Criminal Error

By Shawn Powell

When Hannah met Stacey she believed that her life had reached its pinnacle. He was everything that she had ever wanted in a man until she learned about his career.

Stacey knew that he had met the woman of his dreams when he began courting Hannah, so it was easy for him to fall in love with her. He worked hard to get her to feel the same about him.

Only months after a perfect relationship had begun, the difference in their backgrounds and contrast in careers threatened to ruin what they were both sure God had put together.

How far would Hannah go to preserve her relationship with her man? How much could Stacey ask of her before she began to question whether he loved her as much as he led on.

This is a tale of love and loyalty, murder and revenge, deceit and betrayal.

A tale of two people in love and their determination to be together despite some of the greatest obstacles ever to challenge a couple in love. Some mistakes can be easily corrected, but the outcome of Criminal Errors can never be predicted.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 7, 2009
• ISBN: 9781465323460

Shawn Powell

I am a self published writer with exclusive literary works that I am ready to share with the world. The Art of Storytelling is a centuries old tradition. Many of the best tales have been passed down throughout the generations, because a good story will never stale. It is time that the world reads a few more good stories. I have more than a few. I’ve made it my goal over the years to hone my skills as a writer, to be not just any writer, but a writer with a distinctive style and story lines that have not yet been told. Introducing stories and characters that will remain a part of the readers psyche long after the book is done. I have been fortunate to have had the honest feedback and critique of an extensive team of book readers across a wide demographic provide me with so much critical feedback that the critique has finally become obsolete. I’ve written and rewritten my various manuscripts and I hope you enjoy the finished product.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

THEY SAT IN the rear of the club, the lights were perfectly dim and the music reasonably loud. From where they sat they could see the entire place. The men were sophisticated, dressed in designer button downs and tailored slacks. Some were completely suited in jackets and ties. Their footwear was always important to compliment their threads. They wore Gucci or Havana Joe chukkas, and the occasional gator slides. Although the men were dapper, they couldn’t hold a candle to the women. The variety was overwhelming. They did their best to be the most glamorous and sexy in their short tight fitting skirts, not trashy, but slightly revealing. They wore body hugging dresses by Donna Karan and Versace to name a few. Their gold and diamond jewelry flashed as they strutted. Each one was competing with the other; their seductive walks begging an answer to the question, Can you afford me?

The two well dressed gentlemen sitting at the table could easily afford them both, but that wasn’t their focus at the moment. This was a meeting of drug lords.

So you’ll be straight while I’m gone? Stacey asked before sipping his drink. At twenty-six years old Stacey was living the life of a career criminal. His complexion is dark brown and his haircut a low Caesar. This he wore tapped sharply down to a slim beard lining a strong square jaw line.

Charles was proud of Stacey. He eyed his black three quarter length mink coat and platinum jewelry. It seemed like only yesterday that Stacey was a young thug, and the mink was a hooded sweatshirt and his jewelry loud and obnoxious. The only thing that was recognizable from those days was the diamond bezel David Yerman watch he had given him for his high school graduation. As it stood, Stacey was Charles’ closest friend, and a brilliant man just as his father was.

Come on Stacey, Charles replied. I know you been running things, but I’m still on point. You really think I can’t handle your absence?

Nah, it ain’t like that.

Cool, I want you to enjoy yourself in Argentina. Eat good, smoke well, and find a beautiful Spanish young lady to keep you entertained.

Stacey looked at him fondly. He understood why Charles and his father had dominated the dope game in the south for the past twelve years. He could only imagine what life would have been like if his father had not been murdered. The three men would have surely formed nothing short of a dynasty. The death of his father had hurt both Charles and Stacey deeply. Charles felt that he had lost a best friend and brother, and Stacey had lost the only man he loved and trusted, his father. Stacey never knew his mother, and with both of his parents gone he felt he had lost record of his entire family history. It was Charles who loved and treated him as if he was his own son and Stacey looked to him as the only worthy replacement. Charles taught him about the dope game at the ripe age of seventeen and ever since then Stacey had been committed. Commitment, dedication, and learning from the best had helped to create an empire that the two of them could depend on.

Stacey nodded. I know you got it. I just stopped by to say that I’m leaving tonight, in a couple of hours as a matter of fact. So if you need me give me a call.

I think I’ll be ok, Charles said.

Great, he replied, turning up a Long Island Iced Tea and downing the entire drink in one gulp. He abruptly stood up, shook hands with Charles and his cronies and left. He exited the rear of the club stepping out into the employee parking area. He crossed the parking lot to his black on black Range Rover, its twenty-four inch rims highly polished. He started the vehicle with the keyless remote, hopped in and sped off.

