Disclaimer: I don't own 5-0.
Author's Note: I know I can be overdramatic at times, but this is fan fiction. Key word, Fiction. It's not real. All events in the story are made up and don't reflect any real events in real life.
Chapter Three
The next morning, it was all I could do to walk into the vice office. Between reading the case file and nightmares about my previous position in vice, I hadn't slept. Now here I was, walking into the belly of the beast itself. It's for Starla, I had to remind myself. I ignored the stares of my fellow officers as I made my way back to Captain Malia's office.
"I'm surprised you have enough balls to show your face around here, haole," one of the officers sneered.
Keeping my head high, I ignored the comment and shifted the backpack on my shoulder which carried the things I would need on the street. I wanted to get this case over with as soon as possible so I packed everything I would need without having to return to my apartment. I'd take up residence in a hotel like most of the girls did on the streets.
I knocked before entering the captains office and took a seat in front of his desk. He didn't hide the disgust on his face at having to work with me again. "Let's get one thing straight, haole, I'm only bringing you in because the governor ordered it. I don't want you here and I don't need you here. You can work the streets like the old days, if you get any useful tips or find some good information, you can report to me. Other than that, I don't want to see or hear you. Got it?"
I nodded then wasted no time in getting up and leaving. I was on my own for this one, which I was glad for. Anyone of the guys in vice would rather I get hung out to dry than back me up so they would only hinder my investigation. I made my way to a run down hotel on Po'oi just a block from my old corner. I figured since I was on my own for this case, I should start where I was familiar.
I got a room, changed my clothes, dolled myself up in hooker fashion, and readied myself for a night on the street. It didn't take long for other hookers to notice me, some new faces glared at me while familiar ones grinned and shook their heads.
"No one ever suspected they would see you in these parts again, Cherry," A thin Hawaiian with big attitude who went by the name Dotty pulled me into a hug.
"Hey Dotty," I smiled, "Howzit?"
"Not so good, girl," Dotty answered. "You picked the wrong time to come back to the streets. I thought you was going clean."
I shook my head, "I tried, but you know how hard it is out there. No one wants to hire a hooker."
Dotty nodded in understanding, "Don't worry, girl, you always welcome here as far as most of us are concerned. We'll never forget how you stood up for us and got that son of a bitch killer off the street. Just keep an eye on Delicious over there." Dotty pointed out a tall, prissy looking girl with long black hair and breasts the size of watermelons. "She moved in not long after you left and she don't take kindly to anyone."
"Thanks for the tip," I studied Delicious and made a note to look up her file. "So, what's so bad about the street these days? Why such a bad time?"
"People are disappearing. Not just hoes this time, druggies, homeless, even poor suckers that live in the area," Dotty glanced around nervously. "The scary part is, no one sees anything. One minute your friend is walking down the street, next, they're gone without a trace."
"Nothing suspicious? No strange cars or anything?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.
Dotty shook her head, "And if you think you can solve this one, just let it go, girl. I know you care about us all but this shit is real. They even got to Starla and she was the most careful, the most diligent in being safe out here." Dotty's eyes teared up, "Her little girl was even going to start school next week. She was so proud of that little girl."
I couldn't help but tear up thinking about Starla. Dotty sniffed then moved away, heading for a car that had just pulled up to the curb. I cleared my throat and wiped my eyes before taking stance and surveying the street. Tonight was going to be a surveillance night, get a feel for the street, observe the goings on, work out a plan to gather information, figure out who would have seen things but was too scared to even confide in those they trusted.
The night passed quickly with no real action. Those I talked to didn't know anything and no suspicious activity occurred apart from Delicious' continued glares. Apparently, I presented quite the threat to her. Around two, I decided to call it a night and head back to my hotel room. As I walked back, I could hear the footfalls behind me. I turned to find Delicious glaring at me, hands on hips as she drew near. Flanked on either side were two other hookers, both new to the streets as well.
"Who do you think you are?" Delicious' voice was high and heavily accented. She must have been brought over from Japan as many of the prostitutes on the island were. "You can't just show up one day and work this street."
I narrowed my eyes, "I worked this street long before you came around, honey."
Delicious smirked and nodded to her friends, "That's what you think."
They all advanced on me. I was slower in my five inch stilettos than I used to be so it was easy for them to catch me when I turned to run. One girl grabbed my hair and yanked me back. I fell back, unable to keep my balance. As soon as my butt hit the ground, Delicious was on me. She kicked at my face, slamming her foot into my face. Stars danced across my vision as I curled up on myself, bring my arms up to protect my head. I felt a blow connect with my ribs and knock the air from my lungs. Several more kicks peppered my back and sides. I bit back the tears, not wanting to give them any satisfaction.
Delicious reached down and yanked me up by the hair, "You don't belong here, haole." She roughly pushed me back and delivered one more kick to my abdomen before leading the other girls away.
I laid there for several minutes until the pain ebbed slightly, then I forced myself up and hobble the rest of the way to the hotel. I collapsed on the bed and quickly lost consciousness.
