Hot Fudge Box Set

By LH Haggerty

A rocky edged beginning in Hot Fudge from traumatic heart wrenching sorrow of a unfathomable murder weaving survival and a dish of retribution for all. A Child is kidnapped and a methodical pace continues in Dark Rendezvous with a army of Assassins sworn to a Blood Oath to the Global Conglomerate The Empire of Dust. From Beverly Hills, France and the Nevada Desert death arises In the Noon Day Sun

• Language: English
• Publisher: LH Haggerty
• Release date: Jun 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005906047

LH Haggerty

How many times have you brought a Book, read a Book and no nothing about the Author...She or He is a great read adynamic writer...I believe a book has its opportunity to mean more to the reader than just a story. A great experience in reading is to feel that in some moments within the story the Author has a real grasp, a period in time in which She or He has experienced what you hold in your hands...I grew up in a middle class neighborhood until my parents painful break up. Afterwards I moved into the 'Hood' of South Central LA. Good, Bad it shaped me it was a time when choices were thrusted upon me then where short roads in any direction existed. I enjoy writing greatly. Comic Books taught me to read, write and appreciate the written language and to escape. When you read what I have written you will get a sense of it's realness... none of the Books from me to you are pasted lines they have a depth of realness which cannot be invented...I Graduated from 'The University of Kansas with a degree in Psychology. I am a mature gentleman in age, a Grandfather. I am submitting 'Screenplays'(At the moment) and I am starting on my sixth book which will end? the three (3) Book series of 'Hot Fudge' 'Dark Rendezvous' 'In the Noon Day Sun'. It is my pleasure to bring excitement, pain, pleasure, a great experience into your moments no matter where you are.

Book preview

Hot Fudge

Table of Contents

Hot Fudge

Present/Charles

Tasha and Charles

Past/

Then/

Chicago

Lori/The Past

Los Angeles

Jenete` Enterprises/The Present

Chicago

Phil Sr./The Past

Los Angeles

Consella/The Past

Las Vegas/Charlie/Phil

Past/

Los Angeles/Charles/Fudge

Then/

Los Angeles/Lonely Girl

Present/Special Agent Sheila Lane aka Lonely Girl

Las Vegas/Jade

Los Angeles/Lonely Girl

Las Vegas/Jade/Charlie

Barstow/Tasha & Sandy

Los Angeles/Charles & Fudge

Las Vegas/Big Nate

Los Angeles/Phil & Jade

Las Vegas/Consella

Los Angeles/Tasha

Las Vegas/Charlie

Los Angeles/Charles

Las Vegas/Charlie

Los Angeles/Charlie and the Gang

Las Vegas/Lonely Girl

Los Angeles/Invitations

Las Vegas/Lone Girl & Charlie

Lake Tahoe/Don Giacomo

Los Angeles/Nicky & Sandy

Las Vegas/ The Menu

Los Angeles/Hot Fudge

Las Vegas/A Dish Served Cold

Los Angeles/Sandy

Las Vegas/Dessert

Family Reunion

Los Angeles/Eulogy

Epilogue

HOT SUNDAE BOOK II

Palms Springs/ Sandy

Prelude

Los Angeles/Charles and Fudge

France/Nicky

Chicago/Jade

China/Another Flight

Los Angeles/Charlie, Sal, and Nicky

Topanga Canyon/Jade

Las Vegas/Testa Estate

Palms Springs/Jacque

Las Vegas/Another Door

Topanga Canyon/A View

Interlude

Las Vegas/Testa Estate

Chicago/Chow Lei

Palm Springs/Sandy

Chow Lei/Rendezvous

A Hot Sundae

Testa Estate/Sundae Evening

Palms Springs/

Las Vegas/

Palms Springs/Jade

Epilogue

A special preview of LH HAGGERTY’S - DARK RENDEZVOUS BOOK III

Yen and Yang Li/Los Angeles, Metropolitan Detention Center/

Sal

Enjoy the rocky, on edge beginning which turns quickly to a dramatic experience of heart wrenching sorrow. An unfathomable murder which weaves the hearts of each individual character into a bond for survival and retribution. Shattering their life’s as leaves in a windblown storm…The pieces left over as embers will reignite to burn a path to heights never imagined…

Present/Charles

Sweat clung and drenched his jogging outfit by the time he reached the front door of the House. The sweet relaxing sound of a jazz rendition by Freddie Hubbard washed away the residue of tension when he entered the door after the five-mile run through the Neighborhood streets.

Sitting on the sofa to take a breather before hitting the shower. He happened to glance up at the eight by ten white ceramic scroll the old man had sent him some three years ago saying, ‘The key to success is not what you know. Success comes with who you know’. It was just like him to send a quote like that. It triggered thoughts of the coming visit with him at Soledad State Prison.

His brief reverie became blanketed by a towel thrown to cover his head and face. Pulling the towel down he is greeted by the sight of Pat standing with one shoulder against the dining room’s door. Wearing a humorous grin across her pretty Spanish face, and black bikini underwear completed the only stitch of clothing to grace her statuette body.

You okay, Carlito? Pat asked with a note of concern edging her voice, and using the Spanish equivalent of his name, Charles.

Si mi Amiga…Si. He replied and wrapped the towel about his neck.

Nicky, called while you were out jogging. She said that everything is straight and that she even sold the briefcase. Whatever that means?

He didn’t miss the look of curiosity across her face. When she saw that no explanation is about to enlighten her inquisitive mind. She pouted her lips to display her displeasure in being left out of something. Those black lined lips over a burgundy gloss brought not only a smile to his morning, but a vivid reminder of the Vixen in one of the old Batman movies whom had lips which when kissed would kill her unsuspecting victims.

When did she say she’d be returning? He asked while threading his way from the sofa to the Entertainment Center to change the CD.

