The Kid Justice Series

By Gary P. Laird

The Kid Justice Series is trying to send a message to the youth of this world that it is alright to be normal. Its alright to help people in need and that it is wrong to do harm to our fellow men and women. This is the first volume. Volume two is being written at present.
The book covers some of the wrong that our young may encounter and the evil forces a city can thrust upon them. It is not trying to scare anyone but does show, in a graphic way, some of the issues all society is confronted with, day in and day out.
Kid Justice, (Corey Groves), is a young man, eighteen years of age, who becomes dedicated to fighting crimes of all kinds, and is a young master of the martial arts. His master teacher is Master Jung, his uncle, who becomes his father after Coreys parents are killed in a car accident. Together they create the Justice Team and work alongside the police as a surveillance squad displaying a presence that becomes a deterring force to be reckoned with.
The Justice Team starts out with just four members. Corey, Lake, Sheena and their Master Teacher, Master Jung. Youll have to buy the book to find out how they become a team and all the issues they are confronted with. It has action for those who like that. It has romance for the women and some of the issues a young girl might encounter while growing up. So please enjoy!
The two continued walking and then suddenly heard a screaming cry for help. It was loud enough to pierce an ear drum. Seeing a young girl being bullied by two of the scum they had been searching for, caused them to accelerate to the scene like two black and whites without lights and sirens.
Scum being what they are took the girl using her for cover with a switch blade at her throat. They were brave enough to bully a girl, innocent and kindhearted, causing her to fear for her life; but weak and cowardly when threatened by a force to be reckoned with. Corey slowly closed the distance to the bully.
Dont come any closer man, This scum that doesnt respect anything, human or otherwise, warned.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493180349

Gary P. Laird

Mr. Laird studied writing in Berean University and the Winghill School of Writing. Kid Justice is his first novel. It will be a series, so more of Kid Justice is on its way. Mr. Laird is a humorist and cartoonist. He is on his way to finishing a book titled The Funny Side. This book is a combination of his humorous look at things in general and his cartoon characters’ feelings about everyday life. His next novel titled Chasing the Devil should be finished by late 2014. It is a mystery series. Will Drake Stevens find his mother’s killer and the one who took his beautiful Shannon’s life and the life of his best friend? Chasing the Devil will unveil the struggles that turn Drake’s life upside down, forcing him to apply his kind of justice. At thirty, Drake Stevens is a master detective. He is highly skilled in Chinese martial arts and is quick with a gun. In spite of his age, Drake is called in by the Evansville Police Department to help find a serial killer that is causing panic in the Evansville community and surrounding counties. She stood in the doorway. As always, her beauty captivated this monster. The monster that would have her forever. She wouldn’t go out with him in high school. Still, he watched her from a distance. Her coal-black hair, full lips, voluptuous breasts, and stunning body made him hunger for her. He wanted her warm body against his. “Hi, how have you been?” she asked. “Come in.” As the front door closed, a plastic bag with tiny holes in it found its way over her head. She gasped for air. Her swinging arms couldn’t find their target. The monster’s grip was too strong. Freedom was out of the question. He dragged her up to the master bedroom, all 105 pounds of her. She continued to fight. Her lungs burned for lack of oxygen so badly needed . . .

Book preview

The Kid Justice Series

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Gary P. Laird

Copyright © 2014 by Gary P. Laird.

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.

Rev. date: 03/07/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

604026

Contents

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

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

The Author:

Mr. Gary P. Laird

Chapter 1

T he sun was starting to descend toward the horizon, turning the sky into a picture worthy of any wall. Corey and Lake decided to walk down Beach Street before the sun went down, creating shadows that would bring out all the bad in the city. They were ready for whatever evil could thrust at them. The city didn’t know it yet, but a chosen defender of justice would soon appear out of the shadows meant for bullies and criminals and those ugly monsters that prey on the weak and innocent, the gentle, the softhearted, and those they could scare into being their captive. They were meant to be dealt with by the one chosen to give hope to the city’s young and old alike.

