Chapter 4

Zarida was jolted from her sleep by her phone alarm. She reached out to the top of the small dresser and turned the alarm off. She slowly rose from her bed grabbed the remote and turned on her radio to 1010 WINS. “Here are the top stories for today September 15^th. Senator Jackson vows to continue his campaign for president despite the attempt on his life; fire swept through a row of Jamaica Queens stores; the Mayor announces plans to close 10 more schools; and police are looking into possible terrorist connection in the ambush murder of two White Brotherhood members here in New York.” Zarida proceeded to the large dresser and began looking for socks and her sweat suit. As she looked at her loose fitting sweat suit she paused then decided against wearing it instead choosing to wear her tight fitting bikers outfit. She prepared herself slowly and meticulously as if going on a date. After going through her stretching routine, she quietly left the apartment with her mother and Janet snoring loudly in different tones. Outside the building she began pumping her legs up and down in place, glanced around in all directions and then pushed the start button on her watch as she began jogging uphill on Sedgwick Avenue. As she approached the reservoir and began to turn up Goulden Avenue she started to reminisce about the first time her and Marcus went jogging while on vacation in St. Croix running side by side on the beach with the clear water waves crashing gently against the white sand. They had a wonderful time fishing, sailing, shopping, eating and making love numerous times. She was running now with a strong, steady rhythm gracefully striding by Lehman College toward Harris baseball field. She turned off the road up to the fence through the opening and on to the field. She saw Marcus from a distance and slowed her jog to a slight trot. As she approached him, she began to walk slowly with her hands on her hips, switching gently and controlling her breath. She could see a gleam in his eyes as he admired her tight-fitting outfit. Her gave her an obvious look up and down and smiled. “Still in pretty good shape huh?” “I do all right.” She replied. Marcus took a deep breath as he admired the sheen that the perspiration produced on her smooth caramel skin. “What’s up?” She asked as she began to get control of her breathing. “Strictly business huh?” Marcus replied. “That’s what we are here for right?” She answered back. “Of course, you’re right. I spoke with Loyd and he has an assignment for us.” He said as he scanned the area. “We have been given the privilege or I should say you’ve been given the privilege of terminating the young white boy who was acquitted of raping the sister at Fordham University.” “You mean the football player?” “Yeah, the football player. Even though we feel she shouldn’t have put herself in that predicament by socializing with the white boys we have to send a message that white boys can’t take advantage of our sisters and get away with it.” He handed her a package. “Here are the details; we need to meet tomorrow to discuss them.” Zarida put the package in her black sports bag that she had flung over her left shoulder. She pulled out a small towel and began to gently tap her face to wipe the perspiration off. “Your place or mine?” She said with a seductive smile. “Zee this is serious.” “Your place or mine?” She repeated and then before he could answer. “My place 8:00 pm. My mother is taking Janet to the movies, so we could be alone.” She said smiling. “Unless you are afraid of being alone with me?” Marcus shook his head from side to side and managed a smile. There was a slight pause. “Zee, I’ve never been afraid of being alone with you. 8 is fine.” “Good.” She said. “Have you had breakfast?” She asked catching him slightly off guard. “Well, I had a little something.” “Come jog back with me and I’ll fix you some French toast and beef sausages just the way you like them” Marcus’ mind was at work wondering the motivation behind her sudden affection. Zarida read his face and before he could think too much she continued. “You can get an opportunity to see your daughter on a day when you normally wouldn’t. She’ll be surprised to wake up and see you. Plus, my mother has been driving me crazy asking about you. You haven’t seen her in a while. You two used to be so close you made me jealous.” They both laughed. He knew he could not pass up this opportunity to see his daughter despite Zarida’s motives. He thought to himself. She’s looking very good, he could almost taste the French toast already, he had a chance to see Janet on an off weekend, and he hadn’t seen Dotty in months. “Ok, you got me. How could I possibly turn down such an offer? But why the sudden change? The other day…” She interrupted. “Look, you can analyze my motives later. Right now, I think you should just take advantage of the offer while it’s there.” “Ok” He answered holding up both hands as if surrendering. She turned and began jogging. “Try to keep up.” She hollered. He followed with his eyes focused on her firm behind.

