Making Moves

Repercussions and Shock Waves

Chapter 25

The characters you recognise belong to JE. I'm just adding to their lives vicariously. The plot and any mistakes are mine.

o.o.o

Restlessness and discontent would best describe the gloomy atmosphere on the streets of Chambersburg. Children were called inside early; doors were locked and checked; and curtains and blinds were drawn despite being so house proud. Fear and anxiety were in the mix as well and remarkably, an element of denial. These people just didn't get it. They're discontent would soon be replaced with agitation in addition to the fear and anxiety.

"Surely this couldn't be happening in our neighbourhood. Why us all of a sudden? We are good people, God-fearing, church-going Christians."

These thoughts were accompanied with haughty arrogance. Being Christian, of course, inferred being Catholic, mostly Roman Catholic. Going to church and being see at church does not a better Christian make. That they had the audacity to admit to being Christians when much of their behaviour was most un-Christian-like was such a huge contradiction to how they lived. But there were many who were genuinely Christian in their daily lives and ethics.

However, within this neighbourhood, old traditions had been deeply instilled. They were so tunnel-visioned that frankly, they couldn't see the wood for the trees and, as such, had absolved themselves of any wrongdoing or short-sightedness. They were so pathetically oblivious to the rest of Trenton and how the recent increase in crime was mild in comparison to other neighbourhoods. The resurgence of this unexpected crime wave was challenging to their bubble existence. How quickly they had forgotten that Chambersburg had not always been a crime free zone. They became complacent and ignorant to the rest of the world and assumed that Chambersburg must be the norm or superior in some way.

Rumours and misinformation were commonplace in this neighbourhood. Casting aspersions on others while covering their own asses, was a common yet popular pastime in Chambersburg. Not unlike emotional blackmail, they preyed on guilt and TMI. That some people purportedly seemed to know all the details gave them this notorious yet ridiculous authority over others, even though they had undoubtedly embellished the 'facts'. They were the New Order of the Bitter Bitches of the Burg, the leading gossipmongers who fed the grapevine. News travelled fast, especially bad news about others who had fallen from grace or defied Burg principles. This was not an exclusively women's domain since it is a well-known and proven fact, that men can gossip just as harshly as well. But these enabled gossipmongers held the power.

Many Chambersburg people had gathered at the VFW Hall expecting the public meeting announcements to be made there since it was the hub of their neighbourhood, where many major events happened. Weddings and engagement parties, christenings and other important Burg celebrations were made there. So, logically, the community meeting would be there too, or so they thought. Members of the community did discuss and compare recent events and the sudden crime wave was at the forefront fuelling their nervous discussions.

Realising that individually, they were not alone, in these awful experiences, was somewhat heartening though not really reassuring. Only when they realised how widespread these incidents were and that they alone, were not some random target, did they finally concede that there was a real problem, a bigger problem than they were willing to concede.

While the Women's Auxiliary Club had organised coffee, tea, cake and biscuits, home-made of course, the Chambersburg residents gathered in groups and shared their experiences some more. For a change there was genuine concern for the each other and even their 'subordinates'. No one was trying to outdo anyone, no one-upmanship … although, Sally Glowacski's car break-in was apparently far worse than Geneva Szabo's. Go figure. For the most, they commiserated with each other and a new ethic started to emerge. They decided that a neighbourhood watch system would be good: keeping an eye on each other's property and doing neighbourly things like putting out the bins if someone was away from home or collecting their mail.

All this camaraderie and community spirit was suddenly interrupted as all their phones chirped, pinged or dinged with a message from the Mayor and the TPD: The community meeting and press conference is being conducted at 2:30pm outside City Hall. Very quickly paper cups and plates were binned and chairs stacked to the side of the hall as everyone made preparations to head to the City Hall.

Mutterings of, "It's about time.", and "Better late than never.", and "Finally they are going to solve this disgraceful problem.", followed them out the door to the parking lot. Some car-pooled to minimise parking problems at the other end and because many had walked to the VFW Hall. There was no urgency but they were keen to get a good position. It's still all about location, location, location. Position still holds the benchmark. Being in the right position was always important to them.

Morelli was leaving the TPD after bringing in another FTA and upon seeing the message ping with the Trenton News app, he decided to wander over to see for himself what all the fuss was about. Leaving his conspicuously graffiti-ed, newly scribed Wanker Wagon in the parking lot seemed like a good idea. Besides, his new boots could use some more running-in anyway. With his usual swagger he rounded the corner and was surprised to see so many Burg folks already waiting, with still more arriving, even though it was another thirty-five minutes to go.