Nicky, said the New York office has a few problems there. That it would probably take a day or two to straighten out. Said she’ll be back in L.A. maybe day after tomorrow. Pat went to lie across the sofa he’d just vacated.

Val, still asleep? He asked.

Like a big fat baby. Pat said after a small chuckle.

Pat and Val had stayed overnight in one of the spare bedrooms after leaving the services held at the Wilshire Apartment. He had spent the night there to more of less get away from…things. To sort out the past and its answers. He edged toward his room for a hot shower. On the way he asked Pat whether those lips of death are going to be ready in time to take him over to the Apartment. The only answer he received is a pillow from the Sofa hitting the back of his head when he opened his bedroom door.

He headed to Jenete` (Jin-nay) Enterprises which is located on the fifteenth floor of an exclusive high-rise Apartment in the Wilshire District. It is one of two Apartments the Agency owned and operated its business. The other Apartment is in New York where Nicky is at this morning.

Their Company did and didn’t have contact with its Clientele. It didn’t…in that there is no physical contact. You could not come to the Offices in L.A. or New York and ask to see a brochure or view any of the merchandise as though it existed on the premises and readily available. Although availability is a Quid pro quo in a competitive sense when existing in a market with plenty of …contact after a contract is finalized!

All connections are made through another Agency download. Then a screening of all prospective customer’s financial information and background are verified. This would allow you to become a privileged Client of guaranteed services from Jenete` Enterprises and Talent Agency. Located only on the Internet as a high-class Escort Service unparalleled and second to none with revenues of two-million annually. An idea of Tasha’s who once told him that we could do everything at home with low cost, privacy, and big returns.

He took the stairs two at a time up to the front lobby of the Apartment after giving instructions to Pat about picking up Brandy in Palms Springs, and not to drive reckless in his s550 Mercedes. Of course, her answer to his concerns are expressed by a screeching of rubber from his car’s tires when she catapulted from the curb.

Catching the elevator up to the fifteenth floor. He opened the door to a spacious living room containing only four white caned bar stools located at the kitchens breakfast counter. The only other articles in the living room were four copies of Vermeer originals hanging at various places on the walls. A beautifully crafted and patterned Oriental rug measuring about thirty square feet as the center piece of the room.

Turning right towards the two bedrooms in which one is decorated in burgundy and the other in white. Both rooms featured king sized brass beds and a sixty-five inch flat screen television. He continued pass the two bedrooms to the end of the hall where he entered a small office which held a Tiger wood desk, three five-foot-high Fire King file Cabinets and the latest in Computer hardware and software. In one of the rooms there is a Pinarello 11 speed Bike with a small white basket resting in the front of its handlebars. What he had come to pick up is inside of the basket. A small Vase with two long stemmed red Roses. The same Roses he would place on Tasha’s Grave later this morning.

Picking the Roses up he thought about what Lonely Girl, had said to him earlier this morning about Tasha’s ability to touch people …deeply. She had been as a chip tossed into a river whose rippling effect had swept into the seas of our hearts. His heart paced along with the echoing footsteps through the garage and to her white 1953 Chevrolet Corvette where he placed the two red Roses carefully on the seat next to him. He headed out for the long drive to Forrest Lawn Cemetery with thoughts drifting as tendrils of smoke. Reminding him of how Tasha, in life and love had one day as that chip which Lonely Girl had described. Floated above water and in time had come to sink to a murky and unmerciful death…

Tasha and Charles

Past/

The sprinkling of the Sun’s rays dipping in and out of the campus trees propelled his body in the direction of the shaded grounds. Students flocked the grounds in various places on the campus similar to a sea of abundant life back dropped in green grass. The old man’s ideal of going to College was right as always, and he’ll have to go see him this weekend and bring Jenete`. She is the only woman that could get her way with him, but Grandkids can do that.

His thoughts are interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. Turning around he’d expected to be face-to-face with an admirer. Instead, he got Phil Tertle, known as Fudge. They grew up together in L.A. and had attended Hollywood High together. The white kids in school had called him Fudge because he hung out with the black guys sort of like a white Oreo. The last guy to call him that to his face took a short jab to his chin that broke his jaw. After that no one called him Fudge to his face except him.

Fudge’s Mother raised him after his Mother’s death. She is a beautiful lady whom he calls Mama Connie. Fudge is a handsome guy in a ruddy sort of way. With the chiseled features that reminded you of the many young Italian actors gracing the movie screens. The cut over his left eye added a dimension of curiosity. Which he says he got in a fight with some Hispanics. Without a doubt his Dad gave it to him.

He is wearing his Friday casuals of black lamb slacks, a short sleeved black silk shirt with a rounded collar and black lizard shoes and no socks. Fudge is wearing a white Perry Ellis jogging outfit with a white sling shot and a stylish pair of Stacy Adams tennis shoes.

Ain’t you hot with that black getup on Main Man? Fudge asked. Inquisitive as always.

Strolling casually through the campus lawns and heading towards Jefferson Boulevard while waiting for a break in traffic and their daily jay-walking exercise. He replied with great fanfare. Yours is to reason why, and not to know.

We cut a dashing duel on the Campus of U.S.C. Both of us had athletic builds on six feet two-inch frames we are natural objects of collection in an environment of higher learning from the opposite sex. Dodging a couple of close encounters with car bumpers we found our way through the Jefferson intersection to a small selection of eateries across from the campus.

Why you got to dis me and hurt my feelings, Mon? Fudge started. We always started our conversations by teasing one another.

You do realize that we are in the proximity of a Campus of higher learning…so the phrase dis is neither appropriate grammatically nor will it be entertained with a response…chapize. Real sharp today Fudge didn’t stand a chance.

Smiling and shaking his head back and forth he went on to explain that he and Melissa are considering marriage. Melissa is a nice Puerto Rican girl who has had his nose wide open for the past year and a half. A very domineering lady who not only selected his clothing but also had a bud habit that would be considered felonious for even Rasta’s. He bit down on a couple of responses and selected on wishing him luck and accepted the responsibility as best man with a pound of bud as a wedding gift which brought them to tears of laughter.

