Ghost Gold I

Ghost Gold I

Hi, my name is Edgar Guillermo de León and I live in Guatemala City. My address 14th avenue 24-45 zone 5. and my e-mail is [email protected]

The man nervously closed his baggage and slowly walked to the door. Then he turned around to check if any of his belongings had been forgotten. But he did this unconsciously for he was immersed in a river of thoughts and plans, which were absorbing his attention. He glanced at the

middle class hotel room and started to be upset. A feeling that came from deep within him signaled him that something was wrong, but he was not able to find out what this was. He put on his jacket, grabbed his baggage and walked downstairs to the hotel's lobby. He had broken from sleep to the clerk, who continued sleepy and walked like a person under the influence whether this might be alcohol or sleeping pills. He received the keys of the room, while he moved slowly toward the door to unlock it. With his eyes almost closed, he managed to wish Joe Stone a pleasant day. Joe was working as a pilot of a light plane for a private company. He was six feet tall, with the muscles of a man that had spent many hours at the gym. He was born in California, but his parents were from Ireland. This big blond guy had a heart of gold. He based his principles in the love of God. And he gained his faith by special signs of the mercy of the Lord. Joe thanked and said good-bye to the clerk, but the guy only mumbled in return and

locked the door. Once outside, Joe felt the cold ambiance around him and slowly started to walk, tapping his arms while he was shivering. The stress was making him weak, but he encouraged himself by thinking,

"This will be my last freight. With the money that I have earned, I will start a small business, probably a liquor store or a hardware store..." He thought of his beloved wife Julia and his little son, while he lit up a cigarette. The cold wind and the thick fog were silent reminders that the aurora was not near yet. Sighting he checked his watch moving his left hand close to his eyes. The time was 4:30 a.m. He thought, "Thank God I have sent the letter to my wife. The instructions are easy to be followed. I am sure she wi11 find the money and the papers. I don't trust that Hazroade anymore, I don't believe he is a man of honor. Besides, I am not an idiot. The boxes that I have been delivering must have contained machine-guns or some sore of weapons. It didn't look tike farmers' tools, and farmers don't receive their tools dressed in expensive suits. Guatemala is going through a silent war. And I don't want to be involved in it. I have written down everything to let Julia know about all this. 1 hope she'd understand. Just in case something ever happens to me. She and Billy will be able to run away from Hazroade." Suddenly,

a taxi stopped right in front of him. Stone. smiled and tossed the cigarette butt away from him. Then he found himself sitting in the back seat of the cab. The driver saluted him in a friendly way and showed signs of being of Joe Stone acquaintance. Carlos Chavez was fat and he hardly reached five feet. His little eyes contrasted with his big nose. He was a good humor man

who never paid attention to the problems of lite, but to the solutions. He also believed that every day was a blessing of God. He asked, "Are we going to the same place sir"? Joe replied nodding his head affirmatively. The driver said, "I believe there's something bothering you my friend." Joe answered making himself comfortable; I am just a little upset now, Carlos. The light airplane is waiting for us". The car filled with noise the ambiance of the deserted streets. Carlos and Joe were both born at the same date. probably, that was why they understood each other well. Every time Joe Stone was ordered to work in this country, he used to call Carlos, who did not mind about the weather or the time. He always showed up. His client always wonders how, he did manage to do so. But no questions were asked about it. Soon they came up to the International Airport of San Jose, Costa Rica. They drove around and in less than five minutes, they were at the entrance of a prívate

air-club. There, the light airplane awaited for Joe. And it was ready for the assignment. The fog had almost vanished when the cab stopped next to the airplane. Carlos, the taxi driver put a good tip into his Pocket when he left, Joe walked through the cold wind. He saw the hangars closed with their small lights on top of their gates. He could see the fog mixed with the wind

colliding with the buildings. Then he glimpsed among the darkness a light plane to which he led his steps. While a boy that was waiting for Joe jumped Out the plane. Joe smiled when he realized that he had felt asleep Yet he was suddenly awaken. The boy a little upset said, "Good Morning, Mr. Stone, lm glad to see you again. Then he handed him The keys of the aircraft. Joe appreciates this boy a lot. He said, "Good morning Danny boy." The boy put his hands into his pockets In addition, looking at Joe's eyes he said in a serious strain, "The preflight is already accomplished, but the boss said that you would check it out again. B. Joe confirmed, "Yes indeed, Danny boy. However, tell me, where are the instructions"? The boy scratched his head making an effort to recall. Then he opened his eyes widely and a smile appeared on his face. He opened the airplane's door and said, "There you have it sir, the sealed envelope." Then, he ran away

