Deadline

by Anderson, James

  “But who am I going to interview?”

  “That will become clear soon enough. But first you must rest, have some food that I will send in and prepare for your interview. It will be in about an hour or so. Do you need anything?”

  “Fortunately I brought along my digital recorder and Powerbook with me. But I would like a notebook and pen to take a few notes also. It helps me organize and expedites things.”

  “That will be no problem. I will see you have them. It is now just after 9 p.m. Pakistan time, so we will back about 10:30 p.m. for the interview. You may have as long as you like.”

  Al-Ghazi left the room.

  Trevanian placed his recorder and laptop on the table and sat in one of the chairs. He checked his watch and noticed it was still on Afghanistan Daylight Savings Time.

  Pakistan stays on Standard Time year round and is ninety minutes ahead of Afghani time and 10 hours ahead of North American Eastern Daylight Saving Time. Trevanian adjusted his watch to the local time – 9:15 p.m.

  A woman garbed in a long chador and the traditional headscarf of conservative Muslims brought in a tray of food. It was laden with baked pita bread, assorted cheeses, fruit and baklava. Trevanian ate wolfishly. It had been several hours since his last meal.

  I should begin preparing for this interview. But how do I even start when I don’t even know whom I will be interviewing? Still, it must be a senior member of al-Qaida. They wouldn’t have brought me here otherwise. It could be the opportunity of a lifetime.

  Trevanian began to prepare for what might be a chance to explore the inner workings of al-Qaida.

  Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

  Chapter 25

  Andrew Chase’s Office 11:25 AM

  KATIE ENTERED the reception area to be confronted by the Dragon Lady.

  Mrs. Joan Johnston looked up from her computer screen and turned at her desk toward Katie. “Yes, Miss Cannon. Can I help you?”

  “I need to speak with Mr. Chase for a few minutes if he’s not busy,” replied Katie with a certain amount of trepidation. Johnston had a reputation that prompted people in the newsroom to often joke she leaves her broomstick double-parked.

  “Mr. Chase is always very busy, dear. May I inquire what this is about?”

  “It’s personal and very important that I speak with him.” Not that it’s any of your business, Cannon thought.

  “Just a moment, dear. I’ll see if he is available.” Mrs. Johnston gently knocked on Andrew Chase’s door and disappeared inside.

  A couple of minutes later she reappeared and invited Katie inside. She gave Katie a quizzical look. Why is Mr. Chase so eager to see her?

  “Miss Cannon, please come in,” said Chase as Katie entered the room. That will be all for now, Mrs. Johnston. Please hold any calls.”

  “Yes, sir.” Johnston exited the room still perplexed at Chase’s willingness to meet so readily with one of his junior employees.

  She had to admit though that Katie Cannon was quite a looker -- eye candy for any man. Johnston closed the door gently behind her.

  “Darling, what a wonderful surprise. What brings you up to the executive suite? This is a rare occasion.” Chase exuberantly grabbed Katie and planted a firm kiss on her luscious red lips.

  “Sshhhh, Andrew. Be careful. The old bat’s probably listening at the door.”

  “Oh, pshaw, honey. I don’t care and neither should you. It’s about time we came out in the open about this relationship. I can’t keep carrying on this charade. We need to talk about our future together.”

  “I know and we will soon. But this is not the time or the place, Andrew. There is something much more urgent I need to talk to you about. The Wolfman sent me another e-mail this morning and this time he may be coming after me.” Katie handed him a printout of the e-mail.

  Andrew read the message with horror. “My God, Katie. We need to call the police and get you some protection.”

  “I’ve already forwarded it on to Homicide and they’re running a trace. I’m OK and can take care of myself. I doubt he can get at me at the paper – too much security and too many people around.”

  “Well, I don’t want you going anywhere alone, sweetie. We can’t afford to take any unnecessary chances with this nutbar running loose.”

