They- The Beginning

by K C Norrie

  Jonesy paused, with a strange expression of atonement on his face.

  "And there you have it," he finally said. "You say the dead rise in Jai` Doro? I guess I've ended up in the right place after all," and this time it was Jonesy who laughed.

  Paul laughed too, but only politely. He didn't feel like laughing. He felt a shadow had become aware of him and he wanted to hide.

  ****

  Three days later that Jonesy brought up a new idea.

  "I used to have a knack for tinkering with radios back in the army, remember?"

  Paul nodded.

  "I think I could open a radio repair shop or a small appliance repair. What do you think?"

  "That may be a promising idea eventually," Paul answered, "but here in Jai` Doro there won't be much of a need, as all the radio's and toasters or any other such things are brand new. The people have had electricity in their homes for less than a year."

  "I was thinking Sao Cachito. I looked it over before I came here. I didn't see any such business. What gave me the idea was I saw a woman in Texas buying a new toaster. She told me her old one was broken. On my journey here, I couldn't stop thinking that repairing things was something I could do. I still have enough of the money to start up. The only thing stopping me is the language. I wondered if Linde could teach me enough Spanish to get by."

  Paul nodded. It seemed a reasonable plan.

  "Are you sure you will be happy so far away from your family?"

  "I can't ever go back. I've made my bed so to speak. Those men I owe money to will be looking for me. By now the money has more than doubled what I owe."

  Paul felt the shadow.

  "Can you perhaps send them a payment? Would that help?"

  "It's too late. I had a month to start making weekly payments. I've missed too many. Anyway, I don't want them to know where I am and if I sent a payment, then they would know. I am afraid of what they may do if they find me. I'm sorry Paul. The last thing I want to do is bring danger to your family. It seems I've done everything wrong since my discharge. Once I get settled in Sao Cachito, things will safe for you again."

  Perhaps they would be. But right now, Paul felt unsafe. To protect his family, Paul moved Jonesy into a tiny abode on the outskirts of Jai` Doro. It was a reasonable walking distance to Paul's home. "Uncle Jonesy" came by for dinner a few times a week and Linde agreed to teach him Spanish in the afternoons.

  ****

  Paul's parents still subscribed to Galveston's local newspaper, keeping them in touch with the world, national and local news.

  It was delivered weekly, but by the time it reached them in Jai` Doro, by truck, boat and buggy and whatever other means it took to get it there, the news was weeks old.

  One morning, while he visited them, Paul's mother asked him to fetch something from a drawer in her kitchen. The newspaper was sitting nearby and caught his eye. The article mentioned Hillsdale Kentucky. He brought his mother the item as he recalled that Hillsdale Kentucky was where Jonesy came from.

  He asked to borrow the newspaper and took it back to the office. Once there, he began to read the "Family Killed Execution Style" story that caught his attention.

  Four family members were found murdered execution style in the quiet town of Hillsdale Kentucky on Tuesday. The four members of the Jones family were well known in the area as they owned and operated the local mortuary and funeral home. An employee discovered the bodies when reporting for work.

  "Nothing ever happens here," stated deputy Kelly Winters who was the first to arrive on the scene. "But it was here that I walked into the most gruesome scene you could ever imagine." The sheriff's office has no suspects at this time, but they are interviewing neighbors, friends, and other family members in search of answers. They would like to speak to a son who no longer lives in the area.

  "He is not a suspect at this time, but we do wish to speak to him. There are rumors of bad blood. Hopefully when he hears news of this, he will come forward".

  Paul was stunned. He didn't know how to proceed. Jonesy would have to be told, though he would have missed the funerals of his family by now. The newspaper was dated over a month old. Perhaps Jonesy could enlist the help of Kentucky's local law enforcement to help bring justice to his family. These extortionists should not be allowed to walk free. They had proved themselves dangerous men. There were laws to protect from such.

  When he arrived at Jonesy's place it was mid-afternoon. Jonesy was outside tending a little garden patch he had started.

  Paul held the newspaper for him to see.

  "You have to see this," he said pointing to the article.

  ****

  When Jonesy finished, Paul suggested giving up the idea of opening a business and going back home to work with the authorities in Kentucky.

  "You must demand justice for your family," Paul told him. "These men cannot be allowed to roam free."

  But Jonesy would have none of it though he grieved and cried openly for his lost family.

  "I can't go back there," he insisted. "They'll kill me too. They're still waiting for me. Can't you see?" He paused at Paul's incredulous expression. "The police won't help me. These men have the police in their back pocket. It may be the sheriff himself who killed my family. They would have paid him or threatened him. If I go back, they'll try to pin it on me. It's a trap to lure me back."

  He broke down inconsolable. No matter what Paul said, Jonesy would not listen to reason.

  Paul returned to his office deep in thought. Jonesy was enveloped in danger; a dangerous man. This placed Paul's family at risk. Jonesy's family would not have known of his whereabouts, would they? Had he written to them since arriving here this year past?

  But was it over now? Had the pound of flesh been paid or would the search for Jonesy continue? The biggest question was where these men would search next. He didn't know any of Jonesy's other friends and hopefully they didn't know of Paul.

