Hung Out to Dry

by Hadford Howell

  “Wharton. Big news! Cancel your trip to Vincie country. Your boy was captured early this morning by Vincie police. He’s being brought back to Barbados later today. Don’t yet know how or at what time.”

  “Really! You sure? When do the LIAT flights usually arrive from St Vincent?”

  “Not certain…late afternoon and early evening. I can check for you.”

  “No worries. I can check that for myself up here. I’ll not go to St Vincent now.”

  “Would make no sense man. Got to go. Be jolly now.” Wharton hung up.

  ***

  Castille looked at his phone. He shook his head. How might he (or someone he paid) get up to Power before he was returned to his jail cell? Realistically, he felt there would be no chance of doing that. Getting back The Organisation’s outstanding money from Power was also now unlikely on this trip.

  Castille reasoned that The Organisation’s best option for recovering its debt from Power would have to be long-term. It would require awaiting Power’s eventual release from prison, with him being charged interest of course. The other option available to The Organisation of harming Power while in HMP Dodds was there, but Castille did not believe that could easily be pursued. That way The Organisation would gain satisfaction, but no return on its investment in Power. After all, that’s why The Organisation exists.

  Castille made a decision to confirm his flight home to Miami that afternoon. Even if he received word from Wharton about Power’s arrival in Barbados on one of the two afternoon LIAT flights, Castille knew Power would be transported back to the prison facility with a lot of security around him.

  There was now one major task Castille had to complete before he attempted to clear airport security ahead of his departure from Barbados that afternoon. He knew how he would accomplish this, having done so two years earlier in a South American country. He needed to do some ‘shopping’ around in order to make disposal of pieces of the item he had to get rid of look natural.

  He would face the repercussions of his failed Barbados intervention once back in the USA.

  ***

  It was 9:45 a.m. when simultaneous swoops were made by three armed RBPF officer and BDF soldier teams, resulting in the capture of Demario ‘Spend Big’ Wharton, Norbert ‘Nobby’ Kirton and Keith Lee, at their known and main places of work, SBB&G, Kirton’s home, and the Bridgetown mall respectively.

  The swoop had been so clean and successful that Wharton did not have the chance to consult the Bible he kept at SBB&G. Had he gotten the opportunity, the outcome might have been different, for in that Bible was a pistol with which he would have stoutly resisted capture with. As a result, there was no blood-shed on this day, at least up until this point.

  They were each taken to RBPF HQ in central Bridgetown. Once there, they were processed and charged with the legal terminology for four crimes: (a) aiding and abetting a lawful prisoner, Jasper Power (a.k.a. Stabs) with escaping legal custody from Barbados’ law enforcement authorities; (b) owning an unlicensed firearm; (c) discharging a firearm without an appropriate licence; (d) wounding police and prison officers with intent to harm and maim.

  They all wondered if none of the four of them had said or done anything to give themselves away on the roles they played in helping Power escape, how the hell did the RBPF get onto them?

  Wharton, believing himself to be the brightest member of the Pressure Group gang, was thinking (wrongly) that it must have been Castille who had sold them out. Despite all that I’ve done for him! In his unwillingness to accept any other possibility, he decided to tell all that he knew about the US visitor.

  Wharton had forgotten that Castille had only met him. Furthermore, he had not told or even intimated the names or descriptions of the other members of the Pressure Group gang to Castille.

  ***

  Alone in his office, Ambassador Rowley attempted to recover his diplomatic composure.

  How dare those two men come into my Embassy, my office and make demands of me – no, of the United States of America, he thought as he dropped down into his huge executive chair behind what was an oversized desk. To top it off, they even had the temerity to come with a letter signed by Barbados’ Head of Government (one of the seven Eastern Caribbean countries to which he is accredited) and where he has resided for over two years.

  Of course, Colonel Burke’s understanding of the US’s drone capability was correct.

