"Frio Verana : Part 1"

Frio Verana

Chapter 1

Scene 1

(The year was 2005, Spanish Harlem was buzzing. Jamal walked through the dance floor by himself. The music was bumping through the speakers. It was a typical Friday night in Spanish Harlem. NORE's 'Nothin' was bumping through the speakers. The club slowly started to get packed. The crowd was very mixed, different races and different ages.  He got to the bar and ordered his usual. Double rum with pineapple juice and a shot of tequila. At the bar a tall dark skinned woman eyed him up. She had long dark hair. She was a beauty, with a slim, athletic build, her high heels emphasised her thighs. Jamal couldn't hide his interest, he couldn't help looking in her direction. To his surprise she turned and walk towards him quite confidently.)

Jamal: Hello ma'am. You are looking marvellous. What is your name? What's a pretty thing like you doing in a place like Spanish Harlem?

Crystal: The name is Crystal and a good time brought me to Spanish Harlem, I'm out with my girls, one of them is moving to Australia for a year so we came out to give her a proper send off. 

Jamal: I have always wanted to go out there.

Crystal: So what is stopping you?

Jamal: hmmm...life.

Crystal: Life is what you make it baby boy. (She stroked his hand and rubbed his beard with her other hand. Jamal was just about as tall as her and he was just as dark. He was well built, he previously played American football before quitting. He was still in good shape.)

Jamal: I guess so miss but my job keeps me occupied.

Crystal: Hmmm what is it you do? Secret agent?

Jamal: haha! Close enough, I'm a cop and private investigator.

Crystal: Oh, so you in here for business or pleasure?

Jamal: I'm under investigation now?

Crystal : Yes. (She leant in and whispered in his ear) I want to use your handcuffs on you Mr.

Jamal: Damn, are forward for real or maybe you are all talk?.

Crystal: Quit playing boy.

(Jamal finished his drink and shot. He looked across the room and saw Freddy come in with a couple of his goons. Freddy was short and skinny, he had a light brown complexion. His hair was in twists like Coolio. They went straight into V.I.P. He turned to Crystal and pulled her in close.)

Jamal: (Whispers) Hold that thought.

(Jamal watched the men filter into the V.I.P. section. Freddy was one of the dope boys in the hood. He had a good relationship with Jamal. Jamal wasn't a crooked cop, he knew he couldn't make too many enemies in the city. He had to pick his battles and at the same time he had to show who was boss. A very thin line but Jamal had always known how to tip toe around it. The DJ switched the track. The Lox "Wild Out" blew through the speakers, the joint became way more energetic. Jamal two stepped to the beat. He was in Freddy's eye line, he caught eyes with him. Jamal raised up his shirt to show his 38 on his belt, and he winked at Freddy. Freddy kissed his teeth and shook his head in annoyance. Jamal walked over to the V.I.P section where Freddy and his crew were. He walked up to the bouncer who slid in front of him abruptly. A very tall and broad shouldered Brazilian man. Jamal had seen him throw out many people from the club. Just like Uncle Phil throwing out Jazzy Jeff.)

The Lox: WILD OUT!!! WILD OUT!!!

Bouncer: Whoa, slow down home boy, where you going?

Jamal: To say hi to my buddy. I come with good tidings.

Bouncer: I've never seen you roll with Freddy's crew, you a reject or something?

Jamal: Step aside boozoo-

Freddy: Yo chill my nigga! You ain't got to give my guy no attitude!

Jamal: Tell your guy to stop asking me questions.

(Freddy signalled to Jamal to come inside the area, Jamal shook his head.)

Jamal: Naw, you come outside my nigga, we need to talk.

(Freddy gulped and nodded at his goons. Jamal let him out and they went through the back door. They ended up behind the kitchens in some alleyway. They alley was illuminated by the light coming from the kitchen windows. Jamal strode forward and Freddy walked timidly behind him. Jamal turned around swiftly and grabbed him by the throat. He held him up against the wall.)

Jamal: Freddy! My guy! I should have snatched you up that time huh? Is this how you repay me?

Freddy: WHAT?

Jamal: The night I caught you and your boys bringing the drugs through? I let you go and this is the thanks I get huh? Have you forgotten our deal? I should have busted you all, all of you should be in the box now!

Freddy: What's the problem man? I ain't done nothing?

Jamal: What?

Freddy: You want money? We got lots of it, I can cut you some cake.

Jamal: I don't want your stinking money! I've never taken cash from you, why would I now??

Freddy: Please get off me, lets talk.

