Deadly Resonse (The Jake Stryker Series Book 1)

by Warren Conrad

“No, just haven’t gotten around to it. You thinking Ryan is right and we should make other arrangements?” asked Herb.

  “Yeah, we need him paid from offshore. Also, if we want the boat we need to make arrangements offshore and purchase it,” said Stryker.

  “I’ll speak with Dirk tomorrow. He flew back from Tel Aviv several days ago and I have him working on a special assignment. Ryan find out what the boat will cost us and make some recommendations on where we can register. Herb and I can figure out the legal requirements from Katie,” said Stryker.

  “This special assignment with Dirk, care to share?” asked Herb.

  “Need to know for the present, I will explain later,” said Jake.

  The day had been long and everyone decided to go home and get some rest. Stryker and Sparks headed to the aircraft hangar. The jet had full time security and the airport was fully secured. Even with this knowledge, Stryker drove a winding surveillance avoidance route before going to the airport. He made sure there were no tails.

  _____

  Orson had been busy doing deep background on Petloki, Branch and Antras. Petloki remained unremarkable other than his obsession for power and money, which was consistent with most power brokers in Washington. Branch’s questionable background still hinged on a DNA sample. Orson found no known business ties to Alex Antras for either Petloki or Branch except all three did business with the Russians and Iran. Alex Antras was Greek and lived on an island in the Caribbean with business interests all over the world. He appeared to equally fund all Democratic candidates, not favoring one over the other in the United States. Mostly, he funded fringe groups calling for the overthrow of the status quo. He owned three airplanes and four yachts. From sources, Orson learned he was a major stockholder in International News Association and to a lesser degree in several others. Orson could not determine his net worth other than he believed it to be substantial. Other than the SEC ordering him to lower his ownership in International News there were no other regulatory actions taking place against him in the United States.

  _____

  Rachel and Sara returned to New York and were staying in Stryker’s condo near Central Park. Both were ready to abduct Petloki and try to obtain information about Ali and his targets.

  From previous surveillance of Petloki, they knew his habits and where they might grab him. He frequented several restaurants and bars near his office and never used security.

  Rachel called Jake and informed him she and Sara were ready to move on Petloki and to send the jet. Since Washington was unsafe, they would stay in their embassy. Stryker planned to arrange a vehicle for them to use to abduct Petloki but they would need twenty-four hours to prepare. Stryker asked them to call him once they were safe in the embassy and ready to go.

  Sparks arranged for the boat to be used for demo purposes. The new potential purchasers planned to travel from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas as a test run. They would bring their own crew.

  Rachel and Sara made the trip from New York without a problem and checked in with Stryker, who told them everything was in place. Once they left the embassy, a dark van was parked two blocks north. He gave them the license plate number and location of the keys. The van’s plates were stolen but would not be reported for several days. The owners left the van in long-term parking lot at the airport. Once they had Petloki, they would bring him to the waiting Alpha jet. Once at Fort Lauderdale, Herb’s men would transport them to the Las Olas Marina to board the boat. Petloki would disappear for twenty-four hours, hopefully a reformed man.

  Like clockwork, Petloki walked to his car, which was parked in his private parking spot in the underground garage. Sara waited, kneeling down near the front bumper as Petloki reached down to open the door to his S 65 AMG Mercedes Coupe. His last memory was of a woman striking him in the neck… then darkness.

  The van’s door closed, Sara inside with Petloki as Rachel drove toward the exit. Once on the street, Rachel advised Stryker they were on their way to the airport.

  Upon arrival at the Alpha hangar, Herb and two of his men helped move Petloki to the plane. Rachel and Sara hurried along with their duffle bags. Waiting inside the plane, Stryker was speaking on the phone with Sparks, who was on the boat. Everyone took seats, including Herb’s men, who were versed on operations of large yachts.

  Petloki awakened later, seeing two women with face masks watching him. He sensed motion and realized he was on some type of ship. He had a hard time focusing and found he was retained in a chair sitting on a plastic tarp.

