Mere Immortal: Chapter Thirty-Six - Hard Truths

Masha starts uncovering the unfortunate truth about his brother's murder

Chapter Thirty-Six

Malik Shawn (aka Masha) - Charleston, South Carolina

Mama’s hands rustled through her handbag in search of the card she had received from the homicide detective working Jason’s case. “I know I have it in here somewhere,” she said.

“That, and a million other things,” Masha smiled.

Mama found a stack of cards. Using her long burgundy painted nails, she flicked through them until she found the CPD logo. “Here it is,” she said, handing it to him.

“Thanks, Mama.”

“What are you gonna ask the man? Every time I tried to talk to him, he kept giving me the runaround. You know how they do.”

“He won’t give me the runaround, Mama. Don’t worry.”

Mama zipped up her bag and stared up at her son. “Don’t you do nothing stupid; you hear me? Immortal or not, don’t forget who you are and what you look like. They’ll judge you differently no matter what you do.”

“You’re not lying, Mama,” Masha said. He slipped the card into his jeans pocket and stepped around the dining table to hug her.

“You sure you don’t want me to fix you something to eat while you’re here?” she asked him.

“I’ll be back for some of them ribs. But right now, I have things I need to do.” He kissed his mother on the forehead and rubbed her shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, Malik. You know I was young and poor.”

Malik released her and looked her in the eye. “Mama, you apologize every time I see you. You were poor. You couldn’t afford another mouth to feed. It makes all the sense in the world why you gave me up. You didn’t want to watch me starve. In the end, it may have been for the best, Mama. Because of your decision, I’m strong enough to help you and the people who need to be helped.”

“I worry about you when you’re out there with them,” Mama said. She pointed at the TV. It was muted on the shopping channel. “I watch the news, you know. That group of yours is no good. You do better work for society when you’re here.”

“Mama, one thing I love is your ability to speak the truth.” Masha remembered that there was something more he needed.

He took the steps up to the second floor and entered the spare bedroom. He had once occupied the room for a time. Not a speck of dust was on the surface. The floor was clear, every inch of the vintage rug was visible. Fresh air swept through the open window. The room was a set piece. Mama kept the room fresh even while vacant. Masha opened up the oak drawer and retrieved Dolph’s dog tags. “Scott, I’ll need to channel your energy today, my friend,” Masha said. He placed them around his neck and left the room. Down the stairs, he headed straight for the front door. “Later, Mama. I love you.”

*

Toast! All Day on King’s Street was a well-loved brunch spot in Downtown Charleston. It had been some time since Masha had dined there. One of his fondest memories of the place had been coming here with Mama and Jason. It had been when Jason landed his first gig after his incarceration.

Masha longed to taste the biscuits here, but this visit wasn’t about his cravings. The two butch detectives sat at the back of the diner were easy to spot in the wave of civilians. His own bulk alerted them to his presence as he made his way across the room. Masha towered over the two men, eying their choice of cuisine. “A side of bacon would go down well with that omelette, Detective.” Masha said.

“Can I help you?” one of the detectives asked, chewing away at his brunch.

His partner placed his cutlery down and raised his hand. “It’s alright, Frank. Give us a minute.” Detective Brennan’s partner got up, giving Masha an annoyed glance as he passed.

Masha parked himself in the seat that the man had vacated. “Sorry to take your partner from his fine brunch here, Detective, but I have a few questions for you regarding the murder of Jason Allen Matthews.”

“How’d you know where I was?” Brennan asked him.

“I passed by the HQ. Someone there told me your favorite lunch spots.”

Detective Brennan patted his mouth with a napkin. “My own department gave me up. Figures. I’ve seen the news, you know. You and your friends are supposed to be under discipline. You sure you want to be stirring up shit down here in Charleston?”

“Whatever is happening with COG doesn’t concern me, Detective,” Masha said. “You know why I’m here. And if me asking you important questions about my brother’s murder stirs up anything, then we have bigger problems.”

The Detective sipped his coffee, his eyes lingering on Masha’s dog tags. When he finished, he set the cup down, pushed his omelette to the side, and leaned forward. “Scott Dolph. Is that one of your buddies from the barracks?”

Masha tapped the tags on his chest. “A friend of mine that we lost on the field. He didn’t take any shit from anyone. He taught me you can be a part of a team, but still be your own man with your own ideals.”

“I’m sorry to hear you lost him. I’ve lost some good men on the street in my time, so I know how it feels.” Detective Brennan let his eyes wander briefly before continuing. “You know, my kid has a bunch of Immortals t-shirts and action figures. Quinn, Jade, Watts. I haven’t seen much of your stuff at the store.”

Masha sneered. “Maybe I’m not as marketable as the others.”

Brennan smirked. “Look, you and your immortal friends serve our country, and I respect that. I had a gag order on this case, but I’ll tell you what you want to know this one time. Off the record. Ask me anything.”

Masha moved his partner’s brunch to the side and leaned forward, folding his arms across the table. “I know COG stepped in on this case and all, but I need to know your initial thoughts on the murder before it was taken out of your hands.”

Detective Brennan anxiously glanced around the restaurant. “I know it’s your brother, so here it goes. Just keep my name out of whatever you choose to do with this information.”

“You have my word.”

“From what I saw at the scene of the murder, it was a gang hit. The type of bike the neighbors heard matches the bikes that members of the DSM have been riding around for months. Another thing, the ammo used in the hit matched what I’ve found in DMS-related murders over the years.” 

Masha tensed his fist, his knuckles looking ready to pop through his skin. “What can you tell me about the girl on the bike?”

Detective Brennan took a deep breath before speaking. “I was specifically asked not to speak on that part.”

“And this conversation is off the record, remember?”

“The surveillance footage we got off the drones has her matching the description of a DSM gang member associated with Kyle Bradley.”

Masha leaned back in his seat, blowing an air of frustration through his lips. He slammed his palm on the table so hard that the plates shot into the air. Detective Brennan’s partner, Frank, heard the clanging of cutlery and rushed to the table. “What’s going on over there?”

Frank flinched when Masha stood. “Thank you, Detective,” Masha told Brennan. “You’ve done more for me than you’ll ever know.”

“Wait!” Brennan called. “I’m guessing you’re going to talk to those gangs next. Just know that any mess you make will have to be cleaned up by my boys. Be easy out there, soldier.” Brennan winked.

“You got it, Detective.” Masha gave him a respectful nod before passing by his inquisitive partner. With haste, he made his way out of the establishment.

Mere Immortal Season One has returned after an extensive break. Sorry for the delay. Please show your support by subscribing to keep this story going. More info on mereimmortal.com