Jamal: I told you, I will let you keep dealing but no kids! You selling dope to kids? I will turn your ass in bwoi! I'll make sure they send you to Rikers island, I heard they love pretty boys.

Freddy: Look man I ain't deal nothing to no kids, it's just a few shipments in and out of Spanish
Harlem. I have some dealings with China town. I just move work here and there, then we split the profit. I don't do no shit with no kids. I swear Jamal please! I don't know anything!

Jamal: I swear I will-

Freddy- That is the set up I promise you!

(Jamal let him go, Freddy was gasping for breath and was coughing.)

Freddy: God damn you nigga, whats your problem?

Jamal: Some young kids were involved in a shoot out. Something drug related. One of the kids is a family friend. He's 17 years old shooting at some older heads in broad day.

Freddy: You know these boys stupid, whats that got to do with me?

Jamal: You sure?

Freddy: I'm sure, I know there were some problems in China town but it's all in house.

Jamal: Well this a young boy, he's a good kid, he plays soccer. He's going places, I don't know how he got a gun in his hands, let alone let it off in broad day. Luckily there was only one witness that won't come forward and no CCTV. Feds gonna drop it, they don't care about niggas shooting at other niggas.

Freddy: I'm sure you can get the dogs to stop sniffing around that.

Jamal: I can do somewhat.

Freddy: For the record, some of these young boys don't care bro, no code, no respect, they don't know nothing. You can't help everybody.

Jamal: Look-

Freddy: I didn't mean no offence, this is just facts.

Jamal: We will see.

Freddy: It's a dirty game, I'm trying to get out and clean my money. Get involved in some real estate.

Jamal: You better start reading some books.

Freddy: I will pay some people to do that.

Jamal: You might learn something.

Fredy: Lemme get this cash up first bro, let me go man, these hoes inside getting cold without me.

Jamal: I got my eyes on you bro, and just to let you know there is a detective in there watching you and your goons. I would advise you not to act like you are in Cash Money every single Friday. If they get on your ass then I can't help.

Freddy: Who?

Jamal: Sexy dark skinned black queen. Her name is Crystal, she has done under cover work before, she knows her stuff, but she think she's better than what she is. My advice find a new joint.

Freddy: Damn, imagine we let shawty in V.I.P?!

Jamal: I'm out, clean up your mess because I ain't cleaning nothing.

End Scene

Chapter 2

(It was 2.42pm. Jamal pulled up to the drive. He squeezed by the range rover parked outside Lara's house. The same routine twice a month. The front door opened and Zack ran outside the house. Zack was 5 years old. He loved his father dearly. He had the same complexion as his father, same eyes, same nose. It had been 2 years since the divorce. Lara re-married within a year of them splitting. Married to some snobby white man called Henry. But Jamal knew it was his fault, he was in too deep with the work demands. He was travelling state to state helping people with cases. Whilst he was solving crimes across the country his family and marriage was falling apart brick by brick. Lara had an affair with Henry in the last year of their marriage. At first Jamal was vehemently against the divorce. He was prepared to over look the cheating but he eventually let it go. Too much arguing in front of Zack and with other family members sticking their noses in, it just got messy. Lara strode outside, she had a caramel complexion, she wore her long natural hair. She still had the same confidence from when he first met her, still radiant as ever. He always felt conflicted seeing her, at times he would miss her. Other times he simply hated her, but he treated it as a job, he was completely professional. Sent her cheques for child support every month. He made sure to always send more than what she asked for, it was a pride thing. He didn't want his son to go without but more importantly he didn't want Lara and Henry to think he was a bum. )

Zack: Daddy can we go to the park? I got a new basketball!

Jamal: Hey big man! You gonna be the next Michael Jordan, let Daddy teach you some moves!

Zack: Cool!

Lara: Hey.

Jamal: Whats up?

Lara: I'm ok, just working and working, you know how it is. Zack keeping us busy as well.

Jamal: He's got a lot of energy.

Lara: Yes he does, and oh he's got a new asthma pump. (Lara passed him a small green pouch with the asthma pump.)

Jamal: Cool. Where's Henry?

Lara: He's in the back doing some gardening.

Jamal: Ight, tell him I said hi.

Lara: I will.

Jamal: Well I figured since there is a fair I could take Zack for an extra day. Is that cool?

Lara: Umm yeah sure.

Jamal: See you Tuesday.

Zack: Daddy lets goooo!

