“Let’s get out of here,” I yell. “This is going to be a very popular place before long.”
We get on the 4x4s and head back to the airstrip. On our way back, Colonel T fills me in on what took place when he returned there earlier.
CHAPTER 68
Rick hears the gunfire and explosions. He watches the sky light up over the canopy of trees and then everything gets very quiet. The next sound he hears is the faint sounds of sirens in the distance. He says into his radio, “Come on guys, we need to get out of here right now.”
“We’re on our way Rick, get her fired up.”
Rick jumps on board the plane and starts the engines. He turns the plane around and taxis back to the end of the runway where the large branch was located. He leaves the engines running, turns off the running lights, and waits as patiently as possible outside the plane with rifle in hand.
Five minutes later, we spot the one light from the guard shack at the airstrip. We turn off our lights and slowly approach the airstrip with weapons at the ready. We get off the 4x4s and quickly deploy in a defensive position as I say into my radio, “Rick, where’s my damn airplane?”
Rick replies, “I’m up at the end where the limb was across the runway.”
As we look in that direction, we see the outline of the plane. We also see faint lights coming up the path beside the airstrip. “Rick, you’ve got bogies coming up on your left, probably the roving guards. I guess they heard the ruckus and are heading back to the compound. We’re on our way.”
Rick whispers into the radio, “Thanks guys, I’ll let them know we’re here.” He runs over to the side of the runway, puts his weapon on automatic, and sets up an ambush. When the guards get within range, he opens up and they never knew what hit them. He gets back onboard the plane, turns on the running lights, and says into the radio, “The guards are down. Get your asses up here, I hear sirens coming our way.”
We hear the gunfire and we now see the running lights. We jump back on board our 4x4s and drive full speed up the tarmac toward the plane. We arrive just minutes later. The sirens are getting closer. We load everything on board and buckle up.
Rick hits the “GO” button and sends the AeroStar down the runway. We take off on a path that takes us over the compound and the estate. The house and both copters are burning. We see no signs of life anywhere. We do spot flashing lights coming up the main road and turning onto the road leading into the estate. We bank away from them, stay down on the deck, and head toward the Gulf of Mexico. Our journey is not over yet, not by a long shot. We still need to clear Colombian air space.
Not five minutes later, our worst nightmare takes place. We feel the windblast from two fighter jets whipping past us, one on each side. Rick is holding on tight to the controls but blurts out, “I hope somebody has a bright idea, or we’re toast.”
The fighters slow down and wait for us to catch up. We hear chatter on the radio, first in Spanish and then in English, “This is the Colombian Air Force. Take your plane back to the Bogotá Airport and land. If you resist, we will shoot you down.”
Rick tips his wings to show he understands. He looks at me and I turn and look back at Colonel T., who gets out his phone and makes a call.
Rick begins a wide bank to take us back to Bogotá. Just seconds before we start our descent into the airport, we hear more chatter on the radio. “You have been cleared to proceed on your flight plan. Thank you for visiting our lovely country.” The jets pull away and Rick banks the plane back toward the Gulf. We all breathe a sigh of relief. We are now alone in the moon lit sky.
I look back at Colonel T and he just shrugs his shoulders. “I know some people in high places who owed me one.”
*****
Rick puts the plane on autopilot and we can all now relax and enjoy the flight back to Florida where we will stop and get fuel. After a couple of minutes, I say, “Thanks men. I appreciate the effort you all made tonight.”
I am hoping tonight puts an end to my bickering with the Valdez cartel. The only responses I get are some grunts and snoring.
The ensuing trip back to Myrtle Beach is uneventful and very quiet. Once we arrive, I tell Rick to see if he can find someone to buy my plane and in the meantime, he can use it whenever he likes. I also tell him, as well as Harley and Bos, I will have checks for them tomorrow.
Once back at the house, Colonel T packs up and heads back to Ft. Bragg. I thank him for his help and tell him I owe him one. He tells me he has already made a note of that and put it on file.
