Jack: Revisited; First 900 words

     Beads of rain ran down the window casting flickering shadows across the bedroom and a rumble of thunder would shake the glass every so often. A series of drawers were set into the wall along with a closet, only thin lines outlined where the compartments were. Clothing was strewn about the floor and the sheets where crumpled. A small red light pulsed slowly on the wall next to the bed, below a black thirteen inch screen.

     Jack Aric O’Callahan sat propped up against the cool glass, his muscular chest rising and falling rhythmically. His thin, coarse brown hair was slicked back which made his receding hairline slightly more obvious. A silver chain with a single dog tag hung against his chest, a momentum to his past. Cordell wore it’s companion around her neck. He had given it to her as an engagement gift, since he couldn’t afford a ring. In his left hand, a cigarette was balanced between his fingers, and his right arm, a series of wires, servos, and circuits was incased in a flesh-colored carbon fiber-kevlar blend casing, was wrapped around the shoulders of a naked woman, laying asleep next to him. 

Cordell, now she was a special type of woman; she had stuck by his side through everything for the past seven years. She worked down at Yutani’s Gentleman’s Club. Jack knew that she did more than take her clothes off an strut around naked for rich snobs in three-piece suits. He didn’t care how many exec knobs she fiddled with, as long as she came back to him at the end of the day. 

     Cordell had choppy, heavily layered purple hair. Protruding from the top of her head where triangular ears, similar to that of a cat’s, that twitched occasionally, and folded back against her hair when he ran his hand across the top of her head. Protruding from her lower back was a  fluffy purple and black stripped tail, that flicked happily over the edge of the bed. Jack inhaled through his cigarette causing the ember to glow bright for a moment. He looked down at the woman. He could see her eyes moving behind her eyelids. He envied her for being able to sleep so easily. He was haunted by visions of horror, violence and gore every time he closed his eyes. The therapist he had been assigned to told him it was called “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” and had prescribed him some sort of drug called, “clora-prostate,” or some other bullshit medical name. They helped, but not as much as he would have liked. Instead he enjoyed his cigarettes and booze, preferring to smoke away, and drown the memories. 

     They had talked about moving to one of the colonies; to get away from the clutter and pollution of the City. Jack liked the colony of Elysia, a green jewel of a planet. It was known as a vacation destination, and was mostly a farming colony. It was calm and peaceful. Jack thought about lounging on the pale beaches, splashing in the waves with Cordell. Paradise, he thought. But they would never have enough money to move out there. Travel alone would cost him two years wages, and buying a house, maybe four years. He took a good long drag off his cigarette.

Cordell shifted and wrapped her pale arm around his waist and pulled herself close to him. Her warm, honey soft breasts pressed against his leg, causing him to stiffen slightly. 

     He rubbed the back of his neck with his mechanical arm. The finger tips felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand as the colder carbon-fiber touched his neck. There was a round metallic hole at the nape of his neck, his neural connection port. He hadn’t used that for ages, not since he retied from the mercenary work; seeing as his current job as a warehouse worker didn’t require it. Everyone had one, though not everyone used it.

     He reached over and touched the screen with the pulsating red light.  The screen flickered to life and a displayed a simple monochromatic UI that illuminated his chiseled jaw with soft blue light. He tapped the symbol that looked like an analog clock eclipsing a sun. The screen flashed to black and back to blue before displaying the weather, date, and time.

MAR.3.2184//04:13:21

100%HUMID//THNDRSTRM//45ºF

     He hit the window with the back his head in frustration. It looked like it would be another sleepless night. He ran his fingers through Cordell’s hair and a purr of pleasure slipped from between her thin lips. He stamped out his cigarette in the glass ashtray sitting on the window ledge. The rain seemed to let up for a moment. He heard a door close in the other room. His muscles tightened as adrenaline shot through his veins. He pushed on one of the panels on the wall which silently slid open to reveal .45 Automatic. He took it in his hand; the metal against his skin and the weight of it felt calming. He gently released himself from Cordell’s embrace. She stiffened as he got up, but soon relaxed back into sleep. Jack slipped over towards the door control panel. He hit the manual override switch and slid the door open softly and slipped into the room beyond, sliding the door shut behind him. He could hear someone moving about in the kitchen, but when he peered inside, no one was there. 

A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: Black Leather and Blackmail, Issue #6

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Writers Note: So. This issue is fairly explicit; including some lets that savory things...  (Language and Rape) I do not encourage or condone rape, in fact I have friends that have been raped. I find it terrible and disgusting. But, rape is something that happens. I included it because even though it is a terrible thing because I wanted to show that no character is perfect. We all have done things that we regret. If things like that bother you, I recommend skipping this issue.

Warning: This post may contain mature content.

     Jack opened his eyes. He was in Cordell’s apartment, the living room to be exact. She was next to him, her leg thrown over his lap. Her heat warmed his side. Her sapphire head was nestled in his armpit. He could feel her breath on his chest, slow and steady. He admired the curve of her back, down to her firm bottom and to her shapely legs. Her soft but perky breasts were pressed into his abdomen. He smiled. He shifted and she stirred. Her head rose. 

     “You’re a good lay,” she murmured. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

     “You are too,” grinned Jack. She sat up. He eyed her breasts. Perfection, he thought. She pulled his chin up so he would look into her violet eyes.

     “My eyes are up here.” She grinned. 

     “Your eyes are just as beautiful as your tits,” commented Jack. She tossed her head back laughing.

     “If only your face was as beautiful as your dick,” she giggled. He jumped as her cold hand wrapped around him. 

     “Hey!” He grabbed her shoulders and flipped her onto her back.

     “Oh! I thought you liked being on the bottom.” She bit her lip. Jack leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. She ran her hands down his back. Her thin fingers traced a scar that stretched from his mid back to his hip. “You never told me how you got this.” Jack got off of her and sat on the couch. His grey eyes stared through the wall. She sat up.

