Black Ops Chronicles: Dead Run

by O'Neal, Pepper

  “How are they getting across?”

  “A coyote, just like you thought.” Davis slithered away from the ridge. “We may have to follow them by air, if we can’t find out which coyote route they’re taking before they leave. I’d rather not do that, but I will if I have to. There’s also the possibility that we could ambush them at the Mexico City airport on Saturday morning when they go to pick up the new arrivals. We’ll see what Langley wants to do.” He started back toward the car. “Come on, let’s go make some calls.”

  Davis was chatty on the return drive, but Max tuned him out. He wished he could lay his head down and take a nap. As exhausted as I am, you’d think I’d be sleeping better. Tipping his seat back, he turned his face toward the window, closed his eyes, and let Davis rattle on.

  “Wake up, Max. There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

  Max groaned. “Whatever it is, I’m sure I’d rather not hear it.”

  “Actually, I think you do. An opening’s come up for an instructor at The Farm. I suggested you for it, and they want you.”

  Max’s eyes flew open. “No way!”

  “Why not?” Davis demanded.

  “For one thing, I’d have thought Amberson would’ve prevented it. I’m not his favorite person these days.” And being an instructor at the CIA’s training facility near Williamsburg, Virginia, was considered both a plum assignment and a promotion.

  Davis chuckled. “He’s not pleased, but he was outvoted by Deputy Directors, Operations and Intelligence, both of whom went to bat for you.” He hesitated then cleared his throat. “And I decided he needed to know about all the affairs his precious little niece had during your so-called engagement.” He shot Max a sideways glance then let out a sigh of relief. “I see you knew about them. I wasn’t sure you did.”

  “I heard the rumors. The embassy’s a small community, Tom. You can’t hide something like that. But I was more relieved than upset by them.” Max shifted in his seat. “Especially since I never asked her to marry me in the first place.”

  “That bitch.” Davis spat out the words as if they tasted bitter. “I always wondered how you’d managed to propose and buy her a ring when you were out in the deserts of Afghanistan and had been for months.” Outrage rang in his voice. “Why the hell didn’t you straighten that cunt out when you first got back?”

  “Because I only heard about it five minutes before Amberson phoned me, pleased as punch and congratulating me for snapping up his darling niece. What was I supposed to tell him?”

  “Point taken. And with him breathing down your neck, I can only imagine how difficult it was to ditch her.” Davis gave a satisfied grunt. “Well, he was pretty unhappy to hear about her infidelity. Took the wind right out of his sails. Plus the guys at The Farm are used to getting their way, and they’re determined to have you.” Taking one hand off the wheel, he clapped Max on the shoulder. “You got a lot of friends in the Company, pal.”

  “And I appreciate every one of you.” Touched, Max stared out the window. “They really want me at The Farm?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t they? You’re one of the best we’ve got. In fact, you’re almost as good as Levi.”

  Max forced himself to laugh. “That’s quite a compliment, considering he got the girl.” He gave Davis a mock punch on the arm. “Anyway, I hope you know your opinion means a lot to me.”

  “Then do me a favor and take the job. You’re getting a little old to be playing out in the jungle with the youngsters. It’s time to pass on what you know to kids like David, so they can stay alive out there.” Lines furrowed his brow as he glanced over at Max. “And to be perfectly honest, if you don’t do something soon, you’re not going to make it out there much longer. You look bad, Max. Worse than bad, actually. If you had a desk job, you could marry that girl and get your life back on track before you lose it.”

  Saddened by the words, Max shook his head. It was far too late. Tess would never forgive or trust him again. And he really couldn’t blame her. But Tom’s right about the rest of it. I feel old. In fact, he felt ancient. David’s death had hit him hard. Maybe it was time for a change.

  “Max?”

  “Hmm? Oh, sorry, Tom, just thinking.” Max stared out the side window as he spoke, hiding the pain he knew would show on his face. “I’m afraid I burned all my bridges with Tess.” Letting out a long breath to ease the pressure in his chest, he added, “But you’re right about the desk job. I’m feeling a lot older than thirty-four lately.”

