“Wow, this is unreal,” said Stryker with Sparks nodding.
“So I guess nothing happens until the body is released due to the investigation?” Stryker remarked.
“Yes, that is my understanding. You do know Alpha provides security for the senator, because until he gets the nomination the Secret Service is not available except under certain circumstances. I expect we won’t see a funeral service for awhile. Our guys will give us details as we move forward,” said Herb.
“Is there any reason to suspect she was targeted?” asked Sparks.
“I don’t think so, but anything can happen these days,” replied Herb.
35
Atlanta, Georgia
2016
Ali arrived at the warehouse north of Atlanta after driving straight through from Missouri. Ali and his men worried that if they stopped driving, the drag net would catch up with them. They were not aware that no one had seen the van or them leave the bombing. They had gotten away clean. After resting, Ali watched TV constantly looking for any indication pertaining to him or the bombers. The news on all channels consisted of stories about fallen reporters and their personal stories. So-called experts called for more security to protect reporters and media personalities, while others demanded protection be provided by the Secret Service. The media was frantic and in a panic. News trucks refused to go to certain areas to report the news. They mostly relied on police reports, which they could telecast from their studios.
After a week of nothing being reported about Ali, he moved into his next phase. Farshid assembled all twenty men, at which time Ali broke them down into teams. There would be one driver in each team that could speak English. Farshid had purchased three cars, which were stocked with backpack bombs, weapons and ammunition to be used in the mall attack. Each team had two burner phones programmed to call Farshid. The teams were familiar with the mall targets, knowing some were primary and others secondary to throw off law enforcement. The different attacks at the mall included stores on both levels and the theater complex. The six men had all researched the mall for weeks and were ready to attack as soon as Ali and Farshid decided on a date and time.
The remaining fourteen men would attack the International News Association located in downtown Atlanta. Recon showed delivery trucks coming and going on a regular basis near the front of the glass building. Farshid had built two delivery trucks with bombs and two SWAT trucks. The delivery truck bombs were to arrive fifteen minutes after the attack on the mall. After the detonation of the truck bombs, the two SWAT trucks carrying Farshid’s men would arrive then enter what remained of the building and kill all the personnel attempting to escape. They would then dump their gear and uniforms and walk two blocks to another van waiting to take them back to the warehouse.
The attackers at the mall planned to continue shooting until they ran dry of ammunition, at which time, they would detonate their suicide vests. They would not be returning to the warehouse.
_____
Ali called Pedro Cruz to make sure his arrangements were in order and to let him know he would be leaving Georgia in the next forty-five days. He would be bringing with him two of his soldiers and would need transportation from Georgia to Texas then on to Puerto de Tampico. Pedro confirmed the arrangements and advised Ali to give him three days notice when ready. While waiting, Ali decided to kill three more reporters on the list.
_____
Stryker was busy working security schedules with Herb while waiting to hear from Sparks concerning the bomb similarities. Both Rachel and Riley had gotten the evidence that Sparks needed a week before and were also waiting for confirmation.
Sparks sent Jake a text message to call him on the satellite phone, meaning he had important news on the subject.
“Hey Ryan, I’m on pins and needles what have you got?” asked Stryker.
“Get ready, because you are not going to believe what we found. First, the Missouri bomb is consistent with the bombs that killed Daniel’s granddaughter. Also, the bomb is consistent with the bombs used in the attack on the church in Colorado Springs. Clearly, Ali has returned. I think you should call Rachel and get Dirk and her team back here quickly. I have also heard from Pedro Cruz. He informs me that Ali plans to leave in the next forty-five days. You should probably call him for specifics while I visit more with Riley and work on our Canada outing,” said Sparks.
“I don’t know what to say Ryan, I always hoped Ali was dead but by luck he survived. I guess Daniel, Rachel and Sara will now have their revenge,” responded Stryker.
“I presume with this information you will visit with Riley for updates on how the FBI investigation is going?” asked Stryker.
“Yeah, she already said she will keep us advised and she may be able to get Branch’s DNA on the down low,” advised Sparks.
I’ll talk to you later,” said Stryker.
36
Atlanta, Georgia
2016
Ali picked some of his best men and went over the three new assignments. He had received files on each reporter with significant details about their homes, daily activities and general information.
The first reporter was a major news anchor working the nightly news reporting out of the International News Association headquarters in downtown Atlanta. Her name was Pam Adams and she was not married, but had a significant other. She was all attitude and used her good looks to climb the ladder to the top of International News. She made light of other reporters worried about threats and believed herself not be a likely victim. She went about her business with only a driver for security. She was arrogant and full of herself like many in the star studded world of Hollywood media. She made a perfect victim. The hit would be easy.
Ali decided to have the team move quickly on her and return to the farm before the police had time to react. The second and third victims worked at two different news agencies. Both were married and both were senior reporters, recognized nationally. Ali would have to gather more data on these two before moving forward.
