Family Matters

by Robert Ullrich

  “This is your lucky day, Phillip,” said Lazarus. “I’m going to give you the same chance Camacho gave Derek.”

  Weaver looked up, not sure what he was hearing.

  “I’m not going to kill you. Right now, we are circling above the Lacandon. The same area where Camacho’s men took Derek to hunt him down. You are going to parachute out of this aircraft, into the jungle.” LJ handed Weaver a back-pack.

  Lazarus continued. “Inside is a compass, 4 bottles of water and 4 energy bars. I’ve also tossed in a folding knife and a flashlight. That’s more than Derek got. If you make it out of the Lacandon, you’ll be a free man. Broke, homeless and wanted by the Mexican government, but at least you’ll still be breathing.” Lazarus nodded to LJ who hit the red button again.

  “I don’t know how to open this,” said Weaver as he stood. He believed he would be able to get out of the jungle alive. It wasn’t logical, but then again, Weaver was prone to believing he was better at almost everything then he was.

  Lazarus showed him the D-ring on the left front of the chute. “After you step off the ramp, spread your arms and legs. That will keep you from tumbling. I’m sure you’ve seen enough movies to know that much.” Weaver nodded. “Just like in the movies, count to ten and then pull the handle. The chute will deploy. You need to take hold of the two handles hanging above you in the lines. Those will control your direction. Pull down on the left to go left, down on the right to go right, and both at the same time just before you hit the ground. It will slow you to almost a stop. Got it?”

  Weaver nodded. “Yeah, I guess so.” He started walking towards the open ramp. “You don’t have to do this. I’ve got almost two billion dollars stashed, I’ll give you half.”

  Lazarus smiled. It was a smile that brought chills to Weaver. “I already took the two billion, Phillip. It’s going to Derek and his family. It’s the least you could do.”

  Weaver was in shock. He’d thought the money untraceable, yet he believed the Chameleon. It was all gone. He would be alone, broke and a fugitive.

  Suddenly he felt a hand on his back. It began moving him against his will towards the ramp. He tried to resist and got a fist to the kidneys as a reward. He limped the final twenty feet to the end of the ramp. Looking back, he saw Lazarus standing with his arms crossed; his face expressionless. “Please?” begged Weaver.

  Lazarus shook his head and took the H&K from LJ. He didn’t bring it up to his shoulder, but here was little doubt in Weaver’s mind he wouldn’t miss from there. With one last gesture of appeal, he said. “I am sorry for what happened to Derek. I never wanted him shot, just out of my way.”

  “I’m sure that will bring him consolation as he wheels himself around for the rest of his fucking life,” said Lazarus. “Go, before I change my mind and shoot you.”

  Weaver turned and fell out the tail of the Hercules, arms and legs wide as he’d seen on television. LJ hit the green button as Lazarus said, “Let’s go home, LJ. There’s a girlie there who’s sort of worried about you.” He winked at LJ; no indication that he had just killed Camacho and sent Weaver off into the jungle.

  *****

  Weaver counted the seconds as he fell. He never knew ten seconds could last a lifetime. When he hit ten, he pulled the D-ring as hard as he could. The chute didn’t open. At the end of the pull-chord was a small flag, flapping in the breeze. Phillip straightened it out. It was a picture of a Chameleon with words “Karma is a bitch” written underneath.

  He screamed all the way down, landing on a scrub tree of some sort. Five limbs protruded from his body as the world went dark on CIA Special Agent Phillip Steven Weaver.

  ~31~

  NOVEMBER 18

  9:20 AM – EST

  Duck Key

  The welcome home from Angelique, Rebecca and Katsumi was subdued, compared to their arrival on the 11th. It was hard to believe it had been less than a week. A lot had transpired in those six days. Top of mind with everyone was Derek Grimsrud.

  “Lazarus?” asked Angelique when they were finally alone. “Is there anything I can do?

  “No, Mon Cherie, there isn’t,” he replied.

  “You blame yourself for what happened,” Angelique stated.

  Lazarus looked her in the eyes. “Only because I am responsible. If I had not involved Derek in Los Trios, then Camacho would have never come after him. All that has transpired this last week is because I made an emotional decision to save a family for someone I didn’t know,”

  “No, you didn’t know him, but you saw something in him, didn’t you?”

