by Gennita Low
But this was now personal. His usual SOP wasn’t going to be enough.
“Don’t worry. No red tape. I have already made contact to meet with that person,” Dec said.
Kirk’s brows shot up. “I don’t even know who’s giving the orders.”
Dec’s reply was soft. “I do.”
Of course Dec would know. He always knew. “What if that person refused to discharge the two back to you?” There must be a reason the two scientists had been together, after all. “I haven’t read all my instructions and can’t formulate a plan until I do—who’s meeting me there, how to integrate Hawk’s team in, the translator, operations personnel in Indonesia.”
Dec shook his head. “Right now, just do as you normally do until I call after my meeting. McNeil usually is fast when it comes to decisions.”
“Wait. McNeil, as in Jed McNeil?” Hawk interrupted.
“Yes,” Dec confirmed.
The SEALs exchanged glances.
“We’ve been doing joint ventures with his commandos to retrieve missing CIA weapons stolen by CIA moles,” Jazz said.
“Russian moles,” Hawk added grimly.
Ah. The picture was getting clearer to him. “Petrovich is part of the group who has infiltrated the government,” Kirk said. “Since the Gorman scandal, retrieving certain missing weapons is top priority.”
Declan nodded grimly. “And the enemy has been trying to stop the bleeding. They’ve been trying to figure out which agency was going after them so efficiently. Petrovich was sent to neutralize the MacKenzies because we work closely with the government.”
“But it’s been Jed’s outfit,” Hawk said. “If anyone could get rules bent, it’s Jed and his men. I’ve seen them in action.”
Kirk scratched off the top line on his note pad. “Translator,” he said.
“I have contact with someone who’s holidaying there,” Jade chimed in.
Jade worked for Declan. She was beautiful and lethal. One didn’t mess around with her.
“She owes me a favor,” Jade continued, “and will do it, no problem.”
“Experience?” Kirk asked. He didn’t want any by-the-book translator.
“She’s a contract agent. GEM,” she told him.
His expression must have betrayed him because in spite of the gravity of the situation, several of the SEALs snickered. GEM operatives were not his favorite people at the moment. His last run-in with one of them had ended with him naked and handcuffed to a bed, but that was another story he preferred not to share.
“She’s good,” Jade said. “She’ll get things done.”
“It’d better not be T,” Hawk murmured. “She’d tie him up in strings.”
“And eat him for a snack,” someone else added.
“They all would,” Jazz agreed, a slight smile forming before adding, “except Vivi, of course.”
“He’d know,” Lucas said, pointing a thumb at Jazz. “He’s married to one of them and his Vivi had him for every meal. I was there. Saw the whole thing.”
There were more snickers from the other guys.
Jade frowned. “Hey, don’t mouth off on my friends. It isn’t T. Her name’s Surya. I’ll call her after this meeting and set you two up. Details in an hour.”
Kirk gave a mental sigh. “All right.” GEM operative. It’d have to do.
“But McNeil first,” Declan said. “Everyone keeps their satellite phone ready and the secured app uploaded for video feeds.”
“Affirmative.”
Declan exhaled. “Again, thank you for coming here on such short notice. Now, my brothers and I have to go back in and be with our father. Kirk, my helicopter will get you to your next stop. No traffic.” He cricked his neck and then straightened before walking toward Kirk. “This is important to me.”
Kirk shook his hand. “To me too, Dec. I’ll do my best. Good luck with McNeil.”
The corners of Dec’s lips lifted. “It’s all about what the other side wants. You should know that, as a negotiator.”
Kirk nodded. The question was, what would the government’s premier assassin want that Dec could offer? Jed McNeil, from what he knew, was an enigma. Like him, McNeil moved in the world of shadows, and even there, very few knew about him and the commandos under him, except they were all part of a government experiment. Kirk would give anything to be there at this meeting. The things he would learn. Instead, he got one GEM operative named Surya.
An Interpol convention.
