A Woman’s Work: Street Chronicles (30 page)

The judge seemed to be in a good mood, which was unusual, since he’s known as “mean as Hell.”

“Mr. Martin is charged with violation of parole and possession of a firearm while being a convicted felon. State, let’s hear your case.”

Robert Jenkins, the Assistant District Attorney for the state, approached the judge to give his detailed opening remarks. “Your Honor, Mr. Felix Martin is a known thug and drug dealer. He’s accused of violating his parole by carrying a gun. In addition to possession of a firearm, he was also in the process of completing a major drug deal that would have taken place had the authorities not learned of the crime and foiled it.”

“Your Honor, that’s speculation,” said David Wolf, Stacks’s attorney. “The state can’t prove that my client was at the location in question to buy drugs. In fact, the state can’t even prove that there
was
a drug deal. No drugs were found at the scene of the supposed crime.”

Judge Means looked at both attorneys and spoke sternly. “This is a court of law. What we will do today is try the facts, and only the facts. I don’t want to hear about circumstantial evidence. I don’t
want to hear a lot of what-ifs, what could have beens, or what may bes. Do I make myself clear?” It was more like a statement than a question.

Both attorneys nodded in unison.

“Now, Mr. Jenkins, can you call your first witness?” Judge Means asked.

“Your honor, I’d like to call Detective Morgan to the stand.”

Morgan approached the witness box like a true professional. He looked like a picture cut out of
Law & Order
. He looked very clean-cut. Little did anyone know he was as muddy as the Mississippi River.

After being sworn in, he took a seat.

“Detective Morgan, are you the arresting officer of the defendant Felix Martin?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Could you give me a little background about the arrest and what you and your partner uncovered at the scene of the crime?” the ADA asked.

“Of course I can. On the night in question, my task force and I were doing surveillance on a known drug dealer. We were told by some confidential informants that a big drop was going to be made. We joined the DEA and the local Red Dogs to make the biggest drug bust to date. While we were doing surveillance, we noticed Martin and an accomplice enter the gas station store with a duffel bag. We had just seen our mark enter the store a few minutes prior, so we knew the drop had been made.

“One of our officers reacted too quickly and jumped before the command. In the middle of this fiasco, we believe Martin was able to dump the drugs. When we arrested him, no drugs were found. However, we did find two weapons. Martin’s accomplice claimed the first one, but we found the second gun directly on Martin. Since he’s a convicted felon, we booked him on the weapons charge. Ballistics were run to see if the gun had been used in a
crime. So far, nothing’s come back, but we’re running it through the NIC system too,” he said, full of confidence.

Mr. Jenkins felt like he’d already won his case. He was so sure of it, in fact, that not only did he call no other witnesses, he was ready to rest his case.

The defense was up next. David Wolf was a pro, and just like his namesake, he was ready to pounce. The courtroom was his territory, and he ruled it proudly.

He approached the witness stand. “Detective Morgan, you’re a decorated officer, correct?” The detective nodded.

“I mean, you’ve had one hell of a career,” Wolf continued. “You were awarded the Purple Heart, you’ve been named Detective of the Year for the State of Georgia, and you’re the head of the task force for Zone Three. I must say, I’m impressed. You took those words ‘To serve and protect’ to heart.” Morgan looked a little uncomfortable, not sure where Wolf was going.

“Your Honor, can he get to the point?” Jenkins said. “We all know about Detective Morgan’s achievements. Where is this line of questioning going? In fact, I haven’t heard a question at all.”

Judge Means looked at Wolf and said, “Mr. Wolf, how do Detective Morgan’s achievements relate to your client?”

“I’m glad you asked, Your Honor,” Wolf replied. “Detective Morgan is what we call the scum of the earth. Instead of fighting for the law, he’s taken the law into his own hands. He’s used his badge for his own selfish ends. He’s setting up innocent people, putting them in jail for crimes they didn’t commit, and stepping on them like dirt to climb the ladder of success.” He didn’t give the ADA a chance to get a word in.

