Webber002
Lew Goddard
Edited by Anne Goddard
©
Copyright 2021 by Lew Goddard
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It
was just about midnight and he was on his daily, I should say
nightly, walk through an area where the residents were in bed and he
encountered no one. It wasn’t described as a stroll; in fact,
it was a very rapid walk that extended his long legs and stretched
powerful muscles. Muscles that were developed and refined over a long
period in his life. His trip was five miles return summer and winter.
Winter in this city, never saw snow.
The
time of night was chosen to reduce the possibility of recognition.
Time has brought him to basically an end to his profession. He knew
the time would come if he was lucky enough that no one had been
capable of sending him to the other world. Twenty years, scattered
over most of the world had drawn on his abilities to survive many
encounters with people who had no feeling toward other human beings.
It encompasses a very emotional burning in his chest to know that it
is now that the talents he once exhibited so gracefully, are ebbing.
In
preparation for a new way of life, he knew he should disguise himself
to be able to move about freely. His beard was started with its
sprinkling of white tentacles on his chin. That was the first new
facial contours, to attract primary attention to his beard.
Consultations with a plastic surgeon appeared to allow subtle changes
short of any major surgery. The change to his vision from contact
lenses to glasses was simply employed. In addition, he had decided to
let his hair grow much longer than a close-cropped crown. Indeed, he
was losing a bit of his hair from the top of his head but he had no
control over that happening. Once those changes were in place, he
would decide if anything more should be considered. He not only
wished to disappear to the general populace but, in fact, his
business associations through his work often creating conflict and
possible revenge. He had to disappear and live where no one would pay
attention.
Nearing
his living quarters on his return, he heard a loud scream of a
frightened woman in pain. His first reaction was to stay away and not
become involved. With life-long instincts, he couldn’t leave
without finding the woman and whatever was happening to her.
He
ducked between two houses to his right and came upon a green area
that municipalities provided when developing began. The image of a
man holding a woman on the ground was visible due to the neighboring
street lights. In took a matter of ten seconds to run over to the
couple and he looked at the man and said in a deep rumble, “You’d
better leave her alone.”
“And
who is tough enough to stop me?”
The
next few seconds found that attacker with a possible broken shin bone
originating from a kick from the man whose boots had steel caps. When
the perpetrator bent over partially due to the instant pain, he
received a hard hand that bore immense strength to the left side of
his neck near his ear. He was unconscious by the time he hit the
ground.
“Are
you hurt and can you stand?” he asked the woman.
She
pushed herself off the grass and staggered to her feet, looked up and
advised she was not badly hurt.
Her
benefactor took his time viewing her body, a black skinned beautiful
face with long curly dark hair. She was wearing a colorful silk
blouse that accentuated her feminine amenities along with black
skin-hugging tights that ended in mid-calf. The observation developed
in his experience with all manner of individuals. In an instant he
took details of the person as if he was in a subconscious state and
the memory would never be lost.
He
moved closer to the woman with more of a statement than a question,
“Your name?”
She
didn’t answer but asked why he thought it was important?
He
smiled, “I have just saved you from who knows what might have
happened. I would be pleased to know who I saved.”
“Tanika,”
she quietly said, What is your name?”
“Now
that’s a different story and it may sound strange but, if you
knew my name, it could be very dangerous for you. I’m sorry to
say.”
“Is
he dead?” looking down at the man on the ground.
“No,
he’ll be out for a bit yet and have an extremely sore neck. He
may wish he was dead.”
“I
should go, Tanika murmured, I was on my way home. You can see my
apartment building from here.”
“I’ll
walk you home.”
In
a matter than less than five minutes, they entered the security door
to Tanika’s apartment building.
She
harbored a smile, “Thank you so very much. What will happen to
him?”
I’ll
just leave him. Since he will suffer for some time, he may think
twice before molesting another woman. Don’t worry, take care,
be safe and good night.”
Weber
returned to his apartment. It looks just like a thousand other
one-bedroom apartments but, there is a big difference. It is equipped
with sophisticated communication and information gathering systems.
Weber needs and uses it for his management to coordinate his
activities and remedial action.
Remedial
action often requires conflicts with very severe results.
He
hangs his jacket in the closet by the door and heads for the
bathroom. His beard needs trimming and fashioning for the second time
and is beginning to change his appearance quite well.
One
morning a couple of weeks later Weber awakes knowing that he will
hear from his management and he will have to go to work. Knowing
this, he makes sure his personal phone is at hand.
Weber
is endowed with a phenomenal psychic ability referred to as
pre-cognition. It is usually welcome but at times when he receives
multiple messages, he feels confused. Then he has to respond to the
one that has the most need and continue. It often happens when his
employer needs him as it did this time.
The
message comes through almost immediately. The text reads, “Nice
day!! Would you like to go fishing?” The double exclamation
icons requires him to use another phone.
For
his reply he uses a special phone that cannot be breached by anyone
and Weber is the only user. “Yes, I would like to go fishing
today.”
