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VENGEANCE IN RED
The fourth part of a new fiction tale by Nate Machado
(EPISODE FOUR)
The next hour and a half went by better than I could have expected. Sheila and I, that was her name, talked and laughed for the remaining length of our flight. During our conversation, which at times bordered on the obscene, Sheila told me she was a computer software saleswoman for a large computer firm and that she would be spending the next week and a half in Los Angeles on business. My inquisitive little nature was also able to discover that her favorite color was red, she abhorred wearing underwear, and that after sex, she enjoyed a good back rub. This information peaked my interest even more, and I found myself cracking my knuckles and limbering up my fingers as we continued to talk.
As we began our final approach to land, she pulled out a tube of ruby red lipstick from her tiny purse and wrote the address of the hotel, along with the room number, of where she would be staying in L.A.. Handing it to me, I carefully caressed the piece of paper, treating it as if it were a piece of fine China and I gently placed it in my shirt pocket.
Disappointed that I didn't give myself a paper cut, for any pain endured for an enchanting creature such as her would have been pleasure itself. Feeling the shudder of the plane landing, it only took a few minutes to taxi over to the gantry. As we came to a final stop, she reached over and brushed a hot steamy kiss across my lips, and then said for me to look her up when I got a chance. Needing a moment to compose myself, even I didn't expect to do this well, I leaned back in my chair and hoped I would be able to stand up in the next few minutes. I watched as she rose up out of her seat and reached up for her carry on bags.
Gazing up at her golden form, I couldn't help but wonder if this hot luscious babe was truly for real, or just a figment of mine and every other man's fantasy. That and also if she was as good in the sack as I believed she would be. Reaching out with her finger, she daintily traced my lips and then blew me a kiss good-bye. Leaning over, I watched her leave; enjoying the 'eye candy' as it daintily slithered off the plane. And, in that moment, I completely forgot why I was here. Then I looked up and saw a su it in my face and, unfortunately, it all came back to me.
"Did you have a pleasant flight?" the little man in the suit asked. Pausing a moment before answering, I looked him over. Man, he was small: 5'6 " at best and maybe 150 lbs. when he was wet. Still, he had the full look of the company about him. Short, clean cut hair, jet black suit, and a pair of black reflective shades that magnified every imperfection on your face right back at you. After leaving him hangin' for a few more seconds, I responded.: "Well, I was until you showed up." My head motioned toward the fine young lady I had just met.
Seemingly unfazed by the sultry demoness that had just left, he continued to bore me with business as usual. "Are you ready to depart, sir? I have an All-Terrain vehicle waiting to take us to the kill zone." Finally getting out of my seat, I reached up for my over head bag. ""Yea, I'm ready 'chuckles'. Lead me to the promised land."
"Very well, sir. If you will just follow me". And we both departed the plane and made our way through the airport to my waiting chariot.
The walk over was deathly quiet, apparently it seemed McCain had informed his agents to be very hush hush and not talk about anything in open quarters. After a brisk fifteen minute walk, we arrived at the 4 x 4 and proceeded to the target destination. Unable to endure the silence any longer, I decided to talk about the business at hand, since I was sure this was all 'chuckles' was prepared to talk about. "Is the kill zone still secure?"
"Yes sir. Protective force fields are still in place. And the media black out is still in effect."
"Good. Are the investigative teams standing by?"
"Yes sir." Then I want you to radio ahead and tell them to begin their data gathering. I want a preliminary report waiting when we arrive."
Pushing a button on his wrist watch my commands we relayed to the waiting teams, hopefully they would have some useful information waiting for me when I arrived. "About how long before we arrive," I asked hoping to get more than a three to five word response. "We should arrive in about half an hour," and his lips closed tight as a drum upon completing his short little sentence. Dead silence followed for the next five to ten minutes and needless to say, it was driving me crazy. So crazy that I did the impo ssible-I made 'chuckles' talk to me. As boring as that sounded, what else could I do? "So you don't like red heads, 'chuckles'?"
"Excuse me, sir: I don't understand."
"Back on the plane...when I motioned towards that gorgeous red head, you barely looked at her."
"Well sir, I tend to keep my mind on the business at hand." "So do I, 'chuckles'. but hey: there are some things in life you just gotta get up and say hello too. Y'know what I mean?"
Pausing for a moment, my 'chauffeur' carefully took a tight corner before responding to my latest inquiry. "Yes, I know exactly what you mean. The Director informed me of your loose investigative manners."
"Oh he did, did he? So tell me, what did he say?"
Pursing his lips, 'chuckles' looked like we was going to speak more than five words at a time for the first time in his life. I was glad I was there to witness it. "He said we were an egotistical lout who had far too much swagger and libido for his own good. That you are far more lucky than good, and that it was just a matter of time before your mouth and mannerisms got you into a situation you couldn't talk or fight your way out of. And that it would be wise for me to keep a watchful eye on you so you don 't screw up this investigation. Oh, he also said you were one really big asshole."
A big broad smile came across my lips as 'chuckles' finished his little tirade. I had to give McCain credit when he talked about me. He always hit the nail on the head when he described me. Leaning over, I asked one more question. "And what do you think of me, 'chuckles'." Without even a pause, he answered: "From what I can tell, I think the Director is right about you. And it is my belief that you should not be leading this investigation. Some one of my caliber and experience should be in charge of so del icate a matter."
Stretching out, I prepared my response. I liked 'chuckles. I really did. But it was time somebody told him just how little and insignificant he was in comparison to those who are the real movers and shakers. "Well 'chuckles', first of all: while McCain's description may be accurate, it is far from true. The simple fact is that everything that makes me an asshole also make me the best damn freelance for hire investigator around. And the plain truth is that while I may be lucky, I am far better than mere luc k can dictate. otherwise, would I truly be here?
Second of all: don't even try to compare me with the suits like you. You caliber doesn't even register on the scale. In other words: you're playing with a pea shooter, while all of us are blazing away with 44 Magnums. Ya got me?" And I thought I saw his composure start to crumble on that phallic reference.
"And now, just to round out my argument as to why I'm here..." I stopped for a moment to give 'chuckles' a slight breather. "I think the fact that the U.S. Government is paying me three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to find out who splattered this Senator should be answer enough. Even for a stuck-up suit like yourself. Comprende?"
No response came from his cursing lips. After a few brief minutes, I leaned back casually and said: "Oh, don't sulk 'chuckles'. I'm sure you're a good agent. In fact, I'll make good use of all the knowledge you have regarding L.A. So tell me, what are the best strip bars in town?"
A broad grin erupted on my face as I finished and I showed it off proudly to my buddy 'chuckles'. Needless to say, the next fifteen minutes in the 4 x 4 were quieter than a morgue.
TO BE CONTINUED
copyright 1996 Nate Machado
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"Copyright Joseph M. McDonald 1995, 1996. All rights reserved."