Docs Viewer

CHAPTER TEN It was near dawn and things had subsided. There was one rule even the bad spirits adhered to, and that was no foul play while in the presence of the King, the Amazonian sun — your majesty was due and the mist turned into morning dew. The breeze blew pleasantly as if this were paradise. The birds chirped pleasant tunes and whistles, and even the frogs croaking had a good sensation. Near camp, the sound of helicopter blades twirling through the beauty of the natural sounds could be heard. They landed the best they could, and with no delay, Richard and Briscoe jumped out. “This is where the crew should be.” Richard scanned the immediate area while standing in one place before replying, “Yeah, I know! This is were I instructed them to build a work station. Let’s check over there.” After pointing his hands in the direction of the camp, Richard led the way. “It sure gets hot early here.” “Yes, so I see. The sun wastes no time in this part of the world.” Richard arrived at the camp an instant before Captain Briscoe, but lingered on while the Captain looked inside Gary and Nick’s hasty creation. “Hello,” Briscoe said timidly, as he arched his head around to peek through the entrance. The echo was vaguely clear, but it was also clear the room was empty. “Hello, I’m responding to your stress call.” His boots clattered against the frail floor as a search of every square inch was performed. “There is no one in here. Who are we expecting, the same gentlemen I transported, correct!?” Richard looked as if he didn’t want to talk about it, and blatantly ignored him. Richard continued to walk forward, paying the questioner no attention. “Hey excuse me.” Briscoe blurted in a real effort to break Richard’s silence. He stood there, hand on chin with his elbow rested upon the arm folded beneath, and refused to take another step. Richard did not let that stop him and he carried on, looking around but not appearing to be searching for the missing party, but just browsing casually. You could only imagine what was in his mind at this point, especially if judged by the way he looked around. Traveling far off from Briscoe, he remained in an up, down, left, right, scan pattern that seemed systematic. Richard was indeed keenly aware of certain dangers, because he walked in a specific pattern so as to easily trail back. It was almost as if he felt his way around and this was just the beginning. Richard wasn’t trained in safari ordeals, and he was he an amateur when it came to natural habitats. The fact that he walked through the forest without fear seemed strange, but maybe the sun was out and vision was sufficient gave him that courage. “Hey! Hey! What the hell are you doing up there? What are you doing here?” He stretched himself for a better view of the man in the tree, only to realize he was partly sleep. There was no other choice but to climb up. “OK ! Let me see! I probably can, nah! I should hmm… If I can just.” His mumbling and muttering went on, but soon he began to dart his way up the tree. He propped himself on the same branch and scooted his way over to make contact with the slouched over Nick. Richard placed his hands upon Nick’s shoulder and spoke softly, “Hey, excuse me!” while shaking him softly but assuring not to stop his utterances. “Sir, wake up! Wake up!” His requests became louder, sharper, and even the hand shoulder relationship got rocky. “Hey! Wake up,” he said softly but with a sense of aggravation. “Oh shit!” Shouted Nick in an amazing effort to hold on to the branch. The assaults on his sleeping had nearly startled Nick to an uncomfortable fall. Both men experienced unsteadiness, grabbing each other’s shoulders to try and maintain a sudden interruption of their balance. That attempt failed, however, and Richard and Nick plummeted to the ground. Richard ended up slightly on top of Nick after the fall, and caused temporary damage to his leg. Nick yelled at the top of his lungs, “Shit! What the fuck is going on? I! Hold up… it’s about time. Damn, where are the others, we need to find them. Oh… Oh…shit!” The pain from Nick’s leg pulsated and caused agony to the third degree, which caused unclear thinking mixed with the trauma of the night before. “Hey, calm down. Nick, that’s your name right. I need to get you back to the helicopter — you’re injured.” Nick’s mood did not get much better after those seemingly sincere comments. “Have you found my friends? Oh shit… Milo! He’s fucking dead, oh no! Richard watched Nick descend into sorrow and was curious as to why, but he refrained from asking for details. “We haven’t found your friend yet, because you are the first one we have run into. I will send a search crew.” “Good! I’ll lead them.” “No, I’m getting you out of here. You’re in no condition to be searching for anyone.” “No, fuck that! Look, I lost my boss, man. I won’t listen to the shit you’re talking. Matter of fact, you better have your checkbook ready, because you owe four gentlemen major bread. If I don’t leave here with something, for all this bullshit I done been through, shit, I’ll have the National Guard out here. This is the perfect story for a book, with the sinister character’s name slandered all in the mud, so don’t fucking play with me.” “Calm down, Nick! Listen, I just have to get you safely back home. I assure you that all of your finances will be taken care of.” Nick continued his raving, but he was a bit calmer after Richard’s guarantee of compensation. The men followed the path Richard had set out before and made it back fairly quickly. Briscoe had stood in the same spot, but now squinched over watching the ants crawl and other miscellaneous creatures linger about. He instantly stood upright when becoming aware of someone slouched over Richard for assistance. “Help me get him in the helicopter.” Briscoe opened the door and allowed them to use his hand as leverage. They slumped Nick in ruggedly and proceeded to secure themselves. Briscoe