Harry Watt Bounty Hunter

by Rob Guy

  And while all this was going on, amid frantic sobs and pleas, Harry Watt’s life lay in the balance. As he drifted in and out, he saw Larry, clearly, as all else faded to a grey nothingness. The cacophony of noise subsided, and suddenly it was just the two of them.

  “Hey, where do you think you’re going?” said Larry.

  “With you.”

  “No way! Get back there. They need you, and believe me, you need them.”

  “But it’s so quiet here. Peaceful. I can rest now.”

  “You’d soon get bored. Look, I have to go, you don’t. It’s not your time yet.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “Hackman. Don’t worry, he’s not coming with me. You saved me, buddy. If it wasn’t for you I’d be going where that bastard’s going.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “I can’t tell you. We have to have some secrets. Can’t have you returning and telling everybody what the other side is like.”

  Harry laughed. “Okay, I can appreciate that.”

  “Good. Now get going. Look.”

  Larry pointed behind Harry, and he turned to see Heidi and Angel weeping over him. Two men were busy about his chest. Harry suddenly felt his heart jump, and the two men, poised over him with something in their hands, hesitated.

  “Now if you don’t mind,” said Larry, “and at the risk of being rude, fuck off.”

  “They need me. I need them. Yes, you’re right, Larry, as always. I…..” Harry turned back round, but his friend was gone. He looked back at these people, these three women that now shared his life. He thought of Grace as well, and Sybil, and suddenly felt all the love unspent, all the joyous times holding his baby girl. There was still so much to see and do.

  “Okay,” he breathed.

  Part V

  Mars

  28

  Bed Rest

  The hospital room was basic, with just the bed, two chairs, a make-shift closet, and tiny wash basin and toilet. Arranged around the bed were the three new women in Harry’s life. Heidi and Angel were seated either side of him, while Chisato sat on the end of the bed, an array of toys before her.

  Harry was upright, a broad white bandage across his middle. He had remained unconscious for a day after having lost almost two litres of blood. Following a transfusion and some 22nd Century surgical procedures, he was almost back to full health, if not a little bruised. The port authorities were concluding their interview, and together with the testimony of the two medics onboard The Wing, it was deemed that no criminal charges were to be issued. It was evident that Harry had acted in self-defence. It was like being back on the Bureau. He was monosyllabic with his answers, responding directly, offering nothing.

  “There only remains one thing,” the port commander said, stood alongside his deputy.

  “Yes?” said Harry.

  “The FaceChanger. How did Hackman get hold of it?”

  “I have no idea,” Harry lied.

  “And where is it now?”

  “I have no idea,” Harry lied.

  “Hmm hmm.”

  The commander, making it quite obvious he did not believe Harry’s last two answers, smiled a knowing smile, and placed his cap back on his head, his deputy doing likewise.

  “Take it easy, Mr Watt,” he said. “And for now, we kindly ask that you don’t leave the city.”

  Harry laughed. “And where am I likely to go?”

  “There’s mining going on all over the planet. It would be quite easy to get lost.”

  “I have nothing to hide. I’ve told you all I know. Besides, I have everything I need right here.” He looked at Heidi.

  “Even so, I ask that you don’t leave, for now.”

  “Am I under house arrest?”

  “No no. Once you’re away from the port we have no authority. I am merely asking this as a courtesy, until the inquest and autopsy confirm the cause of death, and subsequently your testimony. If you truly acted in self-defence, choking the life out of a man with a cue ball after you’d broken his fingers and rendered him semi-unconscious, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

  “Well put. I think you should leave now.”

  The commander smirked. “Good day to you, Mr Watt. Ladies.” He tipped his hat and he and the deputy left.

  Once it was clear they were alone, Heidi moved closer to the bed.

  “That was all pretty vague,” she said.

  “I’ve nothing else to add.”

  “It’s pretty obvious to me you were in a fight to the death,” said Angel. “They’re idiots.”

  “They’re just doing their job, Angela,” Heidi said. “Hardly fair to call them idiots.”

