Cinch Knot

by Ron Walden

  Introductions and credentials were given. Each of those present gave his name, where he worked, and his qualifications.

  “Roger, you said this urgent meeting was about security. I have asked Bill to join me. The Company President is out of town, but I’ve contacted him and he has authorized me to act as I see necessary in any situation involving security.”

  “I’m going to defer to Sam; he has the best knowledge and current information, and will be able explain the entire situation. Go ahead Sam.”

  Sam gave the account methodically and without any frills.

  “I received a call from Roger stating there had been some suspicious circuitry found inside the ultrasonic pig. He faxed me some drawings accurate enough that I flew to Fairbanks to meet with him, Dan, and Gwen. Gwen, your technician, found wiring from a nuclear device hidden inside the pig. The strange part is they tried to economize and use the original wiring harness leading out of the front bulkhead, otherwise we would’ve never detected the device. This wiring harness is unique and the color codes are distinctive. I suspect it wasn’t replaced because of time restrictions. I also suspect whoever’s responsible for the device never expected any engineer capable of recognizing it, since it was brought through customs without being recognized.

  “The immediate concern, of course,” Sam continued, “is where and when will the device be armed and detonated. It seems to me, that as long as the TMC technicians are following the pig, it’s safe. Dan thinks the destination is the pipeline terminal and the OCC at Valdez. I agree with him.”

  Sam pressed on. “What I am about to tell you cannot leave this room….” He paused and looked directly at each person at the table to be sure they understood. “This is a matter of National Security.” He reached into a brief case and spread a hand full of papers and file folders on the table.

  “Several months ago, before the demise of the Soviet Union, my agency followed a Soviet general to Paris. This general was in charge of the operation and security of the Trans Soviet Pipeline. He also had a rather large command of forces and equipment at his disposal. We kept tabs on him because he was powerful, influential, and ranked high in Soviet government.

  “We didn’t know why this general, General Lianid Lisishkin, was traveling to Paris. Boy, did we get a surprise! This guy met with an American billionaire and a Japanese financier. Both of these men, Nels Bergstrom and Gaishi Yamamata….”

  “Wait.” Dan interrupted, “did you say Nels Bergstrom?”

  “Yes, he’s a big money man from Arizona. He used to be a Senator in California.”

  Dan looked at Roger. “I’ve heard of him. Sorry to interrupt, please continue, Sam.”

  Sam continued, “We never got firsthand information on what took place in that meeting, but we have a good suspicion. All three men are deep into oil, oil production, and oil stock. All three men have other interests, too. Bergstrom has been in and out of the marijuana and cocaine business for years. The Japanese guy, Yamamata, has ties with the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. He also finances several electronic companies. These people represent big money.” He picked up another piece of paper.

  “My office in Washington tells me the men presenting themselves as TMC technicians don’t work for TMC at all. We suspect that these men are working for Yamamata.

  “You may have been following the news about the abduction of the Saudi and the Kuwaiti royal families. My office told me that the operation was carried out by the forces of General Kisishkin. When the Soviet Union broke up, he was able to hide away an army in southern Armenia. We also have information that his stockpile of nuclear warheads was one short at the last inventory. We suspect that he shipped it to Yamamata’s people in Japan.

  “The United Nations is meeting today to plan a course of action against the General. They are not aware of the missing warhead. My office is working on arresting Mr. Yamamata. That leaves us with the immediate concern of the warhead inside the ultrasonic pig,” Sam said in conclusion.

  “I would like to suggest a plan if I may.” Roger said.

  “You people are the experts in the spy field. We are open to suggestions,” George said.

  Roger glanced quickly around the table before speaking.

  “I will take Sam and Gwen to Valdez and arrest the TMC impostors. There, we’ll deal with the device, disarm and impound it. I’d like Mr. Scott to authorize Dan to go to Arizona to work with our officers there to arrest Nels Bergstrom. It’s going to be a big job to get evidence to convict him of conspiracy to terrorism.”

