“That’s why it’s Alice. The aliases are meant to be generic and believable.”
“Good job.”
“Oh, one other thing. Don’t get used to my name. Unless you are in a meeting with me alone, it’s always Alice.”
Harold scowled. “That’s awfully complicated. I may just stick with Alice.”
“If it will stop you from accidently slipping out my real name in public, that’s fine.”
Alice stood up, and Harold followed her cue.
She pointed at the chairs. “Grab those, please. Our boat is waiting.”
They made their way back to the beach. The disaster that had been scattered about was gone. The Kodiak’s remains had been pulled onto the shore although nothing was left inside the craft but its shell. All other remnants of the day’s events had been erased. Alice moved in front of Harold and pointed to one of the crewmen standing guard around the shallow watercraft. He stepped forward, took the chairs from Harold, and tossed them into the boat. Harold followed Alice into the armed craft.
Without a word, the crewmen boarded the boat, and they departed. Harold looked past the bow into the open water. He had no desire to ever see Crossroads Key again. In the distance, a small dot appeared. He didn’t expect to see the yacht this close to the island with Chuck still about. Harold soon realized it was not his yacht, and the craft was much smaller, and closer, than he realized.
The Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat cruised towards their small craft at an equally high rate of speed. Before Harold had time to ask Alice any questions, the crews of both crafts were tying their boats together.
Alice turned, grabbed Harold’s hand, and shook it. “This is where we part ways for now. The Coast Guard will get you back home quickly.”
“What about my yacht?” asked Harold.
“We are taking her to the naval air station next to Key West. Chuck will be looking for her back at Islamorada, and we don’t dare leave her in open waters.”
A crewman hollered, “Time to go.”
Harold climbed aboard the Coast Guard ship, and the two boats quickly parted ways. He wondered if Darla had made her way back to Salvation Key and if Garcia knew where Chuck was.
Chapter 25
The Coast Guard craft cruised up to the dock at Salvation Key. As he disembarked, Harold noticed the fishing boat’s ladder had been repaired. Frank and the Coast Guard were busy untying the boat as he hurried up the pier towards the compound. Garcia and Darla came out of the boat shack, and Harold held up.
Darla threw her arm around Harold and buried her face into his shoulder. Her speech was clearer now. “I’m so sorry, darling. I should have never pulled you into this. You’ve been through so much.”
Harold closed his eyes and whispered into her ear, “It isn’t your fault. I made my choices, and I would do it again, as long as I have you.”
Darla lifted her head, and Harold kissed her. Never had her silky lips felt so welcoming. He could not have cared less about what would happen to Chuck once Alice and her crew found him. He was just thankful to have Darla still alive and in his life. The two finally parted lips and released one another.
Garcia cleared his throat. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”
Harold looked at him and back at Darla.
Garcia continued, “Chuck got away.”
Harold had had enough. His large right hand grabbed hold of Garcia’s shirt. Garcia’s feet tripped and scooted as Harold pulled him in close.
“Harold!” exclaimed Darla, but he ignored her.
“Tell me, Agent Hernandez, how did Chuck get away?” Harold growled.
Fear washed over Garcia’s face as he looked at Harold. “I don’t know. How could I?”
Harold shoved Garcia away, and he backpedaled, slamming against the boat shack to avoid falling down.
Darla stepped between them. “What are you doing?”
Harold gently moved Darla out and the way. “Ask Garcia about the Kodiak.”
Darla stepped in front of Harold again. “I already know. I noticed it while they were cleaning things up.”
“And?”
Garcia spoke up from behind Darla, “And as I told Darla, I was blind firing from behind the ammo box once he turned the gun on me. I was aiming away from the beach, and I probably hit the boat. The gunfire was heated, and Chuck had me pinned.”
“It couldn’t have been too heated,” replied Harold from around Darla. “Nigel wouldn’t have escaped that easy.”
“I told you about that already,” responded Garcia.
