Deadly Resonse (The Jake Stryker Series Book 1)

by Warren Conrad

  “Let’s have a look out back. See if he messed with the locks or windows. He appears to be making a recon of the house. I doubt he suspected any cameras but still pulled down his cap in case,” said Sparks as they walked.

  “Well, looks like he tumbled the dead bolt, you can see the small marks. Here, take the light, see the marks? Didn’t open the door, just wanted to make certain it could be opened,” said Stryker.

  “Wonder what his plan is for the security system? How easy can it be defeated?” asked Sparks.

  “It’s a simple system with backup power that transmits via cell phone. He could jam the transmission, that’s what I would do. But is he that smart and does he have the equipment?” asked Stryker.

  “He might not, but whoever is helping him might,” replied Sparks.

  “Call Herb and see if he can come here while I call the lawn service and check on the camera at the gate. I think they maintain the equipment for the HOA,” said Stryker.

  Stryker left the house and drove down the street to meet with the HOA president who was retired and stayed up all hours. Ten minutes later, he came back smiling.

  “Good news, the gate camera DVR has been operating and is available to us. My neighbor confirmed the mowing service were all black guys only. The bad news is the gate code has not been changed in years,” said Stryker.

  “Not good, but explains how he got access. Also, Herb is on his way, bringing Orson,” said Sparks.

  “What time is it now?” asked Stryker.

  “Midnight, I got them out of bed but they insisted on coming tonight,” said Sparks.

  “Yeah, Herb is worried about Katie.”

  Stryker watched as Herb’s headlights pulled into the driveway; he opened the garage door for them to enter the house. Once inside, Herb and Orson went direct to the DVR. Coffee and conversation would wait. Sparks let Orson play the DVR as Herb watched over his shoulder asking him to back up and replay several times. Having gone over the pictures several times Herb and Orson quit and went to the kitchen then back to the den with coffee, ready to talk.

  “It appears we have a serious problem. I am worried about Katie,” said Herb.

  “I understand. We should have known the Russians, Vadim Propov and his son Igor would seek revenge for our killing of their KGB buddy, Aleksey Fedorov. I think we are a small part of a larger agenda. The return of Ali is part of their program but his reasons are unknown. The Russians hate us and what better timing than prior to our elections in November to cause panic and fear. Killing us is just a sideline for them and helps Petloki and Branch clean house. At this point, I don’t care who paid for us to be killed because my vote is we kill them all. Anyone care to argue that point?” asked Stryker.

  “I guess since you put it in those terms, they are the ones with the problem. When do we start?” asked Herb.

  “Sparks, you want in here?”

  “No, I vote to kill them but expand the list to include anyone with a fingerprint on these attacks, including presidential candidate Jason Branch,” said Sparks.

  “That’s a big step but if he is involved we can take care of him or deliver him to the FBI. The issue is do we believe the Justice Department will prosecute him or will politics as usual be his reward,” responded Herb.

  “Let’s meet with Riley and find out what the FBI is doing,” said Stryker.

  “We need answers so I think it would be a good idea for Orson to work with Mossad to penetrate Prince Assisi’s digital world,” said Sparks.

  “Get Orson busy and we regroup after meeting with Agent Clark. Also, keep in mind should Branch be involved tangentially with the death of Daniel’s granddaughter the Mossad will kill him. That you can take to the bank,” remarked Stryker.

  The night passed quickly, with Stryker tossing and turning, finally getting up at five o’clock to find Sparks sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee.

  “You too, huh, no sleep?”

  “Yeah, can’t slow down my mind. Too many bad guys and very little time,” said Sparks.

  Couldn’t have said it better, thought Stryker.

  32

  Washington, DC

  2016

  Riley agreed to meet them at The Capitol Grill at noon. Per their agreement, she would be coming alone to her first meeting with the man from the park. Typical FBI, she arrived early and picked a table for more privacy and ordered tea. Ten minutes passed when she noticed Uncle Ryan and another man approaching.

