Super Sport: Phuk~N~Shanks Series

By J. P. Wolfe

For almost four hundred years, a story has been told in the Rodriguez family about a lost heirloom known as Llave de Oro. When two young men find a silver medallion while scuba diving in the Caribbean, the legend appears more fact than fiction. The bizarre disappearance of these two young men leads their parents to contact Phuk and Shanks.

Gill Phuk and Hattie Shanks left the Punta Gorda police force to start their own private investigating business in Los Angeles, but the local police sergeant has no tolerance for their interference. A spot of good luck with the media presents Phuk and Shanks a foothold as they are embraced by the city in a very public way.

When the case of the missing divers takes a turn, the investigators find themselves in Venezuela searching for the famed heirloom. Theyre soon caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse as the Rodriguez family plots to seize the priceless medallion and eliminate anyone who gets in the way. Unfortunately for themand despite a whirlwind clash of gunfire and grenade attacksPhuk and Shanks never give up on a case.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Sep 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781480866553

J. P. Wolfe

J. P. Wolfes first novel was inspired by a single name. A craftsman by trade, his crime fiction is a thinly disguised portrayal of modern society, delving into human behaviors when confronted with disturbing, catastrophic events. Learn more at jpwolfeauthor.com.

Book preview

ONE

I n the year 1835 in the Republic of Venezuela, the Governor of Caracas, Ramon R odriguez, staunchly believed in the old ways and all the rituals that embodied his belief. He thoughtlessly had arranged for his daughter, Camilla, to wed a business associate’s son. Jorge Esteban, a wealthy landowner’s son, would be the man who would benefit from the marriage. Or so he thought!

When Camilla’s father informed her of the arranged courtship, she was beside herself. He explained to her it was her duty and that it would be a great honor for her to be married to a man who had such a bright future ahead of him. He explained how she would prosper as a prominent citizen, as well as a woman of high society, entitled to the luxurious lifestyle that most people could only dream of. There was just the one problem. He hadn’t realized that his youthful, spirited Camilla loved another.

Camilla Rodriguez was a very beautiful and charismatic woman. She carried herself with a stride that let everyone know she had pride and resolve as well as the strength of a young woman who accepted the responsibilities as a dignitary’s daughter. She had always been expected to represent her family at all the functions held in her father’s honor. She was always there for him. Then, as it happened, he offered to give her hand to a young man she had known her whole life. A young man she had never liked. He was a presumptuous, selfish, and self-involved prick. She felt her father had betrayed her with his absurd promise to a business colleague to further his own interests. She found herself unable to tell her father of the feelings she had for another young man.

The real love of Camilla’s life, the one who captured her heart, was a young man from the United States. His name was Andrew Carlyle. He was the twenty-year-old son of an American businessman who frequently came to the area to do business. Jack Carlyle was a buyer for an American commodities group. He traveled to foreign markets to purchase goods and services to expand his fortune. He had brought his son along under the guise of a travel companion. His father wanted to expose him to his business to learn the ins and outs of his trade.

Andrew was a tall young man of six-feet, four-inches. He had chiseled good looks and a muscular build. He spent his time working in the stables, conditioning and caring for three horses he had raised from birth. He aspired to have a farm of his own. Needless to say, he and his father butted heads a lot in conversations about his career. Ultimately, he planned to take Camilla Rodriguez back to the States and marry her.

Andrew and Camilla planned to sail to the U.S. and leave their lives of inheritance and security behind. They had set out on a path where they could be together forever. Andrew waited outside the Governor’s mansion with the few personal items he packed for the journey. Camilla had carefully made her way to the side entrance of the mansion. She thought she could make her exit from the grounds without being seen by the staff or her parents. As Camilla reached for the latch on the door, she heard her father clear his throat. She spun to see him sitting in a chair in the shadows beside a large window on the adjacent wall.

Ramone said, Where is it you intend to go, my dear?

Father, Camilla said, surprised to find him there. Why are you hiding in the shadows?

I asked you a question, Camilla, Ramon said in a low, controlled voice.

Camilla couldn’t think of anything to say that would have made any sense to him. She suddenly felt scared of what her father would do to her if he knew what she was about to do. Then it came to her that he must know already.

