Gold Fever

By John Herold

In Brazil, there existed a long-running feud between two rival corporations. Benajim Costa, a wealthy state representative, owns a beautiful estate named Riverview, And thousands of acres of orange groves while Raphael de Goya is a world-famous gymnast Who lives in a former Henry Ford home and operates a lumber business.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Worth Written Media
• Release date: Jul 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781088037485

John Herold

After serving in the Navy the author relocated from Pennsylvania to Silicon Valley, California. As a senior designer, he developed various components For the Navy, Army, and Air Force. In his free time, he spent his days on the beach. Observing nature and the huge waves that pounded the rocky shoreline. When he retired, he decided to move back to Pennsylvania to see his family and friends. Now he had extra time to explore old ideas. He received a patent for a collapsible Kayak, took cruises to different Caribbean islands, did several oils and watercolor paintings, And led an art class for three years. Writing, however, became his prime focus. He Tries to incorporate some of his experiences into each novel.

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GOLD

FEVER

John Herold

Gold Fever by John Herold

This is a work of fiction. All names of characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2022 by John Herold

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any form by any means, including, but not limited to, recording, photocopying, or taking screenshots of parts of the book, without prior written permission from the author or the publisher. Brief quotations for noncommercial purposes, such as book reviews, permitted by Fair Use of the U.S. Copyright Law, are allowed without written permissions, as long as such quotations do not cause damage to the book’s commercial value. For permissions, write to the publisher, whose address is stated below.

E-book: 978-1-0880-3748-5

Paperback: 978-1-0880-3750-8

Printed in the United States of America.

Book Ordering Information

Worth Written Media

301 S. Perimeter Park Drive Suite

100 Nashville, TN 37211

www.worthwrittenmedia.com

[e-mail]

[phone]

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.

-Mahatma Gandhi-

Contents

CHAPTER 1

RiverView, Bemajim's

Wealthy Estate.

CHAPTER 2

Police Chief Compos asks

for Dr. David Raywalt’s help

CHAPTER 3

Rick Thorton, David’s

nephew arrives by plane

CHAPTER 4

Compos boards plane and checks out

the death of Emilio Costa

CHAPTER 5

David’s motorcycle is forced off the road, but he and Rick still visit

Rafael for dinner.

CHAPTER 6

Compos arrests stewardess,

Gloria Costa

CHAPTER 7

Rick meets Chico, first mate

on David’s cruiser

CHAPTER 8

They cruise the Rio Negro River

told to be aware a flying Devil

CHAPTER 9

Compos gets murder weapon from lab

and wonders how it works

CHAPTER 10

Erico, Compos aide, checks the docks, meets Raposa, a female guard

CHAPTER 11

Compos visits RiverView and gets

an insult from Costa

CHAPTER 12

David, Chico, & Rick visit Mary

who owns the Harpy's Lodg e

CHAPTER 13

David, Chico & Rick visit next a friendly tribe, Boka Tae is their leader

CHAPTER 14

Enemy drones attack Aquavis

CHAPTER 15

Compos arrests Raposa.

CHAPTER 16

Compos radios Aquavis and warns them to be very careful

CHAPTER 17

Rio Rojo River is reached

and strange animals are seen

CHAPTER 18

Native tribe captures David, Chico,

& Rick, Ylla is their fierce leader.

CHAPTER 19

David, Chico & Rick escape but

are captured by bad white men

CHAPTER 20

They are led to a cenote (lake)

and see zombies

CHAPTER 21

David, Chico & Rick explore the

cenote and dive beneath its water.

CHAPTER 22

Costa’s men discover

the location of the cenote.

CHAPTER 23

Costa flies in but is shot down.

The town of Pena is saved

Epilog

Chief Compos is put on trial

but is found not guilty

CHAPTER 1

RiverView, Bemajim's

Wealthy Estate.

