Justified

By The Infamous

Tiffany is an intelligent, mature young girl raised in Omaha, Nebraska. One day after school, she stops by the neighborhood candy store as a robbery is in process. Staring at the thug. She never imagined this day would have such a daring effect on the rest of her life! Her childhood friend had died as she played with him in front of their house. Soon after, she meets his cousins from Kansas City, who are of her age, who came to gather there Auntie's things. They are Porsha and Mercedes. They promise to keep in touch. Tiffany becomes a police officer, and after losing her father and stepmom, she moves to Kansas City and pursues her career in police enforcement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9781640823143

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Justified

A Novel

The Infamous

Copyright © 2017 The Infamous

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING, INC.

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc. 2017

ISBN 978-1-64082-313-6 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64082-314-3 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

It was a Monday afternoon. Raven gathered up her things for work.

She worked the three-till-eleven shift for the Omaha Police Department. She loved helpin’ people and keepin’ the peace in her town! Usually nothing major happened in town; maybe a few drunks fight and get locked up until morning, that sort of thing. But oh! Today would be a day everyone in Omaha would never forget.

Raven’s six-year-old son, Devin, and the neighbor’s daughter, Tiffany, played in the front yard, as in any other day. Tiffany rolled the ball to little Devin. He rolled the hall back. She rolled it back to him. The ball went into the street, so Devin got up off the ground and ran after it. He looked both ways to make sure no cars were comin’, just as Raven so many times had preached to him. He then ran exit and retrieved his ball. Smilin’, he walked back toward Tiffany, who had waited on the sidewalk for him.

Sandra ran the Stop sign. She was completely turned around in her seat, scoldin’ her twins. She turned back around only seconds before she caught sight of the small child in the road with the bright red ball in his hand.

She slammed on the breaks. It was too late! She heard a loud

clunk!

Sandra, in a panic, got out of her car. She saw the small child lyin’ lifeless under her car, the front wheel havin’ rolled over his chest! She screamed for help. Raven, on her way out to check on the kids again, ran to the door.

She looked and saw Devin’s new red ball roll out from underneath the car parked in the middle of the street. She then ran out the house, screamin’, My baby! My baby! Ohhhh, no, not my bay-beee! Lord, not my bay-beeee Fully dressed in her work uniform, she fell to the ground and grabbed her child.

Devin! Devin! Talk to momma, baby! Momma got you! Devin! Devin? Breathe…breathe!

She tilted his head back, held his nose closed, then blew into his tiny mouth, filling his lungs with air. Devin responded, his eyes flutterin’ open. Lookin’ up, he said, Mommy…I looked both ways. I looked both ways…Mommy.

Now cryin’ uncontrollably, Raven rubbed his head and said, I know, Devin. I knew you did, baby.

Mommy…I am tired, he said then closed his eyes—never to open them again.

Raven cried and screamed as she held her son’s limp body. Sandra, cryin’ on her cell phone, tried to explain the situation to her husband.

Did you call the police? he asked his wife.

Of course I did, Cliff. Plus, the child’s mother is a police officer.

Raven looked up at her, as if noticing her for the first time. Without a second thought, she drew her service revolver and shot Sandra in the head.

The crowd that had begun to form around the scene ran for cover as the last of the five bullets tore into Sandra’s head. The corpse fell to the ground like an unfortunate cowboy in an old Western movie, the fingers that had once held on to the cell phone still twitching.

Tiffany, the only soul still standin’ at the scene, let out a single tear. Raven calmly reloaded her revolver and then said, Bye, Tiffany. I am sorry, baby. We love you.

The first police car was just comin’ around the corner as Raven pulled the trigger, takin’ a single shot to the temple. Her body dropped instantly.

The first officer to arrive shouted for everyone to stand clear. Tiffany never moved as Sandra’s twins cried out, staring from inside the car.

Jeremy, Tiffany’s father, came runnin’ down the street. He grabbed Tiffany and sat her up on the steps, shieldin’ her from the rest of the drama as it unfolded before them. A drama that would haunt her soul and shape the rest of her life.

Calmly Tiffany asked her daddy, Are Raven and Devin in heaven now?

Yes, they are, baby, Jeremy said then held her close to him.

