Harold and the Angel of Death

by Gary McPherson

  Chuck’s eyebrows raised slightly. “Even wounded you’re a shrewd woman. I suppose that’s why Harold is in love with you.”

  Harold’s body tensed up at Chuck’s flirtatious tone.

  Chuck let loose a nervous but maniacal laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” asked Harold.

  Chuck gained control of himself. “Your pecs puffed up when I mentioned your girlfriend.”

  Harold crossed his arms.

  Darla stood closer to Harold and patted his arm. “Harold,” she said quietly, “in our last meeting, you killed Haidar for shooting me. I believe Chuck thinks you’re the jealous type.”

  Chuck interjected, “I’m sorry, big man. I know you didn’t finish off Haidar just for my benefit, but the effort is still appreciated. Your love for one another is obvious to anyone who watches the two of you together.” Chuck looked over to Garcia. “I appreciate you letting the two of them work together. Lovers can make powerful allies.”

  “I know what I’m doing.”

  “Nigel, go get their radio.”

  Chuck quickly raised his hand. “Before you protest, I’m not taking it, but I prefer to have it nearby. In case anyone says something on it I should hear.”

  Nigel brought back the walkie-talkie and put it on the table.

  Chuck and Nigel each loaded a magazine. “Back to business.”

  One by one, they flipped on the targeting system and squeezed off a round in each weapon. Harold wondered if the dummy weapons were on the waiting cargo vessel or if Garcia had lied to the board about his intentions.

  Once they laid all the weapons back on the table, Chuck looked back at Nigel. “Did you leave all the sites activated?”

  “Absolutely,” responded Nigel.

  Chuck pointed to their boat. “Go get the scanner.”

  Garcia started to walk towards the table, but Chuck put his palm up and then pointed to the guns. “We’re not done here.”

  “What are you scanning for?” asked Garcia.

  “Why do you care?” asked Chuck.

  “I don’t want some device running across my hardware and screwing up the electronics.”

  Harold thought he saw a glint of anger in Chuck’s eyes. Chuck’s left eye twitched slightly as he looked at Garcia. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to break your toys. Besides, if I do, they aren’t worth buying.” Chuck turned his attention to Harold. In an instant, his eyes changed from a glare to a glint, and a slight smile formed on his newly relaxed face. “Besides, I know you wouldn’t sell me junk. We’re friends, right, big man?”

  Harold gave a cautious nod. He tried to decide if Chuck was psychotic or the world’s greatest actor who wanted to keep them on their heels. Nigel walked back up with a gray box about the size of a gauss meter. He put on a pair of headphones, connected them to the device, and began to wave it over the smart sites.

  “What’s the toy?” asked Harold.

  Chuck pointed towards Nigel. “You’ll have to ask my genius there. It’s something he built himself, and no, he can’t work for you.”

  “Pity.”

  Nigel finished and motioned for Chuck to follow him. The two walked out of hearing range, and then Nigel whispered in his ear.

  “I don’t think this is good,” mumbled Harold.

  “Easy, honey,” said Darla.

  Garcia murmured, “Be ready, just in case.”

  Chuck hollered back to the group, “Darla, would you please join us?”

  “Why?” asked Garcia.

  Harold stepped forward and Chuck did the same, hollering, “Both of you, calm down and stay where you are. Nigel has a question that Darla should be able to answer. Frankly, Garcia, I trust her more than you.”

  Harold took a step back. His fists clenched at his sides. His voice deepened, and he turned to Garcia. “I don’t like this.”

  “Neither do I.”

  Harold watched Darla walk over to the table. The two men showed Darla the readings. Her eyes scanned across the weapons, and she said something. Before Harold could blink, Nigel pulled a revolver from the front of his pants, put it against Darla’s head, and wrapped his left arm around her neck. Harold immediately ran towards Nigel and Chuck, and Garcia passed him.

  “Stop!” Chuck held both arms extended. “Don’t move. I would hate to kill such a beautiful woman, but I will.”

  “Have you lost your mind?” asked Garcia.

  “Let her go!” growled Harold as he attempted to keep himself under control.

  “You disappoint me, Garcia,” Chuck said. “I mean, I’m impressed but disappointed nonetheless. You said you were double-crossing the CIA, but here I find trackers on the guns.”

