by Matt Rogers
He turned to Raul. ’Take care of them.’
‘Of course. They’re not leaving my sight.’
‘Do you need the car?’
Raul paused. He cocked his head. ‘You’re going already?’
‘I’ve done my job.’
‘I know, but…’
‘I’m sorry. But I need some space. I have a few things in my life that I need to sort out.’
‘Of course. Completely understood.’
Raul crossed the room and held both arms wide. King embraced him and slapped him on the back, hard. ‘We did it, brother. We did it.’
When they parted, Raul had tears in his eyes. ‘I can’t put into words how thankful I am.’
‘I know,’ King said. ‘Don’t worry. I get it.’
‘How can I contact you?’
‘You can’t. I don’t have a phone.’
‘What about your family? Your friends?’
‘Don’t have any.’
‘Is that what this is? You’re finding a new life?’
‘I’ve been travelling for a while. Think it might be time to buy a place. Stay in one location.’
‘Here?’
‘Not a fucking chance.’
Raul laughed. ‘I was only joking. I don’t blame you.’
‘No offence intended, but I’ve had enough of Venezuela for a while.’
‘None taken. I wouldn’t blame you if you never came back here. Where are you thinking?’
‘Not sure yet. I hear Europe is nice this time of year.’
He turned and made for the door, nodding his goodbyes to the three of them. They watched him go like he was an apparition, someone who had simply appeared to fix all their problems and then shrink away into the shadows. Maybe that’s what he was. Maybe that’s all he was ever meant to be. He certainly hadn’t had time to look after himself.
King stepped out into a dusty Venezuelan evening. His ribs suddenly seared with pain. With all potential threats eliminated, his body had given up on suppressing the feeling. It came fast and strong, making him hunch slightly to ride out the agony. He fought the urge to cough. He knew it would only lead to another sharp burst of searing fire. He tried to ignore it and looked ahead.
The sun had begun its descent, melting into the horizon, casting an orange glow across the Caribbean Sea. The waves sparkled under the rays. He admired the view for a moment. Then he stepped down onto the gravel driveway and made for the pick-up truck running idly in the courtyard.
He got in and slammed the gearstick into drive and rolled away.
CHAPTER 50
Through the open front door, Raul watched the pick-up truck disappear over the edge of the road and vanish from sight. He was left amidst his family. He didn’t move for a long time. It was only after King had left that he realised just how incredulous their journey had been.
He turned to his mother and said in Spanish, ‘Are you okay?’
She nodded. ‘We’re together now. We’ll get through it. Luis will watch over us.’
Ana said, ‘Who was that man?’
Raul shrugged. He didn’t know what to say. ‘Just a guy.’
‘What did he do?’
Raul reminisced on the trail of destruction one American tourist had carved through the darkest depths of Venezuela. He shook his head in disbelief. ‘You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.’
He walked to the front door and closed it, feeling sorry for whoever decided to cross King’s path next.
Jason King will return…
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The Jason King Series
ISOLATED (Jason King Series Book 1)
IMPRISONED (Jason King Series Book 2)