THE BROTHERHOOD

by Steve Jovanoski

  ‘Is that arrogant prick still around?’ Bill said. ‘Convince him. We have a chance here to uncover their whole operation and how they establish themselves. We can’t just stop at Sam, we have to get to the entire Brotherhood,’ Bill urged.

  She knew he was right. They had to move fast with a major figure like Saeed. ‘That won’t be easy. You’re not exactly on Barry’s favourites list, more like his target-practice list.’

  ‘Yeah, I love him too, but he wouldn’t miss this opportunity, I guarantee it. A coup like this could give him another shot at the director’s chair.’

  ‘How did you get so fired up with all this?’

  Bill grinned. ‘Oh, you know me, queen and country and all that.’

  ‘Hah! We’re not England and you’re not James Bond.’

  ‘There’s a kid out there who risked his life for this stuff, Janelle, whether he knew it at the time or not. He could’ve turned and looked the other way, kept typing on his keyboard, jerking off over cool software and whingeing about his latest smartphone. But he didn’t and he’s lucky we got to him first.’ Bill had another reason and it knew it was a selfish one: here was a chance to be part of something again and make a difference. He was tired of his desultory life and of drinking himself to sleep.

  Bill emptied his glass and the conversation died down, reaching an awkward silence.

  Janelle sighed. ‘I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t promise you anything.’

  ‘Thanks, partner,’ he said, grinning. It was just like the old days where she backed him up and hopped on for the ride.

  Janelle grabbed the printouts and he saw her to the door. He looked at his watch. Shit! It was already midday.

  Chapter 13

  ‘Assalamu alaikum, brother. I’m glad you called. I hope you are well.’

  ‘I’m fine, Sam.’

  ‘That’s good to hear.’

  ‘I want this whole thing over with and I’m ready to make a deal with you,’ Aazim said. It was midday and he’d finally worked up the courage to make the call.

  ‘Straight to the point, hey? You know, I’ve been trying to get in touch with you. What have you been up to all this time? I’ve been looking for you.’

  ‘Yes, I know. I saw what you did to my apartment … and neighbour.’ Aazim was using a public phone outside his motel and maintained a watchful eye in all directions.

  ‘It’s unfortunate it has to come to this,’ Sam said. ‘I dislike resorting to violent measures but my men had no choice. I hope you realise the gravity of the situation, Aazim. Where are you staying?’

  ‘How about we discuss the databases?’

  ‘Please,’ Sam answered, mildly annoyed.

  ‘I want money for it. You get what you want, I’ll disappear and your secret stays safe.’

  ‘And what secret is that?’

  ‘You know what I’m talking about, Sam. Aust Global Fund is being used for money laundering and you don’t want clients with such portfolios to be inconvenienced.’

  ‘This information you claim to have, how do I know you haven’t already passed it on to someone?’

  ‘If I had you’d know by now, wouldn’t you? You have friends in high places. You said so yourself.’

  ‘How much money do you want, Aazim?’ Sam hadn’t flinched and didn’t seem surprised by the sudden demand.

  ‘I want a million dollars cash and I want assurances that you will stay away from my father,’ Aazim said firmly. The line went silent. Aazim feared he’d stuffed things up and anxiety gripped him once again.

  ‘That’s a lot of money, Aazim.’

  ‘You have plenty of it. In fact, I know exactly how much you have.’

  ‘Impressive. I never knew you had it in you. I would even say it’s not like you,’ Sam said, betraying a tone of anger.

  ‘I’m a quick learner.’

  ‘I’ll have to clear it with the partners first.’

  ‘Do what you have to do. I want you there alone and if I see any of those guys you had at the office I’m gone and you can pick up your databases from the police,’ Aazim said, his heart banging loudly in his chest.

  ‘I’ll send someone else to make the exchange. Don’t be afraid, it won’t be my men. He’s just a hired hand for this job.’

  ‘No way. I’m dealing with you or no one.’ Aazim waited for a response. He was afraid Sam would see right through the false bravado but he had leverage and Sam knew it.