  Garcia recovered his poise. He pulled his sunglasses out of the front pocket of his shirt and slipped them on. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Chuck.”

  Chuck frowned, and Harold felt the beast pushing to rise from within. He wanted Chuck to try something, anything. Everyone would die if Darla was harmed. Guns would not stop him. Harold struggled to stay in control, his breaths quick and shallow. He looked at Nigel and saw fear in his eyes while Darla’s eyes glinted, almost as if she was happy to be in this predicament. Her breaths were almost imperceptible, even to Harold. Garcia’s breath was even and determined. Chuck’s breathing carried a faint growl, and Harold saw the rage inside his eyes.

  Chuck’s voice sounded like a controlled rage was building inside him. “There are GPS trackers embedded in the weapons. Nobody betrays me. You know that.”

  Garcia’s palms pointed to the sky as he raised his arms in a pleading motion. “Chuck, it’s me, Garcia. How long have we known each other now? Why would you think I’d ever betray you? Maybe the CIA did it and didn’t tell me. Did you think about that? Who’s to say they aren’t after you and me?”

  Chuck crossed his arms, and Harold could see the rage relax slightly, but then it returned. This time his lips twisted into a snarl beyond any micro expression. Chuck’s gun came out, and a bullet embedded itself in the sand in front of Garcia before he had a chance to flinch.

  “Are you out of your mind?” asked Garcia with a slight quiver in his voice.

  Chuck’s voice thundered, “One more word and I’ll drop you where you stand. The only reason you’re breathing is my big friend next to you. Bullets will only make him mad, and I can’t have that.”

  Garcia faced Harold, whose view of the world was quickly turning crimson. His heartbeat grew louder, but Harold could see Chuck’s rage disappear as he looked into his eyes.

  Chuck spoke calmly and evenly to Harold, “I don’t want to kill her, but I will. You can’t stop me. Even you aren’t faster than a speeding bullet. If you understand me, nod your head.”

  Harold desperately wanted to feel the hot steel projectiles hit his body and to destroy everyone before him, but something held him back. Darla. He would not let Darla be harmed. His father and Joshua’s voices rang inside his mind, “Protect the village.” Harold’s head twitched.

  “Don’t move,” warned Chuck as he waved his gun in Harold’s direction.

  Harold snorted.

  “Good boy,” Chuck responded with a wry smile. “Nigel, with me. Darla, you’re going for a short boat ride.”

  Darla attempted to wiggle free, and Nigel let his left fist rise and push against her wound. She twitched, and a small cry rose from her lips. A low growl rumbled from Harold and grew louder until everyone stopped and turned his way.

  “No!” hollered Chuck. “Nigel, you hurt that woman, and I’ll let Harold tear you limb from limb. Darla, don’t resist or Nigel will shoot. If we kill you, we’ll unload these weapons into your boyfriend. I don’t care how crazy he gets. He won’t survive.”

  Harold looked at Darla. For a moment, he saw defeat and then contentment. “Okay,” she muttered.

  Nigel slowly started backing up towards their boat.

  “Chuck,” said Garcia, “don’t do this. I’m telling you I didn’t know.”

  Chuck stoppe
d but pointed for Nigel to continue. “If your friends were after both of us, they would have appeared by now. You don’t put trackers on something unless you intend to catch someone, and you don’t wait when you have your prey. If there are trackers here, I’m sure your ship is loaded with bugged or bogus rifles.”

  Garcia was silent.

  “You’ll be hearing from me,” said Chuck.

  “Not if you hear from me first,” Garcia responded.

  Chuck gave a wry smile. “You have no idea what you’ve done. When I don’t deliver these weapons, I’ll not only be out of business, but it will ruin everything I’ve built. I am going to have to show my associates I’m still in control if I want to survive. Do yourselves a favor, hide, all of you—your families, friends, everyone. Hide them all, and maybe some will survive. I’m only warning you as a favor to Harold.” Chuck turned to Harold. “I like you. You’re a man of your word, not like Garcia. I’d hate to hunt you, but you’ve been warned. I don’t know what rock you hide under, but go there and wait. Find anyone you love and get them there too. Anyone I find in the open is fair game. You’ll find your wounded love in the ocean, unharmed. Make sure Garcia monitors for an emergency beacon. If he doesn’t, you should kill him.”