     “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to…” she apologized. Jack picked up his trousers and slid them up. He reached into his jacket and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. There was one left. Fuck. He put it in his mouth and patted his pockets down. There was a click. His eyes flashed towards Cordell. She held out his lighter, her lavender eyes apologetic. He leaned forward and held the cigarette in the flame.

     “I really am sorry.” She begged for his forgiveness. He pulled the the cigarette from his lips and exhaled.

     “We’ve known each other for seven years now… I figure you should know.” He looked at her, his grey eyes dead, “You have to promise me something though.” 

     “What ever you say.”

     “Promise me that no matter what I tell you, you will still love me,” he said in a monotone. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

     “I promise.” 

     “Alright.”

     It was Singapore. I was sixteen. I had just joined up. We had been fighting the Long-Ko Gang for five months. Brutal fighting; street to street, building to building, room to room. I had lost most of my platoon. I had been promoted three times. I had watched my best friend get blown apart by mine that had been tucked into a medicine cabinet. He just wanted to get a god damn fucking aspirin. His blood and bones splattered against my armor. I was furious. I wanted revenge. The next week we finally found the boss. The leader of the mob. We stormed his palace. Nice digs. It was a shame to get blood all over the place. It was me who found him. But it wasn’t a him. It was a her. She was the mastermind behind my friend getting blown to hell.  We where alone. She was feeble and old. I was young and full of fury. I slammed the bitch up agains the wall. I ripped her clothes and spit in her face. I beat her. I made her bleed. I wanted to defile her. I pulled my armor off. And undid my belt. Tears streamed down her face. Good. Suddenly there was pain down my back.  I fell to the ground. I fell to the floor. Thats when I saw her. She was gorgeous. Black hair, black eyes. A katana was clutched in her hand, beads of blood dripped to the floor. I asked her who she was, and she told me. She was the leader. The old woman was her mother. She placed the blade at my neck. Adrenaline coarsed through my veins. I pushed the sword away and hit her with a left hook. She fell to the ground. I had knocked her out. I picked up her body and slung it over the desk. I slashed her belt off with my knife, and tore her pants off. I ran my hand over her muscular ass and between her legs. It was just then when she began to regain conciseness. I put my pistol at the back of her neck. I told her that if she struggled I would put one through her head. I forced myself inside her. She began to cry but I didn’t care. I pushed harder and harder. She began to scream. I finally finished inside her.  I left her crying on that desk. My seed dripping from her pussy. I put myself back into my pants. Then I blew her head clean off. I shot her mother too; right between the eyes. I dropped to my knees. The next thing I knew, I was in a hospital.

     Jack took a long drag off his cigarette. He couldn’t bare to look at Cordell. She sat there in silence. Say something damn it! Then she did something he did not expect. She swung her leg across his lap and straddled him. He looked up at her. Her face was somber. She kissed him. He could taste the wax flavor of her lipstick on his lips.

     “I still love you” she whispered. She wrapped her arms around his head and held him against her bosom. He closed his eyes as tears began to stream from his eyes. They ran over her chest and fell to his lap. Her perfume was calming.

     “I’m a monster,” he wept.

     “The past is the past,” cooed Cordell. 

     They sat there for hours in silence.  It was Jack who broke the silence.

     “Is your program finished working?” he asked. She twisted and leaned towards her computer. 

     “Yes. I have your address,” she began.

     “What is it?” 

     “405 West Wisconsin Street,” she stated.

     “I should get going,” he grunted.

     “Alright.” She didn’t argue, and slid off his lap. He got dressed and headed for the door. She pulled on her panties and shirt, and followed him to the door.

     “Be safe,” she whispered.

     “I always am sweetheart.” He stepped into the hall and closed the door behind him.

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Next>>

Check back in next week for the next issue of The Jack O'Callahan Mysteries!

Please support me on Patreon! Donations are on a monthly basis, so you can make sure you don't go over your carefully constructed budget! Every donation is a step to my goal of being able to write full time! Help me realize my goal here!

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A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: Black Leather and Blackmail, Issue #5

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Warning: This post may contain mature content.

     They stepped out into a room with red walls and black trim. A leather couch and matching love seat sat nestled in the corner. A black semi-circular desk was positioned in front of a long hallway. A woman wearing a black Mandarin style leather dress with a deep purple trim. Her make up was dark and made her eyes stand out. Her neon purple hair was smooth and hung over one eye. David noticed a black leather collar around her thin neck. She looked up as David and Jenn approached. She smiled displaying her perfect teeth.
     “Good Afternoon, you must be Miss Bianco.” welcomed the woman.
     “Yes, but please, call me Jenn,” requested Jenn. David looked at the ground.
     “As you wish,” stated the woman, “Do you have any preferences for a room?”
     “I was thinking something homely; something comfortable,” requested Jenn. The woman turned to a computer screen and her fingers began to dance across the keyboard.
     “The Red Room is available,” said the woman, turning the screen, so Jenn and David could see it. The room was painted with a deep crimson paint.  A four poster bed of dark stained wood was covered in deep red sheets. A large mirror hung on the wall and a large x-frame with leather cuffs leaned against a wall. David and Jenn shared a quick look.
     “Yes. That would be perfect,” cooed Jenn. The woman behind the desk, spun in her chair and stood. 
     “If you would follow me please,” she said, gesturing for them to follow her. They walked around the desk and followed the woman down the hallway. As soon as David stepped into the hallway, a buzz echoed as a red light flashed. The woman spun around and glared at them. She held out her pale hand.
     “We do not allow weapons in our dungeon,” she said in a severe tone. Jenn looked at David, with the same intensity. 
     “Well! Give it to her!” commanded Jenn. David jumped. He reached into his jacket, unhooked the retention strap on his holster and withdrew his pistol. He handed the pistol to the woman.
     “You can have this back when you leave,” she assured him. She spun back around and continued down the hall. She led them to a door, which she opened. Inside was the room displayed on the screen. 
     “Mistress Joy will be with you momentarily,” informed the woman as they stepped inside. 
     “Thank you,” said Jenn. The woman closed the door, leaving David and Jenn alone. David looked around.
     “Alright, we only have a few moments before she comes back,” said David. 
     “Right. So if this is where he was tied… The camera had to have been…” Jenn pointed to the corner, “There.” David moved over to the corner. 
     “Yeah, look! There is a camera here… Albeit a small one,” said David. He jumped as he heard the door opening. In the door was a woman in a black tight leather pencil skirt; a leather corset accentuated her curves and pushed her chest into a nearly impossible bust line. Her legs were smooth, and long. Her five-inch stiletto platform heels gave a dominating height and presence. Her deep brunette hair hung to her shoulders, framing a square, yet feminine jawline. 
     “Mistress Joy?” asked Jenn. The woman smiled, nodded and shut the door.

