Planet of Peace

by Jerry Belvo

  *

  The week passed quickly. Jeff=s graduation day finally arrived. The band played as the graduates filed up the stairs across the platform past the faculty to the podium to receive their diplomas. Bleachers were filled with well-wishers. When the last one stepped off the platform the band played the school song and a big cheer went up. The crowd began to disburse. Mr. and Mrs. Martin and Sarina were waiting for Jeff after the ceremony. They hugged each other in celebration. To his Mom and Dad he said, AI did it. I now have a college degree to my name and I owe it all to you. Thank you so much!@

  AWe are so proud of you, son,@ Jeff=s Dad said, thinking all his kids had finally made it through school. With no more tuition to pay he was greatly relieved.

  Jeff=s Mother spoke up. ALet’s go home. We got celebrating to do, and food to prepare for our guests. Sarina, you are welcome to come with us.@

  AI will be there later. I have a few errands to run first, but I’ll come early to help you in the kitchen, Mrs. Martin.@ She turned to Jeff saying, ASee you later Honey.@

  *

  The Martins were planning a simple party at their home for Jeff after his graduation ceremony, a cook-out in the back yard. The freshly mowed lawn surrounded by manicured flower beds, pastel and fragrant, were a tribute to Betty=s masterful touch. And, her pride and joy, displayed squarely in the middle of the yard was a stone-sculpted angel surrounded by the largest, deep-purple peonies in the neighborhood.

  Jeff’s dad had purchased wine for the occasion and although Jeff was sipping a glass of lemonade, his guests were offered their choice of beverage. A little bit of wine, then a little more and soon the group was festive. The guests had been quietly conversing on the patio until Bobby decided to crank up the music. AThat’s when the party began,@ Sarina later remarked. When the doorbell rang no one heard it. Shortly thereafter a woman appeared around the corner of the house.

  Leslie Storm had an earlier commitment and couldn’t make the graduation ceremony, but wanted to stop by to give Jeff a letter she had received from one of her constituents. It was addressed to Jeff Martin. AHere, this is for you. I wanted you to have it today, and to let you know how proud I am of you. I never had a chance to thank you for helping me with the homeless.@

  AIt was my pleasure,@ Jeff responded. AWould you like some wine?@

  ANo, I can’t stay. My husband is waiting in the car. You know me. I’m always on the run. Keep in touch.@ She said waving, good-bye, and disappearing around the corner of the house.

  To his Mother, Jeff remarked. AShe likes politics, the trappings of power and money. Growing up in a political family, her Dad was a senator, and her friends were party affiliates, but her heart is with the less fortunate. She is running for council this fall in her district.@

  AWhat’s in the letter,@ his Mom asked?

  Fumbling, he opened the envelope, took out the letter, and read it. AIt’s from the Bell Foundation, Mom. They want me to come in for an interview. They have an opening and want to talk to me. I have to tell Sarina.@

  She was dancing with Bobby on the lawn. Heidi was sitting by herself on the bench and Jeff slid next to her close enough to put his arm around her. Although just being friendly it startled her and she made a move away from him. Do you want to dance,@ he asked?

  AI’m not very good, but if you don’t mind my stepping on your feet, okay.@

  They got up and finished the dance. The four of them stood conversing in the yard as the next song began and Bobby took Heidi=s hand to boogie with her leaving Jeff and Sarina alone. AI have a job interview,@ he yelled over the music, trying to contain a big grin and handing her his letter.

  Sarina looked at it and said. ACongratulations, Jeff. And, I have another surprise for you. Grandpa wants us to go with him to Bali this summer. Do you think they’ll give you time off work to go away for two weeks?@

  AWell, I’ve not started work yet,@ he remarked. AI hope they will, but I do need the money to be able to go. I can’t ask dad for it now that I’ve graduated.@

  *

  The parents had gravitated inside to escape the loud music. Eric was eager to tell Charles of his discovery of T-Rays, and they crept into the living room to find Grandpa Roberts resting his eyes. Apparently the wine was affecting all of them, but Eric couldn’t keep his secret any longer. He had to tell Charles. After discussing the scientific side of his find, Charles wanted to know about the spiritual aspects of it what it meant with regards to the planet Dos.

