Murder in the Amazon

By Don Potter

A deadly virus. International conspiracy. Rainforest destruction. Murder in Brazil.

Troubles at home and at work prompt investigative reporter Mac McFarland to pursue a project about business activities in the Amazon Rainforest. He uncovers proof of government payoffs and collusion between a major Brazilian company and China. They plan to grab and develop protected land and push the indigenous people out, or eliminate them completely. Mac, along with an associate, survives being lost in the unforgiving jungle, only to be caught in the middle of a battle between nature and progress.

If you like the international intrigue of Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and the persistence and tenacity of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch, then you'll love this adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098321840

Book preview

A close up of a logo Description automatically generated

BOOKS BY DON POTTER

The Adman

Murder on Madison Avenue

Spin Masters

9 Murder Mysteries

Deadly Honeymoon

9 Murder Mysteries, Volume 2

Sh-Boom

9 Murder Mysteries, Volume 3

Murder in the Amazon

This book is fictional and a product of the author’s imagination. Reference to people, places and things are solely to create a sense of authenticity. And resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Apart from brief extracts used in reviews, no part of this book may be used or reproduced for any reason without prior written consent of the author.

Copyright 2020: Donald L. Potter

All rights reserved

ISBN: 9781098321840

Table of Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

PREVIEW FOR SH-BOOM

1

I

t was 3am. Mac stared through the window of his tenth floor apartment and into the darkness. He had no interest in what was going on below in the now quiet streets of Manhattan. What had him up at this hour was a growing concern for his marriage. 

He wondered why the once beautiful relationship with his wife Katie deteriorated so rapidly in recent months. Was it Katie’s commitment to her job? Her decision not to have any children? Their lack of romance? Or was it his unhappiness at work and the endless whining about this situation that drove them apart?

Mac went to the kitchen and poured another cup of coffee from the pot he made an hour ago. As he reached into the refrigerator for the milk carton, his wife came out from the bedroom. Katie was still half-asleep when she asked, Why are you rattling around the apartment in the middle of the night? He heard her say, why did you make all that noise? How inconsiderate.

Couldn’t sleep, Mac replied.

Drinking coffee won’t help. To him that meant stop drinking coffee, dummy.

I was thinking about us?

And what did you conclude?

That our marriage is on the rocks.

Seems to me you’re overthinking things.

We don’t spend time together like we used to do.

My job is not a nine to five thing. Maybe you ought to find a hobby to keep you busy. Mac felt she was saying, you’re a lazy jerk.

You’re being unkind.

Sometimes I get the feeling you take what I say out of context. Was she accusing him of selective listening?

Katie decided to take a different approach. Maybe if you spent more time pursuing your writing career instead of worrying about what’s wrong with our marriage, things would be better for both of us. He heard, you’re no good. I don’t love you anymore and probably never did.

My editor won’t give me a decent assignment. How can I be a good investigative reporter if he doesn’t assign me anything interesting to investigate?

Then, why don’t you come up with a topic that bears investigation rather than wait for him to hand you something to cover? In the advertising business we create excitement. As Daddy always says, nothing happens until somebody gets excited.

"I don’t work for your father’s ad agency. The Wall Street Journal doesn’t do business that way."

Maybe they ought to. I’m going back to bed. Got a new business pitch this morning. Please don’t wake me before the alarm goes off. Mac’s translation was, you bore me; I need my sleep.

Katie did not display the kind of empathy Mac wanted. And his mind magnified everything she said into an attack on him. This led Mac back to their deteriorating relationship, and it scared him. But she was right about one thing, maybe it was time to have a talk with his editor. At least it was worth a try. So Mac sat at the kitchen table with a note pad and jotted down topics that he would like to investigate.

By the time the sun came up Mac had developed a list of a dozen possibilities. He reviewed the list over and over until it was narrowed down to the one he most wanted to pursue. The story he chose to pursue was the economic impact of the commercial activities in the Amazon Rainforest. It needed a sexier title, but he believed the idea was sound. Now, all he had to do was sell it.

2

H

is nerves were a bit jangled from lack of sleep and too much coffee when Mac, aka Scott McFarland, knocked on the boss’s office door.

I’d like a word with you chief. Mac asked.