He noticed the Trenton Times reporters arriving and competing for vantage points with the TV news media team as they unloaded the van with all the broadcasting equipment. Watching the news presenter with the microphone doing their angle and sound checks was mildly entertaining. Must be something big, he thought. He was curious but outwardly he wore his well-practised cop face. Since cop face was no longer relevant for an ex-cop, he wore his blank face.

There was a distinctive restless buzz as Morelli scanned the crowd, staying further back leaning against a pole in the shade of a large tree, as he surveyed the scene before him. Remaining inconspicuous in the shadows was his intention. He certainly did not want any attention drawn to him. He had had more than his full share, thanks to Stephanie Plum. JoMo was still in denial.

Even though it wasn't that sunny, his sunglasses gave him a degree of anonymity and helped him hide. His roving eye was simultaneously checking for any of his skips since he had a couple of local skips to nab. His roving eye also checked out the ladies and he grinned. He'll never learn but his luck could change at any time.

A few double-takes were an indication that they had not recognised him at first glance as more Chambersburg residents came to the Trenton City Hall. Others also did the double-take only to quickly avert their eyes in disgust when they realised who he was. The third contingent of double-takers eyed him some more and liked what they saw. He had that dangerous look about him which he used to his advantage. He looked fitter and stronger, and very badass. Was it his ripped jeans and boots that caught the roving eyes of the ladies? His beard and longer unkempt hair were part of his new image. But there was no mistaking that fine ass in those sexy jeans and he worked it. That inflated ego, along with his conceit and vanity, still prevailed.

While observing the scene, he dipped into various conversations, picking up on their concerns and fears and chuckling at their whispered, "Did you see who that was? Joseph Morelli." His smile quickly disappeared when he heard, "You mean Joe Blow," mentioned with disgust and contempt. Hearing Valerie's voice made him turn immediately and track her, hoping that Stephanie might be nearby.

"I can't believe they broke into my minivan. It's not a flash car, but not only did they break the side window, they nearly pulled the sliding door off the runner and now it won't close properly. That's going to cost extra dollars to repair that I can't spare and a new baby seat." Valerie described.

"It's not like I have anything of value in there, but Angie left the iPad on the back seat. They nicked the baby seat as well! What's with that?"

Morelli raised his eyebrows in surprise at that. It was not what he expected to hear.

"Oh no, Val. That stinks. They broke into Jenna's car too and stole her son's bicycle from the back of the wagon. She had to pick him up from school early because he was sick, so she bundled his bike in the back. No windows smashed thankfully but they wrecked the back door with a crowbar and now it won't shut properly," Maggie Kovack related.

"Yeah. We were not so lucky either," added Sue-Ellen Bellini. "Seb had left his wallet in the glove box. We found the doors wide open and the glove box compartment had been rifled through. Seb had not locked the car. That was our grocery money and dollars for electric and the car payment. He's in the shit now. That he lost the six pack of beers is his own damn fault. If he'd unpacked the car properly it probably wouldn't have happened."

Izzy Marchesi joined them and said to Valerie, "I have a spare baby seat, so don't you go buying one. You can have it."

"Oh, thanks, Izzy, I appreciate that so much."

And the ladies continued closer to the main crowd now gathering in number.

Car break-ins? He shrugged his shoulders. No biggie. But as he kept dipping into the passing conversations, he started to see a pattern with the escalating crimes in his old neighbourhood. Burglaries, car break-ins, joy riding, muggings and more. He wondered if his Mom was alright.

Helen Plum was pulling her shopping trolley and she was rattled. She'd only sat down to have a rest on the bench near the train station parking lot when Eula Rothridge took umbrage. No way was someone taking over her bench, Eula had yelled, doing her best to make a scene. Helen came away quickly, feeling flustered. As she rounded the corner she wondered why there were so many people near the City Hall and was almost knocked down by Angie Morelli pushing her grumpy mother in a wheelchair. Before Helen could fall into Bella's lap, she was hit by the cane Bella was wielding wildly and side-stepped out of range instead.

"Mama! Behave. You can't be hitting people … Oh. Helen."

Surprise.

"Angie."

Shock.