*****
     It was raining when Jack arrived at Cordell’s apartment. He stood outside her apartment door, thinking. What is this city coming to? Blackmail with out money demands? Mysterious voices on phones… Shit. This town is going to hell. He reached up and knocked on the door. Cordell opened the door with a big smile on her face, but the smile was wiped from her face when she looked at Jack.
     “What’s wrong?” she asked. 
     “Got a lot on my mind,” muttered Jack. 
     “Well come on in,” said Cordell stepping aside. Jack stepped in. Cordell helped him pull his coat off and hung it in the closet. She also picked his hat off his head and hung it on a peg. She led him to the living room. Jack plopped down on the couch, taking a deep breath. Cordell slid next to him.
     “So what’s bothering you?” she asked. God damn it. You can’t tell her. Tell her about the voice, but not what the voice said about her. She loves you. You can trust her.
     “Just work stuff. I got this really strange call about a month ago. I haven’t been able to put it out of my head,” explained Jack. Cordell brushed her lips across his cheek. 
     “Who called you?” she asked.
     “I don’t know. It was this woman’s voice. It was smooth and soft, but incredibly intimidating,” murmured Jack. Cordell straightened. Jack looked at her, “What?”
     “There has been rumors circulating the runner community about a mysterious voice handing out threats, and if the person didn’t comply, they vanished. I mean like gone. No record,” reported Cordell.
     “Well, I’m still here,” said Jack. 
     “I’m glad,” said Cordell. She laid her head on his shoulder.
     “Me too… Me too.” Jack exhaled, “Oh, I have something for you. It’s for a case.”
     “Sure! What is it?” she asked. Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out the flash drive the alderman gave him.
     “This. I need you to find out where these pictures came from, originally,” requested Jack. Cordell plucked the flash drive from Jack’s fingers.
     “Let’s take a look.” She grinned. She got up and walked into the other room. She returned carrying a laptop. She sat next to Jack and opened the screen. She plugged the flash drive in and began to view the files.
     “Whoa…” she breathed as she scrolled through the pictures.
     “Can you find it?” asked Jack
     “Yeah. No problem,” she said. She began to run a program. “Though, It is going to take a while.” She set the laptop on the coffee table. She swung her leg over Jack lap, and pressed her lips against his. Their tongues intertwined and Jack pulled her close. He wrapped his arms around her waist and they fell to the couch.

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Next>>

Check back in next week for the next issue of The Jack O'Callahan Mysteries!

Please support me on Patreon! Donations are on a monthly basis, so you can make sure you don't go over your carefully constructed budget! Every donation is a step to my goal of being able to write full time! Help me realize my goal here!

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A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: Black Leather and Blackmail, Issue #3

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Warning: This post may contain mature content.

    “How do you expect to get in?” asked David, “Assuming they are like every other escort service, they will be extremely secretive of their client list, and dealings with said clients.” Jack flicked the ashes off his cigarette.
    “You’re right. Hmmm…” he muttered thoughtfully.
    “You could use the badge, like you did at Grove Towers,” mentioned Jenn.
    “That wouldn’t work. They would demand to see a warrant,” mentioned David. Jenn pouted, and turned back to the computer. They sat in a thoughtful silence.
    “We could pose as someone looking to visit the dungeon,” suggested Jenn. The two investigators shared a look before turning to their blonde secretary.
    “That could work,” replied Jack. He looked at the computer screen,     “It looks like they cater to both sexes. David, How about you and Jenn visit Mistress Joy, posing as a couple.”
    “Alright,” agreed David. Jenn blushed.
    “Since it appears that this is a business is run by women… Jenn, why don’t you make the call. Do you think that you could pull of the dominant character?” asked Jack. Jenn’s cheeks were as red as a cardinal as she nodded.
    “What? You have got to be kidding!” protested David, “What are you going to do then?” 
    “I’m going to take the flash drive to Cordell. See if she can determine the location of the computer these pictures are from,” replied Jack.
    “Is that possible?” asked David, still annoyed with what Jack was saying.
    “Yes, each computer has a unique IP address. It’s kind of like a human fingerprint, assuming that the computer wasn’t a corporation computer, the address should be imbedded into the files,” spouted Jenn. They both looked at her, amazed.
    “It’s decided then!” said Jack, “You and Jenn will go to the dungeon? Is that what it’s called?” he asked, looking at Jenn. She nodded and Jack continued, “And I’ll pay Cordell a visit. Jenn, Give them a call, alright?” Jenn nodded and David scowled at the decision. “Don’t be such a baby,” said Jack as he pulled out his mobile phone and headed toward the office. He closed the door, and stamped out his cigarette in the ashtray. He typed in Cordell’s CommAddress. The phone began to beep steadily. There was a click as the call connected.
    “Good Morning darling,” came Cordell’s voice.
    “Morning,” grunted Jack, “Are you free tonight?” 
    “Yeah, I have Thursday’s off,” replied Cordell.
    “Do you mind if I stop by?” 
    “No, Of course! What time?” 
    “Let’s say five? Does that work?” 
    “That would be perfect!” quipped Cordell.
    “Alright, See you then,” drawled Jack.
    “I look forward to it!” exclaimed Cordell. Jack hung up.

