The Smuggler

The Introduction

Solomon Rolle was a family man. He loved his kids, and he loved his job. Traveling seaside back and forth as a Merchant Marine had been his career for about 15yrs now. He was a vet when it came to his job duties. And because of this, he had a great schedule, mainly stayed state bound and was paid very lucratively, in more ways than one.

Solomon was well respected at work and around his neighborhood as an all-round good guy. He was nice, polite, and had a giving spirit to those who reciprocated the same. On the other hand, Solomon was no pushover. He could fight with the best of them if need be. Solomon had a rough upbringing and he never forgot where he came from. But he didn’t want to bring any of his juvenile tactics to adulthood with his wife and kids; so, Sol tried to do the right thing at all times.

Over the 15years as a Merchant Marine, Solomon had seen and done a lot. He wasn’t perfect and didn’t claim to be. He also tried to stay far away from trouble if he could help it. Solomon knew of different illegal activities that would take place while out at sea and on the ship, but he tried to stay out of it and mind his business. He felt like he was too old to be mixed up in some bullshit and end up losing his pension.

At 36 years old, Solomon was still fit and in good shape and nobody but himself considered him old. He loved to relax with his wife while at home. All three of his kids were teenagers and could do for themselves mostly. They were always in and out, doing this and that, with school and sports. Whenever they each had free time, they would spend it together.

He was doing well if he said so himself; but who didn’t want to do better? Being as though Solomon had tenure on his ship, he had more freedom and security clearance than most. He was promoted on year 10 and supervised the cargo being checked in and out. He was one of four key overseers on the merchant ship. He had finally gotten where he wanted to be career wise and was able to take care of his family like he wanted.

Around 3 years later Solomon was approached by a friend, a co-worker from the catering department. Mateo would always look out with the food he cooked; constantly talking about the exotic spices he used with his meats and vegetables. He would always talk about his family back home in the Bahamas and the different cultural things he remembered. Solomon grew to like this co-worker; he would even consider him a friend.

Being that Mateo was always coming thru for him, he didn’t think twice when Mateo asked for a favor. What Sol thought was a one-time favor to help a friend, turned into a full blown once a month routine he couldn’t back out of if he wanted to. Solomon had somehow managed to smuggle a full container load of “goods” into a Miami port with no questions asked. He had let Mateo feed him a sob story full of lies on helping to get more money for his “poor” family back home. This “poor” family turned out to own their own transport company and other wealthy businesses in the Bahamas and United States.

The family was also a part of an underground crime syndicate. Mateo happened to be the nephew of the leader of the Dungen Drug Cartel based in the Bahamas but ran out of Miami, FL. That initial transport that Solomon helped to smuggle was a test that he passed with flying colors. Mateo’s job was to get close to an important person to help transport their illegal activity legally. He had only been working on the vessel for 2 years before he decided that Solomon was the man for the job. He grew to like Solomon as a friend/ or honorary mentor and was more excited for him to meet with his real uncle and become a part of the family business.

It took Solomon a few weeks to forgive Mateo for getting him caught up with the Cartel without his knowledge. He was scared and nervous meeting Mr. Dungen for the first time. After speaking with his wife and clearly hearing the threats that Mr. D promised if he declined the very lucrative offer, Solomon decided to take on the small risk to gain the money and respect from the older crime boss.

After a while, Sol had become an asset to the Dungen Cartel. Within the first two years, Solomon had gotten so good, he began to smuggle drugs and any other goods needed for other crime bosses outside of The Dungen Cartel. They had no knowledge of his dealings with other clients. Solomon was old enough to know the consequences of his actions, had he been caught, by the cartel or the police. He had upgraded his family and his wife didn’t even work anymore. It was safe to say that Sol was getting too comfortable with his new role as a drug trafficker.

