The Last Note (Mystical Marvels Mysteries Book 2)

by Claudette Cleveland

  “You okay, Sean?” Lou asked. “When you hear the shot, get behind Erin or they’ll use you as a hostage. Then we’re screwed.”

  “Got it.”

  The threesome were quiet as they entered the airport drive taking them to the private jet area. They sat on the tarmac waiting. One Gulf Stream taxied by them. Written on the side was Midland Oil. The last three numbers were 198. Two more jets taxied by. The fourth one had Monsanto printed on the side and the last numbers were 795.

  “Showtime girls and boys.” Sean’s phone rang.

  “We’ll come on board when the women are in the van,” Sean responded to what the caller said.

  Richter laughed. “Step outside the van with your hands where I can see them.”

  Sean and Erin did so leaving the doors open. “Let the women go.”

  The stairs to the jet lowered to the tarmac Dottie came to the door. Behind her was a brute of a man with what appeared to be a weapon in her side. They walked down the stairs and toward the van. They were followed close behind by Clara and another muscle bound thug. When they neared the van, Dottie was shoved into the driver’s seat and the thug’s gun was stuck in Sean’s side. On the other side Clara was shoved into the passenger seat and Erin was taken.

  They were walked to the stairs and forced into the cavity of the jet. The door was already pulled up and the new occupants searched. Two of Erin’s guns were found and taken. Richter laughed. “Come sit and have some champagne. Sean, this is Hahn Krauss. Once we’re in the air, he will demonstrate his beautiful talent. Your music will never sound better.”

  The engines of the jet came alive. Just as they started to roll, a shot was heard … then another. That was Erin’s cue. She threw her glass at the waiter and pulled the gun from her calf and pointed it at Richter. “Throw your weapons down unless you want your boss to die.”

  The one thug pulled his gun and aimed it at Sean. Erin shot him between the eyes. Sean got behind Erin. “Hahn if you want your lover to live through this, open the door to the plane.”

  Hahn made his way to the door. He unlatched it and it lowered to the ground. “Now suppose you all carefully walk out of the plane. You two first,” she said pointing to the two thugs who had forced them on board. “Now you waiter. Tell the pilot and co-pilot that they’re next. Okay, Hahn, go.”

  Richter swung around and elbowed Erin forcing her to drop her gun. He picked it up and with a strong arm around her neck he forced her forward. “Move,” he said to Sean.

  Sean stumbled forward, falling down on one knee as his foot caught on one of the seat braces. Erin saw what he was doing. She sunk in Richter’s arm as though fainting. Since he was a male chauvinist and hated women, she thought he might buy her fainting act. He did.

  “Get up you bitch …” his yelling cut off by the bullet bursting through his forehead, a bullet that came from the gun that Sean had hidden in his boot.

  “You okay Erin?”

  She sat on the floor trying to get her breath while wiping off the blood and brain matter from her cheek. “I will be. You wild west people make Chicago look tame.”

  He went to the door and waved to Lou. He was on the plane in less than a minute. “Erin were you hit?”

  “No, Sean saved the day. Did you know he had a gun in his boot?”

  Lou laughed. “No, that was strictly his idea.”

  “I figured they wouldn’t expect a music composer to know how to shoot. They barely searched me.”

  Interpol and the FBI came bounding onto the plane. They stopped suddenly when they saw Erin and Sean smiling and Richter dead on the ground. “You three go. We’ll take it from here. If I were you I would keep what happened to yourself. Let us take the credit for this one. Richter has friends in high places who may just want revenge. Let them try to come after us. We’ll be ready for them.”

  “Our pleasure,” Erin said as she climbed down from the plane. Lou and Sean swiftly followed.

  In the van on the way back to the resort, Erin announced, “After a shower, drinks are on me.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The whole group was gathered on the patio enjoying the balmy night and a constant flow of drinks. Erin whispered to Sean, “Where did you learn to shoot like that?”

