Walking the Blue Line.
Every rookie police officer knows the dangers of the job by the second week under their training officer. By the end of their training every rookie understands that there are something they can’t control, and not all crimes will be solved. Though all rookies share the same dream. Their first assignment following training. For 21 year old Officer Joe Cartwright of the Baltimore PD that dream is to be a member of the Mounted Patrol. What he got would lead to a life changing path.

Chapter 2
The sting begins.
Oceanside Park, 9:30 pm.
After a quick trip to electronics Joe was wired up with a hidden microphone, and minicamera. From there he joined the detectives of Vice in their squad room for an operation briefing. He was surprised to learn that there would be six undercover detectives shadowing his every move. At no time would he be on his own. He also learned that if he was approached by someone other than a detective he was to take them to the Starlight Motel. There the John would be arrested while Joe would return to the stroll after a twenty minute break.

To insure his cover Joe took the bus to the Oceanside park. It didn’t take Joe long to find where the hookers had set up their stroll. It was in an area near the main drag on the south end of the park. As Joe neared the girls he notice that most of the pros working the stroll could be doing this as a high end call girl. The biggest clues was the way they dressed and did their makeup. The hookers at Oceanside presented themselves as real women, not drag queens on the prowl.

“You’re new around here sweetheart?” Said one of the more experienced hookers as Joe neared them. Joe took in the older woman’s body and could tell that she had, had a hard life. Joe figured that she was in her late 30s to early 40s. That was old in the life of a hooker.

“You could say that. My name is Josephina Espina.” Joe said as he held out his hand.

“Listen up Chica I suggest you move over to nineth and Broadway unless you want your ass beat. We got enough competition around here with your real girls give us any.” Said another hooker. This one was African American in her late 30s.

“Then I guess I’m on the right stroll. The whores over on nineth told me I needed to be over here.” Joe told her bluntly then sighed at the looks on the two older hookers’ faces. “Look I can prove I belong over here with you. Just point me to somewhere privet.”

“There’s a public restroom just inside the gate we can use.” The Caucasian hooker said and led the way to the public restrooms. As they walked the older hooker asked. “So where you from sweetheart? We don’t see many Latinas in these parts.”

“I was born in Buenos Aires. Me family moved here when I was thirteen.” Joe said politely.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Alice North and that’s Lexus Campbell.” Alice said introducing herself and the tall black woman. “Don’t worry her bite is worse than her bark.”

“That does not make me feel any better.” Joe told her. The worry in his voice while real wasn’t for proving he belong on the t-girl stroll, but them finding the wire. As they entered the women’s restroom Lexus double checked the stalls to make sure they were alone.

“Okay Chica. Let’s see your proof. Drop those panties.” Lexus ordered.

“Now hold on here Lex. She doesn’t need to drop her panties. She just needs to show her letter.” Alice told the younger woman as she stepped between them.

“No. It is alright. Besides, I don’t have a letter.” Joe said as he raised his skirt hem to his waist and lowered his thong panties. With his thong down around his thighs Joe untucked. “Does this prove to you that I belong on Oceanside stroll?”

“Damn girl. How long have you been on the juice and who’s your doctor?” Lexus asked in shock.

“I do not know what this juice is, but my doctor is Doctor Joaquin del Pozo over in Southie.” Joe told her as he tucked his manhood away and pulled up his thong. “Before you ask he is my uncle.”

“Is he taking any new patients?” Alice asked with real interest.

“Sadly no. He isn’t supposed to be seeing me. He is not licensed to practice in America. He gets my hormones through his connections in Buenos Aires. If he should be caught, he’d be deported. He and my family have to hard to at rebuilding their lives to endanger this by seeing more t-girls.” Joe said as he lowered his skirt.

“Is that why you’re working the stroll kid?” Lexus asked.

“Yes. I need money to buy my hormones legally. My family may agree with my choice, but they will no longer support me.” Joe told her.

“Well, if it’s money you’re looking for kiddo. You need to move your act indoors. Work the higher end hotels. Especially the ones downtown.” Lexus told her as they left the restroom.

“Lexus is kidding you Josephina. A girl like you could earn two to three times by working the hotel bars. Hell you would do better working the LBGT night clubs and bars downtown.” Alice told him as they walked back to the main stroll.

“Whatever else you do Josephina. You need to stay away from Amy Gates, Betty White, Fifi Nicks, and Sherry Addams. Those whores are nothing but trouble waiting to happen. You hear me?” Lexus said as they walked under through the park gate.

“These women, will you point them out to me?” Joe asked then explained. “I just want to know who I should avoid. Oh are there any pimps I should avoid as well?”

