Assassin's Redemption: Stolen Memories, #1

by Richard Allen Evans

  Adam's eyes were drawn to a one-column picture on the right side of the front page, just above the fold.

  The headline read, “Fullbright leads new CID team.”

  Adam stared at the picture in shock. The face was strikingly familiar. He started reading the article:

  “Beau Fullbright is the new chief of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Butcher County Sheriff's Department.

  The Silver Creek, Ky. native has been with the department for close to five years as a deputy,” the article read.

  “Silver Creek, Ky.?” Adam asked himself in a surprised tone as acid in his stomach began to boil and burn.

  He continued to read: Prior to that he spent a stint in the U.S. Army and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. 'I'm just grateful to Sheriff Thurman for the opportunity. It's very humbling to have someone place that kind of trust in me and to follow someone like Lonnie Rayburn is a tall order,' Fullbright said. Like his father - who was killed in Vietnam when Fullbright was an infant - he served in the U.S. Army.”

  Adam's vision blurred and his breathing got shallow. He feared he was having a heart attack. He tried to stand but his legs betrayed him and he collapsed on the floor. Severe nausea was building inside him. Adam crawled to the bathroom. As he did he was reminded of having to so as a young man in the muddy jungles of Vietnam. He could almost hear bullets whistling over his head and feel the ground tremble under him from mortar and artillery fire.

  Adam made it to the toilet where he threw up three times and dry-heaved at least five times before collapsing on the floor. His body was covered in cold sweat and he shook uncontrollably.

  “Fullbright's bought it,” echoed in his mind and just before he lost consciousness, he mumbled weakly, “No, Lord please, no.”

  ***

  Gene gave his statement to the FBI and gave them his clothes - they were covered in what once was his brother's brains. He took a shower and checked on his father, who was sedated and resting in his own bed wearing an oxygen mask. He found Cyprus talking with a couple of FBI agents and signaled to him. A couple of minutes later they were strolling in the dark across the vast lawn of the estate.

  Cyprus spoke into his cuff mike.

  “This is Command One. I have the boss. Repeat, I have the boss. Hold your positions until relieved. Next watch starts at 2200. Command One out,” he said.

  “What are the feds saying?” Gene asked.

  “The obvious. Your brother was killed by a high-caliber rifle. The shooter is likely a professional and he shot from the ridge overlooking the estate,” Cyprus said.

  “Have they asked why you didn't maintain a presence there?” Gene asked calmly.

  “Yes, they did,” Cyprus answered softly.

  “Do you mind telling me so that I will know and mind will be at ease?” Gene asked.

  “We had a man there but there was a miscommunication when the sheriff showed up at the main gate,” Cyprus answered.

  Gene stared at him with a look of disbelief and then smiled.

  “That's not bad. Put some of the blame on Thurman,” he said.

  “I thought you'd be pleased by that. By the way, I am impressed by your acting skills,” Cyprus said.

  “Thank you. I was prepared by years of listening to the bullshit Jack spewed over the years,” Gene said.

  “The plan seems to be working on schedule,” Cyprus said.

  “Yes it does, but let's be hasty. There's still a few steps to finish before we're through. By the way, what was that nonsense of a threat that Jack made earlier today?” Gene asked.

  He gave me money to bring in 'the Ghost.' He wanted to have you shot. Lucky for you, he trusted me with contacting the Ghost,” Cyprus said.

  “Jack was going to have me killed? I can't believe it. He finally showed some initiative,” Gene said.

  “He did,” Cyprus said.

  “How much money did he give you?” Gene asked

  “One hundred thousand — cash,” Cyprus said.

  “Damn tight wad. That was Jack's problem — he thought small. Where's the money now?” Gene asked.

  “The safe in the library,” Cyprus answered.

  “I am curious as to what Thurman was doing with a search warrant for Jack,” Gene said.

  “They didn't say other than it had to do with the murder of Savana Brooke,” Cyprus said.

