A moment later, the pirate called to him. “Hey Felix… think fast!”
There was no thinking fast for Felix as he turned in time to take the blade of a black handled throwing knife to the hilt in his neck with enough force to throw Moreau back against the wall. He sagged to the ground, snatching at the knife handle. The moment he plucked it free, the stark reminder of why you don’t remove an object like a knife from an arterial wound became an instant illustration. Arterial spray coated everything in front of the choking Felix. Forgotten were targets, submachine guns, best assassin accolades, and why he had ever come to Burial Point.
The pirate joined him, sitting next to the assassin as the arterial spray lessened every second. He took out a DNA evidence swab and collected a blood sample along with the bloody throwing knife. The pirate then took a picture of Felix’s full frontal pain contorted, gasping face. “Hi there, Felix. Sorry about the method. It was a matter of professional courtesy. I see you brought along a CZW 9 to wipe out me and mine. Very nice weapon. Unfortunately, I can’t take it with me. I see your putrid life is passing in front of those beady little eyes of yours, so I’ll be on my way. You’ll be grateful to know I’m going to collect a very respectable bounty on your ass. I’ll see you on the other side, partner. No hard feelings, buddy… just business. Nighty-night, buckaroo.”
Moreau watched the pirate with black wispy tendrils filling his vision’s fading light. He collapsed with silent finality to his side. As if in concert with Felix’s last seconds, the pirate turned, crouched and gave Felix a last finger wave before doing a dance step forward. By the time the pirate returned to his original path, Felix’s wide staring eyes blinked once before all light fled his vision forever and a day.
*
Rachel spotted Nick first. He maneuvered into the tour group as they arrived at The Old Burial Point. Nick enveloped her in his arms as she hugged him. Jean was next with Sonny giving Nick a smiling wave. “Let’s keep moving with our tour. Everything’s cool. We can enjoy our day in Salem.”
“Can we stay for the lights to come on at night,” Jean asked.
Nick traded nods with John and Gus. He patted Jean’s shoulder before positioning Quinn inside his baby carrier pouch on his chest. “Sure. It’s going to be a long day though. How about it, Rach? Want to see all the scary lights after dark?”
“As long as we stop for sustenance along the way, I’m in. Where’s the pirate costume you talked about, Captain Muerto?”
“Gone, lass. The black hearted swashbuckler demonstrated his stylish bearing and bid adieu for the time being. He was well received by many of the public, especially the kids, but we don’t want him remembered in conjunction with-”
Screams nearby interrupted Nick’s pirate disappearing act explanation. The rest of the tour rushed to find out who was screaming and why.
“-screams and violent deeds. C’mon everyone. We need to show our curiosity toward these loud declarations of shock as the other tourists are doing.”
The Salem police arrived to investigate a rare occasion in their town – a murder.
“We have all day passes to hop aboard the trolley today,” Nick mentioned. “I believe it may be necessary to skip the Burial Point part of the tour for now. We can come back later.”
“Gee, I wonder who had his day in Salem ruined,” Tina remarked.
“Probably a stranger who checked out one too many scary events,” Nick replied.
*
“Damn fine job, Nick. Did you question him at all?”
“Are you stupid?”
Paul Gilbrech chuckled appreciatively. “Sorry. After I had the body removed from the local authorities and claimed Federal authority over the case, the locals were ecstatic. I know you have another signing tomorrow. Would you mind going over to the address we found he has in Boston and doing a run through before the FBI sends in a team? I asked them to hold off until I talked with you. We don’t know his target, and I’d like to find out who hired him.”
“Those are good questions. I’ll do it. I was going to remind you I’m not a cop, but I’d be interested in the ‘who’ answer. My money is on the Hutchen girl. Text me over the address. I’ll go there early tomorrow morning.”
“Her Grandmother, April Hutchen, is a very good friend of mine. April is a billionaire but It’s become widely known she’s a friend to me. It would mean a lot to me if you can find a trail leading to the one ordering the kidnapping. I’m afraid it could be me they’re after in the blackmail attempt.”
“Is this April friend where you’ve been managing to get extra help here and there?”
Silence.
“Paul… you dog. Fear not. Inspector Muerto is on the case. Inspector Muerto cannot have both his boss and benefactor threatened or blackmailed in any way. See, even us psychos can care about someone.”