Acapulco Gold

By Daniel West

Dimitri is a man on a mission; Caesar, the mastermind of a ruthless Mexican drug cartel, is holding Juanita, the love of his life, captive. Dimitri and his best friend Richard, a retired police officer, head to Mexico City to try to rescue Juanita from Caesar’s grasp. To accomplish their rescue mission they recruit, Dan, an alcoholic writer, his son Daniel, a computer genius, an unforgettable group of severely washed up mercenaries, Gouvêa, a rival drug lord, and Charles, a disillusioned district director who works for the US Justice Department in Mexico City. Sparks fly as Dimitri and friends butt heads with the Rodriguez cartel. Dimitri’s group of misfits begin their misadventure by inciting a shootout that the newspapers infamously refer to as: “The Great Clown Masacréé.” They then create mayhem in other assorted twists and turns, which finally lead to a very unforgettable conclusion

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312409781

Book preview

Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold

Action adventure / Satire

Book Two of the Czech Trilogy

Daniel  West

Acapulco Gold - Is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Places and events have been created for effect

© Copyright 2012: Daniel West and Gestalt Epiphany, Ltd

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. Published in the United States.

Daniel West Author

Library of Congress Control Number

Txu 1-805-206

ISBN 13 - 978-1-312-40978-1

9  8  7  6  5  4  3  2  1

First Edition

(Unedited Version)

Other Books by the Author

Dancing in Hell

A Guide to Surviving Your Spouse’s Mid-Life Crisis

DreamScape

Psychological Thriller

Czech Mate

Action Adventure / Satire

Acapulco Gold

Action Adventure / Satire

The Charleston Shuffle

Psychological Thriller

The Spider and the Fly

Psychological Thriller

Scarlet Epiphany

An Interactive homicide investigation

Swan Song

Satire

Acknowledgments

I thank my son and coauthor, Daniel West, Jr., for standing by me all these years and helping produce this book to help others.

I thank Denise, the person I love most in the world, for giving me twenty-one great years, and then abandoning us for no reason at all and giving us the desire to learn why she did it. You helped us to grow, learn, and become fabulously wealthy.

They always tell you to write what you know. I think it makes more sense to write what you don't know... to write what makes you uneasy, what you wonder about, what keeps you awake at night. -- Lois Lowry, speaking at the 2012 BEA.

Thank you Denise for all the times that you made me uneasy, the times that I wondered about why you were doing this to all of us, and all of the times that caused me to stay awake, crying, all night. That was, in fact, the inspiration that I actually needed in order to start writing.

I owe all of my success to you.

- Dan

I thank James Lamar Palmer, attorney extraordinaire at Jackson Law Firm, for keeping me within the limits of our legal system.

Honorable Mentions

(for reading and helping improve this book)

Mr. Jerry Cannon and his son Andrew Cannon at Cannon Mercedes

David and Aaron Blythe at Blue Ridge Auto Service

Aleks and all of the nice people at Acropolis

Craig Arnold, Kathi Hodge, William Becker, Gerald and Benita Bennett, Aaron Papillon

Marilyn Masters and her dog Scruffy

Commissioner Charlie Messer

James Beauchemin and the Behavioral Health staff at Blue Ridge Community Health Services 

I thank the faculty and staff of Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC, for the education that led to the answers and ability to write this book.

A giant thank you goes to Professors James Hutcherson, Charles Goresuch, Melody Lindsey, Vicki Audia, Erick Allen, Claire Barnett, Laurel Krautwurst, and Russ Foster, with special thanks to David Davis, Dean of Arts and Sciences. It’s amazing that I was able to steal so many of your best teaching tricks and fail to give you credit anywhere else. ;-)

Acapulco Gold

Dedication _

Retrieving Borrowed Goods_

Symbiosis_

The Art of Controlled Chaos_

Argent Dawn_

Send in the Clowns_

Maria’s Cantina Revisited_

The Space-Time Continuum_

Evil Incarnate_

The Worm Turns_

The Winds of Fortune_

Magnífico Final_

Glossary_

About the Author _

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Denise (1983—2004)

Víva La Vída – Coldplay

I wish to dedicate this book to my best friend and closest confident in life. I would like for the whole world to know of you, and remember you, in the same manner that I do. The only way that I could think of accomplishing this task was to place her, and by extension, my family as characters inside this book. The bonuses to doing such a thing are, the reader can fully understand the intricate relationships of the people involved, and… my family would be, once again, reunited for all time. The downside of doing such a thing is: Doing so would border on being libelous, and possibly unethical.

So… If I were to have done such a thing, I would have been somewhat surreptitious about it. I would have used the following rules: The people that are ‘presumably’ supposed to be my family in this book would actually bear no resemblances to us in real life. I would have, in fact, placed my family as minor characters inside this book.