commanded the helicopter to lift off. Richard’s eyes were the reflection of patience running thin as he glanced upon the white fluffy of clouds above them. “What happened?” Richard exclaimed, while turning his full attention to the answerer. Nick looked at him, his eyes emotionless, and he remained quiet. Briscoe looked at Richard after giving Nick a strange gaze. “If I would have know this was loud mouth here, I might not have answered that radio.” That got both of the men’s attention. “Fuck you! What the hell, who is this guy?” Richard sat back and looked at Briscoe wondering why in hell he made that comment. “First of all, you muthafuckas are crazy. I know you wouldn’t have left me out here, and you better not leave my friends out here. Milo’s already dead, if anyone else is…” Nick paused as if he had to hold back any soggy emotions because he was a man. “You all won’t hear the last of old Nick.” A silence loomed for a brief moment. “Wait a minute. There’s more people back there, and someone’s dead?” declared Briscoe with disbelief. “I assumed the others were already gone. I only spoke to one person on the radio, but… I think he did mention someone, or he had to find somebody.” “Yeah, you must have spoken to Ron or Gary, and matter of fact, it was Gary. It had to be, because me and Ron had to make a break for it.” “A break for it?” “Yeah, a lion or something attacked us.” “No, it wasn’t a lion. It had to be a jaguar, or something.” “Well, whatever he fuckin’ was, he was trying to eat us. I don’t know if it got Ron, oh no.” Richard blurted sympathetically, “Calm down, Nick. Calm down. We will find your friends.” Briscoe still wasn’t through with all of his inquiries. “Well what happened to your friend Milo?” “I don’t know, man. It’s strange.” “What do you mean you don’t know?” “Look! All I know is Ron and Milo was establishing dimensions of the site, and he mysteriously fell into a stream.” “So he drowned?” “No, not quite. He got eaten by piranhas. Don’t ask me how it happened, because it’s beside me.” Nick stood there looking ignorant, as someone trying to reason with logic itself. Stupefied by his own gestures, he listened in that same manner. “You don’t think your friend Ron might have pushed him in.” Nick snapped out of his condition and initiated his normally defensive attitude. “What the…, that’s idiotic. That couldn’t happen. Ron couldn’t push anyone in any way. I don’t care if he sneaks up from behind, he still wouldn’t succeed.” Nick began to find brief humor in Briscoe’s acquisitions, but he remained defensive. “So, Rich. Are you going to call the police?” Richard snapped, “What police? Forget the police. Were all the way in South America.” “I tell you what then, I’m calling the National Guard. “Look, I have a friend high up in the FBI, and I’ll pay him to get a scout troop,” said Richard. “Yeah, and you better pay me, or like I say, I’ll have the National Guard out here. I’m sure the media would love a story like this. A greedy business man stranding his workers to perish in the deep expanse of the jungle. As a matter of fact, don’t find my friends and I’ll have a law suit so far up your ass you start shitting me money. Turds of thousand dollars bill, muthafucka. Rich’s face grew red, but he remained calm as he noticed Briscoe’s gestures appearing to favor Nick’s arguments. “All right now, we have a long plane flight ahead of us, so no need for the bickering.” Everyone was tired, so they pretty much remained silent the entire flight. Briscoe remained in South America, at the tower where he was stationed. Nick and Rich were a third of the way home, and that’s where they wanted to be, short of being all the way home. It was late afternoon and approaching evening, and their wives were waiting. However, the hospital would intercept Nick to take care of his dehydration and busted leg. Meanwhile, Mrs. Dickenson had dinner prepared, and even nurtured the little one until she retreated to her room to indulge in computer games. Mrs. Geshy was trembling from the constant accusations from her mom. “Goddamn it, I knew that muthafucka would waltz up and leave. Oh dear… Is there anything I can do, just ask.” A simple cry issued from Mrs. Geshy’s mouth, then she said, “No matter, hey I’m fine…I’ll call you back.” Claira seemed stunned, locked in a meditative glare, but her thoughts were extraordinarily intense, as indicated by her swollen and throbbing temple. Sweat ran down her face. Fire is what was actually going on inside her, because she felt she was in control of the relationship, and it would have been her to leave him. The fact that he up and split was out of the question, and with that notion she picked up the phone. “Precinct seventeen. Detective Andrews speaking.” “Yes, I would like to report a missing person.” The detective knew there were tears when he heard the soft cries pour from Claira’s lips. “Ma’am, what is your name?” “I’m sorry! My name is Claira Geshy.” “Let me transfer you to missing persons, one moment please.” Claira continued crying while waiting for someone to respond. “Hello! Mrs. Geshy, this is Lieutenant Harrington. I would like to ask you a few questions. First, who are you reporting missing?” “Joe Geshy, my husband.” “When was the last time you saw your husband?” “Oh dear, he was suppose to go on a trip to South America several days ago, and I haven’t heard from him.” “Well, have you and your husband been going through any problems.” Claira replied defensively, “No!” “Well, what business did he have in South America.” “He was to go with a friend, and as a matter of fact, I talked to the wife of my husband’s friend, Mrs. Dickenson. She said they haven’t heard from them.” “I take it that you all were friends.” “Yes, but look! My husband was happy with his relationship at home.” “I’m not disputing that, Mrs. Geshy. It’s just that…” “Look Lieutenant, all I’m asking is for you to look into it.” “I’ll do what I can Mrs. Geshy.” The phone