by Mike McNeff
Jack, already headed out the door, yelled, “Yes, sir!”
Jordan Yates, the CIA Deputy Director for Operations, thought about the conversation with his old friend Bill Grassley as he walked to the Director's office. Many years before, he and Grassley were young CIA agents working all over the Middle Eastern part of the world. They were a highly respected covert team. They went through many tight spots together, and became close.
Then Bill Grassley fell madly in love with a beautiful Lebanese woman and got married. He decided he wanted to be home with his wife instead of traipsing all over the world. He left the CIA and joined U.S. Customs. Yates and Grassley were still good friends.
As Yates approached the door to the Director's office, he glanced at this watch. It read 7:00 pm. The Director started work at five every morning, something you don't always see in a political appointee. The hours he kept necessarily meant the other members of top staff also worked long hours. Yates stood at the Director's door. The Director motioned him in, and Jordan walked in and sat in a chair with a parlor set in the corner of the Director's office. The Director left his desk and sat in a chair next to Jordan.
“Tell me more about this Arizona issue.”
“Well, sir, we have what appear to be two rogue police squads about to violate one hell of a lot of international law to try to rescue their leader's daughter.”
“This is all related to the attacks in Arizona we were briefed on last night, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I thought we were going to send the FBI HRT and Delta in to get her out.”
“State just said ‘no go.’ Mexico says they will handle it.”
The Director grunted. “What is your friend Grassley's suggestion?”
“Bill is a very astute man. He sees a political liability here that can be turned into a political asset. The way he sees it, we have a highly trained and experienced team about to go into Mexico to rescue an American citizen whether we like it or not. He thinks the chances are good they are going to succeed. If they do succeed, it will be a publicity event that will eclipse anything going on right now. It will be the headline—and the headline will be how the federal government failed to act.” Yates paused to let that sink in.
“On the other hand, if the team that makes the rescue is a CIA covert ops team, the headlines will be much different. Mexico is going to raise holy hell no matter who does it. If we are in control, we can do the ‘we cannot confirm or deny U.S. involvement’ dance in such a way everyone knows we did it, but we will never openly admit it.”
“You have me a little confused. Where is our covert ops team?”
“Those police officers poised to go into Mexico.”
The Director sat back in his chair. “How are we going to make this work?”
“Grassley suggests we designate them a CIA asset now. This will give us the latitude to give them support, if they need it. When we get them back on this side of the border, Grassley guarantees me he will be able to keep them quiet. There will be no leaks. We will control the reaction to Mexico's objections.”
“What would be the officers' motivation for not going to the press?”
“They won't be prosecuted.”
“The political aspects of this would be the President's motivation. What is mine for starting all of this?”
“If you want it, you get a highly trained and experienced covert action team we could keep a secret for a very long time.”
The Director sat deep in thought for a good five minutes. Jordan knew the Director worked all of the angles in his head, examining the potential of a covert team nobody knew about, the political disadvantages and advantages, and the impact on his future career plans. The Director reached for the telephone on the coffee table.
“Hi, Sally. Tell Walt to get the chopper ready to go to the White House. Call the White House and tell them we are coming and need to see the President ASAP. Thank you.”
Thirty-two minutes later, the two CIA officers sat in the Oval Office with the President. The Director briefed the President on the proposal and all the ramifications he could determine. When the Director finished, the President rose from his desk and looked out the window into the faint glow of the beginning summer night.
“These are the officers leading the investigation that found Bob Mickerson was on the take, aren't they?”
“Yes, sir,” Yates answered.
The President turned around. “These officers sound like good men—with balls. They certainly did me a favor by uncovering Mickerson. We can use men like them. Go with the plan. Get with my press secretary and make sure he knows enough to not screw up the publicity side of this. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to get back to having a cocktail with my wife. Thank you, Gentlemen.”
TWENTY SIX
Pull over and stop, Ernie. Time to check our back trail.”
Ernie checked his mirrors again. “There's no one following us, Rob.”
“Just pull over. I've got a feeling.”