Not now. Got a deadline to meet, the Journal’s Editor of Financial News, Morey Goodman, said in his usual clipped manor. I can fit you in later, say four this afternoon.

Mac knew better than to push when Morey said, later. So he retreated to his desk and did some online research to sharpen the talking points for his meeting later that day. As he refined his initial outline, Mac thought about the importance of this pitch both professionally and personally. If he could sell Morey on the Amazon idea it would give him a meaningful byline story and show his boss and his wife that Mac McFarland was still an investigative reporter to be reckoned with — something that had eluded him for some time. Rather than feel excited about the opportunity to put a W on his score card he was frightened by the prospect of failure, because lately Mac considered himself a loser with a capital L.

This shift in attitude occurred slowly over time. It was hardly perceptible on a day-to-day basis. But if anyone did a comparison of Mac from five years ago to the man he was now, the change was significant. Mac was scared that he might never get back to being his old self and believed that only a dramatic effort on his part could produce the positive result he so sorely needed. The problem was Mac did not know if he had what it would take to pull it off. He would have the answer, soon.

At precisely four o’clock, Mac walked into Morey Goodman’s office and sat across the desk from the man who was about to determine his fate. There was no turning back. It was time to grab the brass ring, get off the merry-go-round to nowhere and put his life back on track.

Did you finish that story on the state of the US wine industry? Morey asked.

I want to talk about something much bigger than that, Mac said with all the enthusiasm he could muster.

Hit me with it, but make it snappy. I have an editorial board meeting to attend.

This may be something you’ll want to take to the meeting.

I’ll decide on that. Let’s go, times a-wasting.

How about a multi-part story on the Amazon Rainforest?

We’ve done a number of articles about the fires down there and their ecological impact.

I realize that, but I want to investigate the nexus of the various financial interests in the area and what that means, not only to the region but to the global economy.

Pretty lofty stuff.

I thought you’d like it.

Don’t know about that yet, but I can say I haven’t seen you this excited about a story in a long time. Could it be because this is your idea rather than an assignment I gave you?

It doesn’t matter where the idea comes from as long as it’s a good one. I think this is a winner.

Okay, tell me more. Morey sat back in his chair, clasped his hands behind his head, swung his feet up on the desk and crossed them while offering Mac an encouraging smile.

The Amazon rainforest extends into nine South American countries, although nearly two-thirds of it is within the borders of Brazil. As I see it, there are seven financial factions to investigate: lumber, farming, cattle, dairy, mining, oil drilling, medicines and illegal drugs.

Go on.

The riches of the Amazon are of interest to various entities: area governments, outside countries particularly China, foreign businesses, environmentalists, indigenous peoples and those concerned about them and, of course, criminal cartels.

That’s a lot.

With so many interested parties pushing and pulling to get what they want, there is constant conflict throughout all parts of the Amazon Rainforest. I want to examine all these factions and report on them to our readers.

And how do you intend to do that? Morey asked.

By going there and uncovering the information firsthand.

That could be expensive and dangerous.

But well worth it.

Takes a real pro to put something like this together.

I broke the story in DC about the use of subliminal messaging in campaign ads. And I exposed the plot when a wealthy businessman tried to take over the government in Puerto Rico. No reason I can’t handle something this big.

You haven’t done this kind of investigative work for several years.

I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

Let me think about it. We’ll talk in the morning. In the meantime, finish up that wine industry story. Morey looked at his watch, grabbed a stack of file folders from his desk and dashed off to his meeting.

Mac remained in his chair and reviewed the conversation that just ended, hoping he sold his boss on the idea. This thought was pushed from his mind by the gnawing fear of what might happen if he actually was awarded the assignment.

3

K

atie sent Mac a text message saying she would not be home for dinner. This upset him because he wanted to tell her about the meeting with Morey and what might come from it. Of course, he would not be asking her for permission to go to the Amazon. No way would this be up for discussion. This decision was his and his alone — that is if Morey gave him the go ahead.

Exhausted by lack of sleep the night before and the stress of the day, Mac went right home after work. He kicked off his shoes and fixed a weak vodka and tonic before rummaging through the refrigerator and found leftover meatloaf. Rather than bother to heat it up, he decided to make a cold sandwich. After eating, he surfed through the TV channels and found something sufficiently mindless to watch. Mac fell asleep on the couch and was awakened when Katie barged through the door.