End Scene

Chapter 3

(The fair was buzzing. Kids squeeling could be heard across the fair ground along with the music coming from the machines and different rides. A lot of people were dressed up in costumes. Zack and Jamal had spent the whole day there, it was getting close to Zack's bedtime but Jamal was a bit more lenient with the bedtime. He knew that Zack would be out like a light as soon as they got back to the car.)

Zack: Daddy one more time please!

Jamal: You sure? You gonna get dizzy and get a headache spinning on that thing.

Zack: I'll be fine its not the fastest one! It's not too bad! Come on daddy please!

Jamal: IGHT!

(Zack skipped to the gate just as one of the staff members was going to close it. He hopped in the seat and buckled up on the little choo choo train. Jamal chuckled at Zack's surprised facial expression as the ride took off. Jamal felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around slowly, and it was Alejandro. He wore a long dark jacket with cowboy boots. He had olive skin and a long moustache. He looked quite comedic looking so serious in such an environment. He had his hands tucked in his deep pockets.)

Jamal: You got what I need? You got 30 seconds. My kid don't need to see you bro, no offence.

(Alejandro passed him a note and nodded his head.)

Alejandro: This is it pal, this is what I heard about how it went down.

Jamal: I know how it went down I want to know WHO is responsible.

(Alejandro was an informant. He was deep into narcotics on the Westside and got into a mess there. He since moved to Spanish Harlem and set up shop then but he ended up getting set up by some of his connects. He ended up doing some time but he struck a deal with the feds, provided he gave up information which got several members of an Italian cartel locked up. . The feds were after Alejandro for a long time and still wanted to get him done for at least 7 years despite snitching but Jamal promised to get Alejandro's time in jail shortened.J amal oversaw the operation that got Alejandro caught but he knew that he was key in bringing the cartel down. Jamal was having an affair with the judge that presided over that specific case. Melanie Meadow was in her mid forties and was one of the toughest judges in the whole of New York but she had a soft spot for Jamal. She was weak at the knees for him but Jamal rarely took any favours from her. When the case was over Alejandro got a year in a correctional facility and with the option of parole. Once he was out he used whatever dirty money he had left and put some in off shore accounts and he bought a coffee shop and renovated it. He still had one or two street ties but he was no longer active. But always gave Jamal information he needed.)

Alejandro: It was was not easy getting this information-

Jamal: WHO was responsible?

Alejandro: Who? How? What? Does it matter? People got shot at that is all I know, besides it's not safe knowing so much. Knowledge isn't always power.

(Jamal opened the note and read it it read 'Smokey's crew, located on 25th Av Spanish Harlem'. He nodded at Alejandro and he left him. So it wasn't Freddy's crew that was involved. It was a new crew, young crew. More dangerous and more reckless.)

Chapter 4

(Tuesday morning 7.30a.m Jamal carried Zack from the car. He was still knocked out cold. . He went back to the car to retrieve all the things they won in the fair and put them on the sofa. He nodded at Lara and went straight down to the District office. He knew it was game time. He licked his lips, he got a high from investigations. It was simply in his blood. He sped up as he got closer to the office. He got a call.)

Adam: Yoo! Where you at?

Jamal: I'm coming to the office now.

Adam: Good.

Jamal: You got work for me already?

Adam: That snitch that tipped you off was right.

Jamal: What the hell? You moved in on the address without telling me" We have to wait!

Adam: Chill chill. We did a few stop and searches in the area and we caught one dude affiliated with them. We got him with some weed and a small flick knife, nothing big but we got him in the interrogation room. He's been arrested a few times before but no record.

Jamal: How old is he?

Adam: 18 going on 19. He's just a kid, but he's not talking. Says he doesn't know Smokey.

Jamal: Smokey is the head of this operation. Once we take him down, everything else dies with it.

(Jamal arrived at the office shortly. It was busy, and smelt like coffee. Buzzing with feds, district attorneys and investigators. Jamal walked straight to the interrogation room where Adam waited. Adam was average height. He was white and had very pale skin, people called him Winter.

Adam: He won't talk.

Jamal: He will talk to me.

Adam: You sure about that?

Jamal: He's gonna talk to us.

Adam: How we doing this?

Jamal: Follow my lead.

(Jamal burst into the room, the kid AJ sat there with a blank facial expression. He looked at the walls and avoided eye contact at all costs. He wore grey champion hoodie, Timbs and baggy jeans. He was mixed race and had long curly hair.)

Jamal: You not gonna talk huh?

Adam: He's a tough guy.

Jamal: Naw, he's just a lil bitch.

