The Harvester (8 page)

A
t my trial, late like I said I’d be, the six Heads listen to a secretly recorded tape between me and Vega at the rose garden atrium. Even though this recording clears my name, I still feel a sense of defeat. A feeling I haven’t felt since the Vietnam War, which Vega and I were in the same platoon. Nobody knew that we were Dead Ones.

The Agency felt it was crucial that Harvesters were needed in ’Nam. I agreed at first and so did Vega until we saw the atrocities befallen on the country and its people. It’s true. We weren’t meant to be there. Us, meaning American soldiers.

Now when Vega and I served in both world wars, that was a different story. Hitler, being a firm believer in the occult, aliens, and the paranormal, let’s just say that when we revealed and proved who we really were to him in the infamous bunker, he decided that suicide was his best option. We never once took credit for that.

The secret recorded conversation ends, and Mr. Herald stands and looks at the other Heads.

“In light of the most recent findings, this proves that Harvester Agent number 2748 is innocent and the fact that he successfully harvested the Underworld’s boss, Vega, we, the six Heads of the Worldwide Agency, have no other choice but to drop any and all charges and or allegations on you, and we fully reinstate you to active duty immediately.”

I nod at the six Heads, turn around, and walk off.

Back to business as usual.

A bit later, I’m with several Harvesters who escort Vega to his underground prison cell with Underworlders imprisoned on either side of his cell. He has a constant slight smirk on his face, and this makes me suspicious.

However, I must admit, I’ll miss the Hunt for Vega. But just like any well organized syndicates, as soon as one leader goes down, another springs up in their place and takes charge. The Harvesters Guards place Vega in his cell, and I quickly make my way down the hallway that leads to the six Heads’ room to be nosey. I put my back to the wall and eavesdrop.

“We’ve got to move Vega out of this facility as soon as possible,” Mr. Herald mentions.

“Why? We already relocated the Agency years ago when Vega became a traitor in order to keep the locale a secret. Why again?” Mr. Laveaux interjects.

“Exactly. Now we have Vega in the most secure prison cell in a location even he doesn’t know the whereabouts,” Ms. Hernandez states.

I know my friend, Mr. Herald, will state his case. “To use your word, Ms. Hernandez, exactly. He doesn’t know the location of this Agency, right? Not to mention we don’t know the locale of his Master Hole, remember?”

I’m glad Mr. Herald brought that piece of information into the conversation. I peek around the corner and the Heads appear worried now.

Mr. Chan squint with concern and curiosity. “What are you hinting at, Mr. Herald?”

“Well, it’s possible he wanted to be caught.”

Mr. Herald’s comment makes me worried. I sprint down the hallway which leads to Vega’s prison cell. I see him sit down in the middle of the cell and meditate. He lowers his head. Even though Vega awaits trial where he will most certainly be found guilty and sentenced to death, a one-way ticket to the After, the Hell, not Heaven or Purgatory, I won’t believe it’s over between us until I see his dead, lifeless body being torched or his head severed from his body.

Simply because I wouldn’t put anything pass Vega and his diabolical mind.

I spy on Vega, and I see him raise his head and evilly smiles. The words of Mr. Herald echo in mind. “It’s possible he wanted to be caught.”

Now thoughts of suspicion run rampant through my mind.

A
month later, early in the morning, I had a disturbing nightmare. I’m chased through the Sonoran desert of Arizona by an unknown shadowy figure. I’m exhausted and can’t run any longer. The figure dashes over to me, and now I realize it’s Naes with his sword raised at me. I’m confused, discombobulated. Why him? Is this some sort of disturbed premonition? I hate and love dreams at the same time. Sometimes, they are just plain horrific images, and sometimes, they are messages of the future delivered to you during your REM time of sleep. Which is it for me this time?

Now we battle each other, and Naes makes an impressive move, and he catches me off guard. He strikes me, and my stomach is ripped open. I drop to the dirt. I’m worried, scared, and shocked. Naes wickedly smiles at me and promptly lops off my head. Some say when you die in your dream, you die for real. However, I lunge forward out of my nightmare, sweaty, with a gasp for breath, and then I hyperventilate. I look at my alarm clock nearby.

“Shit! I’m late.”

A
t the Agency’s headquarters, I meet with Mr. Herald in his beautifully decorated office. Ancient weapons of all sorts adorn the walls and shelves. I let him know that I’m upset.

“It has been a month now. Why hasn’t Vega been transferred yet?”

