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A family of evil Chapter 17
She nodded and Franklin could see she was breathless, which brought a grin to his face as he walked back to the car. He wondered if Johnnie was timing how long he was parked in Sam’s driveway. He considered leaving his car there for the night and calling a patrol car to take him home. But sense prevailed and he backed down the drive and headed home, humming to himself.It wasn’t until Franklin got to work the next morning that he remembered he was supposed to have gone for a run. Two things in quick succession distracted him. One was Michael came in to tell him about the licence plate of the Telco. ‘His name’s Adam Taylor and he’s a technical technician for Onetel. Seems like he’s legit, he’s got no record, no known associates, not on the radar at all. Are you sure she didn’t call with a complaint or something?’‘Michael , she doesn’t have a landline!’ Franklin felt he shouldn’t have to repeat important information. ‘So, that means either it was an innocent mistake or he’s a new r
A family of evil Chapter 18
Ken buried his head in his arms, moaning softly.‘I bet he begged for mercy. What do you think, Ken? Think he would’ve begged them to stop?’ Michael ’s voice was quiet. ‘He probably tried to crawl away and that’s probably why both his legs were broken.’Ken whimpered again.‘Is that what you think might happen to you, Ken?’Ken raised his head. ‘Of course, you moron! That bastard wouldn’t hesitate, he’d squash you and wouldn’t even notice he’d done it!’’What bastard Ken? Come on Ken make it right for Clinton . You’ll be out of harm’s way, but what about other boys out there? Look Ken, as you’ve said, you’ve done these things to get these lads back to work. It was your responsibility to do this and you took action.Ken sniffed. ‘That’s right, no one seems to realise that.’‘We know you were under pressure and you were just trying to get the work through. But it’s time to put all your fears to one side and make up for what you have done. Who did you see in the car that day?’ Ken sat u
A family of evil Chapter 19
‘Sure thing, boss.’‘And Franklin ?’Franklin turned back, trying to control his breathing. Mark was sweating but didn’t seem to be breathing any heavier than usual.‘Keep this between you and Michael for now. Ok? Keep me fully informed every step of the way. By the way, you could do with a few more jogging sessions, you’ve puffing like a bloody train.’Franklin waited until Mark had reached his car the other side of the car park before he allowed himself to bend over double and try to catch his breath. He straightened and looked out over the ocean, slowing his breathing. It was a sobering thought, looking for the kind of person who could deliver such a brutal beating and what they might do as a warning if Franklin and Michael got too close. Franklin wasn’t happy that he would be working outside the support of his mates on the force. The legal system was cumbersome and difficult to please. Sometimes, they got justice for the victims and their families. Other times, bad bastards
A family of evil Chapter 20
‘And?’‘He came flying out of the road in front of a car. The guy driving said he shot out without looking. He’s got a sports bag full of cash, Franklin . I think it may be something connected with Clinton . You need to get here faster than whoever owns the money does.’As Franklin jumped into his car, the passenger door opened and Johnnie slid in. ‘Before you say anything, I’m coming. I might be useful backup cos no-one knows me. Now get moving, you’re wasting time.’The streets of suburban Manurewa were quiet this time of night and no one slowed them down as they raced towards Papatoetoe where Middlemore hospital was situated. Huddled groups of youths dressed in the required black hoodies even gave them the finger of approval as they speed past. But peace soon changed to bedlam as they approached Middlemore Hospital. The emergency unit was seething with Saturday night drunks, fight victims, domestic violence cases and generally anyone who found themselves battered and bloody.Frank
A family of evil Chapter 21
Franklin grinned ruefully, ‘Hadn’t got round to hiding it, just wanted it out of sight. Here, there’s this too.’ And he handed over the CCTV CD. ‘And we got some pics of the back of them as they were walking out. I’ve already sent them on to you. One of them is called Tommie. He said to tell the boy that his Uncle Tommie was coming back for him.’‘Good work.’ Mike looked at his watch. ‘We’re moving the kid as we speak. By tomorrow, there’ll be no record that he was ever there. As soon as we’ve got him tucked away and able to talk, you and Michael can interview him.’‘There was a nurse at reception, Sister Lamb.’ Franklin started to say.Mark shook his head. ‘It’s okay, she’s with us on this. Apparently, you were very convincing that he was in danger, she was more than happy to help. That Croatian charm of yours worked again.’‘What do you think they’ll do when they discover that the kid’s disappeared along with their money?’Mark looked out the window, not seeing the reflection of
A family of evil Chapter 22
There was silence at the other end. ‘That explains a lot. It means big money and that would explain the new partner. Call you back when we pick up the kid, I’ll let you know where you can pick him up from and take him back to the safe house. God, we’re going to end up with a full house.’Michael walked up to him and grabbed him by the arm. ‘Wouldn’t it be faster if I went? It’s not that far from here?’Franklin shook his head. ‘Michael , just leave it to the blue shirts.’But Michael wasn’t a ‘leave it to anyone’ kind of guy. He walked back into the lounge, checked on Danny, walked back into one of the front bedrooms, twitched the curtain back to check the street and walked back into the kitchen.‘Michael , you’re getting on my nerves. Make yourself a coffee. Play a game on your phone, do something. Just stop pacing.’ Franklin was standing with the back door open, leaning on the doorjamb. To a casual observer, he looked relaxed but he had a bad feeling about this. He wouldn’t allo
A family of evil Chapter 23
Franklin was surprised, Stewart always seemed so self-contained, this outburst was unlike him. ‘We’re still working on it but, we are making inroads.’‘Sorry, Franklin .’ Stewart seemed to recollect their surroundings. ‘Shouldn’t put you on the spot like that. Come over and meet the board.’ And he guided the couple over to a group of people standing to one side of the room.‘No need to introduce us, Stewart.’ A solid man in a dark blue uniform stepped forward and shook hands with Franklin . The uniform emphasised his military bearing, his upright stance. ‘How are you DS Martin?’‘Fine thank you, Sir.’ The Area Commander of Police was involved with several charities, but Franklin hadn’t known that Youth With a Future was one of them. Franklin introduced Sam and glanced at the remainder of the group.Stewart noticed and continued his role as host. ‘Sam, have you met Sonia Peterson? Sonia, this is Sam Harrison, one of our volunteers.’Sam smiled and put out her hand. ‘No, but I do kno
A family of evil Chapter 24
It was too early for tourists and, while the tantalising smell of bread and donuts drifted from the bakery, all the cafes, bookshops and shops peddling Paua shell earrings and ashtrays were closed. Kiwi’s laughed at the gullible tourists paying good money for Paua shell, when you could pick up the mother of pearl shells off the beach chucked carelessly onto the black sand after being barbequed on the beach. Damn sight cheaper than what the shops charged for it.They ran in silence past wooden, two-story houses overlooking the harbour. What used to be considered plain old houses, were now seen as prime real estate with harbour views and they were renovated to the hilt. Some looked okay, but to Franklin , some were overdone. And you didn’t see any Maoris around this suburb, except for the local pub where they regularly clashed with the local islanders. Didn’t matter whether they were Cook Islanders or Samoan, they were all anathema to the Maoris. Didn’t make sense to outsiders as the th