Saving Agent Tanner (Covert Justice Book 2)

by Mary Alford

  “That’s just it. I don’t know. David, I was moved. My gut tells me the first place was close to where I was taken. It was some sort of cement bunker. The second location appeared to be in the middle of nowhere. I managed to get away by killing the two men watching me. And I don’t know where I am.”

  “Did they say anything that might help you identify who they worked for?”

  “No. There was a third man, someone named Hussein, and Anwar kept mentioning he needed to speak to someone else. I took it to mean the person in charge.” I hesitated for a moment. “David, Hussein mentioned Zyad Ali-Arawar.”

  “The al-Qaeda’s second in command?”

  “Yes. I know. This thing is big. We need to get in touch with someone at the CIA. Agent Melinda James is a good place to start and I trust her. Whatever you do, don’t talk to Director Hughes and make sure Melinda doesn’t either. I don’t trust him.”

  “Your former boss?” David was clearly shocked.

  “Yes, he’s involved in this somehow.”

  “I will call Ms. James right away. And you’re right. This thing has the potential for international repercussions. Especially if it gets out that our people might have known about it beforehand. But how do we get you out of there and to safety? Is there someplace you can go? Someplace safe?”

  “I don’t know. I’m in the middle of the desert. I haven’t seen anything resembling a village or house since I left the bunker.”

  “I see. That will present a problem.”

  “David, I’m running out of time. I’m a sitting duck here. I don’t know where I am. I need you to have Melinda trace this phone’s location.”

  “They can do that?” He seemed surprised.

  “Yes. They have satellites that can track its exact location. I’ll leave it on for a while and continue driving.”

  “Okay, Rachel. I’ll get started on it right away. We’ll get you out of this. But please be careful. Don’t take any unnecessary risks. Rachel, you should know there are people on the ground searching for you. Please be careful.”

  Michael had agents looking for me. They wouldn’t fail at their mission. They couldn’t. Too much was at stake. “I will. David, is Ava okay?”

  “Of course, my dear, she’s fine. She misses her mommy, though.”

  I shoved back raw, strangling emotions always present when I thought about my daughter and the things I’d risked by coming here. Had I risked my life and my daughter’s happiness in vain? Booth might have already been dead before I arrived. The chance of that being the truth was growing with each new realization.

  “Listen, David, if something should happen to me, if I don’t get out of this thing alive, please promise me you’ll take care of Ava for me.”

  “Rachel, don’t talk like that. Don’t even think it. You’re going to be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”

  I held onto that promise with all my heart. “Hurry, David. I don’t want my daughter to have to bury both her parents to this cause.”

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Eight

  Hughes recognized the number right away. “Yes?”

  “I’m on the ground.”

  “Excellent. I expected nothing less. Tell me what’s happening there.”

  “There’s a massive search underway. Michael has called out all the stops in spearheading a major deployment of agents to the area.”

  “Michael? You’ve spoken to him?”

  “No. I thought it best not to give away my cover.”

  “Yes, that’s wise. Do you know anything yet?”

  “I’ve managed to reach my contact and have spoken to him in depth.” Hughes’ silence following the man’s revelation was clearly anticipated. “Don’t worry, I trust him explicitly. He tells me the search is primarily to find Rachel. The feeling here is that Agent Tanner is dead already. There’s no effort, at least not visible, being made to find him.”

  Hughes blew out a breath. This thing might still be contained yet. “I think that’s for the best right now, don’t you? Let’s try and keep it that way.”

  “Yes, I agree. I’ll handle it.”

  Hughes glanced out his window as the first pale-pink light split the eastern sky. “Do you have any idea what’s happened to her?”

  The lengthy pause was foreboding. His answer, when it came, was less reassuring. “It doesn’t look good, I’m afraid. Obviously, Rahab knew something worth dying for. I think she was trying to get word to Rachel. Perhaps she knew the real mission behind the ruse.”

