Alpha Threat

by Ron Smoak

  A chill ran down Wayne’s back. “Damn, you are right,” he murmured. “Someone is watching you. You sure it’s not the police?”

  “Nope; the police say they are not watching us. Neither are the Feds. I think it’s them,” said Nathan as he picked up his stride back to the house. “I need to check on Mom.”

  When they returned to the house, all was fine. At least as fine as it could be under the circumstances. However, both Nathan and Wayne were worried. Wayne called work and told them that he would not be in at all today. He wanted to stick around and help Nathan.

  Later in the evening after more family had arrived, Nathan wanted to go out to eat. Actually, he really wanted to get out of the house. Dozens of family members had arrived, bringing in all types of food. But all they wanted was to pull Nathan to the side and ask about the grisly details of Klaus’ death. Aunt Ester was planning the funeral and basically running the household while Nathan’s mother tried to get some rest. Overall the house was a zoo.

  About 9:15 p.m., Wayne was talking with one of Nathan’s cousins when Nathan walked by and whispered to Wayne.

  “Hey, I gotta go. Come with me.”

  Wayne excused himself and followed Nathan out of the door.

  “What’s up?” he asked. “Are they back?” said Wayne as he looked up and down the street in the failing light of the evening.

  “No. I had to get out of there for a bit,” answered Nathan. “There’s just too much family going on in there. Let’s go get something to eat.”

  “Eat?” exclaimed Wayne. “With all of that food in there?” He looked at Nathan. His eyes were tearing up. Wayne got the message. “Yeah, sure, let’s go get a burger.” They hopped in Wayne’s car and drove off, all the time watching for the car.

  It was about 9:30 p.m. when they pulled into the Five Guys on North Miami Avenue. The two sat over in a corner and talked while eating their burgers. There were only four other people eating. Like Nathan said, he needed to get away from all of the stuff going on at the house.

  “Man, my relatives are driving me crazy. If it is not the family, it’s the police. I didn’t tell you but before we left I got another call from the FBI. I need to be down there at nine tomorrow morning.”

  Wayne reached into the brown bag still full of fries and popped one in his mouth. “They say what they wanted to talk to you about? I mean, specifically?” asked Wayne.

  “Not really. They said they wanted to follow up on some of what I told them earlier,” answered Nathan. “It didn’t sound like they had found out anything else or they would have said something; don’t you think?”

  Wayne shrugged his shoulders and reached for more fries. “Maybe. You can never tell with those guys.”

  “Are you going to tell them everything?” asked Wayne bluntly.

  Nathan looked Wayne in the eye. Wayne could see that Nathan was scared to death.

  “Dude, talk to me,” pleaded Wayne, putting his burger down. He could see Nathan wanted to tell someone what was going on but was so scared he couldn’t. Nathan took a long drink of his Coke and another bite of his burger. He stared out the window and slowly finished his meal, trying to think through what he was going to do next. Wayne ate his meal quietly. When they both finished their food, they got up and returned to the car.

  “Okay. Let’s drive around for a few minutes. I guess I gotta tell somebody about this. It might as well be you.”

  Wayne started the car and pulled onto North Miami Avenue.

  “You know Dad was a gold trader…” started Nathan.

  “Yeah, that much I do know.”

  “Well, I’m afraid there is much more to the story. My grandparents came to the United States back in 1932 when Hitler was beginning his rise in Germany. Dad told me they fled their native land because my grandfather saw the war coming. He wanted to spare my grandmother having to live through that over in Europe. My grandfather worked very closely with the new German regime led by Adolph Hitler. He persuaded the regime to send him and his family to the United States to coordinate support in the States for a new Germany.”

  “Okay, anyone in their right mind would have left Germany back then. That was a very nasty situation with the Nazis and all,” said Wayne, trying to support Nathan, thinking he knew where he was going with all of this.

  “Yeah, but that’s not the whole truth.”

  “What do you mean? I don’t understand,” said Wayne, puzzled.