At the fast food spot, the ordered ended up as the usual greasy affair and finding a seat by the window we started in on plans for his wedding. After a while Fudge shared his feelings.

I know you don’t really approve of Melissa. It’s all good… I got only one friend in this world and that’s you. Fudge paused. Through good and bad we been there for one another.

Fudge knew how to touch you. He is always sincere in his feelings and that is one of the things that you can admire about him. He is real with it and a reply is in order but he cut Charles off with the name, Silver.

At the mentioning of her name everything faded to envision a framed beauty with a caption under it that read Beauty Untold. Silver, is an exotic combination of Sri Lanka and Asian on a five-foot eleven-inch frame of one-hundred and forty-five pounds and molded with a body made by Fischer. She wore long lustrous black curled hair and she always wore silver earrings and silver bracelets on one wrist. If she asked the Campus hounds to get on the ground and bark. There would be a crescendo of bow-wows heard throughout the Campus. But no one has been able to get five minutes with her.

Coming out of a haze he caught Fudge saying. Charles, the lady has eyes for you. I caught her peeking you at the Student Lounge last week. You know she has a room here on Campus.

Every student knew that, but other thoughts started to juggle through the mind. He is starting to consider a prearranged meeting with the lady. That is with the help of his faithful friend Fudge. Who just happen to be in the same Business class with the lovely Lady. So, leaning over the table and giving Fudge his best puppy dog look. He went on to explain the highlights of his innocent and devised encounter with Silver. He suggested that Fudge should approach her with small talk about their class assignments. How difficult it’s been for him to keep up… and maybe she might agree to meet him in the Student Lounge to aid him in his studies.

All of this is met with negative shakes of the head by Fudge along with pleads of what Melissa would do if she found out that he was within ten feet of Silver. Finally, friendship won the day along with the deal that he would pay for lunch all next month. We decided to meet up in the Lounge tomorrow at lunch where he would make an entrance. Little did he realize that this little plot of theirs would thread them into a series of events which would wind them down a road of irresistible passion and unforgettable tragedy.

The Student Lounge is always filled with the quiet hustle and bustle of Campus Students and activities. All types of Campus Alumni are seen here. From the hulking jocks to small shouldered up and coming stars of NASA. Here only outward appearances are distinctive but inwardly in every person present. There existed a need for knowledge and answers to life’s unknowns.

Looking across the lounge his attention is caught as that of the innocent fly in the ointment of desire as Silver descended the few steps to the floor of the Lounge. Where she entered the imagination of every man present that afternoon. She wore faded wash jeans which looked as though they are painted on. They outlined and highlighted every curve of her sculpted body. High heeled sandals along with the sky-blue V-neck sweater completed a vision which the eyes drank in insatiably. Haley’s comet had hit the Lounge and it is heading directly for his table.

He stood just as she reached his table where she displayed a genuine smile of warmth and said. I’m Tasha, can we share this table together, Charles? Neither had the mentioning of his name without introductions had not gone unnoticed nor the sweet fragrance of strawberries tingling the senses.

Please…have a seat, Tasha. He replied as though they are friends from long ago.

Seating himself across from her he had a moment to not only savor the sweet scent of strawberries but also look closely at a woman whose beauty defies a meaningful description. Her jaw line is delicate yet strong at the softly rounded point of her chin. Her hazel eyes sparkled as they looked intently into his. All of this framed within a mane of curly soft black hair cascading down below her shoulders. His moment of fascination with this beauty is broken by her soft voice.

You know the game doesn’t start until all the players are on the field. Are you a fan or a player?

Leaning back in his chair with a smile on his lips he added. Being a fan does have its benefits. Like the fact of having a front row seat.

But a player has an opportunity to get a real feel of the game. Tasha responded quickly.

A fan would have a chance to catch a fly ball occasionally. He countered.

A fan would never get the chance to score at home as real players do. Tasha replied. A small smile across her full lips.

Getting home does not win the game always. It’s how you play that counts. He reached over to entwine his fingers within hers. She tilted her head back in laughter. She looked at him with those hazel eyes which pierced your thoughts. Tasha said quietly.

You know, Charles…you could of come yourself…instead of sending your friend, Phil.

Releasing her hand Tasha reached into a small silver purse and extracted a brand new hundred-dollar bill and black Gel Pen. He watched as she wrote in a flowing hand her phone number and address on the front of the bill. She then laid the bill on the table between them and said while looking at him intently.

It’s what makes the world go around.

He reached down on the table and placed the hundred between both of his thumbs and forefingers and slowly tore the bill in half while he looked deeply into those beautiful hazel eyes of hers. What makes you laugh and cry, Tasha?

Tasha’s smile radiated a kind of glow that stilled the heart by its warmth and passion. But for a brief heartbeat her eyes shadowed with a past of long ago pains and remembered loves. As she stood to leave, she reached down with one hand and lightly brushed a finger across his face.

Tomorrow night…we’ll have dinner.

Then/

…Jenete’ and I are on our way back from visiting the Old Man at Soledad Prison. Jenete’ is growing up quickly and showing signs of early womanhood. The Old Man loved seeing her. Jenete’ reminded him of Delores, his wife. We both called her Dee, she had been the only woman Dad truly loved. Her death had left a big void in his life but that great space in his heart for moms had been filled by Jenete’. Moms had died of cancer, a slow death which neither one of us had suspected she suffered from until the day death knocked that final time at our door.

She had been a warm, quiet, and strong-willed woman while the Old Man had a tongue of honey and he never raised his voice to no one. He was always a gentleman and he kept his activities away from home. Dee would have it no other way. Jenete’ is like Dee in that she is very poised, and she would talk at you and not about you. She minded her own affairs and shaped up to be a straightforward person. The Old Man had a deep admiration and respect for her.

