demetrius.
Darius: Oh...hi, son.
Demetrius: Hi, dad.
Darius: Had a good day at school?
Demetrius: Yeah, nothing too out of the ordinary.
Darius: Ha. Well, let me know if you need anything.
Demetrius: Okay. Thanks.
Darius: Have you seen your mother?
Demetrius: No, why?
Darius: She should be home by now...ah, well. Maybe she has an important meeting.
Demetrius nodded and grabbed some chocolate ice cream out of the fridge. He went back to his room and turned himself on some Scream. The movie was pretty good, but it didn't really scare Demetrius. He was watching it because he liked to see other people get scared and make dumb choices.
Hours later, night came, and Demetrius grabbed his Riot suit out of his closet and decided to do some patrolling like he did on Sunday, getting his motorcycle from the back. There wasn't much happening, and he had to make sure he wasn't seen, so he waited until the streets were semi-clear and drove around for a bit. Nothing out of the blue happened, but the police did have signs posted looking for any information on the whereabouts of the man who killed Henry.
Eventually, he saw a criminal robbing a gas station that didn't have any customers in it. He drove up to it. The cashier was giving him the money and putting it in a bag for him. The criminal had a hoodie on and a pistol in his hand.
Criminal: Yeah, that's right, nice and easy.
He grabbed the bag from the man and walked away, gun trained on the cashier before he stepped out.
Criminal: And don't try calling any cops either, or I won't be taking just cash when I come back.
Cashier: I'm not! I promise!
Criminal: You'd better.
The criminal walked out the door and prepared to get in his car, but Riot cleared his throat.
Riot: So.
Criminal: You? You're real?
Riot: What do you mea—-
The criminal pointed his gun at Riot. Riot only had a few seconds to dive to the side building.
Criminal: You a special kind of cop or something? What? You Bat-man?
The criminal shot a few shots at the building, drawing attention, while Riot kept his head down behind a trash can. When the guy wasn't sure if Riot was still there, he walked a bit closer but kept his gun pointed, and Riot slightly peeked out and shot the guy in the leg. It made him howl in pain and drop his gun. Riot made his move and ran up and punched him dead in the face, making him rear back in pain. Once the guy was on the ground, Riot cuffed him and called 9-1-1 off his trap phone, like he did with Henry.
Riot: Yeah, yeah, I got an armed robbery suspect here.
9-1-1: Where?
Riot: By the 7-11 on Eighth Ave.
He hung up the phone and went inside. The cashier was hiding under the counter, having heard the gunshots from before.
Riot: It's all good now; the guy's been arrested.
The cashier got up.
Cashier: Thank you—
Then he saw.
Cashier: Wait...who the hell are you? You're not a cop! Stay back!
Riot shouldn't have been surprised. He just left the store, got the money on the ground next to the criminal, and placed it back on the cashier's counter.
Riot: There.
Then he took off into the night. When the cops arrived to pick up the criminal, they found him on the ground and cuffed up already, most of their job done for them. One of the officers, Officer Ricardo, decided to call the captain.
Officer Ricardo: Captain...I may have something to tell you...
END OF CHAPTER FOUR.
Chapter Five
Outside the scene of the attempted robbery, Officer Ricardo and two other officers, Samantha Witley and Alex Reyes, looked at the handcuffed robber in confusion. Officer Ricardo looked at him with a bit more shock than the other two.
Ricardo: Captain? Captain, pick up!
The Captain wasn't answering his phone. Captain Thomas must have had other priorities. Officer Samantha looked at the suspect.
Samantha: Who did this to you?
Guy: Some weirdo in a mask! I didn't even do anything!
Alex looked at the cashier in the 7-11.
Alex: Maybe we should ask that guy in there what happened.
Ricardo: Go ahead, we'll question this guy further.
Alex went into the shop. The cashier seemed to be relieved when he saw him.
Cashier: Finally, a real cop!
Alex: What do you mean by that?
Cashier: Some guy, he was wearing like, military armor or something! And he had a mask!
Alex: A guy in military armor and a mask? Can you tell me more?
Cashier: Yes! I think he was trading fire with that guy that robbed me out there!
Alex: So the guy outside was attempting to rob the store?
