GOTU - A Robin Marlette Novel

by Mike McNeff

  Across the country, all the other hits went well. Much more evidence implicating more people was found during the execution of the search warrants. Phones rang off the hook at all of the task force offices.

  Chris spoke to Robin. “We're working to get permission to go in and get Cathy. HRT is gearing up, but we can't go until the State Department gives the green light.” Robin looked at Chris. “Rob, you have to let me get this done. We all know you. You cannot try self-help. You will end up in prison if not dead.”

  “I appreciate your efforts.”

  “Rob, promise me you won't go south. Give me the time to work it out.”

  “What time? They have my daughter.”

  “Don't be foolish. I know you are planning something, or else Ernie wouldn't be here.”

  “Ernie and I are going to Tucson to see Jerry Parker, the Airman who fought for our children. We're also going to meet his family and the family of Sam Cowen, the Airman who died. Work the time you have.”

  “Don't be bullshitting me, Rob.”

  “I'm not. Have an agent go to the hospital this afternoon. We'll buy him lunch.”

  They all finished their breakfasts and started to leave. Angie walked up to Robin and looked into his eyes.

  “Be careful, my good friend.”

  “Keep the case running Special Agent Spurline. I mean very special agent. You are my very good friend. Thank you, again.”

  Angie gave him a polite hug and walked away.

  Ernie and Robin climbed into Ernie's Bronco. They covered their gear under tarps in the back. They headed for Tucson.

  Emmett called Burke Jameson. “They're headed south. They say they're going to see the wounded Airman and his family. Do you think that's what they're really going to do?”

  “Of course they are. I'm sure they want to pay their respects. Robin also set it up so the Feds can't stop them from going south. Then they will head for the border. Get everyone mounted up and headed south. We will meet near the hospital no later than 1400.”

  “You got it, Brother. See ya there.”

  Emmett hung up the telephone and heard a knock at his BOQ door. He opened it to see Carlos standing there. He and Newman were brought back to Luke when the raids started going down.

  “Good morning, Carlos. What's up?”

  “I wondered where Sergeant Marlette went?”

  “He went to Tucson.” Emmett spoke as he put his MP5 into a duffel.

  “Yes, and I know why. You know my wife is at that ranch. I know every inch of it and the layout of the buildings, including the main house.”

  Emmett stopped his packing and looked at Carlos, trying to figure out what to say. Without conviction Emmett said, “Carlos, you're in federal custody. I can't take you with us.”

  Carlos laughed. “You are worried about that when I know you are about to violate just about every international law there is?”

  Emmett lowered his head and chuckled. “You're right, Carlos. Hell, we might as well make this a complete clusterfuck. Besides, we sure can use your information. Get what stuff you need and meet me back here.”

  TWENTY FOUR

  Miguel Rodriquez-Lara's brain filled with rage, confusion, and fear. In one day he had lost over fifteen men. Juan Trinidad, of all people, had failed in his mission. Marlette and his family were probably still alive.

  “Patron, I do not believe all of Marlette's family could have survived our attack. We riddled the house,” Juan offered.

  Miguel screamed in reply. “But there is no fucking way to know for sure, is there, Juan?! There's no fucking news coverage about the condition of Marlette or his family! There's no news coverage about Marlette's daughter, who is now captive in this house! There's only news about a multiple murder in Tucson and about a massive gunfight with many people shot at Marlette's house! The press said at least two fucking police officers were shot! The fucking government would not release any more information until the certain facts were known AND THAT IS ALL WE FUCKING KNOW, ISN'T IT, JUAN?!”

  “Miguel, I saw one police officer die. Maybe the other one is Marlette, but I cannot be sure.”

  “What we can be sure of, Juan, is that everything I have worked for is in jeopardy! Our control in the States is being eroded! All I hear on the fucking news is Walton and everyone else we own is under arrest! My bank accounts are frozen and everything I own there is being seized! THIS IS MY FUCKING WORLD! I OWN IT AND I RUN IT. THIS IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPENING IN MY FUCKING WORLD!” Miguel's fury roiled for a few moments longer. He looked at the faces of Juan and Hector Rubio and could see in their eyes they did not have the same respect they normally did. He unclenched his fists and took several deep breaths.

