by Laura Acton
Jon stomped on the gas, rocketing the TRF SUV forward. “Hang tight!”
The boss needed information, so as Ray drove, Loki continued his search, digging for data which might be useful. “Boss, Ray and I on the way now. Nothing checks out so far on Ciar or Blanche Holstein. Neither of them exists beyond driver’s licenses and purchase of the farm. The purchase was made in cash. I think this dairy is a shell or a front for criminal activity.”
Listening to Loki’s details, Dan and Bram reluctantly unholstered their sidearms and placed them on the ground then unlatched their MP5s and laid them down too. Both stood and put their hands out to the side as Dan conveyed to the subjects and their team, “We’re disarmed.”
“We’re complying,” Bram said as they began to edge out from behind the milk tanks.
After sneezing several times, Dan muttered, “Damned dairies.”
“Dan?” Bram gave him a quick glance.
“Later.”
Bram nodded and hoped there was a later for them as they became visible targets for the women carrying the SR-2 Veresk submachine guns.
Roksana noted the officer’s uniforms and a surge of fear ran through her. These aren’t just milquetoast police officers. They’re TRF constables. What the heck is TRF doing all the way out here and asking for Ciar and Blanche Holstein?
When he and Dan were in view, they stopped then Bram tried to engage the woman again. “We only need to talk with one of the Holstein’s.”
Speaking Russian, Roksana commanded, “Albina retrieve their weapons. Daria, Lena, Kina, Irina provide cover while Sonya and Oksana secure them.”
Bram glanced at Dan hearing the foreign language.
Dan spoke softly, “Damn, missed two. There are eight subjects, not six. She commanded one to take our guns and the others to secure us.”
“Better than telling them to shoot us.”
Jon pulled the SUV to a silent stop a safe distance from the barn. “Guys we’re here. Bravo Team is five minutes out.”
They’re carrying Bizon 9mm submachine guns. Dan noted when two women advanced. As his hands were secured behind his back with zip ties, then pushed forward, Dan recognized the additional weapons as the women came into view. Two PP-93, an MP7, and a Heckler & Koch UMP. These women are armed with serious weapons and loaded with even deadlier ammunition.
After forcing the unwelcome TRF officers to their knees, Roksana Yegorovich’s crew circled them. Her eyes narrowed, studying the men. “Why are you searching for the Holstein’s?”
Bram slowly replied, “A female driver of a truck registered to them ran a stop sign and caused a collision which injured several. We only wanted to talk to them to find out who might have been driving. It is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident, especially when there are injuries.”
“Albina, you halfwit! You brought the police, not just police but TRF here because of your driving,” Roksana yelled.
Albina, who was the other woman with the SR-2 Veresk, cringed. “I was running late. The SUV in front of me was going too slow. We must have the shipment out on time.”
Anger spiked in Dan, and he ground out, “Stupid bitch! You hurt a lot of innocent people for no reason. Children might die because of you.”
“Nobody calls me a bitch!” Albina growled and kicked Dan’s back sending him sprawling to the ground. Denied the use of his arms to break his fall, his head whacked the hay-strewn floor with a solid thud. Hay dust flew into the air which Dan inhaled resulting in a sneezing fit.
Sick of Albina’s rash actions, Roksana reiterated her position. “I didn’t give the order to kick him. I’m in charge. You better remember that.”
Bram peered down at Dan. “Okay?”
At least I didn’t face-plant into a cow pie. Dan nodded. “Yeah.”
Roksana’s attention flipped back to the police. “A bit out of your normal stomping grounds. What brings TRF out here?”
Still stalling for time to facilitate the combined stratagem efforts of Alpha and Bravo teams to save them, Bram spoke slow again, “Well, we were out here doing our job. We chased a group of subjects to a farmhouse and took them into custody. We were returning to headquarters when a truck blew past us at the intersection causing an accident. A semi carrying cattle jackknifed and hit a van with nine people inside. We ran the license plate and then came out here to talk to the driver because eight young girls were injured on their way to a sing at a holiday program.”