Cashier: Yes! Then he took the money, and I heard gunshots, and then the masked guy brought the stolen money!
Alex: Got it. Are you okay?
Cashier: Yes, yes, I'm fine, thank you.
Alex: Can I get your name, please?
Cashier: Yes, my name is Ivan Anton.
Alex: Anton? Is your dad Captain Anton?
Ivan: Yes, how did you know?
Alex: We work together sometimes.
Ivan: Oh, that's, that's nice. Please tell him I said hi.
Alex nodded and informed the man he would have an officer return. He went outside and saw that Samantha was questioning the suspect, and Ricardo was still trying to call the Captain.
Samantha: So you're saying some masked assailant came to the 7-11, robbed it, and attacked you when you tried to get him to return the money?
Guy: Yes! Yes!
Samantha: So the gun on the floor is yours?
Guy: Yes, he shot me, and I dropped it!
Samantha looked at the man's right leg. It had very well been shot, but she was still skeptical about his story. His head was swollen, but she was curious as to why the cashier wouldn't have helped him. The 911 call was from someone who seemed to have caught the guy.
Samantha: Why didn't the cashier give you assistance?
Alex: Because he was the armed robber mentioned in the 9-1-1 call.
Samantha: Really?
Guy: No, I wasn't—-
Alex: Seems like it. We can have a squad get down here and check the scene for evidence. Get this place closed off, and make sure that cashier gets home safe. I'll take this one into custody for further questioning.
Samantha: Got it.
Guy: Wait! I'm innocent!
Alex: I'm taking you in under suspicion of armed robbery. You have the right to remain silent—
Guy: Let me go!
As Samantha went to send the cashier home and tape off the scene, Alex grabbed the suspect and put him in his car. Before he left, he went to Ricardo.
Alex: By the way, something that cashier said matched with what the suspect said. They both said they saw a guy in a mask. Think it's true?
Ricardo: I saw a case like this last Sunday. I thought it was just some random cop failing to do his job properly and my daughter being a drunk, but...now two of them?
Alex: You think we should investigate?
Ricardo: Yeah, I need to let the Captain know. Not only might there be some...I hate to say it, but some vigilante...in town, but these robberies, do you think they are related?
Alex: You mean you think the mugger case and this case might have something to do with each other?
Ricardo: Can't say for sure, but seems we have lots more work on our hands than we usually do.
Later that day...
The three officers arrived at the station. Ricardo asked the front desk if the Captain was there, saying he needed to talk to him immediately.
The clerk, Francine, gave him a condescending look.
Francine: Listen Jenkins, the Captain is busy with the mugger case, and he doesn't have time for your bull—
Ricardo: This is related to the mugger case!
Francine: What? Because some guy tried to rob someone?
Ricardo: NO! Because some vigilante might be out there DOING OUR DAMN JOBS!
The outburst got the attention of the entire station. Francine was shocked, and so was Samantha, who wasn't told this information by either Ricardo or Alex. Other officers like Maria and Troy also looked a bit surprised.
Francine: What—?
The commotion drew the attention of Thomas and Detective James.
Thomas: What did you say?
Ricardo: Captain! Listen, I—-
Thomas: No, what did you say about a, vigilante?
Ricardo: Look, captain. We didn't capture Brown. We found him handcuffed. Just like we found this guy.
He pointed to the captured criminal.
Thomas: What?
Everyone else was listening in stunned silence.
Ricardo: Yeah, now I'm starting to consider it. There's no way a cop could just leave two criminals handcuffed in the open and just call 911 to take them into custody. Not even an incompetent cop would.
Thomas: So you're saying....
Ricardo: That I want you to investigate the possibility of a vigilante in NYC.
James had been quiet, listening intently for the entire conversation.
James: Interesting. It couldn't hurt to take a look, since we have no leads on Brown's murder.
Thomas: ...Fine. But you best not be lying about this, Officer Jenkins.
Ricardo: I'm not Captain, but I have other evidence to present to you.
Thomas: Hmm?
Ricardo: I think that these robberies might be...related.
Thomas: How come?
The suspect was extremely quiet.
Ricardo: It couldn't be a coincidence. I mean, two attempted armed robberies in the same week? Both close to each other?
Thomas: Where was this one?
Ricardo: The 7-11 on Eighth Avenue.