  “Hector, even though you lost men, you did get the girl. That is good. What I want you to do now is make sure the men stay away from her. Only Jorge will deal with her.”

  “I will see to it, Patron.” Miguel went to his desk. He opened a drawer and reached into it. Juan moved his hand to the gun under his shirt. Miguel pulled out a stack of cash and Juan moved his hand away from his gun. Miguel walked over to Hector and handed him the cash.

  “This is for bringing the girl to me. Go now.” Hector rose and walked out of the room.

  “Well, Juan, what do you think about all of this?”

  “With respect, mi Jefe, I think we need to take a few days to gather intelligence on what the Americans are doing. If we take any action now, we are doing it blindly.”

  “It appears we did it with our eyes closed yesterday!”

  “Again, with respect, Patron, we had a run of bad luck yesterday. That and I admit I underestimated Marlette. He is not just an ordinary policeman.”

  “All right,” Miguel said with exasperation. “Get in touch with our people in Mexico City. Find out if the Americans are trying to get them to act and what the Americans are telling them.”

  “I have already done so, Patron. They assured me they would not allow the Americans to come into Mexico. We should also be hearing from Carlos. It does not appear that he or Newman was arrested. They've been working together for the last two weeks. I am sure Carlos has them lying low. He will probably be moving to get them here soon.”

  “Why is that important?”

  “Patron, Newman is the only one who has been to this ranch who I worry about giving information to the Americans. If any of our other people were arrested, they wouldn't talk. They know we will get them out of jail as soon as we find out where they are. They also know what will happen to their families if they do talk.”

  “It is good you are thinking about these things, Juan. Have you thought about anything else?”

  “Yes, mi Jefe. We have Marlette's daughter. At the right time, she could be our most important asset.”

  “Yes, we are thinking alike about that. At first, I wanted to let the men have her and film it. Then send it to the Americans for Marlette to see if he is still alive. But now we will wait. We may have to negotiate. With her, we can still negotiate from a position of power.”

  “Si, Patron.” Juan rose from his chair. “If you will excuse me, I have urgent work to do.”

  “Yes you do, Juan. Yes you do.”

  After Juan left, Miguel brooded. He was losing faith in Juan. He knew Juan remained loyal to him, mainly because Miguel made Juan rich beyond his dreams. Juan, however, had proved many times to be the most dangerous man Miguel knew. His own men greatly respected Juan. Getting rid of him would be a very difficult task. Miguel hoped Juan would regain the full faith Miguel once felt. He hated it when he had to do the difficult tasks.

  TWENTY FIVE

  Robin and Ernie stood at either side of Jerry Parker's bed. Jerry looked at them with conscious, groggy eyes. Jerry's parents were also in the room. Jerry tried to apologize to the two fathers for not doing a better job of defending their children.

  “I fought as hard I as I could, but just not hard enough.”

  “You fought hard enough,” Robin replied. “Real fights are not l
ike television fights. They aren't scripted. You thrust yourself into a chaotic fight already in progress and you managed to kill two of the men attacking our kids. Your action, along with Sam's, threw their plan off.”

  “But they got your daughter!” The anguish in Jerry's voice wrenched Robin's heart.

  Ernie spoke in a low, reverent tone. “My son is alive because of you. He is going to pull through, although he has a rough road ahead. If you didn't fight like you did, I'm sure they would have killed him.” Jerry lay back in his bed, weak from his wounds. The two sergeants each took one of Jerry's hands. Robin spoke.

  “We came here to thank you for what you did. We want you to know that whatever you or your family need, just let us know. We will see it gets taken care of.”

  “Sergeant Marlette, just get your daughter back. That's all I want.”

  Robin leaned close to Jerry's ear and whispered, “Mission accepted.” He squeezed Jerry's hand.

  Jerry squeezed both men's hands, “Godspeed.”

