Darkness of Blue: A Novel

By Gary A James

Darkness of Blue brings the reader into the world of crime, gang violence, and police corruption. Somewhere between worlds that are subject to controversy and debate, Detective Myles Konrad finds himself a prisoner of his past. A decision was carried out where an innocent civilian lost his life. In this story, Konrad retraces his steps to that one incident in hopes of gaining clarity and the peace of mind. Along the way, Konrad has interesting and dangerous encounters. Throughout this novel, readers will see a commitment to truth, heroism, and friendships, then corruption, betrayal, and racism.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Jul 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781489723093

Gary A James

Gary believes in the impact that storytelling can have on the world as it does on his life. The world, as he saw from the college campus to his work with youth, and even to the workforce, has been filled with story. Not only did storytelling help him understand principles, but also the people around him. This is what motivated him to write novels and novellas on his free time. Gary loves travel, and enjoys the works of other authors of fiction. Right now, he calls Brampton, Ontario his home.

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Copyright © 2019 Gary A James.

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Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2311-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2310-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2309-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019908143

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 03/30/2020

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

THE PAST CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

THE PRESENT CHAPTER 7

THE PAST CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

THE PRESENT CHAPTER 13

THE PAST CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

THE PRESENT CHAPTER 16

THE PAST CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

THE PRESENT CHAPTER 21

THE PAST CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

THE PRESENT CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

THE PAST CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

THE PRESENT CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

EPILOGUE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, I want to thank the people who have given more than their feedback. I’m thankful especially to those who have given me their honest opinion. Their input has helped shape some details in this work of fiction. For this I am eternally grateful.

Noah E. Holland, and Robert Rean – Gang Intelligence Unit

Mitchell and Valerie Addy – The Ten Point Coalition, Cleveland, OH

Pastor Akinwale Thompson – Chief Financial Officer, Rhema Canada

Andre Levy – Former City Councillor runner-up, City of Brampton

I also want to thank the person who has been ever-present on a technological level. With his expertise, he has assisted me in areas that would have been much too time-consuming. It took him little time.

Andre Mundle

For Andre Levy

While I was writing this work of fiction, my thoughts

ran on some of the conversations that we’ve had.

PROLOGUE

M yles Konrad peered through the crystal-covered corner of the cruiser windshield, as the mid-morning frost of November formed the first transparent designs of winter. He was on-duty and parked outside a high school entrance. His eyes were deep into his thoughts, as a vivid flashback took him to a real event, which happened more than a decade p rior.

Konrad shouted with a hoisted gun, and with barrel trained on the subject in BMW.

Step out of the car with your hands behind your head.

Putting his academy training to use, Konrad watched intensely for that sudden move. With the gun still trained on the unidentified person, he stood 20 feet from behind the driver’s door. The unknown person obeyed the police’s order without thought.

Okay, I’m stepping out with my hands on my head. I don’t know why I’m being singled out?

I gave you a simple instruction, sir. You can save the questions for later, said Konrad, also taking notice of the travel bag over the man’s shoulder.

I’ll have your license and registration. And keep your hands where I could see them.

The unidentified person was beyond the officer’s reach. Trying to be discreet in his every movement, the man lifted the travel bag from his shoulder.

They’re in this bag.

Take them out, and hand them to me, said Konrad, while keeping a safe distance between them.

Fidgeted over that nerve-wracking experience, the man pulled the identification out of the bag with a jerk. The subject lost his grip on the card and shuffled in his attempts to catch it.

Seeing this, Konrad barked, Don’t move—

A sudden bang on the driver door snapped Konrad out of his moment of deep retrospection. Rattled, he looked up at the figure standing by the door of his cruiser. He recognized it to be his friend, and fellow officer, Thompson Ford.

Thompson knocked again on the window to get Konrad’s attention. Are you in there? Hey!

Konrad gathered his senses and let down his window. I’m here.

I thought we lost you in there. Are you ready? Should I give you a rundown over our reasons for being here?

I know why we’re here. I’m ready. Let’s go.

CHAPTER 1

T uesday, November 19 th , at 10:30 a.m. Ford led Konrad through the secondary school campus, and through the already crowded halls. The boisterous student body, noticing police arrival, muted themselves as they yielded the right of way to the men carrying badges. Konrad and Ford came upon the source of attraction. There, lying on his back with a noticeable head gash, was one of the students. His head was bleeding profusely, as two female students assisted him—one was holding a damp rag to the head wound to stop the bleeding. Before Konrad could say a word to the female students, one of them got up and s poke.

I’m sorry, officer! He was attacked by another kid, who then hit him with a bar.

And where is the other student? asked Konrad.