  “We need to know what they're looking for and we need to know soon. Take the hundred grand and spend until you get some answers,” Gene said.

  “I'll have the financial records of each member of the sheriff's department searched. It might take a day or so, but I'll find at least one person in need of that much cash,” Cyprus said.

  “Good,” Gene said.

  Chapter Eight

  When they got ready to leave the estate, Chet got in the patrol car with Joe.

  “All of you go home and get some sleep. You've certainly earned it. I don't want to see any of you at the office tomorrow. Marcus, you go on home from here. I'll ride back to the station to get my car. Beau would mind taking Haley back for her vehicle?” Chet asked.

  “Not at all. You know, taking your own advice wouldn't hurt any,” Beau said.

  “You need to rest too Uncle Chet,” said Haley.

  “Don't worry, I plan to do just that right after supper,” Chet replied.

  As they drove out past the satellite trucks and TV news vans, Beau let out a low whistle.

  “Like a pack of wolves,” he said.

  “They have a job to do just like us,” Haley said.

  “I guess,” Beau said and glanced her way. “Are you okay?”

  “I'm fine, believe it or not I've seen much worse than that,” she said.

  “Even at that, it still weighs on you,” he said.

  “Mm-hm, it does,” Haley said. “But what bothers me even more was old man Raven yelling at Uncle Chet.”

  “Why was he yelling at Chet?” Beau asked.

  “He said Uncle Chet had been trying to arrest his sons for years. It was a pretty nasty attack. He really is a crazy old man. Raven even threatened Uncle Chet's family in front of several federal agents,” Haley said.

  “Did he threaten you?” Beau asked.

  “Like I said, he's just a crazy old man. I'm not too worried about it. I can watch out for myself,” she said.

  “I know you can but it does worry me. He is a crazy old man with money, he's unpredictable, and that makes him dangerous,” he said.

  She reached over and patted his leg.

  “I'll be okay. I'm a big girl. I carry a gun. Remember?” Haley asked.

  “Why don't you stay at my place tonight? If you want, I'll sleep on the couch,” Beau said.

  “That's very sweet of you to offer but I don't think it's a big deal,” she said.

  He gripped the steering wheel tightly. Haley could see his knuckles turning white.

  “It is to me,” Beau said.

  She chewed on her bottom lip for a few seconds.

  “I'll tell you what. Drop me off at my car. I'll go home and pack a bag. If you'll give me directions, I'll be at your house within the hour,” Haley said.

  “I guess that'd be okay. I'll order a pizza for supper. Sound okay?” He asked.

  “No onions,” she said.

  “No onions,” he agreed.

  ***

  Chet came home and almost collapsed into his recliner.

  “Put your feet up. I'll bring your supper,” Carlene said.

  “I'm not going to argue,” he said as he closed his eyes for a few seconds, enjoying the silence.

  In a couple of minutes Carlene emerged with a tray of food - pork roast, pinto beans, collard greens, cornbread, and a cold bottle of soft drink.

  “I didn't know you were preparing a feast Carlene,” he said as eyes opened in delight.

  She gestured to the television.

  “Local channels and cable news are covering the Raven assassination. I figured you got your fill of that. But I noti
ced one of your westerns is on cable if you'd like to watch,” she said.

  “God bless you woman. You know me too well,” Chet said took a bite of greens.

  “I like John Wayne too,” she said as sat on the couch.

  After Chet cleaned his plate, he filled Carlene on the day's events while they watched the Duke led the U.S. Cavalry through Monument Valley.

  “I'm sorry to hear about anyone being killed but the Ravens are evil people. They always have been,” she said.

  “Agreed. And I don't put much stock in Dal's threats but just in case I want you to carry your .38 special just in case,” Chet said.

  “I think you're right but I worry more about Haley than I do about us,” Carlene said.

  He grunted.

  “Speaking of Haley, I saw something interesting this morning. I intended to drop by and check on her on my way out to the school zones but when I got to her apartment, her car wasn't there but Beau's vehicle was,” Chet said.

