ShadowShot : L'enfant Guerrier Page 19

  Coming back to the present, I knew Sophia didn’t let me go because she wanted to, but because she had to. Why was I bumming myself out like this when I could be enjoying my time with my new friend and my uncle?

  A voice in my head said that being with another woman is superficial. Until I accept that it’s over with Sophia, no matter how much I love her.

  Up to now when I thought of her, which was far too often, I would open the door and allow myself to wallow in my misery. No more. I was done with it. I might not be able to keep her from creeping into my mind, but I would dismiss the thought of her immediately. I got up and started jogging down the beach towards the lighthouse to catch up with my uncle and our lady friends.

  “Well Jack it’s time for the Bastogne of the free world to get back to work.”

  “I don’t suppose you could take another week off. This has been great.”

  “No, it’s time for me to get back in the saddle.”

  “Oh I thought you were in the saddle last night.”

  “Yes that was a nice ride, but unfortunately there’s more than one kind of saddle.

  Are you going to stay on here or are you heading back to New York?”

  “It’s time I went home George.”

  “Well then I’ll make the reservations for both of us. Look Jack, let me ask you, do you need any money? You know I make more than I could possibly spend. I’d be glad to help you, not as a loan but as a gift to my nephew.”

  “Thank you but I’m okay. I really am.”

  We flew back the next day to New York and took a hotel. The next morning we would be parting company, George to Paris and me to the Southwest. I had been spending a lot more time there than my place up north. I thought I would get my horses and dogs from my neighbor, and drive up north with them to spend some time.

  When I was unpacking my suitcase, I found $10,000 stuffed in my shoes, with a note that said, “Thanks for a great trip. Thought you might be able to use this. Tio.”

  30

  MISHA VISITS JACK

  What was that saying lucky in gambling unlucky in love? Well I don’t gamble, except with my life sometimes. For me it should have been lucky with women unlucky with love. I always kept three separate message services going, one for George one for usual business and one for personals. When I got home I had a nice surprise. Misha the lovely stewardess I had met on my first flight back to the States, had left a message for me.

  She said she would be flying into California and could take a two-week vacation if I wanted to see her. She would have to know soon. She was young and beautiful, tall thin with smooth brown skin, with long black hair and a very exotic face. If that wasn’t enough, she was also well endowed, something I was always a sucker for. Mostly though, she was sweet and kind.

  I called her up right away and told her it would be great to see her. I’d be honored to have her as my guest for her vacation. I told her truthfully that in spite of trying really hard, I hadn’t completely gotten over the other woman. Regardless, I promised her that we were sure to have a lot of fun.

  She said, “Jack I know. I would be disappointed with you if you could’ve gotten over her that fast, but I also believe we will have fun together.”

  And that’s exactly what we did. It was great to be with her. Having one-night stands was one thing, but being together every day for two weeks was really special. It was exactly what I needed, and apparently what she needed as well. There were no commitments asked or given, so no disappointments. We were two people together caring for each other and having a good time. I didn’t realize it then, but we would stay friends and lovers for many years to come. We would see each other whenever possible.

  31

  DEATH IN MEXICO

  1980

  One of the great loves of my life is deep-sea fishing. If I didn’t feel like flying someplace exotic, I liked going down to Mexico. I could take my own truck and even drag a little fishing boat behind me. There was a small fishing village about 10 miles from a little tourist town on the Sea of Cortez that often attracted me. Sometimes if the fishing was slow or it was really hot, I would go spend a week in the tourist town for a little Mexican nightlife.

  It was on one of these little sporting expeditions that I was about to get a surprise. I was laid out on a beach chair enjoying the sea, the sand, and the sun. Suddenly there was a shadow standing over me. I thought it was probably the kid seeing if I wanted another beer. When I looked out from underneath my hat, I saw some very un-tan white legs. I had to squint and take off my sunglasses “Is that you George, Tio?”

  “Yes, more or less in the flesh and blood. Jack, are you glad to see me?”

  “Am I glad to see you? Yes I am of course. However, I can’t believe this is just a coincidence meeting on the beach.”

  “May I sit down?”

  “Sure. Would you like a drink? You look hot.”

  He nodded and I signaled for the boy.

  “George let me ask you first how did you know where to find me?”

  “Jack, Jack you underestimate me. I always know exactly where you are.”

  “Well Tio, it’s good to know you’re watching over me.”

  “By the way Jack, you look really well for your age, in good condition. I’m glad.”

  “Well my old friend I wish that I could say the same for you, but you really look terrible.”

  He just turned his head and stared out at the ocean for a moment. Then he said, “Well you must remember I’m quite a bit older than you, but the truth is Jack, I’m dying. I’m rotting from the inside out. I’m afraid it is the big C.”

  “Oh no, Jesus George I’m so sorry to hear that. When did you find out?”

  “About eight months ago.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Where do you have it George?”

  “There was no point in putting that burden on you.” He laughed and said, “Well everywhere. In fact I could go at any time now. The doctors say I might just shut down, go into a coma, and that would be it. I don’t have a lot of time Jack and we have a lot to talk about. It’s nice here. This is a good place to talk but would you mind bringing that umbrella over? I’m afraid even though I could use a tan I’m not accustomed to the sun and the heat.”

