Katie beamed at Charley, “And you and Spirit took him down, right?”
“Easy peasy. Katie. Spirit did the heavy lifting. I merely assisted.”
“She is an amazing dog.”
Spirit woofed and nuzzled under Katie's hand for a few pats.
“Okay, girls, break it up. We better get back to Marathon. Hawk is coming over tonight. We need to find the Mullah before he tries something else.”
MULLAH RETALIATES
MULLAH KAREEF disconnected the call to Hadad and sheathed his knife, and talked to the empty room, “The bitch that Hadad will deliver had better be vicious enough to kill the frogman's dog. She will die trying if she fails. I have no more patience for this. Al-Baghdadi is expecting us to make serious destruction in Florida.”
ISIS was established in 2014, in the weeks after Mosul was captured when Taliban commanders defected and swore allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The renegade commanders were mostly those who had grown dissatisfied with the leadership of Mullah Mohammed Omar, who at that time headed up the Taliban. Kareef was one of those commanders.
He called Ahmed and Fadi into the room, “Before we leave this place, we must check on the delivery of more dirty-bomb material. This nuisance task to eliminate the frogman and his friends is a distraction that will soon end. Our main purpose is to wreak havoc in Florida and make their precious Key West a nuclear wasteland. And that is only the beginning. Where is the material?”
“Allahu Akbar. We spoke to Muhammed this morning. The delivery will be made to Sunshine Key in two days. It will arrive by boat in lead containers.”
“Good. We must eliminate Manner before then. Is the boat ready for the trip?”
“Yes, Mullah Kareef. We have filled the fuel tanks and checked the engines. Tomorrow morning is best, given the heavy swells still coming in from the storm.”
Kareef's eyes gleamed at the thought of creating mayhem and destruction, “We leave before dawn tomorrow.”
~~~
Friday, October 25, 7:00AM...
THE TWO-HUNDRED MILE trip from Nicholls Town to Sunshine Key took more than five hours. The heavy swells and wind slowed the Cigarette fast boat to a thirty-five-knot pace. It was still a very rough ride. It was high noon when Hadad and Zahira waited at the dock as Mullah Kareef motored up to the isolated area at the northwest corner of Sunshine Key. Zahira did not look happy about it. The additional she received from Hadad for the past day had been brutal. He beat her as often as he encouraged her with treats. Not a happy pup.
“Welcome, Mullah Kareef. I hope your passage was less difficult than mine a week ago. The hurricane has gone up the east coast, but the ocean remains very choppy.”
The Mullah scoffed at the disingenuous greeting, “I am not impressed with your weather report and false concern, Hadad. Tie the lines and help Fadi and Ahmed secure the boat.” He looked at Zahira and frowned, “Is this the ferocious Belgian-Malinois you say will defeat the frogman's dog?”
“Yes, Mullah Kareef, we have trained hard, even yesterday while we waited for your arrival. She is ready.”
“You had better be right about that, Hadad.”
Hadad bowed his head, “Inshallah, Mullah Kareef.”
Kareef headed for the back bedroom of the Winnebago and stopped in front of the open sliding door. Hmmm, I remember closing this door before we left. Now it is open. Maybe Hadad left it open. He inspected the bomb-making tools. Everything seemed in order. One more day and we will work on the bombs. After that we exterminate Manner and his dog. Then we will put the bombs where it will make a spectacular event. I know just the place.
~~~
MULLAH KAREEF went to the dock and called his men who were securing the Cigarette fast boat. “Come inside. We need to plan our attack on the Manner family.”
They finished topping off the fuel tanks and secured the lines before joining Kareef.
Kareef sat down at the dinette table and spread a map of the lower Keys. He highlighted Katie's condominium at Harbour Place in Key West as well as Charley's motorhome and boat slip in Marathon Marina. “These are the locations where we will find the infidels. We will start with an early morning visit to the condominium using the boat. There are many temporary slips available nearby. He looked at Hadad, “Can your dog track a scent?”
“Of course, Mullah Kareef. The breed is well-known for its sensitive nose and tracking skill.”
