Novella (Beth Lazarus)

Chapter 1: Thoughts
I never knew there were two kinds of isolation. There is the isolation of being alone. Being the only person, solitary, in a big room. Feeling so small and vulnerable. Surrounded by nothingness. Your forced to sit there and think. Think thoughts of your life now. Thoughts of actions in the past. And thoughts of events to be happened in the future. Then you sit there and think of how each piece of your life has affected the other. And once your done connecting each piece, it brings you back to where you are now. Then after thinking your then flooded by emotions that fit with these thoughts. Only then will you find yourself sitting, alone, crying to all you just thought of. The hours of sitting alone have been building. Your feelings have been building and then, at one specific moment, you can’t take it any longer and you CRACK!
I knew of this kind of isolation I’ve felt it before. Countless number of times. But then I realized of the other kind. It’s the exact opposite of the first. It’s the kind of isolation from surrounded by many people. Being able to have anyone and everyone to talk to. But the only problem is, is that you don’t know any of these people. So you CHOOSE not to speak at all. You just remain isolated from the crowd. And though there are other people around you, you sink back into the first kind. And again you’re left only to dwell on all your past thoughts. I’ve never thought of this kind of isolation, but I’ve been feeling it twenty-four seven for the past week. And I know I’m gonna be feeling it for a lot longer. At least that’s what they’re telling me. Maybe this isolation isn’t really “isolation.” I guess it’s more loneliness. Now that I think of it, I guess the two “isolations” aren’t really different at all. Maybe it’s how one chooses to isolate themselves from the crowd. Maybe you just can’t escape the first kind. It will always come back.
Whatever this feeling is, it SUCKS! It makes you want to scream out for help. For someone you know to come and make it all go away. Then have them stay with you and keep you company. This way you have someone to share all your thoughts with. After sharing they can sympathies with you and say everything is better now. And that you’re never gonna feel that way again. But as long as I’m in this place this is all I’m gonna feel. And I may be in here for the rest of my life.
Chapter 2
Why the fuck do they always have to ask me the same damn question? I’ve told them at least a hundred times before. Can't they just accept what I'm saying? “I walked into the room. I saw Joey on the ground bleeding out, there was nobody near him. There was a gun by his feet. I rushed over to him and propped him up, hoping he was still alive. Then I screamed for help and the police arrive soon after.”
“How do you explain that your prints were the only ones found on the gun? That’s Fingerprints.”
No shit that’s fingerprints. I swear to god the prosecutor thinks I’m retarded. “They were on the gun because after the hospital people-“
“You mean paramedics.” she corrected.
“Yeah. Sorry. Because after the Paramedics came in I grabbed the gun and brought it to the police. I only wanted to help. I didn't think I'd be the one accused of killing him.” I don’t understand why they think I would kill Joey. We were best friends since we were really young. But that doesn’t seem to matter to the police. All they see is a dark skinned kid with a gun and assume he‘s probably killed someone.
The prosecutor looks down and puts her hand to her forehead. She’s just trying to look real tired. “Mr. Cruz, we find your fingerprints on the gun. You were seen covered in Mr. Hernandez’s blood. You have to admit it doesn’t look good. We can't just pretend all this evidence isn’t pointing right at you. Honestly would you put yourself in jail?”
What the F-
“Objection your honor!” Thank god my lawyer spoke up. Who does that bitch think she is? “Your honor it‘s argumentative. The jury should disregard that. She can't just put in her own opinion.”
“Sustained. Calm down Mr. Jameson. Mrs. Conner you cannot say that. Jury I ask you to disregard what has just been said.” The judge looks like he really didn’t want to make that call. I bet that guy thinks I didn’t want to make that call. I bet he thinks I killed Joey. I bet he made up his mind the second he saw my name on the sheet, Eduardo Cruz. He probably thinks Spanish people can only be killers or house cleaners. Racist bastard.
“Your honor we’ve been here for three hours. I think it would be beneficial if we were to take a short break,” my lawyer suggests.
“You’re probably right. Let us all take a twenty-four hour recess. We will meet back here at three O’clock tomorrow. Dismissed!” then he bangs his mallet on the desk.
I returned to the table where my lawyer, Mr. Jameson, is standing. The guard put handcuffs on me and Mr. Jameson lead me to the conference room. How can they put me in a jail when I did nothing wrong? Isn’t the American law innocent until proven guilty? I guess what they left out is that they can change their minds any time they want.
We had met in this room thirty minutes before the trial. Mr. Jameson looks really overwhelmed. He’s young and I think he’s only had a few cases before he took mine. He was the best lawyer Mama could afford. He didn’t want one of those cheap lawyers who just got their degree online. Mr. Jameson better not screw this up for me. I’m not going to jail for something I didn’t do.
On the way out we walked by my family. I don’t know how they’re taking this whole thing. My little brother, Jamie, has always looked up to me and now he won’t even look in my direction. I don’t understand why he would believe all this nonsense. He knows me and Joey we tight. Joey was like his older brother too. My sister is freaking out about everything. But the worst is Mama. Jamie mentioned she has been crying herself to sleep. I can’t take it, Why the-?!? Ugh!
“Mr. Jameson,” I lean over and put my head in my hands, “just prove me innocent. I can’t go to jail for this.” I never asked him if he thinks I’m innocent. He probably doesn’t.
“I’m trying my best. That Mrs. Conner has everything against you. Is there anything, anything at all you could tell me? Something you missed?”
I look up, “Nah. I told you exactly what happened.”
“What was your relationship with Mr. Hernandez?”
“Joey!” I shouted loudly. I lowered my voice, “His name is Joey.”
“Right, I’m sorry. Joey. You said you were friends. Is there anything you would like to add?”
I sat there thinking. I’m not one too really to just go out and share my life with some dude I met less than four hours ago. We sat there for a good five minutes before I responded. “Me and Joey were really tight. We’ve been friends forever. I met him back in third grade. See we both played for the school team.”
“Is there anything Joey said before he…?” He broke off early. He probably saw the expression on my face. He sat there for a minute, but never finished his sentence.
Finally I replied, “No he didn’t. He was acting a bit weird. But he never really did anything too out of the ordinary.”
“What was he doing that made it seem he was acting a bit weird?”
“Your time is up. Mr. Cruz has to go back to his cell.” the guard interrupted. “You ready?” He didn’t even wait for an answer. He pulled the seat out from under me and yanked me by the collar up, shoving me out the door.
We walked through some mad intense doors, and eventually got to my tiny cell. I shared it with some other guy. He was black and really tall and strong. He looked like he could’ve been a football player or something back in high school. I’ve been here for three days and this guy hasn’t even said a damn word. I asked him his name and what he was doing in here but he never answered. It was as if I wasn’t even in the same room as him. He usually just lays on his cot staring at the ceiling. One time he lifted his arm straight up and began pointing at the ceiling. He moved his arm in some weird directions. It’s as if he was painting an invisible picture on the ceiling. Then soon after he brings his arm down and goes back to staring at the ceiling.
When the guard left, I sat down on my cot. I stared at this guy. He was still looking straight up. It’s as if he didn’t move since the last time I saw him. I followed his lead and did the same. After dinner I Asked him again what his name was. He didn’t answer. I asked him what he was doing here. Nothing. I continued to lay there looking at the ceiling. I couldn’t take the silence. You could here a pin drop. About a half hour later I decide if he’s not gonna speak then I am. “My name’s Eduardo. But you can call me Eddy if you want. I mean everybody does. I guess it’s my nick name or something” The other guy doesn’t even seem to blink. “My friend Joey gave me that name. We were hanging out one day and we were just chillin’ and one of his old friends comes up to us and he says, ‘This is my friend Eddy.’” I never questioned it. And people just began calling me Eddy.” Again the man didn’t seem to acknowledge I was here. I found it kinda liberating to talk to him, even if he wasn’t listening. So I continued. “One time, me and Joey both liked this girl. Her name was Luisa. Joey thought he was in love. I was kinda nervous to tell him I liked her too. But I’m sure he knew. Cuz there was this one time, after school, when I walked in on them making out and I was like ‘What the fuck! I thought you were my friend.’ And he didn’t seemed surprised at my reaction. I was mad at him for a while. He tried to be all like, ‘it was her not me.’ Blah, blah, blah. But I wouldn’t even listen to him. Anyway one day he caught up to me and threw me against a wall. I don’t really remember what he said but we straightened it out.”
