Bill and the Sting of Death

by Gary McPherson

  Bill responded, “Yea, we’ll have to talk about that later. After I’ve had a few weeks to think about it.”

  Joshua reached out and took Carol and Bill by the shoulders, “You two have been through a lot. You should take time to recover and think through your lives alone and together. We all need to do the same. Maria has not seen her home in California for some time. To be honest, we never thought we’d get to go back.”

  Carol said, “Who knows, you may decide to never leave again.”

  Maria shook her head. “The orphans need me. The Bible commands we should care for them. I would never put my comfort ahead of such wonderful children.”

  Carol left Bill’s side and took the seat next to Maria. “I like you. Tell me more about growing up in Mexico.”

  Joshua nodded his head at Bill, “I think this is our cue to let the women talk. Let’s grab a couple of lounge chairs.

  The two men left Maria to tell her story to Carol, and they picked out two comfortable chairs facing the sun. They each took a sip of their drink, sighed, and closed their eyes.

  Joshua said, “This place has a different vibe when there isn’t someone out there looking to kill you.”

  “Yea, I actually feel relaxed.”

  The sound of tires crunching and sliding on the seashell lane outside the house brought both men to attention.

  Joshua said, “Well, it’s time to find out if we’ve been permanently released.”

  Chapter 33

  Bill followed as Harold led the procession straight to the bar. Darla was dressed in a navy-blue pants suit. Garcia looked uncharacteristically dressed up, but his trademark sunglasses were still in place. Harold left Bill to join his wife. Darla and Harold whispered at the end of the bar, and Harold’s hands kept fluttering about as he spoke.

  Joshua said, “This isn’t the mood I expected from these two. I wonder if it’s bad news.”

  Garcia raised his voice, “Everyone, let’s get together at that table.”

  Darla and Harold stopped their conversation. Carol and Maria grabbed their drinks and walked over together. Bill noticed Maria had gotten Carol to try a rum runner. Everyone sat down, except for Darla and Garcia, who stood at the head of the table.

  Darla spoke up, “First, let me give everyone the good news. We’re officially free.”

  Applause broke out, and Joshua pumped his fist in the air.

  Darla put up her hands to quiet the group and then continued. “There are some complications that Garcia will address, but let me finish with the good news. All of us will be able to return to our homes. For Joshua, Maria, Harold, and myself, that means we are going home to Malibu. Bill, you and Carol will be returned to Charlotte.”

  Joshua spoke up, “What about you, agent Garcia?”

  Darla stood silent, looking at her partner. Garcia responded, “That’s classified.”

  Harold rolled his eyes, “We should’ve known.”

  Carol asked, “So, what’s the bad news?”

  Everyone sat quietly. Darla walked over and took an empty seat next to her husband, and took his hand.

  Garcia removed his glasses and cleared his throat. “I’m not sure how to say this. A pandemic is coming.”

  Bill interrupted, “Come on, there’s a pandemic rumor three or four times a year in the markets. They never turn out to be true.”

  Bill looked around the table and noticed Harold looking straight at him, slowly shaking his head.

  Garcia continued, “I wish it was a rumor. Our people in China confirmed some sort of biological agent was accidentally released from a lab in Wuhan. How contagious and deadly it is, we don’t know. I’ve heard all kinds of rumors. We’ve been made aware of at least two planes that have come to the U.S. from Wuhan since the virus was discovered. Whether the Chinese government was aware of the situation before then we don’t know, and the communist government there isn’t sharing.

  “The President briefed us while we were in Washington of a likely government shutdown.”

  Bill interrupted, “You mean like Washington D.C. or the whole country?”

  Garcia leaned forward against the chair in front of him. “The entire country.”

  Bill responded, “That’s insane.”

  Garcia stood back up. “It may not be as crazy as you think. China’s leaders have shared they are heading that way, and our allies are planning to follow the same path if it appears in their country.”

  Carol spoke up, “So, what you’re saying is everyone here is exchanging a tropical prison for house arrest.”