What is it you’re asking, Father? Where I go is of little concern to you.

Everything you do is my concern, Camilla. I know of your rendezvous with your American friend. I’m afraid I can’t allow you to embarrass the family in this manner.

What will you do, Father? Will you kill me? Your business association is worth more than the life of your daughter. Is that how you designate the margin of profit for your pocket? Life means less than profit?

I will not kill you, my dear, Ramon said. I will not stand in your way, but I need the medallion. If you plan to leave your life here, you must not leave with the medallion.

The medallion? she mused. I haven’t seen it in years. Someone took it from my table years ago. I thought you took it, Father, to protect it from a careless child! Why does it matter? Is it a real treasure map?

No, no, my dear, he lied. It’s a family heirloom though. I would like to have it, Camilla. Please don’t make me take it from you.

Camilla grabbed the few carpet bags she had packed and lifted them up off the floor. She turned to her father eyeing him skeptically. She said, I’m sorry, Father. It would seem that I am a disappointment to you. It changes little, however. I love you, Father.

Camilla stepped through the door she had been standing inches from as she trembled from the conversation with her father. She quickly made her way to the rendezvous outside the mansion grounds. Camilla saw Andrew sitting behind one of the large trees that encompassed the property. She ran to him, dropped her valises, and hugged him passionately. They kissed, remaining in their embrace for several moments. Andrew gazed lovingly into Camilla’s eyes. He saw the fear there. It was in her eyes and written all over her face. A tear ran down her face, rolled across her pouty lips, and down her chin.

Andrew asked anxiously, What is it, Camilla? Is your father going to have us brought back?

I don’t know, my love, she feigned. He said he couldn’t allow me to embarrass the family.

Andrew raised an eyebrow in question. Would he have us killed?

Let’s just go. She grabbed her bags and walked toward the beach. Andrew huffed in aggravation, grabbed his things, and followed after her.

Jorge Esteban was in league with Ramon Rodriguez. He was called to a meeting in which Ramone relayed to Jorge the plan his daughter and the American had hatched to undermine his wishes.

Ramon said, She must not leave the country with Llave de Oro, Jorge. I have searched her room and all the places she would hide as a child. She must have it with her. You are charged with the recovery of the Key, my son. Bring it to me, and all your dreams will come true.

Jorge stood smiling at the thought of this great opportunity before him. He wouldn’t have to marry Camilla, which he never wanted in the first place. Then an idea occurred to him.

He asked, And what if I don’t retrieve the Key, señor?

Ramon’s face went vacant. He said in a voice that sounded like it came from the grave, You must not fail, Jorge. I’m afraid your life depends on it.

My life, señor? And if I refuse to retrieve your precious Key, what of me then, señor?

I will kill you where you stand, boy. I need your true promise here and now. What will it be?

Jorge exchanged looks with the floor and Ramon. He was suddenly taken from his fantasy to the grim reaper. He wasn’t stupid.

He said, Yes, of course, señor. I will bring you Llave de Oro, señor. I shall not fail.

With his life on the line, Jorge found himself with nothing more to say to Ramon. He turned to walk away. As he set out to find Andrew and Camilla, Ramon threw in one more wrinkle.

Ramon said threateningly, Do not forget your family, boy.

Jorge stopped and turned to face Ramon. He had an idea of to what he had referred.

My family?

All part of the equation, son.

What are you saying, señor? You will take the lives of my family if I don’t return with your Golden Key? My family had nothing to do with the decision your daughter made.

Ramon said nothing. He just sat there staring Jorge down with a defiant look.

Jorge said, I will not fail, señor.

He gathered himself and turned to leave the room while thinking to himself, Maybe I should just kill that imbecile myself. He touches one member of my family, and he will die his damn self!

Jorge made his way to find his friends. They spent most of their idle time at a makeshift bar down by the beach. Together they would find Andrew and Camilla. Running down the beach, Jorge and his gang caught Camilla and Andrew walking along the waterfront with their belongings, food, and water.

Jorge faced them. You cannot leave Venezuela, Camilla. Your father has great plans for us. We are to be wed this fall. How can you disrespect your father in such a way after all he had done for you?

