Duty Bound (1995) (39 page)

"Don't play games; you're going to kill her, aren't you?"

"I said she will not have any reason for fear, Agent Tanner. I will keep my promise--she will not know it's coming. It will be quick and painless for her . . . that is, if you tell me what you know."

Eli bored holes into Mendez with his eyes. "We don't know anything about them--that's the God's honest truth.

We know about Bonita Rogers because we got her prints from the lake cabin . . . that's all we've got."

"Pity, I thought as much. I would have hoped for more from the Bureau, but it appears your organization is as inept as always."

"I told you what I know . . . you'll keep your part of the bargain, won't you?"

"But of course, Agent Tanner. I am a man of honor. Miss Starr is quite beautiful--and I appreciate her like all of nature's beautiful things."

Mendez began to rise but paused and shifted his gaze back to Eli. "You are not going to beg for your life, are you, Agent Tanner?"

"No way."

"You are a realist. That is good. I have often wondered about the men who pursue me. You seem a worthy adversary-- are there many like you?"

"Yeah, and they're going to get you, Mendez."

"I think not, Agent Tanner. Yes, I'm sure others will attempt to do so, but their time is running out. You see, I am ending my old business dealings; the game tires me now. I have other interests that give me greater pleasure. Do you like tropical plants, by chance?"

"Going legit won't help you, Mendez; you've stepped on too many toes and killed too many people. If we don't get you, somebody seeking revenge will take you out. You know what I'm saying is true . . . you can't stop them; people like that don't care. They have a single purpose in life--it drives them and makes them the most dangerous animals on earth. They're out there, Mendez . . . you created them with your drugs, contracted hits, and corruption.

They're out there and they'll always be coming for you."

Mendez smiled. "Very good. Spoken from the heart. Earlier you accused me of being responsible for your partner's death. I assume you are one of those animals you speak of.

Pity, look at you now, but, for your efforts, I shall let you in on a secret. Tomorrow many of your associates will be staging their assault on Senor Terres's estate and his boatyard. Those waiting to assault the boatyard will encounter a horrible surprise--a very destructive surprise. The event will anger and transform the survivors into revenge-seeking animals, just as you described. Terres's men inside the boatyard will receive no quarter."

"You're going to set off a bomb?"

"Actually, I understand it will be several. I'm quite proud of the plan. You see, once this catastrophe occurs, your people will have no doubt of poor Senor Terres's guilt. They will assault his estate, perhaps even capture him alive--but that is very doubtful. I have taken precautions to ensure he is eliminated should that possibility occur. In any event, sufficient evidence will be present to make his guilt undeniable. The case will be closed, and although saddened by the huge loss of life, the participants will take solace in the knowledge that justice was done."

"You son of a bitch!"

Mendez sighed as he stood. "It would disappoint you if I were otherwise. Tomorrow, at seven o'clock, when these unfortunate events are happening, Miss Starr and I will be at my estate receiving a new specimen for my collection, Agent Tanner, a quite rare plant known as a Tiger plantiutim. It is from Papua, New Guinea . . . very fragile. Requires delivery in the early morning before the heat builds.

If it were to occupy the rear of a sweltering truck for more than ten minutes, the beauty would surely perish. I have looked forward to this delivery for some time. . . . I have already prepared a place for my new family member and will delight in finally being able to spoil her with my love and devotion. I'm sure Miss Starr will appreciate the opportunity to be present."

"What are you going to do to her?"

"I promised you she would not be in fear or distressed in any way, Agent Tanner. I'm afraid I cannot promise the same for you."

Mendez opened the door. Two men entered. One placed a piece of duct tape over Eli's mouth. Mendez canted his head toward Eli. "A pity you won't have an opportunity to dine on my stone crabs. I would make the offer, but it is unhealthy to eat prior to swimming." He smiled and strode down the passageway.

Raul was sipping a gin and tonic as Stacy stood looking out the dining room's plate-glass windows toward the lights of Miami. Raul rose from his chair when Mendez walked into the candlelit room. "Colonel, it is an honor for me to present Miss Stacy Starr."