  Garcia answered, “I’m afraid so.”

  Carol asked, “How long?”

  Garcia said, “We don’t know.”

  Darla stood back up and walked next to Garcia, “There is a small silver lining for the people at this table.”

  Bill said, “I can’t wait to hear this.”

  Darla ignored his quip. “Obviously, we haven’t been near any of this. As long as we remain isolated, we can move around more freely. The government is coming up with a protocol to identify the virus. Once they do, we can all be tested as needed if we want to do any traveling.

  “Harold and I are going to volunteer the PDS jet to anyone who needs to come to California or would like to return to the island if things get worse.”

  Harold asked, “What about my yacht?”

  Garcia frowned, “What about it?”

  Harold said, “Well, I want to know when I’m getting it back, and can we use it to travel?”

  Garcia answered, “What I am about to tell you can’t leave this table. Carol, Bill, normally I would make you leave, but I want you to know your part of this family. That said, nothing can be shared with anyone else, especially to family members.”

  Bill answered, “I don’t have any other family.”

  Carol said, “He’s talking to me. I know when to keep my mouth shut.”

  Garcia nodded. “Harold, your yacht is being looked over with a fine-tooth comb. We want to figure out what sort of explosives were used to breach the hull and where they came from.

  “In the meantime, we were able to find and capture the small sub Hunter was using. Thanks to our cold war hydrophones, the craft was easy to pick up when the crew panicked and headed for deeper water after our ships began to patrol the surrounding area. It didn’t take us too long to track it down. Because of the intel we found on the vessel, we were able to fire two cruise missiles at a camp near the southern border of Turkmenistan.”

  Joshua said, “I thought Chuck said their compound is in the center of Iran.”

  Garcia nodded, “It is, but the sub had intel on an ISIS training camp that Hunter supplied with arms. Satellite images confirm over fifty people were killed, and the camp was wiped out. Assets on the ground confirmed it was an ISIS training camp. We were able to remove some mid-level leadership in the attack.”

  Harold asked, “What about Iran?”

  Darla shook her head, “If we launch anything into Iran, it will start a war, possibly a global war.”

  Carol sat back and crossed her arms, “So, Hunter’s little racist camp of super-warriors is safe and sound.”

  Garcia frowned, “I wouldn’t call them safe. We’ve spoken to Iran through side channels. That village is a liability for them. We hope they’ll encourage them to leave. Since Hunter is dead, and Harold was the heir apparent, they have no chosen leader. With any luck, they’ll break up and try to find their way back to where they all came from.”

  Bill said, “The “cut off the head” theory.”

  Garcia and Darla nodded. Carol asked, “And how has that worked for you in the past?”

  Darla looked at Garcia and then answered, “We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”

  Joshua spoke up, “Well, none of this is our problem anyway, right?”

  Darla answered, “Exactly. None of the remaining people have any reason to come after any of you. The submarine was captured by the navy ship, and Hunter was killed by the CIA. None of yo
u are involved.”

  Harold spoke up, “Can we get back to my ship?”

  Darla answered, “Of course, dear. Garcia was trying to tell you that the CIA will have to keep it for a while for more intel. In return, they are paying to have all the repairs completed. That’s quite an offer since it looks like it could run into the seven figures. I’m not sure I’d let you spend that kind of money.”

  Harold crossed his arms, “Fine. So, if we are still locked down when I get it back, I can get out on the open ocean and away from whatever insanity is going on in the country.”

  Garcia answered, “I don’t think you’ll want to use it. My intel tells me of at least two cruise ships with signs of this new virus. It’s only a couple of people, and they are keeping it very quiet. Still, their ports of destination have already refused them docking. It’s just a matter of time before the papers get hold of this. After that, I would be surprised if any ships will be allowed anywhere.

  “Once things get that bad, I can give you access to military airstrips, and of course, you have your own here. Those are your best bets for travel.”

  Maria asked, “When can we leave?”