The briefing finished, Ali sent his men out to end Pam Adams life. He then called a blind telephone number to confirm the hits were in process. He had no idea who he spoke with, only that the money had been transferred to his account.
_____
Pam Adams lived in an upscale neighborhood in the north part of greater Atlanta. The neighborhood was gated but used only a keypad for entrance. Many developments throughout the area operated the same way. The night was warm and the wind howled from thunderstorms, which the killers planned to use for their benefit. The killers’ information they received revealed a basic security system utilizing a wireless phone connection. The system could be deactivated and the wireless connection jammed. They learned these things while attending Berkley and working for a security company, installing alarms. Both were US citizens, yet hated America. They bought into the belief that everything bad in the world was America’s fault. It must be true, for the president had said so many times. They hated their target because she was smart, beautiful and successful, all the things they weren’t.
The gate swung open without a problem after they ruined the camera with their laser. The house was a two story located on a cul-de-sac three streets from the front gate. The front of the house was dark and there was no street light. The men simply drove into the driveway and parked. They approached the front door and used special tools and a lock pick to enter. The alarm sounded for mere seconds then stopped as they jammed the circuit board with the laser. The wireless transmission was also jammed so there would be no security or police response.
Now they waited as lights came on upstairs and two women slowly came down the stairs. Before they saw the intruders both gasped as red splashes appeared on their chests. The hollow point 9mm bullets killed them instantly. The men put aside their suppressed weapons and dragged the women to the downstairs bathroom where they dismembered the bodies as Ali had instructed. The heads and hands were put on plates atop the dining room table along with plac
e settings of knives and forks. Once finished, the men took a video of the gruesome display to later upload to the internet.
The men slowly backed out of the driveway and left back through the front gate. It was 3:15 a.m. and they saw no one. They sent a text to Ali that the first hit was done.
37
Atlanta, Georgia
2016
Stryker finished a phone call with Sparks finding out Riley was not successful in getting Branch’s DNA. Evidently, she felt she could not pull it off without the possibility of Branch finding out so she terminated the mission. She felt bad, but Stryker was glad she used her better judgment. They would find another way to get what they needed.
“Hey Jake, you and Herb need to see this,” shouted Sparks from the boardroom at Alpha.
“What the hell is going on?” both said, stepping into the room.
They looked at the TV which was hooked to the internet and gasped as a video kept playing, showing a gruesome dining room scene. Neither of the men were shocked, having seen worse images many times before. But still, this was shocking even to them.
“Who are these people?” asked Herb.
“I don’t know, but I expect to find out quickly,” replied Sparks, who was already on the phone.
“Riley couldn’t talk and was on her way to Atlanta, told to drop her other cases,” said Sparks.
“Sounds bad. I wonder if this is some of Ali’s doing?” asked Stryker.
“You think?” responded Herb.
“Let’s head to the plane, we can be in Atlanta in no time,” said Sparks as he called the pilots.
_____
The Alpha jet landed at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport and taxied to Atlantic Aviation. The airport was located eight miles from downtown Atlanta. Herb had reserved a car and soon after arriving, they were leaving the airport heading north. Riley sent a text with an address of the murder house. Sparks would be allowed inside using his CIA identification but Herb and Stryker would need to wait at a Denny’s where they were meeting Riley. She and Sparks would go to the house from there.
It sucks, not having a badge, Stryker thought.
Riley was at the Denny’s parking lot waiting on everyone. They spoke briefly then Riley and Sparks drove away while Herb and Stryker went inside for coffee.
“Well, while we wait, what are your thoughts on Petloki and Igor?” said Herb.
“That’s a good question. On the one hand, I think he and Igor decided I was a loose end. At some point, you got painted with the same brush. I don’t think Petloki or Igor call the shots with the exception of killing us. There is a bigger picture and I think it involves Alex Antras. My own opinion is that the attacks by Ali are orchestrated to influence the elections and spread fear. Just think, the media is running scared, almost to the point of not leaving their stations. Reporters with agendas are worried about being targeted so their spin cycles are affected. It all points to politics and terrorism. The terror is to affect the public at an important time, making the news all about the media and not about the issues,” replied Stryker.
“I think we should move on Petloki and Igor because we know they lied and have put targets on both of us. Branch can wait until we can make a case on his DNA. We may get information about this new hitter from Petloki or Igor. Hell, for all we know we may have the demon and the new hitter both after us,” said Stryker.
Stryker was silent for a few minutes trying to come up with a plan but was having no luck while waiting on Herb to say something.
“I feel like a ship without a rudder going in circles. I agree about Petloki. I think we should scoop him up, find out what he knows and disappear his ass… like in the ocean. Maybe his leaving the playing field will worry the others, particularly Branch. Shake a few trees,” replied Herb.
“Ok, I’m easy and I don’t like the little prick so let’s do it soon,” said Stryker.
“Rachel and Sara spent a lot of time watching Petloki before being called back to Tel Aviv. When they return I would like to speak with them before we grab him,” said Herb.
