Breeda: A Discrete Inquiries Novel, #5

By Robert R. Green

     Breeda watches helplessly as husband, Tyronne, is brutally murdered. Now she’s determined to carry on alone and take down those criminals that escape the law. Under the supervision of Smit, a leader of a highly-skilled government agency, Breeda is successful; mostly. 

     After running into drug smugglers in Phoenix, Breeda follows the gang leader, Jose Contros, to Las Vegas. She saves Coeta from a prostitution ring. Then on to South America where agents, Debbie, Dick, and Dolly, assist her in eliminating Contros as he continues his drug smuggling activities.

     Once back home, Breeda is paired up with Lee, from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as they tie up all the loose ends of the Contros empire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert R. Green
• Release date: Nov 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496016942

Robert R. Green

Robert R. Green graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he took a strong interest in writing and has been writing ever since. His first short story in Freshman Creative Writing earned him an A+. He held numerous jobs and served in the U.S. Army. During his life he has visited all 50 states and been privileged to travel through parts of over 70 countries.  He has lived in six states and temporarily in Germany. Although he has been writing various stories and articles in publications for more than 45 years, his books are recent additions in his life. Bob’s books include Longhorns and Other People, a series of short stories, and a second short story book titled, Everyone’s Different, followed by the most recent short story book, Just Like An Elephant. He also wrote a series of creative fiction action novels:  Under the Polish Moon, Discrete Justice, Silent Sentinels, Discrete Security, Breeda, and his latest, Beyond Breeda, the sixth in the Discrete Inquiries series. Bob, and his wife Barbara, now live in Arizona which he feels offers weather that is kinder to his body. You can contact Bob by email:  [e-mail].

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Breeda

Robert R. Green

A Discrete Inquiries Novel

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the written permission of the author, except as permitted by law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher. 

Front Cover Photo  -  Robert Green

Back Cover Photo  -  Robert Green

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Copyright © 2016 by Robert R. Green

ISBN  10: 1496016947

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.  That will be the beginning.

~ Lonely On The Mountain, Louis L’Amour

To my wife Barbara for her love,

companionship and just putting up with me.

Prologue

Breeda and Tyronne Garrah had worked without a vacation for over four years. They’d been married three years and worked side by side as private investigators. Now that Willard Wickham III, their employer and owner of Discrete Inquiries, had moved out to Phoenix to manage the office, he insisted they take three weeks off.

They recently had a client whose husband stole her valuable jewelry.  He left the U.S. and went to Singapore. The Garrahs tracked him down and solved the case. This time they arranged to go to Singapore as tourists.

Breeda was an attractive blond with a short haircut. She was rather tall for a woman standing 5’ 9" in her bare feet.  Breeda, age 28, was proud of her body and exercised daily to keep in shape.  Her figure made most men turn to take a second look as she passed. 

Tyronne was over six feet by two or three inches and had black hair.  He was in excellent shape with no fat anywhere.  His shirts fit perfectly due to his well-developed muscles.  His smile showed white teeth that seemed to glisten and eyes that held a mischievous twinkle.

Their Singapore friends, Clyde and Zoe Tay Keefer said they would make their long overdue vacation memorable.

The Keefers started off by buying the Garrah’s airline ticket and putting them in business class. Breeda couldn’t help but smile as she watched Tyronne acting like a teenager.  He took advantage of every little thing Japan Air offered from the gourmet meals to the seat that converted into a comfortable bed.

The experience in Singapore was thrilling and relaxing.  Being the Keefer’s guests was more than they could ever have expected. Since Clyde had been a stock broker in the States he could relate to the beauty of Singapore as taught to him by his wife.

Zoe Tay had come to the United States on assignment.  Her employer was the Singapore government. She worked as an agent similar to a CIA agent.  While in the States she worked a case with a U.S. agent named Smit. 

She also met Clyde, Breeda and Tyronne during this assignment.  Zoe Tay and Clyde fell in love at first sight, married and returned to Singapore.

When Garrahs arrived, the Keefers arranged to take them all over the city.  When Breeda and Tyronne were well rested from their trip, the real vacation began.