Zarida opened the door to her apartment. Marcus paused outside as she checked to see if her mother and Janet were up and decent. “Coast clear.” She said as Marcus slowly entered the apartment. Zarida went to the bedroom where Dotty and Janet continued snoring in tandem. Marcus sat down on the floor in the living room in the lotus position. Zarida went into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator and took out a half gallon container of orange juice. She took out two glasses from the cabinet, rinsed them out and filled the glasses with the juice. She brought the juice into the living room where Marcus was looking through her Black Enterprise magazine. “You finished reading this issue?” He asked. “Yes.” She answered handing him his juice. “May I borrow it?” “Just make sure you bring it back.” He took three long gulps of juice finishing half the glass. He looked her up and down and took a deep breath. “You know you look like you’re up to no good today. What’s up?” She smiled and answered. “You see; I can’t win, even when I’m friendly you’re not satisfied.” Before he could respond she leaned over and softly pressed her lips against his. Then she quickly backed away. “I’m gonna take a shower. I know how you like to make love in the shower but unfortunately we are not alone. And you know how much noise I make when it gets good. Anyway, I’ll only be a few minutes then I’ll make your breakfast ok?” With a big grin on his face, he replied. “I’ll be here.” She strutted off to the bathroom, shut the door and started the shower. Shortly after he heard the shower get a little louder as she opened the door came out and gently shut it back. She peeked into the bedroom to see if her daughter and mother were still sleep. They were still sound asleep. She tip-toed toward the living room and stopped by the hallway wall. She peeked around the corner leaving one naked thigh and part of her left breast exposed. “Do you need anything else before I get in?” She asked Marcus who was slightly stunned but desperately tried not to show it. “No, I’m fine.” He said managing a straight face. “Ok.” She said as she vanished into the bathroom.

Shortly afterwards Janet slowly made her way to the living almost sensing the presence of Marcus. As she turned the corner both her eyes and Marcus’ face lit up. “Daddy!” She hollered as she discovered a new burst of energy. “Good morning baby girl.” He said as she collapsed into his arms. “Careful now, I’m a little funky.” He warned. “Why don’t you join Mommy in the shower? We still have some of your clothes here.” Janet suggested. Marcus was surprised at her suggestion but couldn’t suppress his laughter. “No, I’ll wait until I get home thank you. You know you are as bad as your mother.” He added. “What do you mean?” She asked with a puzzled look on her face. “Never mind.” He replied. “Tell me daddy, tell me what you mean?” “Never mind I said, never mind.” She hugged him again. “You don’t smell bad.” She said. “Thank you but I am a little sweaty.” “What are you doing here? It’s not your day?” Janet asked. “Well your mother was kind enough to invite me over for breakfast.” “Good! Are you going to stay all day? She asked. “No, I can’t I have some business to take care of.” Janet began to show some sadness but before she could get too down Marcus gently pushed her back and looked her up and down. “So you do wear the things I buy you.” He said quickly changing the subject. Janet smiled. She was wearing a long tee shirt he bought her which went down to her knees. It was white with the writing at the top part of the shirt that said “Lethal Weapon.” in black. The bottom part of the shirt said “The Mind.” in green. In the middle was a picture of Malcolm X pointing his finger to his temple. “So how is that lethal weapon of yours doing in school?” Marcus asked. “The usual A’s.” Janet replied. “Getting cocky huh?” “No Dad just confident like you.” She shot back. Marcus laughed. “Ok, you got me on that one.” Just then they could hear the shuffling of slippers against the parquet floors. “Nana’s up!” Janet said. “All this noise early in the morning a person can’t get some decent rest around here. Zarida in the bathroom making noise and Janet who you in there with?” Dotty hollered as she turned the corner. Her eyes lit up as she saw Marcus. He stood up straight with his arms out waiting for the upcoming hug. “Oh my goodness, look who’s here.” She picked up the pace a little as she walked over to Marcus and greeted him with a huge tight hug and kiss on the cheek. “Dotty how are you doing?” He asked. “I’m fine now. You look great, God bless you. Why Zarida would want anybody else is beyond me.” Dotty said causing Marcus to blush slightly. “Did she fix you something to eat? I don’t smell nothing. What you doing here anyway? I mean I’m glad to see you but this is a rare moment isn’t it? Maybe the girl’s come to her senses.” Marcus couldn’t help but laugh at her remarks. “Zee is gonna fix some French toast and sausage when she gets out of the shower.” He said. “Well, she could take forever in there. I’ll get things going here. You staying long?” She asked. “Not too long.” He answered. “Ok then I’ll get it going; don’t wanna waste time.” She said as she entered the kitchen. Janet had a huge grin on her face. She was enjoying the moment. She clapped loudly as her “Nana” entered the kitchen. She always enjoyed her grandmother’s cooking more than her mothers.