Stacy turned and eyed the approaching man dressed in a white military-style tuxedo. "Where is Agent Tanner? Is he all right?"

Mendez bowed. "It is an honor to meet you at last, Miss Starr. I assure you Agent Tanner is perfectly fine. In fact I spoke to him only minutes ago and answered his questions concerning your welfare."

"I want to see him."

Mendez stepped closer. "I'm afraid that is impossible. I ordered him moved to another location, Miss Starr. It is dangerous for me to have you both here. I'm sure you understand that."

"Where have they taken him?"

"To a place that has a lovely view of the bay. Please, Miss

Starr, enough questions. Won't you join me at the table?"

Standing beside the stern rail, Eli knew the day and time had finally come. Nude and with his hands still chained behind him, he closed his eyes as a guard wrapped a rope around his ankles. Tied to the other end of the rope was a forty-five-kilo York weight, the kind used in gyms.

Another guard standing several feet away commanded, "Over with him."

Two guards lifted the heavy weight and rested it on the railing as two more lifted Eli and set him up on the narrow rail beside the weight. Eli glanced down at the dark water fifteen feet below and immediately shut his eyes. He had always thought he would die while on duty. A bullet was what he'd hoped for, a good clean shot, instant, with no pain. But that wasn't going to happen. Water was going to claim him after all. Fate was so damn unkind, he thought.

A guard took hold of the weight and smiled. "How long can you hold your breath?" He pushed the weight over the side; Eli followed feet first.

Under the hull, Ted and Glenn had night-vision goggles pulled down over their masks and were looking at the yacht's exposed propeller shafts. A sudden ka-thunk startled both men. They spun just in time to see something dark sinking quickly to the bottom, and attached to the dark object by a short length of rope was a naked man.

Ted closed his eyes for a moment, thinking maybe his eyes had deceived him. He opened them again and looked down. Nope, there he was, big as life, wiggling like an elongated worm, doing everything he could to try to wiggle himself back to the surface.

Glenn poked Ted and pointed east. Ted began to nod in agreement that it was best to get the hell out, but something made him look down again. The naked man was just a green blur, but he could still see the poor son of a bitch struggling to hold on to life as long as he could. Ahh shit, nobody should die that way, Ted thought. He pulled the knife from the sheath on his leg and dove down.

Chapter 20.

Carlos Mendez eyed his dinner guest, who was staring vacantly at her plate. "You don't like the stone crabs?"

Stacy set down her fork. "It's difficult to eat when you know you're going to die."

Mendez patted her hand. "I promise you will see the sun rise tomorrow, Miss Starr. I have no intention of hurting you."

Stacy pulled her hand away. "I'm not a fool. I know you can't let me live."

"You certainly are not a fool, Miss Starr, but your assumption is incorrect. You see, I'm leaving the country tomorrow. I'm going to return to Cuba. Fidel has invited me home again."

Stacy lifted her eyes to her host. "What's going to happen to me?"

"You will leave with me, of course . . . but only until we have arrived safely in my country. Then I will release you.

You'll have a wonderful story to tell, Miss Starr. I'm sure your viewers will be impressed."

"And what of Agent Tanner, Mr. Mendez?"

"Once we are in Cuba, I will send word for him to be released as well."

Stacy looked at the succulent claw meat on her plate, then at Mendez. He smiled as he picked up her fork and handed it to her. "Dip the flesh in the melted butter . . . the taste is beyond description."

Stacy accepted the fork.

Virgil Washington knelt by the nude man lying on the deck. He felt the man's neck, checking for a pulse, and nodded. "He's alive, all right; his heart is beating okay."

Bonita averted her eyes from the naked man and looked at Ted as he took off his tanks. "My God, Ted, where did you find him?"

