Capturing Toucan

By Robert Hrib

Robert retires from the Paterson, New Jersey Fire Department as a Battalion Chief. He took a job as Public Safety Director of the United States. He was forced to retire after two months, due to the fact he shot and killed a terrorist that murdered the President of The United States.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Marshill Ink LLC
• Release date: May 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957387291

Robert Hrib

Robert G Hrib was born in Passaic New Jersey on July 24, 1955. His family moved from Haledon, New Jersey to a small town in Northern Jersey called Little Falls. At the age of three, he wanted to help people as an EMT or a firefighter. He attended schools in Little Falls. Robert always disliked school and his best grades were "Cs" but mostly "Ds". When he reached the age of sixteen he joined the Enterprise Fire Company in Little Falls. Two years later he became a civil defense firefighter in the City of Paterson, New Jersey. About ten years later he passed the civil service test for firefighter and was hired by the Paterson Fire Department in 1983. He was promoted to the position of captain in 1990. Then in 2002 he was promoted to the rank of battalion chief. He retired in 2009 after servicing 25 years. He has two children a boy and a girl, Robert Michael and Shannon Michael. He is married to Lucilania Sanchez Samora. They are currently living in Brick Town, New Jersey and San Padro, Dominican Republic. He has written five books: The Third Beginning, The Third Beginning Part 2 According to Robert and Karen, The Third Beginning Grand Finally, Presidential Disease and Capturing the Toucan. He is now writing the third and final book in this series call, "Four Kings on the Hill."

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CAPTURING THE TOUCAN

CAPTURING THE TOUCAN

ROBERT HRIB

DEDICATION

I am dedicating this book to my children and to my new wife’s children. Shannon Michael Hrib-Murillo, Robert Michael Hrib, (Jenny) Jennifer M Rosario, (Millie) Clavel Moreta, and (Tonya} Mayka Margarita Moreta. Some day we will all be together.

Evelyn Stratton who has left us July 23, 2021. She sent meals to my house when she knew I was writing. She was always there with a glass of wine for me. You will be missed.

Most of all I am dedicating the book to my wife, Lucilania Sanchez Samora Hrib. She lets me work writing the book with very few interruption. She makes sure my meals are there for me. She provides snacks for me while I writing. She is always there for me.

CHAPTER 1

The Director goes to Sint Maarten

The weather report in Brick Town, New Jersey called for 24 to 30 inches of snow in the next few days. Not what you wanted to here for your first week of my second retirement. I called Carol my travel agent, from Sunrise Travel. I asked her to get me on a flight to Sint Maarten before the snow storms. She got me a flight the next morning. It was first class and very expensive. I was happy to get it, it will be worth the extra cost.

I started packing for the nice warm weather. I was in a great mood thinking about the warm air when the plane door is open, when we dock at the gate. The feeling is wonderful when that door is opened up. You just seemed to forget about everything. I decided not to take any dress clothing. I was going to be a beach bum. I only needed one bathing suit to get on and off the beach. Orient Beach Club is where I swim is nude. I will not even need the suit to swim in.

I call Lucy to let her know I was coming. She told me she was in Santa Domingo by her daughter’s house. The women next door has the key to the apartment. This trip already has problems. I know now, I will need a ride from the airport to the apartment. I called my neighbor John to see if he could take me to Newark airport in the morning. He said, he would see me at four thirty tomorrow. I was all set.

That day and night went very fast. The alarm went off at three am, it felt like I just went to bed. I showered and was out the door. It was nineteen degrees. The Jersey Shore is normally warmer than in land. For a February morning this was not normal. The ride to the airport took about an hour and fifteen minutes. There was no traffic at that time of the day.

I checked in at the counter. The young lady was all smiles when she saw me. She said, Hello Director where are you flying to this morning?

I was surprised she knew who I was. I handed her my passport and the print out sheet with my itinerary. She tagged my one suitcase. Then handed me my ticket and luggage tag.

She said Would you sign a magazine for me.

I said Okay, I never had to sign one before.

She handed me a copy of Time Magazine. My photo was on the cover. I was surprised. I did not even know anything about it. I asked her name. She said Samantha Cotton.

I signed it for her and wrote she was the prettiest ticket agent United had. She read it and gave me a kiss. She called over a baggage handler to take my backpack and carry-on bag. He walked me to the TSA agent. The agent took my ticket and looked up at me.

