There Is No Justice Here

By T. Marshall Peeples

Senior Engineer Mitchell Pierce has been given the task of solving the grisly murders of regional leaders of the LGBT community. When a friend gets targeted as the next victim of the homicidal maniac known only as the Grim Reaper, Mitchell puts into use a highly classified, top-secret project called the Mer Time Machine. When fully constructed, the Mer will be able to transport Mitchell hours or days into the future to observe, investigate, and stop crimes of this nature. Now that hes rushed to use the Mer before it is formally approved for use, he has found that it is subject to malfunction and will send him spiraling to the past. This time, he finds himself in 1892 at Memphis, Tennessee, where he comes face to face with southern justice: Lynching.

Mitchell races against time to save lives in Memphis without changing the course of history. He must also get the Mer to function properly to save the life of one of todays prominent leaders of the LGBT community. Subliminally smitten by his attractive assistant, Antonia Fuentes, Mitchell works hard to hide his emotions while working closely with her on the Mers completion. The tension and suspense boils over when the hunter becomes the hunted in his quest for romance and social justice for all!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543419207

T. Marshall Peeples

T. Marshall Peeples is an educator, author, and public speaker. He lives between St. Louis, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri during the course of the year. He is the owner and founder of Sankore Books, LLC and is the author of the highly-proclaimed novel, Grow Up Baby Boy! T. Marshall Peeples loves to write for the enjoyment, education, and entertainment of his audience.

Book preview

There Is No Justice Here

T. Marshall Peeples

Copyright © 2017 by T. Marshall Peeples.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2017906537

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5434-1919-1

      Softcover      978-1-5434-1918-4

      eBook         978-1-5434-1920-7

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.

Sankore Books, LLC supports copyright, fuels creativity, lifts voices from all corners of the earth, promotes free-speech, fosters cultural diversity, endorses the importance of literacy, and creating a vibrant community of progressive and respectful thinkers. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any parts of it in any form without permission from the author and Sankore Books, LLC. You are supporting all writers and allowing Sankore Books, LLC, and T. Marshall Peeples, in particular to continue the beloved practice of writing, promoting literacy, and encouraging success for everyone.

This is a work of pure fiction. All of the names, characters, places and incidents portrayed in this novel are either products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Rev. date: 05/01/2017

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Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Everything Starts

with a

Dream!

To the employees and patrons of the Coffee Cup Café and Sankore Books, LLC – A Big Thank You!

Let us serve you a cup of coffee and a bagel, and sell you a book!

Reading is the doorway to learning and progressive thinking. Sankore Books, LLC promotes building a literate community.

Also by T. Marshall Peeples

Grow Up Baby Boy!

No More Water In The Well

Living For The City (Under Revision)

My Deadly Dearest (Available November 2017)

GOT TMP? - IT’S HOT!

Chapter One

Saturday, October 8, 2016 — 9:30 p.m.

Over two hundred excited and enthusiastic people turned out for the dinner party held by the membership committee at the Dupo Civic Center. The members of the LGBT community were out to celebrate and support their political platform, as well as its local leaders.

Dr. Sally Renauld, president of the Dupo Equality Movement, also known as DEM, was delighted to be part of the event and one of its organizers. Her keynote address was a big hit with the members and their supporters. Sally’s passion, energy, and fervent enthusiasm could be felt throughout the room. During her address to the crowd, she was often interrupted with booming applause and other signs of appreciation. Members and participants alike stood in a rousing ovation with thunderous clapping when she completed her speech and stepped down from the podium. Dr. Renauld was swarmed by well-wishers and those giving glad tidings by the end of the evening’s event. She could barely take two steps toward the door before being stopped to shake hands or to pose for pictures.

The smile on her face had worked overtime so other partygoers could see her delight with the evening’s program and the equality movement’s civic projects. Sally’s gait was a little unsteady as the three mint martinis began to impact her movement. She leaned heavily on her escort’s arm as they walked steadily toward the exit. Sally knew she would feel better if she could just get to her car and off her feet. Her hair was a tangle of long brunette curls, twisting and turning as they hung just below her shoulders. This forty-year-old weekend athlete wore only light makeup, now partially worn off by the events of the long day. Her wide-set brown eyes were unlined, and her lips were slightly overlaid with lipstick.

