Nightmare in Red

by Bernard Lee DeLeo

  Dabor suddenly screamed out a warning in Arabic. “Fire everything! It is a trap!”

  John pistol whipped Dabor to the hallway floor while Nick busted through the dead bolt, latch, and the man on the other side slow to move. “Stay here with Sidi! I need to work this.”

  With silenced MP5, Nick moved through the suite with deadly proficiency. After firing a three shot burst through the door answerer’s head, Nick ran into the suite. He killed a woman lounging on a couch with a short 9mm pattern across her face as she glanced toward him in shock. The next scurrying to greet him raised an AK47 but Nick’s next tight pattern stitched up through the AK47 and the man’s chest. The Terminator put a round through the man’s head as he ran by. He saw a nearly naked young woman running toward the balcony with an RPG-7 rocket launcher, trying to get it raised to fire out the balcony at anything. Nick fired at her legs, dropping her screaming in anguish while the rocket launcher clattered to the floor next to her. Nick approached her warily into range around the couch she had pitched head first behind. She lie writhing on the other side. He fired a three shot group into her head.

  John and Gus, dragging along the very frightened Sidi, tread carefully around the dead bodies left in the Terminator’s wake. Nick joined them after securing the suite. He gripped Dabor’s chin.

  “Oh my. You should not have done that Dabby-Do. Duct tape his mouth. It’s only in space where you can’t be heard to scream but duct tape’s not bad either.”

  Gus duct taped Sidi’s mouth as he opened it to plead for mercy not available. John threw him on the floor, kneeling across the already restrained man as Gus did on the other end. Nick removed his scalpel from the equipment bag and eviscerated Sidi until his entrails spilled out in a steaming heap. Nick poured the bleach from his bag without hesitation or remorse, ignoring the keening wail as Sidi went into violent convulsions, nearly bucking Gus off. It took only two more applications and twenty minutes of pain so intense Sidi broke all the teeth in his mouth. His eyes went suddenly blank after filling with blood hemorrhaging from inside. Nick handed his MP5 to John and walked away without another glance to the balcony overlooking the port. He breathed deeply for a few moments.

  “It’s done, Clyde. We’re leaving now. Sidi had to pay the toll for an indiscretion at the door.”

  “I heard. Paul checked out a moment ago to get everything needed speeding to the suite. You’re all clear. He said to leave everything and everyone where they fell.”

  “Understood.”

  Nick turned to see John and Gus finish packing their gear. “Let’s go have a drink, boys. I’ve had enough terrorist warfare for tonight. We’re in until morning now. Let’s make the most of it. I hope my crew walked the Dekester.”

  “The book signing tomorrow will take on a different context after tonight,” Gus said. “It will be a small pleasure to be talking with readers about fictional assassins and sailing.”

  “Yes, but what about the formidable Book Killers and Grammar Nazis,” John asked as The Unholy Trio cleared the doorway. “Muerto may get some rough customers at the book-signing. I am looking forward to the adventure.”

  “You should have gone with us in Washington,” Nick said.

  John shrugged. “I thought you guys were joking about the action and I was mooning over my Cala. Since becoming engaged, I must set an example for Payaso in how to attend happenings where the wife or fiancé might object to any absence by the husband or suitor.”

  “Your time fast approaches when the truth of my wisdom will be clear to see,” Gus replied. “I’d like to say I’m glad we’re out of the terrorist business for a while, but we still have the Kaders to screw around with. We left that hanging after your attitude adjustment of the Kader ranks. Did that halfway sensible one contact you?”

  “Just to say he needed more time. I was happy to give it because we needed the time too.” Nick followed Gus and John to the elevator. “After all this, I may have a short fuse concerning the Kaders. We have three days of book signings. Today will be the biggest at the Harvard. We have a day off tomorrow between signings. I promised Rachel and the kids we’d go to Salem on the ferry to check out the witch town. I know you two heard everyone talking about it. Are you guys going or not?”

  Gus hesitated as he saw John staring at him with a big grin. He shrugged. “Yes, I’m going. What the hell are you grinning at, Kabong?”

  “Nothing, oh wise one. You have your orders and are carrying them out superbly for the Tyrannosaurus Tina. Do not fear, your friend and bodyguard El Kabong will be going too. Cala wants to see the witches and ride the ferry too.”