  “I can see both sides,” said Harry. “But then I guess that’s the Bureau in me.”

  “This is all so weird,” Angel remarked, out of the blue.

  “What is?” asked Harry.

  “This conversation. I mean, you were gone. You shouldn’t be here.”

  “Don’t say that, Angela,” Heidi told her.

  “It’s okay,” Harry said. “Say what you have to say, Angel.”

  “Your heart had stopped for nearly a minute. They were just about to De-Fib you when your heart started again. Both the guys swore they had never seen anything like it.”

  Heidi was nodding, and reached over the bed to take Angel’s hand. “I don’t mourn that man’s passing, not by any stretch,” she said, looking at her ward and smiling to re-assure her. Angel returned it and squeezed her aunt’s hand. “But it nearly cost you your life as well,” Heidi added, turning her gaze back to Harry.

  “Well worth it for the time I’ve spent with you.” Harry smiled and stretched out his own hand, which Heidi took. They had momentarily lost themselves, and withdrew when they sensed Angel was watching them.

  “Hey, look, it’s okay,” she said. “You two look good together. I’m sure my knight is out there somewhere.”

  “Angela…”

  “Really it’s fine, Heidi. I’m okay with it. Harry, you are a blast, but just a little dull for this girl.”

  “I’m what!”

  “I’m joking, you idiot. I know now that I was infatuated with you for a time. I hated to admit it, you saving my life and all. I can never repay you for that.”

  “You already have, both of you.”

  They looked oddly at him.

  “It must have been when my heart stopped. I saw you both, either side of me, crying your eyes out.”

  “You could see us?” said Angel incredulously. Harry nodded. “Oh my.”

  “You were dead,” said Heidi.

  “I know. I saw all of you, as clearly as I see you now, and, forgive me, I thought about Grace, and Sybil. I knew I had to come back. Larry told me, too.”

  At that, Chisato looked up. “Larry-san gone away to a good place.”

  All eyes turned to her.

  “How do you know?” asked Heidi.

  “I said good-bye to him.”

  “What’s this?” said Angel.

  “Larry is my dead partner,” Harry explained. “We could both see him.” He directed a hand back and forth between himself and Chisato.

  “Isn’t that a little spooky?”

  “Maybe. But he made Chisato laugh.”

  “Larry-san funny man,” said Angel’s baby sister, and she startled everyone by crossing her eyes and puffing out her cheeks. Heidi put a hand to her mouth and laughed, as did Harry. Angel stared at them, before she too starting laughing.

  “So did Larry have anything to say, something profound to convey from the other side?” asked Heidi.

  “Not really,” replied Harry, who had commenced blowing bubbles for Chisato. She clapped her hands.

  “Nothing?” Harry shook his head. “Well how about his last words to his undead partner?”

  “I was dead too, for a minute anyway.”

  “Don’t split hairs, you dolt. Come on, you must remember your partner’s last words.”

  “Oh, I do indeed.”


  “Well?”

  Harry beckoned Heidi closer and whispered in her ear. She put a closed hand to her mouth and smiled. Angel was frowning until Harry leaned over and whispered in her ear too. She looked bemused and shook her head.

  “Well that’s what he said. I can’t make it up.”

  “No indeed,” said Heidi. “What about that bastard then? Can you talk about it?”

  “Naughty naughty, mama Heidi.”

  “Sorry, Chi Chi.”

  “Yes, but I’m not sure it’s something Chisato should hear. She’s been through enough.”

  “Good point.”

  “But I do need to tell you. I’m going to need your help.”

  “Anything,” Heidi and Angel said together.

  Harry shook his head. “Not you, Angel, at least not directly. You need to look after your sister. I’m not prepared to put you in any more danger.”

  “But I want to help.”

  “And you shall, by looking after Chisato. Ladies,” and he leaned forward in the bed. “This is going to get dangerous. I cannot and will not allow either of you to get in harms way.”

  “I think it’s a little late for that,” said Heidi. “You just said you need my help.”