Joe

stood alone in

front of the light airplane and started to walk around it, making a circle of 360 degrees. As he checked the outside of the plane looking for loosing parts or dents. Some time later, Joe could barely see the landscape. But the penumbra of the dawn gave him the confidence that he needed. He took off with everything under control. The airplane rose to a gray sky that was

turning clearer. The horizon was changing colors: from red to orange and the gray mountains in the distance were slowly turning green. Finally, Joe found himself flying in blue-sky facing South. He drew a map from the envelope and set the course as indicated by the instructions. In order to get to the place where he had to pick up his cargo, which was supposed to be axes and plows. Later on, he landed on a farm's field, which counted only with an obsolete communication system. Joe was guided with the aid of an oíd weather-cock. This was the only reference that the guy talking in the radio, used to let Joe know the exact direction of the airflow. Anyhow, Joe managed to land safely. Once on the ground, only a few boxes were loaded on the plane. When Joe asked for the rest of the cargo, the men explained that they did not have the complete cargo yet. That this was going to be delivered in two parts. Joe asked the guy in charge, who happened to be his friend.

But he only nodded and looked down. Joe was confused, he stared at his friend who embraced him, Whispering in his ear, "we'll talk later." Joe felt that something was wrong and resolved to send Hazroade and his golden offers to hell. He walked to the light plane and took off. While he was flying, Joe thought of that embrace. Though it made him happy, at the same

time filled his Heart with sadness. breathing deeply, he forced himself to feel comfortable. He recognized the landscape of Guatemala, where he was supposed to deliver the cargo while he kept on repeating: "this is the last freight for Mr. Hazroade". Then he thought to himself, "As soon as I get this job done, I will call my wife to let her know my decision, she ought to move to California... Meanwhile, in a secret landing field surrounded by mountains, hidden from the sight of unwelcome eyes. But at the same time, clear enough to allow the landing of any plane. John Hazroade was waiting for the light plane. He walked nervously from one place to another. He looked as if he was about to loose his patience. Then one of his salaried gunmen, carne near to him and said, "l am ready Sir." Hazroade looked at him as if he wanted to see more than just the appearance of the guy. Then he said, "Stone knows too much. I have to get rid of him. He loves his family, and has

principles, that make him a dangerous man. Besides l have heard that some of his friends are policemen. So, I want you to do a good job. As soon as he lands, you let him have the hell". He added with a strong strain, ''understood?' The fiend got upset, but acting as if nothing was happening, he replied, "Yes, Mr. Hazroade, I'II do my best, I mean, exactly as you

explained me earlier" Then he walked to the place previously desired by Hazroade, Who only whispered, "go on." Already in the hidden place among trees and bushes, the gunman awaited for the fatal moment. They heard the noise of the motor before they could see the light plane approaching, due to the fact that the sun was brilliant and it was right behind the plane. This, smoothly landed on the green field of grass and the pilot taxied it towards the place of the delivery. The mercenary had prepared the rocket launcher and steady he aimed at the aircraft and fired. Before Joe could recognize the people waiting for him, he went blind by a light that took away his life. Only a rocket needed the fiend to destroy the plane. This action made the ten, well dressed men, who were expecting for the cargo, jump out of his shoes. Running away for shelter, they drove away in three four-wheels drive cars, while the assassin ran away through the forest. Hazroade stood alone and slowly he escaped from the clandestine

airfield. Then he parked his car to watch the burning aircraft from a look out point of the nearest mountain. There, he was able to see the landscape. The sun was shining and the blue sky contrasted with the brilliance reflected on the clouds. Among the green foliage, he could see in the distance the approaching vehicles of the police forces. Attracted by the

sound of the explosion and guided by the smoke shaped by the wind. The next morning, in a nice apartment in the city of Guatemala a woman was reading a letter. She began to get upset and gradually, while she was reading, her face started to turn pallid. Her expression was a mixture of fear and anger. She whispered to herself. "I am glad about the money, but traveling to California doesn't make sense." She read anxiously until she heard the doorbell. I am coming", she muttered allowing some time for herself, in order to finish the letter. Then, she walked to the door. At the threshold was standing a man of her acquaintance. He was a good friend of her husband, who saluted kindly right after she opened the door. "Good morning Julia, it's good to see you again." Julia and Joe were rarely visited by their friends, unless they were having a party or a scheduled reunion. Julia saluted back and said. "What brings you here, Jim. Aren't you supposed to use the pone to announce your visit? Jim apologized. She sensed the tears

stagnated in her eyes. She said. "You were living in Costa Rica, don't you? Don't tell me that you just moved to our neighborhood because I wouldn't believe if The man, making an effort to speak said, "Julia, allow me to come in. what I have to tell you it's serious." But She agreed and guided him into the living room. While she asked, "did anything happen to my

husband? He was supposed to be here since yesterday afternoon." The guy raised his sight and looked into her eyes. He started saying with difficulty, "It was an accident. The plane crashed while it was landing. The experts speculate that the aircraft was blown by a rocket." The woman could not hold back the tears anymore. The man continued. "The company that your husband worked for was under investigation. Joe was contracted to transport tools for farmers, but these turned out to be illegal weapons." They sat down on the coach and the woman let a river of tears flow. Jim with his right hand tenderly caressed her shoulder. He said," Julia, I am afraid that you might be in danger." She calmed down a little and said, "Joe asked me to move to his mother's house in California; she loves little Bill a lot." Julia was a young tall woman, her hair was dark and her eyes were light brown, but her skin was pink. This made her a very attractive woman. Jim was tall and strong, blond hair and

blue eyes; and he worked for Interpol as a secret agent. He said, 1'11 take care of the funeral arrangements, and the burial will be tomorrow morning. It is necessary for you and the kid to-travel as soon as possible to California, in order to be safe. We were about to catch the smugglers and put them in jail, but they escaped and killed Jack, who was working as an uncovered agent." Julia interrupted, "Oh my God, they killed Jack too!"