Monosyllabic greetings were not part of their usual manner of greeting. They were both caught off guard. Curious eyes watched the two ladies interact in an unexpected way. Bella was ignored by the two denounced Queen Bees of the Burg Grapevine. No smiles. Not even a pleased to see you. Just frozen and stunned.

Angie was the first to recover as her Burg manners kicked in after that momentary shock.

"How have you been, Helen? You look better than I expected."

Helen knew exactly what she implied by that last remark but she wasn't taking offence. Pride still prevailed. She looked neat but not as upright and haughty any more. She'd had her share of falls lately and they had been extremely costly. However, Angie was right, of course.

"I can honestly say, a lot better. Thank you, Angie. A lot better since we last saw each other. How are you faring?"

But Helen was not able to return the same compliment to Angie. She looked lean and shattered but she still had her pride intact, holding herself upright but with a distinct weariness.

"I'm okay. Same as before as you can see."

Angie shook her head while looking pointedly at her mother who was making rude Italian arm gestures to passers-by who dared to stare. She shrugged her shoulders. Bella was trying to keep moving but Angie felt compelled to stay despite the finger pointing and knowing looks. They laughed at Bella's feeble and uncoordinated attempts to give them the eye. Perhaps it was the big-ass bib she wore for the constant dribbling. Sneers and rolling eyes showed their contempt for the unwelcome trio.

There was an uncomfortable silence between them as Helen and Angie ignored the onlookers while they considered their recent turmoils and current existence.

Helen had suffered through withdrawals and had resumed her Alcoholics Anonymous sessions after a massive reality check. For a spell she had really fallen off the wagon. Finding herself homeless and sleeping on a vacated bench was something that shook her to the core. But it was the terror in being mugged for her measly possessions which became the most confronting turning point in her life - another one to add to her list.

A good Samaritan had taken her to the hospital and had arranged for a survival care package which included some 'new' second-hand clothes, a pair of shoes, some underwear and a bag of personal items and toiletries. She was taken to the homeless shelter where they warned her about her previous drunken behaviour and she was put on notice. She obeyed all their rules and conditions, and with regular visits from her sponsor, the good Samaritan, Betty, Helen was able to clean up her act.

A rather meek and compliant Helen Plum was a new image and presently, it was more than just a front. She was mortified to discover she'd been sleeping on a park bench; such was the decline into her bottle existence. She had known and seen Eula for years and that was another shock, that she was becoming, or had become just like Eula. But the mugging was the most shattering and frightening experience in her entire life. Her recovery was ensured with those terrifying experiences. Never ever did she want to put herself in such a dangerous predicament. The AA meetings were finally taking effect and, remarkably, Helen Mazur Plum no longer gave a damn about what others thought. Fear can do that and hitting rock bottom was her hardest lesson. She was still very traumatised.

Angie Morelli's life in the meantime was miserable. There was no escape for her, no respite, no change other than her mother's condition becoming progressively worse. Her children were busy with their own lives or had been exiled. Admitting that she missed her Joey's visits was quickly brushed aside because he brought so much shame and condemnation to their lives. He was on his own. She washed her hands off him. He'd walked the fine line too many times and he blew it to smithereens, his reputation but also her reputation and status. Conceding that her own actions had also compounded her demise as well as her liaison with Helen Plum, was bitter pill to swallow.

She prayed for him and she prayed he wouldn't go the same path as his father. Her remorse showed on her face and her body language. The heavy burden of being alone, caring for her ailing, cantankerous mother, gave her no rest. Many a night she cried. Her life had become a depressing life sentence of misery and relentless deprivation of being her own person. Those blissful episodes of peace while her mother napped during the day, were what kept her sane. But she remained the devoted and dutiful daughter.

Angie had reflected on her decision to evict Helen from her home without regret or remorse. Having lived with an abusive drunkard all her married life until he died, had her constantly chastising herself for enabling Helen when they shared a couple of bottles of red wine on the front porch. It seemed so long ago. She should have known better. It was a moment of weakness especially that tangible need for companionship. Now she was alone but her resolve was firm.

Helen was not abusive but she was an alcoholic. She knew all the signs. Part of Helen's conditional release after charges had been laid was attending AA for the entire course. Helen had taken advantage of her friendship, her charity, her trust and especially her goodwill. It was wonderful, yes wonderful, to have her friendship and that precious support with her onerous duties. Being able to talk with a friend who remembered the conversation five minutes later was something she still craved. Alas, Helen had shot that element of hope to hell and back. Her life was hell but there was no way that she would ever rescind her decision.

