The Empire: The Crime Consortium
Chapter 1: Kickback Scam

Javelle arrived at Raquel’s house a few minutes before 0600. He often arrived early to assist Ricardo with breakfast preparations. It had become a custom for the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation (GEBI) personnel to meet at Raquel’s house for breakfast to discuss the status of pending GEBI operations or plan the coming day’s agenda.

Raquel had been born on Earth, in what was once known as New York City. Their residence had been little more than a one-room apartment.

Javelle could understand Raquel’s phobia of enclosed spaces. He had been created on Donovans World. Few individuals knew that Javelle was a robot. Investigator Douglas Kincaid, who had the ability to analyze brain waves, knew almost immediately that Javelle was not human when he first met Javelle upon arriving on the world of Trenton. It was due to the fact that the positronic brain wave patterns were completely alien to human brain wave patterns.

Later, on a mission to the world of Ryye, Investigator Lynda Ryan had become suspicious of Javelle’s unusual habits - like not eating. And Javelle and Doug had concluded it was best to tell Ryan the truth. Javelle was a humaniform robot. Then Issie had become suspicious and they had confided in her. And more recently confirming to Raquel that Javelle was a humaniform robot; and explaining to Raquel that both Javelle and Doug had the mental ability to analyze brain waves.

When it was confirmed to Raquel that Javelle was a robot, she stood in shock saying over and over, “Oh good Galaxy! Oh good Galaxy! Oh good Galaxy!”

“And you can read my mind and know what I am thinking,” Raquel said as a statement not a question.

Doug and Javelle had repeatedly assured Raquel that they could not read her mind and know what she was thinking. They could only analyze brain waves and determine the emotions of a person, as if they were threatening them with harm.

They further explained that they could immobilize a person’s nervous system, preventing them from moving, make a person forget something, or implant instructions to assure someone performed a certain task. But Raquel remained skeptical. And she still looked at them at times, in a skeptical manner, probably wondering if they knew what she was thinking.

Javelle had also arrived early to tutor Jazzlyn (Raquel’s daughter) in calculus. Doug was aware that Javelle held a PhDs in mathematics and physics.

Javelle feared that his existence was in jeopardy and would continue to be in jeopardy if he remained on Donovans World where he had been created. Fearing for his existence, Javelle had fled Donovans World, first going to the world of Nitro, where he had established the identity Robert J. Kovoj. And he earned doctorates in mathematics and physics. Then he moved to the world of Mentor, where he had resided for the next fifty standard Galactic years, teaching mathematics and physics at the Galactic acclaimed Mentor University.

As Javelle assisted Ricardo in the breakfast preparations, he tutored Jazzlyn in her calculus homework. Raquel entered the patio area and acknowledged Javelle with a wave and said, “Good morning, Javelle.”

“Good morning, Raquel,” Javelle replied, as he continued helping with the breakfast preparations.

Javelle noted that Ricardo had walked over and kissed Raquel good morning, his normal routine; which he did every morning when Raquel entered the patio area.

“Have you given anymore consideration about what you are going to do about the shakedown that city councilman is attempting?” Raquel asked Ricardo. “You should notify Captain Jacoby and tell him.”

Ricardo and Raquel engaged in conversation as they usually did each morning. Being on the other side of the patio area, obviously they did not expect anyone to hear what they were saying. Javelle’s acute hearing ability allowed him to hear clearly what they were saying. Usually he would tune their conversation out, considering it private. This morning, it sounded like Ricardo was faced with some type of trouble and Javelle continued to listen to their conversation.

“Trenton City Councilman Cosco and Builders Association President Lemley forcing the Trenton Mall Project Manager to use substandard material to receive kickbacks is illegal, Ricardo,” Raquel said. “And labor boss, VanFosson, demanding that he use his workers, who he pays little more that minimum wage, but charges the Project Manager prevailing labor rates is also wrong.”

“I know, Raquel, but Ansonia fears that the city council will reject all building permits. According to Ansonia, Councilman Cosco rules Trenton City Council,” Ricardo replied. “Ansonia fears their goon squads may even harm the workers he had planned to use. I think he also fears for his own safety, perhaps the safety of his family.”

“If Captain Jacoby was told about what was going on he could arrest them, Ricardo,” Raquel said.

“What good would that do? Without proof, Captain Jacoby would be unable to arrest them,” Ricardo replied. “They would simply deny everything if someone made a complaint. Worse, they may retaliate against the person who filed the complaint.”

“Something needs to be done, Ricardo,” Raquel said.

Javelle continued to listen in on Raquel and Ricardo’s conversation. But before Ricardo could respond to Raquel’s last comment, Jenny and Karen entered the patio area and said, “Good morning, everyone.”

Over the next few minutes, others arrived. When Major and Maria arrived with Aisha and David, Aisha ran to Javelle. “Good morning, Uncle Javelle. What are you doing?”

“I am helping with breakfast preparation and tutoring Jazzlyn with her calculus.” Jazzlyn leaned against the table, propped up on one elbow.

Aisha walked over to the table Jazzlyn was using, placed her elbows on the table and cupped her chin in her hands and watched Jazzlyn. After watching Jazzlyn a few moments, asked, “What are you doing, Jazzlyn?”

Jazzlyn did not answer and Aisha continued to watch. Then Aisha pointed one finger at something on the paper and asked, “What is that?”

Jazzlyn still did not respond and Aisha continued to watch. Then Aisha asked, “Are you working math problems, Jazzlyn?”

“This is calculus. Now stop disturbing me. I’m trying to concentrate,” Jazzlyn said.

Aisha took no offense by Jazzlyn’s tone and continued to watch. But when she heard Doug come in and say ‘Good morning, everyone,’ Aisha ran to Doug, and said, “Good morning, Uncle Doug.”

Doug picked Aisha up and said, “Good morning sweetie. How is my favorite girl?”

With an innocent look, Aisha said, “I thought Aunt Zenobia was your favorite girl?”

“She is, so you’re my other favorite girl,” Doug said as he set Aisha down.

“Where is Aunt Zenobia? Did she bring any maple cake?” Aisha asked.

“Zenobia did not come with me this morning. But I’ll tell her you requested that she accompany me tomorrow morning and that you would like it if she would bring some maple cake.”

Doug took his breakfast plate to the buffet bar to get more scrambled fowl eggs, sausage and another biscuit. Raquel, upon learning of Doug’s and Javelle’s mental abilities, had asked if they could communicate telepathically. Doug and Javelle had attempted to to do so, but it never seemed to work. When in the company of others, if Doug needed Javelle’s attention (or vice-versa), he would give what Doug called a cold-eyed stare.

Whether it was a sixth sense, or something psychological, or even physiological, Doug felt Javelle staring at him. Doug stared back. Except when Javelle displayed one of his rare smiles, his facial features never changed, not even the blinking of an eye. Doug understood that nothing demanded his immediate attention; ‘the cold-eyed stare’ was only conveying Javelle needed to talk with him at his earliest convenience. Doug gave a slight nod, then scooped up the scrambled fowl eggs and placed them on his plate.

Doug lingered as everyone departed to go to the GEBI office at the Galactic Empire Capitol Complex. Raquel and Maria would remain behind and work from Raquel’s home.

As the last ground vehicle drove away, Doug turned to Javelle and asked, “Why the ‘cold-eyed stare?’” Javelle proceeded to tell Doug about the conversation he overheard between Raquel and Ricardo. Had anyone else told the story, Doug would have interrupted by asking, “Are you sure that is what they said?” for verification. But Doug knew Javelle was probably reciting their words verbatim. Javelle could, Doug knew, alter his voice to match Raquel’s and Ricardo’s had he chosen to do so.

Concluding his recounting of the conversation between Raquel and Ricardo, Javelle said, “What these people are doing is illegal and a lot of innocent people will be harmed. If they are made to use substandard materials, and problems develop at the new Trenton Mall Complex after completion, blame could fall on Ricardo. He might lose all credibility as an architect because he is the chief architectural designer. What are we going to do about it?”

“Hm! I don’t know,” Doug said, appearing to be deep in thought. Then he said, “First thing, we need to call Raquel and tell her we’re going to take a sick day.”

“I don’t get sick,” Javelle snapped.

Looking at Javelle and grinning, Doug said, as he retrieved his vistaview unit and hit the speed dial button for Raquel, “I know you don’t. I’ll tell her we…” Before Doug could finish the sentence, Raquel answered. Doug said, “Hi, Raquel, Javelle and I need to run some personal errands. We’ll be a little late getting to the office.”

