After Kirk and Bautista reviewed the scene outside the club and reconstructed the shooting, they went inside Conversations. There were still a number of officers inside, as well as crime scene technicians who were gathering evidence.
“I’m guessing the guys watching our guys are Jackie’s guys,” Bautista said as they walked around.
“That, you can be sure of,” Kirk said. “But let’s test that assumption.” He started walking toward the back of Conversations where the stairs leading to the other levels were located. Coincidentally, that’s where the majority of Jackie’s men, including Baby Chris, were standing. Kirk walked right up to the ones standing closest to the steps.
“I’m Detective Kirkland and this is Detective Bautista.”
They both raised their shields.
“We’re here to see Jackie Washington.”
“Who?” Rhashan asked.
“Jackie Washington,” Bautista said. “You know, you’re boss.”
Rhashan shook his head. “I never heard of her.”
Kirk took a step closer to him. “If you don’t take me to her right now, I will make a call for a warrant and more officers and we will search the entire building inch by inch.”
Rhashan looked at Baby Chris and he nodded his head that it was all right. Both Kirk and Bautista saw it.
“Right this way, detectives.”
When Kirk and Bautista passed Baby Chris, Kirk stopped. He looked at Baby Chris for a second or two and then approached him.
“I’m Detective Kirkland and this is Detective Bautista.”
“Don’t bother introducing yourself. We’ll know all about you soon enough,” Bautista said and then she and Kirk followed security to Jackie’s office.
Once they started up the stairs, Baby Chris tapped his headset. “Let Jackie know that Kirk and Bautista are on their way up.”
When they reached the third level, the detectives were escorted to Jackie’s office and shown right in.
“Morning, detectives,” Jackie said. “What can I do for you?”
“You can start by telling us what’s going on? Who hit you tonight?” Kirk asked.
“Honestly, Kirk, I wish I knew. I wasn’t here when it happened, and I can’t think of anybody who would do this. We been playing real nice lately.”
“Any truth to the rumors that J.R.’s was hit last night?”
“I heard that rumor too.”
“You didn’t answer his question,” Bautista said. “He asked you if it was true.”
Jackie laughed. “Like I was about to say, Detective Bautista, I heard that rumor too, but I don’t know if it’s true or not.”
Kirk placed his hands on Jackie’s desk and leaned forward. “Let me share something with you, Jackie. I really don’t care if you assholes shoot and kill each other. My job is to investigate and arrest who did it. But when people, innocent people, start getting hurt and killed over your bullshit, that’s when I start caring,” he told her.
Unintimidated, Jackie leaned forward and met his eyes.
“Believe me, Kirk, if I knew who it was or what it was over, I would tell you. But as far as I know, and I’m being serious about this, nobody knows what this is about.”
Day Two
Chapter Thirteen