  Hopefully and God willing, with any luck, they would not come here; but Paul didn't believe in luck.

  For the first time in years, Paul was afraid. He wanted to run away, taking his family along with him. But that could not be done; he had a responsibility here.

  He decided that Jonesy had learned enough Spanish. He helped him find a place to open his repair business in Sao Cachito.

  An ideal space was found. It held one small room in front that faced the street, to be used for the business. Living quarters could be set up in the back room. It needed a lot of work, but Jonesy insisted he was up to it.

  ****

  In the following weeks, Paul found it difficult to not to snatch up his parent's newspaper as soon as it arrived on Wednesdays. He sat patiently through the morning red tea visits on Thursday mornings, until it was time for him to leave for work. He casually took the newspaper with him to read at his office. His mother knew to save it for him now. She knew not to clip any recipes until he returned it to her the next day.

  And so it was she, who unknowingly brought him devastating news one morning.

  She was pouring the red tea.

  "My heart nearly dropped out of my chest after reading the Gazette last night. Just wait until you see." She pointed to an article on the third page.

  "See here," she continued. "Paul Mateo," she placed a finger under the printed name. "He was murdered. I knew it wasn't you of course... but still… seeing the name of your son in an article such as this..."

  Local Bar Owner Murdered

  The police are looking for any information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers of a sixty-year-old pub owner, found shot to death in his place of business on Sunday night. Paul Mateo was discovered by employees reporting to work on Monday morning. Mateo was the long-time owner of The Treasure Chest a popular pub located on Portside Beach.

  "He was such a nice man," his employees said of him. "We are shocked. He would not have had enemies. Not Paul. Who would have done such a thing to such a kind man? He will be greatly missed."


  Robbery did not appear to be a motive. Money in the cash register appeared untouched, and the deceased was still wearing a gold watch when discovered.

  Anyone with information concerning the crime is asked to contact the local police.

  Paul was speechless. He read the article twice, unable to concentrate enough to comprehend all the words; but he understood enough. He felt the blood drain from his face. He could not swallow the mouthful of breakfast he had already taken before reading the item. He sipped his red tea trying to act normal for his mother's sake, but she noticed anyway.

  "Something is wrong, what is wrong? What is it?"

  "Something I just remembered," he said quickly to hide his alarm. "I need to leave, sorry mother." Paul kissed her on the cheek and left but he didn't go to the Prefeito's office. He went to see Jonesy.

  By the time he arrived at Jonesy's place in Sao Cachito, it was noon. He parked his horse cart in front of the Fechado sign on Jones Oficina.

  He wondered why the business was closed.

  Paul knocked, but there was no answer. He peeked in the window and looked in. The last time Paul was here there was much work to be done.

  Now six weeks later, the walls that had needed painting, gleamed fresh. There were new shelves put up and newly purchased tools stood neatly in their places against the walls. A cash register sat on a counter. But there was no sign of repair work to be done. No toasters, radios, or lamps that needed taking care of. Still, businesses took time.

  Paul went around to the back of the building where Jonesy had set up living quarters. He knocked first, and then tried the door when no one answered. The door was unlocked.

  "Jonesy!" Paul called out.

  No one answered. Paul stepped inside. The living quarters looked just as pristine as the business. In the corner sat a neatly made up cot, for a bed. A small stove held a tea pot with the makings for the red tea.

  Jonesy always bought red tealeaves and syrup when he came to Jai` Doro. He'd come three times since moving here. He drank the tea with a teaspoon of the syrup added. Paul didn't think you were supposed to drink it that way.

  "It's only for when you get sick, he explained."

  But Jonesy wouldn't listen.

  "I'd rather not wait until then," was always his explanation.

  A small sitting area with a comfortable chair held an expensive floor model radio.

  Paul left. He looked up and down the street wondering where Jonesy had gone.

  It was past lunchtime and he was hungry. It was a long way back to Jai` Doro. He decided to eat something and check back for Jonesy after. If he still could not find him, Paul would leave a note inviting him to dinner in Jai` Doro.

  He stepped into a pub named Ignacio's located just few buildings down. The pub was dimly lit, so Paul did not see Jonesy, at first. He ordered coffee and a meal before noticing a group of men playing cards in the back corner, Jonesy among them. Paul started to call out to him and then stopped. He considered the reasons Jonesy fled to Jai' Doro in the first place and wondered if he had started gambling again… spending the stolen money to end up over his head in debt once more.

  Paul stood from the table feeling somewhat betrayed; but as he stood, Jonesy noticed him.

  "Paul?" he cried out.

  Paul watched Jonesy settle funds with the men and come over.

  "Sit down. I'll buy you lunch," Paul told him.

  They made small talk during meal. Paul asked about the business. Jonesy asked about Paul's family. When they were finished, they walked back to Jonesy's shop.

  Jonesy broke down as soon as they entered.

  "I'm sorry Paul. I can see by your face you think I let you down. I know how it looks, but I'm not really gambling this time. I just took a day off from the shop. I haven't any customers yet and I'm trying to meet people. Just give me a chance. You'll see."

