by Casi McLean
“Maybe nothing. I need Steel and Rhodes to verify my theory. But if I’m right, this case could trigger international repercussions that will shake the core of the United States.”
Chapter Ten
In broad daylight, hiding in plain sight wasn’t an option. The old warehouse located at 1753 Old Dean Forest Road, sandwiched between CM Rebar and a Pet Dairy, backed up to railroad tracks. The building in question hid behind Steel Erectors and an alteration shop. An access road provided the only entrance to the lot. The structure had two truck bays and a parking area marked for fifteen cars, but the lot was empty. The structure had a large warehouse area with a few satellite offices.
After casing the building, Wyatt confirmed parking the van on the lot would put the team and operation at risk. Parking behind a line of trees and on the far side of the railroad tracks made much more sense, especially since Emily––stationed in Vantage One with Ash and Brewer––would remain as far as possible from the fray. A stealth approach through the natural area would be far safer than a frontal advance.
Brewer directed Parker and Vic as they moved in, while Wyatt, Harper, and Brad triangularly positioned, covered them. “I see three heat images. One on the east side of the main garage and two in the back room.”
“On it.” Parker slid next to the garage entrance and peered around the corner then motioned to Vic on the opposite side of the open garage door.
Perched behind the AquaStar truck in front of the building, Wyatt jimmied the door and stepped into the van. Cucumbers? He sifted through boxes and boxes of the vegetable. “The truck is clear. Nothing here but damn cucumbers…obviously not cargo worthy of an uncharted stop. Whatever contraband AquaStar transported to Savannah was already removed.”
“Check the floor for a trapdoor or a false bottom…and under the rig, Wyatt,” Emily insisted. “Ash and I saw the figures unload something from beneath the truck.”
“Ten-four4.” Pushing aside and restacking boxes, he uncovered some loose panels, which could easily lead to a hidden compartment inaccessible from the interior unless the container was empty. Wyatt slipped out of the cargo can then crept underneath the rig.
The carrier had a distinct design unlike any he’d seen, a design that left the center open. On closer inspection, he noticed a small grove in the base wall. He bent two fingers and tugged. The panel easily slid aside, leaving an opening large enough for two men to stand. Flipping on his Tac light, he saw a shelf encircling the entire opening, empty now, except for a dusting of white powder. I’ll be a son-of-a-bitch. He tore off a Band-aid from his left forefinger and pressed it on the powder then slipped the bandage into his pocket. “They’re smuggling drugs alright. I hope you’re recording my bodycam, Vantage One.”
“Affirmative, sir.”
“Harper, you won’t believe this.” Wyatt replaced the slider then moved into position. “Are you ready to take down these bastards?”
“Ready. I’m behind an old abandoned bus with a clear view of the back door…to your right rear. How about you, Brad?”
“I’m in a clump of trees to Wyatt’s left…it’s a good vantage point to shoot the rear entrance. The moment they open that door, I’ll have an upfront and personal head shot of the perps.”
“Then we’re ready to roll.” Wyatt scanned his position, noting every tactical detail. “Remember, focus on the goal. In and out. All we want here is to ID the cargo––undetected. We need these pawns to lead us to bigger game.”
“Got it.” Vic motioned ready to his partner.
Parker nodded.
“Providing a distraction on my mark. Three…two…go.” Harper created a clatter from within the abandoned vehicle then ducked between the seats.
“I’ve got one thermal image on the move in the main garage and headed your way, Director.”
Bodycams on, Vic and Parker slid around corners, each scanning opposite sides of the warehouse.
Wyatt tapped his earbud. “Brewer, any movement in that back room?”
“Looks like they’re bending over a computer. Do you think they made us?”
“No way. I detected only one camera focused on the truck bays. Most likely mounted to record product handling.” Wyatt glanced around for any trace of another camera. “No eyes on the lot. Looks like this warehouse is used for a quick transfer of cargo. Security and technology are far too minimal for anything more.”
“Heads up, Director. Perp one is opening the rear door.”
“Got him. Brad, you on this?”