  “Damn…” Nathan said. “Damn, damn, damn. Man, when I tell you this you gotta believe that I didn’t know.”

  “Know what?”

  “Wayne, my father was a Nazi,” Nathan said, looking off out the window.

  There was one of those unpleasant pauses in a conversation. Wayne drove on. He turned to look at Nathan. Nathan would not look at him.

  “Hey, you can’t be sure about that. Just because your grandfather came from Germany does not mean he or your father were Nazis. I don’t believe that.”

  “Wayne, he told me so a few days before he died. He wanted to, as he said, clear his soul. I’m almost certain he knew he was going to die,” explained Nathan.

  Wayne was stunned. How could Nathan’s father have anything to do with the Nazis responsible for killing millions of people during the war? All this didn’t make sense.

  “Wait, wait. This does not make sense. So who killed him?” asked Wayne.

  “They did,” said Nathan with a hint of hatred in his eyes. “The Nazis killed him because he told me what was going on. His talking to me got him killed. First to get him out of the way; second, it was a warning to me and anyone else in the scheme. Basically, you talk, you die.”

  “Oh, my God, you think that is who is watching you?” asked Wayne.

  “Wayne, I’m damned certain of it,” said Nathan.

  “Holy crap, man, I had no idea. So what was this scheme that he was involved in?”

  “If I tell you, you can’t tell a soul. Just by hearing this, your life may also be in danger.”

  “You let me worry about that,” said Wayne.

  “Since World War II several groups of Nazis have worked to bring Germany back to power. Not through a war or anything like that but through a plan to destroy the financial markets of the world. They are based in South America, somewhere deep in the Amazon jungle. Remember in school they taught us about how many people thought some of Hitler’s inner circle was able to flee to Brazil? Well, it seems that my grandfather was one of the Germans planted in the United States who helped funnel money and support to the Brazilian Germans. That is the real reason he left Germany. He was sent to the United States under the pretext of fleeing Hitler when it was actually the complete opposite.

  “Toward the end of the war, my grandfather was one of Hitler’s confidants paving the way for Hitler’s escape from Berlin. Evidently the Americans and Soviets flooded into Berlin and cut off Hitler’s escape route. But hundreds of loyal Nazis did get out before Germany fell and set up some kind of complex in Brazil. After the war my father was born and he was raised with the notion of the rise of the Fourth Reich. So when he became of age, he was brought into the plan. He spent his whole career buying and selling gold. He made a ton of money for the Nazis. Dad told me that this world-wide group ran everything from their headquarters in South America.”

  “Oh, my God! Nathan, have you told the Feds about all of this? Dude, this is really heavy stuff. I mean, you are talking about screwing with banks and shit and causing havoc all over the world.” Wayne was still in disbelief.

  “I told them some of what Dad told me but not everything I told you. Wayne, I’m scared to death! I believe my mom and I are next.”

  Wayne and Nathan drove down the beach for a few more minutes. Nathan was scared but seemed to feel better that the entire story was off his chest. Wayne’s head, on the other hand, was whirling. This was a major, big time mess.

  After a few minutes, Wayne looked at Nathan. “I think the only thing you can do is tell the Feds everything y
ou told me tomorrow morning. They can set up some kind of protection for you and your mother until this is all settled. If you do anything else, these guys are going to hound you for the rest of your life. And I’m sorry to say, I don’t think that life will be very long. Sooner or later they will kill you,” explained Wayne.

  “I know, but…”

  “But what, man? You are playing with fire!”

  “It’s just that this is going to kill my mother,” sighed Nathan.

  “My God, she doesn’t know?” A surprised Wayne sat straight up in his seat.

  “No, she doesn’t even have a clue. Dad and Mom were a very traditional family. Dad handled everything except the cooking and cleaning. Since he handled all of the family’s finances, he was able to hide the money he earned. And the trips he took were all under the guise of business trips. The only good thing is Mom and I are very well set with Dad gone.”

  “Well, as crass as I may sound, that’s good. At least you won’t starve or have to move.”

