Vendetta: Mexican Standoff Read online

  Tucker returned to the bed and began to rub his new bride’s back, knowing how this affected her. She turned toward him with sleepy eyes and reached out to touch him in return.

  Sometime later the couple, dressed casually for a day at sea, left the room and headed out to spend some time near the pool to people watch and soak in some sun. Tucker, still a cop at heart, enjoyed imagining the life of each interesting looking person that passed by. During their time as investigators, they’d both come to love doing this together. It was, after all, their honeymoon and enjoying each other was the only thing on the agenda. After moving through the long line at the breakfast buffet, they headed toward the pool area.

  Pulling two lounge chairs together Tucker arranged them to allow full view of the pool festivities and they settled in to watch the Hairy Chest contest on the small stage. As the ship’s crew delivered drink after drink, many in coconut shells and miniature ships, the crowd got louder and louder. After some time Susan turned to Tucker and with a mischievous grin asked,

  “Why don’t you enter? You could win! I’d vote for you.”

  “Did you see the way the women judge the contestants? I just couldn’t have some strange woman rubbing my chest that way. Especially on our honeymoon!”

  They both laughed and continued watching the contest. Eventually, they’d had enough of the raucous laughter and noise of the pool area and retired to the quiet spot at the stern of the boat where adults only came for peace and quiet. Before too long the sun’s rays and the gentle movement of the large cruise ship had lulled them both to sleep.

  After the initial shock of seeing Tucker on the ship, Ruiz decided he could take his revenge on the man without interrupting the mission that had brought him on this cruise in the first place. Buying the champagne and roses and following the steward who delivered it had gotten him the stateroom number of the couple. He’d risen early and hung around the hall waiting that morning for a chance to see them. He wanted to be sure they were traveling alone before he made his move on them. It would be tricky to pull off his plan but he could not take the chance the couple would stay onboard when the ship docked in Cozumel. His intention was to jump ship in Cozumel using the false identity he had set up and make his way back to Mexico City to complete the major buy the cartel had arranged. This one was too big to trust to his lieutenants. Now fortune had smiled on him and handed him another chance to rid the world of the cop, after taking his revenge on the man and his new bride.

  These thoughts were on his mind as he followed the couple to the quiet area of the ship and watched them as they both slept. He would act when the ship docked in Key West. It was worth the risk of leaving the ship, he thought. He grew bored watching them and eventually returned to the casino, finding that his luck there had not improved. His mood grew darker as he lost continuously. He cursed the gambling gods for his bad fortune but as was his way, continued to play.

  Hours later Tucker opened his eyes to the sight of the sun setting into the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the big red orb of the sun left a trail of color from the horizon to the side of the ship, as it headed toward their first port of call, Key West, where it would dock sometimes during the night. He and Susan planned to leave the ship the next morning to go sightseeing in the land of Jimmy Buffet and Ernest Hemingway.

  He reached over to Susan and roused her from her deep sleep by kissing her gently on the lips. Whispering, he said.

  “Wake up sleepyhead! It’s time for a little action.”

  “What exactly do you have in mind, sir?”

  “How about hitting the casino? I feel lucky!”

  Susan opened her eyes and with a mischievous grin responded. “We’re married now. You can always get lucky!”

  Tucker blushed at this and lay back down on the lounge chair, laughing.

  “I could stand a little inside time. Let’s go play blackjack and have a drink before dinner. Maybe we’ll both get lucky!”

  With that, they rose and returned to their stateroom to dress for the casino.

  The shipboard casino was buzzing with activity when Tucker and Susan arrived. After buying chips they found a place at the twenty dollar blackjack table and sat down to play. It had been years since Tucker had played so at first he was conservative in his betting while he studied the game and began to recognize the differences between the Atlantic City style of Blackjack and the game played on the ship. He was concentrating so intensely he didn’t notice the Hispanic man at the next table who gazed intently on his every move. The stares were eventually noticed by Susan who touched Tucker under the table to get his attention and then whispered in his ear.

  “Baby, do you know the man at the next table. He’s staring at you. The guy in the yellow tropical shirt.”

  Tucker managed to look at the man without moving his head and immediately knew it was the man he thought he’d recognized the first day on the ship. His mind raced as he tried to place the face in his memory. He knew he’d seen the man before but not when or where.

  “I think I’ve met him before but I can’t place him. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.” Tucker quietly assured Susan as his mind raced through his past as a cop. He’d made some real enemies in his career and it wouldn’t be a shock to run into someone he’d put in prison during his time on the job. The couple continued to put money on the table as the dealer moved cards around but Tucker’s thoughts were elsewhere. It was as if his mind was intentionally blocking access to the memories of the Hispanic man. Recognition remained just outside his reach, frustrating him.

