Chaos began long before the arrival of the Florida State Governor's motorcade. As his limousine halted before the steps of the Precinct it only grew more congested. As the sun dipped low over Miami the concerned citizens of the city gathered in force. Not only due to their lives being jeopardized by a mad bomber but of the repercussion of his demands. He was forcing a young woman to do things that no woman should endure against her will. While some thanked her such as the mothers and fathers of their recently rescued daughters. A radically new detective having played a huge role in their being saved from a life of white slavery. Others however found her situation vile and disgusting. It would never be okay that she did what she had to. Mixed emotions would always defy one another's reason. Calliope Cruz understood that. No matter what they thought of her she would still be a hero.
"Governor Busch? Can you comment on this Detective Pornstar fiasco?" goaded newswoman Trish Toliver. She was determined to get a good story out of this. As the Governor's bodyguards nudged her back the Governor himself lingering in stride just long enough to sprinkle a bit of incoming naivety.
"No comment until I dig into things further. It's only been a few hours since my office was notified of the situation. I'll offer further information once I get briefed on things." His entourage then led him away.
Governor Jae Busch had a lot to live up to being the newest Governor of the great state of Florida. To make his life harder his last name was quite similar to outgoing Governor Bush. In this particular case he might have to consult with the former official. Situations like these were pretty rare. One wrong decision could ruin his political career.
"How the Governor responds to this turn of events will have to wait. This reporter will stay on top of this continuing story as it all unfolds. This is Trish Toliver outside Dade County's 3rd. Police Precinct. Here all night." Signing her cameraman Evan to cease recording she joined him lower on the steps. "Things are calmer than expected."
"This could get worse the night is young. Folks are scared to leave their homes after a car bomb then hours later a food truck went up in flames. Without panic, I'm thinking it might be a good time to take a vacation."
"Not for us Evan. We will get this story every step of the way."
"I'm with you Trish." He ogled her as she turned away. Trish Toliver was a beauty in her own right. Long blond hair and big blue eyes, golden skin with lengthy legs, a healthy chest and tight bottom were just an added blessing. Evan had kept his eyes on her lustfully ever since she took him on as her in the field cameraman. Eternally grateful for the job, equally as grateful to get to be around her every minute. He tried to hide his lust, but some days were better than others. For a newswoman she seemed oblivious to his eyes and drool, that or Evan was just good at masking his bad behavior. How she could not see his constant arousal he never understood. The woman had his attention with every beating moment. Maybe she just chose to ignore him that way. No matter, he was going to do his job regardless.
As the Governor and his advisor Warren Matthews entered the precinct, they were met by FBI Agent McClure and the Mayor Bernie Foster. Following in step they hooked up at the end of the hall with Police Chief Mercy Meade and Captain Donald Bettinger. Introductions were swift and led to a conference room. Doors closed the Governor was filled in on the complicated scenario.
"Two bombings in 24 hours." Governor Busch pondered aloud, "What do we know about this Gabriel?"
"Nothing at this point. We have our best experts profiling what they can about his voice as recorded. Once we know more you will." Darren McClure sat forward with confidence.
"And his demands on your Detective Cruz?" Busch narrowed his eyes, "What I really want to know is why you people were naïve enough to let this woman parade in front of news crews in her underwear and a badge. How can you be that stupid?"
"All due respect, Mister Busch." Bettinger entered the fray, "We have citizens to safeguard. We provided this Gabriel with what he expected to ensure their continued safety. Would you have us ignore that fact and end things with a few more unnecessary obituaries?"
"Of course not. However, policy is simple we do not negotiate with terrorists."
McClure immediately chimed in, "What he wants does not include anything monetary gain at this point. So far, all he has demanded is the abuse of Detective Cruz. We should be thanking her for her bravery. Not many women would put their reputation, let alone their bodies on the line like this. As much as I agree with policy, I do have to commend her."
"I've viewed the newscast. Although blurred out to hide her identity to those who were not present at the conference you held, her voice alone does not strike hope in this department or this city. It comes across as some game. How can it be taken seriously?"