  “No, Wayne, you don’t understand. Dad gave me all the information about several Swiss accounts he has. I finally got the courage to check them yesterday. One account alone has over ten million dollars in it. Six other accounts have two to five million in them,” said Nathan. “And he showed me his secret safe hidden in the basement. There are hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in it alone.”

  Wayne damn near fainted. “Oh, my God… You really think these Nazi guys will come after that as well?”

  “Hell, yes! With that kind of money, anything is possible with these guys,” Nathan answered. “I think I’m next.”

  “Nathan, you have to tell the Feds about this now,” Wayne said. “If I were you, I would do it now and not wait until tomorrow. Let’s go back to the house so you can call them tonight.”

  “Yeah, I guess you are right,” answered Nathan meekly. “This is getting bigger and bigger every minute.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Friday, July 8, 2011

  Miami Beach Patrol Headquarters, Miami Beach, Florida; 8:30 a.m.

  The sun streamed down on a beautiful Friday morning in Miami Beach. The beach was already covered with the early birds beachcombing and jogging. An early morning Tai Chi class was under a few tall palms, going through their techniques. Their slow, methodical moves seemed out of place but brought semblance of serenity to the waking beach. The waves were small so the normal surfers were not out yet. But it was already hot. The white sands reflected the heat to some degree but anyone out in this sun was sure to need sunscreen.

  Dane and Hugo pulled into the parking lot as Wayne pulled in.

  “Good morning,” cried Wayne.

  “Man, you are right on time today, my man,” quipped Hugo with a big grin.

  Dane walked around the jeep and met Wayne as he got out of the car. “How was your friend yesterday?” he said in a serious tone.

  Wayne’s smile subsided as he got out of the car and took off his sunglasses. “I need to talk with you,” he said.

  Hugo heard the seriousness of Wayne’s voice and walked over. “Anything I can do?” he asked quietly.

  “No, thanks. I spent most of yesterday with Nathan. He told me everything. There’s a lot more to the story. That’s why I need to talk to you before the day begins,” Wayne said looking at Dane.

  “You two go talk and I will see what’s up in the office. It looks like Sherrie is already here,” said Hugo walking away toward the office.

  Wayne and Dane walked through the parking lot and over to a park bench under a palm tree.

  “What’s on your mind, Wayne?” asked Dane.

  “Damn Dane, I don’t know where to start.”

  Dane tried to inject a bit of levity to help Wayne with what must be some tough news. “My mom always said the best place to start is the beginning.”

  Wayne smiled. “Makes sense to me. First I want to say that what I am about to tell you is in strict confidence. I would appreciate it if you would keep it between us.”

  “That’s tough. I honestly hate to promise anything without knowing what this is about but I will do my best,” he said seriously. “I’m guessing this concerns the Feds and your friend’s father.”

  “Yeah. I found out last night that the family is in real trouble,” said Wayne.

  “Well, that’s understandable under the circumstances.”

  “No, not in the way you think. Sure they are grieving, but there’s something else. Something I need your advice on.”

  “Okay. Shoot.”

  “Nathan thinks he knows why his father was killed. He even thinks he knows who killed him,” began Wayne.

  “I see,” said Dane.

  “You are not going to believe this….” Wayne began his story from the beginning. Dane listened intently to the whole story before asking any questions.

  “Do the Feds know about all this?” Dane asked.

  “Nathan called them last night. He is meeting with them this morning,” Wayne said, looking down at his watch. “He has an appointment with the FBI at 9:00 a.m.”

  Dane looked off over the Miami Beach sands. He still was thinking of Dana and Randall and now this.

  “Anyway, I wanted you to know what was going on. Like I said, I’m not involved in any way but after what I heard last night I had to talk with someone I trust,” said Wayne, hoping to have Dane’s understanding.

  Dane sat back. “I’m glad you thought I was trustworthy enough for you to confide in,” said Dane. “You don’t think these guys know who you are or will be coming after you, do you?”

  “No. I’m just a friend on the sidelines.”