“There
is an occurrence close to the Walther Bridge about four miles
downstream where you are located. As usual, you have our full
permission to use your judgement about what has to be done and any
follow up remedial action. Also, rent a small boat with a small motor
and dress like a normal fisherman. By travelling in this manner
should get you to ground zero with little problem.”
“Roger
that,” as Weber texts his reply. The phone will be taken with
him should he need confidential information and help.
The
rental of a small boat is hastily arranged and Weber is moving
downstream on the Pine River. At this particular point the river is
more than 300 yards wide and there is little evidence of the flow but
Weber just lets the motor idle and he still sweeps along quickly. The
water was quite clear and it was possible to see some of the
undergrowth. It had a calming effect and he looked straight ahead.
Within
a short time, around a bend in the river, the shadow of the bridge
was evident. He thinks to himself that it is about a mile in the
distance. Abruptly, he realizes that he hasn’t checked the
environment around him. Off to his left, he hears a sudden roar of a
motor boat. Too late, he sees that it is large and the type that
would be used in rough water or in the swamp. Mechanically very
solid.
This
is proven within the next minute and it is impossible to maneuver and
avoid a collision. The heavy machine slams into the bow of Weber’s
boat, destroying it and causing Weber’s boat to sink rapidly
into the cold river water. Clear of the boat, Weber sees the shadow
of the attacking boat above him. The driver has stopped to survey the
damage. Weber takes strong strokes up to the nearest gunwale and
rolls over on to the floor of the boat.
He
immediately regains his feet and meets a man who appears to wish
Weber harm. There is no hesitation and a strong kick with his steel
capped boots aimed at the man’s groin.
Out
of the question for now.
The
boat driver rises from his seat and lunges at Weber. Instead of
retreating, Weber quickly advances, grabs the man’s arms,
spreads them so that he can butt his head directly at the man’s
nose. There is so much blood that the man starts to choke and this
allows Weber to strike his fist against the man’s left temple.
He is unconscious as he hits the floor.
Weber
staggers to the driver’s seat and drops down breathing heavily
and feeling somewhat faint, realizing that he must be certainly
getting too old to fight like he used to and never hardly raised his
heart beat.
He
picks his secure phone out of his specially stitched pocket and speed
dials his management. The report of the intended collision and the
aftermath with the two men he advises that his plan is to go back to
Conklin city and leave the boat at the wharf. In the meantime, he
asks management to provide enough details to the police of the
incident so that he does not become involved. Further, as soon as he
arrives at the wharf he will disappear from the boat.
Management
acknowledges and agrees. He is still advised to drive to the Walther
Bridge and make sure everything is under control and if there is a
need to act, please do so.
Weber
finds some rope and ties both men securely to parts of the boat and
proceeds back to Conklin City.
He
enters his bathroom to freshen his body. He stands looking at the
mirror for some time, reflecting on his life, his profession, such as
it might be called. Sometimes the consequences of his actions turned
out to be fatal and, indeed, he had administered injuries to a large
number of people. He had made mistakes that brought him to his knees
and regrets that never really left his mind.
After
he showered and change clothes, he jumped into his Rover and headed
to the Walther Bridge. He noticed as soon as he arrived, there was a
Deputy Sherriff standing at the entrance to a large acreage next to
the river.
The
Deputy stopped Weber and asked why he was present at this property.
Weber
advised that he was directed to an apparent occurrence earlier that
day and he was back after his episode with the boaters and where they
were.
“Is
this all under control now and is there anyone else that should be
apprehended?” Weber asked.
“Yeah,
there is another guy we are searching for someplace in the woods.
Apparently, he is the leader and the two that you encountered stole
the boat from this property.”
“Then,
I’ll leave it up to you,” Weber pronounced.
No,
I won’t leave it up to you. I’ll leave it up to me, Weber
thought to himself.
“How
long and how many searchers are in the forest?”
“As
far as I know, there are up to eight members stretched out heading
east. We are in radio contact but, I haven’t heard from anyone
lately,” the Deputy announced.
At
that, Weber drove around and stopped about a quarter mile from the
Deputy’s location. He gathered a radio and slid a warmer jacket
over his shoulders and started walking to the woods where the Deputy
reported the ring leader was hiding.
Four
days later, Weber was back in his apartment covered with forest
debris, even a wood tick had found a spot on one arm. I’ll have
to check to see if I’ve contracted Lyme Disease, he thought to
himself.
Once
he had discarded his clothes in the laundry and showered. His hair
was collar length and his beard was well formed. A further
appointment with the plastic surgeon was scheduled the following
Tuesday at nine.
To
finalize the request to investigate near the Walther Bridge, he
texted a message to his management. Quote: “No more fishing
today.”
An
immediate reply asked if this was permanent?
His
reply was simply, “Yes.” They would know that he had been
successful.
Later
Tuesday morning after his session with the surgeon, it was difficult
to move his eyes from side to side. The crow wrinkles at each temple
had been frozen and smoothed out. Further, his nose was shaped
slightly different. Looking into the mirror, he hardly recognized
himself.
