“Sky to Base.”
“Base. Over.”
“Boris and Jackson are now scoping Building 1, no weapons visible. They definitely have keys to these buildings. Over.”
“Keep observing and take notes. I’m vacating my current position on a hunch. Meet me at the rendezvous point in two hours, unless you need me here.”
“I’ve got this covered.”
By now Wade was operating on instinct. He retraced his steps to where his car was parked and drove to the cemetery to check the status of the black cases. He confirmed the cases had finally been removed. Wade drove back to the safe house to check on Stephan’s whereabouts and found Stephan’s car in the safe house driveway, and a flurry of activity was visible inside. Wade could only see shadows moving back and forth between rooms, so there was no way to tell exactly what they were doing inside. With the cases gone from the cemetery and the operatives in place, everything was pointing to an imminent attack.
Chapter 27
Wade and Max met at the scheduled rendezvous point in the afternoon to update each other on the day’s activities and decide on the next steps. Both men were on high alert, knowing time was running out before the showdown. Max reviewed the observations he’d recorded from the rooftop.
“Boris and Jackson were together scoping out Buildings 3 and 5. I think they did preliminary angle and drop calculations. I didn’t see Stephan the entire afternoon.”
Wade tied into Max’s last thought. “That’s because he was at the cemetery picking up the black cases. I didn’t see him carry them into the safe house, but I think they were there. There was an inordinate amount of activity going on as I watched.”
Max paused to give that some thought. “When you think about it, they have to assemble the rifles, dope their scopes, and sync their communication devices. They may also have to set the detonation codes on the cases and coordinate signals. They will also have to test and practice their extraction coordinates.”
“What’s involved in setting the detonation codes on the black cases?”
“As I mentioned earlier, the cases can be detonated with a timer that’s already in the case or be triggered by a remote transmission signal. My guess is they’ll use the remote trigger, which means they’ll have to test and coordinate frequencies and set a code for the cases using those numbered bars on the locking mechanism.”
Wade thought about what he’d almost triggered the first time he saw them. “That’s good to know. Before you arrived, I was going to spin those scrolls to test the lock.”
Max looked at him wide-eyed. “That would have been the last spin you would have ever made.”
After a pause that got Wade’s attention, Max asked, “How do you think they’ll stage the attack?”
“If it were me, I would stash weapons on the roof tonight for tomorrow’s event.”
“Good thought. We’ll need to go there tonight to confirm.”
The men returned to the motel to continue their planning as the afternoon sun fell below waving palm trees. The motel room floor and bed were covered with maps, schedules, and gear. The two men continued to go over timing, command protocols, extraction procedures, and checking weapons and communications equipment.
The evening check of Buildings 1, 3 and 5 confirmed large duffle bags of equipment neatly hidden on the roof deck parallel to the vent ducts on Building 1 and 3. It was clear the operatives had access to the buildings any time they wanted it, which still puzzled both men.
Early the next day, five hours before the scheduled ceremonies, Max was already in position on the roof. He was to remain in position while Wade followed Stephan, trying to determine where the black cases were going to be placed. Even though they’d been disarmed, the placement of the cases might disclose probable extraction routes and how they might approach target shots.
Three large speakers were in place at the foot of the stage to supplement the public address system. The sound from the microphone would travel throughout the large area crowded with guests, visitors, and press.
The Prime Minister of Belize was scheduled to speak after introductory speeches by senior military officers from three countries and members of the Prime Minister’s cabinet. The message shared by all the speakers was in support of stronger Central and South American counties with greater ties to Western powers. The event was being broadcast worldwide by international press in both English and Spanish.
As Max remained in place on the rooftop, Wade covered the safe house. The operatives were still inside preparing. Wade wondered how Stephan was going to handle the placement of the black cases this close to the commencement of ceremonies. He radioed Max that he was leaving his observation post at the safe house to be closer to the city center and the stage. Wade approached the outer platform of the stage from the rear.
An apron of flags from various participating countries hung next to each other along the stage floor. Wade found a seam between two flags and ducked under the stage floor. Quickly moving under the stage from one upright to the other Wade didn’t find the cases, which they code-named “party favors.”
Wade radioed Max, whose code name was “Sky.”
“Base to Sky. Over.”
“Sky. Copy.”
“Any activity?”
“Negative.”
“I’m a little surprised that the party favors are not in place.”
“Me as well. Over.”
“Maybe they called the party off.”
“It’s possible.”
“Wait…”
The radio went silent. Wade noticed a worker in worn gray coveralls walking alongside the stage carrying a black case. His face was unfamiliar. Wade quickly named him Coverall.
As Coverall got closer, Wade ducked behind a large metal box housing cables and wires. He still had a good view of the underside of the stage, but Wade could only see Coverall’s shoes and the shadow of the case he was carrying.
