Double Vexation ( A Harper's series. book 11)

And So It Begins

Snubbing out my cigarette against the cool brick wall, I waited for the back door to open. For two week's now I've scoped this dude out, learned his schedule so I'd know just when to hit. This would be my first important feat on my way up. In fact this dude was my ticket to bringing the Empire, or better yet my empire back to life and to the grandeur it once was.

I've been back in New York nearly a month now. I along with Zoe continue to stay at the building we have always called home. The majority of our time is spent getting the place spic and span or fucking. However I knew that I couldn't wait any longer. I had to get busy and start building my army. Luckily for me I know many tricks of the trade. Yes, I had the stash of money that was left behind hidden in the Den but a million wouldn't get me anywhere with the plans I had. No, I needed much more. The first thing I did was sale the family car's that was left behind. No, I just didn't sale them to any old car lot where I risked being exposed. I sold them in the underground world where most criminals go to make deals to avoid getting caught. However I didn't sale my G-pop's Porsche. No, I would keep that for my personal use.

You know the saying in order to make money you gotta spend money.... Well that's what I did. I rekindled with some old, trusted client's of the family and bought over five hundred pounds of coke. In no time I had that sold and made myself a nice little profit. Next I begin my search for recruits. Yes, I need some trustworthy men to continue to run my drug unit for me and many more for protection. But this step I was about to conquer and conquer I will, will set the Harper name free, wipe the slate clean for new beginnings.

I pressed my back to the cold brick wall and glanced at my watch. Any minute now my new partner or puppet sounds better will exit this building and I'll be waiting. I know how he spends every waking moment of his day in and outside of his job... Both job's. Upstanding law enforcer by day and seedy crook by night.

The door finally popped open and out he stepped. As I expected, he paused to light a smoke which was his usual routine before walking to his car. However this time he faced the brick wall and yanked his zipper down to take a piss. Taking this opportunity, I ran up behind him and using the butt of my gun I knocked him out. Looking around to ensure the coast was clear, I begin to drag his body to my car. No way was I going to carry his piss stained pants that were still undone over my shoulder. After stashing him in the compact trunk, I made my way home.

Once home I settled him in the pit and made sure that he was comfy by strapping him to a chair and placing a pillowcase over his head. There was still no electricity on in the building so a lone gas lantern lit the pit giving it an even more ghastly feel. It didn't take long for him to stir and by the way his head twitched he was in a panic. I laughed as I put my cigarette out in the middle of his chest before snatching the pillowcase off.

"Long time no see partner" . I chuckled.

"Yo-you are a H-Harper?" He half asked in disbelief .

"In the flesh". I grinned.

" what do you want? I had nothing to do with what went down ". He nearly sobbed.

" Don't be weak man. Weakness makes me want to end a motherfucuker real quick. Well officer Casey Thomas, today is your lucky day. Today is the day you become my partner ".

" Never. I uphold the law". He insisted.

I laughed then kicked his chair over. Standing, I stood over him and crushed his hand underneath my boot. "We both know that's far from the truth. Tell me Casey, does your job know that you run one of the largest prostitution rings in this town? Do they know that you snort coke before you report to duty? Does your police chief know that you're giving it to his wife about twice a week? Better yet does your wife know?"

" Screw you Harper. You can't prove it". He said near tears.

Still laughing, I lifted his chair upright and sat back across from him. Going for my phone I showed him a video of him stuffing his cock down the police chiefs wife's throat. "There's many more where that came from plus several hidden copies. I also have witness to your prostitution ring as well as your hand written records. It's amazing what a white will do for a hundred bucks. She basically handed you to me on a silver platter. Now I think you will want to listen or risk losing everything. You are going to make the Harper's records disappear" .

"I can't do that. There is no way". He gasped.

" But there is. Seems there is a new family here that is benefiting from the Harper's being gone. Fuckers are trying to fill out shoes and took our clients. I don't like it. Only one family will ever rule New York and that's the Harper's. You will pin all of the murders and everything else against us on the Maneto family. Don't worry, I'll have men plant enough mind blowing evidence on them. You just need to inform your chief of the findings. Then all charges will be dropped against the Harper name and we will rule again.... Or at least I will. " I concluded as I pulled up another picture on my phone to show him.

"Lovely little family you have here. Even though your wife is a bit old for me I'd still hang her. It would be a shame if you found her and your sweet little girl's body parts scattered about Central Park wouldn't it?" I grinned.

" Leave them alone. Don't you dare". Casey warned.

"Well now that's up to you. I suggest you make this happen and fast. If you even think of betraying me your family will die in the most horrific way but I'll let you live so you can relive their death everyday knowing you caused it". I promised.

" I'll do it just don't hurt my family". He begged.

I nodded. "Remember your family's safety depends on your loyalty. Now tell me where I can find the cop responsible for busting my family?"

" I'm not sure. He had an accident and lost an eye so he is on medical leave. People around the office say he took off on vacation and won't be back for another few week's ". He stuttered.

I watched him intently and knew he wasn't lying. "Inform me when he returns. Now I'm going to escort you from the building. I expect you to meet me outside of your prostitution business every Monday and Thursday night for updates. By the way, make sure the electricity and water are back on in this building by tomorrow. Remember my warming".

After I set him free I went to the Den and sat behind what use to be my Pape's desk. Propping my feet up, I leaned back and lit a joint as I thought about the work ahead. From ashes to the top I thought and knew what the next step I needed to do was. Taking the last hit from the joint I raced up the several flights of stairs to the main housing floor. I found Zoe sitting in my parent's living room looking through a book by candlelight. "Stand up". I ordered.

She did as I asked and I smiled. "The first phase has been set into motion. Soon all of this will be back up and running. Now I need to take the next step. I need a strong woman by my side to rise with me. Marry me Zoe?"

Okay, so I didn't take a knee nor had a romantic speech prepared but I meant it. I needed a mafia bred queen to guide my hand and there was something between Zoe and I. Zoe gasped and covered her mouth as tears lit her eye's. "Yes Duel. I'd love to be a Harper" .

"Good". I said. "I will select a ring in the morning then we will visit the closest chapel to make it official. I promise though, once my Empire rises and we become the topic of the city once again you will have the wedding of your dreams. It'll be front page news".

We sealed the deal with a heated kiss and a wild round of lovemaking.

Wow... Was that a surprise!!!

What do you think of Duel's plan to rebuild the Empire by having the cop place the blame on another family?

Can this cop be trusted or do you think Duel out enough fear into him?

If Duel brings the Empire back up do you think that he will try to locate the family of stock to his guns  and be rid of them?

How do you feel about Duel marrying Zoe?