No sooner than Stacey left, two very attractive women slid into the seats on either side of Charles. The ladies obviously knew who he was, causing them to be direct and rather blunt with their intentions. They both competed fiercely with one another. Each battling to outdo the other and gain his undivided attention, their eyes firmly fixed on the prize. It was a renowned fact throughout the city that if you were courted by Charles you were set. The cars, the clothes, the jewelry and prestige were all yours.

Charles was suave and confident when it came to women. His skin as dark as charcoal, his hair was perfectly trimmed into a short natural with a well kept tint. He is forty-two, 6 ft. 3, muscular, and in good shape. He has a boyish charm that makes him appear much younger, and it seemed as if he and Stacey had traded places over the years. Stacey matured in the game rapidly and he took care of his business thoroughly. This allowed Charles to relax and enjoy the youthful activities he loved so much. Things like partying and traveling, things he hadn’t been able to do when he was Stacey’s age because of a prison bid. He helped Stacey stay on point. Always challenging him to think fast, develop his problem solving skills, and then sharpen them. This skill and many others enabled Stacey to avoid the federal penitentiary, or even worse, getting killed.

Charles ordered a bottle of Cristal and resolved to have a little vacation himself. He sat back, placed his arms around both females, and whispered into one and then the others’ ear. They smiled coquettishly, each one eager for the chance to show Charles their willingness to oblige him in whatever he had planned for later that evening.

On the other side of town, Sarah entered her friend’s bedroom with two glasses of White Zinfandel. She walked over to the bed where Hannah was placing a neat pile of lingerie into her suitcase. She sat down on the bed and handed her the glass.

Thank you, Hannah said as she accepted the wine and moved the suitcase over so that she could sit down. Girl I’m so tired of packing I don’t know what to do.

Sarah placed a hand on her back and patted. Well don’t worry because tomorrow you’ll be in Buenos Aires. I don’t know why the hell you chose Argentina, but it’s okay. What kind of men are over there anyway?

Spanish, Italian, English, I don’t know.

Okay, let’s go with Spanish. You know I’ve heard Latin men are very sexy, passionate, and make great lovers, she said with a wink and a smile as she took a sip from her wineglass.

Who told you that?

I read it somewhere, and look at the hot dance moves Ricky Martin be doing. He moves his hips like he’s possessed. She smiled as she licked her lips and said, umm girl can you imagine?

Hannah chuckled and sipped her wine before walking over to her closet to remove a few more dresses and jackets to pack.

I can imagine myself walking up the Plaza del Mayo and visiting the old church cathedrals there, she said as she sat her wineglass on the nightstand and then began to forcefully fit too much clothing into her matching brown leather Louis Vuitton garment bag.

Come on Hannah! Let your hair down for once in your life. No one knows you in Argentina. You have to meet someone and make some wild passionate love! You need it girl ’cause you’re running out of time.

Hannah stopped what she was doing and threw her hands on her hips. Are you calling me old?!

No girl, but you know they say it’s all downhill from forty, and it won’t be long now before you start to show your age.

When I’m fifty, I’ll still be looking good.

Maybe, but you’re forty one girlfriend. If you don’t do something quick you’re going to wind up old and lonely.

Girl please! Hannah replied fanning a hand in her direction. She zipped up her suitcase. I can promise you this though; I know I’m going to have fun while I’m there and if I happen to meet a man who can help me with my fun then so be it. She walked back to the closet, removed a khaki Banana Republic jacket and pulled it on before checking her silver Cartier watch. Okay, I’ve got about two hours before my flight leaves. Are you about ready?

Yep, Sarah replied standing.

Alright, remember to water my plants, drive my car safely if you drive it, and do you still remember the code to my alarm system?

Relax girlfriend. I’ll take care of things here and you just make sure you have some fun.

Hannah smiled and then walked over and hugged her friend around the neck and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. Thank you for house sitting for me.

No problem, just keep me in mind when you’re doing you’re shopping, Sarah said.

Of course, Hannah replied as she used a narrow tortoise shell barrette to hold her ponytail in place. She eyed herself in her dresser mirror. Pleased with her reflection, she smoothed a stray strand of hair back into place. She was set for her flight. She grabbed her tickets off of the dresser and placed them in her jacket pocket. She and Sarah each grabbed a suitcase and left.

Outside, Hannah deeply inhaled the night’s crisp air.

Why are you doing that? Sarah asked, unlocking the trunk of Hannah’s champagne colored Mercedes Benz SL convertible.

She placed her bag in the trunk and said, I want to remember this smell, and tomorrow when I arrive in Argentina, I’ll inhale the air there and see if it smells any differently.

Girl you are so weird. Sarah laughed and shook her head while closing the trunk of the car before climbing into the driver’s seat.

Hannah opened the passenger door and got in. I’m just older than you and know what’s really important to me in life. Ten years from now when you’re my age, you’ll be weird too, and if you’re lucky just as fly.

