The Empire: The Crime Consortium

“Major Flemington suspects you raided the syndicates’ bank and took the credits,” Javelle told Doug as they exited from Lodes Security headquarters.

“Yes, he was probing, wasn’t he?” Doug replied. “I was surprised when he said there were over three million credits.”

Doug’s vistaview unit vibrated in his pocket. It was a text message from Issie and read: Call me immediately. Important. ‘I’

“Hi, Issie, what’s the matter? I thought you and Ryan were going shopping?” Doug said.

“We were, but when I came back to the room I found where Sampsel Mahurin had called Melli Rizzo in Carrolton. I checked and found that Rizzo owns a restaurant/nightclub there. But what’s important is what they talked about. Mahurin told Rizzo about the raids on the businesses here in Lodes,” Issue explained. “Do you want to listen to the message?”

“No, just give me the highlights,” Doug replied.

“Well, he told him about the raids and said he suspected that it was the agents from the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation,” Issie said.

“He doesn’t know where we are staying, does he?” Doug asked.

“No, he said that E’step’s man checked Lodes Intergalactic transit hotel, and some other hotels, but he didn’t find anyone registered as being from the Empire,” Issie replied.

“We’re not registered as being from the Empire. So no one should be able to track us down by checking hotels,” Doug answered. “The only way would be if E’step’s people have followed us, and Javelle and I have been very careful.”

“Well, it gets worse,” Issie said. “Rizzo is sending a hit man called Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes. When I scanned, I found that this Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes was questioned in half a dozen cities on the suspicion of murder. Security in Brinkley suspects him of murdering an Anchors Global Bureau of Investigation agent and a prostitute.”

“Yeah, Agent Gants told us about that agent and woman who were murdered,” Doug replied.

“I was able to download a picture of Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes plus three men supposedly in his hit team,” Issie said. “I’ll transmit a copy of their pictures to you.”

“Thanks,” Doug said. “I’m guessing you know when Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes and his team will arrive here in Lodes.”

“Of course, they’re traveling by private airship. Even private airships have to file flight plans. They are scheduled to land at 1410. And from what Rizzo said, they will go directly to E’step’s business.” Issie explained. “Okay, thanks, and is Ryan listening?” Doug said.

“I’m here. Do you want me to come and join you?” Ryan asked.

“No, I want you to stay with Issie. As I told her, no one should be able to locate us. But if they are, you need to protect Issie,” Doug replied. “And Ryan - if they do, terminate with extreme prejudice. Don’t take any chances. Understand?”

“Understood, what are you going to do?” Ryan asked.

“I’m ending this today,” Doug replied.

“Doug,” Issie said.

“Yes, Issie?”

“Please, be careful. That Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes is one mean looking person,” Issie said, with obvious concern in her voice.

Doug almost blurted out a smart retort, but caught himself. Issie was a sensitive person and was obviously concerned for his safety. Doug settled for saying, “I’ll be careful, Issie. Thanks for your concern.”

In the ground vehicle, Doug asked Javelle, “Do you know where Sampsel Mahurin’s campaign headquarters is located?”

Monitoring E’step’s vistaview calls, Issie learned that Sampsel Mahurin actually headed up Lodes crime syndicate; not E’step, as Lodes Security and Anchors Global Bureau of Investigation believed.

“I recall seeing the address listed on one of those campaign billboards,” Javelle replied. “It will be no problem locating Mahurin’s campaign headquarters.”

“We have a man highly admired and respected, with ambitions of one day becoming a Senator in the terrestrial government, perhaps even seeking the Secretary-General’s position. The way the crime syndicate, or ’Consortium,’ as that man Link called it, is structured, it makes you wonder how many other Consortium members are serving in elected, perhaps even appointed, government positions,” Doug theorized.

Javelle pulled into the parking area designated for the Lodes Executive Office Complex. Issie said she thought Donel Dongen, the lawyer for the crime syndicate, owned the Lodes Executive Office Complex because his name was on the title. But Link told Doug that the Consortium actually owned the place. And like so many of the other places, the Consortium had a front person listed as the owner.

