RENEGADE MOUNTAIN

By JUDE WILDE and ERNEST LISI

          Renegade Mountain

Here a home of Cherokee teardrops, salty stains on its base,

With burial grounds that shift and sink, bodies absorbed,

Roadsides shrub-lined, flower strewn, snaking ever upwards,

    Ghosted enterprises of rusting

• Language: English
• Publisher: SKIA BOOKS
• Release date: Oct 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781088011621

Book preview

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. All events, names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual events, places, or persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental. Where actual people, historical or public figures appear, the situations, incidents and dialogue concerning those persons are entirely fictional. Description of and events that occur in existing places are products of the author’s imagination, and are not intended to change the entirely fictional nature of this work.

Copyright © 2021 by Jude Wilde Dzibinski

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U. S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication or portions thereof may be reproduced, distributed, or translated in any form or by any means, nor stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the author.

For information, email: [e-mail].

Poems by Ernie C. Lisi

Cover Art: Beverly Olin

Illustrations: DuWayne Dzibinski

Chief Editor: Carina Romano

Renegade Mountain/Jude Wilde Dzibinski

An imprint by Ingram Content for Skya Books

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Renegade Mountain/Jude Wilde

A Prescient Series Book

I. Title

TXu002242008

ISBN 978-0-578-73313-5

ISBN 978-1-088-01162-1 (e-book)

First Edition, March 2021

Printed in the United States of America

SKYA BOOKS

Renegade Mountain

Here a home of Cherokee teardrops, salty stains on its base, With burial grounds that shift and sink, bodies absorbed, Roadsides shrub-lined, flower strewn, snaking ever upwards, Ghosted enterprises of rusting hinges and gurgling water pipes, Renegade Mountain sits and reneges what others promised, Preferring to remain pristine for hiking climbers, unfettered, With potholed macadam, slack-wired ski-lifts, unsold condos. Archaeology not architecture the preferred mode of existence. Four murders in a car along a road by a paroled assassin, Drug deal gone wrong, Cherokee spirits share admixed auras With the four, strange miasma hanging as a pall on the mount; Lady pink slippers unplaced on princess feet by a gallant prince; Fire pink twirlers starred in place, lolling with a listless wind; Azaleas clustering close in choral gasps, sporadic and forlorn; Ragwort lining the road, golden-leafed, bobbing heavy heads. It is the renegade mountain that refuses, absolutely denies Its place as trophy, synced and risen here with nature’s bounty, Mystery tales and human wales dwell within campfire shadows, All agog as galaxies spin and stars glisten above Tennessee.

E. C. LISI

FOR: MIKO

RENEGADE

MOUNTAIN

I. On the Run

II. Angel of Death

III. Welcome Home

IV. Renegade Mountain

V. Poems of Ernesto Lazzaro

One Dead, Two Injured in Boat House Shooting

Monica Jarrett

Associated Press

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA - Detectives are investigating the shooting of a man and woman in the boathouse of the vacation home of a prominent San Francisco physician. The unidentified man died, en route to the hospital. The woman was transported to Tahoe Forest Hospital in serious condition. Her identity is being withheld pending notification of family members. According to Sheriff’s County Deputy Alejandro Ramirez, another woman, injured and in critical condition, is alleged to be the shooter. She was airlifted to the Regional

See SHOOTING, Page 3

~

The woman looked down at the newspaper clipping she had saved. She had been there. She knew better than this reporter exactly what happened. This shooting was the reason she had spent six weeks in this rehabilitation hospital. Now she was leaving, and she tossed the snippet away with the cards and letters that had kept her going through a painful recuperation. No friends or family could visit. Mail, flowers, and small gifts were delivered by a federal agent. She could take nothing with her that would identify her. No one could know where she was or where she was going.

She looked down at the passport, driver’s license, and airline tickets provided for her by the FBI. Chelsea Randall, she repeated over and over again. It still felt foreign as the name rolled off her tongue. She wondered how they came up with the name. She knew the initials had to match the monogram on her worn luggage, but they hadn’t even asked her if she had a preference. ‘I suppose Chelsea has a similar ring to Chloe, but Randall instead of Roussel? It isn’t even French,’ she thought as she examined the passport—already stamped with countries she had visited. Italy, Germany, Belgium, and France were all true. They had neglected the Czech Republic, however. She assumed on purpose, as that was where she would be in most danger.