Ernie rolled his eyes and brought the Bronco to a halt on the left side of Duquesne Road. Robin got out of the truck with binoculars and climbed a small hill. He glassed back along the road. A minute later, he came back to Bronco.
“We have company.”
“We do?!”
“Yes. Just sit tight.”
“Who do you think it is?”
“It's Burke and probably everyone else.”
“How do you know?”
“I saw two vehicles. I just know it's Jameson.”
“Because you have a feeling.”
“That's it.”
“Sometimes you worry me, Rob.”
They sat for about five minutes. Then Burke's truck came around the corner. It skidded to a halt. Robin got out of the Bronco. Burke drove slowly up to him. Doug's truck came around the corner.
Burke stopped and rolled down his window. “Hi, Sarge.” He had a big grin on his face.
“I guess I don't have to ask what you're doing here.”
“Probably a waste of time.” Burke still grinned.
“Where's Emmett and Rick?”
“Oh, they're coming. They stopped in Patagonia to make some phone calls.” Ernie got out of the Bronco and stood next to Robin. He saw Rocky and Marv in the back of the crew cab.
“Goddammit, you two! Get your asses back to Phoenix!”
“Now, Ernie, don't get pissed,” Rocky replied. “You know damn good and well we have just as much right to be here as you two do. Andy and Cathy are family to us too and the rest of the guys.”
“Whaddya mean ‘the rest of guys?’”
“Everyone is here. Both squads.” Marv nudged Rocky. “Oh yeah, Carlos too.”
“Carlos!” Robin exclaimed.
“Yep. He talked Emmett into it,” Burke said. Emmett's truck came speeding around the corner and skidded to a halt. It drove up to the group. Rick got out and walked up to Robin.
“Cathy is okay for now, Rob. I got word from Jorge.”
Robin steadied himself on Burke's truck. He held back the tears of immense relief. “I wish I could get word to Karen.”
“Chris took care of that.”
“Save it,” Robin replied. “We have to get to our campsite. We'll sort all this out then. Drivers, come over to Ernie's Bronco.” Robin pulled out a map and showed them a campsite he had chosen. “Start looking to your left when you get about two miles from the border. It will be the largest stand of trees in the area. We will go first and set up a CHEMLITE. Space yourselves out from here. Try to keep the dust down. Any questions?” Nobody spoke up. “All right, mount up, we're burning daylight.”
As everyone headed for their respective vehicles, Emmett cracked, “Hey, Sarge, do you know you say that whether it's day or night?”
“Glad you're paying attention, Emmett.”
Robin and Ernie drove for another twenty-two miles before they arrived at the campsite as darkness was closing in. They stretched out two large camouflage tarps
over the campsite, hooking them to the trees with bungee cords. Robin hung the CHEMLITE just inside the trees. Only someone looking for it would spot it.
Eventually, the rest of the team vehicles came in, one by one. After everyone arrived, other tarps were added to form a loose enclosure around the cold, dry camp. No fire. No water nearby; this was strictly business. The men busied themselves laying gear out and checking weapons. Some ate MRE's, beef jerky, or other snacks. They only used CHEMLITEs or small flashlights with red lenses.
Rick took Robin aside. “Rob, Chris wanted me to relay a message from Karen.” Robin stiffened. “Karen says, and I quote, ‘I love you. Bring our daughter home.’”
Robin deflated. God, I love that woman!
“Thanks, Rick. I appreciate that.”
A little later, Robin noticed Carlos off by himself, really not busy with anything. Robin retrieved his MP5 from its case along with five loaded magazines and pulled out an old tactical vest. He walked over to Carlos and handed him the gear. Rick came up and handed Carlos a duty rig with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. “We can't have you just sitting around. We don't believe in free rides. You'll have to earn this E-ticket.”
Carlos showed a relieved smile. “Thank you, Robin.” Robin nodded.
After the men started to settle down, Robin stood before them for the mission brief. Emmett brought an easel with a diagram of the ranch and the immediate area Carlos had drawn.