Officer Arthur Anton perked up.
Arthur: My son works there! Is he okay?
Alex: He's fine.
Arthur: Good...give me this bastard. Let's stop wasting time.
Alex gave Arthur the suspect for processing. Thomas looked at Ricardo, and Samantha did, too.
Samantha: You had these suspicions the whole time?
Ricardo: Well, I didn't buy into them until this arrest.
Samantha: You were supposed to inform me!
Ricardo: Sorry, you'd believe the vigilante thing was baloney.
Samantha: Fair point. But still...
James walked over to Ricardo and the others.
James: Well, let's see if you're right, Officer Jenkins.
Ricardo: What do you mean?
James: Let's go see if we catch us a vigilante.
END OF CHAPTER FIVE.
Chapter Six
A day before the big party was due to start, Bryant was excited and a bit nervous. He didn't know if Demetrius would really commit to having a party, and he didn't even know if Demetrius had a "normal" house. He didn't know what was in that kid's "rumored condo," but Diamond was a "baddie," and he must please the baddies.
His mom was still acting weird, but he didn't care. He was getting that party, and she was an early sleeper due to her Pre-K teaching job. By 8 p.m. tomorrow, she'd be in her bed, and Bryant would be making out with Diamond.
He had just finished a normal Thursday: School, school, and more school. He was sure he failed all the tests he took today, but by the time his mom knew, he would be busy having fun. He decided to text Diamond.
Bryant: (Text) Yo D, you still down for the party tomorrow?
Diamond: (Text) Of course. It's still at your house, right?
Oh damn, he forgot to tell her.
Bryant: (Text) Well, like, you remember that kid, Demetrius?
Diamond: (Text) Uh, yeah?
Bryant: (Text) Yeah, it's gonna be at his house.
Diamond took a while to respond. It made Bryant feel like she wasn't going to come. Eventually, a notification popped up on his Instagram.
Diamond: (Text) Okay...where does he...stay?
Bryant got the address from Demetrius, but he had never actually been there before. For all he knew, Demetrius could have sent him some old man's house.
Bryant: (Text) He said he lived at 520 W 28th. That's where the party will be.
Diamond: (Text) Okay.
Bryant closed Instagram. The party was in a day, and nothing had been prepared yet. Stuff had been ordered to the party house, but he never set it up at Demetrius's place. Mainly because he was a procrastinator, but also because he was a bit scared to enter Demetrius's home. If the house really was his, though, it was even better than Bryant's house and would make for a perfect party. But hell, for all he knew, Demetrius could have thrown all that stuff out.
Bryant decided to suck up his nerves and visit the kid. If he wanted a party, he'd best start now. All the invites had already been sent. Unfortunately for him, his mother was watching TV in the living room.
Amanda: And where do you think you're going, young man?
Bryant: Oh, out...
Amanda: Oh no, you're not! You're still grounded, homie.
The "homie" talk. Sure, it might be forced, but when she got like that, it was serious.
Bryant: Yeah, well, I was going to see my tutor; he would help me improve my grades!
Amanda sat up.
Amanda: A tutor? Since when do you have a tutor?
Bryant needed to find the right words to complete his "semi-lie".
Bryant: Uh, ever since the coach told me to bring up my grades or I'd be kicked off the team!
Typical teenage lie. But Amanda didn't seem to notice.
Amanda: ...Fine. But you'd better be back by eight, or it will be your ass. Do you understand?
Bryant: Yes, ma.
He left. She went back to her show, whatever it was.
He called an Uber to take him to where the address was. The guy was pretty friendly, but he liked to talk a lot. Bryant assumed it was due to his old age.
Eventually, not a minute late, he arrived at the address at 5:00 p.m. He walked to the main entrance and was stopped by Mr. Joe.
Mr. Joe: Wait. Are you a new resident or visiting?
Bryant: Uh, I'm visiting...
Mr. Joe checked Bryant for weapons and other prohibited items before letting him in. He also asked Bryant his age.
Bryant: Oh, I'm 18.
Mr. Joe studied him a bit longer.
Mr. Joe: Follow me.
Mr. Joe led him to Mr. Derrick, who was arguing with another resident about his missing DoorDash order.