  “A wise decision, Kabong,” Gus replied. “Besides, Salem will be a treat after the first part of our stay here in lovely Boston. I know Muerto thought he would be lounging around the suite eating chips and dip while sucking down boilermakers, but the sanctity of marriage caught him in its compromising trap.”

  “What compromising trap, maestro of marriage?”

  “Rachel lets you kill at will and she gets to steer you on tourist jaunts, Muerto.”

  Nick held his key card next to his suite door to unlock it. “Only you would need to qualify everything you do, Payaso. He is right, John. There’s a give and take, especially in our field of endeavor. When we find mates willing to overlook our rather violent career choice, we need to placate them as much as possible. I have the upper hand on Payaso because I saved Rachel and Jean during our flight across country when the Tanus group and my old boss were trying to kill us. Come in, and let’s relax. We’re going to Salem. It’s a done deal.”

  They stopped abruptly. Their entire band of what Tina labeled the killer ‘Addams Family’ stood watching The Unholy Trio enter, including Jean’s guest Sonny and Deke the dog. Deke ran over to sit on Nick’s shoe.

  “Well?”

  It dawned on Nick the reason for the greeting. “Sorry. All is well on the Eastern Front. The Unholy Trio was discussing book-signings and Salem Ferry trips. Did you walk Deke?”

  The relief showed itself in smiles and closer pairing between couples. Nick hugged Rachel. “I didn’t know this one worried you. I wish I could have stayed in touch for updates but it wasn’t possible. We averted another huge incident even larger than the Middletown, Ohio close call on their recruiting station. It appears Isis dupes are getting desperate for a successful assault on our country. The reason I asked about Deke was we were told to stay inside tonight. Our Isis party couples have been served their eviction notices.”

  “We walked him on the Harbor Walk near the water. It was beautiful.” Rachel moved enticingly within Nick’s grasp. “I was hoping to spend a little time with you here enjoying the view from our room if that rascal Quinn gives us an opportunity.”

  Jean danced around with pumping fist. “Yes! We’re going to see where they burned all the witches.”

  “They didn’t burn witches there. They hung them,” Nick corrected. “One guy was pressed to death with rocks on boards placed over him. No burnings though.”

  “Really?” Jean gave Nick her suspicious glare. “You didn’t just make that up, did you?”

  Nick took a deep breath. “When exactly did I start lying to you, Viper?”

  “Just checking. You’re going with us, right?”

  “Yes. We’re all going. Even Cala wants to see what the witch business is all about. If you will excuse us, we’re hitting our very nice suite bar and ordering some food. You are all welcome to come along. We have no secrets to keep tonight. How many of you are going to the book-signing tomorrow?”

  Nick grinned as he saw only Sonny’s hand start to go up before Jean locked it down. “I guess it will only be ‘The Unholy Trio’ then.”

  Cala yanked on John’s hand, whispering in his ear. John smiled at Gus. “No Cala, I’ll be going with Nick and Gus tomorrow. You are free to do anything you please.”

  Cala pursed her lips slightly but then smacked John’s hand. “Okay for you, Kabong.”

  “What glorious places do
you and your companions plan to see any better than around the Harvard Book Store,” Gus asked Tina.

  “Speaking only for myself and with no slight meant to Gomez, I’d rather lie here on the floor and commune with the ceiling than go to that bookstore again,” Tina replied. “The only reason I’m letting you go is because Gomez wrote you into the novels as a character. Book sales and readers interested in some seafaring sidekick to an assassin seem dependent on your appearances. God knows why. It’s Pulp Fiction, except in this eerie ‘Addams Family’, where Gomez and you have made it a reality.”

  “You’re letting me?” Gus glowered at Tina, hearing the snorting amusement from Nick and John, they tried and failed to hold back. “They don’t call you ‘Cousin Itt’ for nothing. Lately, I’ve even heard the phrase ‘Tyrannosaurus Tina’ mentioned in passing. You seem to be set on illustrating your new nicknames at every occasion, T.”

  Tina gasped, her hands shooting to her hips. “Oh no you didn’t!”

  “Uh oh… c’mon, Sonny, we need to go over to the bar and get a soda,” Jean said, pulling on Sonny’s arm. “This is going to be like a live reality show ‘when friends attack’ or something.”

