by J C Ryan
***
The King Abdulaziz International Airport located in Jeddah was about 60 miles from the city center of Mecca. It was the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia; 15 million Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca would pass through this airport every year. The airport was built to handle 47 planes simultaneously, and capable of processing up to 3,800 pilgrims per hour during the Hajj season.
In such a crowded environment, the two former Desert Phantoms, Abbadi Haijar, and Rayan Qureshi had no problem blending in and getting through customs without raising any suspicions as to the purpose of their visit.
They did not travel together, but arrived in Jeddah on different days and stayed in separate locations in Mecca. They would contact each other, in secret, only if circumstances demanded.
Abbadi’s assignment was to get all the environmental information about the Institute of Scientific Research and Development (ISRD), which included the exact location, surroundings, access roads, layout, entries and exits, floor plans, building security, and routines.
Rayan was to concentrate on the people working at the Institute. His objective was to gather information about the employees, their personal lives, and work routines. He was tasked with finding one or more employees whom he could persuade to cooperate with him and tell him what was going on inside the building. Of course, the jackpot would be confirmation that the American woman and her son were there.
Chapter 50 -
Closed their eyes and relaxed
Mackenzie woke suddenly in the middle of the night; her back was aching. It wasn’t long before she felt the contractions begin. It was time to let Seema know so she could contact Dr. Gabor, her obstetrician.
“Liam,” she called quietly, “Liam, can you wake up love?”
“Mom? Are you okay?” he appeared at the door, sleepy-eyed but mentally alert.
“I think your little sister has decided it’s time to arrive.”
“Mom… what? Ah, my little sister!” His eyes popped wide open.
Mackenzie smiled and nodded. “Yes, your sister is about to be born. Could you please go and get Seema; ask her to come over immediately?”
“Yes, Mom. Are you okay?”
“Yes, my dear, there is nothing to worry about.”
Liam sprinted down the corridor to Seema’s quarters.
She appeared next to Mackenzie in minutes.
“Would you contact Doctor Gabor to come, please? I’m in labor.”
Liam was holding Mackenzie’s hand, and he looked worried.
Seema looked at him and smiled; she liked the boy who was always so respectful and friendly. “Liam, will you please stay and take care of your mother? I’ll go and call the doctor. Don’t worry; your mom is going to be okay.”
Liam nodded and gently stroked Mackenzie’s hair.
“Thank you, Liam. I love you, you know that don’t you,” Mackenzie said.
He nodded slowly. “I love you too, Mom. Is it going to hurt?” He asked.
“No, my dear; it won’t, not one bit,” Mackenzie smiled to reassure him.
He relaxed and smiled back. Seema arrived shortly after and announced that Doctor Gabor was on her way.
Mackenzie rested, closing her eyes. She was in distress, not because she was in labor, but because she was, in a way, alone. Where was Carter when she needed him? She needed him so desperately right now.
All the time the baby had been growing, she hoped and prayed for him to appear magically and get them out of this hellhole. She had tried so hard to remain positive while she and Liam learned Arabic, went to work and school, and existed without ever seeing the sun or feeling a fresh breeze on her face.
She wanted someone of her own ilk with her, someone whom she’d known outside this building. Mackenzie looked at Seema and insisted that she wake Nasser and ask him to allow her friend Liu to be with her for support. At first, Seema was hesitant, but she could understand how Mackenzie felt.
Mackenzie reasoned with Seema, telling her that as she and Doctor Gabor would be in attendance, it wouldn’t be as if they could talk about anything other than the pending birth.
Seema finally nodded in agreement and went to bargain with Nasser on Mackenzie’s behalf. She promised him she would be there the whole time and that nothing would pass between the two women that he would have to worry about.
When Seema came back, she told Mackenzie that Nasser had agreed; Liu was allowed to be with her and would arrive shortly.