  “I did it for D. D put his neck out for Ernesto; challenging me in a way he never had. No one had ever questioned my decisions, let alone went against them.” Lazarus smiled sadly. “Then again, that’s because I always worked alone in the field. I had Katsumi and LJ. They were all the support I needed. The rest I did on my own.”

  “Then this is actually because of me, Lazarus,” said Angelique softly. “Your friends from Chicago wouldn’t have been involved at all if I’d never met you.”

  Lazarus didn’t answer. He pulled her close and pondered her words carefully. She was right. He knew it. There was no way he would let her bear that weight.

  “Angelique, you are not responsible in any way. I made those decisions because of Ramon Torano. He inserted himself into my operation. He treated me with a lack of respect that a man of my calling cannot ignore. When I took the life of his lawyer, Karma began to turn on me.

  “I didn’t need to kill him. I could have handled it without bloodshed. I chose the path that led us here. I did. No one else decided for me. If I had let Torano have his way, he would have released you in time, unharmed. Torano was an evil man, but he knew that if he harmed you, I would destroy his world, as I have his nephews. He learned years ago that family was off limits.”

  Angelique didn’t know what to say to ease his mind, so she remained silent, her arms around Lazarus, her tears soaking into his shirt.

  “The worst of it all? I feel no guilt, Angelique,” said Lazarus. “I felt anger when Torano interfered. I reacted by killing him in Argentina with Enrique. My reasoning was to keep you safe. It was more an excuse than a reason.

  “It was inevitable that Camacho would retaliate for the death of his Uncle. I put him in that position. He was the new head of Los Zapatos. He had to establish his presence and demonstrate to the other Cartels he was capable, a man to be reckoned with. The best way he could do that was to kill a U. S. Government agent; a risky call, but bold.

  “He pulled it off, with the help of Agent Weaver. I believe Weaver never expected Andres to kidnap and kill Derek. Regardless, he was a traitor to his organization and his country. He climbed into bed with Camacho and stood to make millions for his betrayal.

  “I could have rescued Derek on my own,” said Lazarus. “I know it sounds egotistical, but truth is truth. With LJ and Eno, I had all I needed to accomplish my goal. Again, it was my feelings that involved Derek’s team. The result was the death of Ben De La Sedro, the wounding of three of Derek’s team; one who has lost an eye, one fiery young Marine who will fully recover, and Derek, paralyzed by the ambush in Key West.

  “That, too, is on me. I left them there to celebrate without a thought for possible retaliation from Camacho. All I wanted was to get back here, back to you. Again, following my emotions cost others dearly.’

  Angelique looked up. “Then in a way, I am to blame?”

  “No, Cherie, you are not to blame in any way. If I had not come home that night would you have been disappointed? Would you have been upset with me?”

  Angelique shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t have. I didn’t expect you back until it was finished.”

  “Thank you for your honesty, my love,” said Lazarus. “I knew it as well. It was selfish of me to leave them so unprepared, so exposed. I should have placed them in a safe-house and kept them off the radar.”

  He took Angelique’s hand and walked her out the French doors in the maste
r suite into the cool morning breeze drifting over the Atlantic.

  “I cannot fix this, Angel. I cannot turn back time. I cannot afford regrets, so I won’t. We will go to Washington and check on Derek, to show him support. I know he would never blame me for what happened to him. Neither would his mother and father, who are also close to me.

  “Dr. Helen spent the better part of a decade trying to get me to understand the concept of family connections, family ties.” He smiled as he recalled some of their seemingly endless conversations on the topic. “Dr. Helen was of the mind that family isn’t blood relatives. Yes, she admitted they can play a roll, but as we all know, blood doesn’t always equate to loyalty.

  “I finally learned the lesson she’s been trying to teach me for over two decades. I finally understood on the flight from El Paso to Costa Rica. Ironically, it was when I kicked Andres Camacho out the open end of an AC-130 that it finally clicked. I didn’t kill him because of anything he did to me. I killed him because he hurt someone in my family, Derek, and by association, Dan and Mary Jo. I killed him because he went after my brother.”