“Is everything okay? Raquel asked, sounding concerned.

“Yeah, everything is okay. We just need to see to some personal chores. Javelle needs to pick up his laundry, I need to purchase some toiletries, and I’m not aware of any pressing business at the GEBI office today,” Doug told Raquel.

“Okay. I’ll call Major and tell him you will be a little late,” Raquel replied.

“I’ll leave my ground vehicle here and we’ll use your ground vehicle, Doug said to Javelle, as they proceeded toward the ground vehicles.

Javelle started his vehicle and backed out of the drive. “Where are we going?”

“First, we need information. I wish Issie were here, but it’s probably best not to get her involved in our little sideline caper.” Doug took out his vistaview unit and started tinkering with it. “I know Issie could probably do this in half a second,” Doug muttered as he continued to ramble around through the unit. After about ten minutes, Doug said, “Here we go; the city directory for Trenton.” After a few more minutes’ searching, Javelle said, “Are you going to replace something or play around with that thing all day?”

“Ha. Ha. Funny,” Doug said, as he continued searching, mumbling to himself. “Let’s see, this looks like…no, that’s not it. Let’s see, maybe this…no….I believe this might be what we’re looking for. Trenton Builders Association, A. Lemley, President. What do you say we pay a visit to Mr. Lemley,” and Doug read off the address.

Doug was not familiar with the location, but Javelle made a left turn and Doug accepted that Javelle knew where to go. Javelle once told him that he had memorized all the streets in Trenton. The location was not downtown, but in the business district, and it took nearly three quarters of an hour to reach their destination. Both sides of the street were lined with ground vehicles. They were adjacent to the building when Doug called out, “There is the building, Javelle,” pointing to his right.

“I’ll drive around the block and see if there is a parking space when we come back around to this street,” Javelle said. There were no parking spaces when he returned and Javelle drove past the building again. A few buildings further on, Javelle saw a video arcade parlor, popular with the young people, and was able to park. Walking to the Trenton Builders Association building, Javelle asked, “How are we going to handle this? Mentally force him to tell us everything he knows?”

“I was thinking more along the line of submission,” Doug answered. “We’ll pretend to be building contractors seeking permission to build. If he commits himself to something illegal or unethical, then we’ll pounce and force him to tell us everything.” Javelle opened the door and held it for Doug to enter the building. On the way in, Doug said, “Don’t forget to activate your vistaview’s audio and video blocking function. We don’t want to be seen or heard.”

The office of the Trenton Builders Association was on the second floor. Inside, seated behind a desk and peering at a computer screen, a cigarette dangling from her lips, was an elderly lady with straight gray hair that looked as if it had not been combed that morning. She looked up at Doug and Javelle and said, “Yeah, what can I do for you boys?”

“Uh, er, I’m Ray - Raymond Spine,” Doug said. “And this is my partner, Mickey - Michael Shims. And, uh, we’re building contractors. And, er, we’ve been told it would be best if, er, we discuss any building beforehand with Mr. Lemley,” Doug said in a nervous tone of voice. The Raymond Spine and Michael Shims aliases were a couple of monikers created by Director Major Justice. Major claimed to have gotten the names from an old hyperwave movie and Raymond Spine and Michael Shims were supposed to have been a couple of detectives or investigators.

The gray-haired woman punched a button on her com system and said, “Have a couple of boys out here wanting to talk to you about a building permit.”

A male voice responded, “What are they planning to build?”

The gray-haired woman looked at Doug and Javelle, and Doug said, “Uh, we’re planning to build an apartment complex.”

“An apartment complex,” the gray-haired woman repeated.

“Okay, send them in,” the male voice said.

The gray-haired woman pointed to a door and turned back to the computer. Doug and Javelle walked to the door. Javelle opened the door and held it open for Doug to enter.

Inside they found a man with coal-black hair, expensively attired in a gray business suit, reclining back in an office chair smoking a big black cigar.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” the man said pleasantly in a mellifluous voice, inviting them in from behind his desk.

Doug and Javelle noted the two men sitting on the sofa. They appeared to be a couple of muscle boys, bulked up from lifting weights and weighing 18 to 22 kilograms more than Doug and Javelle. Doug and Javelle gave no indication they even saw the two men. Doug stopped about a meter in front of the desk. Javelle remained behind Doug about a meter so that he could, out of the corner of his eye, watch the two men on the sofa.

“Uh, er, I’m Ray - Raymond Spine. And this is my partner Mickey - Michael Shims. And, uh, we’re building contractors, Doug said, continuing the nervous charade. Doug stooped a little to appear more submissive to complete the role. “We’ve been told it would be best if, er, we discuss any building beforehand with you, Mr. Lemley, sir.”

“That was a wise decision,” Lemley said, still leaning back in his chair, with a smirk on his face. Lemley took a big puff on his cigar and blew a smoke ring and said, “What do you boys plan to build?”

“Uh, sir, er, we were planning to build an apartment complex,” Doug replied.

“Where do you plan to erect this complex?” Lemley asked.

Doug thought fast and recalled seeing some property for sale, said, “Sir, we were thinking of purchasing a property off Nottingham Road.”

Lemley just stared at him, and Doug wondered if he had said something wrong and that Lemley had caught onto their scam. Then Lemley said, “That property is zoned residential. It would have to be rezoned commercial.”

Doug looked at Lemley with a bewildered look on his face. Doug was not knowledgeable with zoning ordinances, but he wondered why property used to build residential apartments would have to be rezoned commercial.

Smirking, Lemley said, “I see you boys are unfamiliar with zoning requirements. Have you built anything before?”

Knowing a lie would accomplish nothing, Doug said, “No, sir, Mr. Lemley.”

Taking another big puff on his cigar and blowing a smoke ring, Lemley said, “Then you boys have come to the right place.”

Doug had mentally detected Lemley having some apprehension when they first walked into his office. But being in his own office, felt himself in complete control. A mental scan of his brain waves confirmed that Lemley was becoming more confident talking to Doug and Javelle, feeling they represented no threat. Doug could only analyze Lemley’s brain waves for various emotions. He could not read his mind to know what he was thinking, but Doug guessed that he took them for a couple of ignorant yahoos.

“First thing is to get that property rezoned. That is simple to do. You just see City Councilman Cosco and he will take care of the matter. He’ll also take care of your building permits,” Lemley said.

“Yes, sir, Mr. Lemley,” Doug said, “we just ask Mr. Cosco to change the zoning and give us the permits and then we’re ready to go,” Doug answered.

Laughing, Lemley said, “To expedite matters, I would suggest you make a little contribution to his reelection campaign.”

Doug did not keep up with political campaigns, but was aware that contributions normally ran between five hundred and five thousand credits. Keeping in character, and feigning ignorance, Doug said, “So, maybe we give him a hundred credits contribution and then Mr. Cosco will change the zoning and give us the permits.”

Lemley rocked forward in his chair with a burst of uncontrollable laughter, and his two muscle boys joined in. “Did I say something wrong, Mr. Lemley?” Doug asked sheepishly.

Lemley finally stopped laughing and rocked back in his chair and said, “I was thinking more like five thousand credits.”

“Five…thousand…credits…,” Doug said, in a shocked voice, drawing it out.

“And you should plan to make a five thousand credit contribution to Councilmen Bonasso and Besozzi’s reelection campaign to assure there is no delay in getting the zoning changed and obtaining all your permits promptly,” Lemley added.

“Oh, wow! That seems awfully costly, Mr. Lemley,” Doug said. “Is it really necessary?”

“If you do not want to encounter any problems, it is necessary,” Lemley said.

“What about the other council members? Will we have to make contributions to their campaigns as well?” Doug asked.

“Let’s just say they have been engaged in some extracurricular activities they would not want certain people to know about, and City Councilman Cosco has the documentation to prove it,” Lemley said grinning.

“You mean, sir…You mean that Councilman Cosco is blackmailing the other Council members?” Doug said, acting surprised such conduct was going on.

“Now those are your words, Spine,” Lemley said, with a smug expression on his face.

Doug noted that was the first time that Lemley had used his name. “Er, yes, sir. What else would you recommend that we do?”

“You will need building materials and supplies. There are a couple of firms that can supply you with everything you will need,” Lemley said.

“Do they provide quality materials and supplies, sir?” Doug asked.

Taking a puff on his cigar, Lemley said, with a smirk on his face, “You boys will not need top quality material and supplies.”