  He smiled. “As you said this is the wild, wild west. Actually, the truth, my mother. Remember she was born in Mexico and lived near Mexico City. Being the daughter of a high ranking official until he was gunned down, made her mother make certain that she knew how to protect herself at an early age. She taught me and my siblings. My father who was a gentle soul never knew our hidden talents.”

  “Dottie said that your mom was quite handy with a gun. I thought she was kidding. She looks like she wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  “Yeah well, she’s pretty handy with a wooden spoon, too.”

  Erin laughed. “My dad’s hand found my rear end occasionally when he couldn’t make his point any other way.”

  “Let me see if it made a mark,” he said smirking. “Maybe we’ll do a little midnight skinny dipping.”

  “Maybe.”

  * * *

  The next morning most everyone slept in. Brad was sitting in the coffee shop when Erin walked in. He waved at her and she made her way to his table.

  “Remind me to never drink again,” she groaned.

  “You just need some food. I think you drank your dinner.”

  “The next time the aunts tell us we’re going to Arizona for some R&R, remind me to pack a machine gun.”

  “Yeah and some valium. When you got on that plane, I thought I was going to have a heart attack.”

  “Wait, where were you?”

  “Birdie, Vi and Sophia made me follow you all to the airport. We were sitting just off the tarmac with the motor running. Sophia had a sniper rifle and if Lou hadn’t shot out the tires she was ready to.”

  “Oh my god, this just gets better and better. Did anyone know you were there?”

  “No, the girls said it would be best if no one did. Sophia doesn’t trust the Feds.”

  They both laughed. “I feel sorry for any who rub her the wrong way. That is one tough, smart lady. I don’t even think Ricardo knows his mother’s true capabilities.”

  “I’m sure he doesn’t. You know we still have a little unfinished business before we leave the Valley of the Sun here.” She looked at him squinting. “The matter of our little songbird and her manager. I think Bloomberg will be picked up by the Feds if he hasn’t been already.”

  She nodded. “They were taking him into custody last night. He was held up in a motel by the airport. Since the girls took out most of the thugs that Conti hired to kidnap them, it’s his word against theirs. Do you think he’ll come after Sean and his music?”

  “I think he’s dumb enough to try. I was thinking it might be time to do another titty bar meeting.”

  “You just want to feel up Daisy Dawson some more.”

  “She was the one feeling me up … although you never heard me complaining. The woman does know how to get a rise out of me.”

  Erin hit him in the arm. “That was bad, especially around someone with a hangover.”

  “Speaking of the devil, here comes Lou now.”

  “I need to talk to you two.”

  “I was just telling Erin that it might be time for another meet at the local titty bar. What do you think. Are you up to it?”

  “I can handle Conti, sonny, if you can handle Miss Daisy Dawson,” he said smiling.

  “Why is everyone picking on me just because I have young healthy responses?”

  “Is that what you call it?” Lou said laughing. “Okay seriously. This Conti is just dumb enough to come after Sean again. He’ll think with Bloomberg gone he’ll have an open path and money rules his thinking. How about you call him and set up another meet. This time we go in wired and get him to admit to kidnapping.”

  “I’m all for it. Make the call.”

  “I think the locals will cooperate. Let me call m
y new best friend there and get it set up.” Lou and Brad made the calls and the meet was set for that night. Conti had promised to bring the signed release of the rights to Sean’s song The Last Note. Lou had promised to bring the cash.

  * * *

  That night Lou and Brad entered the La Pulque bar and lounge. Waiting at a table was Conti and on stage was Daisy just finishing a horrible rendition of Everything’s Coming up Roses. Brad was no music expert, but he was hoping this was ‘the last note’ he heard coming out of her. As she approached the table he got to his feet and told her how beautiful her singing was. “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard that song sung quite like that before.”

  Daisy gushed while rubbing his thigh, “Oh thank you.”