Camilla looked from Jorge to Andrew. She spoke directly to Jorge in an angry tone. My father… he cares little of what is important to me. He cares only about business and profit. If he knew of the love Andrew and I share, he would surely take Andrew’s life. He would certainly report to Andrew’s father that, oh… he would make something up like he was attacked in the street or killed in a fight. Whatever he has to say so as not to interrupt his dealings.

Andrew listened to Camilla’s pleading and remarked, The Governor has no say in who Camilla marries. As you have no say, Jorge. I ask you, do you love Camilla, or do you love the opportunities that come with her hand?

Jorge said, There are great stakes in your actions, Camilla. You are forcing your father into actions he will regret. Camilla, do you not understand that? There are no lengths he won’t expend to recover the medallion. If I don’t bring it to him, he will kill my family and me. Camilla, you may go as you please… after you give me the Key.

I have no medallion, Jorge. Leave us. I will not marry you. Not now, not ever. You’re are not my true love. In fact, I find you repulsive.

Jorge had heard enough. He lashed out at Andrew. He threw a roundhouse punch with his right hand that was so slow that Andrew merely lifted his left hand and blocked the blow easily. Jorge tried to follow it up with a kick in the crotch. His attempt was also too slow. Andrew stepped to the side as Jorge’s leg swept wide of Andrew’s body. Andrew threw a combination to Jorge’s face. They landed with force. Jorge’s head snapped back as he fell backward onto the sand.

Andrew said, Leave us be, Jorge. Don’t make me hurt you.

With that, they walked to the sailboat Andrew had purchased for their trip to Florida. They cast off in the twenty-six-foot sloop named The Natty Poe. Andrew was a very confident sailor. They would sail the coast of the Caribbean Sea, across the Gulf of Mexico to the Florida shore. As they made way onto the open water, Andrew noticed Camilla had the look of a great weight on her face.

Andrew asked, Are you having second thoughts, my love?

Camilla asked, Will we be comfortable in our lives together, Andrew? We both leave behind guaranteed riches and security. I am afraid of an uncertain future, my love.

He looked into her beautiful eyes and proclaimed, We have everything we need, my love. We have each other. That is enough for me. Our lives will be fruitful, Camilla. We will have children that we will be proud of. Together we will find our way to our fortune. We will live outstanding lives. I promise you, my love. All the way to our twilight years.

Camilla was not so self-assured. She grew up in vast luxury and comfort, a way of living that she had become accustomed to.

He asked, Are you not happy with the decision we have made, my dear? We may still turn back.

Camilla sat in deep thought when suddenly their sloop was rammed in the side by a larger vessel. The sloop splintered and heaved as it was pushed sideways by the vessel that broadsided them. Andrew was tossed over the side. Camilla hit her head on the cabin door frame. Their little sloop was doomed. It was taking on water so fast it sank in minutes. The Natty Poe was lost to the sea.

Andrew came to the surface to find Jorge Esteban looking down at him from the deck of his craft. Andrew screamed, You bastard. Where is Camilla? I cannot see her. Where is she?

Jorge motioned to his friends to pull him out of the water. Two men grabbed Andrew by the arms and hauled him from the sea. As Andrew was held by his friends, Jorge yelled to the other two standing idle, Get in the water and find Camilla. Now!

Jorge swept his arm out to get the two into the water. They dove in to search for Camilla. Jorge focused on Andrew. You gave me a black eye, Andrew. Do you know what that makes me look like? he asked not expecting an answer.

Jorge pulled the knife he kept in his boot. He raised it to Andrew’s eyes so he could see it. Andrew spit in Jorge’s face. Jorge lashed out and stabbed Andrew three times in the stomach. Andrew convulsed and wretched as blood came spewing out of his mouth. Jorge motioned for his friends to toss him over the side. Andrew went in with a loud splash. He floated on his back on the surface as his blood turned the surrounding water a dark red. He looked up at Jorge.

He said, Please, save Camilla’s life!