  “Hey Riley, you’re looking good. Meet Jake Stryker.”

  “You’re the man from the park. You look very different.”

  “Clean clothes and a shower makes a difference. I told you we would meet again so let’s order lunch before we get started, that sound all right?” smiled Stryker.

  The waiter took their orders and brought everyone drinks.

  “First, thanks for meeting us alone. We know you would feel better if your partner Kelly had been included but for now you alone should hear the story and decide what the next move might be,” said Uncle Ryan.

  “I presume you shared previous information concerning Ali with Kelly and my guess is the Bureau was not interested. Would that be a correct assessment?” asked Ryan.

  “That’s correct, the Bureau believes the murders are separate and the bombing is racially motivated. We are looking internally at fringe organizations. Kelly has an open mind but the upper management goes along with the White House narrative,” she responded.

  “Can you tell us where the murder investigations stand?” asked Stryker.

  “I can’t give you specifics but we have interviewed friends, family, business associates and others trying to find linkage. So far, the common thread is politics and the coming elections. Nothing else stands out, not even the method of murder. Some were shot with handguns, one with a Russian rifle and others shot then their heads cut off. Lastly, there is the bombing and killing of media, particularly those working for International News Association,” she replied.

  “Ok, I am going to tell you a hypothetical story which may or may not be true. You all right with this so far?” asked Stryker.

  “Yeah, for my protection, I’m good, and thanks,” she replied.

  “You have done your duty and given them feelings about Ali Shirazi being back in the country, so we start our story from that point. Since alerting you about Ali, we have been working with intelligence services both here and abroad investigating his whereabouts. We have always believed he was back but until recently had no solid proof. That has changed. Two informants make us believe he is planning an attack somewhere in the Atlanta area within the next two months. We have not identified the targets, only that foreign fighters are involved, smuggled through the southern Texas border. Remember, at this point nothing is actionable, only a story,” said Stryker.

  “I assume your informants are foreigners?” she asked.

  “Yes, your uncle’s operation is only outside the United States, unless tied to national security,” replied Stryker.

  “What is your involvement? Are you somehow involved with Uncle Ryan?” she asked.

  “Yes, I can’t say more,” he responded.

  “What do you want from me?” she remarked.

  “There was a bombing in a resort in Burgas, Bulgaria prior to the attack on you and Ann. A foreign leader’s granddaughter was killed and we will soon have evidence from that bombing. We would like to compare that evidence with the Missouri attack for a match. If we get lucky, this could change the focus of your investigation,” said Stryker.

  “Yeah, I can do that but I will need Mike Kelly to use his contacts. He may want to discuss the details with you,” she replied.

  “I understand, but direct him to Uncle Ryan because I don’t officially exist.”

  “Funny, I’ve never met you, and since we never had this meeting Uncle Ryan will have to pay the bill,” she smiled.

  Just like Jackie, thought Sparks.

  “One thing I need to know before we leave. Do you think
Ali is responsible for Ann’s death?” asked Riley.

  “Yeah, we think he’s good for it,” replied Stryker.

  Riley rose from the table as tears welled up in her eyes. She hugged both men then left, moving at a fast pace, trying to outdistance the past and Ann. Stryker and Sparks remained at the table waiting on the bill.

  “The meeting went well but you need to protect her. She needs to put her information in writing to at least Mike Kelly. When the media finds out the FBI knew about a known terrorist operating in the country and did nothing, heads will roll. We might want political coverage up the bureaucratic line as well,” said Stryker.

  “Good idea, I will get that done. I wondered why you didn’t mention Steven Petloki or Jason Branch to her?”

  “We never mentioned Petloki or Branch to anyone concerning their activities with the Russians. At this point, we don’t know for sure how much Branch is involved. Petloki is another story but I can’t see the Justice Department aiming at him with Branch protecting him. I think until we develop more details we keep our information close to the vest. I mean hell, we don’t know for sure about the assassin or the burglar,” replied Stryker.

