Terror Grips the Beach

by Steve McMillen

  “I plan to blow up the compound and the helicopter if it’s there. Why would you guys want to go along, except for the money?”

  “We both spent time there and we know what happens in that part of the world.” Harley replies, “We also know what happens to the people who end up with the coke here in the States. If we can do anything to slow things down, we will do it.”

  “If we go, what will we be facing security wise once we get there?” Bos asks.

  “Not sure. Rick says, you have contacts all over the world. See if you can find that out, and I’ll let you know if I want company.”

  Bos looks at Rick and then just shrugs his shoulders. “We can do that.”

  I look at Rick. “So what do we need plane wise?”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. We need an Aerostar 702P which is a 702 modified with auxiliary fuel tanks. She’ll cruise at 260 knots and one fuel stop in Panama will be all we need. We’ll need to stop in Florida on the way back for fuel.”

  “Okay, call me with the info on the plane and who I need to contact. I’ll get your plane. See what you can find out about security at the compound.” Looking at all three, I continue, “I want to do this ASAP.”

  All three of them nod their heads. I get up, shake hands with everyone and leave the saloon.

  Once I get back home, I call Colonel Townsend. “Colonel T, I’ve got a pilot and a plane.”

  “Great, who is the pilot?”

  “Do you remember Rick, our pilot on our first trip to Bogotá? Well, I ran into him again when I was in Antigua and he actually ended up buying a bar in Little River, not far from where I live. He has agreed to fly me there. Where would you like to meet me with the weapons?”

  “You know Mickke D, I have some leave time available. Maybe I’ll go on that trip with you.”

  I am dumbfounded. “Are you sure about that? This could be a one-way trip.”

  “Well, I figure if I go along, maybe I can help you get it right this time, and then you won’t be calling me every six months for backup, Pops,” he jokes, referencing a young lady friend of mine.

  “Very funny. Let me think about this for a while. I’ll get back to you.”

  “No problem. You have my number.”

  I’m not sure what to think about this. I’ve spent a lot of time around Colonel Townsend, but I’ve never been on a mission with him.

  CHAPTER 60

  That same night, I take Jim, Mark, and Jannie to dinner at Inlet View Bar & Grill in Shallotte Point, N.C. On the ride up, I tell them the evening is my treat to show my appreciation for their hard work and to apologize for almost getting them blown up.

  Mark laughs. “It wasn’t the first time and probably won’t be the last.” Everyone laughs but Jannie. She just gives all three of us a strange look.

  I’ve always enjoyed Inlet View with its great food and fantastic vistas. I try to keep the atmosphere and conv-ersation as light as possible, but I keep thinking this may be the last time we all have dinner together.

  We end up with a very good waitress. She introduces herself as Margaret, but she says to call her Maggie. She is from the U.K. and has a great accent. We ask her how she ended up over here and she says she came to visit her son Chris, and liked it so well, she decided to stay. We all welcome her to the beach.

  I ask her, “Did you ever know a woman by the name of Stephanie Langchester who was also from the U.K.?”

  I notice a slight change in her expression but she replies without blinking an eye, “No, the name does not sound familiar.”

  Later on, Samantha Hughes, the owner, stops by and asks us if everything is all right. We reply we are having a great time, our dinner was fantastic and we really enjoy Maggie, our waitress. She tells us to ask her how she got the nickname Dobber Dowde.

  Jannie asks that question when Maggie returns. She looks around and replies, “It sounds like Samantha has been telling tales out of school.” She then gives us a half-smile and whispers, “If I told you that, I would have to kill all of you.”

  We are all speechless, and then she gives us a hearty laugh. “Just a little English humor, folks!” She never answers the question.

  We thank Maggie for a wonderful evening and I leave her a big tip and my PI business card, which I notice seems to get her attention.

  Our conversation is minimal on the trip back. It’s as if everyone knows something is not right.

  One of us should have asked Maggie what she did back in the U.K. before she came over here. If we had, we probably would have got the same answer she whispered before: If I told you that, I would have to kill all of you.

