by Ron Smoak
“Enzo’s the guy,” explained Ben softly. “He’s one dirty, sneaky bastard.”
After about a two-minute wait, the curtain opened and this man that looked as though he was dressed for dinner strolled into the room. “Ben, how are you, my friend? It is so good to see you and your friends. Come back to my private office so we can talk.” He waved his hand toward the canvas-covered door and followed the group into a rather nice conference room. Nice… at least it was clean.
“Sit down my friends,” said Enzo. “May, bring us some drinks. These guys look thirsty. Bring the good stuff!”
Enzo was the only one smiling in the room. The others sat quietly with no expression.
“We are here to make a few purchases,” started Ben. “My friends need a few weapons for their trek into the jungle.” Enzo grinned.
“I see. Why you don’t bring your own weapons from your home? You are from the United States, no?”
Ben’s smile vanished. Enzo was setting them up for a much higher price than normal. The bastard knew they were in need of weapons that they could not get their hands on in the United States.
“Tell you what, Enzo. Show us what you have on hand. We don’t even know if you can help us,” said Ben.
“Sure. What do you have in mind?”
Dane sat forward. “We need several assault rifles, fully automatic with silencers, several semi-auto handguns, Glocks if you have them, and various explosives. Comm units if you have them. Of course, we also need ammo. Can you handle that?”
Enzo gave the group a serious look and rubbed his chin. He was trying to figure out who Ben’s friends were and what they were doing. “Not a problem.” Enzo’s demeanor changed within a second. Now he was serious as death. No more salesman crap. “Any particular makes of models on the assault rifles? I have HK, Uzi, SKS, M4, and the old reliable AK-47. I can make you a deal on anything you need.”
“Sounds good,” said Hugo. “Let’s see what ya got.”
“Well, I don’t let anybody look at my stock…” Enzo shot back.
“Except us,” said Dane forcefully. “We don’t have the time or inclination to put up with any crap. We want to buy now. We have cash. Do you want to sell?” Enzo glanced over at Ben and then back at Dane.
“Okay. I see you are men of action. Let’s go downstairs.”
Enzo led the men out of the conference room and down a dark hall. At the end was a heavy steel door. He removed a key from his pocket and opened the door revealing a wide stairway going down into a pitch dark area.
“This is my vault where I keep my prime merchandise. Please follow me.” As the group descended the stairs, an automatic lighting system flickered on bathing the stairway in an eerie blue glow. They walked down approximately two stories below ground. They found several hallways and steel doors. The group turned to the left and walked another twenty feet and stopped in front of a steel door with no latch. Once everyone caught up, Enzo pressed a small keypad. The men heard the door at the top of the stairs close. Then Enzo pressed in another set of numbers. There was a heavy clunk and the door opened.
The room was a veritable fortress in itself. Smooth concrete walls were lined with heavy steel shelving carrying almost any kind of weaponry in existence. Dane’s group was stunned at what they saw. Ben was singularly amazed. He never had an inkling that this vault was here. He couldn’t believe Enzo could have it built without anyone knowing.
“Gentlemen, please take your time and take a good look at my stock. I assure you I have what you need. If you don’t see it here, I can get it for you for a small procurement fee. After you have made your selections, we can determine a single price that I assure you will be fair.” Enzo waved his arm across the room. “Gentlemen, please…”
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Fortress Alpha, Brazil; 11:00 a.m.
Oberleutnant Heinrich Grübner had been working for two full days to determine the details of the Wilhelm Door and Carla von Gerber situation. Their disappearance was stunning. Over the years only a few people tried to leave. None made it past the perimeter guards. All were executed immediately. Their deaths served to make the general populous well aware of the consequences of escape.
But this seemed different now. After talking with the families, there was absolutely no evidence to lead one to think the two would leave on their own. Sure they were hiding a love affair but that in itself was no cause to leave. It was a relatively simple matter to register their intentions. The establishment actually encouraged such relationships in order to produce new inhabitants.
