Hell on Earth

by Bernard Lee DeLeo

  “They get it off YouTube,” Johnny said. “Black kids on buses, street corners, stores, you name it – they attack in packs. They hurt and kill people. A gang of them put Dev’s wife in a coma in the North Bay, doing that ‘Polar Bear’ game, where they sucker-punch a white person walking down the street. Cheese and his guys ended that. The videos are there to be seen by these kids.”

  “When we grew up, we at least had basic empathy for other human beings,” Gus replied. “These kids laugh and giggle while they do this stuff. When we go to the school board meeting, we need to take our A-game. I called Justin Rivers’ parents. They’re not too thrilled about confronting those parents again. Johnny and I have been keeping an eye on their house. We thought the bully parents would try and intimidate them from testifying.”

  “That’s good thinking. How far away do they live?”

  “Jay lives between us and Gus,” Jean piped in. “He’s a good kid. He’s kinda’ geeky and gets straight A’s. Jay helped Sonny and I to understand beginning Algebra concepts. Mom was no help at all.”

  “What! I helped. I know more math than Clarice. Does she even know how to add, Sonny?”

  “Rach!” Nick admonished, causing toned down amusement. “Phil and Clarice do not enter into the McCarty State of the Union address.”

  “I…I think they’re going to throw us under the bus at the meeting, Nick,” Sonny admitted. “I heard them whispering when they thought I was asleep. They may have even contacted the other parents to let them know they would back their statements.”

  Rachel turned bright red in the face, shuffled Quinn to Nick, and walked to the deck window with arms crossed. She remained silent.

  “Solid warning,” Nick told Sonny. “We can get ahead of it. Do you have an idea as to why those kids attacked Jay? I didn’t ask, but were any of them girls.”

  “Two, Dad,” Jean answered. “One was using her cell-phone to take a video of it. I took it away from her after I slapped her down. Before I gave it back to her, Sonny uploaded the video to our phones. I smacked down the two girls and kicked one of the boys in the nards. Cracker took down the other three boys. We… what’s wrong?”

  Nick grinned hugely at his compatriots in the Unholy Trio. Cala answered for him.

  “You have proof of what they did, Jean,” Cala told her. “That’s huge.”

  “It sure as hell is,” Rachel dived back into her chair. “When exactly did you plan on letting us know about this video, Wednesday Addams?”

  Jean hesitated before speaking, looking for help from Sonny.

  “She didn’t want to use the video unless she had to,” Sonny answered. “Jay begged us not to show anyone. They made him cry and… well… you know. We didn’t get there in time to help before they got started on him.”

  Rachel relaxed immediately, gripping Jean’s hand. “Well played. I understand. I’ll handle that part. I will demand a one-time private showing for the school board. If I get any grief about it, I’ll make Muerto shoot them all in the head.”

  Caught unawares, Nick nearly spewed beer through his nostrils. While sputtering and pointing warning fingers at Rachel, Nick saw through tear filled eyes Rachel had lightened the mood considerably. He recovered to much enthused enjoyment over her delivery. “I heard you made the bullies cry.”

  Jean’s mouth tightened into a thin-lipped predator’s smile. “Oh yeah. Cracker and I taught them a lesson they won’t ever forget.”

  Nick leaned forward, sitting the giggling Quinn on the table, supported by his hands. “What were the damages involved in the lesson?”

  “The girl taking the movie wailed like a baby when I slapped her down and took the phone. The other girl started that out of control slapping stuff like she thought she was in a girl fight. I did the strike you taught me when that happens. I busted her nose with a left undercut and leg whipped her to the floor. She started bawling so I ran over to where the boys ganged up on Cracker and kicked one. He screamed like a tea kettle into a fetal position.” Jean hesitated and then shrugged. “Cracker side-kicked one in the stomach who charged him. He threw up and cried. The biggest one thought he was a boxer, moved on Cracker, jabbing away. A straight right hand strike to his solar plexus sent him to the floor, gasping for breath. Cracker followed through on the third boy with a roundhouse kick to the temple. I…I may have started kicking to make sure no one got up, like you taught us. Cracker stopped me.”

  “It’s good we don’t have any video record of the actual fight, Sir,” Sonny added.