  Paul nodded. He told Jonesy about the death of Paul Mateo the bartender.

  Again, Jonesy broke down. Again, Paul tried to get him to contact the police at the number the article had requested. Again, Jonesy explained that he could not do that. He didn't trust the police.

  Paul explained the best he could that he needed to take steps to protect his family.

  "Until we know for certain that these men will not come here, I will need to have Linde and the boys stay somewhere else. You and I must cut ties. Do not come to Jai` Doro. Danger surrounds you. I will explain to Linde and make excuses to the boys for your absence. I can have someone deliver the tea to you, but no letters or messages. Do you understand?"

  Jonesy nodded and said something unintelligible. Paul made out the word sorry, but he didn't listen. He could no longer bear the expense of Jonsey as a friend. He regarded him as a burden… a dangerous albatross.

  ****

  He drove the cart home to Linde.

  He told her about Jonesy and what he had done; how he was living on stolen money… the murder of his family in Kentucky earlier. He showed her the newspaper article about the other Paul Mateo and what had happened to him.

  "What if they found the newspaper article Paul Mateo showed Jonesy? It tells them exactly where we are."

  "But Jonesy took the newspaper article with him. He showed it to you. Surely the other Paul Mateo would not have had two articles in his possession," she said.

  Jonesy had offered to give the copy of the article to him, but Paul had refused it. The article had been written shortly after his election to office. His mother kept a copy, and she had sent another to Linde.

  "But they may have questioned him. The other Paul may have told them about Jonesy's search for me. He may have remembered the name Jai` Doro from the article."

  Paul failed to convince Linde she was in danger. "Surely they would not come here. They would need passports and such. They are criminals. Surely, they would be denied. But running away sounds a good idea. Perhaps my husband has been working too hard. Perhaps our family should take a vacation away. People speak of Rio and I've always wanted to see it. What do you say my love? Should we venture out into the world and get lost in it for a little while? All our worries and problems can stay at here to patiently await our return."

  ****

  Linde was right. Far across on the other side of the country, their little family enjoyed the beach, swimming, and sailing. They watched sunsets. They visited Christ the Redeemer statue and other wondrous sights.

  From here, looking across the vast ocean, Paul felt humbled. Here his problems seemed small and insignificant. How could one person ever be found in such a big world? He felt safe—for a little while.

  When the time came to return home, Paul was filled with a dread that he could not explain. He felt as if he were returning to the battle lines with his family alongside him. He was helpless to protect them and could not guarantee their survival.

  During the journey home, Linde convinced Paul to contact the authorities in the United States himself and tell what he knew of Jonesy and the men who were looking for him. Paul convinced Linde to stay with her parents for a while until these men were behind bars.

  "But what will people think?" she bemoaned. "People will think we are separated. The women will come after you, and you will not be able to defend yourself."

  Paul laughed. He loved her so.

  Chapter 29

  They had been home for only a few weeks when Paul received a call from Linde's mother that Linde had not returned yet after running back to the house for something for the boys.

  "She left about ten. It is now two. I cannot imagine what could be keeping her. Could you go check?"

  Paul was out of his chair before he even hung up the phone. His heart pounded into his ears as he walked up his front walk.

  "Linde!" he began calling out. It was too quiet. He could hear his footsteps crunch on gravel as he forced himself toward his front door, which he could see was standing open.

  "Linde!" He pushed the door carefully as the quiet pounded in his ears.

  He found he
r in the hallway. She lay face up with her chest full of blood, her heart destroyed from a bullet hole. Her eyes were still open. Paul hoped she hadn't suffered. Her left hand still held the little blue bear she had come for. Paul's gun, which he kept in the nightstand beside their bed, lay beside her right hand. Whoever had done this had left it there beside her. It told the story. They hadn't had the chance to question her about Jonesy. She must have heard someone enter the house, and she'd met them in the hallway with the gun in her hand. Maybe she shot one of them. He hoped she had, but he could see no blood except for hers.

  While Linde lay dead on the floor, every drawer and cupboard in the house had been spilled of its contents. Looking for what? Evidence of Jonesy?

  Paul's heart shattered. His reasoning shut down. He locked both the front and back doors so no one would be able to come in.

  He sat on the floor beside Linde and held her dead hand. Never again would he feel its warmth. He would not close her eyes. No longer would he be able to look into them. He memorized her face. She would never again smile and laugh for him.

  Eventually they would come for her. When they did, he would not let them take her. He would not let them toll that bell and write her name on that plaque. He would not let them turn her to ashes.

  They broke the door down. They filled the house. They took Linde away from him. The bell tolled… three tolls.

  The priest, Father Benji kept talking and praying for Linde. Linde. The women cleaned the blood and dressed her in the bedroom, while Paul pounded on the door, ordering them to give her back. The Police Chief, Mario Jaimez, who was also Linde's Uncle, told him they had captured three men. They were armed and tried to break into Paul's office. "We overpowered them. There were four of them. One was shot to death, and the others surrendered. We have them locked up in the jail."