  Chuck turned and ran to the boat. He quickly climbed on board and began working to start the engine. He hollered down to Nigel, “Get the anchor and don’t forget our insurance.”

  Nigel backed to the anchor. Harold walked ten steps closer, and Nigel pressed his pistol against Darla’s temple and shook his head once. Harold heard the click of a large rifle bolt and looked up. Chuck stood behind the mounted M240 at the front of the boat. The gun was pointed directly at Harold. Harold stood still, drawing in more air. He could sense it, his moment was coming. Harold’s muscles tingled, and his arms and legs flexed in anticipation. He glared at Nigel. The fear in Nigel’s eyes made him hungry for battle. He longed to tear him apart but then Darla’s eyes caught Harold’s.

  She looked deeply into his eyes. Her contentment was replaced with the love Harold had gazed into for hours. The beast within stared intently into her face. She gave a slight shake of her head. What does she mean, no?

  Nigel put his pistol behind his back. Harold looked up at Chuck. He swept the gun from him to Harold’s left where Garcia stood out of his sight. Harold knew he wasn’t fast enough. His father’s voice echoed in his mind once more, “Protect The Village.” Joshua’s voice trailed behind, “Don’t harm your family.”

  A smile escaped Darla’s lips and then they twisted. She screamed in pain as she forced her sling and arm up and back down hard. Harold watched Nigel’s breath escape from his lips and pain fill his face. Darla stomped on his instep and ran towards Harold. Bullets hit the sand around him as he ran for Darla. He grew angrier. How can he miss? Harold ran in a straight line, hungry for the feeling of his flesh burning. It didn’t matter. He would soon taste the flesh of his enemies.

  Harold drifted right to avoid Darla, but she suddenly dove into his path and wrapped her left arm around him.

  “Stop!” she screamed.

  Harold tried to push her away, but he was unable. He was angry and confused. There was no reason she should be able to hold him, but he could not push her away without injuring her.

  “Look at me,” yelled Darla as bullets peppered the sand around them.

  Harold looked down into her eyes. Tears pooled up in them, and they were sadder than he had ever seen. Darla put her head on his chest. “I can’t lose you.”

  “You stupid cow!” screamed Nigel from beside the anchor.

  Darla released Harold, and he watched her quickly pull the pistol from her sling with her left hand. With barely a glance over her shoulder, she shot in Nigel’s direction. Harold’s face formed a menacing grin as he watched a maroon mist fly into the reddish air out of Nigel’s knee. Nigel screamed and collapsed in the shallow water. Chuck’s bullets grew closer, and Harold grabbed Darla, spun around, and collapse on the ground with her underneath. He heard her scream in pain as his weight went down on her injured arm.

  Soon, thought Harold, soon the hot metal will finally pierce my flesh, and then my anger will rise and nobody will be able to stop me. A bullet kicked up the sand at his foot, but then the gunfire stopped raining down on them. Harold could hear gunfire to his left. Round after round, left and right continued.

  “Let me up,” grunted Darla.

  Harold grunted. “Hold still, Mom”

  Everything went quiet, and then two more shots came from Garcia’s direction. The boat’s motors roared and then also fell silent.

  “We’re even, Harold!” screamed Chuck. Then the motors screamed back to life.

  Harold refused to move as he listened to the boat begin to sweep around the island.

  Chapter 24

  “You’re crushing me, and what the heck do you mean by mom?” moaned Darla.

  Harold tried to push himself up, but his body felt heavy, far too heavy to lift on his own. He tried to suck in more oxygen to give himself the strength to get up, but he felt as if he was suffocating. “Help me,” he gasped.

  Darla’s good arm pushed against his shoulder. Both shouted as they rolled him over. Sunlight met his eyes, and Harold covered them with his arm. He sucked in more and more air. With each breath, he could feel the heaviness of his body dissipate.

  Garcia’s voice broke through his determined breaths, “Are you two okay?”

  Harold removed his arm and found Garcia’s silhouette blocking the sun. “I’ll survive.”