Coverall stopped, looked around, and quickly ducked under the stage between two flags a third of the way from the back of the stage. From his crouching position, Wade could see Coverall move past two upright posts and place the first case on the ground, against the third support post from the sidewalk. Then he quietly disappeared through the flags to the sidewalk.
A few minutes later, the same man reappeared with the second case, this time on the opposite side of the stage. He ducked under it, placing the case against the second upright post, and returned to the sidewalk, then casually walked away from the stage. Wade remained in place, knowing Coverall would probably be under scope surveillance by Stephan.
Moving to the opposite side under the stage, Wade radioed Max. “We just had two party favors dropped about twenty feet under the stage on the west and east sides. The drop is wearing worn gray coveralls, code name Coverall. Cover him while I get out from under this stage. I want to follow him.”
Max used his binoculars to catch the man leaving the stage area. “I have him. He’s heading south from your location.”
“Stay on him. I want to make sure I find an exit from under here where I won’t be observed.”
“Affirmative.”
Wade saw a stream of light coming in between the flags which joined the steps to the platform. He moved toward the light, believing he might get additional cover from the stairs themselves if he was in Stephan’s scope range.
A radio call to Max confirmed that he was still hidden before he exited from under the stage.
Max guided Wade toward Coverall man. The target was moving briskly away from the stage area. Every fifty feet, Coverall stopped and looked around for anyone following, but didn’t pick up Wade’s presence. Wade kept in constant contact with Max.
“Base to Sky.”
“Sky over.
“Is Coverall wearing any wires, or is he transmitting?”
“Negative.”
“Keep him in sight. I’ve got to stay back to maintain cover.”
“Roger. I have him in scope, just making a turn to his ri
ght at the next block from you. Over.”
“I’ll maintain this distance.”
Coverall was cautious, keeping to a cat-like route between buildings and close to shrubbery as if he knew this terrain very well. Wade wondered, How could we have missed this guy with all of our surveillance?
Coverall quickly stopped at the corner, scanning the area for tails, and then continued across the street to a residential area just outside government property. Wade picked up on his stopping pattern and kept several large trees in between himself and the target.
“Base to Sky.”
“Sky over.”
“I’m crossing Oakleaf Avenue just outside the compound to your west. Can you see me?”
“Roger. I have you.”
“Look across the street and up a block. Do you see Coverall? He seems to have slowed down quite a bit. I just want to make sure I’m not walking up on him.”
Max scanned with his scope before responding to Wade. “Hold on. I see Stephan’s vehicle parked about a block away on a cross street to the east.”
“Can you tell if anyone is in the vehicle?”
“Negative. No one in sight. It’s just parked. Your guy seems to be moving toward Stephan’s vehicle.”
“I’ll stay well behind him since you have a visual.”
“Sky to Base. Coverall unlocked the rear door of Stephan’s vehicle, and is moving a long object out of the back.”
There was a pause as Max watched Coverall’s activities from the top of one of the tallest buildings in Belmopan. “The object he just pulled out looks like some kind of ramp. Wait – he’s in back of the vehicle. He’s unloading a motorbike down the ramp. There seems to be a second bike behind it.”
“That answers our egress question.”
“Yep. They’re using small off-road motorbikes.”
“All the better to get around gridlock and police barricades.”
“He’s starting up one of the bikes now. Looks like he’s heading back in your direction. Take cover.”
“Copy, Base.”
Wade froze in position until Coverall passed, and then followed the bike another block to a dead end street. The rider stopped the bike and pushed it over the tall curb. He started it again and passed a concrete fence that led to a natural jungle setting. Coverall turned off the motor and rested the bike against a tree, out of sight from the sidewalk behind the concrete fence. He ran back and repeated the entire exercise with the second bike. Once the bikes were in place, Coverall returned to Stephan’s vehicle and drove out of the area.
“Base to Sky. I’m heading back in your direction.”
“You might want to consider disabling those bikes before you come back, just in case.
“Good idea.”
Within minutes of breaking off his tail of Coverall, Wade positioned himself on his designated rooftop. There had been no signs of Stephan up to that point. Five buildings separated Wade from Max. Each building had been selected to provide a direct line of sight to the maximum number of possible sniper positions. The morning sun had already cleared the mountain peaks and was burning off the gray mist that hovered over the ground.
Facing their targets with their backs to the sun and ceremonies, the waiting began in earnest for Wade and Max. The temperature was already rising. It was going to be a very hot day, lying prone across the white composition roof.
“Sky to Base. Over.”
“Base to Sky. Copy.”
“I have Jackson taking up position on Building 3. He’s armed.”
“Does he have a radio transmitter?”
“Affirmative. He’s setting up communications as we speak. The device looks military, with a large antenna. Over.”
“Any sign of the others?”
“Negative.”
“They sure are taking their time.”
“Do you think Coverall saw you?”
“Negative.”
“Base. I have movement on Building 1.”
“I see him. It’s Boris.”