These vile maggots prey on the good boys and girls, the ones they despise because they are jealous of their honesty, their care, and their goodness. They laugh at those kids who help an old lady cross the street because they themselves are afraid to reveal a caring side. They dare not let their friends see them performing such an act. They want to be in control, holding captive those they inject fear into.

An aid for justice that hates any kind of evil searches and scans alleys as they pass by, peering deep into the shadows of buildings, listening for those crying out for help to release them from evil’s grip. The two continued walking. Suddenly, they heard a screaming cry for help. It was loud enough to shatter a glass window and strong enough to pierce an eardrum.

Seeing a young girl being held down by one of the scums of the city, while another was pulling her pants down, caused Corey and Lake to accelerate to the scene like two black-and-whites without lights and sirens. The street hood who was pulling the girl’s pants down was so engrossed in the girl that he never heard Corey and Lake approach them until the very last second. He jumped up to face Corey, only to be sent flying, with Corey landing a flying thrust kick to the hood’s chest. The one holding down the girl pulled her to her feet and used her for cover. The only thing is he towered over her. They were brave enough to bully an innocent and kindhearted girl, causing her to fear for her life, but weak and cowardly when threatened by a force to be reckoned with. Corey slowly closed the distance to the bully with his arm around the frightened girl’s neck. Lake covered the hood who was lying on the ground. My chest feels like my ribs are broken, man, the scourge cried.

Don’t come any closer, man, the other scum who didn’t respect anything, human or otherwise, warned.

Take it easy, guy. Just let the girl go. Look at her. She is scared to death.

The girl’s entire body was trembling. Tears were rushing to the ground, causing wetness that belonged in the young girl’s eyes. They ran down her pretty little cheeks, mixing with the dust below. Her face was bruised and her nose bleeding. Her pants were knee high. She struggled to pull them to her waist.

Look, if you let her go, I won’t do anything to you, Corey said.

The bully, towering over the girl, laughed. You won’t do anything to me. Get out of here, you little punk. You couldn’t hurt a fly.

Using his eyes for judgment, Corey saw right away that he was in a perfect position to spring into action. With lightning speed, like a magician springing a rabbit from a hat, he whipped a steel baton from out of nowhere. With the accuracy of a champion archer, the baton hit the side of the bully’s head, knocking him to the ground unconscious. The frightened girl, freed from her captive, ran to Lake, who was staring in amazement. He couldn’t believe what he’d just witnessed.

My head, my damn head, it hurts, the bully who got hit with the baton said as he shook the cobwebs out of his head. The other bully was holding his chest in agonizing pain that made it hard for him to breathe.

Hey, man, you broke my ribs. I can’t breathe. I need to go to the hospital.

Be my guest. If I see you out doing anything even close to evil, I will bring you to the police myself. How would you like to spend the rest of your life in jail? You need to respect a girl. I’m warning you: don’t ever try this again! Corey said.

The two bullies crept past Corey, Lake, and the young girl. She looked about seventeen. A pretty little thing. Innocent and sweet. Wow, she said while closing her blouse.

Thank you so much for coming to my rescue. How did you do that with that thing?

Lots of practice and discipline, Corey said, smiling.

What’s your name? she asked. Her eyes lingered to his. She thought how cute he was. He just became her hero.

It’s Corey, and this is my best friend, Lake.

I didn’t know you could do martial arts, Corey. Where did that thing come from? Lake said. I never saw you bring it out. You were so fast. His eyes were glued to Sheena’s.

It’s called a baton. It closes like a radio antenna so it can be carried in a pocket. I have been studying martial arts for many years now ever since I was young. I hate the evil in the world and want to do all I can to stop it. I may be young and smaller than a lot of others, but I am a force to be reckoned with. I stand for justice and have dedicated my life to enforce it.

I think I will call you Kid Justice from now on, Corey. That is if you don’t mind. My name is Sheena Sparks. Will you teach me what you are able to do?