Hank De`Hote pronounced (De’Hot), my Dad is an intelligent man who never put any twist in the affairs he is in. He said that he honored the next man’s values and principles and hoped that the other would do the same. If this tenet did not exist in any form of a relationship, then respect for one another neither had its place nor could it exist. He also told me to tell people your likes and dislikes at the beginning of any kind of a relationship. It’s your prerogative to do so, and it will keep misunderstandings to at least a minimum, especially with women.

He had gotten caught up in a check cashing scam which was not of his making. The Parole Officer and three Deputy Sheriffs picked him up one night at our home and took me to a Juvenile Center where moms came to pick me up later that same night.

He knew through his own sources on the street who the people are. It was ironic that he had performed what seemed legitimate labor and had been paid with a check for services rendered but fate can be unkind. With his criminal history and background, he was found guilty of being in possession of a forged document.

If he would not have had a history of felony convictions, he would not have done a day in Jail. Nevertheless, association is a silent and unwritten code of legal ethics between the lines in the law books. It’s like an umbilical cord stretched between the Judge, District Attorney, Public Defender, and State Corrections in which you stand in the middle of the ring of Justice. Only to witness yourself and your rights go up in smoke with legal textbooks used to kindle the flames.

When moms died, she left us a $300,000 Insurance policy which allowed me to send the old man money every month and the two-bedroom Apartment we lived in is affordable. Jenete` had her own room there and one at her mother’s house. I have also modeled three or four times a week for the past four years. Things are good but not great. I guess the saying was true. ‘That you taste the bitter with the sweet’…

…Jenete` ate most of the food while he had a few fries and a small bowl of ice cream as they watched a video together till it is about time for him to smash out for his date with Tasha. He had decided to call his neighbor over, Nicky to watch Jenete` for him though she is perfectly able to take care of herself but leaving her alone…well.

Nicky came over in two minutes. She loved Jenete’ both gave each other a big hug when Nicky entered the Apartment. Nicky is Italian and a Blueprint Model that could grace the cover of any of the major Magazines. She had done a commercial once but loved ramp modeling instead. She had cut him into many modeling gigs and a few dates as well. She is a fine Chest Player and is teaching Jenete` the game. So, leaving the pair while they are bent over the Chest Board in an intense game. Slipping a look over his shoulder as he walked toward the front door and started to say his farewells when he is met with waving hands by the two ladies shooing him away like some stray cat. A couple feet away from the door he heard Jenete`.

Have a good time, Dad. She walked up to him and gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Still holding his Daughter in a hug. He looked over to see Nicky standing at his door smiling at them both. Jenete` stepped back from him and started to make a fuss about his tie until she is satisfied and gave him a nod of approval.

You forgot one thing though. She said and reached in her back pocket to pull out a blow pop which she handed to him…his favorite. Strawberry.

I love you, Dad. She said happily.

I love you to sweetheart. He replied just as happily. Smiling to herself she turned away and walked towards the Apartment door where Nicky stood. No more than twenty feet away and near the exit when he heard a voice behind him.

And stay out of trouble!

He shook his head and said under his breath Women!

He pulled up to Tasha’s Apartment about five minutes early. Getting out of the car he noticed that her Apartment is situated right on the sandy Beach of Marina Del Rey. Lighting a cigarette, he stood there by the car thoughtfully. The waves beat the Shores like a soft drum rolling and covering passages in the sand. Looking at the great and ageless expanse of sand and Stars you come to realize that your life’s story would inevitably be washed away in time. While the Stars and the Oceans sands would remain as the only audience.

He buzzed Apartment number nine and is immediately let in. Checking himself and the attire that he wore in the mirrored entrance. He decided after a close examination that he looked quite the romancer tonight with a light gray double breast silk suit, ocean blue silk shirt and a pair of lizard skin loafers a shade darker than the shirt. A striped tie of gray and blue completed the ensemble.

Walking through the inner Courtyard and passing the swimming pool area with light steps as though being above the ground he felt good about tonight’s’ tryst. Tasha’s Apartment is at the end facing the Ocean. Ringing the doorbell and waiting through the passage of heartbeats. He wondered about the outcome of tonight’s date. The door opened and there standing in its frame, a picturesque beauty. She stood back also to admire the attire he wore for tonight. An approval expressed by a twinkling in those hazel eyes which could make both the Moon and the Stars surrender their beauty. A sign that things are headed in the right direction.

Please, come in, Charles. Mi casa es su casa. He followed her through to the living room and couldn’t but noticed the revealing back of her outfit with just a hint of many a man’s pleasures. Designed as a black two-piece leather suit with a figure eight tie criss-crossing her back with the front resembling a gamblers vest. She had added a silver necklace and matching silver bracelets on one wrist. She is barefooted with painted black nails. He took a seat at the kitchens breakfast counter which featured the only articles of furniture in the room. Looking around the living room while Tasha made them drinks, he assayed her living room decorated with a beautifully patterned Indian carpet of burgundy placed in front of the room’s round fireplace. There is a balcony above and behind the fireplace that extended to the right leading to what seemed like a small room of some sort. Over to the left the balcony led to what he assumed are the upstairs bedrooms facing the Ocean. Downstairs and over his right shoulder is a sliding glass door that relinquished its vision of the creamy foams of waves curling to take hold of the sandy Beach for a moment. Only to relent graciously its grasp and then ebb away erasing its own passage.

The jazz sounds of Coltrane whispered throughout the room. Sipping on the juice Tasha made he swiveled around in the barstool to watch her prepare their meal tonight of Cajun Gumbo. He had never had a problem about how to entertain a lady, and how to keep things interesting. Tonight’s need to accomplish this had been washed away by a comfortable and relaxed assurance. That their passion and desires would soon mingle no different than the foaming waves and sparkling Beach outside the window.

