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

edgar.gui@hotmail.com

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. Edgar.gui@hotmail.com Just enjoy it and encourage
me to send you the rest of it.