Yeah, me too, Lake kicked in.

Chapter 2

I n 1980, Master Jung, Corey’s uncle, came to America to witness the funeral of Corey’s parents. His sister and her husband met with a fatal car accident, forcing Master Jung to become the father he always wanted to be. Master Jung remembered the pain he felt when the love of his life, and the woman he wanted to start a family with, lost her battle with brain cancer. Although it has been fifteen years now, Master Jung never lets a day go by without thinking of his loss. Hearing of his sister’s fatal accident brought back pain from the past, a kind of pain you never get over but somehow learn to live with. All people experience this kind of pain at some juncture in their lives. They may lose a parent or a sibling, and it hurts. They hurt for their loss. This is where faith carries us through whatever it is that requires us to be strong. Sometimes tragedy causes people to go in the wrong direction.

The Funeral

Tears clouded his vision as Corey leaned over each casket to kiss them goodbye for the last time. He hugged his mother as she lay in her metal casket. A beautiful couple taken by the thoughtless drunk who didn’t get a scratch. Sure, he had problems. So what? His problems killed an innocent, upstanding couple. Corey continued to cry over his mother. A loving uncle’s hands touched his shoulders and…

Come, Corey. We need to finish this, son.

Corey slowly turned while his uncle helped him back to his seat. The preacher said words that Corey never heard. His mind was blank. He felt cold and lonely. He was alone now, or at least he would be, when his uncle goes back to China. He followed the procession out of the church and got into the main car with his uncle. The cars went past his home, the last time for his parents, and Corey choked up. His eyes were sore and burning from crying. They continued to the cemetery.

He took in deep breaths, leaving out sighs of sadness, as he watched his parents’ caskets descend into their graves. It was over now. He was alone. The parents he loved so much were no more. His uncle, who was standing by his side, put his arm around him and ushered him back to the funeral car. They sadly climbed in. Silence dominated the ride to Corey’s house. Corey stared out the window, looking at the huge line of cars, wondering if he had the courage to face everyone. His bloodshot eyes turned to his uncle.

Master Jung, will you excuse me to all these people for a few minutes? I need to get it together.

Of course, Corey. You take all the time you need, son, a strong but sad Master Jung said.

Corey and his uncle stepped out of the car and solemnly walked to the house. A crowd of tear-filled eyes greeted Corey and Master Jung as they entered the front door. They stood at the door for a moment.

Hello, everyone. Corey and I thank you all for stopping by. He has asked for a few minutes to go to his room and get things together. I ask that you all respect his request. He will be out in a few, Master Jung said.

As Corey slowly walked to his room…

Corey, I am so sorry this happened, Sheena said, hugging him.

Me too, Corey, Lake said, taking Sheena’s place.

Corey, I’m so sorry, love. I loved my sister and your father so much, his aunt said, teary eyed, while putting her arms around him. She had gone to his parents’ house to set food out on foldout tables for those who were invited to have something to eat and give their condolences.

Corey was in his last year of high school, and many of his classmates came to the house to comfort him for his loss.

Thank you, Aunt Joy. He gave a sigh. I’ll be out in a couple of minutes.

Corey, why don’t we talk later about you coming to live with me in a couple of days when this is all over, OK?

We’ll see, Aunt Joy. His eyes were staring out the window. He turned and proceeded to go down the hallway. His bedroom door closed behind him.

Chapter 3

C orey. Why don’t we hang out tonight, man? Joey said. We can have a couple of beers and a smoke. It’ll be fun.

I don’t think so, Joey. I don’t do that kind of stuff. Besides, I’m too young, and so are you.

Hey, man, that’s no problem. I do it all the time. I was even stoned the other week at school. Nobody said anything. I’m not sure they even knew.

Don’t kid yourself, Joey. We all knew it. It got around the school.

Yeah, it doesn’t matter. Come on. It will help you forget your parents’ death. Just try it. You don’t have to do it all the time. Just this once hang out with me.

