Harold and the Angel of Death

by Gary McPherson

  Chapter 9

  Harold, Joshua, and Maria enjoyed their rum runners as the chartered Gulfstream G650 flew across the Gulf of Mexico. Harold was not one to splurge, but a man his size did not enjoy traveling by plane unless he absolutely had to. Even a first-class domestic flight was cramped, and he had never cared for crowds of strangers. Although their chartered jet was luxurious and spacious, he had to dip his head to keep from touching the ceiling, and its cramped bathroom would have been the stuff of nightmares if he were claustrophobic. He allowed his long legs to stretch out into the aisle. Joshua and Maria sat across from him.

  Joshua raised his voice above the noise of the engines as he spoke to Harold. “So, you’re telling me you got a black eye by punching the air in your sleep?”

  Harold’s fingers rapped against the foldout table that sat between them. “Doc, it wasn’t air—it was John. At least that is what I was dreaming.”

  Joshua reached across and gently laid his hands on top of Harold’s to stop his tapping. “That’s very interesting. The human body normally puts us in a semi-paralyzed state when we sleep so we don’t physically react to our dreams. It isn’t unheard of, of course. People sleepwalk and have done all sorts of things in their sleep. That sort of thing normally happens when the brain is under a lot of stress.”

  Harold felt a little frustrated with his friend. He knew everything Joshua was telling him. He took another sip of his drink to try and relax. “Hey, Doc, on a totally different topic, I like the rum runner. You may make a liquor man out of me yet.”

  “Yes, they’re wonderful, aren’t they?” Maria said. “Harry, may I say something about your dream?”

  Harold looked over at Joshua, who tilted his head. Harold looked back at Maria. “Fire away.”

  “Perhaps it is John’s ghost. I told you about the little girl who drowned. We had other spirits that would show up in our village as well.”

  Harold leaned in closer to Maria. “How did you get rid of them?”

  “We would get our village priest, and he would chase them away.”

  Harold gave Joshua a sideways glance and caught the twinge of a smile on his friend’s lips. “I appreciate the idea, but I don’t think I’m ready for an exorcism just yet.”

  Maria straightened up in her seat. “Suit yourself. I would suggest you don’t provoke it. If it is John’s ghost, he probably likes when you get mad. You should try and ignore him.”

  Harold’s grunt was hidden beneath the drone of the jet engines. “I wish I could. He’s very hard to ignore.”

  “Well, just try not to hit him. The next time you might break your own nose.”

  Harold heard a quick burst of laughter from Joshua. “Is something funny there, Doc?”

  “I’m sorry. I just had this image of you with a broken nose saying, ‘You should have seen the other guy.’” Joshua attempted to become more serious. “Truthfully, I think Maria is giving you some pretty good advice. If you don’t escalate things with this image of John, perhaps your mind will start to let go of whatever it is that’s haunting you.”

  “Wait, do you really think I’m being haunted?”

  “It’s just an expression. Frankly, I’m a bit concerned. There are cases where hypnotherapy has caused unwanted reactions, or side effects if you will.”

  Harold’s eyes grew wide. “Keep going.”

  Joshua leaned closer to Harold. “There are cases of people’s emotional trauma being put into compartmentalized rooms within the brain, for lack of a better way of saying it. Something triggers the brain, and it instinctively releases the memories as a defense mechanism. That can result in nightmares, nervous breakdowns, and other things.”

  Harold sucked on his lip for a moment, and then he responded, “That sounds pretty dangerous, Doc.”

  Joshua stared down at the floor for a moment and then sat up and looked into Harold’s eyes. “It can be. Although, I don’t think that is your problem. Ever since your teenage years, we have dealt with your berserker out in the open. Yes, the Viking village is fake, but your subconscious never locked away your rage.”

  “Then how can John suddenly appear, and what about Bill? Could he be having the same issues?”

