Jungle Warriors, Crime Fighters

by Doug Houser

  “Maybe not. But don’t ever think anything would come back to you through us. That would never happen, no matter what. So, what do you say? Will you help me help some people that need and deserve some help?”

  Again, Frank Stone sat back in thought. After a few moments he said, “I’ll get back to you on that after I’ve had a little time to think about it. So, what else are you up to?”

  “I’m trying to hire more people and get the people I already have, trained for the field. The Executive Security business is really hopping, so I can’t use those guys domestically as much as I’d like. We had four or five of them on the Maggie Warner surveillance crews, but if we had another project like that one, they wouldn’t be available. They’ve all gotten new assignments since then.”

  “Anything interesting going on internationally?”

  “We had quite an experience just last week.”

  “Oh, yeah. What happened?”

  “We were providing security for a top scientist who works for a contractor who’s installing a missile defense system near a foreign capital. There had been a significant amount of terrorist activity in that area recently along with a lot of kidnapping for ransom. So, we were using lead and trail vehicles for added protection as we transported this scientist from his hotel to our embassy. The three vehicles were driving along a fairly crowded avenue when a couple of guys opened up on a car ahead of our group with some kind of machine guns. Traffic stopped immediately, so my guy jumped out of the middle vehicle and threw a pineapple grenade at the machine gunners. It was about a sixty-yard toss, so before the first grenade got there, he threw another one. They both landed, in rapid succession, right on target. Apparently, there were machine gun bullets, bits and pieces of machine gunners and machine guns blown all over the place. A car that was parked on the opposite side of the street took off at high speed. So my guy jumped back in his vehicle and they followed the fleeing car.”

  “Wow. That sounds pretty exciting.”

  “I haven’t gotten to the best part. They followed the car for about five miles until it pulled into a parking area along the side of a small office building. Four guys got out and went into the building. So, my guy drops off a couple of the locals from the trail vehicle to keep watch on the building. He then proceeds on to the embassy with our client. The client goes inside for his meeting and my guy recruits some of the off-duty guys at the embassy and away they go, back to the building where the four guys had entered. They position the locals around the building so that all the exits are covered. Then my guy and the three other Americans he’d recruited stormed the place. You know, flash-bangs, the whole drill. With virtually no problem, the four of them captured the perpetrators and six others all sitting around, talking and playing cards. There were weapons everywhere. They duct-taped the hell out of those guys and loaded them into the cars along with their weapons and took them all back to the embassy. I understand that created quite a scene. They took all ten of the suspects down to the brig in the basement and then started questioning them, individually. It didn’t take too long to determine that their target had been the mayor’s son. It turns out that his car was heavily armored and he was unhurt even though the car had been hit by several rounds. The suspects apparently knew that the car had armor, but were trying to send a message that their intelligence network provides them with the knowledge of where key people are at any given time and they could attack whenever they please.”

  “So, I guess your guy became a local hero.”

  “There was some assistant to the assistant ambassador that called me saying, “What if this and what if that and why this and didn’t your guy think of that and doesn’t your guy know that he has no authority to get involved with official business, etc.?” I asked him how long ago the incident happened. He said, “About four hours.” So I told him, “All the what ifs and why this, what about that’s and all the other things you thought of in four hours, my guy thought of in the three seconds it took him to get out of the car and toss a grenade at the bad guys. He concluded that all those concerns were inconsequential and did his job. If you don’t like that answer, have your boss call me.”

  Frank Stone just shook his head. “Never a dull moment with you.”

  KC said, “The good news in all of this is that the mayor wants to hire us to provide security for him and his family. He no longer trusts his own government’s security personnel. Probably for good reason. The state department is working on approval of the deal now. They’re not looking at us. They’re making sure the mayor is someone they want an American company to be working for. The bad news is that by tomorrow, I’m sure the CIA will be trying to hire my guy away from me.”