  “Did she take it to her grave?” Hughes wasn’t sure which to hope for.

  “I’d say the probability of that is great. My contact tells me she was tortured. But sir, with all due respect, whether or not Rahab gave information to her killers doesn’t matter. My contact tells me Rachel was scheduled to meet Rahab. The chances are Rahab was tortured into giving that up. They were expecting Rachel. She didn’t stand a chance.”

  Hughes let out a frustrated sigh. This thing was quickly escaping his control. “Does your man have any idea where they might be holding her? I don’t need to tell you we need to get her out of there alive, before Michael and his team reach her. When this thing explodes, the last thing we need on our hands is another death.”

  It was now no longer a matter of if it reached the eyes of the world, but when.

  “My guy knows the desert like the back of his hand. He’ll know where to find her if anyone can.”

  Hughes heard the reservations in the man’s voice. “But.”

  “But he’s concerned for her wellbeing. He’s been helping with the search. They’re already in enemy territory.”

  “Then how will you get to him without the others finding out?”

  The confidence in his agent’s voice reminded Hughes why he’d chosen him for this mission. “I know the way. I’ll reach him by sunset. We’ve organized a meeting place. He will update me on Michael’s progress. Not all is lost. I’ll be able to keep track of the others this way. If they’re the ones responsible for this, then they’ll not want her to be brought back alive.”

  “Yes. Yes, that’s a good idea. Well done.”

  “Thank you. I should go. It’s doubtful anyone is listening in, but the less time we spend speaking, the less likely someone can connect us to each other.”

  Hughes had to agree. The last thing he needed was someone from the enemy camp to get wind of his man on the ground. “Yes. You’ll let me know the moment you have word?”

  “Of course. Hopefully the next time we speak I’ll have good news.”

  * * * *

  “There’s a small outpost west of Ulziheir. It was once a watch post for al-Qaeda’s training camp. From there, a person can see anyone coming for miles away. It’s dangerous. We could be walking into an ambush. But I’m betting this is where they’ve taken her,” Khalid assured him.

  Michael considered the possibility. “Then how can we get in there without being spotted?”

  “Chances are we won’t. We’ll wait until dark and advance as quietly as possible. We can only hope for some element of surprise.”

  Michael glanced at his watch. Darkness wouldn’t come for another three-plus hours. Ulziheir was some fifty kilometers away.

  “What do we do in the meantime?”

  Khalid observed him curiously. He’d seen that look many times today. “Do? We’ll need to rest. It will be a long night. A dangerous night, for sure. We will need all of our wits to get through this night alive.”

  Michael wondered for half a second if Khalid might possibly be joking. The expression on the tribesman’s face had never been more serious.

  Khalid answered the question he hadn’t asked. “I do not kid about such things. If you do not rest, you will be useless to us.” Khalid pointed to where the horses had been tied. “You will find a mat in your animal’s pack. Those trees near the rocks will allow sufficient release from the sun. Rest, my friend. Otherwise, I will be forced to leave you behind.”

  * * * *

/>   “I do not have much time before they become suspicious.” His contact glanced over his shoulder. The meet, taking place at exactly sunset, appeared to have gone off smoothly enough. Which spooked him. He’d long ago learned nothing went this smoothly. The abandoned house south of an outcropping of trees provided enough privacy to keep anyone passing by from spotting the two men.

  “I understand. I’ll be brief. What do you know?”

  “Nothing more than what I’ve told you. The search is for the woman. We believe she is being held at the outpost near Ulziheir. There’s a raid scheduled for tonight.”

  He hesitated. How much should he divulge to his contact? Where did his true loyalties lie? If he kept quiet, would he be sending this man to his grave along with Agent Bernard as well as the rest of his team? “She won’t be there. She’s escaped.”

  His contact studied him. “I see. And how do you know this?”

  “You don’t need to know that. You do need to know that you’ll find two men dead there.” He pulled out the map he carried with him and spread it out on a rock. There wasn’t much light left in the day. Hopefully, it would be enough.