You ready to eat, Charles? Tasha asked breaking him away from his thoughts.

Let me give you a hand. He said hurriedly.

I’ll handle the plates. You can get the small Chinese table and put it in the middle of the rug for us. Tasha said, indicating with a nod of her head where a small table is located. He thought what a beautiful and simple eating arraignment. He kicked off his shoes to imitate the Chinese tradition of eating. Tasha brought the two bowls over to the table. The aroma is delicious. She’d slipped back into the kitchen to return with two glasses of juice and two red roses in a long stem holder.

Sitting down and softly clearing her throat she gave a toast. Though we kiss the night away… entwined in a nights’ ecstasy. A touch, a caress held at bay? At dawn’s morning light what will love have to say? To you Charles De`Hote, my love. We kissed. Her lips and mouth were fire, a dessert of forbidden fruit only a breath away.

Driving home after an early morning breakfast of toast and juice at Tasha’s Apartment. He concluded that she is very business minded, calculating and she thought out her every move. Over breakfast he found out that the small upstairs room is her office complete with desk, file cabinet and a computer. Her roommate Sandy who incidentally shared a room with her on Campus had arrived that morning to join them after pouring more coffee for all of them.

Tasha began with an explanation of her life that morning her fathomless hazel eyes looked intently into his. I do care for you. She waited for no reply but continued "I’ve been watching you all semester at School. Sandy and I have heard the small rumor spreading around about the two of us being lovers…that’s all good, and the truth of the matter is that we preferred that thought to be on everyone’s mind.

A lot of the staff on Campus appreciated the rumor also. It drew attention away from our real activities." Now that threw him for a moment and they both knew it. A smile creased Tasha’s lips as she continued with her avalanche of information.

The staff which we mix with appreciate anonymity and privacy…we cater to all their needs. Our endeavors in school are both educational and financial. But now our educational requirements have been met so, to speak.

We will not be returning to class next semester love. Sandy added.

Jenete` Enterprises and Talent Agency had its start that warm day in June. The plan involved sending Sandy to Panama and deposit $500,000 in gold in a small business account. We would then deal directly with an Agency which would deposit, withdraw, solicit, and endorse our needs as a Business Portfolio. Our transfer of capital would be reentered through the NYSE as negotiable bonds to be dispersed as venture capital to protect our principle. A principle which would grow beyond our dreams…

Chicago

Lori/The Past

Chicago is a gritty and lonely City especially for two unprotected and frightened females living in a small Motel room of an unforgiving Town. With cringing realization, May knew that the two of them are very vulnerable to open attacks. But she had to elude capture. She had to feed and protect her only love her thirteen-year old Daughter.

She had such high hopes about the U.S. ‘The land of milk and honey’, a phrase she read in a magazine back home in Sri Lanka. The melting pot of America did little in the way of hiding their existence or feeding their hunger. Lori, her Daughter had picked up the English language much like the donning of a second skin. Her intelligence is a glimmer in her eyes. She devoured Television and Newspapers voraciously. She prayed that hope would sustain them for a little while until chance brought her and her Daughter the life she wanted and desperately needed for them.

Turning into the Motels parking lot and skirting the parked cars to conceal their presence from the Managers’ Office because she is a few dollars short on her rooms rent. She needed only until tomorrow to come up with the rest of the money.

Suddenly the world spun crazily as she felt herself being savagely dragged from behind by arms having snaked powerfully and with crushing strength around her neck and legs. Instinctively she thought, My God…Lori! Desperately she struggled to cling to consciousness and through the whirl of violence only to glimpse her Daughter and the man who advanced on her. Both her pain and the fatal outcome of what drew near faded for a few heartbeats to be replaced by a Mother’s fear for her young. In that moment with one last breath. She cried out.

"Run! Run!" Then blackness

It happened so quickly! Lori thought within her panicked and anguished mind. They were coming from the little Market on Cottage Grove to return to the room they shared when the men had attacked with terrible brutality. The parked cars had been the obstacle saving her life. The cars had separated her from the reach of her Mothers’ attackers. The wrenching cry from her Mothers’ lips had yanked her out of her stunned state. It had aided her in her escape from the shadowy figure reaching out to her with a glistening Jade ring on its finger. Causing her to bolt like a frightened Gazelle. She had nearly collided into the two black men coming out of the Bar a few Buildings away. Her haste and fright with angry footsteps of the sure death pursuing her had almost blinded her. She ran faster and faster into the night.

Hey Cracker, wa ya off ta! One of the black men said grabbing the collar of the man who nearly collided with him. The man next to him who also had a fist full of his jacket and as equally impressive in size glared at him like a new-found prize.

Ya betta watch yo step, Honkie! The black man said holding him and his jacket in a vice like grip.

Yeah…sorry about that…that little girl stole my wallet. the man said innocently.

Trick! the one glaring at him growled. The other one released him with a shove which propelled him against the Bars wall. The two men then sauntered off to a parked car at the curb.

Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand the man turned to leave and thought to himself that the little girl surely had gotten away by now. Anyway, he wanted to get back to see if anything is left of the Mother, but the little one is sure cute.

She had run until her lungs seared with the chilly night air. She finally collapsed by the side of a Dumpster at the mouth of an Alley. Why? She screamed within her mind. Her heart pounded furiously inside her small chest. Tears streamed down her small face in stinging pain for her Mother. She Rocked back and forth wanting to go back to her Mother. The chilly night suddenly yielded the sound of footsteps coming towards the Alley. Even in her delirium she tensed and willed herself to stillness similar to a cat that is ready to strike. Was it the shadowy figure with the green Jade ring? Panic shook her again and caused her to bump the Dumpster next to her. The footsteps stopped. She waited coiled to run until she heard a female’s voice.

Come out girl and stop hiding from me. I saw ya go back there. She waited tensely, thinking. Maybe… the woman is with them. Maybe… it’s a trick by the men to get her out in the open.