I spend the rest of Tuesday sleeping and then go into the office early Wednesday morning.
I am pleasantly surprised when I get a call from Rick and he tells me I owe them nothing. He says they had a great time and to let them know if I ever need backup again.
CHAPTER 69
About 11:00 Wednesday morning, I call Detective Reynolds back in Lancaster. “Hey, what’s the latest on Jake?”
“Nothing Mickke D, it’s a cold case.”
I am speechless for a few seconds. “Are you kidding me? That’s it? Does everyone think he just disappeared into thin air?”
“That’s about it. We have nothing to go on.”
“That’s bullshit, Detective, and you know it.” I end the call and head back to Jim’s office where I inform him I’m going to make a trip back to Lancaster in a couple of days and that he’s in charge until I get back.
As I turn to leave his office, he asks, “How was the fishing trip with Colonel Townsend?”
I reply, “Very invigorating.”
Jim just smiles. “I saw on the news that the Valdez cartel compound in Colombia was attacked Monday night, and all current members of the family are dead. The government has officially blamed another cartel for the attack.”
He catches me by surprise, but I gain my composure quickly. “Wow. I hate to say it, but I suppose that’s good news. Maybe that will end their attempts on my life as well as my friends’.” As I’m leaving, I grin and say, “Thanks for the update.”
“No problem. Hey, do you want me to watch Blue for you?”
“No, I think I’ll see if Mark and Jannie will dog sit him for a few days. Blue likes their dog.”
My next stop is at Jannie’s desk where I ask, “Jannie, do you think you could take Blue for a couple of days? I’m going back to Lancaster, and I know Blue and Daisy get along and you guys have that huge fenced-in yard where they can run and play.”
“Of course, we would be happy to dog sit Blue for you. Bring him over anytime.”
On Thursday, I go over with everyone in the office what I need done while I’m away. I pack Thursday evening and drop Blue off at Mark and Jannie’s. I leave early Friday morning for Ohio. I take everything with me that I had when I was up on Mt. Pleasant the last time, as well as two grenades left over from my trip to Colombia.
CHAPTER 70
When I arrive in town, I go directly to Shaw’s but discover the hotel is closed for renovations. I end up going down the street to the new Mithoff Hotel on the corner of Main Street and Columbus Street, and get a suite on the top floor.
I notice the hotel is located across the street from the Paperback Exchange and since I forgot to bring some reading material with me, I’ll stop by there tomorrow.
I go out to the Pink Cricket for a late pizza before turning in. I notice two women in a booth kind of staring at me, and then I remember them. They look like Terri Gandy and her golf pro daughter Samantha. I had met them at Dick’s at the mall the last time I was in town because Terri was a witness I interviewed in a previous investigation.
As they get up to leave, I wave and they both walk over to my booth. Terri says, “Aren’t you Mickke D from Myrtle Beach?”
“Yes, I am. I spoke with you out at the mall about the wreck on Allen Road.”
“So whatever became of your investigation? Was it a black limo or a black SUV?” she asks.
“It looks like it was a black SUV that caused the accident. The owner of the
vehicle is now deceased, so maybe justice was served.”
“So why are you back in town, or did you ever leave?”
“No, I just got back in town this evening. I’m looking into the disappearance of a close friend of mine.”
“Oh, is that the guy who’s picture has been all over town and has been missing for a couple of weeks now?”
“Yeah, Jake Tracey. We went to high school together.”
“Such a shame. We know Jake. He is our insurance agent. Hope you find out what happened to him.”
“Nice seeing you guys.” And, then looking directly at Samantha, I ask, “And how’s your golf game, young lady? You and grandpa still cleaning clocks out at Valley View?”
“We do okay. Guess what? I got a golf scholarship to the University of South Carolina. I’m going to be in a Golf Management Program as well as playing on the golf team.
“Well, congratulations and best of luck. I hope to see you as a head golf pro somewhere someday.”
