Classified: Missing Cat-Sub

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  An hour later they were back in the air flying to Shanghai. Once at altitude they sat on the floor drinking green tea. Brad had also made the Master some noodles. Instead of sipping tea cups, they used mugs so as not to spill from any turbulence. After finishing the noodles Brad told him the story of the missing cat sub. He left no details out including the role of the rich Chinese Mr. Chi from Hong Kong.

  Brad said, "I think Master it would not help to threaten the life of Mr. Chi as he is already very old. However, we know how Asians cherish their first born son; we can apply the pressure there. My plan is to kidnap the son and deal with Mr. Chi from that position. What do you think Master?"

  While he digested what he heard, Brad always marveled how the old Chinese Master looked to anyone from outside his arena: a shriveled up old man dressed in dragon pajamas. His face had not so many lines, but was sparsely sprinkled with long grey facial hairs. None outside of a few special people really knew how deadly this man could be.

  The Master said, "Good plan son. We send the father the tip of his thumb. That will wake him up. In no time we get the artwork back and the family too. Turn on the TV."

  Brad called Mike. He answered a little out of breath as he was walking swiftly through the Hong Kong airport. "Locate Mr. Chi's office and see if you can find a way past the security to allow us to have a chat with him when the time comes. I'm sure anyone on the street can point you to his office. Also, find me a helicopter pilot and have him or her stand by in Shanghai at the Sheraton. Have the pilot leave a message for me at the desk. Also, find out if we have a ship in the area where I can secure a person for a few days. That's all for now. We're on our way to Shanghai and will be there in a few hours. After you take care of your assignment, come to Shanghai and meet us at the Sheraton," said Brad.

  "See you soon," said Mike.

  **//**

  Upon landing in Shanghai, Brad was met by a Chinese man from the CIA. He'd been born and raised in America, but his parents moved back after he graduated college. His father was a university professor and highly respected. Leo Chin was somewhat more outgoing than your usual reserved Asian or Chinese male of around 30 years of age.

  He said, "Mr. Pratt and Grandfather, welcome to Shanghai," as he bowed to both.

  "Thanks Leo. Let's go to the hotel and find something to eat. I hope the staff at the Sheraton are okay with my dog?"

  "I've paved the way sir. For Grandfather I made sure they had a giant screen TV for his viewing pleasure. Okay let's go as I'm double parked where I'm not supposed to be," Leo said hustling away to the exit.

  Even though they had landed in a private jet, the area was secure to combat terrorism. Military guards were everywhere. Brad saw him hand a guard some money for allowing the parking and smiled knowing tips worked around the world regardless of culture.

  Inside the hotel room, Leo briefed Brad about Mr. Feng and Hai Fong Industries. He said, "Mr. Feng lives about thirty minutes from here in average traffic. He's constantly surrounded by security. Usually he either leaves for work by car or by helicopter. However, the last two days have been by air. We're watching closely. As he owns the entire apartment complex and his residence is one apartment building, it would be difficult to find him alone. All I know is that I'm at your disposal,'' said Leo.

  "Let's keep an eye on it for a day or so. Meanwhile, maybe you can get room service to perform an extra favor for me and my dog. She'd like some corn beef hash and I'd like some Beef Chow Yuk. For my Master friend fish, soup and rice with green tea. I'll make it right with the extra request," said Brad.

  "The staff here is please to help in anyway shape or form. They realize you're an important person. I'll see to it right now. I'll find some special green tea for both of you."

  "I'm expecting a person looking for me to check in and also another person named Mike Henshaw will check in soon. Tell the desk to alert me when either person shows up," said Brad.

  Later after he and Sandy had eaten, Brad checked on the Master who was enthralled with his giant screen TV. Brad was amused that he was watching Roadrunner cartoons. Also stacked up alongside him were movies with subtitles to entertain him long into night.

  Brad went back to his room hearing the phone ring. It was the desk telling him that someone was here looking for him. Brad told them to send up that person and also book a room for that special person. The reason he didn't say him or her, was he wasn't sure what sex it might be. Recently the military had been training many women for pilot jobs.

  A soft knock on the door raised Sandy's ears. Brad peeked through hole seeing, indeed a woman standing there looking back at him. He opened the door quickly. She looked him straight in the eyes. She was the same height as he was. He stood back asking her to come in. She said, "I'm Captain Janice Lorance. You requested a helicopter pilot and I'm here to follow your orders Colonel Pratt."

  "Please take a seat Captain. I've a room for you here and hope you've some change of clothes and such things for a few days stay over." He saw her slightly nod a yes she had what was needed. "I'm waiting for one other of my team to arrive and then we'll have a meeting to discuss our mission. Simply put, captain you'll fly a Bell 206L4 from the top of a building to a navy ship off shore. The details will follow soon. I suspect you're a little hungry?"

