Into The Shadows

by Michael Brady

  “Mert. It’s Dabria. I should be there before midnight.”

  “Okay. I’ll leave for the cafe now and wait for you.”

  “Did you get the information I asked for?”

  “Yes. I have the address.”

  “Thank you. Does anyone else know?” asked Dabria.

  “I did it myself as you instructed. You know I still want to join.”

  “I know, Mert. There should be an opening in a few months. Nice work. See you soon.”

  Dabria encountered Mert six months earlier at an intelligence conference in Adana. The purpose of the gathering, including national police officers and Turkish intelligence, was to improve intelligence sharing. While there, Dabria found Mert attractive, young and ambitious. She would exploit these traits in order to have an asset in the future. A true intelligence professional can never have enough trusted assets.

  It worked. After spending several long nights in the company of each other’s arms, Mert’s infatuation with Dabria became evident. He was hers and she could do with him what she wanted, within reason of course. If it meant violating investigative procedures, Mert was all too willing to do it. Moreover, supporting MIT would be favorable to his career and no Iskenderun police supervisor would scold him, he thought.

  Tonight, was no exception. She would soon be in Iskenderun, have a place to sleep, and the intelligence she required.

  All was proceeding according to plan, thought Dabria.

  She then decided to make a short stop into Ceyhan as it wouldn’t take her more than thirty minutes. Mert would wait and Dabria’s late arrival would only increase the young man’s anticipation of her.

  Ceyhan, mostly known as a transportation hub for Russian, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian oil and natural gas, was also famous for its Adana Kebab. Dabria was hungry and needed nourishment. A short rest from the long journey was in order.

  There are many variations of the Adana Kebab. Dabria would savor the taste of the Porsiyon, her favorite Kebab served on flatbread with red peppers, parsley, and roasted tomatoes. Hot hummus would complement her meal.

  Dabria pondered the task ahead of her as she sat down for the late-night meal. She would soon have the address where Nasir’s target would be, at least according to Mert. From there, she would need time to recon the location, and determine the best time to strike. Unfortunately, she thought to herself, there would be no backup.

  Nasir’s instructions were clear. Dabria had to kill the man by herself. She had no authorization from MIT, and she was still fearful of Nasir’s reach. A failure now would surely mean death for members of her family. There would be too many questions if she attempted to alert them.

  After Dabria paid her server in cash, the journey to kill Nasir’s target would continue.

  Larnaca Marina, Larnaca, Cyprus - November 5, 10:15 PM

  Patrick and his team remained vigilant while waiting for the boat to arrive. He directed communications checks every fifteen minutes, standard for a surveillance mission of this type. Team members inside vehicles at three different locations shared stories with each other to pass the time.

  Lindey, sitting behind Patrick, had the micro drone ready if any unusual activity occurred. She was not flying it due to a limited battery life. Once deployed, the micro drone could remain airborne for only twenty-five minutes. Patrick had no idea when the boat would arrive, only a window as briefed by his boss.

  “We have movement near team three. Looks like two vehicles entering the marina from the north gate,” said one of Patrick’s men on the group’s shared frequency.

  “What are they driving, Dan?”

  “Looks like Mercedes four-door sedans to me. I can’t tell for sure due to lighting.”

  The vehicles could just be a group of people getting ready for a trip, thought Patrick to himself. In Cyprus, evening departures from a marina were common. Tonight, however, he would not take any chances.

  “Okay. Keep an eye out.”

  Slowly turning left, the two sedans made their way into the marina. As they approached the first paved road, one vehicle turned right and headed south while the second vehicle turned left and drove north. The vehicles were moving slowly.

  “One vehicle just headed south. The other turned north,” reported Dan.

  Since Patrick and his team expected the boat’s arrival to be in the northernmost section of the marina, he turned to Lindey.

  “Time to use our new toy, Lindey. Get eyes on the southern vehicle.”

  Lindey quickly opened her window. In seconds, the micro drone began its short flight to the southern end of the marina.

  “Will. The second vehicle should be approaching your location in a few seconds. Let me know when you see it.”

  Patrick knew something was odd, but could not be sure at this point. Two vehicles just entered the marina after ten pm. However, rather than driving to one of the parking lots together, they split up and went in two different directions.

  Maybe one group was making their way to the Yacht club to get some supplies, Patrick considered to himself. On the other hand, maybe one of the vehicles was simply dropping off a passenger to use the restroom. Too early to tell. The situation would have to unfold.

  Situated along the northern slip, the van carrying the AT-4s was waiting. Inside were Patrick, Lindey, and Miles, the newest member of Patrick’s team.

  “I see it,” said the driver. “There, just up ahead.”

  “Okay. Circle back slowly, Zevket.”

  Zevket and Mory parked the vehicle at the far most paved lot, approximately fifty yards from the SUV.

  “Kaan. The SUV is here. Turn around and meet us on the north side of the marina. Pull behind us but turn off your lights as you approach.”

  Mory carefully rolled down his window for a better view. He could not tell if the vehicle was running. However, he could see the driver. Maybe his information was good after all.

  “Our vehicle just turned around. Moving north,” said Lindey.