hung up abruptly and Claira sat there crying, for her life was now in shambles, with no explanations as to why. Liquid overflowed the rim of her eyelids triggering a waterfall effect. She asked herself over and over, why? She questioned her confidence and started wondering about what her mom said. The questions agitated her: Did something terrible happen, or did he really leave? “No, he didn’t leave! Something terrible has happened.” Her tears increased like developing cumulonimbus, and sadness soaked in. Harrington had a sneer lingering on his face that captured the attention of his team members. “Who was that?” exclaimed Rick Powers. “Oh that was some broad crying about her husband leaving her.” “Yea,” said Rick, “I mean, what do they want us to do? I mean, there’s nothing we can tell the husbands, you know. What do we say? Hey come back to your wife? You vowed until death do us part when you married the silly heffa.” Rick’s colleagues found tremendous humor in the subject. He even provoked a few laughs from his fellow officers. Rick’s direct supervisor, Lieutenant Harrington, was also finding humor in his comments, but he responded ironically. “Since you find so much humor in this matter, I’m assigning you to the case. I know you understand we still have a duty to our civilians.” Immediate discomfort filled Rick when assigned to what he thought was a repugnant case. He glanced at the address Steve displayed. “These people must be well off to live in this district. What do these people supposedly know?” “Well Rick, that is what you are to find out. Mrs. Geshy said he was to make a trip with Mr. Dickenson, but they claimed the trip never materialized.” “Well why didn’t it?” “The guy never showed up. Hey, I’m not telling you to be Sherlock Holmes. Just get over there and question them, so we may get the report concluded.” Rick sipped his coffee and looked like, Oh well, another day, another dollar. Exiting the precinct building, Rick caught a discomforting glare from the late afternoon sun. However, that did not stop him from executing his duties. That same glare also indicated Rich and Nick were just about home. They had not broken their silence because the bickering, trauma, and shock created deep exhaustion. Nick was hurt a little, but getting paid was always revitalizing. He also knew to use that as leverage, if he told before he could get flimflammed. Nick just stared at Rich, and that stare intensified by the moment. The thought of his plans had to be just as intense. Nick had not decided who he would tell yet, but he knew he probably would tell someone as soon as he was paid. Richard sat in front of Nick and stared steadfastly into his own world, unaware of the plot the other man was conjuring. Flashes overwhelmingly consumed. He gazed and gazed, and tried to wait patiently the rest of the flight. Only about forty-five minutes remained before arriving home, but this was not soon enough. He shifted constantly in his seat from the violently flickering thoughts that assaulted his brain: images of Joe and what happened to his workers. He also had images of his wife, and that caused him to dismiss his friend’s death as purely accidental, to tell himself that everything would turn out fine. Thinking of her helped soothe the stress that was growing significantly. There must have been some type of mental connection, because as he thought of her, she thought of him as well. As she tended to the pots that brewed on the stove, his presence filled her thoughts and created eagerness in her cooking. Susan was actually upset with her husband, but she really missed him and waited impatiently for him to arrive. It was now less than thirty minutes before his arrival, and everything was about done. She sat down and began to read her book, while periodically glancing at their home’s entrance hoping he would burst through the door. An extremely anxious demeanor was reflected in every grunt and gesture. It was not that something was extremely wrong. She just missed her loved one a lot. It was not that he was ever gone long, but he was gone frequently. Jealousy soaked in her consciousness like liquid into a sponge, and she knew this silly project assured a good reason for her envy. She tried to find comfort in dozing off on her cream velvet sofa in her casual living room, the one hardly anyone sat on. Moments after her set her drink on the luscious glass of the castiron end table, it was half gone and half watered down. She wasn’t totally asleep because she took sips periodically. The brief sleep she did get was thin in substance, and any little sound would awake her. A sudden exclamation blurted from Susan’s mouth. “Oh shit!” Partly startled, she awakened not really sure what the cause was. She looked around like surprise filled her eyes. Redness also filled her eyes from the brief respite she did get. The bell on her door rang loudly once again, and she finally realized what had awakened her. Wonder drifted upon her face as she pondered who could be at the door. Approaching the door slowly, curiosity loomed in her head. She wasn’t convinced her husband had returned, but she didn’t know if his flight had arrived early or not. One thing she did know was that he wouldn’t be ringing the doorbell. Gathering herself together, she made her way for the door. Hayword had already screened the guest, so there was no effort to ask who it was. The fact that they rang proved it wasn’t her husband. Shock waves rippled across her face when she stared at a stranger on the other side of her huge oak doors. The man stood there briefly without saying anything. “May I help you,” exclaimed Susan. “Yes ma’am. I’m detective Rick Powers!” he said, showing his badge briskly. “I am responding to a missing persons claim. I will need to ask you and your husband a few questions. Is it OK for me to come in?” Susan was still groggy from her short sleep but managed to say, “Sure!” This visit was truly