I think they’re taking him to the principal’s office.

Paramedics should be here at any time. How is he?

He’s awake. He’s shaken. We’re trying to stop the bleeding.

Konrad stood to speak to the bystanders, Could someone point me where they have this other student?

Konrad and Ford followed another student to the room where the other student was detained. This room was much smaller than the average classroom. A rectangular-shaped table is what took up most of that space. The light was more dimmed than the lights in other rooms. As the student reported, the other student was in that room, and under the supervision of the school security. The security guard stood with his back to the door. The student sat on the other side of that table. Konrad and Ford were both greeted by the guard as they stepped into the room.

I’m Greg. I had to pull him off the other student. You might want to hear his side to what happened.

Konrad directed his attention to the student. Your name, son?

Xavier.

Hi Xavier, I’m Officer Konrad. This is Officer Ford. We saw the commotion outside. And, we also saw one of the students laying on the ground. We heard what happened and would like to hear your end.

I don’t know why I have to be the one dragged into this room, protested Xavier.

Well, someone told me that you hit another student with an object of some sort. Why did you hit the student with an object?

I was minding my business when this guy called me a ‘monkey.’

Konrad stood speechless as if he were hit by an object of some sort. Regathering his thoughts, he glanced in the direction of the awe-stricken guard before turning to Xavier.

He called you a ‘monkey’?

Yeah … you can talk to the students, and they’ll tell you what I heard him say.

It doesn’t justify what you did. How old are you, Xavier?

Fifteen.

Konrad stared intently into the student’s eyes. Knowing that his attempts at making psychoanalysis could take him so far, he abruptly ended his interrogation. And nodding at the guard, Konrad and Ford stepped out of the room.

Konrad and Ford lingered for a while. Forty minutes later, and after the paramedics had already treated and released the other student. Konrad and Ford saw the other student walking, as though he were recuperating with the aid of other students. Konrad saw it fit that he should stop him in the hall.

May I speak with you for a moment? I have questions for you.

The student straightened up as though he were regaining strength.

Sure!

First of all, how are you?

I think I’m fine, officer.

To start off on the right foot, my name is Officer Konrad. This is Officer Ford. And your name is?

Matthew.

Konrad pointed to two out of the six students that were with him.

I’ll also need you both to come along for this talk. Your names are?

My name is Sonya.

And my name is Kelly.

Myles, let’s take them into this classroom so they’ll stay out of earshot, said Ford spotting an empty classroom to his left.

Konrad turned to the students. You three, come with us.

The classroom was standard-looking, with a chalkboard at its head, and rows of desks facing it. Ford motioned to the three to sit along the first row. Konrad began.

You three might have already guessed the reason why you’re here. I’ve spoken to the other student, Xavier. And, he claims that you, Matthew, hurled a racial epithet at him. In other words, he claims that you called him something offensive—that you called him a ‘monkey.’

Both Sonya and Kelly were both taken aback as their eyes widened. Matthew did not appear to the officers as surprised.

Is that what he says? asked Matthew.

Right now, I’m playing ‘message bearer.’ That’s what he says.

Officer, I wouldn’t call anyone a ‘monkey.’ Why would I?

Are you asking me the questions? That’s a question for you to answer. Why would you?

I don’t think I can answer that, countered Matthew.

Konrad turned abruptly to Sonya. What did you hear?

Sonya sat with a pensive look. Hmm, I didn’t hear anything.

Konrad turned to Kelly. Did Xavier have any good reasons for striking Matthew?

Hmm … no! said Kelly.

What did you hear?

I don’t remember hearing anything, reported Kelly.

Konrad turned to Matthew. Did you say anything to anyone before he hit you?

Uh … no. At least, not to this guy, Matthew said in a desperate attempt to declare his innocence, I was saying something to someone—

Do you remember what you said to someone else?

Matthew shrugged. I don’t remember, sir.

But Xavier had good reason to hit you. He was under the impression that you said something to him. Why would he lash out at you like that? Konrad said in an accusatory tone.

I don’t know, sir.

And, you don’t remember what you said to someone before he hit you?

I can’t remember anything. I’m sorry! said Matthew.

Konrad paused a moment as he briefly hung his head. He raised his head.

Sorry about the gash. Thank you all for your time, Konrad said, stepping back and away from the group.

After the three were dismissed, Konrad and Ford left the school and prepared to step into their cruisers. Before stepping into his patrol car, Ford walked over to Konrad, who was already in his driver seat.

A master-interrogator he is. Man, you were tensed back there. Was that the Oklahoma prosecuting attorney beginning to resurface? said Ford, reigniting his jovial sense of humor.