  A month earlier, Rowley had been advised by the US Ministry of Defence of a US ship’s visit to Barbados for three days of R & R. He had received a ‘soft’ briefing from the State Department which mentioned in part that the ship would be carrying ‘drone equipment with varying capabilities’. He was not sure what that fully entailed, but as the availability of such equipment on US ships was generally not revealed and anyway was not-ever going to be used in Barbados during the ship’s short visit, he had not borne the notification any serious mind. His curiosity had however been peeked a week later when he had seen a film, Eye In The Sky on a US cable channel which featured US personnel using military drones to eliminate proven British and US terrorists somewhere in Africa. Collateral damage had been a concern throughout the film. If what transpired then was anything near to being correct, then military personnel, including those based in far-flung locations around the world, could be in the so-called ‘kill chain’ and so play roles in operating such drones. Wow!

  Ambassador Rowley understood clearly that while the Barbadians did not want to use a US drone to eliminate anyone, there could be serious political ramifications nonetheless if such an operation was sanctioned, went wrong or God forbid ever became public knowledge. Rowley’s fear, as a long-standing US Ambassador, had always been to avoid any major international incident occurring during his watch.

  “It’s time I found out what’s involved here. I’ll talk with both Major Rice and the ship’s captain. I’ll also speak with the State Department, no matter what Rice and the captain say, for assurance on how to respond to Prime Minister Motby’s letter. If not satisfied, I’ll go as high as our new Acting US Assistant Secretary of State for the hemisphere,” said Rowley nervously speaking to himself.

  That longstanding, popular Barbadian saying about talking to oneself sprung to mind – was his thinking ‘a sign of brilliance or sheer madness’? Rowley knew he was neither brilliant nor mad! Reasonable, yes.

  He picked up his internal phone to speak with Major Ashford Rice, his Defence Advisor just as his secretary Mona Fisher walked into his spacious office. Rowley halted his attempt to call Rice.

  “You wanted to see me, sir?” she asked.

  “Ah yes Mona. Please dig out the cell numbers for the captain of our ship that’s in port. I also need the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for our Hemisphere at State’s number – he’s new,” he said.

  “What’s his name, Ambassador?” Fisher asked.

  “Sorry Mona, I can’t recall. He’s only been there a couple of days. I’d never heard of him until the President announced his name to the media and nation in the White House Briefing Room a week ago. I know that he’s not the permanent appointee for the position, as it will take some time for the Senate to vet and approve the eventual permanent nominee once he or she is identified.”

  “I’m on it. Captain of the ship’s cell number coming up,” said Fisher, quickly heading back to her office.

  Ambassador Rowley then called Major Rice. They agreed on three things. The Barbados Government’s written request was unusual. Washington DC (their State Department superiors) had to be consulted urgently about the request before any – even a verbal response, could be given to the Barbadians. The ship’s captain was unlikely to agree to any such action without direct US Department of Defence approval.

  Two minutes later, having received the captain’s cell number from Fisher, she went about finding both an office and a cell number for the Acting US Secretary of State for the Hemisphere.

  ***

  After a fifteen-minute wait, Colonel Burke
and Jeremie, accompanied by Busbee, were invited back into Ambassador Rowley’s office by Mona Fisher who quickly left once they were all seated.

  Rowley’s cool composure had returned.

  "Ah gentlemen. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. I’ve duly consulted with my superiors as you’d requested me to do.

  “Unfortunately, they have indicated an unwillingness to accede to your Government’s request. Our Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Hemisphere will formally respond shortly in writing on my Government’s behalf to your Prime Minister’s correspondence. I expect this to be here no later than 4:00 p.m. today. However, I can confirm one thing, that my Government and its agencies are aware of the Greater Americas’ Corporation, The Organisation as you’ve referred to them. Its gradual uptick in activities back home and across Central and South America have been noticed and are of concern to us, but we have no evidence of The Organisation having undertaken any major business activity in a Caribbean country,” stated Rowley smoothly.