ON THE RUN

1

~ PROMISES TO KEEP ~

Los Angeles to Brussels, with a layover in Chicago for a brief visit with my worried parents in Wisconsin. This was arranged to be done undercover with the help of Mikael Miesko, my oldest and dearest friend…a former FBI agent, and now Chief of Police in a neighboring city of where we both had grown up.

Now that the trip details had been arranged with a safe house in every city, I wondered if this identity change had been necessary. Six weeks in a private hospital for recovery and therapy—the gunshot had seriously injured my leg—should have been long enough to no longer be a threat to anyone. The damage had already been done. My testimony had been given, arrests made, and juries convened. Not even my family knew where I was, except that I am safe and recovering.

Yet, if I was to be released from the rehabilitation center, the conditions were that I was to leave the country, at least for the time being. They must know something I don’t.

Mikael had said he’d meet me in baggage, so I headed straight there after getting off the crowded flight. It felt good to stretch my legs, even though I now walked with a cane. It was the first time I had flown in coach in a long while. First class is too conspicuous, I had been told. ‘I’ll try to manage an upgrade on the transatlantic flight,’ I thought. ‘Eight hours is simply too long to be cramped up between seats like that.’

I saw my dear friend immediately across the carousel. He ambled over to me—a cop’s walk—with a smile on his face. That crooked little smile with the straying upper lip took me back to my childhood. Mikael and I had known each other since we were seven years old.

Oh, Miko, I’m so glad to see you. Thank you so much for arranging this time with my parents. I’ve been very concerned about them. I wasn’t sure how long before I’d be able to contact them, and my dad’s not well, as you know. I wanted to reach out and hug him.

Mm-hmm. I do know they’re anxious to see for themselves that you’re okay. They’ve been very worried about you. So have I, he said with a hint of shyness, holding back a little. He was not the hugging type.

I knew they would be, and so I’m indebted to you once again.

"I see you’re walking with a cane. How is your leg?"

I’m able to manage. It was very painful at first, the gunshot caused extensive damage, but it was the loneliness that got to me. I started to tear up.

And…how was your flight? he asked, seemingly awkward about the silence.

The flight was okay, but I just hate crowded airports. I’ve always avoided flying to or through Los Angeles, Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare…and today I hit two of the big three. Not that I had any choice, the itinerary was chosen for me.

I’m sure that was for your protection…hard to spot someone in a crowded airport. Taking the red-eye was also smart.

But no one knew where I was, much less that I’d be flying anywhere on a particular day…out of any particular airport. They had me change my hair and I’m wearing these tinted glasses that I don’t need. They wanted me to get colored contacts. They said my ‘baby blues’ are a dead giveaway. I don’t know if all this was really necessary.

"That’s not for you to determine. Your eyes are unusually distinctive. I think you look good as a blond, and the cut is…what would you say, perky? Just remember, it’s the FBI’s job to protect you and they probably know more than they’re telling yout. Didn’t you tell me your husband’s family was involved in this whole thing?"

"There’s no doubt in my mind my brother-in-law is still seeking revenge. I’m not sure about the family." I made air quotes with my fingers.

He laughed at my gesture. Well, I’ve met your brother-in-law and I wouldn’t worry about him, he’s just a big bully. I’m more concerned about these thugs and their human trafficking syndicate you’ve exposed. Their reach is long and thorough. Here comes the luggage. Let’s look for your bag.

~

Once we were in Mikael’s car, he was able to tell me the plan he had arranged. We’ll be going up to Lake Geneva, he informed me. It’s not yet summer season, so it shouldn’t be too crowded. I’ve booked a private bed and breakfast for you and your parents. It’s called the Landmark Inn.

Two rooms?

I booked all four rooms. I want you to have all the privacy you need.

But that must be expensive.

Agent Barber said to see that you were comfortable, so I am just following his orders. Actually, I cleared everything with him. I guess he really valued your help in rounding up those traffickers. Anyway, your rooms are booked under your alias, Chelsea Randall. You’ll be checking in ahead of them, so they won’t need to register.

It seems you’ve thought of everything. Will you be staying there too?

No, I’ll be running to Burlington. I have some business there to take care of. If you need anything, just call me, I’ll leave my phone on all night.

But I don’t have a…

Oh, I almost forgot…there’s a Tracfone in the glovebox programmed with my number. I’ll be back tomorrow to take you to an airport hotel. You’ll fly out the following afternoon.

I opened the glove compartment and removed a simple flip phone. Thank you…can I call my kids with this?