“Good. We have a scarf that Manner's sister left behind when these idiots let the frogman and his dog free her in Nicholls Town.” Fadi and Ahmed looked at the ceiling and remained silent. “We will have your dog lead as we enter the condominium. I do not know which unit it is. The dog must lead us to it.”
“When do we leave, Mullah Kareef? Key West is about forty miles from here.”
“I am aware of that, you idiot. We leave an hour before sunrise.”
~~~
THE CIGARETTE BOAT idled up to an open slip near the Harbour Place condominium complex. Kareef whispered to Fadi, “Remain here with the boat. A single woman should be easy to take without your ineptness. I still do not forgive you for allowing that frogman to take our hostage so easily.” Fadi rubbed the bandage covering what remained of his finger after the Mullah punished him by cutting off the tip. The dog bites on his arm were becoming infected, too. Fadi was not having fun.
Kareef, Ahmed, Hadad and Zahira slipped onto the dock, swiftly and silently making their way into the complex. The back door was ajar. Allah be praised.
Hadad placed the scarf against Zahira's nose, “Track, Zahira.”
She looked at Hadad then at Kareef who scowled, before moving toward the stairs that led to the second floor. Hadad whispered to Kareef, “She is on the scent, Mullah Kareef.” Everyone followed.
Building security consisted of a single night watchman and video cameras. The guard was not looking at the video monitor covering the door entry nearest the docks. The jihadists entered undetected until they entered the stairwell. This time, the guard noticed movement in a second monitor and called the police. Deputy Matt Singer answered the call.
Zahira stopped in front of Katie's condo door on the second floor. Kareef motioned to Ahmed, “Break it open.”
Ahmed pulled out a tire iron and pried the door open. Nobody home. A siren could be heard in the parking lot below. Kareef looked out the window and ordered his men to leave quickly, “Nothing here. Back to the boat. Quickly.”
Deputy Singer entered the front of the building where the watchman waited. he was directed to the stairwell. Before he reached it, weapon drawn, the jihadists had already descended to the lower floor, burst outside and ran to the boat. The deputy followed but the boat was already pulling out of the marina. He couldn't risk firing his weapon with so many other boats and probably people onboard still asleep. He went back to talk to the watchman and to look at the video recording.
After viewing the video, he asked, “Did you see the dog? Looks like a Belgian-Malinois. Funny coincidence, I just met a dog just like it yesterday, a few blocks from here.” He scratched his head, “Must be just a coincidence. The other dog was saving lives. This one is part of a break-in. Doesn't make sense.”
~~~
FADI PILOTED THE BOAT into the channel leading to open water. Kareef ordered, “Back to Sunshine Key.” The Florida sun was already well above the horizon and Charley's place in Marathon was nearly two hours away, by boat, making a surprise visit difficult. “We will work on the bombs today if the material is delivered on time.”
It was late morning when they motored into Ohio Bahia Honda Channel under the Highway 1 bridge and pulled up to the dock near the Winnebago they have used as a local safe house. Zahira leaped onto the dock even before they tied up and ran into the RV Park.
Hadad called after her, “Zahira, heel, come.” The frightened dog would not listen. Hadad jumped to the dock and ran after her.
Mullah Kareef rolled his eyes, “Hadad, is this how you have trained the bitch? You had better straighten her out
before we attack Manner at his place on Marathon tomorrow.”
Finally, with the aid of a few treats, Hadad was able to coax Zahira into the motorhome. He whispered into her ear, “You must listen, you foolish dog, or else the Mullah will slice your throat and mine, too.” Zahira swallowed the last treat and curled up in the corner. Hadad said a silent prayer to Allah, asking for divine assistance. Not likely to happen.
Kareef barked at Hadad, “Since your bitch is napping, take your rental car and get us some food.”
By the time Hadad returned, the dirty bomb material had arrived in a boat that had come from Havana. Only after al-Baghdadi himself had requested Colonel Diaz deliver the material as originally planned, did the pissed off Colonel agree. He was still angry at Mullah Kareef for killing one of his men. And his plans to team up with Kareef to attack GitMo are on permanent hold.
