Rogue Asset (Book 3 of the Wade Hanna Series) (19 page)

“Base to Steel 1. Rise and shine, Captain Marvel, do you read? Over.”

Wade paused to check his surroundings but before he could reply he heard Leo’s voice once again.

“Base to Steel 1. Say again rise and shine. Do you read? Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. I fell asleep reading a Captain Marvel comic. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Glad to see you are up and about because several of Sikes’ men are on the way to your location. Be alert. Over.”

“Steel 1to Base. Copy. I will be ready. Where’s the coffee? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1 You’re on your own, kiddo. Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. What happened during the ship inspection last evening? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Nothing. You didn’t miss anything. They couldn’t get enough grain moved to get access to the lower deck. Gantry crew got a late start this morning. They’re just starting the grain unloading now. Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. Is there anything I’m supposed to be looking for with these guys or the transaction exchange? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Two suitcases of cash and diamonds total $4 million. Look for the earphones near you. Those phones are connected to some receivers on the rafters above the building where we expect the transaction will take place. Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. Affirmative. I have the earphones. Over.”

The French baguette sandwich was delicious, and Wade had just started into a piece of fruit when he heard a noise at the front doors of the warehouse.

“Steel 1 to Base. I hear a noise at the front door. Appears someone is opening up. Over.”

Wade shut off the radio, “A second door is now open. Two men with automatic weapons driving a large white pickup just pulled up next to the entrance. The men are looking around the warehouse. Signing out. Over.”

Each of Sikes’ men took a side of the warehouse and started walking up each aisle of pipe racks and angle iron craning their necks to see between the metal racks. Wade noticed the men clicked off the safety of their Uzis. The weapon strap hung over one shoulder giving both hands and the shoulder three points to keep the weapon steady when firing.

The men were silent as they walked. One was approaching Wade’s aisle. The two men separated, each taking steps closer as they came up different aisles. Each man hand signaled the other as they cleared each row.

The man on the left aisle closest to Wade moved slowly up the main aisle towards him. He turned his head from side to side as he passed the space between rows of pallets stopping at each intersection where the pallets and racks crossed the main aisle. After several sections had been cleared, he waved his hand to the other man indicating the row had been cleared.

Wade’s mind raced through options. The man on his side kept coming closer to Wade’s position. At this point, he was 50-feet away continuing at a slow but deliberate pace. The sniper rifle at Wade’s side had a shell in the chamber and was ready to fire, but he had to consider other options.

Wade quietly slowly moved more to his left around the pallet next to him. His new position was less visible to the approaching man. He checked that he hadn’t left anything exposed in the aisle including footprints or black rubber shoe marks on the concrete floor from the evening before.

Wade’s instincts told him that both the men didn’t suspect anything in particular. They were just clearing the place before Sikes and Mabuto’s men arrived.

More morning light was making the warehouse area around Wade more visible. Wade was glad he moved his position last evening. His new position was a much better hide. Because of all the pallets in his row, the man only had partial vision from the aisle. Wade remained on the other side of three large pallets between him and center aisle. Assuming a sitting, fetal position Wade shrunk his body as small as he could make it.

A large pallet of used metal parts destined for a foundry meltdown stood first to block the row closest to the aisle. His crouched position behind a third pallet of parts was well hidden as long as the man didn’t come down his row or the next looking behind pallets.

Silence was now Wade’s closest ally. He double-checked the base of the pallets making sure there were no visible signs of his presence between the pallet and the main aisle. Wade watched Sike’s man through a small separation in parts along the edge of the pallet.

He timed his breathing to the man's cadence and rhythm as the man took another step closer. The man was wary but showed no more suspicion than previously as he moved at his consistent pace step by step. Wade believed he could use the man’s rhythm against him if he were going to initiate an attack.

Wade’s kill response plan was already planned. He would take out the man closest to him first with either his pistol or rifle depending on the distance, and use the silenced rifle to take out the second man. Wade felt he could take both men out but knew his action would also interrupt the money exchange.

Leo’s comment that other friendly coverts were in the building crossed his mind. He knew Leo had his reasons for not disclosing anything Wade didn’t have to know. Wade had no idea who the friendlies were, where they were or how many there were. Since he was on a need-to-know basis, he had to make his plan to his threat assuming other friendlies were not around.

With the radio off Wade went into to his familiar bubble when he faced death alone. He wanted to delay as much as possible any aggressive action on his part because of its effect on the money transaction, but at some time he would have to react out of sheer preservation. He didn’t try to anticipate a certain point to react; his trained instincts would tell him when that point arrived. A total trust in his instincts was the essence of his training and now his bubble.

