There were no objections to having the transcript read, so, after he explained what he was about to read was a conversation between three people, Prince Mohamed, the Defense Minister; Hasan Amari, the head of the delegation, and Samir Al-Saker, the Saudi engineer, he proceeded to read the last section of the transcript out loud.
Defense Minister: Since the American Congress is blocking the sale of advanced military hardware to our country, we have no other choice but to act on our own behalf.
Hasan: I assure you, Prince Mohamed, we’ll make every effort to learn everything we can about the drone detection device. We’ll ask questions, request schematics, diagrams, anything we might be able to use to build our own device.
Defense Minister: If the Americans aren’t willing to give you such information, then you must convince Jacob Levin to come here and build the device for us.
Samir: I believe I’ll be able to do that. All the reports we’ve had on him indicate he’s a sympathetic individual. If I approach him in the right way and get him to focus on what we’re trying to achieve in Yemen, perhaps even give him some incentives, there’s a good chance he’ll be willing to help us.
Defense Minister: Don’t forget to emphasize that his brother voted in favor of allowing us to purchase whatever we needed to modernize our country’s defenses. That fact should carry some weight with him. I understand he and the Congressman are very close.
Samir: Don’t worry, Prince Mohamed, I’ve done my homework on the scientist. I’ve also read the papers he’s written, and I’ve studied the other work he’s done for DARPA. I’m sure I’ll be able to connect with him.
Hasan: If he agrees to come to Riyadh, our biggest problem could be his security detail. He never leaves the base without them.
Defense Minister: You’ll have to find a way around that. For our purposes, it would be best if the Americans concluded he was kidnapped by the Jihadis. As long as they’re looking for him in Iraq, they won’t be looking for him elsewhere.
Carlton placed the transcript down in front of him and said, “For whatever reason, the Israelis chose not to share this information with us until now. If they’d given us this intel five years ago, we wouldn’t have allowed the Saudis to observe the field tests on the MODD system, and they wouldn’t have had access to Jacob in the first place.”
“Their reasons were purely political,” Sasha Gail said. “The Israelis wanted the Saudis to have the MODD system because they knew it would strengthen the Saudi military and help them fight the Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. Anytime the Iranians lose, the Israelis win.”
Andersen said, “Of course, you’re right about that, Ms. Pack, but I suspect politics might also explain why the Israelis chose to share this information with us now.”
Sasha Gail turned sideways in her chair so she could address Andersen. “Is that so? What political reason would the Israelis have for giving us this intel now?”
Dr. Kepler said, “That’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? They want to provide the President with something he could use against Congressman Levin in case he decides to oppose the President in the upcoming election. It’s no secret the Israelis have a desire to see the President win a second term.”
Sasha Gail smiled. “And how do you envision the President using this information to help himself in the election?”
“If Jacob were to be put on trial for treason, that would definitely help him,” Benson said. “I doubt if the Congressman would choose to run if that happened.”
Dr. Kepler added, “Even if no charges are filed against Jacob, when the media learns the Congressman’s brother gave the Saudis military secrets, that would put an end to any thought he had of running for a higher office.”
Andersen chimed in. “You forgot to mention Congressman Levin’s voting record. His critics are sure to point out he consistently votes in favor of allowing the Saudis to purchase our military hardware.”
Sasha Gail didn’t seem the least bit intimidated by these accusations. Instead, she laughed and said, “Well, bless your heart, gentlemen. That is one dark picture you’ve painted there. The only problem is, you’re not in possession of all the facts.”
She gestured toward the DDO. “Deputy Ira, would you care to enlighten them about the nature of Operation Rebel Merchant?”
Along with everyone else in the room, I immediately focused my attention on the DDO.
* * * *
The DDO sat up a little straighter in his chair, folded his pudgy hands in front of him, and nodded at his assistant, who began distributing a single sheet of paper to each person seated at the table.
As soon as Carlton was handed the document, he passed it over his shoulder to me.
It was a Presidential Memorandum.
At the top of the sheet were the words Operation Rebel Merchant.
Underneath the title was a single paragraph which read:
“The purpose of this memorandum is to issue an authorization for Rebel Merchant, a covert operation, to be conducted under the leadership of the CIA with the assistance of the DIA/Department of Defense. The protocols shall include but not be limited to identifying the location of Jacob Arnold Levin and returning him to the United States. Due to the sensitive nature of this operation, Rebel Merchant is classified Top-Secret Special Access Limited (SAL).”
The President’s signature was at the bottom of the memorandum.
No one but the President of the United States could classify an operation as Special Access Limited (SAL).
In my career, I’d only been assigned to one other operation with that type of classification.
That operation had involved a diplomat in our Jordanian embassy who was blackmailed into giving a terrorist group the itinerary of a group of Senators who were visiting the country.
Because of the operation’s SAL classification, none of the Senators had ever been told they had barely escaped an assassination plot, and the diplomat, a distant relative of a former Vice-President, had been given twenty-four hours to resign.
Due to the operation’s Top-Secret SAL status, the diplomat had never been prosecuted, and the incident had gone unreported in the media.