  “Calm down Jake, I didn’t mean to get you stirred up.”

  “I’m fine, just frustrated. It will pass once we have proof of Ali’s involvement and end Petloki trying to kill me and Herb.”

  “Roger that. Where to next? said Sparks.

  “I need to check messages and change clothes. I presume you are still staying at my house so we can relax until meeting at Alpha tomorrow,” said Stryker.

  33

  Washington, DC

  2016

  Alpha’s headquarters was a busy place with Herb returning calls to clients and Sparks covering bases up the chain of command at CIA. Stryker didn’t need to bother Herb or Sparks, he could meet with Orson and fill them in later.

  “Hey Orson, I understand you have more information on Petloki,” said Stryker.

  “Yeah, some new details from phone intercepts and e-mails. The most important is the fishing trip, which has been delayed due to Branch’s campaign. Petloki is concerned about Leyland Hodges moving up in the primaries,” replied Orson.

  Orson rose and started for the door then paused, looking back at Stryker.

  “Hey, sorry I almost forgot, we have preliminary background on Jason Branch. This is not yet ready for publication but early family records show he grew up in a family of Russian descent. They changed their names after coming to America. Where it gets dicey, is we find only one son born to Herald and Ester Branch and we have the birth records here in the United States. That son died of fever at age three and we have his death certificate. Not sure but the Jason Branch we know may be an imposter using the dead child’s identity. If it turns out to be true, we may have a Russian candidate running for president. Couple that with the Petloki’s Russian connection and I say red flags pop up everywhere.”

  “Wow, who knows about this?”

  “No one, only you. I started not to tell you because at this point I am still putting the pieces together. To make a positive confirmation we would need to exhume the body of the parents and match it to Branch’s DNA.”

  “Once again, great work Orson. For now, keep this between us until I have time to speak with Herb and Sparks.”

  Orson left the conference room and Stryker sat motionless, contemplating what he had just learned. He remembered studying Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev’s warning ‘We will bury you’. Many people believed the meaning to be from inside the United States.

  Could this be happening just as he predicted in 1956, a Russian spy? he wondered.

  _____

  Stryker made a call to his trust administrator and advised him to sell the house near Langley and lease a similar one in another area. Until another house was found, he planned to stay at his temporary lodging in the hangar. At least it was safe. He just finished discussing the matter when Sparks appeared in the doorway.

  “Hey, you getting caught up?” asked Stryker.

  “Somewhat, Orson told me you would brief me concerning Branch. Should we wait for Herb?”

  “Probably, so we don’t have to cover everything twice,” said Stryker.

  “On another subject, are we staying at the house tonight?”

  “Funny, I just called my trust administrator and told him to sell it. We will go pick up our things and stay at the facilities in the hangar at the airport. We should have another place in a week and if that doesn’t happen, we can go stay in New York at my condo. Anyway, when are you going back to Sedona?” asked Stryker.

  “No hurry, Jackie is visiting her sister and we don’t open for helicopter tours until June. I made arrangements with another pilot to help her while I’m gone, so no hurry. When will we have the bomb evidence from Rachel?” asked Sparks.

  “Spoke with her earlier and she thinks the evidence and report should be in our hands in three days. Have you heard anything from Riley?” asked Stryker.

  “I’ll leave her a message to call me,” said Sparks.

  “Riley still thinking about working for the Agency?” asked Stryker.

  “Yeah, she wants to wait until things settle down so she doesn’t leave her partner in a bind. She has always been a team player but wants away from the politics of the FBI and Justice Department.”

  “Will she do some off the books stuff for us before she leaves?” asked Stryker.

  “What do you have in mind?” asked Sparks.

  “Nothing dangerous, but covert and disguised. We need her to get a DNA sample from Branch using her covert abilities. She will work with Rachel once we figure out a location,” said Stryker.

  “When she calls I will ask her. I’m sure she will help anyway possible. Finding Ann’s killers is her top priority.”

