The Collectors Book Six: Black Gold (The Collectors Series 6)

by Sewell, Ron

  Petros’ eyes opened wide when he saw the once neat cabling to the pumps and camera circuits cut in two. “Shit.”

  Back in the control room Tony smiled. “Better to have discovered the damage when I have time to rewire. It also means we have a saboteur onboard. As a rule of thumb I can vouch for my team but with so many new faces,” he grimaced, “I can’t."

  “How long?”

  “I’ll have one of my juniors work on the repairs until he’s finished and tested the water cannon and the cameras. Furthermore, the on-watch engineer will check those two breakers every hour and sign the log confirming all is well.”

  Petros leant back against the bulkhead. “Any idea who cut those cables?”

  “No evidence and no idea but you can be assured I’ll be checking on my staff,” said Tony as he let out a sigh. “And if I find the bastard I’ll chop his fucking hands off.”

  Cheesed off, Petros shrugged, “Let me know when you’re ready.”

  “Will do.”

  @@@

  Petros found Bear in the officers’ mess eating a large breakfast.

  “You look pissed off,” said Bear.

  “Right in one. Someone carved a large chunk of wire from the power supplies to the cannon and cameras.”

  Bear scowled as he placed his knife and fork on his plate. “I’m sure you practise the art of ruining a man’s appetite. Do we know who served on Goliath? A quick check of Leviathan’s crew list might just give us a clue.”

  “You could be right. I’ll have something to eat and then have a word with Andy. He’ll know.”

  Bear flashed his eyes. “You do that and I’ll order a fresh breakfast, this has gone cold.” He jabbed his fork into two sausages. “Can’t waste these.”

  Petros ordered toast and coffee.

  @@@

  Linda Liu paced back and forth in the lounge of her hotel suite. She wore blue jeans, a white T-shirt and no makeup as she waited for her contact to arrive.

  Over an hour later there was a knock on the door. On opening she recognised the man waiting. “Jomo, you’re late.”

  “Forgive me but organising two teams for this operation took longer than I planned.” The tall African swivelled his eyes around the room. “We should go for a walk on the beach where we’ll not be overheard.”

  Linda grabbed an umbrella to use as a sunshade and followed Jomo out of the hotel via the kitchens.

  On the beach they walked at the water’s edge. “Why are we using two teams?” asked Linda.

  Jomo stopped, his eyes sharp but lacking affection and peered out to sea. In the distance modern catamarans thrilled holiday makers when the light wind lifted one hull clear of the water. “A report from our masters tells me this vessel has three water cannon, and infra-red cameras.”

  Linda shrugged. “Men, you are so pathetic. I have arranged for the new defences to fail before we attack. Are our tankers in the area?”

  “They are at present anchored offshore. We have two dhows carrying the attack craft and enough men on each. As soon as we pick up the beacon we’ll make our move. You will of course lead the attack.”

  “Jomo, I have led every assault since we began six years ago. It has made you and me rich and our masters richer, but our days of easy pickings are numbered. We may have to move further afield.”

  Jomo looked at her, his face curious. “My men will do as they’re ordered. Their families live well. If needs must we will change like the tide.”

  “Be ready for my call. The transmitter will operate when the tanker is still one day north of Mombasa. We will attack the next night. Now go.”

  Jomo loped along the beach not looking back.

  Under the shade of her umbrella Linda gave the operation much thought. Concerned, she sauntered back to the hotel.

  @@@

  Andy sat with his back to the steel bulkhead as he listened to Petros describe the damage to the electrical breakers. A cold shiver ran through his body. “Not good.” He thought for a few minutes before speaking. “Five men served on Goliath. The problem is we carry general purpose ratings. These men can work the deck and in the engine room.”

  “Write down the names of the five men,” said Petros.

  Andy wrote each name from memory on a sheet of paper. Castillo-GP rating, Ramos-GP rating, Mendosa-GP rating, Turner–Cadet, Stevenson-Third Engineer.

  “Give me some details on these men. Who do you suspect and why? If we tighten security will they smell a rat and stop or damage something which may hazard this ship?”