unexpected, and she tried to figure out why the visit was taking place. “Here, sit down… Did you say Detective Powers? So, what missing person are you speaking of, and what does this have to do with us.” “Well, Mrs. Dickenson! It may not have anything to do with you, but we just want to make sure we gather all the information that we can.” “Yes, yes. Sure! Would you like some tea or coffee?” “Sure, coffee please.” He sat down and skimmed through his notes, while she fixed him a hot cup of coffee. Returning with two steaming hot cups, placing his next to him while hers remained in her hand. She preferred to sip her tea while it was scorching hot. “So, who’s missing?” Susan asked. “Well, we received a call from Mrs. Geshy, and she indicated that her husband was to accompany your husband on a trip to South America.” Susan’s eyes lit up in disbelief. “Like I told her when she called me, Joey was supposed to meet my husband, but never showed.” “OK, so when was the last time you saw him?” “To be honest with you, I can’t remember. My husband offered to take him on this trip and he never showed for the flight.” “How long have you known the Geshys.” “Oh, it’s been years.” “Were they having any problems?” “Claira did talk once about leaving him, but that was years ago. I figured they had worked things out.” “OK Mrs. Dickenson, you have been a big help.” Rick rose leaving his half-empty coffee cup on the table and shook Susan’s hand to show his appreciation. “Oh, by the way, where is your husband?” “He’s out of town.” “In South America, I presume. What’s going on in South America?” “He is working on a land development project.” “OK! That’s all I need. You’ve been a great help.” He shook her hand again and made his way to the door quickly. Closing the door behind him, she thought that something appeared strange, but she dismissed it casually as her imagination. Suddenly in panic, she is reminded of the cake she was baking when she fell asleep. CHAPTER 11 The plane descended and Richard had an escort waiting for them. He helped Nick limp off the plane and they exited eagerly. Neither of the men had bags to unload, so they quickly debarked and jumped into the escort vehicle. Nick moaned and groaned from his aching body, which made Rich grow more concerned about his mouth. “Look Nick, I’ll take you to my doctor. The best in the business. I’ll take care of you man, and your friends will be OK as well. As soon as I get you cared for, I will send a group of people to recover your friends. Whether there dead or alive.” “What do mean dead? They better not, I…” “No, No I said that because of Milo. Look, I didn’t want this. Milo has done much work for me. He was a good man. Everything will be fine. You see, we are home — you’re home!” Nick looked at Richard with pain and discomfort, but not just solely from his injuries. “That’s fine and dandy, but you put me through hell. I expect to be compensated accordingly. If my friends end up like Milo, I know something!” “Everything will be OK. I’m sure they got lost briefly and now have found their way back.” “Lost in that jungle means doom because of all that wild shit roaming around.” The two gentlemen arrived at the hospital’s emergency room and wasted no time entering. Richard walked to the service desk and immediately requested his doctor. He was well known, because even the healthcare assistant knew him, and she quickly adhered to his request. While waiting for the doctor, Richard secluded Nick in the corner of the hospital and said, “Nick, here!” Richard had previously pulled out his checkbook and began to write fast. “This is compensation for the job, for you and your comrades.” He handed Nick the check and watched his eyes glow significantly. “Nick! I know this is perilous times, but all I ask is you to be quiet and allow me to handle this tragedy. I have all the sympathy in the world, but the man that I am, someone’s probably waiting to use this ordeal to beef up their careers and…” Nick interrupted with slickness, “You mean to tell me people are dead and missing and you’re worried about your reputation — this is unbelievable. Is this a bribe or something?” “Wait a minute. This is not a bribe! That check is for services rendered, and maybe a trip for hard labor.” “Hard labor, huh…” Nick was flabbergasted, but he couldn’t help but be amazed at the amount of money he had in his hands. “All I am saying is I can do the job. As you can see, I have enough money to pay anyone to find your friends. I just need to keep this private.” Nick eased back and looked hard at Richard. “I don’t know, man. This shit is crazy. There is something eerie about that jungle. Now if I accept this, then I’m gonna be ‘noid’, because I got this shit on my conscience. I don’t know, man?” Nick continued to shake his head negatively. Richard reached for his check and uttered, “Well just hand me that back and you do as you will.” Nick jerked his hand back swiftly, and refused to give his check back. He looked at the check, and the realization of nearly a half million dollars made Nick blurt, “You better find my friends, or you haven’t heard the last of me.” The men stared each other down like cowboys in a draw to the death. Richard replied, “I thought you would see it my way.” He walked towards the approaching doctor. “Hello Mr. Dickenson, what can I do for you?” “My worker has been injured.” “What is wrong with him?” “Doc, I believe delusions and dehydration, and possibly hyperventilation.” “How did this happen?” “In the forest.” “Forest?!” “Well, actually in the jungle. I am building a shipyard.” Richard grabbed the doctor and spoke to him now with a whisper, and assuring Nick couldn’t hear. “Doc, you know! Fix him up permanently.” “Sure, I’ll take care of you.” Richard gave his doctor the special cue and waited for a confirmation. “Mr. Dickenson, consider your problem eliminated.” A smile flashed on the doctor’s face, as he knew this was a big task and lucrative opportunities