Gang Slayer

Chapter 1

Seeing Loved Ones

On a makeshift court in Afghanistan, soldiers took time out to play a little basketball. Gunnery Sergeant Dan Googen was driving hard to the hoop when he heard the colonel call out, Sergeant Googen! Dan left the game, limping slightly, and headed over to him.

Yes, sir?

You’re wanted in Kandahar. You leave right away. Get your things together because from what I understand, you won’t be back.

Dan replied, That makes no sense, sir. What about the mission? I’m in command of next week’s raid.

I know how important the mission is, but these are your orders. There’s nothing more to discuss. Do I make myself clear?

Yes, sir!

Seeing the look on Dan’s face, his best friend, Tim, headed over to see what was going on.

What’s up?

I’m not sure, Dan replied, Colonel told me that my orders are to leave, and I won’t be back.

Tim asked in a concerned tone, Did they say why?

No, he didn’t, but from what he said, I’m out of here today.

A jeep pulled up, and the driver yelled, Sergeant Googen!

Surprised, Dan said to Tim, This has got to be a joke. I just got my orders; this couldn’t be for me already. As Dan walked over to the jeep with a slight limp, Tim remarked, I can see your hip is bothering you.

Dan tried to hide it, but was unable to, That old injury, it bothers me more when I walk than anything else. It comes and goes, some times it doesn’t bother me for years.

Approaching the jeep, Dan stated, I’m Googen.

The driver seemed rushed. We have to go.

Dan was really taken aback now. Give me a minute so I can go shower. I was in the middle of a basketball game.

There’s no time. Your flight to Kandahar is on the tarmac. We have to leave right away.

I have to get my personal effects. I’m not leaving without them.

He ran to the barracks to retrieve his father’s dog tags and an old collar from his childhood pet.

Outside next to the jeep, Tim said to Dan, When you get a chance, give me a call. Let us know what this is all about.

I’ll call you as soon as I can.

The jeep pulled away and had driven a few miles when someone came over the radio. Do you have Googen?

The private who was driving replied, Yes, sir. We just left base, and we’re about three miles south on the main road.

The voice in the speaker told them, We sent a chopper. Pull off to the shoulder and they’ll get Googen.

Only a few minutes passed before a helicopter headed in their direction and landed. Dan ran from the jeep, shielding his eyes from the sand blown by the rotating blades. He climbed on board, and the pilot lifted the whirlybird into the air. He watched through the open door as they flew higher, and he wondered what could be so urgent.

________________

Since childhood, Dan’s father was his hero. Jake Googen died when Dan was fourteen years old. It was a day he had never forgotten and was the main reason he joined the military.

He was at home with his mother when they heard a knock. A pair of uniformed men stood in front of them in the doorway. They held out a letter, and when his mother took it, she placed a hand on the door’s frame to catch her balance. She knew what this meant, and holding back her tears, she sat on the sofa to read it.

On September fifth …

The words didn’t register to Dan; only died and hero stood out. He wouldn’t know for years how his father died and what had made him a hero. His dad had only focused on one thing, and that was to serve his country. Jake Googen had always told his son, The lessons the service taught me made me the man I am today.

Through the years, he’d had to listen to lectures on how the military builds character. He recalled what was learned in these flashes throughout his life when he reminisced about his late father. He gazed out of the chopper at the mountains as they flew over Afghanistan.

Dan thought about how his dad had always been calm in these situations, and how Dan himself took more after his mother. He remembered when he’d been caught skipping school. He had been on his way to go fishing when his father drove up, stopped the car, and said, Dan, what are you doing?

Dad!

Why aren’t you in school? Don’t tell me you’re going fishing.

No I wasn’t. That’s not it, Dad.

You have your rod. What are you up to?

I was … I’d rather be in school, but …

But what, son? You’d better tell me something.

There’s a boy in my class. He’s bigger than me, and he picks on me all the time. I’m sick of it.

And you think running away from this person is the answer?

I don’t know what else to do.

Why don’t we find another way to handle your problem? If your mother finds out you’re not in school, you’ll be in big trouble. But because I’m the one who found you, let’s go fishing, and we’ll talk about it.

I’m not in trouble?

Not yet, but if you run from things you’re afraid of, you will be someday. We’ll go fishing and work out a better solution to this dilemma.

That’s what Dan remembered about his father, how he found the positive in every situation. Dan cut school that day, and his father skipped work. They spent their time talking about bullies. The next afternoon, he broke the bully’s nose and was suspended from school. His mother grounded him, and his father played along, making it clear that Dan would be punished. They fished every day that week and connected in a way Dan had never forgotten to this day.