  Carlene turned her head sideways.

  “You don't think,” she stopped herself.

  “According to her, he dropped her off late and came by to pick her up early. To thank him, she made him breakfast. Her story and she volunteered it,” he said with his right up as though he was taking an oath.

  “Hmmmm. It's not like her to volunteer any information like that. I wonder,” Carlene said.

  “Even if Beau spent the night it doesn't mean anything happened between them. You know Haley and you know Beau too for that matter,” Chet said.

  Carlene smiled conspiratorially.

  “What?” He asked.

  “Want to have a little fun?” She asked.

  “Well, I am tired and I just ate a heavy meal, but I can give it a try,” he said.

  She looked at him with a frown.

  “Not that kind of fun. I want to call her and see what she tells me,” Carlene said.

  “Oh, go ahead,” he chuckled in relief and patted his stomach.

  She picked up the handset and punched in the number. Carlene frowned again. This time it was a frown of worry.

  “No answer,” she said.

  Chet looked more worried than she would have liked.

  “I think I'll drive over there. Worst case scenario she's already asleep and has her phone turned off,” he said.

  Carlene thought for a moment as Chet stood up.

  “Wait. Let me try something else,” she said as she started punching in numbers on the phone again.

  “Beau? This is Carlene. I hope I'm not disturbing you. Good...oh, I'm fine. Listen dear, the reason I called is that I'm a little worried about Haley. Yes, I called her apartment and she isn't home. Oh...well, that's very nice of you...No, no. I'm just relieved that she's okay... If it's not too much trouble, by the way, I'm so sorry to interrupt your meal...Thank you,” she winked at Chet who chuckled and shook his head as she waited for Haley to pick up. “No dear, nothing is wrong. It's just that after everything that's happened today I was worried about you...No, I'm not worried now. Beau will keep you safe. And please apologize again, I didn't mean to disturb your meal...Yes, dear. I love you too. Good night.”

  Carlene placed the earpiece on the cradle.

  “It appears she and Mr. Fullbright are enjoying a pizza at his house this fine evening and are discussing evidence,” she said.

  “Hmmph. So that's what they're calling it these days,” Chet said.

  “Well, so much for sneaking around. It took Aunt Carly less than an hour to track me down,” Haley said.

  “I'm sorry Haley. I couldn't lie to her. She was worried and I couldn't let her keep worrying. C'mon,” he said as he patted the couch cushion. “Sit down and finish your supper.”

  She sat back down.

  “Maybe you're right. If I know Uncle Chet, he would have come looking for me if you hadn't told her the truth. And that would've been much worse,” Haley said as she picked up a slice of pizza.

  “I am sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot with your family,” he said.

  “You didn't. I've never been able to slip anything past Aunt Carly,” she said.

  They ate in silence for a couple of minutes.

  “Do you think they suspect anything between us?” Beau asked.

  Haley smiled.

  “I, uh, I think the cat might be out of the bag,” she said.

  “You think so?” He asked.

  “I know so,” Haley said as she took another bite.

  “How do you feel about that?” Beau asked.

  She took a sip of her soft drink.

  “The more I think about it, the less I care. I'm a responsible adult. I have a job, a car, and my own place. I have a right to live my life any way I choose,” Haley said.

  “But they're your family. They only want what's best for you,” Beau said.

  She laughed in disbelief.

  “Are you trying to guilt me?” Haley asked.

  “No, not at all. I'm just saying that they know you can do better. You certainly deserve better,” he said.

  She gave him a surprised look as she dropped her head sideways.

  “Are you..,” she stopped herself.

  “What?” He asked.

  “Are you through eating?” Haley asked in a huff.

  “Yeah, I guess so,” Beau said somewhat puzzled.

  “Good! I'm going to get comfortable and then you're going to hold me tightly while I tell you how wrong you are!” She said as she stomped off to the bedroom.

  “Uh, okay,” he said bewildered.

