W. Griffin: Deadly Assets

Raychell Meadow’s voice-over said: “Philadelphia City Councilman (At Large) H. Rapp Badde, who sponsors the annual event at the Word of Brotherly Love Ministry in Strawberry Mansion, issued a brief statement. .”

Onscreen, Badde then said: “It’s truly a tragic day for our city to lose such a strong supporter of our citizens. He will be terribly missed, but we take comfort in the fact that he passed as he was performing yet another service to our people. Knowing him as well as I do, I know he would want this ministry to continue. And it will, including the Feed Philly Day, which will take place tomorrow, during which we will give thanks and prayers for all of Reverend Cross’s blessings. I hope to see everyone there.”

Raychell Meadow came back on: “In related news, police sources report that Tyrone Banks, known by his hip-hop artist name King Two-One-Five, who was to perform at Monday’s canceled Feed Philly Day event, was found dead this morning. An unnamed confidential source said the twenty-five-year-old singer was found wearing a Lucky Stars Casino hat and holding a seven of clubs and two of diamonds from a deck of cards bearing the Philadelphia Police Department’s shield on the back and two Homicide Cold Cases on their face.”

Payne exchanged glances with Harris.

“Getting dealt a seven and a two,” Payne said. “Arguably the worst beginning hand in poker. Can’t do shit with it.”

“Kind of like what he did with his life,” Harris said.

Harris gestured at the television.

“There’s more to the story about how they found Hooks dead.”

“I guessing what Sully said-someone wanted to send a message about what happens to those who rob casinos.”

Harris nodded.

Payne impatiently gestured Give it to me with his tube-covered hand, and said, “You’re gonna tell me, I’m sure.”

Harris grinned.

“That microphone he loved so much?”

“That one with the big chrome mesh ball at the top?”

“Yeah. You won’t guess where they found it. .” He paused, then said, “Wait. You’re sick enough that you would guess.”

Payne grinned as he shook his head.

“Well, don’t let your guard down just because Cross and Hooks got their due,” Harris said. “While the good news is you’re out of ICU and going to survive the shooting-”

“The bad is?”

“Your fiancée is going to kill you, she’s so pissed off at you.”