Three kidnapped VIPs.
A missile in the hands of militants.
Jungles everywhere.
A GEM operative who, from his previous experience with them, probably would have her own agenda.
Oh yeah, what could go wrong?
* * * *
Declan wasn’t in the mood for games. McNeil’s reputation was solid but he tended to amuse himself with odd diversions as a way to probe his opponent’s state of mind. An assassin must find ways to engage, he supposed.
He studied the man lounging against a picnic table by the basketball court. Dressed in a denim jacket and worn jeans and bouncing a ball, he looked like a walking advertisement for Active Guy. But Declan had been trained to look for the stuff that wasn’t obvious. Like a certain stillness in the way the other man moved, no matter how casual he appeared. Like the extended boot, which he knew held a weapon. Like the choice of a playground as a meeting place. Damn it. McNeil was playing games.
He strode toward the figure. McNeil didn’t turn around.
“Jed,” Declan said.
“Dec.”
McNeil finally straightened up and turned to face him, ball still in his hands. His light eyes, a strange silvery grey that had earned him the nickname “Ice” during their Ranger days,as always in the past, caught Dec’s attention.
Declan returned the level gaze, studying the other man closely. He appeared the same. Closed up. Expressionless. He remembered the earlier years when that face was unguarded, especially when he talked about traveling and seeing the world, but as the years went by, with all the training, he’d become more remote every time they’d crossed paths.
With someone like Jed McNeil, one had to always be on one’s toes. There were two choices whenever he dealt with the assassin. Attack or be pursued. He chose the former.
“It’s been—what—five or six years?” Dec said. “You disappeared from COMCEN and then word was, you reappeared after a year. What, were you afraid they’d replace you with a new Supersoldier Spy?”
He kept his voice lightly mocking. Back in the day, McNeil had been in a program called VIRUS, also privately dubbed Supersoldier Spy. However, there was a new game in town and Declan was privy to the fact that someone else was now being trained with that ridiculous title. He had an idea who the trainer was, but that information was top, top FYEO secret only a few people could confirm under threat of death. He watched with interest the slight lift of the corners of McNeil’s mouth.
“You’re just sore external contractors weren’t allowed to compete for a chance to get the program,” Jed said in his soft tone, the slight Irish lilt in his voice, signaling his relaxed state. If an assassin was ever relaxed, that was. Sometimes, when they’d met in the middle of an operation, Jed would speak to him in a different accent or not at all, remaining in character even in private.
Back to the so-called “program.” All the government agencies had sent in one or two top operatives to be vigorously trained and to compete against one another. The winning agency received all the funding for the Supersoldier Spy Program. Declan had been intrigued with the addendum that the operative had to have “alternate mental” skills, besides that of soldiering and spying, as the FYEO papers he had viewed had called it. “Alternate skills” must involve something called the ability to enter “remote-viewing state.”
That had stopped him in his tracks. Remote viewing? Didn’t that run out of style with the government since those other weirdo secret projects like alien DNA testing and hallucinatory dru
gging of soldiers? But millions of dollars of funding was the reward and the cynical part of him knew certain agencies just wanted to win so they could allocate the money somewhere else in their own various programs. But from what he’d heard, there was definitely a candidate who had gone beyond expectations during the training and competition stages.
“True,” he acknowledged, “but I’m surprised. What would you do with a remote viewing skill in virtual reality, McNeil? And why would your scientist be talking with mine about anything virtual?”
There it was. A narrowing of the eyes. It was a stab in the dark and he’d drawn a little blood. It was just a guess. His contacts had told him of the extensive virtual reality toys being created and experimented with at DARPA for COMCEN.
McNeil bounced the ball once. Twice. “A special exoskeleton suit is a nice weapon to own, isn’t it? I’d imagine a securities firm with government connections and private funding for science projects would attract many enemy eyes sooner or later. Imagine my supersoldier spy and your version of the exoskeleton.” His silver eyes challenged Declan to deny it. His voice hardened slightly. “Imagine our secrets in the hands of the enemies.”