Mr. Derrick: Listen, I don't know if it went to the wrong address, but no DoorDash is—-
Yelling was heard on the other end. Lots of it.
Mr. Derrick: Fine! Be like that! Call me when you're done!
Mr. Derrick hung up the phone. Bryant tried to act like he didn't see a thing. Mr. Joe got his attention.
Mr. Joe: Hey Derrick, this one says he's visiting.
Mr. Derrick: Who are you visiting for?
Bryant: Uh, a Demetrius. A Demetrius Anderson.
He nearly forgot Demetrius's last name. He barely heard the guy's first name in classes they shared as it was. Only when the tests were being passed out, and the teachers were congratulating the highest scorers.
Mr. Derrick: Can I see some ID, please?
Bryant pulled out his school ID card. He didn't feel safe giving this man his government ID.
Mr. Derrick: Okay, let me give him a call real quickly.
Mr. Derrick called a number. After a few rings, Demetrius's voice was heard.
Demetrius: (Phone) Thank you for calling the Anderson residence. What the hell do you want?
Mr. Derrick: No need to be so rude, kid! You got a visitor.
Demetrius: (Phone) Oh, nice joke.
Mr. Derrick: I'm serious. Here, tell him your name.
He pointed the phone at Bryant.
Bryant: ...Yo?
A moment passed.
Demetrius: (Phone) ... I'm on my way down.
And in just a few minutes, Demetrius came out of the elevator.
Demetrius: So what do you want?
Bryant: Uh, the party is tomorrow, dude. I came to check and see if you've been getting ready.
Demetrius: I haven't.
Bryant slapped his head.
Bryant: Okay, fine. Don't you think you, like, should prepare?
Demetrius: ...Sure.
Demetrius walked back to the elevator.
Demetrius: Follow me, I guess.
They both got in the elevator after Demetrius put in the access code again. After a short while, they were on his floor, and he pulled out his key and unlocked the door.
Bryant: Oh, da—-
The kid wasn't lying. His house was nice, and it smelled nice, too. This would be the perfect place for a party. Even better than Bryant's house.
Bryant: Dude, your crib is nice...
Demetrius: I guess, yeah.
He didn't seem to care. He had a 9-million-dollar house, and he just acted like he lived in a 10 thousand dollar one.
Bryant: So, would your living room be a good spot for the party?
Demetrius: Look, just use wherever you want; I don't care as long as it's not my room or parents.'
Bryant was a bit skeptical of the way the kid said that. Either he had something to hide, or he just was planning to camp in his room the whole party. Maybe both.
Bryant: Cool, uh, well, we gonna need some drinks, some snacks, maybe some pizza...can we use the TV? It's a football game tomorrow...and a basketball game too. The boys are gonna wanna watch both.
Demetrius wasn't even paying attention; he was busy on his phone watching what seemed to be the news.
Demetrius: Oh. Sure, whatever.
Bryant: Thanks! Well, do you have the stuff I ordered?
Demetrius had zoned out again.
Demetrius: Oh.
Demetrius gave Bryant the boxes, and Bryant began setting up around the house. Well, the living room, porch, and dining room. It wasn't too much to do. Just having the bowls, plates, table sheets, and other simple things set up. Demetrius stayed in his room most of the time, only leaving to check and see if Bryant was going to areas he shouldn't.
Eventually, at 7:45 p.m., he finished up and knocked on Demetrius's door.
Bryant: Okay, I finished the setting up part. You wanna come take a look?
The door unlocked, and Demetrius walked out, as bland-looking as ever.
Demetrius: Oh, cool.
Bryant: So, will your parents be okay with this?
Demetrius: I don't know. Maybe. Their room hasn't been touched...right?
Bryant: No! Just the living room and porch, and the dining room.
Demetrius: Okay then.
Bryant: Well, I'll be back tomorrow before the people come. See ya later, Demetrius.
Demetrius: Cool, later.
Demetrius showed him the door. Tomorrow would be the big party. Bryant was one of the most popular kids in school, and no doubt he had already invited other popular kids to the party, who would, in turn, invite OTHER popular kids like a flock. He didn't care for them, but he wanted to see what was up with Diamond. She seemed...unique.
All in good time. All in good time.
END OF CHAPTER SIX.