“Just stay north of the Johnson and Licon street intersection of the stroll and the pimps will leave you alone. As for the four Witches. Just look for the purple hair dues.” Alice told him.

“Thank you. Can you introduce me to the other girls?” Joe asked politely.

“Sure kiddo. Oh and if any of your Johns want to go to Riverside Motel. Say fuck no. The night clerk charges fifty bucks over the going rate for the room. Any other hotel it’s standard room rental. Usually around twenty bucks an hour.” Alice told her as Lexus stepped up to a car that had pulled over to the curb. “Looks like Lexus has her first costumer of the evening.”

“Fifty for a blow job, hundred for a fuck, one-fifty for both, honey.” Joe heard her say just before Lexus climbed into the car. Before the car pulled away she called out. “Get my number from Alice, Chica. We’ll meet up later for breakfast.”

“Typical Lexus, leave me with all the hard work.” Alice sighed then chuckled. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to the others.”

Over the next two hours Alice was go to her word. Joe quickly learned that most of the pros on the stroll were between 20 to 30 with Alice and Lexus being the oldest at 38. He also learned that even here among the Oceanside whores there was a hierarchy. The north end girls were all freelancers and usually earned the most money. The south end girls work for pimps and barely kept half of what they earned during the night. The funny thing was the pimps stayed away from the north end girls. It seems there was a treaty between the north end girls and the pimps. Joe learned that the north end girls once belonging to a pimp that got his throat slight one night after he beat one of the girls to death.

Joe was able to get a lot of intel on the politics of the stroll. The five times he was picked that night it was by one of the undercover detectives. This usually happened when the batteries were running low, or the recorder was close to reaching full and needed to be downloaded. Joe was more than happy to go with the detective. As cute as his outfit might have been. It wasn’t warm by a long shot. Joe would always huddle next to the hotel heater they were using for their base of operations. Though he didn’t get to enjoy the warmth for long and was back out working the girls.

Just after changing out the recorder at midnight Joe had the detective drop him back off at the southern half of the stroll. As he worked his way back north Joe quickly spotted another main deference between the two groups. The southern girls were all much younger. Six of the girls were in their teens. Joe made sure to get their names. If nothing else he could get the detectives to pick them up and get them into a home.

“Yo bitch! Whatcha ya doing working my stroll whore?” A tall Irish male in a suit shouted as he stormed up to Joe in a menacing manner.

“I’m just passing through senior. I’m on my way to join my friends on the north end. Now please get out of my way.” Joe said calmly knowing that help was just around the corner if he needed it. Not that he would. He was a trained police officer not to mention he had hand-to-hand combat training if push came to shove.

“Not before you pay a tax for working my stroll whore. I think half of what you’ve made tonight will be enough.” The Irishman said as he reached for Joe’s purse.

“Big mistake, babaca.” Joe snarled and grabbed the man by his wrist. A fast twist and hip throw later the Irishman was on his belly as Joe twist the arm in an unnatural way. “Se você colocar as mãos em mim de novo, idiota. Eu rasgo no ombro e bato em você até a morte com ele, idiota. Entender ou preciso usar carrons e soletrar?”

“What did she say?” The Irishman grunted in pain.

“She said if you ever put your hands on her again. She would rip it off at the shoulder and beat you to death with it Red. She also asked if she needed to use carrons to spell it out for you.” A tall black man said as he approached them. “Personally senorita I could care less if you killed the dumb Mick, but it would be bad for business. Blood shed brings in the cops.”

“So long as he understands that I will not be manhandle by some pimp.” Joe snarled.

“I’ll keep him off your back senorita. But I suggest you get back to your end of the stroll.” The man said with a friendly smile.

“Obrigado senhor. I was on my way there when this fool accosted me.” Joe said and let Red go.

“Think nothing of it little lady. If you ever change your mind about wanting a pimp look me up. The name’s Domino Jones.” The big man said as he helped Red off the ground. “Just ask any of the girls working this part of the stroll. I could always use a classy girl like you in my stable.”

“I’ll remember.” Joe said and starting walking for the north end. As he walked Joe picked up more names and spotted the four Witches as they were called. Joe could tell that these four whores did more than just prostitution. They were also dealing drugs. They were the main dealers. He spot another three prostitutes who were dealing drugs. Though the four Witches were the ones dealing Twist Blue. By the time Joe reached the north end he knew he had to pass on this intel. As he cross the street Joe whispered into his mike. “Spanish rice.”

Joe knew that the code phrase would have a detective picking him in minutes. So he slowly walked towards where Alice was standing. “Damn girl. You took the long way back to us. did any of the pimps give you a hard time?”

