Love and Death in Korea

By Hal Graff

Welcome to the sixth exciting episode of the Harold Gatewood murder mystery series. 

     Harold Gatewood continues to roll toward his major league baseball comeback in the exciting sixth volume of the Harold Gatewood mystery series.   

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harold Graff II Publishing
• Release date: Dec 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962569064

Hal Graff

Dr. Hal Graff holds a doctorate in business administration. He is a native of Gibson City, Illinois. Hal is a proud father and grandfather. To date, he has published 104 books, including 96 novels. He has published over 6 million 900,000, words.

Book preview

Prologue

GATEWOOD HAD BEEN IN THIS POSITION BEFORE.  He had lost Lore Lehoi in Spain, Christina Abene in Cuba, and now Akemi Gang, who had become his wife, and future mother of their unborn son, in China.  He had faced the black demons of despair many times, and had fought his way back to normalcy.  Now, he must again decide what path his life would take.

He knew what he was, and what he must do to right the wrongs which had been heaped upon him.  American Indian lore states that a man’s greatness can be measured by the quality of his enemies.  Harold’s status had grown through deadly encounters with the AIO terrorist organization, the Cuban military faction that had attempted to overthrow the government, the Yakaza crime family, a jealous ex-lover of a woman he had loved, a mentally-challenged former girlfriend, and multiple political assassins who had tried to end his worldly presence.

He knew that his DNA was that of a baseball player.  He also knew that: The man can be taken out of baseball, but that Baseball can’t be taken out of the man.

He would be back.

Chapter 1

His own Path

December 31

HAROLD GATEWOOD HANDLED SITUATIONS IN HIS OWN WAY, and had always chosen his own path.  His climb to major league baseball had followed a winding, detour-filled journey, his personal life had been atypical from most normal people, his love life and matrimonial path had unfolded on his own terms, and his life had been marked by a combination of storybook greatness and success, and profound crippling tragedies which had scarred him deeply, but from which he had always come back.  He was bruised and beaten mentally, but he was not down for the count.

    After mourning Akemi’s death with her parents in China, he had finished his business and personal affairs, and then returned to the United States.  In Gibson City, Illinois, he had been reflective and quiet, spending his time with his parents, and concentrating on what he needed to do to dedicate his life to his late wife and unborn son.

    This evening, New Year’s Eve, he had passed on invitations from his good friends in Gibson City, and after watching football games with his parents, he had gone home.  He sat in his family room watching television, when a special on the Running of the Bulls festival in San Toro de Lidia appeared.

    His mind was flooded with memories of the festival, the San Toro de Lidia murder spree investigation, Operation Ice Chest and the attempted bombing of the Plaza de Heroes, the villain Zigor Kerbasi, the AIO organization, the deaths of Aitor Lehoi and Gabriel Domeka, and his love Lore Lehoi.

    He also thought of his return trips to the country when he had been honored by the King of Spain for his bravery, when he had been chosen to open the festival of San Toro de Lidia the following July, and when he had avoided an AIO assassination attempt before he had left for Cuba.

    He then thought about his time in the Caribbean, where he had become a target in a military coup to overthrow President Bertalina, and had helped stop a second Bertalina assassination attempt by Algar Barrett, who was hired by American patriot Damon Justice. 

He had also avoided attempts to eliminate him by AIO agent Bakar Kemen by his protector and guardian angel CIO agent Branson Cameron.  He cried when he thought of how he met and fell in love with Christina Abene, and how she had died in his arms.

    Feelings of happiness and sorrow swept over him when he thought of his time in Japan, where he met the beautiful and troubled Yakaza crime princess Kimiko Michi Hayato, and her father and head of the crime family, Daisuke Hayato.  He cringed when he thought of the continuing assassination attempts on his life by the AIO, and assassin Bittor Kemen.  He relished in the memory of finding his soul mate and wife Akemi Gang, their time together being the highlight of his life.

    His life had been blessed in China after marrying Akemi, and hearing the news of her pregnancy.  Yet life had also been trouble-filled, as the AIO remained  persistent, sending agent Eneko Itzel to kill him, and Masaru Hayato, Kimiko’s brother, ending the joy in his life when he murdered Akemi and their unborn son, Tai.  Gatewood had become hardened, as he had enjoyed killing Masaru to even the score. 

    Baseball had seemed like an afterthought in China, despite having to deal with a false performance enhancing drug charge,

a trumped-up accusation of an affair with a deranged woman, and enduring the worst teammate and person he had encountered in or out of baseball, serial rapist Jing Home Run Heng.

