Once You'Ve Touched the Heart (20 page)

“Where’s Brian?” JD asked.

“He is making transportation arrangements for you and Mrs. Gonzalez. Dan’s on his way,” Magna answered.

“Dan’s here,” he said as he walked through the door. Everyone sat.

“It’s important that we are able to convince this group that we can do something to clean up their neighborhood,” JD started. “Synopsis.”

That was Calvin’s cue. “We are going to have to provide a force of police power in that neighborhood for an undetermined amount of time. We can’t waiver on this. We need the police force visible at all times. As soon as they suspect we are easing up, Cortez’s group will stomp on that neighborhood—starting with whoever they think opened the door to let us in.”

“We also have to make sure the sentences Juan’s people get will keep them behind bars long enough to give the good people time to reclaim,” Magna added, as Brian entered the room and took a seat.

“Brian.” JD acknowledged his entrance
.
“Dan, will the AG’s office guarantee the force Calvin is speaking of?”

“Maybe,” Dan replied.

“I can’t go in there tonight with a maybe. I need a guarantee before we ask these people to put their lives in danger. Contact the AG, get me a guarantee,” JD replied.

“You got it.” Dan left the room. “Brian, what do you have for me?” JD asked.

“We know you and Mrs. Gonzalez are being watched. We arranged for her to come here. We will take you and her to the meeting in another vehicle. If they are watching either of you, they will think you two are here. That will keep the others in the clear.”

“That will work,” JD replied. “Calvin, should we put Gavin in this loop?”

“Not yet,” Calvin replied. “Let’s keep a lid on this until we need to bring him in. These people are taking a chance on us. No one out of this circle should know about this meeting.”

“I agree,” Magna said.

“I agree,” Brian seconded.

“All right, it’s just us,” JD responded.

The meeting took place without interruption. The group was actually larger than expected. A few business owners shared their concern about the illegal activity that caused people to go outside for services they provided right in the neighborhood. Others who expressed their concerns at the meeting were people who wanted to go home at night without fear. “People live in the projects not because they want to, but because they have to. Does that mean they
have to live in an environment that is not safe for them or their children?”

“When our children try to go to school, they have to endure thugs trying to get them to sell drugs or do other things for them. We should not have to live like this. What can you do to help us?”

JD did not have an answer to all of the questions that they threw at him. It hurt him to his heart to hear the desperation in their voices. They wanted a normal life for themselves, but mostly for their children.

“I don’t have all the answers to solve all the things you have mentioned tonight. But I can eliminate the cause of your problems, which is the gang activity. As you all know, we received indictments on some of the key people in the organization that is holding your building hostage, Mrs. Gonzalez.”

“Yeah, but will they just get off like before?” one person yelled.

“I don’t take cases to court I can’t win,” JD replied. “The suspects we have will be sent away for a very long time. I am going to be honest. As long as Juan Cortez is out there, he will just replace and rebuild. Therefore, until we get him, things will continue the way they are. We have to hit him from both directions. We will do our part with the law. You must do your part by standing up and fighting back for your neighborhoods.”

“Man, are you crazy? They have guns and thugs that will kill us just for looking at them wrong,” another person responded.

“I believe you,” JD said, “but at some point, you’ve got to say enough is damnit enough. When Lisa Gonzalez was killed, that was enough for me. What is it going to take for you? Maybe your daughter, or your son?”

“So, Mr. Harrison, what can we do? Where do we start?”

Magna interjected, “Start simple, nothing fancy or anything that would cause suspicions. Like a simple community day or block party. Anything that would bring people out as a community, showing a united front.”

“But they will show up, too.”

“Yes, that’s the whole point. Let them see you doing nothing but living, having a good time with each other. Rather than everyone running into their homes at night out of fear, do some cooking, have music; invite your neighbors out of their homes just for one night. Then after that, just start small conversations regularly with other people in the neighborhood, start building alliances. Take one small step at a time.”

JD kicked in. “They did not take over this neighborhood in one night. You are not going to get it back in one night. It will take time, but you’ve got to start somewhere.”

“Well, we could just throw an old-fashioned block party,” Victoria offered. “Pot luck, everyone bring a dish. Get a DJ, for some sounds. Have some activities for the children.”