The magnificent RiverView estate sat on a man-made bluff overlooking the small river port city of Pena, Brazil. It was a five-story Art Deco designed palace with its roofs dipped in gold and jade colors that appeared to be shimmer in the tropical sun. Surrounding its whitish walls were lush, green gardens, his and hers tennis courts, and an Olympic size swimming pool. A ten- foot marble statue of Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered Brazil, stood next to the steps of a giant gazebo. Inside the gazebo a group of musicians, dressed in traditional costumes, played Latin songs every afternoon. On Riverview’s west wing, there was a one hundred foot waterfall flowing out of a parapet, which plunged into a large cavernous pool. Huge golden trout patrolled its perimeter always looking for a free handout. On the east wing was a set of backdoors that led to a large helicopter pad where the owner’s red and white helicopter sat.

If, by chance, you were invited for a visit, Sir Gregory, a stately, well-groomed English butler, would open the twin teak doors that displayed the large golden initials of Benajim's Costa, the master of his estate. Sir Gregory would asked your name, and then welcome you to step inside. As he led you down an ornate hallway to the master’s quarters, you would pass many rooms that were elaborately adorned in a early to late French provincial motif, that is, all but one; Benajim Costa’s private study. This study was his Guarida as he called it. Its walls were made of expensive mosaics of different tropical woods, and on each wall were all kinds of animals’ heads, each mounted on a marble plague and spaced exactly six feet apart. Privately, Benajim will tell his fellow hunters he disliked mounting animal bodies but would never say why.

The visitor would also see neatly dressed servants parading in and out of various rooms taking care of the personal needs of Semor Costa’s family and his closest friends. Through lightly tinted glass windows one could also see indigent gardeners who were on their hands and knees spending countless hours manicuring all the lawns. Benajim Costa wanted his residence to be immaculate at all times in all kinds of weather and he was willing to pay for it.

One humid Wednesday morning a startled Benajim Costa awoke. Even though the air conditioning was working, he had woke up in a wet bed caused by his sweating. He had a terrible nightmare, and now he was feeling a strong urge to do something about it; that is, to retaliate by inflicting pain on someone else. He felt a growing desire to inflict that pain on his old nemesis, Rafael Santoro de Goya and his company. After eating a light breakfast, he notified all the leaders of his labor force, Costa’s Army as the local press liked to call it, to meet with him in his Guarida. They responded immediately and now were seated around a large rosewood table. Felix, a very dapper man dressed in an expensive Italian suit was Benajim’s personal accountant. He stepped inside the Guarida and stood next to Gregory as he closed the doors.

Benajim Costa, was a rather portly, middle aged man with a thin mustache under a bulbous nose, a pair of dry lips shaped like dried vanilla beans and had a large bald spot on the back of his head. He stood up, placed his half smoked Cuban cigar in an ashtray, and scanned around the table, looking over each person.

A sinister look appeared briefly on his face followed by a smug smile. Benajim nodded his head just a little. He was proud of his men. They did all that he ever asked of them and, sometimes, even more than was expected.

Amigos, let me simply state my reasons for this sudden and private meeting. Financially, the Costa Company is doing fine. We are in the black again this year. Our exported items have been good for the most part. Brazil nuts and orange sales to Europe have been up. Hardwood and furniture sales look promising.

Benajim hesitated. But the near future doesn’t look so bright. Why you might ask? Benajim’s face started to show real concern, and everyone knew a serious statement was about to follow.

Simply put the trade tariffs are getting impossible to live with. Our main consumer is the European market and France in particular. Those countries are becoming hesitant in placing orders. They are taking a wait and see approach. They worry. Is the United States with its sudden demands for trade equality going to throw the world into turmoil? Will Europe have to raise their tariffs on their imports too? That’s what I kept hearing when I was in a meeting in London last month talking to the heads of Commerce from Great Britain, Germany and France.

"Those indecisions could have a detrimental effect on all our exports. We need to do whatever we can to keep this company in the black. You know I have other sources of revenue here in this country that can help but will it be enough?

Benajim’s voice grew hostile. Across the river I have noticed that our damn neighbor, the Rafael de Goya Company, has been rather vigorous of late in sending more shipments to France and not always using my shipping lines. My accountant, Felix, says The Rafael Company has a growing profit margin. Why is that I ask?

Benajim paused, as his face turned a bright red. The arteries in his neck stood out. I know how that damn snake is getting the backing he needs to make his businesses stay strong. He is also breaking an agreement we had made three years ago. I now see what he really is, a consuming charlatan, and a fake. He dupes others so he can achieve his own end.