  Susan, noticing the drawn look on Tucker’s face, knew that somehow this man and this situation would not be good for their honeymoon. An idea occurred to her. Rising from the table she excused herself and made her way to their stateroom where she took her small camera from its case. After checking that the batteries were good, she made her way back to the casino. Playing the part of the tourist she walked around the casino taking picture after picture. She positioned herself to take a picture of Tucker, carefully lining up so the Hispanic man was in the background and snapped several shots. After the first flash the man turned his head but Susan was sure she had at least one front view of the man’s face. She leaned over and kissing Tucker on the cheek said loudly enough for all to hear, “For our wedding book, darling!” and sat down beside her new husband. They played for a while longer and to their amazement found themselves ahead several hundred dollars when they finally decided to go and dress for dinner. As they walked down the long narrow corridor toward their stateroom Susan told Tucker about the pictures she’d taken and the real reason she’d done it.

  “You’re a real detective baby. I had no idea what in the world you were doing. Well, I’m glad you’re looking out for me, but what’s your plan now that you have the pictures?”

  “I’m sending the best one to Jessup. He owes us a favor since he missed the wedding. He can run that facial recognition software the FBI uses and maybe see if this guy is in their database.”

  “You know he’d have been here if his work load allowed it, but I’m sure he’ll check it out for us.” To stop her from worrying Tucker continued, “Maybe the guy’s just a fan of yours from one of your movie parts.”

  “He’d have to have good eyes and a great memory to know it was me after all these years. Besides he was staring at you, not me!”

  Tucker leaned down and kissed her, “You’re easy to remember today. I’ll bet you were hard to forget thirty years ago! I really need to find one of your old movies and see the genuine article. I know you were a doll then!”

  As Susan hit him on the arm, he quickly added, “And you still are!”

  During dinner later that night, Ruiz made it a point to be seen by the couple. He wanted to make sure the cop knew someone was stalking him. It had been apparent that he had not been recognized and he wanted Tucker to know what was happening. On the ship it would be next to impossible for the cop to do anything and hi
s fear would make revenge even sweeter.

  He had the server seat him near the couple, just in view of the woman and waited for the lone traveler he was assigned to sit with to arrive. Using the menu he kept his face covered but with enough visible to let the bride know it was the man from the casino.. He could see the recognition on her face and then watched as she leaned toward Tucker and spoke quietly, using animated gestures. The ex- cop finally looked his way and after staring for some time, turned back and opened his own menu. He spoke quietly to his wife who appeared upset, and she gradually calmed down. Ruiz remained seated as his dinner partner, arranged by the maître d, arrived. He was surprised to see it was an attractive brunette dressed in a short dark skirt and form fitting taupe silk blouse that flattered her shapely body. He decided to stay for dinner even though his mission was accomplished. Why not mix a little pleasure with his business?

  He rose as the woman was seated near him and with a smile said, “Hola!”

  After a look back at his prey, he reached for the woman’s hand and sat down as she smiled pleasantly up at him.

  Susan was concerned when she saw the Hispanic man seated just a few tables away from them in the dining room, apparently staring again. When she told him about the man, Tucker decided get a closer look and turned around with no pretense, staring for several moments. The man returned his gaze and after an uncomfortable pause both men looked away.

  “Baby, don’t worry. If he’s a criminal, I’m sure Jessup can identify him from the picture you sent. It’s probably nothing.”

  Inside, Tucker was not nearly so confident. He knew the face was from his past. He just couldn’t place him. Again, it was as if his mind was purposely avoiding recognition. He turned back for a second look and saw the man was no longer alone. He relaxed, putting it out of his mind, and soon the newlyweds went back to enjoying the evening meal.

  When they returned to their stateroom Tucker and Susan went immediately to the computer to check for any news from Jessup. After several long moments the laptop finally acquired the network. When the lengthy loading of several e mails was finished, they both recognized the FBI logo at the top of the page. Together they read:

  Hello you two. Can’t you just enjoy your honeymoon and leave the investigating to the professionals? It’s good to hear from you and I hope your wedding went well. Sorry I couldn’t make it but it’s the job, you know. The wife says hello, wishes you well. I have the analysts working with facial recognition software and we should know something by morning. I’ll text you as soon as I know anything. Be careful, especially until we know who this guy is.

  Tucker sat down to respond to the e mail.

  Jessup, Say hi for us. Thanks for identifying the man in the picture. The ceremony was perfect. Quite a party. We are always careful. Let us know what you find out.

  Tucker

  Tucker hesitated and then deleted Tucker and typed The Tuckers

  The pair looked at each other and by mutual consent undressed and got into bed. They were, after all, still newlyweds.

  Later, in that zone halfway between awake and asleep, Tucker started and sat up throwing the covers off, causing Susan to wake up and cry out in fear.

  “What’s going on? Are you OK?”

  “I think I know who the man is. He’s very different, no beard, shorter hair, not as rough looking, but I’m almost sure.”

  “Who? Who is he?” Susan cried out.

  As his mind cleared Tucker realized how much the truth would worry Susan. He lied.

  “It’s a guy I sent up for drugs several years ago. Did his time and got out. He’s not dangerous, just a user, probably trying to remember me, as well.”

  “Well, we’ll know for sure when Jessup finds out. Lay back down and I’ll take your mind off that guy!!” Susan laughed and then moaned as Tucker reached out and took her in his arms. In the dim light of the moon reflecting off the ocean and streaming in through their patio door, they managed to make each other forget about the Hispanic man and everything else.