Officer Ellen secured the area as the remaining officers brought their patrol cars to a halt. After the perimeter was set up, the chief homicide detective on the scene took control. After questionin’ four witnesses, he went over to Jeremy, who was still holdin’ Tiffany. Tiffany looked up at the detective with curious large eyes as he stood over them.

Could I please take a moment to question the beautiful young lady, Mister…?

Norwood. Jeremy Norwood, sir.

Tiffany was ten years old, with long black hair that had already grown down to the middle of her back. She was of a very dark complexion and was much bigger than your average ten-year-old. As Detective Poorman looked into her eyes, he couldn’t help but notice that they were an extraordinary baby blue. This must be an extraordinary child, he thought to himself. Little did he know at that time he was correct!

Hi! My name is Detective Poorman. What is your name?

Tiffany Morshawn Norwood.

Okay, Tiffany. Can I call you Tiffany?

Yes. Everybody calls me Tiffany!

Okay, Tiffany, can you explain to me what you saw here today?

Tiffany looked up at her daddy. Jeremy nodded yes, lettin’ her know it was okay to tell him what she had seen.

Well… she began, "Devin and I were playin’ with his new ball. Raven is Devin’s mom, and she was getting ready for work. She’s a police, and sometimes she lets me and Devin ride in her police car. Uhhh…today, Devin missed the ball, and it rolled into the street.

Devin went into the street to get the ball. I looked and didn’t see no cars! But when he was on his way back ’cross the street, that lady ran him over. Then Raven came out the house. She was cryin’ ’cause she don’t let nobody mess with me or Devin!

Tiffany paused in her words as though she did not want to continue. Detective Poorman persuaded her that it was okay. Finally, Jeremy looked down at her and said, Please finish, baby.

Well…Raven killed that lady! She told me bye then killed herself!

This whole scene didn’t seem to bother Tiffany much! Detective Poorman thought to himself. Lookin’ at her, he asked, Tiffany, why are you not crying?

She looked around at all the grown people cryin’. Even the police were mourning the loss of one of their own, lyin’ there beside her only son.

Raven had always been known to brag about Devin’s cuteness and how smart he was for a six-year-old. Tiffany looked at her daddy then back at the detective.

Lookin’ the man directly in the eye, she politely answered, I’m not grown yet, plus, I know Raven and Devin is goin’ to heaven!

Under any other circumstance, he would have laughed at her blunt honesty. The detective then thanked Jeremey and Tiffany and returned back over to his car.

All three of the bodies had been carried off to the morgue. Nothing was left from the gruesome scene except for yellow police tape and bloodstains.

Sandra’s kids were taken to the precinct downtown. Cliff, their father, picked them up there. Jeremey led Tiffany into their house, where he told her to go take a bath, and he would have dinner ready. She skipped off to her bathroom. Jeremey made dinner, hamburger helper with extra cheese, and green beans, with watermelon Kool-Aid, Tiffany’s favorite.

When he was done, Jeregry called Tiffany. She came out her room and sat at the table. They enjoyed their dinner together then settled down for sleep early. Morning came fast to Tiffany as she rose to the beep of her alarm clock. She got dressed, gathered her book bag, and ran out the house for school, not wanting to be late.

At school, Tiffany was summoned to the principal’s office. Inside, Ms. Argowe and a few nosey teachers were standin’ around, waiting to hear the story the little girl would tell. She then ate her breakfast in the office and got to stay in the office with Ms. Argowe until ten minutes after eight! Ms. Argowe eventually released her, and she walked to her classroom. There she repeated the story again! Tiffany didn’t understand the big deal.

She was glad once Mrs. Elland finally started class. Today’s subject is inventors, began Mrs. Elland. I would like to know if everyone did their homework. Now…by a show of hands…who completed their homework for class today? Every kid raised a hand except for three. Why didn’t you do the homework? Mrs. Elland asked Nitosha. Shyly Nitosha looked around at all the snickerin’ faces and pointin’ fingers.

Because… began Nitosha, my muh…my mom…momma…didn’t come home.

Mrs. Elland understood Nitosha’s situation. Her mother was on drugs, which wasn’t a secret to no one in class. So she moved on to the twins, Dashawn and Dishawn. So…the two twins didn’t study last night either?