were available. Richard walked past Nick again before exiting, declaring softly, “If you speak of anything, especially to the authorities, I’m calling that in as a forgery.” He continued to walk gracefully out the door. The doctor proceeded to introduce himself to Nick, who wasn’t very responsive. All he could think about was getting the check transformed into cash. “This way sir! Go into that room and wait for the nurse. She will need to get a few readings. I’ll be with you shortly. The doctor closed the door and the room was coldly silent and extremely bright. Nick thought about his bank, that it was a twenty-four hour banking center, and that he should make a late deposit drop. If this man is rich like he says he is, then the funds should be available soon, maybe even by 2 pm tomorrow. He literally licked his chops, and his thoughts of his crew dimmed, but thoughts of his future surely lit up. The doctor had put together a special mixture as commanded by Richard, for which he knew he would paid handsomely. A pale, cold, and cunning look supplemented his actions, as he prepared himself to convince Nick this was the medication he needed. The doctor walked out of his preparation room connecting his needle and testing the injection device in full stride — he was eager to get this done. Nick was unaware of his fate, as the doctor planned to play a grandiose part in it. The fact that the money was on Nick’s mind probably played a role in his ignorance. He couldn’t contest the doctor; besides, doctors were to be trusted with one’s health.. The doctor entered Nick’s room and noticed he was gone. Just moments before, he got up and walked out the door and down the hall. Nick exited the hospital without treatment, and his fate was still undecided. He called his fiancée collect and told her it was an emergency. “Hey baby, I need you to meet me at the downtown bank. I can’t answer any questions, just do it.” He hung up the phone and sprinted down the busy downtown streets. Nothing would stop Nick from getting this done, and all he had to do was wait until tomorrow to get the money. He had treated this like a bank robbery, and the next step was to launder the money. His fiancée pulled up in what instantly became the get away vehicle. “Let’s go!” Nick declared with sweat pouring down his face, and the smell of a bum was the dominant aroma. Nick was clearly in a rush and his fiancée couldn’t help but say, “What the fuck is wrong with you?” “Just drive!” “What is wrong, Nick. You look like shit, and where the fuck have you been? I know, some project, you claim, but that wasn’t due to be over until two more days, and pee-uuu…smelling like that. What some bitch got you drunk and made you sleep on their back porch, and her dog pissed on you. Maybe even shit on you, I don’t know. I can’t even identify the smells on your ass. Not only did the dog get your ass, but it smells like…” Nick sharply interrupted, “Man…!” Slightly dragging the word out, and then with a bit of sarcasm, he continued, “We rich! Shut your ass up and drive!” An ignorant look loomed across Tameka’s face. “What! What have you done?” Looking at Nick, she suspiciously yelled, “Nick!?” “What? Look, I don’t want to talk about it. I’ll talk to you about it later — just drive. Get me home safely, will ya, please!? That’s all I’m asking. How about saving the interrogation for later. I just want to get home, baby, I didn’t know if I would even see you again, baby! I just want to get home.” He slouched his seat back as far as it would allow, and laid himself back to rest. Tameka was boiling to know what was going on but didn’t make a sound. The car was the only thing heard: the bumps, the grazing winds, and other miscellaneous sounds from the car’s interaction with the natural elements. They did have a peaceful ride home. Richard walked through the door to find his wife sleep on the sofa. He walked past her and into the kitchen. He noticed dinner but could not summon an appetite. The only thing he wanted to do was to sit and relax, and that is exactly what he did. As soon as he was through diving on the den sofa, he began to switch stations with the remote. He wasn’t interested in anything he saw and pressed the buttons carelessly. Finally, the station remained on some sports news network, where he glanced at some football report, but the relaxation of his gaze caused him to slowly lose hold of the remote. His mind pondered many things as to what went wrong. Joe was the first thing, but now he had more to think about. The images of what happened in his mind were only fragmentary, and this restricted him from accurately ascertaining what exactly happened to Joe. Then he caught a glimpse of his survey crew’s job undone, and he knew he needed to go back immediately, but time was not in his favor. These thoughts gloomed through his head as the television became an annoyance, but he remained locked to the sofa. He noticed soothing hands begin to caress his chest, but he swiped them away abruptly. “I don’t feel like being bothered.” Susan’s drunken condition made for a slurred reply. “Fuck you!” She walked off as Rich returned to his meditative agony. Then he heard a soft cry uttered. “Daddy, are you watching this?” He was hesitant to answer, and so his daughter slipped the remote from his loose grip. She began flipping through channels as her father began to notice, “What does my Boo want to watch?” “Ohh Daddy, snakes!” Home box office had a presentation of a bounty hunt on a huge mythical anaconda, and the excitement the actors presented on screen from chasing and being chased by this huge snake, brought amazement to little Dainisa’s eyes. Father and daughter continued to watch the movie with intrigue. Richard had inner thanks for his daughter’s rescuing him from his dark thoughts. The movie was winding down to the near end, and the surviving actors floated on a river winding through the thick jungle. In their sight now stood