  Stone ate a few more chips with salsa and then said, “Where did your guy get the grenades? And you mentioned using flash-bangs when you took the building.”

  “That’s one of the things our lead guy does when we prepare to work on an overseas project. Among his other preliminary tasks, he locates and obtains the weaponry we’ll want to have available, just in case. When you come by the office someday, I’ll show you the vest we’ve developed. It’s the best available when it comes to stopping bullets. But what makes it really effective is that we’ve worked with the manufacturer to customize it so that it is multi-functional. Once you’ve got the vest on, you’re also wearing an underarm holster and you’re capable of carrying an assortment of grenades, extra ammo clips, knives and incendiaries. The guys wear a shirt collar and tie with a bib-like shirt. When they open their suit jacket, they have direct access to the weapons the vest holds. Their suit jackets are specially tailored to conceal what’s underneath them. It’s expensive and each man’s outfit is totally customized for him.”

  FlintStone thought for a moment and then said, “You know, it sounds like you’re going to go ahead with this “helping people” project whether or not I’m involved.”

  KC responded, “It might take a little longer to find projects and the information we are given might not be as reliable if it doesn’t come from you, but I see an opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives that I think we should pursue. I know that in the big picture we won’t be able to make a really major impact, but in the lives of individuals like Maggie and her sister, we can make a big difference. I’ve been thinking a lot about this. I think the capabilities we have should be put to use. We have a chance to help people who, for whatever reason, aren’t going to receive the help they deserve. And, by dealing with people like Murphy in appropriate ways, we can prevent them from repeating criminal acts and victimizing more people.”

  Stone replied, “However, the authorities are sworn to uphold and enforce the law. You’re not.”

  “True enough, but that sign at headquarters says everyone should hit back. Not only those with badges, but everyone. You know the police can’t be everywhere they need to be nor do everything they’d like to be doing. There’s a gap in service that we can help fill. That’s the bottom line. Yes, we’re going to do this with or without you. However, you know I wouldn’t be asking for your help if I didn’t feel it was going to be valuable.”

  “How soon are you planning to go live with this project?”

  “Hell, we already did with Maggie’s case. But I’ll admit that Murphy was a relative lightweight. Before we begin dealing with seriously heavy hitters, I want the guys to have some more training. That’s why I hired Nellie. I’m counting on her to provide structure and measurable goals to our training. In addition to that, she’s going to teach them techniques they either don’t know or aren’t sufficiently proficient in executing. I won’t send guys into the field unless they’re safe. That’s one thing I’m adamant about. To answer your question, we’ll tackle our next project when I’m certain the guys are ready.”

  Lieutenant Stone said, “You mentioned hiring more manpower. Are there enough capable guys available?”

  “At this point, I’m not sur
e. One thing I’m experimenting with is trying out people from elite elements of other branches. We’ve got one guy on board who came with a very good recommendation who’s not a former Marine. He’s only two months in, so we’ll see how that goes. Ol’ Top and Peeps weren’t too excited about the idea, but they reluctantly agreed to give it a try. If he makes it, I think opportunities would open up for others. If he doesn’t, I imagine that will make it even harder for anyone else to break in.”

  “Who was this guy with?”

  “I’d rather not say, because if he doesn’t make it, you’ll call me prejudiced.”

  FlintStone laughed and said, “We’re all extremely prejudiced against anybody who’s not a Marine. Some of us more than others.” Then he laughed some more and said, “Me call you prejudiced? That’d be like saying that on a clear day the sun is bright.”

  “Not if your shades are dark enough. Anyway, don’t forget, I was the one that convinced the old salts to give the new guy a chance.”

  “Ok, maybe you’ve mellowed a bit.”

  “Well, not really. I’m just trying to expand our potential labor pool, if possible.”

  “Look, I’ve got to get back to the office. Thanks for lunch. I’ll give this some thought and get back to you, one way or the other.”

  “Fair enough.”