  “I think it’s the miles more than the years,” Davis replied. “I’ll do up the paperwork when we get back, and as soon as this Almasi thing is finished, I’ll send you stateside.” He cleared his throat again. “You know, you could try talking to Tess. Most anything can be forgiven if the apology’s sincere enough.”

  “I don’t think so, Tom.” The emptiness inside Max seemed more acute than ever. A small groan escaped him. “You didn’t see her face. Some wounds just don’t heal. Believe me, I know.” Tired of the pain, he changed the subject. “What do you think Langley will do about Almasi?”

  “My honest opinion?” When Max nodded, Davis continued. “I think they’ll give us a screwed-up mission plan like they always do, and we’ll lose a lot of good people.”

  “I’m afraid I agree with you. But I’m telling you right now. I’m going to get him. With or without Langley’s help.”

  “That doesn’t sound like the ‘strictly-by-the-book Max’ I know and love,” Davis said. “That temporary amnesia must have changed your M.O.”

  Max felt the anguish in his heart with every beat. “It changed a hell of a lot more than that.” He drew in a breath. “I’ll play by the rules if I can. But I don’t want you caught in the crossfire if I can’t.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning Almasi’s no longer just a job. He’s going to answer for me losing David.” And Tess. “It’s personal now, and I’ll do whatever it takes.”

  “Max, I—”

  “Save the lecture, Tom. I think you know me well enough to know it won’t do any good.”

  “I thought I knew you.”

  Max grimaced. “I thought I knew me, too. Guess we were both wrong.” When Davis opened his mouth, Max held up his hand. “What about Tanner? Is he dirty?”

  Davis sighed then shrugged. “On the surface, he doesn’t look it. He’s smart and clever, and he’s careful not to live beyond his FBI salary.”

  “I hear a ‘but.’”

  “Yeah. I dug a bit deeper than the surface. Tanner’s got a bank account in the Cayman Islands. Quite a few of the deposits came shortly after Nicholas McKenzie withdrew the same amount of cash from a bank in Salt Lake City, Utah.”

  “Well, well. Very interesting.”

  “Isn’t it? Also interesting’s the fact that Tanner disappeared just hours before McKenzie was taken into custody by the FBI.”

  “Son of a bitch! Can you find him?”

  “Probably. What do you intend to do if I can?”

  “Let me worry about that.”

  “Look, Max, you’re more than an officer to me. You’re a friend. No, don’t shrug it off,” Davis said, his tone turning harsh when Max did just that. “You may not care about your future, goddamn it, but I do.” He heaved another sigh. “Just try going through channels at Langley first—before you go off on a rampage and end up losing everything.”

  I’ve already lost everything. Defeated by Davis’s obvious sincerity, Max had little choice. “Fine. I’ll try doing it their way,” he promised. “First.”

  CHAPTER 18

  Saturday, March 29th, 6:02 a.m., Mexico City Airport, Mexico City, Mexico:

  “Sir?”

  Crouched behind a battered station wagon, Max turned to look at the young marine beside him. “Yeah, Corporal Ryan, what is it?”

  “Will we be firing our weapons when these guys come?”

  “That’s not the plan. But with Almasi, sometimes you don’t have a choice.”

&
nbsp; “I’d hate to be involved in a massacre.”

  “So would I,” Max agreed. “But if they start shooting, that might be unavoidable.” He studied Ryan more closely. The kid was twenty-one, tops, even younger than David. Max felt ancient in comparison. What were they thinking putting babies in uniform? “I realize this is your first time in combat, Corporal, but I’m sure you’ve had enough training to know that live rounds kill people.”

  “Of course, sir. But I wasn’t talking about us. Or the terrorists. I’m worried about civilian casualties.” Ryan waved his arm at the vehicles around them. “An airport parking lot is a hell of a place for an ambush.”

  “I agree with you there, son. But the mission plan came from Langley. This is what Operations wanted, and I have to follow orders, just like you do.” Max scanned the parking lot again. The early morning sun bounced heat waves off the asphalt, blurring the view. “Luckily, there aren’t many civilians around. And everyone’s got orders to be careful.”