No, Mrs. Elland, we had to go over to our dad’s house, Dishawn responded.

So our homework was left at our house, added Dashawn.

So why didn’t you take it with you, D…ishawn?

He hunched his shoulders in response. Dashawn quickly added, We forgot, Mrs. Elland, but it won’t happen again. I—

Mrs. Elland smiled at them then said, I know, ’cause y’all will copy it as we go, so next week you will be caught up with the class. Now get out your paper and take notes. The rest of you smart people, let’s see your stuff!

Who would like to tell me who invented cuneiform? began Mrs. Elland. Tiffany’s hand went up. No one else’s hand went up with hers. Mrs. Elland looked around at the other (twentyy or so) students and asked, Anyone else? No one’s hand was raised but Tiffany’s. She then called on Tiffany.

I believe the Sumerians invented cuneiform, Tiffany simply said.

Okay, that is correct. Can you tell me what cuneiform is?

Tiffany replied, It’s a way to change speech into writin’. You press characters into soft clay tablets with a stick.

That is amazin’, Tiffany! Let’s give her a hand class, she really is a smart bug!

Everyone applauded Tiffany as she sat back down in her chair. Mrs. Elland was really surprised that Tiffany had nailed that one so easily. She knew the girl was ahead of the class and more mature than the rest of the girls. Still, she was really surprised.

Okay, now, who can tell me who invented the lightbulb? Everyone in class raised a hand except for Tiffany! Mrs. Elland then asked, You don’t know the answer, Tiffany? Tiffany looked up at her teacher and nodded yes. So why didn’t you raise your hand?

Because it’s an easy question, so I decided to let someone else shine!

This young lady will never cease to amaze me, Mrs. Elland thought to herself. She then called on Nitosha, who told her it was Thomas Edison.

Nitosha smart bug. Please give Nitosha smart bug a hand, class! Everyone applauded her for being correct too. That really made Nitosha feel good, and that was exactly what Mrs. Elland had intended to do.

I have to say that I have the smartest class in the school. Next question: Who discovered electricity?

Multiple hands shot to the ceilin’, and Mrs. Elland called on Dolow for the answer. He answered by screamin’, Benjamin. Franklin!

Full of pride for her whole class, Mrs. Elland stated, Dolow smart bug, you too are correct! She then put her finger on her head, as if to think of a hard question. At least that was the impression she tried to give. Okay, who discovered soy beans? Everyone in class hesitated, looking at one another. Finally, a couple of people slowly raised there hands. Mrs. Elland looked over the raised hands then called on Dashawn. You didn’t do your homework, but I hope you don’t destroy our winning streak!

I ain’t, I ain’t. Rockin’ side to side with his head hangin’ down to the floor, Dashawn whispered, George Washington Carver.

Mrs. Elland heard him and knew it was the right answer, but she needed an answer with confidence.

Urged to say it again, Dashawn said, I said ‘George Washington Carver!

The students started clappin’ before she even said it was the correct answer. Because of that, she smiled her big beautiful smile then said, Dashawn smart bug, you are correct!

He sat down with that big happy smile of his.

I have one more question. If you get this correctly, class, everyone gets one of these! Mrs. Elland pulled out a Tupperware bowl filled with cupcakes. This will be y’alls token. Come and get it! She continued, This one is for the money. No one who has answered a question already can help.

Yes, Mrs. Elland! the class chanted.

Satisfied, she continued, Who invented the cotton gin? No one raised a hand. She grabbed the bowl of cupcakes and set it on the table, in front of the whole class. She shushed them silent then said, No cheating, smart class! Come on…youuuuu guyyys! You can do this! She looked around her class then pointed at Dishawn.

Dishawn’s eyes were wide as a scared doe as he exclaimed, I didn’t raise my hand, Mrs. Elland!

I know you didn’t, Dishawn. I picked you because you are a smart bug also.

Dishawn thought long. He thought hard. Mrs. Elland waited. After a while, he said, I believe Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.

The whole class jumped up in an uproar! Mrs. Elland yelled to the noisy classroom, We are the smartest class! She quickly quieted them down then went around and gave each student a cupcake.