“Gentlemen,” Robin announced, “we need to be relatively quiet now. The smugglers will start coming across soon. Keep your voices down to a whisper and the lights to a minimum. I want to first say you're all nuts. You're not only risking your lives; you're also throwing your careers down the drain. Make no mistake about it, when we get back, we'll all be arrested because we're about to commit a multitude of federal and international crimes. I won't have any hard feelings if any or all of you just pack up and go home. In fact, I wish that's what you would do.”
“Is he always this full of shit?” a loud whisper came out of the group.
“Well, he's a lawyer, whaddya expect?” Burke whispered back.
Gary Perkins, the oldest man in the group with twenty-five years on Phoenix PD, had asked the question.
“Why are you here, Gary?” Robin asked. “I know we've worked together for about five years now and we're friends, but you have your own family. Why are you willing to chuck your career and possible prison for me?”
Gary thought for a minute. He looked over at Jamie Slater and Willy Young, the rest of Ernie's team. “Well, Sarge, I guess because I wasn't doing very well before Ernie, Rocky, and Marv showed up. In fact, I fucked up enough to be close to getting fired. I had a real bad attitude. They kind a perked me up. Perked us all up,” he said, waving to Jamie and Willy. “Then you guys came along and we all started working together, I really started feeling like a good cop again. Hell, I would've retired at twenty, if I hadn't been doing this. I figure if you guys are gonna go, I'm going too. At least I'll be going out in style!” Gary looked around at everyone. “The other thing, Sarge, is that deep inside of me I know this is the right thing to do. I like doing the right thing.” A murmur of approval went through the group.
“And payback for Andy,” Jamie threw in, to more approval.
“Damn, Gary!” Rocky exclaimed in a hoarse whisper. “I didn't know you were such an orator!”
“Blow it out your ass, Rock.” Everyone suppressed laughs.
“Okay, Sarge, get on with it,” Emmett said. “We're burning daylight.” The laughter renewed.
Robin looked at everyone and simply said, “Thanks.” He had no other words. He turned to the easel. “This is Rodriquez's ranch. We have a number of buildings. This is the main ranch house.”
Rick spoke up. “Jorge says he will bring Maria to Cathy's location. That would be the small guest room. Carlos has marked it with the “C” there. Jorge knew that's where we'll head first. Plus, it is easier to move Maria than it is to move Cathy.”
“Carlos, what can we expect in terms of security?”
“The main house is well guarded, Robin. There will be at least four men walking the outside and at least four on the inside, two on each floor. Since Jorge has been assigned to guard Cathy, there may be only three inside hostiles now.”
“What about electronic security?”
“There is an alarm system in the house. It is functional and will be armed. There is also a perimeter alarm system, but it has been down off and on for months. It didn't work when I left and no one seemed to be too interested in fixing it.”
“Jeez, they sound just like a government agency!” Doug joked.
“Do you know where we might be able to disable the alarm?”
“Yes, I do. I know the code.”
“I figured you did. Who else can we expect in the house?”
“There will be Miguel, and he will have a woman with him.”
“Who is the woman?”
“I don't know. He brings in different ones. They are stripped naked and brought to him. He is very paranoid. His quarters are here.”
“And a real romantic, “Ernie chimed in.
“There will also be Leona, the chef.”
“What can we expect from her?”
“She is very loyal to Miguel. He has made her rich. She keeps an Uzi in her quarters and I think she will fight. Her quarters are here on the second floor. And of course, there will be Juan Trinidad. His quarters are here, also on the second floor.”
Robin passed a picture around. “That's Trinidad. Don't mess with him. Kill him on sight. He is extremely dangerous.” Robin passed around another picture. “I'm sure you recognize this picture. That's Rodriquez. Same for him.” Robin passed a third picture. “This is Jorge, our inside man. He is a good guy. He should be with Cathy and Maria.” Robin turned to the easel. “These large structures to the east of the main house are barracks-type buildings. Our goal is to contain the people there. Don't make entry. It would be suicide. So, I need Doug and Rick to set up to pick them off at the doors and windows.”
“There is only one door,” Carlos observed.