Declan schooled his expression. So, they too had been working on creating a special exoskeleton. Not a surprise. Everyone copied everyone in their race for science. And weaponry too. However, his hospital and its location was top secret and now he knew Jed McNeil knew about this. Damn sonofabitch always cut a little deeper.
“But you asked to see me, my friend,” McNeil continued. “I’m all ears.” He threw the ball at him, adding. “Make a hoop, get a point. Isn’t that how we always play this game?”
CHAPTER TWO
Kirk received the call from Declan as soon as he got off the plane. The Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport was crowded.
“You’re cutting it close,” he said, inserting his earpiece. “I’d thought you would call sooner so I could chart some strategy here.”
Being a fixer was all about the strategy, especially in something that involved hostage negotiation. He had already read up on all the files included in his assignment folio, but this wasn’t an ordinary negotiation and extraction. He had traitor operatives who could jeopardize the whole deal.
“I had to finalize a few things after my meeting with McNeil,” Declan said. “Also, Dad wanted a family meeting about wills and personal stuff. Mom left something for you, he said. A book you’ve been hunting for. So you’d better get this done ASAP.”
Kirk almost stumbled in surprise. He swallowed. That sweet woman was just incredible. “I…don’t know what to say.” He finally got the words out. “I’m sorry, Dec. I can’t think about that right now. I’m going to need to concentrate on making sure I get those bastards who were part of this.”
“Yes.” Dec’s voice was gruff. “I wanted to tell you before we continue. Didn’t want that to be the last piece of information, you know? You’re family, Kirk.”
Kirk picked up his carry-on and stepped on the escalator. “I know.” He cleared his throat. He couldn’t afford to feel any sorrow right now. Anger. That was a good emotion for revenge. Changing the subject, he said, “Security is tight here. Too many VIPs coming and going. Dec, is McNeil in or out? I need to know who the players are to make sure whose side everyone’s on. I’ve studied the files and know the operatives who have done work for MacKenzie Securities before and shouldn’t be here. If I see them—”
“Yes. If you see them, I did not send them. McNeil’s agreed to help but I still need to coordinate certain details with him, with Hawk and his team, and with Shane. I’ve had to talk down Brady’s arguments. Let’s just say I have my hands full because everyone wants to do your job.”
“Yes, I’m sure the NSA would love to hear about a bunch of SEALs in an unsanctioned extraction showing up with enough firepower to alarm a nation hosting an important Interpol meeting,” Kirk said wryly. He could just imagine the international hullabaloo that would cause. “Tell me about McNeil. I’ve heard he’s a tough devil. How did you get him to see things your way? Did you sell your soul?”
Dec gave a short bark of amusement. “Thanks for that laugh. Much needed.” His sigh came through over the phone. “According to him, there’s a nest of traitors out there. He’s been chipping away for five years. Five fucking years, Kirk. I’m not going to let that happen. This isn’t just about national security. This is about getting my mother’s killers. That’s the main thing. McNeil understands where I’m coming from and even offered his services. Besides, his inside connections with foreign governments allow him certain freedoms. He can move in and out without interference. I can’t be there nor can any of my brothers or people, so I accepted.”
He sounded tired. Kirk wondered when was the last time Dec slept. “Hey,” he said, understanding the other man’s need to be with family and also run an international operation. “You know I got this. You should be spending time with the family. It’ll take at least another twelve to twenty-four hours of laying out the groundwork. As soon as I get the call from NSA that the kidnappers have contacted them again, you’ll be the first to know, I promise.”
