The Collectors Book Six: Black Gold (The Collectors Series 6)

by Sewell, Ron

  Robert beamed a smile that would have melted ice. “Can’t do that but I know a woman who can. Come with me.”

  On leaving the office they walked along a narrow corridor and into a room that buzzed with activity. Four women in their twenties wearing headphones and microphones sat behind computer screens. No telephone rang but each call without any human intervention joined the shortest queue and flashed until answered on a screen.

  Robert strolled to one of the operators. “Ruby, can you check a pick-up at the airport? Here’s the date, time and reg.”

  Her fingers dashed across the keyboard and in seconds she turned to her boss. “Ready?”

  “Yes. Every one of our cabs has twenty-four hour surveillance cameras as security against the driver being robbed or the fare complaining. You’ll be able to see who used our taxi.”

  Henry laughed at the picture of a woman wearing the Muslim Hijab. “Where was she dropped off?”

  Ruby chuckled as Robert peered over her shoulder. “Fort Knox or its comparable in Cape Town. To be precise, Golden Palms, private armed guards and one of the most secure gated communities in the country. The owners sleep easy in their beds.”

  “They should be so lucky,” said Robert. “Sorry we couldn’t help.”

  “Thanks for trying.” He nodded, went back to his waiting taxi and got in. “Golden Palms please, Darren.”

  “That’s a bit up-market. Who lives there?”

  “Someone I need to talk to.”

  “I can drive you to the main entrance but unless the guard at the gatehouse has a note of your visit from a resident he will not let you in.”

  “Will money work?”

  “Not a hope in hell. Never been through the gates but I’m told there’re bars on every window and state-of-the-art alarms with beams connected to ADT. The estate is enclosed by stone walls and on top a razor-wire electrified fence. Armed guards patrol twenty-four hours a day.”

  “I’ve known less security in prisons.”

  “Rich people feel safe inside their cages.”

  “Take me anyway. I might have to buy a house.”

  “Are you that loaded?”

  “No, but don’t tell anyone. Drop me off near the Golden Palms; I’m going for a walk. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”

  @@@

  In the officers’ mess on Leviathan, Petros and Bear sat and drank their second cup of coffee of the morning.

  “Cabins okay?” asked Andy as he sat next to them.

  “Great mattress, slept like a log,” said Bear.

  “Not quite up to five stars, but when needs must,” said Petros.

  “They’re junior officers’ cabins. When I first started I shared a cabin with three others. No en-suite in those days.”

  The steward hovered at Andy’s side. “Excuse me, sir. Mr Ford’s secretary telephoned and asked for you to visit the office straight away.”

  “No rest for the wicked.” He took a gulp of his coffee, grabbed his cap and left.

  “Anymore of those sausages left?” asked Bear.

  The steward smiled. “I’ll have a word with the chef. I’m sure he’ll fry a few more if I tell him they’re for you. I think he likes you.”

  Bear raised his mug. “Cheers.”

  Petros placed his cup on the table. “Bear, what’s your programme for today?”

  He shrugged. “Since we’re confined to the ship, not a lot. A few circuits of the deck should be enough. What about you?”

  “Like you, not a lot. They should finish installing the cameras sometime today. I want to test them at night with the deck lights off. Tomorrow we undock and test the water cannon and then we’re finished. Time to go home.”

  The steward positioned a plate with four cooked sausages in front of Bear. “The chef has cooked a dozen more and says you can have them cold later in fresh baked rolls.”

  “Wonderful,” said Bear as he covered them with brown sauce.

  Petros smiled to himself, finished his coffee and left Bear chatting to the steward.

  On the bridge an electrician tidied the camera cabling before securing the cover plates to the consul. Each screen gave a good clear picture of the main deck.

  “Are they operational?” asked Petros.

  The man stopped fastening the cable ties. “Working as designed but don’t change them to night mode. Brilliant sunshine buggers the system. I’ll fit a cover over the switch when I’ve finished.”

  Petros studied the screens and operated the zoom feature along with the left or right movement. Port and starboard sides, the stern and bow were covered. Last of all he played with the main mast camera, rotating it a full three- sixty degrees.

  “Job done.”

  The electrician looked up. “With a bit of luck they’ll want the other vessels fitted.”

  “Guaranteed.”

  “Ah, found you,” said Andy. “Bear said you might be up here. Some bad news. Stanley Ford is dead. A cleaner went to make the bed and found him. Why he was in the company’s penthouse suite and not at home no one seems to know.”

  Petros smiled. “Thank goodness his wife will never admit it.”

  “Ridiculous, you don’t mean…”

  “Why not, he’s not the first man to have a mistress. Nell Gwyn was the long term lover of King Charles. Madame de Pompadour kept King Louis’ bed warm. If you have the money it’s not difficult.”

  Andy shook his head. “His wife will still shed tears at his graveside.”

  “I’m sure she will but I bet a pound to a penny she knew he was having it off.”

  Andy chuckled. “My wife would kill me if I touched another woman and my mother-in-law would make sure I was dead.”