“Yes ma’am…with full-frontal shots. Sending them to Steel now.”
Weapon still aimed toward the truck entrance, Wyatt inched forward. “Approaching bay one.” He slid alongside the truck then peered inside to see Parker disappear behind a row of shelves to his left.
“Clear, Director.” Parker reported from his vantage point. “This side has multiple shelves lined with boxes, but nothing suspicious.”
Ash broke in. “Parker, you and Vic broaden your bodycam view and rescan so we can get a better look.”
“Ten-four4,” Vic said. “Taking a second perusal with wider camera range.”
“Freeze there.” Ash spit out. “You see that, Em? The partition juts out a good six feet farther than the other side.”
“Could be a false wall…which would be a perfect place to hide contraband,” Emily replied. “Vic, do you see what we see?”
“On it.”
Brewer interrupted. “No time. The perp just glanced around the lot. He’s already closing the rear door and will be heading your way momentarily. Get your asses out of there.”
“No can do, Stephanie. This might be the mother lode.”
“I got nothing on this side. Maybe I can shift to––”
“No, Parker. Stick to the plan.” Wyatt edged closer until he made eye contact then angled his head away from the building. “Go.”
“We need to draw him outside again.” Harper slid into first-string command. “To give Vic a few more minutes to search behind the false wall. Brad, you ready?”
“On it, Director.”
“Ten-four. Brewer, be sure to record Vic’s movements…Ash and Emily, watch the heat map and give us a play-by-play when the perps move.”
“Slow down, Harper. Something’s bound to go down here soon. I say we wait this out. That’s a negative on triggering plan B.” Wyatt kept his voice steady, but his pulse raced. As Director, Harper’s decision ranked, but the thought of putting her at risk for no reason made his stomach heave.
“We’ve got this, Wyatt,” Harper bit out.
“Damnit, Harper,” he mumbled under his breath. Drawing backward, he edged along the building to the corner, peered around then darted toward the abandoned truck, positioning himself so he could cover her and the rear door.
Emily broke in. “Perp one diverted toward the back room, Vic. You might have another ninety seconds.”
Her briefing continued, Wyatt crossed his arms. When Em first suggested the backup plan, he’d immediately nixed the idea for multiple reasons. First of which was the safety of the team. Placing himself in harm’s way never fazed him and he’d seen Parker and Vic perform under far-worse scenarios, but the thought of dangling his sister––or Harper––as bait clenched his gut. Outnumbered seven to one on plan B, he’d conceded to go with the consensus, convincing himself he’d prevent the situation from arising or at least intervene before the scheme activated.
Today wasn’t supposed to go down like this. Wyatt stared as Harper unbuttoned her shirt, while Brad unzipped his pants and slid them to mid-thigh. Though Wyatt knew the plan setup was meant to divert attention, the site of Harper with another man’s arms around her hit him like a Mack Truck.
Harper tapped her earpiece. “We’re in place. Find what’s behind that wall, Vic, then get the hell out of there. This smokescreen won’t last long. On my mark. Three, two, one.”
After creating another clatter, Brad wrapped his arms around Harper and began ravaging her, while
moaning as if ready to release.
Harper let out a loud groan, then, with her fist, pounded on the side of the bus.
Wyatt’s throat tightened, and he tensed his jaw, shifting his gaze toward the door.
Emily’s voice rang in his ear. “Head’s up. Two figures on the move toward the rear entrance.”
The men slammed open the door, guns aimed at the dumpster. “Show yourself.”
Harper and Brad clasped their clothing close to their bodies and, like two teenagers caught in the act, spun to face the perps.
“Hands up,” one of the men demanded.
Immediately, they held their hands high, leaving their clothing to fall astray, which revealed way more than Wyatt anticipated.
At the sight, the two men burst out laughing, nudging and mumbling with each other.
The first man tucked his gun into his belt and snickered. “Get a hotel room.” He shook his head.
“I’d like a piece of that myself,” the second man jeered. “What do you say we all go inside and have some fun?”
