The men set her down, feet first.Melinda looked around and saw that the room was occupied by about two dozen black men of all ages. She started demand...ng to be let go.The men all laughed. One skinny little guy shouted, "Bossman, you caught us a 20 pound catfish tonight." There was a round of agreement supporting Skinny's observation.The men closed into a tight circle around Melinda. She started to scream, when suddenly she was struck by a hard slap on her butt.The hitter issued a command to her. The shopkeeper knew me & my mom very well. The shopkeeper had his home just above the shop. Now it was a fine afternoon. My mom had gone to buy vegetables from the market. I was looking down my window as I was getting bored in my house alone. Dad goes to office at 8am & used to return by 9pm. So as I was watching from my window I saw my mom returning.But instead of coming home she went to CD shop. So I thought she must be going to buy CD & so I also thought of going & buying some CD for myself. "Eric or Rhonda?" I asked looking at Craig. Patricia spilled the coffee she was serving, slopping it over the table. Craig just shook his head and one of the two men made a notation."He didn't tell me anything," I said looking at the note taker. "You are not from the DA's office, so you must be retained privately. Rhonda," I concluded."What makes you think we are not from the DA's office," the other gentleman asked, he voice deep and rich. A good orator I would guess. Closing arguments would be. Not to rub it in his face, but just because I knew he’d enjoy the change of tone. Most our conversations about Jake were not the most cheerful. Figuring Jake would be wondering where I went I made to leave the bathroom, but as I opened the door I heard John’s voice. I was about to go to him when something about the tone made me stop. It was harsh, almost cruel. Something I hadn’t heard before. ‘Yeah man, she totally bought it. While we’re living like rock stars she’ll be waiting here for me to.