''For love...Or for money?''

[son of lockman]

Exclusively owned by Bruce S. Richardson. Rights pending.

This story is brought to you be myself, bukowski72 my technical adviser, and D.M. my proof reader. Together we're bringing you an action packed thriller with love and betrayal.

Open music and listen as you read



Rated PG

This is a true story. In a sense that since the dawn of mankind it has been told a million times or more. Always with the same endings and results. Tradegy.

Life is a mystery as deep as ever death can be.
-Mary Mapes Dodge

June 12, 1944

Miles Turner, ex-railroad worker from New York City. Due to be paroled in 2 days for armed robbery in New York. Arresting officers Sonny Richardson and Don Lockman.

''What I need is love. And there isn't any of that around here. I was a fool to rob for money. I've got to go straight. I could never do another stretch like 7 years again in this H#ll. I'll find a job and be right. I know I can do it.''



The next day

''What are you doing out in the yard and rain Warden?''

''I just saw you out here Turner and wanted to make sure I saw you off incase I miss you on your way out tomorrow. I hope you go straight Miles.''

''Oh don't worry Warden I plan too and get a job too.''

''Yes Miles that's what 90% of you cons say only to be right back here in no time at all.''

''Not me warden I'm going straight.''

''Well let's hope so Miles, because I'm going to tell you something. First there's God, then me, then the guards, then the dogs, then you. Worst than human sh#t. Turner if I see you back here again you'll rue the day you were ever born.''

(Something Sonny would say during the story)



The next day, the same day Miles Turner is released.

Miles thinks in head.

''Jeez it's good to be out from that place. A H#ll I never want to go back to.''



Jake Randell's gang which operates out of New York City robs a bank outside of the city.



Only to be confronted by the police as they leave.



A gun battle ensues with most of Randell's gang getting away.





Jake Randell on the left and his gang.

''Well how much did we get?''

''$25,000 boss.'' Says the man on his far right.

''How many torpedos did we lose?''

''Two dead but nobody left alive boss.''

''Good then nobody can talk. This $25,000 here, $15,000 there isn't cutting it. We've got to pull off something big.''

''Well I'm in for it boss.''

''Me too.''

''Well I'll come up with something. Really big it's going to be. And I'll clue you in on it later. You guys just hang tight. Right now let's divy up the loot.''



''Luther this feels and looks a little light here?''

''Boss it's all there I swear! Next time I'll count it better!''

''Well aren't you the cat's pajamas Luther. Luther a man who works for me gets one chance. There won't be a next time as I'll have Moose there break you in half.





''Now blow with you doe.''



The next day Miles Turner decides he needs a little fun in his life after being behind bars for 7 years. And goes to this night club (which Jake Randell owns) to enjoy himself. He asks this beautiful woman to dance after getting there.

Karla Montez. One of the most deceitful women who ever lived. A woman who could hold a man in her hand but murder her own father for a dime.



''You're a pretty good dancer big guy. Where are you from?''

''Philadelphia but I'm glad I'm here now and the names Miles. Miles Turner. And yours goodlooking?''

But it was a lie as Miles had lived in New York city his entire life.

''Karla. Karla Montez. And I come here a lot.''

''First time for me.''

''So what did you do in Philadelphia?''

''Worked for the railroad. But looking for a job now. I'm pretty handy with my hands.''

''I bet you are Miles. I bet you are.''



Karla thinks in head.

''Maybe Jake could use a man like Miles here. That way he'd be around a lot.'' (Karla is Jake's girl but she can't stand him).

''Hey Miles, how'd you like to get away from here? Get away from all this noise? We could go over to my place? It's not far from here.''

''Sure Karla let's go.''

But Don Lockman was also there, roaming the streets of New York City and always checking things out. He knew who Karla was and also being one who arrested Miles knew who he was too. And watched them as they danced and leave together.

Don and Sonny

The next day.

''Sonny why do we come here now that you're a Captain and have a big office?''

''So I can think Don. Funny how you'd think with a big quiet office one could do so. But I can't. I need the hustle and brussel of people around to think best.''

''Sonny I was at Jake Randell's club last night and I saw Miles Turner.''

''Yes I know that he's out on parole.''

''But he was dancing with Karla Montez. Jake Randell's girl.''

''So you want to arrest him for that Don?''

''H#ll yes I do! Associating with known criminals and parole violation!"

''It would never stick Don.''

''And why not Sonny?''

''Because if that Karla Montez has any interest in Turner she'd sleep with the judge or parole officer. That's why Don.

''Sometimes Sonny I think you're too much of a softie. Thinking maybe this Turner is trying to go straight maybe?''

''I didn't say that Don.''

''Well I just feel at times that you have too much of a bleeding heart. All I can say good about it is at least it's red.''

