Harold and the Angel of Death

by Gary McPherson

Garcia interjected, “I doubt you’ll be bored. There’s more than fishing. There are lots of things to explore around the island, and the estate is beautiful. I’m sure you can find something to keep you busy. As for your husband, Harold and I will keep him from getting bored.”

  Harold redirected Garcia’s attention. “So, how about we have Tom stay at the estate? He’s renting an overpriced one bedroom down by the beach. I feel certain he’ll agree to living in a large estate for free. Besides, he spent a lot of time hanging out there with me as we were growing up. It should be easy enough for you to arrange that. While he’s at it, he can keep an eye on Joshua’s house for him.”

  “What makes you think I have any say so over Tom? What happens between you two, and your houses, is your business.”

  Harold looked at Joshua and then back to Garcia. “Come on, Tom the CEO. We both know there were better men and women. Abigail should have gotten the post if I didn’t. Tom can handle himself well enough, but he’s your figurehead. He’s about the only man you can trust with the company’s secret, besides me. Not to mention, Tom and I are friends. Our relationship will work in your favor when you have me out in the field with you and you need something from PDS. It wasn’t that hard to figure out your plan.”

  Garcia turned to Joshua. “Did you teach him this?”

  “He is a very capable young man. I hope you’re not underestimating him because I think his intellect exceeds that of his late father.”

  “Thanks, Doc,” Harold said in reply.

  Garcia sat back in his chair, slowly picked up his beer and took a long swallow. He spoke just loud enough to be heard amid the noisy din of the music. “I can see I’m outnumbered here.” He turned his attention back to Joshua. “Would you mind if I assign an agent or two to live in your house? That will make security around the estate easier.”

  “Why does my house need added security?” asked Harold.

  Garcia placed his beer on the table. “The people we are dealing with will not only know who you are but where you live. They may try and send some people to snoop around the place after you leave. I don’t want anyone stumbling onto Tom and catching him unawares. He may be ex-military, but so are these men. Besides, it stops Joshua and Maria’s house from appearing abandoned.”

  “We aren’t abandoning our home,” said Maria in a distinctly annoyed tone.

  Garcia stumbled over his words, “Of course not, that isn’t what I meant.”

  Joshua cut off Garcia, “Having agents in the house is okay, but if they mess up Maria’s home, there’ll be hell to pay.”

  Maria held Joshua’s forearm and glared at Garcia.

  Garcia replied, “I can assure you our agents are professionals and won’t do anything to disturb your lovely home.”

  “They better not.” Maria scowled.

  Garcia took another sip of his beer and let out a sigh. “Okay, I think we have a quorum. The next time I see you guys, we’ll be on Salvation Key.”

  Harold jumped in, “Who said we have agreed?”

  Garcia’s face broke into a grin. “Please, you don’t think I wasn’t anticipating something like this? I’ll admit, the request around Tom is a bit of a surprise. I had planned to put agents in both homes, but this works out too. Assuming, of course, that Tom agrees with your request.” Garcia turned towards Joshua. “Doctor, I knew you would not allow our boy to be pulled into some CIA scheme alone.” Garcia’s gaze panned around the table. “Believe me, I’m on your side, and you guys are going to love what we’ve done with John’s old island.”

  “I didn’t know that’s where we’re going. I don’t believe it was called Salvation Key,” Joshua said.

  Garcia turned to Joshua and paused to swallow down his final bit of beer. “It wasn’t, but I renamed it in honor of our mission. We’re out to save PDS, and we’re out to stop some terrorist. I think you’ll be pleased with the changes when you see it, Doctor.”

  “That would be a pleasant surprise.”

  Garcia looked each person in the eye as he spoke. “I think we have the makings of a good team. Harold, you make a great front man for our mission, and, Joshua, your insight into human behavior will be invaluable. Maria, you brought Joshua out of his shell and into the light. Your love and compassion will keep these two in line.”

  Harold responded, “I believe we’re missing someone.”

  Garcia looked over at him, surprised. “Who do you think we’re missing?”