Sally was practically six feet tall, which came in handy as a female social activist, if less so on dates with men. In the days of her youth, men came across as awkward and unsure in her presence, especially if they were shorter than her. Having to make sure she wore the right shoes with the right-sized heels to protect some insecure guy’s ego became an irritant as she got older. Sally was never the dress-wearing kind of girl. She preferred pants and now pantsuits; they seemed more comfortable for her nature. Sally was always an aggressive type. Playing and roughhousing with her brothers growing up, she had to be tough. Being one and two years older than her male siblings, she could outrun, outjump, and catch a football better than both of them.

It was sometime during her college years as a basketball player that she became exposed to the delights of women in same-sex relationships. Her life changed for the better upon accepting who she was as a human being. Sally recognized early in life that she was Sally—not different, just Sally. An albatross was removed from her neck when she psychologically accepted herself and didn’t try to live the life expected by other people or society. When she acknowledged the understanding and acceptance of her family and friends and went along with the love they already showered on her, she was prepared to help others who were like-minded.

Once she was able to step outside the civic center’s door and deeply inhale the cool night air, she immediately felt better. It helped to clear her head and to regain her composure. Sally knew she should be able to drive the three miles to her home without any problems. All the positive whispers of support, ovations, and handshakes from key members of the Dupo political community were indications the LGBT movement was being heard and moving in the right direction.

She slid inside the car’s cabin, started the ignition, and steered her car through the night. Very few drivers were out in the area as she drove slowly down Main Street. She rolled down her window to allow the cool breeze to collide with her face. The various Halloween decorations on the front steps and porches lit up so many homes and gave signs of life and of children. The driver of a passing car looked at her as though he was dismayed with her slow, cautious driving. She watched him as he sped ahead and disappeared into the darkness.

Five minutes later, Sally turned into the tree-lined, well-kept community of the Granada Hills Subdivision of Dupo. Her ranch-style home was just around the bend of the street in the quiet cul-de-sac. She slowly made her way down the block before seeing a car pull in behind her from a side street. Each time she looked in the mirror, she had to cringe and squint her eyes because of the high-beamed lights. Sally decided she would go around in a circle and come out of the cul-de-sac because the bright lights coming from the car were somewhat eerie this time of night. Living at home alone made her do some preplanning in case something like this should happen. She would never go home alone if she thought she was being followed. Now with a deranged person who called himself the Grim Reaper being on the loose, she had to switch to Plan B. Farther down on Main Street was the Dupo Police Station. This became her new destination, just to be safe.

Sally made a right turn out of her cul-de-sac. In her mirror, she noticed the car remaining at the same distance and turning with her. When she reached Main Street, she put her left signal on. As she made the turn into the street, the car following her did the same. The driver was still maintaining a safe distance behind her but keeping her clearly in view. Sally’s stomach began to get knotted with nervousness and apprehension. The sensors in her head were shouting Warning! Warning! The alcohol and food she consumed earlier felt as though they were ready to come up. Frantically, Sally suddenly picked up her pace. She pressed the accelerator, putting a little distance between her vehicle and the car behind her. She looked in the mirror again and noticed the car didn’t try to match her speed.

Sally exhaled deeply, allowing the stress and the tension in her body to relax. Maybe she was just a little overly cautious and afraid because of the recent grisly incidents that took place in two neighboring communities. Being a woman who lived alone, she had to take the necessary safety precautions for her own protection. She commended herself for planning ahead for occasions like tonight.

With less anxiety and able to see the Dupo Police Station in sight, she felt much safer and secure. Again, she looked in her rearview mirror and didn’t see the car. It must’ve turned off on one of the side streets she zoomed past. Up a little farther was an area where she could turn and head back home. Now that the imagined crisis, the danger, was over, she felt much better. The fatigue of the long day just created an anxious moment, but feeling safe and sound, she knew it was time to head home. Her breathing returned to its normal rate, and her heartbeat slowed considerably. Sally veered to the far-left lane to make her turn. Still a little woozy from the alcohol she ingested earlier, she had a little difficulty making the turn precisely. Once the car was straightened, Sally headed home.

