Dying To Live

by Sam Carter

  “What are you doing? You don’t have to do this, Rick. You can get out of this if you’ll just listen.” She was trying not to look scared, like it was normal for her partner to pull his gun on her. But it wasn’t working. She couldn’t hide her fear.

  “Are you kidding me? You can’t honestly be so naive as to believe that.”

  “It’s true,” Harlan said. “There is a way out. We just need you to tell the voice what he needs to hear. That will give me the time I need.”

  Mancuso paused for a moment like he was thinking this through. He even started to lower his gun a little bit. Again, Harlan had hope that they had Mancuso where they needed him.

  But just as quickly as the light of hope entered the room, it was gone as Mancuso pointed his gun at Rodriguez and pulled the trigger.

  Chapter 45

  All Harlan could hear were bells blaring in his ears from the explosion of Mancuso’s gun. He had never had so many close encounters with guns as he had that very night. He didn’t like it, and he was hoping this was it. This time the shot was fired right next to him. This time he could see who pulled the trigger. This time he could feel the bullet in the air and hear the gun’s explosion. The explosion that was so loud he couldn’t see straight. He couldn’t see what had happened.

  Once he gained his bearings he saw Rodriguez lying on the floor. Tears began to fill his already blurry eyes. Harlan was the reason she was lying in a pool of her own blood. He had killed her without pulling the trigger.

  “Rodriguez!” he yelled as he ran in her direction. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve this.”

  “What in the world are you crying about?”

  Harlan stopped running and looked at Rodriguez. Was that really her who just spoke to him? Maybe he was dead, too, and they were in heaven. That had to explain it.

  “I’m fine, Harlan. It’s just a flesh wound. The bullet barely grazed my shoulder. It’s Mancuso who needs some help.” She pointed toward the detective, who was on the floor covered in red.

  “But . . . he shot you. I saw it. He had his gun pointed at your chest. He shot you.”

  “He did. And he would have killed me had Officer Bennett not shot him first.” A young officer, who looked like he should still be in high school, was sitting next to Rodriguez putting pressure on her shoulder. Harlan recognized him as one of the cops who had been waiting outside earlier.

  “You? What? How did you? What?” Harlan was stammering like a broken record. He couldn’t stop himself. “Is he dead?”

  Rodriguez gave Harlan a knowing look that he couldn’t read. Before he could ask again, his phone rang. He had never gotten this many phone calls in his life.

  Again, it wasn’t the voice’s phone, and it wasn’t his phone. It was the loaner. This was getting hard to keep track of. It was Clara. Or Cole. He couldn’t be too sure.

  Harlan stepped away into another room and answered. “This is Harlan.”

  “You sound horrible. What is going on? Are you still at your house?” It was Clara this time. He was hoping she had something good to tell him.

  “I’m still here. And I don’t know how to explain what has happened. I’m not even going to try right now.”

  “Is that Harlan? Did you finally get him?” It was Cole in the background. He sounded excited, and Harlan could hear him trying to grab the phone away from Clara.

  “Yes. Calm down and give me a second . . . Sorry about that. Your buddy needs to talk to you. How do you put up with him all the time?”

  “I don’t. It’s impossible. But we make it work.”

  “I hear that. Before I give him the phone, have you talked to anyone at the hospital?”

  “No. Why?” This question made Harlan nervous. What had he missed? What should he have been there for?

  “You know Rex, right?”

  “The lab tech? Yeah. Why?”

  Clara paused. It felt like an eternity before she opened her mouth again. “He killed himself. Right in front of Lucy. He was involved in this whole mess. Something happened to him that got him involved.”

  Harlan grabbed hold of the nearest chair so that he wouldn’t tumble to the ground. Rex was involved in what was happening to the kids? Good, fun, hardworking, trustworthy Rex? Just another thing that didn’t make sense to Harlan. Until it did.