  Colonel Burke and Jeremie glanced at each other before returning their full attention to Rowley who continued his monologue.

  “With regard to The Organisation’s employees, if you have evidence that any one of them while visiting Barbados may have committed a crime or crimes, then of course you are free to prosecute them for any such offences through your law courts. Citizens of the United States of America – the person you have mentioned by name and the as yet un-named person that you say is implicated in having done wrong, are entitled to Embassy’s counsel. We will of course be duty-bound to pay attention to any potential action or processes that may be taken by Barbados against our citizens. We hope such persons would not be restrained from being speedily returned to the USA once they wish to do so,” he concluded.

  “Mr Ambassador, thank you for your courtesy, valuable time and for making the requested enquiry. We look forward to seeing what your Government’s formal written response is to the Prime Minister’s correspondence. We also respectfully advise that it remains our duty to continually enforce the Laws of Barbados against whoever may break them. Diplomats like yourself are different from the persons we are seeking to deal with. Our thanks also to you, Miss Busbee for keeping us company,” said Colonel Burke.

  “I’m sorry I could not be more positive and was unable to facilitate a happier outcome to our meeting today, gentlemen,” said Rowley.

  It was Jeremie’s turn to speak up. “We are too, Mr Ambassador. Good morning to you both.”

  With that, the four persons in Ambassador Rowley’s office rose and shook hands before the two Barbadian officials started to leave the room, leaving the two US diplomats alone. Colonel Burke and Jeremie were met at the door by Mona Fisher who escorted them back to the Embassy’s main reception area where a security guard took them to Colonel Burke’s vehicle.

  The contentious fifty-minute meeting was over.

  No winners. Despite that feeling, Colonel Burke and Jeremie felt they held the upper hand. Capture the two members of The Organisation today, and this meeting will have been worth it.

  ***

  Back in Rowley’s office, there was an uncomfortable silence.

  “Do you think this will damage our relationship with Barbados, sir?” asked Busbee.

  “Quite possible, my dear. To repair the damage, I might need you to talk to some people back home, wearing your other hat, of course, to get us out of this jam. The Organisation needs to be brought to heel, you know what I mean?” he said, looking directly at Busbee.

  “I think I understand you, sir. I’ll start discussions about making the appropriate arrangements,” Busbee responded, rising to leave Rowley’s office.

  “That would be appreciated. Thank you.”

  After Busbee had left, Rowley pondered the action he presumed she would now initiate. No matter what the Barbadians had or subsequently did, the US-end of the growing monster known as The Organisation needed to be resolved. Busbee knew who to call. The Organisation would soon be no longer powerful. It should soon be something of the past, more-so than being of the present or heaven forbid, of the future.

  ***

  At 9:57 a.m., Dr Rollerick Edwards strolled into CBOB’s Boardroom for his 10:00 a.m. media conference. He was accompanied by Claire Parnell, Head of the Research Department who worked closely with Dr Albert Lewis. She was there because he was not.

  Their task this morning was to formally discuss CBOB’s just released First Quarter economic report. Dr Edwards’ video presentation on the quarter’s results had been recorded on Friday afternoon and uploaded at midnight last night to enable the media and public alike to review ahead of this morning’s conference.

  Once the CBOB’s PR officer had introduced the Governor and Parnell, Dr Edwards explained that he would show his ten-minute video presentation first before making a further short statement to be followed by a Q and A session. Hard copies of the First Quarter economic report had been placed on each chair in the Board Room. Dr Edwards and Claire Parnell did not expect today’s event to last for more than the usual forty-five minutes. But, before entering the Board room, they recognised that, due to the Deputy Governor’s recent absence from work, there might be some questions about him, perhaps even more than there would be on the good figures contained in the First Quarter economic report. Therefore, they had allocated one hour in their respective calendars for this event.