  Robin and Ernie walked out with Jerry's parents. Sam Cowen's father stood in the hallway.

  “I heard what you told my son,” Mr. Parker whispered. “When you go to get your daughter, you kill as many of those sons of bitches you can,” he hissed.

  “Kill all of them,” Cowen said in a low growl. “They shot my son in the back, the low-life cowards.” Robin looked at Mr. Cowen.

  “Your son gave his life protecting our children. We'll take care of business.” The four men shook hands, and Robin and Ernie headed for the Blazer.

  When they were walking in the parking lot, Ernie spoke. “I don't know how you plan to kill everyone at the ranch. There are only two of us.”

  “Ernie, there's no problem that can't be solved with the application of the proper amount of explosives.”

  “What in hell are you talking about?”

  “Just be careful going over bumps,” Robin joked.

  “Are you telling me there are explosives in my truck?!”

  “Just get in and drive. You'll see when we get to where we are going.”

  Burke Jameson and Rick Santos watched as Robin and Ernie drove out of the hospital parking lot.

  “They're on the move,” Burke said into his mic.

  “Ten-Four,” Emmett replied.

  “Ditto,” Doug said.

  The Guardians were in three vehicles. Ernie's team and Carlos were also there, for a total of twelve men. They followed their sergeants out to I-10. Robin and Ernie went eastbound. They exited at U.S. 83.

  “They are headed to where we expected,” Burke said into the radio. “Just hang back until we get closer.” The men settled in for the drive.

  Captain Pearle's telephone rang. “He's here,” Hammel said. Pearle looked at Lieutenant Morrison from Internal Affairs, “Game time.” The two men walked down to the Street Narcotics Section office. Pearle seethed inside. The tapes were more than damaging to Molina. They were sickening. They met Hammel just outside the door.

  The Captain whispered to Hammel, “You place him under arrest. I am sure he will invoke. Mike will take it from there.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The men walked in. Molina sat at his desk, holding his head in his hands. He looked up and saw the three men and focused on Lieutenant Morrison. He jumped up and backed against the wall. Molina's eyes had the look of a cornered animal. His hand went for his gun.

  “Don't do it, Jose!” Hammel screamed. The three command officers drew their guns and moved in different directions. Molina put his gun to his head and cried out, “I am so, so sorry.” He pulled the trigger.

  Pearle rose from his crouch and approached Molina's body with his gun drawn. He took the gun out of Molina's hand. Pearle felt cheated. He'd wanted to kill the son of a bitch himself.

  Angie sat writing a report when John Lucheck walked into the wire room supervisor's office.

  “Hey, Angie, where are Rob and Ernie's guys?”

  “Oh, I am sure they have a lot to do about their families' security and everything.”

  “Well, I wish they would have told me at breakfast. I needed to talk to Emmett about shutting down this place.” John walked out. Angie took a deep breath and went back to writing. The phone rang.

  “Agent Spurline.”

  “Angie, its Mary Tatum. I have a phone call Rick Santos said I should give to you.”

  “Yes, Mary. Put the call through.”

  “Here it comes.” Angie heard a click and then a man say, “Hello?”

  “This is Agent Spurline with DEA. Is this Jorge?”

  There was a pause. “I don't know if I should be talking to you.”

  “Then don't. Just listen. The Guardians are coming tomorrow morning an hour before dawn. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are Cathy and Maria safe?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you get them together about an hour before dawn?”

  “I don't know. Let me think.” Jorge paused. “Tell them I will have both of them in the small guest room in the main house. I'm sorry, I must go.” He hung up.

  Angie hung up the telephone and sat back. Now she would wait until the Guardians called. She had felt much better about all of this since Rick told her both squads were joining their sergeants, and she was relieved to hear Cathy was safe for now. Rob would feel better with that news.

  Frustration made it impossible for Chris to sit in his office chair. He talked to Hank Rawls, the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Director of the FBI, about the rescue. Rawls kept on saying, “State is still negotiating with Mexico.”