  “The voice. The voice got to him, too,” Harlan said as he sat down, hoping he wouldn’t pass out. “His wife has been sick. On her deathbed for a few months. Up until recently, he had been so worried about how she was going to get the treatment she needed with the little money they had. But he seemed better lately. The voice. He knew.”

  “We have to stop this person, Harlan. Whoever or whatever it is.”

  “I know. He’s tied to all of this. But the kids first.”

  “Which is why Cole is freaking out, waiting to talk to you. Here.”

  “Venom. It’s snake venom.” Cole didn’t say hello, he just went straight for it. And it made no sense to Harlan at all.

  “Snake venom? Slow down and explain.”

  So Cole did. He explained everything he had discovered. Harlan didn’t know how to respond. It was crazy. Too crazy? Maybe. But it sounded right, too. Sometimes it paid to have a crazy genius for a friend.

  “Now aren’t you glad that I went on that insane trip a few years back? It finally paid off.”

  “It finally has. One of your eccentric fetishes has some good to it. So, what now? There’s an antivenom, right?”

  “Yup. But . . .”

  “But what? There’s an antivenom, so this should be easy.” At least that’s what Harlan was hoping would be the case. But why would it be?

  “I’ve got enough for one person. I got it while I was traveling. But, it’s a snake found only in Australia. That’s the only place that has it.”

  “Of course. But you can make some? You can take what you have and make more? It’s easy, right? Please tell me you can make some.”

  “I can, but not from what I have. You can’t just do that. It takes months to make. And we only have . . .” Cole paused. He hadn’t told Harlan this part yet. “The kids have less than ten hours.”

  Harlan was glad he was sitting. He was at a complete loss. Once again, that light of hope was ripped from his grasp.

  “Then why were you so excited? Because you figured it out? Congrats on that, Cole. But they’re still going to die. Stacy is going to die.”

  “There is a way, but you might not like it. You remember Fang, right?”

  Fang. Cole’s friend with whom he traveled the world. His friend that first introduced Cole to drugs, had almost gotten Cole killed on numerous occasions and in many different ways. Normally Harlan wouldn’t even allow the thought of Fang to come into play, but if he could help the kids, Harlan didn’t care. He needed whatever help was out there.

  “I take that silence as a yes. He’s got a farm of sorts a few hours north. It’s a snake farm. He’s got snakes from all over and he replicates their habitats. It’s fascinating. You should see it.”

  “Cole. Get to the point.”

  “Oh yeah. Sorry. Well, you can’t surround yourself with that kind of danger and not be prepared. So, he’s got some of the antivenom we need. I don’t know how much, but I know he’s got some.”

  “And we can use it?” The ray of hope was back.

  “I haven’t asked yet, but I’m sure we can. Are you game for getting Fang’s help?”

  “I’m game for getting anyone’s help right now. I don’t care whose.”

  “Good. I’ll call him. Meet me back here as soon as you can.”

  “On my way.” Harlan was about to hang up and run out the door, when a thought came to him. “Wait. This snake. Where did you say it’s found in Australia?”

  “The coastal taipan? Mostly on the Gold Coast. Why?”

  That was what Harlan was hoping Cole wouldn’t say. He was hoping that this snake was found anywhere else. But it made sense.

  “That’s where Lu
ke Masterson is from.”

  Chapter 46

  Very few things made Luke happier than terrifying someone simply by walking into a room. Watching the fear on Josie’s face was perfect. That kind of control and power was the greatest rush he could experience. That and taking someone’s life. And he may just be able to do both right now. It really was up to Josie.

  Luke reached out and began to stroke Josie’s hair. She flinched as he did it. Just another thing Luke loved.

  “Don’t be scared, Joserin. I just came to pay you a visit and make sure they are taking care of you.”

  “Don’t be scared? What else would I be? You’re the reason I’m here.”

  “And I am truly sorry, but you must admit that you were asking for it.”

  Josie was shaking like a pet dog that had been left out in the cold all night. Luke couldn’t tell if it was out of pain, fear, or both. No matter what, he had caused it. And he loved that.