Ten
days later, he had the very small stitches removed and once his skin
faded back to natural, he would seriously pursue retirement. He noted
that as he passed a short strip mall on one of his walks and it was
obvious that it was a favorite watering hole for policemen. There was
no hesitation this time to walk in and see if he could virtually hide
in the open. Inside, to obtain coffee all the customer had to do was
collect a non-reusable cup from the counter and pour his own coffee.
With a full cup, Weber took a surveillance of the room. A few of the
men looked up but paid no more attention. Weber was satisfied that he
passed the test.
Another
three weeks passed and he presented a notice to management that he
had been thinking very seriously about retiring. What was the
necessary procedure for him to leave his job? The reply was what he
expected. He was a veteran and had caused no concern to his employer.
He already knew that but the first step was to go through with
procedures.
Now
that he thought he could hide in the open areas of the city, he
established erratic walks at different times in no sequence. He
certainly did note that his neighbors and fellow walkers paid little
attention to him. His walks would be maintained even if he retired
so, he could keep physically active. A further idea came to mind. He
would become a member in a gym with a trainer. “Now, he said to
himself, I just have to get used to a new life.”
One
day he was half way through his timed walk and was about twenty
minutes from home, when a young man stopped ahead of him and waited.
He was on the sidewalk in front of the café that catered to
policemen.
It
was not unusual to feel a strong pre-cognition episode. This time, it
was quite different and that he would be accosted or contacted from
someone from his past. The man before him might be able to solve his
premonition.
The
young man spoke first, announcing his name was Marco.
“Hello,
Marco. I don’t believe I know you,” Weber stated.
“Well,
I know who you are but have never heard your name,” the man
uttered. I must have seen you a dozen times until I was sure who you
were.”
As
in all cases when Weber met a stranger, he took an inventory of his
being and stored it away in his memory bank.
Marco
continued, “Do you remember crawling up a three-story building
and helping a boy standing on a ledge?”
“That
was some fifteen years ago and I’ll certainly won’t
forget, “Weber smilingly announced.
Marco
grinned, “I was that boy.”
Weber
shook his hand seeing the vision of him and Marco on a quiet but
relatively cold day in a city some two thousand miles from this
location.
That
day, he had happened to be driving through the city and came upon a
police and fire and rescue blockade that he could not get by. He got
out of his Rover and left it so it wouldn’t interfere with what
was happening.
He
acknowledged a uniformed policeman and asked him what the trouble
was. “There is a young boy standing near an open window. He has
his back to the wall and his feet on a six-inch ledge and he says he
can’t move his feet and go back in the window. He also refuses
to jump.”
Weber
sees that it is an old building with corners and crevices all over
its face.
He
calls the boy, but he doesn’t answer. It is very obvious that
he is terrified. Further he tells the boy, it is perfectly safe to
jump onto what is like a trampoline. Still no response.
Weber
turns to the person in charge of the rescue and discusses how he and
they could bring the boy down safe. Weber says that he knows what to
do.
I
don’t know whether I should even try this and it scares me. The
boy needs to be rescued.
He
immediately grabs the window ridges and pulls himself up to the next.
The rescuers below attempt to stop him and yell that it’s too
dangerous.
With
what appears to be super human strength he advances to the ledge that
the boy is standing on. “Now, son, you would like to go back
inside, wouldn’t you?”
The
boy looks at Weber and blinks. “This may sound strange, but I’m
going to you to ask your feet to move toward the open window. I’ll
put my hand just pass your right foot and you move it to where my
hand is.”
It
took some time for the boy to respond and move his feet inches at a
time. Weber moved with him and the boy reached the window and his
Mother helped him into the apartment.
A
cheer rang out and Weber took hold of the boys Mothers hand, and
managed to hang on with one hand enabling him to swing one foot to
the side of the open window, then slide into the home to safety.
Weber admitted that he was just as terrified as Marco was.
Marco
stares wide eyed at Weber, “You remember every detail like it
just happened.”
“It’s
on a movie in my brain. I still don’t know how I climbed that
wall and survived, but here we are, commented Weber.”
Marco
told Weber that he found out who he was from Tanika. During that last
few months, we have been, you know, being together. “I texted
her and she will be here in few minutes. I hope you don’t
mind.”
“Do
you have a job? What adventure are taking now that you are an adult?”
“No
full time job yet, I’m training to be a test pilot.”
Marco replied.
“That
figures,” Weber muttered.
Tanika
arrived and she stepped out of the SUV. “Remember me?”
she asked.
“Never
forget.”
Weber
pulled them aside, “I’m only going to say this once, so
listen intently. You don’t know who I am and please do not tell
anyone about me. It could be very dangerous if anyone, and I mean
anyone, found out that you know where I am. Dangerous to you as well
as me. Please stay away from me until there comes a time that I can
get in touch with you and I would like to do that very much. Do you
understand? Do you promise?”
In
spite of this message, he broke his own rules and put his arm around
both of them, and quietly said, “Be safe, not sorry.” He
turned and walked away.
A
couple of cops came to Marco and Tanika, “Who was that guy?”
“Haven’t
a clue,” Marco answered.
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