I could tell the man in the cot was listening now. He was still staring at the ceiling, but I could tell he was interested. I sat up and turned, so I was sitting on the bed. I put my elbows on my thigh and leaned over and looked at the ground as I continued. “Anyway on the way home we walked by the courts, behind the school, and we saw Luisa hooking up with some dude under the bleachers. I thought Joey was gonna freak. At first he looked really angry but then he turned to me and just laughed.” I looked up the guy was smiling, but still looking straight up, not saying a word.
Later I told him about the time Joey and I tried out for the high school team. How he made it and I got cut. He told the coach to put me on, but the coach said those cuts were final. Joey played the first game and scored like five goals. He asked the coach again and his answer was the same. So Joey quit. He said he can’t be the one carrying the team every time they play. Plus he missed our great combination passes and having me on the team. Whatever, anyway the school’s team lost the rest of their games. “Serve them right for splitting up the best duo to ever play the sport,” I added at the end. I think at that point the guy smiled.
I continued telling stories about Joey and me all night. About the time I won a contest at school. And I got two tickets to a Lakers game and Joey said he’d do anything I wanted if I could just give him the extra ticket. And I said I’d give it to him with no charge. Stories continued for hours. Then I finally couldn’t take it. I had to tell the cot man why I was in this godforsaken place.
“And what’s really messed up; now they’re blaming me for his murder.” I said this really softly. I could feel tears coming now. I lifted my head to see what the man in the bed was doing. He was still in the same position as before but now he looked asleep. He probably fell asleep a while ago. Didn’t even hear me. What does it matter, he probably doesn’t care.
I walked over to turn off the lamp next to his bed, which was the only light on, in maybe the entire building. I returned to my bed and lay down. I rolled over to face the wall. I was really disappointed my cellmate didn’t hear the final piece to my stories. I was almost asleep when I heard a really deep voice, “My names Christopher. But you can call me Chris.”
_
Chapter 3
"Your honor I'd like to call Mrs. Hernandez to the stand."
I see Joey's grandmother approach the bench. She looks completely lost. She defiantly doesn’t know what is going on. I don’t see how this is going to work. Señora Hernandez doesn't speak English. She sits down and sees me. She's saying something but I can't hear. There is a lot of noise in here. A moment later man goes up to the stand. I bet he's the translator.
"Mrs. Hernandez is the deceased grandmother." Ms. Conner points out. "Mrs. Hernandez, is it true that you are sick?" The translator turns to her and repeats the question in Spanish. ¿Señora, está enferma?"
"Si, Yo tengo un tos." It's just then I noticed her voice. it was very low and sounded real scratchy.
“And Mrs. Hernandez. I have here your hospital bill." She hands it to the guard. Who then hands it to the judge. I don't get why it need to go through that entire process. It's not like there is a bomb on that piece of paper. "You checked in a little over a month ago. A few tests were done. The bill is still pretty steep." As ms. Conner is speaking the translator is filling in Mrs. Hernandez. "I know based off your income...," she handed another bill to the guard. And again it was handed to the judge. "...that you cannot cover this."
"Objection your honor! Relevance?" Mr. Jameson Interrupts.
"Your honor I have a point."
"Ok. Ms. Conner get to the point.'
"Yes you honor." She turns to Mrs. Hernandez and continues. "Yet, you seemed to have paid the bill no problem. Mrs. Hernandez turns to face the translator and nods when he's finished. "Si. Señorita. Joey pagó por la cuenta. El trabajaba al supermarcado."
"Yes, Mrs. Hernandez," ms. Conner seemed to understand without the translation. "However, Mr. Hernandez only worked there for a month. And on his salary he couldn't have paid off a bill this expensive."
I had lent Joey money for something a while ago. He didn't say for what, but I trusted him. I guess I know what it was used for now. Why didn't Joey just tell me what for?
"which brings me to my next point," Ms. Conner continues, "Joey would've had to of stolen or been loaned the money.' She turn to face me. "Your honor I'd like to cross examine Mr. Cruz."
I walked up to the bench. Señora Hernandez walked by. "¿Eduardo, que está pasando?" She sounded very scared.
"No es importante. Está bien." I tried to calm her down.
"Mr. Cruz, I heard from a little birdie that you were the one who loaned the money to Mr. Hernandez. Is it true." I could tell this was a rhetorical question. But I choose to answer anyway.
"Yes. Ma'am.'
"And how “And how much money did you give him?”
“$5,000.”
“Wow! Now that’s a lot of money!” she said it kinda sarcastically. To make that money almost took me four and a half years of working at ‘Tito’s Auto shop.’ She probably makes that in an hour. “And how did you earn that money?”
“I work”
“Where?” she was glaring at me. And I was staring right back at her. Her eyes were piercing through my head. I look away.
“Tito’s. On the corner of Brook and Linda.”
“How long have you worked at Tito’s?”
“Something like four years.”
“Four?” she asks for clarification.
“Four and a half.”
“Still that’s a long time. Must be hard work, working with cars?” I nodded. “I took liberty to look at your savings and earnings. You have made a lot of money over the years. And when you lent it to Mr. Hernandez did he say if he was going to pay you back?”
“Yeah, he said he’d pay it back to me eventually. But I don’t really care. He’s like a brother to me. If he needs help-“
Ms. Conner completely disregards me words. “But you’re out $5,000 now. I’m sure you would’ve liked that money back. Did he even tell you what the money was for?
“No but-“
“No!” She emphasized this word and turned around to face the jury. This was clearly what she’s been waiting for. She faced me again, “So you loaned the money to Mr. Hernandez and didn’t even know what it was for. I bet that was discouraging. He wouldn’t even tell you what it was for. That could really make someone angry. Not to mention, it’s been over four months since he borrowed the money.” Again she was staring at me, without blinking. “Even to the closest friends in the world. That is bound to make you angry. That’s what you to were. Right? Friends?” She stops and stares. I was so annoyed. There was some truth to what Ms. Conner was saying. Yeah I was a bit disappointed that Joey didn’t just tell me what the money was for. He knows I would’ve been therefore him. She continued, “Angry enough to kill?”
“WHAT!?! You’re kidding right?” Ms. Conner turns to the judge. “Your honor, note there is a motive.” At this the jury to started talking all at once. The whole chamber got really loud. Then the judge banged his mallet again. “Order! Order!”
“You honor I’d like to question my client, Mr. Cruz, too,” Mr. Jameson stood up.
“Proceed,” the judge directed. Mr. Jameson walked to the middle of the room and Ms. Conner sat down. She was looking very pleased with herself. Mr. Jameson signaled for me to take a deep breath. I did.
“Mr. Cruz,” his voice was very calm and soft. (But loud enough for everyone to hear him.) “Pleas explain to everyone your relationship with Mr. Hernandez.”
“We were best friends.” I made sure to emphasize “best.” “We’ve been friends for a very long time. We played soccer together. At times we basically lived at each other’s homes. I know his family and he knows mine. We hang out all the time… hung out.” I corrected myself. I stopped talking altogether. I couldn’t take the thoughts going through my head. I think it finally hit me. Joey was dead. I was in jail. I will never be able to see him again. I will never be able to hear his voice. Never play soccer again, stay out late on long summer nights chilling in the park. I’ll never be able to tell him how much he meant to me as a friend. It finally hit, I had just lost my best friend, and there is nothing that I can do about it. I could feel my throat start to burn. My eyes were getting blurry from the tears starting to form. I was clenching my jaw real tight so no one could see that it was shaking. I tried to avoid eye contact with everyone in the room. The jury couldn’t see me crying, otherwise there are gonna think that I want their pity. And I don’t. I just want them to realize I’m not the one they want. I’m sitting here falling apart and the real killer s out there somewhere. I don’t know how much longer I can keep the tears down.
“Your honor, I’m finished.” Mr. Jameson concluded. Obviously seeing how his question affected me.
“The court will take a forty eight hour recess. We will meet back here. Hopefully giving Mr. Jameson sometime to gather some evidence.” There was a soft chuckle from the jury. Mr. Jameson looked embarrassed. I’m pretty sure the judge isn’t allowed to say stuff like that.
Once again the guard put cuffs on me and bring me to the small conference room. I hope this doesn’t become a thing after every trial. I was beginning to calm down a little bit. My throat was still burning and I was still clenching my jaw really tight. I was afraid to speak in fear that my voice would be shaky and high. Mr. Jameson looked really sincere. He takes a tissue from his pocket and hands it to me. I take it but don’t use it.
“I know this is really tough on you. And I’m sorry to keep asking but is there anything you’d like to add. Something that can help is get through to the jury? You said last time we talked that Joey was acting a bit strange. Could you tell me what it was that made you think he was acting a strange?”
