Page 14 of In Cold Blood (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #1)

“Well of course you’re not.” He winked. “Going all covert operations, are we? Yeah, I saw the funeral broadcast. I have to admit that’s kind of extreme, but hey, whatever works to nab these a-holes, right?

” He sniffed hard. “In fact, it brings me back to my time in Vietnam. Twenty-one years old. Fresh out of sniper school. Did I ever tell you about that?” Before Noah could respond, the old-timer continued all theatrical.

“November 1970. I was part of the first combat H.A.L.O. jump ever. It was me and five others. We dropped out of a C-130. It was an intelligence mission. They won’t tell you what really went on.

Oh no, you’ll only get that from me. Yep.

I can still hear the rush of the wind and the engines howling in my ears.

Plummeting to the ground through rain is something else.

Shitty weather but damn, I’ll tell you, that drop was better than any orgasm, and that’s saying a lot…

because I love my women.” He continued, “I pulled the ripcord at 1,500 feet. And glided down, melting into the jungle like a knife through butter. It was pure perfection. We lost Burney Westborough on entry, and Mike Calhoun had a shit landing but he survived with a busted-up ankle. Anyway, so we slide under the radar. We’re there to take out two higher-ups.

Man, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Once we landed in that mosquito-infested jungle and tapped into the communications, I immediately took out one of them from a hundred yards.

His head erupted like a melon. It was beautiful.

After that, I took his uniform and strolled toward camp without a care in the world.

You’d be amazed at what you can get by those fools.

Though, I guess I should be thankful to the good Lord that he didn’t grace me with long legs and those guards at the gate with great eyesight.

Anyhow. Chin down. Eyes fixed on the prize.

I’m still surprised I got in. Seriously, today, there’s no way anyone else would have managed to get that close.

Well. It was over before they knew it. Yep.

They never saw us coming.” He shook his head.

“They just don’t make soldiers like they used to. ”

The stranger stood there gawking at Noah, lost in thought until it became almost awkward.

“Good to know,” Noah said.

“So, what’s the plan?”

“I think you have me mistaken.” He extended his hand. “I’m Noah Sutherland. Luke’s brother.”

The man looked at his hand and then his face. “Huh. But…”

“Identical twins.”

“He never told me.”

“It’s not something we talk about much.”

The guy nodded slowly. “Right. That would explain a lot. So, uh...” he trailed off .

“Today’s funeral was real, yep,” Noah said, filling in the blanks. The poor guy had either had one too many drinks or had skipped his meds.

The stranger shook his head. “So that means…” There was a pause. “Geesh. My gosh. Those bastards. They got him.”

“They?” Noah probed.

The man motioned to Hawk Island. “They’ve been at it a while. Your brother was convinced he could stop it.”

“Stop what?”

“Funny business. You know what I mean. Wink, wink, nod, nod. They’re always over there throwing those damn parties.”

Noah raised his eyebrow. “That’s because the island is rented out. They’ve done it for years.”

“Yeah, yeah, that’s what they’d have you believe. It makes it easier to excuse all the comings and goings. It’s a cover, my friend, a front, nothing but smoke and mirrors for their operation.”

“Operation? And that would be?” he asked, fishing for more while realizing he was only giving fuel to the man dressed like Hugh Hefner.

Noah noticed above his breast pocket a long line of military medals.

It was beyond strange. He could have sworn one of them was a Purple Heart.

As the guy got closer, Noah caught a whiff of alcohol and cigars.

He stank to high heaven. He had to be two sheets to the wind.

Which of course would explain his attire and odd behavior.

The stranger balked, and a look of confusion spread. “The drug trade. C’mon now. Ding. Ding. Round two. Your brother didn’t bring you up to speed, did he?”

Noah shook his head. “Sorry. Um. Who are you?”

“Ed Baxter. Though my friends call me Skipper.”

Noah didn’t want to ask him why. His eyes drifted to the island in the distance. “Here, take a look,” Ed said, handing him the night vision goggles. “They’re adjustable. Zoom in. ”

Tired from his long journey, but not wishing to offend the guy, Noah took them and brought them up.

There wasn’t much happening on the island.

A firepit was ablaze and there looked to be a young family of five enjoying the night.

One of them was playing the guitar while the others roasted marshmallows.

Ordinary. Noah handed back the NVGs thinking that Ed must have been one of these guys that saw things that weren’t there.

Maybe a flashback from his time in the war?

He figured his brother must have encouraged it.

“Quite something, isn’t it?” Ed said.

“Yeah, you really got them,” Noah replied sarcastically, turning to head back inside.

Ed snorted.

The clatter of dog nails brought out the pet owner in the man.

“Axel! My good man.” Without hesitation, the K-9 bounded off the back porch.

Ed fished into a pocket and tossed something at the dog.

He caught it in his mouth and chomped down while Ed ruffled his fur.

“There’s a good dog.” He lifted his gaze. “So, are you here to stay?”

“For a short while.” Noah was thinking now he might not stay at all.

One of the motels back in town or his aunts place was looking more inviting if it meant having some peace.

He was wondering now how to exit the conversation.

It required some tact. He was new and he didn’t want to rock the boat, especially with someone who might not be all there.

“Weeks? Months?”

“We’ll see.”

“Good. Well like I told your brother when he was here. I’m up early.

I like to get in my laps and a workout on the bars before breakfast. You know what.

If you like, you can join me at the lake.

You’ll find me down at the dock at six a.m. sharp.

” He jabbed his finger. “But don’t be late, I hate to be left waiting. ”

He reminded Noah of his old Marine drill instructors. All balls and glory even after they left the military. Some of them just couldn’t let it go. It was like they had something to prove.

“I’ll take a rain check if you don’t mind. It’s been a long day.”

“Suit yourself.” He tossed Axel another treat and promptly marched off toward his property through the woodland whistling “The Star-Spangled Banner.” No mention of “sorry for your loss” or “we’ll speak again.

” It was like he was so out of tune with humanity or so used to death that it didn’t even register.