  Andy shook his head. “The company hired every one of them through our own agency. There’s nothing in the records to indicate they aren’t what they appear to be. Each man works hard and is a credit to this ship and the company. Stevenson’s been a third for years. He has a problem with exams but he’s a satisfactory engineer.”

  “So what do we do?”

  Andy grinned. “We operate the buddy system.”

  “I’ve used a system by that name when diving. One diver watches the other.”

  “You’ve got it in one. I’ll ask the captain to inform the officers and crew on the likelihood of this ship being attacked by pirates. The buddy system will help each man and they’ll have plenty of overtime.”

  He frowned. “Will the captain go for it?”

  In an impartial tone Andy replied, “If it deters our saboteur he’ll agree. Leave it with me.”

  Petros nodded, turned and went to his cabin where he grabbed a sealed package. His next visit was with Tony Wilson, the chief engineer.

  `

  Chapter Nineteen

  Two days out of Fujairah, late in the afternoon, the Leviathan reduced speed and slowed to a stop. Captain Richard Scott gazed through his binoculars at a larger than normal Arab dhow. The speed at which she crossed the choppy sea was impressive. He turned and smiled at Petros. “Your friends are arriving in an expensive craft. Not many wooden-built dhows travel at speed in excess of thirty knots.”

  “Built with a purpose,” said Petros grinning from ear to ear.

  “And what might that be?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine.” Petros noticed a pilot ladder being dropped over the lee side.

  “Tell your friends port side amidships and to have their cargo ready to hoist.”

  Petros lifted the microphone and turned the switch to loud hailer. “Amadou, port side by the ladder, and have the stores ready to hoist.”

  The dhow turned in a sweeping curve, passing under the stern. Bow and stern lines soared over the side of Leviathan to be grabbed and secured by the waiting crew.

  Petros and Bear stood by the ladder and waved.

  Scarlet, carrying a large backpack, dressed in dark blue jeans and a figure-hugging white T-shirt, ascended the ladder first, followed by Durrah who wore white trousers and an open-necked pink blouse, much to the delight of the men on deck.

  The backpack moved as Scarlet placed it on the deck and unbuckled the straps. A tiny head peered out but shielded its eyes from the sun. She lifted a young boy clear. She pointed. “Abraham, time you met your uncle Bear. Don’t be shy.”

  Bear bent towards the boy and then grinned at Scarlet. “You didn’t waste any time.”

  “My virile man of the desert plants a strong seed. I’m expecting another in seven months.”

  “I believe it takes two.” He pointed. “It’s safer over there.”

  The two women and Abraham went and sat on a pipe some distance away.

  ZZ and Amadou waited until a cargo net descended. Into this they placed twenty long wooden crates.

  Bear and his team watched as the net rose, swung over the main deck and lowered onto a cargo mat. In ten minutes it dropped back to the dhow. Amadou and ZZ loaded another dozen wooden boxes and their personal luggage.

  ZZ stood in the centre of the cargo net, holding a trailing rope and signalled to be hoisted.

  Amadou returned to the wheelhouse, grabbed two canvas bags and slung them across his back. He hugged
a man dressed as an Arab and kissed him on both cheeks. “Until we meet again, my friend.”

  At speed he clambered up the pilot ladder and when on the main deck cast off the securing lines. He waved as with a roar the craft powered its two Ford V8 engines and raced away.

  Petros shook hands with Amadou and ZZ, but gave Durrah and Scarlet a kiss on both cheeks. “It’s been a while since we last enjoyed each other’s company. The girls and the boy will share the captain’s day cabin on the bridge. You and ZZ will have to rough it in the forward mess. If everything goes to plan you’ll have cabins after Cape Town.”

  Amadou cast his eyes from the bow to the stern. “It’s fucking big.”

  Bear hugged ZZ and shook Amadou’s hand and said with a grin, “May I suggest we get these packages stowed in the forward mess. If for no other reason than they’ll be out of the sun.”

  “I’ll take the girls to their cabin,” said Petros.