“Objection, Your Honor. This is pure speculation. This is defamation of character. This is unethical. I demand that he recant those statements.” The ADA was fuming.

“First of all,” the judge said, “no one demands anything in this courtroom except for me. I’m shocked, Mr. Wolf, at your statements.
You better have some proof to back up these statements, or not only will you be fined, but I’ll have the State Bar review this case. Now, what proof do you have of such allegations?”

“Your Honor, may I enter exhibit A? It’s a tape recording of Detective Morgan admitting to not only setting Mr. Martin up but also to beating him and his accomplice.” Wolf was in rare form.

Detective Morgan looked angry. “I’m not the scumbag here. Those drug-dealing fools are, and this—this—thuggish, coldhearted bastard is trash!” He couldn’t control his temper. The ADA tried to keep Morgan from speaking, but it seemed he’d gone into a zone.

This was a spectacle, and I was surprised that Judge Means let it go on. I’m pretty sure I even saw him smirk.

“Yeah, I may have planted something on him,” Morgan said. “Why not? They’ve been getting away with shit for so long. Somebody had to stop them. But instead of going after them, you want to go after me. I’m a taxpayer, for God’s sake. I keep your ass safe. Every night I go out there and fight crimes while you sleep in your comfortable beds. Then when we do bust these thugs, they go hire these high-price attorneys who get them off. So, yeah, I planted a gun, because I couldn’t catch him with the dope. I had to account for something; I had forty hours of manpower I had to explain to my superiors. If I didn’t get a bust, it was my ass. And, yeah, I roughed him up a bit. Who gives a damn? It’s better than the bullets he dodges every day. You people kill me. I mean, whose side of the law are you really on?” Morgan had clearly lost it.

The courtroom was silent. As Wolf entered the evidence, he asked the judge if he could play the tape for the courtroom. Under normal circumstances it wouldn’t have been allowed. I mean, I wasn’t a police officer, and Morgan wasn’t aware that I’d taped him. But since he’d incriminated himself, it was fair game.

After hearing the tape, we knew it was a win. I looked at Stacks and winked. I knew he’d be furious when he found out that I’d put
myself in danger to keep him from going to prison, but I’d deal with that after he was free.

After closing arguments, we sat on pins and needles waiting on the judge’s verdict.

“In light of everything that has occurred, I’m really amazed. The law is supposed to serve and protect. But in this case it seems that
some
people took the law into their own hands. I’m here to make judgments based on the facts presented to me. It’s clearly an injustice to the people and the system I serve when one of our own believes himself to be above the law. I first of all demand the release of Mr. Felix Martin immediately. We apologize for the inconvenience.

“I’d also like to demand an investigation of department standards and regulations by Internal Affairs, and I’m calling for Detective Morgan’s badge to be turned in until a full-fledged investigation is completed. Court is dismissed.”

I ran over to Stacks and gave him a huge hug and kiss. He smelled like jail, but I didn’t give a damn.

“Baby, I told you I had your back. I knew you were coming home. I’m so happy.” I was smiling from ear to ear.

“Yeah, baby, you definitely put your work in on that one. I’m so happy to have you in my life. You’re a trouper, just like TI and Tiny. You had a nigga’s back. But, baby, I ain’t going to trip now, but if you ever put your life in jeopardy again, I’m going to be real upset, you hear me?” I knew he was serious and I understood.

As we walked out of the courthouse hand in hand, I turned and whispered in his ear, “I love you so much, Stacks.”

We paused for a moment, then he looked me in the eye and said, “I love you too, Ms. G-Stacks. You are one hell of a woman.” I smiled. I knew I was engaged to a boss, and he knew he had a real boss bitch on his side. With that, we popped our collars and headed to the car. Hell, that was just one episode of many. We had money to make and a life to live.