  Sam sighed. ‘Okay, Aazim, we’ll do it your way.’

  ‘Tonight at midnight and I want cash in unmarked bills. I’ll call you exactly one hour before twelve and I’ll give you my location.’ Nice touch, he thought to himself.

  ‘I’m looking forward to it. Tell me, brother, what will you do with all that money?’

  ‘You let me worry about that.’ Aazim hung up and fell on the bed, finally taking a breath. He couldn’t believe what he’d just done.

  Things were once again getting under way, but Sam had underestimated Aazim’s ability to remain out of reach and suspected someone else’s involvement. He hastily arranged a meeting with the insider while making his way into the city, choosing the first cafe he could find with a discreet corner table. There was no time for the comfortable ambience he usually sought. His immaculate Armani suit made him stand out among a crowd of casually dressed uni students who seemed too preoccupied with their conversations to take any notice of him. Fashion was one thing Sam loved about the West: he spared no expense when it came to Italian shoes, Bulgari cufflinks and a wardrobe full of top-quality business shirts. He loosened his tie and let out a deep breath, contemplating the situation while waiting for his long black to arrive.

  The problem was under control and the alternative option was still possible. He wondered whether Bill had taken a little too much interest in the job he’d been offered. It seemed he hadn’t hesitated. It wouldn’t matter. The man was disposable and would soon become part of the solution. Sam had neglected to inform The Brotherhood of the actual data Aazim had downloaded. As far as they were concerned it was a matter of business-critical databases, which would themselves have great financial implications if customer information ended up in the wrong hands. Had they known what Aazim really possessed, The Brotherhood for Justice would be shaken to the core. Their entire worldwide funding was at stake and Sam was well aware of the repercussions if his plan didn’t work.

  Sam had told The Brotherhood about Rami’s unfortunate demise and asked them to arrange a new messenger. No questions had been asked about his tragic passing, but The Brotherhood had raised concerns about the ongoing problem of missing employees. Sam assured them it was all under control, and his word was all that was needed as no one doubted the competence of a senior member like him.

  A tall, heavyset figure walked into the cafe: the insider. The man was wearing an ivory trench coat, a porkpie brim hat and a slim black tie over a stained white shirt. He reminded Sam of a stereotypical detective character from a cheap novel; he didn’t think people dressed like that anymore.

  The man slowly made his way towards Sam’s table, surveying the surroundings and looking distastefully at the young crowd. Sam watched as he grabbed a passing waitress by the elbow and ordered a JD on the rocks, threw the hat on the table and sat down on the opposite seat. Money doesn’t buy you class and this man is a perfect example, Sam thought, wondering where all those kickback dollars went. Gambling was one guess: on a number of occasions they’d had meetings at the Flemington Racecourse, where Sam would leave him cursing a losing horse.

  ‘Fuckin’ kids, couldn’t you find somewhere quieter?’ the man growled.

  Sam ignored the remark and got down to business. ‘Aazim finally called and the exchange has been arranged. It’s on tonight at midnight and he wants me to be there alone.’

  ‘It’s about time,’ the insider snorted.

  ‘And it seems he’s been transformed from a scared little boy to a confident dealer, reciting demands as though he had them written down.’
>
  ‘Bill,’ the insider said flatly as the waitress set down his drink.

  ‘Was it wise to involve him?’ Sam asked.

  ‘Don’t worry about him. It’s typical of Bill, snooping around and sticking his nose in where it doesn’t belong.’

  ‘Will he pose a problem? I need solutions, not promises,’ Sam insisted.

  ‘He is the solution,’ the insider said. ‘He’s planned a little stakeout with an old friend of his from ASIO. Aazim’s staying at a motel in the suburbs.’

  ‘You tracked him down?’ Sam was mildly impressed.

  ‘Without lifting a finger.’

  ‘Are you sure it’s a good idea to go through with this? We can take care of both of them right now.’

  ‘No. We wait and do as planned, and make sure you bring that twenty grand.’ The insider leaned back in his chair, pulling his trousers over his bulging gut, a smug look on his face. ‘I heard there was an accident at the mosque. Someone fell and broke his neck. He was one of your guys, wasn’t he?’