  “I’ll take care of your assignment, Dan. You’re supposed to be at Pump Station One, correct?” Bill Scott said in a quiet tone. “We have one other problem though. We are running short on time for the arrival of the pig in Valdez. What time is it due to arrive, George?”

  “At 1630 this afternoon. Where would you three like for our helicopter to pick you up and what time?” George was writing on his yellow legal pad.

  Sam offered the first response.

  “I’ll get clearance for you to land at Elmendorf. We’ll be ready, at the base operations terminal at noon.”

  “Is there anything else then?” George asked.

  “I have one thing. I’ll instruct my Captain to cooperate fully with you in this operation. Will you want the State Troopers to assist in the arrest of the technicians in Valdez?” Scott asked.

  Roger thought a moment; “Yes, we’ll need two or three troopers.

  George stood, “If there is nothing else, then we’ll adjourn. We’ve a lot of work ahead of us. And let’s keep in mind that if we fail, there will be a terrible loss of life and an environmental disaster making the Exxon Valdez look a kid’s game. Keep me informed at every turn. Let’s do this thing right, folks.”

  In the parking lot, Roger turned and spoke to the small group. “Let’s meet at my office. We can go over final plans there.”

  As they reconvened in Roger’s private office, Dan thought this to be an unlikely group to be facing an atomic bomb and an international plot with world wide consequences. Each took a seat in the office, each with their own questions.

  Roger was the first to speak. “Dan. I’ll have someone in the Phoenix office meet you at the airport. You won’t be able to get that big revolver on the airplane, so I’ll have our office there supply you with a weapon and a shoulder rig. John Sutter is head of the DEA office in Phoenix. He’ll be interested in knowing our old friend is still in business. I have a call through to him now. If at all possible, I’d like to have him with you when you go after this guy.”

  “Thanks, Roger. We’ve waited a long time to get another chance at Bergstrom. This time we’ll get him. And it will be good to see John again.” Dan commented.

  “You two speak of Bergstrom as if you’ve been involved with him in the past. Where’d you know him?” Sam asked.

  Dan tilted his head slightly to the right and said, “See this scar? A souvenir from the last meeting we had with Senator Nels Bergstrom. Now it’s my turn to give him a little surprise.”

  Roger looked at Dan.

  “Just remember he is even richer and more powerful than when we lost the case to his fancy lawyers 22 years ago. Don’t let revenge blow this case, Dan.”

  “Don’t worry, Roger. I’m not as green or wet behind the ears as I was then. I’ll do it all according to the law. I promise, we will not lose to this fat scumbag again.”

  “I’ve had my secretary get you a temporary commission through my office. Leave your revolver here, and I’ll lock it in the gun safe. Miss Dill will take you down to be photographed for the I.D. card. Do that while we finish here. We’ll meet in my office in 30 minutes.”

  Dan drew the big Smith and Wesson from its place in the small of his back. He opened the cylinder and handed the gun to Roger then opened the door and proceeded down the hall with Miss Dill.

  Sam gave Roger a questioning look. “Are you sure you want him involved on that end? He’s very personally involved.”

  Roger g
ave a small wry smile.

  “Dan’s about the best all around cop I know. He knows where the boundaries are, and he’ll stay within’em. He deserves a chance at this one. I don’t think his wife will like me much for giving it to him, though.”

  Roger returned to the subject back to the job at hand.

  “Gwen, you and Sam will have to disarm the device. I’ll meet with the security people and the troopers to set up a secure area and handle the arrest. It’s going to be up to you to give the technical information to get the pig out of the pipe and to deactivate it. Will you be able to handle that?”

  “I think so, but I’ll need a lot of help from Sam.”

  Sam was looking at the floor and thinking. He looked up and said, “We’ve got to get to that pig before the arming device is installed. Once the timer is turned on, there’ll be no way to stop it. Everything ahead of the bulkhead will be radioactive and there’ll be no safe way to open it with the equipment available to us. If the arming device is installed, it’s going to detonate. You’ll have to get to those technicians before they can install it. We’d better get a move on. The helicopter’ll be here soon.”