Some time had passed, and Solomon was walking through the airport one afternoon after a meeting with Mr. D out in Miami. He noticed two people following him in the crowd. Every direction he seemed to walk they were not too far behind. He ducked off into a small hallway to his left and waited. He heard footsteps coming his way while his heart-beat fast as he stood there. As soon as he saw the toe of a shoe, he swung his left arm as hard as he could under the guy’s chin while making sure to dig a hole in the dudes’ toe with his own heel. The guy went down but not quietly. Solomon sprinted down a different hallway and made a dash for the exit. He could see and hear someone yelling “STOP!” behind him, but Solomon was too paranoid to allow anyone who was “following him” catch up.

Sol ran as fast as he could looking like a complete weirdo all the way to the parking garage. He retrieved his car and got in. He got about a good two blocks before he saw a car speeding towards him from the back. At first, he thought his mind was playing tricks on him because he just knew those were not blue and red lights flashing in the window of the unmarked Crown Vic coming his way.

They blocked him in. Agent Bryson Carter introduced himself and had been a pain in Sol’s side ever since. Solomon was brought to one of the FBI offices and placed in a room for 30min to wait and hear exactly what they had on him. However, Carter had immediately set Solomon’s mind at ease by offering the information he wanted to know. The FBI knew all about his illegal activities and were willing to cut him a deal, but they wanted a bigger fish; and he was mainly just bait on the hook. Unfortunately for Solomon, because he was so good at smuggling items from place to place, word of mouth was both a gift and a curse in his profession.

The Interview Room

Solomon was cold and irritated. He had heard enough. They had all the circumstantial evidence to build a case against him, however they wanted more. The FBI wanted the Cartel. They could have put Solomon behind bars that day and hold him on bogus charges that probably wouldn’t stick with a good lawyer, but truth be told, they needed him. Their original connection inside the Dungen Cartel was terminated, permanently.

“You know I can have you locked up for assaulting my men.” Started Agent Carter.

“Your men? What were they doing following me like some hit men if they are such ‘officers of the law’? They are lucky it was just assault!” Solomon replied.

The agent chuckled. “You know, for someone sitting on the wrong side of that table, you sure are acting tough. Your lawyer must be on his way.”

“I’m just saying. Solomon shrugged. There was a better way to do this.” He looked up. “Besides, you semi offered me a deal anyway. I want to hear what you have while he’s on the way.”

“Well since you’re in such a bargaining mood,” Carter continued, “let’s get started shall we. So, your known as the best smuggler on the east coast aye? New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, and all the ports coming down the eastern border. Miami? Hell, even Puerto Rico. All places known for items to just disappear and end up in the wrong hands. We have been looking for the gang that made this all happen. Who knew it was just one person? Tell me, how does one get into such a career with so many underground criminals?”

Solomon said nothing. He couldn’t believe he was being put in this position. All these years and he was finally caught. Not only was he caught, but he was being coerced into snitching on the most dangerous family he knew. And if he refused, he would then surely die at the hands of that same family due to his disloyalty with his special smuggling skills. Sol was in a no-win situation with absolutely no way out.

Agent Carter was getting very impatient. “I don’t have a lot of time to waste by playing games or beating around the bush. I need answers and apparently you are the guy to get them from. You smuggle goods for a cartel that is not only poisoning our streets but also kidnapping children, and that needs to be stopped immediately! Either you agree to take the deal and help us take down The Dungen Cartel or you can get brought up on even bigger charges when we come down on everyone else later. Either way you are going to jail for a long time.”

Solomon put his hands on his chest like some high society female and said, “Who me? Couldn’t be! What soever are you to speak of?” He gave a chuckle of his own and then rolled his eyes in a mocking matter. “What makes you think I smuggle anything. Let alone for a major crime family like the Dungen Cartel? I don’t even know who they are.”

“Let’s cut the shit Solomon. We didn’t just pick you up randomly. We know things. We have a witness or in your case, a client. One who is willing to take the stand, so what’s it going to be?”