  Margaret Kemp studies the business card she got from Mickke D and thinks to herself, you were a lot easier to find than I thought you might be. That same evening, she makes a phone call to an old work acquaintance of hers up in Ohio.

  CHAPTER 61

  Two days later, Rick calls and says he is having a problem finding an Aerostar 702P to lease. He also reiterates the Aerostar is still the best plane for the job. Finally, after some hesitation, I say, “Okay, how much would it cost to purchase one?”

  Rick is speechless for a few seconds and then replies, “You’re kidding. You want to buy a plane for a one-day trip?”

  My mind is searching for a plausible answer. “Well, I’ve always thought it would be nice to own a plane. I guess an Aerostar will work as well as any other. You’re the expert. Find one that sounds good and we’ll go take a look at it.”

  He hesitates, “You’re serious, aren’t you? I always thought you were one crazy bastard. Now I’m sure of it. Okay, let me do some checking around and I’ll give you a call when I find one.”

  “Great Rick, get on it. Time is of the essence.”

  As I put my phone down, I say to no one in particular, “Great, just what I need, a freaking airplane, but if that’s what it takes, so be it.”

  Thirty minutes later, Rick calls back. “Okay, I found a nice 1984 700P with less than 1,500 hours on it in Michigan for $350,000. The owner said he would fly it down here tomorrow if you’re serious.”

  “I’m serious. Tell him to come on down. How about the Grand Strand Airport. Does that work?”

  “No problem. I know the head guy over there. Consider it done.”

  The following day, with Rick at the controls, me in the co-pilots seat and the owner, Mr. Hazelton in the back, we take the Aerostar for a spin. Rick was right. This is one sweet ride. After we return from the flight, I sit down with the owner and we agree to a cash price of $335,000. Mr. Hazelton and I go to my bank and we complete the deal. I pay for a one-way ticket for Mr. Hazelton back to Michigan and Rick makes a deal to keep the plane at the airport. By 5:00 that afternoon, I own an airplane.

  That night I call Colonel T and tell him I’m ready to go and is he sure he wants to tag along. He says yes. I ask him to come down to the beach. He can stay at my place and we can meet with Rick and the other two guys who want to go along. I would like his thoughts on Harley and Bos. He tells me he’ll be here tomorrow by 10:00. I call Rick and ask him to set up a meeting with everyone around 11:00. I don’t tell him I’m bringing company.

  CHAPTER 62

  Colonel T is late. He doesn’t arrive until 10:05. He said he ran into a detour and couldn’t make up the lost time. I just shake my head and smile.

  I have never seen Colonel T in anything but an Army uniform but today, he is dressed in blue jeans, an Army T-shirt and tennis shoes. Tennis shoes? I actually thought he was born with combat boots on his feet.

  He notices me looking at his attire and says, “Hey Pops, I’m on vacation.”

  I take that to mean, don’t make fun of me and I won’t make fun of you. I get the message loud and clear.

  We get his gear squared away in the spare bedroom, have a cold beer, and then I call Rick to tell him we’re on our way.

  Colonel T says he will drive since my arsenal is in his trunk and he doesn’t want to leave it unguarded. I agree and we head off to Ricky�
�s. I grab my .45 and stick in my back holster.

  “Damn Mickke D, we’re just going to a meeting, not a shootout.”

  “Yeah, I know but when you have people constantly trying to kill you, you always come prepared.”

  “Do you mind if I leave mine in the car?”

  “No problem,” I reply.

  On the way, I tell Colonel T about the fact that Harley and Bos both want 5K each to go along. He asks, “So they’re paid mercenaries?”

  I reply, “I guess. I have no problem paying Rick to fly the plane, but I’m not sure about the other two.”

  As we pull into the parking lot at 11:00, I notice several cars in the lot but the front door along with the swinging saloon doors are closed. I say to Colonel T, “I don’t like the looks of this.”

  “My God, Mickke D, I just get into town and already you’re getting me in to trouble. Why do you think there’s a problem?”

