by T C Miller
“You look like you’re really deep in thought…Care to share?” She laid her hand on his shoulder in another intimate gesture…and he jumped up from the bed like he had been hit by a bolt of lightning. “Actually, I thought we might take a walk on the beach. You know, to keep our cover story going.”
“Sounds like a good idea, since we don’t know who might be watching.”
“Exactly. The smugglers probably dropped a little cash here and there for tips on strangers in town. Who knows which maid might be passing on information?” Jake took his hand in hers and moved toward the door.
Joanna started to go with him, stopped and pulled her body close to his. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder. “I don’t usually admit it, but I’m a little scared,” she said in a soft voice that sent shivers down Jake’s spine. “We’re facing some seriously bad guys. Never been in a situation quite like this. It was different when they shot up my guard post…It was do or die and I simply reacted. Doing this is like intentionally provoking them.”
Jake wrapped one arm around her and used the other to gently stroke her hair. “There’s no easy way to get ready for something like this. All the training in the world won’t o it either…Best thing to do is stay alert and do your best.”
She held him even tighter, but leaned her head back to look him in the eye. “Only thing that’s helping me right now is knowing you’re here…Don’t think I could do this with anybody else.”
Her words pierced his heart like Cupid’s arrow. Definitely falling. He didn’t trust himself to say what he was really thinking, so he broke away from the embrace and pulled her toward the door. “Come on, let’s go put on a show for whoever might be watching.”
Jake locked the door behind them. When he turned back, she put her arms around his neck and gave him a long slow, seductive kiss. After what seemed like an eternity, she stepped back, gave him another impish grin and asked in a faux-pouty voice, “Is that the kind of show you had in mind?”
“Sure, although, if you did any more than that I’m afraid my socks would melt.”
“We can always buy fireproofsocks…for both of us.” Didn’t know she had a flirtatious side.
The stairs that led to the beach were fastened to the sheer cliff walls with iron strap-hangars and swayed slightly under their measured steps. The easterly breeze at the top lent a slight, although not unpleasant briskness to the air. It got warmer as they descended in the protection of the cliff and the sand on the beach reflected the afternoon sun with a warm glow. Jake stopped after a few dozen steps and turned toward Joanna.
“Look, I think we need to get a handle on something here…We’re undercover and need to put on a good show for the locals…But, it’s important to keep a tight rein on our feelings, don’t you think?”
Joanna’s smile quickly faded and she stared at the horizon for a long time before she spoke, “I hear what you’re saying and you’re right…Maybe we should say it out loud…to keep things clear between us.”
There was a slight tremor to his voice that surprised him. “Yes, we need to be honest with each other. I know you’re engaged and I’m not the kind to make a move on another man’s woman…Just not my way. Make sense to you?”
Joanna fought the urge to smile, afraid he might misinterpret her reaction. “It does, as a matter of fact, so let me say something without you interrupting, okay?”
“Sure, have at it.”
“Let’s see, where do I start? John and I began drifting apart a long time before you and I started hanging out…In other words, it’s not about you. He’s more than a little pretentious and considers me to be just one little piece in the big picture. His family’s really rich and I feel like I’m under some kind of microscope when I’m around them.”
“I see, but….”
Joanna cut him off with a forefinger to his lips and a gentle “Shush.” She took both of his hands in hers and spoke just barely loud enough to be heard over the roar of the crashing surf. “Like I said, let me finish…I’ve known for some time that John and I aren’t right for each other. I put off telling him I wanted to end it ‘cause I didn’t have a pressing reason. Besides, being engaged keeps most of the guys in the squadron from hitting on me…”
“Most of the guys? Maybe I need to have a little talk with the ones who have…”
“Not necessary…I know how to handle them and they back off after I tell them to…I’ve been kind of drifting along, studying for promotion and going through my daily routine.
“Then the terrorists attacked the base and I found myself sitting next to you in the van on the way to Lake Tahoe. I know it sounds crazy and maybe it was just some weird coincidence that we ended up tracking Eichner together, but I feel like it was our destiny, or something.”
Jake let her take a deep breath before he responded. “I don’t think you’re crazy…I’ve had the same feeling since the trip to Tahoe…Just didn’t know if you felt the same way.”
“I do…so what do we do about it?”
“For a start, we take it slow…We’re here to do a job and the mission comes first…We can sort things out later…In the meantime, we need to find Eichner and the nukes.”
“I hear that…Never dreamed a weapon like Black Star existed.”
“Me neither…Takes a lot of dedicated people doing their job to keep it secret.”
“Exactly, and I’m glad to be part of it…So let’s get back to work and find Eichner and the nukes.”
They walked hand-in-hand down the beach, occasionally stopping to pick up a shell to examine. Ten minutes later they turned and headed back to the motel. There was snooping to do in town.
PETERS HARDWARE STORE OFFICE Rick smiled, stifled a yawn and looked at the ornate gold clock on the desk. “I think trip here has taken much from me, not to mention fine vodka…Maybe is good time to check into hotel and rest.”