Wow, you must have had a busy day, Mac said as he rubbed his eyes and looked at his watch. It was a little past ten.

It was a tough one, Katie said. Did she mean probably a lot busier than yours?

How did the new business pitch go?

It was a disaster. I had dinner with our inside source at the client to see if we might make lemonade out of the lemons. But for all intents and purposes we blew it, big time. I’m going to soak in the tub to unwind. Don’t wait up for me.

Her mood signaled to Mac that this was not the time to say anything about the possible Amazon situation. So he changed into his pajamas, brushed his teeth and slid under the covers. He was awake when Katie got into bed, but feigned sleep to avoid the possibility of any conversation. It was not long ago if one of them had a bad day the other would console the bruised one with hugs and kisses, which often ended up in their making love. Not tonight. Not any night, since they haven’t been intimate for months.

The next morning Mac was dressed and digging into a bowl of Cheerios when Katie staggered into the kitchen. Gotta have some coffee, she announced. Didn’t sleep a wink last night.

That’s how I felt yesterday morning.

Having trouble getting the wineries to participate in that little puff piece you’ve been writing?

She hurt Mac, so he said, As a matter of fact- He caught himself and decided not to say anything about the Amazon until it was a reality. Instead, he said, Yes, the story goes in for editorial review today. I better get to the office and put the finishing touches on it. Have a good day.

Mac got to the office early, slid behind his desk and opened the computer. As always, he checked his email. There was one from Morey that was sent just fifteen minutes earlier. The message was short: See me, right away.

Moments later he tapped on Morey’s open door and said, You wanted to see me?

Yeah, take a seat. Morey did not turn to Mac until he finished the last line of what he was writing. He punched the save button on his computer and said, The editorial board likes your Amazon Rainforest idea. I need you to put all the details together, including a timeline. If that meets with our approval, we’ll put together a budget, and you’ll have to get some shots for whatever illness you can catch in the jungle. Then you’ll be on your merry way.

Thanks for going to bat for me, Morey.

I’m not convinced you’re the best one for the project, but this was your idea and it could be the ticket to restarting your career. I must warn you, blow it and you may be looking for work elsewhere. Enough of the pleasantries, get the proposal together before the close of business tomorrow and we’ll go from there. Oh, and what about the wine story?

The story is ready for review. I’ll have the detailed Amazon proposal for you tomorrow. Mac told his boss what he wanted to hear. Although he was disappointed by the not so subtle threat of losing his job if the Amazon project did not meet Morey’s expectations. No sense becoming defensive. There was nothing he could do about it now. So he thanked his boss, once again, and went back to work.

Knowing the clock was running, Mac sent a text to Katie saying he’d be working late. It felt good telling her that this time he was the one working late. Next he called the company library and asked for everything in the files pertaining to the Amazon Rainforest. Then he logged onto the Internet and started doing his own research on the subject. A little after midnight, he had completed the first draft of the proposal, took a cab home and was in bed by one, next to his sleeping wife. He was up with the sun and back in the office an hour later. Just before five, Mac walked a copy of the final proposal over to Morey.

Here it is, Mac said, waving the document in his hand.

Leave it on the desk, Morey said without looking away from his computer.

When do you expect to read it?

As soon as I can. I’m on deadline right now.

Mac went home dejected, believing his great opportunity might not get the attention it deserves. He was surprised to find Katie there, since she rarely was home before seven. Good to see you, he said. How about going out for a bite to eat?

Can’t. I’m meeting a client for dinner, so I came home to shower and change. This meeting is important. It might turn into some new assignments for the agency, Katie said and went into the bathroom to put on her makeup.

He followed her and said, Don’t you want to hear what’s going on with me?

Guess you finished the wine story. Good for you. Now leave me alone so I can get my lashes on straight. Katie said as she moved Mac out of the way and closed the door.

This lack of interest infuriated Mac and he fell deeply into thought. How can my own wife be so disrespectful? I’ll show her and everyone else who has written me off that I still have what it takes to track down sources and write a great story. Tomorrow morning I’m going to march into Morey’s office and demand to be given the go ahead on the Amazon project. And, once I get down there, I’m going to do whatever it takes deliver a story that has some real teeth.

