Chapter 2: Building Tension
Miles arrived at Cobra Gym at 9:30am sharp, eager to begin interviewing the employees. Ronnie and Donnie Coleman both great him at the door wearing matching blue tank tops and black shorts. Ronnie says "Good morning Miles glad you made it
" Donnie follows with a grin "We're ready to get to the bottom of this!"
Then Miles looks at The Coleman Twins and jokes when he says "Good morning guys, tell me something? So do you both always dress alike by default or is it just for the business?"
Ronnie chuckled and said, "We usually do it for the business. It's a trademark of ours. It's a reminder to us and others that we're in this together, a package deal. Our mom used to dress us alike when we were younger to save money, and it became a habit for us. We also like to embrace the idea of twinship, how unique and fascinating it is. We're not just Ronnie and Donnie; we're The Coleman Twins."
Donnie chuckled as well.
"Yeah, and it's a great way to confuse people too. They can't remember who is who sometimes."
Miles laughed with them. Talking to The Coleman Twins felt natural, like he had known them for years. Their jokes and laughter helped to ease the tension of the investigation and Miles appreciated their lightheartedness.
As the day went on, Miles interviewed each employee one by one, diligently taking notes and asking follow-up questions whenever necessary. Some of the employees seemed surprised to see Miles back at the gym, but most were happy to cooperate with the investigation.
As he navigated through each interview, Miles took note of particular details that stood out. One employee, a young woman named Kim, seemed unusually hesitant when Miles asked her about her co-workers and daily routines. Another particular employee, a middle-aged man named Nick, was the Head of Maintenance. Nick appeared to have a strong dislike for John James, which caught Miles' attention.
Nick worked for the gym for over five years, he is responsible for maintaining the equipment and facilities, and a big fan of The Coleman Twins. Nick told Miles that he use to work for Buddy Cruzley as he did maintenance and embellishment of the building before it was transformed into Cobra Gym. Nick also mentioned that Buddy Cruzley was a dear friend of his family and That John James and Buddy Cruzley became enemies after John James was disqualified from a bodybuilding competition in the mid 90's for using steroids
. Nick shared these details with Miles in a hushed tone, leaning closer as if to protect the information from some invisible foe. Miles listened intently, noting the emotion in Nick's voice and the barely perceptible tremor in his hands. He felt a sense of intrigue growing in him as he realized the web of connections that surrounded the case, like tangled strands of hair caught in a comb.
As Miles continued the investigation, he delved further into the history between Buddy Cruzley, John James, and the Coleman brothers. Nick told Miles that the only reason he thinks that John James hates The Coleman Twins is because they are his nephews.
Nick revealed that Buddy Cruzley had been like a father figure to the twins after their own father abandoned them and their mother was working two jobs to support them. He also shared that Buddy had primarily funded the gym and their training since its inception. The gym, Cobra, was named after Buddy's nickname, and the twins' fitness routine was a tribute to him. Nick (Head of Maintenance) believes that John James holds a grudge against the twins and Buddy for his disqualification from the bodybuilding competition.
“John James blames Buddy for exposing him to the authorities,” he tells Miles. The rivalry between John James and Buddy Cruzley was intense, with both vying for supremacy in the competitive fitness world.
Miles continues to probe further, asking Nick about any equipment issues that may have occurred leading up to the event. Nick hesitates for a moment before revealing that some equipment harnesses had gone missing shortly before their first major event.
“Fortunately, we were able to find replacements thanks to one of our sponsors,” he explains. “But it was strange. None of the doors were forced and we keep the equipment storage room locked at all times. It was like someone slide in undetected and swapped out the harnesses with lookalikes, they were almost identical to ours."
Miles nods, absorbing the information while taking diligent notes. Later that afternoon, he moves on to speak with Maya, the assistant manager and office administrator of the gym.
Miles could tell from the moment he walked into her office that she was an efficient person, as her workspace was organized and clean, with multiple calendars and charts on her walls, each detailing project timelines, appointments, and membership data.