  “Every time I’ve been here during business hours, the front door has always been open and he opens at 11.

  “Personally, I think you’re paranoid.”

  “Better paranoid than dead,” I respond.

  “So, what are we doing, staying here or going in?” he asks.

  “I’m going to call Rick.” After several rings, the phone goes to voicemail.

  I look at Colonel T. “He doesn’t answer. Now I really think there’s a problem.”

  Our attention turns to a car as it enters the parking lot and pulls up right in front of the door. A man gets out, walks up to the door, then turns and goes back to his vehicle. He starts the car, backs out and as he approaches our vehicle, I open my window and wave. The man stops and looks my way. I ask, “Is the bar closed?”

  “Yeah, I guess so. There’s a closed sign on the door.”

  I reply, “Thanks,” and he continues on his way.

  Colonel T says, “Maybe he’s closed for the meeting.”

  “Or maybe there is a problem.”

  “Well, Mickke D, you’re in charge. What do you want to do?”

  Before I have a chance to answer, we hear a gunshot. I look at Colonel T and say, “I think it’s time you get your weapon out of the trunk.”

  “I think you’re right,” he replies as he pops the trunk and moves to the rear of his vehicle.

  Within seconds, we are walking toward the front door with weapons drawn. As we get to the door, we hear yelling from inside. I motion for Colonel T to cover one side of the door and I’ll cover the other.

  We don’t have to wait long. The door opens and two rather unsavory looking individuals back out of the swinging doors, with guns in hand. They stop as they hear the sound of our weapons being cocked. They drop their weapons as they feel cold steel gun barrels against their ears.

  We push them back in the bar and as I see Rick, I ask, “Is everyone okay?”

  “We’re fine. These bastards robbed me and shot a hole in my ceiling. Can you believe that?”

  “No, not really. Do you want me to call the cops?”

  Rick finally notices Colonel T. “Colonel Townsend. What are you doing here?”

  “Hey Rick. Mickke D invited me along on his trip. I hear you are going to fly us there.”

  Rick looks at Harley and Bos and then back at us. “Why don’t you two wait out in the car while we have a talk with our robber friends here. Give us about fifteen minutes and then call the cops.”

  “No problem,” I answer, but someone else must have already called the cops because here they come in full force. And as you can guess, Detective Concile is the first one out of the lead vehicle.

  “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Mickke D.” And while looking at Woolever and Stratton, she continues, “Why should this surprise me?” They both shrug their shoulders.

  “Detective Concile, I was just getting ready to call you. My friend and I were just stopping in for a cold one when we happened on a robbery in progress. We figured we would see if we could help. Robbery stopped. No one hurt. Perfect ending.”

  Looking directly at me, she replies, “Why do I think you’re full of BS? Who is your friend, and does he have a permit to carry?”

  Colonel T gets his wallet and hands his Army ID to Sam. She looks at Colonel T and at the ID and says, “And why should this surprise me either. Thank you Colonel Townsend. I’m not even going to ask you how you know him,” pointing at me.

  Rick hears the conversation and intervenes. “That’s right, detective. If these guys had not stopped by, those guys would have been long gone with my money.”

  Rolling her eyes, she asks, “And who might you be?”

  “I’m Rick Gibson. I own the place.”

  Shaking her head, she says, “Okay. Mickke D and Colonel Townsend, you’re free to go after giving a statement to Woolever and Stratton. Rick, I need a statement from you as well,” and looking at a couple of uniformed officers she continues, “Cuff these two, read them their rights, and take them to jail.”

  Rick exclaims, “Can I get my money first?”

  “No, Rick, you may not get your money first. That’s evidence. Once everything has been processed, you may then get your money.”

  Looking at Sam, I say, “You don’t mind if we stay and have that cold one, do you? You’re more than welcome to join us.”

  She just turns and walks away. Outside there is no smile but inside she is laughing. She just loves to pull Mickke D’s chain.