  “Terrorists aren’t usually picky about their targets. Did Langley consider that?”

  Max was impressed. Ryan was young, but not stupid. “I doubt it. They never seem to consider all the ramifications when they plan these things,” he admitted. “But we swept the lot when we got here, and it’s clean. So all we can do now is hope things’ll go according to plan.”

  “Ever hear of Murphy’s Law?”

  “Yeah.” Max snorted and adjusted his body armor—in vain. It wasn’t designed for comfort. “Believe me, Corporal, nobody understands Murphy’s Law like a CIA field officer.”

  “Company’s coming.” The point man’s whisper crackled in the earpiece of Max’s radio.

  “How many?” Max whispered back.

  “Two on foot coming from the terminal. Carrying suitcases. Civilian dress, but their features look Middle Eastern. I don’t think they’re armed. Also got a nineteen-eighty-one Chevy van just pulling in.”

  “Do you recognize anyone in the vehicle?”

  “Negative. Can’t see anyone but the driver, but the vehicle fits the description we were given.”

  “Everybody, stay cool,” Max ordered. “If it is Almasi’s group, Langley wants us to take them alive. If possible.”

  He glanced around at the parked cars and thought about the marines hiding behind them. Six marines and one field officer against a group of armed and ruthless terrorists—correction, six babies and one old man against a group of seasoned, holy warriors who thought killing Americans and dying for The Cause guaranteed them a place of honor in Paradise. And he had orders to take them alive.

  Jesus. Langley must be out of its collective mind!

  Two men dressed in business suits came into view around the corner as a battered, blue van rattled across the lot. He recognized the driver. The guy had escaped with Almasi from the house in Baja.

  Max frowned as the van came to a stop by the gate. The driver had perfect timing. Too perfect. Which meant they had communication with someone inside the terminal. Probably Almasi. Shit. Too late to do anything about it now. If these men were all they got, then that’s all they got. For now.

  He gave three clicks on his radio for “Get ready.” When the two men on foot reached the van, Max whispered, “Now,” into his mouthpiece and rose from his crouch with his weapon at low-ready.

  “Freeze,” he ordered. “You’re surrounded.”

  The marines emerged from cover and encircled the Chevy. The van doors flew open.

  Almasi shouted, “Allahu Ackbar.”

  Leaning out of the vehicle, he started shooting. Two other terrorists inside it joined in. Three more came running out of the terminal, all firing automatic weapons. Their bullets sliced through the marines’ body armor like a soldering iron through warm butter. Four marines went down.

  “Armor-piercing rounds,” Max hollered over the radio as he returned fire. “Take cover.”

  The van driver backed up, providing cover for the five terrorists on foot. They clambered into the vehicle as Max, and what was left of his team, riddled the bodywork with bullets. The driver fired out his window. His shots broke the glass on a nearby car. The marine behind it fell.

  Max heard gears grinding as the driver shoved the van into first. Almasi hung out of the side door, spraying bullets. He glanced around then looked directly at Max. Their eyes met.

  Max fired, but missed when the van jerked forward. As the vehicle sped off, Almasi turned his weapon away from Max toward the marine beside him.

  “Get down,” Max hollered.

  Ryan froze. Max dove, placing himself between the kid and the incoming bullet. It slammed into his left shoulder. He landed on his side in front of the corporal.

  “Allahu Ackbar,” Almasi shouted again as the van tore out of the parking lot.

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Max grunted.

  “What does that mean, sir?” Ryan asked.

  “God is great. Like they give a shit about God.” With the adrenalin fading, Max hissed in pain and clamped his hand over his shoulder. Blood seeped through his fingers.

  “You’re hurt.”

  “Live rounds, kid,” Max reminded him. Trying to shake off the pain and rage, he struggled up to a sitting position. “Check out the others.”

  “You saved my life, sir.”

  “Don’t mention it, kid.” Max looked over and saw Ryan still standing there in shock. Jesus. “Keep it together, Corporal. Go check out the others, while I call this in.”

  As if coming out of a trance, Ryan shook his body like a dog throwing off water then ran off to check his comrades.