  “Sure Tio. I’ll get it.”

  “George, that is the same thing that my mother did when she was getting sick. Don’t you realize that I would have wanted to be there to help you?”

  “I know Jack, but it had to be this way. I am sorry”

  “It’s actually a little difficult to know where to start. I know you must question how much you can believe of what I tell you. I swear to you Jack, everything that I tell you now will be the absolute truth. In the past if I withheld information or possibly distorted anything, it was about the job, the Company.”

  “Let me interrupt you for a moment. Are you still working for the Company?”

  “No, I retired back when my sickness started. The Company actually doesn’t exist, as you knew it. Some of the founding members still run it, but they thought it best to close down and start over now and then.”

  “I always thought you were one of the big dogs.”

  “Well I was, but not the biggest.”

  “George do you think what we were doing back then was the right thing? Were we making a difference?”

  He hesitated for a moment and said, “Yes back then I do. Had I not I wouldn’t have become involved with them. We were trying to keep America safe. Now organizations like that are about the money I’m afraid. You were smart to get out when you did.” By the way, you know the contract that was out on you? That’s no more. The uncle that put it out passed away some time ago. I thought you’d like to know. The younger family members have become entrepreneurs.”

  “Thank you George. Actually I had already heard that and stopped worrying about it. So you knew about that all along.”

  “Jack you wouldn’t believe all the things I know about you. As you know I don’t have any
living brothers, sisters, or even nephews for that matter. I was never married. No children either. My lifestyle and job didn’t leave room for that, even for special friends. You know I’ve always thought of you as the son that I never had. Do you believe that?”

  I nodded my head, “Yes George I do believe that. I know you played me a lot back in the old days. However, I always did feel you had a special affection for me even back then. Ever since our trip to the Caribbean together, I have felt the same towards you.”

  “Yes it’s true. As you say, I played you to get you to come to work for me and I want to address that now. First I have in this backpack a present for you. There is $300,000 here for you Jack. I know you’re rather broke at the moment and could use it. I thought you would prefer to have it this way than if I left it in my will.”

  I just looked at him not knowing what to say. As if he thought I didn’t believe him, he put the backpack in front of me and opened the zipper a little so I could see stacks of hundred dollar bills.

  “George with all the women you had over the years, didn’t you drop a kid or two around somewhere?”

  “No I’m sure not. I’ve known since I was 20 years old that I only shoot blanks. Well it doesn’t matter anyway. I wish there were some children but there’s not.”

  “Well what if the doctors are wrong my Tio, and you keep on living as I certainly hope you do.”

  He laughed and said, “Well then I guess I’ll have to borrow some money from you. I sold my home and everything I had. I’m just hoteling it. The end could come tomorrow or it might be a month away the problem is twofold. I’m in a lot of pain, and I do mean a lot of pain all the time. I know I probably don’t seem that bad but to sit here and have this conversation with you I have enough painkillers in me to kill a horse. Now the second thing is I have a job for you. Yes it’s a hit.”

  “George I do not do that anymore.”

  “I know. I know. Just hear me out please. This is as easy as it gets. No bodyguards, nothing to worry about. No repercussions and you’ll get another $300,000.”

  “Is that the going price for a hit now? The person must be very important.”

  “He is in some ways. You see it’s me. I want you to finish it for me.”

  “What are you talking about? You want me to do you? You just got finished telling me I’m like a son to you. I said you’re like my uncle. You expect me to kill you? Those painkillers are doing a number on your head.”

  “Listen to me. Besides 24 hours of pain, I have my pride. Even though I’ve been behind the lines, I’ve been a warrior all my life and I don’t want to rot lying in bed with wires and hoses coming out of me. You would be doing me a big favor. I’m a Catholic Jack. I cannot take my own life. What I would really prefer is to go down with sword in hand. I’m afraid that’s probably out of the question.”

  “What I said about being a son is all true and the gift is yours whether you take the job or not, but should you choose to accept this mission like they say on TV, you would be doing me a big favor. There’s another $300,000 in it for you. However, there is one little thing you should know pertaining to the job. Over the years even though I was never a field operative, I have made some enemies. There is one in particular who is a very nasty fellow who has a vendetta against me. To his credit, he wants to make the kill himself. Unfortunately, knowing him it wouldn’t be simply taking a bullet. All my painkillers wouldn’t be enough, if you get my meaning. It’s not something that I would want to go through.”

  “Can’t your old bosses help you with it?”

  “No. That’s what I meant about how things have changed. There was a time in the beginning when we all looked out for each other, like taking care of that Belgium who was looking for you. But now nobody does anyone favors. It’s all about the money.”

  “And you would sooner give it to me than pay the Company for help.”

  “Correct. Exactly so.”

  “So George besides wanting me to kill my only uncle, you have now possibly blown my cover and put me in harm’s way with your nasty friend.”