AJ: I ain't talking until I get a lawyer. I don't know why I'm here for questioning? You got a lil ounce of weed from me and a 1 inch poker, congratulations. (He sarcastically clapped his hands) You gonna get a pay rise for that? Man quit playing, you ain't got nothing on me.

Jamal: What you talking about money lil boy?

AJ: Ha. Loser, you better get me out of here.

Jamal: Or what?

Adam: Chill J.

AJ: Or I'll sue your ass.

Jamal: Listen lil boy I haven't got any time for your games, tell me about Smokey and his crew. He doesn't care about you and none of his dawgs do. You are just their lil bitch.

Adam: He's just a kid man...

Jamal: Naw, he thinks he's the big guy. Hey Adam, what if we leave him on remand for a few weeks? Or a few months?

Adam: Technically we can't do that, we took the weed and he got a slap on the wrists so technically he can go home.

AJ: Listen to the white boy.

Jamal: You think this white boy cares about you? Why you in a rush? You want to go and buss it open for Smokey?

AJ:  Look you sicko, let me go.

Adam: Come on Jamal, quit playing with him-

Jamal: This gonna end with me getting what I want or you going to jail. I will leave you in the cell for refusing to co operate with the authorities.

Adam: What?

Aj: You can't do that! Tell him white boy!

Adam: Jamal, relax-

(Jamal pulled his chair back and flipped the table over and launched himself at AJ. He grabbed him by his throat and slammed him against the wall. His legs dangled in the air. AJ was struggling to breathe.)

Aj: Let..go-

Adam: What the hell are you doing!? Calm down

(Jamal released him, AJ dropped on the floor gasping for breath. Jamal put the table up between them again. He rubbed his head whilst staring at the floor.)

Jamal: You playing with me too much, I didn't want to do this but I have to.

(He put his hand by his waist near his gun holster, AJ's eyes opened wide. But Jamal just sat down calmly and looked at AJ and smiled. Then he laughed.)

AJ: You psycho! Let me go man!

Jamal: How's your little girlfriend?

AJ: What?

Jamal: Christina. She's just come out of high school, shes 16 turning 17 isn't she? Such sweet young love.

AJ: Where are you going with this? That's private stuff.

Jamal: Well a little bird told me that shes got a bun in the oven. Thats sweet. congratulations. Maybe having a kid early will make a man of you.

AJ: (Whispers) look man-

Jamal: I know the rest of her situation and-

(AJ's eyes welled up and he began to wimper.)

Jamal: She hasn't got the right papers has she? She hasn't got legal stay to remain in the country right?

(Jamal looked at Adam and scratched his head)

We have a lot of illegal immigrants in Spanish Harlem. But a few patriots aren't happy about that. Little Bolivian Christina got into the states managed to enrol onto a course and a little part time job whilst her knight in shining armour takes care of her. Isn't that the perfect love song Adam?

Adam: Look kid, you don't have a lawyer present you dont have to speak-

AJ: I have rights.

Jamal: It's a shame about Christina's rights, and your lil baby on the way. I might get her shipped back to where she came from. I mean you a hustler right? You can fly out there and visit her whenever. You got that bread right?

AJ: OK! OK! Please! I'll give you what you want, just leave my Christina out of this.

Jamal: You ready to stop playing? I make one call and your mamcita and  baby are back on some island somewhere and I promise you won't see them again.

AJ: Ok. Look what do you want to know?

Jamal: I need to know about Smokey and take down his whole organisation. He has got kids involved and he's making alot of money. He's exploiting you and others. Adam, you can go now.

(Adam got up and left the room.)

Jamal: Be honest with me. I don't have no problem with you, I want to help you. There was a shooting a few weeks back and it was kids.

AJ: Look man, I ain't no shooter.

Jamal: I know you are not, but I know you have information.

AJ: Look Smokey thinks he got screwed over by the Mexican crew so he sent some young boys to shoot at them. He pays his shooters $500 each. It's not a lot of money for that but to these kids $500 is damn 5 million. Thing is some of those boys ain't cold blooded shooters, so it got messy.

Jamal: Here's what we are gonna do. You are gonna tell me about his operation, where he eats, sleeps and shits. You got that? And you know what I'm gonna do after this conversation? You and your Christina are gonna move out of town and start a fresh, no drugs, no bullshit, you hear me? You got a kid coming and you still risking your freedom?

AJ: Look man, I ain't got no parents, its just me and my little brother we gotta eat.

Jamal: I will help you.

End Scene.