Jorge just smiled at Andrew. He raised the flintlock pistol his friend handed to him. Jorge aimed at Andrew and fired. The lead ball pierced Andrew’s forehead. Andrew’s eyes rolled back in his head like he was trying to see where the ball that had entered his skull. Blood seeped from the wound as he slipped under the surface, never to be seen again.

Jorge screamed out to his friends to look for Camilla.

He bellowed, We must have her, dead or alive. She has the medallion her father trusted to her. It is the Golden Key. We must have it!

Jorge sent his friends to the sea, over and over until they could swim no more. They searched the sea for hours. Their search of the depths was of no success. Camilla was lost to the sea for eternity. Jorge was silent as they sailed back to shore. All the way he considered his fate. He would face up to Ramon, and hopefully, he would just kill him. But he remembered what he said. His family would all die, too. Alas, Jorge would show himself to be a coward. He set his friends ashore and turned his Schooner to the east. He set sail empty-handed to North America. No food or water on board for a long trip. He knew if he left his boat that his life would end. He gave up the lives of his family to Ramon in exchange for his. The entire Esteban family would die without knowing the reason why.

TWO

I n present-day Venezuela, on the coast of the Caribbean Sea lies the city of Puerto la Cruz, a small coastal city that lives and breathes from tourist dollars. The major hotels border the sands, stealing the view of the ocean from the inhabitants who live there. The farther inland the tourists travel, the less friendly the people treat the visitors. It would be unwise to travel alone through the back streets of this picturesque city by the sea.

Two divers were enjoying the vacation they had planned many years before but hadn’t found the time to take. They were finally there enjoying the beach life for the next twenty-six days and nights. On their fifth day, they were out only one mile from shore diving a small reef full of marine life. Schools of brilliantly colored fish filled the clear blue waters. Mark Jacobs and Rick Marcum were trained divers. They dove for fun, not to take from or disturb the sea.

Mark was into photography. He had quite the collection of underwater camera equipment. Through his photos, he planned to take their memories back to Los Angeles with them. Mark took a picture of a manta ray that waved its way by with its graceful wings. As Mark took shot after shot of the alien-looking fish, he noticed a glint of light seeming to reflect off his lens. He looked over at Rick and got his attention. Mark pointed to the spot where he believed the light came from. Rick swam down and looked around as Mark cycled the flash from his camera. Rick saw the reflection as Mark hit his flash again and again.

When Rick started to dig around in the sand, he pulled up the bones of an arm. He screamed into his mouthpiece, dropped the skeleton and swam back a bit. He looked over at Mark with wide eyes. Mark pointed back down and tried to encourage him back to the reflection. Rick gathered himself together and went back to his dig. While scavenging in the silt and sand, he came up with a silver medallion attached to a silver chain attached to a skull. Rick dropped the skull as quickly as he could after he untangled it from the chain. He shook off the heebie-jeebies and pointed to the surface.

As they made their way to the surface, Rick kept looking back at the resting place of the skeleton. He had a weird feeling that it was coming after him. He had to make sure it wasn’t following him to the surface. He knew the person was dead, but he wasn’t expecting or prepared to handle the bones of a person who died at sea. He was a little freaked out by the experience. When they broke the surface, Rick tore his mask off and sucked the air as deeply into his lungs as he could take in.

Rick said, Shit, man. That was messed up. Damn, Mark. That freaked me out!

Mark pulled his mask off. What the hell, man? Did the skeleton scare you, sweetie? Man up, you pussy. Let’s get aboard and check out what we found.

Once they pulled themselves into the boat, Rick felt a bit more secure. Rick and Mark looked at their find. It was a medallion made of what appeared to be silver. It was slightly encrusted with a bluish green coral from the sea. Mark rubbed as much of the coral off as he could with his fingers. They could see the detailed artwork and script written on and around the medallion. It had six stars, one with a circle around it, and three raised, wavy lines on what appeared to be the front side, and three similarly raised lines on the other side. When he held it level with his eyes, he saw the inscription, Llave de Oro. It was strange that it couldn’t be seen from any other angle. There were also a few tiny words around the lower side, but too small to read.

Mark asked, What is this thing, man? You think it is worth anything?