Issie found that Sampsel Mahurin actually owned the Lodes Real Estate Company, and it was a legitimate business where he leased offices in the Lodes Executive Office Complex and operated his real estate business. He became rich selling real estate, and he now leased a suite of offices in the same building for his political campaign headquarters.

“Better activate our audio and video blocker before we enter,” Doug told Javelle. “I don’t want to be seen on video talking with Mahurin.”

Mahurin’s campaign headquarters was located on the ground floor. When Doug and Javelle entered the front door of the Lodes Executive Office Complex, they immediately saw signs directing them to Mahurin’s campaign office.

The door was propped opened. Doug and Javelle walked in and saw a dozen or more individuals, all wearing some kind of white hat with Mahurin’s image on it. As Doug looked around, he saw that they were also wearing a button with a picture of Mahurin.

A young, attractive, black-haired woman saw them and walked forward, displaying a winning smile. Doug guessed she was the gatekeeper.

“Welcome to the campaign headquarters of the next representative for Lodes,” the smiling young lady said. “How may I help you?”

Returning her smile, Doug said, “I would like to meet Mr. Mahurin. I hope he is in.”

“Mr. Mahurin is quite busy. He is scheduled to speak at the Chamber of Business luncheon today. And later he will be speaking at the children’s hospital where he will donate one million credits to help fund the new wing to the hospital. I’m sure I can help.”

“Uh, well, I was thinking of making a contribution to Mr. Mahurin’s campaign,” Doug said, maintaining his own smile.

“If you will make your check out to ‘Mahurin for the Legislature,’ I can take it,” the smiling young lady said.

Losing his smile, Doug said, “Well…I was planning to make a substantial contribution. I was really hoping to talk with Mr. Mahurin first.”

Her smile slipped a little as she said, “I’ll contact Mr. Mahuin’s campaign manager, Mr. Dongen. I’m sure he can answer all your questions,” and she started to call Mr. Dongen.

The name ‘Dongen’ rang a bell with Doug. They already knew that Donel Dongen was the crime syndicate’s attorney. But finding out that he was Mahurin’s campaign manager told them that Dongen was more involved in the syndicate than just a mouthpiece.

Speaking to Doug, but loud enough for the young lady to hear, Javelle said, “Perhaps we should go see his opponent. I am sure he will be more receptive.” Javelle turned to leave.

The young lady lost her smile. “Sir, please, one minute. I’ll see if Mr. Mahurin can see you.” She turned and walked to another office and entered. A few minutes she returned with a man.

Campaign posters with Mahurin’s picture covered the walls. This man was not Mahurin. Doug guessed it was Donel Dongen.

Displaying a smile that he had probably perfected to charm a jury, Dongen said, “I’m Donel Dongen. May I help you, gentlemen?” extending his hand.

Accepting Dongen’s offered hand, Doug said, “I’m Ray Spine and this is Mike Shims,” using their aliases.

“How may I help you, Mr. Spine?” Donger asked.

“I was hoping to see Mr. Mahurin,” Doug replied.

“Mr. Mahurin is quite busy. Perhaps I can help you,” Donger said.

“I was thinking of making a contribution, a substantial contribution, but I was hoping to have a word with Mr. Mahurin first,” Doug replied.

“Perhaps Mr. Mahurin can spare a few minutes,” Donger said, retaining his courtroom smile. “Please follow me.”

Following Donger into Mahurin’s office, Mahurin looked up and displayed a million- credit smile as he rose to walk around his desk to greet Doug and Javelle.

Mahurin was handsome. The two thousand credit attire made him look distinguished, and the pencil mustache added character. Understandably, people would be impressed.

“Sir, this is Ray Spine and this is Mike Shims,” Donger said, introducing them using the aliases Doug gave him. “They are planning to make a substantial contribution to your campaign.”

Extending his hand, Mahurin said, still displaying his million credit smile, “I am always happy to meet supporters, Mr. Spine.”