  Grandpa Jim, who had been taking it all in without opening his eyes, spoke. AIt means the government will have to get used to life on other planets.@ Where Eric couldn’t talk of spirit matters he politely listened as his Dad took over the conversation. He was used to the lengthy metaphysical discussions he heard so often between Charles and his Father as he was growing up. Personally, he would rather discuss something he could scientifically prove. The elders talked for an hour before their wives joined them.

  The younger group was still partying in the back yard, Bobby trying to teach Heidi new dance steps while Sarina and Jeff circled the back yard in an Olympic attempt to keep pace to the rhythm, careful not to step on any flowers. Breathing heavily she whispered in his ear. ACan we sit down for a few minutes? I have something to tell you.@ Sarina gasped trying to catch her breath.

  Jeff sensed the seriousness of her voice and walked her to the patio. They settled in the lounge chair and she spoke, AI’m sensing danger in Bobby=s aura. When I danced with him I sensed fear, and I can=t figure out what it’s about. Should I say something to him?@

  Knowing Bobby as well as he did Jeff responded. ALet me handle this. I’ll keep an eye on him. Thanks for letting me know.@ He felt the seriousness of her remarks, knowing she was seldom wrong.

  Before Bobby and Heidi left the party Jeff pulled him aside and politely cautioned him to be careful for the next few days. He didn’t want anything happening to his best friend, yet knowing Bobby=s sensitivity he didn’t want to alarm him about Sarina=s prophesy.

  It was late when Sarina and her folks left the party. Jeff walked them to the car then hugged and kissed Sarina goodnight. They agreed to meet later the next day.

  *

  The phone rang at the Martins residence about midnight that night. Not yet asleep Jeff answered it. AJeff, I need you right away. There=s a strange car parked out front. The lights are out, but there are several people in the ca-ca-car,@ Bobby stuttered into the phone. AI think th-th-they’ve come to-to get me. Come quickly, please. I=m afraid,@ Bobby pleaded as the line went dead.

  Not having time to walk over Jeff did his twenty second routine and was in Bobby=s bedroom almost before he hung up the phone. Startled Bobby said. “You scared me.”

  The light was off and they peered out the window at the dark colored sedan parked across the street. AHow long have they been there,@ Jeff asked?

  AI don’t know. I was having a cigarette. Mom doesn’t like me smoking in the house so I opened the window to let the smoke out. That=s when I saw them. I don=t know how long they have been there, but it=s been several minutes. Wha-wha-what should I do?@ He stammered. Jeff had never seen his friend so frightened.

  AThe first thing is to calm down. Let me think a minute.@ Looking at Bobby, AYou’ve to get away. They have to see you go. We don’t want them coming into the house.@

  There was a pause in the conversation as Jeff thought. AI know. Remember the old abandoned cabin in the mountains up near Red Feather=s Reservoir that we used to play in? You could hide there, at least until we figure out what to do.@

  ABut I can’t get there without a car. They may run me off the road.@

  Jeff thought a moment. AI’ve never tried this, but we have no alternative. I hope it works. Put on as many clothes as you can, get your pills and some water, and wrap yourself in your blanket and pillow.@

  Bobby did as he was told. Jef
f stepped close to him and wrapped his arms tightly around him. Almost instantly they were standing in the middle of the cabin floor. AYes, it worked!@ Jeff shouted. AI didn’t know if I could do it. He could feel Bobby relaxing as he released his grip.

  AWe don’t have a flashlight.@ Bobby said.

  AThat should be the least of your worries, Bobby. Stay here tonight and don’t call or go anywhere ’til I get back. I have some business to attend to.@

  AYes,@ Bobby responded greatly relieved, wishing Jeff wouldn’t leave him there alone.

  AI will be back as soon as I can.@ With that Jeff was gone.

  The men in the parked car saw a figure in Bobby=s clothes emerge from the front door of the Ferris household and started to run down the street. Several shots rang out and the figure fell to the ground. The car sped away as lights went on in the house. Mrs. Ferris looked out the window and saw the car speeding away. >Must have been a car back firing,= she thought looking over at her husband still sleeping. >Nothing can wake him,= she quietly thought to herself.

