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Jul-25-2009 17:35

"This book was written by Heimlich VonVictor & describes true events that occured during his time as a detective." As he finished these final words on his manuscript he dropped his pen onto the desk. He had just referred to himself as a detective in the past tense for the first time in his life.

He didn't want to believe that it was over, but when one takes pen to paper and scribes one's life story as a matter of record, there was a sense of finality to it.

He picked up the stack of papers before him, each page a piece of a life he would never get to live again. He looked up at the framed newspaper article celebrating his 100th case solved as a detective. It had already started to yellow and fade.

He walked over to the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of gin and a glass. Even if it was a bittersweet occasion, it called for a celebration, and that meant a good Tom Collins.

He looked up at the plaque on the wall that his agency presented him upon his retirement.

"Retirement! Psh! That's rich!" he grumbled out loud to no one in particular. He remembered the exact conversation.

Eric had called him into his office and said it very clearly, "Heim, you're a liability. Some of the stunts you've been pulling lately have got the other detectives mighty scared."

He had tried to brush it off, "I'm a liability!? Do you realize how much money I pull in for this agency each year? You should be down on your hands and knees thanking me for being able to make bank!"

Eric sighed at him, "Heim, I can't keep you on. The Baltimore incident was the last straw. We'll let you retire, and we'll let it look like it was your decision to do so. We'll keep it out of the papers."

What choice did he have? He had put on a grin, went to the dinner, accepted his plaque, and faded into obscurity.

He was reliving this oh so favorite of memories when the phone rang. Startled, he dropped his drink on the floor and the glass shattered.

Aug-5-2009 19:16

Kobetz nodded, “Sound like good friendship! What happen?”

Eric smiled sadly, “Fate happened Sergei. I guess you could say Heimlich broke one too many fingers, shot apart one too many kneecaps, put one too many suspects through walls. In any event, my other associates had enough. They told me that they couldn’t continue to work with his antics. They said they were respectable detectives who followed the rules and they were sick of being associated with this nut. I warned him to tone it down, and for a time he did, but there was an incident that I just couldn’t have come out. The rest of the agency knew about it and they demanded that I fire him.”

Kobetz’s eyes widened, “No!” he exclaimed, “VonVictor fired?”

Eric nodded his head, “Yes. I really felt I had no choice. I forced my best friend into retirement, but it was to protect him!”

Kobetz shook his head, “VonVictor never need protecting. Protect others. Always others first. Defend me, but not know me. Vulkie too! Help me but not know me!” Eric felt a pang in his chest. They were so close and they didn’t even know each other. How could it be that Kobetz knew him better than he did and they had only just met?

Aug-5-2009 19:16

“A few months later my clients began to dwindle,” Eric recounted, “because a lot of them wanted VonVictor to handle their cases. Sure I had plenty of other work, but he was really the rainmaker in that agency. Nobody liked what he did, and everyone was ready to call it barbaric, but of course if it’s your father who’s been murdered, you want the guy who is going to break people’s fingers to get answers. Four months ago I couldn’t make payroll, just as Heimie predicted. I was desperate, so I went to him. I asked him for a loan, because God knows he has more money than he knows what to do with, and he told me to go to hell. I asked him to come back as a consultant, so I could say that he was with the agency but in an advisory capacity. I told him I’d still pay him his old salary and I would get some clients back. He told me he wanted to see me crash and burn. I guess that was his way of ruining me back.”

Kobetz shook his head, “There is bad blood between your brother and you. You make right!” he demanded.

Eric felt tears welling up in his eyes as he realized Kobetz was right. He hadn’t been angry at Heimlich this whole time. He had been angry at himself for not supporting his friend when he should have. Maybe it was fate that brought him here, and maybe it was time to make it right.

****
He glanced over at Heim, who shot him a dirty look. “Still angry,” he thought to himself, “I guess it’s understandable. I can only hope he’ll need my help eventually.”