a group of indigenous peoples of the jungle who had never before been confronted by or communicated with outsiders. They stared in awe at the surviving actors. Richard stared in awe, and then he jumped up and darted for the phone. Anxiousness controlled him as he tried not to fumble with the phone receiver. Eagerness was his foe, because he had to repeat the dialing process due to his shaking fingers striking the wrong buttons. The phone rang! “Hello, Julian! This is Richard!” “Oh, hello Richard, you sound so hyper.” “Oh no, I just needed your help. You remember, you said if I need you to call.” “OK, what’s up Richy?” “Well, let me ask you first! In South America, particularly, central Brazil, do you think Indians are living there?” “Well, the Indian population is scarce, but I guess so, depending on who you classified as such.” “No, no! That’s not what I’m saying.” “Well what are you saying?” “Are there tribes of barbarians living in the jungles of South America?” A chuckle spilled from Julian’s mouth. “No, I don’t think there are barbarians, but indigenous tribes. I’m sure they are all over in the forests of Brazil.” “Oh, yeah!?” “Yeah, some of which civilization has no idea exist, or we haven’t communicated with them at least.” “Do you think they are violent?” “They could be territorial, especially toward Europeans.” “I have a proposition for you. Would you like an expense-paid trip to study these savages?” Julian sat silently as he pondered Richard’s request. “I’ll also pay you for your services. I will need you just in case we have any confrontations with a tribe. You will be the best choice in attempting to communicate with them.” “Yes, you’re right! I also have an Indian colleague whose ancestors are from the central Brazilian rainforest, and he speaks some similar dialects. I have mastered that particular language from dealing with him for so long.” “Oh great, what is his name?” “Poncho-twinytoe!” “Great. Can we meet tomorrow morning?” “Wait a minute now. You’re rushing me. I can not act on such short notice.” “Julian, I know! I know, but don’t you want to study these people up close and get paid significantly for doing it.” “OK! I never could say no since you always stood up for me in college. However, I don’t believe my friend Poncho… I might not be able to contact him on such a short notice. Richard, now. How about giving me until the next morning, because I believe he is out of town? I’ll call you tomorrow evening to confirm the final departure arrangements.” The men terminated the call and Richard immediately headed towards the bed. He crashed mentally into a deep sleep, tossing and turning as nightmares filed on through his brain. He rolled in agony, but he was sleeping hard, and thoughts of death brewed from his nightmares. He awakened in the wee-hours of the morning dripping in sweat and truly glad his sleep was interrupted. Richard glanced at his wife, and he was not the only one having trouble sleeping. The visions of her husband not returning saddened her, and she sat there in her dark bedroom weeping. Richard watched her until his exhaustion once again got the best of him. The next morning shined brightly and the temperature wasted no time increasing its intensity. Richard had a streak going getting up ahead of his wife in the morning, and this time was no different. Actually, he was already at the office drawing up his plans. He used the phone frequently to call many different numbers, haste exuding from him. The worry that this project might be slipping from under him pounded his neural pathways. A plan was needed, and he began conjuring up all schemes imaginable. He considered all the people that could be used, but this needed to be a private ordeal. Richard picked up the phone once more and began dialing viciously. After ringing for a good minute, a pleasant voice answered, “Federal Bureau of Investigation! How may I direct your call?” Richard responded boldly, “Yes! Kyser Finley, please.” “Who may I say is calling?” “Advise that Rich is on the phone.” The receptionist placed Richard on hold while she patched through to Agent Finley’s office. “Hello Rich! How you been?” “I’ve been very busy.” “Yeah, but how are you?” Kyser exclaimed with a delighted chuckle, glad to hear from his old pal. “Oh I’ve been fine, except for one problem.” “What’s the problem,” declared the agent. “What’s the problem, Rich? You know I’m here if you need me.” “Well Ky! I have a project going in South America, and I suspect there may be a tribe of people, or some jungle savages, who are trying to sabotage this project. I paid a great deal to acquire this land, and…” “Well hold up, Richard! First, you sound like you’re juiced up, and what exactly are they trying to sabotage.” “I’m building a shipyard on the Amazon. I’ll have to cut a tremendous amount of trees in doing so.” “Richard, what makes you believe a tribe of savages, as you say, are the problem?” “I have a friend, a profesor at the University of Saint Helen’s, and he has indicated there are tribes living in the area that could be territorial. I’m bringing him along because of his understanding of the many dialects of central Brazilian languages.” “So, I guess you want me to go to South America.” “Yes, and a few of your agents. Just to look out for things. There will be substantial pay for your services. Just consider it an overtime gig.” “Oh yeah? This project must be very important to you. How much will this compensation be exactly?” “I’m paying you and three others fifty-thousand dollars for three days. If I need you longer than that, then there will be more money, but I really don’t think you want to talk about this over the phone.” “It’s fine. This line is secure.” “All you need to do is patrol the area and investigate any out-of-the-ordinary occurrences.” “OK , Rich! I’ll assemble a team. When exactly did you want to leave?” “In the morning!” “My! Aren’t we in a hurry!” “Yes I am. So, I’ll have someone