  The figure in the yard stirred and slowly sat up. After a moment he took a deep breath and sighed. >Oh, those bullets hurt,= he said. He sat there a few moments then disappeared.

  Chapter 8

  Bobby had not slept well. He wasn’t used to roughing it, and he couldn’t get comfortable lying on the hard wood slab. Every sound woke him. At one point he heard something rustling outside the rickety old door, maybe a bear. He hoped it wouldn’t break in to have him for breakfast. Holding his breath he laid on the hard bed platform curled up in his blanket trying to get comfortable. Anxiety level high, he wished he had a bottle of bourbon or some weed to help him relax.

  At dawn he had a chance to survey his new abode. The drafty old cabin was nothing more than a one room shack used by miners a century ago. One rotting window with broken panes and a creaky door falling off its hinges, it had no toilet, and rain could easily pour through the large slatted openings in the roof. A work bench, the bed platform, a wooden table and some broken chairs consumed the space within. Slowly rotting away, everything needed repaired, but at least it was shelter. He remembered how much fun he and Jeff had here when they were kids pretending to be hunters.

  *

  Jeff=s body was still feeling the trauma of gunshot wounds when he awoke in the morning. Slowly and deliberately he showered, dressed, and ate breakfast. Then he teleported himself back to the cabin with food, water, and cigarettes. With the predicament his buddy was in, Bobby would need them to stay calm. He felt Bobby=s abstaining from recreational drugs and alcohol was enough without also trying to stop smoking.

  Jeff appeared outside the cabin and startled Bobby when he walked in. AGood morning. There is quite a stir in the neighborhood this morning. When your mom found you missing she thought something terrible had happened to you and called the police. They suggested she wait twenty-four hours before filing a missing persons report.@

  AI have to call her! I have to let her know I’m okay! What can we do?@ Bobby=s arms thrashed up and down. After the night he had endured he was so nervous he couldn’t stop moving.

  AHere, take your meds. It will help to calm you down.@ Jeff suggested giving him a bag of pills. Hands shaking, Bobby swallowed several pills, drank some water and lit a cigarette. He inhaled deeply and as he exhaled his nervousness seemed to dissipate. ALet me worry about your parents, I’ll keep them informed for the next few days.@ Jeff was not sure what he would tell them, but he would think of something.

  They stepped outside away from the smell of the rotting wood to fresh, clean summer air. AHeidi, I have to let her know. I have a date with her tonight. If I don’t keep it she’ll leave me for good,@ Bobby let out an anguished sigh.

  AI’ll handle it. Just relax and try to enjoy being in the mountains.@ They sat on the wood log in front of the cabin deep in thought for a few minutes surveying the aspen grove in front of them, watching the birds circle overhead. Then Jeff spoke. AI have a feeling you won’t be going home for a while, at least not until we get to the bottom of this. The people who did this will try it again.@

  AJeff, I did a lot of thinking last night. You are a good friend. You saved my life again, and I owe you a lot. Thanks, man.@

  AWe grew up together, Bobby. You are my best friend. I would be lost without you.@ Their friendship had lasted since childhood through some very rough times. Jeff had accepted his changing moods and his chameleon-like behavior of identifying with his surroundings. In return Bobby was committed to Jeff with a loyalty befitting a knight to a king.

  With his face unshaved and hair messed up, Bobby looked like a mountain man sitting on a moss covered log. Turning to Jeff, tears in his eyes, he spoke in short sentences. AI know I can’t go home. I broke into government files and have a price on my head. If I don=t get killed, I’ll end up in prison, and I’ll lose Heidi, if I haven’t already. She would never consider moving away with me, where it’s safe. I have only known her thirty days, but I’ve fallen in love with her. Being with me wouldn’t be much of a life for her.@

  ANow, wait a minute, Bobby. Let her make up her own mind. You don’t know how she feels.@ He handed Bobby his comb and said. AHere, you need this.@

  AYou are right. I should be thankful, but I don’t know how I will get through this.@ He paused as if running out of words, and said. AThey fried my computer.@