And Sonny thought to himself.

''We sent him away for 7 years. He was only 17. What if he is trying to go straight? But what if I'm wrong as they didn't teach him anything in prison and he might not be able to get a job with the railroad or something terrible happens?''

''Yes Don always hoping that there'll be no bloodshed. But listen here as I'll budget some money. Put two men on Turner and follow him. Keep me posted on anything new. If something developes I have another idea that I'll let you know about then.''



And what would Sonny's idea be? Well ever since Sonny had known Don since the age of 8 Don had always painted everything in black and white althrough he loved red. Sonny had always played off this for over 30 years now. Don was his best and really his only friend in life and he knew that he couldn't work without him. That he was nothing without his friend and worthless as a police officer.

[son of lockman]

Open music and listen as you read.



The next day Miles went to the railroad in the city and applied for a job. He dressed up right and on the way bought some reading glasses for 2 bits to look smart. He filled out an application, took the test and got an interview within 5 minutes.

''Hello Mr. Turner I'm Antony Curtis. Please sit down.''



''Glad to meet you Mr. Curtis.''



''I see you've worked for the railroad.''

''Yes sir I have. In Philidelphia.''

''Ever engineer a freighter?''

''Yes sir I have.''

''I see that you were in the army, but not now. Now why is that Mr. Turner?''

''When the Japs bombed Pearl harbor I quit the railroad and joined the army sir. The 1st Infantry Divison I was in. At the Battle of Kasserine Pass we took a beating sir. I was wounded in the leg there Mr. Curtis. (Miles pulls up the leg of his pants to show him this scar, which he really received while working for the railroad) It's fine now but twitches a little at times. I was shipped back to England to prepare for the invasion.''

''Yes they had it rough there last week taking Normandy.''

''Yes they did sir, but don't you worry. The Big Red One is a fighting machine. They'll get to Germany and defeat those Nazi monsters. I know they will.''

''I'm sure of it Mr. Turner so what happened then?''

Several months before the invasion I received word that I was going to be released from the army and shipped back to the states. Both my older brothers who were in the Marines had been killed in the Pacific. Mother was a widow and ill, someone had to take care of her and my little sister. Someone had to carry on the name of Turner.''

''I'm sorry for you Mr. Turner but happy that we have men like your brothers and you to defend our country. Mr. Turner our present engineer is old and ill. The 12 hour days, 6 days a week are too much for him. His route from the city to Philidelphia is tedious but not without risk. He will have to retire. Mr. Turner the job is open. Do you want it?''



''Yes sir I do. And I'll start right now if you have a change of clothes.''



''No, no, no Mr. Turner tomorrow is fine. Besides the freighter is in route. Just be here at 10 minutes to five in the morning and we'll have a uniform ready for you. New York City to Philidelphia and back. Medium build I think?''

''Yes sir medim build. And thank you so very much Mr. Curtis.''

Mr. Curtis nods his head. They shake hands and Miles begins to leave.

''Oh Mr. Turner. 70 cents an hour is the pay.''



''Great, I'll be here at 4:50 am tomorrow sir.''



Miles is flying high. He thinks in his head.

''I've got to call Karla and tell her this. Man this is going to be good. I meet this beautiful woman. And get this job. Hah, she's the greatest dish I've ever had and 7 years was worth the wait. I was worried that I'd get out of her place alive last night!''

So Miles goes to a phone and dials Karla's number. Rosewood 43702 he dials.



But the phone just rings and rings.

Karla hears the phone but doesn't answer.

She just thinks instead.

''Who's calling now? I'm trying to get ready for work at the club. Probably just some chesiling bill collector. Some day I won't need money... I'll have all I need. I won't have to answer to fat little pigs like Jake anymore. Yes some day I'll have it all.''



And the phone just rings and rings. And Miles thinks.

''I wonder where she is? Well I'll try to get a hold of her tomorrow after I get off work.''



Miles walks home to his apartment and is a little bit upset that he wasn't able to reach Karla but figures he'll get over it with a good night's sleep and his new job tomorrow. As another new day in his life is going to begin at 5 am tomorrow.



Miles looked out into the city from his apartment and thought how great it was going to be. A few days ago he was in prison. And had talked to the warden on how he was going to go straight. He knew he could do it and the last place he wanted to go back to was prison. Now with his new job and this woman he knew he wouldn't.

He screamed at the top of his lungs.

''I love New York! I love New York!''



Miles went to bed and fell asleep. He dreamed how beautiful this women Karla was and how their life was going to be together. All his life he had waited for something this wonderful to happen.




















''

[son of lockman]

Open music listen and read



Then suddenly Miles awoke in a sweat, terrified he was. And thought.

''What if something goes wrong? What if something terrible happens and I can't be with her? I don't know if I could face life. She is my life. I love her.''