I shrug. Truth was I don’t know why he was acting strange, he never told me.
“You don’t know?” Mr. Jameson clarifies.
I take a deep breath. “Nope.” My voice was a bit shaky. “He…um…” I clear my throat, “it started a few weeks ago. Sometime around his brother’s birthday. He kept asking if I was familiar with the old building in Davis Street.” Mr. Jameson nodded and wrote something on a notepad. “I said I didn’t know anything about that and why he was interested. He would say there was no reason and change the subject abruptly. But he would ask again a day later. I guess I never really thought much about it.
“I can try to take a look at the building if you think that would help,” Mr. Jameson says.
I shrugged and nodded.
“Anything else?”
“Nothing now. Can I go back to my cell?”
“Yeah, I guess. I’ll talk to you later when I know more.”
I stand up and knock on the door to leave so that guard could escort me back to my cell.
Chapter 4: Memories
Chris is lying on his cot when I return. The cell gate opens and slams close just as I make it inside. I go over to lie down on my cot and put my hands over my face. I didn’t want to see anyone, I wish I was alone. Chris must have picked up on this because he didn’t say anything. I turned to face the wall, I figure this is the closets I’m gonna come to isolation. Once again I was thinking of Joey. He’s gone… And what’s worse is that somewhere on the streets is the son of a bitch who shot him. I wish I could be out there looking for him. If I found this guy I’d do his ass in. And after he got what he disserved for killing Joey, I’d then get him for what he owed me. I’m stuck in the tiny ass cell for something I didn’t even do. Something that I would never do. But what’s worse is that if they find me guilty ima probably get capital punishment. That shit’s out of proportion. I gotta help Mr. Jameson with this case. I need to focus. I close my eyes trying to focus thinking of anything. But when I close my eyes I see Joey. I see him lying in a puddle of his own blood. I open my eyes immediately and gasp. I look around the room; Chris looks like he’s asleep. I close my eyes again, and I see Joey, but this time he’s walking up the street. I’m standing right next to him. He’s smiling. We’re at my house. Joey turns to me and says, “Eddy ima meet you there I gotta get my cleats from my house.”
I nod and reply, “Ok see ya there.” He runs up the street and turns around the corner towards his house. That was the last time I saw Joey before he was shot. I closed my eyes even tighter hoping to see Joey again. I do, but this time he’s sitting in the back of the cafeteria at school. I’m carrying a tray with food on it. And I’m walking towards Joey. He looks like he’s in deep thought.
“Yo Joey can I join you?” I asked in a joking voice. I sit down when he doesn’t respond. “Joey you ok?” I ask seeing the thought on his face.
He asks, “You know that sketchy building on Davis?”
“Nah, why?”
“No reason I just walked by it the other day. I saw Miguel there a week ago.”
“Since when have you been talking to Miguel? You he’s bad news. Why do you care?”
“I don’t!” He says really defensively.
“Alright don’t worry about it.” Then I start eating what’s suppose to be my burger. “Aw this shit is disgusting! You think since we don’t have any computer or anything they’d at least get good food.”
Joey laughs and stars eating his food too, which looks cold by now. Then we start talking about other stuff. Then I open my eyes. UGH! I punch the mattress it makes a squeak. Why didn’t I ask him why he was on Davis? Why didn’t I keep pushing the question? Fuck! Now he’s dead. I punch the mattress again. All these bad decisions are why Joey is dead now. If I had just thought about it, I could’ve saved him. I was now sitting in what was a pitch black cell. The silence was piercing. How could it be so quiet in here? Wasn’t there anyone awake? Just as the thought finished, Chris moved in his cot. I wait hoping maybe he would say something. Hoping I would be able to tell him all my thoughts. Hoping then he would tell me it wasn’t my fault. How was I supposed to know this is the reason he died? But what if this wasn’t the reason at all? I sat there with hundreds of “what if?” questions going through my head. Then finally I thought of a really important question. Who would want Joey dead? He was such a great kid. Now nothing really made sense.
Chapter 5: Nightmares
I sat there for another two minutes sitting and staring into the blackness of the cell. I could feel my eyes getting heavy. I have no clue what time it is. There was not clock in the cell and even if there was, it was too dark to see anything. I laid back down, looking straight up. And at some point I fell asleep. I saw Joey lying on the ground dead, with a gun by his feet. He was lying in a pool of blood. Then he wakes up. He’s crying.
“Eddy, I didn’t know!” I didn’t really see anything.” Then he falls to the ground, dead, again. Almost as he hits the floor I rush over to Joey.
“Who killed you? Joey! Why? What did you see?” But there was no response.
“Joey!”
Jus then Ms. Conner walks up to me. I’m no in the conference room down the hall from the courtroom. It was just me and her. She’s glaring at me. Then She says, “I know you killed him. Everyone knows you killed him. It’s what they are talking about on the streets. In the papers. At street corners.” She continues to stare at me. She doesn’t even blink. “Joey? Was that his name? Was that what you called him? Tell me. What here his last words? Did you make him beg for his life? Was he on his knees begging for his life? Asking why? Or did you just shoot him? You probably snuck up on him. Eddy he trusted you. You were his friend. But I guess there is some understanding. I mean you were really frustrated. You were fed up. You wanted you’re money.”
“No! I never killed him,” I was pleading for reason.
“Why are you denying it? You have motive. Just admit it. You KILLED your best friend. And all because of money. What a terrible reason.” Ms. Conner shakes her head and looks down disappointed. Then she snaps back forward.
“And even if you didn’t kill him. I don’t care. You’re going away for it anyway. I mean someone has to. And how do you think I’ll be seen in the eyes of the people? The prosecuted who locked up another kid like you. I’m just making the town a better place.” She cackles and smiles.
“No! I didn’t!” Then Joey comes into the room. He looks really sad. Then he asks, “Why?”
“Joey I didn’t. You know I didn’t!” Then I wake up, sitting up. It was still dark in the cell. Chris was awake. He was looking at me. He didn’t say anything.
“Sorry.” I stood up, realizing I had no place to go and sat back down.
“Are you ok?” Chris asks.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Bad thoughts go through my head.”
“Dream?”
“Yeah dream.” I don’t know why I said thought.
“About your friend?”
“Yeah. I can’t seem to stop thinking about it.”
“I know what you mean.” He replied. Then I realized again, that I didn’t know why he was in here. I figure this isn’t the time to ask. “It doesn’t get easier,” He ads.
“Good to know.” Is he trying to make me feel better? Because it sure as hell isn’t.
He sits there and I think realizes what he said was stupid. But for some reason I don’t think he regrets it. In fact I’m kinda glad he did say that so down the road I won’t keep thinking it’s gonna change.
“Let me guess, all the evidence in the case is directed right at you?” he says a-matter-a-fact-ly.
“Yeah it does.”
He laughs, “That sucks! How’d that happen?”
“Well I was seen with blood on me. Prints on the gun. And apparently have a money motive to kill him. Which is total bullshit!”
“How’d you prints wind up on the gun?”
“I handed it to the police. Killed musta used gloves.”
“Dumbass. Why would you touch anything?” He laughs. I stare at him kinda mad. Whose he to call me a dumbass? At least I’m not locked in here for good… yet.
“Yo buddy. Lighten up. Sometimes the only way to get joy in here is to laugh at yourself and your situation.”
I laugh. Not because it’s funny but because to be honest Chris kinda scares me. But I think about it. Maybe he does have a point. I haven’t laughed in weeks. There is noting to laugh about. Joey’s dead, I’m in jail, I’m fucking screwed in this case. Chris must of known what I was thinking because he says, “Ok, really? Stop pitying yourself. Stop bitching about life. And do something about it. Can you tell your lawyer anything else?”
“I told him about some sketchy building in the city.”
“Ok good start. What do you know about this building?”
“Nothing.”
“great!” he says sarcastically.
“There was this maton from the neighborhood he talked about a few times.”
“Alright dawg. You gotta know no habla espanol.” he says in the worst accent.
“He’s like a thug. Actually more like a wish-I- was-a thug. Whatever the case this dude is bad news.”
“How so?”
“He tries to hang with this gang.”
“See that wasn’t too hard.” He laughs.
That’s true it wasn’t ten seconds of thinking lead me to another thing to tell Mr. Jameson when I see him tomorrow. I join in and laugh. We’re both sitting there laughing. I can’t stop. It’s not even funny. But I can’t help it.