  ‘Yes, a very unfortunate accident,’ Sam replied stonily.

  ‘Have you got Aazim’s father yet?’

  ‘No, he’s managed to slip through our fingers. A tracking device was planted in his mobile but the signal was lost once he was on the move. He either discovered it or the phone’s damaged.’

  ‘You guys couldn’t organise a screw in a brothel.’ The insider snorted and skolled the remainder of his drink.

  ‘My men are more than capable of locating one old man. You just focus on your task,’ Sam retorted. If anyone else had thrown such insults at him Sam would have reached over the table and pulled out their tongue. But he maintained his cool and gritted his teeth.

  ‘All right, don’t get all worked up.’

  ‘What should I do about Bill? The plan was to have him deliver the money.’

  ‘He’ll be there. Make sure you cancel your arrangement with him. He’ll expect it.’

  ‘What do you mean he’ll be there?’ Sam was getting annoyed at receiving such vital information in dribbles.

  ‘Relax. Let’s just say Billy’s life is about to change.’ The insider started laughing while Sam observed him with distaste.

  Having ASIO people moving about his room was a surreal experience for Aazim. Bill had introduced him to Janelle, the agent in charge, an attractive woman with the legs of a supermodel. A stakeout operation was being prepared that would hopefully lead to Sam’s arrest once the exchange took place. Janelle had explained the details of the plan. Around him agents carried equipment to the adjoining room and performed checks on miniature microphones and surveillance cameras. The receptionist was given a handful of cash to relocate the occupants next to Aazim’s room and make sure it stayed available. No questions were to be asked and no entries made in the guest book. A miniscule microphone was pinned to Aazim’s shirt collar. A couple of cameras were mounted in various locations of the room, ensuring all possible angles were covered. If it had been any other day he would have taken more interest in the technology behind it.

  Bill rehearsed the plan’s details with Aazim. As soon as the exchange was made the agents would move in for the arrest. He returned the laptop so Aazim could use it to show Sam the databases, instructing Aazim to mention The Brotherhood and gauge Sam’s reaction. As much information as possible had to be divulged if they were to uncover other members. Finally, Bill assured Aazim of his safety, telling him that all entries and exits to the motel were covered, agents were in constant communication and his room was being monitored from the control base next door. The slightest sign of trouble and they would swarm in to his aid.

  Janelle and Bill finalised the plan’s details while the technical agents completed their tests on the surveillance equipment.

  ‘Did you have a hard time convincing Barry to go along with this?’ he asked her.

  ‘It was easier than I thought, actually,’ Janelle said. ‘At first when I mentioned your name he didn’t want to hear about it.’

  ‘Why am I not surprised?’

  ‘He doesn’t like you very much,’ she said sarcastically and smiled. ‘Once I showed him the evidence and ran a thorough check myself he couldn’t dismiss it. He’s taking a personal interest in the whole operation but I’m still in charge of tonight’s bust.’

  ‘It’s his big chance to kiss arse with Canberra politicians,’ Bill sneered.

  ‘You’re lucky he’s willing to let you anywhere near this arrest. I don’t think he’s ever mentioned your name without a profanity associated with it.’

  ‘You’re just saying that to make me feel better. Hey, I’m a civilian now, he can’t touch me,’ Bill said smiling. He relished the thought of making Barry’s blood boil after all this time.

  ‘Okay, what’s our status? How are we looking?’ Bill felt the excitement of a covert operation. It was getting close to midnight and Aazim was about to call Sam.

  ‘We’re all set. I’ve got men stationed around the motel, two in the surveillance unit. We’re in radio communication with all agents and I’ve had over thirty federal cops seal the outside perimeter. No one gets out once he arrives.’

  ‘Good, I’ll see how Aazim’s going.’

  ‘One thing I must ask of you, Bill.’ Janelle stepped in front of him. ‘I need you to remain outside.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Sorry, mate. Barry’s orders. You’re not an active agent so it’s illegal to have you here.’