Konrad acknowledged the humor as he chuckled. No. and I never had that history nor training. That scenario was playing over in my mind, and something rose up in me.

There’s the question of the millennia. What’s up with that? You’ve been lost in LALA land—or is that OK land?

Nah, I think I’ll save those reports until later, Konrad said while showing signs of discomfort because of the query. As for this one, I think I’ll head back to the station. What are you doing tonight?

Well, the wife and I are going to kick back this evening and watch the Raptors game. By the way, what are you and Tasha doing tonight? We can make this a double date at our place. You don’t have to bring anything—only your jerseys.

I’ll have to decline tonight. I’ll be out, and then returning late from Barrie. And, the wife is expecting company at the house this eve.

Don’t sweat it! This was last minute. And, you got to tell me about what happened back in the U.S.

Konrad ran his hand over the window controls. Maybe at a later time.

Ford then walked to his cruiser as Konrad drove off.

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6:30 p.m. Later that evening, Konrad returned home from Barrie. Tasha’s friends had already left. His wife was reclining in their family room sofa.

When did company leave?

It’s been two hours since they left, said Tasha.

Earlier than I expected. Ah, well … I’m turning in early. You staying up?

I’ll be up for a while— And, by-the-way … How’s Thompson? I’ve been meaning to call Jaime. We should have them over soon.

I’m just not up for it these days, said Konrad with wearisome features showing disinterest.

Tasha’s searching look then became one of concern. Talk to me.

I’m going to bed.

Myles started his walk towards the bedroom.

Konrad walked through the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, escorted by a prison guard. As he walked by prison cells, his presence was greeted with stares. Men who were pumping iron, men who were playing cards, men who were playing dominoes, and even men who were taking dog naps, all left what they were doing to see who had just walked in. Though Konrad was the center of attention, he did not feel like a celeb in the least. Some inmates wondered why he was there, while others were already plotting, in their minds, their unmet vendettas.

As the guard came upon cell number 4576, he stopped. As Konrad stopped to look inside cell number 4576, he saw the one person who did not stand—he was an older inmate—a face Konrad knew well. Sitting in that cell was Nester Samuels.

Nester! said Konrad. How long has it been?

The inmate gazed as though he could see through Konrad. You shouldn’t be here.

I shouldn’t. I’ll be honest. I don’t know why I’m here.

The guard escorting Konrad took the liberty to answer that question.

You must have forgotten. I’ll tell you why you’re here. It’s simple. You are here because you are an evil man. You are an evil man, which also makes you a guilty man. And you are a guilty man because you are a murderer. And you are a murderer because you are a racial bigot.

The word ‘bigot’ felt like it hit Konrad square across the face. That word was followed by echoes throughout the jail cells, that sent an eerie chill down Konrad’s spine. Before he could ask the guard for an explanation, he looked down. And to his utter shock and horror, he saw cuffs on his own wrists and ankles. Looking down, Konrad also discovered that he was wearing a blue jumpsuit. As he looked up, he saw that the cell door was already closed with him inside. Looking around, Konrad saw no guard, but a solemn Nester staring directly at him. Konrad turned to Nester for an explanation.

I don’t understand, Nester. Why am I here?

Nester did not acknowledge the question. He remained vacant as though the question fell on deaf ears.

He’ll be here soon.

He—who is he? said Myles, who was troubled by the ‘he’ Nester spoke of.

And when he finds you, he’ll kill you.

Myles grew more tensed by the moment.

Nester! Don’t play with me. Who is he?

Darkpan.

At that moment, everything, and everyone in the state prison went silent and still. Myles looked down to see a thick and eerie mist begin to rise from the ground, and which then filled their cell from the knee down. Myles felt the foreboding presence of death. His heart pounded with trepidation. He looked up at the cell door to see the same guard standing with his face away from the cell, and in the direction of oncoming traffic. Then the guard opened the cell door for 4576. And in came a man in black. He was hooded with face half covered. He had a thick dark beard, which was one of Darkpan’s signature features. He opened his mouth partially, revealing two rows of gold and diamond-studded caps. His exposed neck was fully tattooed. This figure stood at 6 foot 5 inches, and with a massively muscular build. His hands, which were about a third larger than Myles’s hands, had brass knuckles guarding both fists. He lifted his hood to unveil a surprised and furious look. His pupils were bloodshot, while his retinas almost appeared red. And, with an impulsive reaction, he stormed towards Myles as he thundered.

What you doin’ here?

Myles jumped out of his deep sleep. He soon gathered his senses when he found that he was in bed the whole time. His wife was lying beside him. Because he jerked himself up, the bed rocked, which then woke Tasha.