  “Come on Andrew, I’m a reporter. I need to do my job and I don’t need a babysitter or bodyguard. The police already offered that and I refused. Don’t worry I won’t take any unnecessary chances. I guess though you’ll have to come over every night and sleep with me until this creep is caught.”

  Katie smiled while raising an eyebrow. She was trying to offer a braver front than she felt. The e-mail was unnerving and had her on edge.

  Andrew gave a lascivious grin in reply. “I’m always at your service, madam. It will be my pleasure – yours too I hope!”

  Then the grin disappeared and Andrew took on a more serious visage. He felt he owed it to Katie to discuss the financial situation facing the paper and the offer from Rupert White.

  After he finished relaying details of the paper’s financial situation, Katie had a horrified look on her face. “Oh, Andrew you can’t sell the paper. Especially not to that robber press baron. He’d gut the Daily Express and turn it into another of his profiteering rags. This newspaper is your dream – it’s your life, darling. You can’t sell.”

  “I don’t want to, honey. But I may have no other choice if I can’t come up with another cash infusion. The paper’s just not making money and I can’t continue to keep sustaining the losses indefinitely.”

  Katie reached out to hold him and offer reassurance. “Braden Young is turning things around. Circulation is up and the advertising will follow. You just have to keep the faith and give it a chance. Things will turn out for the best.”

  “I wish I had your optimism, Katie. But I’m going to have to make a decision soon. No matter what happens, I know I want to be with you. I hope the feeling is mutual.”

  “You know it is, Andrew. I love you and want to always be a part of your life no matter what.” Cannon gazed caringly into Andrew’s eyes and grasped his left hand in hers.

  Chase glanced at his watch. 11:45 a.m.

  “I’m afraid I have to leave soon, dearest. I have a business lunch at 1 p.m. I should be back by 3 p.m. at the latest. Perhaps we could get together for dinner later.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll be here working on the Wolfman story. Just phone and let me know where and when to meet you. You can reach me on my cell phone if I’m not here.” Katie started toward the door.

  “Be careful out there when you leave the building,” said Chase in a concerned voice. “I don’t want my star reporter to become our next headline.”

  Katie left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

  Chase started to get ready to leave for his luncheon with Ashley. He hadn’t mentioned this to Katie, not sure that she would take it well that he was meeting his ex-girlfriend for lunch. No need for her to know until he found out what it was all about. He would catch a cab to Antonio’s and get a table before Ashley arrived.

  What could she want after all this time?

  Chase was curious but also a bit apprehensive. He had cared deeply for Ashley once. He blamed himself and his erratic work schedule for the schism that led to their split.

  He was deeply hurt that she betrayed him in the arms of another man. Ashley had ended their relationship rather abruptly without discussing the reasons or trying to work out their differences.

  Now out of the blue, suddenly this call came.

  Why?

  Chase had an uneasy feeling that it might mean trouble.

  Chapter 26

  Daily Express Parking Garage 12:15 PM

  THE WOLFMAN smiled with anticipation.

  She would be his greatest prize yet. He could imagine the headlines already: KATIE CANNON WOLFMAN’S LATEST VICTIM.

  The news bitch had it coming. A plan began to form in his mind. She thought she was safe
at the newspaper. Nothing could be further from the truth. She had to leave sometime.

  He would be waiting. The Wolfman could be patient, very patient.

  He had been watching her for some time. Watching and anticipating getting his hands on that supple, firm body.

  His excitement grew just thinking about her. He would take his time with this one. He wanted to fully enjoy his prize catch before the inevitable disposal.

  He knew exactly where she parked her car. The Wolfman stood beside it now fixating on the Gulf blue Grand Am. He took a six-inch knife from his jacket pocket. He swiftly jabbed the left front tire.

  Whoosh! The sound of the escaping air was sweet music to his ears. Then he did the same to the left rear tire.

  The vehicle was useless to her now.

  He only had to wait.

  Chapter 27

  Al-Qaida HQ 10:30 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)

  TREVOR TREVANIAN felt refreshed.