Chapter 5

2 weeks later...

(The front page of the local newspaper read "Local investigator takes down drug gang leader called Smokey. He relied heavily on youngsters in his drug business. He got busted by Jamal Joseph. Here's what Jamal had to say " Well I've been working with the feds and been an instigator my whole life, we need to crack down on these older men taking advantage of these kids. These kids have a bright future ahead of them despite living in the ghetto. They all have potential to become the next scientist, astronaut or baseball player. We need to get rid of tyrants like Smokey or our communities will never be peaceful." Hugo slammed the newspaper down and stood up from his chair. His henchmen were startled. He walked to the windows and looked outside over the city. He was on the top floor of a luxury apartment. He paced up and down slowly, he breathed heavily. He was a dark skinned gentleman, he was very short and quite chubby. He wiped the sweat off his head with the sleeve of his jacket. )

Hugo: This guy is good, he is too good. Smokey was an asset to us. He plugged in a lot of our drugs into that hood.

Ricardo: Smokey was good, he was loyal but he trusted the young boys too much.

Hugo: Young boys have been integral to operations for years.

Ricardo: I know but it's always a gamble. But at least we still get our cut and more on top.

Hugo: It's not about the money, we will always make the money, but we can't look weak to our competition. We need to be on top of the game.

Ricardo: Somebody must have snitched. I heard the feds rushed him at one of the trap houses. They rushed the one in Spanish Harlem, they tracked another one in Queens and Brooklyn. It was a big shake up.

Hugo: ha!

Ricardo: I know Smokey didn't talk. He's looking at 20 years, so you know he didn't co operate with the feds. He knows we know where his family stays so he wouldn't dare.

Hugo: He was a loyal stupid dog.

Kev: So what do we do now boss? The block is hot now. I went down around the area and all the dope boys and traffickers are scared to death.They never seen such a clean sweep of an operation. There isn't a drought, the dope boys are too scared to sell. They are scared of people wearing wires and phones being tapped.

Hugo: We need to do our own shake up. This Jamal guy, find out everything we can about him.

Ricardo: We gonna run up on him?

Hugo: No. We've killed feds before but we have to be smart, this guy isn't a basic guy. I need to study him and do our research. For now we continue business as normal but I want you to focus on research.

End Scene

Chapter 6

(Jamal came up the escalator all the way to the top floor. The W hotel was busy as usual, the air con was on but it was still hot. He wore loafers, shorts and a Ralph Lauren polo shirt. The escalator doors opened slowly and he walked through straight to door number 10. He pushed the door and Melanie lay there in all her glory, she had long red hair and freckles. She had a slim and petite frame. She wore a sexy negligee and stockings. She sat with her legss crossed and she bit her lip as Jamal strode into the room. He smiled as she lay there waiting for him.)

A few hours later...

Jamal: Damn, you take my breath away Mrs. Meadow.

Melanie: I've missed you.

Jamal: I can tell..what was that? 3 rounds? You trying to kill me?

Melanie: You are a strong young man, nothing you can't handle.

Jamal: You are trouble.

Melanie: You tackled one of the biggest gangsters in Harlem and you think little old me is a problem?

Jamal: You are crazy. That's my job ma'am and yes he is taken down but the work isn't done yet. Everybody answers to somebody.

Melanie: Meaning?

Jamal: Meaning, that Smokey took 20 years and a lot of that operation must have been funded by another party. He wasn't the head of the operation. He was a wild boy, he was too wild and reckless. He didn't snitch on anybody, he will rot in jail for a long time.

Melanie: Hmmm.

Jamal: Once we find out who was the big shadow behind him we will see the bigger picture.

Melanie: One thing at a time Mr. (She pulled him in close and she hugged him) So I've been thinking.

Jamal: What? (He turned over and looked in her eyes. Her face went bright red. She was infatuated with Jamal. She always felt warm and safe with him.)

Melanie: Before you say anything, this is nothing to do with you. It's my thought process, I need to be happy and I'm not happy.

Jamal: You got a kick ass job, well known and respected throughout New York and you get to lay with me, so what is the problem?

Melanie: NO! (She giggled) I mean my marriage with Darren. 

Jamal: Well if you were happy you wouldn't be here with me would you? 

Melanie: I know you know I'm not happy with my marriage. But I'm thinking of an anulment. I'm tired of pretending to be happy with Darren. But I'm a judge, so people judge me all the time. I have to save face. But I'm tired of it all. He doesn't know how to love me or make me feel special. I know we are both busy but he doesn't make any time for me. He doesn't make love to me. He takes on extra hours at work that he doesn't need. Poor Matthew complains he hardly sees his father but he doesn't seem bothered. In front of his colleagues he wants to kiss me in front of them but once they are gone he gives me the cold shoulder and I'm tired of it.