“Yeah, but how do we keep the thugs out?” someone asked.

“You don’t want to keep them out,” JD said. “You plan the block party; we will provide security for that night.” A few murmurs went through the room. “Not to make any arrests, just a show of force to keep things under control. If they don’t bring no mess, won’t be none.”

The group laughed.

“It costs money to do even a small block party—where is that supposed to come from?” someone asked.

“We’ll find a sponsor. Hell, I’ll pitch in myself, but you all have to remember, I work for the state, I am not a rich man.” JD smiled.

The group laughed and began talking amongst themselves.

“The group is laying plans for the block party,” Magna said to JD. “I think you may have them.”

“Maybe. Your input was on time. Thank you.”

“Let’s hope it works.”

“Oh, I think it’s a good start,” Victoria said, walking over. “This is the first time in a long time I have seen them with even a little ray of hope. JD, I just might forgive you for that interrogation you put me through.” She laughed.

“Yeah, well,” JD replied, “sorry about that. But I was not going to put Mrs. Gonzalez at risk. I did not know you; I wasn’t taking any chances.”

“Well, I’ll do my story on you with just hearsay.” She smiled. “You didn’t check out my place the other night. I was wondering why.”

JD just looked at her.

“Word has it you’re off the block. Can I get a confirmation on that?” Victoria asked flirtatiously.

Magna started to walk away, guessing that the woman was making a pass at JD, and knowing she did not want to be a part of it. JD’s answer stopped her in motion.

“Yes, that is true, and I could not be happier,” JD replied with a smile. Magna smiled. A man actually admitted to this very attractive woman that he was not available.

“Can I quote you on that?” Victoria asked, blinking back, not believing he turned her away.

“Yes, you can.”

Victoria smiled and walked away. Magna looked at JD and smiled. “It must be love, JD.”

“What’s that?”

“You just told that gorgeous woman you were not available to her or anyone else and then you told her she could publish that info. It must be love.”

After the meeting was over, JD was pleased with the outcome. He called Tracy to see where she was—his place or hers. Tracy met JD at the top of the stairs.

“Hey, you,” she said as they exchanged a loving kiss. “How did your meeting go?”

“Better than I expected. The community is planning a block party to show a little unity and hopefully start opening some lines of communication among other neighbors. All I have to do is come up with a sponsor and security.”

“What do you need a sponsor for?”

“Well, most of the people in that neighborhood are living paycheck to paycheck. They can barely feed their individual families, much less provide food or money for a block party.”

“Next Level could sponsor it,” Tracy offered.

He smiled, kissed her, and then said, “You don’t have to do that, but thank you.”

“Well, why not? What would you need, a couple thousand?”

“I don’t think so,” he said, then looked at her. “You have a couple thousand you can give away?”

“Well, it wouldn’t hurt us. Actually, we could use it as a write-off for tax purposes. Tell them whatever they need the funds will be provided, but don’t tell them by whom,” she stated.

“Why?”

“There’s no reason for them to know.”

JD hesitated. “Let me think about that. I’m not sure I want to get you involved with this,” he said, shaking his head.

“Oh, I can be a part of your life with limits,” she said testily.

“No, don’t take it like that,” JD said, “it’s just I’m not too crazy about my girlfriend giving money for one of my causes. It’s a man thing, baby.”

“It’s a man thing,” she repeated, now irritated. “Okay” she said, “let it be a man thing.” She got up from the sofa. “It’ll be a man thing and your ass will be broke with no money. Yeah that’s a man thing. You got this community to at least try to come together on something, but they are going to go broke trying to do it because it’s a man thing. Okay, that makes sense, Jeffrey.”

“Are you upset?” Jeffrey teased as he lay back on the sofa watching her pace.

“Yes, because that’s stupid,” she replied with a little attitude.

He got up, picked her up over his shoulder and headed to the bedroom.

“Jeffrey Daniel, you put me down right now!” Tracy demanded.

“Okay,” JD said. He threw her on the bed, and down on top of her he went. “You’re kind of sexy when you’re mad.” He smiled at her.

“Well, you kind of stupid with that man thingy,” Tracy said smiling, “but you are so damn good looking with those dimples.”