  The trio left the office with grim resolve. If they failed, there would be a nuclear explosion at the Valdez Terminal and they would be at ground zero. Dan was returning with Miss Dill.

  “She has me booked on the late flight tonight. I’m going to call Beth and have her bring me a bag with clothes and shaving gear. She’s not going to be happy with us, Roger. Try to keep her posted on the progress of the case and let her know I’m OK, will you?”

  Gwen put her arms around Dan. “Thanks for everything. I’ll see you when you get back.”

  “Keep an eye on that old bachelor over there. I’ve known him for many years, and no lady has been able to stand him for very long.” Dan said, pointing a thumb at Roger. Good luck to you too, Sam.” Dan called as the three departed.

  Dan used the phone in Roger’s office to call Beth. He would have her take one of the hourly commuter flights from Kenai to Anchorage and meet her at the airport, and attempt to explain what was about to happen. He knew there would be no way to diminish her anxiety, but he would try to convince her his involvement was essential. It had never occurred to him to lie to her. No one could love another person more than Dan loved Beth; he hated bringing her greatest fear back. He also knew no matter how much he explained, Beth would be crying when he boarded the plane for Phoenix tonight.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Since talking with Dan 3 days ago, Beth had become more and more apprehensive. Dan had called from Fairbanks. An added dimension of fear grabbed her at the most unexpected time of day; when she was reading was the worse. She’d stop and review his call. He wasn’t at the pump station, but rather, on a mission he could not, or would not, explain. He was so vague, she couldn’t shake the feeling he was in great danger. The terrible memory of his getting shot, had been safely tucked away—until now.

  Dan had been in administration and was usually home at a regular time each day. He’d investigated many shootings, but had never actually had to be there when the bullets were flying.

  The year and a half before he left the Sheriff’s department was very hard for him. He began to drink heavily. Dan had always been a people person. He tried his best to help each individual in the county. He answered even the most trivial calls. “People get scared and need assurance of a uniformed officer.” He told her. It had been this type of police work that had kept crime level at an extreme low during Red McNabb’s administration.

  When James T. Brooks was elected Sheriff, Dan felt out of place in the department. He lost the authority to assign and supervise his men. Officers no longer stopped at the Sunshine Souvenir Store and chatted with Netty Saltsmith, and asked if any strangers were hanging around the area. Checking for teen parties along the river was no longer a priority and several of the county’s teens had been severely injured following these parties. In short, the entire personality of the department had changed, and Dan never coped well.

  The drinking had always been a private affair with Dan. It started with a drink after work to ease the stress created by his job. It escalated, over the years, to drinking himself to sleep each night. It began to tell on his body. His health began to show small signs of succumbing to the long term effects of alcohol. The death of Ernie the drunk in the county jail left Dan even more frustrated than before. He investigated the death, made recommendations and submitted reports. All of which was the final straw for him. He had spent a lot of time with Ernie’s family during that time. Ernie had been a friend for many years, and Dan could neither condone, nor forgive the negligence of the Sheriff, the officers, or the philosophy that had caused his death. Dan drank even more.

  During this period, Beth worked for a successful accounting office in town. She studied evenings, and attended night classes at the college. She finished her Masters in Business, passed the exams, and received her CPA. She also became the mother of two wonderful boys during this time. She never lost her schoolgirl appearance nor her bubbly personality.

  The love this couple shared was the envy of everyone. They went everywhere together. The boys were happy and mischievous. They never missed one of the boy’s ball games, whether soccer or T-ball. Beth was President of the PTA. When the grade school had its Christmas play, the boys were on stage dressed as animals and sang to baby Jesus. How proud they were then. Beth thought she couldn’t ever forgive Sheriff Jim Brooks for what he had done to her life.

  Dan began to taper his drinking after moving to Alaska and became a Security Guard. But after a couple of years, he settled into the work and was happier. Flying had a lot to do with it. Once he started, he was hooked. He flew places other people only read about. He bought his own plane. And his interest in flying continued to build.

