The Perfect Black

By Chase Green

When Special Agent Nadine Munroe receives a bizarre text message urging her to turn to local news, at first she does not know what to make of it. She obeys and is immediately stunned to find out that a dead body was found on the banks of the Hoover Reservoir.

Next when she receives an email from the same source, that gives a detailed description of the victim as well as revealing information that leads Nadine to believe that whoever is sending her messages, is responsible for the murder.

The women of the prestigious sorority Kappa Beta Zeta are being kidnapped on to be brutally murdered. When tragedy strikes close to home, Agent Nadine Munroe will do whatever it takes to stop the vicious psychopath who calls himself Osiris.

Although Nadine is intelligent, strong and highly skillful, taking down Osiris proves to be one of the most challenging cases she'd ever been assigned. Also, the deadliest.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chase Green
• Release date: Nov 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781628908749

Book preview

Prologue

The man watched and he waited and he watched, he waited and he watched. The time that seemed like a lifetime in the making, had finally arrived. Almost two decades and the rage inside of him never subsided nor did he want it to. Throughout the years he had come to accept the rage, to live with it, to love it.

The man had always managed to keep this rage under control, well; at least he always tried to. Now was the time for him to use this rage, this hatred to his advantage. To do what he was about to do, he was going to need it, the rage that is.

A sense of anticipation overwhelmed the man when he heard the key enter the lock and the front door open. She’s home the man thought as he prepared for their introduction. Well, actually they’d met before but the man was sure that she didn’t remember him. Someone like her would never want him to remember someone like him; she was too busy rolling her eyes or looking away to remember someone like him.

The man heard the footsteps and knew that she was approaching the closet that he was hiding in. The man listened and waited, he waited and listened. The man gripped the taser that was in his hand when he heard the knob start to turn.

When the door opened, they made eye contact but neither of them spoke. The man looked into her beautiful eyes and saw fear. She looked into his eyes and saw rage. She did not see him raise his hand and place the taser against her neck nor did she realize that fifty thousand volts of electricity traveled through her body, causing her to collapse in his arms. The man looked down at his victim and smiled. His plan worked out better than he’d thought. She didn’t even have a chance to scream.

Chapter 1

Nadine Munroe stood in front of the mirror in her master bathroom applying MAC Viva Glam lipstick. The color of the lipstick was nude and she had been wearing this particular hue since college. Nadine liked the way nude coincided with her fair skin. She also liked the color because it did not draw too much attention to her plump, full lips. Since she was a child, Nadine hated her lips; more so the size of them. When she was in grade school, the other kids, mainly the black girls who were darker than her, agreed on a name for her lips; soup coolers. As Nadine had gotten older and moved on high school all the guys had given her lips a new nickname; dick suckers. Funny how times changes, Nadine thought as she put the cap on her lipstick and looked into the mirror. These days, plump, full lips were in vogue. Just ask Megan Fox, Lindsey Lohan or any of the other countless white women who paid their not-so-hard earned money on cosmetic surgery to have what Nadine was born with.

Beside her lips, Nadine was teased about her ice-blue eyes and fair skin. Whenever she got into a discussion with her peers about racism, she would recall that the first people to ever discriminate against her own people; black people, black women mostly. Nadine realized at a very young age, that she looked different than all the other black girls in her school and therefore she was ostracized.

When Nadine was young, she asked her mother, Bridgette whom she looked exactly alike, why their eyes were blue instead of brown, why their hair was thin and wavy as opposed to thick and coarse and why their skin was so much lighter than everyone else in their family? Bridgette explained to Nadine that her grandmother; who would mean Nadine’s great-grandmother, was from the Greek isle of Donousa. Bridgette’s grandfather was a French-Creole from the Bayou. Bridgette told her daughter that they’d both inherited her grandparent’s European genes. Instead of being proud of her lineage, Nadine folded her arms and began to pout.

What’s wrong honey? asked Bridgette.

I just wish that I could be like everybody else Nadine said with aggravation.

Why is that?

So all the kids at school would stop making fun of me Nadine was embarrassed to admit. Bridgette smiled and wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling her into her bosom. Baby, they only make fun of you because they’re jealous of you she kissed her daughter on the forehead. Be proud that you’re different because there is nothing more boring than being like everyone else.