Brad yanked up his trousers and fastened the button. “No, thanks. We didn’t think anyone was around.” He drew Harper close. “Sorry man.”
The two men nodded in unison then exchanged whispers.
Vic’s voice echoed in Wyatt’s earbud. “Holy shit. Vantage One, are you seeing this?”
“Every bit,” Brewer replied. “That’s a shitload of narcotics. Can you tell what’s in the bags?”
“I took a sample. But for my money, I’d say Fentanyl…and a rough estimate…at least two hundred pounds.”
“Crap, two hundred pounds of Fentanyl makes about one million doses of that shit,” Ash said. “Now, get out. Harper and Brad can’t hold those men’s attention much longer.”
“Ten-four. Replacing the wall panel now.”
The second man tucked his gun behind his back. “Okay. Just get the hell out of here and don’t come back…or we might play out our own fantasies.” He grinned, angling his head toward the warehouse.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” Brad released Harper. “We’re out of here.”
“And we won’t come back.” Harper fastened her blouse then turned toward the railroad track and the woods beyond.
Brad grabbed her hand, and they rushed through the clump of trees.
The men snickered. Turning toward the door, they mumbled to each other as they reentered the building.
When they closed the door behind them, Wyatt stood. He never averted his stare from Harper until she disappeared into the forest. He wished he could un-see Brad’s hands roaming over her bare skin…fondling her breasts. Their performance was more convincing than he expected. “Shit…” He continued grumbling under his breath as he made his way toward the van.
Chapter Eleven
Deep in thought, Harper lowered the phone to her lap and peered out the small window of the Citation. Despite the comfortable cabin temperature, a shiver ran up her back causing the hairs on her neck to stiffen. When she first saw the NCIS alert informing top rank officials of a China Syndrome case, she mentally filed the information. But now, after discovering the AquaStar connection, puzzle pieces began to fall into place. Never had she thought China a clear and present danger…until now. Too many suspicious events had occurred to call them coincidences, and the thought of what that meant made her skin crawl.
As the wheels released, she shifted her gaze to see the airfield glistening in the distance. Through the darkness, the runway lights twinkled like a glittering stream. The vision soothed her but didn’t ease the trepidation gripping her shoulders.
“Don’t go all radio-silent on me, hon.” Wyatt tapped a finger on the table. “What did Steel say?”
Attention returning to the conversation, she finally spoke. “This situation is so much bigger than we thought.” Her gaze locked with Wyatt’s. “The AquaStar container shipped from Freeport, Bahamas, a new deep-water facility about fifty-five miles east of Palm Beach on Grand Bahama Island.”
“So, the drugs originated in Freeport. What difference does that make? Am I missing something?”
“Yes.” She raked a hand through her hair. “A few months ago, NCIS received heads-up intel that a Hong Kong-based business invested $3 billion to build that facility.”
He leaned back in his seat. “China holds multiple properties in the Caribbean. Why red-flag Freeport?”
“Remember when I told you this case could trigger international repercussions that could shake the core of the United States?”
He nodded.
“A ‘Red Storm’ is rising over the Caribbean, Wyatt. I can’t disclose the details, but the file name, the China Syndrome, should give you a rough idea of the content. What I can disclose with your clearance level is China procured these properties…for naval bases.” She paused, waiting for his reaction.
Wyatt’s brow wrinkled. His gaze met Harper’s. “Do you mean––”
“Several small purchases by Chinese corporations might appear insignificant…but put them together…a clear and present danger now looms over the entire hemisphere.”
“Holy shit. With a foreign national naval base only fifty-five miles from mainland US…how can the Pentagon contend with Chinese warships in Freeport?” He paused a beat. “If AquaStar originated from that port, there’s a good chance China’s fingerprints are all over these shipments.”
“Exactly.” Harper crossed her arms and rested them on the table. “What better way to disarm an enemy than to flood their country with contraband, while they set up military bases in their enemy’s back yard.”