Aug-5-2009 23:34


Zeo entered Vulkie's safe house; the three men were talking in the sitting room while Vulkie was changing upstairs. Zeo examined VonVictor's wound and eyed Marvington's ruined knee cap suspiciously. Did Vulkie really shot Heimlich? Zeo had his doubts, as no one was willing to explain what really happened that night. "The matter had been laid to rest" was all Heimlich had to say. Zeo decided to leave it at that. There were more pressing issues.

"The past week had been a whirlwind of activities." Zeo exhaled as he crashed onto a couch, a thick billow of white smoke raising into the heavens. The thin lieutenant had been smoking 2 packs a day lately, and his throat was always dry. "I finally found the roster for the day of Kobertz' arraignment. My young friend Scotty was on the list. Turned out that he was the one who slipped you the note, because he knew I was with the case, but it'd be too obvious if he came to me directly."

"So who h'ordered for my zhead?" Kobetz asked.

"Judge Haliwell, it turned out. Ronny overheard a phone conversation of his. Apparently the dirty judge wanted to close the case in the quickest way possible, so that he could collect his bribe money and be done with it." Zeo explained, then he wondered out loud. "Who would have the leverage and money to make the judge do such things for him?"

"Not to mention the immediate termination of Olivia Thorne right after you convinced her to be on the witness stand." Marvington spoke up for the first time.

"So you finally come around to admitting there is a conspiracy behind it all?" Heimlich mused. Marvington turned his red head away and remained silent.

Aug-5-2009 23:40

"Someone terminated the Russian refugee couple, wanted to bury Kobetz for it, and was willing to kill anyone who was in the way. That included true eye witnesses and people working on the case such as myself who couldn't be bribed." Zeo said as he aligned all the pieces of the puzzles in his head. "Kobetz you knew the Romanskis. Did they mentioned anything to you? Anything that would make people want to silence them for good?"

"Nikolai and Ana, good friends. We talked of many zhings, zome I don't know how to zay in Englisz. Let me zhink. If I remember, I will let yhou know." Kobetz replied.

"I've talked to Richard Cambridge and convinced him to file a joint motion to suspend the trial for now." Heimlich added, "Kobetz is considered kidnapped at the moment but we'd have to release him back to the custody as soon as they find a new judge for the case."

"And you all have me to thank for getting a new judge." Vulkie said, smiling, as she climbed down the stairs.

"Thank you!? Yes, I really should thank YOU." Zeo said sarcastically upon seeing Vulkie. Vulkie eyed Zeo with a questioning frown. Zeo couldn't hold it in any longer. "Did you check your brain out when you did Judge Haliwell in? It's like trying to assassinate the mayor and expect things to go away afterwards! Do you know how much work I had to do to try to cover for you? My superiors are getting suspicious of me now. There are at least a dozen people like Barnes in that station who would throw confetti on the day i go down!"

"So, it's all about saving your ass Mr. Lieutenant!!? Haliwell was in the way, so I got rid of him. What's wrong with that?" Vulkie replied.

Zeo was exasperated. "Sometimes I think you're working for the other side and is trying to screw us over!! I'm telling you, this is the last time I'm covering for you!"

"Fine!" Vulkie said, her arms crossed.

Zeo stormed into the kitchen to cool himself off.

Aug-6-2009 04:36

"I'm going out for some fresh air. I can't stand this anymore longer. Heimlich,you can phone me at my apartment. Kobetz,great to knowing you for now,I will be back as soon. As for Mr. Copper there...." I said and ran out,tears flowing from my face. I hear Heimlich making a "sigh" and Kobetz trying to run after me,but he knew he couldn't do that.

As I was running on the streets,with my thoughts all messed up,I started to see all the thing I've been through with Joseph. My old cases with him have always been trouble,but not like this.

I knew I asked too much from Joseph this time,but he couldn't see it was necessary.

And so,I ran towards my car,a few blocks away,started it and drove towards my apartment...


***********Vulkie's Apartment************

As I came in my apartment,I left my keys on the dressoir and got myself a drink from the drinks cabinet. I needed some scotch,that's for sure.

The phone immediately rang,but I refused to pick it up. I knew it was Heimlich or Kobetz,trying to negotiate to get me back. But I needed some time for myself,I didn't want to get us into more trouble.