“Some sorry Irish puta tried to shake me down, but I kicked his ass.” Joe told with a grin.

“Damn you kicked Irish Red McFeeters’ ass?” Asked a prostitute named Cherry then grinned as Joe nodded. “I got to say Chica you got a pair of balls on you.”

“Me papa taught me how to fight before we ever left the barrio in Buenos Aires. I dealt with nastier men than him before I was ten.” Joe told them as she spotted the unmarked car coming down the street. When the detective pulled over and rolled the window Joe smiled.

“I would love to stand here and talk but I still need to make rent.” Cherry said and walked over to the car. A few second later she turned around to Joe. “Josephina you to an all nightery?”

“Sure. So long as he can pay.” Joe called out.

“He’s got the cash sweety.” Cherry said as she walked back over to him. “You owe me half.”

“Don’t worry I’ll get you at least two hundred for the hookup.” Joe told her and headed for the car. Once inside and the detective pulled away Joe got down to business. “Head for the hotel. I got a led on whose dealing the Twisted Blue. I also might know who the supplier is.”

“Holy shit rookie. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” The detective said in surprise before he introduced himself. “Oh the name is Jake Trapper.”

“Joe Cartwirght but for now just call me Josephina.” Joe said then pointed towards the four Witches as they neared them. “See the four purple haired hookers? They’re the main dealers of Twisted Blue. There are another seven or eight drug dealers, but they mostly sling week or pills.”

“Jesus Christ on a crutch rookie. Do you realize that you’ve learned more in one night then the whole squad has learn in six months?” Trapper asked in amazement.

“Trust me detective. I earn this intel the hard way.” Joe grumbled as he rubbed his left foot. “My feet are killing, and my ass feels like it is frozen solid.”

“Well don’t worry kid. You don’t have to go back out tonight. As far as the pros know. You just picked up an all-nighter. Do worry if you go back out tomorrow night I’ll make sure Sue has something that is more appropriate for the weather.” Trapper told Joe.

“I don’t see how you can swing that Detective. We don’t have much of a budget for this op.” Joe figured he should point out how much a shoestring this operation was running on.

“We took down a stash house six months ago. We seized three quarters of a million in cash during the raid. If the Lt. won’t put the paperwork for those funds I will. What you did tonight would more than cover the usage of that money.” Trapper practically snarled.

“Thanks detective. By the way. I can I make a suggestion.” Joe said with a grin.

“Sure kid. What’s on your mind?” Trapper said as he turned down a side street.

“Ditch the sedans for any further operations. The pros notice things. They were already talking about the number of hookups I had with guys in sedans.” Joe told him as they pulled into the hotel parking lot. “I thought we were heading back to the stationhouse?”

“We are, but first we need to fill Ramsy in on what you learned.” Trapper told him as he parked.

A few minutes later the whole surveillance team was gathered in the small room. When Ramsy found out what Joe had learned she called everyone else in. “Okay Josephina the floor is yours.”

“Thank you ma’am. First off you were wrong about the number of dealers. There are a total of seven pros dealing drugs. However only four of them are dealing Twisted Blue. The rest are sticking to weed and pills. All four of the Twist Blue dealers work for a pimp called Irish Red McFeeters.” When Joe mentioned the name Ramsy wasn’t the only one to groan. “I take it he’s on your radar for a while?”

“You could fucking say that Josephina. We’ve lost count of the times we’ve hauled his ass in on pimping, promotion, and pandering. Only to have the case fall apart before it ever gets to trial.” Lt Wetmore explained for Joe. “Are you sure he is the supplier?”

“Yes sir. Only I doubt that he’d let me near his stash house. I kind of tried to break his arm earlier.” Joe said with a deep blush.

“I thought you were going to rip it off.” Another detective chuckled then explained when the Lt and the others looked over at him. “Red tried the old tax bit on our bate and she pulled some crazy martial arts shit with a flip and twist to put him on the ground hard. Where did you learn that?”

“Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I spent three tours in the Sand Box before joining the Baltimore PD.” Joe told him then chuckled at the looks of surprise on everyone’s face. “What can I say. I was walking a beat either in Afghanistan or at Fort Bragg long before I ever walked one here.”

“Where are you from originally rookie?” Trapper asked for everyone.

“Believe it or not Detectives. Right here in Maryland. I was born and raised in Frostburg. Don’t let this disguise fool you.” Joe told them honestly. He didn’t go into the story of his disguise. Not that he needed to thanks to Lt. Wetmore.

“Drop it people. This is nothing more than Alex and his crew working more of their magic.” The Lt told everyone present. Joe watched as the gather detectives nodded their heads. “Good. Officer Cartwright what can you tell us about their operation?”