  Nick sipped his Bushmills while steadying his son. “Well done. I find no fault in any of it. I did teach you both to make sure no one can get up to fight again. I stand by that. Don’t ever let a threat regain their feet. I assume Sonny knew none of your adversaries would be a threat.”

  “I did, Sir,” Sonny replied. “I could tell they never felt pain before. It’s like you taught us – learn whether you can take a punch before ever throwing one. They made Jay cry, but Viper and I made them cry for their mommas.”

  That statement drew muffled amusement from everyone, including the receptive Quinn. Nick acknowledged the case facts. “It seems we’re good to go. Upload the video to Johnny. He’ll blend it into our presentation. It may be once the school board is forced to view the evidence, they may call a halt to this goofy witch-hunt.”

  “You can damn well bet if this was a reversed situation, the school board and principal would be ready to send the kids and parents to Siberia, locked into one of those gulags,” Tina said. “I hate this racist crap these young idiots think they can shield themselves with. That was smart thinkin’ to upload that girl’s video, Jean. I hope the children of these racist trolls don’t grow into ‘Black Lives Matter’ idiot thugs. I confess to examining this more closely. There aren’t that many black students in Jean and Sonny’s school. Those six are all from the fourth grade classes. Two are brother and sister twins. This kind of event is disturbing as hell!”

  “I believe we’re all agreed on that,” Gus said. “Let’s talk lighter subjects now that Jean and Sonny covered our butts with a damning video of the event. What say we swing by this Jay’s place in the morning for our walk with Deke to school?”

  “Yes! That would be great, Uncle Gus,” Jean said. “Jay thinks he’s alone, and nobody gives a crap if he gets beaten. He knows Sonny and I will protect him in school, but it would be great if we included him on our walks… except when we’re in Def Con One, of course.”

  “My Kader mutant family is gone now,” Cala replied. “If I can get to be Cala the Avenger on a morning walk, I think I may join my spouse in this daily ritual.”

  “You would be welcome, my love,” Johnny stated immediately. “What manner of explosive will it take to get you out of bed in time to enjoy this walk to school with us?”

  Cala’s gasps of outrage triggered immediate amusement before she shrugged and giggled. “I do like my mornings in bed without my slave master, Kabong.”

  “Details, girlfriend!” Tina realized she was in the presence of children and toned down in a heartbeat. “Ah… yeah… maybe later. I ain’t getting up for anything at that hour. I’ll swing by the beach for happy hour.”

  Nick, sipping his third Bushmills while staring out at the creeping cloud of fog, waved a happy hand at his friends. “All will be welcome at any time to enjoy the walk, or beach, or drink, or all. We do not always celebrate in the early morning at the beach. Sometimes… unfortunately… there are inexplicable events on the walks, causing rides to school instead of walks, which makes me and Deke get our killer mode on, right Deke?”

  Deke launched into Nick’s lap with his forepaws, leaning around to lick the giggling Quinn’s cheek.

  “Remember Deke, we’re imitating and learning the ways of Tonto. Fierce, Deke!”

  Deke dropped down, hackles raised, and growling sounds from his fang revealed mouth. Quinn clapped his hands and Deke dropped all pretenses to groove his head into Quinn’s side.

  “As you can
see, I don’t have total control over my drinking buddy,” Nick proclaimed. “Tomorrow’s Friday. Call Jay and see if he’d like to walk with us.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Jean walked over to the opposite corner of the enclosed deck with her iPhone. Moments later, she rejoined the munching friends and family. “He’s excited. I think Cracker and Viper will begin his Jedi training.”

  “Be careful to stay within the boundaries of his parents’ permission,” Nick cautioned. “They may want nothing to do with self-defense or violence of any kind.”

  “Good call. We’ll do it on the down low, Dad.”

  “Jean!” Rachel narrowly missed Jean as she streaked through the doorway.

  Chapter Six

  Home Invasion Caper

  “Mr. McCarty!” A brown-haired man, Nick’s six-foot height, slender, dressed in dark brown cardigan sweater, jeans, and wearing black framed glasses, hurried through the door before Nick reached the porch.

