In Case of Death (The Adventures of Gabriel Celtic Book 3) (30 page)

I stopped suddenly in midstride; my senses controlling my actions as I was nearly blinded by the whiteness around me. Suddenly, I made out the edge of a crevasse before me, the bottom unseen in the swirl of the wind and snow.

Although being somehow warned to stop, I had no energy left to try another route. My body was now spent, and my faith in anything had waned into nothingness.

Falling to the ground, the heavy snow fell in around me, covering me in an icy coldness that now seemed fitting for my end.

As my mind numbed from the biting chill, I tried to focus on Betty without success.

Am I to be denied even the thought of my love in the end?
I questioned the universe as the blackness closed in around me.

Suddenly, I was unceremoniously grabbed by the shoulders and hoisted out of the ice!

I now found myself sitting in the piled snow, staring at what must be an angel before me.

The man in the stark-white fir-trimmed parka was smiling at me lovingly. He had intense light blue eyes, and long flowing dark hair that gleamed in the brightness of the world around us. His teeth glowed with a sparkle that outshone the winter, and I unashamedly thought that he must be the most beautiful man I had ever laid eyes on.

Unscrewing the top off of a flask, he held it before me.

“Take a swallow of this,” his voice flowed like honey over the noise of the wind, the German accent pronounced.

I took the flask and gulped down what must have been Brandy, the warmth immediately spreading in my stomach. I immediately felt 100% better and tried to take another drink before he snatched the flask back out of my fingers.

“Now, now Gabriel, you must not be the greedy one. Not until we have much understanding.”

I was confused, my mind still numb from the cold but my body craving the warmth of life. I noticed then that the back of my neck was getting hot.

“My name is Wolfgang, and I have a cabin, it is nearby. It is ready for you friend, with warm fire and much food!”

He spoke with the choppiness of someone speaking in a second language.

“I have also much brandy. All yours this is.”

“I’m ready,” I croaked, my voice weak with exhaustion.

Trying to rise, Wolfgang placed his hand on my shoulder, easily pushing me back down. His infectious smile still beaming like a lighthouse, he continued, “Only one thing must you do to go to cabin. Only promise little thing.”

“Sure,” I readily agreed, my body craving the warmth and nourishment the cabin offered.

“Follow me you must.”

“Lead the way Wolfgang, I’ll be right behind you,” I answered excitedly.

Shaking his head, his smile still bright as the sun, “Follow me you must…forever.”

I shook my head in confusion, thinking I must be hallucinating.

“You want me to what?” I asked; the excitement of before waning slightly.

“I give you much in return Gabriel: money, power, much women.”

A sinking feeling in my stomach had now replaced the warmth and excitement of before. I looked at my savior again; his beauty seemingly diminishing before my eyes.

“Thanks anyway Wolfgang, I think I can go on now on my own. And thanks for the brandy!”

Starting to get up again, Wolfgang unceremoniously pushed me into the snow once more, harder this time.

“You not understand my friend,” his breath on me revealing his sudden closeness, his light blue eyes seeming to have darkened.

“Choice now is warm cabin, or deep crevice.”

My insides froze at his statement as the back of my neck simultaneously started getting hotter. I stared at the man before me in disbelief as his words echoed inside my head.

“You would send me to my death?” I asked him unbelievingly. “You don’t even know me!”

Wolfgang shrugged his shoulders, his bright smile returning once more.

“It is way of world my friend. Something for nothing is not what I offer. But plenty is yours for the taking my friend. Just need one word from you Gabriel…just say ja and it yours!”

Suddenly something caught my attention over Wolfgang’s shoulder. A small golden orb had appeared behind him, dancing happily back and forth as I watched.

“I need answer Gabriel…busy man am I.”

I heard his words, but I was watching the orb in fascination as it appeared to grow larger.

“What word was that again Wolfgang?” I asked distractedly as the glowing orb grew as big as a man.

“Ja…just say ja!” he glowed, his excitement over my ‘conversion’ apparent.

I felt her before seeing her, but there was no mistaking who was there. The beautiful apparition appearing from within the glowing orb was Betty, and she had never looked better to me!

Her hands reached out over Wolfgang’s shoulder, caressing my face with love and warmth. A tear rolled down my cheek as I gazed at her, a small smile forming on my lips.

“We pronounce it differently in the states Wolfgang,” I muttered, never taking my eyes off of my beautiful Betty.