  “Good,” said Dane smiling. He put his hand on Wayne’s shoulder as he stood up. “Oh, and about that promise to keep things to myself. I can do that. Not a problem. Just let me know if you want to talk about this anymore. I’ll be here.”

  “Thanks. You have no idea how that makes me feel. I really appreciate it. Oh, any more word about your sister?”

  Dane’s smile subsided. “No, we haven’t heard any more yet. We should know more by Monday morning.”

  Wayne stood up and offered his hand to Dane. “Please let me know if I can be of any help. Dane, I really mean that. If you need me to go with you, just say it. I’m ready to help.”

  They shook hands. “Thanks. I will.”

  “Well, time to hit the beach,” said Wayne as he put on his sunglasses and looked out over the ocean. “

  “Give ‘em hell, kid,” Dane said as he turned and walked back over to the office.

  As he walked in the door things were already popping.

  “We got some numb-nuts on a float nearly a half mile out. Tower Four spotted him when they got there this morning and have dispatched a jet ski. Looks like they are going to start early on us today, Boss,” announced Hugo, scanning the ocean in the direction of Tower Four.

  Sherrie walked in from the back room. “Morning, Dane! Gonna be a hot one out there today. Did Hugo update you?”

  Dane smiled. “Yep, we are already cooking.”

  He sat down at his desk, reached for some papers but his mind was still trying to grasp what Wayne had told him. Nazis, gold, South America? I thought this kind of stuff only happened in the movies. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. Was there a connection with the Nazis and Dana and Randall? Surely this was only a coincidence. Dane bolted upright and walked quickly over to the windows overlooking the beach. He saw Wayne trudging through the sand out to Tower One.

  “I’ll be back in a second,” he said to Sherrie as he ran out of the door and down the stairs to the beach.

  “What the hell was that about?” asked Hugo looking startled. “Is there a problem?”

  “No, not that I can see,” answered Sherrie grabbing up a pair of binoculars to see what was going on. Hugo stood beside her.

  “Where’s he going?” asked Hugo, his eyes still fixed on Dane, who was now running out onto the sand.

  “Tower One, I guess. At least that�
�s what direction he’s going,” said Sherrie dropping the binoculars from her eyes and placing them on the shelf below the window.

  “Maybe he forgot to tell Wayne about something.” Hugo stood quietly. He knew Dane and Wayne had a conversation about the dead guy.

  “Hold down the fort. I’m going to see what’s up,” said Hugo as he walked out of the door.

  “Hey, Wayne!” yelled Dane as he jogged out to the tower. Wayne was washing his feet at the top of the tower steps. He looked back and saw Dane, who was about twenty feet from the tower now.

  “Yeah, Dane,” answered Wayne at the same time he picked up his neon orange lifeguard torpedo. “What’s up?” Behind Dane he could see Hugo on his way out.

  “Quick question,” huffed Dane as he hit the bottom of the tower’s ramp.

  “Sure.”

  “When you told me about these Nazis, you said they were headquartered in South America?” Dane was walking up the ramp.

  “Yeah, that’s what Nathan told me. Why?”

  Dane reached the top and stood with Wayne. “Did Nathan by any chance say where in South America?” Hugo was walking up the ramp to join them.

  “Well,” started Wayne glancing at Hugo, who caught Dane’s eye.

  “Don’t worry about Hugo. He will not say anything. But I need to know where in South America.”

  Wayne looked down thinking. “If I remember correctly, he said somewhere deep in the Amazon jungle. It’s a hidden, secret place that the Nazis built after the war.”

  Dane’s mind was whirling. Could this be the clue he needed? He looked over at Hugo. “I don’t have any proof, but I’m wondering if there could be a link between Dana and Randall’s disappearance and these Nazis.

  “Damn, you think there could be a link?” added Hugo.

  “I don’t know. But it does sound plausible. Wayne, you sure Nathan never mentioned a place in the Amazon?”

  “No, but I can call him later and see if he knows anything,” said Wayne.