“Oh, why is that, sir?” Doug inquired. “Will we get a better deal on the price?”

“They will still charge you for top grade material and supplies,” Lemley responded. “But remember, my friend, you pass the cost on to those buying or renting the apartments.”

“Yes, sir, but won’t the building have to be inspected before we can sell or lease the apartments?”

“Not to worry,” Lemley smirked. “The building inspector works for the council. Take care of the councilmen as I told you. They will have the inspector give his approval.”

“Yes, sir,” Doug acknowledged.

“And I would recommend you contact VanFosson, the labor union boss. He can assist you will all your labor needs,” Lemley replied.

“We were planning to use union labor, sir,” Doug answered. “Does it really matter which union we deal with?”

“What VanFosson runs is not a labor union as such. He retains men to whom he only pays the minimum credits, but charges union scale,” Lemley said. “If you don’t want any problems, or accidents, if you get my drift, it’s best to use VanFosson.”

“Yes, sir, I understand,” Doug responded.

Lemley took another puff on his cigar and said, “My brother-in-law will purchase the property for you.” With a smirk on his face added, “Of course, he will charge you a commission for his trouble.” Lemley had been quite free with this. A quick scan of his brain waves confirmed to Doug that Lemley felt in complete control.

“So you boys play ball with us and you will replace that you will not encounter any problems; no building permit problems, no labor problems, no material problems,” Lemley concluded smugly, replacing the cigar between his lips and taking a big puff.

Doug turned his head back toward Javelle and gave him the ‘cold-eyed stare.’ Javelle understood that the atmosphere in the office was about to change. Doug turned back to Lemley and straightened his posture, abandoning the stoop he had displayed. In a cold, icy voice, he said, “Naw! I don’t think we want to play ball, as you call it, with some two-bit, slimeball crook like you, Lemley.”

Lemley rocked forward in his office reclining chair as if catapulted. His mouth flew open and his cigar fall out. The two muscle boys who had been sitting in the sofa, enjoying seeing Lemley intimidate his visitors, jumped up.

“Who do you think you are, coming in here calling me a slimeball?” Lemley bellowed.

“We’re just a couple of good ol’ boys who do not like to see slimeball crooks like you taking advantage of hardworking folks,” Doug replied, with an enigmatic smile playing on his face.

“Throw these yahoos out,” Lemley shouted at the two muscle boys.

Out of the corner of his eye, Javelle saw one of the muscle boys approach him and the other start toward Doug. Had it been Raquel, instead of Doug, and he had been tasked with protecting her, Javelle would have moved to intercept the muscle boy descending on Doug. Knowing Doug was quite capable of defending himself, Javelle remained where he was, and appeared to be relaxed. When the muscle boy reached for Javelle, Javelle caught his arm, twirled him round, and caught him by the back of the neck, all with one hand. The next thing the muscle boy knew, his feet dangled a dozen centimeters off the floor, and Javelle still stood in the same spot.

Whether what just happened to his friend registered with the other muscle boy, or not, Doug back kicked him in the thigh on his approach. He grunted and folded forward. Doug jumped, spun in the air, and kicked him again in the kidney area on his side and he went down on all fours. Doug said, “Stay down,” and immobilized his nervous system to keep him still.

When Javelle scanned Lenley’s brain waves earlier, Lemley had felt that in total control. Javelle now detected Lemley’s heartbeat had quickened considerably, and he was losing all confidence after observing what had just happened to his men. Javelle saw Lemley try to open his desk drawer but it seemed to become immobile. Lemley grunted trying to force his hand and arm to move.

Lemley’s attempt to open the desk drawer was not lost on Doug. Doug guessed he was trying to retrieve a blaster. Doug mentally immobilized the nerves that controlled his hand and arm and said, “Play fair, Lemley. No blasters today. Instead, you’re going to tell us all about this shakedown scam you and Cosco, along with VanFosson, are engaged in,” Doug said, imprinting the command in Lemley’s mind.

Lemley told Doug how the city councilmen, led by Chairman Cosco, would not grant building permits or let the building inspector approve projects, if they did not receive five thousand credits each, of which five hundred was recorded as a campaign contribution and the remainder was deposited in their personal accounts. He went on to say that VanFosson forced builders to employ his workers, many of whom were unqualified, such as unlicensed electricians or plumbers, and how VanFosson coerced builders to purchase building supplies from firms that sold substandard material as top quality, and charged the builder for top quality material, after which he and the supply companies split the credits. And finally, how his brother-in-law, if they learned of a property a builder was going to purchase, would buy the property and then sell it to the builder for double or even triple the original cost.

Doug recorded Lemley’s confession on his vistaview unit. Then he told Lemley, when Trenton Security arrests you, you’ll tell them that your conscience is troubling you and you want to confess your sins, then tell them all about this scam. You will answer any and all of their questions truthfully, and he implanted the instructions in Lemley’s mind. And he concluded erasing any knowledge of ever meeting him and Javelle, aka Ray Spine and Mickey Shims.

Then Javelle erased the two muscle boys’ memories so they would not remember ever seeing them; then the memory of the elderly lady in the outer office as they exited from Lemley’s office.

Doug’s vistaview unit buzzed. He retrieved it from his pocket and saw that it was Raquel calling. “Hi, Raquel,” Doug said, answering Raquel’s call.

“Major called. He said that you and Javelle had not yet arrived at the office. What are you and Javelle doing?” Raquel asked.

“We’re still running some personal chores,” Doug replied.

“How long does it take you to pick up laundry?” Raquel asked.

“Not long,” Doug answered. “But Javelle and I needed new shoes and thought we would get those while we were running personal errands. Are we needed at the office?”

“No, nothing urgent, just routine stuff,” Raquel responded. “Major was just curious why you two had not yet arrived.”

“Well, as soon as Javelle and I complete our personal chores, we’ll go directly to the office,” Doug said.

“Okay. Talk with you later,” Raquel said and disconnected the call.

“What will we do now?” Javelle asked. “Why don’t we have a talk with City Councilman Cosco,” Doug told Javelle.

“Do you have his vistaview number?” Javelle asked.

“No, let me see if I can replace it if I can ever replace that thingamajig, the city directory, for Trenton,” Doug said.

“You have been searching for six minutes and thirty seven seconds,” Javelle said. “Why do you not call Issie? She can replace his number in half a second.”

“Probably best not to get her involved in our little sideline caper,” Doug said, as he continued trying to replace the city directory on his vistaview unit. “Just give me another minute here and I’ll replace it.”

“It has been three minutes and nineteen seconds and you are still searching,” Javelle said as he took out his vistaview unit and hit the speed dial number for Issie. “I will call Issie.”

“You don’t need to call her,” Doug said. “I’ll replace it here in another minute,” but it was too late as Issie said, “Hello, Javelle.”

“Please replace the vistaview number for City Councilman Cosco,” Javelle asked Issie without preamble.

“What do you need City Councilman Cosco’s number for?” Issie asked. “And where are you and Doug? Major has been looking for you two all morning. He even called Raquel to replace out if she knew where you were.”

“We are taking care of some personal chores; I am going to pick up my laundry and Doug is going to purchase some toiletries,” Javelle told Issie; “Anything urgent occurring at the office?”

“No, everything is routine around here,” Issie replied.

Javelle saw Doug still searching his vistaview unit for the Trenton city directory and said, “Did you replace the number for Councilman Cosco?”

“Yeah,” and Issie read the number off to Javelle.

“Thank you, Issie,” Javelle said, and added, please do not tell anyone you have been talking with us.”

Javelle had his vistaview unit on the speaker and Doug heard Issie read the number off and stopped searching. Then Doug heard Issie say, “What are you and Doug doing? Why do you need Councilman Cosco’s vistaview number?”

“We are not doing anything. I am going to pick up my laundry and Doug has to purchase some toiletries,” Javelle replied and added, “Please do not tell anyone you have spoken to us.” And Javelle disconnected the call.

“We should not have gotten Issie involved in our little caper,” Doug said, as he entered the number Issie had given Javelle into his vistaview unit, “we’re going to get into trouble.”

The vistaview number buzzed and a female voice answered, saying, “Councilman Cosco’s office. May I help you?”

“Yes, Madam, may I speak to Councilman Cosco?” Doug asked the woman.

“What does this call pertain to?” the female voice asked.

“Ah, we’re building contractors, and Mr. Lemley suggested that we speak to Councilman Cosco about building permits and other things,” Doug replied.

“And what was your name again?” the female voice asked.

