Redemption on the Gulf

By James Ruby

The murder of his wife and son, in the Delta and his ensuing revenge has caused a mental turmoil in Ed’s mind. Revenge gives way to any rational thinking, and God has been replaced by hate! After a horrific explosion, Ed is found floating in the Delta and rescued by a friendly river resident and his dog Sophie, who later travel with him. As Ed escapes being wanted for questioning in the revenge killings, even if he doesn’t remember doing them, his path to regain some of his buried memories is aided with the help of his comrade in arms and benefactor Gary Ashley, who aids in the transfer of the fugitives from California to Texas, and of course Ed’s dog, Lulu join’s him throughout the trying times. The ever changing Gulf of Mexico lends to the skill and ability of any Captain, and his craft to return to port safely. Ed is no exception and is put to the challenge, taking on a dangerous water rescue, utilizing the use of very young passengers and their guardian, out for a day cruise. As the challenges to completely recover from his mental attacks subside, Ed’s mental conflict causes his anguish concerning God, to manifest, being reminded continually of his family’s death and to prevent bringing some kind of peace in his soul. Ed discovers romance a possibility once more, and begins to question if he could trust in God to forgive his past, and with it, perhaps find forgiveness for himself and a chance to find redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Ruby
• Release date: Jun 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463738054

James Ruby

James Ruby; notable author of Tears of Remembrance, has chronicled his life story in a manner, in the pages of his book, through the lives of the characters within. Having had a life as tumultuous and uncertain as can be, his inspiration has flowed freely and resulted in the pages which ensue. A number of noteworthy events in his life, some of which shook him to the very core and some which forced him to be as he is today; combined together to form the inspiration for his penning down the book. As he grew up with his mother in a purely nomadic existence, flitting from state to state in search of work and enough financial income, he developed an understanding for independence and why it is important. This led to him attaining and continuing employed work from the age of 7. The pages of the book which tell how the lead character’s wife dies while giving birth, which leads to his subsequently rejecting all consoling and encouragement and refusing to acknowledge the child, As far as notable moments and events in his life go, he has had quite a few. Chief among them has to be the moment when he met his now-wife; a moment that transformed his life forever, and for the better. His wife is the one who would go on to teach him what true love is, and how hearts can be joined together through a sheer spirit of companionship. Jims vast experience has been sourced from a plethora of jobs and occupations, as well as interactions and positions he has been in, over the years. Being employed for 3 months on an Oklahoma farm, and for 5 years in the copper mines of Nevada, as well as for various stretches of times in several small towns around the state of Texas, taught him a considerable amount about human nature. California is the state that provided him with the sustenance to pursue life further. However, it was the meeting with his wife and the marital bliss that followed, which taught him the most. In addition to the aforementioned jobs, he possesses credentials in the art of photography, which was both sold and displayed in Carmel, CA. This is just one aspect of his artistic talent, which extends into writing as well. In addition to that, he is also a licensed real-estate expert, dry-cleaning technician (from when the profession required a license for one to be active in it), and has even had a position in a religious organization (Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus), along with several business-oriented organizations. In his early days, he wrote a number of literary articles for the companies he was working in. After having left the dry-cleaning technician’s profession, he went on to garner experience in property management and business. Then, when technology came to the fore and became a major presence in the property management field, he crafted a number of pamphlets describing the usage of a new tool which was prevalent in the industry at the time. This attracted the attention of the WMA, for whom he went on to work, writing articles, for a decade. His personal interests include cooking and culinary exploration with his wife, boating and chainsaw carving, the last having been a prominent and lucrative artistic endeavor of his. Now, he considers writing as his ability to entertain. Through his writing, he hopes that the reader will take away the message of overcoming any and all obstacles, and persevering even when the universe seems to be conspiring against them. He hopes that the reader will follow Dominique in his journey, and take the steadfastness of his character as an example of what lies beneath the various experiences that occur in a person’s lifetime; if only they are willing to endure and look to the brighter side of them. Betrayals engender resentment, and resentment spawns addictions, which threaten to do further damage to the soul as well as the body, if the person is not strong enough. And if one is strong enough, and surrounded by those willing to help, such as the character’s son and the priest, God and the power of love itself bolster the person’s spirit, thus enabling the individual to surpass any obstacles they may be faced with. James Ruby currently resides in Redding, CA, with his lovely wife Mary and their precious Snoodle. He wholeheartedly practices the lessons that he preaches in his books, and hopes that all those who absorb the words while turning the pages take away the message of love and inner-strength from it, to enrich their lives and the lives of those around them.