"It was in Gabriel's demands that she acts as her Undercover alter ego of Babee Ramirez, Babee's persona being a complete airhead." Bettinger provided insight, "Breaking character will force Gabriel's hand." Palms up to slow his words, "I know how this all must sound Governor, but we at least have to let Calliope do her job until we get strong leads on who this nutjob is."
The mayor took that moment to raise his hand halting the communication, "Gentlemen? We do realize that Gabriel is most likely listening in. I strongly suggest we do not antagonize him with name calling."
"This room hasn't been quarantined against listening devices?" Busch looked about him sweating bullets.
Agent McClure cracked his knuckles nervously, "I'm afraid that Gabriel insists we do not remove or investigate his tapping techniques. For the moment we seem to be at a standstill."
"Unbelievable." Busch cleared his throat, eyes trembling before speaking up loudly and looking at a camera mounted on the wall. "Are you listening Gabriel?"
A phone resting on the table rang making everyone jump with nerves. Bettinger swiftly answers it. "Hello?" A brief exchange of words then Donald placed the phoneline on speaker.
"GOOD EVENING, GOVERNOR. YES, I AM INDEED LISTENING."
Eyes narrowing Busch leaned forward elbows on the table, sweaty palms clasped together, "What exactly do you want Mr. Gabriel? This is already beyond being out of hand."
"WHAT I WANT IS FOR YOU TO FIND ME. ARREST ME AND THROW AWAY THE KEY."
"Easy enough. Where can I send my boys in blue here?"
"NOT SO FAST MY GOOD GOVERNOR. I BELIEVE WE SHALL ENJOY A LONG-DRAWN-OUT GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE. MY RULES ARE QUITE SIMPLE. I WILL NOT HARM ANOTHER PERSON AS LONG AS DETECTIVE CRUZ PERFORMS HER DUTIES AS I HAVE DICTATED, WILL, DICTATE AS REQUIRED. IF YOU REFUSE TO ALLOW HER TO CONTINUE, I WILL RAIN HELL DOWN UPON YOUR FAIR CITY OF MIAMI."
"So, you don't expect any money?"
"TO PERFORM WHAT I DO, HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY THINK I REQUIRE MONEY? IS THAT A CLUE IN DISCOVERING MY IDENTITY? AM I A WEALTHY MAN ALREADY? DO I HAIL FROM YOUR SECRET INTELLIGENCE ORGANIZATIONS? AM I IN THE OFFICE NEXT DOOR? THAT IS THE FUN OF MY GAME GOVERNOR BUSCH. THE CHALLENGE IS FOR DETECTIVE CRUZ TO PROVE HERSELF WORTHY OF BEING A DETECTIVE. LET HER SHOW HER ABILITIES."
"We can do that without her running around like a streaker mocking this department." Bettinger defended.
"DO WE TRULY NEED TO GO OVER THIS AGAIN CAPTAIN? I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE THE FINAL TIME YOU TRY TO SWAY MY DECISIONS. DO NOT TEST ME FURTHER."
Bettinger shut down leaning back in his chair disgusted by his attempt, Mayor Bernie Foster looking at him with concern. As did Mercedes Meade who posed her palms toward Bettinger to remain calm.
"WHERE WERE WE GOVERNOR?"
"We were awaiting my decision to allow Detective Cruz to get away with what your demands call for. I can safely say that will not be allowed. Need I repeat our policy against terrorism?"
"YOU ARE PERFECTLY CLEAR GOVERNOR."
"Good. Now turn yourself in for murder."
"I DO NOT BELIEVE I HAVE ACHIEVED A QUOTA AS OF YET. YOU SHOULD HEAR OF MY LATEST VICTIM SHORTLY. I WILL WAIT HERE PATIENTLY." Breathing heard as a torture tactic Gabriel even had the gall to crinkle a Twinkie package tearing it open, accompanied by the sounds of chewing with his mouth open. Disgusting bastard!
"What?" Busch turned pale when his personal cellphone began ringing in his jacket. Retrieving it on the third ring he answered, "Governor Busch! I'm at a meet... "He turned pale, "...can you repeat... Dear God. I'll be in touch." Hanging up he takes a drink of water from a glass that Mercedes offered earlier.