“I lied, Mahurin, when I told Dongen my name was Ray Spine and we were here to make a contribution,” Doug said, ignoring Mahurin’s extended hand. “I’m Doug Kincaid and this is Javelle Jovok, investigators with the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation.”

Both Mahurin and Dongen lost their million credit smiles and took on a somber look.

“Wh-wha…” Dongen began.

“Don’t concern yourself about Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes finding me. I’m going to find him,” Doug said in a cold icy voice.

“H-how…how…” Mahurin stuttered.

“Time has come for you to confess your sins,” Javelle said. He proceeded to tell Mahurin that after he made the million credit donation to Lodes Children Hospital, he would tell the audience how he headed up the Lodes crime syndicate; how the crime syndicate, or ’Consortium,’ owned various businesses and that he would name these businesses. He was to explain what role Jackson E’step played in the ’Consortium,’ and imprinted the instructions in Mahurin’s mind.

“Who is Melli Rizzo? What does he do?” Doug asked.

“H…he’s…he is one of the directors in the ’Consortium,’” Mahurin stammered.

“Director, like in board of directors?” Doug asked.

“Y…yes, board of directors,” Mahurin replied.

“Melli Rizzo is supposed to be convening a meeting of the board of directors,” Doug said. “Where is this meeting to take place?”

“Uh…uh…it will probably be held at the Carrolton Country Club in Carrolton,” Mahurin answered. “The ’Consortium’ owns the club.”

“Who will attend this meeting?” Doug asked Mahurin.

“All seven directors,” Mahurin replied. Then he said it was scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Doug gave Javelle the ‘cold-eyed stare’ and nodded.

Javelle said to Mahurin, “Remember my instructions and confess your sins. And emphasize that the one million credits you are going to donate to the children’s hospital comes from your real estate business, not illegal activities.” Javelle then turned to Donel Dongen and said, “When Lodes Security questions you, you will explain your involvement in the crime syndicate and confess all your sins,” and imprinted his instructions in Dongen’s mind. Then he said to both Mahurin and Donel Dongen, “You will forget that we were ever here.”

Doug and Javelle walked out of Mahurin’s office. In the front office, the young, attractive, black-haired woman was again displaying her winning smile. And she said, “Have a nice day and please come to our victory celebration.”

Doug didn’t have the heart to tell her there would be no victory party and simply said, “Y’all have a nice day now, y’hear,” displaying his own million credit smile.

In the ground vehicle, Doug said to Javelle, “I know you do not require food. You may need your nuclear battery recharged or something. But I am getting hungry and require food. Please find someplace I can recharge and preferably near “E’step’s wholesale/retail business. I want to arrive there around 1400 hours, so I can find a place to watch E’step’s business, plus watch for Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes and his hit team when they arrive.”

Javelle found a delicatessen three blocks east of E’step’s wholesale/retail business. The delicatessen only served soups and sandwiches and that was fine with Doug. He did not want a heavy meal. And in lieu of coffee, he opted for water. He did not want the caffeine in the coffee to affect his nervous system when he took up a sniper’s position and commenced shooting.

During the luncheon, Javelle asked, “Do you think those directors may cancel their meeting when they learn of Mahurin’s confession?”

“I don’t think so, Javelle. If anything, they will be more eager to meet and discuss their options,” Doug replied. “I just hope Mahurin was right about that meeting timetable. I suppose they could move the timetable up to tomorrow, but there will be little we can do about that. We still have to rescue those women tonight.”

Doug found an empty room on the third floor of an adjacent building that provided a clear view of not only E’step’s office, but the entire parking area.

The room contained an old desk, a couple of filing cabinets and four straight-backed chairs. The room had not been locked. But Doug locked the door and then placed one of the chairs under the door handle. He had no doubt that he could mentally detect anyone trying to enter. But if someone walked in while he was engaged in shooting, it could cause a distraction.

The window was covered with some type of metal blinds. After raising the window, he cut out enough of the blind to provide a space large enough to see out of. He used one of the chairs for a rest platform for the sniper rifle he had taken from Link. Then he used another to sit on.