Book preview

Redemption on the Gulf

James Ruby

Redemption on the Gulf

Copyright © 2018 by James Ruby

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, or events used in this book are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, alive or deceased, events or locales is completely coincidental.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter One

The Delta serenity had been transformed from a large party atmosphere into a nightmare when the power boat Jaguar reached its destination. To some of those remaining at the scene of the devastation, it looked like an armed missile strike on steroids!

There was little remaining of the two vessels involved. Fragmentary slivers of wood and canvas where the dock stood just a short time ago, gave evidence to the enormous magnitude of what was hidden inside the large ship. People who witnessed the smaller craft heading for the large ship docked for the event, had begun to run, realizing what was about to take place. Moments later the smaller vessel plunged into the side of the much larger ship creating a chain reaction of explosions . Later investigations reviled the smaller vessel had been rigged with several volitive materials which created the chain reaction of explosions inside the larger ship. Several party goers told of many small arms exploding sending bullets flying in all directions.

While pieces of the two boats, fell on those running from the scene; larger explosions made every attempt to rescue some trapped under fallen pieces of the ship, impossible.

At one point a huge ball of fire went up apparently from the cargo hold of the larger ship, sending flames in all directions. The Fire Chief, who was doing his best to extricate anyone from the immediate dangers, called out instructions to his crews. All of the resources from surrounding volunteers were quickly put to work in the triage of activities. Some went to the task of removing any obstacles from the fire area, to assist the firefighters. Others assisted the medical triage of wounded and seriously injured people. The Chief started to ask his second in command, who had gotten to Ground Zero before any of his crew, why there was still so much of the dock and surrounding areas still not extinguished, when a huge explosion from the stern of the large vessel pushed both of them back several feet. Regaining his stance, the Chief said I guess between the explosions and the presence of possible deadly arms fire still not contained, I can see the necessity of holding much of our crews back from the danger. The Lieutenant shook his head replying, I realize the explanation isn't adequate, and not what you want to hear at this moment, however, we don't want anyone else injured, until we get this under control! They continued to survey the areas lending support wherever they could.

The mayor arrived and was informed by Fire Chief Rodgers of the deaths of Jack Storm and Chief Sullivan. Although the Mayor felt like jumping for joy, it would have been extremely negative to his political advancement to actually say anything but sympathetic statements.

Many secrets had just been destroyed, making several of his political obligations and threats disappear. After a short visit to some of the survivors, he named the deputy, Rick Anderson, the new Chief of police. This being the only natural choice, since he was the only other law enforcement in the area remaining. Rick had no hesitation with the appointment, and said he would be proud to serve as the new Chief of Police.

With all the speculation about the part Jack Storm and Chief Sullivan had in this mess, the Mayor did not want to be anywhere near that conversation. The fire chief commented that some recognition to Ned who had done much to save many from more injuries, should have some notice. Yes, Yes, your right the mayor said, Let's get him over here and have me with him against the burning ship. Ned did not like the idea, however he knew the paper would benefit from it and conceded. After posing for some last minute cameras bows, the mayor quickly departed . Following the photo shoot, Ned called the paper and began his story, even though it might have to take a while for his editor to believe it had actually happened.

Leo sat in the EMT wagon and waited his turn for attention. Never considered being an attorney would have this kind of drama! he thought, Perhaps I would be better off writing a book and leave the sleuthing to the professionals! Then thinking better of the idea, he went to find the deputy, who was now the Chief of police, to compare notes .

The newly appointed Police Chief had begun his investigation, utilizing the information he had collected before all this went down, when Ned caught up with him. He was certain of who the mystery man was and why he had committed such heinous murders. Even though the circumstances were overwhelming and would have put all of the perpetrators in prison, the man had taken the law into his own hands, leaving a trail of dead bodies, and would have to be captured or his body found in order to close the case.