Solomon was trying his hardest to buy time and play it cool. He had already been flagged by the omni-present tracking system Mr. D had put in place before he left that last meeting. Sol had instructions to be a certain place by a certain time and now that he wasn’t there, they would know something was up. He was probably being followed by the Cartel’s men also. He knew a lawyer was coming for him.

“Ok, let’s just say hypothetically, I did move some things under the radar on behalf of other people. I wouldn’t know or care what’s being transported. I would just be doing the job I was paid to do. Good money, no questions would be asked.”

There was a knock on the one-way mirror and Carter knew the interview was over. He didn’t get a confession of any sort but still had Solomon in a bind. He had to agree to their terms one way or another. Agent Carter’s Assistant Director Sims walked in with a tall Jewish man behind him. “This is Mr. Rolle’s lawyer, Mr. Goldmann. He has come to represent his client. Even though I didn’t know our location was such a tangible setting.” The FBI Director was curious as to how he was even found being as though they tried their hardest to hide Solomon’s whereabouts so no one would come to his rescue.

Sol smiled and stood up. “Not so fast there Mr. Rolle. We still have some details to discuss. I was just telling your client that he has a chance to save himself and get reduced sentencing when the charges fully come down if he cooperates now.” Agent Cater was speaking through gritted teeth. His supervisor just stood in the corner to watch.

“Is my client being charged at this moment? Because if not, then this is just harassment.” Mr. Goldmann was sent by the Cartel and had specific instructions on what to do with Mr. Solomon Rolle. Assistant Director Sims threw down a folder with information they had on Sol which included some photos of other crime bosses along with some key people in the Dungen Cartel. Mr. Goldmann perused through the info. This was not good for either party involved.

“With the information you have and the so called offer you have given; my client should at least have some time to review his options and think about it. But since he is not under arrest, it is time that we go.” The lawyer looked at his client.

“I don’t think there is much for me to think about. I am willing to take my chances. The concerns that you have brought up are not my business.” Sol wasn’t a fool. He knew his life would be well over if he agreed to snitch on the Cartel. He also knew that if he didn’t, he had better come up with an exit plan quick.

Agent Carter wasn’t surprised at all. From his research and investigation, he found out that years of working with criminals, had turned Solomon into one. He was heartless except when it came to his family. When it all bawled down to it, Solomon was a father trying to make a future for his children. If he goes to jail, his family will probably starve or die at the hands of the very cartel he worked for. Carter had to make this relatable to get Solomon to turn.

“I can understand a man like you, a man of your stature, is just doing your job. It’s just business for you right? But for some of these parents, its personal! For the children without a choice in the matter, its personal!" He raised his eyebrows. "And Solomon, what if it were Syia, Sahaira, or Soul?"

Solomon looked up at Agent Carter with the darkest set of black eyes just daring him to finish the sentence.

Agent Carter continued, " Wouldn't that then make it especially personal to you?"

Solomon stood up for the last time. “I don’t like where this is going. Don’t mention them at all.” Mr. Goldmann was already headed towards the door. Sol was one step behind him nervous as hell. Before they could reach the threshold, Agent Carter was in Solomon’s face. “You have one day scumbag. We will be seeing you very soon to go over the details of your cooperation.” Sol winked at him and laughed as he walked out the door.

Nevertheless, Agent Carter just had to get in the last word. “What do you think Mr. Dungen would say if he knew about the other clients you’ve acquired since you started smuggling for him? I’m sure he wouldn’t be too happy or take that lightly.” Agent Carter called behind the smuggler.

Both Sol and the lawyer stopped at that sentence. Sol just looked back at the agent before turning the hall and walking out the door.

The Decision

After the interrogation with the Feds, Sol knew he was in more danger than ever before. His secret had been let out. He knew the lawyer came from the cartel; he just didn’t know how much of a part the lawyer played in the business. Mr. Goldmann let Sol know about his instructions to deliver him to Mr. D. as soon as it was over. Mr. Dungen wanted to “talk”, and not in a verbal sense. Sol knew he had to think fast and quick. He could not make it to that 2nd meeting, or he would not be alive after it.

