The driver replied, “Routine, boss. Done this before.”
After a couple of trips around the parked cars, the driver was able to find a spot that provided a direct line of vision to the door through which Smart had entered. Now it was just a matter of waiting and watching.
When Cedric entered the room, he found Huck dressed in a pair of jeans, tennis shoes, and a Washington Redskin’s T-shirt. He sat at a table about the size of a card table drinking a bottle of water.
“From the short time you were gone, Berger must have had all the testimonies ready for you.”
“Yep. We have some rather heavy reading ahead of us. Before I start, I need to run back out to buy some petrol. Didn’t notice the tank was near empty until I parked the car. Do you want me to pick up anything?”
“Since we’re going to be buried here awhile, if you see any of that Butterkäse cheese and some crackers, pick us up some for a snack.”
“I will, and I might just pick up some of that bratwurst sausage with a dozen hard rolls.”
“Sounds as if you’re planning for us to feast while we read.”
“Man needs to enjoy his work while he is doing it.”
Both men laughed as Cedric departed the room.
Although Huck was not much of a beer drinker, almost as soon as the door closed, he thought, What the heck? When in Germany, do as the Germans do. With that thought in his mind, he walked to their balcony, which was at the second-story level, to suggest that Cedric also pick up a six-pack of whatever beer he liked.
As Cedric exited the building, a silver Mercedes came to a screeching halt about twenty feet from him. Two men jumped out of the car and ran toward Cedric. They were on him before Cedric realized what was happening. One had his right arm and the other had his left; both were moving him toward the parked Mercedes, its engine still running.
The one on Cedric’s right said, “You’re coming with us.”
Cedric immediately knew that he was being abducted, and to achieve his escape, something had to be done before they reached the car; otherwise, it was game over.
As the two men dragged Cedric toward the car, Cedric dug his heels into the pavement and placed both of his hands in front of his body, holding his cane.
Huck, who witnessed what was happening to Cedric, sailed over the balcony railing, landing on his back and butt on the roof of the car beneath the balcony. He rolled off the car and made a dash toward Cedric.
Cedric’s training told him that when the man on his left reached to reopen the car door, which he had mistakenly closed when he got out of the car, that was the time for him to make his move. The man would temporarily take his focus off holding on to Cedric and at the same time release his grip with one of his hands to reach for the car door.
The man on the left reached for the door when all three were approximately two feet from the Mercedes. Feeling the grasp to his left side relax, Cedric leaped into the air, planting both of his feet on the car door and kicking backward with all his strength.
When the man on the left reached for the car door, he made a slight turn to his right and toward Cedric, exposing more of his body. Taking advantage of this exposure, Cedric rammed the toe of his cane into the man’s groin. He fell backward to the pavement with the man on his right.
The pain inflicted to the man on Cedric’s left caused him to release his grip completely.
As the man on Cedric’s right began to stumble backward, Cedric came up from his waist with his right fist clenched, driving it back over his right shoulder. This action landed a blow to the bridge of the nose of the man on his right side.
As the man who had been hit in the groin tried to recover to a standing position, he felt an impact under his chin that lifted him off his feet and onto the trunk of the car. Huck had arrived on the scene and had sent the man careening from a right uppercut.
The driver of the car was now out and scurrying around to lend assistance to his friends. As he rounded the rear of the car, he discovered that he was just a little too late, as the full impact of Huck’s right foot hit him square in the chest.
Cedric and the man to his right were now scrambling up from the pavement to their feet. The man, now with a crook in his nose, realized that he had underestimated the older man’s agility. Cedric was on his feet a split second before the other man could regain his footing.
When the attacker was upright, he knew that it was time to change the rules of the game. He reached inside his coat to retrieve his pistol. What he didn’t know was that Cedric played chess quite well and was already two thoughts ahead of him. Sliding his hands down nearer the toe of his cane, Cedric swung it like he was trying to hit a ball out of the park. The handle of the cane emitted a loud thud when it made contact with the side of the man’s head.
As the man reeled from the impact and began to stumble, trying to regain his balance, it was then that he felt something hook around his right ankle and jerk his foot out from under him. It was the curve in the handle to Cedric’s cane. As he crashed to the pavement, Cedric was on top of him. He whipped out the pair of handcuffs that had been used on Number Three and locked the man’s hands behind his back. As Cedric rose to his feet, the man stared in disbelief at the old man named Cedric Smart. He could not comprehend how someone who was probably twice his age had brought him down. What he didn’t know was that Cedric had not yet delivered his signature punch.
As the man stared at Cedric in disbelief, Cedric glared into the man’s eyes and could not resist saying, “When you reach that point in life where you let youth and self-confidence override experience and wisdom, you have lost.” With those words, Cedric delivered his signature punch, a hard right hook to the left side of the man’s head, and the man’s face was driven back into the pavement. There was a loud applause from those observing Cedric’s actions.