________________

The helicopter touched down, snapping Dan out of his daydreams. In Kandahar, there were two men ready to escort him. The more senior of the two spoke up. I’m Lieutenant Jakens, and this is Dr. Mooney. We were asked to accompany you to see Special Agent Topper.

Am I in trouble? asked Dan.

Dr. Mooney, a solid man, remarked, We’re under strict orders. Please come with us.

Dan walked with the men and Dr. Mooney asked, Are you okay? I see you have a limp.

Dan put his hand on his hip, It’s an old war wound. It’s acting up. I’ve been playing to much basketball lately and have to give it a rest.

They made it through the Kandahar International Airport to the parking lot. There a large, dark, official-looking sedan was parked with the back door open. The agent got out and came toward him.

Sergeant Googen, nice to meet you.

Yes, sir, replied Dan.

You look like the photo in your file. Please come with me.

In the backseat, the man spoke again. I’m Special Agent Karol Topper. I am sure that you are wondering what is going on; we are headed to the embassy. You will be briefed there.

Yes, sir, Dan answered, his curiosity piqued.

The rest of the ride was quiet other than a few words spoken to remark on the traffic and weather.

________________

The silent group drove through the crowded streets of Kandahar to a secured lot at the American embassy. Once they were in a private room, Agent Topper pulled out a chair. Have a seat, Sergeant. We have a serious matter to discuss with you.

Yes, sir. Did I do something wrong?

Special Agent Topper set down a folder. I’m the leader of a task force formed by the FBI. I’ve reviewed your military file and can see you’re a highly decorated soldier. You have served your country proudly. Because of your selfless service, I volunteered to come to Afghanistan to inform you personally of some bad news.

I hope I didn’t do anything that upset the military, sir.

Agent Topper seemed taken off guard. It has nothing to do with that. It’s a personal matter … about your family.

What about them? Dan asked, concern showing in his eyes.

The agent walked over and placed his hand on Dan’s shoulder. This very personal act made Dan extremely uncomfortable; a sense of foreboding rose in him like a flood, and he felt panic assault his senses. Topper said, Sergeant, please, you have to calm down.

Someone tell me what happened right now!

There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just spit it out. They’re dead. The agent spoke in low tones, hoping to soothe Dan’s nerves, but his effort was futile.

What? What do you mean, dead …?

Comprehension slowly filled Dan’s eyes, and none of the other men in the room seemed able to meet them.

I’m sorry, Sergeant, said the agent softly.

Dan suddenly slapped his hands on the table. With a vigor that surprised all in the room, he demanded, Tell me what happened!

Topper looked uncomfortable with the details of the news he was about to bear, but he must have remembered his resolve to do right by Dan, and he spoke the words that would devastate the man. Your wife and daughters were raped and murdered.

What! My wife … my little girls …?

Special Agent Topper spoke calmly. Please, have a seat and try to relax. We’re here to help you get through this. I flew over to escort you back to the United States.

Dan was past the point of being calm. He drew back and punched the cinderblock wall, not registering any of the physical pain. I don’t believe it! Here I am, overseas protecting my country, and my family’s killed behind my back.

Sergeant, please sit down and take a deep breath.

I just left them a few weeks ago … How did this happen? I want to see them. I want to know everything.

Topper drew in a deep breath as the others looked on. We’ll fly you back pronto, but I can see you won’t be satisfied until I give you the details. I wish you would wait until you have a chance to …

You just informed me that my family is dead, Dan interrupted. "I want to know now!"

Dan looked at the agent while he dropped back into his chair. With his elbows on the table and head in hands, he drew in a shaky inhale. The room felt as if it was spinning, and his skin changed from a golden tan to a sickly yellow and then went completely sweaty white.

Topper told Jakens, Get him some water. He looks like he’s about to pass out.

Dan tried to talk, but his next words were only a mumble as he crumpled to the floor. Minutes later, he woke up to Dr. Mooney dabbing his face with cold water. He took a few deep breaths and laid still, trying to regain his consciousness.

Sergeant, are you okay? Concern showed in Topper’s eyes, and the other two men showed a mix of poorly concealed pity and helplessness on their faces.

Dan held his hand up to tell them, Give me a second. A few moments later, he pushed himself up from the floor and sat back at the table.

Dan, are you okay? Topper asked.

I just need to catch my bearings.

Dr. Mooney interjected, Look at him! I don’t think we should take this any further right now.