Plausible deniability being what it is: I would never admit to having done such a potentially libelous act, after all, Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Being reader friendly, I would have placed a hint somewhere in, or on, this book that would confirm any reader’s possible suspicions as to having found the correct characters. Because, If I had done such a thing; I wouldn’t actually need to confirm that I did, in fact, do such a thing. The reader would just magically know.

Awesomely beautiful book cover, isn’t it?

-          Daniel West

Foreword

Books are like children; each one is a unique gift to the world. I try to do something different with each of my books. I have found that I cannot fundamentally change my style of writing. However, I can change some of the small things that I do in my books.

In Czech Mate I explored the social aspects of our relationships to each other, love, hate, anger, betrayal, revenge, and compassion for others.

In Acapulco Gold I intend to explore, Haptic communication, the physical aspects of our relationship to each other, how humans use touch to express our feelings toward each other. Hugging, kissing, slapping, punching, and the use of tools, in order to bring pleasure and/or pain to other individuals.

These are just a few examples of the physical side of human behavior; you will find many more examples inside this book.

Some of these examples will be extremely shocking. I will, at times, interplay an extremely erotic, and an extremely violent form, side by side, for the psychological effect.

I am trying to explore the possibility of: allowing people to feel erotically excited, and deeply repulsed, at the same time.

If I can find a way to make you laugh at an inappropriate moment, or cry tears of happiness. I will consider that as: Mission accomplished.

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you will feel no rain,

for each of you will be shelter for the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

for each of you will be warmth for the other.

Now there is no more loneliness.

Now you are two persons,

but there is only one life before you.

May your days together be good and long

upon the earth.

Albert Maltz for the movie Broken Arrow  (1958)

Acapulco Gold

Action adventure / Satire

Book Two of the Czech Trilogy

Daniel  West

Retrieving Borrowed Goods

Juan stepped outside from the rear door of the police station; behind him, chaos reigned. He, and the four hundred men who he and Acabar commanded now controlled the police station; most of the officers who had been inside the station were already dead. Juan was a Mexican Federales, he also happened to be on the payroll of Caesar, a drug lord. Juan chuckled; sometimes your hobby can interfere with your career.

Juan had no illusions that Caesar’s men would stay in control of the police station, the officers who had been on patrol were already beginning to surround the station house, reinforcements from the surrounding precinct, and the National Guard, would be here quite soon.

Juan was in possession of the files that Caesar had sent him to retrieve, with the files that were now in his possession, it would be possible for Caesar to recover the twenty eight million dollars that had been stolen from him. It was extremely urgent that Juan transported these files back to Mexico City without being caught by the local police as they began to move in to recover their station house.

The bright sunlight momentarily hurt Juan’s eyes as he stepped out into the street. He thought, I must be getting soft in my old age; my eyes have never had this much trouble adjusting to sunlight. As soon as his eyes adjusted, Juan studied the streets around him. The alley to his left seemed clear, and he was almost certain that he saw a few officers hiding behind cars in the alley to his right. Juan turned left and walked as quickly as he could. He scanned continuously for any possible dangers. He knew the importance of the files he carried; without them, Caesar might never be able to recover his money.

As Juan neared the end of the alley, he heard a voice behind him. Freeze, it said. Now, put the papers down at your feet, place your hands on the back of your head.

As Juan placed the papers at his feet, he caught a glimpse of the officer behind him. The officer remained crouched behind a car, and Juan had walked right by him. He cursed himself for not seeing the man. Officer, he said, I am a Mexican Federales. I’m here to help you with this crisis.

The officer snapped, I don’t care who you are. I’m here to stop anyone who leaves this building. Later, someone higher up will decide what to do with you. For now, put your hands behind your head or I will shoot you.

Juan complied. He heard the officer walking up behind him. A single gunshot rang out, and the officer fell to the ground. Juan looked at the officer and quickly scanned the police station.

Acabar leaned out of a third-story window, sniper rifle in hand. He waved at Juan, ducked back inside.

Juan looked around anxiously, the assault on the police station had gone off perfectly, this officer was probably the only officer available to cover this area. Juan said a quick Hail Mary and crossed himself for the officer, then left the area at a fast walk, wanting to make a quick exit but not wanting to draw undue attention to himself. He didn’t encounter anyone else as he made his escape.

Later that afternoon, Juan dropped by the rehab facility to make arrangements to have Juanita, the love of his life, sent to Mexico City. Juanita had been in a coma for the last three weeks, her kidnap and sexual assault by rogue officers, had prompted the retaliatory attack on the police station.

Juan walked up to the desk nurse and asked, Who do I need to talk to, to have Juanita transferred to Mexico City?

The desk nurse smiled. I would think that asking her if she wants to go to Mexico City would be a good start.

What? Juan asked in amazement.

The desk nurse smiled, and her eyes twinkled. "She’s conscious and alert. You should go talk to her. She’s been asking us to find you for her."