They laughed together as Sarah backed out of the driveway.

Stacey parked his car in the long term parking garage at the airport. He entered the terminal with only a Gucci bag that held his lap-top. No luggage, he always did his shopping when he landed at his destination. He had a thousand dollars cash in his pockets and his black Amex credit card. Charles had also taught him how to be responsible in the world of the legit. His legitimacy was in the nightclub that he co-owned with Charles. With his card he purchased a first class ticket and made his way to the security check point. When he reached the terminal he still had an hour to wait until the plane took flight. He found a seat near the boarding gate and relaxed.

About twenty minutes later he saw her; an attractive woman wearing blue jeans and a khaki colored jacket. He was accustomed to dealing with beautiful females throughout the course of a normal day at the club, but he instantly noticed that there was something different about this particular woman. He watched, slightly mesmerized as she found a seat and pulled a pair of reading glasses from her purse. She looked confident and totally at peace with herself. He couldn’t exactly decipher her age by looking at her. Her skin is a vibrant milky bronze, her eyes almond shaped, and a bronze looking lipstick appeared to be her only makeup. This only complimented her radiant complexion. There was a distinct look of contentment and wisdom that showed in her features and mannerisms. It was the way she sat; legs crossed, reading a novel, her reading glasses causing her to look both intellectual and sensual all at the same time. He watched as she used a French manicured fingernail to remove a strand of hair from her forehead and smooth it back in place with the rest. As if she could sense his longing for her, she glanced up from her book and looked directly at him. He immediately diverted his eyes to the planes in the window behind her, their bulbs of colorful lights flashing as they maneuvered about the runway. He couldn’t help but wonder if her destination was the same as his own, and with that, he let himself be pulled back into his own thoughts.

Hannah placed a book mark into her book before putting it into her purse. She removed the tickets from her jacket pocket and made her way to the boarding gate. Boarding the plane, she entered first class seating and sat in her assigned seat next to the window relaxing in the comfort of the plush blue seat. She felt butterflies in her stomach in anticipation of the flights take off. She said a mental prayer that she arrive to her destination in one piece. Just as she opened her eyes after her prayer, a young man slid into the seat next to her. He smiled at her before he sat down and buckled his seat belt.

She recognized him from the terminal. He stood out specifically in her mind because of his dress. She knew that the mink he wore had to have cost at least three grand and his jewelry also looked expensive. If the chain he wore was platinum and not silver, then that meant he was probably very well off. But she couldn’t conceive of what he must do for a living that would enable him to acquire such assets at such a young age. Not to mention, he was on a first class flight to Argentina. Maybe his parents were wealthy or, she hated to be judgmental, but maybe he was a drug dealer. Without any further thought she removed the book on mythology from her purse. It was a book Sarah had given her specifically for the flight knowing her interest in the subject.

Damn, she’s fine! Stacey thought. She had to be at least thirty five, but she carried herself so gracefully. Her hair was pulled back into a simple, comfortable ponytail, and still she was stunning. The pilot made an announcement concerning safety, the stewardesses demonstrated how to correctly lock the seatbelts and use the seat as a floatation device. A short time later the plane began to race down the runway. As the plane made its ascension into the heavens he turned to the woman sitting next to him and said, So is this your first time on a plane?

Hannah looked up from her reading. Excuse me? She replied.

I was asking if this was your first time on a plane.

Oh, no I travel all the time, she said smiling politely. What about you?

I fly a lot also, he said.

She nodded, and at a loss for words, looked back to the pages of her book.

A short while later a flight attendant appeared. Would you like something to drink? She asked Stacey.

Yeah, let me get a Crown Royal and Coke.

Okay and what about you miss? She asked Hannah.

I’ll have a glass of chardonnay.

When the attendant left Stacey tried to think of something to say to Hannah just to hear her voice again. With her sitting in such close proximity, he couldn’t keep her off of his mind. He sensed that he was slightly out of his league in trying to game this woman, but he had heart.

‘And how will I ever know if I don’t at least try?’ He thought.

I see you’re a fan of mythology, he said suddenly.

She looked up from her book. Yes I am. This book is a gift from a friend of mine who gave it to me to read during the flight.

Really, that was nice. The mention of a friend caused Stacey to check her hand for a wedding ring. Her hand was void of a wedding ring. Just a watch and small diamond ring graced her hand. Your boyfriend?

She frowned, just enough to let him know that she was taken aback by his question, but said good naturedly, No, I’m single. She paused and then added, And happy. Just in case he was being flirtatious, which she knew couldn’t be the case because the boy could be no older than twenty five.

When the drinks arrived he handed Hannah the glass of wine and tasted his own. He asked, So do you have business in Argentina or are you just chilling?

