Phantoms Don’t Kill - chapter 6
I was expecting the sleeping arrangements to be at least a bit awkward. But we were both so exhausted that we fell asleep immediately. I awoke to find Kate still sound asleep with her arm draped across my chest. Her hair was a yellow mop.
Soon I was wide awake and decided it was best to get moving. As soon as I stirred Kate woke up and we crawled out of the back of the pickup and took quick showers. We were still wearing the same clothes, but a shower was still refreshing. Soon we were back on the road.
Kate told me that Diego typically hangs out at a sidewalk cafe. The staff work for him, and they serve as a filter so that no one approaches Diego that is not invited. Diego was described as an older man that wears a fedora, dresses in white suites, and has a measured demeanor.
“Do you trust Diego?” I ask Kate.
“How do you mean? He is, after all, a smuggler.” she replied, not sure what I was driving at.
“I mean does he honor the commitments that he makes? Just because he doesn’t respect the man doesn’t mean he has no respect at all.”
“Yes, he has always honored his commitments. He seems to act based on his judgment of character. If he trusts you, he trusts you.” Kate replied.
“And he trusted you.” I said, looking for confirmation.
“Yes.”
“OK then, I’ve got a plan.” I said. Kate told me the location of the cafe. At the last rest stop before the exit we stopped. Kate crawled into the back of the truck so she would not attract attention while it was parked. I thought about leaving my keys with her, but thought better of it. I trusted her, but not that much……yet.
I carried one credit card under the name of Charles Heedgie. An unusual name on purpose. Charles Heedgie does not exist. I’d been able to create an identity for Charles and obtain a credit card. There was, however, no other record of Charles. The only hits on the grid would be the occasional bill for a meal. No educational history. No address. All bills were paid. In fact I kept a credit balance on the credit card to ensure there were no flags. I was trick I’d figured out on my own. It wasn’t even in the encrypted online Phantom Handbook. It was perfect for dramatic effect, and this struck me as the right time to use it.
I made sure Kate was comfortable in the back of the truck and that there was plenty of fresh air. I was able to park in the shade, so she should be fine for a couple of hours if necessary. I then strolled six blocks to the cafe. I saw the man that must be Diego sitting near the building reading a paper. I took a seat, ate breakfast, paid with the credit card, and tipped generously.
My waiter was a skinny youth wearing the cafe’s uniform and mop of unruly dark hair. He thanked me for the tip and as he turned to leave I asked him “Do you know where I can obtain some Cuban cigars?”
“Uh, no senior.” the waiter replied with some hesitation.
“Hmm. I was told by a good friend that gentleman over there could help me out. It would be a shame if Diego was to miss out on my business.” I watched for the waiter’s expression as I used Diego’s name and got the bit of shock I was looking for.
The waiter looked over at Diego, caught his attention, and with an almost imperceptible nod of the head Diego motioned for me to join him at his table.
“You wanted to see me?” Diego opened.
“I understand you can supply me with some Cuban cigars.” I said.
Diego considered my comment, took a sip of espresso, and said simply “I think you misunderstand.”
“May I speak frankly?” I ask.
“That would be refreshing.” Diego replied with a smile, his eyes now fully visible from beneath the brim of his fedora.
“I understand you’re supply line has been interrupted.”
Diego’s calm demeanor changed. His eyes now locked with mine and he was all business. “What do you know?”
“I’ve a friend that was framed for it.” I say, trying not to offer too much.
“Assuming I know what you are speaking about. Why do you believe that your, uh friend? was framed for it.”
“She is a phantom. Phantom’s do not kill.” The words hit home more directly than I’d expected.
“Really? And what makes you so sure that phantoms don’t kill?”
“Because I’m a phantom.”
Diego laughed. “And how am I to believe that you are a phantom? That is such an easy claim to make.”
It is now my turn to smile with confidence. “Ask your staff.”
Diego measured me with his eyes, then waived over the barista who had been behind the counter mixing the lattes and pouring coffee and espresso. The barista leaned in close to Diego and whispered something into his ear. Diego nodded in a way that suggested he was impressed. “That is very clever Mr. Wookie, if that is your real name.”
“Heedgie” I said with a smile, “No it is not.”
“So I find myself at a disadvantage.” Diego explained, “You seem to know a great deal about me, but I know nothing about you.”
“You know more than most.” I offer. “I come with nothing more than information for you, sir.”
“And what will this information cost me?” Diego asks warily.
“Nothing. But I believe that sharing it will be mutually beneficial.”
Diego calmly says “I’m listening.”
“Do you know a man named Roberto? Six four, silver sideburns, nice suits. Probably a Cuban accent. Full mustache. I don’t know his last name.”
“Perhaps.” Diego says evasively.
“Well, someone using that name, matching that description, hired someone we both know to deliver some Cuban cigars to him off the grid. His first request for such an order coincided with the, uh, unpleasant interruption of the supply.” I let that soak in for a while, Diego pondered my words.
“So you think he set you’re dark haired blue eyed friend up for the fall.” Diego said, honoring the phantom’s habit of avoiding names.
“Yes.” was my brief answer.
“Your description matches a man I know. But he lives in Cuba. He is rarely here in the States. How can I be sure that we speak of the same man?” Diego asked. He was clearly open to the idea, but now needed to be certain before taking action.
“Was he here two weeks ago?” I asked.
“Si.” Diego nodded.
“If you have a picture of him, the blue eyed phantom could verify his identity.”
“But it is still her word against his.” Diego sighed.
“Not exactly, ” I offer, “which one has motive? Phantoms don’t kill because attracting attention ends their career. She wouldn’t have killed a supply line for a milk run that had paid the bills for a year or more. Does Roberto have a motive?”
Diego’s eyes are once again hidden by the brim of his fedora. “Si. Roberto Villegas delivers further up the coast. He has been looking to expand his operation into the Keys. This saddens me. My son was aboard that boat. He was a good son. Killed. For greed. There is plenty for all of us. There was no need for bloodshed.”
Diego again raised his head, his eyes reappearing from under the brim of his hat. “I respect your bravery to come and tell me this. My anger and grief clouded my judgment. I jumped to quickly to conclusions. I’ve known K - the blue eyed one for nearly a decade. The Cuban side sought revenge and I did not bring a voice of reason to argue with them. That changes now.”
Diego rose up out of his chair and extended his hand. I rose as well and shook his hand.
“Give me until sunset to get the word out.” Diego said. “She will be safe after that. Tell her that I hope she will still do business with me. I will replace her boat. To be more specific, Roberto will replace her boat. He just does not yet know it.”
“How can we be sure it is safe?” I asked.
Diego looked reborn. It was as if he became taller and stronger before my eyes. “Oh, you will know.” he said with a wry smile. Then he turned on his heel and strode away.
- the MuseTags: phantom
