by Ali Vali
Sean accepted the job of dumping the contents onto the stainless-steel table. She’d read the paperwork later, but for now the pictures were the most interesting find. Not that she recognized the man’s face, but the tattoo clearly visible marked him as a member of Tajr. She’d attended enough briefings on the growing terrorists cell that she didn’t need to look anything up. She was sure.
“You don’t have any clue who the man is who dropped these off?” Lauren asked as she flipped through the pictures.
“None.” She picked up the phone. “Escort our guest in waiting into an interrogation room, please,” she said to security.
“From the background this isn’t anywhere local,” Sean said, pointing out the blue water with rock formations close to the boat.
“I’ll run both men through the system and see what pops up. While we’re waiting, go introduce yourselves.”
“I’m Special Agent Lauren Blaise and this is Special Agent Sean Porter,” Lauren said, sitting and placing the folder containing copies of everything he’d brought in on the table. “What’s the purpose of sharing your information, Mr. Robinson?”
“Your boss runs a tight ship.” Walter leaned back, laughing and staring at the mirror. “I thought this would take much longer.”
“And you wonder why our agencies don’t cooperate better,” she said with a tight smile, wanting to punch his face. “Now that we’ve proved ourselves adequate to talk to you, what’s all this?”
“The pictures I included were taken in Mexico. The American is currently incarcerated in Mexico, but the Tajr member disappeared after the Mexican authority roundup.”
“Fascinating,” she said.
Walter explained Roth Pombo’s progression from small-time dealer to major player, as well as his budding interest in outside investors. “Roth was about to cut a deal with these guys before he got picked up.”
“If you need our help in Mexico I can direct you to the Washington Bureau for whatever intel is necessary, but our jurisdiction doesn’t extend that far without a mandate from the Hoover Building.”
“I realize that.” Walter’s expression became more serious. “I’m here because my partner and I have reason to believe Roth was further along in those plans than we knew from our investigation. We believe the man we photographed with him is in New Orleans.”
“You believe a lot of things, sir, but what proof do you have?” Lauren asked.
“That’s classified, so you’re going to have to take my word for it.”
Lauren stared at him for what seemed like ten minutes before getting up and leaving. If Walter’s phone rang while he was in here he had his story ready for his superior, Craig Orvik. This meeting was a total gamble, but he needed leverage. Wiley was the best, but he knew now he’d never control her. Well, not without incentive.
Before he’d gone to Don he’d taken the locks off Wiley’s information. He found two interesting things within that thick folder, aside from Don being right about her exit clause signed by the president. Don would always be Wiley’s handler, and all her future assignments were voluntary unless they originated from the president or the secretary of defense. To Walter that was a dead end, so he’d concentrated on the second point.
The military’s thorough investigation of Wiley’s life interested Walter also. With all that digging, the Pentagon found Aubrey Tarver, but nothing had come of it. He concluded that the brass let it go since Wiley’s relationship with Aubrey had kept her stable. When Aubrey left it had unbalanced her, but not in a way that made her nonviable in the field. By reading between the lines, it seemed as if command had welcomed the implosion of Wiley’s personal life.
A large part of the file detailed the assignments she’d taken in Iraq at the beginning of the war. The number of kills had impressed him and he wanted Wiley under his thumb. He’d finally found a way to do that, but only if these people played ball.
Sean sat quietly until his earpiece obviously came to life. “Mr. Robinson, you’re going to have to give up something.”
“While we’re in here talking about this,” he slid a picture toward Sean, “this guy is getting that much closer to what he wants.” He sat back and tried for a disgusted expression. “Do you have any idea what the Tajr sect is capable of?”
“Yes, sir, I do. Even though we’re in what I assume you think is the end of the earth, we do get briefings on all matters of national security.”
“These are recent developments that arose from our ongoing investigation. If your agency can’t help me track down these leads, I’ll have to call for reinforcements. When we set up shop here, don’t complain. I offered to make it a joint operation.”
“Wait here, I’ll be right back.”
He checked his phone to make sure Annabel Hicks hadn’t called his bluff. When it buzzed he flinched, but then felt almost giddy when he recognized the Mexican number.
“Robinson,” he said, not believing he was having to take this call here.
“Walter, this is Carter Winslow. I’m in Mexico City.”
The name sounded vaguely familiar. “Yes.”
“I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Orvik’s office. He’s requesting your return to Mexico on the next available flight. If that’s not possible in the next few hours, he’d like you to call and we’ll arrange one for you.”
“I’d like to talk to him before I go anywhere on the order of a flunky.”
“He’ll be unavailable for a while. Mr. Orvik and the director are both at the Pentagon after the latest developments from your team.”
“Developments?” He was starting to get pissed. He remembered Winslow now. The guy was like a machine remembering facts and had the social graces of one with that monotone voice. “Spit it out or get me in touch with Orvik.”
“Both Levi Evans and Kevin Marshal were reported missing and subsequently found. Their last communications with us were that they were on an assignment initiated by you stateside. Since I was already here for auditing purposes, we investigated, and Mr. Orvik wants answers before we respond.”
