Dirty Diana

By Charlene Diane Mitchell

Charlene Diane Mitchell is a native of Southern California and has earned her Baccalaureate Degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Northridge, and she has earned her Masters Degree from National University in Counseling Psychology.

She has recently released three books: "Blu' Tonic Relationships", "White For One Night", and "The Willis Mitchell Story". These books are striking the publics interests and are great resources for Black History.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 2, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477103586

Charlene Diane Mitchell

Charlene Diane Mitchell is a native of Southern California and has earned her Baccalaureate Degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Northridge, and she has earned her Masters Degree from National University in Counseling Psychology. She has recently released three books: "Blu' Tonic Relationships", "White For One Night", and "The Willis Mitchell Story". These books are striking the publics interests and are great resources for Black History.

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Charlene Diane Mitchell.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2012907602

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4771-0357-9

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4771-0356-2

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4771-0358-6

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 and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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

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This book is dedicated to

David Adams my junior high school sweet heart

whose murder broke my heart in a million pieces. He was a righteous person

and when I think of him, I heard the late great David Ruffin

singing the song "The Common Man (1973)’’-peace.

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

PROLOGUE

The air was sticky, hot and humid. Not the normal type of night that usually graced South Central Los Angeles.

Tonight was also unusual in another way. Makiela Jackson stood by the glass door leading out of South Central High School. She was late, very late in fact. She had been cramming for a science final and had lost track of time. She worked a full time job after school to help her family make ends meet, today though, she only had so much time to prepare for her science final and she had convinced Herb, the night janitor to let her stay after hours.

She just never expected it to be this late.

Her parents would be furious… and worried.

Turning she walked up to one of the payphones. Slipping the change in she dialed her home number and listen to it ring—and ring.

Damn she sighed. She had forgotten that her parents were going to be out for the evening and that they had left dinner for her in the fridge. It was the reason that she chose to stay late studying.

Walking back up to the glass doors she stood there waiting. She was terrified to go out, terrified to walk home after dark. The night wasn’t her friend and her eyes darted at the varying shades of dim light that shone down from the streetlights. Each shadow seemed to move with a life of its own, as if waiting for her. The shadows were patient and relentlessly waited knowing that she would have to leave the safety of the building—sooner or later.

Makiela knew the truth though, it wasn’t the shadows that she was afraid of but what was lurking within them… who was lurking within them.

She had learned to fear the streets early in life. South Central LA was not what it used to be. At one time it had been a thriving community of families with family values. But as in many areas, in many city suburbs, evil had found a crack and slowly worked its way inside transforming people, making them suspicious and fearful. Gangs had emerged, gangs like the Crips and Bloods or the newest gang, the Diablos. The Diablos were the scariest; they even made the Bloods and Crips avoid them. They were violent, brutal and virtually unstoppable. They had connections into everything dealing with prostitution, weapons and more importantly, drugs. When they first started showing up, other gangs laughed and scoffed at them. Even their name—The Diablos was laughed at, least until people began to understand what Diablos meant.

The word Diablo was another name… for the devil.

Other gangs and everyone else ceased laughing very quickly. Drive by shootings, murders, drug related suicides, robberies began to sweep the community. Police avoided the area, ignoring the blatant and obvious criminal activity that was going on around them. The Diablos had a grip on the community that was nearly unshakable.

Staring out through the glass she was terrified.

Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder—and she screamed.

Whoa… whoa there! Herb said jumping back a couple of feet.

Jesus Herb, you scared the hell out of me! she said holding her hand to her chest.

What are you still doing here Makiela? he asked.

I got carried away, forgot how late it was getting, she explained.

You get caught here with me… here and my ass is going to end up in the frying pan, he said frowning.

I know, I’m sorry, I was just going to head home, she said turning slightly and looking once again out the glass.

There was silence

Herb stared intently at Makiela; she was a senior, a pretty girl with ebony skin. She had short hair feathered longer on one side, she was well shaped, slightly overweight but attractive nonetheless. She was good kid, a hard worker and at that moment he felt an intense amount of pity for her.

You call your parents? he asked.

Tried a few minutes ago, they’re out, she said.

You want to try again, maybe they’re home now, he suggested.

I suppose, she sighed and walked once again over to the payphones.