"Governor?" Mayor Foster sat forward with concern.
"My secondary Limo just blew up at the airport. It wouldn't start earlier so we switched Limo's. The driver and mechanic died instantly."
As everyone grew emotional Gabriel cleared his throat, "YOU WERE SAYING GOVERNOR?"
"I need to speak with a higher office. I can't just appoint Detective Cruz to put her body on the line. It's morally wrong and unhealthy to her own future."
"CAPTAIN BETTINGER? PLEASE BRING IN DETECTIVE CRUZ. EXCUSE ME, BRING IN MY BABEE."
Rising from his chair Donald opened a side door to the conference room and motioned for Calliope to enter. He dreaded the initial first eye contact. Turning away he allowed Calliope to enter on her own and shut the door.
"Babee is here. Do I get to ride in the Presidential Limo like Marilyn?"
Governor Busch dropped his jaw at Calliope's topless nudity. Only wearing a white thong with a badge over the crotch and stiletto heels he puffed his cheeks. Eyes closed to calm his nerves Busch offered Calliope a seat at the other end of the table. Accepting it she leaned forward placing her massive tits directly on top of the table. Resting there she rests her hands in her lap. Batting her eyelashes flirtatiously she remained verbally quiet but hummed.
"Cover those up please." Busch tried not to stare at her aroused nipples. It was as if they were eyes staring back at him.
"Sowwy! I can't do that. What you see is what you get." Babee responds. "Fingers crossed, but not my legs."
"Sweet Jesus." Busch recited before staring at her, "If I allow this on a temporary basis can you behave in public? None of us need the backlash."
"No promises Mister Governor Sir. I will do what I have to. I'm very sorry for the loss of your driver." Donald had whispered the dirty deed to her from the side.
Sighing Busch clasped his sweaty palms uncertain how else to reply, "I need time to think Gabriel. Any rash decision can be harmful without your help."
"CLEAR THE ROOM GOVERNOR. ALL SAVE FOR YOU AND DETECTIVE CRUZ." Gabriel barked.
"Being alone in the room with Ms. Cruz would look very bad. I have a family that does not need to hear any nasty rumors."
"A FAMILY THAT CAN EASILY BE ERASED."
"What was that?" Eyes flare and Jae sat up straight.
"LOVELY CONSTANCE AND YOUNG BOBBY ARE GIVING THE DOG A BATH AT THIS MOMENT. YOUR DARLING DAUGHTER ANNIE, OH MY! YOU SHOULD REALLY MONITOR HER CELLPHONE MORE OFTEN. THE RACEY PICTURES THAT SHE IS SENDING DILLON ARE QUITE... WELL, SEE FOR YOURSELF."
The Governor felt his personal cell vibrate, swallowing dryly as he drew it again from his jacket. Before looking at any text he glared at the room full of Law Enforcement, "Everyone out."
"I THOUGHT THAT MIGHT CHANGE YOUR MIND."
Commissioner Meade motioned everyone to vacate including Captain Bettinger and FBI Representative Darren McClure. The mayor offering an expression of concern toward the Governor held out before joining them. A wave of Busch's knuckles sent Bernie out like the rest. As the door latched the Governor pulled up his text. Five photos of his barely eighteen-year-old in lingerie upset him immensely. A topless photo enraged him. Pierced nipples? Since when?
"She is grounded forever."
Calliope pouted at his anguish, "I'm sorry, Mr. Governor. Truly I am." A baby like response did not sound convincing but she maintained her persona of Babee Ramirez.
"NOW, NOW BABEE, DON"T BE SORRY. THIS WAS ONLY TO MAKE A POINT. I COULD DO A NUMBER OF THINGS TO SMEAR HIS NAME. I DON'T HAVE TO KILL ANYONE. TELL ME MR. BUSCH, HOW MUCH MORE ARE YOU PAYING YOUR HOUSEKEEPER MARCELA FOR SERVICES RENDERED?"
"You son of a bitch."