  “I do.” Harry sighed and leaned back. “Okay, I can see that it can’t wait. I’ll tell you all that Hackman told me.”

  “You see what I mean?” said Harry.

  “Yes, we see,” said Heidi. “What do you want me to do?”

  “You can approach the Mars Council. I’m guessing you have some friends here. We need to persuade them about what Headlock plans to do. I need to find Petersen. He must be scared if he hasn’t met with the Council by now.”

  “Maybe he’s getting cold feet,” said Angel. “It can’t be easy knowing all that, and then deciding what needs to be done for the best.”

  “Or who to trust,” put in Heidi.

  “Agreed,” said Harry. “But I’m hoping that once I find him and tell him Rogers is dead and who did it, I think he’ll be willing to co-operate. When I get out of here I need to first hook up with Manny, and then find Petersen.”

  “There is someone on the Council that I know,” said Heidi. “Gareth Soames. I’ll get in touch with him as soon as I leave here.”

  Harry chuckled. “So I figured. Heidi Heinlein, is there nowhere in the System that is safe from your influence?”

  “Look who’s talking! He’s an old family friend, you deviant. Emigrated to Mars twenty years ago. A good sort.”

  “Fair enough. Thank you, Heidi.”

  “You’re welcome. Well, I think the best thing now is for you to rest.” She went to pick up her purse. “It’s been quite a day.”

  “You stay a bit longer,” Angel suggested. “I’ll take Chisato to get something to eat.” She smirked at them as she lifted her sister off the bed.

  “Well if you’re sure,” said Heidi, not immediately picking up on Angel’s suggestion. She caught Harry’s equally lecherous grin. “Oh, right. Yes of course. We’ll see you in a little while.”

  Harry chuckled and shook his head.

  The door closed, and Heidi turned to her man. “Right, Mr Watt. What are you looking so smug about?”

  “I have no idea.”

  Heidi lifted the sheet and her hand disappeared. “Now, where is it? I know it’s in here somewhere.”

  29

  Back In The Saddle

  “Mr Watt?”

  “Yes, Sister?”

  “You have a visitor.”

  “Really? Male or female?” Harry asked with a glint in his eye.

  “Female, you naughty boy. Are you up to it?”

  “Show her in, Tammy, thank you.”

  Nurse Tammy smirked at him and disappeared.

  A moment later, Raquel poked her head round the door. “Hey.”

  Harry started. “Hey yourself.”

  “Is this a good time?”

  “Of course, of course. Come in.” Harry sat up, and grimaced as he turned to push up his pillows. Raquel ran forward to help him, accidentally pushing her breasts into the side of his face. Both embarrassed, Raquel smiled and sat down in the chair.

  “I wanted to come and see you before we left for Earth. How are you?”

  “I’m fine, thank you. Just a little sore. When do you leave?”

  “Tomorrow evening. It’s good to see you’re all right, Harry.”

  “Thanks. You look great, as always.”

  “Sach and I have a four hour furlough, so we’re hitting the town. Anything I can get you?”

  “I’m good. I appreciate you coming by, Raquel, but you shouldn’t waste your time off to come and see me.”

  “Well tough luck, shipmate. I wanted to make sure you were all right before I left.”

  “Thanks. It’s.... It’s good to have you as a friend.”

  “Well, that’s how I feel too.” There was an awkward silence. “I had no idea he was like you said, I really didn’t.”

  “Raquel, it’s okay. I know about your father. Hackman told me.”

  “He did? When?”

  “Just before I killed him when he thought he was going to kill me. I wish you had told me. Have you heard from him?”

  “He’s fine. I called him as soon as I heard what had happened to you. I’m sorry, but I had to know if he was all right.”

  “Don’t apologize. Of course you had to know. Well?”

  “Well what? He was fine, a little surprised to hear from me. Within a minute he was talking about his aching feet and his bloody landlord. The worry he put me through and there I was wanting to hang up!”

  Harry chuckled. “That’s Hackman all the way, so damned cocky, so sure of himself that he would kill me. Trust me, if he had anything planned for your father it would have happened by now.”