After the four of them ate Dotty’s delicious breakfast and talked about the good old days Marcus left but not before each one of them began to tear up. He reminded Zarida of their meeting the following night although he knew she needed no reminder.

The following night he entered the elevator of Zarida’s apartment building at 7:55pm. A young voice screamed out. “Hold it.” Marcus held the elevators open just as they were about to close. The young man stepped in without thanking Marcus for his efforts and pressed five. Marcus reached in front of him and pressed three. He looked the young man over once and then again. He was about fifteen with his hair uncombed and his plaid boxers showing. Marcus could smell that deodorant was not a part of his preparation tonight. Even though he had ear plugs in Marcus could hear Little Wayne cursing. He wondered who he might be visiting as the elevator stopped on three to the sound of a small bell. He left the odor, Little Wayne and the young man behind as he headed toward Zarida’s door glancing back to make sure he got off alone. He rang Zarida’s door and could hear her push her chair back from the table as the legs rubbed against the wood floor. Zarida swung the metal peephole to the side seeing Marcus and then proceeded to unlock the chains and master locks. He entered the apartment with his briefcase in hand and greeted Zarida with a soft kiss on her cheek. He got a nice whiff of her Chanel perfume touching of a chemical reaction within him. She looked behind him as she locked the door making sure no one was behind him. “Peace, how are you doing?” “Fine, how are you today?” She responded. “I have some tea brewing would you like some?” “That would be good.” He answered. Zarida strutted to the kitchen as Marcus went to sit down in the living room trying to avoid staring at the tight jeans she had on. He sat down on the soft blue velvet sofa and placed the briefcase gently on the glass table. The room was filled with the fragrance of coconut incense. The sound of Sade’s “Is it a crime” gently entered his ears and the lyrics touching his heart. “Is it a crime, how I still want you, and I want you to want me too.” He nodded his head slowly to the jazzy sounds of the band as Zarida entered the room with two cups of strawberry herbal tea. She handed Marcus his and put hers on the table as she sat cross legged on the floor facing Marcus with the table between them. “Taste it, let me know if I put enough honey.” She said. He sipped the hot tea. “Ahh, it’s perfect. Thank you Zee.” “Is the music too loud?” She asked. “No, it’s just right.” For a moment their eyes locked. Then Marcus put his tea down and opened his briefcase. “Are you in a hurry?” She asked. “No, I’m just ready to take care of business.” “Well, just relax for 5 minutes, unwind, drink your tea, listen to the music. Ok?” “All right.” He responded with a soft smile as he sat back on the sofa. He wondered how tonight would go. Would she try to seduce him? If so, would he resist? Zarida stared at him and then as if she stepped right into his mind said. “Relax Marcus we’re here to take care of some serious business. I’m not going to try to seduce you.” And then she added. “At least not today.” Marcus laughed. “I am relaxed.” Her mind reading made him uneasy. “Damn, was I that obvious?” He said to himself. He continued his private thoughts. “Stay cool Marcus, Stay cool. Wow, she looks so beautiful, even in jeans and a tee shirt.” “Oh, I almost forgot.” Zarida said jumping up and snapping Marcus out of his thoughts. “Janet’s pictures came back.” She hurried to the bedroom. Marcus took a deep breath and began to relax. She came back with the school pictures and handed them to him. “These are for you.” He gently handled the photos. “Thanks.” As he looked at his daughter a huge smile stretched