*****

    Jenn picked up the phone on her desk and typed in the CommAddress listed on the website. David looked at her from across the desk. Her cheeks were burning. I hope that he hasn’t noticed, she thought.She took a deep breath and pushed her hair behind her ears. She pressed the call button on the phone and the phone began to ring. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She jumped when the phone connected.
    “Hello, Thank you for calling Mistress Joy’s House of Pain. How may I help you?” came a sultry voice. Jenn cleared her throat.
    “Yes, I was wondering if you had an opening today. My very naughty boyfriend and I would like visit. We are new to the scene and would like discuss a possible future arrangements,” said Jenn with a smooth and commanding tone. David was taken aback by the sudden switch of voice. 
    “Let me check,” said the woman on the other end, “We have an opening from one to four. Would that work for you?”
    “Yes. Of course!” replied Jenn.
    “What is your name so I can mark you on the schedule,” asked the woman.
    “Jennifer Bianco,” stated Jenn.
    “Alright. We look forward to meeting you!” said the woman. 
    “As do I,” said Jenn. She ended the call and set the the phone on the desk. A she cracked a thin smile. 
    “Where did that come from?” said David, his mouth agape. This brought Jenn crashing back to reality, blood rushed to her cheeks.
    “Oh… Uhh…” She scrambled for words, “I took an acting class in college!” she spouted quickly.
    “Okay,” replied David, “So what time are we going?” His voice was full of dread.
    “We are scheduled to meet at one,” informed Jenn. She spun around in her chair, stood and grabbed her coat off the peg.
    “Where are you going?” asked David.
    “To get ready,” she stated. David looked at his watch.
    “It’s barely nine!” exclaimed David, “You need five hours to get ready?!”
    “I have to get into character,” explained Jenn with a grin as she pulled on her coat.
    “Alright. If you say so,” said David nervously.
    “I do say so,” she said as she stepped out of the door.

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Next>>

So, Due to life getting in the way, I might have to miss a few weeks for this story arc. I will try to post each new issue every Wednesday. I apologize in advance!

Check back in next week for the next issue of The Jack O'Callahan Mysteries!

Please support me on Patreon! Donations are on a monthly basis, so you can make sure you don't go over your carefully constructed budget! Every donation is a step to my goal of being able to write full time! Help me realize my goal here!

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A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: Black Leather and Blackmail, Issue #2

<<Previous

Warning: This post may contain mature content.
     The early morning light streamed through the windows of O’Callahan and Lang Investigations. Jenn let herself into the office and hung her coat on the coat rack. She noticed that the door to to the office was ajar. Curiously she stepped toward it and pushed it open. Jack was laying on his desk, snoring. She stepped closer and placed her hand gently on his shoulder.
     “Mr. O’Callahan? Jack?” she cooed. Jack jerked awake and looked around sleepily.
     “Whuts goin’ on?” he mumbled. 
     “Late night?” asked Jenn. 
     “Hmm?” Jack rubbed his eyes, “Uhh yeah. Got a new case.” He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He began to pat himself down, searching for his lighter. He heard a click and looked up. Jenn held up his lighter. He leaned forward and held the cigarette to the flame. 
     “Thanks” he muttered. 
     “So, What’s the case?” she asked, leaning on the desk. Jack picked up the flash drive. 
     “Alderman Malone has hired us to find out who is blackmailing him,” said Jack. Jenn picked up the letter from the desk and looked at it. Her nose wrinkled. Jack looked at her. “What?”
     “It’s that smell.” 
     “What smell?” questioned Jack.
     “The perfume on this letter,” replied Jenn.
     “Huh?” Jack took the letter for Jenn and held it up to his nose. Sure enough the faint smell of cherries and peaches were present. Jack looked up at his secretary. “Well that narrows down our suspect list. Could you get David on the phone?”
     “Sure!” quipped Jenn smiling. She walked out of the office. Jack to a drag off his cigarette, picked up the flash drive, and looked at it intently. He stood and walked into the waiting room. Jenn hung up the phone as he entered.
     “David will be here in a bit,” she reported.
     “Good.” Jack held out the flash drive, “Can you plug this in? I need to see what’s on it.” 
     “Sure.” Jenn took the flash drive and plugged it into the computer. She opened the file and a list of image files displayed on the screen. Jenn looked up at Jack. 
“Let’s just start at the first one,” said Jack. Jenn double-clicked on the file. A picture of the alderman naked, locked in a chastity device and bound to x-frame with leather cuffs. The frame was leaned against a wall, a mirror was against one wall and what looked like a four poster bed of dark stained wood could be seen; presumably against the wall opposite of the x-frame.
     “Oh!” exclaimed Jenn as her cheeks flushed to a deep crimson. Jack blinked.
     “Well that wasn’t what I expected,” mumbled Jack taking a draw from his cigarette. Jenn rubbed her neck nervously and shifted in her chair. Jack leaned forward, surveying the image. They both jumped as the door opened. David stepped in.
     “Morning! So what’s the big case?” David moved behind the desk to hang up his coat and hat. When he turned around he spotted the image on the screen. “What’s this? Caught Jenn looking at pornographic content?” asked David smiling, “Didn’t figure you were into that kind of thing.” David nodded at the screen. Jenn’s face flushed to an even deeper red, and she stared at the floor.
     “This is part of the case. Alderman Malone has hired us to find out who is blackmailing him,” explained Jack. David leaned against the desk.
     “Oh. So do we have any leads?” 
     “Well, we know that its a woman,” replied Jack.
     “How do you know?” asked David.
     “Smell of perfume on the letter,” stated Jack. 
     “So what’s this?” asked David.
     “These are the pictures that the alderman is begin blackmailed with. I’m hoping we might be able to discern some details from the pictures,” explained Jack. Jack turned back to the computer, “Alright Jenn.” Jenn reluctantly advanced to the next picture. A woman appeared in the picture. She had black hair tied back into a tight braid. She was perched atop five-inch stiletto pumps. Fishnet stockings were held up by a black garter belt. Her waistline was accentuated by a tightly laced corset. A tattoo was visible on her left shoulder blade. Jack leaned close to the screen. 
     “What’s that tattoo? Jenn can you zoom in on that?” Jenn nodded and zoomed in on the woman’s shoulder blade. The tattoo was of a pair of Chinese characters. Jenn crossed her legs and began to chew on her thumbnail. Jack squinted at the characters, he didn’t recognize the characters.
     “David, do you know what these characters are?” he asked. David moved to look at the image.
     “Yeah, they are in traditional hanzi. It says, ‘submit’,” informed David. He pulled a cigarette out of his jacket breast pocket.
     “Do you think this is a service or a private agreement?” asked Jack, standing up. He held out his lighter for his friend. David puffed on his cigarette to light it.
     “Jenn, could you zoom out?” asked David. She complied and David leaned in next to her.  “It looks like a professional dungeon.” 
     “Jenn could you pull up a search on InfoNet, for ‘dominatrix with a Chinese tattoo on her left shoulder blade.” Jenn closed the image viewer and opened up an InfoNet search window. She typed in the query and hit the search button. The first entry in the search was a website for “Mistress Joy’s House of Pain”. 
    “Click that,” said Jack. Jenn clicked the link. The site opened and the page that opened was a mature content warning page. Jenn clicked the continue link. The front page had the woman from the pictures stretched across the screen, wearing nothing but a garter belt, stockings, and stiletto heels. Jenn began to twirl a strand of her hair around her finger. 
     “Let’s see, is there and address?” asked Jack. Jenn scrolled down the page.
     “Not that I can see,” said Jenn, “But there is a CommNet Address.” She pointed to it on the page. Jack looked to David with a sideways smile.
     “You up for a date with a dominatrix?” he asked grinning. Jenn buried her face in her palms.