In the meantime, Huck had pulled the man off the trunk of the Mercedes, delivered a solid left to his stomach, and followed up with an elbow chop to the back of the man’s neck. He was out cold.
The man Huck had kicked to the ground was now on his feet. When he saw that the battle was lost, he decided to make a break for freedom. Unfortunately for him, he was not a practicing runner.
Huck caught up with him within three car lengths. His tackle was less than gentle. Huck hit the runner in the back with his right shoulder and drove him into the pavement. This caused the man to slide, on his face, across pavement and rocks, thereby incurring what one might refer to as a good case of road rash.
While Huck was in pursuit, Cedric, with the assistance of an observing citizen, pulled the man lying behind the car to the one Cedric had already handcuffed. Cedric released one hand and used the cuff to join the two together. Both men were then assisted to a sitting position on the pavement.
Cedric opened the front of each man’s coat to check for weapons. The man suspected of having a weapon had one in a shoulder holster. Cedric withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and used it to remove the gun and place it on the pavement. He then checked each man’s coat for any other weapons. In the side coat pocket of the man who had the gun was a business card for Berger and Berger and a folded page from a notepad. Cedric withdrew the note and opened it. It contained the name Cedric Smart, leaving no doubt that he was the target. He slipped the note in his pocket.
By now a crowd of observers had formed and fast-approaching sirens could be heard nearby. Cedric looked to see where Huck might be. He walked up with the runner in front of him, who had the worst case of road rash that Cedric had seen in a long while. He was bleeding from his forehead to his chin.
Huck shrugged. “I don’t think he’s used to sliding on the pavement on his face. I hope you can tell me what you have done to bring all this on yourself.”
A slight grin spread across Cedric’s face. “I just want to know what took you so long.”
Huck, Cedric, and the thre
e hooligans were placed in police cars and would be taken to the station to make statements. Other police remained at the scene to interview the witnesses. On the way to the station, Huck phoned Berger and told him that he needed him to come to the police station immediately for translation purposes.
Berger said, “Tell me which station and I’ll be right there.”
After consulting with one of the police officers, Huck replied, “Main Station.”
Chapter 44
Three hours after Demir’s attempt to abduct Cedric, Huck and Cedric left the police station and returned to their hotel room. During that period, all participants and witnesses had been thoroughly questioned and their statements duly recorded and signed. The initial conclusions were that three men had assaulted, battered, and attempted to kidnap Cedric. Cedric did not know the men or their reasons for doing so. The leader of the kidnappers was the man Demir, who was not saying anything. The only reason the other two could give for their actions was that they worked for Demir and did what he said. Huck had been an observer who had rushed in to help Cedric. All eyewitnesses had given a similar account, with some claiming that Cedric had been hit several times before the attempt to stuff him in the Mercedes. Demir was also charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon. Huck and Cedric departed the police station with the knowledge that other charges could be brought against his attackers, and Cedric was assured that the men would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Once inside the hotel room, Cedric said, “Well, that was much ado about nothing. At least those goons will be off the streets for a while.”
Chuckling, Huck said, “From what I saw, if anyone was to be charged with battery, it should have been you. You almost killed those you worked over with that cane.”
“You can’t say much. That one you ran down and who fell on his face several times will look like Frankenstein’s monster once he’s all stitched up. I think I’m ready for a beer.”
“I knew there was something else I wanted you to pick up while you were out.”
Although they had also experienced a few scrapes and wounds that had been attended to at the police station, they both had a good laugh, which ended with Huck saying, “Don’t ever tell Rose, or my goose will really be cooked.”
There was another round of laughter and then suddenly Huck got serious. “Cedric, why do you think you were targeted?”
Cedric stood up, reached deep into his pocket, and retrieved a piece of paper. “I had forgotten about this little jewel I plucked from Demir’s pocket before the police arrived.” He handed the paper to Huck.
Huck saw the words “Cedric Smart” written on the paper, but what caught his attention the most was the logo in the top left corner of the notepad. It was the letter K perfectly seated inside the letter C.
“Cedric, I think we may have just found the motive for your attack and who hired the three incompetents. Had you noticed this logo?”
Cedric looked at the paper. “No, I guess Demir having my name on a piece of paper was the greater attraction.”
“This is the Kaplan Company logo. I suspect that during your short-lived lobbyist career, you got too close to the motive behind the assassination of the state rep. Your name was written down in order for Demir not to forget who he was to go after. I think it’s time for us to pay Mr. Kaplan a visit with a little squeeze in it.”
“I’m all for that, but do you think we might first go out for a good German dinner? After all we have been through, I just might drink one of those cold German beers.”
“When in Germany, do as the Germans do,” said Huck as he steered Cedric toward the door.
Frank Walton of the US State Department answered his ringing office phone. “Hello, this is Frank Walton.” His secretary had departed three hours earlier. Frank was one of the few State Department employees who lived by the motto “Early to rise and late to retire.”