“From what I was able to observe it’s a three part system. A buyer pulls to a stop in front of the four Witches. They take the order and money then car pulls down the street to a second girl who holds the drugs. That girl hands over the drugs. Only she doesn’t hold the drugs until the delivery. The drugs are delivered to the holder by a runner.” Joe informed the detectives.

“Mother fuck. You gathered more information on this organization in one night that we’ve been able to collect in six months. I feel like a damned rookie.” Wetmore grunted.

“Boss it’s worse than that. In one night Officer Cartwright was able to single out seven unknown dealers and at least four potential suppliers.” Ramsy told him as she stood up. “Look it’s going on two in the morning. Why don’t we pick this up in the bullpen this afternoon.”

“Sound good Ramsy.” Wetmore said before turning to Friday. “Friday give our UC a lift home tonight and pick him up in the morning.”

“Yes sir. Come on Josephina let’s get you off the streets.” Friday said as he held out hand.

“Before we go sir. There is something you should know. There are several underage t-girls working the stroll for some pimp called Baby Boy.” Joe told the Lt.

“Shit. That complicates things. If there’s minors working the stroll Special Victims needs to be notified.” Lt. Wetmore snarled then asked. “Are you sure they’re minors?”

“As sure as I could be without carding them.” Joe snapped.

“Take it easy Officer. I’m not questioning your id. I just need to know for sure that there’s minors on the stroll. If there are then our whole operation could be fubar before we get going good.” Wetmore explained slowly trying to calm down the younger officer.

“I don’t understand sir. Just notify DCW and let them pick the kids up. No problem.” Joe snorted.

“It’s not that simple Joe. If the minors are working the stroll then we’re looking at the trafficking of a minor on top of the drug dealing. Which means SVU and more chances of your cover getting blown. Which means the FUBAR factor just jumped to BOHICA.” Wetmore told him.

“I got an idea boss. Why don’t we pull a sweep and arrest everyone on the stroll. We even snap up our UC. It’ll give her more credit with the pimps. Once we have everyone downtown we run them. When the minors can’t provide proper id we turn them over to DCW.” Friday suggested.

“That sounds like a plan. Put together a plan and bring it to me in the morning. If I can swing it we pull the sweep on Saturday. For now everyone head home and get some sleep. Good work Cartwright.” Wetmore told them as he left the room.

“Friday go ahead and head home. I’ll take care of Josephina.” Ramsy said as the exited the room.

“Thanks Kelly. Barb has been getting on my ass for all the late nights.” Friday said as he headed for his car at the far end of the parking lot.

“Come on Joe. Let’s get you home and out of the cold.” Ramsy said and pointed towards her car.

“Sounds go to me. Is there any chance of Sue getting some leg warmers or thigh-high thermal socks?” Joe asked her as they head for her car.

“Don’t worry. Before you go back out you’ll be better equipped for the cool.” Ramsy promised. As they drove through town towards Joe’s condo he brought up a new topic.

“Say Ramsy have you looked into any connections with the downtown hotels?” Joe asked her.

“Can’t say that we have. Why?” Ramsy asked.

“Earlier in the evening. One of the girls suggested that I work the hotel bars. Hell one of the pimps even offered to step me up in one of the hotel lounges.” Joe explained for her.

“If the pimps are the ones supplying the Twisted Blue. We might go that route.” Ramsy suggested.

“They are. Especially McFeeters and if I’m right a mook named Little Tony Biggalo.” Joe told her as they pulled on to his street. “Stop at the next corner. I can walk from there.”

“Are you sure about this Joe?” Ramsy asked as she took in the neighborhood. While not exactly middle class it wasn’t slum territory either. “From the looks of things they’re still generifying your neighborhood. You going to be safe?”

“Ramsy I’m safer here than I was on the stroll. While I don’t know my neighbors, I do know the neighborhood. Believe it or not, there has been a major upswing in the number of LGBTQ couples and families moving in. As for the criminal element. Let’s just say they’re moving out. Slowly but surely. You’d be surprised at the number of vets among the LGBTQ community. That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t sell my grandparents’ condo when I inherited it.” Joe told her as she pulled over to the curb at the corner. “This is me.”

“What this building?” Ramsy asked point to the old warehouse.

“Yup. Twelve floors of converted warehouse. For a total of forty-eight condos. I’m on the top floor, twelve-B. Want to come up for a drink before heading home?” Joe offered politely.

“Maybe tomorrow night Joe. By the way here. Sue dropped this off for you during the shift.” Ramsy said as she pulled a duffle bag from her back seat. “She said you’ll need what’s in there tomorrow morning. Something about the essentials to get you back to the office.”