Miles sat down in front of Maya's desk as she greeted him with a firm handshake, her eyes meeting his, full of sincerity. Miles could see why the Coleman twins trusted her so much.
"Hello, Miles," Maya begins. "It's great to see you again.
Then Miles says "It's great to see you again Maya. I never thought that you would ever talk to me again after I left to join the army."
Maya chuckles, "Of course, Miles. That was years ago, and I'm glad to see that you're doing well and are back in town. Ronnie and Donnie told me about your investigation into the sabotage at the gym, and I'm happy to help in any way that I can."
Miles nods, "Thank you, Maya. I appreciate your cooperation. I need to gather as much information as possible to figure out who might be behind this. I also wanted you to know that I never stopped loving you. I so sorry that I left you with out any explanation. I missed you so much while I was gone.' Miles looked into Maya's eyes and could see the genuine emotion reflected in them.
"I'm sorry too, Miles. I missed you too. But now is not the time for that conversation. We must focus on finding out who's trying to sabotage the All Black Twins event and protecting Ronnie and Donnie's business and legacy. I'm assuming you have already interviewed Ronnie and Donnie, but have you spoken to John James yet?"
Miles nodded. "Yes, I met with him yesterday, and he seemed genuinely concerned about the event's success, but something tells me he's hiding something. As Miles and Maya talk in the office Kim is standing outside the door ease dropping on the conversation. Miles and Maya don't know that Kim is listening. Kim walks away from the office and into the supply closet and closes the door behind her. Kim has been
secretly eavesdropping on Miles' investigation and she knew something was going on. She saw Maya talking to Miles earlier in the day and knew something was going on. Now, she's positive that her bosses are in trouble and someone is trying to take them down, but who would want to do that and why?
Kim's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. It was John James. She answers the phone and says "Hello?" Then John James says "Hello Kimmy, You know that I'm concerned darling. I haven't heard from you in the last few days . I trust you've been gathering intel for me as planned?"
Kim hesitated for a moment, before replying, "Yes, of course, John. I've been keeping an eye on Miles and the twins. I even overhead their conversation in Maya's office earlier. Miles is getting close to figuring out our plan. We need to do something fast before he pieces everything together."
John James chuckled sinisterly. "Good girl, Kimmy. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Don't worry about a thing darling.
Then Kim says "The Coleman Twins need to pay for what they did to my brother Jamel. I can't let that detective find out about me and my connection to you before I get even with those two myself. They ruined his life with their lies and deceit. Now it's time for them to pay. Jamel died of a drug overdose 2 days after they fired him.
The coroner ruled it accidental, but Kim didn't believe it for a second. She had seen the way he acted after he was fired by the Coleman brothers, especially after his encounter with Maya in the restaurant. He came home that night, withdrawn and upset. She tried to console him, but he pushed her away, said he needed to be alone. A few days later, she found him lifeless on the bathroom floor.
"I will make sure they pay for what they did to my brother," Kim whispered into the phone, tears streaming down her face.
Then John James responds. "Of course, Kimmy. I'm so glad you came to me with this information. Your brother's death was tragic and unjust, but now it's time to seek justice for him. I promise you, I will make sure the Coleman Twins pay for what they did to your brother sweet heart. They are not going to get away with this," John James reassured her.
Then John James says "Now just hold on a little bit longer sweet heart. This will all be over soon, now go to the bathroom and wash your face honey. That detective doesn't need to see your tears and red eyes . Make sure he doesn't suspect a thing about you Kimmy. Kim wipes off her tears and takes a deep breath as John James' voice faded away. She already knows what she has to do.
As she entered the bathroom, she thought about how no one realized what she had done for John James - the back alley meetings, the stolen information and quiet threats doled out in the shadows. She had played the perfect spy and had earned John's trust. But now it was time to escalate.
Kim's brother, Jamel, had died of a drug overdose just two days after being fired by the Coleman Twins from his maintenance job at their gym. Jamel was a good man with a young family, and Kim couldn't forgive the twins for what they had done to him. She had kept her connection to John James hidden for years, and now it was time to put her skills to use for a more significant mission.