Thankfully, Mackenzie’s good behavior and professionalism in her work had won Nasser over at least to a point where he believed Mackenzie would be better off to have her friend with her at a time like this. It was not lost on him how much the working conditions had affected both women, and they had, in some small way, earned his respect that they didn’t complain but got on with what they had to do.
Mackenzie spoke very gently to Liam and explained to him that he couldn’t stay, that he should go with Seema, who would take him to the quarters of one of the families on the same floor.
Liam was reluctant to leave her alone, but when Liu arrived, he was okay. He gave Mackenzie a big hug and said. “Don’t take too long Mom. I can’t wait to see my little sister,” he smiled, took Seema’s hand and left.
Mackenzie watched him go, and the tears began to flow.
Liu just shook her head. “What a lovely little boy he is Mackenzie. You can be so proud of him.”
“Oh Liu, I just want Carter here so badly,” she sobbed. “I miss him so much.”
“Mackie, I know dear, I do know," she took Mackenzie's hand, "but right now you have a baby waiting to be born. One day I’m sure you will see Carter holding her in his arms; so now let’s try and do our best to help the little one into the world.”
Mackenzie cast her eyes around her cell, taking in the gray cement walls, the iron single bed, simple bedside table, and wardrobe. “There’s no color here, nothing bright and welcoming; it’s all so drab.”
“I think we can be sure the little one won’t mind at all, just to be held in your arms will be enough.”
Mackenzie sighed; slowly she dropped into sleep as the time crawled by, waking when the contractions demanded her attention but waking less every time as she sunk into deeper sleep. This concerned Doctor Gabor but, in fact, Mackenzie was not sleeping she was only escaping to her own comfort place where she knew her wolves were waiting for her
Soon she found Keeva beside her and could feel the wolf’s warm breath on her face, and her hands dug deep into Keeva’s fur. “Keeva? You know don’t you? You know I’m having a baby. I’m having his baby, and he isn’t here.” Keeva nudged her and lay down beside her; she curled up alongside the wolf’s body.
It proved to be a quick and easy birth with Mackenzie only opening her eyes as the baby came into the world.
“Keeva?” She stirred and realized she was back in the cell and Liu was crying and saying, “Mackie, you have a little girl, a daughter, she’s beautiful.”
She smiled, “where’s Liam? He must be told; he must come and meet her. Liu, can you get him please?”
“Just let the Doctor finish tidying up and we'll put you in a fresh nightdress. Liam’s been prowling around outside like a caged tiger.”
Liu was smiling. Mackenzie looked at her, “Liu, why have I not realized before what a good friend you are to me? Why have I not told you?”
“You didn’t have to Mackie; you are the same for me, a dear and steadfast friend.” She bent and kissed Mackie’s cheek as Dr. Gabor, holding the baby wrapped in a shawl came to hand her to Mackenzie.
“She is perfect Mackenzie, a truly beautiful child,” Doctor Gabor smiled.
“Thank you Ameera; I am so grateful you were here for me.”
“I am blessed with being able to help a new child into the world.”
Eventually, everyone left, and Liam was allowed to come in and see his sister and hold her. “Oh Mum, she’s beautiful,” he laughed out loud, “Oh look at her hair, it’s red like yours.”
He giggled, “And see the little hands and feet; they are so small!” He was beaming.
Mackenzie looked with tenderness at the little bundle in her arms and said, “Beth, this here is your brother Liam. Welcome into the family. We have been waiting for you."
Two heads bent over the child as she slept, the brightest little light in that dreary cell.
In their cave, 5,800 miles to the west, the wolves of Freydis closed their eyes and relaxed.
Chapter 51 -
The lunch date
Professor Kakos checked into his hotel, took a shower, had something to eat, and then got a taxi to drop him off at a coffee shop in Alexandria, Virginia where he would meet a representative of his client. Although he and Mark Miller had business dealings in the past, he’d never met the man in person. It didn’t really matter to Kakos; Miller had been an excellent client who always paid on time and never squabbled about his fees.