  “Good morning Steven. I hope you had a good rest. We are going to ask you some questions and before we start, I am going to give you some incentive to answer truthfully. We know you are involved with trying to kill some of our friends and that distresses us. You have the option as to whether you become ‘fish food’ or live. Now, we shall begin,” said Sara as she pulled out her knife.

  Petloki’s face was one of pure horror seeing the blade. Rachel stuffed a rubber ball in his mouth and used several circles of duck tape to keep it in place.

  Sara began cutting the skin on his thigh. He screamed silently and his body shook from the pain. Tears formed in his eyes as the blade cut a perfect square flap of skin. The flap was pulled down, displaying the nerve endings beneath. Rachel took a small bottle of salt water and slowly poured the solution on the nerve endings as Petloki finally passed out. Rachel rinsed the solution with fresh water then applied a nerve soothing salve while replacing the flap back to its original position.

  Petloki awoke as water splashed in his face. The tape and ball were removed after he was told not to shout or say anything unless asked.

  “I hope our demonstration helped you decide to tell us everything we ask. Skinning is an old technique used by American Indians and other tribal peoples dating back thousands of years. I hope you liked some of the history,” laughed Sara.

  “Did you alone have Pedro Cruz contract to kill Jake Stryker?” asked Rachel.

  “No, Jason Branch was in on it as well. He needed to wrap up loose ends due to the campaign and Stryker knew about our drug business,” squeaked Petloki.

  “Why was Herb Miller targeted? Did you add him after the failed attempt in Arkansas?”

  “Yes, Branch is paranoid and fears Miller. He was added then,” replied Petloki.

  “So, let me get this straight, you and Branch hired a killer from South America who failed and then another from Europe?”

  “No, no, we only were involved with the one from South America. I don’t know anything about another killer from Europe. The killer form South America is still alive and did not die in Arkansas. He wants more money and has returned to South America,” he said.

  “Do you and Branch still have business dealings with Igor?”

  “Yes, but they are indirect and hidden due to the campaign. We made a deal with Alex Antras and split the profits,” he said.

  “Does Igor know of the contract to kill Stryker and Herb Miller?” asked Rachel.

  “Yes, Igor produces the drugs and moves them to South America. He worries Stryker and Miller will shut down his business,” said Petloki.

  “Is Iran still involved?”

  “Yes, they are a silent partner with Igor.”

  “Who hired Ali Shirazi?”

  Petloki started to sweat and his eyes darted around just hearing the name.

  “What, I don’t?” Sara moved the blade tip to his right eye.

  “Tell me, asshole, or lose the eye.”

  “It was Igor and Antras. Shirazi has been banned from Iran and now does wet work,” he screamed.

  “Ok, calm down, just answer the questions and don’t play games. You understand?”

  “Yes, yes, I’m sorry, but they will kill me,” he pleaded.

  “They are the least of your worries, trust me. What is Ali’s role?” she continued.

  “I don’t know, except to mess up the elections. I don’t know details.”

  “You go fishing with Igor and your Russian f
riends in Canada?”

  “Yes, they go every year and I sometimes join them. They are going in three weeks from now.”

  “You will join them and be given a GPS tracking device. We will need a camp location map. We will put the tracker in your car trunk and you can leave us the map. You will also provide us with something with DNA from Branch. Put it in the trunk. We have cloned your fob.”

  “You’re going to kill us, aren’t you?” his eyes rolled wide with fear.

  “No, you will be ok. Don’t worry, you keep up your end of the bargain and you will be alive, plus you will be leaving camp several days early to get back to the campaign. When we take you back to your car, go and purchase a burner phone and call me with the number. I’ve put the paper with my number in your coat pocket. If I don’t answer, leave the burner number and I will call you back,” said Sara.