  AThey did what?@

  AThey must have sent a worm through the web. It destroyed all my files. I know you told me to sever all connections, but I wanted to get you the names of those who were videotaping you. When I clicked on the screen it went blank and my connection went dead. All my files have been destroyed. Now, when I turn on my computer nothing happens. Everything I have saved is gone.@

  ADid you back up things?@

  AYes, I have a lot of saved files, but most of them are music.@

  ARelax, Bobby, nothing is ever as bad as it seems. Think about these mountains or the seashore. Think about a location filled with happiness. Two weeks ago you went cold turkey off drugs and alcohol. That was hard. This is just a blip in your life. In a few weeks this too, will blow over. I have to leave, but I will be back as soon as I can.@

  ASpeaking of drugs and alcohol, I sure could use something,@ his eyes pleading for just something to calm him down.

  AForget it Bobby, your medication is prescribed for you. I don’t want to honor your old habits.@

  AI understand. At least, be careful. Without you my life is worthless,@ Bobby echoed as Jeff disappeared.

  *

  Jeff rang the door bell at Bobby’s house, thinking it polite to enter as a normal person, not just appearing in front of them. Mrs. Ferris answered the door. AHi, Jeff, have you seen Bobby? We are worried sick.@ Jeff had never seen her tremble before. She seemed so fragile. He felt sorry for her, not knowing quite how to explain what happened.

  AI need to talk to you and Mr. Ferris,@ Jeff asserted.

  AIs anything wrong?@ She loudly asked, causing Mr. Ferris to come running.

  AYes and no. Bobby is in the mountains. Someone tried to kill him last night. He managed to get away just in time, but whoever is after him may try it again.@

  Mr. Ferris groaned a sigh wondering what trouble his son had gotten himself into, and asked. ACan we see him?@

  AI don’t think that’s a good idea right now,@ Jeff responded.

  AWho would want to hurt our boy?@ Mr. Ferris asked. Bobby=s mother had to sit down. The strain was becoming too much for her.

  Stepping to her side Jeff bent to console her speaking in a soft voice. AHe’s going to be all right,@ and to Mr. Ferris he responded. ABobby has been delving into places on the internet he shouldn’t have gone into.@

  AWhere?@ Bobby=s dad looked astonished. As a warehouse foreman for a large trucking firm, he didn’t know the first thing about computers. He never needed to use one.<
br />
  ABobby broke into FBI files, and he downloaded sensitive information. They found out and came after him. That’s why he had to disappear.@

  Mr. Ferris shook his head. AI had no idea what my son was doing spending all those hours on his computer. That also explains why a strange car has been going through the neighborhood at night.@

  AI saw it again last night. I thought that noise was the car backfiring. I didn’t know they were shooting at Bobby,@ she added.

  AWell, they probably think they killed him, but they may attempt to break in to steal his files,@ Jeff remarked. AWould you mind if I take a few of them with me? If they should get their hands on them they could use it against him.@

  AYou do what you think is best, Jeff. Take what you need. Do you want some help,@ Mr. Ferris asked?

  ANo, I can manage.@ Jeff went upstairs to Bobby=s room, packed up his hard drive and put all the CD=s and thumb drives into a small box. He saw his cell phone lying on the table and was tempted, but decided not to take it. If he made a call they could track him down. Back in the living room Jeff said to his parents, AI will hide these for safe keeping. Keep the lights on and the doors locked.@

  Mr. Ferris was holding his wife, consoling her. AThank you for letting us know he is okay and for being there for him. When you see him again tell him we love him,@ she said.

  AI’ll do just that,@ Jeff said as he picked up the box. AMay I leave by the back door?@ Mr. Ferris nodded, walked behind him through the kitchen, opened the back door, and closed it behind him.

  *

  Heidi was cleaning her apartment when Jeff arrived that afternoon. AWhat a surprise to see you,@ she exclaimed opening the door and inviting him in. AHow are you?@

  AI’m just fine, but it’s been a stressful day. I want to talk to you about Bobby,@ Jeff said firmly.

  AIs there something wrong with him? Is he okay?@ She inquired her face turning pale. After his accident two weeks ago she did not want to handle another crisis.

  AYes and no,@ he replied.