He smiled and said Welcome Director, you can go to the crew line. Are you carrying your weapon?

I said No I am going to Sint Maarten to get away from everything.

He then told me to enjoy my vacation. I should go to the crew line. We walked to the crew line there was no waiting. It was the fastest I have ever went through security. The baggage handler escorted me to the Captain’s lounge. He handed my passport and ticket to the women at the desk. She looked at me and smiled. She handed him my documents and said Take him to room one.

We walked to room one. He opened the door and placed my things on the bench. He told me the clock on the wall was counting down until my flight. Bonny would be in to take my order. I thanked him and tried to tip him. He told me he could not except anything and left.

I had a great view of the airport. I could see my gate. Bonny came into the room. She was in her late thirties. Very pretty, wearing a short navy blue skirt and a white shirt. She handed me two menus. One was for breakfast, the other was for my flight.

I ordered a Taylor Ham and egg on a hard roll with tea. Lunch on the plane was roast turkey with all the trimmings. I sat there thinking this trip just got a lot better. I should fly first class more often.

Bonny came in with my sandwich. It came with vegetable home fries. Bonny sat on a chair by the door waiting to see if I wanted anything else. I asked her if I was the only person she was taking care of. She told me I was. I asked her if she would like to get a cup of tea or coffee and sit at the table with me. She smiled and left the room. She returned to the room with a pot of tea and a cup for herself.

She told me I was her first VIP that was on the cover of Time Magazine. I told her I just found out about it this morning. I asked her about her family. She told me she was married twice, both pilots that worked for United. Both marriages did not last for more than six months. I told her she was very pretty and should not have any problem finding a nice guy.

About two hours later a young lady came into the room and asked me if I was ready to board. I got up and told Bonny, good bye. Bonny asked if I would sign her copy of Time Magazine. I signed it and wrote she was a great hostesses.

We walked to the gate and passed a Hudson News stand. My picture was all over the stand. The magazine just came out this morning. We got to the gate the agent took my passport and ticket then scanned them both. I was the first one on the plane. I had the first row window seat. The fight attended asked if I wanted champagne or wine. I said champagne would be fine. The plane filled up very fast or was it because I was drinking champagne.

The last person on the plane was a women in her mid-forties. She was very pretty. She had on a short skirt and very long brown hair. She sat down next to me. The trip just got better. She smiled and put out her hand. She said I am Rebecca James.

I shook her hand and started to tell her my name. She held up the Time Magazine with my photo on the cover. I smiled and said I guess you know who I am.

The door to the plane closed we listened to the flight attendant give her safety speech. Rebecca leaned over to me after the attendant was finish and said I feel very safe sitting next to you.

I just smiled. She too wanted me to sign her copy of Time Magazine. She ask if I did everything that it said in the magazine. I said I did not read it and I just found out this morning about it.

She said The President of the United States said ‘I was the person that led the FBI to the capturing of the terrorist.

I told her It was many people the led to his capture.

She replied That is what The President said you would say. He said ‘It was all your doings finding Chow.

I smiled and said Hundreds of agents worked on the case.

The flight attended brought our meals with another glass of champagne. After lunch we both closed our eyes and went to sleep. The flight attended woke us up with hot wash clothes and a glass of water for each of us. The landing was great. We came in from the water and I watched as we flew over the Sunset Beach Bar.

The seat belt light went out shortly after we got to the gate. We stood up as the door open. The blast of hot air was wonderful. A man came on board and asked for my back pack and carry-on bag. I said Good bye Rebecca, I will see her on Orient Beach.

I was escorted to the crew line in customs. The man asked for my luggage tag he will take care of everything. The customs agent signaled to an officer to come over to her. She handed him my passport after she stamped it. She told me to go with the officer. We went into a room and he asked if I wanted a bottle of water. I told him yes, that would be great. He asked me where I was staying and if I had someone picking me up. I told him I needed a taxi to get to Arch Road. He informed me they had a car ready to take me anywhere I wanted to go. The driver was getting my luggage and he would call him when it was in the car.

I asked why all the fuss over me. He handed me his copy of Time Magazine, I understood. Then he said Your Diplomate passport requires they take extra care of Diplomates.

I thanked him just as the call came over the radio the driver was in the car with my luggage.