  “Darla,” Harold said. “Why isn’t Darla part of the group? She said she was going back to work for you guys, but we’ve not heard a word from her or anyone else about where she might be.”

  “Well, people do call us spies for a reason. If you knew where she was, it could compromise her mission.”

  Harold could not hide his excitement. “You know where she is?”

  Garcia winked.

  Harold put his large arm around Garcia and pulled him close. “Is she okay? Does she ask about me?”

  Garcia worked for a moment to free himself from Harold’s impassioned grip. “She does, and she wants you to know that she’s thinking about you. I can tell you that Darla is perfectly safe, but her mission is top secret. I’m afraid I can’t say anything more than that.”

  A broad smile broke across Harold’s face. He had been missing Darla since she left before Joshua and Maria’s wedding. All she had said was that she needed to go back to the CIA and complete one last mission, but Darla had refused to tell Harold what her mission was. He wished he could understand what was driving her back to the CIA. The lack of communication had been eating at him. Hearing Garcia’s news made Harold forget about some of the homesickness that had already started to creep in even though they had not left yet.

  “If everyone is good,” Garcia said, “I’m starving, and I’m on the clock. Let’s order some more food.”

  Garcia waved the waiter over, and they ordered their food. Garcia made short work of his plate of tacos and then slid on his sunglasses, said his goodbyes, and was gone so quickly Harold wasn’t sure he could say which way he exited.

  Joshua looked out towards the last gasps of sunlight on the Pacific horizon and grinned.

  “What’s so amusing, Doc?” asked Harold.

  “I wonder if he realizes it’s almost dark.”

  Harold chuckled. “He might figure it out once he gets out from under all the lights.”

  Maria took a sip of water and then combed her hand through her hair. “That man needs a good woman.”

  The three of them slowly made their way from the restaurant, crossed the Pacific Coast Highway, and enjoyed a long stroll on the beach. Nobody said a word. Harold knew they all were wondering when they would see the calm Pacific Ocean on a cool clear evening again.

  Maria spoke softly, “Joshua, what was the Caribbean like?”

  Joshua silently watched the sand for several steps. “Do you want to know about what happened on John’s island or just what the Key itself was like?”

  Maria slid her hand into Joshua’s. “Just the Key. Was it beautiful like it is here?”

  Harold turned to Joshua. “Yea, Doc. You’re the only person here that has been where we’re going. What’s it like?”

  Joshua glanced at him and then let his eyes linger on his wife. “It’s beautiful. The weather is somewhat like here. It’s very mild, but it can be breezy. The water is calm most of the time, and it’s so clear you can see the reef below. Even from shore, you can see barracuda, tuna, sea snails, rays, and all sorts of sea life.”

  “Are there sharks?” asked Maria.

  “Oh, yes. Bull sharks, nurse sharks, and probably others. You have to know what you’re doing or be with someone who does if you want to go snorkeling.”

  “It sounds interesting,” Harold said. “Maybe this change of pace won’t be so bad after all. I guess we have a lot of work ahead of us. I’ll talk to my administrator to get some movers to help us pack. Maria, we haven’t really talked about what you plan on doing now that you an
d Joshua are married.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you used to help around the house, but now you’re Joshua’s wife. You’re not my housekeeper anymore.”

  Maria smacked his large chest and then rubbed her sore hand. “Don’t you ever say that. You’re my hijo. I don’t take care of you because you pay me. I take care of you because you’re family.”

  Harold took a step towards them and wrapped one arm around each. They buried their faces into his shoulder, and he held them tightly.

  Joshua began to wiggle and managed to push loose of his grip. “Easy, Harry. We still need to breathe.”

  “I’m sorry, Doc. You two mean the world to me. I guess I got a little carried away.”

  Joshua took back Maria’s hand. “I know these are trying times for us, but we’ll face them together.”

  The three of them began heading back towards the parking lot. There was a lot to do before moving day.