Chapter 6: Life’s Dream
How real are dreams? Is there any truth to them? I fell like some part of them as to be true. Because… actually I don’t know why. A dream is a chance for people to be in a world completely different from the one they know and live in. Whether it’s an alteration of the one they know or some in a magical place on a different planet. But I’m thinking of it this way. If we didn’t know the reality of life, we wouldn’t be know what was fake and imaginary. A dream, I guess, is a chance to mix the world we know and the one we wish we lived in. It’s a chance for people to make fiction a reality, in a place that’s completely their own. But I guess this would be considered a good dream. A dream you want to be real and thrilling. So I guess the past dreams I’ve been having and have been trying to analyze, are really what people would call nightmares. These nightmares are always the same. There is hardly any change.
I see Joey on the ground dead then wakes up and says, “I didn’t really know. I wasn’t gonna say anything. It wasn’t my fault.” Then he would fall back down in the same position dead.
Why would I be having these dreams or nightmares if there wasn’t any reality them? Maybe this is just what I wanted to happen. If what I was dreaming about was really I could tell Mr. Jameson, he could find the truth, and I would be free at last. But I don’t know whether I should tell Mr. Jameson about this dream. Because what if it’s total bullshit and none of it turns out to be true. I guess I’m just gonna have to stick to the thought about Miguel. I wonder if he had anything to do with Joey’s death.
The buzzer sounds. I open my eyes and sit up. A guard walks up the cell and pulls the bar cell open.
“Hey, kid! It’s time for breakfast.”
I stand up and he walks me down through a half a dozen halls and doors until we reach cafeteria. I never really thought about how big this place was. The Café is largest room in the whole place. At least that’s my guess. I get in line. I’m served sausages and scrambled egg, with what I think is suppose to be orange juice in a little cardboard carton. It looks are though it was all from a microwave lunch pack. One of the ones you can buy at the store. Up until recently I’ve sat alone, but now I sit with Chris. But for some reason Chris wasn’t here today. He wasn’t there when I woke up and I guess he’s still out. I eat my food and go back to my cell.
About five minutes later the guard comes back and says I have a visitor. I get really excited. Maybe it was Mama and Jamie. It was just M. Jameson. Not gonna lie I was kinda disappointed. Although now I could tell him my idea about Miguel.
“Hello, how are you today?”
“Super!” I say really sarcastically.
“I’m sorry. If it makes you feel better I checked out that building on Davis.”
“And… find anything?” There was a little bit of hope in my voice.
“I couldn’t find anything. The building is locked tight. Every door and widow is sealed and boarded up. I check to see if the building is owned by anyone and it’s not. The city owns it. And I asked the police to get a warrant to take a look inside. But that could take a couple weeks.”
“And what part of this is supposed to make me feel better?”
“I guess none of it. Again sorry. Have you given any thought to anything since last time I saw you?”
“Yeah, Joey mentioned a guy named Miguel. I know of this guy a bit. He’s a friend of a group of guys in a gang.”
“Ok, great. Does he have a last name? And the gang?”
“I don’t know. Try Alvarez. The group maybe called Infierno.”
“Ok. I’ll take a look. I’ll probably come back later tonight.”
“Sounds good,” I reply really unenthusiastically.
I get up and say good bye. I as I make myself to the door, the guard comes up.
“Sit back down. You have another visitor. You’re probably the most popular guy in here.” He laughs at his own joke and opens the door. In walks Mama. She looks really scared. I wonder if they walked her by all the cells. Giving her chance to see how I’ve been living. It would have said something like Mrs. Cruz this is how America treats criminals. And Mrs. Cruz your son is a criminal. She has to know I would never hurt anyone. She walks in and I give her a big hug. I missed her so much. She sits down on one side of the table and I join her by sitting on the other.
“Hey Mama. How are you?” I say in a really calm voice. I want her to see that I’m ok. Maybe it will settle her down too.
“I’m fine.”
“And Jamie?”
“He’s ok. He misses you. We all do. How are you?”
“I’m ok. I met with Mr. Jameson earlier. We have a lot of new ideas about the case. Hopefully I’ll be out of here soon.”
“That’s nice.”
She nods her head and sits there silently for a while. It was kinda awkward. Why did she come to see me if she wasn’t gonna talk to me? This was crazy she was my own Mom and she won’t even talk to me.
“Did you do it?” she asks after a little while.
I bet it’s burning inside her. The question. I’ve been waiting for her to ask me if I did it. I think I knew it was coming. She hadn’t asked me yet. And it was obvious that she felt uncertain of everything. I wanted to scream at her. How could she ask me that? I was her son. It was her job to back me up no matter what happens. But of course I can’t do that.
“Of course not. Mama you know I would never hurt Joey.”
“I’m sorry Eduardo,” she’s one of the only people who still call me that, ”it’s just that lawyer lady.”
I didn’t want to hear her excuses.
“She is really convincing you know.”
“Mama-“
“Ok I believe you.”
“Mama, it’s not important now. The point is you didn’t believe me! You really think I would kill someone? Over money? How could you believe that bitch?”
“Watch your language!”
“Well she is.”
“That’s not important. You respect these people Eduardo. They are the ones who can keep you locked up in here! Is that what you want? You want to spend the rest of your life here? Away from your family? Don’t give them anymore of a reason to do their job!”
“Sorry Mama?”
“Yes you are.”
I look down. “Why did you come?”
She didn’t answer. I looked up to look at her. She gazed back her face unchanged, but tears looked like they were building in her eyes.
“I guess I just wanted answers.” She kept looking at me. “And to see you.”
“Mama I’d never lie to you.”
“I know Eduardo.” She kept staring at me. I wanted to change the subject.
“I don’t think I’ve changed too much.” I laughed, “It’s only been a couple of weeks right.”
She laughs, ”I guess not. You need to shave though.”
I laugh. I touch my face. I guess I didn’t notice. My face was real scratchy.
“It’s been good to see you Mama.”
“You too.” She stands up and I do the same. She gives me a hug and leaves. I go back to my cell. Chris is asleep like normal and I lie down too. It was good to see mama. I truly missed her. It was weird to think that outside these walls life was still going on…without me. While I’m in this stone hole in the ground Mama was still sending Jamie to school everyday. Everyone in school was still learning math, English, and science. The Lakers were still winning games, hopefully. And this was all happening while I was sitting here, thinking about it. I can’t expect life to stop on my account and my troubles. Chris was right I should stop pitting myself because it defiantly not going to help. I guess that’s when I realized it’s true that life waits for no one. And life certainly wasn’t going to wait for me while I am trying to get out.
Chapter 7: Familiarity
When I wake up in the morning I’m usually surprised to find myself in prison. But this morning I woke up, looked around, and wasn’t surprised. I knew I’d wake up staring at a concrete ceiling. I knew I’d turn to my left and see Chris, asleep in his cot. I knew down the hall there were two guards standing erect thinking they’re the shit. This is real bad news. It means I’m getting accustom to being here. I can’t let myself get use to this. It’s not something anyone should except from their life.
Chapter 8: A Way Out
Mr. Jameson never came back yesterday, like he said he would. I guess that’s why I’m woken up at 5:30 in the morning, because I have an urgent visit. I don’t know if I’m allowed to have visitors this early. But I guess Attorneys get special privileges.
“Hey Eddy! How are you?” Mr. Jameson asks.
“”Tired.” I reply. Mr. Jameson sounds really excited. I don’t know if it’s a caffeine rush from all the coffee he’s probably had, from being up this early. Or if he has good news.
‘I’m sorry but I had to tell you my news. I have information on our friend Miguel Alverez.” He’s like a little child, looking for his parent’s approval. For someone to say ‘good job kid.’
Even though I was really excited about this news, I was too tired to be the one to give him the props he probably disserves. All I could say is, “what?”
Mr. Jameson looks kinda disappointed at my reaction. But goes on anyway. He places some folders on the table. Damn this guy did his homework.
“He’s a member of the Infierno. And the gun found on the ground is his. And very recently he built up a record. He was charged with assault and grand theft auto. He was arrested and bailed out a week ago. I’m thinking from another member of the gang. It was a lot of money too. Would you happen to know how they make money?”
“Nope. But they always have new stuff.”
“I also went back to the building, the one on Davis. I think I saw Miguel there too. He was talking some other men and they were being really underhanded.”
“Huh?”
“Sneaky.”
“Right. It’s probably drugs.”
“Ok good. I’m still waiting for that warrant. The police will bust that place open!”
“Great!” I try to sounds really excited.
“Ok anyway we have to work on today’s trial.”
“Right. Ok.” I am so tired. Did we really have to do this right now? Can’t we just improvise this? Spontaneous? No? Ok.