Let me see it. He took it from Mark, looked it over front to back, and remarked, I think it’s solid silver. You know, this is probably worth something. Let’s go back down and see if there’s more.

Rick set the medallion on the floor of the boat. Mark noticed his friend was going to leave the item on the boat. He said, Take that with you, man, or I’ll take it. We don’t want any other sightseers finding it. Right?

Rick nodded, put it in his dive bag, then tied it to his dive belt. They checked their equipment before returning to the water. Mark was first back in. Rick checked the dive belt one more time and went back to the spot where they discovered the medallion. They carefully dug a small grave a few feet from where they found the skeleton. They moved the remaining bones to their makeshift grave out of respect for the deceased they had disturbed. They carefully placed the bones into the grave and covered them with the loose sand on the seafloor. They made the sign of the cross out of respect. Not that they were Catholic, just respectful. They swam back to the spot and dug around for twenty minutes not finding anything new. They spread out their search as they surveilled the sea floor until their air tanks were low. They surfaced with nothing more. They returned to the boat, pulled themselves out of the sea and motored back to shore.

Returning to their hotel room, they first put away their diving equipment, then took turns showering and got dressed.

Rick asked, Should we keep it on us or hide it here in the room?

Let’s hide it in here for now. Just put it in the pocket of one of your pairs of pants. If any hotel staff come in here and go through our stuff, they won’t check there. Probably.

So how do we go about finding information about this thing?

Well, Mark said, I think that if this thing is cultural or famous, we should go to the local library, right? Plus, man, I’m hungry! Let’s get some dinner.

Sure. I could eat. Let’s grab a cab. Any cabby would know where the local library is, right?

Mark gave Rick a cockeyed look and said, You are a fucking genius, man. It’s a good thing you’re an advertising genius because sometimes I wonder about you.

What the hell are you talking about? Rick asked surprisingly perturbed. Hey, screw you, man. That fucking skeleton got me off my game. I mean, shit, it’s not every day that I bury a dead guy at the bottom of the sea. Cut me some fucking slack here.

All right, man. Sorry. Come on, let’s go.

They hid the medallion, made their way to the entrance and stepped outside the hotel to hail a cab. As they waited, Rick looked around the area. He spotted two women sitting in the sun on the ground floor patio. Rick slapped Mark on the shoulder to get his attention.

Mark turned his head to look at his friend. What, man?

Rick pointed to the women and said, Check it out. Two ladies are sitting by themselves. Let’s go talk to them.

Mark looked over at the women. Okay. Let’s make it quick, though. It’s getting late, and I’m hungry. Plus, I want to make it to the library today.

They sucked in their guts, puffed out their chests, and walked over to the railing that separated the courtyard and the patio where the ladies were relaxing.

Rick said, Good evening, ladies.

The women just sat there looking at the two men trying to engage them in conversation.

Rick said, Habla Ingles?

The women looked at each other and laughed out loud. They set their gaze on the men. They were both very pretty. They appeared to be about the same age as Rick and Mark. The taller one with red hair, a fantastic body, and long legs spoke first.

She said, I like a man that can make me laugh. I’m Tina, and this is Amy. Who are you?

You’re American, cool. I’m Rick, and the quiet guy is Mark. You ladies on vacation here by yourselves?

Our boyfriends are at the bar, I think, Tina said. Or did they go looking for hookers? What did they say, Amy? Bar or hookers?

The guys just stood there rethinking their strategy. The ladies just watched them until they both laughed again. Amy laughed so hard she spat part of her drink out of her mouth.

Tina said, Sorry, guys. I couldn’t stop myself. But seriously, we’re here on a short vacation. And we’re here alone, I promise. Come around the fence to the gate. Join us.

They needed no more convincing. They found the gate and walked onto the patio. The ladies got up from their chairs to greet the guys. Rick and Mark were both pleasantly surprised when both ladies hugged and kissed them in greetings. They all sat down. The ladies continued to lay out in the sun. The guys took the two chairs that were on the other side of the table.

Amy said, Mark, is it? Bring your chair over here by me. You can’t see the ocean from over there.

Mark didn’t have a second thought. He stood, carried his chair over, and sat down by Amy.