Little girl I’m all alone. Ain’t no one but me, and its cold out here. It’s also a bad part of town to be hiding in Alleys. The voice sounded sympathetic. She peaked around the corner of the trash bin to see a tall thin black woman silhouetted against the streets night light with one hand on her hip the other hand behind her back.

Well…come on out, Lil one. the woman said as she motioned with her hand for the little girl to step out from behind the Trash Bin. She finally stood to look at the woman more closely. She wore a knee length black dress with a split up one side with silver shoes and a thin silver belt around her waist silver bracelets adorned one wrist. She beckoned with the silver purse in her hand for the girl to come closer. She approached the woman tentatively but halted after a few steps. Still weary of a trap.

You are the cautious one ain’t ya? Well come on…let me get a betta look at ya. Ya safe wit me. The woman said in a soft tone of voice. The girl stepped out to the end of the Alley in the light.

What she saw that night would forever change her life. Standing before her in the middle of Chicago’s grittiest part of town is a beautiful little Pearl. Tear stained cheeks and tousled hair could not hide the haughty and captivating aura of this small child. As she looked at the child closely a blanket of warmth and trust seemed to emanate from the child and engulf her. Motherly protection and concern arose and surfaced from being buried many long years ago in her.

"Ya got a place to stay tonight, Lil one?’ She asked. The girl jerked her head negatively and heartfelt warmth caused her to approach the little girl. Pulling her next to her side with one arm around her tiny shoulders protectively she walked with the little girl to her Apartment. Neither one of them spoke a word as the dark Chicago evening faded around them.

-//-

She awoke with sweat on her brow and chills sweeping through her body. It had been almost two years since her Mother had died. She recalled the morning after Van had taken her to her Apartment. Van had come into the living room that morning with a newspaper she had brought from the corner Liquor Store. Lori is clad only in a Chicago Bears sweatshirt and seated on the love sofa. She picked up the paper leafing through the pages while Van cooked breakfast in the kitchen of the small one bedroom Apartment she had on the Southside. The picture and heading of the story in the paper had glared out at her like an obscene nightmare come to life.

The Apartment had faded into the shadowy figure of the man and her Mother’s voice surfacing in her mind to plunge her into darkness. Run! Run! The cry echoed then subsiding not unlike waves drawing back and forth into the Ocean. She had awakened to the touch of a warm sponge being lightly dabbed across her brow, and a soft rich voice singing a beautiful song. Looking up from the soft warm bed she saw Van smiling down at her.

What you singing, Van? She asked in a small voice.

Oh, something to make the heart grow fonder sweetheart. Van replied. Sitting on the bed next to her is a woman who had shown enduring kindness to a stranger. A young girl with nowhere to go. Her thoughts flickered on the moment, but weariness is too heavy a weight to bear now. She finally dosed off hearing a soft song from far away.

Van set in her high back chair and studied the small girl who had imbued her with an overpowering need to protect. She is maybe thirteen in age a little thin in weight but nothing a few good meals couldn’t take care of. What is striking about her is not the fact that she is beautiful at such a young age with tan creamy unblemished skin. But when she is awake, she radiated an intelligence and confidence which is almost tangible in its intensity of presence in the young girl. As tears threatened the barrier of Van’s resolve, she shook her head of thoughts and decided to go cook dinner her favorite Cajun gumbo. ‘That ought to put some meat on the girl’ She thought to herself. They would talk soon enough but the girl needed strength and rest now.

As the weeks of tears along with the building of friendship took a place in the girl’s heart to fill a void left there from that terrible moment in time. She would huddle next to Van at night and tell the story of how she and her Mother had been huddled together as refugees on a filthy Boat. With only one suitcase containing all the meager belongings they owned in the World. Along with a little money her Mother had saved for them once they reached America. For a month they lived in a small one room Motel. Hiding with her Mother who went out to find work here and there with her helping when she could. But all their hopes had been shattered that dreadful night by the subsequent attack and brutal rape and murder of her Mother. With her barely making her escape from the dark figure and the Jade ring attached to its finger.

As she told her story she also began to understand this woman who had embraced her with love. Van turned out to be short for Vanessa Greenborne, the daughter of a High School teacher, Raymond Greenborne. Weak for life’s enticements of money and sex the allure of the street life is a steamy intoxicating wine of life’s blood that coursed through her veins. She had explained to Lori one night as they set around the Apartment ‘That the same thing which brings you into the life. Is the same thing that takes you out…in the end greed will win out every time.’

-//-

She is svelte yet shapely the color of her skin is dark as the night in which she walked. Her eyes are large and hypnotic. Every outfit which she wore is always adorned with some type of silver object or accessory when she went out to work the streets. Very feminine and always attractive she is always the tallest tree in the Forest towering over the weeds of the Asphalt Jungle.

She would come up to the stroll to collect money from Van, as a precaution for getting large amounts off her it is important for her safety and their livelihood. She would use some of the money to buy groceries, so she would have dinner ready for Van when she got home. One evening a couple of would-be robbers had pinned them exchanging money behind a Building. The two men had thought they had easy prey. Instead, they had bit into a lot more than they were capable of chewing, especially with Van.

Upon seeing the two men approach. Van placed herself in front of Lori, and with her legs spread apart she carefully pulled out a nickel plated Galesi.25 automatic Pistol from her small silver purse and fired four rapid shots two at each man. She reached down to retrieve her purse and grabbing Lori’s hand raced down a connecting Alley and from there they walked quickly up a couple of blocks to flag down a Cab. Once in the back seat of the Cab Lori told the driver to drop them off at an address which is a couple of blocks from their Apartment. She buried her head in Van’s chest and wrapped her arms tightly about her waist while Van patted her hair softly with her hand. She had risked her life by putting her body between Lori and their attackers instinctively with no concern for her own safety.