I guess so. What time and where, Joey?

How about your place? You’re alone now, right?

Not yet, Joey. My uncle is with me for the rest of the month. Then he goes back to China.

Well, pick me up at seven and we can go down to the river and hang out there. There might be some of the gang there. They like to hang by the water. We party there all the time.

OK. See you then. Corey wasn’t sure he wanted to go, but he thought it might be different and he would give it a try. After all, a lot of the kids were doing it.

That Evening

Where are you off to, Corey? Master Jung asked. He was reading the newspaper.

I’m going out with Joey, a guy from school, and some of his friends. I won’t be late.

That’s good, Corey. It will do you some good. See you later, Master Jung said with a smile.

Corey hustled down the steps to his car and climbed in. He fired up the Mustang and cruised toward Joey’s house. A warm summer breeze rushed through the driver’s window, forcing his blond curls to whip across his forehead. Thoughts of his deceased mother and father scourged his mind. The pain of missing them was becoming almost unbearable. Teardrops slowly dripped from the corners of his saddened blue eyes.

Joey lived in the east end of the city. It was the poorer section. The block was lined with small town houses. His parents let the house go, and it needed much repair. Joey was sitting on his steps when Corey pulled up. He reached for a bag and danced down the steps to Corey’s car. He jumped in. Party already started, he said. He looked half stoned before the evening got started.

Joey stood a tall five foot five. Corey thought this was a big problem for him, and he was trying to make up for his height problem by drowning it out with booze and other stuff.

Joey, shouldn’t you go easy on that stuff? I mean, you seem to be half buzzed now. We’re not even there yet.

Nah, I’m OK. I can handle it. Want one? he said as he pulled a can of beer out of the bag.

Not yet, Joey. I’ll wait till we get there. The Mustang turned onto Front Street.

There are some of the gang, Corey. Pull over there. Ooh, look at some of those babes. This might be your lucky night, partner. Corey pulled into a spot near the group and turned off the engine.

Come on, Corey. I’ll intro you to the gang.

Corey reluctantly eased out of the car. He was a handsome young man, and all the girls’ heads turned his way, with fangs dripping. They were gathered in a picnic grove along the river. A bonfire was blazing, and one from the group was strumming a guitar. Some of the gang were singing. Corey mixed well with the kids, and many of them said they were sorry for the loss of his parents.

Here, Corey, Joey said as he handed him a beer. Until now, Corey had never tried one. You might as well lose your cherry too, Joey added, handing him a joint.

I don’t smoke, Joey, Corey said, shaking his head.

Come on, Corey. Don’t wreck the party. Take a hit. It will soothe things for you. Just one.

I don’t know how.

Draw it in and hold it for a couple of seconds, then blow it out. It’s easy. Do it, man. Then drink that beer.

Corey sheepishly followed Joey’s instructions. He choked and coughed. Everyone laughed.

A real virgin we got here. Joey laughed. The crowed joined in and clapped.

You have to do another one to make it stick, partner.

Joey handed Corey another beer as he finished the one he had in his hand.

Another hit as well, kid. That will make you one of the gang. Corey followed suite, and things started to get foggy. He looked up at the stars. They were all moving in circles. He took another hit and another beer. Uncontrollable laughter pounced upon him, and he didn’t know where he was for a moment. He stood up, only to fall into the lap of a well-endowed girl sitting next to him. She laughed and then kissed him on his lips.

Come with me, Corey, the girl said.

Where to?

Just come with me. We’re going to the other side of those dunes. I want to be alone with you, Corey. Come on. Follow me. She helped Corey to his feet. The two staggered to the other side of the dunes. The girl laid out a blanket.

Lie down, Corey. Let’s look at the stars together. Corey heavily flopped down on the blanket, giggling. You’re not like the others, Corey. You shouldn’t drink anymore. And leave that other stuff alone. It’s no good. I’m Jeniffer.

Why are you here, Jeniffer? Corey asked while looking up at the stars.