“So I’m going to bring you up to the stand again. I’m going to ask you about the Miguel and the building. Just say what you told me.”
“Ok.”
“This will let the Jury see that there is another point on this case.”
“Ok.”
“Ok I think you should get some more sleep before the trial.”
“Only if you insist.” I smile.
Mr. Jameson laughs.
I go back to my cell and go back to sleep. When I wake up there is a suit on the ground with my name on it. Mr. Jameson musta gotten really excited about this trial. Now I’m excited I might be getting out of here sooner then later. I smile at this thought and get dressed.
Chapter 9: Sike!
"Remember Eddy this isn't going to get you out of jail today, but it is a step forward." Mr. Jameson explains. He still sounded very excited about his new discoveries.
“Ok.” The trial was gonna start any second.
“All rise. The honorable Judge Mathews is presiding.”
All at once everyone stood up. The judge raised his hand and everyone sat.
“The defense, you can call your next witness to the stand.”
“Your honor I would like to call Mr. Cruz to the stand… again.”
I stand and walk up the stand.
“Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you god?”
“I do.”
Mr. Jameson walks to the center of the room. Mr. Cruz before Mr. Hernandez’s death, did he say anything was bothering him?”
“Yeah, he did. He kept asking me about a building on Davis. It’s the old abandoned one, down the street from Bicycle Bills. He asked me if I knew anything about it because he saw Miguel Alverez there.” When I stopped Mr. Jameson gave me a look saying ‘go on.’ I thought some more. “He would always get really defensive when I asked him why he cared so much. I think he was scared of him.”
“Your honor I would like to share, that the gun discovered at the crime scene was registered to Mr. Alverez.”
“Objection Your Honor. Hearsay!” Ms. Conner objected.
“Over ruled. The Gun was presented as evidence this morning.”
The jury started mumbling to themselves. I think the was a huge break through.
Ms. Conner didn’t look too upset at this letdown, and sat back down.
“I’m finished Your Honor.”
I stepped down from the stand I went back to my seat next to Mr. Jameson.
“Your Honor, I’d like to call Miguel Alverez to the stand.” Ms. Conner said really proudly.
I turned around and saw Miguel walking down the aisle. Mr. Jameson was saying how he couldn’t get Miguel in to question. Miguel took his seat up on the stand. He swore his truth and Ms. Conner continued.
“Mr. Alverez you were charged for grand theft auto and assault, is this true?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
“You admit it?”
“Yes Ma’am. And I’m deeply sorry.”
“Honest boy, that’s nice. Mr. Alverez is it true you own a S.I.G. Sauer P238 Pistol?”
“Do you still own it?”
“No Ma’am I sold it.”
“You sold it to whom?”
“Him.” He points right at me.
“Let it be known that the witness has identified Mr. Cruz as the person he sold his gun to.”
Fuck! Why is this pendejo lying?
“And Mr. Alverez when did you sell it the Mr. Cruz your gun?”
“About a month ago.”
I turned to Mr. Jameson; he looked like someone just smacked him across the face.
“Mr. Jameson he’s lying!” I whispered.
He turns to face me, says nothing, and turns back, still with a stunned look on his face.
“Mr. Alverez, what do you know about Eduardo Cruz?”
“I know him from school. I heard that when he was really little his father shot someone. It was a bad drug deal or something.”
“Objection YOUR HONOR! Hearsay! The witness has no direct experience. Not to mention my clients cannot be blamed or judge for something his father did! He’s not a shadow of him.” I was glad to see the Mr. Jameson was still able to do his job.
“Mr. Jameson relax! Hearsay is enough. Remove from the record about Mr. Cruz’s past. Jury I ask you to disregard once again what has been said.”
Despite the call, Ms. Conner looks really pleased.
“Mr. Alverez where were you the day Joey Hernandez was killed?”
“I was on his street. I saw Eddy go into Joey’s house. He busted open the door and went in.”
“Did you hear gun shots?”
“No Ma’am. But that doesn’t mean anything. I was pretty far down the street.”
“Thank you.”
Ms. Conner sits down.”
“Your Honor I would like to cross examine Mr. Alverez.”
“Go for it.”
“Mr. Alverez you said that you didn’t hear the gun shots?”
“That’s right.”
“Ok. So how can anyone know that Mr. Cruz was the one who killed Joey?”
“You can’t. But it was the gun I sold him and-“
“Answer the question!”
“You can’t.”
“Right. Thank You.”
Mr. Jameson sits down.
“If that’s all the people to be examined, then Court dismissed. We will have another trial at a soon to be determined time.” The Judge Mathews announces.
Chapter 10: Why Bother?
I concluded that I shouldn’t care about anything. I arrived to this conclusion with a lot of thought. I figure the more you care about something, the more likely you are to develop feelings about it. Feelings that are strong and meaningful to you. But if you have these strong feelings, the more likely you are to have these feelings hurt. And when these feelings get hurt you are then CRUSHED! And when you get crushed it’s hard to rebuild yourself. it’s like starting all over again from scratch. Because you’re afraid to care about and have feelings again in fear that you’re just gonna get these feelings crushed again. So the best way to avoid any of this is to just not care about anything in the first place. Just go through life no committing yourself to anything specific, because then that way you can never get hurt.
Or is it hope I’m referring to? Is it useless to hope for anything in fear that it never happens? Whatever it is, I just figure why bother? I’m just gonna get hurt in the end.
Chapter 11
Once again we’re back at the conference room. Mr. Jameson is scribbling a bunch of notes down.
“Ok so that didn’t go as well as I hoped.”
“No kidding.”
“And Miguel sharing that about your father was really terrible.”
“But they can’t use that to convict me. Right?”
“Right. But you can’t take back what You’ve just heard. Even thought they aren’t supposed to use it. It will always be in the back of their minds. And people with a violent history, whether it be their parents or themselves is always a huge factor to cases like these.”
Crap! I put my head on the table. Suddenly I thought of something.
Miguel said that he was on Joey’s street. Why would he be there? Infierno doesn’t usually come over to that part of the city. And since it was his gun found, it’s obvious that he was the one who killed Joey. That Bastard!” But getting mad at Miguel wouldn’t help. At least not now. I thought about what Chris said. I have to stay focused on getting out before anything else. “If everyone in the jury thinks I killed Joey, we’d have to prove them wrong. I’ve been on Joey’s street many times. It’s too loud. And how could he see me. The entrance to his house is the side entrance of the building. To see the door clearly you’d either have to be across the street or close to the building. In both those places you could easily hear a gun shot. So he has to be lying about one of the things. He either lying about seeing me to hearing the gun shot. And obviously I didn’t shoot him so there was not gun shot. So he had to not of seen me.” I looked up. I felt really proud of myself I was finally putting more helpful thought into the case.
“I could do some tests. I have a friend down at the police station. We could reenact the scenario.”
“Ok.”
“But it’s a stretch. We’d have to take everything into account and make sure it’s precise. It will only take a day or two.”
I nod, “it’s worth it.”
“Eddy was there any truth to what Miguel was saying?”
I think over everything Miguel said. “I did go to Joey’s house obviously but it was because… it all started when we were gonna go to the park for a pick up game, at the park. He had to run home and get his cleats. But the thing is that he never cam back. I waited for close to an hour and then I figured he was still at his house. So I went over to it and walked up the street. When I was a couple of steps form the door I notice the front door was slightly was open. It wasn’t all the way shut. I had a feeling something was wrong. Because Joey wouldn’t leave his door open like that. So I ran in and that’s when I saw Joey.” I stopped.
“Wow! I see how Miguel’s story was pretty convince. It was almost perfectly accurate.”
“Not at all! He had none of it down. I didn’t bust open any doors or run up any streets.”
“Well I did say pretty convincing.” Mr. Jameson mumbles. “Anyway, Like I said I’ll try to set up the reenactment as soon as possible. And hopeful this will get the real truth from his story.”
“Thanks.”
(Mr. Jameson's Short Story)
Chapter 12: Best Friends
"So Theo you really think he is nnocent?"
"Yeah I do. He seems far too distraught about the whole thing. One of the guards told me he's cryig at night." I answered.
"Ever think that's maybe it's becaus they're right? And he knows it's just days until they are going to sentenc him."
"Hmm. I just don't think that's the case. I mean common, you were there when he was arrested. Hodid he seem?"
" Upset. I guess. But they all do hen they get caught." He say as he takes anothe sip of his Samual Adams.
"So are you going to help me or not?"