Jamal: Well if this is for your happiness then you have to do it. When I split with my ex it was messy but it was the right thing in the end.

Melanie: I will talk to him when I see him next. But I just wanted to tell you and don't worry I won't ask you to marry an old bird like me. 

Jamal: Look baby I'm here for you whenever, you've been good to me through all this and I can't help but feel maybe I've contributed to this 'sham marriage' but we can't change the past, we are here now. But whatever you need I am here for you.

(They held each other closer as Melanie smiled.)

End Scene.

Chapter 7

(Jamal came out of the grocery store and walked down the street. It was boiling hot it was approaching the peak of summer now. There was no indication that the heat was going to be letting up any time soon. He took of his t shirt, he only had his vest on. He walked for two blocks before turning into a house. It was a tiny house at the edge of the block. He was still in the decent side of Spanish Harlem but he wasn't too far away from the hood. The front door was open. He could smell some spicy food being cooked. The air con in the house was on, the cold air slapped his chest and he was grateful for it. He could hear loud music coming from upstairs.)

50 Cent: Many men, many many many many men, wish death pon me, dawg I don't cry no more, don't look to the sky no more, have mercy on me!

Julie: Is that Mr Jamal? Captain New York prowling in my house?

Jamal: Haha!

(Julie bounded out of the kitchen and hugged Jamal. Julie had raised him and his sister growing up. His mother was studying a lot and his Dad served in the Navy but Julie was always close to the family. She was a cheery character, she was part of the local church, she always volunteered to set up local charity events in the community. She was thin and dark skinned. She still looked young for somebody of 52 years old. She has brown eyes and dread locks. She had no kids of her own. She adopted  Francis when he was 4 years old. Both of his parents were crackheads. Both of them were out of the picture.)

Julie: You are a good boy! I've seen you all over that newspaper, I told the folks at church that you are basically my son. 

Jamal: That isn't far from the truth.

Julie: You got a girlfriend? We got some fine church girls? It's about time you forgot about that no good Lara.

Jamal: Big Mama, stop, please! Haha!

Julie: What kind of crazy woman leaving you for a white man? These girls are tripping.

Jamal: It was my fault.

Julie: You better stop saying that before I whoop you! You were helping people, more people like you are needed in this place, it's a shame she couldn't see that. 

Jamal: Some people don't see it like that.

Julie: How's my Zack?

Jamal: He's just getting bigger and bigger.

Julie: I'll go and get him next week, he adores Francis.

Jamal: How is Francis? He's upstairs right?

(The volume of the music increased, there was a slight vibration going through the floor.)

Julie: Hmmm. I guess he is ok, he hasn't got into any trouble at school. He is still getting top grades, teachers say he is a model student. But in the last few months he has been withdrawn. He isn't putting his hand up and contributing in lessons. He doesn't speak unless he is spoken to. He seems traumatized.

Jamal: What a dramatic word-

Julie: No seriously! That boy quiet as a mouse, he don't talk in church or when we are out in the store. He's just in his room listening to music or studying.

Jamal: Hmm, that is quite unusual but he is a teenage boy. We all go through phases.

Julie: I remember your teenage phases. 

Jamal: Well we don't need to go down memory lane now.

Julie: Haha! 

Jamal: I'll go upstairs and speak to that knuckle head.

(Jamal went upstairs and the music was booming.)

Biggie: Who shot ya!

Jamal: Yoo!

(Francis hopped up off his bed startled.)

Francis: Damn son.

Jamal: Don't curse in big mama's house that's numero uno.

Francis: Oh man, sorry man! Good to see you! Whats up?

(Jamal stared at him and slowly looked around the room.)

Jamal: I've been working boy, you?

Francis: Same old, still hitting targets in school.

Jamal: Sit down.

Francis: What?

Jamal: Sit down, I haven't got time.

(Francis looked bemused and he sat down.)

Jamal: Look, there was a shoot out not long ago and I know you were involved. I'm not coming to bring you in to the station. I'm not coming to lecture you.

Francis: What? I'm not into that stuff. Al I do is study bro.

(Jamal stared at him.)

Francis: Who told you this?

Jamal: Francis , I don't have time, don't mock me. Julie has worked hard for myself and now you. Don't bring no drama to her gates because if you drag her into any mess I will take you in myself so help me God.

