Chapter 22
22
M ackenna sat in her office at DSS, a tension headache causing her to rub the back of her neck as she dialed Jobe.
“Hey, babe,” he answered jovially.
“Honey, we’ve got problems.”
His voice immediately became serious. “What kind of problems? Hang on, I’ve got the group here so I’m putting you on speaker.”
“My supervisor said that everything is scheduled properly for the move tomorrow, but that the security system has to be in place first. That caveat was added to the grant due to the problems we’ve had with gang threats. I know you all were starting tomorrow but weren’t going to finish until the next day when you could get some of the cameras from the old place.”
Jobe heard the worry in her voice and immediately reassured her that they’d be ready. “Let us work the problem here for a bit, and I’ll call you back. Meanwhile, take care of yourself. Go home if you have to.”
Jobe hung up, looking at the Alvarez group for answers and support. “What do ya’ll think?”
Tony turned to Vinny. “Can we get new cameras in over at the new location and then just recycle the ones we take down tomorrow at the old place?”
Vinny nodded, “Yeah, the new ones should be coming in today.”
“Guys, I hate to be the downer, but we’ve got more problems,” Lily said, hanging up her phone. “BJ can’t come in today. One of the twins has the croup and they are taking him to the hospital now. It’s not serious, but they want him checked out. We can’t use him today to check the new feeds.”
Tony took out his cell and immediately sent a text to BJ. “I’m telling him to let us know the minute he hears anything and to not worry about us.” The others around the table nodded, understanding the parental fears of a sick child. Looking over to Lily, he asked, “Can you do it?”
Lily bit her lip nervously, answering, “Truthfully? Yeah, I’m sure I can figure out what he does, but never having done that type of programing or checking before, I’ll want BJ to re-check it as soon as he can.”
Tony nodded, irritation evident on his face.
“I’m sorry, Tony,” Lily added.
His gaze jerked to hers, noting her concern. “Lily, I’m not upset with you at all. I’m upset with myself.”
Seeing the confusion on the faces of those around the table, he replied, “In SF, we had a medic but we also had a backup medic. We had someone trained in communications, but a backup. Same with sharp-shooter.”
The others nodded in understanding, but Tony continued, “Most of you are trained in multiple areas so that we can pick up the slack in any situation, but I’ve only used BJ to go out into the field and that was poor management on my part.”
Everyone clamored to contradict Tony’s assessment, but he raised his hand. “No, this is on me. But Lily,” he said, turning to her, “we’ll definitely use you today and I’m having the office manager start looking for another programmer we can hire.”
“You know,” Gabe added, “Just installing the cameras outside of the new place will be a deterrent until we can have BJ test them out.”
“Good point,” Tony conceded.
“Oh, no.”
All eyes at the table turned toward Lily, seeing her dismay.
“The shipment of new equipment that was coming today won’t be coming in after all. The shipping company is on strike so the dealer is now sending them through the Post Office, but they won’t get here for three more days.”
“Goddamnit,” Jobe shouted, his jaw tight with frustration.
“Okay folks, work the mission,” Tony ordered.
After another hour, the group had their assignments. Deciding that they did not want to delay the move, Jobe, Vinny, and Gabe would start removing the cameras from the current New Beginnings location and install them today at the new home. Lily would go with them when the systems were in place to provide the video-feed check. The bars would remain on the bottom floor windows of the current location and they would have Terrance spend the night at the old location along with Little John, to provide more security.
“Jobe, you okay with this plan?” Tony asked when the details had been hashed out.
“Yes, sir. It looks like we’ve planned for all contingencies. This will get the new place wired so the city can move the women tomorrow, plus the old place will have extra manpower tonight for their last night in the old location.”
We got this.
* * *
Fuck, what else can go wrong? Jobe thought angrily. Getting a late start due to the change in plans, he, Gabe, and Vinny had just removed the security cameras and driven to the new location when it began to rain. The men had worked in the soaking weather until the thunderstorm rolled in. Heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds kept them in the van for over two hours.
Jobe glanced at his watch as the storm finally began to pass on. “We’ve got just enough time before it gets dark to get these cameras up and then call Lily to come check them so they’ll be ready. I’ll have Tony send Doug over with another ladder and that’ll make it go faster.
Getting off the phone with Tony, he reported, “Gettin’ the ladder and Lily’s coming on over. Terrance has headed to the old center to get some instructions from Mackenna before she heads home.” Okay, we’ve got this.
* * *
Mackenna had told the women at the center that morning that they would be on a tight schedule for the next couple of days. “The cameras have been taken out and are being installed at the new home,” she said, looking out of the windows at the impending storm. “Hopefully they can get them installed in spite of the rain and we’ll be good to go for tomorrow.”