Keisha Starr

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for not only creating me but instilling such a wonderful passion for the art of writing. I would like to thank Nikki Turner for giving me this opportunity and for being a mentor. In addition, I would like to thank my amazing family and close friends for believing in me and always pushing me to follow my dreams. Dawn Lamb and Elon “Nick” Wizzart, thank you for being the greatest parents in the world! Gary, the father of the family, I thank you for being the best cousin a girl could ever have. You stand a million men strong! Also, I would like to thank Gene for giving me tough love when I need it and for always encouraging and supporting me. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank the three people who make me get up and strive for success every day: John, Barbara, and Rallin (JBR). Your legacy will forever live on!

Tysha

I, first and foremost, thank God for all he continues to bless me with. I thank my sons, Je’Vohn and Reese for their unconditional love and support. We have an unbreakable bond. My brother, J.J., thanks for your help on the storyline. I love you baby brother! To my sister Tracey, my godsister Jenna, and my cousin Keedee, I thank you for being consistent with always encouraging and pushing me to share my ability to tell a story to the world.

LaKesa Cox

First, foremost, and always, I have to thank God for keeping me, taking care of me, and always being there for me. To my daughters who are both growing into beautiful young ladies: Continue to strive to be the best in everything you aspire to do. Don’t take any shorts. To my baby boy who keeps this woman working hard at motherhood: Thanks for keeping me on my toes! To my husband: Thanks for your never-ending support and for always having my back. Seeing that this book is all about “women’s work,” I’d like to give a special thanks to two of the hardest-working hustlers in the single-mother business: my mother Patricia Crossin and mother-in-law Joan Roots. Thank you both for working hard to raise your children by yourselves. I realize now that it had to be hard work! Mom, you sure made it look easy! And finally, to Ms. Nikki Turner: my diva friend, homegirl, and all around sister in print, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do this thing again and represent for the ladies. You are the best at what you do, and I appreciate your continued support.

Monique S. Hall

First of all, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father, for allowing me to accomplish my goals and always watching over me, your lost sheep. For you truly left the ninety-nine to save this little one. I also want to thank my mom and dad, Thomas and Marylin Hall, for all their support; my sister, Teresa Rogers; my brother-in-law, Rev. Michael Rogers; and my niece, Michaela. Family is so important.

There are two young ladies who have been more than family: Dana Robinson and Nachelle Hemphill. You are my rock. Travian Williams, thank you for all your help on this project. I would like to give a special shout-out and dedication to Nikki Turner, who has been a sister, a friend, and a confidante. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your vision and for allowing me to spread my wings.

ALSO BY NIKKI TURNER

Novels

Heartbreak of a Hustler’s Wife
Natural Born Hustler
Relapse
Ghetto Superstar
Black Widow
Death Before Dishonor
 
(with 50 Cent)
Riding Dirty on I-95
The Glamorous Life
A Project Chick
A Hustler’s Wife

Editor

Street Chronicles: Backstage
Street Chronicles: Christmas in the Hood
Street Chronicles: Girls in the Game
Street Chronicles: Tales from da Hood
 
(contributing author)

Contributing Author

Girls from da Hood
Girls from da Hood 2
The Game: Short Stories About the Life

Born Keisha Wizzart in Baltimore, MD, K
EISHA
S
TARR
has always had a passion for creative writing. Early on, she traveled and performed with her family’s band, The Determination Band, one of Baltimore’s first reggae collectives, and began writing songs, school plays, cheers, and poetry, becoming a published author at just thirteen years old. And by age eighteen, she’d recorded her first CD,
True Confessions
. Keisha has gone on to write music for local artists and major powerhouses like Island Def Jam and Universal Records. She also writes for print publications including
Iconography
and
Ezo Magazine
. Keisha Starr has written her first urban novel,
Jamaican Me Go Crazy
, which she plans to release with a musical soundtrack.

T
YSHA
is the author of
The Boss
, the story of a female hustler. She is also a contributor to multiple anthologies including
Street Chronicles: Girls in the Game
, which is where Bossy and Aisha were first introduced to fans of urban fiction. Tysha is the mother of two adult sons. She was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. She is hard at work on multiple literary projects. Look for new titles coming soon.