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Next>>

So, Due to life getting in the way, I might have to miss a few weeks for this story arc. I will try to post each new issue every Wednesday. I apologize in advance!

Check back in next week for the next issue of The Jack O'Callahan Mysteries!

Please support me on Patreon! Donations are on a monthly basis, so you can make sure you don't go over your carefully constructed budget! Every donation is a step to my goal of being able to write full time! Help me realize my goal here!

Picture Source: http://www.sportramble.com/images/monica-belluccitcfb-femme-fatale31.jpg

A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: Black Leather and Blackmail, Issue #1

Warning: This post may contain mature content.

     The rain came down in sheets over the city of Chicago. Jack sat leaned back in his desk chair. He could hear his secretary, Jenn moving around outside the office door. She poked her blonde head inside. 

     “Mr. O’Callahan? I’m going to be heading home soon,” she stated. 

     “Alright, see you tomorrow,” nodded Jack.  She withdrew her head and closed the door. He heard her gathering her things, opening the door and leaving. He stood and walked to the window that looked out across the city. It had been a month since that call from the mysterious person. The voice was still trapped in his ears. Who was she? How did she know that I was investigating the death of Mr. Grove?  He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He tucked it between his lips and flicked open his lighter. He puffed on the cigarette thoughtfully. There was a knock at the door.

     “Come in!” called Jack. He turned around expecting to see Jenn. But instead of his blonde secretary he saw a middle-aged man with slicked back salt and pepper hair. He had a square jaw, a hooked nose, and thin lips. He was wearing a fine, tailored suit and in his right hand was a black leather briefcase “Umm, Hello. Can I help you?”

     “Yes, you are Jack O’Callahan, the detective right?” said the man.

     “I’m Jack O’Callahan, Private Investigator, and who might you be?” questioned the detective.

     “I’m Dixon Malone. I’m on the city council,” explained the man. Jack blinked, taken aback for a moment.

     “So, Mister Malone, what can I do for you?” asked Jack. The man shifted back and forth nervously. Jack held out a cigarette. The man looked at it for a moment and took it in trembling fingers.

     “Thanks.” He placed it between his lips. Jack flicked open his lighter and held it out for the man. The man puffed on it and coughed as he inhaled. Jack smiled. 

     “Please have a seat Mister Malone,” said Jack motioning to the chair in front of his desk. The man sat in the chair sputtering. Jack moved to sit in his chair. He looked at the man.

     “So, what can I do for you?” he asked. Mr. Malone looked down at his shoes.

     “I n-need you to find someone,” he muttered.

     “Is someone missing?” questioned Jack.

     “N-no,” stammered Mr. Malone.

     “Then why are you looking for someone?”

     “I’m being blackmailed,” revealed the man. Jack leaned forward.

     “Let me guess. You want me to find out who is doing the blackmail.” 

     “Yes,” relented Mr Malone. Jack leaned back in his chair.

     “How are you being blackmailed? Pictures? Information?” 

     “Uhh… p-pictures,” murmured the man. He fidgeted in his seat.

     “What kind of pictures?” questioned Jack. The man lifted the briefcase and flipped open the latches, he paused.

     “Mr. O’Callahan, Before I show you these, You have to swear that this information will not see the light of day.” Jack raised his eyebrows, intrigued.

     “Alderman Malone, Even though it is in my job description it states that I uncover information, I swear on my license that what ever you have in that briefcase it will not leave this office,” assured the detective. His words seemed to calm the alderman. Mr. Malone reached into the briefcase and pulled out a small chrome flash drive. He set it on the desk. Jack picked it up and looked at it. 

     “The pictures are on here?” he asked. The man simply nodded. Jack took a drag on his cigarette. “Do you have any idea who might be blackmailing you?”

     “No.” 

     “When did this first start?” The man took a drag off of his cigarette. He choked on the smoke. Jack cracked a slim smile.

     “Sorry,” he choked, “I’m not used to the real thing.”

     “They aren’t for everyone,” said Jack, “So when did these letters start arriving?”

     “About a year back.” 

     “What where the demands? Did they ask for money?” asked the detective.

     “Uh, no.” Jack looked at the alderman, brow furrowed.

     “Then what did they demand?”