  He could hear the sound of clothes hangers being moved in the closet. And then her emanated from the bedroom.

  “I can't believe you! I really...uhhhh...can't,” Haley yelled as he could hear fabric being whipped around.

  Beau was confused and a little worried. She walked back into the living room wearing only one item — his blue flannel shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to the elbows and the shirt wasn't buttoned but she wrapped it around her and held it in place with her hands.

  With her shoulder length black hair cascading to her shoulders, she was without a doubt the sexiest woman Beau had ever seen. He was speechless.

  She stomped over and sat across his lap with her back leaning on the armrest of the couch.

  “Now put your arms around me and hold me,” Haley said as he silently complied.

  She rested her head on his chest and he felt her body shaking. He felt her tears on his chest.

  “I-I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm so sorry,” Beau said softly.

  “You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time,” Haley said.

  “I'm not sure I understand the problem,” he said.

  “Until you came along I could accept being alone and now... you've made me cry twice. I thought I was stronger than that,” her voice trailed away.

  He squeezed her tighter.

  “Then we're even because I feel the same way. I've never known anyone like you in my life and I'll hold you as long as you'll let me and you are strong — the strongest woman I've ever known,” he said.

  Haley sniffed.

  “What makes you say that?” She asked.

  He reached out and held her little finger.

  “Because you've managed to take something as small as this and wrap my whole body around it,” he said.

  She turned and kissed him.

  “Beau?”

  “Yes?”

  “Tell me about that place on the river again,” she said softly as he smiled and stroked her hair.

  ***

  Adam “Jeff” Jefferson found himself back at the Raven's Nest less than ten hours after leaving it. He was not happy to have to deal with Gene. Like everyone else, he was shocked when he the news about Jack — shocked, but not sorry.

  Jack's death was tragic - Jefferson always liked him. The upside was his dealings with Gene were over, perhaps forever. The bonus meant the Ravens would be denied the political power they sought.

  Sure, he
had courted them for their influence and financial support. Many people from both parties had over the years. Jefferson — like the others — found out too late what the Ravens expected in return for their friendship. There was also the fact that most of the family — especially Dal and Gene — were uncouth boors and unworthy of legitimate respect.

  Jefferson sat in the study where just twenty-fours before he smugly tried to squeeze two million additional dollars out of Gene to help out in the campaign.

  Gene walked in alone and Jefferson stood and extended his hand.

  “I just wanted to extend my condolences. Jack was a friend,” Jefferson said. Why not be magnanimous? The campaign was over.

  “Thank you Jeff,” Gene said as he shook his hand and gestured for him to sit.

  Jefferson sat down in the leather chair and Gene sat directly across from him.

  “I'm sure you're wondering why I called you back here,” Gene said.

  “As a matter of fact, I am,” Jefferson said.

  “To be blunt, you're still needed. With Jack dead, the party will have to pick a new nominee. The Raven family has pumped too much money into this campaign to turn it over to a stranger or give it to that...subhuman creature the Democrats nominated,” Gene said as Jefferson winced at the overt racism but brightened at the thought that the Ravens chose him to take Jack's place.

  He looked at Gene.

  “Are you asking me to run for the seat?” Jefferson asked.

  Gene let out a twisted laugh that made up in scorn what it lacked in mirth.

  “No, you twisted bastard! I want the nomination for myself and you're going to help me get it,” he said.

  “This is cold and calculating - even for you,” Jefferson in shock.

  “Perhaps. And voters will think that too if I come out say that I'm after the nomination. That's where you come in. You're going to make the rounds in the media with several other family friends, absolutely insisting that I'm the best man for the job,” Gene said with a cold smile.

  “You want the nomination thrust upon you,” Jefferson said.

  “That's a good way to put it. Who better to replace Jack Raven than the brother who knew him best?” Gene asked.

  As politically jaded as he was, even Jefferson was disgusted and his face showed it.

  “It will work. Having two dead brothers almost made Bobby Kennedy president,” Gene said.