  They only had a small window of time to get this rescue done. Chris knew Cathy, which fueled his frustration. She was a great kid.

  The FBI Hostage Rescue Team sat staged at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Their team leader debriefed Carlos at Luke AFB early in the morning. HRT had the layout of the ranch and all of the buildings. Their manpower had been supplemented with a team from Delta Force. The Mexican government just needed to give approval. The telephone rang.

  “Agent Fleming.”

  “Chris, it's Hank.”

  “Give me the good news, Hank.” Chris heard a deep breath on the other end.

  “State says no go, Chris. I'm sorry.”

  “What! This is insane!” Chris yelled.

  “Calm down, Chris. State says the Mexican government is going to handle the situation. They are going to put the word out that they want to negotiate with Rodriquez-Lara.” Anger flooded through Chris and he knew he shouldn't say anything else.

  “Thanks for trying, Hank.” Chris hung up and called the wire room.

  “Agent Spurline.”

  “Angie it's Chris. Is Robin back from Tucson yet?”

  “No, he isn't.”

  “Okay, put Emmett on the phone.”

  “He isn't here either.”

  Chris thought about this. “Is there anybody from Rob or Ernie's squad there?”

  “No.”

  “Angie, please don't lie to me. Did they all go south?”

  After a moment, Angie said, “Yes they did.”

  “Damn! Angie, meet me at the Air Support office.”

  “I can't leave here.”

  “Yes, you can. Forward the phone to Air Support.”

  “I can't. I'm waiting for a call from the guys. I have important information for them.”

  “Angie, please trust me. I'm not going to try to stop Robin from going after his daughter. State shut down the HRT op. All I want to do is help them. Now please, meet me at Air Support.”

  “Okay, Chris.” Twenty minutes later, Chris opened the door to Air Support as Angie drove up. He waited for her, and they walked in together. Jack Moore and Oscar Leighton greeted them. Bill Grassley and Russ Martin walked out of Martin's office.

  “What are you guys up to?” Grassley asked.

  “Bill, State said no go on the HRT op.”

  The book Jack Moore was holding went flying across the room. “Those go
ddamn motherfuckers,” he yelled.

  “And Rob and Ernie's squads are headed for the border.”

  “And Carlos,” Angie interjected.

  “Oh, that's just fucking great!” Chris threw his hands up into the air.

  “Angie, what else do you know?” Bill asked in a calm voice.

  “According to Rick Santos, they are planning to hit the ranch an hour before dawn. Rob and Ernie were going to do it alone. They don't know about their squads, and Carlos coming after them.”

  “Why are you here, Chris?”

  “We have to help them…the Blackhawk!”

  “That's a bit fanciful at this point, don't you think?”

  “But Bill” Grassley held his hand up to quiet Chris.

  “Everybody sit down. I'm going into Russ's office to make a telephone call. Do nothing, say nothing outside of this room until I am done. Don't look at me like that, Chris. You have no idea what I'm about to do.” Grassley turned and went into Russ Martin's office.

  “I can't believe Rob would do this without us,” Jack said.

  “Hell, Jack, he and Ernie were going to do it alone!” Chris said.

  “I know. That's crazy!”

  Oscar Leighton spoke up. “You know Rob has a plan. He is a master tactician. He isn't crazy. He wouldn't endanger his daughter for nothing. He has something up his sleeve.”

  Thirty minutes went by without Grassley emerging from the office. They heard him laugh intermittently. Finally, he came out.

  “Jack, fire up the 'Hawk. I want you and your crew to go to Davis-Monthan, refuel, and wait for my directions. Monitor the TAC frequencies. I am sure that's what the Guardians are using. Let me know if you hear anything.”

  “I'm going with them,” Chris said.

  “No you're not, Chris. You are staying with me and Angie. We may be calling in every marker we have tonight. You are more valuable here. In fact, I need you to find out when HRT is leaving Fort Huachuca. If they are planning leave before tomorrow, I am going to need you to stall them. Russ, you go with Jack. If we take action, you will be in tactical command. Everybody got it?”