Going to church regularly during the week was an excursion which Bella did enjoy and brought Angie a glimmer of peace. It was calming and soothing for Bella and when the sun shone through the stained glass windows, she seemed in a trance of wondrous awe. Thank heavens for small blessings. Keeping her beside the front pew on Sundays, kept the other parishioners out of Bella's line of sight and allowed Father Mateusz to get on with the sermon with minimal disruption. His deep resonant voice and singing the hymns also kept Bella relaxed. Other necessary excursions were fraught with drama and humiliation for Angie. Simple tasks like grocery shopping was just like taking a tantrum-throwing toddler. Try as she might, it was never a quick shop. To overcome this dreadful and exhausting scenario, she went at non-peak times to minimise encountering too many people. Going more frequently for smaller shopping runs made it more manageable but it was still tedious always having Bella in tow. She hated her life. This was not living.

As she was casting her wary glance over the crowd she caught her son's eye. He looked concerned for her and there was regret on his face. She shook her head and turned away. Helen and Angie separated placing some distance between them.

The podium was set for the Mayor with a lectern, microphones, and the national and state flags strategically placed behind.

The crowd had become restless and the people were getting noisy and impatient. When the Mayor appeared, on time, with the Chief of Police and other members of the law enforcement him, angry hecklers started in on him with sarcasm and defiance.

"About time!"

It didn't matter that it was precisely the designated time.

"What the hell are you doing about this crime rate Mr Mayor? We've had a gutful!"

"Why has nothing been done for our neighbourhood? Shame on you!"

"Our streets are no longer safe. Druggies have taken over and our lives are threatened!"

"Our lives have been hell. What are the cops doing? Sitting on their fat asses while we suffer?"

That did not go down too well. Many knew that the police had been kept busy and felt this last comment was unwarranted and undeserving.

But the podium personnel remained unaffected and stoic, seemingly ignoring these taunts and rebukes.

The Mayor waited but it was people within the crowd who silenced them. They wanted to hear what the Mayor had to say and how their lives could resume a safe existence as before. That was a big ask.

"Thank you all for coming to this community meeting. We are all concerned with the increase in crime in your neighbourhood. I have confirmation from the Governor that a special task force with the army and other law enforcement agencies will go in to physically remove the drug scene and sex workers who have taken over your neighbourhood at night. The recent explosions as a result of a couple of meth labs warrants immediate action."

Murmurs of consent and relief accompanied these comments.

"I would like to acknowledge my appreciation of our Trenton Police Department for their ongoing hard work in monitoring and maintaining control of this crime wave. We are doing our best with limited resources. The Governor has supported my request for increased man power and overtime to help deal with the initial overload. They are hardworking conscientious people, many of whom have families in your Chambersburg. Your patience and support is appreciated."

A few discontented mutterings rumbled through the crowd but remained subdued.

"On behalf of the TPD and all our law enforcement agencies I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Rangeman Company, Ranger Mañoso in particular, for their dedication and diligence in keeping our Trenton community safe."

This was met with outrage and loud jeering.

"Those thugs and criminals?!"

"They're mercenaries."

"I heard they were hired assassins!"

"Why aren't you investigating them?"

"Have you arrested them already? Is that why we haven't seen them around lately?"

The Mayor held his hand up.

"First and foremost, you need to get your facts straight people. Who told you those things? How can you say that?"

Grumbles and disgusted mutterings.

"One of Trenton's finest. One of your own cops. And we all know and heard about their dangerous behaviour."

Amid the outrage there were giggles from a group of ladies.

"Dangerous alright. Scary too. That Mañoso can put his boots under my bed any time!"

"He and his men look mighty fine to me. Bulging muscles and those tight …"

"Ahem! Ladies!"

The Mayor frowned and silenced their objectification of the Rangeman team.

"Your sources are misinformed and very wrong. I ask you again, where do these notions come from?"

Heads swivelled around the crowd and people moved aside pointing at Morelli at the back and also at his mother, Angie and Helen Plum over to the side, all trying unsuccessfully to be inconspicuous. Morelli felt the intensity of their admonishment. Helen and Angie were like two startled, sad and aging gazelles. Bella tried muttering her ancient Italian curses which were lost in translation and her dementia, so she resorted to the crude hand gestures.