Suddenly, she was blinded again by the reflection of the high-beamed lights. Now traveling in the opposite direction of the police station, she pressed down on the accelerator. The car behind her did the same. The roar of the other car’s engine, along with its ultra-bright lights, was frightening. Her nervous reaction made her look in the mirror countless of times and wish the car trailing behind her would somehow disappear. It was following way too close. Sally could feel her anxiety rising again, this time at a much faster and alarming rate. The perspiration on her forehead and underarms was building. Her palms were sweaty. She knew at the speed they were both traveling, the car was bound to bump her off the road and into a ditch or possibly a tree.

Sally’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as she peered into the blackness ahead. The dark, the speed, and the alcohol, mixed with her own tumultuous emotions, were all about to boil over, out of control. Finally, there were blinking red and yellow lights coming from inside of the car. It was a police officer all along. Sally exhaled deeply as she let up on the accelerator and slowly pulled to the side of the road. She wiped the dampness on her forehead with the back of her hand. What she thought was a possible stalker or pervert was actually a police officer in his unmarked cruiser.

Shaking uncontrollably, Sally tried to regain her poise as she saw the officer walking up to the side of her car. While he was in plain clothes, she could still see his badge attached to his beltline in the dark. Sally pushed the button to allow her window to roll down. Hello, officer. You shouldn’t scare a lady like me. I thought you were somebody else.

You know you were going pretty fast back there and you have a taillight out in the back, ma’am? The officer had a pad in his hand and sunglasses on, although it was after ten o’clock at night.

I was afraid you were someone else. So I was headed for the police station.

I could tell. You were in a big hurry.

I apologize for speeding. Sally was trying to see his eyes and read his reaction but couldn’t because of the sunglasses.

Did you know one of your taillights was out?

No, I didn’t know that. I’ll be sure to get it fixed in the morning.

I need to see your license and insurance, please. The officer scanned the area as Sally reached for her purse to retrieve her personal information. The only lights were from their vehicles in this area of Main Street.

Here you are, Sally stated. I appreciate you letting me know my taillight was out. I had no idea that was the case.

He took her identification and went back to his car. Sally waited patiently for him to complete his information search. She was calmer now in the company of an officer who had taken the oath to protect and serve. Her nerves had settled, and it appeared that her food was going to stay down. She looked up and saw the officer coming back with her information.

Please turn off your car and step out of the vehicle, ma’am, the officer stated sternly.

You mean I have to get out of my car just for a taillight being out? I told you I would get it repaired tomorrow.

The officer took a step back and placed his hand on his revolver. Ma’am, I need you to step out of the vehicle, now!

This is unbelievable, Sally stated angrily as she swung the car door open to get out. She stamped her feet while moving into the personal space of the officer, looking him in the face. This is ridiculous, you know.

Ma’am, please face the vehicle and place both hands on top of the car.

Oh my god! Sally screamed into the darkness as she turned and placed both hands on the roof of the car. She half-turned, looking at the officer, and continued her loud tirade. All of this, just for a taillight? Are you kidding me? Why are you doing this, sir? This is completely unreal. It’s absurd! I’m going to have your badge as soon as I can speak with your commanding officer.

Ma’am, I smell alcohol, and you were driving over the speed limit. I believe you’ve been drinking and driving this vehicle. I’m placing you under arrest for a DUI. He grabbed Sally by the wrist and brought her hand behind her back. Sally turned with the other hand and slapped the officer hard across the face.

You son of a—

Sally never finished her sentence. The pain and the lights going out occurred almost simultaneously.

By the time Sally regained consciousness and was able to refocus, she was lying on her bed with her hands tied behind her back. It took her a moment to realize where she was located. She had a muffler and gag on her mouth, which ached from being so tight, and she had no idea how she got there. The room was almost completely dark with the exception of a small candle’s flame that flickered on the nightstand at the side of the bed. Sitting on the side of her bed with his clothes disheveled and still wearing his sunglasses was Officer Grim Reaper.

He flipped her over on her stomach to check the cord on her wrists while looking at her with a sadistic grin on his face. Satisfied it was as tight as possible, he flipped her back over on her back. Sally looked up in horror as tears flowed down the side of her face.

You have a strong right hand, Dr. Sally Renauld. I can still feel the sting where you hit me. You know you shouldn’t be assaulting an officer of the law. Anyway, I thought I owed you one, so while you were unconscious, I figured one injustice deserved another. He moved up closer so he could sit by her face. He then roughly pulled her to the edge of the bed.

