FICTION
The Final Mission Part 2
A Sunny Alexander-Johnson and Henry James Series By P.G. & Sharon Barnett
My name is Sunny Alexander-Johnson. And I’m Henry James, and we’re writers for Dark Sides of the Truth magazine.
The sudden reappearance of Sunny meant someone had sounded the bell for round two of the sparring between her and Rick McDonnell. We collectively drew in our breaths and held them as she stalked back into the living room, and flounced onto one of the couches near her husband.
For several seconds no one spoke, and each of us examined the combatants, searching for facial ticks which would announce the dancing was over, and the rumble was about to start. Rick started, his voice low, just above a whisper, measured and cautious.
“How long were you standing there, Shaundrika?”
“Long enough, McDonnell, or is it Armstrong?”
Rick drew in another deep breath, clasped his hands together, and leveled a gaze directly at her.
“It’s McDonnell. Sunny, I’ve already told you. I didn’t know Hardcastle was going to kill Charlie. I swear to God I didn’t.”
“And yet, the man died because of you.”
“Princess, the man died because Hardcastle killed him.”
“I didn’t ask for your opinion James.”
“Well, you’re damned sure going to get it. Think about it, Sunny. If Hardcastle knew we were in Lebanon, which I’m damned sure she did, what would have been the best way to get us out to that ranch house?”
“Well, I guess delay him long enough so we’d get suspicious and come looking for him, but she didn’t have to kill him, Henry.”
“Yeah, princess, she didn’t, but she did. Just like she killed Daryl Hoenig. Just like she and Escobar killed everybody on Rick’s team and tried to kill him. To hear Rick tell it, this shit would have continued until Rick and everybody associated with him was dead.”
The room quickly filled with tense silence. What came next surprised us all.
“Okay, then. Here’s the deal. No more lies, and no more toying with us like a pair of marionettes. We’re part of the team for God’s sake, not expendable pieces on a game board.”
“I never said you were.”
“You didn’t have to McDonnell. That’s the way you treated me, and Ricardo and Henry. Like you didn’t give a damn if we lived or died as long as the game played out like you wanted it to.”
Rick nodded, slightly rocking as he did so.
“You’re right. Look, I deserved that. I made a mistake, and I assure you I’ll not do it again. After Mary and the boys were, well, after what happened, I went a little crazy. All I could think about was stopping this once and for all. First, you guys found Hardcastle on Lover’s Cross, then you and Henry uncovered Escobar at Shandy Bay, and it all came rushing back.”
“You should have told us, Rick.”
“I didn’t think I could take that chance.”
“So now you want us all to dive in headfirst and take on the assistant director of the FBI? Have you lost your mind, Rick? Do you expect us to help you kill him like you killed Hardcastle? Break his neck like a twig? Does this kind of shit not keep you up at night?”
“Sunny, please.”
“No, Rick, do you even have a compassionate bone in your body? Can you not feel anymore?”
“I can, and I do.”
“I think we’ll all be the judge of that from now on. So what’s the plan?”
“You’re in?”
“On one condition.”
“I’m listening.”
“After this is all over, and if Robert and I are still alive, I want two weeks paid vacation in the Bahamas. And by paid, I mean everything, airfare, hotel, as much food as the kids and Robert and I can eat and liquor we can drink.”
“Well…”
“I’m serious, McDonnell. No vacation and the deal’s off.”
Rick gazed at Cynthia, who offered him a wry grin and a nod.
“Okay, deal. Oh, by the way. You and Robert ever heard of the Andros Cay?”
“Uh, yeah, Rick, we know it. That’s the most expensive luxury hotel in Nassau. The waiting list is at least two years long. I don’t think Robert and I are going to want to wait two years. I’m talking some instant gratification here.”
“I own it.”
“You what?”
“I said I own it, Robert. Tell you what. After this is over, and like Shaundrika said, if we’re all still alive, you, Sunny, and the kids can spend two weeks in the presidential suite of the hotel. It has its own wait staff and pool.”
“Are you for real McDonnell? You actually own the Andros Cay?”
“I am, and I do.”
“Hey now, if the princess and my brother get two weeks in your ritzy hotel, me and Cynthia get a shot at some free luxury too. Right, baby?”
“It’s only fair, Rick.”
“No problem Cynthia. It would be my pleasure.”
“Fine, then. I hope you know what you’re doing, Rick. This is not going to be easy.”
The man grinned at us then gazed around the room.
“I know Sunny, but it’s like Henry always says, what’s the worse that could happen?”
“Oh, dear God.”
We all stood and gave each person in the room a silent nod of acknowledgment.
“Let’s put a little shine on this otherwise dreary day. Henry, get the grill going. We’ll put on some hotdogs and burgers and watch the kids play until it gets dark. Who’s in?”
“No problem. Henry? Need any help?”
“Sure Robert, come on.”
“Shaundrika, I could use some help in the kitchen.”
“Okay, mother…”
“Sunny, can I speak to you for just a second?”
“Uh, okay. Mother, I’ll be right there.”
Rick waited until Cynthia left, then waited a bit more until he was confident Cynthia was out of range. To be sure what he had to say wouldn’t be overheard, he stepped close and whispered.
“You said I had no compassion, but you were wrong Sunny. All those years of training to kill left a mark on my soul I’ve spent my entire life attempting to erase. I want you to come over to the house tomorrow. Just you. I have something I need to show you.”
“Not another of your tricks, is it?”
“No, Shaundrika. This is the real deal. Perhaps after seeing what I have to show you, you’ll understand.”
“How about one?”
“Perfect. See you then. While you’re helping Cynthia, how about I go make sure Henry and Robert don’t blow themselves up with that butane grill?”
“Good idea.”
Read On — The Final Mission Part 3
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