  Angelique hugged him close. “Lazarus, my love, you were the last to figure that out,” she said with a smile. “Rebecca and I have known Derek, Dr. Helen, D., Katsumi and LJ were your family since the day we met them.”

  Lazarus kissed her gently. “I have said this before, my Angel. There is far more to you than meets the eye – though what meets the eye is quite satisfactory.”

  Angelique punched him in the side. “Flattery will get you whatever you want, Lazarus. Now, take me to bed and let me welcome you home properly. We must leave in the morning, and I want this night alone with you.”

  Lazarus swept her into his arms, closing the French door with his foot as they went back in.

  November 19

  9:20 AM – EST

  Lazarus found Rebecca in rare form the following morning. She started in as they joined the rest of the household in the kitchen.

  “Well, look what the cat dragged in. You two finally decide to come up for air?”

  Angelique punched Rebecca. Lazarus gave her a kiss on the forehead and a swat on the behind.

  “Wow,” said Rebecca, “a two-fer. And Lazarus, for the record, I prefer a belt if you’re really serious about the spanking part.” She grinned as he served coffee to the ladies.

  Angelique let out an exaggerated sigh. “Rebecca, I don’t know why I keep you around some days.”

  “Pfft,” answered Rebecca. “You keep me around because you like a little eye-candy running around the house.” She stuck her tongue out while ducking Angelique’s swing.

  Lazarus interrupted the exchange. “Have you seen Katsumi?”

  “Katsumi and LJ ate early. Last I saw, the two were headed down to the dock, hand in hand, too.”

  She noted the look on Lazarus face.

  “I take it that’s news to Uncle Laz?” she laughed.

  “Yep. Good news, as a matter of fact. It’s about time that boy got his courage up.”

  “Well, then, Laz, you might be surprised to hear he didn’t. It was Katsumi’s idea. She grabbed him by the hand and pretty much dragged him out the door behind her.”

  Lazarus laughed heartily. “Finally, good news in the middle of a week from hell.”

  “You got that right,” said Rebecca. “Now all we need is to find me some fine little filly, built for speed, of course. Then it’ll be happy-times all around!”

  They were all laughing when LJ and Katsumi entered from the deck. “What’s so funny,” asked Katsumi.

  “Rebecca,” answered Angelique.

  “That explains it,” said Katsumi with a laugh. She turned and whispered something to LJ who took his leave immediately.

  “Where’s he off to?” asked Lazarus.

  “He’s loading everything you’ll need in the Rover, for your trip to D.C.,” said Katsumi.

  Lazarus had just finished breakfast, Langston strolled into the kitchen with Cheyenne and Baxter in tow, and in that order. He presented himself to his master for a good ear-scratching and then led the procession back out the door.

  “Well,” said Lazarus, “it looks like the canines have worked everything out.”

  “It took about three days,” said Rebecca. “Cheyenne wasn’t in a hurry to accept her knew companions. Baxter gets all the credit.”

  “How so?” asked Lazarus.

  “He showed Langston the ropes. Langston might just be the most bad-assed one-hundred-ten-pound bundle of pure canine fury on Earth, but he’s no match for a Golden Retriever. Baxter hounded him for three days straight. Every time Langston got close to Cheyenne, Baxter would jump in the middle. I was sort of worried Langston might bite his head off the first couple times, but Baxter held his ground. After that, it was like they worked out the pack order and everything fell into place.”

  “That’s my big handsome man for you,” said Katsumi. “There’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. Sort of like me,” she added with a fairly good poker face.

  Lazarus answered somberly. “Truer words have never been spoken.” Katsumi lit up like the sun and bounded out the door after the dogs.

  “You guys better get going,” said Rebecca. “We’ll hold down the fort until you get back. And please, don’t rush. Take as much time as you need. LJ and Katsumi will be spending time together, of that I have no doubts. As for me,” said Rebecca. “I met this absolutely gorgeous girl from Australia. She works with the Dolphin Connection. We have a date tomorrow afternoon for drinks and a little get-to-know each other.”

  “Well,” said Angelique, “you managed to sneak that one by me.”

