Wade thought more about the idea before responding. “First I’ll have to see how everything works out in Belize.”
“I understand, but you might have more to contend with in Belize than just Mashburn. The calls keep referring to other guys that are part of this group.”
“I know. Get busy and try to find out more about those other guys.”
“I’m working on it.”
Chapter 15
The evening call was strained between Megan and Wade. Megan was tired from a long day at work, and Wade seemed unusually distant. With only two courses remaining before graduation, Wade had no need to talk about schedules as they had in the past.
Humor usually prevailed during their chats about their feelings for each other, but there was nothing lighthearted in this conversation. Both understood that nothing was going to happen in their personal life until their official reporting relationship changed in the next few months.
Megan was perceptive when Wade distanced himself from her. She had become skilled at reading his moods over the phone. But the strain of the conversation got to the point where Megan had to know what Wade was really thinking, and she wasn’t shy about asking.
“You sound like you’re a million miles away in some distant land.”
Megan’s comment caught Wade day-dreaming about the mission. He quickly responded with a cover story. “I was thinking how long it’s been since I’ve been on a fishing trip.”
Megan’s didn’t know much about fishing but thought his response was a little strange. She responded, trying to discover what was behind his words.
“I think a fishing trip would be a great idea. Where would you go?”
“I could go somewhere nearby, but that’s not real exciting. I really miss going out in the Gulf of Mexico for a few days. I’d have to pull together some friends to share the cost of a charter. I used to do that all the time when I was growing up.”
Megan knew Wade’s training schedule had been brutal. “You’ve got some time on your hands now. That is, before you come see me for the D.C. class. Listen, I know how important fishing and hunting are to you, so why don’t you go ahead and take that trip now?”
Wade was eager to respond. “You’re right, they are important. When I haven’t been fishing or hunting for a long time, I get moody.”
“I can’t handle moody.”
“Let me think about it. I’d probably leave from Louisiana or Texas, and go see my Dad before I leave.”
Still concerned about possible Agency involvement, Wade couldn’t share more details or the truth about his mission. He also didn’t want her to worry about his safety.
Megan anticipated his next thought. “You really should plan that trip while you can.”
“Perhaps I’ll be less preoccupied once I get it out of my system.”
“I think you’re right. I bet you’ll feel much better when you get back.”
Wade’s best instincts told him something was going to break with Mashburn soon. He didn’t know when, but wanted to be prepared when it happened. He stepped up his workout regimen. Vigorous twice-a-day workouts followed by three hours on the shooting range increased both his target-shooting accuracy and his physical stamina.
Wade liked to alternate firing ranges between Fort Rucker and the local police range to ensure he got practice on several different target profiles. His short-range rapid fire and long-range rifle scores ranked among the highest posted at each range.
When performing his rapid-fire sequence that morning, Wade’s jaw clenched when he imagined Mashburn’s face on the target. Solving Lockhart’s murder had by now become an obsession.
He went over and over the questions he would ask Mashburn and thought about what he would do to ensure he got the right answers. If Mashburn’s lips were truly sealed, Wade was prepared to terminate him. In addition to the details of Lockhart’s murder, Wade had to find out who was involved from his Agency and what they were trying to cover up. His future and well-being with the Agency depended on Mashburn’s answers.
After five more days of the same routine, Wade became bored with shooting targets,, lifting weights, and three-mile runs. The same two questions kept rolling through his mind in a continuous loop: Where the hell is Mashburn, and what is he planning in Belize? He was ready to take action, but felt frustrated that Yari had no further news on Mashburn’s whereabouts.
The small Alabama town of Greenstone was especially peaceful that afternoon. After returning from three hours on the firing range, Wade had begun to doze off in his favorite arm chair when the phone rang. He jumped awkwardly, knocking over the receiver.
“Hi, it’s Yari.”
“Do you have anything?”
“Yep, Mashburn made his first call to Condor from a payphone at the airport in Panama. I now have a new ID on another Condor line. From their conversation, the extraction from Spain went as planned, without any problems. Condor wants Mashburn in Belize in three days, and he gave him a laundry list of things he wants done when he gets there. Condor is treating Mashburn like an errand boy.”
“Is Condor coming to Belize?”
“He hasn’t said, but my hunch is no. I also get the distinct impression that Mashburn is not running the assignment in Belize. Condor talks to him like he’ll be a waiter serving cocktails on the mission.”
“Do you have any more information on timing, dates, location, or the names of other operatives?”
“Hold on, partner. I’m tracking as fast as they give me information. Condor’s made only those two short calls.”
“Yeah, but Condor has to be talking to the other people. I thought you had a trace on all of Condor’s lines.”
“I don’t think I have all his outgoing lines. He’s probably not using the same lines for all his calls.”
“Can’t you monitor all of his lines?”
“I’m working on that angle, but my line tie-back comes from the original CID line he was using, and I’m pretty sure CID and Condor are no longer communicating on that line. Condor just uses that old line to speak with Mashburn.”
“You’ve got to find out how he’s communicating with the other operatives.”