Overjoyed, Juan ran to Juanita’s door and practically tore it from its hinges in his haste to get into the room. Juanita laughed, and Juan could hear the sound of tinkling bells. Juan, she said, you weren’t that excited on our wedding night!

Juan just stood in the doorway and cried. He had thought he would never hear Juanita speak again. This was a miracle. Juan asked, What did they do? They told me that it was hopeless.

Juanita smiled. They didn’t know Dr. Dimitri Valkovich. Nothing is impossible for him.

Juan slowly approached Juanita’s bedside, he leaned over and carefully hugged her. Whatever that doctor charges, it’s worth at least three thousand times more.

Juanita smiled. I missed you too, Juan.

Juan sat on the edge of bed, quietly looking at Juanita for a long time. Finally, he said, I have to take some very important documents to Caesar. I’ll come back here as quickly as possible.

Juanita laughed, and Juan, once again, heard the sound of the tinkling bells in her laugh. Juan, I just got you back, and I have no intention of ever letting you out of my sight again. We will go see Caesar together.

Juan smiled again. Are you feeling up to the trip?

Juanita smiled back. I have been lying here in bed for a very long time. I want to get up and see some new places. I would also like a tortilla de patatas; I am absolutely starved.

Juan rushed out and talked to one of the nurses, he walked back into the room. She said they need to hold you a few days for observation, he told Juanita, and she also said no tortilla de patatas.

Juanita frowned. I find that to be completely unacceptable. If I’m not under arrest, I’m walking out of this place. Are you coming with me or are you staying here with them?

Juan replied, I will be with you always. Are you that sure that you want to leave with me right now?

Juanita laughed, and the sound of tinkling bells nearly deafened him. No, but I am that sure that I want a tortilla de patatas. Let’s go get one. She sat up and stretched, she unhooked the monitors, got out of bed and walked out of the room wearing nothing but her hospital gown.

As Juanita walked past the nurse’s station, the desk nurse asked, Where do you think you’re going young lady?

Juanita laughed, and the sound of tinkling bells filled the room, My husband and I have a dinner date.

The nurse peered over her glasses at Juanita, You, are not dressed for a dinner date.

Juanita laughed, I seem to have misplaced my clothes. Juan was telling me that he would enjoy taking me to a boutique and buying some nice new clothes.

The nurse peered over her spectacles at Juan and he nodded his head in agreement.

The nurse glared at Juanita and spoke with authority, "The doctor has not released you, so you will head straight back to your room and do as you are told."

Juanita laughed, I am a citizen of Mexico, I do not happen to be here illegally, but I am deporting myself. My husband is a Mexican Federales, and as such, he has the right to use whatever force is necessary to ensure my freedom and safety. Is there some legal reason for you to detain me?

The nurse continued to study Juanita, as if she was a bug, Waiting on a doctor to release you is just using good judgment. However, I have no legal reason to hold you.

Juanita laughed, No one has ever accused me of having good judgment, have they Juan?

Juan nodded, If you used good judgment, you certainly wouldn’t have married me.

Juanita laughed, You learn fast. It only took you, what, twelve years, to figure that one out.

Juan laughed loudly.

Juanita turned back to the nurse and said, Please forward all of my fan mail to Mexico City.  as she turned and walked out of the building. 

Juan paused at the nurse’s station a moment, and said,  When you are dealing with crazy women, there are no guarantees in life. However, it is possible to get a five year warranty on one of them. and he followed Juanita out the door.

Juanita walked into Claire’s Boutique wearing nothing but her hospital gown. As a sales lady approached, Juanita said, I would like to purchase some lingerie and a new dress.

The sales lady introduced herself as, Claire Barnett, she giggled, "Yes, what you’re wearing is so last year."

Juanita giggled with her.

The sales lady asked, What do you have in mind.

Juanita considered, Perhaps something in Blue, with some beige lingerie. What do you think Juan?

Juan answered, Blue is definitely your color, but, lacy black lingerie really gets me going.

Juanita smirked, Just like a man, doesn’t care about the parts you see, he just cares about the parts you don’t.

Juan smiled broadly, With that hospital gown that you’re trying to wear, I can see plenty from here.

Juanita pulled the gap in her gown closed and turned to the sales lady, Lead the way. Putting on something a little less revealing would be rather pleasant.

Juan pretended to be hurt by that comment.

Juanita picked out the black lingerie rather hastily; she took more time choosing the dress. She decided on an ankle length, blue satin dress. On the walk to the counter she picked up some black leather shoes.

Juan paid Claire at the sales counter, and donated the hospital gown to the store. As they walked out of the boutique, Juan said, I’m glad that you spotted this boutique, eating out in that hospital gown might have been rather embarrassing.

Juanita laughed, For you, or me.