  Rebecca beamed. “I got what it takes, Angel. Chicks dig me, especially the foreign ones. By the way, there seems to be quite the supply at the Hawk’s Cay. Apparently, it is a very popular destination for Europeans. I’ll manage quite well.”

  “I’m sure you will,” said Lazarus. “And since you’ve obviously got everything under control, we’ll get changed and head to Key West.”

  LJ walked in as if on cue. “Everything’s loaded and ready to go, boss, Miss Angelique.”

  “Thanks LJ,” said Angelique, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

  “I’m good to go as is,” said Lazarus, dressed in cargo shorts and a Salt Armor hoodie.

  “Boss,” said LJ, “you’re heading to Maryland. It’s November 17th. That means it’s cold up north. You might want to throw on some jeans; just sayin’. Your jacket is in the Rover.”

  “Good call, my man. What about you Angel?” he asked.

  “I’m packed for colder weather. I can handle it down to about zero with the clothes I packed. If it gets colder than that, you can buy me a new coat.”

  “It’s a deal,” said Lazarus.

  Lazarus threw on a pair of jeans and changed to a pair of Bates boots. They said their good-byes and headed for the airport. Lazarus parked the Rover in his hangar. They were airborne at 1:30 pm, heading north to the Tipton Airport, located just south of Fort Meade, Maryland. Lazarus had touched base the night before and Dan and Mary Jo opened their home to them. Mary Jo was curious about what sort of woman it took to make Lazarus not only take a second look but bring her into his life and home. They deflected questions about Derek, saying only that he was doing okay, and they still held out hope for his recovery.

  The flight time would be approximately 2-1/2 hours depending on air congestion and weather. The forecast was good, so Lazarus estimated their arrival at 4:30 to give them some lee-way. He had a car reserved and waiting at the terminal. They would meet for dinner; 6:00 at the Monterrey Bar and Grill in Odenton.

  ~32~

  NOVEMBER 19

  6:15 PM – EST

  Odenton, Maryland

  Traffic was heavier than Lazarus expected. There wasn’t anything he could do about it, so he texted Dan, letting him know they would be late. Dan’s response was “Business as usual around here. Take your time, we’ll be here.”

  Angelique s
potted the restaurant at the southeast corner of Monterrey and Odenton Road. Fortunately, there was plenty of parking. It was Friday night, after all. Lazarus located a spot not too far from the back of the lot and parked the rented Jeep.

  The restaurant itself was spacious; high ceilings and plenty of floor space. The tables weren’t packed on top of each other, which was a nice touch. The décor was nothing spectacular, yet warm and inviting. The primary wood appeared to be maple, with some birch. The tables were early American in design, as were the chairs, turned from solid pieces of maple by true craftsman. There wasn’t a finger joint to be seen. The tops of the tables were butcher block design, with 4-inch boards making up the surface. The lighting was warm white, and smooth jazz played in the background.

  A young and very attractive hostess met them at a podium. Valerie, according to her name tag, asked, “Will there be just the two of you?”

  “Actually, no,” said Lazarus. “We are meeting a couple that is already here. The last name is Grimsrud.” Lazarus spelled it for the young lady.

  “Ah, I have a Grimsrud, but it’s a party of five. Could that be them?”

  “I’m sure it is,” said Lazarus, assuming perhaps Dan thought they would be bringing Katsumi.

  “Please, follow me,” said Valerie. Angelique playfully elbowed Lazarus. “No, you can’t have one,” she said with a grin.”

  Lazarus, straight faced, replied, “I was only thinking of Rebecca.” The straight face didn’t hold.

  Valerie led them around a long L-shaped oak bar, defining the right side of the room. She stopped, tapped Dan on the shoulder, and said, “I believe this couple is looking for you.”

  Dan didn’t answer. He stood and wrapped Lazarus in a bear-hug. “I’ll take that as a yes,” said Valerie and set the menus on the table.

  “Thank you, Valerie,” said Lazarus as he held out a twenty to her. “Please,” he said as she hesitated.

  “Thank you, sir. Enjoy your meal.”

  Mary Jo was next in line to hug Lazarus, then with flair she hooked his left arm and spun him around to face Angelique. “And just who might this lovely lady be?”