  Max kept pressure on his shoulder with his right hand and used his left to pull out his cell phone. Then he propped himself against a fender and speed-dialed Davis.

  It didn’t take long. By the time Ryan reported back, the sirens sounded close.

  “They’re all dead, sir. Those bastards killed them all.” The anger in the kid’s voice was mixed with shame. He knelt down beside Max. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t know what happened. I just froze.”

  “Forget it. First time in live combat is scary for everyone. No amount of training can prepare you completely.” Max patted him lightly on the shoulder. “But next time someone points a gun at you, duck.” He saw the kid fighting tears. “I promise you, son, I’ll make those assholes pay for this.”

  “Can I be there when you do?”

  Max met his eyes and made an executive decision. “Count on it.”

  A black Mercedes with diplomatic plates squealed into the parking lot, just ahead of the ambulance and police. Davis scrambled out of the back of the car before it had come to a complete stop. “What the hell happened?” he called, running over to Max.

  “Just another Langley FUBAR.” Max gestured at his dead marines. “Three men came out of the terminal and joined the bunch hidden in the van.” Teeth clenched in pain, anger, and frustration, he tried to rise, but couldn’t. “Almasi’s either psychic, well-informed, or very fucking lucky. They used armor-piercing rounds, Tom. My kids never had a chance.”

  “Christ, Max. You’re hit, too.”

  “It’s not serious.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that. Move your fingers.” Davis examined Max’s shoulder beneath the armor. “Not serious, Max? The goddamn bullet’s still in there.”

  “So? If you think this is going to keep me from tackling Almasi next weekend when he heads for the border, you’re sadly mistaken, Tom.”

  “Max—” Davis broke off and gazed into Max’s eyes. Whatever he saw there had him shaking his head. “Langley will never—”

  “Fuck Langley!” Max roared. “Take a look around, Tom. Five dead marines with nothing to show for it. If Langley keeps this up, it won’t be long before Almasi’s in the U.S. and we have hundreds of dead civilians, too.” He lowered his voice with an effort. “There’s such a thing as justice. And I’m through following orders from Langley on this. I’ll take Almasi down my way.” He grunted in pain as Davis helped him to his feet. “I�
�m going totally black ops. If I don’t ask for authorization, they can’t tell me no. Langley can find out after it’s done. Then they can do what they want to me.”

  Davis rolled his eyes. “Christ, Max, give me a break. As much as I like you, I can’t spend all my time saving your job.” He gave a resigned sigh. “But since I agree with you this time, I’ll see what I can do.” He gestured toward the car. “Let’s get your shoulder doctored. Then we can start making plans.”

  ***

  Monday, March 31st, 11:10 a.m., the estate of Jonas McKenzie, outside Salt Lake City, Utah:

  “Hey there.” Levi found Tess in Jonas’s library, engrossed in a book. She looked so peaceful, he hated to disturb her. But Special Agent Wilson had insisted. “Got a minute?”

  She gave him a rare smile. “Sure. What’s up?”

  He noticed the shadows under her eyes and the fatigue that her smile couldn’t hide. So she still wasn’t sleeping well. And there wasn’t a bloody thing he could do about it. Clenching his fists in frustration, he sat on the arm of her chair. “The Feds called.”

  “What’d they want?”

  “You. To give a deposition on the twenty-third of April at eight a.m. Nick and his lawyer will be there.” He ran his hand over her hair. “I called Parks, and he’ll be there for you. So will I.” Leaning over, he kissed the top of her head. “You up for it?”

  “I don’t think I have a choice.” She sighed—a sound so sad, Levi winced. “I may as well get it over with,” she continued. “I won’t have any peace until I do.”

  “I wish there was something I could do to make you happy again.”

  She took his hand and squeezed it. “I’m okay. Really.” At his snort of disbelief, she added, “At least, I will be. I’m getting there.” She hesitated, her eyes full of questions. “I just wish I understood.”

  “Understood what?”

  “Why Max betrayed me like that.”

  “Do you think he knew Tanner would be there, or that he’d take you to Nick?”