“Right.” Dec’s tone of voice returned to business-like. “Everything is ready. Your name has been added to the hotel guest list. It’s full and security is tight everywhere. The GEM operative, Surya, is waiting for you in her suite, so that would save the need to meet in public. She has agreed to be a translator if there are any language problems. Remember, she’s on vacation, or was, so you’ll have to act as a good friend joining her. Be casual and bring some flowers, she said, because you’re coming to celebrate her birthday and she’s told the hotel front desk she was going to go sightseeing with you. That would be a good cover for both of you traveling around. I’ve read her file and she seems very capable. I’ve never had the need to use them for my ops before so you’ll have to play it by ear. Jade assured me they are top-notch at what they do.”
“Okay.” Playing it by ear. He wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing when it came to a GEM operative, but he didn’t say anything for now. “I’ll call as soon as I have everything lined up.”
“Good luck.”
After going through Customs and a visit to the bathroom, he was met by a driver holding up a sheet of cardboard with his name on it. He greeted the man and made a beeline to a flower stand to pick up a bouquet. Outside, the humidity hit him like a heavy slap of hot towels. It was like breathing in water.
Kirk studied the bustle of airport traffic, taking a few moments to adjust. He felt a trickle of perspiration running down his neck. He was going to need lots of refreshment today. And lighter clothes.
The drive to the hotel was mind-boggling, to say the least. He’d planned to read up on files and do some quick research on the GEM operative during the drive, but that flew out the window the moment they hit the main roads. Everyone appeared to think they had the right-of-way, with helmetless drivers on scooters zipping alongside cars and across lanes in front of oncoming traffic. Several times he had to stop himself from shouting out to the driver, who seemed unperturbed by the near-accidents. Instead, he just gripped his briefcase handle a little tighter and concentrated on not gritting his teeth.
The driver turned around at one point and said, in broken English, “You relaxed, ya? I take care of drive, no problem. Sit back and relax, ya? Be at hotel quick, quick, quick!”
Sit back and relax! Kirk pointed frantically at the windshield. “Bicyclist!” was all he could get out as he watched a young couple, the woman perched on the handle bars of a bicycle, merrily cross the intersection.
His driver wasn’t even fazed by the near-miss. To Kirk’s relief, he did return his attention to the road. “Don’t worry, Sir. I drive faster so you get to hotel.”
That didn’t sound comforting at all. On the other hand, getting to the hotel faster might be good.
Kirk leaned back against the seat. He didn’t need refreshments. He would need a whole bottle of whiskey after this ride
. He made a mental note to make sure they hired a driver. There was no way he could ever drive around this area and not hit something.
By the time they reached the hotel, he felt even more tired than the usual jet lag-induced malaise. His check-in went smoothly, thank goodness, and within minutes, he was on the way to what he hoped was a quick introduction with Surya Tangers and then excuse himself so he could take a nice shower.
The suite was on the highest floor. There was a fantastic view when he emerged from the elevator. If he were the woman, he’d be annoyed at having his nice vacation interrupted by an assignment. He looked down at the flowers in his hand. They looked slightly wilted. He should just chuck them in the waste bin since they’d already done the job of giving the desired impression to the staff in the lobby. The clerk had given Kirk a knowing smile as he accepted his tip. The bellboy had offered to help take care of his carry-on so he could “quickly go up to the room to meet his lady friend.” He’d declined the offer, of course, and just tipped the man.
Quickly there. Quickly up. Quickly done. That appeared to be the mode around here. As a fixer, he preferred thoroughness over speed. The way to get things done right was in the details.
Using his key card, he opened the double door to the suite. He stepped in and surveyed the whole place. Jaysus. It was like entering a secret doorway to a mansion. It looked like one of those movie star houses featured in magazines. Marble floor living area. Lush silk brocade curtains. Gold couches with mahogany tables. Deep carpeting leading to other smaller areas. Even a damn baby grand piano. Girl was serious about her vacation.
A sumptuous meal was set up on the dining table, the delicious scent of local spices tickling his nose, reminding him he hadn’t eaten. His attention followed the soft music coming from one of the rooms. He turned toward it, wondering if he should announce himself. Maybe she didn’t know he was here. That couldn’t be. He was sure someone had already informed her of his arrival.