pick you and your crew up in the morning.” Agent Finley gave a peculiar look after hanging the phone up, but the money was good, so he shrugged off Rich’s apparent urgency. Finley continued to fog his office up with a large pipe, and allowed the aroma to soothe his pondering. Richard, on the other hand, didn’t have time to sit and smoke leisurely. He was too busy. He frantically called every individual that he could beg, plead, or bribe into helping. He called the professor to assure his arrival would be tidy. He checked with his assistant, John, to make sure he had called the engineer. There was a tremendous effort to get some work done, because he disliked being behind schedule. The investors would be looking for a report on the land and its constructability, and he did not want to disappoint them, nor did he want to disappoint himself. Everything had to be in place, which is why he called the FBI, so there would be no screw-ups. Whatever was delaying this process must be stopped. Richard again dialed ferociously, and a few rings later, Julian answered. “Yes Rich! What is it now?” “How are we coming?” “Oh just fine. Just like the last call.” “I’m just checking.” “Look, I’ll be there, and on time, and we can get on your plane to South America. I still haven’t figured out what you want from me. Do you want me to speak to them? If we even see any tribesman.” “That is exactly what I want from you. In case we do encounter these folks, you’ll be the most qualified to handle any communication efforts. I mean, we do have to tell them to move and that we plan to build there.” A sarcastic laugh pearled from the professor’s lips. “OK. Whatever! I don’t have a life anyway, so it’s probably meant for me to go on some endeavor. Maybe I’ll find a new life or something.” “Well Julian, I can’t promise that, but I’ll give you a little bit for your troubles.” “Oh man, I have enough money. Besides, I would love to help you while honing my skills.” “We will see you at the airport.” “Great, great. This is going to be an enlightening experience.” The phone was hung up with a bit of satisfaction in Richard’s heart, but before he could enjoy it, he was yelling to the top of his lungs. “John, John! I need you in my office.” Richard had placed John’s office next door, so he couldn’t help but hear the shouts. John walked to Richard’s office with the usual look of disapproval. “What is the update on the civil engineer. Have you been able to get one to accept the job.” “No problem at all. You were offering a substantial amount of money, so there were many offers.” “Well, I don’t have time to go through an audition. Who do you suspect is the best for the job? Come on John, that is why I hired you. You are my right hand man. You better have an engineer and crew ready to go by morning.” John had already decided on Brutus Salapore. Research was done and John had noticed that the privately owned contracting company had done several jobs dealing with forests and marshlands. It was a large engineering firm with survey crews of their own, which would be the perfect accommodation for Richard’s needs: a navigator was needed to sail boats to and from the site, and as many helicopter pilots as possible would be helpful. These positions were filled easily upon signing Brutus and his contracting firm. They were all to meet at the airport at the same time as the FBI crew, and Julian was to arrive soon thereafter. Richard was thorough, and his arrangements were precise. They would all catch the same private Lear jet to Macapa. He felt his first sense of relief in a while, and the departure day was approaching fast. He decided to turn in early, to rest well before morning. The ride home was pleasant, but his thoughts about Joe grew more compassionate, and he began to miss him. However, he wasn’t the only one thinking about Joe. So did Claira, and in fact, at that moment she was deciding that she was finished thinking about her husband and going to do something about her circumstances. She needed to know what had happened to him. She picked up the phone and dialed precinct seventeen. It rang severely before an operator could answer. “Is Rick Powers available?” The operator contacted Rick Powers instantly, and in the background she could hear his colleagues acknowledge his call. One officer had even blurted, “It’s that silly broad whose husband left her.” Laughter followed. “This is Rick Powers. How can I help you?” “I was calling to find out how the investigation was going?” “Investigation!” A smirk spilled from Rick’s mouth, but miles of fiber optics concealed that. “Mrs. Geshy, there’s really nothing we can do at this point, not until someone calls in with a tip or evidence of foul play turns up. There’s nothing…” “I don’t like your attitude! Let me speak to your superior.” “Sure,” he said with a sense of pleasure. Rick transferred the call to Lieutenant Steve Harrington. “This is Harrington!” “Yes, this is Claira Geshy. I spoke to you before about a missing husband.” Claira wanted badly to continue her statement, but Steve had orchestrated a smooth interruption. “Yes, and like I told you before, there are many calls similar to yours, and really, there is no way to determine if his vanishing was voluntary or not. You know, sometimes when you don’t expect it, these things happen.” “Look! You people are not listening. I told you that was not the case, and you have just the same attitude as that slick Rick guy. I can’t believe this. In fact, I’m not getting anywhere with you. Who’s your superior?” “That would be Captain Gunther, and I believe he is on a call. I don’t know if …” “I’ll hold on !” Claira declared with no retreat. “Don’t make me come up there to talk to Captain Gunther. I’ll be sure to exercise my first amendment rights in the middle of your facility.” “Calm down, Mrs. Geshy. That won’t be necessary. I’ll go to his office and brief him on your call, and we will see if he will accept the call.” “Yeah, you