I am friends with some of the gang, but I don’t do the things they do. I just like to hang out along the water, she said with her eyes gazing into Corey’s eyes. Your eyes are so beautiful, Corey.

She leaned forward and gently kissed him on the lips. She leaned into his chest. Her lips were warm, wet, and soft. He had never kissed a girl before this, and it made tingles run up his back. It was nice.

They continued to passionately kiss, and then Corey pushed away.

I must go, Jeniffer, Corey said while getting to his feet. This is wrong. I’m sorry. Will you see that someone takes Joey home?

You don’t have to go, Corey. I don’t want you to go. Won’t you please stay?

I’m feeling a little sick. I need to go. I’m sorry. He turned and headed toward the Mustang. He climbed in. He fumbled with his keys. The right one finally turned on the engine. The Mustang pulled out of the parking spot and cruised in the direction of home. Corey’s stomach was churning. His stomach told him to pull over. The driver’s door quickly sprung open. He leaned out the door as his stomach emptied everything that was in it. Corey sat parked by the side of the street for a while, gathering his thoughts. His mouth tasted sour and disgusting. He felt better though. His foot pressed down on the throttle, and the car continued its journey homeward.

I hope Master Jung isn’t up, he thought. He parked the Mustang in front of his house. It wasn’t the experience he wanted, Corey thought. He knew what he was getting into. He knew it was wrong. Flashes of his mom and dad appeared on the screen in his mind. Guilt crept through him as he sat in the car pondering on what took place a short while ago. He slipped out of the Mustang and strolled to his front door. The lights in the house were out, which made Corey feel better about sneaking to his bedroom. He closed the front door and cautiously took step-by-step past Master Jung’s room. A stale barroom oder closed his bedroom door.

Corey dressed for bed and then crawled between the covers. He lay on his back with his eyes closed, and the room started to spin in circles. His stomach did tumble-salts. With his lips pressed tightly together, Corey rushed to the bathroom. He leaned over the toilet, and his stomach didn’t let him down. Once again, he felt better. After washing his face and rinsing his mouth, he returned to the comfort of his bed. This time he lay on his stomach and drifted off to sleep.

The Morning After

Master Jung was sitting at the kitchen table when Corey walked over to the counter to fill a bowl with cereal. Rough night last night, Corey? he said with his eyes focused on Corey’s. He could see the guilt on Corey’s face.

Deep in thought, Corey answered, Huh… sort of, Master Jung. I got home later than I thought I would.

Look, son. I know you are having a hard time coping with the passing of your parents, and a young man in this kind of situation can be led astray. You need to focus on the kind of young man your mom and dad raised you to be. Don’t be influenced by those who will pull you down to street level. Do you know what I’m saying to you, Corey?

Yes, sir. I do. It’s just…

You didn’t think you could go out and party and my not smelling it on you the next morning, did you?

I didn’t think, Master Jung. I just let a friend talk me into it, Corey said with his eyes glued to the floor.

You got sick last night, didn’t you?

Yeah. I’m sorry, sir. He let out a sigh. What am I going to do, Master Jung, when you leave?

"Corey, we all have our moments and can get into trouble or be persuaded by others to do things that are not good for us. The thing you don’t want to happen is doing it again. You learned a lesson, son.

Corey, I wanted to talk to you about my leaving. How about I stay and live here with you? I know your aunt Joy wants you to go live with her, but I can be here for you. After all, you are my sister’s son and my nephew. I can also help you with your training.

Would you do that, Master Jung? a happy Corey asked.

Of course I would. I will call my brother in China to take care of my house there for me. He and his family can live there free. All they have to do is take care of it for me. He will love it. Lucky for you it is the weekend.

Thanks so much, Master Jung. This makes me so happy. I don’t want to do what I did last night ever again. It made me so sick, and I feel stupid.

A lesson learned, Corey. He smiled.

Chapter 4

T he small team for justice met after school to do their homework. This always had priority.

