Payback/the Bushido Way 2: A Sam Phillips Mystery

By M. Anthony Phillips

It’s 1976 and Sam Phillips, fresh off his old case a year ago, is now the most hunted man in Los Angeles. Ken Yamada, the new crime boss of the Japanese Yakuza is in town to exact some payback on Sam for the death of his sister Michelle Yamada.

Being a P.I. in L.A. is tough enough for Sam and his small investigations team with the addition of his best friend Armstrong Jones, who finally gets his P.I.’s license and Maria Ozawa, a Little Tokyo beat cop, but Yamada has increased the intensity by putting out a hit on Sam with a price tag on his head, literally. Yamada wanted the head of Sam Phillips on a platter.

The newly crowned king of the Japanese mafia makes his “bones” by intruding on rival gang turfs with the best drugs, prostitution ring from South East Asia and massage parlors that money can buy.

Sam and his girlfriend, Ramona Hightower, are involved in a high-speed car chase on the Sunset Strip with Yamada’s men in high pursuit and gunfire being exchanged that leaves Sam’s car turned over and Ramona in the hospital close to death.

Sam is told of the bounty on his life when he returns to his old neighborhood in Long Beach with locals placing bets on his life.  When Sam’s partner is beaten half to death by LAPD even though he tried to tell them he was working as a Private Investigator for Captain Pierpont, he became disillusioned at the time when Sam needed him the most.

When another attempt on Sam’s life leads to the death of a young detective who jumped in front of the bullets to save Sam, Sam has had enough trying to play defense. He plans an assault on Yamada and hires ex-convicts and a revived Armstrong to take it to Yamada, with the blessing of Captain Pierpont, who gives Sam twenty-four hours to bring Yamada to justice or they’ll go in and burn Little Tokyo down to the ground in this explosive crime drama.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookRix
• Release date: Jun 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9783748748069

Book preview

Payback/the Bushido Way 2

A Sam Phillips Mystery

By

M. Anthony Phillips

This book is dedicated to the victims of Alzheimer’s. Find a cure.

Special acknowledgement to my real supporters who stuck by me when times were hard.

Table of Contents

Part One: The Prodical Son Returns

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

PART ONE

THE PRODICAL SON RETURNS

Chapter 1

It’s been a year since the murder of Connie, and it still seems like yesterday. We were starting a family together along with my son Saivon whose now six years old. The wounds are still fresh also in his mind too, especially since he was a victim in Hiroshi’s ultimate goal of revenge. Hell, I don’t totally blame all this on Hiroshi. He was the criminally insane middle man in all this. My blame has to go to my so-called old friend Michelle Yamada.

It was Michelle who bamboozled me into taking the case of protecting her little brother Ken from a contract hit. Except this Ken was not her real brother. And he paid the price in all this shit too—with his life. He was a scapegoat in Michelle’s treachery. Michelle and Hiroshi are dead now, so life in Little Tokyo should be smooth now; or so I thought. I received a call from Maria Ozawa stating there’s a murder in the heart of Little Tokyo, and she’d like me to take a look at, so I’m headed there now.

The streets are sectioned off with plenty of onlookers but no witnesses. This small little community has a solid reputation for secrecy and things haven’t changed much in a year. Ozawa and I make eye contact as I approach and we give each other the international head nod. What’s up Ozawa? I asked. Ozawa bends down and peels off the sheet of a beautiful Asian female. Her detached head is resting next to her body.

Okay, I’ll bite. She’s Japanese, I said calmly, not to alarm anyone.

She’s reporter Nancy Sayama Sam. She reported on your case last year, Ozawa pointed out. I take a closer look and realize it was her. She was brave in the face of constant death threats against her life in Little Tokyo, especially from Hiroshi Ito. I place the cover back over Sayama’s head and look around the crowd. Any witnesses Ozama?

Nobody’s coming forward here, Sam. This is Little Tokyo still. You get rid of one maniac killer, another is ready to take his place, Ozawa said.

Who’s got the case? I asked.

The fuck if I know Sam. They sure wouldn’t give the job to me. Ozawa’s right. Having an Asian woman in charge of a murder case and being a lead detective just ain’t happening right now. Well, Maria. My offer still stands for you to join me in the private sector. Ozawa laughs at me like I just told a serious joke. Sam, you don’t make enough money, especially for three minorities working in this town. We both laugh about it until the man himself shows up. Captain Harvey Pierpont walks up with the usual cranky look on his face. Phillips, what the hell are you here for? Pierpont asked. For the last year, the captain and I have managed to tolerate one another for the most part. He showed a tender side by paying the cost for Connie’s funeral last year but in the aftermath, he went back to his customary self. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Pierpont is a new man on the team.

Everyone, this is the new lead detective Rick Miller. He’s now in charge of the Detective Squad. Make him feel at home. While Detective Miller gets acquainted with his new squad, Pierpont lifts up the cover on Sayama. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! he said. Where’s that fucking M.E.? It was the eyes that startled the captain. Hell, they shook me up too. She was a beautiful lady no doubt. And now she’s gone. There’s a new player in town, and something tells me he’s not done making his presence known.

What you know about this Sam? Pierpont asked.

Now Captain, I’m private heat man. Your new man is over there shaking hands. The captain gives me one of his classic Archie Bunker looks. Don’t be such a wise-ass alright. Miller is green around the gills. I’m going to need you and your team at his disposal okay?

A man’s got to make a living Captain. Me helping your boy would take away from my own work. What’s in it for me?

What work? You’re still a pup in this town Sam. I’m your lifeline. When I say jump you say how high…

I’m building something Captain. And you need me as much as I need you. What’s the hold up on Armstrong’s license? Pierpont chuckles like he just passed gas in a men’s locker room.

He’s a thug Sam. Your father is turning over in his grave, you having a man like that working with you. I look around at some of L.A.’s finest still on the force working the crime scene. You’ve worked with a few thugs in your department over the years too Captain. I need him because he has a unique way of getting things done. And I’ll take Ozawa too. Pierpont cracks open a new stogie as he looks over at Ozawa.

I thought your taste was only for the sista’s Sam, Pierpont said sarcastically.

Times are changing Captain. She may run your department someday.

And that’s the day I put a gun in my mouth, he said. Pierpont introduces me to Miller, smoothing things over. Detective’s Thompson and Washington work the crowd looking for witnesses as shopkeepers close their shades. So you’re Sam Phillips, Miller said. The captain has said you’re a man that I can go to in the clutch.

Excuse me are we talkin’ about Captain Pierpont? I asked. Pierpont interrupts the conversation. Detective Miller we have a crime to solve here. Any other bullshit can wait. Pierpont grabs Miller by the arm and pulls him away. The new lead detective has just had his cherry popped by bulldog Pierpont.

Chapter 2

As I sit down at my favorite watering hole at Bernice’s place, I think to myself who has the most to gain in the killing of the reporter? As many faces come to mind that theory is tossed. The obvious choices are either dead or doing time. It’s just about noon in Los Angeles and a happy Miss Bernice bounces around to R and B music while she welcomes patrons. A new man in her life has changed things for the better as she no longer walks around with a black cloud over her head. The mailman walks in with a smile and hands Bernice the mail.

Somebody’s having a good day, he said.

I sure am baby! she responds snapping her fingers to the music. I smile at Bernice’s awkward dance moves and finish off my cognac to head upstairs. Sam, you have mail here, Bernice said.

Is it mail or bill collectors?

Boy, you don’t pay me to be your secretary. And don’t forget your rent is due. Bernice hands me the mail not before giving me her two cents. "Don’t take my kindness for weakness, hear? You don’t pay your