Coming around the EMT truck, Ned startled Rick with, Should I call you Chief? Rick smiled, It's going to be difficult enough to get used to having my name mentioned, so for you, Rick is fine. Ned responded, That miserable SOB really did a number on you! If you hadn't gone on your own, this whole thing could have had a much more fatal ending. Rick thanked Ned and requested he keep everything on a low key for a while. I know we all think the mystery man was Edward Jackson, however, until we can see a body, he is still my best, as well as my only suspect. And my client! said a voice from the man coming next to the EMT truck.

It was Leo Lang, who had been, along with Ned and Rick, part of those last few hours of Edward Jackson's mission of destruction. The three speculated on the events, while the EMT took another look at Rick. Ned expressed his desire to account for everything that had transpired, in his column. Looking at the other two, he again started his investigation for details.

Well, Leo, your client appears to be missing, and Rick, I guess your out a suspect. Leo retorted, Not until I know he is dead! He owns me money and an explanation at least. Rick joined in with, And as I said earlier, He is still my best suspect in the serial murders.

Fire chief Rodgers approached the trio requesting information on what could have been in the larger vessel to make such a complete mess of everything. Rick began his theory of the diabolical plans that Jack Storm had envisioned for himself. The Chief replied, That would make a lot of sense, especially knowing what Storm was capable of. Then, looking at Rick, Chief Rodgers remarked, I don't think I ever heard your real name when you were the deputy, kind of strange I know, but it just never came up. The new Police chief smiled answering, "That was the way Sullivan wanted it. He didn't want to relinquish any power and had everyone just call me deputy.

My name is Rick Anderson, and I'm happy to meet you. Chief Rodgers laughed Well I'll be damned, if that don't take the cake. I never thought of it, but your right about him keeping you in the background ."

The men looking around at the devastation began to exchange theories as to the size of the explosions that followed the initial impact. Fire Chief Rodgers exclaimed, That amount of explosives had to have been designated for something other than normal transport. But I cannot imagine for what. Chief Anderson responded with, It doesn't make any sense to me either, but I intend to follow every lead possible until I find some closure to the mystery.

Even dead, Storm was causing a problem, because of of the shady happenings surrounding his enterprises. The few that would speak, only had vague thoughts as to what happened or why, and would only speculate as to the real reason someone had gone after his crew. One of the merchants told the chief about the tactic's used by some of Storms men when questioning them about a new guy in town, that had a dog with him. They had told one of them about the stranger, just to keep from being hurt. The chief wasn't very pleased with the lack of evidence of the missing suspect. Unfortunately, even here at the sight where it was evident Storm had sinister plans for the cargo, those interrogated were not going to be any fountain of information that he had hoped for.Lieutenant Grayson, from the Coast Guard, having been informed of the disaster and it's devastating pollution of the delta waterway, arrived with his crew, and immediately began a search of the area.

Chief Anderson was well aware of the CG's duty to keep the waterways clear, and drag the area for any damage it could do to the boating community. Fire chief Rodgers had also requested assistance from the Sacramento fire departments Investigation division to find any evidence of more bodies other than the ones suspected to be in the wreckage of Storm and Sullivan.

The mystery man, known as Edward Jackson who had been responsible for the collision , had also not been discovered as yet. Even with intense searching, the idea of finding any survivors was remote. The Delta waters are notorious for its fast current and the tides. Anything on the bottom was subjected to all of these natural conditions. The thought of Ed Jackson surviving such an explosive event was far fetched, but nothing was going to be discounted for this investigation . It was correct for the Police chief to continue with the search, no matter how futile it appeared.

Chapter Two

Several shanties and some nicer vacation homes are along the delta rivers. The many private piers and docks account for a lot of the debris as they fall into disrepair when needing too much care and are abandoned . In this quiet world lived a man who had spent much of his working career as a physical therapist in the sports field, eventually transferring his knowledge to something he felt needed as a therapist, to help those in the military requiring treatment after returning home with physical injuries. He treated many types of injuries and assisted in the recovery of long term treatment issues.

It had been a rewarding service, however even the heartiest of a person sometimes come to that point of not being able to handle another person dying because of the mental pressures they had tried to endure. Killing themselves seemed to be an answer that Jake could not understand or accept. Jake remained in a field of therapy, but with a lot more control of his role, and not so personal.

When he moved to the Delta and offered to respond as a volunteer EMT devotee, learning the profession and becoming an intricate part of the local emergency team, he felt much better. Jake tried to retire several times, but found himself going back into the field whenever there was a need for his services. After the two vessels exploded ,Jake had been called to assist in the rescue and treatment of the victims. Exhausted and believing he had done all he could for the rescue effort, Jake returned to his Delta home along the river.