    Political scandals also had visited Akemi, her parents, and he when her mother had killed her husband’s personal and political rival and corrupt Vice-President of the country, Min Jun.

    It had been another episode of continued troubles, where turmoil was Gatewood’s constant companion.  But, the human condition continually strives to persist and recover, and Gatewood had a mission in mind to reconstruct his life and happiness.  Starting tomorrow, New Year’s Day, he would put his plan into action.

Chapter 2

How are you Harold?

January 5

HUNDREDS OF LETTERS OF CONDOLENCES AND WELL WISHES had been sent to Harold for his loss of Akemi and Tai.  He had read them all, initially crying each time he read the heartfelt comments from his relatives, friends, ex-teammates, managers, coaches, his minister, his agent, and many fans.  Gatewood had become more analytical as he had continued to read through the boxes of cards and letters.  He was amazed at the inherent goodness of people, and the sincere wishes for his wellbeing that were evident in each card or letter.

    He wanted to tell all of them how deeply touched he had been when he read each one.  As he plowed through the stack of cards he conquered his grief and built up his determination to give back something to the gracious people who had thought of him in his moments of darkness.  Their acts of kindness were the fuel which was propelling him to put one foot in front of the other and renter the world of the living.

    He had stayed in good shape, walking and eating well during his hiatus from the real world.  He had also been active with his farm management and research projects during his time of self-imposed exile.  He felt well but needed to regain the killer spirit of a ballplayer, a catcher, as what he hoped would be his next baseball season, somewhere, would be a scant few weeks away.

    He had not heard from his agent, or from any major league teams, other than cards of condolences.  He knew they had their timetables, and that he had his.  Harold had finished his morning workout of Tai chi and Taekwondo, stretching, light throwing, a half hour of vigorous walking, and light weight training, when the phone rang.

    Harold, this is Randle Quinn.  How are you?

    Hi Randle.  I am doing well.  How are you?

    I am doing fine Harold.  I wanted to bring you up to date on what I have possibly uncovered for you this year thus far.  You mentioned that you wanted me to call you after the new year.

    Thanks.  What have you heard?

    There is some interest from some big league clubs.  But they are worried about your mental condition in relation to your personal loss.

    Yes, that is what we expected.  I am doing okay.  I will bounce back.  Things will be fine.

    They are still concerned with your age old man.

    Tell them I am the fountain of youth.

    I will.  And, you have played like it also.  You have made it back Harold.  You have a real shot at making it somewhere as a role player.

    Anything will be fine.  I know I can play in the big leagues again.

    Harold, they still want you to sign a minor league deal and earn your way up.

    I understand.  I may not want to do that without a guarantee.

    I know.  That is the rub Harold.

    I know.  What have you heard from Japan, China, or anywhere else?

    The main concerns are the outside events that have dogged you the last few seasons.

    I can handle those.  And, I am stubborn as you know.  I am not afraid to go back over there if the opportunity is right.  I have scores to settle there.

    Are you sure Harold?  You have been through the wringer.  Maybe you should stay here in the states where it is safer. 

    I am not afraid of them.

    I will pursue all avenues for you Harold.

    Thanks Randle.  Keep me posted, either way.

    You have a deal.  Take care of yourself Harold.  You are my friend besides my client and I don’t want anything to happen to you.

    Thanks.  Great friends are tough to find.  You know the feelings are mutual.

    Okay.  Get in shape.  I will do my best for you.

    Thanks.  I will.

    Harold hung up the phone and said, You can count on it.

Chapter 3

AIO Meeting Number One

January 6

THE AIO NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING, with all men sitting around a large rectangular-shaped table, was called to order by a tall, black-haired, mustachioed man, Ekain Koldo, the National Commander.  Also present were the Assistant National Commander, the five Regional Commanders and their five Assistant Regional Commanders of the five regions of AIO organization.  A red, green, and white flag of the Basque people, a symbol of pride, was posted on the far wall, above the committee men.

    Commander Koldo started the meeting with his comments.  Fellow patriots, welcome to our meeting.  Tonight, we will hear the reports from our Regional Commanders, cover any special items, and address any pending business.

    I will start off the reporting if you like Sir.

    Very good.  Our Regional Commander in charge of logistics and membership has volunteered to give us his report.

      Gentlemen, logistical abilities for future missions inside and outside the homeland have been strengthened by adding more loyalists and sympathizers to our membership rolls.  These new members have locations, safe houses, and skills which will add to our covert activity capabilities.  Although general membership drives have continued to increase our membership rolls, the amount of growth has been offset by a decreased retention rate.