“No wonder they targeted Alyssa for a hit. The list she found exposed high-level government officials and key global figures involved in the Deep State and ties specific foreign operatives who want to destroy the United States Constitution…and AquaStar pegs China at the core of the bad actors.”
Harper rotated her chair and stood. “That’s why we kept hitting dead ends with identifying the companies on the list. Most are empty shells…fake news…used to divert attention from the real threats.” Pacing in a small circle, she pressed her fingers against her temples, hoping to ward off the onset of a nagging headache.
Wyatt turned toward the window and peered into the evening sky. “The Chinese military already have a strong presence in Cuba and maintain intelligence facilities at Lourdes, Bejucal, and Santiago de Cuba, collecting US signals and raw intelligence.” He caught Harper’s arm as she brushed by. “You’re right. The Chinese government threatens our democracy, but surely the US military knows this, right? You can’t take on the world, Harper.”
She quivered at his touch. Attempting to shake-of the sensation, she tensed her muscles and gave a curt nod. “I spoke with Admiral McKenzie a few hours ago. He’s a long-time family friend and I’d trust him with my life. He’s also on the White House National Security Council––NSC––the principal forum used by the President for national security, military, and foreign policy matters. He said NSC and the President have China’s Caribbean activity on their radar…but he knew nothing about AquaStar until I mentioned our interaction with the company.”
Wyatt stood and placed both hands on her shoulders. “Let them handle the Red Storm. I love you for wanting to save the world, but you have to let go of what you can’t control and focus on what you can do, like finding Hanna’s sister and taking her home.”
“You’re right.” Wait, did he just say the words I love you? Aware his intent was to ease her anxiety, she also realized in focusing on her he might have allowed his emotions to surface. For a brief moment, everything else drifted to the background as Harper remembered the feeling of his arms around her, his touch, his kiss…his love. God, how she wished he’d let go of whatever held him captive in his own head. She lifted her gaze to meet his.
He kissed her forehead. “We can’t keep the list to ourselves much longer. Not with the country’s defense at stake.”
When his lips pressed against her, a warm tingle swirled inside,
releasing a surge of pent-up anxiety. She drew in a long breath and tightened her pelvis muscles to douse the rising heat, but the tension only increased the sensation. God, how she wanted him. Turning her head toward the window, she gazed at the approaching runway and spoke in her best Director voice. “Agreed. Exposing the chain of command behind Alyssa’s murder is one thing but dealing with national security falls beyond our purview.”
“We’ll be landing in a few minutes. What do you say we finish what we started, before we involve NSA?”
Finish what we started? Avoiding eye-contact she continued to peer out the window, but her thoughts flew to the daybreak passion they shared. The enormity of how much had happened over the last twenty-four hours cooled the raging fire within enough to regain her composure. She angled her head to face him but said nothing.
“By the way, thanks for asking Stephanie, Vic and Parker to stay and cover Ash and Emily until they determine the distribution of the Fentanyl.” Wyatt slid his hands off her shoulders down to her hands.
Damn. If he wanted to keep their relationship at arm’s length, why did he keep touching her? Despite her determination to stave-off her desire to jump his bones, her visceral response again betrayed her when her hard nipples showed through her tight tank top. She twisted around him and strolled toward the galley. Maybe a cold drink would help. Out of Wyatt’s direct view, she ran her forearms over her breasts then continued the conversation. “That was a no-brainer, but you’re welcome. Logan’s been tracking AquaStar’s route, mapping out every stop the truck makes, thanks to the GPS device you placed on the rig.”
“We’re in our final approach, Director.” The pilot’s voice announced. “We’ll be on the ground in a few minutes.”
“Well, Director. We accomplished a lot for one day’s work.” Wyatt sat and connected his seat belt.
“True, but we still have two kids to deal with. I promised Hanna we’d find her sister before we send her home.” She shook her head. Why did she make a promise she likely couldn’t keep? Her heart pounded at the thought of Hanna’s family. “I know it’s only been twenty-four hours since we found them, but I can’t stop thinking about what her parents––and Mikey’s––must be going through.” She strolled toward the nearest seat.”