As she dialed the phone she glanced back towards Herb. She had known him all her years here at South Central, all the kids liked him. He was in his mid 60’s, very tall and lanky with a skinny frame that seemed like a light breeze could blow over. Wrinkled and balding he wore a set of glasses that made his eyes look bigger than they were.

No answer, she said hanging up. I suppose I could ride the bus… if the buses were running now and I had the money.

I’ll give you the money kiddo, but I highly doubt you’re going to find a bus running down here this time of night, he shook his head.

I could just wait here… until my parents come home, she said taking a deep breath.

That isn’t an option, like I said earlier, you and I get caught here after hours and both our butts are going to get kicked.

What can I do? she looked at him the fear in her eyes clear.

How far away do you live? he asked.

15 minutes walk, she replied.

Well… let me lock things up here and I suppose I can give you a ride home, he said with a deep sigh.

Thank you she quickly replied.

That’s OK honey; I know how dangerous it is out there at night, hell, dangerous during the day too. I would have called the cops to take you home but they won’t come down here after dark either, he said as he started locking all the main doors.

Ten minutes later he came back down the hallway a huge set of keys in hand. Makiela was once again at the phone trying to call her parents.

You ready? he asked.

Yeah she sighed hanging up the phone.

Herb unlocked the door then opened it. He stood there as Makiela stared nervously outside.

Well come on girl, I don’t like this idea anymore than you do but I’ll be darned if I take you home after midnight.

I might be safer, she said.

Yeah right, we’d just be the only ones on the road except for all the hoods, he grumbled. Let’s get you home OK?

Makiela stepped through the safety of the door, the night air was hot and humid and stifling. Herb followed her then locked the door behind him.

Come on, my car is right over here, he motioned to the only car in the parking lot.

It was a green two door Chevy that had to be 20 years old if not 30. But like most vehicles in California though they were old, they virtually looked brand new. Herb’s was no different and he kept his car as clean and tidy as he kept the school.

He unlocked the passenger door and opened it for her. As soon as she got in she locked the door, Herb walked around the other side and got in. Starting it she instantly realized that though the car was well kept, it ran like shit. The engine sputtered and finally roared to life, though it loped unsteadily as if it would quit at any moment.

It takes a few minutes to warm up, he said trying to boost her confidence.

Makiela wasn’t impressed; in fact it only made her even more terrified. This night was turning out like some scene in a horror movie where the unsuspecting virgin finds herself with the knife wielding serial killer on some dark desolate street.

The engine leveled out and the loping stopped.

See, told you, he smiled at her.

He pulled out of the parking lot and out onto the main street leaving the school. She directed Herb towards her house.

I’ll have you home safe and sound before you know it, he said reassuring her.

Suddenly in his rearview mirror a set of headlight came on the high beams blinding him slightly.

This don’t look too good, he breathed increasing his speed.

The car behind did the same drawing closer. Makiela felt her heart beat rapidly in her chest her fear increasing. Herb was about to increase his speed further when there was suddenly a set of revolving lights.

It was the police

Slowly he pulled the car to the shoulder then slipped the transmission into park. He kept his eyes on the side mirror as he watched the police cruiser door open. The officer that got out stood there for a moment then said something to his partner.

To Herb, something wasn’t right.

He then watched the officer begin to walk towards him, his gate strange. It was then he noticed that the officers clothing wasn’t quite right, it was larger and hung off his frame as if he was wearing clothing twice his size. The utility belt hung cock-eyed like a gunslinger would wear. His eyes then watched as he slowly began to draw out the pistol.

Herb slipped the car into drive. Hang on! he yelled.

The car squealed and roared off down the road his foot firmly planted on the accelerator. He watched as the two men raced back to the police cruiser.

W… what is it? Makiela asked her throat dry.

They ain’t cops, he said.

But they had a police car? she said the obvious.

Doesn’t it seem kinda strange to you that we get stopped by a police car… here… this time of night? he asked her.

But… but how did they… she muttered then realized the truth. The police where most likely murdered, their car stolen.

Damn gang bastards, Herb snarled watching the headlights quickly approaching.

He swung the car to the side keeping them from trying to draw up alongside him. Back and forth he moved, and then he heard the crack and the rear window instantly shattered.

Get down! he yelled to Makiela.

Before he could accelerate or get the car to the side keeping them at bay the cruiser pulled up slightly next to them and then slammed into the rear quarter panel causing Herb to lose control of the vehicle. At the speed they were going the car began to spin around leaving rubber marks all over the road. Again the cruiser smashed into them forcing the car into another parked car then up onto the sidewalk before coming to rest.