“Hotel? Nonsense! You must stay in my home…I have maid and cook I have brought from homeland…They will satisfy your every desire. I will be honored to be your host.”
“How can I say no to old friend? Your hospitality is much appreciated.”
They left the back area of the building and entered the hardware store, with Rick leading. I look for threats even when I’m with friends. He looked through the front window of the store—saw a young couple walking across the street and froze in mid-stride. “Do you know couple on other side of street?”
“No…They must be tourists.”
“I do not think so…They are much too alert, no?”
“Looking again, I think you must be correct…They are looking for more than souvenirs.”
Rick moved a few feet closer to the front of the store, while taking care to remain in the shadow of the darker interior of the store. The young man turned to talk to his companion and Rick was able to see his entire face for the first time. The shock caused him to quickly recede into the shadows. The asshole who dropped onto me at Lake Tahoe.
Only the ill-advised release of a smoke grenade by one of the young man’s associates saved Rick from capture in the casino. He escaped through an adjoining kitchen in the confusion, but had to kill two security men who tried to apprehend him.
I should pull my Glock out, pump all fifteen rounds into him, then piss on his body.
Instead, he took a deep breath and considered why his enemy might be in Seawind Bay and how he might have found him. He spoke in the calmest voice he could summon, “He is operative who almost ended my mission at Lake Tahoe…Would you ask your men to keep vigilant watch on him?”
“Yes, and I will tell them to find out where they are staying, although I am certain must be motel south of town.”
“Da…Perhaps I should exit by back door and go to your home.”
“I will have car with darkened windows brought to back of store…and I will have Vladya drive you. He looks enough like you to be brother.” Only time will tell if Yuri led them here…I must ask Commission for advice. “Vladya, bring town car
to back door and take my friend home.”
“So, how do you like this living in America?” Rick’s tone was casual and he spoke Russian to put Vladya at ease. He also sat in the front seat rather than in back to relax him.
“Is nice.” “I still find so many things that are new…What is your favorite thing?”
“I have been only here in this peasant village for seven months.”
“Surely, you have visited magnificently city of San Francisco, yes?”
“No…Boss says too many dangers there.”
“Such a shame for a young man like yourself…So near.”
“You have been there?”
“Many times…Is not like other cities in this country. Such old world charm and American decadence in one place. I have spent many memorable nights there, if you know what I am saying. Tell me, my new friend, how is it you are working for my old friend, Gregori?”
“In Vladivostok, I work for Russian of poor judgement…He does not pay head of local security force, so is convicted of crimes against state and sent to gulag…I am left with no job.”
“Were you not arrested with your employer?”
“Yes, but I am permitted to leave after security forces discover I am former Spetsnaz…It was, how you say, ‘professional courtesy’.”
“I should have known by your bearing and way you watch everything.”
“Yes, but is difficult to find employer who is willing to pay for special skills I have. Gregori hires me for guard work…I am paid like clerk.”
“What if I know employer with need for ‘special skills’, as you say…Would you talk with him?”
“Yes.”
“What pay would a man with special skills that you have demand?”
“Would depend on how long is contract and work to be done.”
“What if employer offers two million dollars for three month contract?”
“Two million U.S.?”
“Da, plus one thousand each week for expenses. Would that be adequate?”
“Yes. When would work start?”
“Soon. What is your loyalty to Peters?”
“I have sworn no oath to him…I must look after my own interests.”
“If Gregori does not pay for skills you possess, you must find employer who will…But I think you should wait to tell him you have new job.’”
“Yes, indeed.”
“I have known you only short time and I say to myself, this man will keep our words secret, yes?”
“You can be sure of that.”
“Good. I must go to bank tomorrow. I will send one million U.S. to your account. Let us shake hands, and you will swear oath to me…Tomorrow I will ask Gregori to allow you to drive me to bank in town south of here.”
“That is what I do most of time…Drive and protect passenger.”
“You have numbered account?”
“Da, Bacc, number is in my head.”
“Also, I have certain things which I cannot do myself…I wish you to do them.”
“I will.”
Rick settled back in the plush seat and relaxed. I’ll use him to help me finish the mission…and to watch for hidden enemies.
A frowning Gregori appeared for breakfast the next day, “I must apologize, my old friend, but urgent business in Point Arena requires my attention…I will not be able to host you this day…Perhaps Vladya might take you somewhere?”
“Yes. My bank has location in town south of here. I also saw shops there I would like to visit, so will be good.”
“You will transfer money?”
“Yes, of course.” He’s too experienced to fall for a bait and switch…and twenty million is a small price to pay.
“You will come back for sumptuous dinner, yes?
“I look forward to superb evening meal.”
Rick waited until Gregori and his driver departed and turned to Vladya, “We go now, but first, I have questions…”
He was interrupted by Vladya shaking his head from side to side and putting a finger to his lips.
“…about this beautiful part of country.” Rick caught on immediately. “But, I can ask them in car, so we go now.”
***
CHAPTER 18
ABOARDEAGLE ONE
SEAWIND BAY, CALIFORNIA “Well, don’t that beat all,” Bart said to John Banner on the secure communications system in the bus. “So, if I hear you right, the structure in the clearing isn’t all that old?”