4

M

orey Goodman was chomping on his morning bagel when Mac interrupted what was usually his only moment of peace during the day. Can you wait until I finish eating before smothering me with questions about your new assignment? he asked.

Mind if I sit here and watch you eat? By the way, you have a little cream cheese on your upper lip, Mac said and rubbed the right side of his lip to let his boss know where to wipe.

You sure know how to annoy me. And, it’s so early in the day. I can’t wait for you to be in the jungle and out of my hair for a few weeks.

Are you saying what I think you’re saying?

What do you think I’m saying?

That I’m going to the Amazon to report on the project I pitched.

Then you heard what I was saying. Come back in an hour and we’ll discuss the details. Now let me finish my breakfast.

Mac felt elated for the first time in ages. He wanted to share the news, but with whom? That would have to wait until the assignment was official, but even then, who would care? Katie would have something to say. Maybe it would be encouraging, maybe not. Undoubtedly, she would want to know why he did not tell her that this assignment was in the works. The only thing to do at this moment was to go back over the proposal so he would be totally ready for his upcoming meeting with Morey.

An hour later, he was back at his boss’s door. Come in and have a seat. Did I get that cream cheese off? Morey laughed, something he did infrequently.

Yeah, you’re good to go. Mac suddenly felt relaxed.

And you’re good to go, too. The brass thinks we need to do more about economic opportunities in the Amazon. Most news outlets are spending all their time on the fires down there and what that means to the environment. So, you’ll be headed to the rainforest to gather some solid news about the financial implications of what’s going on there. To make things easier and help you gain access to talk to the right people, our stringer who covers Rio, Sao Paulo and Brasilia will be your guide and door opener. Any questions?

I have plenty of them, but I can’t think of a single one at this moment.

Surprised you, huh?

Things like this usually don’t get a green light so fast. Decisions by committee always take a long time.

Your proposal came at the right time. Gather your thoughts and we’ll meet after lunch. You’re on a fast track now.

They met and discussed story objectives and strategies. Morey handed Mac a traveler’s guide to Brazil and said, You’ll receive airline tickets with an open return, two thousand dollars in cash and a company VIP credit card. Arrangements have been made with the Brazilian Consulate to expedite your visa, but you’ll have to get some shots first. Here’s the list you’ll need; see your doctor today. Oh, and I want your first article by the end of your first week there.

I don’t even know who I’ll be able to interview or how many different people I need to talk with in order to get the story started, Mac protested.

I want a kick-off article, rather than a report of daily activities, so I can get a feel for what you’re discovering and uncovering. That way we can be sure you’re on the right path.

Who’s this stringer I’ll be working with?

JT Silva knows the movers and shakers there, particularly in government circles. Getting to the right people is important in developing the right story. We’ll catch up later. Morey went back to editing the story he was working on.

After a jam-packed day, including getting shots for yellow fever, malaria and several other diseases, Mac went home to share his good fortune with Katie. She rolled in about eight and appeared to have had a few drinks, maybe one too many. Her mood seemed to be better than usual, so Mac thought the time was right to tell her about what happened.

Got a new assignment today, Mac said.

Oh, covering the economics behind the Westminster Dog Show this time? Katie asked, apparently not in as good a mood as he thought.

No, I’m off on an adventure to the Amazon Rainforest, Mac retaliated in a superior tone, which shocked her.

I don’t need jokes right now, I’m trying to wind down.

I’ve been busy getting ready for the trip of a lifetime.

You’re serious I take it.

Serious as a heart attack.

When are you leaving?

Next week.

What day?

Friday evening.

How long will you be gone?

Don’t know yet.

Your being away could be good for both of us, she said.

Can’t make things much worse. 

5

M

ac looked out the window into the darkness as he did less than two weeks earlier, when he first came up with the Amazon Rainforest idea. This time, instead of being in his apartment, he was sitting in the business class section of an American Airlines plane leaving New York City and hopefully his troubles behind, at least for a while.

It was going to be a long flight, so he popped one of Katie’s sleeping pills she insisted he take along, washed it down