"Theo you know I'm there for you. If you really think that your boy didn't do it, then I guess I believe you. Of course I'll help you." Then he pats me on the back. "But you have to buy the drinks." And he laughs.
"Of course." I always liked Charlie. He was a nice guy and a loyal friend. I knew if I asked him for assistance he'd be willing to help. He has always had my back. "So what do you think I'll need. To be able to do this reenactment correctly."
"Well... you're are going to need the EXACT statement from the witness. Thatway you can tell exactly where everything was taking place."
"Ok."
"We'll also bring a starter's gun. Like the ones at track races."
I nod.
"Those guns have about the same desible sound as an average hand gun. It's close enough to hold upin court."
"Ok great!"
"And I'll also bring a lazer and a huge lensed camera. This will show exactly the visual range from point of possition to the from dof. That wat we can tell of your friend... Miguel?"
"Yeah."
"To see if Miguel was telling the truth. Because you don't want anyone to say you didn't try all pssible angles."
"ok this is great!"
"Sure is." And Charlie takes another sip and laughs. "Your boy will be out before yo know it."
"Excelnt!" I think Charlie was startig to feel those Sam Adams now, but I still think he knows what he's talking about. I mean there was to be a reason why he was named the captain of the L. A. P. D.
"Hey Charlie it's getting late, I'll drive you home. I bet Karen is wondering where you are."
"Yeah you're probaly right. She had bridge at eight but I bet it's over by now. I'll give her a call then we can leave."
"Sounds good." Charlie walks over to the pay phones in the back of the resturant. I look on the table and there are three Samual Adams. Well while he does that I guess I should pay for these. I head over to the bar and pay the bar tender. when I get back to the table Charlie is sitting there. "Ready to go?"
"Sure thing." And he laughs.
I smile. Charlie has always had a way of making me feel happy. I guess I would call him my best friend. Our families were close and sometimes we even went on joint family outings. Our children went to shool together and were friends too. It's great to know I have a friend like Charlie.
When we pulled up to Charlie's house he thanked me for the drinks and got out.
"CHARLIE!" I shouted. I quickly remebered that I still ahdn't gotten a warrent to search the building on Davis.
"What's up Buddy?"
" Do yo think you could do me one more solid.?"
"Ah really? Another one? Damn Jameson you always need something." He said in a kidding way. He laughed."What do you need?"
"I asked one of your luitenants a while ago for a warrant to search the old building on Davis Street. I still haven't recieved it. Do you think you could speed things along?"
"Of course I can. Those damn luitenants can't finish anyting on time." He laughs again. "I'll get those to you tomorrow. When I see you."
"Great thanks Charlie! I'll see you tomorrow at noon."
"yes you will." He says as he makes his way up to his house. He turns and starts walking backwards, still toward his house. He shouts back to the car. "You should of come straight to me for a warrant Jameson. You Know I would've gotten it to you in twenty foour.
"I know. I'll remeber that for next time." I shout back. Charlie turns around and opens the door to his house and goes inside. I drive away. I began thinking about the similarities between myself and Eddy. He had a best friend, Joey. I HAVE a best friend, Charlie. He's all messed up because he lost his best friend. I'm incredibly happy because I have my best friend. I don not even want to think about what it would be like if I lost Charlie. I'd feel... sad. But that was such an understatement. I don't think there is a word for how I'd feel if I lost Charlie. I'd be horrible. And that's how Eddys been feeling since Joey died. I can't imagine. If I could, I'd help Eddy feel better. But I don't know if he will ever feel the same without Joey. There will always be a whole in his heart for his best friend. The least I could do is get Eddy out of Jail so he can at least try to move foward with his life. And that's what I AM going to do.
Chapter 13: Ten Steps Back, one HUGE step forward.
I couldn't sleep much last night. I was so excited about the reenactment today. I was lying in bed thinking about all the possible ways to approach this. I left early in the morning and went to the office to get all the forms. The most important one I picked up was the statement given by Miguel, that was taken by the police. As soon as I had everything, I got into the car and went straight to the Hernandez's residence. Which is probably why I am an hour early, and sitting in my car, drinking a coffee. I couldn't help it but this whole case has been so entriguing to me. I'm so detrmined to win this one. I couldn't take it an longer. I had to be doing something. I don't hae any of the high-tech equiptment. Charlie was bringing that. But I could start walking around evaluating the area. I got out of the car and walked across the street to the sidewalk on the other side. I took out the folder and read Miguel's statement. And read it aloud.
"I was standing over there by that...um... that thing. *points to parking meeter. About twenty feet from Post Box.* Then I saw Eddy running down the street and break Joey's door in. That's all."
Based off the report Miguel didn't seem to clear to where he was standing. But if he claims it was near the parking meeter then that's where I'll look. I looked around looking for Joey's house number. It was supose to be number thirteen. But I couldn't find it. Just then I hear a car horn. I turn around and see Charlie in his cruiser. He's dressed in his Police uniform.
"Nice Outfit 'captian'." I said as he gets out of his car.
"Hey watch it don't give me a reason to arrest you." He replies and laughs.
I laugh too.
"I thought if we were going to do this we should do it right. Plus I look good in my uniform." He says as he brushes nonexsisttant dirt from his shoulder.
"Do you have the stuff?"
"'Do I have the stuff' Hah! Of course I do. He brings me over to his cruiser and pulls out his camera. Got this from the experts down at the station. They say it can see up to one hundred and fifty yards away, with this lense." Then Charlie pulls wha looks like a really long, black, gun from his car.
"That's the lazer?"
"Yes sir it is! It's the best we have. Bang!" He points it at me and cocks it up. That's one of the fun things about Charlie he can be the Police Captain of Los Angles, but he is always been a little kid at heart. He laughs.
"This is great. So I read Miguel's statement." I hand it to him. "He claims he was standing over by the parking meeter near the mail box."
"Haedo Rivera. Good guy. Really good officer. Really reliable."
"Huh?"
"He wrote this report. He's a good, I trust him."
"Oh that's great." I say kind of confused. I lead the way over to the parking meeter by the mailbox. "This is the place."
"Ok great. I'll set up the lazer and Camera. Where's the boys house?"
"I don't know."
"Well. Go and find it."
One again I resume my searching for number thirteen. Eddy said it was a side entrance. I head over to number eighteen. There are two guys sitting outside.
"Excuse my do you know where number thirteen is?"
Both of them looked blankly at me. They didn't seem to know what I was talking about.
"Number thirteen? Do you know where it is?"
There was no response.
"Where?" I point indicating to the buildings. "Numer thirteen?"
"Numero trece? Donde esta?" Charlie shows up behind me.
"Oh si. alli." They point to a tall building three houses down the street.
"Thanks Charlie."
"Do I have to save you all the time?" He laughs. "No problemo."
"I didn't know you spoke spanish."
"You have to know spanish if you want to live in Los Angeles." He says. He said Los Angles in a spanish accent.
" Guess. Ok here it is."
Charlie put a sticker on the door. It was about a foot in length and width.
"What's this for?"
"It picks up the lazer. If the lazer hits this mat, it sends a message to the gun and it's recorded as a sight. It would prove that Miguel could've seen Eddy at the door from where he was standing."
"Ah. Right ok."
We headed back over to the parking meeter. The camera is set up on a tripod. Charlie looks through the lense and starts taking pictures. As far as I could see, there is no way Miguel could have seen the door to Joey's house. I bend at the waist and look from different angles. I even take a few steps in every direction. There was no visual. Charlie does the same. He moves the tripod and takes more and more picture. Again I and bending and twisting.
"Don't bother my friend. There is nothing. As far as the camera can tell there is no way to see the door."
"Ok. And the lazer?"
"Wait a second hombre, I'm getting there."
Charlie dismounts the camera and sets the lazer up. He points the gun in the direction of where Joey's door was.
"There will be a soft ding if the lazer hits the mat."
So far there was sound. Again Charlie moves the location of the tripod in a every direction. There was still no sound.
"Ok well that wraps it up." Charlie takes apart the lazer and retrieves the mat. "I will have the results of the lazer and camera pictures printed out by tomorrow."
"Sounds good."
"But now we're are going to go bust open that old building on Davis. I had a small squad put together to go in."
"Wow! Thanks Charlie! Can I come?"
"Of course. Let's go!"