“That’s what the analysts say…Satellite scans of the clearing and the altar uncovered some interesting things…First off, the land around it’s been disturbed in the last ten years or so, and subterranean scans show the buried outline of a much bigger building.”
“What does that mean?”
“Not sure…Fits the general outline of a barn, or factory building, apparently made of local stone. Whatever it was is gone…Area was cleared and graded smooth…Experts say the so-called altar was built over an underground room of some sort and may have a tunnel leading out of it…or it may be just a drain pipe. Hard to tell from space…Satellite imagery is more art than anything. It also looks like the whole thing was artificially aged. Whoever did it knew a lot about construction.”
“Why don’t you have your…I mean our people check Rick Eichner’s records for the last five to ten years? See if maybe his construction company did some work in the area…He’d have the equipment and manpower to do what you’re talking about… and it’s not that far from Sacramento.”
“Good idea, Colonel…I’ll look into it. Still, I don’t know why they’d go to all that trouble for a clearing with no direct highway access and no other obvious purpose.”
“Well, now, I don’t know that I’d say that. It scares the local population into staying the heck out of the woods, especially at night…Those hooded figures crossing the road sure enough got my attention. Made me think I’d lost my mind…Heck, even made Nora think I’d lost my mind.”
“You’re seeing some kind of pattern here…Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes, sir…Even though it doesn’t have direct highway access, there’s apparently some kind of trail…Those monks disappeared in a flash. My gut says they didn’t cut their way through the brush as they went.”
“You’re probably right. Forest canopy keeps us from getting a clean satellite shot of the clearing, but it does seem like two trails lead in the general direction. One comes up from the northwest quadrant…the area of the old cannery…Other goes from the east-southeast side of the clearing and makes tracks for the highway…Guess that’d be the path the monks took.”
“Sounds ‘bout right…Be a way to get to the cannery without going through the front gate.”
“I ordered a satellite with enhanced capabilities to switch orbits and stay over the site long as we need it…Real-time video, instead of time-lapse.”
“Sounds good. That way, we’ll know when Eichner brings in the nukes.”
“Exactly…Although, do you think they’d bring them in through the clearing?”
“Doubt it…way too big to be traipsing through the woods with.”
“Black Star isn’t. But you’re right, they’d still have the others.”
“Unless there’s something we haven’t uncovered. Which is why I think we need a boots-on-the-ground look at whatever’s down there.”
“Sure, just don’t spook ‘em.”
“Naw, I’ll take Jake…We’ll be real careful.”
“That’s something I wanted to bring up…I’m concerned that other agencies might be poking around Seawind Bay.”
“No joke?”
“May be some crossover with other investigations…You had any contact with possible undercover guys?”
“Not so far as I can tell…Course, if they’re undercover, they wouldn’t be advertising it…Been all locals except the Russians.”
“Interesting. I had a talk with an Agent-In-Charge from DEA who claims he’s had an ongoing op there for a couple of years.
”
“Must be way undercover…Not seen hide nor hair of anybody that vaguely resembles an agent…’Less, maybe it’s one of Peter’s Russian guys.”
“Could be…This particular AIC doesn’t play well with others, so I don’t know exactly what kind of op they’re running. Didn’t want to share any info…Kept repeating he was worried we’d screw up his op.”
“We’ll keep our eyes wide open…Who knows what’ll turn up…Speaking of which, Jake and Joanna got here.”
“Good. Hope their back story holds up long enough to get through this…We even posted wedding announcements in the paper. Although, I’m getting worried about too many agents working there…Bound to jump up and bite us, sooner or later.”
“I hear that, but can’t be helped…We need the extra bodies, case it goes south all of a sudden. We’ll keep the cover goin’ long enough to keep Peters guessing.”
“Sure hope so…Any sign of Eichner?”
“No, but not surprised. If he’s gonna use Peters to skip the country, he won’t show ‘til the last minute…Less chance of too many questions. What about the trawlers?”
“One’s about fifty miles offshore…Doesn’t seem to be fishing, so it may be waiting for another ship. Other one’s docked at the cannery.”
“Is there a reason he keeps one boat away from here?”
“Could be part of the cover story of leasing his trawlers out to canneries up north. I had analysts take a look at the past year for a pattern. They say both are gone a lot…Even do a little fishing now and then…Just enough to make the cover story legitimate. Number-crunchers say they’re actually making enough to pay their own way.”
“Figures…This Peters character can’t seem to help making money…even when he’s not trying to.”
“Yeah, some people. Anyway, does seem to be a pattern of sorts…They leave together and look like they’re heading up north…Then, less than a hundred miles out, they split up…One goes up to the fishing grounds…Other heads due west. Gone a couple of weeks…Then the one that’s fishing goes back to the cannery to off-load their catch.”
“What’s the other one do?”
“Seems to vary…Sometimes, they meet up with another trawler…We don’t have video of them exchanging anything, since it’s the middle of the Pacific…Only gets a flyover from a defense satellite every nineteen hours. We’re lucky to get the shots we did.”