As she freshened up in the bathroom, Kim's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Miles' footsteps nearby.
She hurriedly pulled herself together and exited the bathroom, making a beeline for the supply closet where she had stashed her coat and bag. She slipped into the dimly lit space, closing the door quietly behind her. In the darkness, she retrieved a small, hidden compartment in her bag, a gift from John James. Inside, she found a sleek, black digital camera and a pack of matches.
"Game on," she whispered to herself, pocketing the camera and leaving the supply closet with purpose.
She strolled over to where Miles was conducting his interview with Maya, still behind the closed door, and waited patiently for their conversation to end.
Kim knew she had to act quickly before Miles uncovered any more of the truth. Kim has a flash drive with video footage of Ronnie and Donnie Coleman kissing and making out with each other naked in a hotel room on New Years eve from 2021. They rented a hotel for a New Years eve party for the employee's as well as other guests. That night, Kim managed to secretly capture footage of The Coleman Twins, Ronnie and Donnie in a compromising position. The video showed them kissing passionately, undressing each other, and engaging in gay intimate acts with each other. This footage was intended to ruin their reputation, destroy their business, and bring about their downfall for the injustice they had inflicted upon her brother. Kim wants to sell this footage to John James for 2 million dollars. But this is Kim's plan B if plan A falls apart.
Kim forms an exit strategy if Miles finds out about her true intentions. She can expose Miles to the Coleman twins and frame him for stealing the footage. She's prepared for any eventuality, armed with the evidence to incriminate him.
Kim only contacts John James with a cheap flip phone and not her real phone as a way to omit any records that may lead back to her.
Kim leaves the office building for the day and goes home.
She sits at her kitchen table, nursing a glass of wine, as she waits for John James' call. She glances at the clock, knowing that it's only a matter of time before he gets back to her. She shakes her head, wondering how she ended up here. How had her brother's death led her to this point?
As she sips her wine, her phone rings. She picks it up quickly, eager to hear from John James.
"Hello?" she answers, her voice trembling slightly.
"Well hello, Kimmy," John James says.
His smooth, deep voice sends a chill down Kim's spine. "I've got some good news for you. I'm confident that our plan will work. We just need to wait for the right moment to strike."
Kim feels a sense of relief wash over her. She's glad that John James is confident in their plan, but she can't shake off the feeling of unease that's been building up inside her since the day she started working with him.
"John," Kim says, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm not sure if I can do this anymore. It's just...it's been so hard, and I don't know if I can handle the guilt."
John James lets out a deep sigh, before replying. "Listen, Kimmy. I understand your concerns, but we need to see this through. We have a plan, and we're so close to bringing down the Coleman Twins. We can't stop now."
Kim nods, even though he can't see her. "I know, John.
I just...I don't know if I can live with myself if I go through with this," Kim whispered into the phone, feeling a wave of trepidation wash over her.
"Kimmy, you have to trust me. I know this is difficult for you, but we have to stick to the plan. We're so close to bringing the Coleman Twins down and exposing their lies and deceit," John replied, his voice firm and steady.
"But what will happen to me after this is all over?
What will I be left with?" Kim asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
John sighed again, "Kimmy, you will have gained justice for your brother and the victory against his tormentors. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you played a part in their downfall. Remember, you have the footage of the Coleman Twins, and we can use that to blackmail them if necessary. Most importantly, you will have the peace of mind that comes with closure."
There was a long silence on the other end of the line as Kim absorbed John's words.
She knew he was right, but the weight of her guilt was heavy on her shoulders. Finally, she managed to find the strength to speak.
"Alright, John. I'm in. But I need to warn you, if Miles discovers my involvement, things could get messy," Kim explained, trying to make her voice as steady as possible.
"Don't worry about Miles darling, I've already taken care of him," John replied with a cold, assuring tone.
Kim felt a chill run down her spine at the thought of Miles being harmed in any way.