  He had eaten some of the food placed on the table. He had spent the last hour thinking of questions he could put to his interview subject – whoever that might be. There were many questions he wanted to ask about al-Qaida and its objectives.

  Trevanian had an inquisitive mind and a passion for unearthing the truth. He saw this as a golden opportunity to obtain a better understanding of this terrorist organization and its overall goals.

  He had been a bit tired from the long journey, but the adrenaline surging through his system kept him alert and eager for the task ahead. Just a few hours ago he had been kidnapped and expected the worst.

  Now he was being given an opportunity that any journalist worth his or her salt would give their eyeteeth for.

  A sound at the door to the room caught Trevanian’s attention.

  The door opened.

  Kaffir Al-Ghazi calmly walked into the room followed by three other men. Two of them were obviously bodyguards in long, black robes, with AK-74s slung over their shoulders.

  The third man walked slowly behind them. He was tall and of slender build. He wore a long white caftan and a white cap on top of his head. His thin face had a beard with greyish streaks. He looked older, but that face had adorned thousands of newspapers and posters.

  It was a well-known face. It caused Trevanian to stop breathing for a few seconds.

  The man entering the room was Osama bin Laden.

  Chapter 28

  The Mizzen Restaurant 12:35 PM

  MEGAN YOUNG saw Dennis Newman seated at a corner table of the restaurant.

  She frowned as she observed him casually chatting with a young blonde waitress serving him a drink. Dennis was flashing his pearly whites and seemed to be overly friendly with the girl.

  Young marched toward the table and Dennis observed her out of the corner of his eye.

  “Darling, there you are. Come join me.” He gestured to a chair across from him.

  The Mizzen was decorated in warm brown hues with a distinct nautical theme. Pictures of wooden sailing ships adorned the walls and the décor was an homage to the age of sail, with lamps and anchors strategically placed around the restaurant.

  The young waitress gave Dennis a broad smile and turned to Megan. “Can I get you a drink, ma’am?”

  Megan ordered a Chardonnay and sat opposite Dennis.

  “Still chatting up the girls, I see,” she said tartly.

  “Oh, come on, Megan. I was just being friendly. You get better service that way. I’m not trying to pick her up.”

  “I would hope not if you’re trying to salvage this relationship,” said Megan with a scowl.

  Dennis smiled warmly at her. His deeply tanned face flashed sparkling white teeth. Megan still found his wavy blond hair and rugged handsome looks very attractive. She fully understood why he was such a magnet to women. Their attention must be a constant temptation for him. She could understand that.

  “Of course, I want to salvage our relationship. You mean the world to me, Megan. I’ve been a fool and weak. But I still love you and want to be with you. This thing with Heidi Harrison was a big mistake. We’ve been working a lot of long hours together and it went a lot further than I wanted. It just happened. But it was just physical, Megan. You are the one I love and want to be with, I can assure you.”

  “I wish I could believe that, Dennis. You’ve hurt me so deeply. I don’t know if I can ever get over it and forgive you. You’re always such a flirt with women. How can I ever trust you again?”

  “That’s just the way I am, baby. It’s the nature of the beast. I love women and they love me. But you’re the one who has captured my heart.”

  Megan had to laugh. “That’s so sweet, Dennis. It’s also so much bullshit.”

  The waitress returned with Megan’s drink. Dennis ordered a club sandwich and house salad. Megan just ordered a Caesar salad.

  They dined and chatted. Megan felt herself warming up to him again. Dennis certainly knew how to spread the charm.

  After a while, she felt the resentment and hurt begin to dissipate. She began to feel close to him again.

  Perhaps they could put this all behind them and start afresh. Maybe she should give him another chance. Should she throw everything away because of one indiscretion – well, actually several indiscretions with the same woman?

  After they finished their meals, they ordered another round of drinks and continued to chat. Dennis was a good salesman and soon had Megan warming to him.

  “Say, why don’t we go back to my room? I’m in 1116. We could have some dessert or afternoon delight if you get my drift.” Dennis reached out to hold her left hand, lifting his eyebrows in a hopeful manner.