Vacation. What about you?

Vacation, it’s been a hectic year so I’m going to relax for about two weeks.

She nodded, and glancing at him from the corner of her eyes she took in his features. He is well groomed and his brown skin smooth. He appeared to be responsible since he mentioned a hectic year, assuming he was referring to work. As she took in his features, she had to admit, he is handsome, in a thuggish sort of way.

Do you know my favorite tale of mythology? He asked.

Hannah could barely hide her surprise; she thought ‘did he just say his favorite tale of mythology?!’ It was rare that she ever met anyone who shared her interest in the subject, and how unlikely could it be that when she did it would be this young man with a thug’s persona. Not waiting for an answer to his question, he continued…

The story of Phaethon and his father the Sun God. Are you familiar with that one?

She nodded. I believe that’s the story where Phaethon wanted to borrow his father’s chariot.

Exactly. His father promised him anything in the world and Phaethon chose to drive the chariot. The sun god knew this was highly dangerous, but since he had already made the promise, he gave him the chariot and sure enough, Phaethon lost control of the chariot and killed himself.

Why is that your favorite? She asked amused.

It kind of reminds me of my father and me, and the way he trusts me to manage the club that we own together. Sometimes I feel as if I’m going to make a decision that will ruin our business.

She was impressed with his insight and intelligence, but his appearance was so deceiving.

That’s quite interesting, she said as she finished the last of her chardonnay. She wondered what college he had attended, or if he had gone to school at all. Judging from his intellect and line of business, she assumed he and his father must be doing very well with their nightclub. This explained his expensive dress and jewelry.

Why should I even care? She asked herself, unsure why this young man was beginning to interest her. She decided to end the conversation then and there. Well let me get back to this book, it was nice chatting with you.

Nice talking with you also, he said. He was feeling very sure of himself as he removed his laptop from his leather bag. He knew that he had struck a chord with her by the way her voice slightly raised, and because of her facial expressions. Her eyes grew wide, and she had a way of raising one eyebrow when her interest was piqued. He knew he could be wrong, but what he sensed was enough to give him courage. He was glad he hadn’t forgotten all of the tales of mythology he had learned in high school. He vowed that by the time they landed he’d be ready to ask her to spend some time with him in Argentina. In his mind he had nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

For the rest of the flight they were each involved in their own personal activities, or so it seemed. Stacey tried to fight the urge to stare admiringly at her beautiful features, but could not help sneaking a glance while he pretended to stare out of the window.

Hannah continued to read her book on mythology, and when she came across a short story about Phaethon she smiled to herself as she reflected on Stacey’s knowledge of such an unusual subject. He had really impressed her. Not only that, he had made her feel good because if she wasn’t mistaken, he was flirting with her. She couldn’t wait to call Sarah to tell her about this experience. She smiled again and thought of how she would brag when they spoke. This old woman has still got it!

Hannah was a modest unassuming woman who seemed not to recognize that she was unmistakably beautiful. Any man in her vicinity could not help but take notice of her presence. She had the face of a model and dark brown hair that hung well past her shoulders. With her looks, personality, and life experiences, she could easily give any twenty one year old woman a run for her money. She noticed that whenever he looked at her he would try to play it off, acting as if he was merely looking out of the window. Although she hated to admit it, she also found a certain pleasure in taking quick glances at him. He was clean cut and his youthful appearance was contradicted by an air of maturity that surrounded him, and as an added bonus, he knew about and was interested in mythology. If he was just a little bit older he might have had a chance. She closed her eyes and drifted off into a deep dreamless sleep.

It was nine hours later when Hannah opened her eyes. The plane had just touched down in Argentina at Ezeiza Airport. The passengers were moving about the planes cabin gathering their belongings and exiting the plane. Stacey had already exited the plane by the time she woke up. She gathered her things and left.

As she walked through the terminal she entered the nearest restroom and ran water in the sink. Even though it continued to run cold she cupped her hands and splashed her face repeatedly. She immediately felt better, more alert, as the water washed away the effects of the chardonnay and her deep sleep aboard the plane. She applied her favorite facial moisturizer, which she kept in a small sample size in her handbag, and then touched up her make-up so that it appeared as though she wore none. She applied her lipstick, a little more mascara, and she was done. She looked at herself approvingly in the bathroom mirror and thought, Just as good as new. As she left the bathroom she looked up and immediately saw Stacey strolling towards her. She smiled nervously, but she was inwardly confident and thankful she had had the presence of mind to freshen up just enough. He stopped in front of her and said, I’m sorry, I can’t believe I never got around to asking you your name. He wore a charming smile with his hand extended.

She looked at his hand skeptically for a moment, then to his face, and not wanting to be rude she shook his hand and said, "Hannah.