The DDO said, “Now that you’ve had a chance to read the President’s memorandum classifying Rebel Merchant as a Top-Secret SAL operation, I believe everyone will agree the President is doing everything he can to make sure any political ramifications involving Jacob Levin will not be a factor in the upcoming Presidential primary.”
“I’ve never heard of a Special Access Limited operation,” Dr. Kepler said. “Would someone mind explaining how this changes anything?”
“Please correct me if I’m wrong, gentlemen,” Sasha Gail said, “but I believe the SAL classification means the American public will never be told Jacob Levin betrayed his country, and—”
“I’m glad to hear that, because Jacob didn’t betray his country,” Dr. Kepler said.
She went on, “The SAL designation also means Congressman Levin’s name won’t be tarnished because the Agency will fabricate a story for Jacob that explains his sudden disappearance.”
Benson turned to Dr. Kepler. “In other instances where the President has classified a case as Top-Secret SAL, the FBI has been called in to assist the Agency in coming up with a plausible story for the beneficiary—in this case, Jacob Levin. Occasionally, we’ve provided the beneficiary with a new identity, or, if we knew his or her life could be in danger, we’ve arranged for security protection.”
Benson gestured over at the DDO and asked, “Is that the reason I was invited to this meeting, Deputy Ira? Will the Bureau be given the responsibility of coming up with a fictional account of Jacob Levin’s disappearance? Will we be asked to explain his sudden return to the United States just in time to campaign for his brother?”
I was surprised to hear the cynicism in Benson’s voice. The Frank Benson I knew was usually a fairly even-tempered guy—a little intense at times—but otherwise pretty easy-going. Yet, for some reason, he seemed part
icularly wrought up by Jacob Levin’s actions.
The DDO didn’t appear to be fazed by the tone in Benson’s voice.
He nodded and said, “More than likely, once we’ve learned the details of Jacob’s situation, the President will ask the FBI to work with the Agency to provide Jacob with a convincing narrative to explain his absence.”
Benson’s jaw tightened. “We’ll need plenty of lead time in order to do a thorough job.”
Deputy Ira pointed over at Carlton. “Douglas is the operations officer for Rebel Merchant. I’m sure he’ll be able to come up with a timetable that meets the Bureau’s needs.”
Carlton said, “We’ll do everything we can to accommodate the Bureau. In fact, I’ll instruct our primary officer for Rebel Merchant to get in touch with you as soon as the mission goes operational.”
Frank smiled. “I’m sure the two of us can work something out.”
I wasn’t so sure.
Chapter 20
It appeared the meeting was over. Sasha Gail was texting someone on her cell phone, Andersen was shutting down his laptop, and Benson was putting his mini-tablet back in his jacket.
Meanwhile, the DDO’s assistant was walking around the table collecting the President’s memorandum so he could send the documents through the paper shredder after we left.
However, before anyone attempted to leave, the DDO looked up from his cell phone and said, “I have one last item before we adjourn.”
All eyes turned in his direction.
The DDO said, “While the President chose to classify Rebel Merchant as a SAL operation to give all the candidates in the nomination process a level playing field, that wasn’t the only reason the President chose to do so. He also did it because he didn’t want to strain our relationship with the Saudis any further. By designating Rebel Merchant a Top-Secret SAL operation, he was making sure the method the Saudis used to obtain the MODD system would be kept out of the public eye.”
“I believe that method is called stealing,” Dr. Kepler said.
The DDO looked directly at him, but when I heard his remarks, I suspected they were intended for me.
“Be that as it may, Dr. Kepler, when the principals assigned to this operation are briefed on the protocols for the mission, they’ll be given explicit instructions to avoid any confrontation with the Saudis about how they acquired the MODD system.”
“I’m glad you mentioned that Deputy,” Sasha Gail said. “To ensure our diplomatic ties with the Saudis aren’t strained any further, the operational team you assign to Rebel Merchant should have a cover story that bears up under scrutiny and doesn’t lead to a diplomatic crisis.”
For one brief moment, I thought the DDO was about to push back against Sasha Gail’s implication he didn’t know how to do his job, but then, for whatever reason—maybe to keep his job—he simply nodded and said, “I’ll instruct Support Services to keep that in mind as they put together the team’s legend.”
“Speaking of the operational team,” Andersen said, “in the President’s authorization, he referred to the DIA assisting the Agency with Rebel Merchant. How do you want to handle that?”
The DDO gestured at Carlton. “Douglas will get together with you and work that out.”
Carlton looked over at Andersen. “If it’s convenient for you, we could meet right after we’re finished here.”
When Andersen indicated he was able to meet with Carlton immediately, the DDO pushed his chair away from the table and stood to his feet. “You can meet now. I believe we’re finished here.”
He nodded at Sasha Gail. “It’s been a pleasure having you with us today, Ms. Pack. Please tell the President he’ll be receiving regular updates about Rebel Merchant in his daily briefings.”
“It was my pleasure to be here, and I can assure you the President will be monitoring the operation closely.”
Not good.
The President was going to be looking over my shoulder.
All the time.
Every day.
* * * *
As soon as the meeting was over, Andersen walked over to Carlton and asked him where he’d like to meet.