It's been a tough day itself,assassinating Judge Haliwell. I knew it was going to get us in trouble,but not like this. This.... This was getting too awful,I thought,maybe I should disappear for some weeks.

Yeah,that's it. Take a small holiday,spent some time with other friends...

And so,I rested in my bed. Only to be woken up the next day by a man,ringing a doorbell.

I looked out of a window with curtains,just making a small opening to see who it was.

"Miss Vulkie,ghet immediately ghere. NKVD!"

And as I began to think,it immediately sprang in my head. "NKVD!" I shouted and ran towards the back of my apartment,getting to the "emergency" fire stairs.

Just then,the lads broke my door down and saw me fleeing through the window.

As I immediately began running stairs,I was quicker at the end of them then expected. I jumped in my car and started it.

Aug-6-2009 04:49

And so,the chase began immediately as I turned a corner to the right. The NKVD hot on my tails,trying to get me and interrogate me. I knew their ways of "breaking" people into talking,especially the breaking part. I wouldn't see the daylight anymore if they got me. I needed to warn Heimlich and Kobetz asap,but first,I needed to get rid of the NKVD on my trail.

As I made a sharp turn at the left some few meters later,the NKVD slipped with their car at a lanternpole,but immediately,the chase was resumed as they began chasing me again.

And there,another bridge was there,but it already was opened. I couldn't make the jump,so I had to lower my speed. And behind me,the NKVD had the out-way blocked.

"Miss Vulkie,you surrender gnow,or else you will be shot at zight" the man with the Gestapo-like hat said.

I needed to stall time. Just until the bridge was far enough down,so I could make a jump and have a long distance between the NKVD and me.

"Alright,I'll surrender. Let me just get my coat,that's on the bench behind me" and I started to search for a coat that wasn't there.

As I watched how the bridge lowered,I put my foot on the gaspedal and started to ride.

"Quickly gnow,she's escaping,you fuels (fools)" ,the Gestapo hat said. And so I departed once more

I stopped in an alley nearside,as the NKVD rushed by me. I set my car on fire,just in case someone tried to steal it (oh,do I love wrecking cars) and made my way towards Sami.

"Maria,I need to use your phone. Quickly" I said,as Maria came strolling towards me. "Fine,but you've got a small attitude problem lady." Maria replied

And so,I tried to phone Heimlich,informing him what happened...

Aug-7-2009 19:47

"Alright Vulk, stay there. I'll think of something." Heim ordered. He put every ounce of confidence he had behind it, but he was terrified. He turned and addressed his companions, "Gentlemen. The NVKD are after us. They've just made an attempt on Vulkie's life. She managed to get away, but she's not safe for long."

Zeo jumped up and grabbed his coat, "I'm going," he said as he made for the door, "we have to help her. Even if she is a bit of a loaded cannon, we have to help her!"

Kobetz stood up and blocked the door, "No!" he shouted, "Make plans first! NKVD cunning planners. If not then dead before save Vulkie!"

Zeo grabbed Kobetz by the shoulders, "Get out of my way," he ordered, "or I will move you myself. I have done quite enough on your behalf!"

Heim slammed his fist down on the counter, "Knock it off both of you!" he shouted.

"Shut up!" Kobetz and Zeo both screamed at the same time.

"Look at yourselves!" Eric spat, "You tell her that you'll think of something and instead the three of you fight like children! Make a plan or it won't matter!" A silence hung over the room as the men looked at each other ashamed before sitting down.

"We need to do too much with too few people." Heimlich said, "We need to pick Vulkie up, but I don't want her anywhere near Kobetz since NKVD is after him as well. By that same token I'm assuming this place is no longer safe. So we need to get Kobetz somewhere safe."

Zeo stroked his chin, "I'm confused," he asked, "can't one of us go get Vulkie and the other get Kobetz somewhere safe?"

Heim nodded, "We have no choice. Vladmir Bjarkhov, the witness for the prosecution, is our only lead. I'll bet when the NKVD can't find us he'll disappear, and with it our only chance to figure out the truth. We have no choice though, I don't think anyone in this room is willing to sacrifice Vulkie to solve a murder."