The Keefers took the Garrahs to the Singapore Wheel, a ferris wheel over 500 feet high.  The gondolas could handle 28 people in each cabin. Then they took them to various restaurants including Raffles Hotel where they enjoyed the famous Singapore Sling cocktail.

After more sightseeing in Singapore they all went to an exclusive club and played a round of golf.  Their time together was relaxing even though it was fast paced at times. 

Breeda enjoyed the spa where little fish nibbled the skin from her feet, but Tyronne refused, saying he thought they would eat too much.

Near the Singapore Wheel was the beautiful Sands Hotel.  Its three towers were covered with a huge deck.  Breeda remembered seeing a commercial where the Sands was featured.  It included Tiger Woods hitting golf balls out from the deck.

The three weeks’ vacation wiped away their fatigue.  Upon returning home, they slept off most of their jet lag in the comfortable bed in their own condo.

1

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What a great dinner, said Tyronne, as they headed to their car after dinner at the Olive Garden. 

Hey, you guys...what’s going on! shouted Tyronne.

Two men had just knocked a woman down as she opened her car door. Tyronne’s yell stopped them.  One pulled a gun from his belt, aimed and fired three times. Tyronne fell as he was struck twice, one shot in the chest and the other in the head.

Breeda acted without thinking and rushed the shooter.  He missed her with one shot but never got a chance to fire again.  In one swift movement she had his gun arm and smashed it over the open car door breaking it near the elbow.  Then she struck the gunman hard in both the throat and body. He fell to the ground.

The second man was so shocked he never got his gun out.  Breeda put her arm across his throat then stepped in behind him, grabbed his shoulder and with a powerful snap broke his neck.  She dropped him next to his accomplice. Checking quickly she determined they were both dead.

Breeda helped the distraught woman into her car. Put your head down between your knees until you feel better.  Here are your keys and your purse.

Rushing back to Tyronne she knelt and gently raised his head.  He smiled, winked and died in her arms.  They laid there together with Breeda’s tears falling on his face.

2

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Discrete Inquiries, this is Marlene, how may I help you?

Marlene, this is Sergeant O’Toole at the Gilbert P.D.

Hi, Sergeant.  I bet you’re on your way over for coffee, as usual. Willard is here and we’re always so pleased to see you.

Not right now. Did anyone call you about the shooting at the restaurant last night? They didn’t did they?  I was afraid of that, damn.  It was Tyronne who they killed. Marlene...are you still there? 

The sergeant could hear labored breathing and choking, sobbing sounds.

I’ll come right over!

3

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Gilbert Police Department, this is Sergeant O’Toole speaking.

It’s Marlene, Sarge. Just wondered if you heard anything from Breeda.  It’s been about three weeks since the shooting. No one here has heard anything from her, not even Willard.

I was just going to call you.  She made a report, testified to the Grand Jury and then just sort of disappeared. The guys who killed Ty were illegals from Mexico.  Both died from Bree’s counter-attack.  She was exonerated on all counts.

That’s great, now she can get back to living.  She deserves to be happy again.  I still can’t believe it 

I went by their condo and it was empty.  The manager said she paid for two months and canceled her lease.  She loaded her car with a few boxes and some of her clothes and asked him to sell everything else. He was to put the money in a Morgan Stanley account through her attorney.  She did not leave a forwarding address or anything.

I hope she’s alright. Willard understands her feelings and although he hopes she will return, he knows she probably won’t.

There’s another thing, Marlene.  One of my patrol cars saw a helicopter hovering really low over San Tan Mountain about a week ago.  He was curious so got out his binocs and watched.  A woman climbed out on the skid and poured out something like grey dust.  Then they left.

So what does that have to do with Breeda?

I called Chandler Air Service.  He told me that Breeda rented a helicopter for an hour.  She was the one who my officer saw.  The grey dust was Ty’s ashes.  They were both quiet.

Guess she’s done all she has to.  I sure hope to hear from her. Guess she’ll call if she wants to. I’ll tell Willard what you said; he’s very, very concerned as am I.

