The Nothing (18 page)

“This church
yes! Fact is that people that depend on me will be very disappointed if you don’t sell the church to me. It will be bad for you and me. And because of that you have to sell it to me. One way or another you will sell to me. Or I will take it.”

“Oh I see.
Manny is holding this against you. What, you owe him something? A drug deal gone bad?” At that moment, Ben saw fear come over Nick’s face like the arrival of dark clouds hiding a storm. In spite of all that Nick has done, Ben still can’t hate the man. He can’t turn his back on Nick if he needs him. It is something Ben, at a fault, has never been able to do.

“In all fairness Nick,
I can’t imagine the responsibility of running a church that size. I can’t imagine the pressure. But by God you are a fellow man of the cloth. You got into this game for a reason, because you were called. You made the commitment to help others and I believe you have. Otherwise you wouldn’t have made it as far as you have. If you have gotten yourself into a tight spot, maybe I can help. I know how people can be. You have all these friends, but are they there because of how they can use you? If you let me, I can help you get into a more peaceful position so that when you preach to those thousands of people every Sunday, the spirit of Jesus will flow from you unobstructed.”

Neither of th
em said anything for a few moments. Ben watched Nick’s face waiting for him to say something. “Anything Nick? Are you going to say something? What are you thinking?” Nick had been in deep thought, or that is how it looked to Ben. The expression of someone looking for the right words to make a point or to say something correctly covered Nick’s face.

“I’m an
entrepreneur. I am not a real preacher. I am an atheist. Have been for many years. I started Houston Baptist Ministries because of the profit margin. Years ago, I would see these mega churches on TV raking in Millions. What better business is there? You pay no taxes and you have no overhead if you use volunteers. I am a fantastic actor. And being a preacher and building the business of a mega church is the best way to make easy money. The bible tells everyone to tithe and every Sunday, just like obedient sheep, my members throw their ten percent at me. Your networking is all in house and you use everyone for what they are worth. I had marketing strategies, got people in the doors and wrote really good books. But it was all bullshit and fake. But it made me a ton of money, which is why I did it and why I still do it. I will make more money with each church I acquire. I will make money with yours. The authorities would never imagine that a church, or a dealership owned by a friend of the church, would be a front for drug runners. Now that you know the truth, it is time to know one other thing. And this is no joke.” Nick leaned forwards slowly in his chair and put both hands flat on Ben’s desk. With wide scary eyes fixed on Ben’s, Nick said, “I will kill your son and his sons if you don’t sell this church to me. I am dead serious. If you do as I say, life will continue on like this for you. If you don’t, then you will meet your God sooner than later.” Ben’s expression didn’t change nor did he speak a word.
Have to put up a front, look strong.

With
a cold deep stare of a deranged man who was drooling to the image of his favorite actress while thinking of killing and raping her, Nick said, “What? Nothing to say? So be it. I have to get back to my people.” Nick stood up, smiled, and held out his hand for Ben to shake. After five seconds Ben stuck out his hand and shook hands with him. Two generals from enemy nations sharing greetings before leaving to prepare for battle. Nick left without saying a word. Ben watched through his office windows until the big trucks drove away. He knows Nick will be back. The next visit might be bloody. As soon as the trucks were gone a knock came from the other side of the office door.

“Yes I am in here.”

“It’s me Raymond sir. I was wondering if I can talk to you for a few minutes before I have to get on stage and speak.”

“Certainly
Sergeant, have a seat.”

“Uh Sir.
My Mom is having trouble dealing with certain things and I am having trouble dealing with having to leave again. This time when I leave, it will be for a long time. I made it into a specialized unit. This is separate from the Special Forces. I won’t even be on Army rosters. I trust you because you were a Marine. But I am worried for her. Could you check in on her from time to time? I don’t know who to ask or trust.” Ben walked over and put a hand on Raymond’s shoulder.

“
Sergeant Raymond Diaz. You make us all very proud with all that you have done for this country. I know of several specialized units in the Army and if you are going to one of the ones I am thinking of, then know that we will all take special care of your mother.”