  “She managed to overpower her captives and get away. I need you to tell me where she might have gone on this map.”

  His operative ignored his command. That he was angry was evident in the way he spat out the words. “If she’s not there, then why waste our time?”

  “I need a diversion and at this point there’s only one person I trust. I’m sorry, my friend, but it isn’t you.”

  His informant forced a smile. “That’s good because I don’t trust you, either.”

  Honesty among spies. That made him laugh. “Then we’re even. Also, there may be people working with you now who are not what they seem. Be careful, my friend.”

  “Always. Since there is no immediate danger waiting for me, do you wish me to delay the raid until morning?”

  “No, absolutely not. It would only call suspicion to your motives. Keep to the schedule.” He leaned over the map and squinted. There wasn’t much daylight left. Time was running out. “She was heading south from the last report. Tell me where she might be.”

  His contact searched the map then jabbed a finger to a small outcropping of rocks in the middle of desert. “If it was me, and I was running for my life, I’d hide out there during the day and move only at night. Which means, she’ll be on the move soon.”

  “Yes, and that’s one hundred kilometers at least.”

  “Exactly. I’d suggest you move forward without your lights at a slow speed to keep from drawing any undue attention. You’re in enemy territory now. If you’re caught, there will be no one to come to your aid.”

  He straightened and shook his contact’s hand. “I will. The moment I have her and we’re back in safer territory I’ll be in touch. In the meantime, watch your back. You don’t know who to trust.”

  * * * *

  With the last rays of sun all but gone, the temperature in the desert became almost bearable once more. I’d tried to sleep but managed only a minute here and there in the shadow of the rock where I tried to keep the Jeep hidden from anyone who might be searching the area.

  I dared not call David again. I couldn’t risk someone tracking my movements by phone. I’d turned off the cell I’d given him to trace my whereabouts after the first half hour. No need to push my luck any further. I didn’t know what technology al-Qaeda might have at their disposal.

  They had the financial support to buy the best. I certainly didn’t want to risk being found by them before my team could rescue me.

  I’d found something that resembled a first aid kit tucked under a tarp. Armed with the outside mirror and what I assumed was the equivalent of anti-bacterial cream, I did the best I could to treat the wounds left by Hussein’s whip and fist. They hurt like crazy and made sleep all but impossible, but they did keep me alert.

  I hadn’t seen a single living creature in hours. Which was probably a good thing. I was, at my best guess, deep into enemy territory. Anyone venturing my way wouldn’t be welcomed.

  As the sun lowered in the west, I refueled the Jeep then started the engine. I needed to stay on the move as much as possible. By now, Hussein would have returned to the bunker. He’d know I was on the run.

  If my best guess was correct, I had at least another hundred kilometers left to cover before I reached someone who could help, given David’s attempts failed to locate me before then. I kept the Jeep’s speed at a steady forty clicks an hour to keep the dust at a minimum.

  The breeze that reverberated off the desert sand was enough to clear away some of the cobwebs in my head. I’d spent the better part of the day between snatching bits of sleep trying to unravel the mystery that had now become my life.

  I had to believe everything was somehow connected to Anwar, perhaps Booth’s capture, and no doubt murder. Anwar had ingratiated himself to David with the intent of getting close enough to, at the least, sabotage the peace talks.

  At the most, create another 9/11.

  What I didn’t understand was the weapons part. Hussein and Anwar both had asked me if I knew anything about the weapons. That part of the equation was still a mystery. Could it be that some type of weaponry, possibly some type of suitcase bomb or Weapons of Mass Destruction would be planted at or near the site where the peace talks would take place? Surely, any such plan was destined to fail. The location of the talks was confidential. No one but those granted the highest security knew of it and security would be virtually impossible to penetrate.

  By eight, I’d traveled over fifty kilometers and still no sign of any life. I stopped the Jeep and scanned the horizon. Nothing but desert. I turned on my cell phone and saw that David had left a message.