  Nick shook the man’s extended hand, noting strength and grip. “Just Nick will do fine.”

  “I’m Dale Rivers. I’ve read all your novels at least three times apiece. I confess I keep track of what you do in real life too. You’re amazing. You killed two men in Chicago attacking you and your US Marshal cohorts, while assisting in a case there. And… and here you are at my door. Your adventures in real life are beginning to rival Diego’s.”

  An equally slender woman, with auburn hair tied in a bun at the back, about six inches shorter than her husband, wearing jeans and a gray long-sleeved top, escorted a boy dressed much like his Father with a navy-blue windbreaker. The boy gave Nick a little wave before pushing the glasses much like his Father’s closer to his eyes. He was nearly his Mom’s height already.

  “This is my wife, Beth,” Dale said. “That was a brave thing Jean and Sonny did for my son. Justin told us you’ve trained them. I wanted to say thank you in person.”

  “Yes… thank you.” Beth shook Nick’s hand. “We don’t understand why Justin was attacked. He…he isn’t an aggressive boy.”

  “As Jean explained it to me, Justin had nothing to do with it. I’m sure you two went to school with mean kids. Things have not changed that much. I want you to meet my partners. We’re happy to have Justin with us. We have a consulting firm. We have credentials with the US Marshal’s service, the FBI, and for foreign involvement, the CIA. This is Gus Nason, Johnny Groves, Cala Groves, Sonny Salvatore, Jean, and Deke the dog.”

  The introductions proceeded with enthusiastic responses from Dale and Beth. Dale pointed at Gus. “I know Nick has you and Johnny in his novels. Your characters act as Diego’s moral compass at times… especially with Fatima. Nick’s book signings are achieving legendary status lately. I missed your last couple book signings in Carmel to my sharp regret. You killed the terrorist in the bookstore with-”

  “Dale!” Beth gripped her husband’s hand. “We’re both fans of your books. I never figured to ever be interested in Pulp Fiction, but the way you make reality bend in ways echoing real life enthralls us. I like the small bites of humor too… very dark humor I might add. Fatima is a treasure. Justin told us you train Jean and Sonny in martial arts and… and knife throwing.”

  “Actually, I have permission from Sonny’s parents to teach martial arts principles to him along with Jean. I also instruct them in weapon’s training.” Nick gestured at the two adolescent, respectful young warriors. “They never pick on anyone or do harm to an innocent person.”

  “Jay helped us with Algebra,” Jean stated. “Cracker… I mean Sonny and I want him with us. We can study and train together if that’s okay with you.”

  “I…I don’t know if-”

  “Please, Mom,” Jay stated with fists clenched at his sides. “I want to protect myself! Sonny and Jean are my real friends. Jean’s Dad is Delta Force. He’s no special forces wannabe. He’s the real deal! I need this! Sonny and Jean beat those… kids who attacked me in seconds. They cried like babies! It’s like Jean said. I have to believe I’m right in the gut and use that feeling to make the fear go away.”

  Dale gripped his son’s shoulders with a smile. “Your Mom and I want you to do anything that will keep you safe. I see you want that too. The concept is a sound and logical course, kid. I know you’d never use any training you received in a bad way.”

  Dale turned to Nick. “Thank you. I know we have a school board meeting in the near future. Beth and I will be there to back everything about the event in question. We remember vividly what mean kids are.”

  “I’m glad you both follow my novels and understand the attitude of not being a victim. It’s a travesty kids can’t go to school without worrying about anything but their studies. As we adults know, it happens all too frequently. Jay doesn’t deserve that treatment any more than his other school classmates. We’re happy to work with him to build strength and skill. We’ll be on our way now. It’s been a pleasure meeting you two.” Nick handed Dale his card. “Call that number if ever you feel in danger or you notice something wrong.”

  Dale took the card with a smile. “Beth and I are done trying to appease people who give nodding acceptance to our son’s torture. We will be at that board meeting, Nick. We will present the case with passion, my friend.”

  Nick gripped Dale’s hand again. “That’s what we wanted to hear. It’s tough to defend a legitimate victim of this racist crap without steadfast resolve from the victim and his family themselves. I can tell you this. We won’t back down.”