“Thanks Pastor Ben.
I am trying to think of all that I can to keep her safe. I appreciate you, and my father would be grateful if he were alive.”

Pastor Ben appeared confident and
in a happy place to Raymond. He figured it was because Ben believed so deeply that he drew so much peace from it. But mostly, Ben was happy because he got everything that Nick said on tape.

A beautiful c
haos

Ten people, maybe three women, seven men and maybe more, were rocking
the police car from side to side. Bentley was hoping that they wouldn’t be able to get the car off of the ground. But it was getting close and each time a tire left the ground, Bentley felt it in his stomach. An afternoon of chaotic split decisions had become worse once locked in his police car and surrounded. There were yells for him to come out and account for shooting two innocent black businessmen. Bentley knew he was at a crossroads. If he stepped out of the car, he might end up like the soldiers in Somalia, dragged through the streets by an angry mob. A line was crossed and either way, he was going to have to pay dearly.

I made a mistake.
Lord it is a mistake I never wanted to make. I thought I was a good enough cop and a good person in general. I crossed a line. This is going to change the course of my life. I am probably done being a cop. I will probably go to prison. I should have known better. I should have waited for back up. God how could I be so stupid? I love everyone. But that isn’t going to matter in the media or in a court of law. I should be punished. But can’t think of that right now. I want to go home to Mary. Need to get out of here or they will kill me.

The left side of the car lifted t
hree feet into the air and crashed back to the ground with a big clunk. Bentley turned the key in the ignition and flipped on the sirens. It was short couple of seconds before the crowd backed away from the car. At that moment he hit the gas and the tires screeched as the car lunged forward. With the small opportunity he had with the crowd away from the car, he took the open path directly in front leading away from the area. The car sped straight towards downtown with Bentley behind the wheel trying to catch his breath. A surge of relief overtook him and he began to cry.

As Bentley turned left on Pierce Avenue to head towards the Central
Police Command Center, he almost ran into the back of a pickup stopped in traffic. He turned off his sirens in hopes that he would be left alone and not bothered until he returned to the safety of the police station. But traffic wasn’t moving. There weren’t any flashing sirens ahead and several people had gotten out of their cars. After a few minutes, Bentley felt calm enough to step out and see what was going on. In the car to his right there was a young woman who was typing a text on her phone.
Oh shit! A working phone!
Bentley tapped on her window.

“Excuse me ma’am, are you getting a signal?”

“No sir officer. I haven’t had a signal for a while now. Neither has anyone else I have talked to.” Obstacles just kept popping up one after another. “Thank you ma’am. Oh by the way, do you know what is wrong with the traffic up ahead?”

“I think there is a wreck but I imagine since even 911 won’t work, that no one knows.
Aren’t you able to use your police radio sir?” Bentley shook his head. “It isn’t even working either.”

“My God, what is happening around here?”

“I don’t know ma’am. Very sorry but I don’t know.”

Bentley got back in his car and tried the radio again
half knowing it was an effort in vain. And of course, nothing, not even static. He had to try anyway in case a miracle happened. When Bentley again pulled out his cell phone, he almost didn’t want to look at it. He pretty much knew it wouldn’t be working either. Even the computer in his car wasn’t sending or receiving messages. Bentley just sat in his car lost and not wanting to move. For fifteen minutes he sat trying to release the tension from what had happened at Almeda’s. All he wanted to do was get to the police station where there might be information or a plan to deal with whatever is going on.

This will be all over the
news for sure. But what is it? What could cause all communications to go dead? I guess Wi-Fi is down too because our computers go off a central internet signal. I have never seen anything like this before. God I hope Mary is ok. She better stay in the house. I have told her what to do if something happens. I wish I lived closer to work but can’t deal with that now.

Then Bentley thought of his b
rother James and shouted to himself, “Hey! James works at Transcom and would be there right now! They have surveillance on the entire city and would know what is going on. I have been to the Houston Transcom building several time to get reports. Probably should have visited James more often but he is so damn difficult to deal with.” Bentley’s police care was sitting two miles from the Transcom building. He turned on his sirens and began to maneuver his car onto the sidewalk.
If I could squeeze onto the sidewalk, I can make it out of here and drive on the grass along Main Street to the Transcom building. Might damage the car but who gives a shit?