across his face. The photos made her look slightly older than she was but came out beautifully. “These are nice, very nice. My baby girl is growing up. Time flies.” He paused then looked at Zarida. “You’ve done a great job Zee.” Thank you. And you helped build a strong foundation.” They both smiled awkwardly looking at each other, then simultaneously said. “Let’s get down to business.” They laughed. Marcus put Janet’s pictures carefully in the side pouch of his briefcase and pulled out a manila envelope that was inside. They both suddenly turned very serious. He took some 8x10 photos out of the envelope and spread them out on the glass table in front of Zarida. “This is your target. Take a good look. Study them tonight along with the rest of the information in the envelope and shred them in the morning.” “Ok.” She said looking intensely at the photos. Her jaws began to tighten as she thought about what it was she was going to do. “Pop pop. Two to the head, look for the car. I’ll be driving. Jump in. That’s it. We’ve had him under surveillance for over a month now. We noticed several patterns, routines that he consistently follows. One routine he has is that he jogs every Saturday morning from his apartment on Bathgate Ave. to Fordham University. He goes around the campus and back home. Right before he reaches Fordham Road you hit him. Walk quickly, don’t run, to Hughes Avenue. I’ll be waiting motor running. Jump in and we head to Orchard Beach for a nice little romantic picnic. Wear a jogging outfit. In case you have to run you won’t attract attention. Keep the hood on your head and the shades on. Make sure you memorize the back up plans. The other details are inside the envelope. Any questions you call me and we set up a breakfast meeting. Ok?” Zarida took a deep breath then responded. “Ok, but before you go let me look over some of this stuff now and see if I have any questions now; That way we could save a call and a meet in the morning; unless you have to leave right now?” “No, that’s fine. That would save some time.” They carefully went over every detail over the course of the next hour and by then Anita Baker was on and they were having their third cup of tea. “Well that should do it. We’ve covered everything. All that’s left is to do it.” He said as he picked up his briefcase and headed toward the door. He paused at the door, gently grabbed Zarida’s hand with his free hand. “Thanks for the tea, good night.” He kissed her softly on the right cheek. As he was about to pull away from her cheek, she gently put her left hand behind his head and her right hand in his left back pants pocket. She slowly pulled him towards her. Their lips met for a moment. He slowly pulled his head back, but she pulled him toward her again and their lips met once more this time for a longer period of time. Marcus paused but did not pull away this time instead he dropped his briefcase and rapped both his arms around Zarida’s back. With their bodies pressed tightly against one another they began to kiss passionately. Zarida back peddled slowly leading him to the bedroom while pressing his behind forward. As they entered the bedroom, she began unbuttoning his shirt and then the belt to his pants. Suddenly the phone rang. After the third ring the voice mail took over. Marcus and Zarida continued to strip. The beep sounded and the caller’s message began as they lie on the bed entangled in one another oblivious to the distraction. “Hi, this is Art. Remember me?” The voice asked sarcastically. “You sure are hard to catch up with. Give me a call when you have some free time. My number is still the same.” Breathing heavily Zarida reached out with her left hand almost knocking the machine down as she turned it off. Her plan to get her man back was hot and in full bloom and she wanted no further interruptions.