  “Adam assured me some time ago that Bill’s demon was still safely locked away. That is how we referred to his berserker side. Although, I’ve started to have some concerns about him given your recent events. If he and John can appear in your dreams on a stage we set during hypnosis, I do wonder might happen to Bill’s subconscious if he is ever confronted with real danger.”

  “Can you or Adam track down my half-brother and warn him? I can tell you that these dreams, or whatever they are, frighten me, and I understand some of what’s going on. I can’t imagine what would happen if I didn’t have a clue.”

  Joshua reached over and patted Harold’s hand for a moment. “I wouldn’t worry about your brother. You need to focus on where this dead man’s memory is coming from.”

  Harold let his body relax into the seat. “It has its origins from somewhere, but I have no clue as to why he’s showing up. I’ll try to not get angry, but I’d rather throw that ghost back through the gates of hell where he came from.”

  “I know, Harry. Just try and remind yourself that not every battle is physical. This is a battle of wits.”

  Harold leaned towards the window and looked out over the clear teal waters. The jet had begun to descend. Beautiful, he thought. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. The flight attendant walked up to the trio. “We are beginning our descent into Key West. You’ll need to finish up your drinks and prepare for landing.”

  The group made short work of their remaining sips. Harold noticed Joshua’s hands tightening their grip on his armrest as the plane gently touched the runway. They taxied to a parking spot, and the flight attendant opened the door. Harold stepped out and was hit in the face with the higher humidity. It was warm for an early fall day, even by California standards. The late afternoon sun was slowly making its way towards the horizon. Harold gazed around the palm trees and a terminal sign that read, Welcome to the Conch Republic. The scene reminded him more of some old classified photos his dad once showed him of Cuba than anyplace he had been in the US.

  From over Harold’s shoulder, a faint, familiar voice cried out, “Glad to see you finally made it.”

  The entire group turned to see Agent Garcia’s familiar form briskly walking across the asphalt. He wore a teal Hawaiian shirt, white shorts, and white tennis shoes with white socks. A tan-colored hat, and of course, his sunglasses finished his fashion statement.

  “Wow,” mumbled Harold to Joshua as Garcia approached.

  “How does that man see?” asked Joshua.

  “I have no idea, Doc,” responded Harold.

  “Ay-ay-ay,” Maria said softly.

  Garcia walked up and shook everyone’s hand. “I’m so glad you all arrived safely. If you’ll follow me to my car, I’ve taken care of your hotel and bags. I wanted you to see your new home in the daylight, so we’ll enjoy a night in Key West before we head to our destination tomorrow.”

  Harold rubbed his hands together. “Where are we headed?”

  “What got into you?” asked Joshua.

  “Well, Doc, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I don’t know what is going on at this mysterious island we are heading for, but I know what goes on in Key West, and I intend to enjoy myself on this adventure. Besides, this is a business expense, right?”

  Garcia’s eyebrows rose slightly above the rim of his sunglasses. “Absolutely. Just remember, those who receive much are expected to do a lot. So, take advantage of the hospitality. I have a feeling you’re going to earn it. By the way, what’s with your eye? Did you and Joshua get into a disagreement?”

  Joshua chuckled, and Harold crinkled his forehead. “No, I fell down and hit my head.”

  “I’d hate to see the furniture or floor even if it did only give you a small bruise,” Garcia continued. “The good news is that it helps
you blend in with some of the bar crawlers. Black eyes around here are just another Friday night depending on where you like to grab your drinks. Speaking of drinks, why don’t we get out of here and get settled into our digs before we hit the nightlife.”

  The three followed Garcia to his black GMC Yukon with tinted windows.

  “I thought these things only existed in the movies,” quipped Harold.

  Garcia remotely unlocked the door and hollered back to Harold from the driver’s side door. “They exist in movies because we like to use them in real life.”

  The drive from the airport was short. Garcia navigated the large Yukon through the narrow gates of the Coco Plum Inn. The small bed and breakfast was near the nightlife of Duvall Street. The group remained with the SUV while Garcia went inside and got them checked in.

  “What do you think, Doc?” asked Harold. “Key West definitely has personality.”