I want all of you to keep a close watch on his businesses. Make sure there are no hidden items getting past our port authority. Rafael is upping his game so we must up ours too. War is war. Make no doubt about it."

Remember he has been a thorn in our sides for many years. Don’t let his Olympic Gold Medals fool you like the rest of people in this city. I had hoped we could coexist but I was wrong, dead wrong. Why his men killed Davi, my foreman last week I do not know but I want you to find out and make him pay dearly for the loss of that man’s life. He was a good family man and a great leader. He was my good friend too.

Benijam pointed to the back of the Guarida. My accountant, Felix, will head up the operation. All of you report to him at two o’clock today.

Is there any questions?

A rugged looking man in the back row spoke. Rumor has it that your son, Emilio, is secretly planning a retaliation on Rafael. Is this true?

My son is a young and ambitious man. He loved Davi. He considered him a second father. Emilio is also a hot heated young man who wants revenge. We have argued about what to do but he is headstrong. He wanted to do it his way and I said no. What he does now is none of my business. As far as I know he is in college in France. We have not talked since.

Another voice spoke out. Senor Costa, will we face any jail time for what we do?

All of you are protected by our legal system. I already have notified the police commander and most of the judges in this city. They are aware of the my intentions.

Any more questions?

Silence prevailed so Benajim picked up his cigar and took a puff. He made a motion for the doors to be opened. Gregory obliged by pushing the door button. Several servants brought in trays with glasses full of Brazilian red wine. They handed a glass to each person. Benajim grabbed a half empty bottle off one of the trays and raised it for all to see.

Amigos, we have been together for many years. I’ve got to know your families. You know mine. Now it’s time to move forward and preserve our way of life.

Benajim Costa raised the bottle ever higher. Guarida! (Cheers). Then he took a long swig and placed it back on the tray. He was so elated over his speech that he forgot one of his cardinal rules (never compliment the house help.). He whispered to the servant. Adgo, you drink too. You deserve it.

With a white glove covering his left hand, Adgo took a glass of red wine from a tray and raised it high. No one seemed to notice the drop of blood that was under his little glove finger.

The men rose in unison, a joyous, rowdy bunch, and started yelling and praising their leader.

Finally, after years of contention, they knew the main event was about to begin.

As Costa’s Army started to leave the Guarida, Felix led Benajim aside. I know your company’s situation and I am for punishing Rafael where it hurts but be careful of the people in Pena. I received word from a reliable source that there is a subversive group called LEI that gaining a lot of power. If Rafael’s popularity is tarnished too much, you might have a bigger fight on your hands.

Felix, I am well aware of LEI’s threat to me. You know accounting quite well but I am calling the shots around here. I want to destroy that man and his family and take away his fortune. No group of people in Pena can defeat my Costa’s Army. No one.

Felix backed away. I also have a report of a fisherman from the interior of the Amazon. He says he use to work for Rafael in his gold mines. He says very little gold has been discovered in the past year.

Costa was irked to say the least. That sneaky bastard. Now I know what he is up to. He has discovered a new source of gold somewhere else along the Rio Negro River. Our deal was I would get thirty per cent of all the gold if I secretly shipped it to France. Now he is trying to cut me out of his new discovery.

That does it!

Costa pointed to a husky member of his army. He was a well built, athletic type.Henri, come over here.

Henri stopped talking to his two comrades, Bernado and Diego, walked over and faced both Costa and Felix.

"Henri, I have a special assignment for you and your brother, Bernado. Both of you know the jungle up along the Rio Negro

River. I have sent you out on field missions in the past to spy on Rafael’s cargo ships."

Henri nodded.

In the past Diego was your pilot but since you have your own helicopter license now I want both of you to take my private helicopter and search the length of that river if you have to, until you find out where Rafael is getting his new deposits of gold. Find it and you can keep the helicopter as your reward.

An elated Henri replied. "Bernado and I will start right away.

What about Diego? He is a good tracker."

No, later I want him to lead my men to Rafael’s goldmine. Benajim was finished. He waved Henri away.