Sikes’ man moved to within 15-feet away. It wouldn’t be long before he would go by, or Wade would have to react in one fluid motion taking out the two men. The visualization of that two-part move was clear in his mind. The man moved another four feet closer still turning his head down the rows on each side of the aisle.

Wade focused on every movement of his target like he was inside the man’s skin. Like a leopard, he watched every small move of his prey just before the attack. Wade was timing his prey’s breathing and how many seconds he took on each turn of the head. The point of his head movement instinctively told him when he should react.

The man was close enough now for Wade to see his beard. His target hadn’t shaved for a couple of days. As the target turned Wade counted the seconds until he reached the point where his shoulder and the center of his body would be at the most awkward point to move his weapon. Wade calculated his first move at that point, fluidly moving across to take aim and fire the second before the first hit the floor.

Suddenly, his target paused looking past Wade’s crowded row of pallets stacked behind him. The man pulled out a small flashlight and put the beam directly over Wade’s right shoulder. Wade watched but didn’t breathe.

The pallets behind him were mostly covered with a dark canvas. Little was visible from the main aisle. Seeing no movement or interest from his light the man turned to signal that this aisle was clear.

Wade breathed a sigh of relief. The second man acknowledged his signal and his adversary moved past to the end of the aisle. Reaching the end of the main aisle the man turned back around and started walking past again.

If the man decided to go across Wade’s row or the row behind him, his position would be compromised. On the man’s descent, his angle was different. From this position to maintain surprise Wade would use his silenced pistol to take him out rather than shift to his rifle for the second man. Wade re-calculated his turning radius and the space he needed for swing.

Sike’s man was so close to Wade he could have used his knife. That would mean being tied up with a body in his way. His pistol at this distance was a better alternative. Firing three rounds to the chest in a sweeping motion would still allow Wade to turn for his rifle to make his second shot across the room. His timing would have to be precise.

Suddenly, the second man in the building broke the silence by shouting something across the large warehouse expanse distracting the man next to Wade. Wade thought the language spoken might be Russian, Hebrew, or Farsi.

The man near Wade turned away from him and responded in an equally loud voice in the same language. Turning towards the front door the man closest to Wade proceeded down the main aisle at an active pace. Some new sense of urgency seemed to draw the two men towards the front door. They stopped before reaching the door to have a discussion.

Wade quickly checked his earphones to see if the rafter mics were picking up their conversation. He could make out the conversation but had no idea what they were saying. Wade hoped Leo was wired for the rafter mics and had a translator.

After the men had conversed, they left the building locking the door behind them and departed together in the white truck. Wade returned to his radio and reported the incident.

Wade settled back in his newly concealed position waiting for the next event to unfold. He had a sense that it wouldn’t be long before new drama would awaken this warehouse tomb of cold steel and grime.

As he waited, Wade checked the scope on his rifle against various sighting points near the front door wondering if Leo truly had the rifle sighted in for the 70-80-yard distance. There was no way to be sure

Chapter 19

It was now 9:15 a.m. Two vans pulled up in the driveway of the building on the north side. The noise of the key being inserted into the lock told Wade he would soon be facing a portion of Sikes' or Mabuto’s army.

In the doorway stood four of Sikes’ men that included the two men that were at the warehouse earlier. All of the men wore suit jackets with open-collar shirts. Three of the four men wore an Uzi submachine gun draped across one shoulder.

One of the men removed his sunglasses and Wade recognized him from the photographs Angéle had provided. It was Sikes’ second in command, an Israeli/Mossad trained commando who went by the name Zev.

Clearly in charge of the other three men, Zev gave the order in Hebrew to have a table brought from the interior of building to the front, closer to the second door entrance to Wade’s right.

Wade didn’t hesitate calling Leo, “Steel 1 to Base. Four jackets arrived with three automatic weapons. I think Zev is in charge of the team. He’s ordered the men to bring up a table to the center of the open area. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Copy. Are the rafter mics working? Over.”

Wade put one of the earphones to his open ear. “Steel 1 to Base. Affirmative on rafter mics. Don’t ask me what they’re saying. I don’t have a clue. What language are they speaking? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. I believe Hebrew. They are all former Israeli secret service. We are trying to set up a direct feed from the rafter mics to get translation on my end. Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. What is the status of the ship’s cargo? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Unloading proceeding normally. Inspection of cargo in the lower hold being conducted as we speak. I expect Mabuto’s men will be arriving at your location soon. New development, two of Mabuto’s men have insisted they will remain onboard the ship to Africa. Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. I’m not sure I know what I am supposed to do here. We never discussed a plan. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. If there are no problems, we will take Sikes into custody after the exchange when he leaves the warehouse. I am hoping this will be after Mabuto’s men leave the warehouse as well. Remember, Sikes needs to be taken alive for interrogation. Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. How many men is Mabuto bringing to this dance? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Unknown how many of Mabuto’s men will be en route to your location or that are in the country. Over.”