Dan had to warn Jon and the others what type of firepower they faced. When Bram finished, Dan added, “You have some pretty impressive weapons. Two SR-2 Veresk, two Bizons, two PP-93s, an MP7, and a Heckler & Koch UMP. Makes me think more is being sold here than milk.”
“Thanks for the info, Dan. Bravo just arrived. Be ready to hit the ground when we’re in position.” Jon adjusted his tactical plan with the new details.
On the dirt floor already, Jon. Dan didn’t share his thought and remained quiet having given the details the team needed.
At the same time as Jon spoke into Dan’s and Bram’s headsets, Roksana smirked and said, “Not as stupid as you look.”
Kina Yegorovich glanced at her sister as she pointed her MP7 at the blond. “Roksana, I remember him. He’s the one who killed Basto when the Crimson Eagles lured our brother to Rogue Park.”
The TRF teams all overheard that as they converged on Jon to review his entry plan.
Not expecting an answer, but needing to give the guys time to get into position, Bram questioned the woman who spoke. “Who is your brother?”
Kina stared at the huge man but shifted her gaze back to her elder sister keeping silent. Roksana was the one in charge now that their brother was in jail. Roksana kept the gun-running operations going while Radoslav and the other men did time in prison by enlisting the wives and sisters of the men.
It was working out well for all of them, very profitable. Roksana’s level-headedness always counter-balanced her twin brother’s rash and emotional thinking. That is until now. Albina might have ruined it for them with her careless driving. These officers only stumbled onto their operations because of Albina. No one would be aware if it weren’t for her.
Roksana ignored the question. “We’ll dispose of them, but not here. We take them to the docks. Once we make our delivery, we’ll give them to our buyers as a present. They can take them out into Lake Ontario, kill, and dump them.”
An involuntary shiver coursed through Dan at the thought of being dumped in the middle of a lake. Drowning once is more than enough, but no worries, this time I’ll already be dead. With any luck, my team can prevent that scenario.
Albina nervously flicked her eyes between Roksana and the two cops. She could tell Roksana was pissed at her for bringing them here. She would make her pay. Albina studied Roksana’s face. Would she dump her in the lake too? She realized the cops didn’t walk here. They had to drive which meant other cops would probably know they were here. “What do we do with their vehicle?”
Calculating possible ramifications, Roksana eyed Albina, considering if she would be swimming with the fishes tonight too. “We leave it here. I’m sure they radioed their location when they arrived. So, we don’t touch it. Inspectors will come out here looking for them but won’t find them or us.”
Daria spoke up as she aimed at the kneeling officer’s head. “Why not just shoot them here and be done with it?”
Roksana turned to Daria. The little chit had a hair trigger—useful when killing was needed, annoying when brains were required. “Deniability. When they search for their missing officers but find no bodies or forensic, they can’t charge us with murder. They’ll only be missing and presumed dead. If their bodies ever show up, then it won’t be us who did the killing. Though, it’s highly unlikely they’ll ever be found.”
Vache Puante Dairy Farm – Outside the Barn – 6:45 p.m.
Nick listened and said to Jon, “We surround them but try negotiations first. That last bit she said gives me something to wo
rk with.”
Acknowledging Loki and Ray as they arrived, Jon gave them assignments. “Ray, Loki, need you to cover Boss.”
As Ray raced to grab shields, Loki shared the information he gathered. “Tia and I obtained a minor lead. One of them mentioned Rogue Park and Basto. We ran the names of all known females associated with the Jackals. The leader of the gang at the time, Radoslav Yegorovich, has two sisters. Roksana is his fraternal twin, and Kina is younger than them.
“Tia checked with Sergeant Bailey of Guns and Gangs and found out the Russian gang is still operating. Not the drugs side but arms dealing. Though Bailey indicated, G&G didn’t have a clear idea who is in charge now. They assume one of the lower ranks took over after last summer’s roundup.”
Nick took off his hat and rubbed his face, thinking rapidly. With everything transpiring so far, it was likely his guys stumbled onto the Jackals’ gun-running headquarters. Interesting tactic to use a dairy as a cover. They could move product all over the province with an operation like this.