  Bear chuckled. “How did I know you’d say that?”

  Amadou, Bear and ZZ each hoisted one of the long wooden crates onto their right shoulders and strolled to the forward mess. Henry and David went and assisted. Barry and Colin took and positioned them against a bulkhead.

  With every crate secured, Amadou along with ZZ sat on the bench in the mess. “Bear, I have some irritating questions re these pirates,” said Amadou.

  “Any coffee on the go?” asked Bear.

  Colin laughed. “Can you imagine this place without a pot brewing? Who wants a cup?” Six hands shot in the air.

  “I’ll make a fresh b of the rew,” said Colin.

  “Amadou, your questions?” asked Bear.

  Amadou thought for a moment. “Are you sure you’ll be attacked?”

  “At first I would have said fifty-fifty. Since someone damaged the cabling to the pumps and cameras, I reckon it’s definite.”

  “Do we know their line of attack?”

  “Six coffees,” said Colin as he placed the mugs on the table. “Help yourselves to milk and sugar.”

  “Difficult to be one hundred percent but if they follow a similar approach to the attack on Goliath, they’ll use fast skiffs holding at best seven men including the driver. The problem we have is Leviathan’s hull rises vertical from the sea. This makes us targets if we lean over the side and fire on the skiffs. We have three options. Stop them before they’re close. Sink them with the water cannon. Hit those who make the main deck.”

  Amadou’s eyes sparkled. “We have forty RPG7 rounds, and three launchers. As a bonus one hundred grenades. Two Russian sniper rifles with one box of copper-tipped ammunition. And I guessed these might come in handy,” he pointed. “Night vision goggles, straight from the good old USA. I also included a dozen boxes of AK47 ammunition. Our firepower will give them a few problems they didn’t count on. Now we have to decide on our strategy.”

  Barry having waited, spoke, “The idea is to force them to choose softer targets but total elimination would make others think twice.”

  “You’re forgetting their man on the inside,” said Bear. “That’s the reason I wanted the weaponry in this mess. Until we have an idea who he is, we play the game and don’t discuss our plan of attack outside of here.”

  “How long before we start the war?” asked ZZ.

  “From tonight we keep our eyes on the sea and the main deck. The officer on watch will search the sea for anything unusual and we’ll guard the deck. Amadou, ZZ, when the shit hits the fan we’ll be on the top of the bridge with RPGs. With luck we’ll cause major damage before they get close.”

  Bear looked at his watch. “I suggest you go shower or whatever, and have your dinner. Sleep when you can from now on. At some stage it’s going to become rather busy.”

  “The battle between the forces of good and evil,” said Barry.

  “I agree,” said Bear. “But in this fight the winner takes it all. Go and enjoy your shower.”

  @@@

  Linda lay naked on the queen-sized bed until a knock on the door spoilt the silence. She stood barefoot on the tiled floor, wrapped a sheet around herself and strolled to the door, opening it wide.

  “Long time no sex,” said a dark-haired, woman with a full mouth and a well-developed figure.

  Linda’s eyes widened in surprise. “Lisa, come in. How did you know I was here?”

  “I bumped into Jomo yesterday and he told me.”

  “Coffee or something stronger?”

  “Coffee, I’m working at the airport tonight.”

  Linda’s eyes shone as an ecstatic shiver passed through her body. “I should have called but you know how it is.”

  “Bet you don’t have my number?”

  Linda stared at Lisa straight-faced. “I do.”

  Lisa, licking her lips, held Linda’s shoulders and pulled her close. She covered Linda’s lips with hard passionate kisses as her hands fondled easy to reach parts.

  They tumbled onto the soft mattress, Linda’s sheet falling to the floor. The force of need held them together

  “Stop,” whispered Linda. “Take your clothes off.”

  Lisa slipped out of her thin cotton dress in an instant. “When I knocked on the door I thought you might send me away.”

  “I’m stuck here waiting for a phone call. You’re the best thing to happen in days.”