Tiffany walked past the corner store and, as always, peeked her head in the door to smell the fresh store scent. Mr. Eggert smiled, seein’ she had arrived on time, like clockwork. Without looking at the clock, he knew it was 3:30 p.m. He went to Tiffany and gave her a pack of Kool-Aid. Th-thank youuu, Mr. Eggert, she said shyly as she rushed past Rough Foot. Rough Foot was one of the two older men that she was allowed to speak to. Too Sweet was the name of the other. Both of them lived behind the corner store and watched it for Mr. Eggert. They also cleaned to place, and in return, Mr. Eggert would give them food and (of course) something to drink. Wild Irish Rose was known to be their favorite. Tiffany mumbled Excuse me, Rough Foot, and he laughed at the anxious child. Tiffany scrambled on around him and continued on toward her house.

Once she got to the corner of her block, she saw four boys standin’ in the spot where Raven had laid. She overheard Lucci say, She laid right here, right here!

The little fat kid Asylum said, I don’t believe you! The two other boys stood there, listening to the unbelievable story. All three knew Lucci was a good storyteller and a known liar.

Lucci, trying to convince the others, shouted, I am not lying! He lookedd and saw Tiffany up the street and called out, Tiffany! while telling the other boys, Watch this. He walked toward Tiffany and said, Tell them that police lady killed some people and herself and her son yesterday!

Giving them a very evil look, she said, No! No, she didn’t! Lucci’s mouth fell open. Asylum, Dejo, and Gator laughed and ran on up the street and around the corner. Lucci, now alone with Tiffany, screamed, You are a liar! Why didn’t you tell the truth?

I did. She didn’t kill Devin, that lady ran him over.

So you lied like you always do. Naw…you just mad ’cause I let everybody know I kissed you, Tiffany!

Sooo what! You said you wouldn’t tell! Don’t nobody believe you any-o-way ’cause you lie too much! Nan, Nandy Nan Nan, she said then stuck her tongue out at him as she walked up the steps to her porch. Lucci ran on up two houses away from her and went inside.

Tiffany sat on her porch. Her dad would be home at four o’clock. She sat in the chair, lookin’ down the street. She was bored. Devin wasn’t there to play with, and Raven wasn’t there to talk to. She started rememberin’ how her and Devin had fun runnin’ through the police station. She would lock him in the cell, and he would cry until one of the officers came to let him out. Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw the commotion across the street. The two old men from across the street were fightin’. They fought over dominoes at least once a week. Tiffany watched the action, laughin’ at the two drunks stumble around, fightin’. Stu, the bigger man of the two, knocked Tyler over the small wall that separated the driveway from the yard. Tyler came to his feet, blade in hand. Stu had turned to walk back in the house, cursin’ at Tyler’s drunken behavior. Tyler rushed Stu and slashed his throat! Tiffany saw the blood squirt out the man’s neck all the way from her porch! She stood up in disbelief.

Just then, Jeremy came up the steps and smiled at his daughter. He saw her point at something ’cross the street. Jeremy was so focused on his daughter that he never even saw the two drunks fightin’! Past her now, he opened up the door and led Tiffany into the house.

Daddy, why do everybody keep hurting each other? Tiffany asked with concern. Jeremy looked at her and said, People do stupid stuff for their own reasons. I’m tryin’ to get us out of here, baby girl. Daddy is doing his best. I want the best for you, Princess. I want the best for you.

Tiffany went over and hugged her daddy. She looked him in the eye and proclaimed, You are the best daddy in the whole wide world! Jeremy looked in to her beautiful blue eyes. She reminded him of her mother with every passing day.

You are what I live for. You are my whole world, Princess, he told his daughter. Now go and do your homework.

Okay, Daddy, Tiffany responded and headed to her room.

The telephone rang. Jeremy picked up the phone and heard the lovely and soothing voice on the other end. It was Omunique. They’d been datin’ three years now but had mutually decided not to live together until they were married.

Hello, my beautiful! How are you?

Babe…I’m tired, responded Omunique, her voice sounding more tired than soothin’ and lovely right now. My feet hurt. My head hurt ’cause I miss you. And I am hungry!

I love you too, Omunique.

I’m sorry! How is my handsome honey?

I’m great, now that you called.

Is there somethin’ wrong? There’s nothing wrong with Tiffany, is there? Omunique asked, risin’ panic addin’ volume to her voice.