The Mayor shook his head and spoke with contempt.

"Well. There you go. Misinformation from a disgraced former police officer who was filled with jealousy and hatred for these fine men. Criminals and thugs, you say? Shame on you people. I am very disappointed in you and your narrow-mindedness.

Obviously you did not read the welcome message in my Mayor's report nearly four years ago when I welcomed Rangeman to Trenton. This is the 21st century people. Get with the program. I can't believe you people. If he told you the Pope was from Mars, would you also believe him?"

The Mayor said this with utter contempt as he pointed sternly at Morelli.

"Let me tell you some facts. Rangeman is a company of fine honourable men. You should be thankful that they chose to establish their business here in Trenton. You should bow down and ask for their forgiveness. Again. Shame on you! They are all Vets. Ranger Mañoso and his men are highly decorated soldiers, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, and Special Forces.

Many of these men have done multiple tours and deployments to some of the worst hell holes you couldn't possibly imagine and some are still in active service. Did you even think to say, 'Thank you for your service to our country.'? I didn't think so."

The look of shock and embarrassment rippled through the crowd followed by disgusted glares at the shameful trio.

Eddie Gazarra stepped up to the lectern with a nod from the Chief. The mayor stepped aside and allowed him to hit the home run, metaphorically speaking.

"As many of you know, I grew up in the Burg and my family still lives there."

Nods of recognition from the crowd. He continued.

"Let me tell you something else. For nearly four years you have lived in relative safety in your little pocket of Trenton. For nearly four years now, Rangeman has set up an exceptionally successful business in Trenton as bounty hunters, for capturing FTAs, failure to appear in court, bond absconders, and also security. I hope you can count.

Because of their hard work, it enabled us, as your police force, to get on with policing. Thanks to the indifference of Vincent Plum, a well-known bail bondsman, many criminals, real thugs and criminals, are back on the streets when some should never have been bonded in the first place. Thanks Vinnie!"

Yes, Vincent Plum was there and was shocked to be singled out. He sneered at the angry glares but tried to skulk away like the weasel he was. The crowd was surrounded by a number of TPD officers, stationed strategically near the exits, and especially close to Morelli, Angie, Helen Plum and now Vinnie, so they couldn't sneak away. Face the music, it was. Vinnie saw that he was trapped.

"Have you done the Maths yet? This might help. For nearly four years, your neighbourhood of Chambersburg has been under a protection order from Rangeman. Your complacency and ignorance were your folly.

But here's the real kicker. Do you know why? Before Mister Morelli took over the front page of the Trenton Times and a double spread on page four and five, who was your favourite target? Stephanie Plum. Because of Stephanie, Ranger put out a protection order to protect Stephanie and her family and friends. Yes, in your precious Burg. Because of the disgraceful treatment of Stephanie and the contempt you repeatedly displayed towards Rangeman, they have packed up and left Trenton.

You had your very own protection detail and screwed up. They left. No more protection. Have you worked it out yet people? That is the difference they made to your lives. They have departed and you suffered the consequences and have to deal with the repercussions. I feel embarrassed. Because of the contempt, abuse and mistreatment you showed towards Stephanie and Rangeman, you lost the best free security which, frankly, you didn't deserve."

"Thank you Officer Gazarra. My advice to you is to organise your own security. If you have insurance, then go through those channels to make your claims. The TPD will work its utmost to clean up the streets but you people have some serious thinking to do. My police force is here to serve the community, of which Chambersburg is a small part. You will show respect to my staff and support them. The loss of Rangeman is immeasurable. Our loss will be someone else's gain, if they choose to continue in the same vein.

Thank you everyone.

I will not be answering any further questions. My team has a big job to do and answering your questions is secondary to our role in making Trenton safe again."

The Mayor and all the personnel on the podium turned around and entered City Hall. The crowd stood there, some with their heads hung down. They were stunned with all this new information and many felt ashamed of their involvement.

Our Burg stirrers and the NOBBB (New Order of the bitter Bitches of the Burg) surreptitiously crept away. Quietly and despondently the crowd dispersed amid sighs and shaking their heads at all these revelations.

o.o.o

TBC

Touché!

In the meantime, in a warm, sunny place in the Caribbean, our loved up couple have obtained and filled out the necessary paperwork so they can marry after the eight day waiting period to make it all official.

; )