  They ordered drinks. “Are we ready to discuss business?” Lou said patting the satchel presumably full of cash that was in his lap.

  Conti pulled an envelope from his pocket. “This is the legally signed rights to three songs by Sean Dooley as we had agreed to. I assume that that satchel holds the amount of money we talked about.”

  “Yes it does, Mr. Conti, but we need to clear up a little something. You know the music business people are a close knit group. Everyone knows everyone. Now this might only be a rumor, but we heard that you kidnapped and held for ransom Dooley’s mother and the Mystical Marvels. Is that right?”

  Conti squirmed in his seat.

  Daisy paled, “I was never a part of that. He told me that he did it to convince Sean to give him the rights. He said they are alright so what’s the problem?” she explained, pleading her innocence in the event.

  Brad could not believe that this woman was that dumb, but he was glad that she was. “So Daisy were you there when he ordered someone to snatch those women?”

  “Yeah, I heard him on the phone, but he took them to his brother-in-law’s where they would be safe until Sean signed the paper.”

  “You didn’t know that you could go to prison for helping him?”

  “Prison? I ain’t going to no prison. You’re on your own Harry. I’m out of here.”

  “You bitch, get back here.” Daisy went for the door. “It was her idea. She had to have that song. That’s why she warmed up Dooley to get it.”

  “Whatever Conti, as long as we know that this document is legal. Did you or didn’t you snatch those women? I understand bending the rules a little, but I need to know where we stand. I don’t want something coming back on me later.”

  “Yeah, but we let them go. It was just to get Dooley’s attention. You know how that works. I’m sure you’ve done worse than kidnapping a few old broads to get what you want. Right Luis?”

  “Sure Harry, you did what you had to do. Someone told me that your father was in prison. Where’s he at?”

  “He’s in Texas. He was set up.”

  “Do you miss him?”

  “A little, he and I had a good racket going.”

  “Well Harry, I think it’s about time you had a little reunion.”

  Harry was pulled to his feet and handcuffed by two of Phoenix’s finest. “Thanks guys. We’ll take it from here. We have Miss Dawson or rather Teresa Garcia outside singing her head off.”

  Lou laughed. “Good one guys. I take it you got this all recorded.”

  “Sure did. You guys enjoy the rest of your time in our fair city. Let us know when you plan to visit again so we’ll be on alert as well as the FBI and Interpol.” Lou’s new friend said laughing.

  Erin and Sean were waiting to congratulate them when they popped into the back of the car.

  “Nice job, guys,” Erin said. “Lou you even had me convinced of your questionable ways. Must be that New York background. How are you doing Brad? Need a cold shower?”

  They laughed all the way back to the resort. “What do you think? Are we finally done with the undercover cops and robbers gig or do you have some more girlfriends that might come out of the closet?” Brad asked Sean, patting him on the back.

  “Well, there was this little number who liked me for my mind. Since your intelligence level is far higher than mine, I can hook you up with her. She’ll stroke your mind for you.”

  “This is getting a bit too graphic for me. Can we talk about something else?”

  “Speak for yourself Erin. I want to hear more about this intellectual.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “Do you need anything? Are the lights okay? Did Brad check the sound?”

  “Bud relax. We’ve done this a few times. It’s going to be great. The place is packed and you’ve got reservations for the whole week,” Vi said taking him by the arm and escorting him to the reserved table they had toward the back.

  Dottie went to the mic and introduced Vi, Birdie and herself as the remaining members of the original Mystical Marvels. “Eula Banks, our fourth member, left us for the heavenly choir a little over a year ago. We miss you Eula. We’re going to start with a favorite of ours, hopefully it’s yours too.” They counted and at the first notes and words the crowd went crazy.

  After intermission, Dottie approached the mic again. “Some of you who are old enough may remember a singer from south of the border belting out one beautiful song after another, both there and here. I first saw her in Vegas and she had every cowboy there drooling on his boots. Tonight we are honored that she has agreed to sing one of her signature songs. Ladies and gentlemen, the beautiful, talented Elena Perez.”