Felix smiled too. He could visualize more pesos going into the company’s account and that would mean a bigger piece of the pie for himself. But if things did not go well, he had a card of his sleeve. He had Costas voice on a CD giving Henri the order to kill his foreman, Davi and blame Rafael’s gang of hoodlums for the killing. A ruthless Costa did not say why he wanted this to happen, but Felix knew- Costa was the real weasel. He had become highly jealous because he believed Davi was developing a father son relationship with Emilio.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Later that day the local TV stations were reporting a news flash. Three men who worked for Rafael de Goya’s Company were attacked outside a local bar. One person was in critical condition and was being rushed to the hospital.

The reporter said it happened around five o’clock outside the Mariposas Bar on Bay Shore Street. Three thugs (a bystander thought they were members of Costa’s Army) were sitting at the bar and drinking heavily. One of thugs spied three of Rafael’s men sitting at a table playing dominos. Atillo, the thugs’ leader, walked over to the table and started bad mouthing and accusing them of stealing Costa’s profits. The insults were too difficult for Rafael’s men to ignore. Rafael’s men stood up seething with anger. Atillo challenged the three men to step outside which they eagerly accepted.

The melee started quickly. A barrage of punches was thrown, some finding their mark. Three more thugs appeared out of nowhere and joined in the action. Rafael’s men were overwhelmed. All three were knocked unconscious as they hit the concrete sidewalk. The thugs jumped into a black sedan parked nearby and sped away. Someone called the police and they arrived a few minutes later.

Police Chief Abrahan Compos and his officers stepped out of their car and quickly surveyed the scene. An ambulance had arrived and the man who was barely breathing was placed on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital. He would die a few minutes later. The other two men were beaten so badly that they were drifting in and out of consciousness. They were not making sense about what had happened. The chief surmised the thugs must have walked away satisfied, probably suffering only a few cuts and bruises, and that their dirty work had been completed.

Chief Compos lifted the side of his cap and scratched the hair above his temple as he spoke to himself. I was planning on having a nice quiet evening with my family, not this again. His frustration was showing. He began to ponder. Was this a fight for no apparent reason? Was it just fisticuffs among a bunch of drunks or was it something much more sinister?

Erico, one of his favorite officers, was listening but said nothing. The chief continued to stare at the bloodstains on the sidewalk.

The chief spoke louder. This is another useless crime. Erico, you and I both know if we do find the guilty ones our corrupt judges will let them go unpunished for a so-called lack of evidence."

The chief looked up, and spoke directly to Erico. Gather any evidence you can find, talk to people inside the bar, and make your report. I’m going back to the station and have a cup of coffee. I need time to think.

Erico nodded, turned around, and started giving orders to the other officers.

As Chief Compos entered the back seat of the police car, he realized the rate of crimes in Pena was rising too rapidly. It meant he was going to need some outside help, not the National Guard, not just yet, he mused, but, maybe, someone who had a sound mind and was a trust worthy individual. One who knew the area quite well? One who had a keen eye for digging into the evidence and making some sense out of it? There were just too many fights, robberies, and killings for the chief and his staff to handle. He knew his police force was overworked and unable to stay on top of it. He knew he needed to get extra help from an outside source soon. Chief Compos smiled as he mulled over a new thought, maybe a private consultant, a person with a keen understanding of human relations and its interaction to each other. A person with a different prospective but who was familiar with the town of Pena and its people. One who could help him find out what was behind all these crimes and seek a solution.

As the chief settled deeper into his seat, he remembered the science meeting he attended a few years ago. The topic was human and animal relationships; their problems and their cures. The guest speaker was Doctor David T. Raywalt. He spoke for over an hour and a half using visual aids and a film to make his point. Although the chief knew Doctor Raywalt was a biological interpreter of natural science, he firmly believed the doctor had a handle on how many things worked in nature, and he could see the parallels in the human world as well.

The chief smiled to himself. He wondered if that person would remember him and the conversation they had after the meeting. It was a long chance that Chief Compos felt he had to takes, and he had to find out fast. He decided he would contact Doctor David T. Raywalt as soon as he returned to his office, and see if he would be available to help him stem the threat of what The Chief perceived as the growing potential for a major civil uprising.

CHAPTER 2