No, no, no, love. We are fine. I assure you, we are fine.

Where is she, Jeremy?

In her room, doing homework!

You mean daddy you! Tell her I want to say hi.

Okay. Hold on… Jeremy said, takin’ his mouth away from the phone. Jeremy began to call out, Tiff, Omunique is— But before he could finish, a very excited Tiffany came runnin’ around the corner into the living room.

Hey! Heyyy! Slow down, you! Jeremy said playfully as he held out his hand to stop his child from runnin’ him over. He laughed into the phone, hearin’ Omunique already laughin’ hard on her end, then said, Here she is!

Acceptin’ the phone from her dad, Tiffany said Thank you, Daddy! then put the phone to her ear, a smile plastered across her face. She quietly listened to Omunique, smilin’ and swingin’ her body back and forth in a half circle motion. She finally said Fine, I miss you! then placed her hand over the receiver and said, Daaaad! Excuse me. This is private!

Excuse…me! Jeremy said then walked in to the kitchen. He began to prepare dinner, knowing the two could talk forever. Jeremy took some rib-tips out the refrigerator. He had put them there this mornin’ before leavin’ for work. They were ready to be prepared. He placed the fryin’ pan on the stove and poured in the required amount of Crisco. As he waited for the pan to heat the cookin’ oil, he sprinkled seasoning salt, black pepper, and Mrs. Dash on to the tips. He then dunked each one in to the hand-mixed batter then into the fryin’ pan. He made up some mashed potatoes and gravy also. Tiffany called for him.

Hold on, Tiff. I’m almost finished with diner!

He’s almost finished cookin, Tiffany explained to Omunique.

Jeremy picked up the phone in the kitchen and said, Hey, sexy, you now have some time for me?

Omunique giggled and said, I always got time for you.

Of course you do, Jeremy replied.

Tiffany came into the kitchen and started setting the table. Omunique and Jeremy talked for about ten more minutes then hung up. He fixed a plate for Tiffany, then one for himself. Tiffany had already made the Kool-Aid. As she came back in to the kitchen, she was so bubbly that Jeremy noticed.

Precious, what’s got you so happy all of a sudden?

Well, Dad, I have a secret, and you can’t talk me into telling it!

"Okay, okay…let’s have dinner then. Is that all right?

Yes.

They sat across from each other, and Tiffany said the prayer. Ohh Lord in heaven, we thank you for this food. Please continue to put your mighty hand of power upon our heads. Sometimes we question our situation but never our faith in you! Please help us to get out this neighborhood and into a better place. All—one more request! Please don’t let Daddy con me into telling him my secret like he always do! Amen! Jeremy said his Amen then laughed at her.

I knew you were gonna try. Now I don’t have to worry, ’cause my God is a strong God! she said.

Yes, baby. Yes, he is. You don’t have to worry about me askin’ about your secret. Changing subjects, he asked, So, Tiffany, how was school? Was everything good with you today?

"Yes, but everyone wanted to talk about Raven and Devin! I don’t want to keep talking about them, ’cause they are my friends!

Were your friends. They are not here, but you talk as though they still are.

No, Dad! Yesterday they went to heaven, but they still live here on earth inside my heart!

That’s great, honey. You are an angel!

Jeremy got up from the table, excusing himself to go use the restroom. Once inside, he quickly washed his tearin’ eyes. He looked up in the mirror and prayed quietly to his self. Calm, he walked back into the kitchen and sat back down.

Tiffany, I know we live in a less-fortunate neighborhood. Does it bother you that much?

No…yeah…I don’t know. Sometimes, like yesterday and today. The two men across the street fight all the time. Today one cut the other one. I don’t like that, but I love you!

She was lookin’ straight in Jeremy’s eyes with her own doll-like eyes. He knew that he somehow had to get his little girl out of there. From the look of his finances though, it would be another five years at least before they could upgrade.

I’m fine, Daddy. I just wish people could get along more instead of fightin’.

I understand, baby. I understand, and the Lord will watch over us.

Tiffany finished eating. She put her plate in the sink and ran the water so all the dirty dishes could soak. Jeremy, finished eating, returned to the livin’ room. He lost himself