“Steel to Base. What if things don’t go as planned? What are my instructions? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1, Priority One, Sikes is to remain alive. The rest of his men and Mabuto’s men are expendable collateral. Look at the positive side of things. Things just might go fine for once.”

“Steel 1 to Base. One of Sikes’ men is leaving the warehouse. What makes you think this transaction will go smoothly? Nothing else has since I’ve been here. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1 You need to develop a more positive outlook, son, or you will end up like me. If things don’t go as planned, I’m here to give you instructions. If you get preoccupied with unplanned events, you can continue speaking on a ‘hands-free’ basis. Your new fancy radio has that feature. Over.”

Wade looked carefully at the military radio in his hand. He noticed several unmarked switches and buttons. He was uneasy about pushing any of them since he didn’t know what they did.

“Steel 1 to Base. How is the hands-free feature turned on? Over.”

“Base to Steel 1 How the hell am I supposed to know? I’m checking with someone now. Hang on. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. I’m told it’s the thing-a-ma-jig button on the back, lower right side of the radio. Try it and let me know. Over.”

“Steel 1 to Base. I have it. Why don’t they mark these buttons? Where the hell did you get this thing? Anyway, hands-free seems to be working. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Israeli Military. If you want to protest, write your congressman. Over.”

Wade fooled around with the hands-free switch and was soon comfortable with its operation.

“Steel 1 to Base. I now have two more vans approaching the building from the south driveway. It looks like four of Mabuto’s men are entering from the west side opposite Sikes men. I recognize one from the picture who goes by Kalim. He seems to be in charge. They are dressed in coordinated khaki overshirts and pants like some kind of uniform. Three of the men are carrying automatic weapons as well. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. Check your earphones on the rafter mics. I am being told we may have our feed now for those mics. Over.”

Kalim came behind his three men. He approached the table in the center from the right side opposite Sikes’ men. His vehicles were parked in the wide driveway just outside of the door of the south entrance. Three of Mabuto’s men stood at attention behind him in a semi-circle all carrying Uzi automatic weapons.

Zev approached the table from the north side building entrance opposite Mabuto’s men. Sikes’ vehicles parked in the wide driveway just outside their entrance. When Zev reached the table, the two men exchanged simple greetings before he asked, “Do you have the payment with you?”

Mabuto’s man Kalim responded, “The payment is close by and safe. Where is Mr. Sikes?”

“Mr. Sikes is tied up on another matter right now. He asked me to verify and retrieve the payment for him.”

“I am sorry, but my orders from President Mabuto are to hand over the payment only to Mr. Sikes. I am also waiting for a call from my associate onboard the ship to confirm that the goods have been approved. He will be giving me the release code in our country’s language.”

Zev was annoyed at Kalim’s response. “That not the deal. Sikes wants me to pick up the money, and your guy has already inspected the goods onboard the ship.”

“Mr. Zev, I am sorry to say that you have been misinformed. My men did not inspect the merchandise onboard the vessel. In fact, the grain is just now being removed so there is enough space for a proper inspection. Our president, Mr. Mabuto, has only dealt with Mr. Sikes during this entire transaction, and while I am certain you are a good trustful employee, I can only hand over the money to Mr. Sikes himself.”

The guards on both sides of the table slipped their hand over the trigger guards of their weapons. Each was on full alert.

Zev turned away from the table not uttering another word. He joined his men in a tight gathering near the north door. After turning from his huddle Zev engaged his two-way radio speaking to someone. Wade presumed it was Sikes.

As he spoke, two of his men left the building through the north doors. The two men returned and posted themselves behind Zev. Kalim stood straight behind the table waiting for a reply. Zev walked back to the table looking irritated. He stated, “Mr. Sikes will return here in one hour. In the meantime, we want you and your men to leave the premises.”

Kalim bowed his head and said in a low tone, “As you wish.”

Zev waited until Mabuto’s men left in their vehicles. When Mabuto’s men drove off, Zev showed his built-up anger by yelling at his men. One hour later the two groups arrived and assumed the same positions they previously held behind the table. Sikes was not with his men. The quiet tension continued as both parties looked at each other in silence.

Ten minutes later a large white sedan pulled up in front of the north door. Sikes got out of the passenger side and marched directly to the center table opposite Kalim.

Kalim took a step forward to meet Sikes and bowed before he spoke, “My apologies for any inconvenience Mr. Sikes, but I am instructed to deal only with you.”

“Well, I’m here, where’s the money?”

Kalim turned to one of his men behind him and signaled with his right hand. The man left the building to retrieve two suitcases from one of Mabuto’s vehicles. The two cases were placed on the floor in front of Sikes. Sikes lifted the first suitcase onto the table and opened it.