“I’m on it. Oh, by the way, I found out more about the war games off the coast of Belize. It’s a big deal politically, for the purpose of showing off for the Russians and Chinese more than for other Central American countries. According to my internal military communications, we’re demonstrating to the big boys that we control the Gulf of Mexico region. Canada and Australia have now joined in the exercise along with the U.S. and U.K.”
“That seems like overkill and a bit ridiculous.”
“True, but remember Cuba is still a wild card in the Gulf of Mexico, and don’t forget Belize is asking for total independence from the U.K. in a few years.”
“Belize couldn’t survive a week without U.K. military protection. Their old adversary Guatemala or any one of the other bordering countries would crush them like a bug if they didn’t have the protection of the U.K.”
“I’m just sharing internal intelligence information that I read. What do I know?”
“Thanks for the information. As soon as you get anything on the operatives, location, or timing, let me know.”
“Did you ever decide whether or not to use Max?”
“No, not yet, but give me his number. I’ll probably want to talk to him. With Mashburn’s timetable being moved up, I’ll have to get down there right away.”
Two days passed without any news from Yari. After a morning workout and range practice, Wade made a sandwich and was just about to take the first bite when the phone rang. It was Yari, and his excitement level had nearly reached hysteria.
“I’ve got new intel on Mashburn!”
“Let’s hear it.”
“He’s rented a house in Belize for the meeting. Condor just wired him funds through a Panamanian bank. I was able to track another funds transfer to Mashburn that originated from a Brussels bank. I found out that Ma
shburn has a Swiss bank account as well. Condor wired Mashburn $28,000 after he left Spain.”
“That may be his contract payment for the Spain job.”
“I also know the general location of the house he’s renting in Belize, although I don’t have an actual address yet.”
“Where is it?”
“It’s an area called Belama, in Belize City not far from the highway to the airport.”
“Good job. Anything more on when the other operatives arrive?”
“Apparently they’re not arriving for another two weeks – just before the war games start. But I can’t figure out why Mashburn would stay in a house instead of a hotel.”
“A house would be more isolated and attract less attention than a busy hotel.”
Wade’s mind was racing, interpreting Yari’s new information. He could see timing was getting tight. Yari continued speculating about war game events when Wade cut him off.
“I only have a narrow window of opportunity, so I have to leave now.”
“What do you mean?”
“I need time to interrogate Mashburn before the other operatives arrive.”
“Is there any chance that there’s another operation tied to the war games? Isn’t that why they’re meeting?”
“Probably, but I can’t deal with both issues right now. Once the other operatives arrive, they’ll have resources in place that I don’t have.”
“What about using Max?”
“It doesn’t make sense right now. I’ll deal with whatever comes up after that, once I’m down there. Just tell Max to stand by. I’ll call if I need him.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Keep monitoring. I want to know everything I can find out about their operation and when the other operatives will arrive. Try to get the names of dignitaries who will be in Belize during the games. Belize has payphones. I’ll keep in touch. But there’s no time to lose. I’ve got to hit the road ASAP.”
“I’ve got your back, partner.”
In fifteen minutes, Wade was packed and ready to go. He called his friend Chris at Fort Rucker and confirmed passage on the 2:00 p.m. flight to Ellington in Houston.
He made two more calls in rapid succession: the first was to his cousin Frank in Texas to let him know he was coming, and the second to Megan.
“Megan Winslow.”
“Hi, it’s me.”
“It’s not like you to call in the middle of the day like this. What’s up?”
“You’re not going to believe this, but that fishing trip I mentioned just came together for me. I’ve been invited down to the Texas coast, and I’ll leave as soon as I can get out of here. The guys wouldn’t tell me in advance, but it looks like it’s a surprise graduation gift. I just wanted to let you know, because they don’t have phones on fishing boats, so I’ll be out of touch for a while.”
“That’s great. How long will you be gone?”
“About a week.”
“I’ll miss hearing your voice, so call when you can, okay?”
“I will. I’m just not sure what day I’ll be back on solid ground.”
“I understand. Just let me know you’re safe when you get a chance.”
“I’ll be safe. Remember, it’s only a fishing trip.”
Wade couldn’t shake deep feelings of regret that he couldn’t be up front with Megan about the trip. But he couldn’t risk revealing things that could put her in danger, especially if she was merely a pawn in a dangerous political chess game.
The air transport flight from Fort Rucker rolled to a stop on the tarmac at Ellington. Wade checked in with the flight sergeant on duty and confirmed the next day’s flight to Belize. Passing through the hanger on his way to the exit door, Wade saw the smiling face of his cousin, Frank, who grinned and waved, clearly overjoyed to be reunited.
On the way to the car, they joked about childhood escapades and parties on the bayou, rodeo rides, and country music. Frank reminded Wade of a relative who was still trying to make it big on the country music charts. Frank’s enthusiasm eased Wade’s tension about his upcoming mission.
“I’m taking you to Ciprio’s Steak House tonight. The food there is fantastic.”
Wade’s smile mirrored his cousin’s.
“I can’t wait.”
“Are you going to need the car to go see your father?”
“I’ll see him on my way back. I leave for the tropics tomorrow morning.”
