The Death of 1977 (Book 3)

The rain outside the cave that afternoon could be heard penetrating the cave's walls so hard that it sounded as if it were going to collapse right on top of everyone inside. The heat inside was as usual stifling. The stench of body odor and human waste, combined with the humidity and the dampness only made breathing unbearable and downright impossible. By then, everyone gathered and working knew how and when to take breaths; in small doses.

Livingston, on his knees, meticulously worked with the various colored wires that were attached to a set of explosives. He tinkered feverishly, yet carefully, making sure not to insert certain wires into the wrong slots. There were multiple sounds thriving inside his head, namely the rain just twenty or so feet behind him outside the cave, the workers digging into the walls and gagging as if they couldn't breathe any longer, and his own heartbeat that wouldn't slow down for anything.

"Blimey!" He griped under his breath at the tiny sparks that flew into his face.

A roll of thunder caused the man to look up and back at the cave's entrance where Philippe was standing with his rifle in hand.

"Philippe, come over right quick!"

Lethargically, the man did as ordered and stood above Livingston. Livingston continued to work with the wires more and more before saying to Philippe, "Stand here."

Philippe sat his weapon down onto the ground before kneeling and asking, "What is it?"

Taking a blue and yellow wire, Livingston remarked, "Take these, and no matter what, don't drop them."

Philippe secured the wires as commanded while watching Livingston fiddle with the dynamite like they were toys.

"You and the others have been awfully quiet all day." Livingston mentioned without looking at the young man. "What's the issue?"

Philippe's eyes shifted from side to side in rapid succession. "It's...it's just him." He stuttered.

"Him, who," Livingston turned up his nose.

"You know...him."

Livingston glanced at Philippe for a second before re-directing his attention back at his work. "Just stay focused on what we're doing here." He muttered as if his words were too blasphemous to be said out loud.

"But, how can we stay focused when he's out dere doing what he's doing?"

Sighing, Livingston said, "Look, I can't control the bastard any more than you can. But—

"I can control him!" Philippe pointed at his rifle.

"Don't drop

workers are scared to death. Some of dem would rather die dan to keep on and run into him. You've seen him like dat before. It's like something from

Philippe a hard

"Everyone can take a break for a

the remaining workers dropped their pitchforks

all here for a specific purpose, and that is to become wealthy. But we all know that with great wealth, comes great sacrifice. These caves are rife with heaven on earth. Not everyone in this country knows about them. But those of us that are collected here are the fortunate ones. I know that I and my

deep in de cave searching for de rocks you asked for." One of the male

we must maintain our current stride. Only two more days and

"My God," the woman named Tala shrieked as she

jumped in startled fear at what had the woman on the run. When they could see Arthur, who was clothed only in a pair of torn pants, chasing after her, Philippe and his two partners immediately raised their rifles while Livingston stood directly in front of them. Arthur's fangs were exposed and his eyes were completely white. He looked as if he was either coming down from a transformation or in the beginning stages. No matter, the frenzied appearance he wore was enough to have everyone in the cave

"Put your guns down!"

look at him!" Philippe shrieked

as if he had been running nonstop for hours. Drops of blood could be seen dripping from his bottom lip.

calm down and let's talk!"

appeared to be too wired to be contained. The man paced back and forth, frothing at the mouth like a raving animal captured

to me, these men won't shoot you! Do you understand? They won't harm

But Arthur only snarled while lurking within his space that he seemingly dared anyone to invade. Every so often he would swipe

are Arthur Bushard! You are the king of your kingdom! I need for you to

seemed to focus upon the man. Their

Livingston spoke more calmly. "Now...don't you recall Demarae once

for a full five seconds before he hissed in a daze,

it can't continue. It's flat out cock-eyed. Just yesterday

Livingston's own heart wouldn't stop thumping. He was accustomed to the

count down. Look all around you, there's ten million American dollars' worth of diamonds inside this one region of the cave. It's because of you and your family that we were able to find it. In two days, I'm gonna dynamite this section and we'll all be rich. I can go back home, these people can go about their lives, and you can rule this island for as long as you choose. But

It was dead silent inside the cave. Philippe and his partners had their guns pointed straight at Arthur, ready to make a pull of the trigger at any second. The workers all held their breaths; some even turned their heads in fear of Arthur's face. It was only Livingston that dared to move closer to the man

so seriously into Arthur's face. "Just two

came to a halt as he dropped his hands to the side and

Livingston shook his head

Arthur then looked past Livingston and at the workers and guards who were still pointing their guns at him