     “As long as I followed their instructions and pushed for whatever they told me to, those pictures would not be leaked.” 

     “Do you have any of the letters?” asked Jack. The alderman nodded, reached into the briefcase and handed Jack an envelope. The paper was smooth in his hands. Ah, people just don’t send letters anymore, thought the detective. He slipped his finger inside and opened the flap. He pulled out the enclosed paper and unfolded it. It was typed in a font reminiscent of a 20^th Century Typewriter.

Dear Alderman Malone,

I have another request for you to follow. You will be receiving a trade proposal from DG International within the next couple of days. I expect you to sign off on it without question. Should you fail to comply I assure you that the information that we hold will be spread all across InfoNet. Then your wife will leave you; your children will look at you like a freak. But above all else, everything you have worked so hard to gain in your life will lost.

Sincerely,

H.W.

     As Jack read the letter, he heard the icy voice from the mysterious phone call. He looked at the close, and the letters that took the place, “H.W.” Could this be the same person, he thought. He set the letter down on the table. 

     “It is an interesting story you have hear Mr. Malone,” said Jack.

     “Will you take my case?” asked the man.

     “Yeah, I’ll take it, But it’s going to cost you,” stated Jack.

     “Would ten-thousand be enough?” asked Mr. Malone. It was Jack turn to cough on the smoke.

     “That would be more than enough,” sputtered Jack. Mr. Malone pulled a check book out of the briefcase, scratched down the amount and handed it to Jack. The man stamped out his cigarette in the ashtray before standing. Jack stood with him.

     “Thank you so much. I cannot express my thanks,” said the alderman.

     “Yeah no problem. If you get anymore of those letters, give me a call.” Jack pulled a piece of scrap paper from his desk and scratched down his CommNet address. The man took it. 

     “I’ll be sure too,” said the man. He nodded and left. Jack sat back down in his chair. He picked up the letter. He could not shake the feeling that the initials “H.W.,” were some how linked to that mysterious phone call. Time began to fly as his thoughts began to surround him. 

----------

Next>>

So, Due to life getting in the way, I might have to miss a few weeks for this story arc. I will try to post each new issue every Wednesday. I apologize in advance

Check back in next week for the next issue of The Jack O'Callahan Mysteries!

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A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: The Curious Death of Mr. Grove, Issue #10

<<Previous

    Jack took the phone from Jenn.

    “Hello?” he asked, grimacing from the pain in his arm.

    “Is this Jack O’Callahan? The detective?”  came a smooth female voice. The voice was soothing and intimidating all at the same time.

    “Yes, yes it is. Who am I speaking too?” asked the detective.

    “Who I am is not important. What is important is that you listen to what I have to say. As my agent demonstrated in the alley, if we wanted you dead, you already be.”

    “Who is this?” questioned the detective.

    “I already told you that who I am is not important!” growled the voice, “But I am calling to instruct you to cease your investigation of the death of Mister Grove. Should you refuse my request and continue your investigation the consequences will be most severe.”

    “What are you talking about?” asked Jack.

    “You are fairly familiar and involved with the runner named Cordell Vikhrov. Should you continue to investigate the death of Mister Grove, she will… find herself without breath.” The icy tone of the voice sent a shiver up Jack’s spine.

    “Alright. I’ll halt my investigation,” relented Jack.

    “Good boy. Now, You are to call Miss Maxine Grove and inform her that you cannot continue the case. Do this immediately after I hang up. I will know if you don’t” commanded the voice.

    “Okay.” The phone clicked as the person on the line hung up. Jack blinked. He looked down at the phone and typed in Ms. Grove’s CommNet address. The phone began to beep slowly. Ms. Grove answered.

    “Hello Detective!” she greeted. 

    “Good Morning Ms. Grove. I have some unfortunate news,” said Jack.

    “What is it?” she asked.

    “I am sad to inform you that I cannot investigate your case anymore. I am fully prepared to return your payment.” revealed Jack. 

    “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. Please Mr. O’Callahan, keep the money. You did what you could, and I am thankful for that. I will send the rest of your payment to your office. Thank you for what you have done,” explained Ms. Grove.

    “Thank you for your business Ms. Grove,” said Jack and he hung up. He dropped the phone onto his desk. He leaned back in his chair. Who was that mysterious voice? Could she have been bluffing? I don’t know… Didn’t want to chance it either.

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A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: The Curious Death of Mr. Grove, Issue #9

<<Previous

     Jack stood on the corner of 96^th Street and East 97^th Street. Rays of sun pierced the the gray curtain that hung over the city. He looked at his watch; 07:48. The Grove Tower stretched into the clouds. The sidewalk was full of men and women in business attire hurrying to their jobs. No one seemed to pay Jack any attention. He pulled a cigarette from his coat pocket and lit it. This gained him a few dirty looks from passerby’s. He ignored them and headed to the alley where he saw the woman enter in the security video. Jack caught movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked up. A traffic camera was pointed at him. How curious, he thought. Shouldn’t that be  pointed at the street. He pulled his eyes from the camera and proceeded to the alley way. 

     The alley was narrow and the buildings gave one the feeling of being incredibly small. Steam from street vents billowed in the alley. The wet pavement glistened in the early morning light. A row of dumpsters sat against left side of the alley. That would be a good place to dispose of a murder weapon, thought the detective. He stepped up to the first one and pushed the lid open.The smell of rotten food smacked him in the face and he recoiled. God the smell! He buried his nose in his elbow. His ear twitched, someone was coming down the alley. The click of a hammer of a pistol being cocked. The soft pop of a silenced gun was almost lost in the ambient noise. Jack slipped between the dumpsters, sparks flying as rounds impacted the metal around him. He drew his pistol and poked his head around the dumpster; his heart was threatening to burst out of his chest. The alleyway was empty. He felt a pain in his upper arm; his hand felt something wet on his sleeve. He looked down, a hole was in his coat. The black wool of the coat masked the presence of blood. He gritted his teeth as pain shot up his arm. He holstered his pistol with some trouble, stood and stumbled out of the alley. He hailed a cab, and fell into the back seat.