Unfortunately, no. The number can be traced, and we don’t want anyone finding you after all this subterfuge. After tomorrow, you can call anyone you want from the airport. O’Hare is a huge hub and even if they trace your location, they won’t know what plane you took or where you’re flying. Just be sure you drop the phone in any trash receptacle before you go to your gate.

Okay, dump the phone. I think I can remember that.

And no calls until you’re at the airport…not from the hotel. Now, are you hungry? We have time to stop for breakfast.

"Sure. I haven’t been eating…the food in the physical therapy center was very unappetizing, and I could really go for a nice cup of good tea. Both the medical center and the airline really fell short there."

I know just the place. Now tell me where you’re off to when you leave Chicago…Florida?

Oh no, Agent Barber said that he felt it wasn’t safe for me to return to my job yet, so I’m going to Prague.

Prague? Miko barked. I thought you had almost been killed in Prague! Why Prague?

I made a promise to Alex that I would complete the album that he started with the Czech Radio Orchestra.

But your husband is dead! Oh, I’m sorry, Chloe, that was insensitive.

"It’s okay. I’m not touchy about that word. I know Alex is gone and he’s not coming back. But while he may not be here any longer, I am…and I’m going to keep my promise."

I didn’t mean to infer that. What I meant is how can you complete an album without him?

As I’ve told you, Alex has been invited many times to Czechoslovakia to tour and record, even when it was under Communist rule. Each time we went, he recorded music for the Czech Radio…sometimes with a small group and often with a big band. Last September he recorded four tracks with a full symphony orchestra. That was his shining moment…he felt his greatest achievement. Now that it’s the Czech Republic and a free market, I intend to buy those symphonic tracks along with the ones in the can from the Czech Radio, and combine them into a CD.

That’s very ambitious of you. Will you be safe?

I think so, but I can’t worry about that. Gianni and Luke are going to meet me in Brussels. We’ll drive to friends in Germany and then to Prague. Alex’s cousin, Gianni, will handle the business end of the production and Luke will help me choose the tracks. Luke and Joel both have their father’s ear, but Joel isn’t as free as Luke to travel in the summer. The girls aren’t able to join us either…Alexandra and Olivia are both working. Besides, I think the FBI would go crazy if I wanted my whole family to go.

Are you sure it’s wise for even Luke to go? He could have a tail.

No, I don’t think so. He’s been in Hawaii, courtesy of the FBI. He’ll be flying out from there. Don’t think anyone will be looking for him now that I’ve testified.

Probably not. I’m sure you miss everyone.

Very much, but I think they’re well protected. How’s your family?

My son is fine…he’s eighteen now. I haven’t told you, but I’ve been divorced since September.

I’m sorry. I didn’t know.

Don’t be, this was long in coming…just wanted to wait until Dan was out of high school. I’ve been seeing someone—a nice lady—don’t know how serious it is…I’ve never had much luck with women.

Maybe this time will be different.

~

I must have dozed off on the drive north. I didn’t recall crossing the state line into Wisconsin, but there was the sign:

Welcome to

LAKE GENEVA

Wisconsin

Welcome to Lake Geneva, Mikael repeated the sign’s salutation. Ready for that tea?

I really must need it. Sorry for nodding off.

I’m glad you could relax enough to sleep. It must be awful to feel hunted.

I’ve always felt safe with you, Miko. You’re like a big brother. You’re going through an awful lot of trouble for me.

"I would do anything for you and your family. I am your big brother. If your parents hadn’t taken pity on me, my childhood would have been awful."

You brought a lot of joy to them too…and still do I’m sure. Is that where we’re going? I pointed to a quaint little building up ahead on the next corner. We were well into what looked like the downtown.

It is…you’ve been here before?

No, but the sign gave it away.

Café, he laughed as he read. I’ve been here so many times I don’t even see the sign. I’m blind anyway in the morning until I get my first cup of coffee. I emptied this thermos on the way down to the airport so I’d be alert enough to watch out for any bad guys. Mikael was still chuckling, as he pulled into a prime parking spot.

I’m happy to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor after all this time. Neither had he lost that quirky little smile that I knew so well. Familiar things like that made me so comfortable with him.

With the things I’ve seen and the people I’ve dealt with, I have to laugh or I’d be crying. Let’s get you some tea.

"Oh, look, the logo in the window. They have Rishi Tea. You did know just the right spot."

Stick with me, Chlo. We’re on a roll.