  “Rachel, we have an idea where you are. There’s a small village some twenty kilometers southwest of you. I’ve arranged for two men I trust with my life to meet you there near the center of the town at midnight. One of the men will carry a newspaper. They will take you somewhere secure. Once you’re safe, they will call me and I will arrange transportation out of there. Hang in there, my dear. You’re almost home. If things go well, you’ll be able to tuck Ava in bed tomorrow night.”

  I closed the phone and leaned against the wheel. I’d tried for a long time to be strong but now with the end in sight I couldn’t control my sobs or my tears. I no longer wanted to.

  I backtracked and headed the Jeep in the direction David told me to go and prayed that he was right and I’d be with my baby girl soon.

  * * * *

  “There’s no sign of her. The two men have been dead for what I’d guess to be at least twenty-four hours,” Sam told him.

  Michael shook his head. “The question is, did someone take her or did she escape?”

  Khalid’s gaze stayed on the two dead men. “She was one of yours. What do you think?”

  Michael bent down and picked up something from the dirt floor. The sight of it didn’t exactly relieve his uneasiness. “She’s out there somewhere. And we’re not the only ones looking for her.”

  Khalid came over to where Michael stood and saw what he held. A cigarette pack bearing an American trademark.

  “Those could have been bought off the black market,” Khalid told him.

  “You don’t believe that. Neither do I.”

  “No. I think we’d better hope we’re the first to find out where she is.”

  Michael could only agree. Both men stepped out into the darkness. “What do we do about those two?” Michael crooked his thumb toward the two dead men.

  “Do? We do nothing.” Khalid mounted his horse. “We leave them. Let their people take care of them.”

  Michael shook his head and climbed onto his mount. “Okay, where do we go from here? Where would she go?”

  Khalid considered the question for a moment. “I’m guessing she’d head south. That’s the only logical direction. Unfortunately, there’s nothing out there for miles. Your guess is as good as mine. And l
et’s hope she’s not seriously injured.”

  “Where’s the nearest village? If she is hurt, she’ll need attention. Best case, she’ll need food.”

  “There’s a small village southwest of here. But I doubt she’d risk going there.”

  Michael was growing frustrated with dead ends and Khalid’s non-responsive answers. “Then where would she go?”

  Khalid shrugged. Not exactly comforting. “I don’t know. At this point, I think we can’t afford to dismiss any possibility. Let’s search the village. Who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky. If she’s not there, then we can only assume she’s continued south.”

  Michael’s body ached from the unaccustomed time spent in the saddle. He’d ridden only a handful of times through the years. It wasn’t his thing. But here in the desert it was a way of life.

  He’d quietly assessed Khalid’s every action for hours and was beginning to wonder where the man’s loyalties truly lay. Could it be he’d placed his trust and Rachel’s life in the hands of the enemy? He hoped not. Because if that were true, if he walked out of this thing alive, he’d probably be prosecuted for treason.

  And he’d put Sam square in the middle of it as well. He’d completely ignored his commander. Hadn’t returned any of his calls and hadn’t bothered to keep him abreast of what he was doing. Director Hughes probably considered him the enemy by now. Michael was almost certain he’d dispatched someone to take care of him.

  Possibly Rachel. Hopefully not Sam. All for what? Trying to salve his soul over Rahab’s death. Because he was trying to make up for not listening to his best friend. As much as he hated considering it, all indications led to the conclusion that Booth had died working this last mission. Michael might not be skilled in field duty, but he knew Booth. If Booth were still alive, he’d have found a way to get word to someone by now.

  Now, here he was, staking everything on the help of someone whose loyalty was murky at best.

  “How much further?” he asked Khalid, mostly to kill the doubts swimming around in his head.

  Khalid slowed his mount until Michael caught up. “Not far. About one hundred kilometers, give or take. Are you up to it?” Khalid’s keen gaze speared him in the darkness.