QR Code Murders: Faces

He was lanky but built at the same time. His skin color was ecru but he had cornrows that gave way to wavy hair that stretched to his back. He ensured that he would be prostrated. His easy demeanor allowed Kim to press further.

“You don’t have to do the garbled voice or block out my face. I want what’s coming to me.”

“We can move you out of the state,” Kim countered.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m ready for whatever.”

“Alright. Your bicep tattoo, you had it lasered off. Why?” Kim asked.

“I didn’t want to be associated with nonsense anymore. I stopped being a rapper when I was twenty-eight. I got a job with the city with good pay and benefits. A pension. So why would I continue to rap my struggle bars when there’s virtually no way for me to break into the mainstream?”

“I can see that. What do you know about 5G’s understanding of going forward? He was prepared to go that next step and make a great impact on the hip hop scene.”

“Yeah, get out of Delaware.”

Yawquisha and Kim exchanged glances.

“I’m good, now. That rapper’s dream is just a thing for people outside this state. That’s why I’m not worried if anyone identifies me. I’m not rapping anymore so they’re not looking for me anyway,” Donato Conway explained.

“So why are they targeting the QR code rappers?”

“It’s what makes them visible. If A fan can just snap their code, they have immediate access to their videos, audio, bio, and other information. They link to streaming services and social media. It’s what’s in the name “quick response.”

“Do you have any clue where these killers could be from? Are they out of state or homegrown?”

“I don’t have a firm grasp on their origin, but I suspect they’re in-state. It’s envy. They hate the fact that they could advance. Some people just want to tear down rather than build,” Addison remarked, shrugging.

Kim looked around. Yawquisha kept the camera locked on Addison.

“If you knew three of the rappers killed, is there a link besides the obvious tattoos you once shared with them, what was it?”

“They had taken a lot of women from the rappers. Even the female rappers snagged other underground, struggling artists’ females.”

“Did you witness this first hand?” Kim continued to dig.

“I have,” Addison admitted. “When you’re just bubbling and ready to blow, you’re cut down like it’s nothing. I’d rather have my truck and go on routes than to be caught up in that. It’s a shame though. It’s not even crabs in a bucket. It’s crabs on land pulling each others’ claws off.”

“What can you say about any other rappers still trying to make it big?” Kim asked.

“I’d stay low. Get your money and don’t get involved in any beef. Because even if they’re not beefing, there’s still someone out there lurking trying to catch you slipping.”

“Thanks,” she said and turned to Yawquisha. She sliced her neck with her forefinger. Yawquisha tapped the camera off and they headed to the car.

“Do you think he was lying back there?”

“No. If he wanted his identity known and for people to hear his message, he had to be telling the truth.”

“I’m going with my training. He looked down to the left and scratched his head. Those were clear signs that he may have been untruthful.”

“I know only a little bit about detective techniques and procedures. Still, I think he was being honest the whole time. It’s like why would he lie when all he had to do was tell the truth. That’s it.”

Kim swirled Yawquisha’s words around in her mind. “You’re probably right.”

Yawquisha brightened.