Chapter 14: A Moment of Stand still
We pulled on to Davis street. We drove all the way down until we got to the old building. It was boarded up with wooden plannels over the windows. Charlie got out of the cruiser. I stayed in the car. Outside there were about ten police officers. All of them were wearing bullet proof vests, standing, and waiting for Charlie to arrive. Charlie approached them and greated everyone. Then he bagan talking. I couldn't hear what they wer saying, but they all looked very serious. Charlie began pointing to the building. He pointed at the building's front and back. He then held up tow fingers are pointed to the front of the building again. I'm sure Charlie already had the building scouted out. He probably knows where the exits are and how to get inside. Again he was talking and pointing. He pulled aside one of the officers. Seconds later the officer ran away around the corner. I have no clue where that guy was going. But Charlie didn't look to concerned. he was still talking to his men, And still looking very serious. This is what I mean when I meant about Charlie. He's a kid at heart, but when it comes to situations such as these he does NOT mess around. He will do what ever he can to get the job done.
Charlie waved to me. I waved back. Then he beckoned for me to get out of the car and join him. So I did.
"Gentelmen this is Mr. Jameson. He's a good friend." Charlie introduced. There was a chorus of 'hellos.'
"Hey everyone. Thanks for doing this."
"No problem." replies Charlie on everyone's behalf.
Chalrie pulled me aside and explains the plan of attack.
"We are going to have two teams. the first will go through the back. Adn the second throught the front. That way if there is anyboody inside we can trap them. I will leave an officed outside here, with you. When the building is secure I'll let you two join us inside."
"Ok fine."
"Extra precaustion is for your own safty."
"And I thank you."
"Don't get smart Jameson." Charlie threatens in a joking matter.
"Wouldn't think of it." I replied. I laughed.
"Captain!" The officer who ran away earlier, was now back. He was lugging a huge pipe like cylinder with handles.
"ok thanks! It's to break the door in." Charlie explained, obviously seeing my reaction to the huge contraption.
"oh ok. Makes...sence."
The officer who brought the door opener over, turned to leave.
"Hold it Nelson. This is mr. Jameson. He's the man who you're going to be with until you get a call."
"It's very nice to meet you."
"Likewise." I reply.
Officer Nelson leaves to join the rest of the squad.
"He's new. that's why he's going to be with you out here. It's a little too early to start being in the field."
"So this whole precaustion thing isn't really all just for my own protection?"
"I guess not," Charlie laughs. "ready to do this thing?"
"Hi-Eye Captain!" Charlie gave me a look and joined his squad. About a minute later Officer Nelson joined me again. I could here over their walky talkies that they were about to begin. "So this is your first field day."
"Yeah."
"It's exciting." I asked.
"Sure is." He seemed kind of nervous.
"Ok team one. Are you in place?" I could here Charlie's voice over the walky talky.
"Yes Captain."
"Ok team one go." I could hear a loud cash over the walky talky as well as in the air.
"Team two. Go!" Charlie directed. There was a lot of sounds and people yelling.
Many voices were saying "Hands in the air." There were, what sound like rounds of run fires going off. But I could only hear this over the walky talk, because outside it was silent.
"Drop the weapons!"
"Hand in the air!"
"Get Down! NOW!"
More shots were fired and there was a, "Man down!"
"Drop it!" and thre was tow more shots. One after another. I have no clue whose line was whose, but it sounded like hell for about another fifteen seconds, then it stopped. Then I heard Charlie's voice over the Talky saying "all clear." Nelson bring Mr. Jameson in. Thank god Charlie was still alive!
"Ready?" Officer Nelson asked. He looked as pale as a ghost. He looked scared shitless.
I laughed at this thought and pat him on the back. "Sure am!" I smiled. I was a bit scared to see what was inside too. However I was confident that Charlie had everything taken care of.
Officer Nelson and I entered the building through the door tha twas knocked in. The room was huge. It looked more like a warehouse room. There were ceiling high stacks of lumber and boxes. In the middle of the room, there was a huge circle of poilice officers. They were all pointing there guns at a group of men in the center of the circle. There was once officer standing over the men, cuffing, what seeed like the last man. I looked around of Charlie. There was no sign of him anywhere.
"Officer," I tapped on of the officers on the back. "Where is Captain Gordon?"
"He's behind that crate." He said pointing to a stack of gigantic boxes. "There is an oficer down."
I ran over to see what was going on. Charlie was standing over a young man, he was laughing. I stopped, looking completely shocked.
"It's gonna take a little more then a bullet to kill me." The young man exclaimed.
Charlie looked up and saw me. "You come back when you're ready."
"Yes Captain."
He stood up and pulled me away.
"Is he ok?"
"Scott? Yeah not a problem. He got it in the vest. But it still leaves quite a blow." We head over to the circle of people in the center of the room. "What's going on?" Charlie asked.
"Five men here. I have a feeling there might be one or two more. They claim they can't speak English but I just don't think they want to say anything."
"Hey! Are there more people?"
"No se hombre. No hablo ingles."
"Hay mas personas?"
"Chingate! yo no voy a Decir."
"He's not speaking."
"Captain! You should come quick." About eight men kept the captured men surrounded. The rest followed the voice. It was Officer Scott. He had gotten up and made his way further inside the warehouse. "Look captain." He pointed to a body lying behind some tall stacks of lumber. Charlie made his way over and rolled the bod over. It was Miguel Alverez. He had a gun shot wound through his upper left torso. He was dead.
"Bring all these dirt bags back to the station. We will question each of them individualy." He turned to face me. "I guess they didn't approve of Miguel's testifying."
"Captain there is more!" Officer Scott shouted. He had left our side while we were focused on Miguel. He was poking out from behind anothe huge stack of lumber. We followed him back and noticed there was another huge section to this building. There was an opening, about big enough to fit a small pickup truck through. It was blocked off by a huge white curtain. Officer Scott pushed it aside and there was what looked like a HUGE meth lab. How is it that no one has found this place before. There were boxes of store bought drugs all over the place. There were MANY scales, jugs of alchol, filters, boxes of salts, batteries and stoves. All the stuff one would find in a normal household. Charlie walked in and started pushing some thing around. Then he found the mother load. There were bags full of Methamphetamine.
"Looks like they had a little operation going on here."
"And killing Miguel would ensure that no one would talk."

Chapter 15: Answers... AND another huge step forward.
At the station there Charlie was interrogating the men. The boss of the gang was not speaking about anything. He wouldn't even admit to being a member of the Infierno. Charlie gave up on him and joined me back in his office.
"This guy won't talk. I'm hoping maybe some of my other officers had better luck then I did."
None of them did.
"Maybe there is someone whose a bit weaker. You can pry it out of them." I suggested.
"Yeah. There is this one guy who looks really scared I'll try him next."
While Charlie interrogated the young man I stood in the observation room. And observed.
"So what's your name?" At first the young man didn't answer. So Charlie continued, "You know you face time in prison? For dealing, what's that about three to five years? That's no even considering any previous charges. There is also the factors of location, Penalties, role playing. So let us try this again. You have a name?"
"Victor."
"OK good. this is a good start. So victor you know about the meth lab in the back of your little establishment?"
"Yeah." he replied softly.
"You know about Miguel?"
"He was part of Infierno."
"So you are the Infierno? Ok good now we are getting some place." Victor looked like he had done something terribly wrong. And Charlie was this. "No, Victor this is good. See if you help us you can get some of those five years taken off. Oh by the way Victor, Miguel is dead. To be exact he was shot." Victor looked horrified. "You know who shot him?"
"No." he replied faintly.
"Well is there anything you do know? What about your leader? Has he killed anyone else before?" Charlie asked.
"You think I'll tell you? Well you're wrong. If I tell you they're just gonna kill me the same wa they killed Miguel."
"So you do know who killed Miguel? Whose 'they' Victor?" Again victor looked like he had done something wrong. Victor only looked about eighteen or twenty. Why was he with the Infierno? "Look Victor if you help us then we can keep you safe. We can lock away who ever did this and you won't have to deal with them any longer. Help me Victor. Help me, help you, help me." Charlie took that line right out of Jerry Miguire. He loved movies. I think he gets a lot of his lines from movies.
Victor seemed to be thinking things over. "It's the Jefe." He's probably the one who ordered Miguel dead."
"Ordered?" Charlie clarified.
"Yeah I don't think he's ever killed anyone before. He usually tells someone who to kill and they get it done."
"Has he done this before?" Victor didn't answer. "Did he order this done on Joey Hernandez?" Victor looked stunned that Charlie knew this. "Yes?"
Victor looked defeated. "Yeah he did. He sent Miguel out to kill Joey. He said if he did it then he could be an official member of the group. But when Miguel got caught when you arrived then Jefe decided it was too dangerous to have him speaking to courts again and had him killed."
"When?"
"Right before you guys showed up." Victor said.