Most importantly, however, the Nazis wanted to know what was going on at all times. This young couple had no experience in the ways of the world outside of Fortress Alpha, especially in the jungle. If they did escape, they would not last a day in the jungle with all of its dangers. It would take days to make it to civilization. This couple had no training in survival techniques.
None of it made sense, unless they were kidnapped. But the question was by whom; who in their right mind would come into the Fortress and take someone away? Grübner was stumped. But then he had the two perimeter guards’ report of being subdued by two men in fatigues. And then there was the curious “malfunction” of the sensors at the same hatch twice in the span of an hour or so.
It finally occurred to Grübner that the two missing personnel were taken from the complex by the two men! That was it! The evidence supported his theory. The two men jumped the guards, came into the complex causing the first assumed malfunction of the sensor, captured the missing personnel and escaped through the same hatch causing the second assumed malfunction of the sensor. So there was no malfunction. The alarms were indicating a real threat. But no one saw the two men come in or leave. Grübner picked up the phone and called Maas to tell him of his findings and conclusions.
After taking Grübner’s call and hearing his theory and conclusion, Jorgen Maas hung up the phone and reviewed his notes. After careful consideration he too was convinced there was an incursion and the missing man and woman were kidnapped. This was not good at all. Now his ass was on the line. The security systems evidently worked correctly but the human response was not adequate, at least not in his mind. Not adequate because the intruders were not sitting in one of Maas’ cells or dead. Damn! Someone outside of the family knew of the Fortress. That must not go unaddressed. The Führer would not stand for it.
Maas’ mind raced. How could anyone know where they were? For nearly seventy years the Fortress was never revealed to the outside world. Did someone merely stumble upon it? No, he thought, that was very unlikely. The Fortress was many miles away from any known settlements or trading paths used by the indigenous tribes of the region. No one comes in this area…
Then it hit him. The two Americans! They said they stumbled on the Fortress. They had no idea it was there. That was understandable, but they were picked up with a GPS. Damn, how stupid he was. Maas’ men destroyed the GPS but the signal must have been transmitted everywhere until destroyed. And didn’t one of the Americans say that they were being tracked by someone back in the U.S. for safety reasons?
A cold chill ran down Maas’ back. It was that goddamned GPS! That’s how they found us. It was ironic that technology was responsible for their gold production when such simple technology such as a GPS may cost them everything. The two mystery men in fatigues were looking for the Americans. Now it all made sense.
Maas stood and grabbed his notes and strode out of his office. He must inform the Führer immediately.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Finley Base Camp, Cotriguacu, Brazil; 3:00 p.m.
You could hear the jeep’s engine screaming long before it came into sight. Lee excused herself from the table with the group from Princeton. They arrived about two hours after the guys left that morning. She stepped out of the door and off of the porch into the intense sun and heat. She saw the jeep come around the bend with Tecal sittin
g up on top of a tarp pulled over a mound of supplies. Tecal looked like a king being transported back home. She smiled and waved as the jeep ground to a stop in a cloud of dust.
“What a ride,” yelled Hugo as he leapt from the passenger side covered in sweat and dirt.
“What’s the matter? You didn’t like the natural air conditioning?” Lee cracked with a big grin. Even though these were very capable men, she couldn’t help to see them as her ‘boys’. And they were one rambunctious bunch too. Ben, Dane and Tecal hopped out of the jeep in unison, all covered in the same road grime as Hugo.
“Honey, I’m home,” grinned Ben. “We brought you some presents.” Dane came around the jeep as Dr. William Nance stepped from inside the hut. All three men saw the doctor at the same time. Their grins evaporated.
“So we have visitors?” asked Dane, straightening his hair after trying to get the road dust out. He did not recognize the doctor.
“Yes, we have,” answered Lee in her most hospitable tone. “Gentlemen, this is Dr. Bill Nance from Princeton.” Dane took one look at him and felt uneasy. Here was this tall, thin man of about fifty-five with sandy blond hair and glasses. He looked completely out of place.