Two small, very heavy boxes were sitting on the dock. A third, larger box contained a half dozen AK-47s, an RPG launcher and ammunition for both. Kareef ordered Fadi and Ahmed to bring the small boxes, one at a time, into the back bedroom. He donned a heavy apron used by X-ray technicians as well as lead-lined arm sleeves before removing some of the material and placing it into one of several lead-lined charge containers in the first bomb.
The detonation electronics had already been made. All he needed to do was connect the wires to a detonator. Slowly, after sealing the first container, he did the same for the rest. The bomb was quite small, the size of a carry-on suitcase but very heavy, almost one-hundred-fifty pounds. The outside of the case was fitted with several high-strength magnets.
After completing assembly, he ordered his men to place it in another lead-lined container on the rear deck of the Cigarette. He did the same for the second bomb. By then, it was evening, time to rest for the big day tomorrow. He cannot delay deployment of the dirty bombs any longer. Katie's absence from her condo meant he cannot use her as bait like he originally planned, so he must attack Manner at his RV in Marathon. A more difficult task that requires more planning. Last directive from ISIS command demanded he show results, therefore, he must delay his personal vendetta and move forward with the larger plan to pollute southern Florida with radioactive waste.
“Everyone must sleep well tonight. There is much to do. We will load the bombs and leave at dawn. Two cruise ships were docked near Harbour Place yesterday. I checked online for their next destination. We will return and plant the bombs on the hull of each ship. One of the ships is scheduled to depart for Miami at 10 o'clock tomorrow. We must complete our task before that. The other will remain in Key West for another day.” Kareef had a crazed look as he envisioned what will happen. “When the bombs explode, two plumes of radioactive dust will be carried by the wind and descend upon South Florida. We will leave one hour before sunrise tomorrow.”
Ahmed raised his hand like a shy schoolboy, “Forgive me for asking, Mullah Kareef, but where will we be when the bombs explode?”
Kareef sneered, “Don't be a coward, Ahmed. Do you think it is time to reach the afterlife and enjoy your reward of 72 virgins?”
Ahmed blushed and looked down.
“Do not worry, Ahmed, we all will be far away before the bombs are detonated. We will go south by boat.”
PREPARE FOR BATTLE
Saturday, October 26, 11:00AM...
HAWK ENTERED Charley's RV and plopped onto the couch next to Katie. Spirit immediately planted her butt between them and licked Hawk's cheek. She loved the big man. He was the one that arranged her retirement from the SEALs to join Charley in the Keys three years ago. Not really that unusual since most MWDs are sent home with their handlers after retiring from active duty. Charley was still suffering from PTSD, so Hawk's surprise bringing Spirit home to be with him was emotionally uplifting and helped Charley progress to nearly full recovery and a normal civilian life. Of course, the duo constantly found trouble on the Straits and everywhere in between. No worries. Together they can handle anything.
Katie grabbed Hawk's hand and squeezed it before planting a kiss on his cheek. “I want to thank you again for helping Charley and Spirit rescue me from that terrible man.”
“You know I would give my life for your safety, Katie. I know your late husband, Hilly, would appreciate it, too. Bad enough, he was killed by drug smuggling scum, I don't want to see you follow him to the other side before you are ready.”
“I still have nightmares about the gunfire at the Hurricane Hole on Stock island. How Hilly took a bullet in the head. But I'm a tough military brat. Charley still needs his big sister to look after him. Of course, I sometimes need help from him and you. Thanks again.”
“So, what's the plan, CJ? Any new intel from Vicky?”
“She's on her way from Miami right now. We'll get a full briefing when she gets here.”
“While we wait for her, let's talk about beefing up our defense here. Being so close to the water makes an assault from Boot Key Harbor a logical action.”
Katie got up and looked out the window at Charley's boat in his slip and the harbor beyond. “Boys, there is a yacht drifting a few hundred yards out, directly in front of the boat slip.”
Hawk and Charley joined her, followed by Spirit who put her front paws on the windowsill and pressed her nose against the glass. She didn't seem alarmed.