  There was a huge round of applause especially from those with white hair. Even the young ones she hypnotized with her crystal clear notes. So much in fact that when she ended there was a moment of silence, then a standing ovation. She sang one more and approached the mic.

  “Some thirty one years ago I retired from performing to create something even more beautiful, my son Sean, who is an extremely talented songwriter and performer. Not long ago my husband, Sean’s father, became ill and left us. One of his favorite sayings, particularly after tediously explaining his points of view to all of us, would be, ‘On that note I am finished’. Sean wrote this song as a tribute to him. Here’s Sean Dooley singing his original song The Last Note.”

  Sean took a seat on a stool on the stage behind the microphone. The lights dimmed and a soft spot fell on him. He started the song. From the first note on his guitar, it was obvious that he had inherited his mother’s musical genes. The words were tender and as crystal clear in tone as the finest glassware. The words penetrated everyone’s heart touching a part of them that had lost someone also. When he was finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the lounge. Finally, someone clapped and everyone hopped to their feet while tears splashed onto the tables in front of them. Sniffles mixed with applause went on for several minutes.

  Dottie and the girls made their way back on stage. Elena joined them. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is our honor to perform another song written by this multi-talented young man.” Dottie stood next to Sean and Clara and sang another song, while Birdie and Vi accompanied on sax and guitar. It was upbeat and brought the crowd in by encouraging them to clap along. After another standing O, Dottie announced that that was the last note for the night, but that another show would take place every night that week.

  * * *

  It was their last night in the resort in Phoenix. Their shows had been packed all week. “How soon can we get you back?” Bud asked.

  “When the snow flies in northern Illinois, we’ll be on the next plane. We’ve got a standing reservation next year about this time for our annual girly get together, right Sophia, Clara?”

  “I could do without the fight at the OK corral though,” Birdie said. “Although I must admit that I did release a lot of tension.”

  Sophia laughed. “When Vi shot that guy in the thigh for calling her old, I almost wet myself. Whether we need it or not the arsenal will be ready.” Timid little Sophia’s comment brought laughter from everyone except her son Ricardo. He just shook his head.

  “Wade, do us all a favor,” Lou said. “As soon as Sean finishes a song make him give y
ou all the copies. And Sean, no more Daisies. Let me do a background check before you let them in your house, much less your bed.”

  “You’re on Lou. Now a toast. To the most wonderful people to come to our wild, wild west.”

  The End

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  About the Beneath and Beyond Trilogy

  Could there be a group of highly evolved beings working among us as human ambassadors of a race of beings from another universe? Myths and legends indicate there have been teachers like these on earth since the time of Lemuria, a lost continent in the Pacific. Their goal from the beginning has been to raise the vibrations of humankind. Many of the stories still told by indigenous people around the world confirm the existence of tall white beings who are wise and loving teachers.

  The Beneath and Beyond Trilogy combines many of these legends and wraps a fictional story around them. Althea and Tashi take us on spiritually awakening and uplifting adventures throughout the world.

  Book 1: The Hidden City

  Tashi felt no fear as the tall white being led him through the bowels of the dark cave to a hidden city. He knew that whatever awaited him was a destiny he would not regret. His mother’s nightly stories of the legends of his Tibetan people hinted that his life was about to change when these stories parallelled his own life.

  The hidden city was breathtaking but not as much as the blond, blue-eyed guide Althea. Her energy was like a magnet and her glow forced him to squint. He never wanted to leave this paradise but he knew deep within that he must, hoping Althea would be by his side when he did.

  Book 2: The Thunderbirds

  Morning Star anxiously awaited the arrival of her friends from the hidden city, Tashi and Althea. Even though trained as a human ambassador for the tall white beings, she felt totally inadequate to deal with the murder, abuse and mayhem that was taking place on the Navajo reservation in northern Arizona.