“Er, Spine, Samuel Spine,” Doug replied.

“Please hold a minute, Mr. Spine, the female voice said.

It was nearly five minutes before the female voice said, “Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Spine. Councilman Cosco suggests that you meet him at the La Rosa Restaurant around 1130 hours. Would that be convenient for you, Mr. Spine?”

“Ah, yes madam,” Doug answered. “The La Rosa Restaurant at 1130 hours. We’ll be there.

Ending the call, Doug asked Javelle, “Do you know where the La Rosa Restaurant is?”

“Yes, it is one of those classy, high-priced restaurants where all the business elite congregate for lunch,” Javelle replied.

“I would prefer meeting Cosco outside rather than being seen inside the restaurant with him,” Doug committed. “Hopefully, they do not have valet parking.”

They had over an hour wait, having arrived early. But Doug and Javelle saw no evidence of valet parking and Javelle parked as near the front of the restaurant’s parking lot as he could, so they could observe all the ground vehicles entering.

After Javelle parked, Doug said, “I don’t know what Councilman Cosco looks like.” Taking out his vistaview unit he said, “Maybe I can replace a picture of him on this thingamajig.”

“He will have been here and gone by the time you replace his picture,” Javelle said. (Had Javelle been human, the comment would have sounded sarcastic.) “I saw one of the hyperwave reporters interviewing him. I know what he looks like.”

As Doug and Javelle waited for Councilman Cosco to arrive, they discussed the implications and adverse impact using substandard material would have on building projects and the city of Trenton. And Doug wondered, “I wonder if the city of Trenton could be held responsible for any building problems caused by using cheap material, seeing as how the city councilmen are involved.”

“You would need to ask Gilbert,” Javelle said. “He is the attorney.”

“No, I’m not asking Gil and getting him involved in our little sideline caper,” Doug voiced. “Getting Issie involved is enough.”

They continued to discuss the shakedown scam while they waited.

A big, shiny black ground vehicle pulled into the parking lot and Javelle said, “That is Councilman Cosco.”

There were no parking spaces available near the front and the black ground vehicle continued to the rear where the driver from a vacant parking spot.

“I don’t want to been seen talking with Cosco. Let’s walk back and meet him as he exits the ground vehicle,” Doug said.

Doug and Javelle exited their ground vehicle and were almost to Cosco’s ground vehicle when he exited behind a muscle-bound bodyguard.

“Uh, excuse me. Are you Councilman Cosco?” Doug asked.

Cosco eyed Doug a moment before saying, “Yes, I’m Councilman Cosco.” He was perhaps a centimeter or two shorter than Doug but a good eight to nine kilograms heavier, and obviously overweight.

Doug extended a hand and said, “Ah, er, I’m Ray – Raymond Spine and this is my partner Mickey - Michael Shims. We’re building contractors,” using the nervous voice as he had with Lemley, and stooped as he had before.

The driver, another muscle-bound bodyguard type, now flanked Cosco’s left while the other man took the right. Mentally scanning Cosco’s brain waves, Doug noted heightened anxiety, and Cosco’s heartrate increased. Doug wondered why this was, considering he was flanked by two bodyguards. Neither he nor Javelle exhibited a threatening posture.

Cosco made no indication of wanting to shake Doug’s hand. Doug dropped his hand and said, in a nervous tone of voice, “We’ve been told we need to speak with you about zoning matters and building permits, sir.”

Cosco stared at Doug a moment and then asked, “Who told you that you needed to speak to me about zoning and building permits?” Doug could smell alcohol on his breath and guessed that Cosco had probably had a few drinks on the drive to the restaurant to stimulate his appetite.

“Er, Mr. Lemley, sir, with the Trenton Builders Association, sir,” Doug answered.

Cosco continued to stare at Doug and finally said, “Yes, my secretary informed me that you told her Mr. Lemley had referred you. When I called Mr. Lemley, he does not recall speaking with you.”

So that is why he is nervous, Doug thought. Of course we had to block Lemley’s mind from remembering us, and Lemley could not tell him anything. Doug mentally kicked himself for telling Cosco’s secretary that Lemley had sent them, but he accepted that he had no choice but to drop a name when Cosco’s secretary had asked for reference.

Doug shifted from one foot to the other, feigning nervousness. “Mr. Lemley appeared to be preoccupied when we spoke with him earlier, sir. Maybe he forgot.”

Cosco continued staring at Doug and Javelle. “Are you undercover security officers?”

“Uh, no sir,” Doug said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other and glancing at Javelle. “We’re building contractors, sir. That is, we want to build an apartment complex, sir. But we have never built anything before and are uncertain of how to go about obtaining building permits. And we’re willing to make a generous contribution to your reelection campaign, sir.”

“Is this a bribe?” Cosco snapped.

“Bribe? No, sir,” Doug replied, trying to appear shocked by the accusation. “We understood it was customary to make a contribution to reelection campaigns.”

“Campaign contributions are always welcome, but don’t expect any favors,” Cosco said, stone-faced.

“Yes, sir, I understand, sir,” Doug replied. “But, sir, we do need a building permit. What should we do to obtain it?”

“Go to City Hall and fill out the necessary paperwork,” Cosco said. “Now if you will excuse me, I am late for lunch.”

“Sir, how long will that take?” Doug asked, trying to stall for time.

One of Cosco’s bodyguards, or assistant, or whatever he was, smiled and said, “As soon as Mr. Cosco receives that campaign contribution you promised.”

Cosco himself was not forthcoming with information, saying nothing that could be construed as illegal. He never even hinted that their campaign contribution would lead him to provide their building permits. Perhaps his assistant’s remark could be interpreted as asking for a bribe, but it was not likely to stand up in court. It would be viewed as little more than an ‘off-the-cuff’ remark. Doug realized he was losing control of the situation and gave Javelle the cold-eyed stare.

Javelle understood. The atmosphere in the parking lot was about to become electrified. “Now you really must excuse me,” Cosco said, as Doug turned to face Cosco. “I’m late for a luncheon meeting now.”

“What about that shakedown scam you and your colleagues are trying to pull at the New Trenton Mall, Cosco?” Doug asked in a cold, icy voice.

“Wh…Wha…What do you accuse me of? I’m an honorable man. You are undercover Trenton Security officers. Forcing information from me will never hold up in a court of law. Or are you investigative reporters for that hyperwave station?” Cosco said, in an emotional tone of voice.

“Na, we’re neither,” Doug smirked, “we’re just a couple of good ol’ boys who have no tolerance for elected officials using the power of their office to exploit people so they can line their pockets with ill-gotten credits. You’re a slimeball, Cosco.”

“You have no right to insult Mr. Cosco like that,” the bodyguard on the right said, as he took a step toward Doug. Doug raised his right leg to deliver a straight leg kick that hit the bodyguard in the solar plexus. The bodyguard folded forward and Doug caught his head, gave a twist, and the bodyguard landed flat on his back on the pavement. “Stay down,” Doug said, immobilizing his nervous system so he could not move.

Doug glanced over to see Javelle holding the other bodyguard by the back of the neck with his feet dangling a dozen centimeters off the parking lot pavement. Looking back toward the front of the parking lot to see if anyone had observed what just took place, Doug saw no one, but realized it would look strange to someone to see a person lying on the pavement. Doug relaxed the mental hold on the bodyguard and said, “Get up and stand by Cosco, then don’t move.” Then to Javelle, he added, “You might want to put him down before someone sees us.”

Cosco was pointing at Doug, saying, “Assaulting a city councilman is a federal crime. I’ll have you arrested.”

“Shut up, Cosco,” Doug snapped. “I’m tired of hearing you ramble.” Cosco just stared at Doug, mouth agape. “Now tell me all about this shakedown that you, your colleagues Bonasso and Besozzi, and Lemley and VanFosson, are engaged in together,” Doug said, imprinting the command in Cosco‘s mind.

Cosco confirmed the campaign kickbacks, officially recording five hundred credits as a contribution while depositing the rest in their personal accounts, and confirmed the association with the Builders Association President Lemley, and the so-called labor boss, VanFosson, and how their conspiracy to swindle builders.

Doug recorded the confession on his vistaview unit before telling Councilman Cosco, “When Trenton Security arrests you, you’ll tell them your conscience is troubling you and you want to confess your sins. You will explain all about your kickbacks and will answer any and all questions truthfully. You will also promise to testify against Councilmen Bonasso and Besozzi.” He implanted these instructions in Lemley’s mind, concluding by blocking any knowledge of meeting him or Javelle, and Javelle did likewise with Cosco’s men.