Bentley
was surprised that the other cars on the street were willing to get out of his way. Turned out that he didn’t have to be on the sidewalk entirely. One building on his right had a drive behind it that separated the parking garage from the offices. Once he made it down that drive, he was able to get to Main Street. There weren’t as many cars, but once he got to Carver Road, which is the road that Transcom was on, traffic was again not moving.
I know this city has so many accidents everyday but come on people! Why does every motherfucker and his Momma have to move to Houston? This city is more crowded than a Bieber concert!

After the Recession in 2008, hundreds of thousands of people moved to Houston for the job ma
rket. For many years it was a constant flow of migrants looking for work. Most were able to find jobs and put down roots. Unfortunately the City of Houston hasn’t been able to grow with the population. They could only build so many roads and freeways. There was only so much land available. Houston had become an extremely congested city. And on this day, it was more apparent than ever.

The Houston Transcom building was
now a quarter of a mile from Bentley. The side of the road leading to the Guinevere Apartments across the street from Transcom was clear. He decided he would drive on the grass to the apartments, park there, and walk across the street. The closer he got to the Guinevere’s parking lot, the more Bentley felt like he really wanted to see James. It has been months, and with everything going on, he missed him. The last time they spent any time together was when James went on a ride-along with Bentley on one of his graveyard shifts. Before Bentley had been assigned to dayshift, James called and asked to go on a ride-along to see come action. But Bentley was concerned because he knew how James was when he gets excited. He ends up forgetting where he’s at and makes a total ass of himself laughing, making noise, and not listening.
Oh might as well and get it out of the way. I will just let my fellow officers know what to expect and help me keep James under control.

It was
on a Friday night and the streets were active. James was excited like a little boy and wanted to see a shooting. Bentley had told him that rarely do they get to a shooting scene while the gunfight was going on. He would eventually realize what a mistake it was to bring James along. A call came on the radio for shots fired at an apartment complex on the east side of downtown. “Shots fired, 5510 Whitwell, Bayou Park apartments, all available units respond.” James peered up at Bentley with a huge grin that showed all of his teeth and hastily grabbed the radio mike. Luckily Bentley was able to yank it from him before he was able to speak into it. “What the fuck is the matter with you boy? You think this is a joke? No way am I taking you near that scene.” James hit the window of the car with his fist. “Fuck you Bentley, I ain’t no pussy. You think a pizza man can’t take care of himself? Like I am some princess that you need to bath and protect. I ain’t scared. Take the damn call man. Pretend I ain’t even here.”

“Fine, we’ll have it your way.”

“GF44, I’ll run that call. Request to be primary.”

“Copy that GF44.
Be advised, two shooters, multiple casualties. Proceed with caution. Back up will be en route.”

“Copy that
.”

James
smiled that same grin again. It has always annoyed Bentley when James would get excited and smile that stupid grin with all of his teeth showing while making some stupid juvenile wise crack. “Copy that bitches! Ha ha! Hey Bentley, maybe you should give me a gun. You know, just in case.”

“
In case of what? You think this is a fucking video game? Absolutely not! You will stay in the car until I give you the ok. And we will both stay in the car until back up arrives. God I can’t believe I am bringing you into this shit. You better do as I say and stay the fuck in the car. I can’t guarantee your safety if you get out.”

“Yo man, if the shit hits the fan, I am going to need
to defend myself right? Can’t you just give me a small gun or something? I feel vulnerable and exposed. What if they’re shooting at the car?” Bentley banged on the steering wheel. “If they are shooting at the car, I will shoot back and you will duck. Enough said.”

Bentley
assumed that a sort of clarity came over James because he didn’t say another word until they arrived at the gate of the complex. At the main gate, there were already three other squad cars waiting for them.
Ok, that helps. Was kind of hoping that I didn’t have to be the first. I probably shouldn’t have requested to be primary. Took a big risk just to shut James up.