Makiela was shaken, terrified and she struggled with the seatbelt trying to get it off. Herb had hit his head on the driver side roof and sat there dazed a trickle of blood running down his face. Finally her seatbelt unclasped, but not before she saw the young boys dressed in baggy police uniforms come up to the driver’s side window.

Seconds later there was a boom as one of the youths shot Herb directly in the head. Blood sprayed throughout the car covering her.

For a second she sat there dazed her hands held up her mouth open in shock, then before she realized it she felt two hands grab onto her arms as they began to haul her out of the side window.

She screamed—screamed louder than she ever thought she could.

Struggling she was dragged away from the car and down the closest side alley. She tried to fight back as she felt her clothes being ripped. A terror gripped her, a terror so deep so primal and she lashed out with her nails raking one of the individuals across the face. She intern was struck hard, so hard that she felt her world slipping away.

Her last thought before the darkness enveloped her was she wondered if she would ever see her family again.

CHAPTER 1

The wolf whistle was loud, loud enough to startle, plus of course, turn every head in the surrounding vicinity. Diana Walker ignored it, just as she always did. It wasn’t the first whistle she had gotten from a group of attracted males, though she had to admit, it was the loudest. She was told by other girls at school that she got what she deserved. She just told them back, she couldn’t help how she looked.

It was no secret and hadn’t been since she was in 9th grade that she was the type of girl that turned boy’s heads—a looker as she was told. In fact she had gotten the nickname whiplash from an incident that happened back then.

She and her best friend Jada were coming home from school one afternoon. She was wearing a short—but tasteful, skirt and high heels and she loved her heels! She had been taught a few years before how to professionally put on makeup and her long curly black hair was tied up revealing the nap of her neck and ears. She was also, as she was often told, well endowed and had all the right curves. On this particular day she and Jada had rounded the street corner where Ramirez’s market was when she caught the attention of an older man in a car driving by. As near as she could tell, it had either been her stocking covered legs or the taunt skirt around her butt, but the man wasn’t paying attention and rear-ended the car in front of him—who rear ended the car in front of them-who pushed the car in front of them into the intersection which created even a larger accident. Fortunately, the only injuries that came out of it were whiplash—which other kids who were also there, quickly pinned on her as a nickname.

By the time she became a senior, they were just calling her whip. At first she was bothered by the whole incident, but the more she thought about it the accident made her feel special, which for a young girl with good looks was one of the highest compliments. Plus the fact, which she was proud of, she was still a virgin.

Again, there was a high pitched wolf whistle.

It’s Carlos again, Jada leaned over to her whispering.

I thought it was Jose, Diana replied.

No, it’s definitely Carlos, you know how he has this thing for you, she said.

Yeah, don’t I know it, he won’t take no for an answer either, Diana sighed.

You’re about the only girl who I think he hasn’t had—other than me of course, Jada quickly said. Oh shit, don’t look now he and his boys are coming over to our side of the street.

Diana sighed again; it was the same old crap. Boys, young men, looking for their conquests and being as she was one of the few girls left to be conquered her and Jada made prime targets.

Again there was the near ear-splitting wolf whistle, this time indicating they were right behind them.

Don’t Whip Jada whispered.

She knew better, but another thing she was proud of was the fact she took shit from no one.

Diana abruptly wheeled about her finger outstretched. The boys, Carlos, Jose and Ronald were so close that her abrupt action had startled them, surprise forming on their faces.

Carlos… show some respect, wolf whistling is for kids, she snapped.

Damn girl, take it easy there, I ain’t meant no disrespect or nothing, he quickly said.

This isn’t the first time you’ve done it and I’m getting sick of it! she said moving a few inches closer causing him and the others to back off a few inches their hands held up.

No disrespect Whip… Diana, but you are one fine looking girl. I only meant it as a compliment, nothin more, he shook his head.

Well it doesn’t come across that way and it’s demeaning, Diana spat.

Sorry baby, sorry, he breathed.

I’m not your baby either, she quickly said.

It’s cool… no problem, he said shaking his head.

Diana eased her posturing her hand lowering. Carlos, though an attractive male was still an ass. His friends were asses as well.

They were also Cripps

The Cripps and Bloods were everywhere in South Central, they fought between themselves the gang violence spilling out not only from the school but also into the streets. It sadly was a badge of honor to be initiated into one of the two gangs. That was until the Diablos came.