  Beth became supervisor of accounting for the Borough School District working for Dale Berkins, a prince of a man, who made life wonderful at the office. She took all office supervisory difficulties of a burgeoning district off his shoulders, yet found time to resolve inner-office problems and encourage her subordinates to upgrade their skills. She taught weekly night classes in accounting and computer skills.

  Now, young Roger was in college and his younger brother, Timothy, was a senior in high school. Both boys were working this summer at Lake Clark Lodge. Both were well liked and respected by the lodge owners and the U.S. Park Rangers. Roger developed an interest in becoming a Parks Ranger and work in the Brooks Lake or Lake Clark/Iliamna area.

  Both boys loved to fly and Roger had already received his Private license. He was now studying for his Commercial and Instrument ratings. Tim would have to wait another year before he could get his Private. Both were good pilots though and could fly their dad’s PA-14.

  Dan met the 12:30 flight. He could see Beth walking into the terminal carrying his large black athletic bag. He met her just inside the door and took her in his arms. He knew she hated the mystery. He thought long and hard how to tell her he was going after Bergstrom. He held onto her and kissed her.

  “Please Dan, Aren’t you going to tell me what’s going on?”

  “Soon, honey. How about some lunch, maybe at the International Inn? There’s a good restaurant there?”

  They didn’t talk during the walk to the parking garage. Once inside the car though, Dan took her in his arms again and whispered, “I love you, my dear, sweet Beth.”

  She melted into his strong arms. “I love you. I always miss you.”

  It was only a 5 minute drive to the motel. Dan ordered lunch sent to the room. He thought he could tell her over a good lunch. He began with Gwen finding strange wiring inside the pig and of being caught, and threatened by a phony TMC technician. He told of meeting Roger and Sam.

  “Why are you hesitating, Dan?” Beth looked at him as he stood at the window. “Is there something you’d rather not tell me?”

  Beth, I have never lied to you. I have considered you my best friend. I guess th
is is the hardest part. I know what your fear has done to you over the years and I don’t want to aggravate that.” He came back to the tiny table holding their half eaten scattered lunch. He took her hand. “When I say this to you, I don’t want you to coax me out of going.”

  “Now you’re really scaring me.”

  “I am flying to Phoenix tonight to meet with John Sutter and some other federal officers to arrest Bergstrom for International Terrorism. I have no idea when I’ll be back. If all goes well it should end in a few hours.” He tried to sound as casual as possible.

  “Bergstrom? The name sounds familiar—No! Dan, not the man who shot…I don’t want to sound like the hysterical wife, but I can’t help it. The last time you were nearly killed. I don’t want to be a widow. Why is it necessary for them to send you to Arizona? Doesn’t the government have enough agents to arrest him?”

  He pulled her close. “Hey, hey now. I’m not going out there to get hurt. I just have a job to do, and I need you. It’s just unfinished business, honey. If it will make you feel any better, I’ll get you a ticket and take you with me. Call your boss and take some time off. Let’s get this done and behind us once and for all.”

  “I can’t do that, Dan!”

  “Why not? Come with me. When this is done, I’ll take a couple of extra days and we’ll visit your folks in California.”

  Arizona would be unbearably hot this time of year, but she would be close to Dan.

  “You’ll have to buy me some new clothes,” she said as she picked up the telephone and began to dial her office.

  “Just like a woman to bargain for new clothes.” Dan sat back on the sofa and put his hands behind his head.

  How many years had it been since they made love in the afternoon. It seemed years. Always, daily problems and pursuits occupied the afternoons. It was different now. It seemed natural to hold each other and press into each other’s warmth. They were as much in love today as when they were married and their passions ran as deep, serene, and controlled.

  Later, while Beth was in the shower, Dan called for a pot of coffee sent to the room. “Wouldn’t it be great if life could always be this uncomplicated?” He whispered as he joined Beth.