(Francis trembled and he began to sweat.)

Jamal: Your friend AJ told me everything.

(Francis gasped)

Francis: So you gonna tell big mama?

Jamal: Look this isn't about me telling anybody.

Francis: Then what then? You ain't my poppa.

Jamal: You damn right I ain't your poppa, your pops was a crackhead and your momma too. 

Francis: Thanks for reminding me.

Jamal: Yeah I have to remind you because you need to understand the road you are going will lead you to the same place as them or worse. Do you hear me?

(Francis's eyes welled up.)

Jamal: You are lucky there wasn't no CCTV on the corner. You are lucky the feds want you all to kill each other. You think they give a damn about some dead black or latino young boys?

Francis: Ok I'm sorry, I got caught up. Big mama needed some bills to be paid so I wanted to help her out.

Jamal: So from bills to shoot outs?

Francis: Look, like I said I got caught up. I just gave some work to the middle man a few days a week. No big deal, same spot, same client. One day before the transaction Smokey spoke to me and told me he was giving me extra bread for the hard work I was doing. But he gave me a hammer, he told me if there is anything funny I should use it. I was scared, I wanted to say no, I wasn't in it for no drama but you can't say no to that guy. I had to go a street further than usual, I saw the guy that I usually deal with but he looked pretty bad and pretty angry. All I remember is-

(He started to sob.)

Francis: Dude came out-

Jamal: It's ok I don't need to know the details-

Francis: He said hey man, where's Smokey?!

Jamal: Francis, its ok-

Francis: I said I didn't know and he pulled out his gun and he started shooting but he missed, then I started shooting back.

(He began to sob uncontrollably. Jamal put his arm around him as he cried. Big Mama slid open the door slowly and her eyes were wide open, Jamal signalled her to leave and she crept out quietly.)

Jamal: You made a bad choice and that's fine. But you can't do that again. What's Zack gonna do without his best friend huh?

Francis: I didn't want to get in too deep.

Jamal: You still dealing?

Francis: Naw, I ain't doing that, some young boys still are even though Smokey is locked up.

(Jamal and Francis went downstairs to eat. Big Mama always made a feast whenever Jamal was around. They all acted as normal as possible. When Francis left the table Jamal just told Julie it was some girl stuff. A girl had dumped him.)

Julie: He ain't told me he had no girlfriend? Is that why he pulling them sad eyes all the time? I'm gon give him a big kiss and a clip round his ear.

Jamal: He's a big boy, he don't need no kisses or slaps.

Julie: You are a good man Jamal, I'm happy you are here for him. As strong as I am a woman can't completely raise a man. 

Jamal: You raised me ok.

Julie: Thank the Lord!

(Jamal gave her a hug and left the house. As he walked down the street he was feeling quite pensive. He was happy Smokey was off the street but at the same time he didn't realise how many kids he pulled into dealing. He made a lot of mess before getting locked up. Francis was lucky he was a clever kid. In a year he would be off to college studying but some of the other guys don't have that advantage and will be in the game for a long time. His phone rang, it was a private caller, he ignored it. Number called again and he ignored it. Shortly he got a text saying "answer your phone Mr. Joseph, it's important." His phone buzzed again.)

Jamal: Hello??

Unknown caller: Ahh is this the hero?

Jamal: Who is this?

Unknown: Somebody that isn't happy with you and your work.

Jamal: What?

Unknown: What is important to you Jamal? Who do you love?

Jamal: Look punk-

Unknown: Judge Melanie? Is she important to you? Go to her home and see how important she is.

(The phone cut. Jamal's heart sank. He was frozen on the spot, he began to sweat profusely. He called Melanie twice but it went to voicemail. He called a couple more times and still no response. He ran to down the block to his car and hopped in. He sped down the roads, he went through countless red lights but he didn't care. He was terrified. After 15 minutes he pulled up to Melanie's place. The lights were on and both her and her husband's cars were parked outside. He slid down the back of the house. He could hear the TV and everything as normal. He could see her husband sitting on the chair watching the TV as normal. He laughed heartily at the TV screen. Jamal was confused, his phone rang again, to his relief he saw Melanie's name come up.)

Jamal: Melanie!

Melanie: Hey boo, I was in the shower when you called. I'm gonna have an early night Darren is being an asshole-

Jamal: Come outside.

Melanie: What?

Jamal: I'm out the back come outside.

Melanie: Jamal?

Jamal: I'm waiting.