Sally lay there in the bed with tears welling up and then overflowing in her eyes. She had no idea what this maniac was planning to do. For some reason, her skirt was higher than it should’ve been. She hated skirts and dresses alike. She couldn’t remember why she had it on. Sally could feel the throbbing ache in her head. It was pounding mercilessly. She couldn’t remember why or for what purpose she was in this situation. Sally’s head felt as though she was hit by a truck. She was in a mental fog as though from a concussion. She then watched and then grimaced as he reached under her skirt with his cold, clammy, intrusive hand. She tried to scream out, but nothing but a slight, muffled sound escaped her lips. He took her driver’s license from his left shirt pocket and tossed it on the bed. With horror in her eyes, she squinted, hoping for a better focus in the dark room. What she saw was material hanging from his shirt pocket that bore a close resemblance to her underwear. She closed her legs as tight as possible and felt a dampness there. She locked eyes with him. It was as though they were on the same mental wavelength.

Oh, this. He patted the material and offered that cynical, unsympathetic grin again. I usually take something from my victims as a memento. It’s just a fetish of mine, I guess. By the way, you gave a great speech tonight, Doctor. Hell, I stood up with everyone else and gave you a rousing applause.

As he talked, he rubbed her thighs with the palm of his hand and gave them a gentle squeeze. Sally stiffened under his gaze as tears continued to roll down the side of her face. He tried to pry her legs apart, but Sally used her leg muscles to keep them closed.

I know you don’t like men, sweetheart, but I thought now, since you’re awake, you may be willing to give it a try before we say our last goodbyes. You being unconscious before was no fun. I don’t get off with that sleeping beauty thing. I never understood what people got out of that. Again, he tried to open her legs, but again, there was resistance. You’re still not trusting an officer of the law, huh?

Sally shook her head no in the hope that he would just leave her alone and go away. She had suffered through enough pain and indignities. She watched as the officer got up and stepped over to a nearby chair. He picked up a wooden officer’s baton and returned to the bed.

I tried to be nice, but you don’t seem to get it. However, you must do what police officers ask you without any resistance. Don’t you know that when you resist, we must use whatever force is necessary to carry out our duties? He hit the baton in his palm three times as he looked down on his frightened prisoner. As he took off his dark sunglasses, he bent over to close the distance between their faces. The cold darkness of his narrow, squinted eyes was creepy and ghostlike. Now I’m going to try one more time to open those sweet long legs of yours, and I don’t want to feel any resistance. Do we understand one another?

With tears now streaming down her face, Sally couldn’t believe what was happening. This moment was paranormal, unearthly. It just couldn’t be. Why? Feeling defeated, she nodded in agreement. Sally closed her eyes when he tapped the side of her thigh with his baton. She reluctantly followed the instructions of the officer of the law.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

The fall October sky was overcast, and the light wind blew cool and briskly. Amanda Stein had the car’s heater on low as she finally pulled slowly up to the bank’s ATM. The evening sun was losing its strength as dusk was slowly cascading over the city. This was one of the few stops she had to make while on her way home from work. Stress and worry were sketched clearly on her face from the day’s events. The afternoon’s meeting with Chief Gillespie and Detective Cole of the Franklin Police Department had gone longer than anticipated. As she reflected back on the meeting, she had to admit she was greatly disappointed. It appeared everyone in the room was making sure their needs for political cover were being addressed instead of dealing with the issue at hand. A phone call had come into the City of Franklin Mayor’s Office earlier from the Reaper. He stated the leadership of the LGBT state community were coming up dead, and leaders of the Franklin office would be next! Among those around the huge boardroom table sat the outspoken Kelli Keithly from the mayor’s office, Assistant District Attorney Sabrina Rashad, Mitchell Pierce of the business community, Amanda, and the law officers.

What started as a deliberation and strategic planning session to protect members of Amanda’s local organization somehow turned into a force of wills among gladiators. Each side was steadfast, unmoving in what they thought was needed for the safety and protection of those involved. Amanda also felt the players at the table were just as interested, if not more, in maintaining the good name of the Franklin community. The Franklin Equality Movement led by Amanda, also known as FEM, was making national news. Its push for equal rights and recognition for the LGBT community was not welcomed in some of the more prominent corners of Franklin. Amanda argued vehemently that each of the leaders of FEM must have police escorts and personal protection assigned