Had a bad dream? said Tasha. Her vocals were weakened from sleep.

Myles was relieved after the sudden trauma as he said, That’s what it was.

CHAPTER 2

K onrad’s vivid dream that night brought no more torment for him than the lucid memories of real events that happened in his past. For most, the details of a dream are easy to disclose, especially when the one having the dream doesn’t see the relevance of the images. These are no more than images to the dreamer. To the dreamer, these dreams have no bearing on his or her life. This could be the reason why Myles did not struggle in the retelling of what he saw.

Unlike the dream, which he told his wife, much of what Konrad could remember back in Oklahoma remained buried in his past. Much to his shame, egregious decisions were made, which he knew were irreversible. His greatest fear was that if he told the people closest to him, this could forever change the way they see him as a person. Because of this, Konrad consigned himself to the lifelong battle, where it would be himself alone doing the fighting. Konrad knew that he had to overcome his past. To be over the memories, he would need to face the memories. Drowning the sounds of his past was no answer. Konrad had his family gatherings and his times with friends. These gatherings would drown the painful memories of what he had experienced. The darkened realities of his past would begin to resurface after he had parted ways with his family and friends

Konrad’s thoughts took him back to an interaction he had back in the U.S. with the one person he came close to sharing the details of his experience. Konrad had come from a court case which extended for days after the police shooting of a civilian. The events were stressful enough for Konrad to disclose. He couldn’t find it in himself to speak with Tasha. So, he sought out the best answer he could find at a nearby cathedral.

Konrad ascended the steps towards the building’s entrance on a warm Monday. It was the early summer of 2003. It neared at 1 p.m. Myles knew that fewer people would be walking in and out of that nearby cathedral. The look and feel of the sanctuary were what he expected, the moment he stepped in. This building had a traditional look and feel. The thing that grabbed Myles’ attention most was the stained-glass window depicting Christ and His disciples sitting at an elongated table. Upon entering, Myles could count the number of people who were inside that building. There was the church secretary, the church treasury, the church custodian, and few people scattered across the sanctuary.

Myles knew his purpose for entering the building. He had to see a priest. After walking by the strangers seated along the pews, Myles spoke to the secretary. She then instructed him to sit in the sanctuary, while she sent for the Father Tenson.

Moments later, an older man wearing a clerical collar on his sky blue short-sleeved shirt walked over to were Myles was seated. Myles attempted to stand out of respect, but not before this priestly man motioned him to stay seated.

You’re Father Tenson!

I am, Father Tenson said in a thick Irish accent.

Thanks for seeing me. I’m Myles. I need to get something off my chest.

Speak on, Myles.

During that exchange, Myles opened-up, sharing his feelings while maintaining a balance of secrecy in his delivery. The father saw through this and probed the officer for the primary reasons for this visit. Even then, Myles could not bring himself to sharing the experiences which he had while on duty. Being the Bible minister that he was, Tenson quoted a passage from 1 Peter 3:10. In the KJV, it says, He who desires life that he may see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it …

That exchange was more than a decade into Myles’ past. Revisiting that moment provided a new freshness to what Father Tenson said. The eminent problem of evil and suffering ushered Myles into an internal conflict. His role as a law enforcement officer is the answer to the evil and suffering in the communities. But, in his attempts to counter evil and suffering, Myles found himself and other officers as perpetrators of that evil and suffering. The desire to love life and to see good days is a universal acquisition sought by people from every cultural background. According to Father Tenson, life and good days is the will of God for His created. And His ministers of justice and order will have the power to either secure this reality or remove it.

THE PAST

CHAPTER 3

K onrad thought about his experiences with police lieutenant, Ken Reeves, and detective Matt Reynolds, who both embodied everything Myles wanted to eschew. He later found himself trying to abandon what both Lieutenant Reeves and Detective Reynold encour aged.

Myles knew Matt from the day he first went into the academy and even considered him a friend. People would often see Officers Reynolds and Konrad together during off duty. They took frequent trips along with their wives. None questioned their camaraderie. What tarnished their friendship, ultimately, their fallout was their divergences of opinions on how to deal with civilians—especially with those who are non-compliant.

Monday, March 17th, 2003, at 3:30 p.m. They were slowly approaching the spring of 2003. Konrad and Reynolds were returning from a hiking trip outside the state. The roads were free and clear until they were fifteen to twenty miles away from the city. Entering Oklahoma City during late rush hour is not as busy or as congested as the outbound traffic. Most were leaving the city to their homes. At about this time, traffic going into the city was unusually dense. Matt, who was behind the steering wheel, found himself gridlocked with traffic going into the city.