~

I wasn’t very hungry, but managed to down a piece of apple strudel while I savored my tea. Normally, all restaurants serve an English breakfast tea, but Earl Grey is my favorite and Lavender Earl Grey tea is almost impossible to find, I quipped, sipping my second cup.

Glad you’re happy, Chloe. We should be going. Mikael signaled for the check, and I browsed the shop while he went to the counter and paid.

I found a box of Chamomile tea florets and took that to the counter. Mikael, still in line, took them from my hand.

No, that’s okay. I have money. I thought it would be nice to have a soothing cup of tea tonight, and I’m not sure what they’ll have to offer at the inn.

Sounds good…we’ll just add this to your tab. He winked as he tossed the tea on the counter along with his credit card.

Thank you, see you outside.

As I reached the door, I heard rapid gunfire coming from outside. Ducking my head automatically, I screamed. I felt Mikael behind me. He pulled me backwards by my right shoulder. I stumbled as he stepped in front of me. Pushing me to the side, his hand on his gun, he ordered, Stay here, and strode boldly out to the street.

2

~ LAKE GENEVA ~

I feel foolish jumping out onto the sidewalk with my gun drawn, Mikael admitted. Lucky everyone was on the main street watching the parade, and no one saw me.

Well, there were people in the coffee shop. Imagine how I looked crawling behind the counter.

I guess we’re both a bit jumpy…trying to pull off this meeting with your parents without putting you in danger.

Alex would say you ‘jumped the gun,’ I snickered. He was such a punster. I smiled, thinking of my farcical husband, who was always anxious to make people laugh, even if it was at him.

Glad we can make fun of it now. It took a minute to realize it wasn’t a dire situation. I can’t believe I didn’t remember it was a holiday.

Loyalty Day. I never heard of it.

In Lake Geneva, any excuse for a parade.

But guns? What do they have to do with loyalty? I questioned.

It’s our right to bear arms. I learned in the Air Force that Loyalty Day is all about our freedom, and it’s the guns that protect our freedom.

"…And scare me to death? You were like, no fear. You yanked me back and jumped in front of me."

I was trying to protect you. It comes with the territory.

I wanted to tell him that at that moment, I had become overwhelmed with emotion. I had never felt so cared for since I was a child. But then Mikael was very much like my father. I thought about that a bit, and not wanting to embarrass him, simply said, Thank you.

~

We’re here, everybody out, Mikael announced as he pulled up to a picturesque eighteenth century Italianate styled house with an ornate windowed cupola.

It’s lovely.

I’ll get your bags and check you in, then I have to hurry off to my meeting. You’ll be fine here…your own little safe house. No more gunshots here.

I can’t thank you enough, Miko. I wish you could stay.

No, you need this time with your parents. They should be here any minute.

~

The evening with my parents had been sweet and emotional. Mikael had arranged for private dining at the inn, eliminating unwelcome prying eyes and ears. It wasn’t like I was well-known, but I hadn’t exactly lived my life out of the spotlight, especially since the death of my husband, and the subsequent takedown of the Tahoe syndicate. In particular, in Wisconsin, my parents were socially active and might be recognized even as far away from Milwaukee as Lake Geneva.

After thoroughly discussing my near demise in Lake Tahoe and subsequent hospitalization, we laughed and talked about old times. My father’s breathing was worse than I remembered, and he now towed an oxygen tank behind him, another reason to stay out of a public restaurant. My mother was seriously concerned about my welfare and remained solemn throughout the evening.

In the morning, after a hearty breakfast of Eggs Benedict and Corned Beef Hash—my father’s favorite—I had seen them off with hugs and kisses and teary goodbyes.

I decided to walk off breakfast, so I changed to my jeans and running shoes, not that I would run—impossible since my surgery—but a brisk morning walk in the fresh air, even with a cane, seemed inviting to me. I threw a bottle of water from the fridge and my book into my backpack in case I found a convenient bench to rest along the way. As a last minute thought, I pocketed the Tracfone Mikael had given me. I felt a little guilty leaving the safe house he had provided for me. ‘It isn’t as if he told me not to leave the inn,’ I thought. ‘After all, who’s going to be looking for me here?’ I ventured out.

Even though the beaches here were not walkable as in California and Florida, I caught glimpses of the water as I passed a large resort hotel. I wished I had a camera…the scenery was so photo worthy. ‘That’s the first thing I’m going to buy in Prague.’ I felt lost without my camera.

