Reviews and Testimonials

"Fast paced and action packed, this flyby story of terror and tragedy will have you sitting on the edge of your seat," Sandie Michaels, G-Cue

"If you're a fan of Animal Crossing or Wii Sports - why the hell are you reading this?" Adrian Hutton, Kingdom Novels

"An unrelenting tale with gripping, suggestive threat and an ending that leaves you wanting more – so much promise!" Miles White, Innocent Bystander definitely not threatened with a gun, ya hear me?

I On The Dead Beat

"You ready for this?"

It was a phrase Benny ran through his head a couple of times, taking stock of his situation. He and his partner were trapped, three officers down and hidden in an alley. The only thing Benny was ready for was to throw his hands up in the air and let the morons that had managed to out fox him take him away, but he knew he couldn't do that – that would to a fate worse than dying.

Jimmy crouched opposite him, pistol resting in one hand and looking at Benny in earnest. "Benjamin," he said in a low voice, "I asked you whether you are ready?"

"You know I am Jim," replied Benny, double checking his weapon. He could still hear the shouting in the yard as the gunmen scrawled the area in search of the two policemen.

"Good. Listen, we make a run for it across the yard and find some cover; there are some containers across the yard that we might be able to lose them in. We go for the cars, and we take down any dipshit motherfucker who gets in our way. Ready?"

"Yes."

"Good…" said Jimmy, taking a deep breath.

"Now, MOVE!"

X

Benny pushed open the door to Liberty City Metro to massive cheer and much clapping. Officers stopped what they were doing as they celebrated their comrade's return. They had lost everyone in the gun battle as far as they had known.

A broad grin erupted on Benny's face as he crossed the hallway; a little forced he thought but not overdone. Jimmy strolled next to him, solemn and silent. An officer patted him on the back and he turned quickly, grabbing the officer's arm and dropping him on his back.

"Three officers died you fucks!" he yelled, reducing the room to a deathly silence. The officer on the floor, groaned and backed up as Jimmy went for some more but a hand shot out and pulled him back.

"Hey man," said Benny, resting his hand on Jimmy's shoulder, "easy."

"No man," said Jimmy, shrugging him off, "fuck this shit! These jokers need to show some respect!"

"Gen-tle-men," said a voice from atop the balcony, "Problem? Or should I expect to see more of my officers on the floor being attacked by a fellow colleague? My office – NOW!"

"Come on Jim," ordered Benny, turning and bounding up the stairs, the gaze of the captain trained on him.

Jimmy turned to follow, though not without pulling the officer back to his feet first. As he started making his way up the stairs, a voice followed him.

"Try that crap again and I'll be the one putting you out of action, just like your old lady!" shouted the officer.

X

Jimmy clicked the door shut as he entered the captain's office. Benny had already made himself comfortable he noted, sitting cross-legged.

"Jimmy, sit down," ordered Captain Olivier. "Do you two want to explain just what the hell happened down there?"

Benny went to speak but Jimmy cut in first, "We went to bust a gang meet but were caught out – some mistakes were made." Benny dropped his gaze.

"What kind of mistakes?" quizzed Olivier.

"One's that won't be repeated," said Benny coolly, "They had some pretty hefty weaponry for a gang of their size, seems like the black market has been flooded with cheap guns. We've traced a lead and we've more than one source that can link it back to Corolla."

"Several sources? Corolla is not that sloppy," stated Olivier.

"Guess he slipped up," said Jimmy, nonchalantly.

Olivier paused to think. "I guess so," he finally said, nodding his head as spoke. "So, you were caught out, three officers died and you two managed to escape and get back here. Three officers died gentlemen. That's three too many. Jimmy, would you please step outside for a second please."

"… sir?" said Jimmy, puzzled. "We're partners here, you can speak freely to us."

"That's an order officer," replied Olivier sternly.

Benny turned to face Jimmy as he got up and left, shooting a blank look back at Benny that filled him with guilt. With the door closed and Benny now alone with Olivier, he turned to face his captain.

"Sir," he said respectfully.

"On whose orders were you acting on Sergeant?" said Olivier.

"Yours sir," answered Benny, immediately confused.

"I thought so…" pondered Olivier. "Benjamin, I never approved any operation. Jimmy acted without orders – actions which lead to the death of three officers. Jimmy is responsible for the dockyard. I cannot have my officers acting without orders, do you understand?"

"You didn't know about any of this?" questioned Benny.

"No. I need you to keep an eye on Jimmy for me. His obsession with the Corolla's is drawing unwanted attention and three officer's dead simply reflects badly on me. Keep him in check," levelled Olivier.

"Sir…"

"I expect your reports on my desk by close today. Dismissed…"

X

Benny quietly shut the door behind him before heading back to his desk. The station's officers were now back to work, quietly investigating previous files, checking up on leads and filing their reports. The LC Metro Homicide department was always busy and Olivier had only the most hardened – some would say damaged – coppers in his team and they worked with a cool efficiency. Benny was relieved for them to be on his side of the law and not the ones he was trying to take down – they could be ruthless when necessary.

"Nice chat?" said Jimmy, resting on the edge of Benny's desk.

"Wonderful," replied Benny, "Always enjoy it."

"Well that's just super," Jimmy replied, "Come on, we need to head out. My contact has been in touch and needs to see us. I'd like you to come with me this time and meet them."

Benny paused. Jimmy never let the identity of his contacts out, usually for their own protection.

"OK, lead the way."