Since the day of the that conversation, whenever someone, whether they were black or white, male or female, went out of their way to be mean or speak badly of her, Nadine thought of her mother’s words. What Nadine didn’t understand then, soon came to realization as she’d gotten older, was the reason all the girls were so mean to her was because all the boys were crazy about her.

When Nadine started her freshman year at Westerville South High School, she was one of, if not the most beautiful girls at school. Not according to the black guys either, she had just as many white admirers also. Out of all seventeen black girls in the entire school, Nadine was by far the most popular. The boys couldn’t get enough of her. They sometimes playfully called her Denise Huxtable because of her close resemblance to the actress Lisa Bonet. All the girls at Westerville South, black as well as white despised her. The ridicule she experienced as a kid was minute compared to the torment she suffered from the girls at her high school. The names they called her were not nearly as flattering as the ones the boys called her. The girls usually called her something along the lines of: bitch, whore, slut, ho, hoochie, skank, tramp, sell-out, Oreo, mutt, half-breed or any other epithet that they could think of. Throughout the years, Nadine had developed thick skin, but every now and then, she could still hear their taunts, like this particular morning as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Nadine took one last look in the mirror to make sure that her makeup was applied correctly. She then walked out of the bathroom but not before glancing at his sink that was part of the his and hers bathroom. His sink was empty. No toothbrush, no shaving cream, aftershave, razor or anything else that would resemble a man’s presence.

When Nadine purchased the condominium three years ago, she never imagined that his sink or his side of the bed would stay empty for so long. As much as Nadine hated to admit it, she was slowly but surely turning into the stereotypical successful black woman—lonely. She desperately wanted a man in her life, a black man. Trying to find one that was secure enough to be with a drop-dead gorgeous, independent woman who happened to be a federal agent, was damn near impossible. Nadine refused to lower her standards, even if her mother did constantly nag her; you ain’t getting any younger! Am I gonna have some grandkids before Judgment Day?! Just to get under her mother’s skin, Nadine would always reply; there’s always artificial insemination! Bridgette would then roll her eyes and mumble something under her breath about a turkey-baster baby.

Nadine opened the drawer of the nightstand next to her side of the bed and removed her Glock .40 and placed the gun in the holster at the small of her back. Next she walked into her kitchen and ran some water in the dish for her sandy-colored Yorkshire terrier named Bosco. Just before walking out of the door, Nadine looked in the mirror above her fireplace. Satisfied with her appearance, she left her condo and headed to work.

Chapter 2

Sitting patiently behind the wheel of a late model Chevy Tahoe, Nadine read over the notes she’s previously written regarding the suspect they were waiting to bust. She was parked across the street from the entrance to Franklin Park and so far, there was no one at the park who fit the description of the man they came here to meet. Nadine was doing her best to remain optimistic but after a half an hour late, she was starting to think the suspect got cold feet and decided against coming.

Looks like we got ourselves a no-show her partner Josh echoed her thoughts from the passenger seat.

Special Agent Joshua Browning had been Nadine’s partner for almost a year and in that time the two had developed a mutual respect for one another. Their relationship wasn’t what was called a friendship, at least not yet it wasn’t. It was more of an understanding between the two of them.

Josh was from Bismarck, North Dakota and it took him a while to get used to following the lead of a woman, especially a black woman. Nadine had to get used to the idea of working with a chauvinistic good ol’ boy that upon their first meeting, she suspected of being a closet racist.

Nadine looked at the dashboard clock then at her wristwatch. It was true that the suspect was more than thirty minutes late, but considering how excited he was when Nadine sent him an email telling him to meet her at Franklin Park this afternoon, she still felt somewhat certain that he would show up.

He’ll be here she said confidently to a skeptical Josh.

He has to show!

This sting was all set up by Nadine and had been planning it for the last two weeks. It all started when she was investigating an online child pornography ring. Nadine set up a fake profile on a popular social networking website and became a regular fixture on the site’s various chat rooms. The profile stated that her name was Candace; she was fifteen years old and was from Hillard, a suburb north of Columbus. She’d even included a photograph of a blond hair, blue eyed girl who’d been killed in an automobile accident a few years back.