"I'll go!" the voice startled everyone as they snapped their necks toward the police officer lying on the couch.

Aug-7-2009 19:49

“Nobody else can do it, so I guess I’m it.” Eric said as he smiled, “What do you need me to do?”

Joseph looked at Heimlich, the look in his eyes said one thing, “It’s your call”

Heimlich stared at Eric, “Can you even walk on that leg now?” he asked, “You realize we’re letting you go now. I know that you wouldn’t give us up, and even if you did, we’ll be somewhere else by then.”

Eric shook his head, “Heimie,” he pleaded, “this may be your only chance to get these guys. I was wrong to have you shut down in court. Let me help you. It’ll be like old times. Me and you eh?”

Heim sighed, scribbled an address down on a piece of paper and looked up at Eric, “You’re going to go here, and then afterwards I want you to go straight to your captain. Tell him that Lieutenant Zeo has had you on undercover detail for the past week.”

Zeo glared at him, “I guess Lieutenant Zeo will be backing that up?” he asked angrily.

Heim shot him a glare back, “Do you have a better idea? Does ‘I was shot by my former best friend who I am now assisting in aiding and abetting a fugitive’ sound better?” he shouted. Zeo shook his head and averted his gaze. “In any event Joseph, I need you to go get Vulkie and take her somewhere safe. In the meantime I will take Kobetz to another location.”

“Where are you going?” Eric asked.

“Better that you don’t know.” Heim said, “That way if NKVD questions you, you can really say you don’t know.” Heim then picked up the paper from earlier, handed it to Eric, and quietly said, “When you get there, I want you to give this piece of garbage a Tommy Schwartz.”

Aug-7-2009 23:41

Zeo put on his summer jacket and dashed for the door. The idea that Heimlich had already thought about any of them getting caught, and interrogated, by the NKVD was unsettling, but he knew the secrecy is wise and necessary. "Call me at my office in the police headquarter when you've settled." Zeo called back to Heimlich, "That's the safest place I can think of to put Vulkie in at the moment." For some reason that sentence didn't sit well with his gut as soon as he said it. Zeo ignored the feeling and went for his borrowed car (his own being trashed in the 'accident').

Zeo drove to the back door of Sami, where Vulkie was already waiting. She was surprised to see that it was Zeo who was picking her up. "Get in," was all Zeo could say. Although he was worried sick about his buddy, and wanted to let her know how relieved he was to see Vulkie in one piece, Zeo remained silent all the way to the police station. Human relationship was definitely not his strength.

Returned to his office and taking off his fedora, Zeo saw another pile of new files on his desk. He cursed under his breath. He decided to look for Marvington's superior and back up the undercover at once. May as well get it over and done with. Captain Hogan was his name, Zeo believed.

"Stay where you are and quit running around, okay?" Zeo said before he dashed off again.

"Thanks," Vulkie said hesitantly. "for coming for me."

Zeo left his office without saying a word, still wondering to this day why he always couldn't find the right word at the right time.

Aug-8-2009 02:31

Zeo found Hogan's office but he was not around. His secretary seemed to be a sensible lady so he left the message with her. "Let Captain Hogan know that J. Zeo from the homicide department had Eric Marvington on an undercover job the past week. Marvington will report back on the phone to fill him in the details... Um, whatever he will says... it's true." Zeo stuttered; he really need to work on his lying skills.

As the thin and sleep-deprived lieutenant made his way back to his office down a floor, he noticed that sly backstabbing Barnes trotting into his room with a strange man wearing an army visor cap. Barnes closed the door beside him and drew the blinds down.

Barnes' secretary was sitting at her desk painting her fingernails. "Molly, who's in Captain Barnes' office?" Zeo bend down and asked.

Molly looked up in her oval spectacles and said, "CAPTAIN Barnes, yes, that's right. The last time I checked you're still a lieutenant, is that right? Although you don't report to him directly, he still a senior officer to you. Now beat it!"

It was such times as these that Zeo wished he had honed his charm skills, but he was who he was. Instead of trying to pry open the nasty secretary, Zeo returned to his office with tail between his legs. His headaches since the car accident had put him in a constant bad mood.