  "Yes Colonel, I was flown in from Guam so as not to attract any attention. I'd like to take a little walk to loosen up my stiff legs from sitting way to long. I'll find something to eat on the street, but not to worry I'll be careful what I eat. Also I'll need a few things from a store. I've got my room and call when you want me sir," said Janice.

  "Okay Captain. See you when my friend arrives," said Brad walking her to the door. To Brad she looked like she could take care of herself by the way she walked and talked. He was proud that the military had some fine people these days.

  The next morning Mike arrived a little the worse for wear. Brad saw the look that denoted no sleep for Mike for at least 36 plus hours. Brad told him to go sleep and he'd call him around dark time. Mike gave Sandy a rub and left for his
room.

  Leo showed up bright eyed and bushy tailed, as Brad thought his mother would say looking at the young man. Brad said, "Let's go have some breakfast and I'd like you to meet a member of my team," as he called Janice's room. She readily agreed to meet them in the restaurant. Leo was taken in by her size and Brad was taken in by her brain. Her grey eyes and heavy eyebrows make her look very intense; when in fact she was an intense person.

  Leo said, "I'm your driver Mr. Pratt. Let's see the sites and be sure to bring your camera Captain Janice," Leo said smiling.

  Brad felt Leo growing on him. He kind of reminded Brad of Billy who was always loose and ready with a quip, but with brains behind the façade. Brad said, "Yes, I'd like that as we've time to burn. Now let's have some protein for the morning. I'd like a cheese omelet and tea Leo---also a side of ham please, looking down at Sandy."

  After breakfast Leo drove them to where Mr. Feng lived. The van they were ridding in was not noticeable in a city full of traffic. Leo stopped in the middle of a giant apartment complex that was at least 6 city blocks long by 4 blocks wide. It was in the middle of the development where Mr. Feng's apartment stood. Brad looked at his watch seeing it was just 9 am. As luck would have it, a chopper took off from the roof.

  Brad didn't think anyone would notice him walking up or down the street. He had Sandy stay and he put on a baseball hat that disguised him somewhat. He looked at the lighting. He looked at the number of floors: 14 stories. He saw four guards at the front doors of Mr. Feng's apartment. He wondered how many more inside and what about family members. A stretch limo pulled up and a small boy and woman entered the car. At least three guards went with it leaving the four guards still at the door. Be that as it may, it was a piece of cake for Brad to enter; but getting Captain Janice in with him was another matter entirely.

  -16-

  After the apartment view they went to the harbor area where Hai Fong Industries had their factory. Indeed Brad was impressed as it took up at least 40 acres of property with a portion as a dock area. It was ideal for importing and exporting by sea. As his father might say; 'it's a going concern.' Be that as it may, somewhere inside the factory Paul Hullseth was plying his trade totally against, at least Brad thought -- his will. It wouldn't be right to leave him here with what he knew about military secrets. He'd have to negotiate his release as well as obtaining the drawings.

  There was another way to release him from his Chinese wardens. They could follow, if possible, him home after work discovering where he lived. From there Brad could spring him from his guards, put him and family out of harm's way. What really needed to happen was Paul Hullseth needed some jail time for his indiscretions; which almost could be considered treasonous.

  Leo said, "What else would you like to see Mr. Pratt?"

  "Call me Brad, Leo. I'd like to see where exactly they park the helicopter here at the factory. About what time does Mr. Feng go home Leo?"

  "About 8 or 9. It's usually dark out. Are you thinking about hijacking the chopper here rather than at his home," asked Leo.

  "Yes here might be best. It would be dark and if we stayed low under the radar we could sneak out of the city almost unseen. However, and there always seems to be a however, we need the drawings out of the office. But I think I know how to pull it off. For now, let's see if we can get some satellite pics and pinpoint where the helipad is."

  All this time Janice hadn't said a word. She being a total professional waited until spoken to. What she did glean was they might be flying out of the factory rather than the apartment. What she did wonder about was her size and sex. She thought it best to cut her hair and find a way to strap down her breasts making her appear a man rather than a woman.

  It was around noon when Mike called to say he was hungry and ready to rock and roll. Leo heard Brad say they'd pick him up in 30 outside the hotel drive through. "Leo, let's find a nice restaurant where we won't be the center of attraction. A place where expats go for an expensive business lunch," said Brad.

  "I know just where to go," said Leo. I like the Kechara Tea House in Hongqiao Lu for a healthy dose of both good food and atmosphere," said Leo.

  Mike sat in the back with Captain Janice. It didn't take long for the two of them to find some mutual interest to talk about. By the time they reached the Kechara Tea House, they were old friends.