4

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Breeda sold both of their cars at CarMax.  She bought a van with a convertible couch/bed, small sink, refrigerator, two burner stove and a tiny bathroom.  She spent a couple nights parked in a Walmart lot and then rented space by the week in a RV resort in Mesa. She didn’t do much but sit around for two weeks. After renting the helicopter, Breeda flew to San Tan Mountain and distributed Tyronne’s ashes according to his wishes.

I’ve been moping around long enough, time I got back into life.

She rummaged around and found her running gear.  Guess I better buy some new shoes...probably other things too...I’ll make a list when I get back.

She was out the door, took a deep breath, glanced at the clear sky and smiled.  Then she was off running. She ran for just over an hour and was pleased at how much better she felt.

Gee, this is such a small shower.  I don’t feel like going over to the bathhouse again. I may have to shave my legs in the sink...yuck...well here goes.

With her back tight on the shower wall and her foot waist high on the opposite wall, straddling the toilet, she shaved and moaned.  Finally clean and dressed she sat down with a cup of tea.

I don’t much like talking to myself...but then again there is no one to disagree.  Now I’ll make a list and create some kind of plan.  But what...I do have a good amount of money with the insurance and the things I sold. 

Armed with a list of groceries, makeup and a few necessary clothes she needed, she got ready to go.  Darn, I have to disconnect the van each time I want to leave. I better look for more transportation. And before I forget it I have guns to clean; I’ve neglected them too long.  I better do that right now.

After cleaning her guns, she drove out of the lot. Glancing around at the trailers and park models, she noticed a car for sale and a few places later, a motorcycle.  She kept going and then stopped.

There’s an idea, a motorcycle...Ty would have a fit!

Smiling she made a u-turn and went back.

Breeda parked and looked at the bike. 

Gee, solid black...I like the color.  And the price is right...almost.  Bet I can get it down a little.

She got out and walked over to look at it closer.

A middle aged woman came out of the park model.  Can I help you?

I just noticed the bike.

It was my son’s and he enlisted in the Navy so we have it for sale.  I don’t know much about them, but he kept it in good condition.

Looks nice, I’m Breeda from down the street. 

Good to meet you. We have saddle bags, the helmet and even a set of leathers, as he called the jacket and pants. I bet they would even fit you. He’s rather small.

Did he leave a manual for the bike?

Yes, I’ll get it.  Breeda checked the bike, tires and general condition.  This is in great shape.  We may make a deal.

The woman came back with the manual and additional paperwork.  It gave all the information Breeda wanted.  The bike was a 2008 Harley Davidson Road King.

How did he haul it?

I think he always rode it.  He never pulled it that I know of.

Breeda started the bike.  It ran smooth but was rather noisy.  Is this a final price?  $7,000?  I could see maybe $5500.

Oh, I don’t know.  It has been for sale for two months. He did give me a price he would accept.  Will you pay $5900? That’s as low as he told me to go?

Okay.  I live close by.  I’ll give you a check and ride it home. 

They completed the sale and Breeda had a bike.  The woman brought out the leathers, helmet and saddlebags which turned out to be the solid type bags with locks.

Breeda loaded everything in her van, and then rode the bike home.  It was so loud it almost scared her.  Then she walked back and got into her van and went to do her shopping.

Breeda had kept up her old motorcycle operator’s license from Wisconsin, so had no problem getting a new one.  She passed the written and riding tests with ease. Then she took the motorcycle to a dealer and ordered new whisper quiet mufflers and told them to install the hard saddlebags.  She bought a nice pair of boots that fit better than anything she had ever worn.

Two days later Breeda picked up her bike. After a short test ride, she found everything was as she had ordered. The shop owner agreed to drive her van back to the RV Park.

Okay, now for a little ride out to Globe to test this machine...and me.  But first I’ll call Marlene.

Discrete Inquiries, this is Marlene.

And this is Bree.  Sorry I haven’t called...

Oh, Bree, I’m so happy to hear from you!  Tell me everything you’ve been up to.  They talked for almost 20 minutes. 