Using the scope on the sniper rifle, Doug observed E’step, Link, the man who accompanied Link when they tried to assassinate him at the restaurant and another man he did not recognize in E’step’s office.

Doug settled in to wait. But waiting was not Doug’s strong suit. The minutes seemed to tick by slowly. Finally, 1500 hours came and went. Doug observed a number of ground vehicles enter and people went into E’step’s business. All were obviously customers. The time was slipping past 1522 when a ground vehicle entered from the far side.

As the ground vehicle rolled through the parking lot, it gave Doug a broad view of the passenger side. From the picture Issie had transmitted to him, there was no mistaking Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes in the front passenger seat.

The driver pulled into a parking space facing forward. Doors opened and men got out. Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes walked to the front to wait for the others, all the while looking around for any sign of danger. Doug had to agree with Issie’s assessment. Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes was one mean looking person; the type of person that if you saw him coming toward you on the sidewalk, you would cross the street to avoid coming too near him.

Doug took a deep breath and let half out. He placed the crosshair of the scope on the right ear of Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes and took up the slack on the trigger. Then Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes turned his head and stared straight at Doug’s location, as if he sensed danger. The eyes told it all. Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes was a stone cold killer.

The crosshair now sat right between Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes’ eyes. The trigger broke and the projectile sped from the barrel at over two thousand meters a second. The next instant, Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes’ head exploded.

The man on the right appeared to be mesmerized seeing Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes’ head explode. Doug only had to shift the barrel a slight fraction. Another projectile left the barrel at over two thousand meters a second and his head exploded.

The driver got out of the ground vehicle and back in as if he had forgotten something. He was back outside when the blood, gore and brain matter splattered all over the windshield of the vehicle. He instinctively ducked behind the door. The other man ducked down behind the left side of the vehicle.

Doug waited. Then a blaster appeared above the hood. Doug continued to wait. Then a head appeared. And the head exploded.

The man behind the door managed to get back into the ground vehicle and start it. He was backing out, but Doug could not see him. He was staying low behind the steering wheel. Doug placed an 8mm projectile through the windshield. The windshield spiderwebbed, and the next projectile shattered the windshield.

The driver made a 90-degree turn and floored the ground vehicle out of the parking lot. Doug had to change the five-round clip and had no chance for another shot.

The driver clipped the front of another ground vehicle as he sped out of the parking onto the street. The accident would surely bring Lodes Security to investigate. The damaged ground vehicle pulled into a parking lot across the street that served some small businesses and a small convenience store. Lodes Security may not check across the street in E’step’s parking lot, but the numbers were now falling fast.

Doug shifted the sniper rifle to focus on E’step’s window and hit the speed dial number. The man Doug had not recognized reached over and picked up the vistaview unit from E’step’s desk.

“Put E’step on,” Doug said in a cold icy voice.

“Who is this?” The man asked. Doug recognized the man’s voice. It was the same voice who answered when the Madams called.

“Tell E’step it is the ghost of the man who Link terminated,” Doug said.

“Wh-wha…what do you want?” E’step stuttered a moment later.

“Lodes Security will be here shortly. Tell them all about your criminal activities, if you want to live,” Doug told E’step in a cold, icy voice.

Doug took a deep breath and let half out. He took the slack up on the trigger. The trigger broke; the projectile sped from the barrel at over two thousand meters a second. It shattered the office window and continued on hitting the man center mass, who Doug recognized as the voice of the man the Madams had called. He flew back, hitting the far wall and sliding to the floor. Doug saw that E’step had dropped his vistaview unit on the desk and was now down on all fours crawling under his desk.

For whatever motivated him to do so, Link came into the open and bent down to help the man Doug had just terminated. The next projectile hit Link high in the left side, continuing on to shatter his heart and lungs.

Doug had earlier seen the man who accompanied Link to the restaurant, but he did not see him now. It looked like a vase or statue on E’step’s desk. The third projectile shattered it.