They finished several cups of coffee before Riley let Ryan out of her car back at Denny’s. She then drove back toward the house. Ryan came inside and waved to the waitress for coffee as he sat down at the table with Herb and Stryker.
“Well, the house was a mess, blood everywhere. The heads, hands and body parts have not yet been removed. Crime scene will be there for the rest of today and probably some tomorrow. I’m sure a positive identification will be made tomorrow during the press conference. No media has been allowed near the house with the subdivision has been secured under Homeland and FBI authority. I got only a glimpse of the scene but from what I saw it will be Ali’s work. One thing that stood out to me was the way in which the intruder or intruders unlocked the door and silenced the security system. I heard one of the techs mention use of a laser. That does not sound like your typical ISIS skill set. This could be homegrown. Also, the front gate camera had been fried much like the security system,” said Sparks.
“You get much from Riley?” asked Herb.
“No, she couldn’t say much and said she would call us later on the satellite phone.”
“Get you something to eat and finish your coffee then we can head back to the plane. I am curious to hear the media response to what has happened. I’m sure discussion of these murders will run rampant,” said Stryker.
“Oh, I almost forgot. We think it is time kill Petloki, any thoughts?” asked Stryker.
“Wow, it’s about time. Are we going to draw straws as to who kills him?” replied Sparks.
“Herb is the oldest so he gets to decide,” grinned Stryker.
38
Washington, DC
2016
The flight from Atlanta to Washington, DC was used to discuss resources, which might be available from the CIA. Sparks indicated an array of weapons including the boat used recently to exfil them from Mexico and several helicopters were available. He also mentioned all kinds of cars and trucks seized for different reasons could be used. All the rolling stock and boats were typically sold in auctions so the list changed on a regular basis.
Sparks worried about Riley and the FBI investigation. She was more than a niece to him. She was more like the daughter he never had. He was afraid his Black Ops program could be at risk along with Riley’s career. Originally, his CIA program existed like a mushroom in the dark until Ali came along. Now, he was under more scrutiny from the few members supporting him at the upper echelons of the company. They did not like publicity and would shut him down quickly if he wasn’t careful. The only thing they feared was being revealed for their part in his off the books activities. This Ryan used to his advantage but he did not forget he ran a deadly game. His unholy alliance with Alpha made him even more paranoid. Riley had to be directed and controlled for her own good but she was too much like him — ‘head strong’. He was brought out of his reverie by someone speaking to him.
“So, if we need to use the boat again would it be available and for how long?” asked Stryker.
“I think the boat can be a problem for me. You and Herb might want to consider purchasing and registering it outside the United States. I can get them to sell it on a negotiated basis for half what it’s worth,” said Sparks.
“Well that’s an interesting idea, we can start our own navy,” said Herb.
They all laughed while Jake pondered different thoughts. He did not have a clear path yet, as everything depended on Ali. They desperately needed a break.
The time passed quickly as the Alpha jet made its final approach into Washington Dulles. They were back and ready to return to the office within the hour.
_____
Sparks assembled Stryker and Herb in the conference room while waiting on Riley’s call. They had no more than sat down when Alpha’s secure phone rang.
“Riley, I have you on speaker with Stryker and Herb Miller, are you good with this?”
“Yeah, I’m good. How are you, gentleme
n?” responded Riley.
“We’re good thanks, but wished we could have seen the inside of the house. From what Ryan tells us it was pretty awful,” said Stryker.
“Yes, not a pretty sight. We took lots of photos which I will send you copies. I really couldn’t determine if this is the work of Ali from the evidence. The Bureau’s problem is compounded in that they are investigating fourteen murders of media personnel nationwide. We know many of these are copycat but the numbers keep growing as the media makes the stories about themselves. The media as a whole is disliked as much or more than politicians. Now that the public is aware of their vulnerability, this thing could quickly spiral out of control. Our director and the DOJ are seriously concerned,” said Riley.
“How widely known is what you’ve told us?” asked Herb.
“Not so much from the regular media, but it is blowing up on social media, especially with the video of the Atlanta murders. We have gotten that video taken down but the damage has already been done,” replied Riley. I think the plan is for us to have a news conference and get out in front of the story in the next few days. We hope to engage the public to help us with information on a national hotline,” she said. Hey gentlemen, I’ve got to go, catch you later,” she said and quickly disconnected.
All was quiet for no one had contemplated copycat killings. Sparks told them the Agency was jumpy and he would need to be careful as to his involvement going forward with Petloki and Branch. He needed to stay in the dark shadows. He told them Alpha, being a CIA contractor, helped him but if certain off the books operations were needed everyone should start planning now to keep him protected. He used one example being Dirk Morgan. He definitely needed to disappear from Alpha’s payroll.
“Herb, did you ever put Morgan on our payroll?” asked Stryker.
Deadly Resonse (The Jake Stryker Series Book 1) Page 12