Jim continued, "I know Jack was a good friend of Joe. He was also my friend. His body was found last night, that’s why I came to Guatemala to check out how Joe was doing. We believe that the smugglers discovered Jack. Now all I want to do it's to drive you safely to the airport "The woman could hardly see. Wiping off her tears, she agreed with her husband's friend. Jim was not able to conceal his sadness; he had lost two of his best friends, so making an effort to overlook his dolor. He said. ''I don't believe they have information about you, but just in case, we have to be cautious. "Julia said, "Thank you very much, Jim". He said good-bye and went to buy the tickets for the plane, while Julia called her family. The act of watching the remains of Joe elapsed with no incidents. The next morning, the widow and her son stood with the remains of Joe at the cemetery. After her

family had presented their condolences. The closest first cousin said, "Come on Julia, you cannot stay here. "And he lifted the boy up to his chest and hugged him tenderly. Julia instead of answering only looked down. Her cousin said, "Listen, I saw some guys who don't belong to our family, neither to Joe's circle of friends, nor to our neighborhood. Who are they?" Julia looked at his eyes and said, "Probably they worked with Joe at the same company." Her cousin, caressing his chin with his right hand,

embraced her with his left arm and said, "You need to rest, Julia." She replied, "I will sleep when I find myself aboard the plane." He said, "Being awake all night can brake your nerves down, so have this pills and be sure to take only one as soon as you are aboard the plane." She said. "Thank you Ismael." And afterwards a car came up to them. Julia said good-bye to the rest of the family that gathered in the cemetery to be at Joe's funeral. Some of them didn't want to leave Julia and her son alone; but they understood that they were going to be all right in California, because Joe's mother was a very nice person. Also they complained because Julia didn't allowed them to go with her to the airport, So she and her son kissed the family members and walked to the white car, while the driver saluted to his friend's family. Then-they rode away

from the graveyard. Shortly after, they started to be followed by a red car, with dark tinted glasses Windows, that didn't allowed the passengers to be seen. Jim's car had the same windows, and he was a good driver. He realized that the red car belonged to the smugglers. Then he clearly saw one of them moving his arm out the window, while pointing at him with a firearm. Jim stepped on the gas pedal trying to get rid of the killers but these did the same thing. Shots could be heard mixed with the noise of the

tires and the acceleration of the motor. They raced into a boulevard and there, the fiends found the chance to reach up to their side, at a very high speed. Jim saw the bullets in the drum of the firearm that were ready to fit into the chamber. But God showed them mercy. Jim glanced a narrow street and made a sharp turn risking it all. He handled the steering wheel in order to get rid of the skid leading to an eminent collision. Slowing down, the white car drove to safety in an area full of alleys. 'There, with their nerves broken down, they came to a complete stop. Frightened, Julia begged Jim to be careful. He spent more than five minutes to explain the woman that this action was completely necessary. Turning so sharp helped them to escape from the assassins. Jim thinking was wondering why the killers had vanished, while he drove safely to the airport. The streets

were unusually calmed as if this was a holiday. Later at last, Jim was able to leave Julia and her son inside the plane; then he walk out and saw it taking off. He sighted letting his relief out his chest. What they would never know was the fact that the killers lost them for a minute. This was due to the fact that a white car of the same year and make with dark tinted Windows, also looking as Jim's car; got on the killers' way. They didn't notice the different license plate's number; so they got next to this white car and using a machine gun they let it have a rain of bullets. The car tipped

over and turned into a ball of fire. A lot of people gathered to see the burning car, but no one saw the fiends. These, got away sure of having killed the couple and the kid. It was evident that no human being could have ever survived to such distress. Julia and little Bill flew to California, finding no incidents in their way. Once in Los Angeles, Mrs. Stone picked them up. She was really happy to have the boy by her side. Julia thought, "Little Bill will relieve my mother in law's sadness. Al least she'11 have a consolation for the lose of her son." Julia had enough money to run a small business, and some papers to put a bad guy into jail; but she didn't dare to. She chose to live a quiet life and kept all these incidents to herself. This is the first chapter of which I’d like to have some support and if you send me your e-mail I would gladly send you the following chapters. Just for a small payment via western union. and would like to share the thrills of this frightening story. [email protected] Just enjoy it and encourage me to send you the rest of it.