Doug saw E’step’s hand emerge above the desk and search around for his vistaview unit. When E’step grasped the vistaview unit, Doug placed the fourth projectile through his hand and vistaview unit. The fifth projectile exploded a cup sitting on E’step’s desk. Doug disconnected from E’step’s number and immediately hit the redial number for Javelle. When he answered, Doug said, “I’m finished here. Pick me up.”

Back in the ground vehicle, Doug called Issie. “You okay?” Issie asked with tension in her voice. “I’m fine, Issie,” Doug replied. Before he could say more, she wanted to know about Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes.

“Terminated,” Doug replied. “Please call Lodes Security and tell them there was a shooting at E’step’s business and someone was terminated. One of Jakes ’The Hammer’ Clydes’ men got away, but he struck another vehicle exiting from the parking lot; and the damaged vehicle is across the street from E’step’s. They probably wouldn’t even notice the bodies in E’step’s parking lot.”

“Doug, have you heard the news?” Doug heard Ryan ask.

“No, I’ve been busy,” Doug replied.

“Yeah, right. Well, after Sampsel Mahurin donated the million credits to the children’s hospital, he confessed he headed up the local syndicate. He told the audience about all the businesses the crime syndicate owned. The news media are having a feeding frenzy.”

“I read someplace where confession is good for the soul or something like that,” Doug replied. “It’s supposed to relieve tension.”

“Yeah, right!” Issie said. “What are you and Javelle going to do now?”

“We’re on the way back to the hotel,” Doug replied. “Tonight we will have to rescue the women coming in on the truck.”

“Do you want me to help?” Ryan asked.

“No, Javelle and I can handle tonight’s activities.” Doug replied.

“What do you want us to do?” Issie asked. “You girls take the night off. Go shopping. Go on a city tour. Go nightclubbing. Just be careful about picking up strange men,” Doug jokingly said.

“Ha, ha, funny,” Ryan replied.

“Good afternoon. This is Amanda Yellen. We have breaking news. Sampsel Mahurin, a real estate mogul and a candidate for representative to the world of Anchors terrestrial government, has just confessed to heading up the local crime syndicate in the city of Lodes. He was speaking at the Lodes Children Hospital where he donated one million credits to help the hospital build a new wing onto the hospital. Mahurin confessed he owned a number of businesses that engaged in illegal activities. Those businesses included the ’Your Heart’s Desire’ gentlemen’s club and the ’Pleasures Delight’ gentlemen’s club, that were raided two nights ago. Mahurin acknowledged that the women working there had been abducted and that he was behind the drug operation found in the Continental Warehouse on Industrial Boulevard that was raided last night, plus the Waffle Inn on Clinton Street. Reporters Robb Tomms and Alinda Zanns were attending the event at the Lodes Children Hospital where Mahurin was speaking. Robb, what’s the scene like there?”

“In one word, Amanda: Shock. He served on Lodes City Council for many years. He was praised for doing an outstanding job as city councilman and he was well liked. People thought he would win overwhelmingly for district representative. Most people thought the legislature would serve as a stepping-stone for him to get elected as a Senator to the terrestrial government. Some even speculated he would run for the Secretary-General’s position in a few years,” Robb explained.

“Alinda, what’s the mood of the people like there?” Amanda asked.

“I spoke with a few people here. As Robb said, they’re in shock. Mahurin was a charismatic leader and well liked. And the people here in attendance are just dumbfounded. Just moments earlier, they were standing and cheering when he promised one million credits to Lodes Children Hospital. Now… it’s as if they’re in a trance listening to him tell how he‘s involved in the abduction of women and forcing them to work in those clubs, how he’s behind the drug sales in the city and how he ordered the murder of some people, including a woman believed to be an agent with Lodes Global Bureau of Investigation,” Alinda explained.

“Amanda, that woman Alinda mentioned, worked at…”

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Robb, but we’re receiving reports of a shootout,” Amanda said. “Sally Jessie Ramiro is in route to Lodes Wholesale-Retail Company on Bungler Avenue where there are reports of a shootout. Sally, have you arrived on the scene yet?”

