The Legend Read Online Free PDF Page A

rivets.  Then I guided them out.  "Duane, if you find out anything, anything at all, call me."  Detective Bernhardt declared before departing.
    This city's bane is bluntly stripping what's left of my sound mind.  How much more torment could I endure before I lose my sanity?  Suddenly my cellphone vibrated.  I flipped it open.  "Have you gotten home yet?"  Lolani texted.  She has been the sole presence that's keeping me balanced.  I refuse to tell her about the dire straits that follow me around like a dark cloud.  I don’t want her to presume me for some coward.  I also don’t want her to be afraid of being around me.
     
    Hours have past and I lied in my bed daunted.  I questioned if I was approaching my problems appropriately.  If I cooperated with Detective Bernhardt and the suspects were apprehended, I might not have been targeted again.  On the other hand, what if the muggers' gang retaliates against me for snitching?  Either way, something has to be done or I would continue to be a victim.
    "Detective Bernhardt."  I uttered after he answered his phone.

"Duane?"   He replied.
    "I'm ready to talk."
    "You sure you're up to this?" He asked.
    "Yes, I am."
    "Well you have my card.  Come to the station."
    "All right."
     
    I couldn't keep my knee from bobbing.  I've been sitting inside Detective Bernhardt's cubicle for an hour contemplating if I'm doing the right thing.  I wish I’d known beforehand that I’d be interrupting his dinner.  He devoured a hot dog fifteen minutes ago and the stench lingers in his breath.  I never liked the smell of hot dogs, especially when it comes after someone belches. 
    He’s been asking me about the robbery.  I told him what happened.  He followed by disclosing of a local gang known as the “ Downtown Fallen Saints.” "Several people in that neighborhood have gotten mugged and they all described the same three individuals and modus.  Three shirtless guys wearing black leather vests approaching them from the rear, striking them, throwing them to the ground and someone snatching their wallet."    He informed me.  His greasy fingers tugged, pushed and clicked on his computer mouse.  He left oily fingerprints on it.   Seconds later, a photo lineup started printing on a printer underneath his desk.  He retrieved it, slid it my way and asked me if I can identify the suspect.  I refused to touch it.  I don’t want to touch anything he hands me.  I shifted my chair so I could get a better look.

"That's him!  That's one of the guys that robbed me!"  I confidently blurted out while pointing at the center mug shot.  There was no mistaking that pale skin complexion, five inch spiky red mohawk and skull tattoos on his neck and lower cheeks.

"Hoytsworth, huh?  Also known on the street as 'Hollow Point Hoyt.'  I had a feeling it was him."   Detective Bernhardt uttered.  "I've had a few run-ins with him.  He's been arrested twice for robbery and has a couple of burglary charges.  Amazing how he's still out.  No matter how many times you lock these guys up they end up right back on the streets.  Thanks for your cooperation Duane.  Do you need a ride home?"

"No thanks, I'll take the train."  I acknowledged.  Detective Bernhardt escorted me down a corridor to the exit.
    "No matter how many times you lock these guys up they end up right back on the street s," Detective Bernhardt uttered before I left.  I wondered if I just made a big mistake by squealing.  "If he gets locked up and then released in a couple weeks, I'm done!"
     
    Later on that night, while lying on my bed, I couldn't stop myself from recollecting the conference I had with Detective Bernhardt earlier today.  I attempted to read the novel again but I kept revisiting the same sentences over and over.  The comic book distracted me before and I haven't finished it yet.  I snatched it off my nightstand and decided to complete it.
    Just as I read the final page, I had an eerie