Harold took a deep breath to calm down. “Okay, for now. So, how could Chuck disappear?”
“We think he had a sub or someone did,” Darla said. “The drone found his boat, and it looked empty. We blew it up, just in case they were hiding below.”
“But you don’t think they were hiding?” asked Harold.
“No.” She stepped aside, and Garcia took a step forward. “We believe Chuck would have either tried to shoot down the drone or simply jump overboard. He’s a smart guy. He would have known his ship was about to be blown up.”
“So, what do we do now?” asked Harold.
“We wait,” responded Darla and Garcia in unison.
“What about Doc?” asked Harold.
“He and Maria arrived a short time ago and are waiting at the house. We asked to talk to you first,” responded Darla.
“Are they okay?”
“They’re fine, although Maria is upset with you for getting yourself in danger.”
“I’m going to my bungalow,” said Garcia.
“You mean my bungalow,” responded Harold.
Garcia’s shoulders slumped. “Yes, your bungalow,” and he headed down the trail.
“I heard about that from Garcia,” Darla said. “Congratulations, dear. Maybe this sandbar will finally become respectable.”
“Hopefully not when we’re together,” joked Harold.
Darla smacked him in the chest. “Boys.”
The two began their trek back to the main house.
Joshua and Maria were standing at the front door. Maria ran up and drove her head into Harold’s chest as she hugged him.
Joshua casually walked up. “We heard the boat had docked.”
Maria let go, and Joshua and Harold hugged one another.
Joshua stepped back. “I’m glad you’re safe.”
“Are you stupid?” asked Maria as she slugged Harold in the shoulder. “Why would you fight men with guns? You’re not bulletproof. I should take you over my knee.”
Harold laughed at the image.
Maria crossed her arms. “I’m not joking. That was stupid.”
Harold regained control. “I know. I’ll try not to do it again. I promise. I’ve missed both of you so much.”
“So, what now, secret agent man?” asked Joshua.
“Whoa, I’m no secret agent.” He pointed to Darla. “That’s her department. Ask her.”
“I’m not sure I’m a secret agent man, but for now we wait,” Darla said.
Maria rolled her eyes. “More wasting time. My children need me.”
Joshua interjected, “Maria quickly formed a bond with the orphans.”
“Is it the way you remember it, Doc?”
“The place looks older. Adam looks older, and I look older.”
“Don’t we all?” responded Harold.
“I don’t,” chimed in Darla and Maria.
“Present company excluded,” said Harold. “Well, I’m bushed. I have had more than my fair share of arms dealers, butt-busting boats, and spooks. I think I’ll go relax upstairs. Darla, would you please join me?”
Darla took his hand, and the two headed inside and upstairs. They settled onto the wooden swing inside the covered breezeway. Harold turned, lying down with his head in Darla’s lap. His legs bent upward to fit into the limited space, and he closed his eyes. The cool salty breeze washed over his body.
Darla gently played with his hair. Her voice sounded di
stant as she said, “Rest, my warrior. Your fight is done.”
***
Harold awoke in his bedroom. It was nighttime, and the moonbeams danced along the walls. He could not remember how he got to bed, but he was exhausted. He looked out at the darkness through the French doors as he thought about Darla’s hands running through his hair. A sound from the bathroom caught his attention, and he rolled over to see what it was. Harold frowned in disgust as John appeared wearing only a towel and his twisted smile.
“What? Were you hoping I was someone else?” asked John. “Perhaps your girlfriend? You naughty boy.” John cackled at his own joke.
Harold sat up and crossed his arms. “I thought we were done.”
John came over and sat uncomfortably close to him. His temple no longer had the gun in it or blood pouring out of it. “Harold, you can’t get rid of me that easy. So, have you figured out who my partner is?”
“I couldn’t care less,” replied Harold. “That’s the CIA’s problem. I’m out, done, finished.”