Can we make a date for lunch or dinner?

I’ll call in a few days. 

Call whenever you feel like it...we all miss you. Willard said your job is waiting for you anytime you want it

"Right now I’m still getting my head straight and trying to make plans.  When they...when Ty died, I lost all sympathy for criminals.  Anytime I run into them I will win and they will lose.

"I don’t think I could work for Discrete Inquiries again.  I just will not stand by and let the bad guys get away with anything. They have to pay.  Give Willard my very best.  I appreciate all you and Discrete Inquires have done for me.  Now I have to move on, but I hope we cross paths in the future."

5

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Breeda was watching her little TV while having coffee.  The first news story was of a robbery.  A young couple owned their first small computer sales and repair store. The two robbers had shot her husband as they demanded money. He was in intensive care. 

Damn it, I feel so bad. I’m going to see her.  The police aren’t always very sympathetic.

Neighbors turned to watch as she glided by on her quiet Harley, an oddity compared to all the loud bikes that always ran through the park.

Breeda parked her bike a few doors away from the Fraser’s computer store. She took off her helmet, hung it on the backrest and locked her driving gloves in one of the saddle boxes.

Nice bike; didn’t know you could ride.

Breeda whirled around and grabbed the man in a huge bear hug. Tears filled her eyes.  Smit...oh my god...Ty was right, we never know when you’ll show up.

Careful, I may break, but I love it and you too.  He kissed her cheek. He stood there letting her hold him for a few minutes.

I’m surprised to see you here.

Breeda caught her breath and let Smit go.  I guess I could say the same to you.  This was a shock.  So why are you here?

You first.

I saw where the Fraser’s were robbed and her husband was shot.

Sort of like Ty?

Yes, she wiped her eyes.  Anyway I felt maybe she would like a person to talk to who might understand.

Okay.  Go see her.  Then will you meet me for dinner in the rear of Abuelo’s patio. It’s 3:30 now so how about 5:30, or a little earlier?

That would be great, I can’t wait.  Gee, going out to a real dinner, with a real person! I’ll be there! 

She watched Smit go. 

What a nice man.  Ty and I have worked with him for many years.  He is just such an honest person.  Wish I knew more about him.  I know he’s government, probably CIA.  Maybe I’ll find out more tonight, but I doubt it.  He’s the most secret man I ever met.

Breeda checked her makeup in a little mirror and walked over to the store. She paused at the door and took a deep breath so she was settled and went in.  There was an older man behind the counter.

Is Mrs. Fraser available?

Can I help you?  She’s resting. 

Breeda told him why she had come.  Just a minute, I’ll check, he said smiling.  He left, went through a door and was back in about five minutes.

Go right in, he smiled again, I’m her dad.

The two women talked for over an hour reliving the shootings of their husbands and crying.

Lidia and Breeda had so much in common.  They bonded immediately.  Soon the crying gave way to laughter and often serious talk as they learned about each other. 

I have to go meet my boss, said Breeda, But we will have to get together more often when I’m in town.

I’ll look forward to having a woman friend, Breeda.  Call when you have some free time.  I’ll be here all the time until Jack gets home and even then Dad will be here.  The two hugged and Breeda left.

The hostess led Breeda to the patio.  Smit was alone in the back drinking a glass of water.

I saw you and that black flash come in.  What would you like to drink? I’ll join you. I just had water while I was waiting. 

Both ordered a margarita on the rocks with salt.

So how was your visit?

Tough. I thought it would be easier.  I’ll call her in a few days and take her to lunch.  Do I need to fix my face again after so much crying?

No, you look fine.  If you have some time, let’s just relax.  I think we could both use it. 

They talked and tried to catch up on what was new.  After a leisurely dinner they pushed their chairs back and sipped a Bailey’s. 

Your turn, Smit. Why were you on the street when I drove up?

"First tell me, are you going back to Discrete Inquiries?"

"I don’t think so.  It would be pretty hard.  I don’t know what I’ll do.  I have enough money to be kind of independent for a