You two fine ladies heading to school? Jose asked.

Duh Jada said shaking her head.

Well why don’t me and the boys escort you? Carlos suggested with a snickering smile.

I think we can take care of ourselves, Diana said turning.

I think me and the boys better tag along just in case. You never know when the Bloods may try somethin, he said his eyes drifting down to her tight skirt.

Get real Carlos, you know as well as I do that you just want to stare at us all the way to school, Jada scowled.

You and me Whip, we could make some sweet music, Carlos said motioning with his hands like he was going to grab her butt.

Jada’s eyes shot up to Diana’s, she knew what was coming.

Carlos was still admiring Diana’s body when before he could react, she swiveled around her knee coming up nailing him directly in the groin.

Carlos’s world froze as his body doubled up and he dropped to his knees gasping for breath.

Take that as a lesson, I’m not one of your Cripplette bimbo’s who you can make lewd remarks about, Diana snarled.

She wanted to drive her knee into his face as well but she left it with just a shot to the groin. Jose and Ronald were at first shocked, then they began to grin seeing the humor in the situation, least until Diana made a move towards them—their smiles quickly dropped.

Girl… why’d you do that for? Carlos snapped his anger flaring.

Because, I don’t go for any of that shit and you know it, she snapped.

Diana turned and she and Jada quickly continued on. She knew that her actions would end up forcing a response. She had embarrassed him in front of a lot of people and when you were in a gang, image was nearly everything. There would be some form of reprisal towards her, she knew it, it had happened before. However, they also knew that she was not the type to back down. She also realized that she played a very fine line… and extremely fine line with them. Her own temper could be something that would get her into a situation that she might not be able to get out of.

When she was sixteen she had done something similar to a Blood boy who had actually patted her on the butt one afternoon as she was leaving school. Her knee had found the mark that afternoon and just like Carlos, she dropped him to his knees. It was nearly two weeks after that she was at home alone doing dishes when she heard someone calling her name outside. Drying her hands she walked out the front door to find a large group of Bloods. The boy she had dropped was there… with his own girlfriend whom he brought to teach a lesson to her. The girl was slightly older and bigger than she was. Diana had two options, she could turn around, lose face herself or kick the girls ass in.

She chose the latter

She never backed down from a fight

The fight took a total of maybe a minute. The girl was curled up on the sidewalk cradling her arm, which was broken.

She had never had a confrontational issue from the Bloods since. They still shadowed her though as if keeping tabs on her. Sometimes their shadowing caused gang violence as the Cripps would sometimes also get in the picture.

It was as if the two gangs were fighting over her.

Under different circumstances it would be flattering; however people getting beat up… shot or killed over her was not her idea of flattery.

Arriving at school they went immediately to their first class, usually she arrived earlier but she had spent the morning helping her mother and that had put her late.

She had a fairly large family, one sister, Kayla who was younger than she was and two brothers Jerome and Rodney. Rodney was the oldest and was already out of the house on his own. Jerome was a year younger than she was and very, very cocky. She had good parents who worked hard and struggled hard against the system, like many South Side families, trying to make a better life for their children.

There were elements in the community and surrounding communities that saw things differently. Parents who were hooked on drugs, kids who got hooked on drugs because of the parents were commonplace. Then there were the kids who had parents on drugs that tried desperately to stay away from them. It was these families who touched her heart more than any other, kids, becoming adults before their time.

The uncontrollable element were the gangs.

Cripps and Bloods, they were groups of kids who rebelled against society thinking and seeing no way out of the world they were born into.

The Diablos however, were the new element, the uncontrollable element amongst the gangs. Before they came the other gangs pretty much had their own turf, there was violence but there was also an understanding between them, rules, though sometimes broken were relatively followed. But since the arrival of the Diablos, the rules, the understanding was now gone only to be replaced with violence and death. In certain areas the violence was so bad, so intense that it was even too much for the police to handle.

Nobody defied the Diablos… nobody.

Did you hear? Jada whispered to her.

Hear what? Diana whispered back.

Makiela Jackson and Herb the janitor? she softly said making sure the teacher didn’t see her talking.

What are you talking about? Diana frowned.

They were hit… Cripps, Bloods… Diablos, last night, they’re both dead, she said with a bit of excitement in her voice.

What!

"Miss Walker is there