Dr. Nance stepped toward Dane extending his hand. “Dana and Randall have told me an awful lot about you, Dane. Please call me Bill.” Dr. Nance nodded toward Hugo. “You too, Mr. Winsor.”
“Mr. Winsor?” Hugo said smiling. “I’m just Hugo. Dad died years ago.”
Nance smiled and felt a bit more at ease with Hugo’s casual way.
Lee stepped over. ”Dr. Nance, this is my brother, Ben Jamison.” She motioned toward Ben.
“I’m very glad to meet you, Mr. Jamison,” acknowledged Dr. Nance as he shook hands with Ben. “I brought along a few people I would like you to meet as well,” he said, turning toward the hut. “They are inside.”
Hugo gave Dane one of his “What the hell?” glances as they stepped up on the porch.
Dane turned back toward the jeep. He wasn’t ready to show his hand with these Princeton folks, at least not yet. “Tecal, can you get some help to unload the jeep? Put the stuff over here on the porch. Be careful with those red boxes. ”
Dr. Nance stole a look at the red boxes sticking out from under the tarp. “Looks like you are planning an invasion.”
Dane looked the doctor in the eye. ”Just being careful,” he said with a slight grin. Nance smiled meekly and stepped up on the porch.
Dr. Nance’s colleagues were standing around the table looking at a map of the Amazon when the group walked into the hut.
“Everyone,” announced Dr. Nance, “This is Dane Skoglund, Hugo Winsor and Ben Jamison.” All began a round of handshakes. “And this is Dr. Nell Weeks, one of my colleagues back at Princeton, and our local guide, Tim Dothan. Please sit down,” said Dr. Nance. “You have to be tired after your journey.”
“Dothan,” began Ben. “I’ve heard good things about you. You were in this area about six months ago with another group.”
“Yes, and I know of you as well. I hear you do a great job,” said Dothan, trying to return the compliment.
“Glad to have you aboard,” smiled Ben. Dothan smiled back and nodded his acknowledgement.
Hugo stood over beside Dr. Weeks. “What brings you here, Dr. Weeks?” It was natural for Hugo to start a conversation with the lady. Her long dark hair was in a pert ponytail in a desperate attempt to keep cool in the heat.
“I work with Dr. Nance coordinating the Finleys’ expedition. Dana and I were roommates years ago and we have worked together for five years off and on.” Her smile was as inviting as Dana’s, Hugo noticed. He could see why the two were roommates and friends.
“Oh, we brought some ‘special supplies’ from the U.S.,” Nance interjected as Dothan heaved a large box up on the table full of Twinkies, Mars bars, Snickers, Skittles and other treats. Dothan also opened a large cooler of U.S. beer, liquor and wine. “We wanted to bring you folks a few things I didn’t think you’d have down here to give you a lift. But most importantly, we also want you to know we are here to do whatever we can to help find Dana and Randall.”
Dane managed a weak smile as he grabbed a Twinkie. “Bill, we really appreciate your support. For you guys to come all the way down here… well, I know Dana and Randall appreciate it also. But before we turn this into a party, I have to tell you we know where Dana and Randall are.”
“You found them? That is great!” exclaimed Nance. Dr. Weeks was beaming. “Where are they? When can we see them?”
“I’m afraid it is not that easy,” said Hugo stoically but gripping two candy bars. “We know where they are.”
Dane stood up to address the visitors. “Folks, I wish I had better news but we now know that Dana and Randall are in the hands of a neo-Nazi group based in the Amazon. We believe they are still alive but frankly… well, you know.”
The group looked stunned. “Nazis, like Germans?” asked Nance.
“Yes, that is exactly what I mean,” explained Dane as he sat down opening his Twinkie, “and just as dangerous.” Nance looked puzzled. The entire Princeton group was speechless. There was a quick gasp from Nell Weeks. Dothan was quiet but his eyes were like slits. This was not good, he thought.