“Thanks Ramsy. Are you going to pick me up in the morning?” Joe asked he open the door.

“Sure. Why you asking?” Ramsy said.

“In the morning those doors will unlock. Come in and hit the buzzer for twelve-B and I’ll let you in. I’ll have the coffee on.” Joe told her as he got out of the car.

“See you in the morning Joe.” Ramsy called out and pulled away from the curb. As she drove passed the lobby doors Ramsy couldn’t help admiring the sight of Joe’s saying hips. “God damn. What I won’t give to tap that ass of hers. I know she’s got a cock between her legs but who cares. With a body like that I can overlook that little inconvenience. Hell it might not be so bad having a girlfriend with something especial between the legs for a change.”

Getting to know the neighbors.
Condo 12 B, Joe’s Place. 0230 am.

Joe smiled as he the elevator door open to his floor. As he walked down the hall to his condo Joe wondered what his fellow police officers would say about him owning the building. Not just one condo, but the whole building. That was the main reason why he wasn’t worried about his cover being blown by his neighbors. He had may sure that the top floor condos were all rented by LBGT couples. Yes he knew it was reverse discrimination, but it insured his safety as a cop.

The funny part about his owning the converted furniture warehouse was how he came to inherit the building. The building had originally been purchased by his great grandfather in 1951. During his time the building had used as a furniture store. Then in his grandfather’s time it was used as a self-storage center. People would rent conex containers to store their belongings. In 2018 his father had taken over ownership of the building with Joe’s two uncles. The three brothers all agreed that converting the old warehouse into warehouse condos was the best way to go. With a loan from Joe’s grandfather they converted all 12 floors.

There was only one hitch to the loan. If any brother decided to cash out before all grandchildren graduated from high school. Then the oldest grandchild would inherit the building. Not that the clause ever came into effect. Halfway through the conversions Joe’s oldest uncle died of a heart attack. Joe’s other uncle asked to be bought out by Joe’s father three weeks later. If it hadn’t been for Joe’s grandfather the renovations would never have been finished. Thankfully his grandfather had stepped in and save the project. Joe’s parents were killed by a drunk driver. Because his uncles never married that left joe as the sole heir to the building.

As he neared his door the elevator opened behind him. As much as he wanted to rush to his door he was spotted by the gay couple in 12C. “Excuse us Miss. Do you live here?”

“I’m just visiting my cousin, Joe.” Joe said quickly.

“No offence Miss, but we know for a fact that Joe Cartwright doesn’t have any cousins. Now who are you?” The smaller of the two men demanded.

“Mr. Lenwood I doubt you would believe me if I told you, but I actually do live here. I’m Joe Cartwirght.” Joe told him with a heavy sigh.

“Bullshit. Now who are you or we call the police.” The other man said harshly.

“No bullshit, Mr. Castle. I really am Joe Cartwright.” Joe told them and pulled out the wallet with his police credentials. Flipping them open joe said. “See?”

“Hold up lady. Where did you get Joe’s credentials?” Castle demanded.

“Oh shit. I forgot I’m still wearing my disguise.” Joe sighed.

“Disguise? What do you mean by disguise?” Lenwood asked him.

“Why don’t you come inside, and I’ll explain everything.” Joe said and opened his condo’s door with the key. Both men shrugged their shoulders and followed Joe inside. Once the door was closed Joe led them over to his kitchen/dining area. “Have a seat gentlemen. Can I get you beer?”

“Wine if you have any?” Lenwood said.

“Beer is fine.” Castle answered as he looked around the apartment. “You can definitely tell that Joe is a bachelor. Not to mention straight. So you’re not his girlfriend. What’re you to him?”

“Like I said in the hallway Mr. Castle. I’m Joe Cartwright. I’m a Baltimore Police officer. I’m currently working undercover for the Vice Squad.” Joe told them as he set a glass of white wine in front of Lenwood and a Coors Light in front of Castle.

“You’ll have to forgive us if we don’t believe you. We’ll accept the fact that you can be here because you use a key to open the door.” Lenwood said bluntly before taking a drink of his wine. “Not bad. Joe has good taste in wine.”

“He also has good taste in decor for a straight guy.” Castle chuckled then turned serious. “Now what’s your real name Miss?”

“Look, I really am Joe Cartwright and I’m working undercover.” Joe sighed then remembered the chronological photos of his transformation on his phone. “I can prove it.”

After pulling out his phone Joe pulled up the photos. At first the gay couple couldn’t believe what they were seeing in the photos. By the time they were halfway through the photos both men began to believe him. When they got to the before/after comparison photo they finally accepted this beautiful Latina really was their landlord.