I got into the car and told the driver to take me to Arch Road # 93. He asked me what beach I was going to swim at. I told him I go to Orient Beach Club every day. He said he would wait and take me if I wanted him to. I told him I have Lucy’s car waiting for me at her apartment.

He said Lucy from the casino?

I said Yes you know Lucy?

He said Everyone knows Lucy.

He dropped me off at the apartment I gave him ten dollars for the ride. He was very happy. I knocked on the sliding door Rose greeted me with a hug. The last time I saw her she was six months pregnant. Her baby was now almost a year old. I got the key and unlocked the door. I returned the key back to her. I knew the car keys had a house key on it. I opened the windows and unpacked my clothes. I shower and went into town to get a bottle of wine and a rack of ribs.

I went into Philipsburg to the boardwalk. I went to the Blue Bitch Bar. I sat down outside and the waitress came over to me. She handed me a menu and asked what I wanted to drink.

I smiled and said Sauvignon Blanc Reanna

She looked up at me and screamed Robert!

The other two waitress came over and hugged me. They were all Lucy’s friends. My first night in Sint Maarten we always came here. They left after they all hugged me. I sat there looking out Great Bay. There was four cruise ships in port today. Everyone will be heading back to the ship soon.

The cook came out from the kitchen and gave me a hug. His name was Juan. He was from the Dominica Republic. Lucy got him the job several years ago. He whispered I have a half rack of ribs on the grill they are the best. I will make the fries extra crispy!

I told him I would take it. That is why I am here. Just for your cooking.

I thanked him and thought after he left I am going to enjoy this retirement. The only thing that could make it better if Lucy was here. I was on my second glass of wine thinking about Elizabeth. She was the Assist Public Safety Director in Washington. She took over my job. I now realized I was very lonely. Susan, Linda, and Cyndy all worked in the office with me. I missed them all.

I finished the bottle of wine and went back to Lucy’s apartment. I went to bed thinking I was very lonely on this beautiful Island. Tomorrow will be different. The warm sun the beautiful turquoise waters will make me forgot about everything.

I got up the next morning ate breakfast and was on my way by ten o’clock. I pulled into the driveway of the resort the parking lot was almost full. They now charge five dollars to park. I gave the girl five dollars and pull into the last space in the lot. I got out and removed all my clothing. I put my flip-flops on and placed my hat on top of my head. I walked to the beach now feeling free and very relax. I passed four couples walking from the beach all nude. Everyone said hello. I know by the end of the day I will have talked to everyone at the resort.

I got my beach chair and umbrella. I always get one not far from the beach bar. I went for a swim the water felt wonderful. The water was in the high seventies. I spent the rest of the morning watching the people walk past in the surf.

I decided to go to lunch it was after one. I took my towel and wallet. I walked to the restaurant Papagayo for lunch. I got to the front Christina yelled Robert!

I walked over to her and instead of kissing me on the cheeks she hugged me. She is a young black girl with a very nice body from Dominica. She has a little boy about seven. She always knows what I drink. I felt strange hugging her while I was nude, and she had clothing on. She call Fran and told her I was here. Fran came out of the kitchen and saw me. She ran over to me and gave me a hug. Christine came over with a copy of Time Magazine printed in French. She hug me again. She asked where I was shot. I showed her my leg. She hugged me again. She brought me over to the table where I always sit. I placed the towel down on the chair before I sat down.

Christina brought me my wine. She placed a plate with olive oil and a basket of bread in front of me. She asked me if I wanted the fish plater. I said it sounded great. The cook came over to the table with my lunch. He told me Christina showed him the magazine to him. He wanted to know if I knew The President of the United States. I told him we were good friends. He left and I ate lunch. It was great. One of the best meals I ever had in the restaurant.

Christina came over to me just as I finished. She said The Governor of Saint Martin is here and would like to talk to you.

I turned around and he was standing there with another man. There was a very pretty woman in her late thirties. I took my towel and walked over to them.

Governor Thomas reached his hand out and said Hello I am the Governor of Saint Martin, would you like to sit down.

I placed the towel down on the chair and sat down. He introduce me to the young lady. Her name was Lizette Dobell. She is a detective with the Saint Martin Federal Police. The man with them was Deputy Governor, John Harrison.

The Governor said Saint Martin has a killer on the loose. We need your help finding him.

I said I am retired. I am not a cop. I am a firefighter.