One o
f the other officers came to Bentley’s window. “Hey Man, we got three stiffs on the other side of that building over there. Shooters took off but they were identified as gang members by a few residents.” Bentley was relieved that the shooting was over. Now there shouldn’t be any reason for James to freak out.
“Thanks Boone. I called primary so I am going to go secure the scene.” Bentley didn’t notice that James had rolled down his window, who then stuck his head out and yelled, “Evening Officer Boone, good job you are doing here! Keep up the good work.” Boone had already heard about James and his antics. “Thanks man, greatly appreciated. Do us all a favor and stay in the fucking car!”
Startled and embarrassed, James sat back and lowered his head. It wasn’t that difficult for a cop to intimidate James. Boone grinned and shrugged his shoulders at Bentley. “Hey Boone don’t worry, he’ll stay put.” Bentley turned to James and sternly said, “I will be right back. Do I need to explain what you need to do?”
James responded sarcastically, “No sir ociffer!”
Bentley paused at the audacity of James’ attitude, then got out of the car and went to the trunk to get out some tape to cordon off the scene. James sat and focused his eyes on his feet. He didn’t want to look up. James didn’t want to see anyone looking or laughing at him.

Oh wow there is the loser b
rother of Bentley sitting in the car like a little kid waiting for his Daddy! Does my brother tell everyone that I am a loser? Why would that Boone guy talk to me like that? He doesn’t know me. What if I was an undercover agent making sure they were doing what they were supposed to? What if I was a chief pretending to be Bentley’s brother? They don’t have any idea what I am. Then again, I don’t have any idea what I am. God please help me. I am not feeling too hot right now.

As Bentley walked
away, James began to cry. The idea that there were three dead bodies around the corner freaked him out as well. James really wanted Bentley to come back. Minutes seemed like hours. Just like it does for a dog left alone in the car while its owner went shopping. James began to feel very vulnerable.
What if those two gang members come back and see me in the car by myself. What would they do to me? I need a fucking gun. This is war! Please Bentley where the fuck are you?

James
couldn’t handle it anymore. He got out of the car and decided to go find Bentley. He walked casually past one cop, who didn’t say anything.
Walk as if you own the place!
When James made it around the building Officer Boone had pointed at earlier, he saw Bentley and went straight to him. “Bentley I couldn’t stay in the car man, I was freaking out. I think the shooters are going to come back I know it.” Bentley wanted to scream and laugh at the same time.

“
Oh my God James, I need you to stop right there and walk towards me.” James raised his hands. “Oh no, its ok man. I will stay right here, I won’t move anywhere else.” Bentley laughed as did two other officers standing nearby. “Seriously James you should have stayed in the car. You are standing right next to a dead body and you probably have blood on the bottom of your shoes.” James looked around and saw the silhouette of a body lying still in the dark one foot away. He immediately jumped and ran back towards Bentley’s squad car. All of the officers on the scene began laughing. James turned around at the car and yelled, “Very funny you assholes!”

Then regretfully, i
n a momentary lapse of reason, Bentley yelled, “Told you to stay in the car fatso, didn’t I?” James paused and looked like a man who just lost a fight. That momentary lapse for Bentley didn’t last long. He yelled as James shut the car door, “Hey I didn’t mean it. Hey man, come back here.” Calling James fatso was the one thing everyone knew he was sensitive about. Nothing hurt James’ feelings more. Bentley knew it. But this was a crime scene and Bentley had to be in a different mode. All Officers on a crime scene went into a mode much different then when they are going through their routine duties; on duty or off. You have to preserve evidence, protect the scene, account for victims and determine the number, and identity of the suspect or suspects. An officer develops a type of temporary insensitivity, a wall, and at times has to hurt other’s feelings in order to preserve the integrity of a scene. But Bentley has called James a fatso on other occasions as well.
I can’t help it. He gets under my skin so damn easily and brings out the worst in me. I want so badly to punch him sometimes. Calling him fatso is much better than beating him up. I should have never brought him with me tonight. Mary heavily advised me against it. But I had to try because he is my brother.