Forcing her eyes back to the group, she told them to finish packing their belongings.
“How safe are we going to be tonight?” Paulina asked.
“Alvarez Security is sending another man to stay with Little John so you’ll have plenty of protection tonight,” Mackenna replied.
The group soon disbanded, Rose heading to the classroom by herself to unplug and label all of the equipment. The girls moved upstairs to pack their clothes and toiletries as well as the linens. Mackenna headed down the hall just as Rose was finished.
“I’m going to head out early,” she said to Mackenna. “If you don’t mind. I’d like to get ahead of the storm.”
“That’s fine. I’m staying to make sure Terrance is settled in and then I’ll head home later. See you tomorrow—it’ll be a busy day.”
Something flashed through Rose’s expression, but it was gone so quickly that Mackenna could not be sure that she had seen it. I wonder if Rose is all right. I hope she isn’t changing her mind about staying with New Beginnings.
An hour later, Jobe called with an update on the progress. “Hey doll, just wanted to let you know that I’ll be a little late tonight. The storm has passed and we’re getting back on the ladders to finish the outside installations. Had a delay also when the city inspector did not show up for the inside camera approvals, but that’s finally done. We want to get these cameras up and running for tomorrow, so I’ll be in late.”
“Oh, honey, I hate that you’re working so long on this. Tony’s going to hate me.”
“No way. He’s glad to do it. Are you heading home?”
“I see Terrance pulling up now. Little John should come soon and I’ll stay until I’m sure they’re settled. Tell Doug he can pick me up in about two hours.”
“Will do. Love you, doll,” he said, his voice always going lower when saying the endearment.
Smiling to herself, she acknowledged, “Love you too.”
An hour later, Terrance and Little John were sitting in the kitchen talking to Mackenna when Paulina walked in. Greeting them shyly, she moved to the coffee maker. Fixing two cups, she smiled as she handed them to the two men. Looking over at Mackenna, she said, “I know you don’t need the caffeine. Is there something I can get for you?”
“No thanks, Paulina. I’m going to leave in just a little bit anyway and since Jobe is going to be late, I’ll fix something when I get home.”
Nodding her head, Paulina walked over and awkwardly hugged Mackenna before leaving the room as the three others continued to talk for a while. Little John began yawning, giving his head a little shake.
“I don’t know what’s wrong. I never get sleepy this early,” he said.
Terrance laughed but stifled a yawn himself. He rubbed his eyes, trying to hold them open. He looked up at Mackenna, but the fuzzy image of her would not come into focus.
Just then her phone rang again and she saw that it was Jobe. Before he could speak, she rushed, “Terrance is here and he’s falling asleep. So is Little John. Something’s not right.”
“Put him on,” Jobe ordered.
Terrance reached for the phone but could not hold it himself, so she held it up for him and put it on speaker phone.
“Jobe, sumsin wron. Drug coff,” Terrance slurred before his head hit the table.
Mackenna watched in horror as the two men went from yawning to slumping over on the table. She jumped up, closest to Little John, shaking him as she called his name. No response.
“Girls!” she shrieked. “Help me!”
“Jobe, they’re unconscious! What do we do?” she screamed into the phone.
“Get outta the house,” Jobe growled. “We’re on it.” She heard him shout to Gabe to call Tony and to Vinny to get hold of Matt and Shane.
“Where do we go?” she asked, her heart thumping as fear threatened to choke her.
“Get out through the back. If you can find a building to get into, then go. If not, head toward the park.”
She immediately heard the pounding of feet as the women in the house ran down the stairs and into the kitchen. The others crowded in, desperate to help but not knowing what to do. Mackenna’s eyes darted around, quickly taking a count. “Where’s Paulina? She was just here making the coffee!”
“She’s not upstairs,” Jerika said. “She never came back up after being down here.”
Fear warred with anger as Mackenna realized that Paulina must have put something in the coffee. “Fuck!” she cursed. “Jobe? There is only so fast we can go. I’ve got a pregnant girl. And I think we were ratted out by Paulina Orchuro.”
“Got it, now go!” he ordered again.
Mackenna glanced around the room at the girls’ terrified faces then back down to the drugged men whose head still lay on the table.
“Oh, Jesus,” she cried. “Help me hide them and then we’ve got to get out of here!” The girls moved forward and within three minutes managed to drag the two unconscious men into her office. Then, stepping gently over the two men on the floor, she locked the door behind her.
Sprinting to the back door, she ordered, “Outside. We’re leaving.” The women ran out of the kitchen door and to the back gate. MacKenna quickly unlocked it and they dashed through. Once into the alley, the women all turned toward her.