  Chapter 8

  Harold stared up at the white oak tongue-and-groove ceiling above his bed. He had never considered the workmanship that went into building the home he had grown up in. As he lay there, he wondered what the workers had been like. Did they envision his family living there? Harold felt a tap on his shoulder and startled slightly. He turned his head, expecting to see his mother standing next to the bed calling him to breakfast with the family. Instead, John’s familiar sarcastic smile met his eyes.

  Harold stared back up at the ceiling. “So, I’m dreaming again.”

  The bed creaked as John sat on the edge. He felt his body tilt in John’s direction as the mattress dipped. “What is it, John? I’m busy.”

  “What’s wrong, brat? Are you going to miss mommy and daddy’s bedroom? I bet I could tell you some stories about the two of them in bed.”

  Harold laid his large arm across his eyes. “Please, don’t. Do you have a reason for haunting my dreams again? I was hoping God had dragged you down to hell by now.”

  “Not a chance. Even the devil doesn’t want to take me on.”

  Harold let out a long yawn. If this was a dream, it was one of the most annoying dreams he had experienced in a while.

  John put his elbow into Harold’s stomach and leaned down towards him. “I know you think I’m here in the house, but I have a secret, brat. I’m not attached to the house. I’m attached to you.”

  Harold dropped his arm, knocking John out of the way, and he sat up on the edge of the bed. Blankets and sheets sat jumbled, partially exposing his naked legs. He turned to John. “What are you talking about?”

  John’s laugh cut a cold chill through Harold’s body. “You’re going to my island. Why would I pass up that opportunity? I’m hopping a ride on the H bus.”

  Harold gripped the linen in his left hand and pulled it up into a massive ball. “I won’t let you. You don’t have permission to do that.”

  John cackled once more. “You really are a stupid kid. Do you think you can just say no? Why would I listen to you?”

  Harold reared back his long arm and swung his huge fist towards John as hard as he could. His flesh connected only with air, and the momentum pulled him out of bed. He woke up groaning on the floor next to the bed. He had not fallen out of bed since he was a small boy, and he did not remember it being so painful. His face had taken most of the impact of his fist and the floor. Forcing himself up, he stumbled into the bathroom. He turned on the light and collapsed into a red-cushioned chair that sat between the sink and garden tub.

  His right cheek throbbed just below his eye. He winced when he touched it with his fingertips. As he stood up, a cramp tightened in his right shoulder. Rubbing his shoulder, he looked over at the mirror in front of the sink. A bright red fist mark lay just below his eye. Judging from the puffiness, it would probably leave a mark.

  Harold muttered to himself, “I can’t wait to get out of here.”

  The words shocked him. This was his home. He had grown up here. There were so many good memories before John interjected himself into the family’s life and took his parent’s lives. His large fist slammed into the granite countertop. Deodorant and shaving cream bounced and fell over.

  He looked at his reflection in the mirror. “Don’t let John win. He’s gone. You killed him. Don’t let him beat you from the grave.”

  He held his breath, waiting to see if John would respond. Nothing happened, and he breathed a sigh of relief. His alarm buzzed in the bedroom, and Harold went in to cut off the annoying sound. Six o’clock on the big day. At least I didn’t wake up too early. He walked across the Spanish tile to the shower. Looking down, Harold counted each tile, unsure if he would ever see them again.

  ***

  The clock in the kitchen read nine o’clock when the doorbell rang. Harold put down the dishrag he was using to wipe the countertops and made his way to the front door. Joshua and Maria stood there. Although Joshua had a distant look, Maria wore her usual friendly smile.

  “Good morning. I trust you’re both ready to start our new adventure?” said Harold.

  “Oh my! What happened to your eye?” asked Maria.

  “I fell out of bed.”

  Joshua raised his right eyebrow slightly, and his forehead crinkled between his eyes. “I don’t believe any of the beds are tall enough to give you a black eye.”

  “I’ll tell you about it on the plane, Doc. Are you guys ready for the movers?”

  “I suppose so,” responded Joshua. “I feel a bit melancholy this morning. I’m going to miss my house.”

  “As am I,” said Maria.

  “We’ll come back. Why don’t you guys come on inside?”

  The trio went back to the kitchen and sat in the familiar chairs that they had spent so much time in together. “Do either of you want any coffee?” asked Harold.