Nodding his head happily, “Ya…it is pronounced yes…no?”

“No,” I said, taking my eyes off of Betty for a moment to look into his, “It’s pronounced Fuck You!”

Eyes darkening to almost black, Wolfgang grabbed my shoulders roughly before flinging me effortlessly over the edge of the cliff. Surrounded by nothingness, I could hear an evil cackle from above me as the dark eyed beast watched my descent with glee. 

Chapter 73

September 29, 1999

I found myself on my bedroom floor, the covers of the bed twisted around me, the rhythmic cackle of laughter turning out to be the alarm clock next to my head.

Freeing one hand from the sheets, I slapped it on the clock to silence the infernal noise. Lying back again, I pulled the covers around me as I shivered uncontrollably.

I had never felt a vision so real!

My muscles ached from the trek through the snow, and I felt as if my blood had turned to ice.

For all the realism however, I had no clue as to what the dream meant in my life. I had never met nor knew anyone with the name of Wolfgang, and I had no plans to ever go anywhere that cold…wherever that place was.

Finally deciding that coffee would warm me quicker than anything, I untangled myself from the bedcovers and got dressed as quickly as possible. Inadvertently moaning in pain when I started down the steps, I could not believe the amount of pain my muscles were in.

What the hell happened last night?
I mumbled to myself through gritted teeth. Limping painfully across the kitchen toward the coffee pot, I started a strong batch brewing before crossing the room and donning my winter parka. Zipping it up to my neck, I went back to the coffee maker and waited for it to finish with my arms wrapped around me for warmth.

“Are you ok Gabe?” I heard Abby ask from the doorway, “Why are you wearing a coat?”

Walking up to me with a worried look on her face, she put the palm of her hand on my forehead.

“What the hell Gabe? You feel like you have spent the night in a meat locker.” Grabbing my hand, she led me out of the room. “I didn’t hear you leave during the night.”

“I d-d-didn’t,” I uttered through chattering teeth, “J-j-just one h-h-h-helluva dream.”

Leading me into the living room, Abby gently pushed me down into my recliner before grabbing a blanket off of the couch and covering me up while shaking her head.

“I’ve never known your visions to cause anything like this before,” she uttered as she left the room. Returning again in a few moments, she carried a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and my Cincinnati Reds baseball cap in the other. Handing me the warm cup, she quickly pushed the cap down on my head.

The warmth of the mug felt good in my palms as I greedily gulped down the hot brew.

“Please,” I croaked, handing her the empty cup. Shaking her head in wonderment, she took the cup and returned in a few moments with a refill.

By the time I was half way through the second cup, I was starting to feel a little more like myself.

Seeing that I was recovering, Abby lost her worried daughter look and gave me a smile.

I was struck with a realization at that moment as I looked at my daughter’s smile. There was nothing that warmed the heart more than having your child beaming at you in happiness.

I smiled back, “I feel better now.”

Shaking her head, “Gabe, what happened last night?”

Slowly, I described the dream to her, the details still vivid in my memory.

“It seemed like I was literally walking in the cold for hours Abby. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.”

“Any idea what it means?” she asked while holding my hand in hers.

Shaking my head, “Nothing that I can put my finger on, but it definitely doesn’t feel like it has anything to do with the case we are working now.”

Remembering a detail, I shared my reaction to entering the room through the doorway.

“Hmmm,” she replied thoughtfully, “A new phase in your life huh?”

She grinned then, “Well, your last phase hasn’t worked out too bad, has it?”

It was my turn to smile then.

“Not too bad,” I replied stoically, “But you can also be a real pain sometimes!”

“Ah!” she squealed, slapping my hand away in mock anger before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around my shoulders.

“You love it you old coot!” she mumbled into my ear as she hugged me tightly.

Truer words had never been spoken.

***

Feeling more like myself, I got up and started breakfast for three. Preacher was on his way over before we all headed back to Greensburg to continue the search. Although I had enjoyed my time with Raven the day before, I was anxious to join the search for our elusive Bill Jones.

I was ready to put this nightmare to bed!

Preacher arrived with a smile on his face as usual. Indicating that he take a seat, I set a cup of coffee in front of him before heading back to the stove to dish out the food.