When Carlton suggested they go down to his office on the fourth floor, I fully expected him to ask me to join them.
Instead, he said, “This shouldn’t take long, Titus. Why don’t you come by my office a little later?”
As I watched the two men head toward the elevators, Benson suddenly appeared at my side.
“It sounds like your boss just gave you the brush-off.”
“Were you eavesdropping on our conversation, Frank?”
“Of course, I was. It’s what we do, isn’t it?”
He leaned over and whispered, “I’m betting you’re headed for Yemen soon.”
I whispered back, “I didn’t know you were a gambler.”
He laughed. “I only bet on a sure thing.”
“In that case, let’s go have a cup of coffee and you can tell me why you think it’s such a sure thing. I believe my schedule’s free at the moment.”
When Benson and I were in the elevator on our way down to the cafeteria, I remembered I was supposed to text Mitchell when my meeting was over, but as soon as I let him know I was headed to the cafeteria, he texted me back and said he wouldn’t be available for at least thirty minutes.
“Is that Nikki you’re texting?” Benson asked, as we got off the elevator on the first floor.
Frank Benson had been one of Nikki’s instructors at the FBI’s Law Enforcement Training School, and, truth be told, I’d been a little jealous of their relationship.
For some reason, women had always gravitated to Frank. Maybe it was because he was a handsome guy, or maybe it was because he knew how to talk to people. However, Nikki had been quick to assure me I didn’t have anything to worry about.
“No, I was texting Ben Mitchell. I saw him up on the fourth floor earlier today, and I promised him I’d let him know when I was free. He was meeting with his Arabic tutor in the Language Center.”
He nodded. “I’d heard he’d requested a transfer to the Middle East after his ordeal in Cuba.”
Even though Frank had been the Bureau’s liaison with the CIA when Ben had been kidnapped by the cartel, I didn’t think he knew Ben personally. “Have you ever met Ben?”
“No,” he said, shaking his head, “I’m not personally acquainted with him. It was Juliana Lamar who told me about his transfer. She mentioned him when we were having dinner together the other night.”
If we hadn’t arrived at the cafeteria at that moment, I would have immediately questioned Frank about Juliana, but since there were several people standing in line at the coffee bar, I waited until we were seated at a table before responding to him.
“Have you and Juliana been seeing each other?” I asked.
“Why do you sound so surprised?”
“I’m not surprised. I’m just curious.”
Actually, that was a lie.
To make matters worse, I had no idea why I’d lied to him.
Perhaps it was because I didn’t want Frank to know how I felt about him seeing Juliana. The irony of the whole thing was that I’d introduced the two of them during Operation Peaceful Retrieval.
When I’d been sent down to Santiago de Cuba to find Ben, Carlton had assigned Juliana as my partner, but, in the middle of the assignment, we’d been called back to Langley. During a briefing on a new phase of the operation, I’d introduced her to Frank, who was the Bureau’s liaison for the mission.
The two of them had hit it off immediately, but I’d just assumed it was a matter of Frank being attracted to Juliana rather than her being attracted to him.
I might have wanted this to be the case because Ben Mitchell had been infatuated with Juliana from the moment they’d met in Buenos Aires during Operation Citadel Protection. In fact, he’d told me his feelings for her had given him hope during his long captivity.
Following Ben’s rescue, Juliana had showered him with at
tention, and the last time I’d talked to him, he’d been intent on pursuing their relationship.
Now, I wondered if he knew Juliana and Frank were seeing each other.
Frank said, “I wouldn’t say Juliana and I were dating, or anything like that, but we’ve had dinner together a couple of times.”
“So she’s still around? She hasn’t been given another assignment?”
“No, not yet. She keeps complaining about being bored, so I’ve been encouraging her to look into joining the FBI. No one at the Bureau ever complains about being bored.”
Frank’s comment led to a discussion about a case he was working on, and since it involved two men from New Jersey who were trying to join a terrorist group in Syria, it wasn’t long before he was talking about Yemen and Rebel Merchant.
“Has Douglas given you any hints about the protocols for the operation?” he asked.
“Not yet. I have a feeling he’s still developing them. The situation over there is constantly changing.”
“I don’t envy you, that’s for sure.” He shook his head. “I mean, going back to Yemen, that would be hard enough, but dealing with someone like Jacob Levin . . .” His voice trailed off.
“What gives, Frank? It’s obvious you have some very strong opinions about the man.”
“He betrayed his country. That’s my opinion.”
“What about Dr. Kepler’s opinion? He actually knows Jacob, and he insists he’s not a traitor. I’ve talked with people who’ve worked with Jacob, and they don’t think he’s a traitor.”
“Well, that confirms it. I had a feeling you were the operative who’d interviewed Stephen Gault and Travis Zachary.”
“I wouldn’t call what I did an interview, but, yeah, they both gave me some information about Jacob.”
“I doubt if anything they said would change my mind about him. They probably like the guy, but the facts are what matter, and the fact is Levin decided to get in bed with the Saudis, and when that happened, he turned his back on his country.”
Five Years in Yemen Page 18