  At the same time, Patrick heard from Dan.

  “The vehicle just parked in the northern lot. He’s just sitting there now.”

  “Copy. Keep eyes on him.”

  A few seconds later Dan updated his boss.

  “The second vehicle is making the turn into the northern lot. Just pulled up behind him.”

  Patrick turned to his driver. “Not sure I like this Miles,” said Patrick calmly.

  After the second vehicle pulled up behind Mory and Zevket, its driver and passenger exited the vehicle. They walked up to Mory and awaited instructions.

  Mory turned to Kaan. “Go take a look. Find out who is in the truck and what they are doing?”

  “Two men just exited the rear vehicle, Patrick. Getting closer to see if I can pick up their audio.”

  Lindey moved the micro drone in closer. Hovering around twenty feet above the second vehicle, Lindey turned on the acoustic monitoring device, even though it would begin to decrease the battery’s life rapidly.

  Overhearing the chatter, she turned to Patrick.

  “Two of them are coming for a visit. Think they’re police or security?”

  Immediately after hearing the news, Patrick noticed the Sophia approaching from a distance. The timing could not have been worse.

  “Could be, Lindey. No one should be aware of us. The Sophia is pulling up now.”

  As the two men slowly approached Patrick and his team, Lindey observed the two men reaching for their waist. Both pulled out Sig Sauer .9 mm pistols and placed the weapons behind their hip. They were now twenty meters away.

  Still unsure of exactly what was transpiring, Patrick decided to remain cool. He still had time to adjust, as it would take another twenty seconds for the men to reach the SUV.

  “Will, you and Jeff get out of your vehicle and move quickly north along the eastern d
ock. Let me know when you have eyes on the two sedans.”

  Turning to Lindey, Patrick said, “Let’s find out who they are and what they want.”

  As the two men made their way to within ten meters of Patrick’s SUV, they raised their pistols and pointed them at each of the driver’s doors. The men were no longer cautious and now considered a direct threat.

  Lindey, after moving the micro drone closer, also noticed the men had gun silencers attached to the end of their pistols. The possibility that they were law enforcement diminished.

  “Stay inside, Lindey.”

  Patrick exited the vehicle and turned to the approaching individuals. He would stop behind the SUV.

  “Can I help you?” asked Patrick.

  “What are you doing here?” asked Kaan as he directed his pistol at Patrick’s head.

  “Just waiting for friends. They are pulling into the marina now. Is there a problem?”

  “What’s inside the SUV?”

  “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

  Patrick also heard from Will. He and Jeff were just south, about 15 meters from the lot and had eyes on their boss. Meanwhile, Dan and his partner, George, had their sights on the two men.

  “Then you wouldn’t mind if my friend checks inside?” asked Kaan.

  “I would. Are you police?”

  Slightly chuckling and amused by the question, Kaan told him no.

  “Then why would you look into my SUV?”

  “I’m holding the gun. I will ask the questions. Do you understand me?”

  Meanwhile, satisfied Kaan had the situation under control, Mory began walking toward the group.

  “Third man approaching, Patrick. He’s carrying a weapon.”

  It was time for Patrick to act. The Sophia had arrived, and his window for delivery was tight.

  “Look, nothing bad has to happen right now. I will tell you what. You turn around and leave. If not, you and your friend are going to get hurt.”

  Patrick recognized he might unnerve the man, but he knew the situation dictated a strong response. The delivery of the AT-4s had to begin immediately after the Sophia docked. There was little time to de-escalate the situation.

  Kaan understandably felt challenged. A killer with a short-fused temperament, Kaan’s ego was vulnerable. Having served multiple sentences in prison over the years, Patrick’s lack of respect unhinged Kaan. The killer quickly walked forward and fired two shots. As Patrick noticed the aggressive move, he attempted to quickly reach into his jacket and secure his firearm. It was too late.

  Patrick immediately fell to the ground. The second bullet entering above the left lung would prove to be fatal.

  Immediately after seeing their boss hit the ground, Dan and George fired a single shot from their rifle. Both men in their sights would die instantly.

  Seeing his colleagues fall to the ground, Mory quickly dashed back to his vehicle. Once inside Zevket pushed the accelerator to the floor and turned the car around.

  Firing several shots into the vehicle’s rear window, Will and Jeff began chasing Mory’s vehicle around the corner. They were unable to hit the driver or passenger as the vehicle separated itself from the CIA officers in hot pursuit. In a few seconds, Mory and Zevket would exit the marina and escape.

  At the SUV, Miles and Lindey attempted to help Patrick. The two recognized Patrick’s lungs were filling up with blood. Patrick was dying. Turning to Lindey, Patrick uttered his last words.

  “Get the AT-4s on the boat now. Then get out of here.”

  Fighting for every breath, he finally said, “Tell my wife I.”

  He could not finish the sentence, but Lindey knew what he meant.

  Patrick took his last breath. His beautiful young wife would never see him alive again, and their child would grow up without him.

  Spooked by the gunfire near the parking area of the marina, Walid and Nanook grew concerned. Something has gone awry, the men thought to themselves. Would they get their AT-4s as Elif had instructed?

  A few minutes later, Lindey arrived at the Sophia.