Sikes fanned through several wrapped stacks of currency checking to see that the stack was composed of all the same denomination of bills. He examined each stack counting the depth and number of stacks going back and forth to each side. Having estimated the amount in each stack, Sikes paused doing a mental calculation to get the total amount in one suitcase. He followed the same procedure for the second case. Satisfied with that count Sikes looked up at Kalim.

“Where are the diamonds?

Kalim responded in a protective tone, “The diamonds are in a safe place and close by. I am waiting for a code from my people confirming approval of the merchandise onboard the ship.”

Sikes showed his frustration. “You should already have that confirmation. Most of that grain was unloaded two hours ago.”

“I am sure you are correct Mr. Sikes, but I do not have the confirmation yet. Perhaps it will come any moment.”

“You know I’m getting sick of this. I agreed to allow your men to accompany the ship to Africa. That was not in the deal I had with Mabuto. The diamonds were to be delivered along with the cash now. Your men have caused a great deal of disruptions with this deal, and I’m not going to stand for it.”

“I am sorry this has upset you, Mr. Sikes. Mr. Mabuto is only trying to protect his investment.”

“There are $4 million in diamonds that should have been delivered with this cash. I’m going to have my men remove the cash now, and I’m going to give you a half hour to get whatever confirmation you need and bring me those diamonds. All of the men will wait here.”

Kalim appeared apologetic but remained firm. “I beg your pardon Mr. Sikes, but I cannot allow you to take the cash right now until I receive confirmation from the ship.”

Frustrated, Sikes turned around and started walking towards his men. The two suitcases remained on the ground in front of the table. Sikes gave Zev an eye signal as he approached. One of Zev’s men took aim and shot the man standing next to Kalim. He was instantly killed and dropped to the floor.

Rapid fire of automatic weapons rang out from both groups. Men scattered, seeking whatever cover they could find. Sikes made it to a pallet stacked with metal parts. His men covered his movements with a rapid-fire pattern. Mabuto’s men jumped behind the racks of steel beams on the floor near them.

In the fire exchange, Kalim took a hit to the shoulder and was lying on the floor under the table. Two more of Mabuto’s men received multiple wounds and were down.

Sikes remained behind his pallet of parts and communicated with Zev, firing an automatic pistol at Mabuto’s men. Zev moved up one row of pallets to be closer to Sikes. Two of Sikes men were hit but still in action. Zev was yelling orders to his men as he moved closer to Sikes. There was blood everywhere.

With both groups behind some protection, the exchange of rapid fire lessened to short bursts of intermittent fire. A van with three more of Sikes’ men arrived at the north driveway. The battle was turning in favor of Sikes. The two suitcases of cash remained in the middle of the floor protruding like a small island. Each case was ripped with a couple of rounds from the firefight.

Zev instructed the recently arrived men to move around the building and come up on Mabuto’s flank, cutting off their departure. Sikes was lying flat on the floor temporarily secure behind his pallet of iron parts. He motioned to one of his men pointing at the suitcases in the middle of the room. His man returned a negative nod indicating that it was too dangerous to attempt extraction of the cases now.

Sikes seemed frustrated until an array of bullets from Mabuto’s automatic weapon showered both sides of his pallet. Now two more vans of Mabuto’s men pulled up in the south driveway. The two groups of men on the outside of the building circled until they confronted each other. Another firefight took place just outside the door.

Sikes’ men outside were cut off from their flanking maneuver and quickly returned to the north door. They crawled in the building taking up positions behind high pallet barriers. A new exchange of automatic weapons fired rang across the interior space.

The south door partially opened, and new Mabuto men crawled inside to resume a counter-insurgence. Three men on each side remained motionless in pools of blood. At least two additional men on both sides were down with bullet wounds and in need of medical treatment.

In a hands-free radio mode, Wade reported to Base looking for new instructions. “Steel 1 to Base. It appears we have a Mexican standoff in the firefight. Four down on both sides. Single bursts now being fired inside. At least one man from each side still outside. Sikes is behind a pallet of metal inside, unharmed.”

“Base to Steel 1. Hold your position and cover friendlies.”

“Steel 1 to Base. What friendlies? Copy.”

There was no reply. Wade looked up and suddenly out of nowhere two dark figures emerged with their backs to him in the main aisle right of his position. Wade grabbed for his binoculars. The figures moved in a slow, crouched position. Each step was deliberate. Each had an automatic weapon whose muzzle reacted quickly to any movement in front of them.

Wade radioed Leo. “Steel 1 to Base. I show two figures in black tactical outfits moving from in front of my position towards the center of the warehouse. Please confirm if these are friendly. Over.”

“Base to Steel 1. They are friendly. Provide cover. Over.”