Ted handed his tanks to Ramon and tossed his night vision goggles and mask to the cushioned seats. "They dropped him overboard. I just couldn't let him drown. The son of a bitch almost drowned me, though. When I got to him, he was almost gone. I put my regulator in his mouth and he clamped down on it so tight I couldn't get it out again. If Glenn hadn't come down to help me I'da been a goner for sure."

"How'd you get him back?" Ramon asked, taking Ted's weight belt.

"Glenn and I buddy-breathed off his regulator--it wasn't easy draggin' this bozo with us, I can tell ya. Virg, throw some cold water on his face and let's see if we can wake him up. Glenn, you and Ramon get the anchor up and get us out of here--put in where we were this afternoon."

Standing over the unconscious stranger, Baby sniffed his wet hair, then his face. Virgil bent over the man again. "Uhoh, what we got here? Take a look at this scar on his chest .. . this guy is a vet."

Bonita leaned over. "He's got one on his forehead and arm, too--they both look recent."

"What d'ya mean he's a vet?" Ted said. He stepped closer.

Virgil motioned to the chest scar. "I seen scars like this before on the old-timers. This guy was in some shit. I bet he was in the machine."

"Christ'a'mighty, Bo, don't be lookin' at him. Get somethin' to put over him. Virg, the guy probably owed Mendez money or somethin'."

Virgil shrugged. "Whatever he did, he musta really pissed the man off."

"Just get the cold water like I said, and let's see if we can get him to come to."

"Ted, he's been underwater with you squids. I don't think more water is gonna do it. What made him pass out? I thought you said he was suckin' up all your air."

"He was, but I guess he ran out. We were almost here when he started kickin' and jerkin' and then he up and goes limp on us. I thought maybe he had a heart attack or somethin'."

"There's smelling salts in the first-aid kit; that'll' wake him up." Virgil turned and walked toward the cabin.

Ramon stepped up beside Ted. "We got the anchor up . . . the dude come out of it yet?"

"He look like he's awake to you?"

Ramon stepped closer. "Check it out. Baby likes him; he's lickin' the dude's face."

Eli opened his eyes and stared into two huge black eyes.

Something soft and wet stroked his cheek again and he turned slightly and could see the stars. Suddenly, dark faces appeared.

Ted leaned closer. "Just stay where you are and don't move, buster. Who are you and why were you on the yacht-- you work for Mendez?"

Eli heard the words and couldn't help but smile. It wasn't a dream; he was really alive.

Ramon leaned over. "I think maybe his brain is fucked up--look at the shit-eatin' grin on his face. Lack of oxygen will do that, won't it?"

Ted tried again, and this time poked the man in the chest.

"Hey, I'm talkin' to you. Look at me! Who are you and what were you doin' on the yacht?"

Eli kept his eyes on the stars as he savored each breath of fresh air he brought into his lungs. I'm really alive . . . I'm lying on a boat deck . . . there are people and a dog beside me. The dog likes me. My God, those stars are beautiful .. . so beautiful.

Bonita dropped a towel over his lower body and bent over the man. "Mister, you want to sit up? Come on, I'll help you. There you go."

"Watch it, Bo!" Ted said.

"His hands are chained behind him with a bike chain, Ted. He can't hurt me. Come on, mister. Who are you?"

Eli looked into the angel's face and said in a whisper, "You're real, aren't you?"

"I'm real, all right. Look, we need to know who you are.

Please tell us."

"I'm Eli Tanner--special agent, FBI."

Ted's mouth dropped open for a second before he quickly dropped to his knees, staring into the man's face. "No way.

You're kiddin', right? Tell me you're kiddin'."

"Did you save me?"

"Just answer the damn question! You're not really a G-man, are you? Tell me you aren't."

"Yes, I'm a special agent. Thank you . . . I thought ... I thought I was dead and--"

"Prove it!" Ted blurted. "Hell, you could just be sayin' it.

Prove you're a damn agent."

"You can call the Miami office ... ask for Agent Howard Parker. Or you could call the Atlanta office; that's where my SAC is. . . . I'm sorry, a SAC is the special agent in charge.