Reaching their front door on that chilly night in Chicago with only the soft rustle of leaves on the streets sidewalk. They entered the Apartment and just set in the dark on the living rooms sofa where Van cried softly on Lori’s shoulder. They slept there together that night. Van was up early in the morning fixing breakfast. They never spoke about what had happened last night nor in the years to come was that night ever mentioned by either one of them. An instance of violence on one chilly night in the Windy City had sealed an everlasting bond between them that neither distance nor death would be able to separate.

That same morning, they packed up and caught a train to Minnesota. Van had stacked a dollar while in Chicago. They could get a nice little two-bedroom house in one of the quiet suburbs of St. Paul. Where Van found a job as a waitress at a Club.

That year in Minneapolis after two years of being on the streets with Van. She is to be introduced to High School. Van was on one of her Motherly moments after breakfast one morning. She put her foot down with the subject of her attending School. Even though she not only read constantly she had once tested out as a Senior on a SAT score that one of Van’s dates had given her.

I know Lori, that you can run circles around any of those kids at High School. A grin creased her lips as she spoke. You know more about life than most of them will ever have the opportunity to live. But you need to be around more people…experience things young people your age do…like a date. They both looked at each other with broad smiles.

She cleared her throat and looking at Lori intently she made her meaning clearer. Not that kind of date child! Nice boys…girlfriends to go to the Mall with and shop…you know…young people stuff! She had never been stuck for words but this time the swim up the stream the water became deeper.

Ya gonna say something girl or you just gonna sit there?

She grinned uncontrollably while looking at this woman whom she loved so very much. She is hard in many ways yet loving and kind inside, sensitive to others wants and needs. Van, you know that I love you. She said quietly as the tears rolled down her face and walked over to give Van a big hug.

Through tears of relief and happiness Van added. Anyway, you can’t whup me! They both laughed as the tears washed down their faces.

-//-

At sixteen and a senior about to attend her first day at school. She had acquired a good taste in clothing from Van. Chic and matching. Today she wore white kid soft leather pants, pink cashmere sweater with pink and white high heels and the ever-present silver necklace with matching bracelet.

Van said that morning when she left for school. Girl…just go to school don’t set the thang ta fire!

She had been registered under the name of Lori Greenborne at a school only a few miles from their home. While walking the streets to head for School that day which turned into months and capsulizing a time in her life which would forever be filled with the fondest of memories. Of sunny days and quiet wintry nights mixed with dreams of tomorrow.

That same year she met her best, and what would turn out to be her lifelong friend. Margaret Banning, or Sandy for short and not because of her sandy blonde hair. It had more to do with her husky voice which raised the attention of many a young male’s fantasy on Campus.

She could best describe her as having an alluring masculinity about herself. That bubbled to the surface and titillated female senses to a large degree also. Yet her own wonton and lioness behavior attracted the males just as vigorously. She would always hold her hand as they walked through the Malls or strolling through Campus Halls. Her arm always around her shoulder as they set at home or on a Park bench together. Never once hinting at any other motive than a genuine passion for their friendship. A desire to share something that is patient, long lasting and which never fails. Her love for Lori.

They both lost their virginity the same year. Sandy lost hers to a quiet Science Major, and she lost hers to Greg, a Computer Major. Both boys were considered by many to be just the opposite of what two popular girls on Campus might deem as interesting catches. Studs they were not! But for the two girls, a choice solely on appearance is for the fickle headed girls. Who thought that brawn rather than brains was the complete package for a man.

Graduation followed quickly… A week in which she and Sandy along with Vans help picked out the hippest outfits for their graduation of all nights. The night when teens would move toward adulthood. To start the challenge as men and women in a world that is eagerly waiting to devour them whether they are ready or not. But that night never unveiled itself for either of them.

Voices broke the peaceful sleep of the night and instinctively she padded over to the closet and retrieved the automatic that is kept there. Hidden away from that violent night in Chicago which led them here to the tranquil and peaceful life in Minneapolis. Which is about to shatter into a maddening kaleidoscope. Its pieces are to float adrift in time to touch many, many lives.

The result of a mistake! It stood alive and in living color looming like a tree over Van, and ready to fall and crush the life out of her. Working in the Club had inevitably left a trail for her former life to appear before her door in the guise of one, Frank Nash. Ex-manager and low to the curb dog. Her second mistake had been to let him in and thinking she could talk to him. But the first thing that met her open mouth is a hand across her face and then his demands for money. She knew it would not end there. If she had been alone and without Lori, she could handle the situation.

She prayed that… her thoughts are wrenched from her. A curtain raised with a theatrical cue to spotlight Lori at the bedroom door. Sudden anguish gripped her as Lori drew Frank’s attention by being clad only in a football sweatshirt. She had quietly padded into the front room where she would embrace an early adulthood and face a world with calculating decisions and rare moments of friendship and love. Where life’s bittersweet fruits would mingle and twist till there is no distinction.

Four rapid shots rang out into the clear night…

Los Angeles

Jenete` Enterprises/The Present

Sandy had ordered a cup of coffee from the little stand as they waited for Charles and Nicky to arrive at the Mall. He had called earlier that morning to tease her with his rich masculine voice and boyish laughter that made her realize how much she ached to be near him. He told her he is bringing another girl along for her and Sandy to meet.

Is she lovely, Charles? She had asked. "

Not as lovely as you. He’d replied.

Then please bring her along, love. She smiled to herself and thought that Charles is not a fan.

Tasha love, we should open a Coffee Stand like this cute little money grabber they have here. She said walking over to stand closely by Tasha and wrapping her arm about her shoulders. She offered her a sip of the rich smelling coffee out of the little red and white straw sticking out of the top of the cup. She sipped some, it is Vanilla Nut.

Hmm delicious. She looked through the crowd for any sign of Charles.