  “Yes,” replied Joshua. “I only got to spend an afternoon here on my last trip. It was a welcomed relief after spending the time with John and his gang on their island.”

  “Do you think you’re going to be okay? You know, going back to the island?”

  Joshua blankly stared at some of the dense foliage near the parking lot. “I hope Agent Garcia and his people have cleaned the place up. One thing is for sure, you can have the master bedroom. If I were you, I would ask Garcia if they burned the mattresses. If they haven’t, I would insist on it.”

  Harold crossed his arms. “Good to know.”

  Maria stepped up and took Joshua’s arm. “He won’t tell me everything that happened. If I were you, I wouldn’t ask Garcia too many details. I know John was a horrid man. Such men only use people, especially women, for their own twisted pleasures. I will know immediately if John’s stench remains in the house. If it does, we won’t take a step inside until they scrub it floor to ceiling.”

  Garcia came walking up wearing his sunglasses. Harold started to mention the quickly darkening sky but decided he would wait and see how long it took Garcia to figure out the sunglasses were still on.

  Garcia handed out keys. “Good news, gang. I arranged for us to bunk up in one of the few three-bedroom suites. It’s basically three rooms with a common connected room. That will give us a bit more privacy and security.”

  “Security?” asked Joshua.

  “Don’t worry, Doctor. The people we are dealing with are professionals. They have no reason to threaten us at the moment, but it’s always best to be prepared.”

  Joshua looked wide-eyed at Maria and then Harold.

  “Let’s go.” Garcia opened the back of the SUV, and they all grabbed their bag. “You have ten minutes to settle in, and then meet me here.”

  Harold appreciated Garcia’s authoritative tone. He knew that meant the agent was on the clock. Whatever they had stepped into, things had already started. The sooner he could get this whole affair out the way, the sooner he could go home and the sooner his father’s company could be free of its commitment.

  Garcia had taken the deluxe room and left the other three with standard rooms. Harold did not mind the smaller room. After all, it was just for the night. After freshening up, he wandered back out by the SUV. When he walked up, Joshua and Maria were already there and engaging in small talk.

  Before Harold could join in, Garcia’s voice came from directly behind him, causing him to jump. “Let’s go gang.”

  “Where did you come from?” asked Harold. “Did you see him walk up, Doc?”

  Joshua raised his palms up and shook his head.

  Harold turned to Garcia. “You and Maria should get together. She’s very good at making sudden appearances.”

  Maria responded, “I’m just naturally quiet.”

  “That’s a good quality,” Garcia said. “Don’t ever lose it.”

  The small gathering walked out of the bed and breakfast’s entrance and turned right. Next door stood the Green Parrot Bar. “This place is an institution,” quipped Garcia as he walked inside the bar. Joshua paused to look around and pointed across the street. “Look,” he said, “Monroe County.”

  “What’s that?” asked Harold.

  “Oh, it’s just the name of a town not too far from where I used to live in North Carolina. I guess I just realized how much closer I am to my old hometown.”

  “We have to go there sometime,” said Maria.

  Joshua turned and pointed at the door, and the crew went inside to find Garcia.

  The Green Parrot’s interior had a fresh coat of paint, but it still retained the feel of an old Caribbean bar. Garcia pointed towards a counter on one side of the room. The team walked over and grabbed some bar stools while Garcia headed for the bar.

  “This feels like a bit of a dive, even by West Coast standards,” commented Harold.

  Joshua’s face beamed, and his mouth held a broad smile as he admired the interior. “I don’t know. I kind of like it.”

  Maria scowled and shook her head in disapproval. “In Mexico, nothing good ever happened in a place like this. He didn’t even ask us what we wanted to drink.”

  “I’d settle for a cold beer,” mumbled Harold. He put his elbow down on the counter and let his weight rest against it. The wood groaned against the burden.

  Two friends sitting a few feet down from Harold looked over and then quickly turned away.