He said, That was a nice invitation. Thanks. The view is better over here. He gazed at Amy’s body.

Amy saw where his eyes were. She smiled at him first and then to Tina. Amy motioned with her head to Tina saying, let’s take this inside.

Tina nodded in agreement. Tina asked, Do you guys want a drink? We could go inside and get comfortable. What do you think? Sound good?

Mark said, That sounds great, Tina, but we were on our way to do some research for a project we’re working on. Can we come back later tonight? Or maybe lunch tomorrow? Would that be okay?

Tina and Amy looked disappointed.

Tina said, Well, okay. I just hope nothing else comes up. I guess we will see. Besides, working while you’re on vacation seems anti-climactic. And I’m all about being fully climatic.

Rick’s breath suddenly stifled. He was surprised at the directness of this beautiful woman. He felt good about his chances of getting lucky with her, but they had things to do. After excusing themselves to the ladies, they left the hotel in search of food. They caught a cab, headed into the city, and found a small diner that had an English menu. The area was tourist friendly, probably competing with the coast for tourist dollars. They ordered their food and discussed their strategy for how they would move forward with their find. When their food came, Rick asked the waitress, Do you speak English?

The waitress held up a finger and walked away. A young man came out from the back who looked to be around twenty years old. He walked over and asked, You gentlemen need some help?

Mark spoke up. We were wondering if you know of anyone around who is an expert on Spanish treasure.

Rick kicked Mark’s ankle while giving him a scolding look.

Rick said, Not treasure so much as jewelry.

The young man took a long moment, then furrowed his brow. Did you gentlemen find some treasure in here in Venezuela? Because if you did, the law says if you are caught leaving the country with Venezuelan artifacts in your possession, you could be arrested and sent to prison and forgotten. The young man gave it a few seconds to sink in, then continued, But in answer to your question. Emilio Sanchez is an expert on most Venezuelan artifacts. He works at the library just down the street. I am very sure he can be of assistance to you gentlemen.

Mark offered, Thank you, young man, and thank you for the legal advice as well.

The young man went back to where he came. Mark and Rick finished their Pabellon Criolla, a dish of flanked steak, rice, and black beans. Enjoying the food and drink did little to sway their thoughts from the adventure they were on. Well, Rick’s thoughts bounced between Tina and the medallion. After finishing their meal, Mark paid and left a modest tip for the service. They stepped out of the restaurant onto the sidewalk. They both stretched their muscles and picked their teeth with the toothpicks they picked up at the counter. Moving along, they headed for the library.

It was getting late in the day. They were anxious to find out what they had.

Mark commented, I hope we aren’t too late. It’s almost six.

They found the library still open. They entered through the very old Spanish style entrance. The building looked to be at least three hundred years old. The doors were twelve feet tall. It felt like entering a fort or castle. They approached the counter and asked to see the manager.

The nice lady behind the counter said in broken English, I am the manager.

Rick looked the place over. The architecture here is wonderful. How old is this building?

The woman smiled. This structure was built in 1663 by Monks. They worshiped here until they were run off in the 1800s by land grabbers and it was turned into a church in 1886. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Mark asked, Do you have any books with pictures of old Spanish jewelry or chains or medallions? Also, we were wondering if Emilio Sanchez is here today?

She just walked away and returned in just a few seconds with a thick book. She said, The library closes in a half-hour, gentlemen. She handed Mark the book and added, I will see if I can find Señor Sanchez.

They started thumbing through the volume page by page looking for the medallion. They were still thumbing through when Emilio approached the men.

He said, I am Emilio Sanchez. What can I do for you, gentlemen? They both stood and shook hands to show respect.

Rick started, Señor Sanchez, you come recommended as an expert in old Spanish jewelry. Specifically, medallions and chains. Are you familiar with these types of artifacts?

He looked at the two men and rubbed his jaw as he asked, What kind of medallion and chain?

Mark and Rick glanced at each other. They were both thinking the same thing. That they hadn’t thought this through.

Rick stammered, We were thinking of buying a silver medallion from a shop over on the coast. They said it was an ancient artifact and were asking ten thousand dollars for it. We were wondering if you could authenticate it for us?

Emilio asked,