  “Let’s go get our stuff from the house before it gets dark then come back and meet Herb over a good meal,” said Stryker.

  “We can take a cab. I have a new car being delivered to us later at the hangar,” said Stryker.

  “Paranoid?”

  “No just careful,” said Stryker.

  The trip to the house revealed no watchers or tails, at least none they were able to see. Once inside the garage, both got out with guns drawn. Nothing inside was out of place and the alarm had not been tripped. They busied themselves loading gear and clothes. Thirty minutes later they were gone, all evidence of their stay removed, including the digital camera hard drive.

  “Hey Herb, we are finished at the house. Meet us at the quaint Italian place we spoke about. We should be there in thirty minutes. I don’t trust watchers, so be aware,” said Stryker.

  “See you guys in a few,” Herb replied.

  The Italian place was in a small shopping village close to Alpha’s headquarters. Herb liked the place mostly because it was small, quiet and private. The owner had served in the Italian underground during World War II. He and Herb were close friends, exchanging stories about covert operations behind enemy lines from Italy to Vietnam. Both men shared one thing, they were lucky to be alive.

  “Sorry we are late. A wreck on the I-95, have you ordered?” asked Sparks.

  “Only drinks, I ordered your usual, hope that’s ok?” said Herb.

  “Yeah, we’re good. How about some calamari?” asked Stryker.

  “Let’s do it when your drinks arrive,” replied Herb.

  “I told Orson to update you before we left. Any thoughts about his revelations?” remarked Sparks.

  “Yeah, and all are scary. Assuming the DNA doesn’t match with Branch and he is an imposter, we have a problem. First, we have to operate deep cover, black budget with CIA and Sparks as our handler. Ryan, I doubt you will want to share this information up stream at the Agency. I’m not sure we can tell our Mossad friends either unless they become part of a solution. At the moment, only Orson, Rachel and ourselves have any suspicions. If we go to the FBI or Homeland we might find ourselves dead. I don’t trust anyone, and history supp
orts my reasons. Bottom line, I don’t have any answers, only questions,” said Herb.

  “What this tells me is we deal with Branch, Petloki and Igor by ourselves with Rachel, Dirk and Sara only. No Riley or Alpha operators at this time. Just our need to know group and Orson,” said Sparks.

  Typical CIA. Good at hiding shit, thought Herb.

  The drinks and calamari arrived and they ordered and visited about Stryker’s house and the mystery man. Herb continued to be concerned and decided Katie should stay in Chicago until more was learned about the threat. The comment overheard by Orson from Petloki’s phone about hiring outside talent caused the three men to pause.

  “What is Petloki talking about? It can’t be campaign talent because Branch has taken the lead in the polls over Hodges. I suspect he may be bringing a new hitter to the game to replace our man from Argentina,” responded Stryker.

  “I’m going to get Orson with Dirk to troll the dark web and see if anything pops up,” Stryker continued.

  34

  Washington, DC

  2016

  Late spring in Washington, DC was comfortable with seasonal rain showers and trending temperatures. Many believed spring in the District to be the best of all seasons, even fall.

  The dapper dressed man sat at his usual table at the rear of the dining room in the St. Regis Hotel. The man was a regular and the wait staff knew him well. He glanced at his Lange I watch while sipping a Glenfiddich on the rocks, realizing he was a bit early. Shortly, the maitre d’ escorted his two friends to the table. Everyone shook hands and ordered drinks.

  “Herb, you don’t look well,” remarked Stryker with Sparks agreeing.

  “Katie received news her best friend had been killed in the bombing in Missouri. Her name was Sally Hodges and she was a reporter for the International News Association on assignment covering the protests. She was also the only daughter of Senator Leyland Hodges, candidate for president. Katie is devastated and is staying with Sally’s parents. The press will know tomorrow and I expect the media will be on fire, especially International News. They lost three trucks and sixteen employees. Their ratings are through the roof and with the information about Sally, they will become the story,” said Herb.