Charley grabbed a pair of binoculars from the shelf near the window and checked out the yacht. “Looks like a tourist stopping to check below decks before heading out on the Straits.”
Spirit woofed and went to her bed for a nap.
Hawk laughed, “I guess Spirit agrees. She would have sensed a threat, especially if a strange engine noise approached.”
“Anyway, besides Spirit's hearing and nose, we should set up perimeter cameras, maybe rig a few trip wires with flash bang grenades, too.”
Katie asked, “How long do you think I need to stay here, Charley? I mean, your company and Spirit's cuddling is great, but life goes on, right? I still have shopping to do. I was on Duval Street doing it when those thugs abducted me.”
“You are fearless, Sis. You just spent nearly a week bound and gagged and shuttled from the Keys to Cuba and the Bahamas, in rough seas. Yet you are ready to go shopping.”
Katie shrugged, “What can I say, Charley. Mom and Dad taught us to be resilient.”
Spirit suddenly leaped from her bed and ran to the door. She showed no tells indicating alarm. Just her tail wagging as she barked a greeting. Charley opened the door and a fur missile flew in. Spirit and Makeen rolled on the floor, mock-fighting and kissing at the same time.
Vicky walked in behind the excited Malinois and said, “Looks like Makeen missed Spirit. He's been a good boy. Very intelligent. He must have received training, although he sometimes flinches when I raise my hand quickly.”
“No doubt, Kareef's trainer used force to keep him in line. Not exactly a good training technique. An animal will eventually turn on you when the situation gets dicey.”
Hawk chimed in, “You got that right, Bro. I've seen how the Pakistanis treat their dogs. No loyalty from the dog, just obedience with fear. A Malinois is too smart to put up with it and too strong to be constrained for long.”
“I agree, Hawk. With the bond between Makeen and Vicky and Spirit as a good leader, Makeen will be an asset if we clash with the Mullah.”
Vicky added, “You mean when we clash with him. Kareef is on a jihad that goes beyond retaliation for our past meddling in his affairs.”
“Do you have any new intel on his plans and location?”
“We have tracked his departure from the Bahamas back to the Keys. NSA satellite imagery is getting clearer now that the storm has moved up the east coast.”
“What about the dog handler Spirit and I just missed in Homestead after we found Makeen?”
“The Police Department checked and found out he stayed at a motel not far from the animal shelter you visited. We know his name is Hadad from the phone conversation we intercepted when he called Kareef.”<
br />
Charley's cell phone rang. The caller i.d. showed Key West Sheriff Department. “Yo.”
“Charley, this is Deputy Singer. We met yesterday at the cruise ship docks in Key West.”
“Don't tell me, more criminal activity? I hope it wasn't another sniper.”
“You got the criminal activity part right, but this time it was a breaking-and-entry.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“Because the break-in was at your sister's condo.”
“What? Let me put you on speaker phone. Katie is right here.”
“We have security video of the perps, three men and a Belgian-Malinois.”
Hawk piped in, “Bingo.”
“Do you know where they went?”
“Unfortunately, no. I just missed them as their Cigarette boat sped out of the harbor heading east.”
“That would be in our direction. When did this happen?”
“Yesterday morning, early.”
“No sign of them here...yet. Deputy Singer, I appreciate the heads-up.” Charley ended the call.
“Looks like Kareef is not far away, traveling by boat. We better put in those perimeter sensors and tripwires, pronto.”
“Maybe we should move your boat to the slip next to mine. Close enough to get to it if we need it.” Hawk looked out the window at the yacht that was now heading out to deep water, “I'm hoping Kareef doesn't know where I live.”
Vicky continued her briefing. “Kareef told Hadad to meet up at Sunshine Key.”
Charley said, “Great. Spirit and I know where that is. The motorhome Spirit sniffed out had what looked like bomb-making tools in the back bedroom.”
“Well, Charley, that is consistent with the last bit of intel we got from the NSA. Evidently, the Cubans have delivered two cases of what is believed to be radioactive waste material.”
“So Kareef's jihad includes a second try to contaminate the Keys or more, like he tried in the Deep Strait and on Stock Island last year.”
Charley Manner series Box Set Page 29