Nadine, posing as Candace, had been chatting with a man named Greg for six days straight and they agreed to meet this afternoon at Franklin Park. Candace informed Greg that she was only fifteen and still a virgin. Greg responded that he was thirty-seven, experienced and would be honored if he could be her first. From that point on, the instant messages from Greg become more lewd and salacious. Greg went into great detail telling Candace how he wanted to taste her tight, young snatch or that he couldn’t wait to put his cock in all three holes. After two full days of Greg’s pleading and begging, Candace finally gave Greg her phone number.

When Greg called, he did his best to try and persuade Candace to meet him at a motel, but she stated that she would feel more comfortable meeting at a public place. They both agreed to meet at Franklin Park by the duck pond. What Greg didn’t realize was that he was actually speaking to Special Agent Hanna Shoemaker on the telephone.

Agent Shoemaker was a thirty year old computer analyst, whose high-pitched voice could be and was often mistaken for a child’s. Working for the Feds, her voice was a great tool for catching pedophiles. Ordering a pizza or getting a utility cut on in her name over the phone was another story. All of a sudden, Agent Shoemaker’s cell phone started to ring and both Josh and Nadine turned around in their seats with looks of anticipation on their faces. Hanna looked at the phone’s caller ID then nodded her head to imply; yes, it was Greg calling.

Greg, where are you? Hanna asked impatiently.

Sorry Honey, I got caught in traffic Greg said with familiarity. You didn’t leave already, did you? he asked.

No, I’m still in the park.

I’m at the pond but I don’t see you Greg said causing the three agents to look in the direction of the pond. At the very center of a small bridge, that connected one pond with another, stood a tall white man that could only be Greg.

I had to use the restroom, I’m coming out now. Hanna was doing her best to sound like a nervous teenager. What are you wearing so I’ll know you when I see you? she asked. Greg informed her that he was wearing tan khakis and a burgundy golf shirt. Agent Shoemaker gave her colleagues the thumbs up. Okay Greg, I am washing my hands, I’ll be there in two minutes Hanna assured.

Can’t wait Greg said then the agents watched as he hung up his cell phone and attached it to his belt clip.

So, what’re you thinking? Josh asked Nadine.

I’m thinking just a casual approach, no guns Nadine grabber her police radio from the console. "I doubt he’ll be any trouble.

Your call Skipper Josh picked up his radio as well.

Red, this is Blue, over Nadine said into the radio.

Red team, over a man’s voice crackled from the radio.

We’ve made a positive ID, repeat, we have made a positive ID of suspect

Roger that Blue team, so what’s the game plan?

I’m about to make contact, cover me

Copy the voice said before the radio went dead. Nadine looked at Josh then to Hanna in the backseat. They were both ready and alert.

Watch my back Nadine said sternly and they nodded in unison. She got out of the truck then crossed the street into Franklin Park.

As Nadine walked leisurely toward the pond, she came upon a woman sitting on a park bench reading Vanity Fair. A little boy, Nadine guessed was no older than three years, was standing at the edge of the pond feeding the ducks pieces of bread. Nadine turned and nodded to the woman, but she did not reciprocate. She assumed that the woman’s radar was up because a stranger was approaching her and the child. Nadine quickened her step to put the woman’s mind at ease. Never can be too careful she thought as she walked onto the bridge above the pond.

Greg looked in Nadine’s direction but just as quickly, he looked away. She noticed that Greg had a nervous look on his face, but she was sure that it was not because of her presence. Nadine looked nothing like typical law enforcement. Today she wore her pale-blue Oscar de la Renta pantsuit with a simple white blouse that she’d bought last week from Arden B Sure. She was overdressed for a stroll in the park, but as far as anyone else was concerned, Nadine could have been one of the numerous executives that worked downtown and came to the park on her lunch break. Greg was so distracted looking for Candace, that he didn’t acknowledge Nadine until she was standing about five feet away from him. They were standing side by side and facing the pond.

Hello she said and gave him a quick once over. In her opinion, Greg was a decent looking man. He was tall, tanned, green eyes with dirty blond hair that was thinning at the hair line and starting to grey at the temples.