  KC paid the bill, leaving a generous tip for their server. He and FlintStone left the restaurant and headed for the parking lot. Unable to resist a parting shot, KC said, “You know, highly trained and motivated Marines are a special group. When some of that group offers themselves up as public servants, or as enhancements to the available public services, it would be a shame not to take full advantage of their capabilities.”

  With that, KC waved to Flint. “I look forward to your reply.”

  Chapter 18

  While driving back to the office, KC decided that he would begin preparations for going ahead with his plans. If Stone decided to help, that would be good. If not, there were other avenues he could take. KC would let that play itself out while he got his men ready and equipped. Having made that decision, KC felt like a weight had been removed from his shoulders. He’d been pondering how he could best use the assets he had access to in a positive manner and trying to figure out how he could do something that would have a positive impact on people’s lives. Now, he thought that he’d come across the answer he’d been looking for and had taken the first step in implementing a plan, deciding to do it. Beginning something new was always exhilarating and this had the potential to be gratifying and exciting. If things worked out the way he thought they might, there could even be some financial rewards. Not wanting to lose any time, he pushed the “talk” button and told his car to call the office. Top came on the line saying, “What’s up?”

  “I’ll be back in the office in about fifteen minutes. How about you, me and Peeps meet in the conference room at 3pm?”

  “Good enough for me, I’ll tell Peeps.”

  At three o’clock, KC, Ol’ Top and Peeps were seated at the conference table with sodas, pens and paper. KC began, “Guys, that whole deal with Wyatt Murphy really opened my eyes to the fact that we have the capability to do some good in this world. We’ve got the experience, brainpower and manpower required to accomplish some things that local law enforcement can’t do. Not that those guys aren’t capable, it’s just that we can focus on one case at a time and resolve the issues it presents, whereas they’ve got hundreds of cases to deal with. I already told Lieutenant Stone that we would keep our local involvement to an absolute minimum. I’m talking about us getting involved in out of town stuff here. The way I see it, the only thing we haven’t yet established is the motivation necessary to get started and get going. And by that, I mean the three of us. I’m fired up and ready to go. What I need is to know that you two agree with me and are on board.”

  Ol’ Top spoke up first. “Hell, I’ve been ready ever since we started planning to help Maggie.”

  Peeps added, “Me, too. Let’s go!”

  “Good enough. Let’s start by going over our manpower. Before we talk about the potential field guys, how do you guys think Nellie is doing?”

  Peeps said, “I just got done observing one of her training classes. The first thing that’s really obvious is that she has their respect. I’ll admit, I was concerned about that at first, but it doesn’t look like that’s an issue. The second thing is that she’s got these guys totally eager to learn. You can see it in their eyes as they listen to her. The third thing is that they’ve accepted her as one of the guys. They’re calling her Sarge. In short, I think she’s a winner.”

  KC looked at Ol’ Top. “Top, anything you’ve seen?”

  “Not much more really. I hear the guys talking about Sarge this and Sarge that, just like Peeps said. It seems to all be positive though. She’s still evaluating their abilities and levels of fitness, so the real hard training hasn’t started. We’ll see how far she can push them when it does. It may be a bit premature, but my impression from what I’ve heard is that she won’t have to be pushing too much. I think she can lead them to where she wants them to go from in front rather than having to push. Hopefully, I’m right about that. You know, if she was full of shit, the guys would have picked up on it immediately.”

  Peeps then added, “One thing she mentioned to me was wanting us to get a bunch of equipment.”

  KC asked, “Like what?”

  “Padded vests, steel cups like we used in pugil stick fighting, helmets with face masks, foot and heel pads, fingerless padded gloves, that sort of thing. She said that to train properly and learn the techniques effectively, full contact at full force is required and you can’t do that without protection if you don’t want serious casualties.”

  “Ok, Top talk with our vest company and see if they have any recommendations. Other than that, go ahead and give her the money to get whatever she needs. How many sets of this stuff does she want? Peeps?”