Todd Ferguson was a member of the Fordham Rams football team. He stood about 6’4’’ weighing 235lbs with blonde hair down to his shoulders and blue eyes. Todd and two other members of the team raped a young black female student at a party after a Rams football game. They were all drinking heavily and managed to convince Debra Williams to go upstairs with them to lie down after she expressed to them that she was feeling ill after mixing drinks and smoking weed. The three athletes took Debra upstairs to the apartment they shared and into one of the bedrooms where Todd got the idea of taking her clothes off while she was lying down. Debra was half conscious but began to realize what was happening and started to fight. Todd instructed his teammates to hold her down and keep her quiet while he pounded his large body into the 5’2’’ medical student repeatedly raping her until she was totally unconscious. The jury believed the story of the white athletes who claimed she consented and was a willing participate. There were demonstrations organized by angry black activist and women’s groups after the not guilty verdict that lasted for several days before the case was forgotten about by most. However, leaders of The Black Liberation Organization did not forget and made arrangements for the execution of Todd Ferguson once things settled down.

Zarida was wearing a black Adidas sweat suit with sunglasses and a hood covering her head and most of the side of her face. The small earphones she wore could not be seen. They allowed her to communicate with Marcus who was waiting on Hughes Ave a block and a half away. She began her stretching routine as she waited patiently across the street from Vincent Ciccarone playground. She waited for her target to appear down the block. It was 6:00am and the sun was just beginning to make an appearance. Todd jogged out of his Arthur Avenue apartment building right on schedule. He headed in Zarida’s direction very visible in his white tight long sleeve tee with Fordham Rams splashed on the front of the shirt in maroon. “Target is approaching.” She spoke into the device. Marcus started the engine of the green Toyota Corolla which was just stolen hours before. As she stood with her hand inside the small sports bag that was slung over her left shoulder and placed on her right hip, she could feel the coolness and weight of the 9mm handgun that was inside. As she jogged toward her prey a black BMW zoomed by a block away blasting the sounds of a Michael Jackson song “Dangerous, the girl is so dangerous…” The bass seemed to pound simultaneously with Zarida’s heart as she began to make her move. She jogged right up to Todd as he looked curiously into her eyes. Before he could realize the trouble he was in Zarida pulled out the 9mm with the suppressor. She fired once stopping his forward movement immediately and jerking his shoulders and head backwards. The bullet smashed the bridge of his nose and exited out the back of his head leaving a ping pong sized hole. Todd fell to his knees before falling flat on his face directly in front of Zarida’s feet. “It’s done.” She said as she looked around for witnesses. She pulled the hood further to the front of her face and then pointed the gun to the already existing hole in the back of Todd’s head and fired once more before jogging toward Hughes Avenue where Marcus awaited her arrival. They would switch vehicles in the Orchard Beach parking lot after their picnic on the beach.

Lt. John Hacker was captivated by the story of Todd Ferguson’s execution in the Bronx. As he continued to read the Daily News article something continued to disturb him about the story. Then it hit him. He had been working on the execution style hit of the two White Brotherhood members on First Avenue and had been coming up blank. All he had was the statement by woman who while walking her dog saw two people dressed in all black on a motorcycle speed away after shooting the men in the car. There had been theories about a black activist group being involved but nothing concrete. Now as Hacker read this story something churned in his stomach. Call it a hunch, a bad feeling, or intuition; but something did not sit right with the detective. He kept reading one line over and over again from the article. The line said that Todd Ferguson had been shot at point blank range twice in the head with a 9mm handgun. No one however, just like the other shooting, heard any gunshots. “Two shots to the head. 9mm. No shots heard. Then they disappear without a trace. Quick, deadly, very professional.” He said quietly to himself. “ Similarities?” he whispered to himself as he sipped his black coffee. “Same type gun. Possible suppressor used. Both involved in assaults on black women by white males. I’m surprised the media haven’t connected the dots or have they?” He reached for the remote almost knocking over his coffee onto the article. He turned on the 42-inch flat screen in his office while taking his Blackberry off his hip and calling his old buddy from the 52^nd precinct on Webster Avenue.