Have any idea what’s causing this jam?

Your guess is no lesser than mine, said Reynolds. What do you see ahead?

I see nothing … other than the other motorists also trying to get into the city. Maybe it’s an accident or construction.

Could be one or the other.

Close to forty minutes later, Reynolds and Konrad came close to the source of the road back up. On the left shoulder, and surrounded by cruisers, was a big tractor-trailer. State troopers had the three lanes to the left blocked, as they directed traffic merging into the one lane on the right. The swing doors of that trailer were opened, as DOT and DEA went searching through the goods. Inside were what looked like qualities of large white bags on crates. They watched as police searched through already cut through, to examine the contents. Konrad could vaguely see what was inside the bags, as Matt drove by the truck.

Matt, after you’ve passed the emergency vehicles, merge over to the left for a moment. I want to talk to that officer standing at the end.

Reynolds did as Konrad asked. Passing the cavalcade, Matt merged to the left. He then pulled to the end where a lone state trooper stood. Matt winded his window down while holding up his badge.

Dectives Konrad and Reynolds here, said Konrad holding up his badge.

What are they looking for? asked Reynolds.

The driver first drew suspicion when he bypassed a scale. This led to the ten to fifteen-mile chase. Since the chase ended, we’ve been searching the truck for anything illegal.

What have you found? asked Konrad.

Flour, replied the trooper.

Flour … replied Reynolds, looking dumbfounded as ever.

Flour, repeated the trooper.

Just flour. You’re talking about the stuff people cook with … asked Reynolds.

That type.

They spent an entire hour playing with flour …

Why the extensive search? Konrad asked.

One of the DOT officers asked the driver for a signed invoice.

And, he had none?

None on his person, none in the cab, not even inside the trailer. The DEA came on-site and have since searched the trailer for drugs. So far, they’ve found none.

Konrad said, The truck driver must have pulled out of some shipping yard, somewhere, unchecked. Where he was taking the goods is now the question.

We have yet to find that out, reported the trooper. We have the driver in one of the police cruisers.

Was he resisting arrest? asked Reynolds.

He was tough. He was big and a cross between buff and burly. He looked like a center for the Dallas Cowboys. It took five of us to tackle him to the ground. We managed to get him in cuffs. That wasn’t easy. We need custom-made cuffs for guys that size.

Reynolds peered into one of the cruisers at a distance.

I think I see him. He’s big. I can see the way he fills the backseat. I don’t think you can fit another man in the back of that cruiser. He looks like one of those small-town boys with no real business in the big city.

I trust you’ll find out where he was taking that large shipment of flour, assured Konrad.

We’re taking him to the station. We’re hoping that we’ll find out by the driver.

Konrad went home to his wife, Tasha. During the time, Myles and Tasha were six years into their marriage. They’d lived in a suburban area of Oklahoma City, which was near Nicholas Hill. Matt, his wife, Tracy, and their two sons lived blocks away in the same vicinity. They often met together during the summer months, at Thanksgiving, and during the Christmas holidays. As joint families, they were tightly knit.

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Tuesday, March 18th, 2003. Matt Reynolds intruded on Myles and Tasha’s breakfast, the morning after that traffic and trailer incident. This was to be expected for Tasha. Now, already 8 a.m., Myles and Tasha were finishing up breakfast and were preparing to part ways—each to their jobs. Matt’s arrival surprised Myles a little. Matt’s face revealed that he had some urgent news to share.

I wasn’t expecting you this early, said Myles.

I was on my way out. Tracy was watching Fox News. That’s where I saw the news coverage for the truck we’d passed yesterday.

Must be big news, to be reported so soon. What is the media saying about it? asked Myles.

Didn’t get the full details before they moved on to something else, replied Matt.

But I did get the part where the driver may be charged for several counts of theft.

That was a large shipment. The truck driver couldn’t have been alone in this.

So far, that’s what they’re inferring. I haven’t yet heard anything about where the driver was taking the shipment.

Maybe, they found some leads to another party involved, said Myles.

Tasha had the remote in her hand. Let’s see if they’re still covering it.

Tasha then turned to a 40’inch tv screen that was suspended close to the ceiling. It was tilted at an 80-degree angle, and at the corner of the kitchen. Matt looked on. And he was not at ease. This was because of Tasha’s bent on political issues. Myles and Tasha knew Matt to be partisan, as one who leaned more to the far right. He prided himself as a Reagan conservative. He loved Reagan, liked the Bushes, disliked Carter, and hated the Clintons. How Tasha viewed healthcare, immigration, social security, and the war overseas perturbed him. What made Matt feel unease to the