Driving out of the La Rosa Restaurant parking lot, Javelle asked, “Doug, what is our next step?”

Activating his vistaview unit to check the time, Doug said, “Well, it’s a little after 1200...” Javelle interrupted him, saying, “It is 1208 to be exact.”

Doug looked at Javelle, always fascinated at how Javelle always knew the exact time. “Yes, well, I’m getting hungry. Let’s drive to the delicatessen down from the apartment complex. Then we’ll decide our next move.”

Doug ordered soup, sandwich and a salad. Javelle, as usual declined, telling the waitress he was not hungry. After the waitress brought Doug’s order, he said, “I believe our next move should be a chat with that so-called labor boss, VanFosson.”

Doug took his vistaview unit out and activated it. Javelle asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to look up a number for VanFosson,” Doug said, as he fiddled with his vistaview unit.

“You will be fiddling with your thingamajig, as you call it, all day,” Javelle said, as he withdrew his own vistaview unit and activated it. Then he punched the speed-dial number for Issie.

Before it had completed its first buzz, Issie said, “Hi, Javelle. Where are you? What are you and Doug doing?”

“Having lunch,” Javelle answered.

“Lunch? I thought you were running personal errands. Major is on the warpath, wanting to know where you two are.” Issie said.

“If Issie keeps this up, I’ll be able to replace VanFosson’s number on this thingamajig before you can ask her,” Doug said to Javelle.

Firing questions at a rapid fire pace, Issie said, “What did Doug say? Whose number? What thingamajig?”

“We need the number for a Mr. VanFosson,” Javelle replied. “He is supposed to be a labor boss here in the City of Trenton.”

“What are you two up to?” Issie asked. “Are you two involved in some caper?”

“No, no caper,” Javelle replied. “Doug just needs to talk with this man.”

“He needs to talk with some labor boss, really? You two are involved in some caper, aren’t you?” Issie said.

“Issie, please, I just need VanFosson’s vistaview number,” Doug said.

“You don’t need to shout,” Issie said. She read off the number. “Helping with this caper is going to cost you two.”

“Thank you, Issie,” Javelle said, “and please do not tell anyone you have talked with us.”

“Why…”

Before Issie could complete whatever she was going to say, Javelle disconnected the call.

“I told you, Javelle, not to get Issie involved in our little caper. Now we’re in trouble. She’s even threatening to blackmail us,” Doug said.

“She likes attending the opera. I’ll purchase her a ticket,” Javelle replied.

Doug entered VanFosson’s number into his vistaview unit. Pushing it across the table to Javelle, he said, “Do you want to call VanFosson and see if he will meet with us?”

Javelle pushed the vistaview unit back toward Doug and said, “No, you’re better at that razzle-dazzle, double-speak than I am. You call him.”

Doug finished his sandwich before calling VanFosson. He went through the same charade he had used with Lemley and Cosco about wanting to build an apartment complex, including being told it would be best to use VanFosson’s labor force. VanFosson told Doug he would meet with him at 1600 hours and gave a location.

After disconnecting, Doug asked Javelle, “Do you know this place?”

“It is west of the Galactic Empire Capitol Complex in the Government Affairs Complex. They’re building more offices there,” Javelle replied.

“Well, we have nearly three hours” Doug began. Javelle interrupted, “Two hours and twenty seven minutes, to be exact.”

“Yeah, whatever, to wait. What will we do in the meantime?”

“I do have to pick up my laundry,” Javelle responded.

“Yeah, I do too,” Doug replied, “and I need some toiletry items, especially disposal razors. Do you ever shave, Javelle?”

“I’m a robot. I do not need to shave,” Javelle replied.

“Yeah, right. You know, your creators should have created you so you would grow a beard. Then you could show up at the office occasionally with day old stubble and people would not think you’re a robot,” Doug told Javelle.

“A robot cannot be created that can grow a beard,” Javelle retorted.

“People probably proclaimed that it was impossible to build a robot with a positronic brain, but here you are, Javelle,” Doug countered.

Ryan walked into the office she and Issie shared. Issie looked up from what she was doing on her computer, smiled, and said, “Hi, Ryan.”

Without preamble, Ryan said, “Issie, have you seen Doug and Javelle?”

Issie lost her smile, turned back to what she was doing on her computer and said, in a snappy voice, “No, I haven’t seen them.”

“Issie, what are Doug and Javelle doing?” Ryan questioned.

“Don’t know. Haven’t seen them,” Issie replied in a snappy voice.

“Issie, you know something. What is it that you’re not telling me?” Ryan asked.

“No. Don’t know anything,” Issie again replied in the snappy voice.

“Issie…” Before Ryan could finish what she started to say, Major appeared in the door.

Both Issie and Ryan looked at Major, smiled, and said, “Hi, Major.”

“Have either of you seen Doug or Javelle today?” Major asked.

“No. Haven’t seen them,” both Issie and Ryan said in a snappy tone of voice.

Issie turned back to what she was doing on her computer. Ryan diverted her eyes from looking directly at Major, hoping her face was expressionless.

“You haven’t seen them all day?” Major pressed.

“Well, er, we saw them at breakfast,” Ryan replied.

The ‘investigator’ part of Major told him that neither Issie nor Ryan was being upfront with him. After a moment he finally said, “Okay. If you see them, let me know.”

Ryan went to the door and looked out, making sure Major had left. She then walked back to where Issie sat at her computer and said in a stern voice, “Okay, Issie Divjak. Give. What are Doug and Javelle up to?”

“Honest. I don’t know,” Issie replied.

“But you know something. What is it?” Ryan prodded Issie to tell her.

“Er, well, Javelle called me earlier. I asked him what he and Doug were doing. He said that they were running personal errands, picking up laundry and purchasing toiletries.”

“And?” Ryan prodded.

“Well, Javelle asked me to replace the vistaview number for City Councilman Cosco.”

“The vistaview number for City Councilman Cosco!” Ryan exclaimed, “What do they need that for?”

“I asked Javelle the same question. I even asked him where he and Doug were. But all he said was that they were taking care of personal chores, and then Javelle disconnected,” Issie told Ryan. “Javelle said not to tell anyone.”

Ryan stared hard at Issie and said, “That’s not all. What is it you’re not telling me?”

“Well…er…”

“Well, what?” Ryan prodded.

“Well, Javelle called again around 1330 hours. This time he wanted the vistaview number for some labor boss named VanFosson,” Issie replied.

“The vistaview number for a labor boss,” Ryan repeated, a questioning frown on her face. “What did they need that for? Let me guess. So they could pick up their laundry?” Ryan said sarcastically.

“Javelle did say something about the two of them needing purchase new pairs of shoes.”

“Oh, this gets better and better!” Ryan exclaimed, rolling her eyes. Waving a finger at Issie, Ryan added, “Those two are definitely up to something. What else, Issie?”

“That’s all. Honest. That is all I know,” Issie replied.

“So you lied to Major when you told him you had not heard from Doug or Javelle,” Ryan accused.

“I didn’t lie. Major asked if I had seen them. He did not ask if I had heard from them.”

Ryan turned and started toward the door. Issie called out after her, “Where are you going, Ryan? You’re not going to tell Major, are you?”

Ryan looked back, smiled and said, “Your secret is safe with me.”

After speaking to Issie and Ryan, Major continued to the commons area where Jenny and Karen worked. “Have either of you heard from Doug or Javelle today?”

Jenny looked at Karen, who shook her head no, and Jenny said, “No, not since this morning at breakfast.” Unlike Issie and Ryan, Jenny and Karen maintained eye contact with him.

“Well, if you should hear from them, let me know,” Major instructed. He considered asking Harvey, Garland and Clinton, but figured that neither Doug nor Javelle would have contacted them. If they contacted anyone, it would be Issie. As he walked back to his office, he saw Ryan leave Issie’s office and contemplated asking Issie again, but decided against it. Back in his office, Major called Raquel to tell her that Doug and Javelle had not yet come in.

Raquel and Maria were still working in Raquel’s home office preparing the GEBI budget. Neither woman was an accountant, so the work was becoming quite a chore. Raquel hoped to increase the budget to hire more investigators. Neither Raquel nor Maria was overly confident they were preparing the budget in such a way that would impress upon the Galactic Empire Finance Committee the need to fund more investigators.

“I think we really need to consult an accountancy firm,” Maria told Raquel.

