Ghosts of West Baden by Patrick J O'Brian

Author:Patrick J O'Brian
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: necromancer, murders, coven, satanic cult, evil forces, cursed object, west baden springs hotel, gruesome deaths
Publisher: Patrick J O'Brian

Chapter 24

Using his connections, Rawlings discovered Graham Pershing’s current residence, and a little about the man’s agenda. A notorious local mob boss, Pershing made his money illegally through nearly every established means imaginable.

Living outside a small Arizona town, he owned a moderate mansion complete with indoor/outdoor pool, workout center, a six-car garage, and even a helicopter pad. Partially hidden by reddish mountain terrain, the estate constantly remained guarded by at least half a dozen henchmen.

Most were part of Pershing’s numerous illegal operations, though some would freelance between his employment and regular jobs that furthered his causes.

For years the FBI had kept tabs on him, suspecting his involvement in dozens of ordered executions. He also smuggled drugs and dealt with slave trade according to their records. Shielded by layers of employees, middlemen, and henchmen, solid proof never linked itself to Pershing for police to make an arrest.

What few witnesses emerged over the years either disappeared or wound up in gutters, ponds, or trash bins. No one dared risk testifying against Pershing now, fearing he controlled area police and businesses.

Rawlings stood on a rock overlooking the ranch Pershing called home. Only wisps of clouds appeared in the otherwise clear blue sky. The sun’s rays already had him sweating profusely, so he wiped his forehead before focusing on his agenda.

Using high-powered binoculars, he watched for activity on the outskirts of the property. He noticed two guards wearing fairly casual attire, carrying rather large semi-automatic rifles as they patrolled the area.

While he wasn’t one to pass judgment and stereotype others, he suspected most of Pershing’s employees were soulless grunts who lived for money and pleasure. No one with morals, or a conscience, worked for such a notorious thug. They also didn’t carry guns for self-preservation.

Rawlings had a choice to make. Storming the grounds didn’t sound very prudent, even with the element of surprise. Taking Pershing away from his home wouldn’t be easy, since the guards likely traveled with him. Timing was important, because Pershing didn’t necessarily keep the target with him at all times. There could be a safe to crack, or a hiding place to locate before acquiring the cube.

He spent a few hours conducting surveillance on the property, watching guards come and go. When two large vehicles left the grounds, leaving red dust behind them as they headed for town, Rawlings decided to make his move.

Only one armed guard remained outside the house, so he decided to set to work disabling the power, phone, and cable lines, to ensure no outside communications existed. His own cell phone didn’t have any reception, so he suspected a land line was their only means of calling out. Thanks to his connections, one handheld computer instantly shut down the entire network with the right passwords already programmed into its memory.

Rawlings watched the guard turn around, reacting to a noise, or a change in lighting. Reasonably certain a generator would kick on to restore some power and lighting, Rawlings moved toward his borrowed vehicle for a closer look.

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