(Within 2 minutes Melanie came out of the house through the back garden in her bathrobe and slippers. She was surprised to see him there. She smiled at him when she got closer.)

Melanie: Miss me huh?

Jamal: Is everything ok? I just got a weird call.

Melanie: From who? 

Jamal: I don't know, I just have a bad feeling.

Melanie: Relax sir, nothing to worry about.

Jamal: You don't understand. I think somebody may be after you, or me, or us?

Melanie: What? 

(Jamal was trembling, he was terrified, he stared into Melanie's deep blue eyes. It wasn't until then he realised he actually cared for Melanie. He was overwhelmed. But he quickly regained his composure.)

Jamal: You know what, maybe its nothing. I'm tripping.

Melanie: You sure?

Jamal: I've had a long day, I will be fine. 

Melanie: Hmm, your crazy ass couldn't get enough of me. You want more huh? (She pulled him in close and they kissed passionately.) Although this fantasy is quite sexy Mr you need to scram. Can you imagine the headlines? 'Judge's husband catches her having sex in back garden?' 

(They both laughed, Jamal pulled away from her and left, as he stepped into his car his phone rang again it was private number again.)

Unknown caller: How was your lover?

Jamal: Who is this? When I find you-

Unknown: We will meet each other soon, I just wanted to see the kind of man you are. You are a brave man, a man with integrity, I must say I use the word integrity loosely, well I mean you are banging a married woman. 

Jamal: You want to hurt her?

Unknown: Mrs. Meadow? No. She's just a whore with a fancy job. We won't touch a hair on her pretty head, you don't need to worry about her. Honestly. truly she has nothing to worry about. I just wanted to make sure you were on your toes.

Jamal: You are sick, this call will get traced and its all over Jack!

Unknown: You think I'm an idiot? I know who you are. This phone will get disposed of just like I got rid of the other phone I used to call you before.

Jamal: Look-

Unknown: You are quite a brave man, imagine what you would do for little Zack?

(Jamal was shaking, his mouth dried up.)

Unknown: What no threats huh? 

(The voice of the caller had become more deep and vicious.)

Unknown: Imagine that? I thought you were perfect but you aren't all that I thought you were. A better man would have checked on his own family first but here you are running around like a headless chicken for some dumb whore. 

Jamal: I'm the wrong one to play with.

Unknown: You think I'm playing huh? Get to Zack now and see if I'm playing with you.

(Phone cuts. Jamal was no longer scared, he was furious. He put his foot down and drove straight to Lara's place. He pulled up and took his gun from the glove compartment. He moved stealthily to the house and looked over all areas. The front door was wide open, he came inside and both Lara and Henry was sprawled out on the floor. He checked to make sure both of them were breathing. Both of them were still alive but knocked out clocked. He looked around the room and saw two towels, he picked them up. He had seen this before; it was Chloroform. He ran upstairs and his heart was pounded. He burst into Zack's room, he was fast asleep on his bed. Jamal gasped with relief. He shook Zack and woke him up.)

Jamal: We need to go, now.

Zack: Where we going? 

Jamal: Far away.

Zack: Like a vacation.

(Jamal nodded his head frantically.)

Jamal: Yes, but we need to go now.

(Jamal swept up Zack in his arms and ran down the stairs. Lara and Henry were knocked out cold. Zack saw them lying on the floor and began to panic.)

Zack: Daddy whats happening?

(Jamal called the ambulance. Suddenly 3 police cars rushed the front lawn, several officers came out with their guns drawn.)

Officer: Put the kid down now! Or I will be forced to shoot you!

Jamal: Woah! It's a mistake! This is my son!

Officer; Sir if you don't put the kid down I've got one of my good sniper friends outside ready to shoot you right in between the eyes, this doesn't need to get messy.

(Zack was screaming.)

Jamal: It's ok Zack.

(Jamal got on his knees,  and put his hands on his head.)

Officer: Kidnapping huh? You son of a bitch.

Jamal: I'm a fed myself, I'm a private investigator. Jamal Joseph, please this is a big mistake. 

Officer: What the hell are you doing?

Jamal: Sir please! Why the hell would I kidnap my own son?!

Officer: Look we got the call that there was a breaking and entering.

Jamal: Who called? What time?

Officer: It was 5 minutes ago, unknown number.

(Jamal got up immediately.)

Jamal: This is a set up.

Officer: GET DOWN NOW!

Jamal: LOOK-

Officer: Sir you are arrested for breaking and entering and attempted kidnapping.

End Scene