  Darla’s pained voice responded, “I think all the wrinkles are pressed out of me. Thanks, dear.”

  Harold looked over. “Sorry.”

  Darla had a familiar twinkle in her eyes, and she responded in a raspy voice. “Don’t be sorry. Some women pay a lot of money to have that done.”

  Darla’s face turned back to the sky, and she took determined breaths. After taking in an extra-long breath, Darla asked in a pained voice, “Why did you call me mom?”

  Harold took two more long breaths and then answered, “I don’t know. I just knew I had to protect my family.”

  “Do you mean I remind you of your mother?”

  Harold looked up at the sky. “No. I mean…I don’t know. It’s not like I think about her that way.”

  “Joshua and I may have a little chat,” said Darla. A faint smile appeared between breaths and winces of pain.

  “Do either of you feel up to moving?” asked Garcia.

  Harold turned back towards Garcia’s voice, and the sun hit his eyes again. When he shaded his eyes, he found Garcia standing at their feet. “Sorry, yea.”

  Harold’s muscles felt stiff as he forced himself to his feet. He turned to help Darla up. She ignored the gesture and groaned as she got to her feet.

  “Where’s the radio?” Darla asked. “We need to catch him.”

  Garcia pointed to the sand near the table. A bullet had pierced all the way through the device. Several guns and Chuck’s laptop had taken several rounds as well.

  “Let’s get to the Kodiak,” gasped Darla.

  She took one step and stopped. Harold looked over at their craft. The large inflatable craft sat deflated on the beach with multiple bullet holes.

  Darla’s head drooped. Harold scanned the beach. A blood trail headed towards the water’s edge and then disappeared.

  “Where’s Nigel?” asked Harold.

  Garcia crossed his arms. “It was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. When the bullets stopped flying, Chuck backed his boat into the small bay dragging the anchor with Nigel holding onto the rope at the waterline. Then Chuck pulled both of them up. Actually, it was almost like he yanked them free of the water. I’ve never seen strength like that. Present company excluded, of course.”

  A thought popped into Harold’s head. “You don’t suppose he’s like me, do you?”

  Garcia scowled and was silent for a moment. “He’s far too controlled. I mean, if he is, and he has that much cont
rol, he’s deadlier than we thought.”

  Darla’s voice was hesitant. “Do you think, maybe, that’s Bill?”

  Harold turned to Garcia. “Take off your sunglasses.”

  “What?”

  “Just do it,” said Harold. “Take them off and look me in the eye.”

  Garcia complied.

  Harold stared intently into his eyes. “Tell me the truth. Was that my brother?”

  He could see the effortlessly calm look in Garcia’s eyes. “I promise you, that’s not your brother.”

  “Do you know where he is?” asked Harold.

  Garcia put his sunglasses back on. “Not really. We think he’s in North Carolina. We know he studied business while in college in New York, but he’s no arms dealer. By all accounts, your half-brother has lived a very normal, boring life.”

  “If he’s not Chuck, we need to find him before Chuck does,” Darla said.

  “Why?” asked Harold.

  Darla drew in a slow breath and focused her speech. “Chuck said he needs to show he’s in control. He may use your brother to not only pull Garcia into the open, but also other agents who would attempt to capture him. If he kills Garcia and anyone else his buyers would consider high-value targets he might be able to win back their favor.”

  Garcia spoke up, “Please, don’t forget who we are. If the CIA isn’t tracking him, I doubt Chuck will be able to dig him up.”

  “But you could find him, which means Chuck could find him?” asked Harold.

  “Sure, we can find anyone given enough time and resources, but you’re assuming Chuck even knows he exists. I’m more concerned for Joshua.”

  A wave of panic hit Harold. “We need off this island now!”

  “Easy,” said Garcia. “Help should be here in about an hour.”

  Harold started running up the path. “I’ll be back,” he shouted over his shoulder.

  “There’s nothing over there,” yelled Garcia, but Harold was not convinced.

  Despite his stiffness, Harold forced his legs to move as fast as they were able. Burning pain bit into his calves as he fought the sandy ground. He traveled over the hill to the other side of the island and scanned the horizon, but all he saw was the clear water without so much as a speck. Then he remembered.