  ‘That’s bullshit!’ Bill was fuming and knew that Barry just wanted to piss him off.

  ‘You are not supposed to be here, Bill. I’ve already overstepped ASIO protocol as it is.’

  ‘I know ASIO protocol. Bloody hell, I was one of you guys, Janelle!’ That damned protocol. She was one agent who followed it religiously and there was no moving her once she was set on enforcing it.

  ‘We have it under control,’ she assured him. ‘Just wait in your car. Here, put this on.’ Janelle handed him a receiver that was tuned to the same frequency as the other agents so he could follow proceedings.

  He accepted it reluctantly and went to check on Aazim. Janelle had been a great help so far and she was the best asset he had. There was no point arguing, even though he felt it wasn’t right.

  An agent finished fiddling with Aazim’s microphone, packed up the electronic equipment and left the room. Aazim was sitting on the edge of the bed, a bundle of nerves as he contemplated his involvement in something way beyond his grasp.

  ‘How are you holding up, buddy? Ready to kick some ass?’ Grabbing a chair, Bill sat beside him and observed the young man’s state.

  ‘I can’t wait for this to be over with, and honestly, I don’t know if I can go through with it,’ Aazim said, his face pale.

  ‘It’s okay, mate, we won’t let anything happen to you. The whole place is crawling with agents and feds and Sam won’t dare hurt you. As soon as you make the exchange they’ll bust through that door and he’ll be in cuffs within seconds.’ Bill said, trying to ease Aazim’s mood by lifting his confidence. ‘Sam called me earlier and told me my services were no longer required. I guess I won’t be getting another twenty gees after all.’

  ‘Maybe you should take this, I don’t want it anymore.’ Aazim reached into his pocket and handed Bill a small yellow key with a number on it. ‘It’s the motel safe key. You’ll find the flash drive with the original data I downloaded.’

  ‘Thanks, I’ll take care of it.’

  Bill placed a comforting hand on Aazim’s shoulder, feeling sorry for him; the man just wanted to get on with his life. Despite all the planning and precautions, Bill couldn’t really guarantee they would get everything they wanted; experience told him that. Before Aazim could have his life back he had to take a risk.

  ‘You think I’d make a good ASIO agent?’ Aazim asked, attempting to take his mind off his nerves.

  ‘Thinking of signing up?’ Bill grinned.

  ‘I’ve always been curious but I’d rather be one of those guy
s.’ He pointed to the technicians. ‘A lot safer.’

  ‘Those guys are techies like you but with training of course. If you became an ASIO employee you wouldn’t be able to tell anyone, even those closest to you. Before you got the job you’d go through a security check. You’d have to reveal all the addresses you’ve lived at, countries you’ve travelled to, how many girlfriends you’ve had and provide their details, name political factions you’re aligned to and so on. Your friends and relatives would be interviewed to corroborate your answers and then every two years your security clearance would be updated.’

  ‘I think I’ve changed my mind,’ Aazim said.

  Bill laughed. ‘It’s not that bad once you get used to it. Granted it can take you out of your usual social circle but you get exposed to an extraordinary one. Our satellites cover the whole of Asia and parts of Russia, and telecommunication traffic gets intercepted and ranges from terrorist activity to drug deals. We have technicians sifting through this information round the clock and that’s how a lot of major crime’s been uncovered. Did you know there are underground tunnels all over Canberra? Parliament House and the ASIO office are like an ant farm, interconnected underground and leading to other strategic buildings.’ Bill looked at his watch. ‘Ready?’

  Aazim picked up the phone and made the call. ‘Motel Horizon, sixty-five Greenfield Avenue, Greenmeadows, in one hour. I’m in unit nine. Make sure you come alone.’

  ‘As agreed, Aazim,’ Sam replied calmly.

  ‘That’s it, then,’ Aazim said, turning to Bill. There was nothing more to do but wait.

  A crackling sound broke the silence and Janelle’s voice came alive on Bill’s receiver. ‘We’re all set here. Everyone take your positions and stay out of sight until the suspect arrives. Good luck, Aazim, and Bill, please stay in your car until we move in.’