That was that. They were in for the night. During the middle of the night, JD woke Tracy up and asked, “Your company makes enough money to pay Ashley, Monica and you a salary and still have money left over to give away thousands of dollars?”

Still half-asleep, Tracy answered, “Yeah, the company grossed close to one this year.” She closed her eyes.

JD shook her again. “One what?”

“What?” she asked, still half asleep.

“One what?” JD pressed.

“About one million,” Tracy replied, then went back to sleep. He started to wake her again, but decided to ask her in the morning.

Tracy told Ashley about the conversation with Jeffrey the next morning at the office. That day during lunch, Ashley paid JD a visit at his office. JD was in a meeting with Magna, Dan, Calvin and Brian when Ashley walked in. “Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, but Mrs. Langston was not at her desk.”

“That’s okay, Ash, come on in.” JD smiled. “I think you know everyone except Magna. Magna Rivera, my sister, Ashley.”

“Hello,” Ashley said. Dan was sitting there clearing his throat.

“Oh, this is Dan Graham from the AG’s office.”

“Hello,” he said with a crooked grin and lust in his eyes.

“Hello.” Ashley smiled, noting the look.

Ashley kissed Calvin. “Hey, Squirt.” Calvin smiled.

“Hi, Brian,” Ashley said.

“Whatsup girl, you looking good,” he replied.

“I can’t help it,” she replied then turned to JD. “I have this check for you for the block party. Now, before you hit me with the,
It’s a man thing
,” Ashley started, “let me say this to you. You’re my big brother and I love you. But if you ever turn down an offer to help people because of your dumb pride I will kick your ass myself.”

“Ashley, you do realize you are in my office talking to me like this in front of people I work with?” JD replied, a little embarrassed.

“Calvin, Brian, is this upsetting to you?” she asked.

“No, I’ve seen him do it to you plenty of times.” Calvin smirked.

“Yeah, me too,” Brian agreed.

“Magna, Dan, have I offended you?” Ashley asked.

“No, I’m good.” Magna smiled.

“You can stay as long as you want and say whatever you want,” Dan replied.

“Thank you, Dan,” Ashley smiled.

“Oh, you’re welcome,” he replied. Calvin and Brian started laughing.

“JD, call the people. Tell them you have the funding to have that block party and if they need more just let us know. And do not argue with Tracy about this. Don’t ever argue with her about money. The company is doing very well and so is she. Don’t be one of those men who have a problem with their woman making more money than him; you’re so above that.”

“Are you finished?” JD asked.

“Yes.” Ashley smiled.

“Good, now get the hell out of my office. I will talk to both you and Tracy later.”

“Okay, I love you.” She grinned and gave JD a hug. “Goodbye, everyone; and Dan, it was so nice meeting you,” Ashley said flirtatiously.

“Get out, Ashley,” JD yelled.

“I’m gone,” she said and left.

“You know,” Magna said, “I’m going to quit my job in D.C. and move here just to see what happens around here next.” She laughed. “I loved that.”

“Oh, you think that’s funny?” JD asked.

“I do, I do,” she replied with a smile.

“Dan, you like your coffee a little dark, don’t you?” Brian asked jokingly.

“That was a good-looking woman,” Dan said. “Baby got back is all I can say”

“Excuse you!” JD roared. “That’s my sister.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry about that, JD. She’s a very attractive woman,” Dan smiled.

“How much is the check?” Calvin asked while laughing.

JD glanced at the check. “Twenty-five hundred.”

“What?” Magna exclaimed. “That will really fund a nice block party. You’re not going to give that check back, are you?”

JD hesitated. “No, we’ll call Victoria and tell her we have the funds for the block party.”

“Good.” Magna exhaled.

“Hey, JD, man, just out of curiosity. How much money does Tracy’s company make?” Brian asked.

Calvin hit Brian. “Man, don’t ask a question like that, what’s wrong with you?” He turned to JD. “But if you want to answer, I won’t stop you.”

All eyes were on JD, waiting for an answer. “I don’t know what she makes,” JD replied, agitated. “I never asked.” No one said anything. All sat there waiting for a reply. “The company is worth close to $1 million,” JD replied with a small frown on his forehead.