  Once the excitement is over, statements given, and everyone leaves, we finally sit down with Rick, Harley, Bos and a cold beer. Colonel T does not beat around the bush, “So you two are the paid mercenaries?” looking directly at Harley and Bos, “I hope you work better in the field than you did in here.”

  “They walked in the door with guns drawn. What did you expect us to do? And what are you talking about, paid mercenaries?”

  “Well, I don’t know. You want 5K a piece to go to Bogotá to get rid of some cartel bad guys, and you both say you hate these guys. Isn’t that right?”

  Harley responds, “That’s about it, however, that doesn’t necessarily make us paid mercenaries. That just means we want paid for services rendered.”

  “Good, that’s fine with me. If Mickke D wants to pay you, so be it.”

  Without agreeing to anything, I say, “So has anyone been able to figure out if the security at the compound has changed since I was there last?”

  Bos answers, “I contacted a friend of mine who is in the area and he said since the Panama government confiscated the jet belonging to the Valdez cartel, they are doing everything by helicopter. They now have two copters and both are located within the compound walls. The airstrip is now abandoned and the lights removed. The guard barracks is now located at the front gate of the compound. Only one guard mans the guard shack at the airstrip, and it operates as an exterior lookout post. They still have their roaming guards every two hours along with two guards at the front gate coming in the main road.”

  Rick jumps in, “No landing lights? I hope we’re going in during the day.”

  After thinking for a few seconds, I respond, “I guess we go in during a full moon and hope it’s not overcast and cloudy. By the way Rick, can you land our plane without the engines running?”

  “Say what? Are you nuts?” he exclaims.

  I look at Rick and reply, “We need to surprise them. Can you do it?”

  Rick gets up and starts pacing around the bar. Finally he responds, “Probably, if we have a really bright moon, no wind, and a lot of luck.”

  I smile, “Great, it’s settled. We go in during a full moon and everyone crosses their fingers, toes, and anything else they may want to try and cross. I’ll get back to you with who’s going along and when we’re going. Thank you, gentlemen. Rick, can I see you outside?”

  Once outside I say to Rick, “I need Harley and Bos’s full real names and not any aliases.”

  “Sure, Harley Richards and Bos Jones.”

  “Thanks Rick, we’ll be in touch.”

  �
��No problem. Thanks again for helping out today.”

  We both wave as we return to our vehicle.

  CHAPTER 63

  As soon as we get back to the house, I call Jim. “I figured you would be on the golf course. Have you got a minute?”

  “Sure boss. I played early this morning. Hey, did I see Colonel Townsend over there today? Looked like him going up to your door when I pulled in.”

  He caught me off guard. After a second of silence, I reply, “Yeah, he’s on vacation and I invited him to come down for a few days. I thought we might talk TC into taking us fishing and on a cruise around the area.”

  “Cool. Tell him I said hello. Now, what do you need?”

  “I need you to check with your people on a couple of guys. Harley Richards and Bos Jones. The sooner the better. Harley is an ex-Army Ranger and Bos is ex-CIA.”

  “Does it have to do anything to do with Colonel Townsend being here?”

  “Could be, but keep it under your hat. It’s an ongoing investigation.”

  “You got it.” He ends the call.

  *****

  “So what do you think of Harley and Bos?” I ask Colonel T.

  “I think they’re legit. I don’t like the idea of contacting someone on the ground in Bogotá, but that’s just me.”

  “Yeah, I don’t like that, either. Someone may put two and two together.” After a few seconds, I continue, “So where would you like to go for dinner tonight?”

  “Up to you. You know the area a lot better than me.”

  “Okay, let’s go to Boardwalk Billy’s. Good food, nice atmosphere. I’m buying.”

  He quirks, “There is no doubt in my military mind that you’re buying.”

  Halfway through dinner, Jim calls. “Hey boss, both of them check out fine. No problems. Anything else?”

  “Thanks, Jim. That will do it for now.”

  We finish our dinner and head back to the house. I get on the computer and Google phases of the moon over South America. It looks like we go on Monday or Tuesday.