  “Don’t know. I’ll find out.”

  “Ok. It sounds like she’s on the right track. Now, regarding the men. Peeps, in your estimation, what would it do to us if we sent eight men out of town for a week or more?”

  “Right now, we couldn’t do it.”

  “You already know my next question.”

  “We could maybe get by if three or four were gone that long. Don’t forget, we have a considerable vacation schedule that we have to constantly cover. Top, what about Executive Security?”

  “Stretched to the limit. I need to get more security techs trained for the field, right now.”

  KC then asked, “How is the new man Johnson doing?”

  Peeps responded, “He’s fine on the security stations. You should ask Sarge about how he’s doing in the gym.”

  KC nodded and picked up the phone. “Nellie, Top and Peeps are with me. I’m going to put you on the speaker and I want you to tell us everything you know about Johnson’s progress.”

  “Hi, guys,” Nellie said. “At this point, I’d say Johnson is a bit intimidated. Since he’s the only outsider, I have no standard by which to judge the normalcy of how that should work, but I’d guess his case would be fairly typical. What has me concerned is that I think he tries to compensate by being a wise-ass. You know, false bravado, that sort of thing. That being said, though, I think the intimidation he feels is justified. He’s had more minor training injuries than anyone else and I think that’s because the guys go a little harder on him. However, he started out behind, so that might be a contributing factor, too.”

  KC said, “He’s got about a month to go before his ninety days. In your opinion, at this point in time, do you think he’s going to make it?”

  “I think that’s totally up to him. He’s a good enough athlete to make it, say, into our bottom twenty five percent. I’d give him a one in three chance, at this point.”

  “Ok, do me a favor. Pull Johnso
n aside and let him know where he stands. Tell him to get serious if he wants to make it here. Don’t sugarcoat it, but tell him you’re here to help as much as possible. I know he’s heard it before, but reiterate to him that his success here is mostly dependent upon his determination to achieve it.”

  “Will do. Anything else?”

  “Nope, that’s it.” KC hung up the phone.

  KC frowned in thought for a moment and then addressed the other two. “We need to go on an all-out hiring blitz. Until we find out how Johnson does, only look at former recon and infantry Marines. Get on the phone with your contacts at the discharge centers. The way I see it, we need at least ten guys, yesterday. What do you guys think?”

  Ol’ Top said, “I’m afraid you’re right. We could use five more field-ready guys in Executive Security right now. We’re right at the point of having to turn down business.”

  “We can’t allow that to happen. That will just invite less capable competition. Peeps, step up the training schedule for the security techs. No training short cuts, just longer hours and more intensity. We need to get five of those guys ready for the field before we lose business. Who’s our best trainer right now for Executive Security?”

  “Langer. He just got hired to protect that mayor.”

  “Who’s next best?”

  “Williamson. He’s with Langer.”

  “Ok, here’s what we’ll do. The mayor wants Langer. He doesn’t need Williamson too. Send someone to replace Williamson and get him back here on the first flight after his replacement arrives there. Peeps, you train the guys, full time, until Williamson gets back. Then, until we’ve got five additional agents ready for the field, you and Williamson double up on the training schedule. I want them training sixteen hours a day, five days a week plus another half day until they’re ready. You guys get together and shuffle the schedules as necessary so that Home and Office Security is covered. And while all this is going on, ensure that no one is missing any of Nellie’s training sessions. Include her in your scheduling meetings. If she has to work fourteen-hour days for a while, then so be it. Top let’s get fifteen new hires in here within thirty days. Let’s use this frantic time to build some depth in our organization. It’s a lot to accomplish in a short period of time, but that’s why we hire the people we do. They’re used to it. Oh, and one more thing on manpower. Top, when your guys aren’t on overseas duty, schedule them through Nellie’s classes. She’s going to be teaching things they don’t know yet and they need to be ready for assignments in our new program. What do you guys think we should call this?”