Dan eyed the doctor. I said I’m fine! Special Agent Topper, tell me what happened.

Topper seemed torn between understanding Dan’s need to know and wanting to protect him from the shock of the truth. Dan, it’s the way they did it.

Dr. Mooney stood, shoved his chair back, and came around the table to face Topper. No, Topper! I think he should be under sedation before any of the details are revealed.

Shut up! I don’t need any of your drugs. Agent Topper, tell me!

Topper appeared to be regretting his self-assumed mission, but he revealed the details. They attached their wrists and ankles to the hardwood floors of your living room.

At the words, a fire brewed so deep within Dan that the room went red. He turned toward Topper and asked, "They did what?"

They broke into your house while your family was asleep. They used four-inch wood screws, and screwed them to the floors of your living room. They took turns raping them. Each word was harder to speak than the one prior, and Topper swallowed, watching Dan’s reaction.

Screws? Why would they have things like that? What the … they planned it?

They used your tools. They found them while they robbed your house.

Dan remembered that he had left the portable drill on his desk in the den, along with the galvanized four-inch wood screws. He had placed them there after he had finished repairing the deck on the back of his home. He’d been in a hurry to get it done, because his wife had nagged him earlier that day to finish it before he was deployed.

Go on, Dan said, more in a daze than coherent.

When they finished, they drove screws through each of their eyes and pinned their heads to the floor. That’s how they killed them. It was a gang initiation from the looks of it. That’s what we have so far.

Part of Dan wanted to scream, to curse God, to howl in pain for the way his loved ones had been slaughtered. Instead, he continued to ask questions from his trained mind. He had to know every detail before he could let the information sink in. When did it happen?

We don’t know the exact time, but it was around sixty hours ago.

Sir, do you know who did it? Dan had a faraway look in his eyes.

We don’t know the individuals. However, we know the name of the gang. They painted their signs in blood on the walls of your house. We have an undercover agent who has infiltrated his way into that gang; we seeded him a couple of years ago on other illegal activities. So far, no one has said anything about the murders. I want you to know, we will do everything in our power to catch them.

Dan had cold fire in his eyes as he spoke icily, Take me to my girls.

Dr. Mooney told him, We should talk first. I’m the doctor assigned to your case.

There’s nothing to say, and I’m not a case. I want to see my family! The other men could see that there was no swaying him.

Topper said with sincerity, If that’s what you want, I’ll take you to see them myself.

They headed to the airport to catch the next military flight back to the States.

________________

It was a wordless drive that took Dan to the morgue. There were moments that alter the mind, that move in a time within itself. The car seemed for him to move so slowly that it felt as if time was traveling backward. Now, with the engine off, the only sound Dan could hear was his heart and how it pounded exceedingly fast.

Dan got out of the car and headed to the entrance of the morgue. The first step seemed to take longer than forever. He feared what he would see here because he knew it would confirm what he had been told. Until he saw his loved ones dead, there was no way he could feel the truth of the pain. The second step had the space around him slipping from under his feet. It wasn’t until he reached the door that the reality of the situation rushed in. When Topper opened that door, it revealed a portal to a passageway few have traveled.

Dan wasn’t sure what had brought him to this. He stared at the stainless steel drawers where the bodies were kept. The sterile white of the room was unsympathetic, the lights were bright, and the silver metal divided the room into heartless squares. The first drawer he opened was Cindy, his wife, and he felt the room shift under his feet. Topper steadied him with his solid presence. Dan’s hands fell to his beloved wife; to his warm touch, her body was cold.

Seeing his family dead like this was something his brain couldn’t comprehend. His hands moved from his wife to the faces of his children. He held each of his daughters in a way that apparently broke Topper’s heart, because the agent had to walk away to regroup. Returning to Dan’s side he asked, Is there anything I can do?

Cindy and I were lifelong friends. We met at my tenth birthday party. I never saw my life without her. I promised I’d take care of her. Where was I when they all needed me the most?

Dan, I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say. Is there anyone you want to notify? asked Topper.

No. said Dan. I only had my mother and father, and they’re both gone. Cindy’s parents died years ago as well.

Topper’s face softened, If you need anything, let me know. Like I said, I’ll do whatever I can to help.

I haven’t thought about it, the funerals; I have to make the arrangements.

There’s no need to discuss that now.