Lexa said, “What if the sisters took over? Keep it in the family while their brother is in jail.”
After blowing out a breath, Nick nodded. “From the sounds of the weapons Dan identified, our guys have quite possibly stumbled upon a gun-running operation. Jon, move the teams in position. Dan, Bram, we’re going to try negotiation. I’m not sure how they will react when they hear me so be prepared to drop for cover. I’ll signal you before I make contact.”
Vache Puante Dairy Farm – Inside the Barn – 6:45 p.m.
Peering up at Bram again then around at the eight women circling them, Dan wondered how trigger happy they might be. He sneezed again. Damn, it’s cold being soaked in milk. This is the third or fourth time I’ve been drenched. I’m tempting fate not to catch a cold.
Bram scrutinized the women, swiftly realizing they hadn’t noticed the headsets worn in their ears. When the boss communicated with them, they would be startled. It would be preferable not to do that in case they reacted badly and began shooting. He and Dan wouldn’t survive. To reduce the startle factor, Bram said, “I don’t think your plan is going to work.”
Roksana whipped her head back to the officer. “Why is that? It is a reasonable plan.”
Once Bram knew everyone was in position and ready, he said, “Because our team is already here. Our sergeant will be calling out to you in a moment.”
A smug expression covered Roksana face as she surveyed the barn, observing nothing out of the ordinary. Turning back to the cops, she snorted. “Bluffing. I almost believed you.”
Shrugging, Bram prepared to flatten himself on the ground if necessary. It was up to the teams from this point on.
Nick agreed with Bram’s decision, reducing the surprise effect might save their lives. He stepped into view behind Loki and Ray, who held shields. Given the weaponry they faced, the team donned all of their tactical gear including helmets. “My officer isn’t bluffing. I’m Sergeant Nick Pastore of the Tactical Response Force. I’d like it if we peacefully resolved this situation.
“However, it is important for you to know I am aware you’re loaded with armor-piercing ammunition. As such, I have taken the precaution of having an officer target each one of you. Should any of you move to fire, they have been authorized to use lethal force and will not hesitate to do so. For the sake of everyone, lower your weapons.”
Blinking with disbelief Roksana’s mouth dropped open as she turned and viewed three TRF constables behind her. “How did you know?”
Nick tapped his headset. “We are all tied into one another through these. We listened to all which has transpired since my officers arrived. Please disarm, and no one need be harmed tonight.”
Roksana stared down at the blond officer on the ground, realizing he rattled off all the guns they carried. Stupid of her not to notice their headsets. Her gaze moved to the officer who talked. He stalled her, and she fell for it. Roksana narrowed her eyes as anger seeped in. None of this would be happening if Albina hadn’t screwed up. She couldn’t allow such sloppiness. Roksana glanced at her little sister and recognized the pleading look.
The glint in Roksana’s eyes worried Kina. Will she say or do something to get them all killed? “Роксана, давайте сдаваться. Пожалуйста. Я не хочу умирать. Тюрьма лучше, чем умереть.”
Dan turned his face toward the floor and quietly translated for Nick. “Roksana, let’s give up. Please. I don’t want to die. Jail is better than dying.”
To prevent the subject overhearing, Nick spoke in a hushed tone, “Useful info.” Though, Nick couldn’t call her on it without bringing attention to Dan because she would want to know how he understood what was said. In this scenario, he didn’t want the subjects focusing on the hostages, and that’s what Dan and Bram were at the moment. He waited to see how the leader reacted.
After staring at Kina, Roksana flicked her eyes back to the cops a moment before landing on Albina. Anger started taking over regardless of her sister’s plea. These officers and Albina are the reason everything is crumbling. Everything I rebuilt after my inept twin brother was lured into a trap by Basto and the Crimson Eagles is starting to fall apart.
Dan saw the hard glint in the leader’s eyes as Roksana focused on the driver of the truck. Why doesn’t the boss say something to her? I told him what she said. I need to stop her from doing something stupid. “Roksana, listen to your sister. You don’t have to die. Prison’s better. Don’t do what you’re thinking of doing.”
All the TRF members cringed.
