What a fuck up! It’s taken almost a week, but I am happy to say I am a free man again. Fucking Columbians were able to keep the legal wheels to a crawl; Chang my lawyer had been keeping me up to speed on the occurrences. The fucking charges were, in my opinion, misfiled on purpose, so when the judge looked at them, and he could not pass judgement, so the charges had to be filed again. Ok, so the arresting officers had to be informed, but they were out of town, they had been picked to transfer a prisoner to another city for his trial. Great, so their sergeant was designated to refile the documents in their absence, and wouldn’t you know it, he was on vacation.
The next day he was called in. But, of course, the officers’ statements had been lost or never filed, so he had to call the officers and take down their statements again. Just my luck, yeah fucking right, their vehicle’s computer was in for upgrades and their radio’s range is limited, so we had to wait till they got back. Day three rolled around, Chang was less than impressed as they told him that the statements were being taken, but there was some confusion about the events and they were still trying to come to a compromise. And you can be certain that their final story was filed after the end of the day, so judgement had to wait till the next day.
On day five of this shit, the judge looked at the charges, they were filled correctly, but they were unsubstantiated, big surprise there. The judge said that since the charges were not valid he could not set bail until the local court reviewed the case, generally a two or three month process, normally. Like anything is normal with me! Chang was quite happy, with the corrupt police out of the picture, he could finally work his magic, I love to see him work; it has always amazed me to see what he can do.
It was noon, there were only four hours to get a motion for dismissal filed, usually taking a week or more, not with Chang. An hour later the motion was filed, Chang’s assistants, might I mention, all women. Actually, they’re his daughters, such cute girls too. They pulled that one off easily. An hour later a morning trial was set, and the motion for dismissal had been so well filed that my presence was not requested. Day six of this mess, and I am looking forward to starting my seventh day of incarceration, but who’s counting. Chang is in the court room for less than an hour, the charges are dropped, I was released and a formal apology was ordered by the judge. I was out an hour later and I was handed a signed letter of apology.
It took long enough, but I was still happy to get out. Candy met me at the front door. I hugged her close as I kissed her affectionately. I said lovingly: “I have missed you so.” She cried softly into my chest as I stroked her soft hair. We headed out of the police station. Oh well, nice to know that I would not have to worry about a fine.
On our way out of the station, I looked at Candy and asked: “Is the bar done, and how did the recruitment drive go?”
Candy was a little anxious as she said: “The bar is ready, but we have had a little bit of an issue with the recruitment. It seems that they don’t trust or respect Max and me.”
I was a little surprised and said: “Does this mean we have enemies?”
Candy smiled and said: “Nope, but you have a meeting tonight.”
I smiled and said: “Guess I am going to have to another busy day.”
Candy hugged me close and said lovingly: “I am your next appointment, then Max will brief you on the situation, and then you can meet with the reluctants.”
I smiled and held her close as we walked outside, meeting up with Max, Chang waved to us as he headed off. Candy, Max and I walked to his ride; he had a friend with a van bring Candy and him here. Candy hugged me close and softly said: “Let’s go to Max’s place, we can use the nice bed there. Actually that’s where I have been sleeping for the last week.”
I looked at Max, he smiled and said: “Sure you can use it.”
I looked at Candy and spoke softly: “I am sure Candy would not mind if you watched us again,” Candy grinned at the idea “do you want to see us making love again?”
Max smiled and said: “I would love to, but you do know you don’t have to do this?”
I smiled at Candy and she cooed: “But I like to have people watch.”
I grinned and replied: “Max, she gets hot knowing somebody is watching her; it would be a favour for her, not a favour from her.”
Max smiled as he replied: “Sounds like a deal, let’s head over to my place.” He walked up to the van and said to the driver: “Johan, take us all to my place.” We all hopped in as Johan nodded his understanding.
We were soon at Max’s place. We were greeted by Paul, Ed, Allen and Frank Candy softly said: “Oh yeah, they have been staying here ever since you were jailed.”
Max chimed in: “They have also bankrolled a little project in the back.”
I got out of the vehicle and said: “Hi boys, Max tells me you have been busy during my absence.”
Frank smiled and said: “It was Ed’s idea, let him explain.”
Ed moved forward and said: “This place needs a little money and it’s ideal for a neutral meeting ground, all we have to do is keep the Columbians in line, so I have started constructing a large party hall and a storage facility.”
I smiled and said: “Actually I was thinking the same thing, but where the hell did you get the money for this?”
Frank replied: “We pulled a little out of the fund; we have been pretty busy over the last year and have made a sizable fortune. Oh yeah, we are no longer Wheelers but we are still on good terms with them, and since your little tiff with the Outlaws, we have a few new clients and they set up a few thing for us, and well, you’ll see.”
We all headed to the back of the house, I was very surprised; two large holes filled with freshly poured foundations were now there. I looked at them and said: “Have you guys been working around the clock? Those must have taken at least a few day to dig and who knows how long to lay the forms.”
Max replied: “Actually yes they have, the guys finished pouring the concrete in the second hole a few hours ago. We started the holes the day after you were jailed, seems Ed works very quickly, and the Outlaws even faster. The first hole was done it less than a day, six backhoes and two dozen dump trucks get a hole excavated very quickly. The floor was poured the same night.”
“The forms were all up by yesterday morning, the longest part was waiting for the concrete to dry. We dug the second hole as they set up the base for the first building, they poured the first just after midnight, and the second was poured the next day. A few days of drying and they started erecting the rest of the forms two days ago, last night they poured the concrete in the first, and they started on the second hole this morning.”
I looked at Ed and said: “Fuck man I have only been in the joint for a few days, that is fucking impressive. Let me guess you had the plans with you.”
Ed smiled as he said: “I was trying to find a place to build this for over a month. I was actually planning to ask you for help, but Max Okayed the plan and well, when the Outlaws called me, it just came together so quickly, I felt it was a sign.”
I smiled and said: “Nice work guys. Have you secured the building materials yet?”
Paul replied: “They start arriving later today; we have also got a crane on the way to speed up constructions. With a little luck they say it should be done within a month.”
I looked serious as I said: “Nice, now how about the permits?”
Candy smiled as she said: “I have gotten those already.”
When I looked at her questioningly she replied: “I know somebody in City Hall and well, I was able to negotiate the deal.”
I looked at her softly and said: “You used your body as a bargaining chip didn’t you?”
Candy softly said: “Yes, but I wanted to make you happy.”
I held her close and said lovingly: “I don’t ever want you to make love to a man you don’t love, it’s just not needed.”
Candy smiled back and said: “Oh, then there’s no issue.” I looked at her worried, she saw it and softly replied: “I love the person I made love to.”
I looked at her and said: “When can I meet the man who you fell in love with?”
Candy giggled and hugged me close as she replied: “Vinny, it’s not a man, it’s a woman, and she cannot take your place, but we have been best friends for years and lovers also.”