___Balance
<chapter 3>

"Breaking news today on 6 News. A police officer, Brian Creighton, Sr., was killed late last night. No witnesses were around to give any details as to the killer. We go to Jorge Truff, who is standing by live at the scene, Jorge." The announcement was loud and clear when Nick Carter turned on his TV to the news.

"Thank you Connie. As said before, Officer Brian Creighton was murdered in his vehicle late last night. He was shot in the head once and died instantly at point blank. Officers and security were questioned as to where or how this could have happened and the only response we could get was that he was last seen with Senior Lt. Horacio Charleston of the Tampa Bay Police Force. Now, as to any leads to the murder of Creighton, nothing has come up. Connie?"

"Let me ask real quick. We've been getting calls and questions as to why this murder took place and what evidence have they found?" 

Nick turned the volume up, infatuated by the murder. "Well, Connie, the last case that Officer Creighton was working on was the reported gang shooting of Romero Rodriguez on Laredo Street, the west side portion of Tampa, last week.  Now, there are suspicions that this could also be a the work of racism or a random shooting. As far as the evidence, they did take the body to the mortuary and are now being study by the pathologist there. We will keep you updated on any breaking evidence or news. Back to you, Connie."

"Ok, thank you Jorge. We would also like to mention that Creighton had been keeping hold on Romero's sister, Keisha, who is under custody of a small foster care home. Creighton would have been 47 next month. We will keep you posted and always stay tune here on 6 News for new developments on this special report." 

Nick couldn't believe the rising percentage of violence that has taken place in Tampa. Of course, he lived in the better part of town, but the fact of the matter is not only violence, but the prejudice of the people around there, had taken some force around that area. "Let me call mom real quick," he said to himself. He got up from his cream colored couch and made his way to his study. He picked up his cell phone and went through his electronic address book. He looked up his mother's phone and hit 'dial', hearing the ringing tone immediately after. "Yes, hello?" Jane's voice filled in his ear.

"Hey, mom. How are you?" Nick asked, taking a seat on his computer tower that stood out. "Oh, I'm doing good. I was watching the news just a minute ago. God, did you hear about that officer?" Jane asked, amazed at how the murder took place.

Nick grinned against his phone. At times, it surprised how him and his mother would do the same things or have the same thoughts without even knowing it. "Yeah, that's why I'm calling. Do you know a Creighton or someone in the force?" Jane was confused as to why he was asking such a question. "Well, no, I don't know a Creighton, but your father should know some people in the force. Why?"

Nick got up from his previous sitting state and walked around a bit, petting his dog while he was at it. "No, I'm just curious. I didn't call just for that, but I heard something that you and dad had some friends in the police academy or something like that. Just thought I'd ask before I forgot or something."

Jane looked around, trying to see where her husband was. "Well, the person who would know something to do with that or people that he knows would be your father and he's no where to be found. Ever since you got him that stupid bar-b-que grill, he's been going crazy. Could you believe he wanted to go outside at 4 in the morning to grill some chicken? I damn near got the other ones up to help me strap him down."

Nick giggled a bit at the image he was getting. "Hey, the old man needed something to do," Nick reasoned. "Yeah, but he doesn't need to make it his pastime. Every once in a while it's alright, but sweetheart, we can't eat bar-be-que and potato salad EVERY DAMN DAY."

"Give him time.. he'll get tired of it by the time you know it," Nick advised to her. "Yeah, and until that day comes-"

"JANE, YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT I FOUND!" Bob yelled with his apron on and his gloves on his hands. Jane looked at him with a bored stare and turned away. "I think it's best if I let you go. Your dad... I don't know, he found something. Thank you, dearest son, for making my life even more hell. I appreciate it," Jane bluntly stated.

"Anytime, mom. You know me, I do it best," Nick joked back. "Alright, well, I'll tell Dad to call you later on that thing you wanted to know, ok? I love you, baby."

Nick smiled, loving the fact that no matter how old he was, that was still her 'baby'. "K, mom. I love you too. Tell the other retards I said hi and tell dad to not burn the house down."

Jane huffed at his statement. "Keep your fingers crossed. Bye sweetie." Nick pushed the 'end' button and placed his cell phone back on his desk. "Keisha Rodriguez... sounds nice."

<chapter 4>