“Why not ask them if something went wrong?”
“Both officers are dead. Their heads were dumped in front of the police station, their bodies haven’t turned up yet. Their wallets and identification were gone, but both men had their cell phones shoved into their mouths. It’s them, no doubt. You understand now why you’re needed back here.”
“You have to give me a day.”
“This isn’t up for negotiation. Mr. Orvik will be awaiting your itinerary.”
The line went dead. His time was up, but he still had one thing left to do before he left. The door opened when he stood, and both Sean and Lauren blocked his exit.
“Going somewhere?” Sean asked.
He used the call to his advantage since he knew the agents had listened to both sides. “My team is dead, so I can’t afford to waste any more time. I don’t even have time to take back the information I shared with you, so I want your word you’ll shred it.”
“What lead were you following here?” Sean asked. “We can’t help you if you don’t release that information.”
“A few days ago the sect leader from the photograph with Roth sent a death squad here to take out some of their operatives. They succeeded in taking out everyone but one. That person we believe is still in the city.” He laid out the rest of his story with urgency. If they could get a warrant he could leave for Mexico with his plans still a go.
“Give us an hour and we’ll be ready,” Lauren said.
“I appreciate it.”
Chapter Fifteen
Antonio gripped his briefcase in a way that made Wiley think someone would come and rip it away if he let go. The way the leather was worn away there showed it was a habit.
The only prison she’d ever been in aside from this one was in Kandahar, Afghanistan. That assignment was more to her liking since they’d released political prisoners, who in turn had helped with the war effort. As she’d watched those men and a f
ew women take their first tentative steps of freedom she’d wondered what that’d be like. Bars had never imprisoned her, but she’d never been truly free of her past.
The killing had taken a little of her peace of mind, even though she knew the people she’d eliminated were, like those prison guards and their militia backup, truly evil. Humanity and her sense of it was at times a fragile thing, but she couldn’t change what she’d done.
“It usually takes forty-five minutes or so to walk him down,” Antonio said.
She nodded and almost laughed at the thought that he was afraid she’d leave out of boredom. Unfortunately she was stuck here until Mr. Pombo got whatever was bothering him off his mind, while her dad worried in their hotel room. Whoever the two guys Antonio had brought with him were, they’d disappeared when she’d agreed to this.
“Señor Pombo,” Antonio said when Roth was finally ushered in. “You look well.”
“That’s why I never minded paying you the big money,” Roth said as he was led to his seat. Once there, the guards shackled him to the table and said something gruffly in Spanish. “Antonio knows how to lie well to not hurt my feelings.”
“I brought the representative you asked to speak to,” Antonio said.
“I’d shake hands, but touching of any kind unless it’s to beat the shit out of me isn’t allowed.” Roth lifted his hands as high as they’d go, showing her what a tight leash they had him on.
If that was the sum of her existence, she’d knock one of her teeth out and use it to slit her wrists. “You know what they say about karma, Mr. Pombo.”
“Please, I’m miserable enough. Take the bitchy remarks down a notch.”
“What can I do for you?”
“Just listen. I’ve had a good run, and when I went into this, I wasn’t drunk or high enough to know it wouldn’t last forever.”
“If you’re looking for a book deal, I can’t help you.” The sterile smell of this place was starting to give her a headache. The combination of bleach and sweat was overpowering.
“You think I’m stupid?” The statement suggested anger but Roth showed no emotion as he spoke. “I know why you’re here and who sent you. Our mutual friend can’t afford for me to live, even if it’s in this fucking place.” A thick chunk of his hair fell in his face, and he whipped his head back to try to remove it. That made it worse, since it appeared as if he hadn’t washed it since he’d arrived here. This somewhat broken man had replaced the carefree guy she’d seen in Walter’s slideshow.
“Your friend and I’ve been dancing around this since we met. If you’ve got something to say, now’s the time. If you can’t, you can’t, but I won’t beg.” Being here was a mistake. It’d be difficult to shoot this guy and make it through customs without them recognizing her as Pombo’s visitor. Perhaps Walter was right about Roth, and all this was about playing her. “Nice meeting you,” she said, standing.
“Promise me a reprieve and I’ll trade you something for it.” He tried blowing the greasy hair from his eyes. “Take this if you have just a sliver of doubt about Walter,” he said, almost in a whisper, but he still didn’t sound desperate.
She glanced at the guard before she raised her hands. The thick, muscular guy nodded and she combed Pombo’s hair back. “I’ll give you a week if you make it worth my while,” she whispered back as she touched him. “Remember, though, if not me, someone will come back.”
“That’s good news.” He smiled and she almost believed him. Death was the only way he’d be free again, unless his religious beliefs were engrained. All those decapitated bodies were his ticket to another sort of hell, if the preachers were right. “It was fucking fun while it lasted, so the memories will suffice.”
“Which one in particular do you want to share with me?”
“There was this girl one night that brought me to my knees. Changed the game for me so I put her in the last place the fuckers would look. Sometimes when it’s right under your fucking nose, you miss stuff. Understand me?”