And yes something would go wrong. Something terrible would happen as when one is in it for love and the other money, it's like taking a trainride together to the end of the line... And the last stop is the cemetary.



Stay tuned for more as it only gets better.

[son of lockman]

Miles Turner was under surveillance as Don Lockman was a bent man on seeking the truth. Two detectives had been assigned to watch him constantly. One from 6 pm to 6 am. .



The other from 6 am to 6 pm.



Turner had been observed applying for the job and leaving. Some hours later the police through a contact with the railroad learned through personnel that the written report which Antony Curtis had made said that he'd been hired and stated that he was a veteren (which was a lie as the police had his criminal records and knew that he was an only orphaned person. But the railroad rarely checked these things. Do to the fact that able bodied manpower was scarce with a war going on.). He was seen making the phone call and then leave after some time. The detective went to the phone and took the number from the phone and called it back in to the department. They went to the phone company and asked where the call had been placed at the time Miles Turner was seen making it. A report would be made within 24 hours.



The report came back the next day and said that the number was Rosewood 43702, belonged to a Karla Montez, and had rang 27 times with no answer.

This technology had been developed in 1937 and was of tremendous help to law enforcemnt with their criminal investigations, along with the opportunities it provided for businesses. The fact alone that hundreds of millions of phone calls were being made every day in the United States without it billing would of been impossible. The machine that performed this task was monsterous, printing tens of thousands of reports each minute. Yes electricity was moving fast and a new age was beginning. What would it be like in 50 years? Sonny had once said from reading his science magizines that computers would be the wave of the future.



Turner had been witnessed screaming from the balcony of his apartment, the light coming on at 1:30 pm and then out 5 minutes later, then coming back on at 4 pm for a half hour and then go out and then was seen leaving for work. The detective followed him to the railroad and saw him at 5 am come from a building, inspect the freighter and then pull it away from the yard from an overlooking bridge.





Route 86 it was and he called it back to the department. Then posing as personnel for the railroad the department knowing the freighter was going to Philidelphia called the station there 6 hours later and wanted to know if the freighter had made it and a new freighter had left. Yes sometimes the police lie. But only in the name of justice.

After Turner returned the detective saw him leave the station.



And followed a tired Turner as he walked through the streets to his apartment.



Going to try something new here as during movies and changing a scene the screen goes black for some seconds and then starts a new scene. Learned that from watching thousands of movies.

[son of lockman]

Open music and listen as you read.



Miles got home and took, well what us guys say. A sh#t, shower, and shave. Then he got dressed and looked at him himself in the mirror and smiled. Then said.

''Handsome devil you are.''



''Hey I'll call Karla now! Hmm? Why waste a nickel. I'll just go to the club!''

Oh my, Miles is flying high!

Miles gets to the club.



And of course is followed to the club where the detective goes in and watches.



Where Miles sees Karla and they begin to dance.



''I've been waiting for you to call Miles.''

''Well I tried last night but didn't get an answer as the phone just rang and rang.''

''Oh... Well I must have been at work as I came in early.''

''Oh you work here too?''

''Yes for a man named Jake Randell. But I can come and go as I please. I just dance and try to make the men happy.''

''Karla you look fantastic tonight!"

She giggles.

''Well you look pretty hot too big guy. You want to cut out of here early?''

''Oh no, not now you little devil. You look too beautiful. I've got to dance with you. Look into those beautiful eyes and touch your hair. Hey guess what?

''What?''

''I got a job today!''

''Why that's wonderful Miles! In that case we will have to leave early and go home and really celebrate!''

Miles thinks.

''Home? Well I really wouldn't mind living there.''

Then laughs.

And they dance and dance for hours and Miles is having a gas. But Karla not as much as she only wants to get home and get her claws into him.

So they finally leave and get a burger on the way home. And then? Well you know.

Afterwards Karla is in the bathroom.

''Miles?''

''Yes Karla?''

''I'd like you to meet Jake, my boss.''

''Well I'm up for it.''

Karla laughs.

''Well your up for anything Miles.''

Miles laughs.

''Sure when do you want me to meet him?''

''How about tomorrow, after you get off work. We can meet at the club?''

''I'll be there and looking good.''

''That sounds great Miles. You're really going to like him.''

She says that even though she hates Jake but she wants Miles around and figures that if Jake knows Miles he won't get suspicous as he isn't a stranger.

''And Miles?''

''Yes Karla?''

''Don't mention anything about us. I like to keep my personal life private.''

''Got ya girl. Got ya.''



And then Karla came out of the bathroom still naked, looked at Miles, turned off the light and jumped on him. And over and over again they made love until Miles fell asleep at 2 in the morning.

At 4:15 am Miles awoke. He looked at the clock and was panicked. He grabbed his clothes and put them on. Kissed Karla who was sleeping goodbye and was out of there and off to work.