  A half smile played around Petros’ lips. “Takes all sorts. When’s your captain arriving?”

  “Tomorrow, before they flood the dock.”

  Petros realigned the cameras and switched the system off. “I’ll give you and your team instructions on these, the water cannon and the new electronic door locks tomorrow when you’re free. Your three security guards are, thanks to my partner in crime, one hundred percent motivated. It seems the heavy artillery I wanted is not going to arrive but I’m sure you’ll cope.”

  Andy shrugged. “Between you and me, my captain intends to be well away from the shore. The Goliath was unlucky.”

  Petros rolled his eyes. “Unlucky, my arse.”

  Andy’s eyes narrowed. “I’m listening. What do you know, I don’t?”

  “You were targeted. Somehow they knew where you were and waited. You can’t for a moment believe they had two tankers cruising the Indian ocean just in case. The operation to take over Goliath was well planned and executed to perfection. Your captain was killed for one reason, to scare the shit out of everyone else.”

  The blood drained from Andy’s face. “You’ve watched too many films.”

  “The truth’s a bummer but someone knew your route and location on a particular time and date. And I’d place money they homed in on your AIS (Automatic Identification System) which is always operational. You need a laptop and a satellite link.”

  Andy moved to the huge bridge window and gazed at the buildings surrounding the dock and then into the distance. His mind wandered to the overpowering of Goliath. He clasped the guardrail to stop his hands shaking. “Petros, what would you do in my position?”

  “These people never play games, they’re well-trained professionals. Vegetius had it right. If you want peace prepare for war. These ships used to be easy targets but not anymore. If I were a pirate I’d look for an easier option but these people want the cargo and the ship. You know as well as I do that’s mega millions. You decide whether you fight or seek another profession. My decision would be to hit these bastards head-on. You must defeat them or others like them will feast on your bones.”

  “I wish it was that simple. My captain will not risk his ship, his life and any of the crew in a battle. We’re seamen not marines. You’re experienced in the art of war. I’
m an American who doesn’t own a gun. If you and Bear were onboard the odds might change. We’re told no resistance and to let the pirates take what they want. I’m still here because of those guidelines.”

  “And you’re scared it might happen again. Next time they might just decide to take you out.”

  A pained expression crossed Andy’s face. “I want to see my wife and kids again. Is there anything wrong with that?”

  “No there’s not, and I’d feel the same way but the risk exists and will not go away.”

  Andy was silent for a long while. “I made Chief Officer which gives me a certain lifestyle. If I give this up everything changes. If you and Bear stay I’ll have a word with the captain.”

  Petros gave Andy a sharp look. “I never said I’d stay and I have to discuss this with Bear.”

  “You do what you have to do. Let me know your decision.”

  @@@

  Henry strolled along the boundary wall surrounding the Golden Palms until dusk. The security cameras were located in positions for anyone to see from the perimeter. Trees of varying types ensured they could not be seen by the owners. The razor-wire topping the wall appeared haphazard in its installation.

  He wandered into MacDonald’s, ordered a Big Mac and a cup of coffee. Whichever way he thought about gaining entry into the estate it was a no-go. With four entrances he could never cover them.

  Thirty minutes later he stood facing a uniformed security guard at one of the entrances to the Golden Palms.

  The guard nodded but stayed inside his reinforced brick-built booth. Henry noted the glass was branded bullet resistant. Whether it was or was not didn’t matter. The single steel-plated door made it impregnable. “Excuse me, I’m told this estate is as safe as Fort Knox”

  Through the intercom a metallic voice said, “Please move on, sir, or I will be forced to contact the police.”

  “You must be joking. I’m thinking of buying one of these places and I’m enquiring into the security.”

  The guard looked at him, eyes narrowed, expression humourless. “Sir, if you were buying, someone from the management agency would have escorted you and informed the security company of your date and time of arrival. You can be assured your visit is being recorded by our cameras. You appear a decent type of guy so on your way.”

  Henry calculated his options. “If there’s a shooting, how long does it take the police to arrive?”

  From nowhere came a terrifying growl. The full weight of an Alsatian struck him from behind. He staggered and fell to the pavement. The dog barred its teeth close to his face and drooled.

  “Sit,” said another guard in a soft voice. The dog obeyed and nuzzled its nose into the guard’s hand. “Sir, you were requested to leave. You may stand.”

  Henry, shaky and unsure, rose to his feet. “Okay. I get the message. Can you ring for a cab and I’ll be on my way.”

  The security guard lifted his telephone and pressed the buttons. “Ten minutes and you wait by the kerb.”

  The clock was ticking and time was at a premium. Henry lifted his head and stared at the building on the other side of the road and read the sign, Dangerous building. Keep out. For a moment he considered continuous surveillance of this entrance but realised the odds were against him. The taxi arrived and he returned to his complex, had a shower and fell into bed.

  @@@

  The moon had long dropped behind the horizon as the Humvee with its lights out approached the disused airstrip. Amadou peered into the dark. Where were ZZ and the aircraft?

  “Hassim, flash your lights once.”

  “You must be mad. If I do and the wrong people see us we might as well shoot ourselves.”