Before Raquel could respond, her vistaview unit buzzed. She saw it was Major and said, “Hi, Major, everything okay at the office?”

“Yeah, everything is fine. I just thought I would call and let you know that Doug and Javelle have not come in yet, and it is nearly 1530 hours,” Major replied.

“If they have not shown up at the office, then where are they?” Raquel asked.

“I don’t know, Raquel. I have not seen or heard from them all day,” Major said.

“They told me they had personal errands to attend to, but that was hours ago,” Raquel commented. “Okay, Major. I’ll call them again.”

Raquel stood, gathered their cups and got more coffee. Placing Maria’s coffee before her, Raquel said, “I’m going to call Doug and Javelle, get to the bottom of this, and give them a piece of my mind.”

Doug and Javelle arrived at the construction site of the new office building at the Government Affairs Complex a little after 1530. Having time to kill before meeting with the alleged labor boss, VanFosson, they stopped to pick up their laundry. After that, Doug purchased toiletry items at the Trenton Mall, including disposal razors. Walking through the mall, they saw camouflage-style cargo pants on sale and purchased two pairs each.

Javelle had no more than switched off the engine when Doug’s vistaview unit buzzed.

Holding it up so that Javelle could see who was calling, Doug said, “Mother is worried about us; probably afraid we got mugged.”

“Hi, Raquel,” Doug said, answering.

“Hi,” Raquel replied. “Are you and Javelle okay?”

“We’re fine,” Doug responded.

“What have you two been doing all day? Major called and said you have not been to the office yet.”

“Well, it has just taken us longer than expected to complete our chores. You know how it is at the Trenton Mall, so congested one can hardly replace anything. And I confess, we dallied around window shopping. But we did replace camouflage-style cargo pants on sale and purchased a couple of pairs. We’ll be at the office in a few minutes.”

“It is hardly worth going to the office now,” Raquel said.

“Okay, we’ll see you in the morning for breakfast,” Doug said and disconnected the call.

Maria heard Doug’s explanation as to why they had not yet gone to the office and saw Raquel with a startled expression on her face. “You sure got to the bottom of that and gave them a piece of my mind.” Raquel ignored the sarcasm and said, “Let’s just complete this budget request.”

Doug and Javelle watched half a dozen men in the construction crew work while waiting for VanFosson to arrive. Doug took the man in the red work shirt to be the construction team supervisor or project manager as he occasionally pointed things out to the others.

“Are we going to get into another fight?” Javelle asked, breaking the spell.

“Another fight?” Doug echoed. “I haven’t seen you do any fighting. You just pick the man up by the neck and shake him.”

“I do not shake them. I just pick them up so they will not create any trouble.”

Before Doug could reply, a black limousine ground vehicle pulled up to the construction site. The doors opened and four large, musclemen exited. One held the right rear door open and a man as large as the muscle boys emerged. His jacket was unfastened and his big belly (what some might call a beer belly) strained against his shirt. After exiting the ground car, he placed a wide-brimmed hat on his head, and then put a big cigar in his mouth.

The man in the red work shirt walked forward. Doug and Javelle were too far away to hear what was being said. They talked a few minutes before beer belly waved his arm as if to say, “Get out of here.”

One of the muscle boys stepped forward and grabbed the man by his shirt.

Javelle opened the door to exit, but Doug reached across, grabbed his arm and said, “Wait, Javelle. Don’t interfere. We’ll take care of this in a minute, but let’s see what happens. I suspect VanFosson is pulling another shakedown scam, telling that man he will have to use his labor force.”

The man with the beer belly, smoking a cigar, who Doug guessed was VanFosson, got in the face of the man wearing the red shirt telling him something neither Doug nor Javelle could hear. He would punctuate his remarks by stabbing the man in the chest. The man was nodding his head, yes. Finally, the man nodded again, then turned and walked back toward the construction crew who had been watching.

“I believe it is time we introduce ourselves, Javelle,” Doug said, getting out of the vehicle. They saw VanFosson and his four muscle boys walk toward the limousine. VanFosson was laughing and puffing on his cigar. One of the muscle boys pointed at Doug and Javelle. VanFosson and his men watched Doug and Javelle approach.

Doug went into his nervous submissive charade, “Uh, good afternoon, sir. Are you Mr. VanFosson, sir?”

“I am,” VanFosson said, removing the cigar from his mouth, smiling,

“Uh, er, I’m Ray – Raymond Spine,” Doug said. “And this is my partner Mickey - Michael Shims. And, uh, we’re building contractors. And, er, we’ve been told it would be best if, er, we discuss any building beforehand with you Mr. VanFosson, sir; particularly as to securing our labor force,” Doug said in a nervous tone of voice.

Javelle had positioned himself just to the right of Doug and in front of the muscle boy who had grabbed the man by the shirt earlier. It displeased Javelle to see someone humiliated, especially by a larger man. If trouble erupted, as he was sure it would, he was going to grab the man by his shirt and return the favor.

The construction crew watched Doug and Javelle meet with VanFosson, probably expecting to see one of his men rough Doug up. VanFosson was in a jolly mood, smiling and laughing, as he explained to Doug in subtle terms why it was best to use his labor force. Among his reasons was that it would ensure that neither he nor Javelle might accidentally incur a broken arm or leg.

A mental scan revealed that VanFosson had an arrogant mentality that probably served him well in bullying construction crew supervisors and project managers into using his work force. But VanFosson’s attitude did not impress Doug.

Doug glanced right and gave Javelle the ‘cold-eyed stare.’ Javelle knew a firestorm was about to erupt.

The construction crew had stepped up closer to better see and hear what was going on. Except for the man in the red work shirt, they were all carrying picks and shovels. Doug guessed that the site supervisor had told them what conditions VanFosson had laid down and they were about to lose their jobs. Doug did not want them to get involved, but there was little he could do at the moment. Javelle also observed the crew moving nearer, and guessed they were planning to take matters into their own hands.

Doug turned his head back toward VanFosson, and said, “Naw! I don’t think we’ll accept your terms. We don’t like playing ball with some two-bit, slimeball crook like you, VanFosson,” in a cold, icy voice.

Quicker than the eye could register, Javelle stepped forward, grabbed his man by the shirt, and lifted him off the ground. “I do not like men who intimidate other men.”

Javelle straightened his arm and let loose of the shirt. The man staggered backwards when he landed, lost his balance and fell on his butt. Javelle said, “Remain on the ground,” immobilizing the man. Javelle took the other muscle boy by the shirt and gave him a little push. “Sit down over there by your friend,” Javelle said, immobilizing him.

The construction crew came forward, raising their picks and shovels, and one, a raised crowbar. Javelle stepped forward. “Gentlemen, please do not interfere.” He immobilized them in case they did not want to adhere to his instructions.

VanFosson lost his smile and said, “What did you say?”

“I said, we’re not using your labor force, VanFosson. We don’t like doing business with some two-bit, slimeball crook like you,” Doug told VanFosson, in a cold, icy voice.

“That’s no way to speak to Mr. VanFosson,” one of the muscle boys said, as he reached out to grab Doug. Doug folded his fist and delivered a short jab that caught the muscle boy in the solar plexus, the point on the upper abdomen just below where the ribs separate. A sharp blow to this region can cause loss of consciousness. Doug’s blow was not strong enough to cause unconsciousness, but it did stagger the man. Doug shifted his stance slightly and swung his elbow around catching the man in the side of the head. The man stumbled backward, tripping over his own feet and crashing into VanFosson’s ground vehicle. The second muscle boy moved forward. Doug lashed out with his foot, catching the muscle boy in the kneecap and he dropped to the ground, clutching his leg.

When Doug looked around, he saw Javelle holding VanFosson up by his shirt, his feet dangling about a dozen centimeters off the ground, saying, “I do not like people like you, Mr. VanFosson. People like you who intimidate others infuriate me. When Trenton Security arrests you, you will tell them your conscience troubles you and you want to confess your sins. You will tell all about intimidating construction supervisors to use your labor force. You will answer any and all questions truthfully,” implanting the instructions in VanFosson’s mind. He concluded by erasing any knowledge of ever meeting him and Doug, aka Ray Spine and Mickey Shims.

Then Javelle went to the two muscle boys he had immobilized, pulled them to their feet, gave them a shove toward the ground car and said, “All of you get out of here. I do not want to ever see you again.”

“Good job, Javelle,” Doug said. “Did you ask VanFosson to confess his sins?” Javelle held up his vistaview unit and nodded.