Mr. Goldmann was taking Sol to a private hanger with an undisclosed terminal to hop on a private jet the cartel owned. While in transit, Sol took it upon himself to surprise the lawyer with a killer haymaker to the face since he was driving. As the car swerved out of its lane, Sol jerked the wheel to hit a pole and braced himself for the impact. This worked in his favor because the lawyer was not expecting it. Neither was the muscle sitting in the backseat who was thrown from the car due to impact.

Sol hopped out the front seat with minor cuts and bruises. The road they were on wasn’t that busy but the people on the road stopped to help the car that had hit a pole. Sol knew someone had called the cops, so he needed to be far away from the scene when they arrived. Hell, he and his family needed to be out of the country and in hiding immediately. He had to find a way home, under the radar and without the Dungen Cartel finding him first.

Sol was a wreck. He could not believe his life had gone from bad to worst that quickly. He finally made it home and ran inside looking for his wife and kids. “Janet! Janet! Where are you?” It was a late Thursday afternoon when he made it home. The last time he spoke to her was prior to his meeting with the Dungen Cartel. He realized he hadn’t heard anything from any of his kids or wife in the last 24hrs. His heart sank. He padded himself down for his cellphone but could not find it anywhere. He didn’t know where he dropped it.

Solomon ran up the stairway of his grand three-story home. His first stop was his daughters’ room. He checked his son’s room and saw that no one was accounted for. From the looks of things, they may have left in a hurry. That was a bad sign. Sol ran up another flight to reach the master suite. The tv was on and the bathroom light was on as well. Sol felt slight relief that was short lived when he realized no one was in there either.

Solomon wasn’t stupid and now all of his regrets with working for the cartel came rushing to the forefront. He had to get out, but he wasn’t leaving without finding his family first. Sol had to calm down and think. He didn’t have his cell, but he did have a home office, with its own phone line. A lightbulb went off in his head.

He walked back down the stairway towards his office and when he got to the door it was open. This let off another alarm because his door was always closed and locked. He pushed the door open wide and he noticed the office was ransacked. “Shit!” Sol professed. He wanted to cry right then and there. Just break down. But he walked over to his desk with all the drawers open and had a seat. He had to be smart about his next move. Would he attempt to just call Mr. Dungen himself? On second thought, he dialed the one person who started this whole mess.

He dialed Mateo and waited for an answer. Mateo answered on the 2nd ring. “What were you thinking Sol? You’ve been lying to my uncle, smuggling for other organizations, you tried to kill the family lawyer; and you are caught up with the Feds? I can’t believe this.”

“What?” Sol started. “So, you know everything? Where is my family Mateo?”

“Yes, we do and I’m sorry Sol, I can’t protect you. Your family will be safe as long as you return and face the consequences of your actions. You ran away and didn’t fulfil your duties with the organization. You are no longer an asset but a liability.” With that Mateo ended the call.

As Solomon sat in his home office, he couldn't stop thinking about the words that Agent Carter said to him while in that cold interrogation room. What choice did he have? It was either he spends the rest of his days behind bars not able to help save his family or he help the FEDS take down the infamous Dungen Cartel and the awful human trafficking ring that he himself unconsciously had become a part of.

Solomon’s long-lasting career of smuggling any and everything for some of the most notorious people of the United States was coming to an end. Solomon was caught between a rock and a hard place. He had built up his reputation and gathered the likes of some very important people. He was the best smuggler along the east coast. There were a few who he knew that measured up to his caliber, but they were not him. And that is exactly how he got caught up in the predicament he was in now.

He was so busy in his thoughts and reliving his time being interviewed by Agent Carter, that he didn’t realize the time that had passed since he had gotten home. Solomon heard a noise and got up. As he was walking to the door of his office, he saw a red dot run across his chest. Sol ducked but the bullets started and didn’t stop. There was nowhere to hide, and no one left to call. Had he agreed to cooperate, he may have had more time. But now it was too late, and the smuggler was no more.

The End......