Page 1 of Meaner Than Evil

One

New York City, NY

April 2010

1:00 PM Eastern

Logan

Trotting down the courthouse steps, I head to the group of reporters waiting with their cameras and microphones for my official statement. The jury returned a guilty verdict, and the rumored right-hand man of kingpin Luis Morales will serve hard time for his sins. I should be proud and satisfied with the verdict, but it leaves me hollow inside.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get him to flip on his boss. He refused my offer of complete immunity and the witness protection program to save his neck, as well as those of his wife and children. I’m stumped by his decision. He’s guilty as fuck of heinous crimes including drugs, human trafficking, and murder. The man chose life in prison without the possibility of parole rather than freedom for his family to protect an evil man.

What kind of monster wields that much power?

I step up to the group and immediately begin my formal statement to reporters. This case, which I pinned so much hope on, is nothing more than a repeat of all the others. As soon as I finish, the reporters begin their rapid-fire questions. I fend them off with the skill of someone who has done this hundreds of times. All the while, smiling a victorious smile, hiding the fact that I am frustrated knowing this may be the end of the line.

For the past few years, my world has been consumed with the successful prosecution and conviction of The Diablo gang members. New York City is safer for my efforts, but it feels like a hollow victory because I know I’ve only inconvenienced Luis Morales. His operations continue without a hitch. Each person, including his second in command, has already been replaced.

“Ms. Black, is it true, Luis Morales, himself, has put a bounty on your head?”

I’m stunned by the brazen stupidity of the reporter who just put every criminal on notice that one of the most powerful kingpins in the world has offered a reward if I’m delivered up to his gang. I respond with venom for the cameras as my security detail descends on the reporter and drags him away for questioning.

I square my shoulders and tell them all. “Let me be clear to Mr. Morales and those who would contemplate his offer. There are people in this world who are not afraid to take evil people like you out.” I spin around and walk away.

Evan, the head of my security team, catches up with me. “Logan, we need to review your security detail. Obviously, with this new information, you’ll need additional protection.”

I smirk at him. “Why is it that every time I think I have Morales by the balls, he slips just past my reach?”

Evan remains silent. I already know his opinion. He doesn’t concern himself with those things. He is laser-focused on making sure as I travel through the city, I do so safely.

I reach over and pat him on the shoulder. “Evan, whatever you think I need, I’ll agree to do. I’m not scared of him, but I probably should be. I don’t worry about my safety because I know you’re in charge. Thank you again.”

He nods as he opens the door to the car, waiting to take me back to the office. I toss my satchel inside as I lower myself into the back seat. My head is starting to throb. I should have my blood pressure checked. I lean my head back and close my eyes. I feel the car pull away from the curb.

Bill, my driver, asks after about five minutes of being stuck in traffic that isn’t moving at the moment. “Ms. Black? Ma’am? May I ask you a question?”

“Sure, shoot.” I open my eyes and lift my head off the seat to look at him in the rearview mirror.

“Do you know how much the bounty is Morales is offering?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Aren’t you curious?”

“No. Not in the least.”

“Why not?”

“Oh, I suppose it’s because I know it’s irrelevant. I’m too well protected for it to be a viable threat regardless of how much.”

He nods and looks back at the car in front of him as it eases forward, and we follow, creeping up until we have to stop again.

“It’s a substantial amount.” He tells me. “Enough to make it worth the risk.”

“Are you concerned?” I make eye contact with him again in the mirror.

He glances back to the car in front, then turns his head and looks to either side. Checking to make sure he’s aware of what’s happening around us. Security details always have their heads on a swivel.

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