  Joshua quickly nodded towards the pair and then slapped Harold on the back. “I don’t think we’ll have any trouble tonight.”

  Garcia walked up for four tall glasses of yellow liquid. “Rum and pineapple.”

  Maria scowled. Harold and Joshua looked at one another. Each person said thank you as Garcia handed out the drinks. He studied their faces as the team took them from him. “Why so disappointed? You haven’t even tried these yet.”

  Joshua spoke up first, “I know we had rum runners on the jet, but the Florida Keys is the birthplace of the drink. I was looking forward to sharing the experience of drinking real rum runners with my family in the Keys.”

  Garcia placed his drink on the counter and turned to face the group. “I understand. Don’t worry. This is just a quick stop off to wet our whistles and chat a little. You can’t visit Key West and not experience some sort of bar crawl. Enjoy the fun, I can promise you there won’t be too many times you’ll be able to relax.”

  Maria raised her glass, and the men followed suit. They toasted and sucked down the wonderful flavor of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and pineapple.

  After a couple of minutes of silence, the crew took a breather from their cold libation. Harold put his empty glass on the bar. The others held their half-filled drinks in their hands. “I guess I was thirstier than I thought,” Harold said as his face turned slightly crimson.

  “I think you’re good for it,” responded Garcia. “Okay, what questions do you have for me?”

  Joshua looked over at Maria. They both turned their gaze towards Garcia without saying a word.

  “Come on, Doctor. You’ve been there. You don’t have any concerns about tomorrow?” asked Garcia.

  Joshua took a short sip of his drink. “I guess I’m just in a wait and see mindset.”

  “Doc said I should ask if you guys burned John’s mattresses.”

  Garcia attempted to catch the drink escaping his mouth back into the glass. He coughed and drew in a deep breath as he got himself under control. “We removed more than the mattresses. Let’s just say after we went through his place with an ultraviolet light, most of our techs refused to go back inside without hazmat suits.”

  Maria crossed her arms. “Disgusting. I better not find anything that was missed when I get there.”

  Harold noticed Joshua shudder. “Are you okay, Doc?”

  “Just something I hope I’ll eventually forget.”

  “You used to tell me it’s better to talk about it.”

  “This is hardly the time or place.”

  Maria put her arm through Joshua’s. “If he needs to talk to anybody, he can talk t
o me.”

  Harold turned back towards the bar. He felt a little displaced by Maria’s words. He did not blame Maria for the change between Joshua and him. His relationship with Joshua had begun to change from the moment his father had killed himself. He immediately saw Joshua as a second father figured rather than just an uncle or family friend. It was not anything he would admit out loud, and he knew it was not fair to put that sort of responsibility on Joshua. Still, it did sting a little to think Joshua would go to Maria before coming to him, even though Harold knew that was how things should work. He scanned the brown- and green-painted bar. A stage sat empty of performers, but their instruments were set up in their respective stands.

  Harold asked, “Hey, Garcia, are we staying for the music?”

  Garcia glanced Harold’s direction. “No, we’re leaving before they start up. I just wanted a cool drink and to see who might be staying on the island with us.”

  Harold leaned in towards Garcia. “What does that mean?”

  Joshua and Maria closed in around Garcia as well. Harold saw their reflections in the tinted sunglasses that gazed at each of them. “Did you see the two guys that were checking out Harold earlier?”

  Everyone looked wide-eyed at one another.

  Garcia continued, “Those are Chuck’s men. You can expect to be watched the entire time we’re on the island tonight.”

  “This feels familiar,” Joshua said.

  Maria took his hand. “Is this what happened when you were here?”

  Joshua closed his eyes and nodded his head once.

  “You were at the Green Parrot?” asked Harold.

  “No, I was just in Key West. One of John’s men approached me and escorted me around for the day.” The group loosened the tightly knit ball that had formed, and Joshua continued, “I made the most of it and had him take me to all the usual tourist spots. It made me pretty paranoid though. I spent a few extra days near LAX before coming back to the estate. I was sure I was still being watched.”