  Chapter 5

  Tucker was awakened by the shrill sound of his cell phone early the next morning. Quickly shutting off the ringer to avoid waking Susan he stepped into the small bathroom and whispered softly.

  “This is Tucker!”

  “Yeah, it’s me. I know who the mystery man is. Can’t believe you haven’t recognized him! It’s the guy who tried to kill you!”

  “Yeah, I know. I finally remembered the face. He’s changed a lot, hardly looks the same, but it’s him all right.” Tucker said with a cold voice. “Have you checked his record for anything since he shot me? Anything I can use to bust him”

  “Hey, remember you’re not a cop and you can’t bust anybody. He moved to Raleigh after you knew him. No warrants, nothing proved, but he’s suspected in the murder of a family up in Raleigh. Killed a couple and their two kids. Some kind of deal gone bad. He left no witnesses. Locals have almost given up on proving anything, but they think he’s into guns now.”

  Tucker heard Susan stirring.

  They had never discussed any details of the attempt on his life. He felt it was something that would worry her unnecessarily. He did not want her to hear any of this so he whispered, “Call you later!” and disconnected.

  Tucker quickly returned to the bed and lay down beside Susan. He kissed her gently on the cheek and with that she rolled over and began to breathe rhythmically, asleep. Tucker lay staring at the ceiling for a long time, trying to get his feelings under control. He knew that before this cruise was over there would be a confrontation. He’d make sure of that. His back, where the bullet had entered, began to throb and the memories of that night came rushing back.

  He barely saw the dark figure in his rear view mirror as he was struck in his back. The impact threw him forward into the steering wheel, knocking him unconscious. He did not hear the sound of the gunshot. His next recollection was being held by Captain Beaver, his boss and mentor. He heard the captain screaming into his shoulder radio, “Get a bus here now! Tucker’s hit! Hurry Dammit!”

  Susan came awake slowly. Her movement interrupted Tucker’s nightmare. She saw he was awake and asked.

  “Who was that on the phone so early?”

  Tucker, avoiding her eyes, lied, “It was cruise line customer service. Making sure we’re happy with everything so far.”

  “Odd of them to call so early. But I’m sure you told them how great it’s been. Especially the wedding. Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a baby, really. Let’s get dressed and go out to breakfast. I don’t want to wait for room service. It’s too beautiful a day. Look outside!”

  Just then there was a knock, startling both of them. Tucker cautiously opened the door and saw it was the steward with their coffee and orange juice. He took the tray, walked to the glass patio door, waited as Susan slid it open, and placed the tray on the patio table.

  “Let’s have coffee before we go!”

  The salt breeze fairly whipped across the small patio as the ship floated in the dark blue water nearly blowing the coffee cups overboard. Tucker looked around at the other cruise ships visible at anchor, lined up like cars in a parking lot at the docks here in Key West. He watched as hundreds of passengers far below disembarked from the ship, anxious to see the sights.

  Clutching his foam cup against the wind, he remembered the conversation with Jessup earlier. He couldn’t stop thinking about the evening he’d almost died. Shot by the man he now knew was on board this ship. He wanted nothing more than to find out the room number and go confront the man he’d known as El Vendedor, the seller, back in Salisbury. As a civilian he could do nothing but have him arrested by the local police here in Key West. Since there were no outstanding warrants even that was impossible.

  The man’s name was Orlando Ruiz, a native of Columbia who was later naturalized as an American citizen but lived in Mexico. They’d never been able to get enough proof to prosecute him for any crimes, even after his failed attempt to kill Tu
cker. The bad blood between Tucker and Ruiz had started when Tucker had been the lead investigator into Ruiz’s drug dealings. The attempt on Tucker’s life occurred during a sting operation he’d led. With no evidence other than the eye witness testimony of the victim, even though that witness was a cop, the case was flimsy. The local DA had given up on the case during the time Tucker was recovering in the hospital. Tucker’s forced retirement had killed the enthusiasm of the Salisbury force to continue the investigation. Even Captain Beaver, Tucker’s mentor and old friend stopped looking after Ruiz left the local area.

  Frustrated but knowing he was unable to do anything about Ruiz, he called out to Susan.

  “Come on Mrs. Tucker. Let’s go see Hemingway’s house and the six toed cats.”

  Chapter 6

  Tucker, walking down the ramp leading toward the dock hand in hand with Susan, glanced continuously around trying to see if the Hispanic man was following them. Seeing nothing, he and Susan disembarked the ship and entered the open seated bus for the short ride to the downtown area. Forcing his worries out of his mind, Tucker focused on the sights and sounds of Key West. After a short ride through the old frame homes, some restored to their previous splendor and some looking completely run down, Susan insisted that they find the local watering hole, Margaritaville, and take a chance on seeing Mr. Buffet in person. When they arrived at the bar it hadn’t opened for the day so they walked around town for a couple of hours, talking of coming there to live when they reached their golden years. They visited the Hemingway house but no six-toed cats were to be seen this day.

  Returning to the tavern, now crowded with patrons, Tucker ordered a Landshark beer and Susan decided to have the drink the bar was named for. The drinks arrived quickly and the couple settled in to do some people watching.