It sounded like gibberish actually, but she thought she was following. “Sounds like someone worth remembering.”
“Yeah,” Roth said, his face softening. “Amber nights and willowy trees bought me a few months of peace where Lee ponders the north. You should try it, and let me know if you enjoyed it as much as I did. Especially the sunsets.”
“I’ll do that.” She repeated the information in her head so she wouldn’t forget a detail. “What memories do you think it’ll hold for me?”
“If I’m right, you’ll find a story that’ll change your view of things. It’s like finding religion in a cutthroat world.” Roth winked and laughed. “Even if we don’t talk again, give Walter what I didn’t get a chance to.”
“Will do,” she said, anxious to go. “Try to hang in there. It sounds corny, but close your eyes and think of that place. Every nuance, curve, and the smell of it. If all you see is that, then you can’t see or hear the fluorescents.”
“Thanks, and if my memories aren’t compelling enough, then I’ll buy you a beer in hell.”
It was funny that Roth didn’t raise as many alarms as Walter had in their first meeting. The other side of the gate was jammed with traffic, with a group of women with children praying and holding lit candles. She walked slower so Antonio could keep pace with her, but as soon as they’d cleared the wall of the prison she stopped.
“Good luck, Mr. Hernandez. You have my word I’ll be on the next plane north, so Roth’s safe from me. I have no idea if there’s a backup, so if something happens it wasn’t me.”
“Did you understand what he wants?”
“I have a general idea. Is he allowed any communications with anyone besides you?” Amber Willow was holding Roth’s ammunition, but she needed to know it was time to share.
“Only me and anyone on my staff. That’s how I got you in, but no phone or computer.” Antonio’s ride was waiting on the street, and one of the men who’d accompanied him leaned against the front passenger door.
“Have you made any calls for him?”
“Yes, but you must tell me what all that meant if you want the number.”
“I don’t need the number, and if he’d wanted you to understand he’d have made it plainer. If you want my opinion, he didn’t tell you to keep you safe. It looks like you’ve got enough problems.” She cocked her head toward the car. “Maybe if you’ve made enough, you should consider retirement.”
“The only way out of this trap is to chew my leg off. I’m too old and don’t have the strength for that, but thank you for the good wishes. I return them tenfold.”
She dialed her dad’s number as she started toward their hotel. “Pack,” she said when he answered. “I’ll be there in less than thirty.”
“The last flight today is after ten.”
“Plan to be on it. We’ve got enough to think about.”
*
“You’ve got two minutes,” the man said again, banging his fists against the metal door.
“Who do you think that is, Tanith?” Danielle asked, having to force her eyes from the screen to look at her.
“He came to see Wiley and she made us hide so he wouldn’t know we were here.” Tanith grabbed for her hand and, from her expression, finally resembled a terrified eight-year-old. “We didn’t hear much, but I could tell Wiley didn’t like him.”
“We’ll have to discuss later about keeping secrets, but I don’t think they’ll let you hide in your room this time.” She took a deep breath at the thought of having to tell Wiley about this when she got home, but opened the freezer door anyway. “It’s soundproof, so don’t think you have to play dead, but don’t come out until I open this door again.” Peter nodded and she shut them in.
“If you damage anything I’m sure the media would love to hear about it, so calm down until I get down there,” she said into the intercom.
She was tempted to take the stairs to delay them even more, but opted for the elevator. On the way down she stirred
up her wife-of-a-general persona and prepared to not take shit from anyone.
“What’s this about?” she asked, bracing her hands on the door frame to block their entry, and almost let go when she saw how many agents were standing outside with their guns drawn.
“Please step aside, ma’am,” the young man standing farther back said, not touching her. “We have a warrant to search for persons wanted for questioning in an ongoing investigation.”
“If you wanted me I’ll happily comply and save you the trouble, since I’m the only one here.”
“We’re wasting time,” the man who Tanith recognized spat out. “She’s lying.”
“I most certainly am not.”
“Who are you going to believe, her or the scan? There are five distinct heat signatures in there.”
“Your equipment must be malfunctioning. I assure you I’m the only one here. If you don’t believe me, a couple of you can take a look.” Her confidence came from Wiley’s eye for detail. The dragon’s lair was a true void from the world. “Not you,” she said, pointing at the man holding the warrant.
“You’re in no position to give orders.”
“Take it down a bit, Walter,” the young woman standing next to him said.
“The warrant is only for people, right?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m Special Agent Sean Porter and this is my partner Special Agent Lauren Blaise. We do have a right to come in, but we don’t want to make this hard on you. Is Wiley Gremillion at home?”
“Major Wiley Gremillion is my daughter, and she and her father, General Buckston Gremillion, are out of town for a few days on business. I’m here helping her finish unpacking, but if you don’t believe me I’ll allow you two to do a walkthrough.”
Both agents glanced at the man they’d called Walter before following her through the door. “I realize I’m a scary old woman, but please don’t point those at me,” she said, motioning to their weapons. “And save it. I know more about protocol and procedure than the two of you.”