“I’m trying, believe you me. But the vote has gone against me. They think this is the safest, most secure place to keep him. They feel as though the Underworld will never find him, and if somehow they did, they’re not stupid enough to attack us.”

I can’t help but to shake my head. “The Underworld hasn’t lasted as long as it has on stupidity. I think Vega’s up to something other than just finding the Agency’s location. They’re plotting as we speak, Gerald.”

“I know it. You know it. We just have to convince the other four Heads who voted against me and Mr. Zundu.”

I think for a few seconds, and this makes him as well.

“You’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, aren’t you, Harvey?”

“You know me all too well. But it’s a valid point that needs to be observed. I mean, think about it. Why haven’t they moved Vega out of this facility? Why haven’t they even begun his trial, which should’ve started two weeks ago?”

“So do you think one of the Heads is working as an Underworld Spy or what?”

“Maybe even more than one. You know to never underestimate the reaches and power of the Underworld.” I stand and motion to leave.

“Hey, Harv.”

I stop at the door and look back at him.

“Listen, I . . . uh . . . never got the chance to tell you how sorry I am about Anastasia and—”

“Enough said, Gerald, enough said,” I cut him off because I don’t want to think about my loss.

“Right. One more thing. Remember, you and Naes need to report to Leon Noel for new partner training in Sonoita. Sooner rather than later, huh?”

I appear distracted and concerned. I release a sigh.

“What’s wrong, Harv?”

“Oh, just a dream I had.” I exit his office and see Naes waiting for me. We walk abreast down the hallway crowded with Agency Reps and Harvesters.

“What’s the plan?”

Even I don’t know that answer. “The plan? I’m not sure yet.”

I swipe my security clearance badge on the elevator panel on the wall. The door opens, and we step into the elevator that leads to the underground prison cells.

There’s an uncomfortable silence between Naes and myself. I can’t allow his confidence in me to be jeopardized. The elevator takes us thirty levels below ground. We stop our descent, and the doors open. We exit and head down the hallway which leads to Vega’s cell. Two Harvester Guards allow us access into the holding area and we head to Vega’s cell. He’s busy doing pushups and can’t see us. Two more Harvesters stand guard on either side of his cell.

“Harvey, Harvey, Harvey,” Vega says and continues with his pushups. “I’d imagine you bringing me in must have made you the Agency’s golden boy again. You’re welcome, brother.”

“He never said thanks, asshole,” Naes retorts.

“Oh, so feisty. This must be your new partner I’ve heard so much about, Harv. Didn’t you learn your lesson about partners?”

“I most certainly did. Listen, Vega, I’m not here to have a few beers, get buddy-buddy, and joyfully reflect on the good ole days.”

“Let me guess. You’re here to attempt to extract info out of my mind.”

Vega stops his pushups and positions himself in a meditation stance.

“You know as well as I do that the Halo of Truth won’t work on you since you were once a Harvester. I know you’re up to something, Vega. I get an anonymous tip on the first day of my trial to show up at the rose garden atrium. You wanted to be caught, huh? I wouldn’t be surprised that one of your own soldiers made the call for us to have our little encounter.”

“Little encounter? Your ass was mine until your cronies had to step in and save it. I was aiming to take your head, not get caught.”

“Something tells me you’ll get another chance.”

“Damn right I will!”

“I should kill you myself right now for killing my Anastasia.”

“Oh, boo-hoo.” Vega hops out of his stance and continues to do more pushups. I can’t help but to stare at him with hatred and animosity. I turn and walk down the hallway with Naes in tow.

“I want two more Harvester Guards at his cell, Naes.”

“You got it.”

We continue to the elevator.

Ten minutes later, we’re in my Barracuda.

“Thanks for driving me home, Harvey. My car won’t be out of the shop for a few days.”

I rev up my 410 engine, and it hums with power. “No problem.” I rip it out of the secret underground parking lot.

Naes looks over at me. “You look like death warmed over. You need to get some sleep, man.”

“I’ve only slept an hour here, an hour there. Ever since Anastasia’s murder.”

I speed down the freeway, and it only takes me about fifteen minutes to get to Naes’s home. I pull up curbside and stop in front of his moderate, yet quaint home. Kids play football in the middle of the road.

“Get some sleep, okay. Even the badass Harvey needs rest.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ll have plenty of sleep when I’m dead.”

Naes laughs at my joke. “Good one. When you’re dead.”

“See ya’ in the morning.”

“Yup.”