“That’s my goal,” she says.
As they start to leave, Terri says in a rather provocative voice, “If you’re ever out in the mall, stop by Dick’s and say hello.”
“I’ll do that,” I reply as I gaze at the ring on her finger. I guess I must really need some female companionship because even attractive married women are starting to look good to me.
Terri and Samantha turn and leave. However, there sitting in the booth they just occupied is Big Steve and his wife, Sharon. Steve motions for me to come over. Damn, I was hoping to get some investigative work done before he figured out I was back in town.
I pickup what’s left of my pizza and saunter over to their booth. Steve says, “Sit,” Sharon slides over. He starts in on me, “What the hell are you doing here? I thought I told you it was a cold case.”
“So nice to see you guys as well.” I give Sharon a side hug, which I can tell is not what she was expecting. “Well, if it’s a cold case, why were those two ladies I was talking to telling me Jake’s picture is all over town?”
“It’s a cold case as far as the police are concerned. So again, why are you in town?”
“I just thought I would come back home for a small vacation. I needed a break from the action at the beach. I suppose you read about the terror threat to Charleston? Well, they were all killed in the Myrtle Beach area later on.”
He leans back and crosses his arms over his chest. “Yeah, I read about it and I also saw you were involved in their demise. Well, whatever you do, don’t shoot any innocent locals while you’re here.”
“So does that mean I can snoop around and you won’t throw me in jail?” I ask.
“Take it any way you want, just don’t shoot any locals.”
The waitress comes over and they order. I add a beer and tell her to put it on his tab. Sharon sneaks a piece of my pizza as our conversation continues, “By the way, detective. Whatever happened to Von Spineback after he was acquitted?” I ask.
“Not sure. I think he is still in the Columbus area.”
“And did they ever find the missing witnesses?”
“Not that I know of, but here’s some news for you. Remember Detective Connehey, who you talked to in Reynoldsburg about your case? Well, he transferred down here. He’s now on the force. Nice guy.”
“Good, can’t wait to meet him.”
He grunts, “Maybe I should have him keep an eye on you while you’re in town.”
“I promise I’ll be on my best behavior, detective.”
Sharon laughs this time. “Yeah, right. What the hell do you have on this pizza?”
I smile. “Double anchovies.”
With a grimace on her face, “Oh, my God, that’s gross.”
After they have finished their meal and when Sharon goes to the ladies room, Steve tells me what happened at the cave, including the smell and strange sounds.
“Yeah, I know. It was scary when I was there as well.”
“So, level with me. Were you inside that cave?”
I hesitate. “Yes, for a very short time, and I couldn’t wait to get out.”
“What did you see?”
“There were tunnels leading every which way, and I sensed someone or something was in there with me.”
Sharon returns and our conversation about the cave ends. As we all get up to leave, Steve says, “Stop by the station on Monday. I’ll introduce you to Connehey.”
“I’ll be there. Nice to see you again, Sharon.”
“You too, Mickke D. When are you leaving town?”
“Not sure, but we should get together again for dinner. This was fun.”
Without replying, she just turns and walks out the door. For some reason, I think she still thinks I’m a bad influence on her husband. Steve follows her and raises his hand in a curt wave over his shoulder.
As I follow them out the door, I get that feeling on the back of my neck that I’m being watched or that something just isn’t right. I brush it off. The Valdez family is dead, Jeffrey Barrons and Bob Linde are in custody in Charlotte, and I, for once, can’t think of anyone else who might want to kill me.
*****
Mickke D’s feeling is not a fluke. There is another person in the restaurant that evening. He is sitting at the end of the bar and he came here to check on Detective Reynolds who just happens to be on his hit list. It’s jackpot night, because another person on his list happens to be there as well, Mickke MacCandlish.
CHAPTER 71
On Saturday, I have breakfast at Root’s. I do not see Samantha Gandy and her grandfather making bets for golf later on at Valley View. The group of men is there, however no fishermen show up to reel them in.