“Mr. Cartwright I’d like to apologize for not believing you.” Castle said only to have Joe wave his apology away.

“Please call me, Joe. Maybe I should say Josephina until this assignment is over.” Joe told him.

“Then I’m Mike, and he’s Neal.” Lenwood said with a smile then chuckled. “Though I got to say Josephina. I’m still having a hard time believing our Irish/German landlord is a cop.”

“Believe it Mike. Honestly, I never wanted to be anything else. Hell this building was supposed to be my dad’s baby.” Joe told them when onto tell the two men how he came to own the building. When he finished Joe got back to the more pressing concern. “Mike, Neal, I need you to keep what you’ve seen and heard to yourselves. I wasn’t kidding about being undercover.”

“So are you really working undercover for the Vice Squad?” Mike asked in surprise.

“Yup. I can’t talk about the case I’m working but if it got out that there was a cop working the prostitution strolls in drag. I could end up face down in the river or Chesapeake bay.” Joe told them. Both men looked at each other and nodded.

“Don’t worry honey. Your secret is safe with us. I just one question. Are your makeup artists available for privet work?” Mike asked with a grin.

“I doubt it, but they did use techniques pioneered by a firm that does privet work.” Joe said as he pulled the website for True Reflections. “Our makeup artistes use the same techniques.”

“Damn baby. If True Reflections can do this type of work. You’d be a shoe in for the Halloween Queen this year.” Neal said as he nudged Mike in the ribs.

“I got to ask Josephina. Have you ever done drag or cross-dressed before tonight?” Mike asked.

“A few times for Halloween and a couple of Comi-cons. Though I never passed this well. Most of what you see and hear is due to the True Reflections tech.” Joe admitted.

“Josephina I got to ask. What kind of case would need you to cross-dress?” Neal asked him.

“It’s a Vice and SVU case, Neal. It’s also a bad one. When it hits the papers more than one dipshit on the council will be asking questions.” Joe confessed.

“It has to deal with that fuck nut McManis pushing to clean up Oceanside Park and the Riverwalk. Doesn’t it?” Mike said out of the blue.

“Pretty much but there is a whole shit load more going Mike. Stuff that I’m not allowed to talk about. Please don’t ask any more question?” Joe pleaded.

“No problem, honey. Look we know all about OPSEC. He may not look it, but Neal was Navy Intel for eight years. I was Marine Force Recon. We know how hard it can get trying to keep your bearings when working a high stress duty. If you feel like shit is starting to too deep and need to talk. Just knock on our door no matter the time of day.” Mike told him.

“Thanks guys.” Joe said before he yawned. “Damn. The day is starting to get to me.”

“How long have you been up Trooper?” Neal asked him.

“Going on twenty-one hours.” Joe said after looking at the clock. “And I got to be up in six hours.”

“Then we’ll get out of your hair kid. Get some sleep.” Mike said as he pulled Neal to his feet. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll have your six.”

“Thanks guys.” Joe said and showed them to the door. Once he was alone Joe opened the duffle bag. Inside he found body wash, shampoo, a nightgown, clean panties, bra, leggings, sweatshirt, socks, and tennis shoes. There was also makeup, a brush, hair scrunchy, and a fanny pack for carrying his wallet, keys, and sidearm. After taking a quick shower and putting on the nightgown Joe went to bed. Joe was so tired by the time he went to bed than he was half asleep before his head hit the pillow.

Condo 12 B, Joe’s Place. 0930 am.

Joe was woken by a pressing need just after 0830 later that morning. He barely made it to the bathroom. After taking care his bodily functions Joe took a quick shower using the shampoo and bodywash Sue had packed in the duffle bag. After drying off Joe quickly dressed in the outfit Sue had sent him. The last thing he did was to use the matching scrunchy to pull his hair up in a high ponytail. Once dressed Joe head for the kitchen and the coffee pot. The pot had just finished brewing when the lobby buzzed letting him know he had a visitor.

“Jes?” Joe asked noticing his accent was thicker this morning.

“It’s me Kelly, Josephina.” Ramsy answered. Joe just sighed and pressed the release button for a count of ten letting the woman in. Joe unlocked his door and propped it open before heading back to his kitchen. After taking down two coffee cups Joe fixed his own and sat down to wait. A few minutes later Ramsy knocked on the door and called out. “Hey Josephine. You here?”

“Come on in Kelly. I’m in the kitchen. Just close the door behind you.” Joe called out and returned to his coffee. He was surprised to see Ramsy entering his condo with both arms loaded down with bags. Joe jumped up and ran to give her hand. “What the hell Ramsy?”