Juan chuckled, Yes, you must be starved. You probably wouldn’t have cared until after you ate.

Juanita hugged Juan and they laughed together. You did have to mention food again. I am rather starved. Where is my tortilla de patatas?

Juan smiled, Hop in the chariot my dear, I’ll have you at your destination in no time.

Keeping his word, Juan drove up to the Mexican restaurant a few minutes later, and escorted Juanita inside. They took a seat and waited to be served.

The waitress arrived and asked for their order.

Juanita answered quickly, Two sweet teas and two tortilla de patatas. If the tortillas arrive in under ten minutes, I’ll see to it that you get a twenty dollar tip.

As the waitress rushed to the kitchen, Juan laughed and said, Rather generous with my money aren’t you.

Juanita smiled and slid her foot slowly up Juan’s leg, I’ll pay you back somehow.

Juan smiled, I wasn’t complaining.

Juanita smiled wickedly, You weren’t, or you won’t.

Juan gulped, Both.

Juanita smiled and nudged his groin softly with her toes, I will not tolerate dissatisfied customers. I aim to please.

Juan found himself feeling like a schoolboy out on his first date. He became tongue tied and just nodded nervously.

Juanita laughed wickedly, "Where is that serving girl. I find myself getting faint."

Moments later, the waitress arrived with their order, as she placed the food on the table, she said, Four minutes to spare.

Juanita laughed, It’s his money, and I have no complaints.

Juan handed the woman a twenty dollar bill and laughed."

After dining, Juanita said, I bet your chariot moves even faster on the way to our apartment."

Juan appeared distracted, Well, our apartment is out. I’m afraid that we will never see that place again. I hope you didn’t leave anything important there.

Juanita studied Juan’s face, What did Acabar do?

Juan grimaced, He did exactly what Caesar ordered. It was a typical home-style reprisal against certain unnamed people. I have certain documents I collected from those unnamed individuals that we need to deliver to Caesar. I have the company jet, fueled and waiting.

Juanita considered the matter, Well, the pilot will just have to wait a bit longer. You are mine, not Caesar’s, I want to check into a hotel for an hour… or two, before we leave.

Juan felt like a nervous schoolboy all over again, That seems reasonable.

Juanita laughed, and Juan heard the sound of tinkling bells, Of course it’s reasonable, I decided upon it, now… why are we still in this restaurant.

Juan jumped up and held out his hand to help Juanita out of her chair, My dear, your chariot awaits.

* * *

Juan reviewed the documents as they flew to Mexico City; Juan laid out a pretty good case that two members of the Colombian gang orchestrated the theft of the drugs, and the cash, on the behalf of Bogotá. He also outlined a plan to recover their loss. When the plane landed, he escorted Juanita to the waiting limousine and asked the driver to take them to Caesars villa.

As they drove toward Caesar’s villa, Juanita spoke cautiously, Juan, perhaps it would be best if we avoided Caesar for a while.

Juan seem startled by her comment, Why is that?

Juanita paused in thought, Juan, when you entered that police station, you were exposed to phosgene gas. You have about a day and a half left to live. There is no antidote for exposure to that gas.

Juan closely studied his wife’s face, How would you know of this?

Juanita seemed reluctant or embarrassed, The men who took me spoke of it. They said that hurting me was the only way that they could lure you, and Caesar’s men, into that police station. They wanted the police, and your men, to die.

Juan thought, So, the Colombian cartel wanted everyone dead.

Juanita was reluctant, Almost… It wasn’t the Colombians… I believe... It was a group of rogue cops.

Juan did some mental calculations, You were assaulted by policemen. I assumed that they were hostages rather than organizers. Are you saying that they controlled the Colombian gang members?

Juanita shook her head, I don’t know. I only heard fragments. Maybe they recruited the Colombians. Maybe they held the Colombians captive. I think they were after Caesar’s money. I’m just saying that you need time to rethink this one… and… you don’t have any time. I’m so sorry Juan, I’ll make the time you have remaining, as happy as I can.

Juan tapped on the glass window behind the driver, when the driver lowered the window, Juan spoke, Stop by my house, I need to grab some documents for Caesar.

The driver laughed, Caesar sent El Suertudo to your home. Everything of value is already with Caesar, including your son. I’m not authorized to take you anywhere other than Caesar’s villa.

Juan nodded, I see.

The driver raised the window as he continued to their destination.

When privacy was restored, Juan spoke softly to Juanita, It seems that I don’t have a day and a half to live. I figure less than an hour. I need you to try and get our son out of there.

Juanita cried as she looked at Juan, I’m so sorry.

Juan shrugged, It doesn’t matter. You, and our son, matter. Save yourselves any way you can. 

The limousine pulled up in front of Caesar’s villa and the driver opened the door for Juan and his wife, as they stepped out of the car, the driver said, "I’m supposed to relieve you of your