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Sitting straight up, I lost my balance for a moment. Sweat was pouring down my face. My shirt was soaked. Trying to stand I stumbled smacking into a wall. Totally disoriented I felt along the smooth surface for a light switch. The clock on the stove was visible now as I made my way to the sink. The water was a welcomed relief. I cupped handfuls pouring them down the back of my neck to cool off. Beads of perspiration still returned as I tried to wash my face. The temperature inside her place was scorching.
I needed fresh air. Opening her front door, I found a decent sized rock to keep the door propped open. The cool air combined with the moisture attached to my body cooled my temperature. Walking to my truck, I heard an argument. The language was a mixture of English and Ukraine. Two adult forms stood in the parking lot near a light. Closer now I could see that one was Hugo who worked security at the club. The other was the female in the elevator with the tattoo.
“Where is the money from club?” Hugo had his meaty finger in the middle of her chest.
“I told you I gave you all of it.”
There was enough light that I could see the mascara had run all over her face. Tears streaming over high cheek bones. Her legs visibly shaking she was truly frightened.
“Lezha shlyukha” he gritted his teeth smacking her with an open hand across the mouth that sent her reeling.
“Bol'she ne nado, no more I swear I have no more money!”
She was crying holding her face now reddened from the strike.
Looked like Hugo and I were going to finish our conversation after all.
“Hey, the lady said she doesn’t have anymore.”
They both turned to look at me.
“Simple math Hugo, nothing from nothing leaves...well...lemmee see, nothing. You could try counting with your fingers and toes if you’d like. Take as much time as you need with the math just leave the lady alone.”
“This is not club and none of your business. Maybe I show you what I meant other day.”
“You sure? I mean you just finished two whole sentences. That has to be intellectually taxing for someone like you.”
The prostitute sniffled and managed to giggle a bit. Hugo pulled his hand back to smack her one more time. I caught it half way.
“Somehow I knew you were too much of a dumbass to take a hint. Remember when I told you I have intimacy issues. I tend to get extremely violent.”
“Dah, no badge or family to help you now.”
Hugo assumed a fighting stance and flashed out a quick jab. Managing to deflect part of it I still took a shot across the ear which stung in the cold morning air.
His hands up, he bounced on his toes. Surprisingly nimble he snapped out another jab which I fully deflected this time.
I feigned a left jab which caused him to tilt his body slightly. Taking full advantage of his current position I pivoted and kicked him solid on the side of his right quadriceps. He was now limping ever so slightly. Circling he was sizing me up looking for somewhere to inflict damage. I snapped another kick almost into the same area. A majority of his weight now rested on his left leg. He was off balance. Unable to move comfortably I jabbed freely popping his head back repeatedly. Enraged he went for the knockout with a haymaker. I had already measured distance when we started taking a few steps back when he assumed his initial stance. His closed fist passed by harmlessly as his jaw now became available. I countered with a straight upper cut that drove his bottom teeth upwards sinking into his top lip. He crumpled instantly to the ground.
Someone had been watching us for a while now. I could see the prostitute’s eyes moving looking behind us.
“Very impressive display detective. But Karina must get back to work if she is not able to pay us what is ours.”
“What is it with you guys and the math anyways?”
I turned to face two males wearing jeans and black leather jackets staring back at me. They had Russian accents. One of them pointing a 9 MM Ruger in my direction.
“Karina, you need to get in the car now.”
I simply smiled. It said it all.
“Something amusing detective.”
The hammer on Monica’s .45 cocked back with a very distinct sound. The barrel of the gun now pressing against the gun owner’s temple. I relieved him of it and pointed it back.
An unmarked squad car appeared with its lights on. A couple of patrolman came over with their flashlights. One pointed at Hugo now slumped on the concrete.
“Detective, Mam, have a good night.”
Handcuffing the three of them it made for tight quarters in the back of the squad car. I waved as the car slowly drove by us.
“I had that all under control.”
“You look very intimidating with a gun pointed at you.”
“How did you know I was out here?”
“The water running in the kitchen. An unusual sound at 3:00AM when you live alone. When I heard the argument somehow I knew you were involved. I saw you take out the bigger one. When the others showed up is when I grabbed the gun.”
Karina stood off to the side trying to wipe away the smears of makeup that covered her face. We invited her inside so she could clean up. The night sky slowly began to retreat from the approaching sun revealing blankets of frost covering most of the windshields out in the parking lot.