     “Thirty-one Natoma Drive! And make it fast!” growled Jack, clutching his arm. Blood seeped between his fingers.

     “You okay der?” asked the cabbie.

     “Yeah. Just fuckin’ drive!” barked Jack.

     “Alright! Hang on!” exclaimed the cabbie. The cab sped off into the city.

*****

     Jack’s arm was soaked with blood by the time the cab arrived at the destination. His hand clutching the wound was stained with blood.  The smell of iron filled his nostrils. He stumbled into the building and called the elevator. A small dribble of blood splattered on the floor. The elevator arrived and he stepped inside, and punched the button with his floor on it. The elevator seemed to rise slower than usual. He swore under his breath. The elevator doors slid open and Jack stumbled out. His breath was short and his head spinning.  He staggered to the office door and fell through it. He stared up at the ceiling. He heard someone moving about and Jenn’s terrified face looking down at him. Pain blurred his vision.

     “Oh my god! What happened!?” Her voice was hurried and pitched higher than usual.

     “Got shot. Medkit… in bathroom,” he stammered, closing his eyes. He heard her get up and open a door. Closing his eyes seemed to dull the pain. Jenn returned shortly. He opened his eyes slowly; the room was spinning. 

     “What do I do?! I don’t know how to dress a bullet wound!” cried the woman. 

     “Get the biofoam!” grunted Jack through gritted teeth. He squeezed his eyes shut. He heard a pop, something plastic hitting the floor, and the distinctive clicking of an aerosol can being shaken. His arm went numb as the foam filled the wound. His eyes blinked back tears. Jenn’s face was a whiter than a freshly fallen snow. He smiled.

     “Thanks.” Jenn helped him sit up.

     “What happened?’ she asked.

     “We found Jewel. She went into an alley near Grove Towers and I went to search the joint. When I got there someone fired a silenced pistol at me,” said Jack. Jenn clapped a hand to her mouth. Jack looked up at her.

     “It’s an occupational hazard,” he reassured, “Help me get this coat off.” Jenn helped Jack to his feet and into his office. She pulled the bloodstained, coat and jacket off and carried them into the bathroom. Jack leaned against his desk. His stark-white sleeve was glistening with blood. Jenn returned, pulled his tie loose, and began to unbuckle his holster. He groaned as she moved his arm. She hissed at him to be quiet before laying the holster on his desk and moving on to his shirt buttons. She expertly removed the shirt and took it into the bathroom. She returned holding a pack of cigarettes and his lighter. She fumbled with the package before finally withdrawing one and placing it to his lips and flicking open the lighter. He puffed on it.

     “Thanks sweetheart,” grunted Jack, “You remove men’s clothes often?” His speech was slurred; the painkillers in the biofoam had started to effect him.

     “I’m not a nun and hush, you need to sit down,” she scolded. Jack’s legs shook as he made to move around the desk. Jenn supported him and set him gently in his chair. He grunted. The phone rang. 

     “Stay,” commanded Jenn.

     “I ain’t goin’ anywhere” murmured Jack. Jenn left the office and answered the phone. Jack couldn’t make out what words she was saying. She poked her head into the office.

     “It’s for you,” she informed.

Next>>

Check back in next week for the conclusion of the Curious Death of Mr. Grove!

A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: The Curious Death of Mr. Grove, Issue #8

<<Previous

     They ate their dinner in a fairly awkward silence. After Cordell cleared the dishes, she lead Jack to the living room with a bottle of red wine in her hand. She sat him down on couch and slid next to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder. Jack cleared his throat.

     “Do you have my information?” he asked. She sat up straight.

     “Is that all you think about?” she hissed.

     “Yes. Especially when I have bills to pay, and when my paycheck is linked to finishing the case!” growled Jack.

     “And after all this time, I thought you might have changed,” she snapped.

     “I have. But this is a big case! It could open all sorts of doors for me,” pleaded Jack.  She bit her lip when he said this. He pleaded with her through his grey eyes. Her demeanor softened. She let out a sigh, and exited the room. She returned with a notebook computer. She sat down next to him and opened the screen. Her fingers danced across the keyboard, and she pulled up a video file.

     “This is Grove Towers. The fiftieth floor, on the date you requested,” informed Cordell. She played the video. It showed a woman wearing business wear and carrying a briefcase, walking down the hallway and entering Mr. Grove’s Office. She had black hair tied into a bun and horn-rimmed glasses. 

     “Who is that?” asked Jack.

     “According to my research that is ‘Jewel’,” stated Cordell. Jack noticed that there was no sound.

     “Is there sound to this video?” asked Jack.

     “Ummm… no,” replied Cordell. The woman came out of the office five minutes later. She looked around the hallway and then entered the elevator. 

     "Can you follow her?” asked Jack, “With the cameras?”

     “Yeah,” said Cordell. She began to switch through the differing views of various security cameras. They showed the woman descending the elevator, and exiting the building. Cordell then switched to street cameras. The woman headed into an alley. 

     “Can you get a view of the alley?” asked Jack.

     “No, There aren’t any camera’s in there. Or that look down the alley. At least none that I could find.”

     “Shit,” swore the detective, “Do you have the location of that alley?”

     “Yeah,  It’s on East Ninety-Sixth Street,” replied Cordell. I’ll have to go and check out that alley. Perhaps there are some clues there. Why would she visit for only five minutes and then leave? Unless… She killed him, thought Jack. 

     “Are you satisfied Detective?” asked Cordell. Jack was pulled from his thoughts.

     “Could you give me a copy of the files?” he asked. Cordell nodded. She set the computer on the coffee table before turning to Jack.

     “Alright, You have your information. Could you play some attention to me now?” pleaded Cordell. Jack leaned back on the couch, and looked at the woman sitting next to him. 