      How many new members have been added last year?

      Eight thousand Sir.  The growth rate is six percent compared to eleven and twelve percent for each of the previous two years.

    We are still experiencing growth but we need to increase retention.  How many of these new members are in locations outside of the homeland?

      Three hundred four.

      In what countries?

    Portugal 118, Cuba 41, France 22, Panama 9,  Mexico 79, and England 35.

    Excellent work.  Does anyone have any other questions?

    No Sir.

    Let’s hear from our Regional Commander in charge of the financial report.

    Yes Sir.  Our financial stability has been improved through increased member contributions and a lucrative political blackmail scam and money received from Spanish government officials.  We continue to enjoy an upward path in our bottom line.

    "That is good news.  Are there any questions or comments?

      Yes, what was the fallout from the failure to eliminate Harold Gatewood, our nemisis?

      We are still getting very negative comments for our failures and our loss of quality field agents.  The membership wants him dead.

      Commander Koldo replied that he is still a priority target and then added, Let us hear from the Regional Commander in charge of political and military operations, Bikendi Doilor.

    Gentlemen, our political and military capabilities have improved despite the setback from the Gatewood fiascos.

    Please go on.

    As was previously mentioned, many pleas for more aggressive actions have been received, and many fellow patriots have volunteered to help in whatever way they can.

    Good.  What about the political situation?

    The political mission was successful and plans are underway to broaden its scope to ensnare more politicians with dirty secrets they are willing to pay to cover up.

      Excellent.  Is the anything else Commander?

      I do want to discuss the Harold Gatewood situation later when we get to pending business.

      Commander Koldo’s request for questions was met with statements that there were none at present time.

      Very well.  We will move on to special items.  Does anyone have comments or questions?

      The regional commander for the Northern region commented, I think we need to finally eliminate Harold Gatewood.

      Koldo then stated that the last information about Gatewood concerned the death of his wife and unborn son at the hands of the Yakuza in China.

    Bikendi Doilor, whose name meant conquer evil, spoke, Commander, the cause would be aided if we could finally send Mr. Gatewood on his journey to heaven.

    Commander Koldo replied that perhaps Gatewood would be heading down instead of up when he passed away.  He then asked if the committee would be interested in training and preparing several field agents who could carry out a hit on Gatewood if he returns to public life in an area where the operation would have a high possibility of success.

    After several minutes of discussion a motion was made to vote on Commander Koldo’s suggestion.  A count was made and Koldo announced the result.  I see all eleven hands in the air.  Gentlemen, we will start a training program for agents who will honor the AIO by eliminating a constant thorn in our side, Mr. Harold Gatewood, if the opportunity arises.

    The regional commanders broke out in laughter when the comment was made. Only eleven?

    Gatewood was back on the AIO hot seat.

Chapter 4

We need to expand

January 7

THE YAKAZA CRIME ORGANIZATION HAD RECENTLY UNDERGONE an internal power struggle as the bad blood between the Yamaguchi and Sumyoski Kai families that had existed for years had once again boiled over.  Kimikoo Michi Hayato had been killed in Toyko, Japan when she had attacked Akemi Gang in an act of jealousy.  Her death was swift and painful as Akemi’s bodyguard Yong Wei’s poison Chinese throwing star found refuge in Kimiko’s throat.

    The elderly head of the Yamaguchi Gumi family, Daisuke Hayato, and his wife, were tortured and killed by Sumyoski Kai family hitmen in a power struggle.  Surviving son Masaru Hayato ascended to the throne and ordered a hit by assassin Isamu Goro, of the Revenge and Enforcement Division, on the head of the rival of the Sumyoski Kai family.  Goro met his Waterloo when he was killed by American CIO agent Jack Taylor’s bullet during a failed assassination attempt on Harold Gatewood in China.

    The brutal murder of the head of the Sumyoski Kai leader was carried out in a gruesome manner to send a message that the Hayato leadership would continue.  Masaru Hayato met his death at the hands of Harold Gatewood in Inner Mongolia after killing Akemi Gatewood and the Gatewood’s unborn son Tai.

    A new leader of the family rose out of the ashes and blood of the power struggle.  He did not resemble the stereotypical powerful leader of a vicious crime family.  He was short at five- foot-three inches, and frail at one hundred-fifteen pounds, with short black hair combed forward on his head, and a set of delicate, tiny