  Amadou covered his eyes to protect his night vision. “Just do it.”

  The twin beams lit up the night.

  “Did you see them?”

  “No.”

  Amadou grabbed his AK, clambered on top of the vehicle and checked the vicinity. “They have to be here.” He jumped to the ground and walked in a circle, his eyes attempting to penetrate the night.

  “One more step and you’re dead.”

  “ZZ, what the hell?”

  “Your lights will have been seen by IS. They’re everywhere.”

  “Where’s the plane?”

  “Well hidden but ready to go. I had to tie the pilot to its wheels while we waited.”

  Amadou chuckled. “I’ve promised him a cart load of money to fly us out of here.”

  “He’s scared IS will find us.”

  “We met a few of them way back. I doubt if they’ll be bothering us again. The plane, where is it?”

  “Grab what you can carry and follow me.”

  They returned to the Humvee.

  “Durrah, ZZ found us. Toss out our bags and we’ll be on our way. Hassim, it might be safer to come with us. I’m told IS nutters are everywhere.”

  Hassim helped Durrah and when she was on firm ground leaned out of the turret. “I’ve enough fuel to reach Bur Sudan and with luck I can sell this beast and hire a boat to Jeddah. I have an uncle who has a house outside the town.”

  “I ask you again. Come with us.”

  Hassim thumped the armour plating. “Like me, bullet proof. I’ll see you somewhere in this stupid world.” He waved and then slammed and locked the hatch shut.

  The Humvee’s engine turned, fired and rumbled into life. In a cloud of sand it raced into the dark.

  ZZ lifted two cases while Amadou carried the others. “We walk two kilometres. Then we’re out of here.” He led the way with Amadou bringing up the rear. It took an hour to walk back to where the plane was hidden.

  ZZ pointed. “Well camouflaged.”

  “I must admit I see it because you’ve shown me where.”

  “I take the netting from the army in Waddan. They are stupid, no guards.” He stopped and whistled.

  From what appeared to be a ridge of sand, Scarlet, wearing army desert uniform, emerged, an AK47 in her hand.

  She rushed to ZZ and kissed him. “I’ve heard a lot of heavy vehicles starting and stopping. Something’s going on.”

  “Don’t worry. We’re out of here.”

  With a knife in his hand, ZZ dived under the netting. In moments the pilot, rubbing his wrists, staggered out. “My wife, where is she?”

  “Fast asleep in the back seat, with my son.” said Scarlet.

  ZZ shouted at the man. “Don’t stand scratching your arse. Get this net and tarpaulin removed.”

  The three men heaved and dragged the net and cover behind the Cessna 208B.

  Amadou stood back. “Do Fed-Ex know this is missing?”

  “I’m sure they do by now but they can have it back when we’re finished,” said ZZ. “This aircraft’s fitted with sand tyres and long range fuel tanks.”

  “So long as it flies I don’t care.”

  “We need to form a line and check the ground for rocks,” said the pilot. “If we damage a wheel we’re stranded.”

  The two women and three men stood in a line in front of the aircraft and at a slow pace shuffled forward. They found nothing, returned and sat in the cargo section.

  ZZ prodded the pilot in the back. “Time to go.”

  The pilot turned his head. “I take off in another twenty minutes when I can see where I’m going.” He clambered out of the cockpit and began checking flaps, undercarriage and other externals. Shivering, he climbed on board.

  Everyone rested, wrapped in blankets against the cold.

  The moment a hint of colour lit the morning sky ZZ jabbed his pistol into the pilot’s side. “Go.”

  With the internal pre-flight checks once again completed, the pilot started one engine and then the other, destroying the silence. He turned the craft into the wind, applied the brakes and wound the engines up to full power.

  In the back Scarlet covered her son’s ears as the roar of the engines became deafening.

  The pilot gave the gauges a quick glance and released the break. At full power t
he craft travelled across the dry, hard-packed sand. With its nose pointing at the rising sun it soared into the air.

  “Bur Sudan,” shouted Amadou.

  The pilot raised his hand, acknowledging the order. He knew Amadou would be watching the compass heading. He flew low to keep under the radar but feared some trigger-happy IS band, if they spotted him, might for fun use him as a target.

  With little to be seen and the steady drone of the engines, everyone but the pilot and Amadou slept.

  “I see a vehicle,” said the pilot.

  Amadou peered out of the window. Below Hassim and his Humvee were making good time towards the Sudan border. “I hope I’m wrong but I’m sure I saw something.”

  The pilot turned in the general direction, completed a circuit and resumed course.

  Below, five trucks, three packed with armed men and two fitted with light machine guns, followed the dust cloud of the Humvee.

  Amadou checked the aircraft’s radio, turned it to transmit and selected a channel. “Hassim, this is Amadou. Over.”

  He tried four channels before he received an answer. “I’ve an IS mob chasing me. Can I change my mind and join you.”

  Amadou turned to the pilot who executed the lowest of passes near to the Humvee. He shook his head. “Large rocks and the ground’s a mess. Good chance we wouldn’t stay in one piece.”