     “Alright,” said Jack. Cordell smiled and uncorked the bottle of wine. She stood and bounded into the kitchen. Jack could hear the clinking of glasses. She returned with a pair of crystal wine glasses and a bottle opener. She peeled the foil of of the bottle before twisting the corkscrew into the cork. She pulled the cork out with a pop. She poured the deep red wine into the glasses. As she handed Jack a glass, a new song began to play.

Never know how much I love you

Never know how much I care

When you put your arms around me

I get a fever that's so hard to bear

     Jack sipped on the wine. Cordell dimmed the lights and turned on a screen that displayed an image of a crackling fire. She sat close, laying her head on his shoulder. Her sapphire hair smelled of sweet apples. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close.

Next>>

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Issue #9 Coming Wednesday July 16th

A Jack O'Callahan Mystery: The Curious Death of Mr. Grove, Issue #7

<<Previous

     Jack stared out the window of his office. The view was blurred by the downpour of rain. It had been raining for three days now. The orange ember of his cigarette was reflected in the glass. He looked down at his watch; 21:13:15//FRI/SEPT4.43. Where is Cordell? She said that she would have my information before Friday, he thought. He took the cigarette from his lips and flicked the ash from the end. He strode over to his desk and pushed the ember into the cigarette tray. He reached into his jacket and withdrew a mobile phone. He selected his contacts and found Cordell’s CommNet Information. He clicked her name and the tone began to beep. The phone clicked and Cordell’s sultry voice could be heard through the speaker.

     “Hey there sweetie,” she cooed.

     “Do you have my information?” asked Jack seriously.

     “Oh, I’m sorry. I meant to stop by, I got caught up at work. Why don’t you stop by? I’ll cook you dinner,” suggested Cordell. Jack thought about it for a moment. His stomach growled. Cordell is a fantastic cook, he reminded himself.

     “Yeah sure. Just let me close up the office. Same place or did you move?” asked Jack.

     “It’s the same apartment,” said Cordell, “Let me know when you arrive, so I can buzz you in.”

     “See you soon,” said Jack.

     “I look forward to it” said Cordie with a flirty tone and she hung up the phone. Jack dropped the phone onto the desk. He exhaled and ran his hand through his hair. His stomach churned with butterflies. It had been so long since he and Cordie had spent any time together. He pulled on his coat and placed his hat his head. He picked up his coat before exiting the office. Jenn was still sitting at her desk. He jumped when he spotted her.

     “Oh! I didn’t know you were still here!” exclaimed Jack. 

     “I was just getting ready to leave. I wanted to finish some things first,” she explained. 

     “Well, I’m going to meet my contact on the information that you discovered,” stated Jack.

     “Be careful,” smiled Jenn.

     “I’ll try not to lose my pants,” said Jack. Jenn raised her eyebrow.

     “What does that mean?” she asked. Jack realized what he said.

     “Never mind,” muttered Jack.

     “Wait, is Cordell a woman?” asked Jenn. Jack blushed.

     “Uh.. Umm…” stammered Jack. Jenn’s face lit up.

     “SHE IS!” cried his assistant.  Jack pulled the brim of his hat over his face, masking his rosy cheeks. 

     “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow,” murmured Jack, heading towards the door and leaving the blonde girl grinning at her desk.

*****

     As Jack stepped out of the cab in front of Cordell’s apartment, he was presented with a torrential downpour. His coat was completely soaked by the time he reached the door. He stepped up to the intercom panel, found Cordell in the touch screen directory and tapped the Buzz option. The screen displayed a visualizer of sound waves. 

     “Yes?” came Cordell’s voice.

     “It’s Jack,” said the detective. 

     “I’m opening the door,” quipped Cordie. There was a buzz and the distinctive click of a lock opening. Jack opened the door and stepped into the lobby. Rain dripped off his hat and and coat and began to form puddle on the hardwood floor. He could feel his socks squishing into his soles of his shoes as he walked to the elevator and pressed the Up button. The elevator arrived and he stepped in and pressed the button for Cordell’s floor. The car began to rise. Jack’s stomach churned again with nervousness as the elevator opened to her floor. He stepped into the hallway. He swung left and found No. 1523. He could hear the buzz of  jazz through the door. He hesitated before knocking. He took a deep breath and rapped on the door.

     “It’s open!” came Cordell’s voice from inside. Jack tested the door nob, the door swung open. He could make out the words being sung.

What would you do if I died in your arms?

Would you hold me tight? 

Would you cry? If I died in your arms…

     He entered into a small hallway. Closet doors to the left off the entrance. The smells of a home cooked meal wafted from the kitchen. He stood on the door mat, rain water dripping to the floor. A smiling face peered around the corner.

     “Hey you!” Cordell came around the corner. Her blue hair was pulled back into a short ponytail. She wore a soft off the shoulder shirt, and a pair of black yoga pants. Her feet where bare, and her fingers and toes were tipped with burgundy. Her make up was rather modest compared to what she was wearing earlier. 

     “It’s really coming down out there,” stated Jack.

     “I can see that. You’re soaked.” remarked Cordell, smiling. Jack pulled off his coat; she took it from him and hung it in the closet.He then pulled off his shoes and socks. She placed his shoes underneath his coat and hung his socks on a spare hanger. Surprisingly his suit was dry. She took his hand and led him into the living room. Her hips swayed as she walked. Jack’s eyes were fixed on her back side. She peered over he shoulder, and spotted him. She spun around.

     “Like what you see detective?” she flirted, her eyebrow raised. 

     “Uh… no,” said Jack, flustered. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him.

     “Oh really?” she hissed. Jack was taken aback. Her thin lips cracked into a grin and she slid close to him and planted a kiss on his lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist. 

     “Well, there you are,” said Jack.

     “Here I am,” whispered Cordell. She slide her hands down his arms and placed his hands on her bottom. Jack jumped. She grinned, “Just a little taste of dessert.” She reached up and their lips brushed against each other. Cordell broke off the kiss. 

     “Come on. Don’t want to eat a cold dinner.”  Cordell smiled.

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Issue #8 Coming Wednesday July 9th