  As the video played, Parnell leaned over and whispered to Dr Edwards. “All’s well, sir?”

  He responded, “Yes, I’m fine Claire, thanks for asking. If there’s something I say which you also want to expand on or clarity, do chime in.”

  “Very well.”

  As it turned out, following Dr Edwards’ short statement, he was able to handle the media’s questions on the economy’s First Quarter performance with aplomb. His calm nature, obvious intellect and professionalism were soothing and polite, even engaging.

  He had also prepared a stock answer to any questions that might have been asked about Dr Lewis. It was simple: “I have nothing further to report on that matter, so I refer you to the Royal Barbados Police Force which is handling it. Chief Superintendent Johnny Vickers, to be precise.” Parnell was not required to speak, and did not do so.

  ***

  The transfer on the Argyle International Airport tarmac from the van onto BDF1 had been done quickly. The increased activity around BDF1 fifteen minutes prior to the van’s arrival could not have been missed by friends or family members who had been brave enough to go up onto the blustery viewing gallery to wave off departing passengers on the two mid-morning LIAT flights that had arrived and would soon take off heading for Trinidad and Barbados respectively.

  Once Sergeant Browne and Chief Inspector Gomez had signed off on their documentation enabling Power to be passed from the custody of RSVGPF to RBPF, Power was secured on BDF1. Now, with the Barbadian security contingent all on board, BDF1’s main exit door was closed following JJ having said a final word of thanks and a fond goodbye to Gomez. BDF1 was then authorised by the airport tower to taxi to the far end of the runway in preparation for its forty-minute return journey back to Barbados with its recaptured prisoner.

  Power’s time in St Vincent was at an end. The look on his face as he sat on BDF1 showed no emotion, but inside of him was seething with resentment at three sets of people: those who had caused the previous night’s accident; caught him; and who now sat with him on this aircraft for the short journey back to Barbados.

  How might I get out of this situation this time around, he was wondering to himself?

  Whatever happened next, Power knew his luck had finally ran out. It was time to face up to what he had done, in reality many times over. He would have to pay a price for those actions. Shame!

  ***

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  HQ Action

  For a variety of reasons, BDF1’s departure from St Vincent with Power on board had been further delayed, resulting in a slightly later departure time t
han what had been planned.

  They eventually departed St Vincent at 10:15 a.m. The forty-minute journey back to Barbados would be swift and direct.

  ***

  Harold Oliver had invited Superintendent Innis to accompany him to the hanger twenty-five minutes earlier. There, Oliver had provided the briefing promised by Colonel Burke to Innis. He was somewhat amazed to see BDF soldiers in the hanger but comprehended the nature of their involvement in this particular exercise. He was grateful for their support.

  Innis called Colonel Burke at BIB HQ to confirm that he was in position and that all was set to receive the returning prisoner at the facility he ran.

  “Very well, Superintendent. I’d like you to accompany the prisoner back to HMP Dodds. I’ll have someone return your vehicle there later today, so please leave its keys with Oliver,” said Colonel Burke.

  “You got it, Colonel Burke.”

  With that, Innis separated his vehicle key from the bunch of personal office and house keys that hung from his belt. He passed his vehicle key to Oliver.

  “He said to give you this. You’ll get someone to drop off my vehicle at Dodds later?”

  “Sure thing, no problem.”

  ***

  The overnight rain had delayed the 10:00 a.m. start to Day 4. If this was the old Kensington Oval, it would have been pretty certain that most, if not all of Day 4 would have been lost.

  Fortunately, as a result of the West Indies having hosted ICC’s Cricket World Cup 2007 (with New Kensington Oval hosting the Final between Australia and Sri Lanka), the entire stadium – ground and stands, had been completely rebuilt. Part of that process had involved a completely new drainage system for the ground. It was this system that enabled play to commence at 10:45 a.m. rather than the scheduled 10:00 a.m. It was time for one team to win a Test Match, or for the other to save it.