“What do you mean?” asked Dr. Nance after a few seconds. “Nazis, are you certain? You must be wrong…”
“I’m afraid he’s right,” said Hugo stepping forward, exchanging a glance with Dane. “Here’s what we know.” Hugo and Dane spent the next hour and a half explaining the situation to the Princeton group. But they deftly left out the gold production part. The group sat quietly taking in the entire story. They were clearly amazed.
“I had no idea,” exclaimed Dr. Nance. “What in God’s name are we to do? What does our government say about all of this?”
“We haven’t told them,” said Dane, looking directly into Dr. Nance’s eyes. “And we don’t plan to until we get Dana and Randall out of there.”
“What do you mean? We have to let the authorities know,” Dr. Nance said, his voice rising.
“Yeah, but not yet,” said Hugo, leaning over the maps on the table. “All the Brazilian government or ours will do is slow us down. Both Dane and I believe that if we don’t get Dana and Randall out of there damn quick they won’t have a chance.”
“But…” started Nance.
“No buts about it, Doc,” Dane interrupted. “I’m afraid that is the way it is. We don’t know a lot about the people that have Dana and Randall. But what we do know is that they are seriously evil. It looks like they already killed four or five people already in Dana and Randall’s party. We considered all of our options and made up our mind. It is done. Hugo and I will return to the Fortress and get Dana and Randall out. After that you can notify anyone you want. It’s a done deal; nothing to be negotiated. ”
Tim Dothan, the Princeton guide, stepped up to the table. He was standing in the background taking in all of the conversation. He turned toward Dr. Nance. “Doctor, after hearing all of this, I strongly agree with Dane and Hugo here. We’ve heard rumors of some weird things going on back in the jungle in this area for years. The natives know to stay away. Several people braved the rumors and went into the jungle. They disappeared. The Brazilian government writes the disappearances off to natural causes, meaning they aren’t going to lift a finger to investigate. Actually, I wonder if the government doesn’t know exactly what is going on, at least some of the government…those being paid off by this illegal group. This is some deep shit. Pardon my French, ladies.”
Dane looked at Dothan, thinking this guy was pretty level-headed. At least he was no namby-pamby educator. Hugo smiled as if reading Dane’s mind. Dane actually liked him.
“In fact, in my mind, I think what Dane and Hugo are talking about is the only way to go. If we wait, Dana and Randall will -- well, enough said.” Dothan’s voice trailed off.
A strange silence engulfed the group. It was as if each person in the room suddenly came to
grips with what must be done. This will be a very dangerous operation.
“Do you realize what you are saying?” asked Nance. “If these people are as evil as you believe, you’re talking about taking the law into your own hands. Someone could be killed.”
“That is exactly right, Dr. Nance,” said Dane sternly. “Some of our people have already been killed. That’s a fact. Now I want to make certain that Dana and Randall get out alive. Frankly, if these bastards are like we believe they are, it is certain some of them will die. Maybe even some of us as well.”
“As bad as it sounds, if it is between some neo-Nazi guys and Dana and Randall, I vote to save the Finleys and screw the Nazis,” Dr. Weeks said without emotion. “I have read about these kinds of people. If they are, as you said, Dane, descendants of the World War II Nazis, we have no choice but to get the Finleys out now. We can’t wait.”
Hugo leaned over to Dane. “Now, she’s my type of girl,” he whispered. Dane gave Hugo one of his shut-up looks.
“All right, all right,” said Dr. Nance, seeing that he was vastly outnumbered and frankly way out of his comfort zone. “I understand. What do you need us to do to help? That is unofficially, of course. I cannot get the university involved, but what they don’t know won’t hurt them.” He looked around the table at the other Princeton folks. “Nothing, and I do mean nothing can ever be spoken about what we are about to do. Does everyone understand?”
The group nodded their acknowledgement, each taking their vow seriously.
“Great. Now that we have an understanding, Hugo and I already have a plan. Any help you can give us would be appreciated,” said Dane, standing up.
“I’d like to help if I could,” said Dothan. “I have experience in military ops.”
“What kind of experience?” asked Hugo.