  They exchanged kisses that scorched their souls. For a while they enjoyed each other, shuddering, moaning and screaming as the flood of delight erupted between them. With their lust sated, they slept.

  A bad dream disturbed Linda’s sleep. Wherever she hid, a man with no face followed until soaked in sweat she awoke. She hugged Lisa, the warmth and softness of her reassuring, as she floated in a world between sleep and waking.

  Later they showered and dressed. Linda watched her leave, her hunger growing.

  “I finish at midnight.”

  Linda laughed out loud. “I’ll be here. Bring a friend.”

  “You owe me a cup of coffee.”

  Linda said nothing as the door closed.

  @@@

  The Leviathan, her navigation lights dimmed, charged at maximum speed through the rolling waters of the Arabian Sea. Not a trace of the crew could be seen; even the normal red bridge night lighting was extinguished.

  Dressed in his bespoke white uniform, Captain Richard Scott, his face flushed with rage, stared at the man who stood in front of his desk. He tried to ponder the problem but his self-control cracked as he roared, “My instinct is to toss you overboard and report you as missing whilst at sea. In this instance I’m sorry to say the United States has laws which prevent me from killing you. On our return home, you will be charged with piracy and malicious damage to this ship’s engine room. You’ll never work at sea again. Have you anything to say in your defence?”

  Third Engineer Stevenson shrugged but looked smug. “The pirates are my friends. Touch me and you’ll never see the States again.’

  Tony smiled as his right fist struck Stevenson’s face, knocking him to the deck. “Tell your friends it was me who gave you a black eye. If I had my way I’d let the crew use you as a punch bag until they were too tired to hit you anymore. I’m going to lock you in an empty deck store. Someone might bring you food and water if I remember. For your personal hygiene, you’ll have a bucket to crap in. The next time you go anywhere will be to jail.”

  “You’ll regret that,” mumbled Stevenson through a busted lip.

  “Want another one?”

  Stevenson cowered on the deck.

  “Tony, how bad is the damage to the pumps?”

  “Nothing that a gallon of oil won’t fix, sir. We were lucky. Mr Kyriades gave me three small battery-operated cameras which captured this creep,” he kicked Stevenson, “removing the oil drain plugs. I have a lad refilling the oil boxes now. My second engineer will test the pumps and report to me.”

  “Thank you. Take him away.”

  Tony grabbed Stevenson by the collar and lifted him into the air. “We can do this the easy w
ay or the hard way. Your decision.”

  Stevenson turned, fists clenched. “When my friends attack you’ll be begging for mercy.”

  “Oh dear, it’s the hard way and there’s nothing I’d like better than to shove my boot right up you arse until it tickles your tonsils.” In a split second Tony shoved Stevenson’s arms up his back before pushing him out of the cabin.

  Richard dropped into the chair behind his desk. He jumped at the sound of a body tumbling down steel steps. “You should have chosen the easy way,” he muttered as someone knocked on his cabin door. “Enter.”

  “I hear Tony caught him in the act,” said Petros. “Has anyone searched his cabin?”

  Richard leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Not yet.”

  A brief silence followed as Petros turned and walked to the door. “If you don’t mind, I’ll do it.”

  “As it’s my ship I’ll join you,” said Richard as he heaved himself to his feet.

  Petros nodded and let him lead the way.

  Much to their surprise, Stevenson’s cabin was clean and tidy.

  Richard opened the wardrobe. “I’ll check in here,” he pointed. “You, the desk. Not many places to hide things in these cabins.”

  Petros opened the flap on the desk. “It’s here in plain sight.” He lifted the black plastic box no bigger than a mobile. “State of the art satellite tracker beacon, this device sends a signal every ten minutes. Simple and effective but a limited range.”

  “Give it to me and I’ll heave it over the side.”

  “Anyone with half a brain will have tracked this ship since you sailed from Fujairah. This makes homing in easier. Someone will be searching for this signal. If they don’t find it they’ll believe something’s wrong.” He chuckled. “No, let’s make it operational and wait for them to make their move. For the moment the odds favour us and I’d rather it stayed that way for as long as possible.”