Dan spent what time he could with his family, although it was too much for his emotions to handle and not enough for him to make his farewells. Topper stood outside looking through the glass, giving him the privacy he deserved. He watched Dan try to grasp what was before him. Pulling himself together, Dan worked up the strength to walk out and leave his family behind. This was the hardest thing he had ever done in his life, infinitely harder than any act committed in war. How could one leave loved ones and go on?

He walked right by Topper and toward the street. He didn’t cry; he only wondered how someone could take something so precious and dear without a care for the devastation left behind. In that moment, the little warmth he had for humanity went cold.

________________

Chapter 2

The Old Lady

After he walked out of the morgue, Dan headed toward the street with Special Agent Topper following. Topper asked, Dan, where are you going?

Dan stopped, bewildered, I’m not really sure, I guess to get a drink.

I have my car; I’ll go with you.

I’d rather take a cab. Dan waved down a taxi, and they both got in. To the closest bar, a quiet place.

They pulled up to a local drinking dive, and before they entered the establishment. Topper said, I have to call my wife to let her know I’ll be home late. I drink Bud; go on in and order us a round.

Dan went to the bar to grab a seat and wait for the waitress. Topper joined him as the barmaid made her way to their seats. Weariness showed on her face as she complacently spoke. Hi, my name’s Susan. What can I get you guys?

We want a couple of Buds, Dan told her.

While she got the beers, Dan asked, Agent Topper, where did you serve?

The agent got a distant look as he spoke. I was overseas for a few years, but I didn’t spend nearly the amount of time there that you did. Now that I have my feet on home soil, I don’t like to talk about it.

How did you end up involved with the FBI?

I started to work for them by accident. It was because I understood the illegal trade routes for smuggled weapons.

Suddenly, the impact of the day hit Dan like a ton of bricks. I feel sick—I should have been at home that night. Why did I make all of those sacrifices for our government when it can’t handle business here?

I understand. We have places in our own country that are in ruins. You can’t stick your head out of your front door. Even so, we spend billions on others when we can’t take care of ourselves.

Angrily Dan shook his head, Don’t get me wrong, I love serving my country. I think we could do better if we fought crime here with the same force as we do overseas.

Dan, you have just preached to the choir. I have worked on the streets with undercover agents for years. Not many are closer to the collapse of the inner cities than I am. What’s worst is how the gangs have spread into the suburbs.

The irony of Topper’s assessment was like a slap in Dan’s face. You don’t have to tell me that. My family lived in a remote upscale neighborhood, and look at what they did to them.

________________

The two men were at the bar, and from the outside, they appeared to be two guys just hanging out and catching up on old times. Dan was drinking his beer, Topper only holding his, when the news came on the television. Dan’s attention riveted to the TV set when he realized that the headlines were the Googen Murders. He felt as if his veins were filled with ice. It’s the first time Dan had seen a report on the gruesome act that had been committed against his family. His head hung low with the weight of the truth as his eyes inevitably looked up to the television in despair.

Seeing the report come on the TV, Topper yelled to the barmaid, Susan! As she turned, he asked, Can you do me a favor?

She walked over inquiringly. How can I help you?

With a look filled with meaning, Topper told her, Please change the station on the television—or better yet, put some music on. Make it anything but country.

Dan sat upright at the bar and said, It’s okay. I want to see it.

Exasperated, Susan looked from one man to the other. Which is it, you want it on or off?

Leave it on, Dan told her, bracing himself for what he was about to see.

Susan walked over to watch the report herself and turned the volume up on the set. Dan looked around the bar to see if the other patrons had noticed. The guys who were previously playing a game of pool now held their cues in midair, unable to turn from the report. The people who had been chatting were silent, putting their petty conversation to rest to hear something that mattered. The old lady at the end of the bar stopped talking to herself. The entire room had become transfixed to the report coming over the air.

Dan had a moment of revelation; it wasn’t only personal for him, it was news to others. He watched with the rest of the customers in the bar.

The person on the TV was in the midst of the report. … heard from sources that Dan Googen is back in the United States. We have also confirmed that he has been informed about the deaths of his wife and daughters.

A photo of him in full uniform came up on the screen, and Dan sank lower in his seat.

Gunnery Sergeant Googen is a decorated officer who served his country for years. I must admit as an American citizen that I feel we have all let him down.

Suddenly, someone in the bar shouted, It’s him! Right there, it’s Dan Googen!

Dan turned to see the one person out of the twenty or so in the bar who was not focused on the television. Slowly, the others started to turn and follow her one finger pointing to him.

As the men and women realized that she was right, another from the crowd yelled, It’s him!

Topper stood. Everyone, please show some respect. He’s been through a hard time.