“Amanda, I have just arrived. A number of Lodes Security vehicles are here as well as emergency med vehicles. I’ll see if I can have a word with one of the security officers.” Sally walked over to two security officers, standing near three bodies. “Excuse me, I’m Sally Jessie Ramiro with Channel Thirteen News. Can you tell me what occurred here?”

“We’re not sure yet. Someone terminated these three individuals with a high-powered rifle blaster. It’s pretty gruesome. The shooter almost blew their heads off. I recommend you remain back,” the officer replied.

“Do you know who they were?” Sally asked.

“We’ve not identified the victims yet. You’ll have to excuse me now,” the officer replied.

“Was anyone else injured or terminated? I see officers going in and out of the building,” Sally said.

“I understand one or two other individuals inside may have been terminated. Now you must excuse me,” the officer replied.

“Amanda, as you heard, three men, lying out here in the parking area, were terminated by a high-powered rifle blaster. And he thinks others inside may have been terminated. I see a sergeant with Lodes Security. I’ll try to have a word with him,” Sally said,

“Sally, I have been informed that business, Lodes Wholesale-Retail Company, is either owned or managed by Jackson E’step,” Amanda said.

“Sergeant, Sergeant. I’m Sally Jessie Ramiro with Channel Thirteen News. Can you tell me what occurred here?”

“Sally, we’re still trying to piece it together,” the sergeant replied.

“Was anyone inside injured or terminated, Sergeant?” Sally asked.

“Two men were terminated and one was injured,” the sergeant replied.

“Sergeant, I understand a man named Jackson E’step owns or manages this place. Was he terminated?” Sally asked.

“I think he’s the man who was wounded,” the sergeant replied.

“Was this a robbery gone wrong?” Sally asked.

“It was more like a hit. The shooter evidently was in the building across the street. He fired through the window. You’ll have to excuse me now, I have work to do.”

“Amanda, as you heard, Lodes Security is still trying to determine what occurred here. The sergeant did say two more men were terminated inside and he believes Jackson E’step was wounded,” Sally reported.

“Thank you, Sally. We’ll get back to Sally. Yes, Robb?” Amanda said.

“As I started to say before, among the businesses named, Mahurin said he owned the Lodes Wholesale-Retail Company, that Jackson E’step managed the business, which is a legitimate business. But E’step served as his enforcer. When he needed someone terminated, E’step and his crew handled the job,” Robb said. “According toMahurin’s confession, he ordered E’step to eliminate a woman believed to be an undercover agent with Anchors Global Bureau of Investigation and dump her body in the river.”

“Apparently, someone has declared war on Mahurin’s crime syndicate. Does Lodes Security have any idea who’s doing this?” Amanda asked.

“Amanda, I spoke to Major Flemington, in charge of Lodes Security. He said Lodes Security has no idea who is attacking these places, but I got the impression he’s not unhappy seeing this crime syndicate put out of business,” Alinda said. “He did say he was surprised to learn that Sampsel Mahurin was the man behind the crime syndicate.”

“The elections will be in another ten or eleven days. Will Mahurin still be on the ballot?”

“I don’t think the election board would have the authority to remove his name unless he’s convicted of a crime,” Robb said. “Confessing you head up a crime syndicate is not the same as being convicted of a crime.”

“Amanda, when I spoke with some of the people in attendance here, they said they would still vote for Mahurin,” Alinda said.

“Some people are too dumb to vote in a national election,” Robb remarked. “One of those late-night talk shows did a survey. They asked people on the street who the Secretary-General was. Only one in five knew his name. And that court room program on the hyperwave, featuring Judge Sandra –they thought she was a Global Supreme Court Justice.”

“Thank you for that information, Robb. I’m sure our inbox will now be flooded with complaints,” Amanda said. “Please tune in for the evening news and we’ll have more on Mahurin’s confession and the shootout at the Lodes Wholesale-Retail Company.”