  “What part ‘didn’t’ you understand,” Gus asked. “You’d better run the sentence through your head a few more times about you letting me do anything. I’m not discussing this with you here, but damn, woman? I don’t mind joking around and compromising on most subjects. Whether I’m allowed to do something isn’t even in your purview, lady. I don’t forbid you to do anything. I expect the same courtesy from you.”

  The rage drained from Tina’s features in an instant as she realized what she had said. “Oh hell… I’m sorry, baby. I let my mouth run off about the book signing to sting Gomez. Of course I don’t run you. I get it though. I’m too snarky, but Tyrannosaurus Tina? Really, you guys?”

  General amusement ensued as Gus enfolded his T-Rex Tina in his arms. “Yeah… sometimes you get carried away with the snark, baby. I’m taking too much heat from my brothers in the ‘Unholy Trio’. I have to draw the line somewhere or they’ll be buying me nose-rings and shit.”

  Tina laughed. “I’ll do better. I am sorry about the permission innuendo.”

  “Accepted,” Gus replied. “Let’s have a drink unless Cala wants to slap John around a little more about his not behaving.”

  “I think not,” Cala said. “It appears I was for a moment beginning to take over the overbearing nickname slot. I think I will be Circumspect Cala instead of Conniving Cala.”

  “After saving the Boston Harbor, I may have two drinks,” Nick said.

  “We’ll see how long that limit lasts once the tastin’ begins,” Gus said. “I think four would be a more equitable sipping reward with this wonderful view and the book signing not starting until 1 pm. We did after all save the Queen Mary II in addition to the harbor.”

  “You did?” Jean ran back over with Sonny. “Is the Queen Mary ship here?”

  “No. It’s due into port soon with special guests aboard we cannot speak of,” Nick answered. “As Gus said, we saved it by ending the threat which would have caused massive destruction to the harbor as well as the Queen Mary.”

  “Can we go see the Queen Mary II, Dad?”

  “Sure. Don’t expect a ticker tape parade or anything, but I could get us an invitation to go on board. Paul would get it for me. If they gave him a bad time about it, he’d threaten to take back the save.”

  After much amusement over Nick’s Queen Mary II invitation plot, Tina said, “we should all go on a cruise together. I’ve heard on the radio about famous authors or celebrities going on cruises, signing books, and giving talks. You could do that, Gomez.”

  “It would be just our luck to be attacked by pirates,” Rachel said.

  Nick, who had been moving quietly toward the bar, stopped in his tracks. “Did you say pirates? Do they still attack cruise ships? I thought the cruise ships had some kind of defense against boarders – tight beamed sonic pulse weapons.”

  “The pirates still attack,” Gus said. “Some cruise lines don’t permit deadly weapons on board. Back in 2009 they attacked the cruise ship Balmoral when the ship sailed into Somali waters. The security team fashioned guns out of wood to frighten the pirates. Naturally, it was a US Navy ship that ended the threat.”

  Nick motioned everyone toward the bar. “I must hear more of treacherous pirates while I drink grog until the sun comes up.”

  “That would be so cool! El Muerto and the Unholy Trio against the pirates of the Caribbean,” Jean said. She and Sonny angled for seats nearest the Unholy Trio core.

  “You have a book signing,” Rachel reminded him. “No grog drinking until morning for you Captain Muerto.”

  “Arrrrrrhhhh… there be more important events than book signings, lass,” Nick stated, pouring whiskey for his Unholy Trio partners. “El Muerto needs more information on these pirates. Muerto will turn the tables on these varlots!”

  “Don’t even think about going on a binge tonight, Muerto,” Rachel warned. “Mrs. Muerto has other plans.”

  Nick grinned. “Okay. The Reader’s Digest version of events please, Gus.”

  “Nothing much to tell,” Gus replied. “The Cruise ship owners don’t want accidents. They have the faster boats, too large to be boarded easily. They can simply outrun a pirate skiff.”

  “If they know it is there,” John remarked. “Why could the pirates not sneak in close at night time and sabotage the ship so it could not move?”

  “The ships have water canons and nonlethal weapons like the sonic one Nick mentioned. They also employ a larger security force than even cargo ships have,” Gus said. “They’re so afraid of hurting someone and being sued, they’d rather chance having their ships hijacked.”