  Gus pointed at the card Dale held. “You call. We’ll answer. Don’t hesitate. It’s a pleasure to meet you and your wife. Justin will be safe with us.”

  “I know that right to my soul, Gus,” Dale replied, gripping Gus’s hand again. “It’s such a pleasure to meet conservative brethren who believe in America.”

  “There’s more of us than you know,” Nick said. “We’ll get going now to make sure we don’t make the kids late. Nice talking with you. I’m almost done with my new novel, Blood Beach. I think you and Beth will like it.”

  “I’m sure we will, Nick. Thank you.”

  * * *

  “I…I want to thank you, Nick,” Jay said. “Sonny and Jean are awesome! I want to be like them. Can that happen?”

  Nick gripped Jay’s shoulder while they waited for Deke to water a sign post. “Jean says you’re family now. That means something to us. We’ll help you in every way we can. Some of what happens will rely on your own passion.”

  Jay shrugged. “I’m a pussy. I’m afraid all the time.”

  Jean grabbed Jay’s shirt. “You’re not a pussy! C’mon, Jay! Join us, heart and soul, and Sonny and I won’t ever let you down. Sonny’s Cracker and I’m Viper. We’ll give you a code name too. What would you like?”

  Jay’s eyebrows furrowed in gripping what he wanted. “Could I be Predator?”

  “Hell yeah,” Jean proclaimed, dancing around with hands clapping. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Live to the tag, Jay!”

  Justin Rivers lifted his fisted hand. “I will… from now on, Viper!”

  Nick saw in the features of his friends, Jay’s promise would be good… forever. He would protect, and see that everything Jay hoped for reached a successful conclusion within his power to do so. Some psycho you are.

  Deke, sensing newcomer vibes from Jay, rubbed against him as they walked.

  “Wow… I think Deke likes me,” Jay said, reaching down to pat Deke’s head.

  “He doesn’t like everyone,” Jean observed, as a young couple approached on the sidewalk. Deke’s hackles raised. He hurried to pace next to Nick’s gesturing hand.

  The approaching couple didn’t give way to the sidewalk’s side. Cala hurried forward, in front of the kids before Johnny could restrain her.

  She butted shoulders with the young woman walking next to a bearded man in his late twenties. The two of them stopped, but Nick’s crew kept walking, the kids chortling quietly.

  “Hey bitch! What the fuck!” The woman, wearing an o
range windbreaker, black stocking hat, and black pants gestured angrily at Cala.

  Cala spun around with a smile as Johnny sighed with head down. “We need not be late with the kids to school, my love.”

  Cala gave Johnny the wave off, turning to walk toward the couple. “I’m sorry, were you talking to me?”

  “Hell yeah, bitch! You shoulder bumped the wrong person! Get the hell to the side!”

  “It is polite to split sides,” Cala instructed. “It is rude to take up the entire sidewalk so as to bludgeon your way along, especially when you were about to run into the children with us. That is very inconsiderate.”

  “Fuck you!” The woman tried to finger poke Cala, who grasped and twisted, sending the woman to her knees with a yelp of pain.

  The man with her grinned while reaching to his waistband.

  “Fierce!” Nick shouted.

  Deke leaped to take down the shocked, bearded man with Cala’s captive, ending his assault with fangs around the companion’s neck.

  Nick walked over to peer down at the stock-still man. He checked for weapons, removing a 9mm Glock from his waistband. Nick sighed. “Run this, Johnny.”

  “It’s hot. The Glock was reported stolen a month ago,” Johnny replied, using his iPad and the weapon’s serial number. He took a photo of both the man and woman. “Sending mug shots.”

  A moment later, Johnny nodded. “Both are wanted for an armed robbery at a 7/11 in Salinas. They pistol whipped the teen cashier. I texted Neil. He texted back a selfie of him pleading to hold them for a moment.”

  Nick chuckled. “Neil thought we’d kill these two and walk on to school?”

  “Ah… Nick… you-”

  “That’s enough out of you, Gus.” Nick gestured Deke back, grasped the man’s nose in an unbreakable grip, forcing him dancing in pain to his feet. “Hold still, you big baby. Try it, Cala.”