Lizette reached down into her bag, and produced a copy of Time Magazine. I looked down at it and now I was getting annoyed about it. The Governor said Please we need your help. This man has killed several women. If the tourist find out they will stop coming to the island.

I said I do not have any authority in your country.

The Deputy Governor said We can make you a citizen of Saint Martin. We can make you a Caribbean Marshal. It is a brand new position. Only two per country. It will allow you to carry a gun and travel to any country in the Caribbean.

When he mention the position Lizette’s eye opened up wide. I asked Who would I be working with.

Lizette said Me, I will be your partner.

I said You are a Caribbean Marshal?

She said No, but you would be my partner.

I turned to the Governor and said If I do take the job then she should be a Marshal too. I would have to have my partner with me all the time.

Lizette smiled at me. The governor smiled and said Okay.

The Governor’s cell phone rang and he answered it. I heard him say, We, Yes, and of course several times. He then handed the phone to me. He told me it was for me.

I said Hello.

The man on the phone said Hello Director this is The Director of The FBI. How are you enjoying you retirement?

I said I am enjoying it a lot, but The Governor wants me to end it now!

He said Remember in the car you said, ‘If we ever need your service to call you?

I did remember it and now wish I did not say it. I replied Yes.

He said As a favor would you help them out. I will have the CIA fund it for you. Say two year’s salary. That is a half of a million dollars tax free. I will send you a gun from The Secret Service.

I said You make a great salesmen. Send two guns. I want my new partner to have the same gun as I am carrying. Her name is Lizette Dobell, she is a Federal Police Officer with the Saint Martin police force.

He said The money will be in your account by five tonight. Give the phone back to the Governor I want to see if they can do something for you.

I handed him the phone. He smiled and said to The Director I will arrange that. He hung up the phone and call Christina over to the table. He said Send the resort manager over here, I must talk to him. Lizette will stay here and fill you in about the cases. Tomorrow you will be sworn in as a citizen of Saint Martin. Then you both will be sworn in as a Caribbean Marshal.

The resort manager came over to the table. The Governor said The Director is now a guest of Saint Martin. He is not to be charge for anything. See to it he has a nice room, a house keeper, and food in his room. Call a clothing store and have them send over a sales person to fit him with pants, shirts, and a uniform.

The manager just said right away. He then walked over to Christina and had words with her.

The Governor stood up and said I will see you and Lizette in my office at nine o’clock tomorrow morning. Lizette will remain here for the rest of the day. You two should get to know each other before you start working together.

I thanked him for the opportunity to work for him. He left and we sat down.

Lizette smiled and said Thank you, I wanted the job as Marshal but, they said I was not the right person for it.

I said The United States Government is sending me my gun and one for you. It is made for The United States Secret Service agents. I would like you to carry it instead of the one you have now.

Lizette smile and could only say, Really!

Then she excused herself she had to go to the ladies room.

Christina came over to the table with two glass and a bottle of wine. She said Your room is ready it is right next door. It has a picnic table out back with a great view of the Orient Bay. Would you like to sit there?

I said Yes, that would be great.

When Lizette returned we walked next door. A black women in her sixties was standing next to the table with two towel. She smiled and said Welcome to Club Orient. I am Mabel Wilson. I will be your house keeper while you are a guest.

She showed me around the small cottage. It had one bedroom, kitchen, living room off the back facing the water, and a small bathroom. She told me I should eat at the restaurant. She will have snacks and tea for me in the room. I thanked her as she left.

I asked Lizette if she wanted to change before we started work. She asked if she could use the bedroom to change. I told her it was all right. I asked her if she ever came to the resort to swim.

She told me I have been here many times with her friends.

I went outside and sat at the table thinking this might not be so bad after all. Lizette came outside wearing just a sarong wrapped around her waist. Her breasts were beautiful about 34C. She had tan lines around her neck and wrists.

I said You were ready for this.

She said The French are not like the Americans. They have too many hang-ups with your bodies.

She sat down and gave me the first file to read. It was a women in her late fifties. She was killed in her home sitting on her back porch. The killer used an ice pick to kill her. It was pushed into the back of her head into her brain seven times. There was no sign of her trying to fight back. She had no one living with her. A neighbor found her the next day. She had a brand new refrigerator that was less than one year old. The police officer investigating the crime wrote, she could not have afforded a new one. No finger prints were