  Darla said, “Anytime you like.”

  “I want to go home today.”

  Joshua gently touched his wife’s shoulder. “Easy, sweetheart. We need time to pack.”

  Carol said, “I want to leave today, too.”

  Darla nodded, “Okay, so you and Bill are going today?”

  Bill shook his head, “No, I’m staying. I want to spend a day or two getting to know you and my brother if that’s alright.”

  Harold slapped the table, “Alright? That’s a terrific idea.”

  Bill looked at Carol, “I promise to call as soon as I arrive home.”

  Garcia nodded, “Terrific. Carol, I’ll fly with you as far as Charlotte. I have a company plane that’s going to take me to my destination.”

  Harold asked, “So, just like that, it’s over?”

  Darla nodded, “Just like that.”

  Harold’s eyes glistened.

  Joshua asked, “What’s wrong?”

  Harold choked back his tears. “When we started this journey, I had a mom and dad, and of course you Doc, and Maria. I can’t forget my best friend, Tom. Now I have my brother back and new friends I would trust with my life. I just never thought this is where my life would end up.”

  Bill answered, “Yea. I lost the one family before we even got started, and now I have another.”

  Joshua said, “God’s ways are truly mysterious. Through our pain and loss, new beginnings emerge.”

  Garcia added, “Death and resurrection, it’s all around us.”

  Carol looked at Garcia and Joshua, “You two now preacher men?”

  Garcia smiled.

  Joshua answered, “No, just a believer who has learned more over the last few months than I thought I knew my entire life.”

  Carol added, “I guess that’s worth more than blowing up some camp in the middle of nowhere.”

  Bill took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I agree.”

  Epilogue

  Bill sat in his family room. The sunroom door sat open, and the winter sun shone just below the tall trees at noon and provided soft warmth to the tinted glass panels. Bill stared at Ezekiel three on his laptop. He ran his hand through his black, wavy hair.

  Bill looked up at the cathedral ceiling, “Okay, so you have made me this way. I’ve sat here longer than seven days, and I’m not even bitter like Ezekiel. What am I supposed to do?”

  He closed his computer’s lid, got up, and headed to the kitchen for more coffee. The Keurig rumbled and hissed with the promise of more caffeine. Bill grabbed his full mug and walked out into the backyard. The crisp, Carolina air met his face. He put his cup down on the glass table and stuffed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans.

  A red cardinal and his mate danced and fluttered for position on the bird feeder. The small pond bubbled and cold water trickled from its small waterfalls. Two squirrels attempted to hide in the bushes and carefully watched Bill’s next move. Unnoticed, Bill watched the couple next door sip their coffee and enjoy the cold morning huddled together talking on their deck. A sense of loneliness settled over his heart.

  The noise of his front gate being jerked open caught his attention. Carol stood there in a fleece jacket that sat on top of the hidden layer of clothes beneath. Skinny jeans and Nikes completed her outfit. Carol’s thick, curly black hair hung loose, covering much of her face from the dry, cold air. Bill felt his face warm against the cold air and waved her in his direction.

  She asked, “I guess you don’t get much company?”

  Bill cocked his head.

  Carol continued, “I rang your doorbell three times. Isn’t it a little cold to be hiding from the world back here?”

  Bill nodded and grabbed his coffee, “Come on in, the sunroom is warmer.”

  The two entered the glass room. Carol joined him on an old glider he’d picked up at an estate sale. Bill put his coffee down on the end table and faced Carol.

  “I’m not really hiding. I’ve been spending a lot of time rereading my Bible and thinking about everything that’s happened. Ezekiel and I have spent a lot of time together. I can relate to his life. Everyone thinks about Ezekiel because the first part of the book sounds like a UFO encounter.

  “Did you know that Ezekiel said God talked to him and then physically moved him through the air and placed him in another location?”

  Carol nodded.