The next morning he was awakened by his faithful companion, Sophie, who had discovered something not quite right in the water. The Golden retriever was trying to tell her master that there was a need to investigate. Jake finally got out of his nice warm bed and headed for the front door. What's gotten you so riled up girl? He said, opening the door. Looking out into the bright sunlight coming over the horizon, Jake began searching the landscape for any disturbance.

Must have been a muskrat you heard. Jake said to Sophie, Don't see anything out there but a beautiful new day .

Sophie was not agreeing with his surveillance of the area, and continued her barking, running to the waters edge. Don't know what you see, my lady, but let me get dressed and have a bit to eat, then we will take the boat out and look for your mysterious visitor, if any. It wasn't what the Golden protector wanted, but she stopped her barking and continued to pace the floor and wander out to the rivers edge, while Jake finished his hurried breakfast. OK Sophie, Lets go see what new adventure you have in mind for us today! She ran to the boat, and jumping in, headed straight for the bow to have the best vantage point.

Jake loved his old cruiser, but she needed some time to get started. He had bought her in an auction for about what it would have cost for a car, at that time, but the twenty eight footer was just what he needed for the delta and his needs. At this part of the river, as with many other areas, there was an island created in the middle. The islands weren't especially wide, but were somewhat long, depending upon the tide and river flow. The one across from Jake's home had become wide enough for a few trees to begin some growth, allowing the branches to grow and hang over into the river. It was sometimes pretty , but could cause grief for boaters trying to maneuver the current, and cross over to the other side. Many time's the branches would gather debris or items that had fallen off a passing boat.

Sophie and Jake had cleaned off many an island, and would even run across items of use, like spare fenders, PDF units and the like.

This day didn't seem any different, however Sophie was so motivated to get to this island, Jake thought it would be best to make a thorough search of the entire island, so he opted to use his Inflatable Rescue Raft, he had tied up next to the cruiser. With the current, there were real hazards getting too close to the branches overhanging into the river, so a small inflatable was just the thing to get close without danger. Approaching the other side of the small island, Sophie became more nervous, and began moving around in the raft, causing Jake to pull closer to the edge, to try and stabilize the little craft. Before Jake could secure the raft, Sophie jumped out and headed for a spot in the middle of the island. It looked like a beaver dam from where Jake was, but that was unlikely since the beavers have long since discovered that these islands don't do well as dams go. Sophie yelped and jumped back when the mound let out a moan. Jake also moved back, thinking, perhaps an animal had become tangled and was injured. Cautiously he got closer, and the sound again made its way to their ears. Sophie's tail was an indication of this movement not being one of hostility, so Jake moved in closer.

For a moment he stood with his hand about to grasp a branch from the mound, when the moaning sound once again alerted Sophie to be aware of something alive under the mound. Both advanced a little more, removing another piece from the mound.

At this point, Sophie must have thought Jake was going too slow and grabbed the cloth covering the mound, reviling the figure of a person! Jake quickly began removing more of the debris, discovering that it was indeed a man under the mound, and that the tree stump he was lying on had kept his body from going under water. It was evident that he had been in some kind of accident, but the first task was to remove him from this island and get him some medical attention. Jake's experience in the EMT field had given him a great rounded experience of this kind of medical needs. Carefully lying him in the raft, Sophie and Jake headed back across the river to the house. Once inside the cabin, Jake began removing all of the man's tattered clothes and was about to wrap him in a blanket, when he discovered the bullet wounds in his side. There had apparently been more than one shot, because the torn flesh above the wound indicated another shot had been deflected by something, causing it not to penetrate the body. By the waist bandolier he had on, it would be safe to assume it was the reason he had survived whatever took place. Working on his new patient, Jake had a gut feeling this person, had something to do with the mess at the explosion site, but he didn't feel like he should tell the new chief, not just yet anyway. The violent explosion had taken place four miles from Jake's cabin, but he had felt like it was just outside the door! Several days went by as the man grew stronger physically.

Frustrated, but determined, Jake continued slowly introducing the man to eating, dressing, and eventually Jake would talk to his guest, sometimes with only a word or two, but there was no indication of any kind of memory.