Then John James says "Don't worry Kimmy, I will pay you the 2 million dollars you want for that video footage alone sweet heart and if this all goes so well and The Coleman Twins fall and lose everything. Then I will pay you an extra 3.5 million dollars tax free and you can then take your brother's family and start a new life together," John assured her, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.
Kim hesitated, a battle raging inside her. She knew what she was about to do was wrong, but the thought of justice for her brother was too powerful to resist. She thought about Jamel, his life cut tragically short, and the Coleman twins who were to blame. They deserved to pay for what they had done.
"Okay, I'll do it," Kim finally said with a determined nod.
Then John James "Thank you sweetie pie for your loyalty and service. I will arrange for the transfer of funds to you as soon as everything is taken care of honey. Remember, our bond will be eternal, and we will rise together to vanquish our enemies. Now, disappear for a few days, and I'll contact you when the time is right."
As Kim hung up the phone and locked her apartment door behind her, she felt a mixture of emotions. To her surprise, the guilt buried deep within her seemed to be replaced by a newfound sense of purpose. But as she turned the corner she sees the private detective Miles Draven standing right Infront of her.
Miles looking Kim in her eyes and says "Hi Kim I know you were listening in, I am on to you. I'm going to give you a chance, tell me the truth about your involvement in all this." Kim feels as if she has been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She looks at Miles in shock, unable to find words. Miles continues, "I know this is a tough situation, and I can help you out of it if you help me. I just need to know what your involvement is in all this, and who you are working with," he urges her gently.
Then Kim says "Leave me alone detective Draven. I've already answered all your questions."
Then Miles says "I'm sorry Kim but I can't do that. You see I know that your working with John James and I also know that this has something to do with your dead brother doesn't it?
I know that your not the type of person that would do something like this unless you had a really good reason. I just need to know what's going on. I can help you, Kim, I'm here to help."
Then Kim says "Leave me alone detective Draven, you don't know anything."
Then Miles says "Oh but that's where your wrong Kim. You see I knew the whole time that you were involved from the start. It really wasn't that hard to figure out, when Maya gave me the files on every employee , I noticed that some documents were missing and some dates were altered. And the only person who has access to all the files and the keys to the storage room, is you."
Kim looked at Miles, her face pale with shock. "How did you..." she started to say before trailing off.
Miles interrupted, "It doesn't matter how I found out, what matters is that you tell me everything you know. I understand that you might have been motivated by the desire to get justice for your brother, but what you're doing can have serious consequences. Not just for the Coleman Twins, but for innocent people as well," Miles continued, trying to gauge Kim's willingness to cooperate.
Then Miles says to Kim "I've dealt with people like you before in past cases. You blame others for the selfish choices that the people you love made. The Coleman Twins have nothing to do with your brother's death Kim. Your brother Jamel killed himself when he choice to do heroine. I understand that after 5 years that you are still grieving, but using this as an opportunity to take revenge on innocent people is not the answer. Now, I need you to tell me everything you know, and I promise I will do my best to help you. Do we have a deal?"
Miles said, extending his hand to Kim.
Kim hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning Miles' face as she considered his offer. She could sense the kindness in his voice, and for the first time since she had become entangled in this mess, she felt like she had a lifeline to pull her back to safety.
Finally, after a long pause, she sighed and reached out to shake Miles' hand. "Fine," she conceded.
"I'll tell you everything I know."
Miles nodded, and they sat down at a nearby table. Kim recounted the series of events that had led her here, starting from the day her brother was fired by the Coleman Twins, to their discovery of her eavesdropping, and ultimately her decision to contact John James for help. Miles listened intently, nodding along and asking questions when necessary.
After Kim was done speaking, Miles sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Thank you for your honesty, Kim.
Then Miles says "Now give me the flash drive Kim so I can secure this evidence and make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. And don't worry, I'll make sure the Coleman Twins know that you cooperated with me and help them avoid any further incidents."
Kim nods and hands him the flash drive, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. Miles takes the drive and stands up.
"I'll be in touch soon. And Kim, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."
Kim watches as Miles walks away, grateful for the second chance he had given her.