“Yesterday after we headed for the sting. Sue went on a shopping spree for you. All of this is for the operation. Don’t worry she used confiscated funds for everything. There’s another eight bags down in my car we need to bring up yet.” Kelly said as she sniffed the air. “Is that coffee I smell?”

“Help yourself. The cups are in the cabinet over the pot. I’ll run down and get the rest.” Joe said as he grabbed her keys off the counter. As he head for the door he grabbed his keys, so he won’t have to be buzzed in. Fifteen minutes later Joe was walking back through the door loaded down with bags from some of the best thrift shops in Baltimore. “Damn. You weren’t kidding. I got a question. From the looks of things you and the Lt are planning for this op to last a lot longer than you originally planned for. What changed?”

“Last night after we broke down Homicide got a call to Oceanside Park. One of the working girls was found with her throat slit. That’s not all. Whoever killed her rapped her with a foreign object and then gutted her. From what I understand it wasn’t pretty. The kicker is this is the forth transgender prostitute murdered in a similar manner in the last four months.” Ramsy told him.

“Shit we got a serial killer on our hands.” Joe grunted. As he picked up his coffee cup.

“It’s worse than that Joe. The hooker that was killed was part of the Twisted Blue investigation. She was one of the delivery girls.” Ramsy told him.

“Oh fuck. That’s a problem. If the murderer is targeting t-girl hookers who are dealing. We’re looking at a shit load of bodies dropping before we can roll up the drug operation.” Joe grunted.

“It’s worse than that Joe. If another body drops before we roll up our operation. The FBI could be called in. If that happens we’ll have to suspend our operation until they find their Unsub.” Ramsy said before she took a drink of her coffee. When she set the cup Ramsy reached into her purse and pulled out a pack of Moore cigarettes and a liter. “Do you mind?”

“Normally I would say no, but I can tell this has you upset. What’s going on Ramsy?” Joe asked as he go up and pulled a soup bowl from the cabinet.

“Look you did a hell of a job last night Joe, but with a serial killer targeting t-girl pros. It just got way too fucking dangerous. I already told the Lt that we need to pull you, but he overruled me.” Ramsy told him honestly as she lite her cigarette. Exhaling the smoke Ramsy looked Joe in the eye. “Joe you need to go in this morning and ask for a transfer back to patrol.”

“I appreciate the concern Kelly, but I’m going to stick it out. So what if there’s a serial killer out there. The risk is still the same. I just have to pay better attention to what’s going on around me. Besides I’m stuck like this for the next seven days.” Joe pointed out.

“I know. That’s why I got the Lt to approve the wardrobe.” Ramsy said as she pointed towards the bags lining his floor.

“If I do pull out now. What do I do next? I can’t exactly head back out on patrol like this.” Joe said as he waved at his body.

“About that. The Lt said he wanted to see you first thing this morning before we meet up with the rest of the squad.” Ramsy told him as she smoked and drank her coffee.

“When do we have to be there?” Joe asked him.

“He wants us there no later than eleven before the rest of the squad shows up around noon.” Ramsy told him with a slight smile at his grimace. “If you want I can give you hand putting this stuff away Josephina.”

“No. I’ll take care of everything before I head out this evening.” Joe told then turn pale when there was a knock at his door. “Shit. Let me take care of this.”

As Joe headed for the door the person called out. “Josephina it’s me Neal.”

“Damn.” Joe whispered and answered the door. “Good morning Neal. Is there something wrong in your apartment?”

“No, but there is a problem in the community. Can I come in?” Neal asked politely.

“What do you mean in the community?” Joe asked as he waved Neal inside.

“In the last four months someone has been targeting the trans community. Not just the t-girls working the hooker strolls either. They’ve gone after the club girls, Drag Queens and Kings, and the waitresses for the trans clubs.” Neal said as he entered the kitchen area where he spotted Ramsy. “Oh damn. I’m sorry honey. I didn’t know you had company.”

“Don’t worry Neal. You can talk in front of Kelly. She’s my immediate boss.” Joe said as he moved towards the cabinet with his cups. “Care of some coffee?”

“No thankyou Josephina. I know you cops only drink the full strength stuff.” Neal said as he held out his hand to Ramsy. “Neal Castle, of Castle and Linwood Investments, and Joe’s neighbor.”

“Detective Kelly Ramsy, Baltimore Vice squad.” Kelly said as she shook his hand. “Joe I thought no one in the building knew you?”

“Honey child, the only people in the building who know Joe is me and my husband Mike. Trust us honey there is no way we’ll talk. OPSEC was ingrained in our souls.” Neal explained for her.

“Fromer Military?” Kelly asked with a smile.

“Yup, both of us. Only in a deferent branch for our Mud Puppy over there.” Neal chuckled.