Nick gritted his teeth but maintained a calm facade. Dammit, Dan just broke a cardinal negotiation rule and put himself at risk. This is on me though. I can’t put off training him anymore. It’s imperative he learns. He’s in no position to defend himself lying in the dirt and bound. This might turn ugly fast. Nick opened his mouth to redirect, but Roksana spoke first.
Surprised by the blond cop’s words, Roksana returned her gaze to him. “How do you know what Kina said?”
“I speak Russian fluently,” Dan answered truthfully. “Put the weapons down. My sergeant doesn’t bluff. First rule of negotiating is never lie. There are twelve officers surrounding you. Four of them are snipers. You may get your weapons up, but you’ll never pull the trigger. You will be dead before you can fire off a single shot.”
Taking several deep breaths, Roksana tried to come to terms with her options. Kill Albina for bringing the police here and die herself or give up, and Albina lives. Then she got an idea—she could take care of Albina in prison. It would be simple enough to arrange.
Nick cautiously observed, seeking cues. What he perceived boded well. The breaths meant she was considering Dan’s words.
Lexa maintained focus on her subject, a smaller woman who appeared twitchy and ready to shoot Dan. Never would she allow that to happen. She would neutralize the subject first.
Dan broke out in a coughing fit, and all the women turned to him.
“Let me put him out of his misery,” Daria said.
“No, Daria!” Roksana barked.
Don’t try it, Daria. Please, don’t make me shoot you. I never miss, and I’m not about to let you kill Dan. Don’t raise your gun. Lexa targeted Daria with a perfect bead between her eyes. She slowed her breathing and heart rate preparing to fire if Daria disobeyed her leader.
Roksana gave her younger sister a smile and lowered her gun as she said, “Kina, you’re right, jail is better than death. Lower your weapons.”
All seven women immediately followed Roksana’s command.
Nick breathed a sigh of relief. This didn’t turn into the disaster it could have. He would have a private conversation with Dan regarding negotiation. Though, he suspected most the team would lay into him during debrief.
Jon, Lexa, Doug, and Victor held their Zulu positions covering their teammates as they moved in to arrest the eight women. Once all subjects had been disarmed and cuffed, they lowered their
Remi’s and joined the others.
Heading straight for Dan and Bram, Loki and Ray cut the zip ties binding their wrists and helped each to stand.
Lexa didn’t bother to store her Remi, only grabbed two of their emergency blankets and rushed back into the barn. She had seen both Bram and Dan shivering. Dan’s coughing and sneezing worried her as did the fact Bram took a shot to his vest tonight after previously falling from the loft.
She handed one blanket to Ray who opened it and put it around Bram. She shook out the other and draped on Dan’s shoulder. “You two are soaking wet and freezing. We should move you to one of the SUVs.”
As Dan rose from the floor, taking Loki’s offered hand, he sneezed three times, clutching the blanket around him. To deflect attention from him, he said, “Help Bram. He took a hard hit to the vest. He needs to be checked out for that as well as his shoulder and head.”
“I’m good.” Bram’s body shivered after his milk bath, and he rubbed his palms trying to get warm.
“Didn’t Jon tell you to set an example?” Loki’s expression became stern as he shook a finger at Bram.
At the scolding from Loki, Bram chuckled. “Alright. I’m going.”
Loki settled his somber gaze on Dan. “You’re going too.”
“I’m good,” Dan said as he got the blood moving into his frozen hands by rubbing them briskly together.
Jon strode up with a formidable expression. “Pot and Kettle are both going to the ER. We heard your grunt of pain and all your coughing and sneezing. You’re getting your chest and lungs examined, and that’s final!”
Loki pointed to Dan’s head. “I was thinking he needed to go because of the goose egg forming on the side of his head.”
Gripping Dan’s chin, Jon turned the rookie’s head and viewed what Loki referred too. “Yeah, that too.”
Dan pulled his chin out of Jon’s grasp and sneezed again as he lifted a hand to probe gently with his fingers. Now that his attention was brought to the lump, Dan became aware of the light pounding in his head. Great, just friggin wonderful!