  “Let’s not talk about that anymore. What’s done is done. These things happen. What other clichés work in this moment? Live and let live? That’s a good one, too. Besides, I need your help.”

  “What makes you think I would ever help you again?”

  “Because you’re not a fool. Because you know you actually want to. And, most importantly, you don’t have a choice.” Luke pushed down on her broken arm to emphasize his point. Josie screamed out in pain, but Luke quickly covered her mouth.

  “No, no, no. No yelling or screaming. Not that it will do you any good. It’s just you and me.”

  Luke moved his hand from Josie’s arm back to her hair. From her reaction, he couldn’t tell which place she hated him touching more.

  “Now, like I said, I need your help. You’re going to help me find a few people. First, let’s start with Kenji.”

  Josie gave Luke a vacant look of confusion. “Kenji is dead. Did you already forget that you killed him?”

  “When I left him, he was still alive. I didn’t see him die. And now I hear he’s walking around the city, trying to ruin my life.”

  Josie continued to stare at Luke, dumbstruck. Like he had completely lost his mind. Like he was some sort of crazy lunatic.

  “That’s not possible, Luke. When they got there, he was barely holding on. He mumbled something about you. About something you said. Then he died. He’s dead, Luke.”

  “No! He’s alive and you know where he is. Tell me where he is!”

  Luke slammed his fists repeatedly against the wall. All the control he ever had was gone. He couldn’t think clearly. Nothing made sense. He had never let Josie see this side of him before. He wished he weren’t now, but he couldn’t stop himself.

  “He found my parents. He brought them here. I saw them and it’s because of him. Where is he?”

  “I saw Kenji’s body. You gave him no chance of survival. And your parents are dead, too. You killed them, just like you killed Kenji.”

  “Then how did I see them? How? Explain that.”

  Josie did not answer right away. Her pause made it seem possible she was coming up with a response. She just didn’t know the answer that she should’ve known right away. Luke hated when people did that. It made him want to break everything in his path. Including Josie.

  “Did you see your parents die? Did you actually see their dead bodies?” Now he was the one who hesitated before he answered.

  “No, I didn’t. I left them to suffer and die the slow death they deserved. There is no way they could still be alive. None. How could they have survived?” Luke was spinning out of control. Had his whole life been a lie?

  Josie flashed a smile. It was quick, but not quick enough, because Luke caught it.

  “What was that smile for? Do you think this is funny?” He moved back toward Josie’s bed with a manic look in his eyes. But Josie didn’t look scared now. Why didn’t she look scared for her life?

  “I don’t. It’s not funny at all. I was just thinking about why I’ve liked working with you so much in the past. The punishment always perfectly fit the crime.”

  Luke stopped moving toward Josie and smiled, too. He did have style. It was good to hear someone else say it.

  “Then maybe your parents didn’t actually die. Maybe you really did see them today.”

  Before Luke could grasp what Josie was saying, the room went completely dark. He couldn’t see anything at all. Not even his hands right in front of his face.

  “No,” Josie whispered.

  Luke was trying to look around, trying to adjust his eyes quickly. Coming from one of the corners of the room, someone started to clap. Slowly and loudly, someone was clapping.

  “Excellent performance, Josie. Academy Award winning.”

  “Who’s there? Show yourself,” Luke yelled in the direction he thought the clapping was coming from.

  “It’s him,” Josie said between sobs of fear. “The man I was telling you about. The voice.”

  “You’re always so dramatic. You can stop the performance now. You’ve done everything I needed you to do.” The voice said calmly.

  “What do you mean everything? I can still do so much more for you!”

  “I’m sure you can do so much more, but not for me.”

  Luke had no idea what was going on. He had no idea where this voice was. Every time he spoke it came from a different part of the room. He was somehow bouncing from place to place. Now, however, Luke could hear footsteps inching closer to Josie’s bed.

  “How about this? How about I do one last nice thing for you. Right before you die, right before your last worthless breath leaves your body, I’ll show you my face. You’ve earned that treat.”