“I was thinking Preacher and I would ride together today,” I said to Abby while setting their food before them, “We could take the newer homes to the West while you and Nate continue on the East side.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Abby said before filling her fork with eggs and popping them into her mouth happily. “I’ve got no problem spending the day with Nate again,” she finished with a grin.

I shook my head. I had never met anyone that I could count on to follow through on her work like Abby did. On the other hand, she also would never miss a chance at giving me grief just for the fun of it.

She was a good fit!

“Yeah, stakeouts and grid searches being so romantic,” I shot back at her. “Your relationship will be that much stronger if you can make it through that.”

Bringing her plate to the sink, she smiled at me before giving me a peck on the cheek.

“I hear ya Pops.”

Giggling, she left the kitchen to get ready for the day.

Preacher was grinning when I looked over at him.

“Spunky girl, that one,” he nodded after her.

“Ain’t that the truth,” I exclaimed as I finished up my plate. “I don’t know what I would do without her!”

“Amen to that!” Preacher added sincerely.

“I’ve got the Mercedes all ready to go,” I mentioned as I cleared the table. “It’s a little more comfortable for a long day in the saddle.”

“Sounds good to me,” Preacher responded, getting up from his chair. “I’ll head out to my car to collect my stuff.”

I had a good feeling about the day. I had a feeling that this would be the day that we found Bill Jones…or whoever he was.

Finishing up the breakfast dishes, I grabbed the keys off the counter and yelled to Abby that I was leaving.

“Be careful!” She called back from her room as I was leaving the house.

I smiled at her concern. After what I’d been through the night before, today should be a breeze!

 
Chapter 74

September 29, 1999

Bill pulled the shifter into gear as the Mercedes passed.

Releasing the clutch slowly, he easily slid into the passing traffic and followed it at a comfortable distance.

Having discovered that some of Celtic’s crew had been searching the area around his home the day before, Bill had stepped up his preparations.

Hitting upon the perfect solution for part of his retribution, Bill was now giddy with excitement as his plan unfolded.

He continued following the tan car ahead, easily keeping it in sight without arousing suspicion.

They will never be expecting this!
he mumbled to himself
happily.

Knowing he had a good twenty miles before he put his plan into action, Bill was relaxed. Sipping his coffee slowly, he sang along to a country song on the local radio station.

Planning had always been his forte. And the plan today was as tight as he could make it, knowing that he only had to depend on himself this time.

And he never failed to execute!

The play on words that crossed his thoughts tickled him so much that he started giggling as he downshifted for the entrance ramp.

***

I kept my speed down to 50 as I made my way up the interstate, the deluge of rain pounding us making hydroplaning a reality.

“This doesn’t bode well,” Preacher mumbled in the seat beside me, a worried look showing below his Elvis eyewear.

I shrugged.

“I don’t think it’s supposed to rain all day Preacher, it shouldn’t hinder our search too badly.”

“I hope,” I added as the downpour suddenly intensified.

My windshield wipers were slapping at the water on full speed now, and I slowed ever further as it became harder to see.

Setting his Bible down on the seat, he took out his .38 and checked the cylinder.

“Expecting trouble?” I asked, slightly concerned about his actions.

“I got a feeling, that’s for sure,” he replied seriously, setting the gun down on the seat beside him. Turning, he looked behind us through the back window, but could make out nothing but sheets of water running down the glass.

***

Bill shifted down a gear, cramming the accelerator to the floor as he excitedly gripped the wheel with both hands.

This was perfect!

The unexpected downpour would not only aid in the execution of his plan, it would be even easier to make his getaway undetected!

Shifting down once more to gain RPM’s on the motor, he smashed the accelerator to the floor as he saw his target ahead.

“How do you like this Roy!” he screamed into the windshield as his eyes grew wide in a wild glee!

***

“It’s probably nothing,” I tried to reassure Preacher. “Want me to slow down some more?”

He was jumpy now, his eyes quickly darting from side mirror to back window repeatedly.

“I don’t know what it is!” He sounded exasperated. “I just feel something…in my bones!”

I was worried now. Whether I was just reflecting Preacher’s angst, or if something had suddenly reached my own senses I wasn’t sure. But there was something palpable in the air now, the feeling making me grip the wheel tightly.

“Maybe I should pull off to the side of the road for a bit,” I suggested, turning on the turn signal in preparation.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Preacher intoned as he looked behind us again. “It couldn’t hurt to…Holy Mother of God!”