You are thinking about him. She said. It is more a statement than an accusation. She could always read her moods it is like they had never parted.

Sandy turned around and started teasing the men walking by who unwittingly considered those fathomless gray eyes or the luscious lips that are wrapped around the straw poking out of the coffee cup. Others are snared by the soft white leather pants she wore which looked as if they are sculpted on. Her white high heels and knitted V-neck sweater under a matching jacket and sandy blonde hair cascading over her shoulders only caused more confusion to the male hormones of the men walking closely by.

The wait for Charles resurfaced the memory of seeing Sandy in the Parking Lot of a Las Vegas Casino five years ago after leaving Minneapolis. It had been a joyous occasion in time for them both. She had been in the process of leaving Vegas that same night. Sandy just packed her clothes and together they kissed Vegas good-bye and headed for Los Angeles.

Be nice love and stop teasing. She chided Sandy. Her pouting lips only caused them both to giggle like schoolgirls.

And what are you two ladies laughing about? A deep rich voice said from behind them. Turning around to face Charles. She said teasingly.

You shouldn’t frighten little girls by sneaking up on them. You villainous man!

She’s lovely, Charles. Sandy said walking over to Nicky reaching for her hand and entwining their fingers together. I’m Sandy, love, and this is, Tasha. She introduced them and brushed Nicky’s velvety black hair from her face. Tasha reached over to place her own hand into Nicky’s.

With a low sweet voice Nicky said. Hello Sandy, Tasha.

-//-

As the years went by and the Talent Agency started to take on a life of its own. Their lives took on changes as well. Nicky moved into the Beach front Apartment with Sandy and Tasha. The three are all business, and Nicky compiled an impressive portfolio of modeling clientele which is both business in nature and personal in interest.

She trained many of the girls whom had the opportunity to work for the Agency in proper etiquette and dress. Many of the girls would attend lavish Fetes, Conventions, and Soirees with their dates in the United States and Abroad. Jenete’ Talent Agency catered to both the usual and unusual tastes of their Clientele. The four of them coordinated the entire operation which included Exotic Dancing, legitimated Modeling, Limousine Services and Escort Services. At the cost to the customer which is expensive, satisfying and discretion guaranteed. The United States is truly a land of opportunity and free Enterprise.

-//-

He picked up Fudge in Tasha’s Corvette which had once been black but is now painted dark silver with light silver trim around the corners of the car.

Fudge glanced around inside the car when he got in. Ain’t this Tasha’s, ride man?

Sho nuf! He replied proudly. Fudge just set back into the seat as they made their way through the light traffic that evening. Fudge never is much on idle talk. He knew Charles quite well and therefore knew that any answers to his secret destination would come soon enough. Besides there is very little in life that surprised Fudge. At least this is what he claimed.

Riding down Wilshire Boulevard, He had time to reflect on the nearly three years that had went by. What they had initially started had blossomed beyond their expectations. Everything and everyone had connected nicely to form a bigger than life dream come true. Tasha had leased a new Luxury Highrise Residence on Wilshire Boulevard and one in New York. They moved their offices into both Apartments. The new residence on Wilshire is where he and Fudge are headed for and his surprise birthday party that the girls and he had cooked up.

Say Charles, you come into an inheritance lately? Fudge had addressed his comment to their surroundings with interest. They are in one of the posh sections found in Westwood. With a continuous cash flow which is generated by their Talent Agency they had at once started to invest in prime property in Los Angeles and Palms Springs. They wanted the business to reflect class, discretion, and an air of success. Their ostentatiousness would itself be their signature for the kind of Clientele it would cater to but also the amount of capital expected for its’ services. No gray area topflight period.

There is a deep sound of jazz coming from within the Residence as they approached the double doors. A trio consisting of Drummer, Sax player and Guitarist for the evening’s festivities. Opening the door, they are met with the glow of somber lightning and a dinner table which seated four had been placed in the middle of the living room next to the fireplace. Covered with a white silk tablecloth and two wine glasses set on the ends of the table. Accompanied with a red rose which is laid next to each bottle.

In the corner of the room next to the kitchen the jazz trio played its soft musical number. We are greeted by Lonely Girl, a black hair dream dressed in only white tuxedo pants and vest who took our jackets and escorted us to our table.

Fudge is surprised for once in his life! Looking at him from across the table to see his expression of disbelief brought laughter to what would become a joyful evening for all of us.

Brandy, a five-foot seven-inch Hawaiian of dark olive skin and shimmering almond eyes wore a traditional Island wrap of white in sheer material with nothing underneath and her companion Val a Japanese of chiseled beauty wore an identical garment. These two would cater to our dinners needs. Tasha and Sandy joined us at the table as our lovely dates for the night while Nicky played the Maitre d’.

Topping the evening’s entertainment is Pat, a Spanish wildcat singing a saucy Happy Birthday with lilting accent. After the song all the girls wished Fudge a Happy Birthday with unforgettable heart stopping kisses and personal gifts which are laid on the dinner table before our best friend. While we are all gathered around with our drinks Tasha raised her glass to Fudge and said quietly. "To friends!’

Lifting his own glass and looking closely at Tasha he replied softly. To life! Then Jean an ebon beauty of short hair and long sensuous legs took the mike that moment and flowed into a favorite song of ours by the Jazz Crusaders called ‘Street Life’.

We are having a great evening as the night embraced the dawn and friends enjoyed and shared the moments of peacefulness. While unveiled dark events waited as sunrise in the horizon…

Chicago

Phil Sr./The Past

…The crew he worked with are every bit as professional as any team on a football field… They have a Captain, and plays are memorized by each player which are graceful and agile in the eyes of any spectator. Each man is held responsible for the execution of his own assignment with quiet precision and mistakes would result in severe penalties. That is far as the comparisons went on their field of play because a penalty for their team would not only mean death for the opposite team but possible death as well for themselves.

They are thieves of the night. Men who robbed and