Susan, from behind the bar, smacked her hands together and shouted, That’s enough! We have a rare thing here in our little corner tavern: an American hero! Give him some room to breathe.

Anger arose on Dan’s face. I don’t feel like a hero. Isn’t a hero supposed to prevent things like this? I don’t want to be called a hero just because I’m a victim.

You’re a hero for the time you spent in service and the sacrifices you made for this country. It has nothing to do with you being a victim, Topper told him.

Dan glanced around the bar and saw that the old lady from the other end of the room was coming toward him. The closer she got, the harder it became for her to control her sentiments. With each of her uneven steps, Dan became increasingly unsure of what to do. She tried not to cry but couldn’t hold back the free flow of tears. Dan turned to face her, and before he knew what her intentions were, she had put her arms around his waist, and suddenly he relaxed into her embrace.

In the background, he could still hear the reporter talking about the murders. She started to cry harder and held him tighter, refusing to release her grip. Everyone watched as she sobbed uncontrollably. When the pictures of Dan’s wife and daughters came on the set, the emotions were so high that no one could fight back tears. Many of the customers turned for a tearful hug from their companions.

When the elderly woman finally let go of Dan, she smeared her tears with the sleeve of her hand-knitted sweater, saying, I hate what people do in this country anymore. I used to love it here! She mumbled as she made her way through the bar. What is wrong with us? Look at what we did to him! Stopping in the doorway, the woman looked weary as she took the weight of the world’s problems onto herself. She screamed back into the bar, It’s our fault! The problem is we don’t protect each other anymore! She left the bar.

The bartender looked around at the shocked faces in the room and said, Okay, everyone, go back to shooting pool or whatever it was you were doing before the report came on. She turned the television off and turned up some music. Coming over to Dan and Topper, she said, The drinks are on the house.

Another man from across the bar called out, That’s because it’s on me!

The slightly drunk gentleman a couple of seats down tilted his head and gave a soft salute from his heart. Topper recognized a fellow veteran and acknowledged him with a sad smile.

Susan carried over a couple of drinks. I’m making it my job to listen. I won’t say a word if you feel the need to talk.

Seeing the pity barely hidden in her dark eyes, Dan politely refused. No, I’m fine. I only want to have a beer and think things through.

Without even making a conscious decision, the two men spent the night at the bar, talking about their history and the places they’d been. As the hours sped past, they became like brothers, their bond forged by loss and the clouds of alcohol.

Chapter-3

Tinker

In the morning, Topper and Dan awoke in a cheap hotel. Dan got up from the bed, and immediately his thoughts were of his loved ones. That weight hit him before his eyes had time to open. He stepped over Topper on his way to the sink in the bathroom. He took a handful of cold water and splashed it to his worn face. It had been a few days since he’d had a chance to shave.

Topper climbed up off the floor, held his head, and asked, What happened last night?

With these words, Dan thought of his losses. I asked myself the same question: what happened to my life?

Oh no, I forgot, my wife will kill me that I was gone all night and didn’t call her, Agent Topper said, concern in his voice. He looked around the hotel room, finding his phone on the floor where he fell asleep, and he dialed. Honey, I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything when I get home.

Dan watched him talking to his wife over the phone, I’ll be home tonight, I promise. I love you and will talk to you soon.

Dan stepped out of the bathroom and sat on the edge of the one bed in the room. Agent Topper, if you have to go home, you can leave.

Topper sits on the bed next to him with a hungover tone in his voice. No, it’s fine.

Dan didn’t like having the agent watching him. He stood from the bed and said, You don’t have to babysit me. I’m a grown man and can take care of myself.

Topper was a bit slower to stand, apparently because of the crushing headache. He replied, I’m not babysitting you. I want to be a friend.

Dan walked up to Topper and said in a stern voice, If you want to be my friend, tell me who killed my family.

Dan, I’m not sure you’re ready. Topper held his hands over his eyes to shield them from the lights.

Dan continued to grill him, determined. I’m ready, believe me. I’ll find out eventually; it might as well be from you.

Topper rubbed his head and said, Just don’t have thoughts about revenge. We’ll handle it.

You don’t have to worry about me. Would you just tell me already?

Topper sat back down on the bed. I have the information down at headquarters. We can go over later; give me some time to recover from last night’s drinking.

Dan picked up the phone in the hotel room and called the front desk. Can I have a taxi, please?

Before Dan hung up the phone, Topper curiously asked, Where are you going?

To my house, Dan told him, tucking in his shirt