  “That’s ridiculous.” Nick sipped his whiskey with a frown. “The Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship ‘Oasis of the Seas’ is twenty stories high. It cost one and a half billion dollars to make that thing. Do you mean to tell me they’d chance losing it to avoid hurting pirate sensibilities? Hell, I could protect a damn cruise ship with an M107 sniper rifle and an M134 GAU-17 Gatling Gun. Arrrrrhhhh… there would be no prisoners.”

  “You’re going to scare the kids, Gomez,” Tina said.

  Jean and Sonny listened intently only voicing avid protests when Tina tried to cut off the talk. “Go on, Dad. Don’t let T-Rex Tina boss you around.”

  “Jean!” Tina tried to hold her shocked expression but lost the battle as everyone else enjoyed Jean’s imploring statement for Nick to continue. Tina shrugged. “There’s no censoring anything around Wednesday Addams.”

  “It’s just that I can think of a thousand ways the pirates could approach and cripple a cruise ship, including infiltrating the crew or security team. That would be the best way. Have a mole inside the crew to either sabotage the ship or help their pirate shipmates to come aboard. I bet there aren’t any Israeli ships being threatened. They don’t play that ‘catch and release crap’ with anyone. Damn… now I want to go on a pirate hunt. It must be the booze talking after a long day.”

  “I could imagine going on a cruise,” Jean said. “The pirates that attacked the ship we were on would sure be surprised… and dead. They don’t allow passengers to bring weapons on board. How would you stop a pirate attack on a cruise ship we were on, Dad?”

  “Good question. If the pirates get on board because of infiltration or stupidity by the ship’s crew the first order of business would be to stay away from the surrendering idiots in the crew. Also we would have to stay away from the crying and whining victim passengers. The pirates mostly have AK47’s. I’d take one from them and go to work. The pirate hunt would be on then.”

  “Easy to say, Gomez,” Tina retorted, “but what about if the pirates took hostages and threatened to kill them if you didn’t surrender?”

  “Heh…heh.”

  Gus and John enjoyed Nick’s small rejoinder to Tina with enthusiasm. Tina elbowed Gus. “What the hell are
you laughing at?”

  “Muerto would make sure everyone he cared about was hidden away and safe,” Gus explained. “Apparently you would assume Muerto would adopt everyone aboard as anything other than collateral damage.”

  “Sorry, Tina, Gus is right. I know what happens when there is hesitation in combat. Yes, it would be very possible innocent people would die if I fight the pirates. We could of course all surrender and let a bunch of ragtag shitheads piss all over us for months while the government and cruise line barter for our release. That’s not me. I’ll save as many people as I can, but the pirates all die.”

  “You mean if a pirate has one of those AK47’s you talk about pointed at a bunch of innocent people, you wouldn’t give up to save them?”

  “I don’t think you’re seeing the big picture, Tina. I don’t care about a bunch of innocent people. I would shoot the pirate in the head and each and every one of his buddies until they were all dead. Would they get off some shots that killed and wounded innocent people? Probably. It would be best for all aboard if they didn’t surrender without first consulting with Captain Muerto.”

  Nick’s cold explanation of reality with him in it during a pirate attack garnered surprise only from Tina and Cala. Their perception of Nick’s cold blooded killer persona was not yet fully developed enough to realize how uncaringly deadly he could get. Even Sonny had no illusions about Nick after the way Nick handled his parents and the Kaders on the walk to the beach. He instinctively knew Nick would kill anyone or anything without hesitation.

  Tina stared at Nick trying to grasp his easy going nature façade with what she knew he did and would do. “I guess this is why the wives don’t want to know what the Godfather does in the mob families. This is a bad thing to ask in front of the kids, but doesn’t the act of killing make you hesitate?”

  Gus patted her hand. “I was with Nick when I talked him out of retirement. We went to the sand, he did his thing, and we left on a boat. An Iranian gunboat, The Majid, came after us. Nick fired an EMP shot with an M136 launcher that made the gunboat dead in the water. Did we leave? Nope. Nick vaporized the damn boat with three other loads until the fuel tank blew. When I asked him why we didn’t just leave with the boat dead in the water he said, ‘I don’t like being hunted… even when I deserve it. I’ve never asked for mercy, and I don’t issue it in return… even if I’m begged to’. I’ve never forgotten that line. You shouldn’t either, T.”