The man he met at the coffee shop introduced himself as Michael but didn’t give a last name. Kakos didn’t mind, in the shadow world of artifact dealing, the less people knew about you, the better.
After they had ordered their coffees, Michael looked at Kakos and said, “Professor, this is a crucial project for Mr. Miller. I’m here to make sure you understand the importance of this deal, and also how Mr. Miller wants to handle it.”
Kakos nodded. “Please continue.”
For the next 10 minutes, Michael explained what was expected of the Professor. He was to wear a wire to the meeting with Margaret O’Connell, and there would be three men outside the restaurant who would be listening to their conversation; they were also there to protect him in case something went wrong.
Kakos’ ears pitched when he heard that. “Wait a minute. What’s going on here? Why do I have to wear a wire and have people to protect me? This is an entirely legal, above board transaction. This is making me very nervous.”
“I told you this is critical for Mr. Miller; these measures are just to make sure nothing goes wrong,” Michael smirked. “You may be unaware of it, but other people also want that book. The protection is for your sake.”
Kakos was alarmed, something was amiss, and it unnerved him. “Well, you can pass the message on to Mr. Miller that I’m not happy with this, not happy at all.”
“Does that mean you are pulling out?”
Kakos was looking at Michael when he asked the question, and something in his facial expression gave him pause before he answered. “No, I will do it,” he hesitated, “but I want to make sure Mr. Miller knows I’m not happy. I don’t like to conduct business in this manner.”
“I’ll pass the message on,” Michael grinned.
After Michael had left, Kakos looked around, waved at the server and ordered another coffee. When the coffee arrived, he took a sip and stared out the window.
Kakos: “Maybe I should just go back home now.”
Mr. Greed: “Just drop $25,000 on the table and walk away?”
Kakos: “Yes … something is wrong here.”
Mr. Greed: “Are you crazy? You’re not doing anything illegal. This would be the easiest money you’ve ever made. What can go wrong?”
***
The venue they picked was convenient for two reasons; one they could choose a place where the observers could hide securely, and two; the owner was an old schoolmate and friend of Irene's, which gave them the opportunity to prepare the venue in advance.
Irene sipped her coffee while a competent young makeup artist spent more than an hour applying some sort of rubber cement stuff that made her look 40 years older. The woman used shading to deepen her eyes, powder to lighten her skin, fitted a slightly purpled and graying wig over her hair, outfitted her with bifocal glasses, hearing aids in both ears, and hooked the microphone to her bra. When she had finished, she stepped back to gauge her handiwork and smiled, “Grandma Margaret.”
Irene grimaced, got up, and walked out of the room. Carter, James, Sean, and Dylan were waiting for her. She dropped her glasses onto the tip of her nose, pointed the walking stick at them while she stared at them over the rim of her glasses, and said, “Not a single word from any one of you; not even a squeak.”
The three men immediately repressed their smiles. Like a real gentleman, Carter bowed slightly, stepped forward, held out his right arm for her, and led her to the waiting taxi outside.
As soon as Irene’s taxi left, Carter, James, Sean, and Dylan got into an SUV and made their way to their observation post in a building across the street from the French restaurant on Wisconsin Ave. Rick Winslow was waiting for them; he had already positioned all the surveillance equipment, and a drone was circling a thousand feet overhead. On the table, he had set up a few monitors giving them a full view of the inside and outside of the restaurant. There were three EA operatives in strategic positions, one inside, and two outside, from where they would be able to get to Irene quickly if necessary.
Ten minutes before the appointed time, Professor Kakos arrived in a taxi and got out. His arrival was followed by the arrival of three more vehicles, parking at different locations on the street not too far from the restaurant.
Sean smiled, “Snoop convention in Tenleytown, Washington.”
When Irene arrived a few minutes later, it was show time.
As soon as Irene and Kakos had introduced themselves to each other and were seated, Rick, who had already scanned and hijacked the radiofrequency that Kakos’ followers were using, jammed their signal. Any doubts that those three men were tailing Kakos were erased as Sean and the rest of the team saw on the screens how the three of them were grappling with their earphones and other electronic equipment to revive the signals.