How’re ya’? Greg said cordially and Nadine smiled at him. Nice out today he added to which she nodded in agreement. From Nadine’s peripheral view, she saw her back-up park about twenty feet away. Greg didn’t notice the suspicious looking black van that parked near them.

You waiting for someone? she asked and for the first time, Greg looked alarmed.

Uh, no…well yeah, sort of he stammered then quickly regained his composure. My daughter, she’s uh…using the bathroom he stated unconvincingly.

I see Nadine looked as if she was contemplating if he was telling the truth or not. She saw sweat beads start to form on his forehead then turned back to facing the pond. How old is your daughter? she asked casually trying to get him to relax.

Fifteen he offered. Greg couldn’t put his finger on it but something about this woman him feel uncomfortable.

No school today? Nadine asked with a trace of sarcasm.

"Damn lady! Anyone ever tells you that you’re really nosy?!" Greg was past irritated with Nadine. He started to walk away from her to the other side of the bridge.

Greg! Nadine said and he stopped dead in his tracks. When he turned around, Nadine had a knowing smile on her face. Candace isn’t coming she stated as a matter of fact.

"How the fuck do you know my name?!" Greg asked with hostility. Nadine was not dismayed and walked toward him casually.

I’m Special Agent Nadine Munroe, I’m with the FBI Nadine removed her badge from her pocket so that he could see it. We have the park surrounded" Nadine said and Greg’s eyes quickly scanned his surroundings. He did not see any other cops and a silly smile appeared on his face.

Is this some kinda’ joke, am I on Punk’d? Greg was not still convinced.

"I can assure you, this is no joke. You’re in a lot of trouble Greg"

For what? he sounded childish. I didn’t do anything

Come on Greg Nadine said impatiently. You came here to meet a fifteen year old girl for sex she accused. Greg looked at her like he had no idea what she was talking about.

What?! Greg threw his hands in the air. Listen Sweetie, I don’t know where you—

"The name is Agent Monroe and you’re under arrest Nadine took a set of handcuffs from her waistband. Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way she took a few more steps toward him. Greg looked around the park then back at Nadine. Before she came any closer, Greg took off running in the opposite direction. The hard way" she said shaking her head pitifully.

When Greg was about ten feet away from the bridge, Federal agents came from everywhere. Four emerged from the black van with their guns drawn. Another two that were disguised as joggers, came from either side of Greg with guns pointed at him also. Josh and Hanna ran up behind Nadine as she walked toward Greg, who was now on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back. Nadine heard him screaming but couldn’t make out what he was saying.

I haven’t done shit! Greg repeatedly shouted as two agents lifted him to his feet. When he saw Nadine approaching all his anger was directed at her. You black bitch! he spat. You set me up; I’m going to sue your black ass! Greg was struggling against the two agents that were holding him back.

Greg, I’d like you meet Agent Shoemaker Nadine said as Hanna stepped forward. Although you might know her as Candace she added.

Nice to finally meet you Greg Hanna said in her high-pitched voice. A look of recognition appeared on his face. Greg knew at that moment that he was definitely going to prison. He looked at Nadine who was looking right back at him with the same knowing smile that she gave him earlier.

Greg, you have the right to remain silent Nadine said. Greg looked at the ground and started to cry.

Chapter 3

It was a little past 9 o’clock PM, when Nadine got home and she had approximately two hours, before she had to be back in bed, then back up for another day’s work. While she was outside walking Bosco, she thought about today’s events. The sting today went according to plan without a hitch, but Nadine was still not satisfied.

In the five years that Nadine worked for The Bureau, she arrested countless black men for drug violations and more times than not, they were given lengthy prison sentences, sometimes life. Greg, on the other hand, wanted to sexually assault teenagers and would be back on the streets in no time. For all the time and effort that went into busting Greg, Nadine knew that he would receive no more than five years prison time. When considering good time and half-way houses, Greg would serve about three years tops. A slap on the wrist. That was the part of the job that got to her the most; the double standard.

After feeding Bosco, Nadine went to the bathroom and ran her bath water. She then reached under the sink and added a few drops of Sweet Orchid bubble bath and two bath beads to the water. The bathroom, mainly the oval soaking tub