  Inside the place was everything and more than was expected. If the food was as good as the décor, well, high marks for China. Brad whispered to Mike to hold off on the Hong Kong report while in mixed company.

  "Leo, you struck gold here," said Mike after a hearty Italian lunch of Lasagna.

  "Yes, I second that," said Janice. "So far so good, but I'm wondering how I fit into the scheme of things if I'm exposed for anyone to see that I'm not your average Chinese person."

  "I think Janice we'll find a way to drive into the factory and park somewhere close to the Bell. It may well be that we'll use a stretch limo or maybe a delivery truck. Regardless, we'll find a way into the factory. I realize you haven't met the Master yet. He's busy watching TV back at the hotel. He'll be escorting our target out of the office building to the waiting helicopter. That's a rough plan at this stage of the mission," said Brad while he sipped the excellent honey-lemon green tea.

  After lunch they went back to the hotel to wait for some satellite pictures of the said factory. Leo dropped them off and went to his office to fetch the pictures that he'd ordered by phone a few hours ago.

  While waiting, Brad called Washington to talk to CIA Director Addie. He wanted to know what level Leo was on the security secrets list. Also to have more support to find out the location of Paul Hullseth residence in Shanghai. The timing had to be perfect when they recovered his wife and daughter. It had to coincide with the abduction of Mr. Feng. "Director, I'm afraid we'll cause an international incident if we use CIA personnel. I'd like to use our SEALS for this job. I think they could do it without creating any kind of a stir. Even if caught they'd never give up who they were. What do you think sir," asked Brad.

  "I think you are the boss here Brad. I'll follow you and agree that we would risk exposure if we used our firm's personnel. Now as far as I can see Leo Chin is a 7 year veteran who has a fairly high security level. He can be trusted to keep his mouth shut."

  "Thanks Director. And thanks for the prompt delivery of the satellite pictures," said Brad.

  Next he called his father to make sure there was a ship available for helicopter landing in the East China Sea. Once the connection was made, Secretary Pratt said, "Brad, good to hear from you. We've recovered the item and it's on the barge secure and covered. Now what can I do for you son?"

  "In the next week or less, I'll need a Navy ship capable of accepting a helicopter and a brig on board. Japan is the closest to Shanghai, but I'm not choosy."

  "Okay, give me thirty minutes and I'll have what you need. By the way, I can't get your mother out of your home. I hope she is not an interfering grandmother," said Phil Pratt chuckling.

  "From what I know she is a big help and she can stay as long as she likes. Koreans as you know love to have grandparents around to baby sit and stuff like that. Sujin would be lost without her. Rest easy father. All is well. I'll ring you back later."

  Brad sat back thinking for the time allowing his father to gather the information he required. It was nice to have a competent person on the other end providing the necessary information to complete the mission.

  Brad switched to the Master who would central to the kidnapping of Mr. Feng. The Master would insert into the building and then into Feng's office. From there, with a little persuasion by expert finger touch, Feng would comply readily. The only loose end was the original helicopter pilot. Where he hung out was anyone's guess. Mike might have to take care of that.

  With Leo driving either the stretch limo or a delivery van, Mike could hide out with Janice while both Leo and Brad spoke the language very well. Sandy would have to be with Mike and as most Asian didn't like dog
s, Mr. Feng would be starring at Sandy the whole time in the chopper. Brad looked at his watch; almost an hour had passed by. He rang up his father.

  "The USS Guam is standing by off the coast of Fukujima. It has both a helipad and a brig. Captain Lester Naught is aware and looking forward to welcoming you aboard. I told him you'd also need a lift to the airport for your trip to Hong Kong," said Secretary Pratt.

  "Many thanks sir," said Brad. "I hope the next time we chat it will be about grandkids and the nasty weather on the coast of Oregon,"

  -17

  It was always nice to talk to someone that you knew would make something happen. The downside was after it left the top of the pyramid the efficiency deteriorated quickly. At this point he'd dealt mostly with the President Sam Bates, his father, Secretary of the Navy and the remainder of the cabinet under the president.

  He took this opportunity to think about how to bypass the factory security. At first Brad thought maybe a stretch limo delivering VIPs, but then on second thought, because a guard might call ahead, a delivery truck would be best. Both Leo and he spoke Chinese fluently, but Mike and Janice would have to hide somewhere inside the van. Sandy too would have to play some role and that could work to their advantage having a large German shepherd staring at you.

  Brad decided that on the morrow they would watch and learn about the security around the factory. It wouldn't be a problem for the Master. He'd go in at night and wait for the prescribed time to abduct Mr. Feng. However, there was one thing bothering Brad and that was the pilot. Where he hung out and as soon as he heard the rotors turn, would know something was not right. It was time to tie up loose ends.