  “Very true Jack. However, you have no cover to be blown. No one is looking for you. I have taken great pains over the years to delete any information about you along with all the records. I hope this doesn’t hurt your pride. No one really cares about you now.” And by the way, you’ll also find a 38 special six-inch barrel with a silencer in the backpack. It’s your old one. I saved it. You can keep it or toss it.”

  “How close do you think your friend is to you?”

  “I don’t think I need to worry about it right now. He was close about a month ago, but I’ve been moving around steadily. I’m sure he’s lost my trail.”

  “I want to help you George, but this is a lot to ask of me. You’ve just given me an awful lot, and I’m sure you know that much money could make things very easy for me for a long time. I would feel pretty damn guilty if I accepted the money and didn’t do what you asked, even for the extra money.”

  “You don’t have to Jack if you don’t want to. I understand. I just wanted you to have it as a gift.”

  “Do I get to think about it?”

  “For the reasons stated, I will need to know by tomorrow morning.” I’m getting a little tired and I need to lie down but there’s still much that we need to talk about. Would you mind if we went back to my hotel?”

  When we got back to the hotel George popped a few painkillers and stretched out on the bed. I pulled the armchair up close and we continued talking. I asked him if he thought we were safe considering how we always had a special place to talk in my apartment in Paris.

  He said, “I just moved in this morning. I’m sure we’re good.”

  “Jack if I may ask, have you had any jobs or shall I say gunplay since Australia?”

  “No I have not. I wish that you would stop always putting my life in danger.”

  “Oh come now Jack. You know in one way you sort of like the rush. You would have hated yourself if you were not able to help Sophia, right? But let’s not talk about that now. We both know the outcome. There are more important things we must speak of now.”

  “There are things that may be helpful for to you to know about yourself, that I don’t believe you understand. I have anguished for years wondering if it was the right thing for you to know, or would it do you more harm than good.”

  Jesus there it was again, the same thing from my mother from Frank, even from old doc Benson. I had put the mystery away and now it was back in my face again but this time I was going to find out what everybody seemed to know except me.

  “Have you ever wondered Jack about the first eight years of your life before you had your accident?”

  “Yes but not really until I went back to see my mother, and on her deathbed she started to say the same thing. She went into a coma before she could finish, but she did tell me that Frank was not my paternal father, even Frank on our last camp before he died mentioned it but wouldn’t really talk about it.”

  “Yes Jack I knew. Frank was a good man and a good soldier and I know he was a good father to you.”

  “How do you know about all of these things George?”

  “It goes back way before we even met. Jack I strongly believe that one of the great problems mankind has is that we don’t except who we really are. By that I mean to know the truth - it’s in the Bible. You know that I’m not an overly religious man, but too often we think of ourselves, as who we want to be, but not who we really are. An example is if you think of yourself as a kind person, and you’re really not, you’re only deluding yourself. If you think of yourself as not a bad person but you really are, then you won’t see a need to change. Do you see what I mean? We are better off not knowing who we are than to think we are somebody we are not. When you don’t know hopefully, you have a chance to find out before it’s too late. However, if you go on thinking that you’re this person that you’re not; it may become too difficult to change. I’ll give you a first-hand example. Jack you�
��re a warrior and a killer, and for sure a killer with a moral and ethical code, but nevertheless a killer. Did you ever have an experience where you saw someone doing something very wrong and you thought to yourself what you’d really like to do is just take that person off the planet?”

  “Yes but that came with what you taught me.”

  “No I mean before Paris.”

  “Yes it has happened. It’s true.”

  “Do you want to know why? If you do I’ll tell you now. If you don’t we will not speak of it again. It’s your decision.”

  “I have always wondered about the mystery of my life, but for years now I’ve closed that door. Now that you’ve reopened it there’s no closing it again until I understand it.”

  “Very well said Jack, I’m proud of you. I know things about you from before you were born. Your grandmother worked for the English as a spy even before World War I started. She was a valuable asset to British intelligence and then American intelligence. Between the wars your mother and grandmother lived in Paris and in the South of France. Eventually your mother met a charming Frenchman. They were married and you were born. His name was Edmond Duval. He was not however a warrior, and could’ve served France better than by going to the front lines. He was killed trying to repel the German Blitzkrieg.

  “Your mother and grandmother should’ve left France when they could. Perhaps it was the loss of your father that kept them from giving up on France. They decided to stay. Paris has a way of making it hard to leave, as you probably know. They joined the resistance. For your safety at only six years of age, they sent you to the South where they had often gone to spend their summers. They left you in the care of a very lovely young French woman and her boyfriend whose names were Marie Claude and Peppy. You were all well known to each other, and had a great deal of affection. The South of France had set up what was called the Vichy government. Even though there was an occupying German Army in control, your mother felt you would be safer there. It was a very brave act for a mother to do with her beloved son, but they were determined to do everything they could to help defeat the Germans. If they didn’t tell you about this, perhaps it was because they thought you wouldn’t understand how they could leave you even with someone who cared about you. The problem was that unbeknownst to your mother and grandmother, Marie Claude and Peppy had joined the resistance in the South. Unbeknownst to Peppy and Marie Claude, your mother and grandmother were in the resistance in the North.”