Out on the track Miles thought to himself.

''Wow! I don't know if I can handle her. But I'm going to sure die trying.''

And he chuckled to himself.



But every move Miles had made since the detectives had been asigned to the case had been watched. A written report was submitted after each shift and dropped into Don Lockman's drop box. The detectives had also been instructed to contact him at any time when they needed help or information. Whether he was out in the field or home as he demanded the same. Yes it seems Don was out to get Miles Turner as he believed as the Warden did that ex-cons never changed.

[son of lockman]

Open music, listen and read



And who was this Don Lockman? This man who thought he was made of steel? While some of his superiors thought he was a moronic mouse. A man who fumbled words frequently. Dropped out of 9th grade from a Catholic high school. A man who took the entrance examination 5 times before passing and getting on the force. Well this is what he was. A medal of merit winner.

In May of 1939 Don was on duty walking the street in the pouring rain. All of the sudden he hears a young child screaming. He looks up, to the 8th floor and sees this 6 year girl reaching for a kitten on the ledge and just beyond her reach. Like an olympic sprinter he's up to the room in 60 seconds and bursts through a locked door like Jim Thorpe. Setting the girl aside he climbs out on the ledge and grabs the kitten and then gets back in the room.



The newspapers go nuts with this stuff taking his picture with the young girl on his lap kissing him while they're both holding the kitten. The Girl Scouts of America give him a tickertape parade down Broadway Ave. before tens of thousands of people screaming ''Don! Don! Don!'' There were 247 arrests made for drunk and disorderly.

He receives his medal of merit in Times square before thousands who after he receives it demand a speech. Somewhat shy he grabs the microphone and says ''Nah, it'll take to long''. But they insist and keep shouting ''Yes! Yes! Yes!'' The Commissioner sensing trouble takes Don aside and says. ''You'd better do this Don. We don't want a riot here.'' So Don grabs the mic and says in 5 seconds. ''Hey thanks a lot...Really, thanks a lot.'' And then leaves.



But the police department's insurance company thought otherwise, feeling that this was the fire department's respondsiblity. So they increased the policy $2 a man. For a force of 6,500 that was $13,000 a month. $156,000 a year. The woman in accounting when she saw the bill had a heart attack and was hospitlized for 2 weeks costing $1,400. It became an inside joke in the depatment, that if you wanted to make money just invest in our insurance company. All for a kitten who died 2 weeks later after eating a chicken bone. Yeah good going Don Lockman, man of steel, but with the brains of a monkey.

But did it stop there? Oh no as the very next year in 1940 they're having an Easter day parade down Broadway and Don is there on duty. The crowd is on the sidewalk and spilling into the street. Don sees this elderly overweight woman trying to cross the street and decides to help. He takes her by the arm, stops the parade and starts across the street with her. But he steps on her foot and she trips and falls on the ground and is out. Some of the crowd decides to help and come up. But he flashes his badge and tells them to stand back as he'll take care of this. He runs to the call box and has an ambulance sent. But the streets are crowded and cordoned off. There's no way it'll get for atleast 30 minutes.

In the meantime the floats are overheating and 8 of them destroy their engines. People are restless and fighting breaks out. Windows are smashed in the buildings. Someone threw a cigerette that wasn't out and it went through one of the smashed windows. A fire started and people got crazier. It went out of control and burned the whole highrise down, the fire department fighting it into the night. Fortunately through the grace of God there were no fatalities as most of the people where viewing from the lower floors and the businesses inside were closed.



With the loss of the building, furniture, loss of income. The bill came to $11,000,000. The police department's rate increased $1,000,000 a year. Investment soared in the insurance company by members of the police department, as per man it wasn't costing them that much money. Don't see the logic of that investing in a company that paid out $11,000,000 but sometimes cops aren't logical.

Good going Don Lockman, man of steel, but with the brains of a monkey.

But some thought it was noble for him to try to help the women accross street. Although she didn't recover from the coma she was in and died.

Add to that the accounting woman hadn't returned to work after suffering her heart attack. Good thing she hadn't as a second heart attack would have been fatal when seeing the $1,000,000 increase in the insurance.

But Don Lockman couldn't be terminated for the simple fact that whenever an officer was in fear of his life or thinking of flight. The one man he wanted at his side was Don Lockman, this man of steel. This man who wouldn't back down from anything, unless he was in an argument with his mother. Once asked Don was. ''If a Bengel Tiger were coming right at you what would you do? And Don's reply was. ''No sense in running so I'd go right at him.''





Yes maybe Don was a man of steel. A star of a policeman out there. Even though it had cost over $11,000,000 in damages and he had been paid less than $60,000 for being on the force for 15 years. Hey am I being logical?