It was evident the man had experienced more than an accidental shooting, however it was of no help in his identity and by the extent of the wounds, it was apparent whoever shot him was really close, and may not have waited around to watch this man die. Unfortunately, he couldn't remember anything!

Days went slowly, yet after a relative short time Jake's patient's body was doing better at recovery than his mind. Slowly the man began to speak small sentences, and although his memory was not functional, he began to carry on short conversations. The mind does strange things to the body it lives in, and when abused, has its own way of fighting back. The man, whom Jake had decided to name, 'Duke', after Jakes movie hero, was grateful but confused, always asking what things were and what was he doing here in this place. It was as though the Good Lord had sent this man to him, and Jake knew there must have been a reason. It would be up to him to figure out what that was!

Chapter Three

Even though it had been weeks since the destruction of the two vessels and the pier, the Police Chief went out to the river, extending the search parameters, one more time. He made his way along the rivers edge eventually coming upon Jake's cabin.

Greeting the Chief, Jake began idle conversation with, That was one hell of an explosion, Damn near threw me and my friend out of our beds! The Chief looked at Jake inquiring, How many are in the cabin? Jake replied, Just my friend and I, and of course, Sophie! The man was with you when it happened? Jake replied, Certainly was, but he doesn't talk much after his accident. He got really hurt a while back , in Sacramento, and I said he could recuperate here. He doesn't have much of a memory for things, and the doctor said a nice rest in the delta would do him good. I guess he didn't know we were to have the kind of night we had though. The chief had to agree and said to let him know if anything suspicious showed up. Watching the chief drive away, Jake looked at 'Duke' and said, Well that was a surprise. Guess I should have told him about you, but for some reason I just didn't feel right about it. 'Duke' laid his hand on Jakes shoulder and said with total conviction, Jake, no matter what you do, I will feel it's right!

I have no idea what I have done or who I am, but whatever you decide, I will follow. Jake was pleased and knew that it would be the right thing to do, however to turn this man over to the authorities, after some of the things he had seen , especially with memory loss patients, he couldn't bring himself to make that call. I'm going into town for supplies, Jake told 'Duke', I'll be back before it gets too dark. It isn't easy to drive these roads at night." With that, Jake started the old pickup and headed for town.

Passing the remnants of the pier, and seeing the remains of a once proud ship, he thought ,Could 'Duke' have something to do with all of this? Maybe he was one of Storms men, and I'm harboring a bad guy. Maybe he was one of the guests? Nobody has put out a missing persons report on anyone, so I guess that thought doesn't have merit. The chief didn't seem too forthcoming with any theories and didn't really have much to say about the whole thing. Maybe I'm just looking for a reason . This man seems to need my help, and I don't know why! Entering the town he stopped by the grocery store and began shopping. Sally, who owns the diner, knew Jake as a customer, and had bought her fresh fish from time to time. She said hello and questioned Jake about that night. Your cabin is pretty close to that place isn't it? Jake replied Yeh, It hit real close, but no damage. Sally said, Thats good, cause I'm having a special group for a real Delta Dinner, and will be needing some of your fresh fish, if possible. Certainly, Sally, Let me know what and where, and I'll get them to you." Jake replied.

Before heading back to the cabin, Jake stopped at the gas station to fill up the truck. When he went in to pay, a group of locals were hashing out the events of the past few months. One of them said, Well if it was up to me, I'd a given the guy a medal for getting rid of a real menace ! Another countered, But it still aint right to go round killing people, and specially the way he done it! The owner took Jakes money and assured him this had been going on for quite a while.

There seemed to be a very decided approach to whether the explosion that took out both Jack Storm and Chief Sullivan was a good thing or not. The person removing them from this earth had acquired a hero status by some, and killer, by others. The thought that Storm had murdered the man's family had been the deciding factor in justifying his actions, to some, but the fact still remained that he murdered those people! To some, perhaps it was the horrific way in which he killed Storms henchmen, and yet others were lining up to defend his right to take them out, no matter what! Jake thanked the owner for his interpretation of the discussion and headed back home.

All the way back, he couldn't shake the feeling that 'Duke' was in reality, the vigilante , and was responsible for all of those deaths! Jake was not a church goer, but believed in God and tried to live his life accordingly, but his occupation as EMT, had been enough to make him a true believer in reality. The closer he got to the cabin,