  “No thanks,” said Joshua. “We already had our fill earlier this morning. What time are the movers coming?”

  “They should be here anytime.”

  Maria traced her fingers up and down Joshua’s arm as she spoke. “I’ve heard it’s very beautiful in the Caribbean.”

  Harold relaxed a little and let himself smile. “The photos I found on the internet of the area look nice. I guess we’ll find out soon.”

  Maria stopped tracing Joshua’s arm. He fidgeted a bit and said, “It’s pretty enough, but I wish we were going somewhere else.”

  Maria placed her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I always forget you were there and saw those terrible things John and his friends were doing, but they’re gone now. We’re going to make it our island.”

  “Well, for now it’s the government’s island,” responded Harold.

  He heard the sound of semi-trucks climbing the grade towards the house. A few moments later, the squeal of air brakes being set got the group’s attention. Through the kitchen window, Harold noticed the front nose of a semi in the driveway. He started towards the front door when the doorbell rang. When he opened the door, he saw semi-trucks parked in front of each house. He greeted the movers and directed one team at his house while Joshua and Maria left to direct the other team on where to start at their house.

  After the movers had their instructions, Harold called the company car to take them to the airport. Joshua and Maria wandered back inside through the open front door a few minutes later.

  “Where should we wait for the car?” asked Joshua.

  “Let’s go down to our spot before we have to leave, Doc.”

  Joshua pointed towards the rear of the house, and the two men headed out the back through the French doors. Harold heard the doors open behind them as Maria followed their path.

  “Am I not invited?” she asked.

  Joshua stopped. “Of course, honey. You’re a part of us now.” Joshua walked to Maria, and the two of them caught up to Harold who was already sitting down by the infinity pool.

  “Do you still remember that day, Doc?”

  Joshua looked at Maria and then back to Harold smiling. “Oh, yes. Y
ou gave me quite a surprise.”

  Both men chuckled. “It all started here, Doc. I didn’t know what was going on before I threw you in the pool. You were some strange guy that showed up, would put me to sleep, and then I would end up in all sorts of weird places around the house. To be honest, you sort of scared me.”

  “I didn’t think anything could scare you.”

  “I was just a kid.”

  “Yes, you were, but a very disturbed child. I know your parents would be proud of who you’ve become.”

  A brief moment of grief swept over him as he thought about having to leave his parent’s alone in the cemetery without anyone to tend their graves. “Hey, Doc, do you think my parents will care that I’m not around to visit their graves?”

  Joshua reached over and took Harold’s hand. “They won’t mind. I’m sure they’re in heaven. Whatever is in the ground are just husks now.”

  Maria scooted her chair closer to Harold and held his other hand. “Your parents were like my aunt and uncle. I know they would be proud of your decisions. This is my home too, and it’s hard to leave. But you aren’t doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for others. Your dad would make the same decisions. In a way, he is still living in you.”

  Harold let out a long breath. He wanted to believe that, and some part of him still believed in a heaven. Unfortunately, whatever faith he had left was threadbare and worn. He decided to push the topic out of his mind. “Maria, I never did say thank you for keeping me out of trouble with my mom the day Joshua and I took our first swim together.”

  Maria laughed and rolled her eyes. “Oh, it was my mother that saved you both. If she hadn’t kept Barbara occupied, I would have never been able to get your clothes in the laundry before your mom found them soaking in the bathroom.”

  “Hey, Doc, does the new place have a pool?”

  “Yes, but it doesn’t have this view.”

  “Ahh,” sighed Harold and Maria in unison. Harold’s cell phone rang from his pocket. The driver was out front waiting for them. “Time to go.”

  They all stood up and stared out over the Pacific one last time. Harold closed his eyes and breathed in the sea air that wafted up the hillside. A part of him prayed he would be back one day. The other part felt as though he could burst into tears like a homesick child. The three of them walked silently back up to the hill and into the waiting car. Nobody said a word as it pulled out onto the road. They passed between the estate and Joshua’s house before the car made its way down the hill and towards LAX.