I began to tire and decided to turn around, but not before seeing a black sedan pull into the resort’s circular driveway and park at the check-in area. A man in a light suit exited the passenger door, the car idling. I hung back and waited, watching the driver—also wearing a tailored suit—get out and light up a cigarette. They certainly didn’t look like tourists. I turned back and proceeded to walk in the direction the car had come from, away from the hotel—not wanting to be seen.

I turned to look. The car sped away in the opposite direction…toward the inn. My antennae up, as Alex would have called my wild imagination, I took out the Tracfone and pressed the speed dial number Mikael had given me. He answered immediately.

Chloe, what’s up…anything wrong?

I don’t know, Miko, I have bad vibes about something that I just saw. As I explained to my dear friend, I began to feel foolish. Maybe I’m simply paranoid. Do you think I’m silly?

Of course not, I know all about your ‘vibes.’ You’ve been gifted with a sixth sense. Here’s what I want you to do. Go back into the hotel they just left. It’s doubtful they will go back there. Ask the desk to call you a cab…pretend you’re a guest there. They won’t question you. Tell the driver to take you to the Coffee Mill in nearby Fontana. I want you out of Lake Geneva. I’m about thirty minutes away.

But what about my things?

Don’t worry, I’ll go and pack up your room before I pick you up. I’m leaving now.

~

Although the coffee shop had a warm and woodsy atmosphere, I wasn’t concerned about the ambiance. I was looking for a place where I’d be safe. Relieved to find it was lightly occupied, I quickly scanned the customers and found nothing out of the ordinary—people casually dressed like locals and tourists. …and always be aware of your surroundings, Mikael had said.

I looked up at the menu board and was pleased to find they also served tea—Rishi tea, in fact. ‘What luck.’ No line at the counter, so I approached the barista.

And how can I help you? I was greeted by a young man wearing a knit cap and a name tag declaring his name was Ben.

I’d like a nice calming tea, but not Chamomile. I don’t want to fall asleep.

Ben laughed good-humoredly. I’m not sure how calming the tea is, but I think you’ll find the color of the Blue Jasmine very relaxing. It’s the color of a deep blue lake…kind of like your eyes.

‘So much for the tinted glasses.’ That sounds great.

I spotted a comfy chair in the corner of a private alcove where I could watch for Mikael and still be somewhat hidden away, so I picked up my tea and headed straight for it while it was still empty. I had just taken my book from my backpack, opened to the bookmarked page and relaxed into the chair when I felt someone approaching. I glanced up to see a middle-aged man advancing toward me. I avoided direct eye contact with him by burying my head back into my book.

I sensed him standing in front of me before I heard him. What are you reading?

I ignored him by taking a sip of my tea.

Any good? he pressed on.

I looked up at him. Excuse me?

The book…is it any good?

I’m sorry, sir, but is everyone here this bold?

Just being friendly, ma’am. My name is Ted Miller. You’re not from these parts, are you?

I’m not up for conversation right now, simply want some peace and quiet while I’m waiting for my husband. ‘Now, go away,’ I thought. This wasn’t like me. I knew how friendly people in Wisconsin were but I wanted to remain anonymous. I was wary now…had to be vigilant.

I caught him taking a quick glimpse of my wedding ring, which I had, as yet, not removed.

I see. Sorry to have bothered you, he said and walked away.

I went back to my book but no longer felt like reading. I remembered passing a little gift shop on my way to the counter. ‘I can kill a little time there.’ I looked at my watch as I finished my tea. ‘I shouldn’t have much longer to wait.’

As I came out of the alcove, I was startled to see Ted Miller out on the patio talking to a man in a grey suit. ‘Any longer is too long,’ I thought as I fled out the nearest door.

~

I speed dialed Mikael. …I’m probably just a bit skittish, and I couldn’t say for sure it was the same man. It might have been my imagination, but once again, the man seemed more like a city type than a local. Now you really must think I’m a schizo…and maybe I am, but I’m frightened, Miko. Please understand, I couldn’t take a chance.

Now don’t you go all haywire on me. It’s okay. You have every reason to be alarmed, and I probably should have stayed with you, but I didn’t think they would locate you there, and maybe they haven’t, but let’s not take any chances. I’m almost at the inn. You’re five minutes away from the Abbey. It’s a mammoth resort. Just walk up to Fontana Boulevard and turn right. It’ll be just ahead of you.

I’m already on Fontana, I’m trying to keep up with a bunch of tourists so I’m not a sitting duck.

Good thinking, stay with them as long as you can. Just stay out of the lobby or restaurants.

That’s what happened at the coffee shop. This man just walked up to me and…

"You can fill me in