  Sara further explained to Petloki his new role in order to stay alive. He needed to find out the European killer’s target. Lastly, he was told if he helped, he would be given protection, a new identity and another one for his ex-wife. If he failed, he would die an agonizing death. The choice was his.

  39

  Washington, DC

  2016

  Suddenly, his eyes opened and Steven Petloki stared out from inside his Mercedes. Had it been a dream? he thought. The pain in his thigh reminded him the nightmare was real and he was in big trouble. He started the car and left, driving toward his house. Once there, he needed to clean up and tend to his leg. That son-of-a-bitch Jason Branch had caused his problems but whatever it took, Steven Petloki planned to survive. He would do what his tormentors required and to hell with Branch and Igor Propov.

  Petloki pulled into his garage in an upscale section of Washington. The home was spacious, especially for one person. He had plenty of women friends but no time for them for Steven was driven, power was his mistress. Now it all was slipping away. His vision of becoming Washington’s most powerful political broker was but a wisp of smoke caught in the ever-changing wind. Harvard buddies and backroom deals ran through his mind, all blending together as if in a time warp spinning out of control. Steven was beyond panic and had to calm himself.

  A dangerous plan formed in his mind. He was a survivor and if he played his cards carefully, he might put enough distance between himself and Jason Branch. He planned to start on that process tomorrow but now he needed sleep.

  Steven awoke from a fitful sleep, his leg aching and his body sore. He showered and looked at his leg, which looked red and swollen. Fortunately, he had a doctor friend that would tend to his wound without the need to check in a hospital. He finished dressing and called his friend, indicating he was on his way.

  Steven approached his car with trepidation. What if they planted a bomb? No stupid, they need you. Get a hold of yourself, he thought. He walked around the car and opened the trunk. There, as promised, was a small GPS tracker. He took it and entered the car. He found his briefcase and Glock 19 still loaded under the seat.

  After receiving treatment, he stopped at a drug store, purchased a burner phone, and filled his antibiotic and pain prescriptions. He drove to his office just like any other day and started answering e-mails and returning phone calls. But for Steven Petloki this day was the beginning of new alliances and burning of old bridges.

  He left the office for a late lunch and used his satellite phone to call Pedro Cruz.

  “Hello Pedro, we need a new business plan or the same people that attacked you will put us permanently out of business,” he said.

  “Pendejo, it is you which has caused the problem. I should kill you myself.”

  “Oh Pedro, get your head out of your ass and start thinking. Our problem is with Jason Branch. His desire for the presidency is drawing too much heat. We must prepare to separate from him and the Russians. Can you get product from Columbia until I can get Afghanistan back online?”

  “I will let you know, but the cost will be much higher,” said Cruz.

  “Yeah, but it will only be for six months at most,” replied Petloki.

  _____

  Petloki worked with a Canadian map to detail the location of the fish camp. This year the location had changed to a lodge located in the same general area they liked to fish. The lodge was big enough to accommodate up to thirty guests at a time. The owners of the lodge lived in an adjacent log cabin some three hundred yards away. Guests could party, play cards and make noise while the owners slept. Guides were provided daily and fresh fish cooked as well.

  Petloki placed the map and information in his car trunk as directed. The next day he received confirmation on his burner phone.

  Petloki next went to the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda where he and Jason Branch regularly played golf. He entered the locker area and opened Branch’s locker. Inside he found some items for DNA testing. He left without speaking to another person. He made a call on the burner advising the items were his car. The only thing remaining was to make his usual lunch meeting next week with Branch to give him an update.

  40

  New York City, New York

  2016

  Stryker flew to New York to meet Rachel and Sara, who had both returned to the condo from the Petloki outing. Upon arrival, Stryker hailed a cab even through his car was in the hangar. The guy in Stryker’s house had him spooked, which was unlike Stryker. A killer was still out there and Stryker had no idea if he knew about his condo in New York. As the cab rolled toward the City, Stryker had the driver stop near a subway entrance. He entered the subway and bought a ticket going back to the airport. He departed several exits early and headed back the way he had come. Once in the city and near the park, Stryker popped above ground and started walking away from his condo. He passed the Tavern on the Green and walked several blocks before doubling back on 67th street. Seeing no tails, he went into the Tavern and took a table outside but not in the beer garden. Now he waited and watched to meet Rachel.