"Do you know why Miguel was ordered to kill Joey?"
Victor thought about it before he answered. My guess is that this is when he decided that was going to help us and leave Infierno behind. "Something about Joey seeing too much."
"Joey saw your lab?"
"I think so."
Charlie paused.
"Victor what was your initiation into Infierno. Did you kill anyone?"
"No. My older brother is a member too. I just became a member through him."
"You don't like being part of it do you?"
When Victor didn't respond Charlie took that as a 'yes.'
"Look man you have to let me stay here." Victor pleaded. "If I go back now they'll kill me. Don't worry we have a cell waiting for you."
"I thought you said I'd get out if I told you stuff?"
"Yeah, I said you would get time TAKEN off." and with that Charlie left the room. And Victor put his head onto the table.
When Charlie came back into the observation room he looked very pleased with himself.
"There you have it. Joey was killed because he saw the Infierno's operation. The boss couldn't have him talking or telling the police so, Bang! Had him killed."
"It's terrible. What our world has come to." I responded. "One man sees another man's meth and soon one of them has to die." I shook my head at the thought. Charlie chuckled in agreement, not because it was funny but because he agreed.
(Eddy)
Chapter 16: Justice
So Mr. Jameson told me I'm as good as free. At first I didn't know whether I should believe him or not because last time he said he made progress I only ended up diggin myself a bigger hole. But he seems so certain. He said how his police friend helped him set up some laser thing that proved that there was no way Miguel saw Joey's door. There for there was now possible way for him to see me break into Joey's house. Also that he broke open that old sketchy building on Davis and found a meth lab. And that was the reason Joey's dead. Because he saw it and Infierno wanted to make sure that he didn't speak. But because Miguel did speak he as now dead. Which I really don't care about because he was the one who killed Joey. And he got some guy named Victor Suarez to testify for me. It was all very confusing but sounds great! I really think this maybe my last night in this cell. My last time seeing Chris and my last time having to sleep on this terribly uncomfortable cot. Mr. Jameson and his friend really represents good police work. They did work and proved me right. Finally there will be justice.
Chapter 17: Final Trial
"Your Honor I would like to call Victor Suarez to the stand." Mr. Jameson announces proudly. Victor takes a seat up at the stand. He looks terribly nervous.
"Mr. Suarez, is it true you belong to a group known as Infierno?"
"Yes Sir."
"And it is true this was the group Miguel Alverez belonged to?"
"Yes sir."
"But Miguel is no longer a member? Is that correct?"
"yes sir. He was shot dead."
"Do you know by whom?"
"Yes sir by Juan Santana." Victor replies.
"Do you know why?"
"Because he testified here. To all of you. Jefe thought he said too much."
"Right." Mr. Jameson said he would ask this question to show the jury that Victor was brave and didn't mind the risk. It seemed to work. The Jury was mumbling softly. Mr. Jameson continued. "Mr. Suarez it's true that Juan Santana was ordered to kill Mr. Alverez?"
"Objection Your Honor. Hearsay." Ms. Conner stated.
"Sustained." the judge agreed.
"Let me rephrase that." Mr. Jameson said. "Mr. Suarez was it Juan's idea to kill Miguel?" Ms. Conner looked upset at the rewording of the question.
"No sir. He was told to kill Miguel by Jefe."
"Has this happened before? Has ‘Jefe‘ ordered other people killed?"
"Yes sir. When Jefe ordered Miguel to kill Joey." The jury started talking all at once. Everyone in the court room was chattering. I think this was it. This was the sentence that was going to free me from jail. There is no way the Jury can sentence me now.
"Order!" Order!" It was quiet.
"Why was Joey ordered to be killed?" Mr. Jameson asked.
"Because he saw our Lab. Jefe was nervous that Joey would go and tell the police or something. And Miguel was eager to join Infierno so Jefe said if he wanted to join He would have to kill Joey Hernandez. So Miguel went to Joey's home and shot him. Left the gun, hoping it might look like a suicide or something. That gilun was stupid." Victor mumbled, "But when the police came and Miguel was still there he thought the best way to cover his tracks was to testify and frame someone else."
"Who did Miguel try to frame?"
"Him" victor said pointing to me. "Eddy. But Jefe thought he was stupid to even think that so he had him killed."
"your honor. I would also like to exhibit evidence to the court. Two days ago myself and Captain Gordon of the Los Angles Police Department, conducted a reenactment of Miguel's route at Joey's home." Mr. Jameson handed the guard a folder. And then he handed it to the judge. "Inside is Mr. Alverez's statement about where he was and what he saw. However based on the tests done, There is now way he saw what he said he saw. Also inside are pictures. Taken with a high lenses camera. They were taken from Miguel's said location and from our tests there is no way Miguel could see Joey's door."
"How do you know exactly where Miguel was standing? Maybe he was standing slightly to the left or something." Ms. Conner interrupted.
"Yes it's very possible, which is why the camera was moved within a six foot radius of the exact location. There is still no way to see the door." As Mr. Jameson was speaking there was a slide show on a TV monitor, that way the Jury could see, of all the pictures taken. Ms. Conner looked so upset that Mr. Jameson had an answer to everything. "And in addition Your Honor a laser test was done to ensure the results. Also done the exact same way as the camera, with a six foot radius. And based off the results there was no contact with the laser and the door. Making it impossible for Miguel to have seen the door. There for no one can say that Eduardo Cruz was to break Joey's door in." With this Mr. Jameson sat down.
"The jury will take a brief moment to come to a consensus."
I sat down and Mr. Jameson turned to me.
"How'd I do?"
"Hah Great!" I said. "I really do think that we might just win this one. Victor's statement was great! but Your tests really made it final."
"Thanks! I really tried hard for this one."
The jury's brief moment took an hour. Was it really that hard to come to a conclusion. The guy who killed Joey and said I did it was dead, for saying so. And Victor basically told them why I was innocent. Do they really need an hour? When they finally came back, Judge Mathews asked for the jury's verdict, they said, "we find the defendant NOT guilty!"
With those two words it was like a huge wave of happiness came crashing down on me. I felt liberated and relieved. There were no words for how I REALLY felt. But let me say it felt really good.
Chapter 18: ??????
Since there was not a real funeral Service for Joey, due to all the hubbub. I decided better late then never. So today I was going to go to Joey’s funeral service. I was going to give a speech about him to his immediate family and my family. Maybe a few of his friends would be there too, but it was really for those close to him… and me. I wanted this to be my proper, final, goodbye to him. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure what I was going to say yet. I wanted to say my final good bye and everything But I also wanted to say what Joey meant to me as a friend. And how he has changed my life. But I don’t really know yet. Whatever it is, even though he won’t be able to hear it, I know he’ll get the message. Because some where up in heaven he was looking down on me, smiling.
When I go to the cemetery. There was a small group of people. Joey’s mom and grandmother where standing where Joey was to be buried. Joey’s brothers where there and his sister. Me, Mama, and Jamie got out of the car and joined them. Mrs. Hernandez thanked us for coming and the service began. Joey’s coffin was white and looked really nice. There were flowers and a few gifts left by the side or on top of the coffin. There was a soccer ball, for obvious reasons, there was a favorite album of Joey’s, and a few other things. He would be glad to know he was being buried in style. There as a priest there who said some religious stuff about god watching over him and bringing him into heaven. But I really couldn’t pay too much attention to all of it. To be honest I wasn’t that religious. I do believe in heaven and all that stuff, but I don’t really get what Jesus and god have to do with it. Joey was in heaven because he was a good guy. He was a loyal friend, a good brother, and just a good person all around. No one could tell me otherwise. Joey was killed because some dumbass was more focused on his meth then anything else. But I didn’t want to be thinking about that right now. Joey meant way to much to me to be thinking about that at his funeral. I will always miss Joey. He was my best friend. And I KNOW that no one will ever fill his place. I will still move on in my own way. I will make new friends and keep living life. But there will always be Joey’s memory. And I will try to keep him alive through his memories. All the times we had as friends. I may not be alone anymore, being out of jail and everything, but I still feel alone knowing Joey isn’t with me anymore. But I promise that I won’t let it hold me back from living my life. I think I was repeating this more for myself then anything. I had to convince myself. Because I don’t ever want to be alone in the world. But I now know I wont Joey will always be there watching over me. Making sure I’m still me. He wouldn’t want me to change myself just because of him. He’d want me to keep being myself. And that’s what I plan on doing. Live my life for my friend, because I know that’s what he would want.
“Eddy ready?” It was time for me to do my speech. And I knew exactly what I was going to talk about.
The End.