  “I don’t think so, Dennis. I’m not that forgiving just yet.” Megan smiled at him, but clasped his hand with her other one. “But I appreciate what you’ve said and the fact that you flew all the way up here to see me. I need some time to take in what we’ve talked about and to think about us and where we go from here.”

  “Fine, sweetie. You do that. But don’t take too long. I can only stay overnight. I have to be back at the television station tomorrow night to do the show. I plan to fly out in the morning. I’d like you to come with me.”

  “I’ll think about it Dennis. Bye for now.”

  Megan left the restaurant. She felt on a high. She was in a much better mood now.

  Perhaps things would work out after all.

  Dennis paid the bill and left the waitress a generous tip. He exited the restaurant into the hotel lobby. As he walked by the Chartroom bar and lounge in the lobby, he noticed a statuesque beauty seated alone at the bar.

  The auburn-haired buxom lady looked to be in her late 20s. She was dressed in an attractive gray business skirt and jacket and sitting alone on a stool at the bar. Dennis noticed her long, lithe legs stretched out against the bar.

  He slipped on to the stool next to her and ordered a Jack Daniels.

  “Hi there. My name is Dennis. Are you new to Toronto?” he asked the woman.

  “Yes, I’m here on business. I’m between meetings right now. My name is Teresa.”

  Dennis flashed her a warm smile with his pearly white teeth.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Teresa. You look like you could use another drink.”

  Chapter 29

  Al-Qaida HQ 10:35 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)

  OSAMA BIN LADEN appeared without a smile as he entered the room to meet Trevor Trevanian.

  Al-Ghazi spoke Arabic introducing Trevanian to bin Laden. Trevanian extended his hand in greeting, but bin Laden merely nodded his head in acknowledgement.

  Bin Laden was a tall, thin fragile looking man. He wore a long white caftan and a white cap on top of his head. His bearded face showed signs of strain and aging.

  He had been a very sick man not long ago and there were many reports he had died. But most noticeable to Trevanian was the terrorist’s eyes. They appeared coal black and cold. He looked like a man without emotion or feeling.

  Bin Laden said something briefly in Arabic
. Al-Ghazi translated.

  “The Imam is pleased to meet you. He is not one for social pleasantries and would prefer to get down to business right away.”

  “So be it,” said Trevanian who pointed to a chair at the table. His recorder was placed on top of the table.

  Once they were settled, Trevanian began the interview. Al-Ghazi served as translator.

  TREVANIAN: Sir, you remain the most wanted man in the world. There is a huge bounty on your head by the United States and Afghan authorities. How does that make you feel and how have you avoided capture for so long?

  BIN LADEN: It is of no concern to me. It is a futile gesture by the Americans and their traitorous Afghan puppets. Fortunately our holy cause has many friends and allies in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. They continue to shelter me and offer protection. But no matter if I was to be captured or killed. Our jihad would continue. The cause is greater than any single individual. I am merely an instrument of Allah!

  TREVANIAN: You say the jihad would continue. Why? There are many in Islam who don’t support your campaign or your actions. Some would argue that what you advocate is a corruption of the Koran and of Islam.

  BIN LADEN: Our supporters are legion and represent the army of Allah fighting against the infidels of the West. Those who oppose us are traitorous dogs and collaborators, not worthy of Islam. They will be condemned to the fires of hell.

  We are fighting for our freedom and our religion. We are steadfast and unflinching. We are unlike the infidels who are corrupted by their comforts, money and their power. We will overcome in the end. We, as true believers, are destined for paradise.

  TREVANIAN: Why must you wage a terror war on innocent civilians, women and children?

  BIN LADEN: It is regrettable, but necessary. Did not the Allies do the same in the Second World War? At Dresden, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Did not the Americans exterminate their native people, including women and children, at Wounded Knee? The Americans are not prepared for what we will bring them. They will fold like a pack of cards.