“Up yours you damned swabbie.” Joe snarked as he took his seat. “Neal you said something earlier about there being a problem among the trans community. What were you talking about?”

“I came to warn you Josephina. For the last four months there’s been a major nut job going around attacking the local t-girls, t-boys, Drag Queens and Kings. As you’re working in drag Mike and I felt you should know.” Neal told them bluntly.

“Neal what do you know about the attacks?” Kelly asked.

“Not much just that this guy has only been attacking the trans community. So far he’s attacked four waitresses, three Drag Queens, and one Drag King.” Neal told them.

“Do you know which division has been investigating the attacks?” Kelly asked quickly.

“From what I understand the SVU division. Why?” Neal asked sharply.

“This stays between us Neal.” Kelly warned only to get a nod from Neal. “Someone has been killing the t-girl hookers. So far four in the last three months.”

“Four? We’ve only heard rumors of three.” Neal said in surprise then sighed. “The bastard struck again last night didn’t he?”

“Yah. From what I understand this was the worse attack so far.” Kelly told him before turning to Joe. “Joe I know how you feel, but I think we need to pull you until they catch this nut job.”

“I’ll think about it, Kelly.” Joe told her. “Either way it doesn’t matter for the next seven days.”

“Why seven days?” Neal asked.

“Remember that website I showed you last night?” Joe asked. Neal nodded. “Well the tech can be set to last for a period of time. We set mine for seven days.”

“So you’re stuck like this until the timer or whatever runs out?” Neal asked in surprise.

“Unfortunately.” Kelly said with a soft smile. “Kicker is if we pull him from this operation. He goes back to patrol. While I have to start all over.”

“Damn. Now that sucks ass girlfriend. I wish me and Mike could help you out. I know you’re Vice. I just wish you would go after the fuck sticks who are pushing that shit Twisted Blue.” Neal told her honestly as he got up and fixed himself a cup of coffee. After tasting the dark brew Neal smiled. “Damn. This shit is so bad it reminds me of my days standing watch in the coms shack.”

“Standing watch in the coms shack? What were you Navy?” Kelly asked with a smile.

“Yup. Did eight years in Navy Intelligence with three deployments. One aboard a carrier two on destroyers. Spent more than one watch in the Coms shack.” Neal told her.

“What about your husband?” Kelly asked pointing to the wedding ring.

“Mike was Force Recon, and he won’t talk about what he did. All I know is he saw some seriously fucked up shit during his seven years.” Neal told her before taking a drink of his coffee.

“So we don’t have to worry about you or your husband talking?” Kelly asked.

“Honey child, neither me nor my husband would give out our shoe size without ten request forms filled out in triplicate, sent in, sent back, queried, lost, found, subject to public inquire, lost again, then finally buried in soft peat, before finally being used a fire starters.” Neal snarked.

“Good god my neighbor is a nerd.” Joe snarked only to get the one figure salute from Neal. The byplay between the two men had Kelly laughing. “As much as I would love to continue this Neal. We need to get going. We got to meet with are Lt.”

“Sure kid. I just wanted to warn you about what’s been happening with the trans community. I meant to mention it last night, but you were way too tired.” Neal said as he stood up.

“Before you go Neal. What can you tell us about Twist Blue?” Kelly asked bluntly.

“Well if you want to nail the four main dealers of the shit. Have your squad stake out the Subway Cabarete tonight and Friday. Those four whores and their pimp will be there front and center for the shows. They’ll also be selling that shit wholesale. You can’t miss them. They all have the same purple hair due in a French twist. That’s how you know they’re selling. If their hair is up in a French twist they’re holding and are open for business. If their hair is down their sold out.” Neal told her.

“Are you sure they’ll be at the Subway Cabarete?” Joe asked sharply.

“Kiddo they never miss Amateur Wednesdays and Open Mike Fridays. If you don’t find them there. Then head over to the Old Hunt on Saturday and the Warehouse on Sunday.” Neal told them then added. “Though they might hit up the Blue Note lounge tonight. They’re holding a fund raiser for David Snores election campaign.”

“Thanks for the info Neal. This could cut our investigation short by days.” Kelly said as she put her cup in the sink.

“No problem detective. If you want the inside shit with the LGBTQ just let Joe know or knock on twelve C. Any time of the day. Both me and my husband work from home.” Neal said as he walked towards the door. “See you tonight Josephine. Be sure to swing by the Subway before you head over to the stroll. Mike will be on the door. He works part time as a bouncer.”

“For some reason I can see that.” Joe said with a chuckle as he picked up the fanny pack. “Come on Detective. Let’s see what the boss wants.”

-----tbc-----