I return to my suite and later venture across the street and browse through the book selections at the Paperback Exchange. I find a few that sound interesting and take them back to my suite.
I drive through Rising Park in the afternoon but can’t seem to get up the gumption to stop and take the walk up to the top of Mt. Pleasant. I plan to wait until I talk with Steve on Monday.
Sunday, I drive through Rising Park again. I actually sit on a bench and gaze at the path heading up the mountain, but I still can’t make myself take the first step. I’m going to wait until Monday.
I guess everything that happened to me the last time I was up there affected me more than I thought.
CHAPTER 72
9:00 Monday morning, I walk into the police station and ask for Detective Reynolds. After checking my weapon at the front desk, I am ushered back to his office. As soon as he sees me, he gets on the phone. “Connehey and Turtle, I mean Barrish, will be right over to join us.”
Before they arrive, I ask, “So why does Sharon seem so cool toward me? I haven’t got you in any trouble for years.”
“Yeah I know, but she has a memory like an elephant. Actually, I think she likes you in her own strange way.”
“You could have fooled me,” I reply.
Officer Barrish, who I recognize, and another man enter Steve’s office. “Mickke D, this is Detective Ed Connehey, and I think you already know Officer Barrish.”
I shake Barrish’s hand and say, “Officer Barrish, thanks again for getting me off Mt. Pleasant. I don’t remember much about it, but thanks.”
“No problem, just doing my job.”
The other man speaks up. “So you’re Mickke D. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s great to finally meet you.” He takes a step forward and shakes my hand.
“Nice to meet you as well, Detective. What made you want to transfer down here?”
“Well, there wasn’t much going on in Reynoldsburg, and this job became available. I thought it was time for a change. Have you seen Colonel Townsend lately?”
I stammer for a second and then reply, “As a matter of fact, he came down my way a couple of days ago and we went fishing.”
“That’s funny. I never knew he was a fisherman.”
Thank goodness, Detective Reynolds changes the subject. “Okay, you two can c
atch up later. Let’s talk about Jake. Turtle, could you please close the door and the blinds?” he says, as we all take a seat.
“First of all Mickke D, you’re on your own on this one. The mayor and the powers that be have decided that it would be in the best interest of the city to not pursue trying to find Jake on Mt. Pleasant. They feel it is just too dangerous after the last incident. We cannot be involved, but we can bring you up to speed on what we saw and heard.”
Connehey speaks up, “What about when we’re not on duty?”
Reynolds replies, “What you do on your time off is up to you, but just remember what I said, the police can’t be involved.”
“Mickke D, if you need any help, just let me know.” Connehey hands me his card.
“Thanks Ed, I appreciate that.” I give him my card.
The three men go into detail about what they saw, what they heard, and what they smelled on that fateful day on Mt. Pleasant. They all admitted they were scared that day and all three seemed extremely remorseful about the fact that they did not go in and look for Jake, especially Steve.
At the end of their descriptions, I add what I saw while I was in the cave and then I ask, looking directly at Steve, “Do you remember anything like this ever happening on Mt. Pleasant before?”
“Not that I can remember,” he replies. “There have been some small tremors over the years, but nothing like this. And it was only felt right where the cave was located.”
I stand up and shake everyone’s hand. “Thanks for the update, guys. I’m going to look around and see what I can find out. I’ll keep you updated.”
“Remember, Mickke D, don’t shoot any civilians.”
“Bad guys only, detective, bad guys only.”
CHAPTER 73
Von Spineback is still pissed. He lost everything except his freedom. He was put on trial for being an accessory in the killing of a local newspaper reporter. After three of the prosecutor’s star witnesses went missing, there was a mistrial and he was set free. He was forced to resign from Wilmont Gas & Oil and the majority of his assets were seized. He did not have a pot to piss in, or so everyone thought.
Terror Grips the Beach Page 14