A familiar voice on the other end said, “Frank, I believe that I could call at any time of day and you would be at your desk.”
“Huck, don’t think I haven’t second-guessed my decision not to join you in your practice when you asked. The wife is already wondering if I have taken up residence here. I hope to be home by ten p.m.”
“Well, I hope so because at your current pace, you’ll be an old worn-out man the next time I see you.”
“How is the Rouse case going? I just read a situation paper from our consulate in Frankfurt that you and Cedric had escaped an unknown attempt to snatch Cedric. What gives?”
“I think the attempt is related to the Rouse case. I also think we’re beginning to tighten the noose on the one who hired the hit on the state rep, which I will get back to momentarily. The facts suggest that there were a total of six on the hit team. Four, including Rouse, are now in jail. It appears that none of those apprehended knew the target or the timing before the hit went down. We did capture one of the participants in the hit. The triggerman is still at large. That entire time Rouse thought he was working for the CIA; he never knew he was the frame. We’re still trying to find the triggerman, who we believe to be Asian, and the ring leader, a mysterious Mr. Storey or, as he prefers to be called, Mr. S.”
“Is there anything I can do at this end to help?”
“Now we’re back to where I need your assistance, which relates to further tightening the noose on the one who hired the hit. I need to borrow from your consulate in Istanbul a driver and a sedan with the embassy seal on its side.”
“Why?”
“The facility I need to gain entrance to has a security guard. I have been there once but don’t think I could get in again as a stateside private detective. The first time the security guard did not look at my credentials closely and waved me through, thinking I was a German state detective. I anticipate that security has tightened since my last visit. However, I don’t think there would be any questions by security if the vehicle is identified as belonging to a US State Department diplomat.”
“What are friends for, if not to help each other? Do you think we would be allowed to share the same cell?”
“All is needed is a driver to get me past the security guard, and the driver will remain with the car. I can promise you that the guy we’re on to is not one to ruffle the feathers of diplomats, foreign or domestic.”
“I hope you’re right because I feel I’m going out on a short limb. When do you need the car and driver?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.”
“You are determined to keep me in this office past ten o’clock. OK, I’ll make a call. When you arrive in Istanbul, go directly to the consulate. You will be expected.”
“Thanks, Frank. I owe you one.”
“You owe me more than one, but who’s counting? Be careful, Huck. It’s not easy to get one out of a Turkish jail, regardless of how high up you are on the food chain.”
“I understand. Thanks, Frank. I’ll fill you in with the details later.”
“Over and out,” replied Frank.
Chapter 45
Huck and Cedric’s flight from Frankfurt to Istanbul touched down a little after the noon hour. Having checked no baggage, they proceeded immediately through customs to a taxi stand just outside the terminal exit. Upon entering the taxi, Huck said, “The US Consulate, please.”
The driver nodded his comprehension.
Cedric asked, “How long will the drive take?”
“One hour,” the driver replied.
Fifty-five minutes later, the taxi stopped at the main entrance to the consulate. Upon showing their passports to the security guard, he responded, “Gentlemen, we have been expecting you. Your driver is seated to the right as you enter the door.”
When they had entered and made their turn to the right, a young marine reported, rendering a sharp salute. “Colonel Price and Agent Smart?”
“That’s correct,” answe
red Huck.
“Sir, I am your driver, Corporal Leon Reavis. May I suggest, while we are together, that you each wear these lapel pins.” The pins were two crossed flags; one was the US flag and the other was the flag of Turkey. The flags were to identify Huck and Cedric as representatives of the consulate. Both Huck and Cedric were dressed in business suits, so they helped each other affix the pins to their lapels.
The driver then asked, “Sir, what is your destination?”
Huck replied, “The Kaplan Company.”
The driver retrieved his phone from his rear pocket and did a search for their destination. Within a minute he looked at Huck and Cedric. “Gentlemen, I have the address and directions. Please follow me to your sedan.”
The sedan was a black armor-plated E-Class Mercedes that was emblazoned with the seal of the United States Department of State on its passenger and driver doors. On the right front fender was mounted the US flag and on the left front fender was the Turkish flag. This signaled to all that the sedan contained US diplomatic guests to Turkey.
The rear doors were already opened. Cedric took the more distinguished seat, which was behind the passenger seat. Huck sat behind the driver.
Corporal Reavis maneuvered the streets of Istanbul as if he was delivering the president of the United States to a special event. He routinely hit the horn to let others know that he was coming through, with no intention of stopping or being delayed. At one point a Turkish motorcycle policeman pulled up to the driver’s side and asked where the driver was going. When he told the policeman, he said, “Follow me.” He then led the way, periodically sounding his siren. Upon reaching the entrance to the Kaplan Company, the police officer waved to the driver and sped away.
When the driver stopped at the entrance of the Kaplan Company, he announced to the security guard, “Diplomat visitors for Mr. Kaplan.”
A Price for Balancing the Scales Page 22