  Bill continued, “It says he was bitter and even tried to get loose. God spoke to Ezekiel and told him everything he had to do, and Ezekiel didn’t want any part of it. Even after he was placed with the exiles to be a prophet, Ezekiel just sat there for a week. Essentially, God had to threaten him to make him do what he was supposed to do.”

  Carol asked, “So, you’re hanging out at home until God threatens you?”

  Bill shook his head. “That isn’t what I’m saying. I just want to make sure I’m hearing God’s voice.”

  Carol reached over and took Bill’s hand. Her cold fingers brought shivers up Bill’s arms. Her dark eyes glistened and danced as she stared into his. “Look, you told me you saw Jesus. He spoke to you. You won’t tell me what you saw, but I know you said you felt peace and love. Baby, we’re his children, adopted through Christ’s blood. You should be able to understand that.”

  Bill answered, “Of course.”

  Carol continued, “Okay, then unless he called you to go be a missionary in India and you’re refusing, you should move forward with your life.”

  Bill pulled her hands to his lips. Her cold, smooth skin felt good against his lips, and he held them against his cold, dry lips for several seconds before letting her go. “I guess I’m afraid. The last woman I loved was taken from me. What if this is some sort of test?”

  Carol stood and looked out at the birds crowding a nearby feeder. “Then I’ll go join Lori and your son. From what you said, it’s better there.”

  Bill stood up next to her, “I’m not sure I can take that again.”

  Carol turned to Bill, “Unless God showed you that I’m dying, you’re worrying about things that will never happen the way you are playing them out.”

  Bill slipped his arm around her, “Then maybe I should make a move.”

  Carol turned to Bill. The sun, the room, everything evaporated as her lips met his. His very soul felt the same joy and peace he had experienced in death. His hand started to slide down her back when she grabbed his arm, pulled it away, and stepped back.

  Bill’s jaw went slack, and he started to stammer.

  Carol raised her hand, “Slow down there, baby. You don’t get past these lips until you put a ring on this finger.”

  Bill back peddled until his back pressed against the glass wall. “I, I don’t understand. I thought we felt the same way about each other. You know I’d give my life for you.”

  Carol smiled and slowly wal
ked towards Bill. He could feel a thrill run up his spine and her fingertips caused his cheek to tingle. Her voice was soft, smooth, quiet. “Baby, you don’t win a woman, at least not this woman. Love isn’t earned. Love simply exists, and the ultimate love is the commitment, not the bedroom.

  “I don’t want to be conquered or won. That’s what you do for a prize or property. I want to be loved, living freely together, choosing daily to stay together through the good and the bad.”

  Carol took a step back, and Bill rubbed his forehead. “I thought you loved me because you know I’d do anything for you.”

  Carol kissed Bill’s forehead and sauntered back to the glider. “Silly man, I think Maria is right. Boys are stupid. I’m not here because you’ll do anything for me. I’m here because I want to be here. You’re a good man, somebody I can trust. I can see us gray, wrinkled, and smiling while grandkids run around the house.

  “I thought you wanted to be with me for the same reasons.”

  Bill rushed over, sat next to Carol, and held her hands. He clung to them for fear he might not feel them again. “I do. I mean, I want to spend my life with you too. I just thought I had to convince you. My whole life has been about working, fighting, scratching for everything. Education, money, friends, even my first family.”

  Carol looked compassionately into his eyes and then kissed his cheek for several seconds before sitting back.

  She responded, “My poor, dear. It’s no wonder your faith faded. You don’t have to fight for me. Just be here.”

  Bill asked, “How do I do that?”

  A smile spread across Carol’s face, “I’ll show you how.”

  Bill asked, “You mean after we’re married.”

  Carol laughed, and Bill’s felt his face flush. She said, “No, this has to happen before we’re married. Then, when we’re ready, you’ll face Daddy. I won’t marry anyone without his blessing.”

  Bill said, “You make it sound like he’s worse than facing Chuck.”

  Carol stood and looked down at Bill, “You’ll be ready when the time comes. Hey, do you have anything to eat around here?”