It was still three hours before the afternoon ceremonies were scheduled to begin, and too early for the general public and distinguished guests to be moving into the visitor area. Television and press personnel were testing microphones and checking video camera cables.
The speakers for the day’s ceremony included the Prime Minister of Belize, the U.K. ambassador, military admirals from two countries, and U.S. Senator Charles Lanier, who would soon be sitting in the area reserved for distinguished guests. On the stage near the podium and distinguished guests would be the British Embassy staff, including Zara Wicks.
The long wait would soon be over. Max confirmed to Wade that his position was ideal for covering the two operatives. Wade’s position had been selected for the likely appearance of Stephan, but he was nowhere to be found.
“Base to Sky. What are our two operatives doing?”
“They’ve assembled their rifles and doping scopes for windage and distance. They’re also checking their communication devices. Over.”
“Are they talking to each other, or to someone else?”
“It’s hard to tell, maybe both. The transmitters are heavy duty. I would say definitely military.”
“No sight of Stephan?”
“Negative. I scoped the other side of the building to see if I could spot his car, but it’s no longer in the general area.”
Wade wondered if Stephan was going to show. The thought crossed Wade’s mind that Stephan might try to direct his operatives from a distant ground position. He wanted Max’s opinion.
“Do you think I should leave now to try to find him?”
“Negative. If he’s coming to this party, he’ll show up. Let him come to us.”
“Have you seen Coverall among the gathering crowd?”
“Negative. He’s out of the area. Probably by instruction.”
“What do you mean?”
“They probably had him leave the area in case he was spotted or detained. They won’t want a recognizable face near the target area.”
“I agree. He may be part of Stephan’s extraction plan. Remember there were only two motorbikes, not three.”
“I copy. I think their extraction might have them going in different directions.”
“There won’t be an extraction if we have anything to do with it.”
“Copy. I meant their intended extraction plan.”
Moments passed as the tropical sun heated up the roof surface. Max was the first to see movement and radioed Wade.
“Hold on. I think I just saw movement on Building 4, east side. It’s not where we expected him to be, but it’s Stephan. I don’t have a great shot from my angle.”
Wade rolled across the roof for a better spot to scope Building 4. “My location isn’t ideal, but it’s good enough. He’s much lower on that building.”
Max covered every inch of the Building 4 roof that he could see in his scope. “He’s got a lot of equipment stashed on that roof. How did we miss that?”
Wade’s angle was slightly better. He called out details while Stephan unpacked. “He’s got the green military sack from the plane.”
Max also had his scope on Stephan and saw something else he recognized. “You see that long antenna radio thing he’s assembling? That’s the activation device for the party favors. They would have had to program each case to a specific frequency to activate them this way. I guess my rewiring didn’t scare them off.”
Wade was now much more impressed with Stephan’s skills. “When the hell did they have time to do that? The cases were at the cemetery until this morning.”
“My guess is they picked up the cases sometime after we worked on them, did the adjustments, and returned them to the cemetery.”
Wade’s eyes remained focused on the target only to hear Max continue.
“Stephan’s going through a frequency check now. Looks like he believes they’re live.”
“That’s all that matters.”
“I have him in
my scope. He’s setting the two detonation frequencies now.”
It wasn’t long before crowds started filing in. More cars searched for nonexistent available parking spaces. There was the feeling of an official gathering in the air as speakers played the national anthems of participating countries.
Another hour passed. All the shooters were in place on rooftops. Dignitaries with their entourages began to assemble on stage with exchanges of smiles and handshakes. A live U.K. military band all decked out in dress whites and shining instruments began to play once the recorded anthems ended.
Press correspondents were quick to stick microphones in the faces of dignitaries, still linked by cable to some cameraman’s shoulder. No one was ready to take seats yet. Wade scanned the growing group of dignitaries with binoculars.
One woman stood out among the sea of dark-suited men and uniformed military. She wore a cream-colored suit with a matching jacket over a burgundy silk blouse. The lapel of her jacket held an elegant but small bright-red rosebud. This well-dressed woman had to be Zara Wicks. She circulated among the crowd, smiling and shaking hands, with practiced British social skills, giving no hint of her real MI-6 identity. At that moment Wade decided she was the person he would call when the time was right.
Other women on the podium seemed to be administrative types, busily checking off lists and handing out programs. They wore long black cocktail dresses which must have been uncomfortable under the hot tropical sun. Not only were the dignitaries feeling the heat, but both the temperature and tension on the rooftops were also rising at an alarming rate.
Chapter 28
The unanticipated noise from the band made radio communications difficult. Wade was trying to anticipate Stephan’s next move. He wanted Max’s best guess.
“Do you think Stephan will fire or detonate first?”
“I don’t know. We have to be ready either way. We also have to consider what we’ll do if he leaves his position early.”
“If for any reason he breaks early, you take Boris and Jackson. You should have multiple shots from your position. I’ll take Stephan.”
“Affirmative.”
Lethal Authority (Wade Hanna Series Book 2) Page 25