“Uh-huh. Do you think that’s what Chuck thinks?” John asked.
“Again, not my problem.”
John turned towards Harold. “I’m trying to tell you something, brat. You can’t just walk away.”
Harold stared into John’s dead eyes. “I know that, but I’ve been told to wait it out, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
“I don’t know how to get through to you.”
A voice hissed behind Harold, and a black mist passed around him to hover next to John. “Let me try,” said the dark specter.
The smell of sulfur made Harold gag. He didn’t need this. He was tired and had been through enough. “Get out of here, Haidar. I told you, I’m not going to feel guilty over your death. You sealed your fate the moment you threw in with those terrorists.”
The mist hissed, “Who said I’m Haidar?”
A chill cut through Harold, but then he remembered something his father had taught him. True evil only existed to accuse people of their wrongs and fill them with bitterness and hate. “I know what you are. Do you think I’ll cower or cry out? I won’t be accused or tormented by the likes of you.”
The mist cackled. “Really? Joshua and Maria are in danger, and what about your half-brother? It’s all your fault.”
Harold reached for the mist, but his hand passed through it. Its yellow eyes turned red, and a cackle filled his bedroom.
“No, none of this is my doing. John started this.” Harold turned to John. “I don’t blame you. I know you felt slighted by my dad, and then your hate took you and twisted you into the monster you became. You killed my father, but I forgive you.”
A hiss filled Harold’s room, and the black mist passed through him, pushing him sideways. He caught himself and watched the specter fly from the room, but John still sat there.
“I told you. I’m not done yet. This is my island after all.”
Harold leaned close to John’s putrid flesh and whispered, “I guess you haven’t heard. This is my island now.” He sat back up. “All of it. The government gave it to me. Well, it wasn’t exactly given. I have to give up moving back home to Malibu, but I can live with that for the time being. Tom will take good care of my home in California. I will outwait my enemies and then be back home one day. That reminds me, your company—it’s mine as well. You don’t have any reason to stay, John. You’re forgiven, and everything you had is gone. You’re free to leave. You need to leave.”
“Well played. You’re smarter than you look, but I may return. You just never know.”
“Don’t waste your time.”
John’s specter stared into Harold’s eyes as he slowly vanished.
Harold took a breath and walked around his room and bathroom to confirm nothing else was hiding. Once he was satisfied he was alone, he lay back down and drifted off, content in the knowledge that he had defeated his demons.
***
The sun hit Harold’s eyelids. He instinctively shielded his tired eyes and sat up. The smell of dirt, wood, leather, and straw filled his nostrils. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he found himself inside his father’s longhouse. He knew exactly where he was. Much of his childhood was spent in the Viking village with Joshua. Doc. This was all Doc’s doing, thought Harold. He stretched and went outside. His father, mother, Joshua, and Maria sat outside the entrance. To his surprise, the entire village stood before the longhouse with them.
“Did I miss something, my Lord?” asked Harold.
“Of course not.”
His mother stood and gave him a hug. “We’re so proud of you.”
“What’s the occasion?” asked Harold.
“Saving the village, of course,” responded his mother as she returned to her seat.
From within the ranks, came John’s familiar voice. He stepped out from the crowd to stand in front of Harold and his family. “This is all for you, brat. You survived, for now. But before you celebrate too much, maybe you should ask mommy and daddy about your half-brother.”
The king stood with his battle ax at his side. “Mind your tongue, vermin.”
To Harold’s surprise, John dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “My apologies, King Richard and Queen Barbara. I was wrong. I was wrong about you and your son, but he has a right to know.”
Richard sat back down on his throne. “You may rise.”
John stood and a crooked smile formed on his lips. “Actually, your parents may not know everything.” John pointed to the other side of Harold’s father. “Maybe you should ask Joshua about Bill.”
Joshua leapt to his feet and unsheathed his sword. A blinding light filled the sunlit sky and swept through John. As fast as lightning, Joshua had his sword sheathed, and John was gone.