  As soon as the voice finished his sentence, Luke could hear Josie kicking and struggling for air. And just as her struggle was slowing down, just as her life was about to end, the lights burst on. Luke looked at Josie as she saw the face of the man who had tormented her for so long. The voice, as she called him. In that brief second, Luke saw fear flash in her eyes. And something else. Recognition.

  She knew him. The look on her face said she knew him well. Intimately. Before Luke could ask who he was, Josie was gone.

  The voice turned and faced Luke. “I hate doing things like that. So pointless.” He smiled at Luke, like they were sharing some inside joke. “Now, you come with me.”

  Just as Luke was going to laugh at this idiot for thinking he could boss him around, a lightning-quick fist slammed into Luke’s chest. And for the second time in a matter of minutes, the room went completely dark.

  Chapter 47

  “What about Luke Masterson?” Rodriguez was standing right behind him, which made Harlan jump. He had forgotten he wasn’t alone and wasn’t sure what to tell her, especially with so many others in the room.

  “I think . . .” He looked around the room and saw the cop’s eyes glued on him and Rodriguez. Harlan even thought he saw Mancuso stir. No one had answered him earlier when he asked if Mancuso were dead, and now he wished they had.

  “Wait. Did Mancuso just move? Is he alive?”

  “Yes. I only shot him in the arm. Not on purpose, mind you. No one is that accurate with a gun.” It was the first time Bennett had said anything. He even sounded like a teenager, squeaky voice and all.

  “Oh. That’s good. Nobody needs to die over this. Look at all that blood though. Let me help. At least get him to a hospital.”

  “Soon. We’ve got him stable.” Rodriguez stood tall in front of Harlan, like she wanted to make sure he knew she was in charge. That she had it under control. “Quit changing the subject. What about Luke Masterson?”

  Harlan looked around the room once more. As relieved as he was that Mancuso wasn’t dead, Harlan still didn’t like the idea that he could hear this conversation.

  “Can we talk about it in another room?”

  “Yeah. Sure. But make it quick. I don’t want to leave Bennett alone with him for too long.” As they walked into the living room, Rodriguez looked back at Bennett. “I’ll be in the next
room for a second. He may be handcuffed, but don’t underestimate him. Watch him carefully.”

  As soon as they were out of earshot, Rodriguez didn’t hesitate. “Now spill it.”

  Harlan told her about his conversation with Cole about the snake venom, all the while looking over his shoulder to make sure no one could hear his crazy theory.

  “I think Luke’s involved in what’s happening to my patients. He’s spent a lot of time at the hospital, especially with one of the phlebotomists. And now Luke’s missing. And the snakes originate from where he’s from. You must think I’m crazy.”

  “I do, but not because of this. I think you’re right. I really do.” She paused and looked past Harlan with a look of deep thought. “Are you saying Luke Masterson is this voice that’s been calling you and Mancuso?”

  In the few seconds since he made the connection, Harlan had thought about that possibility. “Maybe this will confirm my being crazy to you, but I don’t. I saw him earlier, walking out of the hospital. He pretended to be someone else with not the strongest American accent I’ve ever heard. It’s not him.”

  “You saw him? Why are you just now telling me this?”

  “I don’t know, but there’s something about being accused of murder that makes one forget things.”

  “Touché. I am sure that would mess with anyone’s mind.”

  “Are we done? I need to go. There isn’t much time for my patients.” Harlan started to walk toward the front door.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” It was Mancuso. His voice was weak, but it still had authority. It almost made Harlan stop and stay. Almost.

  “To do my job. Something that you should try doing, too.”

  “But what about the voice? If you leave, he will know I screwed up. My secrets. Everyone will know.”

  This did make Harlan stop. He turned around and got right in Mancuso’s face.

  “I have to stop hiding and do what is right. For my patients and for my family. They all need to be safe again. I don’t care about your stupid secrets. Right now, I kind of hope they do get told. You’ve earned it.” Harlan stood up and walked out the door, spine firmly back in place.