Loves Redemption

the direction of the pot.
Jorge stole a shy glance in Mark’s direction. “Why don’t you stay and eat? When Jorge
cooks there is never a shortage; everyone is satisfied. I will bring a plate for you and the detective, Dr. Maya. Now you two may leave my kitchen.” Shooing them both out of the
kitchen, a smile returned to his face, reanimating his somber features.
Maya laughingly nudged Mark out of the kitchen and walked through the house with
Mark close, his admiring glance taking in everything as they made it to her office.
“I’ve never been inside Imani House but I have to complement you on the overall feeling.
You’ve put a lot of hard work and time in, and it shows. How did this all take place?” They’d reached her office and Mark cast approving eyes around the office.
Although files were scattered on the desk and her small trash could stand being emptied,
the room reflected the same comforting feeling as the rest of the house. One large print featuring two little girls with curly hair in ponytails holding hands dominated one of the walls.
An entire wall was a built-in bookshelf. From what he could see she had very eclectic
taste. There was everything from scientific and medical books to popular best-selling works that he had read. Hanging from a corner wall was large lush fern. As he was settling back in his seat a knock sounded on her door.
“Excuse me please, Mark. Come in,” Maya called out.
Jorge brought in the promised lunch for the two of them. “Oh Jorge, thank you so much.
It looks delicious.”
With a smile he accepted the compliment. “Thank you, Dr. Maya. When you and the
detective are finished, place the tray outside. I will pick it up.” He gave a timid smile in Mark’s direction before leaving her office.
“I wanted to thank you for the way you handled the situation with Jorge in the kitchen.
Jorge is the only male resident of Imani House.”
“He was a prostitute?” Mark guessed.
“Yes he’s a former prostitute. Jorge came to the U.S. as an illegal immigrant. He worked
as a migrant farmhand, working seasonally, and moved often, trying to avoid the INS. He was approached by one of the other workers who told him he knew how to make more money
without having to work sixteen hours a day. Once he started he couldn’t stop. The money was better than his migrant work, and he was afraid of his pimp. He was known on the streets for being cruel to the young boys who worked for him, and the men that he catered to were equally sadistic.”
Mark knew that to be true. In his days as a uniform officer, he’d brought in more than his
fare share of beat up young men from the streets.
“Although he was afraid, he took the first step and came to me. He’s been with us ever
since, and is now employed here.” Mark could hear the pride in her voice.
“I can imagine how hard that was for him to take the first step. Most don’t.”
“I know. In the time he’s been here, Jorge’s self-esteem has been restored. It’s been an
emotional uphill process, but he’s getting there. Whenever we have a man enter the house, I introduce him to Jorge. When he sees the newcomer with me, it helps him to accept that he’s safe and the newcomer won’t hurt him.”
After finishing his lunch, Mark set it aside to look across the room at the woman he was
growing to admire with each passing moment in her company.
She was such an amazing person, and he’d bet his last dime she didn’t see herself as
special. Both her pride and commitment to her work were evident from the way she spoke. She cared for those under her care and it showed as she went out of her way to ensure their comfort and safety above all else.
Mark became aware for the first time how long he’d been there when he glanced at his
watch and recalled his reasons for the visit.
“I admire what you’ve done here, Maya. I’d like to learn more about what you and your
staff provide for the residents of Imani House when you have time. Have you found out anything more about Ally from any of your sources?”
“I haven’t had the opportunity to find out where Ally had been staying before she was
killed. Most of the women here are well connected with what’s going on in the community, and I should be able to find out something that can help.”
“Have you made any arrangements for her?” He referred to her burial as delicately as he
could.
“Yes. When I came in this morning, I started making calls. Allison once told me she
wanted to be cremated, so I’ll honor her wishes once her body is released to me.”
“That should be soon. The coroner has completed the autopsy, and you’ll be contacted
soon. In fact I’ll find out when they’ll contact you.”
“Thank you, I would appreciate it.”
“No problem.” After a brief pause he continued, “Maya I’ve been doing some thinking.
You have an insider’s understanding of this community. Not only do you have the knowledge,
you also have the trust and respect of the women as well as the men,” he added as he thought of Jorge. “I’d need to speak to Lieutenant Hernandez, but I think that you could provide invaluable information that would give us some insight into the psyche of this killer. We’ve already
established that the killer is either a prostitute, or is able to blend in with the other prostitutes.”
“Exactly what are you asking, Detective?”
“First, that you please call me Mark, and not ‘Detective,’” he asked with a beguiling
smile. “Second, if you would consider lending the department your expertise by acting as an informal consultant. You’d be compensated. Anything that would help us is needed at this point.
We’ve been batting zero.” Mark held his breath, waiting for her response as he watched her
consider