Broken Cross

Chapter 1 “Death Done Right” The full summer moon shone brightly in the quiet sky. Its glow flowed with streams of light, that drifted through the trees and landed gently to the ground. Everything in sight reflected the illumination, giving the whole field a sense of daylight. The trees and shrubs swayed as the wind accepted the warmth of the moons glow. This was the first full moon of the summer and the breeze whistled through the trees making a sound like that of a distant train with an intermittent horn. Blowing ever-so- lightly, warning all who could hear to prepare for things to come. The night creatures went about their way moving slowly and guarding themselves more cautiously. Aware that their nocturnal enemies could see them more easily in the bright glow from the moon. In the distance a coyote was heard hollowing in agony. A male crying for that elusive mate to share the night. Resting quietly on an oak tree branch an owl gazed out into the open field. It is a night he knows will find food. Suddenly, out in the distance something only he can hear and see. He darts from the branch towards his prey with full wings knowing time is of the essence. The lake is quiet now. The night breeze helping move the current. The glow from the moon highlighting every ripple and white cap it made, as the water headed towards the shores edge. At that edge of the water the shadow of a man stood calmly looking out at the Lake. Resting his foot on a rock and placing his arms on his knee, he looked as if he was waiting patiently for something to appear. Just then, moving so slowly, the body of a man face down in the water drifted by him. As he stood straight up a voice from behind asked quietly, "Largo, do you want us to add some more weights?" He turned to face his partners with no emotion. Chapman and Felix were their names but, Largo did not acknowledge them. He just paused a moment and said slowly and curtly, “How... many... times... have we done this?" The other two men said nothing, just waited. Largo turned his head back facing the Lake and growled, “hey can't find him until the fish have had their fill." The two men moved quickly toward the water’s edge. Felix entered the water just in time to reach-out and snag the floating corpse. Bodies are hard to move in the water when fully clothed. With both hands gripped tightly he pull hard to guide the body to the shore. Chapman grabbed a hold of Felix’s shoulders and yanked as hard as he could. His feet were slipping, so he dug his heals hard into the ground. His footing held and Felix and the corpse slid on to the shore. Largo reached into his pocket and removed his phone. The illuminated face shined brightly in his hand. With his thumb he made a few swipes and pressed down. He lifted the phone to his ear as he watched the two scrambling to add more weights. It was a good thing they were in a remote area. He felt comfortable no one would see them. A voice answered on the other end. It was a low and uneven, “Largo, talk to me,” The voice was a little groggy, but deliberate. Largo answered. “Its beautiful down here tonight. There’s a slight breeze, and the Lake looks good.” “Are the fish biting yet?” Before answering, Largo looked over to see the two men snugging up the extra weights. He watched as they lowered the body slowly into the river. It was quickly taken by the current and swallowed below the water line as it made its way down into the depth of the abyss. He had picked this area not only for its isolation, but it also was the deepest part of the lake that he knew of. He smiled as he watched the white caps flow away. The extra weights helped. He put his attention back to the phone call. “Not yet, but in a short while I know they will have a feast,” He was smiling now. He knew the voice on the other end of the line was happy, “Good, I hope you enjoy yourself. Perhaps I can make the trip with you next time?” Nothing else was said and the line went dead. Largo was amused. The comment was a good sign. Job well done my trusted friend. With a wide smile on his face, he bent down and placed the throw away phone on the rock he rested his leg earlier. Making sure it was steady and not moving, he then raised his right foot and smashed the phone on the rock. Shattering it into many pieces. He carefully began picking up the items and made sure he left nothing behind. He placed the pieces into his coat pocket and looked at his two partners, “Ok, let’s get out of here.” He said walking toward the road where the car was parked. “Where to next?” Felix asked as he and Chapman followed. “I need a drink, a stiff drink,” Largo answered, As they reached the car Felix slid into the driver’s side as Chapman hit the back seat. Largo opened the passenger door as the car started and he looked out at the Lake. It looked peaceful and siren. As if nothing had disturbed its slow flowing water. “That takes care of another one who don’t pay!” Largo said, “Let’s go” As the car pulled away the owl returned to his perch on the oak tree. He held a small field mouse tightly in his talon. This night was successful in more ways than one.