“Only one door? Well, I guess Miguel doesn't have to build to code. That should make your job easier, guys. This small house just north of the barracks is where Carlos and Maria live. It should be empty. These two large barn-like buildings along the northeast wall are loaded with tons of dope. Mark, you, Jamie, and Willy set up on those buildings. Shoot anything that comes out. After taking care of the primary mission, we are going to blow those buildings up. I have a load of C4 charges and eight grenades. Split them up between the two teams.”
“Where the hell did you get that, Rob?” Ernie asked.
“Probably that little weasel Chucky,” Burke said.
“Yep, Chucky came through.”
“Jesus, is there anything he can't steal?”
“He didn't steal it, Burke. He bought it off of some military guys who stole it from the Army. We'll deal with them when we get back.” Robin reached back into the Bronco and retrieved two large pistol cases. He gave one to Burke and one to Rocky. “Burke, your partner is Mike; Rocky, you and Marv, of course. You guys are going over the wall first. I want you to hunt and take out any sentries you can find. Those hush puppies should make it easier.” Burke opened up his case to look at the silenced Smith & Wesson M39 9mm pistol.
“Where did you get two? I thought SOU only had one, “Burke asked.
“Our team owns this one,” Rocky offered.
Carlos spoke up. “You can only get over the wall at one place. The rest is covered in glass, spikes, and concertina.” He walked over to the easel. “Because of this small gate here, the wall above it is clear.”
“How come?” Burke asked.
“They stopped there while they were putting in the gate. They never went back and finished it.” The group laughed.
“Okay, what about the gate? Can it be opened from the inside?” Burke asked.
“Yes, it can.”
>
“Good. I'll go over the wall and get the gate open.”
“The other barracks building may or may not be a problem,” Carlos pointed to the barracks-type building furthest to the north in the compound. “This building may be empty, or it may contain a number of Arabs. There have been up to thirty Arabs there.”
“Arabs? What Arabs?” Robin asked.
“I told Chris about this. Several times a year, Arabs, sometimes from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or Syria and sometimes from Iran, come to be smuggled into the United States.”
“Why?”
“They are coming to destroy your country.”
Robin looked at Carlos. The words Carlos spoke seared into Robin's brain, bringing up a silent rage.
“How many come at one time?”
“It varies. Sometimes many, sometimes few.”
“Are they armed?”
“Yes. You can expect them to be heavily armed.”
“Well, that certainly is important safety information. All right, let's finish this up,” Robin ordered. “Carlos, I want you to go with Burke and point out sentries. You guys taking out the sentries work your way to the main house. The rest of the team will stage at the small gate. When you are ready, let us know and we will all enter and head to our assignments. Ernie, you, Emmett, and I will join Burke and the rest of the sentry team to form the entry team. We will stack up at the front door. The stack will be Burke, Emmett, Mike, Carlos, Rocky, Marv, and then Ernie and me. I have an entry charge ready to go if we need it. Ernie, Carlos and Mike are the extraction team. Here are some drawings of the layout of the house. Any questions?” Robin looked over the barely visible faces. “Okay, we will operate on TAC 2.”
“Make that TAC 6, Rob,” Rick whispered. “The 'Hawk will be monitoring us.”
“What's that all about?”
“All I know is that Chris told me Grassley has ordered the 'Hawk to be airborne, and if we need help, he may authorize Jack to do it.”
“That's interesting,” Robin mused. The sound of a vehicle on the dirt road echoed in the night. “Sounds like the evening runs are starting. We will roll down there at a good clip. Carlos says that will make anyone in Santa Cruz who is awake think we are Rodriquez's men. Drivers use night vision. We will stop around two-tenths of a mile from the ranch and go the rest of the way on foot. Gary, you will stay with the vehicles. When the extraction team calls, you get your ass in there and pick them up. Drop Mike and Carlos off at the trucks, and then you, Ernie, and Jorge head for Tucson and don't stop. Mike and Carlos, we would appreciate it if you would come back and pick us up. Finally, remember, the minute we cross the border, the plan can go to shit. In that case, improvise, adapt, and overcome. Now, everybody quiet down and do what you need to do, including packing a double ammo load. We will launch in about three hours.”