“We’re heading to the park.” Just then the sounds of gunfire at the front of the center could be heard along with sirens that seemed too far away to assist the girls at the moment. Jerika and Yesenia grabbed each of Gabby’s arms and assisted her as they jogged down the street. Tina reached the corner first and waited for the others.
Making a quick decision, Mackenna said, “We’ll do better separated. Tina, run up to the street first because you’re faster. If you can hail a cab or get on a late bus, then do so and have them take you to the police station. Don’t worry about money. Tell them who you are and where you’re from.”
Tina nodded and with a flash of sympathy in her eyes, she took off to the right running as fast as she could. Makenna then turned to Gabby. “Honey, let’s face it. They’re after you and me.” Turning to Jerika and Yesinia, she said “Follow Tina. Run as fast as you can. If you find a business or person who will take you in until you can call the police, then do so, but stay together. I think there’s a bar about six blocks from here. If you run in screaming for the police, then no one’ll mess with you!”
Once again, with sympathy on their faces, the two women began running down the street, as they held hands.
“It’s you and me, girl,” Mackenna said. “Let’s go try to outsmart these fuckers.” Gabby gave a nod and the two women hurried across the street. Making their way into the dark park, illuminated by only the path lights, Mackenna diverted Gabby off the path and into the shadows. “We’ve got to stay hidden as much as possible,” she whispered.
After just a few minutes, Gabby stopped suddenly, bending over at the waist and moaning while clutching her stomach. With tear-filled eyes, she looked at Mackenna and gasped, “I can’t go, I can’t do it.”
Mackenna wanted to rail at the girl to keep going, but one glimpse at her tortured face and she knew they needed an alternate plan. Just then a huge, dark figure loomed over them, the light behind his body casting his features into shadow.
Just as Mackenna opened her mouth to scream, he pointed a gun right at her. The scream died in her throat as she moved protectively in front of Gabby. The pregnant woman dropped to her knees, a slight moan escaping her lips.
“Don’t, please don’t kill us,” Mackenna pleaded, knowing her words were falling on deaf ears.
The figure tucked the gun back into his pants and stepped quickly around her, kneeling over Gabby. “No intention of killing you,” he said, as he placed his hands on her stomach. He looked up at Mackenna, his face no longer in shadow, and she saw the handsome face of a large, Hispanic man, kindness in his eyes.
“You’re Alvarez’s. Jobe’s woman, right?”
She stood numbly at his words, staring down. Licking her lips, she said nothing.
“Name’s Tank for now,” he said. “I’m undercover. Worked with a couple of friends of yours. Shane and Matt.”
“Oh, my God,” she breathed as she dropped to the ground next to him as he checked out Gabby. “You…you’re here to help?”
“Yes, the police know I’m here and that some of the Sixers were planning on hitting your facility tonight. I’m supposed to be out with them, but followed you here.”
“Can you help her?”
“Yeah, I can stay with her and keep her safe. If I have to, I can even take her on my motorcycle that’s parked over there,” he said, nodding off to the left.
Mackenna thought for only a few seconds, before saying, “Do it. Get her out of here. I’m sure whoever is after us, is after her and you’ve got to get her safe.”
Tank looked down, his expression torn in indecision. “I can’t leave you here,” he growled.
“I’ll be okay,” she said, hoping it was true. “Get her to safety and I’m going to find a place to hide.” She stood quickly and then touched his shoulder. “Thank you. As soon as you can, tell Matt and Shane that the other three women headed down 42 nd Street to find anyone who can help.”
“Will do,” he said, standing with one arm around Gabby, assisting her as well.
Mackenna saw regret in his eyes. Placing her hand on his arm, she offered a small smile of gratitude. “Thank you. For…everything.” With that, she turned and started to head toward a small grove of trees.
Tank called back softly. He left Gabby and hustled over to Mackenna, pulling out his weapon as he approached. Turning it backward, he handed it to her. “Can you use this?”
Nodding, she stepped forward, taking the gun out of his hands. “Yeah, I think so.”
He gave her quick instructions and then smiled. “It’s not a baseball bat, but it’ll do.” With that, he rushed back over to Gabby and picked her pregnant form up effortlessly in his arms and jogged off to where his motorcycle was parked.
Mackenna stood momentarily in the shadow of a large tree, the eerie stillness of the night punctuated only by the sounds of far-off sirens and voices that were not too far away. And the rumble of thunder. Her heart pounded, as she ran between the trees, hoping for a place to hide until Jobe could get to her.
Alone. Utterly alone. That thought was broken by her hand gently rubbing her still flat stomach. No, not alone, little one. Vowing to protect her baby, she ran into the copse.