“I know you can’t say much about your destination, but…” By the look on Wade’s face, he knew better than to ask for details.
After a long pause, Wade changed the subject, “So what dish do you recommend that I try?”
“Have the steak with lump crab meat. It’s awesome.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Chapter 16
Belize City, Belize
The flight to Belize was delayed an hour on the Ellington tarmac while they repaired a cargo door malfunction. Wade waited in the pilot’s lounge, chatting with the copilot. He’d already learned that the soft-spoken man was a Belize native and had recently inherited the house he grew up in, after his parents passed. Wade turned the discussion to the upcoming war games off the coast of Belize.
“How long have you been flying to Belize?”
“Ever since I started flying, in my late teens.”
“I understand the war games are a big deal down there.”
“You could say that. Our command supports both land and sea operations. We’ll be sending fixed wing and chopper flights down with supplies and equipment throughout the exercise.”
“Is everything being staged out of the airport in Belize?”
“Yeah, the commercial airport is shared with the U.K. fighter squadron. We train with their guys on a regular basis.”
“Will you be transporting any big wigs down to Belize?”
“I haven’t heard. Most of the U.S. top dogs are Navy brass who’ll be at sea on flag ships. I heard from the U.K. pilots that British dignitaries are coming in for press conferences and ceremonies.”
Pleased to have the additional information, Wade kept asking questions because the man was so congenial.
“I guess even though Belize wants their independence, they still need the British Air Force to protect them.”
“Yeah. Every so often Guatemala or one of the other countries starts marshaling forces along the jungle border and gets everyone worked up. The U.K. boys have a number of those Hawker Harrier aircraft in their squadron that require hidden landing cutouts in the jungle. When the unfriendlies start making noise, the U.K. pilots pop up out of those jungle cutouts and run tree-top passes with full afterburners. It breaks up ground maneuvers pretty fast. After a few sonic booms, everyone goes back to playing nice again.”
“Do you spend much time in Belize other than your regular flights?”
“I go back down three or four times each year to spend time with relatives. I haven’t spent much time there in the last six months though. I’m too busy up here. How long will you be there?”
Wade wanted to dismiss any importance to his mission, so he quickly responded, “Oh, I’m on a fast turnaround. Just down to interview some people for the Agency.”
The sergeant finally alerted everyone in the lounge that the aircraft was ready to board. Sitting in the rear compartment of a C-130 was loud even with ear protectors on. It was impossible to have a conversation with any one of the other twelve men on the flight so passengers had to be content to look around the open expanse of the immense cargo bay. The only communication came when someone had to yell instructions to be heard over the cacophony of engine noise.
The flight was bumpy due to a tropical depression off the coast of Mexico. As they touched down at Belize International Airport, the British military presence was visible on both sides of the runway. After disembarking, a flight sergeant pointed Wade to the car rental agency where the rental agent gave him a map of the city and keys to a mid-size car.
&
nbsp; Driving out of the airport, Wade proceeded towards Belize City, taking in the white cap waves of the Gulf. He saw why Belize was referred to as a yet-to be-discovered tropical gem. The Belama area of Belize City wasn’t hard to find. It stood out as a group of high-end tropical homes all with lush plantings. He couldn’t wait to see where Mashburn had rented the safe house. The only problem was that he didn’t have an address.
Wade passed a grocery store parking lot with a payphone attached to its outside wall. Standing in the parking lot exposed to noise and anyone with eyes, Wade dialed the international code Yari had provided. He would’ve preferred to call from a more secluded place, but he didn’t want to spend time driving around an unfamiliar city searching for a better call spot.
As soon as Yari picked up, Wade spoke up. “Hi, it’s Wade.”
Yari seemed frustrated. “I’ve been trying to call you in Houston. Where are you?”
“I’m in Belize, near the area you told me Mashburn would be staying.”
“You’re kidding. You’re already in Belize?”
“Yes, and I’m standing at a payphone in the middle of a grocery store parking lot. It’s not exactly private.”
Crackling on the line contributed to the poor connection. Yari spoke louder to overcome the static. Wade was nearly shouting when he said, “I can barely hear you.”
“I was able to get the street name for the house he rented, but I still don’t know the address.”
“Great, that probably narrows it down to about 300 houses.”
“The street is called Adam Roy Avenue. I think it’s named after some pirate who used to visit there.”
“I guess I can drive up and down that street hoping I’ll run into Mashburn.”
“I’m still working on an address. I won’t have more precise coordinates until he makes a call from that location or refers to the address.”
“Okay, I’m going to check out the neighborhood. I’ll call you when I get settled. Listen, cars are filling the lot so I need to boogy. Later.”
Wade checked his street map. Adam Roy Avenue was just a few blocks from where he made his call. He drove down Adam Roy looking for signs advertising houses for sale or for rent, hoping to get lucky. There were no signs, and the upscale neighborhood didn’t look like a rental area to him. Mashburn could be in any one of these houses. Since Mashburn had already rented the house, though, how likely would he find a rental sign still up, advertising its availability?
Lethal Authority (Wade Hanna Series Book 2) Page 13