Doug saw the construction crew standing off to the side, with their tools still raised, and walked over and said, “Good afternoon, gentlemen. How’s everyone doing today?” No one responded and Doug then realized Javelle had immobilized them. He released them and said again, “Good afternoon, gentlemen. How’s everyone doing today?”

The men looked back and forth at one another and one man finally said, “Uh, okay, I guess.” The man in the red work shirt said, “Are you replacing that man, VanFosson?”

It took Doug a moment before it then dawned on him that the man thought that he and Javelle were going to continue the labor scam VanFosson ran. Waving an open hand back and forth, Doug said, “No, no, my friend and I just had a chat with VanFosson about bullying you into hiring his labor force. You can relax. No one is going to lose his job.”

“Thanks, mister,” one of the men said, stepping forward, extending a hand.

Doug shook it, then said, “I do need something.” The men frowned as they looked at one another. “I need you to forget you ever saw us here today. In fact, I need you to forget you ever saw what happened here today.” Doug implanted the instructions in their minds, turned, walked back to Javelle and indicated they should leave. Doug glanced back once and saw the construction crew watch them leave.

Javelle entered the main highway going back into the city of Trenton proper and said, “What are we going to do about those supplier firms? Are we going to confront them?”

Doug thought a moment and then said, “No, I don’t think we would accomplish much by confronting them. Besides, it’s getting late, almost 1630 hours.”

Javelle interrupted by saying, “It is 1619 hours to be exact.” Ignoring this, Doug continued, “With the confessions we have from Lemley, Cosco and VanFosson, that will implicate the supplier firms. We now have to determine how to deliver the confessions to the appropriate authority.”

“Why not call Captain Jacoby and transmit them to him?” Javelle said.

“Good idea, Javelle. But he’ll recognize my voice. You can alter your voice, so you call.”

“Which confession should I transmit first?” Javelle asked.

“It doesn’t matter. Start with VanFosson’s that you have on your vistaview unit. Just make sure the view screen is off and the identification is not registering when he receives the message.”

Javelle took his vistaview unit out and started to activate it. Doug said, “Javelle, you’ll need to stop before using that thing. You’re not supposed to use that while driving.”

“I do not have any trouble multitasking,” Javelle retorted.

“I know, Javelle, but it is against the law to drive and use a vistaview unit,” Doug said. “Besides, being investigators with the GEBI, we should not do anything illegal.”

“When did coercing confessions out of people become legal?” Javelle inquired.

’“Well…that’s different. That’s for the public good,” Doug said, brushing it off.

Javelle exited the road, pulling into a convenience store. He started to call Captain Jacoby, head of Trenton Security, then asked, “What will I tell him if he asks who is calling?”

“Uh…just tell him you’re a good ol’ boy,” Doug said, grinning.

“This is Trenton Security, Captain Jacoby’s office, Pamela Ryan speaking. May I help you?” (Pamela was Lynda Ryan’s sister.)

Speaking in a bass voice, Javelle said, “Yes, I have information about a shakedown scheme.”

“What is the nature of it, and who is this?” Pamela asked.

“It involves a man called VanFosson who claims to be a labor boss. He intimidates builders to use his workers,” Javelle said, continuing to speak in the deep voice.

“Who is this again, and what proof do you have?” Pamela asked.

“I will transmit his confession to you, Madam,” Javelle said. “Please see that Captain Jacoby receives it, and please explain to Captain Jacoby that he will need to tell VanFosson that his conscience is troubles him and he needs to confess his sins.”

“Who is this?” Pamela asked.

Seeing the message had been transmitted, Javelle disconnected the call. “How did I do?”

“Great,” Doug said, handing Javelle his vistaview unit. “Call Pamela again and give her these confessions.”

“This is Trenton Security, Captain Jacoby’s office, Pamela Ryan speaking. May I help you?”

Speaking in a high-pitched voice this time, Javelle said, “Yes, I have information about a shakedown scheme.”

“Who is this? Are you the same person who just called?” Pamela asked.

“Uh…just a couple of good ol’ boys, Madam. I am transmitting a confession by a Mr. Lemley, President of the Trenton Builders Association. Please see that Captain Jacoby receives it, and please inform Captain Jacoby that Mr. Lemley’s conscience troubles him and he needs to confess his sins, when he arrests him.”

Javelle saw that the message was transmitted, but before he could disconnect, Pamela asked, in an irritated voice, “What’s all this about? Who are you again?”

Javelle disconnected. “Was that okay?”

“Great. Wait a few minutes and then transmit Councilman Cosco’s confession,” Doug said. “I’m going into the convenience store and get a cup of coffee. Do you want anything?”

“I am a robot. I do not require anything,” Javelle replied.

Pamela sat listening to the messages, supposedly confessions, wondering what to make of them. Was someone playing a trick? Were they some hoax? In any case, she knew she had to inform Captain Jacoby.

“Sir,” Pamela said, as she walked into Captain Jacoby’s office, “I just received two strange messages.”

“Strange? Strange, how?” Captain Jacoby asked.

“Supposedly, they’re confessions made by a Mr. VanFosson and a Mr. Lemley and how they are running some type of shakedown scam on builders,” Pamela replied.

“Who sent these?” Captain Jacoby asked.

“I don’t know, sir. As you can see, no name registered,” Pamela replied. “All he would say was ‘good ol’ boys.’”

“Please play the messages,” Captain Jacoby instructed. After listening to the two messages, Captain Jacoby asked, “Did Sergeant Mihalie hear these?”

“I don’t think so, sir. He was busy with something else.”

“Ask him to come in here,” Captain Jacoby said.

Sergeant Mihalie entered Captain Jacoby’s office. “Yes, sir?”

“Play those messages, Pamela,” Captain Jacoby instructed.

After hearing the messages, Sergeant Mihalie said, “Sir, I know who Lemley is, but I have never heard of him being involved in anything illegal. Though, as you may recall sir, we have heard that VanFosson coerces contractors to use his labor force. In fact, I told you about one builder who objected. I encouraged him to file a complaint, but he refused. He was afraid VanFosson’s people might harm his family.”

“Let’s pay Mr. VanFosson a visit. Assemble some security officers,” Captain Jacoby instructed Sergeant Mihalie.

Before Sergeant Mihalie could move, Pamela’s vistaview unit buzzed. She saw there was no identification and showed it to Captain Jacoby.

“Answer it, and see if it is him again,” Captain Jacoby said.

“This is Trenton Security, Captain Jacoby’s office; Pamela Ryan, speaking. May I help you?”

Speaking in a slow, drawn out voice, Javelle said, “Yes, Madam, I have information about a kickback scheme by Trenton City Councilmen Cosco, Bonasso and Besozzi.”

“Who is this? Are you the same person who just called?” Pamela asked.

“Madam, I am just a concerned citizen, and I am transmitting a confession by Councilman Cosco telling how he, along with Councilmen Bonasso and Besozzi are coercing builders to make five thousand credit campaign contributions. But they only record five hundred as a campaign contribution and the remainder they deposit in their personal accounts,” Javelle explained.

“Did you coerce Councilman Cosco into this confession?” Captain Jacoby asked.

“No, sir,” Javelle said, continuing in the slow, drawn out voice.

“Who did you say you were again?” Captain Jacoby asked.

“A concerned citizen,” was the reply, and the call was disconnected. Doug had seen that Councilman Cosco’s confession had been transmitted, so he drew his finger across his throat, prompting Javelle to disconnect the call.

“How did I do?” Javelle asked.

“Great. That should stimulate Captain Jacoby’s curiosity. Let’s call it a day.”

“Sorry, sir,” Pamela said. “I got cut off.”

“Whoever it was disconnected,” Sergeant Mihalie said. “Play the message.”

After Pamela played Councilman Cosco’s confession, Sergeant Mihalie said, “Sir, we’ve been hearing rumors about campaign kickbacks.”

“Yes. The hyperwave and newsprint organizations have had editorials questioning some of the votes, particularly why Councilmen Bizzarr, Malvolio and Sittenfeld have backed them,” Captain Jacoby said. “Now we know. They’ve been blackmailed. Assemble some security officers, Sergeant.”

Doug arrived back at his apartment and the first thing he did was call Zenobia. When she answered, Doug said, “Hi, sweetheart. How’s my favorite girl?”

Jokingly, Zenobia said, “I thought you told Aisha she was your favorite girl.”

“I did, but you’re my very special girl,” Doug replied. “How was your day?”