Glancing worriedly at my partner, something caught my eye in the rearview mirror.

My heart stopped as I saw the headlights of a semi truck rapidly approaching us from behind!

Chapter 75

September 29, 1999

Reacting instinctively, I crushed the pedal to the floor in an effort to gain some speed before the truck smashed into us.

The German diesel screamed to life at my insistence, giving us a couple of seconds and hopefully lessening the force of the collision slightly. I had just swung the wheel hard to the left when the deafening sound of crushing metal hit our ears, the car fishtailing momentarily before starting to slide end for end in the middle of the highway. Thrown about severely during the spin, my head bounced off the window more than once as I sensed the semi blowing past us at high speed.

I wasn’t sure the spinning would ever stop as we continued sliding down the highway in fast circles, the water on the road offering little resistance to slow us down.

Finally, I could sense my world slowing and I reached for the Glock in my shoulder holster. Gun in hand when we stopped, the world continued to spin for a few moments as I fought to gain some equilibrium.

Finally the spinning lessened and I could make out through the rain the semi parked on the side of the road ahead of us. Jumping out of the cab, a thin man in work clothes and a dark ball cap started running toward our location…with some kind of large automatic weapon in his hand.

“Incoming!” I shouted as I reached for the door handle. Glancing over toward Preacher, I saw him fumbling around under the seat, looking for his revolver. Seeing the man quickly approaching, he grabbed his Bible and flopped it down on the seat. Opening it up to a cutout section of pages, he extracted a small automatic pistol located inside.

Even with imminent danger approaching, I found myself wondering about Preacher defacing part of the Bible.

Glancing at me and seeing my expression, he shrugged.

“Deuteronomy, that book’s a waste anyway.”

In that split second of time, we both grinned, a surge of fearlessness coursing through our bodies.

Jumping out of our respective doors, we were instantly drenched, and I had a hard time finding the man through the torrential downpour.

Suddenly I heard a war hoop from out of the gloom and the flash of the muzzle a split second before the ripping sound of the automatic reached my ears.

“Down!” I screamed as we both splashed onto the rain-soaked earth of the median.

I could feel a few of the bullets passing by overhead, but the noise soon stopped.

As I stood up quickly, I was counting on three things that I thought were in our favor:

-That the man had never fired an automatic weapon before and didn’t realize how hard it is to hit something with them;

-That he also didn’t realize how short of time a clip lasts when you are firing 1000 rounds per minute;

-And finally… that he hadn’t brought an extra clip!

The anguished scream coming from the inexperienced shooter assured me that I had guessed correctly, and I poured on the steam to try to catch up with him.

Seeing me running toward him, the man threw down the weapon and turned on his heel, running toward the parked semi. A passing car almost hit him in the blinding rain as he crossed the highway.

“I’ll go around behind the trailer,” Preacher shouted, changing his course and angling toward the back of the truck.

My already sore muscles were fighting my attempts at running, and instead of speeding up, I found that I seemed to be slowing.

“Shit!” I screamed in frustration as I put everything I had into coaxing a little more speed out of my legs.

Passing the door to the cab, Bill rounded the front of the truck and sprinted toward the guardrail.

Preacher, who moved amazingly fast for a big man, had only moments before he cleared the back of the trailer. As he was running up the length of the trailer toward the cab, he caught a glimpse of Bill leaping over the guardrail and got off a couple of shots at him before he disappeared into a wooded area down the hill.

Rounding the front of the cab then, I saw Preacher standing there looking down the hill as I started climbing over the rail.

Suddenly, I felt the steely grip of Preacher on my arm.

“Let him go Gabe,” he said quietly.

“But we can get him!” I panted, my mind much more fervent than my body.

We both stood there looking at each other, panting for all we were worth. It didn’t take long for my exhaustion to catch up with me, and I fell to my knees on the wet grass, trying to catch my breath as my adrenaline level drained away to nothing.

“Ok,” I finally conceded, “I’m spent, I can admit it now.”

“Thank God!” Preacher breathed heavily as he leaned over with hands on knees to also catch his breath.

“Guy must be pure energy,” I exclaimed, looking longingly down the hill and into the woods.

“Evil,” Preacher panted, nodding his head, “Evil energy.”

As we stood there catching our breath, Preacher suddenly grinned mischievously.

“At least one good thing came out of our encounter,” he said happily.