“I don’t understand,” said Harold.
Harold drew in the salty air and banged his foot on the swing as he sat up.
“What is it?” Darla asked in an alarmed voice.
Harold rubbed his face for a moment. “How long have I been asleep?”
She slid over and grabbed his hand. “Just a few minutes. Are you okay?”
Harold released her grip and kissed her on the cheek. “Yes, I need to talk to Joshua.”
He stood up. “Where is he?”
Darla looked up at him confused. “I think he and Maria are sitting by the pool.”
Looking over the balcony, Harold saw the two of them sunning themselves in the lounge chairs.
Darla stood. “I’ll go with you.”
Harold gave her lips a long kiss and then said, “No, honey. I’ll explain later because I’m not sure what’s going on myself.”
She gave Harold a puzzled look and sat back down as he rushed downstairs. Joshua and Maria sat up at the sound of him rushing down the stairs towards the pool.
“What’s wrong?” asked Maria.
“I need to talk to Doc.”
Joshua looked concerned. “What is it?”
Harold walked over and sat down on the side of the lounge chair next to Joshua. “Doc, it’s about Bill. I had another dream. John claimed you haven’t told me everything about my brother. Please, I need to know about my half-brother.”
“What sort of dream?”
Maria interjected, “You need to tell him what you and Adam talked about.”
“What is she talking about, Doc?”
“I’m afraid I owe you an apology.”
“Why, Doc? What did you do?”
Joshua sat up and took hold of Harold’s hand. “You have no idea how much I love you and your brother. There is a bond that forms during hypnotherapy. Over time, Bill became like a son to me. Then there was you and your family. I never knew a group of people could change my life so much.” Tears began to pool in Joshua’s eyes.
“Doc, come on, what is it?”
Maria sat up on the edge of her chair and started to rub Joshua’s back.
Joshua continued, “When I couldn’t find a way to calm your rage, I decided it was safer to keep y
ou and Bill apart and to try and stop you from ever hurting your family.”
Harold stood and paced for a moment. “We were already apart. And why would I want to hurt my family?” Harold sat back on the edge of Joshua’s chair. “Please, Doc, you’re starting to scare me.”
Joshua took a long, deep breath. “I put a failsafe in your brain, or rather, I tried to. I tried to compartmentalize your memories of Bill away from everything else. Next, your father and I worked to program your subconscious so your rage would never be directed at your family, but your mind was too strong. You never forgot about Bill, and then you were unable to save your father.”
“But, Doc, it did work. I heard your voice when we were being shot at. I saved Darla.”
“What about your dad?”
“I couldn’t save Dad. I didn’t know what to do. As soon as I saw him pull the gun up to his head, my vision went crimson. I hoped he would shoot at me instead, but when he put the gun in his mouth, I didn’t know what to do. He pulled the trigger, and I tore the room apart.”
Tears trickled down Harold’s face, and Joshua hugged him for a moment. “Are you okay?”
“I’m alright, Doc.”
Joshua let go. “I gave Adam instructions to attempt the same procedure on Bill in hopes that it would work. I told Adam to not only hide his memories of you, but his memories of me as well. I had promised to come back, but after two years, I knew I would not be returning anytime soon. Adam and I were concerned Bill might regress at the thoughts of me being gone and the realization I was with his brother. Adam was completely successful with Bill. Any memories he has of us are locked away somewhere deep in his subconscious.”
Harold took in everything he had heard and was silent for a moment. Then he asked, “Doc, does that mean if you find Bill, he won’t remember us?”
“Perhaps. We could trigger those memories just by appearing or if he hears our names repeatedly. We aren’t forgotten, but don’t expect Bill to know who we are right away.”
“Okay, I don’t know why you’re so upset. It doesn’t sound like you damaged us, and you thought you were doing the right thing.”
Harold and the Angel of Death Page 28