If I’m to go to college for criminal justice, my schoolwork is always number one before anything else, Corey said.

After Corey, Lake, and Sheena finished their workload for school, they gathered in a training room that Corey’s father built onto the house, so Corey could stay fine-tuned like a high-performing engine. Day after day, the three dedicated grunts trained their bodies to perform as high-speed fighting machines.

It’s not for fighting, Corey’s uncle said. It’s for self-defense and to protect those that are unable to protect themselves.

Master Jung, why don’t we form a team, the four of us, to use our skills and wisdom to stand up for justice and protect the young and old from the evil that oozes from every crack and crevasse in this city? Corey asked.

Great idea, Cor, Lake added.

Sheena, you up to it girl? Lake asked.

A glaze of hesitation clouded Sheena’s eyes. Her eyes covered the floor. I’m not sure I have the strength or the courage to be a defender of justice, Lake.

Girl, you’re quick and accurate. You can do it, Lake said with enthusiasm.

But I might freeze up if the time comes, Sheena said with a doubting stare. Her training just started, and like most beginners, she was overwhelmed.

Keep training, Sheena, and you will respond in the right way when and if you have to. It’s doing your moves over and over again. This is what any musician has to do to become highly skilled at playing an instrument. By practicing, it will make you respond automatically, Master Jung said.

Remember, it’s not about strength, but about speed and accuracy.

But you’re a man, and you’re stronger. She looked away.

Did you hear what I just said, Sheena? It’s not about strength. You’re as fast as any of us. You just need to build up your confidence. So now we start aggressive training. Defend yourself!

With those words, Master Jung became airborne. If he was shot out of a cannon, he couldn’t have moved any faster. His speed was overpowering, and Sheena froze in her tracks for a brief moment. The fear she was so concerned about froze her body as if she was suspended in a freezer. The blood in her veins became solid, unable to circulate, and she couldn’t move. There it was. She knew it would happen. She knew she wouldn’t fit the bill. Yeah, a defender of justice. That’s a joke, she thought.

Within inches of her body, before the master’s foot made contact, she sidestepped as the breeze from the master’s foot creased her ear and he landed behind her. The response was automatic just as Master Jung promised. He then forced a back thrust kick directed at Sheena’s midsection. In a flash, Sheena moved backward and to the side once again.

Oh my gosh, Master Jung, you were right, Sheena said.

You see, little girl. You can do it. When your confidence increases, you will be a force to be reckoned with, like Corey and Lake.

Way to go, girl! Lake said as he clapped his hands.

From now on, your training will be aggressive in nature, Master Jung told them. Sheena smiled, and a good feeling filled her feminine frame. They continued their practice into the late evening.

Each minute brought with it more and more confidence and skill for the team that would help stamp out crime, bullies, and the monsters that lurk in the shadows of the city. Together, they would give all the young and old hope through having faith in those who stand for good and justice.

The Training Room

The room was longer than it was wide. The ceiling allowed for six-foot or longer staff practice. The floor had a slightly cushioned covering, a foam flooring that cushioned bodies bouncing off it, protecting the bones housed in them. There were various weapons lined along one wall. Swords, staffs, spears, and short sticks. The walls honored pictures of Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Master Jung, all of Corey’s heroes. It was a private room meant only for the Justice Team.

Session over, Corey said. He strolled over to a rack that housed fighting staffs, placing his in front of the label saying Kid Justice. The label that Sheena put there earlier in the evening. He grinned.

On the way out of the training hall, Sheena remarked, We should have some way to reach each other when we are alone and in trouble or outnumbered.

That would be great, kiddo, but how do we do that? Corey asked.

I don’t know. Some kind of device we can carry that will allow us to signal each other in such a case. Maybe a homing device? Something that doesn’t look threatening, Lake said.

OK, we’ll do that pronto, but where do we begin? asked Corey.

Why don’t we ask Master Jung, Lake suggested.

Good idea. Glad I thought of it. Corey laughed.

Yeah, yeah. Lake returned a