go do your briefing.” She waited patiently, not doubting one bit that he would get on the phone. Harrington proceeded around the corner to softly tap on and then open the captain’s door. He signaled him silently with a look of shame. The captain muted the phone in an old-fashioned way, wondering why he was being interrupted. He cocked back in his chair, impatience showing in his eyes. “What!” “Captain, there’s a women who insists on speaking with you.” “Well, who is this woman?” “Her name is Claira Geshy.” “And why does she want to speak with me?” “She called in a missing report for her spouse, Joe. We have done everything routinely and strictly by the guidelines, but there’s no evidence of anything. I told her it’s possible her husband has decided to go off for a little while. She is very rude and continues to ask for someone up the ranks, but like I told her, that doesn’t change the procedures.” “Pass the call through… Yes, let me give you a call back.” The captain hung his previous call up, and awaited the transfer. “Yes, this is captain Gunther! How can I help you?” George exclaimed very friendly as if a sales pitch was to follow. “Hell, Captain! My husband is missing and nothing is being done about it!” “That is not true. My officer has told me everything has been done, at least all that can be done.” “According to your officers, hmm. That is a damn lie. What the hell has been done?” “Mrs. Geshy, what do you expect us to do?” “Have you questioned the Dickenson’s?” “Yes we have! You see, we have been doing are job.” “Well who did you talk with? Have you even spoke to Richard?” “We spoke to his wife, Susan.” Claira really began to blow off some steam, and her tone increased. “I don’t give a damn what she has to say — she has nothing to do with this case. In fact, she doesn’t know shit. My husband was to go off with Richard, not Susan.” “Mrs. Geshy, please calm down the foul language. He was out of town at the time.” “Out of town, oh that’s just great. When in the hell will he be back?” “Look! Calm down. Your profanities will not speed this matter up. He was in South America.” “South America,” yells Claira with severe disappointment. “What the hell is going on in South America? My husband goes there and never returns, but this Richard is always in South America. What the fuck is this? I definitely need to speak to my attorney. Richard is a multi-millionaire, and that is why my case is being neglected. I’ll slander your so-called police force. You’d better have Mr. Dickenson questioned, and I will be checking.” The phone was slammed down roughly, and the captain was baffled. “Harrington, get in here.” “Yes captain!” “Why was I not informed this case involved Richard Dickenson.” “Well sir, we treated it like a normal call.” “What do you mean a normal call? Richard is far from normal, you morons!” The captain was getting angry, his tone rising a few octaves. “I don’t know? In all my years on the force, I still couldn’t tell you what a normal call is.” Captain Gunther chuckled but had business written all over his face. “Harrington, one question. What is an above normal call, or better yet, what is a below normal call? You idiot! Who could you put on this case? Because if Rick slanders Richard’s name and is incorrect, Richard won’t stop until Rick’s career is destroyed.” “That’s only if there was some suspicion of foul play. There’s no evidence of that.” “I know, but I have a feeling this case has mud all over it.” “Why do you say?” “This Dickenson is always in South America, according to Claira.” “Oh! I see. I wasn’t aware of that.” “The missing husband was to join Mr. Dickenson. That is what happens when you refuse to listen, but do you see how this can get ugly in an investigation? All types of personal question will have to be asked.” Captain George Gunther sat back and pondered the situation, while giving Harrington a keen stare. All of a sudden he blurted, “Put hot shot Pullins on the case. He’s been causing a stir lately, and since he wants to be a hot shot, this will be the case that makes or breaks him. And call old Edward Bot in my office. I know when he first questions Richard, oh man. I would love to see that scene.” “You think Richard would be offended when you send Edward to question him?” “Yes, I’m sure he would be, especially if he had nothing to do with it. Go and get Mr. Hot Shot.” Captain Gunther sat patiently while he waited for Edward to be fetched. “Yes Captain, you wanted to see me.” The man spoke firmly, but only because a trip to the captain’s office usually meant being written up. “What seems to be the problem, Captain?” “There is no problem with you, but there is one I would like you to solve.” “Oh!” A pause followed and Edward again responded in an unconvinced manner. “I’m being assigned to a special case, oh boy. I know something’s about to fall out the sky.” “OK Edward, cut the small talk. I want you to question Richard Dickenson at this address about the disappearance of Joe Geshy. Read this report. It will tell you everything you need to know, so go by there this evening if you want, and choose a partner if you like.” The captain knew he would choose Gary Stevens, the one he had been fooling around with. The plan worked, because there was no one else Edward could dig up. The two left for dinner before they took the trip to the Dickenson’s. The two detectives departed the precinct eager to solve a mystery. “So Ed, what’s up? Catch me up to speed.” “Read the report that summarizes the issues.” “No! Man, forget a report. What’s going on?” “Some guy name Joe is missing, and his wife said he was supposed to go to South America with that rich guy named Dickenson. We are to question him and search for any clues as to why he is gone.” “Do you think maybe her husband just left her?” “I don’t know, Gary. I really can’t say.” Edward shook his head. Gary said, “We will see soon.” They stopped at a casual restaurant to get a quick bite to eat.