  Right on schedule she appeared looking her elegant self. She bent down and gave him a peck on the cheek before sitting in her chair.

  “I see you are having a beer. I think I want a gin and tonic on the rocks with a twist of lime,” she said.

  “Sounds good, if I like yours I might try one,” he responded.

  The waiter came and took Rachel’s drink order plus a sampler tray of various finger foods. Suddenly, a gust of wind caught her napkin and she reached down as the umbrella snapped and folded onto the table. Stryker pushed her to the floor and they both crawled as bullets zinged around them. As fast as it happened, everything stopped. People at other tables merely thought a wind gust had toppled the umbrella. Stryker and Rachel knew better and moved behind a short stone wall. Stryker was on the phone immediately to Sara at the condo telling her what had happened. Sara was a trained operator and figured Rachel had been followed from the condo. She called her New York team for an immediate extraction. She asked for Stryker and Rachel’s location and told them to stay in place. The Israeli’s kept agents in New York for just such emergencies along with several safe houses.

  While they waited, Stryker called Herb and Sparks to give them details. He finished his call just as the NYPD arrived. The police took statements and checked identification but found no witnesses other than two waiters who had seen the umbrella collapse. They were wrapping up when three short men in business suits arrived along with Sara. Following standard protocol, they immediately left, taking Rachel with them. Stryker knew she would call him once she was safe.

  Stryker looked around, then went inside and found a table near the back and away from the windows. Once seated, he ordered a beer while he waited for Sparks to meet him coming from DC. Several hours later Sparks joined him.

  “Another exciting adventure in the life of Jake Stryker,” said Sparks.

  “Yeah, something like that. Several inches and we would have been another one of Riley’s cases. Hopefully, you have some good news?” replied Stryker.

  “Well, I have news, ho
wever good or bad I’m not sure. First, I obtained clearance to demo and sell the boat. I got a list of things needing to be fixed from a local guy in Fort Lauderdale that does boat inspections and appraisals. There were no major surprises, the boat is clean and logs are up to date. Morgan wants you to call him, he has information and Herb has Orson planning the Canada trip,” finished Sparks.

  Stryker spoke with Morgan who reported the ‘demon’ had returned to South America. Evidently, he had been wounded at the farmhouse in Arkansas and wanted nothing else to do with Stryker. The more recent break-in at Stryker’s house was the European shooter, who was probably responsible for tonight’s attempt. Dirk had surfed the dark net but found nothing, which meant the contract killer had worked for the client previously. He agreed with Stryker they had been lucky and wanted to see the shooting location, but Jake and Sparks needed to come back to Washington DC tonight for a meeting at Alpha in the morning. They could return to New York after the meeting. Stryker called to check on Rachel.

  “Hey Rach, how are you doing?” asked Stryker.

  “I’m fine. Are you back at the condo?”

  “No, Sparks and I are headed back to Washington for a meeting in the morning. Sparks is with me now at the Tavern but it’s too dark to see anything. Tomorrow, after our meeting, Morgan and Sparks are flying back with me to meet at the Tavern during daylight. Until we know more, you need to stay safe. From what we saw in the dark, the bullet may have been meant for you. Don’t even ask why because I need to see things tomorrow. We can speculate later but you be thinking about who and why. I love you and will call you when we know more,” said Stryker.

  He didn’t tell her his fear was a mole in Israeli intelligence. How many people knew she might replace Daniel?

  41

  Washington, DC

  2016

  Stryker and Sparks arrived at Alpha’s main offices at 9:00 am. They briefed Herb quickly about New York before the meeting with Orson. The meeting with Orson was to outline the Canadian operation from different perspectives.