  “You think?”

  “Yes, absolutely. It was all just mind games. With the help of my employer he would have accessed The Fly’s manifest, once he’d had it confirmed I was heading for Venus and not Mars.”

  “Your employer? Your employer wants you dead?”

  “Long story. Knowing you were bunked with me gave him the perfect opportunity to coerce someone into doing his dirty work for him. He must have got onboard during our delay in docking. When did he first contact you?”

  “I got a call, just after we visited the broken crates in the hold. Remember?”

  “Of course I do. Is that why you rejected me after your shift?” Harry ventured.

  “Yes. I was excited too, Harry, and I know you were. I’m sorry.”

  “Hey. You mustn’t apologize, never.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “What else could you have done? You were extremely brave. This makes me feel a whole lot better.” He smiled a cheeky smile.

  “Thanks, Harry.” She sniffed and wiped her nose.

  “Anyway, enough of all that. You should go and see your father when you get back. If you want, I still have the cigars.”

  Raquel burst out laughing. “Just don’t smoke ‘em yourself, okay? Promise me you’ll be more careful.”

  “I promise. I have a feeling they’re going to come in handy again.”

  Raquel stood up and kissed Harry softly on the lips. “See you around, Mr Bounty Hunter. You take care of yourself.”

  “That’s it? You’re leaving already?”

  “Hey, don’t go all selfish on me. I’ve not got long before I’m due back onboard. Besides, I like what I do, same as you. Bit of fun is nice, but I can’t wait to get back onboard The Wing. Boy she’s so much better than The Fly. Better work, better food, better people.” Raquel paused and fingered the blanket. “I don’t want you getting lazy now, you hear? You have a job to do as well, don’t forget.”

  Harry took her hand again. He looked up and smiled.

  “Oh, Harry Watt. That smile, those dimples. Don’t you tempt me now. I gotta go.”

  “Sorry, guess I can’t help myself. Adieu, belle, et bonne chance.”

  One last squeez
e of her hand, and then Raquel was gone.

  “You are in no fit state to leave this hospital, Mr Watt.”

  “I appreciate your concern, doc, really I do. But I have a job to do, and every second I waste is putting a man’s life in danger.”

  “Yes, yours.”

  “Come on, doc. It’s not that bad…. Is it?”

  Doctor Honeycutt sighed. “Just sign here. I’ll get the orderly to fetch your things. Does Miss Heinlein know about this? After all, she’s paying your bill.”

  “Let’s just say I passed her rather thorough physical, you get me?”

  “I get you.”

  “I’m good to go, doc, believe me.”

  “I don’t, but I can’t stop you.”

  “Thanks for all you’ve done. I hope some day to repay you.”

  “Miss Heinlein has seen to that. The best way you can repay me is for me not to see you again, unless I’m slapping you on the back and shoving a cigar in your mouth.”

  Harry laughed. “God, I hope not.”

  “Then it just remains for me to say good luck, Mr Watt.” Honeycutt held out a hand, and Harry shook it. “And for your information, Miss Heinlein has checked into the Hilton. You’re a lucky man, Mr Watt.”

  “Everyone says that. Funny that I don’t seem to think so.”

  “I mean regarding Miss Heinlein. A remarkable woman.”

  “Yes, she is. Thanks again, doc.”

  Harry signed the discharge sheet and ten minutes later was dressed and out the door.

  Mars Central had changed little since Harry’s last visit. The port was bustling, as always, and apart from the business district it was the busiest place on the planet. Beyond the triple glazed windows to his left stretched the rust colored, rubble strewn Martian landscape, the sky remarkably clear, almost blue. Splitting it in two, like some half healed weal, was the main thoroughfare, linking Central with the rest of the planet. The occasional odd looking vehicle would bounce along it, heading for the distant billowing stacks and adamantine drilling structures that formed part of the atmosphere engine. Slowly but surely Man was winning this particular terrestrial battle, engaging all of his terra-forming skills to tame the arid, Martian wilderness.