If it were not for the soundproofing of the room from where James and the rest were watching and listening, anyone on the street would have heard the riotous laughter. Irene was a natural.
“Professor Crackross you said?”
“No ma’am Kakos – K-A-K-O-S,” he spelled it out for her.
“What a strange name, son. Where did you say you’re from again?”
“Greece ma'am; I live in Greece.” The expressions on his face made it clear that he was having his doubts about the woman across the table from him.
Irene saw that and decided not to overplay her hand. “Oh yes,” she said. “Sorry at my age the old mind is not so agile anymore.”
Kakos nodded and waved his hand. “Not to worry Mrs. O’Connell, I understand.”
“Now why did you-” She paused for a short while and started, “Oh yes, you’re the gentleman who is interested in that book, what’s that name- The Squirrels Dam? hmm… Why do you suppose squirrels would build a dam?”
“The Searle-in-dum,” Kakos pronounced carefully.
“Oh yes, yes that’s the one.”
“I’m very interested in that book Mrs. O’Connell-”
“It’s not for sale,” she interjected. “I am not selling that book.” She sounded almost aggressive.
Kakos held his hand up. “No, Mrs. O’Connell, I don’t want to buy the original. I’m only interested in a copy, as I’ve said in my emails to you.”
“Oh yes, now I remember.”
Their lunch order arrived, and they started eating.
After taking a few bites, Irene said, “So, where were we? Greece was it?”
“I said I don’t want to buy the book -”
“Of course you won’t; it’s not for sale!”
“I’m only interested in a copy.”
She paused, “Yes, that’s right. You’re the one who wants a copy of it.” Slowly she nodded, “I have inquired about the cost of making a copy. It’s not going to be cheap you know.”
“How much will it cost?”
“I showed the book to a person who specializes in the restoration of old books, and he said that it is in a very fragile state and has to be handled with great care.” She elaborated until she saw the frustration forming on his face. “It will cost about $10,000.”
Kakos feig
ned surprise.
Irene continued. “The man told me he would have to use special equipment.”
“Did he say how long it will take him to make a copy?”
She didn’t answer him immediately; she returned to her food and took a few more bites, avoiding his gaze.
“Mrs. O’Connell?”
She looked at him inquiringly.
“How long will it take him to make the copy?”
“Of what?”
“The book Mrs. O’Connell.”
James and the rest were doubling up with laughter in the room across the street.
“Oh yes, the book. So what did you wish to know about it?”
“How long before I can get a copy?”
“Two or three days.”
“Good. Can you ask your expert to make the copy?”
“Wait a minute mister … what’s your name again.”
“Kakos ma’am,” He sighed.
“Aren’t you forgetting something Mr. Craxros?” She stared at him.
Kakos looked perplexed. What did he forget? “The money! I’m so sorry Mrs. O’Connell,” he smiled. “The price is not a problem; I’ll pay it.”
Irene put a wicked little smile on her face and leaned forward. She cooed, “As they say in the movies, half now and half when I deliver.”
Carter had to sit down as he doubled up with laughter. “Irene has been in our company for too long Jim! She has caught on to our monkeyshines. We better be on the lookout from now on.”
Kakos opened his mouth to object, then closed it and nodded.
Irene scratched around in her handbag, got out a small old fashioned ring-binder paper notepad, then spent another two minutes trying to find a pen. She then gave it all to Kakos.
“Write this down,” she said. “This is my bank account number,” she read it to him from a card she held in her shaking hands. “My bank manager will let me know when the money comes in. Then I will get the copy made.”
“Thank you, Mrs. O’Connell,” Kakos smiled as he was pleased to see Mrs. O’Connell’s mind seemed to be functioning a lot better since they started talking about the money. “I will also email you as soon as I’ve deposited the money. Then we can arrange to meet again.”