“Hectic. A business delegation from my home world arrived. Father was supposed to escort them around, but he got caught up in Empire business and imposed on me to do it. How was your day?”

“Oh, you know, just another day at the office,” Doug replied. “Do you want to have dinner with me this evening?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Father has arranged for a formal dinner for the delegation, and I will have to attend,” Zenobia said.

“Why not let your assistant, Regina, escort them to the dinner?” Doug asked.

“Regina is invited too, and I don’t think Father would appreciate it if I did not attend. I should be back no later than 2200 hours. Are you coming to my apartment?”

“I’ll be there with bells on,” Doug responded.

Laughing, Zenobia said, “Don’t be late.”

It was nearly 2330 hours. Both Raquel and Ricardo were propped up in bed with pillows behind their backs. Raquel was going over the budget request while Ricardo read a book.

The hyperwave was on, but neither was paying any attention to it. When a voice broke in to say we have a breaking news report, both took notice of the hyperwave.

“This is Katie Kirk. We have breaking news from City Hall. City Council Chairman Cosco, and Councilmen Bonasso and Besozzi, have been arrested. Here is Skylar at City Hall. Skylar, what can you tell us?”

“Good evening, Katie,” Skylar said. “According to our source in Trenton Security, City Council Chairman Cosco and Councilmen Bonasso and Besozzi were arrested on charges of campaign finance fraud. According to our source, the councilmen were demanding up to five thousand credits from builders to approve building permits. They would deposit five hundred in their campaign account and the rest went to their personal accounts.”

“Skylar, how did Trenton Security learn what was going on?” Katie asked.

“Evidently, they received an anonymous tip,” Skylar replied. “When Captain Jacoby confronted Councilman Cosco, he told him his conscience troubled him and he wanted to confess his sins.”

“WHAT!” Raquel shot forward into a sitting position on the bed. “Oh, good Galaxy! Doug and Javelle!”

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong? Are Doug and Javelle in trouble?” Ricardo asked, not understanding what had caused his wife to react in this way.

“Oh good Galaxy, Doug and Javelle did this,” Raquel to herself, not realizing her husband was hearing what she said.

“Sweetheart, what’s going on?” Ricardo asked, with concern in his voice, not understanding why his wife was so upset.

It finally dawned on Raquel that Ricardo was speaking to her. “Oh, honey, you can’t say anything. Not a word.”

“Say anything? About what? I don’t even know what is going on,” Ricardo replied.

“You have to promise not to say a word,” Raquel repeated, then told Ricardo about Doug claiming they had personal errands and had not come in to work.

After Raquel had explained about Doug and Javelle, Ricardo said, “That does not mean that Doug and Javelle had anything to do with this.”

“Trust me, honey, somehow Doug and Javelle learned about the shakedown scams and took matters into their own hands. You’ll not have to worry about any more problems at the new mall project,” Raquel said, as she took off her night robe and snuggled up to Ricardo. “They took care of everything.”

They were interrupted when Ricardo’s vistaview unit buzzed. Ricardo picked up his vistaview unit, looked at the identification and said, “It’s Ansonia Biasi, the Project Manager for the new mall.”

“Hello,” Ricardo said.

Without preamble, Ansonia said, “Ricardo, have you seen the news?”

“Uh, yes, we’re watching it now,” Ricardo answered.

“Captain Jacoby, with Trenton City Security, just left. I had to give a statement. I told him you overheard what Cosco, Lemley and VanFosson threatened to do. He said he would get a statement from you,” Ansonia told Ricardo.

“Well…I hope he waits until morning,” Ricardo said. “How did he learn about Lemley and VanFosson?”

“I don’t know, but he said they had been arrested, too. I thought you saw the news,” Ansonia replied.

“Not all of it,” Ricardo admitted.

“Anyway, I wanted to give you a heads-up. Sorry if I troubled you,” Ansonia said. “I’ll talk with you tomorrow.”

“Major, you had better come out here and see this,” Maria said, hollering at Major who was in the bathroom.

“What is it?” Major asked as he emerged from the bathroom.

“We have learned that Mr. Lemley, President of the Trenton Builders Association and Mr. VanFosson, an alleged labor boss, have also been arrested.” Katie said. “LiAnna has that story. LiAnna, what can you tell us?”

“Good evening, Katie. I’m here in front of the home of Mr. VanFosson.” (As LiAnna spoke, the video showed VanFosson being led away, his arms in restraints, by two security officers. He was followed by four men. One was using a crutch to aid in his walking. And a close up of another man showed his eye almost swelled shut and the side of his face black and blue.)

“According to one of the security officers, who did not want to be identified, Mr. VanFosson was running some type of labor scam. He had assembled unqualified personnel and was coercing building managers to use his workers in lieu of bona fide union workers and only paying them little more than minimum wage rather than the prevailing union wage,” LiAnna reported.

“Two of those men looked to be injured. Did Trenton Security do that?” Katie asked.

“No, they said that they had been injured earlier in the day, something about stumbling and falling down.” LiAnna replied.

“LiAnna, how did Trenton Security learn of this labor racket?” Katie asked.

“Evidently, Trenton Security received an anonymous tip,” LiAnna replied. “When Captain Jacoby came here and confronted Mr. VanFosson, VanFosson told him that his conscience was troubling him and that he wanted to confess his sins.”

“I think we now know what Doug and Javelle were doing today,” Maria said.

“From the looks of that one, Doug must’ve laid a boot upside his head,” Major said.

The major topic of conversation during breakfast at Raquel’s house the following morning, centered on the kickback scam. It was the featured news story on the morning show. Doug didn’t want to get caught up in the conversation. When asked what he thought, he shrugged his shoulders and remarked that the news was always depressing focusing on trouble people were having.

As they were preparing to leave, Raquel said to Doug, “I need to speak with you.”

It took Doug aback. Normally, if there was some business to be discussed, they had an open discussion at the breakfast table. Of course, on those rare occasions when Raquel had a grievance with him, she would call him aside. And he wondered if she was upset with him for what he had done the day before.

“Go ahead to the office,” Raquel told Corporal Ling and Corporal Yankton, who were her security detail this day. “I’ll go with Doug.” On occasion Raquel would ride to the office with Doug when her security detail could not make it to the house.

“I’ll only be a few minutes and I’ll meet you at the vehicle,” Raquel told Doug.

As they started to drive away, Raquel said, “Major Earl Flemington, the security chief for the city of Lodes on the world of Anchors, called me yesterday. He explained they have what he called a crime consortium operating there. They’ve tried to infiltrate this crime consortium with undercover agents, but the agents have later been found murdered or they have simply disappeared.”

“So you want me to look into this?” Doug said.

“I didn’t want to mention it in front of the other investigators. They may have thought I didn’t have any confidence in their ability,” Raquel said. “But they would have had to try and infiltrate this group; this consortium.”

“And you think this consortium has an informant in security?” Doug said.

“Unless the agents they sent were totally incompetent, what else could it be?” Raquel asked.

“Well, no problem. I’ll just shake a few trees and see what falls out,” Doug replied.

“Yeah, about shaking a few trees…”

Interrupting Raquel, Doug said, “When we deal with violent extremists and shadow men, who use the law for their own advantage, we don’t have much choice.”

“And as our friend Lily Ham was always fond of saying: ’When a legal trial is not feasible, justice by covert means will have to suffice,’” Raquel said.

“Security organizations don’t like vigilante justice. Sometimes we don’t have any recourse,” Doug replied. “But I’ll try not to litter the street with too many bodies.”

“I’ve only given you part of the story. There’s a twist.” Raquel said.

“A twist?” Doug said, prompting Raquel to continue.

“An hour or so after Major Flemington called requesting our help, Neal Ramsey, Director of the world of Anchors Global Bureau of Investigation called. He was very stern, demanding that I don’t send anyone,” Raquel said.

“What was his reason?” Doug asked.

“That they could deal with their own problems,” Raquel replied. “That they didn’t need the Galactic Empire getting involved.”

Doug smiled and said, “Local security organizations get a little touchy when we embroil ourselves in what they consider local matters. Like that idiom of sticking our nose into other people’s business. I have found it best to let local security take all the credit. After all, the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation is not a for-profit entity. We don’t need the publicity.”

Nothing more was said for a few minutes. Then Raquel queried, “Do you think it possible Lieutenant Ramsey could have given up his own agents?”

Doug thought a few moments and said, “It’s not unheard of for high government officials to be on the take. But I’ll put it on my ‘to do list’ to have a chat with him.”