  “You are from Iskenderun?”

  “Yes.”

  “We have to expect the police soon. I need you men to move over there and begin moving the crates. My guys will help you.”

  Walid and Nanook, aided by the rest of Patrick’s team, proceeded to move the crates onto the Sophia in about ten minutes. Lindey and Dan would move Patrick’s body into the van.

  Shortly after Lindey and the rest of the team departed the Larnaca Marina and turned south, police lights became visible. Two Turkish police cars zoomed past the caravan and turned into the marina.

  The Sophia, her crew, and the AT-4s were already underway, slipping into the shadows of the Mediterranean Sea.

  Nizip, Turkey - November 5, 10:35 PM

  Raif had arrived in Nizip earlier in the afternoon and was anxious to meet Sami. Sami was a business partner and contact within the region. They would at the Olympiyat Internet Cafe located along Mustafa Koymen Boulevard, in the heart of the city.

  Located across from the flourishing cafe was the Nizip stadium, home to the city’s professional soccer team. In a city just twenty miles from the Syrian border, it was one of the few communities in Nizip brimming with life. Syria’s civil war and its battle with Islamic State had not yet reached the inner sanctum of Nizip.

  Raif was also nervous. On his previous visits to Nizip, he always drove alone when distributing products to his customers. Tonight, he would have to explain to Sami that he would have guests joining him. If he dared to arrive at the delivery point with unexpected visitors, his customers would surely be displeased.

  Raif had been selling to the Islamic State for five months now. Before that, he mostly sold medicines, cigarettes, water and clothing to displaced Syrians along the border.

  Soon after meeting Sami, his new friend told him he could make more money selling to the Islamic State. They had more cash and his profits would increase significantly if he sold cell phones, radios, global positioning satellite devices, video games, and various other electronics. Sami was an Islamic State sympathizer and scout in Nizip.

  Sami’s extremist views did not resonate with Raif. Raif was simply a smuggler and entrepreneur who saw the opportunity to earn more money. Simple greed, not ideology, motivated the Turk.

  While waiting for Sami, Raif pondered how he would explain the presence of Elif and her colleague. His customers would surely think they were spies attempting to gather information on the group’s activities in the area.

  No matter what story Raif concocted, he did not see a scenario where Islamic State buyers would either be spooked and leave, or worse; kill him and his guests. The risk of losing business with the Islamic State was too great. His relationship with Elif would likely end at the delivery.

  “Hello, Raif,” said Sami as he joined him at the cafe.

  “Hey Sami, how are you tonight, my friend?”

  “Good. So, you have AT-4s coming tomorrow?”

  “Yes. But there is a slight problem.”

  “A problem? My friends do not like problems, Raif.”

  “I know, but the only way I could get the weapons was if I agreed to have my contact deliver them with me. And there may be two others.”

  “Who is your contact?”

  “An MIT intelligence officer. She has no idea the weapons are going to Islamic State. She thinks they are going to the YPG.”

  “How can you be so sure, Raif.”

  “I can’t. But how would she know?”

  “You asked her for the weapons?” said a stunned Sami.

  “Yes, you asked if I could get the AT-4s, and I did.”

  “And who are the others?” asked Sami.

  “One is a colleague of hers, probably MIT, and the other is a doctor fleeing Kobani. She mentioned they were ge
tting the doctor out before we deliver the weapons. They might keep the doctor on the Turkish side of the border. I don’t know anything about that right now.”

  “Our buyers will not like it, Raif, even if it’s just your MIT contact at the delivery.”

  “They don’t have to know Sami, do they?”

  “I cannot lie to them Raif. They would kill me if they found out.”

  “But how would they know, Sami?”

  “When I arrange the delivery Raif, there will be questions. Right now, you cannot even tell me how many individuals will be with you. They probably will not be buying from us again. I cannot have three people show up when they expect one.”

  “What do you suggest, Sami?”

  Sami sat back in his seat and began to think. Neither he nor his Islamic State customers liked complications. Tomorrow’s delivery just became complicated, Sami thought to himself. Moreover, he just notified them of the AT-4s earlier in the day.

  “Leave it to me, Raif. I will make sure you remain safe.”

  Of course, Sami was not being very honest with him. Sami knew other smugglers in the region. Nizip and the surrounding areas were full of men like Raif. Tomorrow, however, he had to deliver the weapons as promised. Raif and his companion(s) would have to die.

  Sami’s plan was simple enough. He would inform his customers that Raif had acquired weapons through a contact from MIT. Unaware of this development, he would recommend they kill him and anyone else after securing the AT-4s. They would be happy to kill them, Sami thought to himself. Better yet, they might try to kidnap them for cash, information or propaganda.

  The more Sami thought to himself, the more he felt the plan would work.

  “Sami, I don’t want to get hurt over this. The only way I could make this work was to agree they accompanied me,” pleaded Raif.

  “It’s okay. Do not worry, Raif.”

  Sami pulled out a small piece of paper and handed it to Raif.

  “Here are the coordinates. The delivery will be just northeast of Jarabulus on the Euphrates. I want you to be there at two-thirty am. I’ll let them know you won’t be alone.”