Under Water Secret
By Robert C. Waggoner
Copyright 2012 Robert C. Waggoner
Smashwords Edition
Under Water Secret
Brad Pratt # 4
Chapter One
The stress from the last mission took its toll on Brad Pratt and his Batt team. He gave everyone a month off, including himself. Brad stood on the cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the back of his property. He looked down into Devil Kitchen remembering the laughter of the SEAL team camping out training for the North Korean mission to come. Now they were but a memory, but they knew the risk and gladly accepted the challenge. Brad saluted towards the Pacific with sadness in his heart saying good bye to his friend's. He didn't think there would be a next time, but he was wrong.
Billy Rider walked up coughing from too many Marlboro cigarettes. Rocky, Brad's German shepherd, wagged his tail at Billy. He said, "Sorry to disturb you boss, but Washington, or I should say Nancy, wants to talk to you real bad. I told her you were on the beach and wouldn't be back for an hour or so."
Billy flashed back on the phone call with Nancy Longstreet. She said, "Billy, you're not going to believe this but the President wants to see Brad soonest he can. I have no idea why, but Steve Lewis told me it's imperative that Brad and his team be ready to prepare for another mission.
Brad said, "Call her back Billy and tell them I'm not available for another month. Whatever it is, it can wait. We just saved the world and now they demand we do it again? Nope, nada, no way. I'm indisposed."
Billy gave a big smile and with his long skinny legs hiked back to the Round House. Sujin was in the kitchen and little Brian was playing in his crib nearby. Sandy and her two, almost full grown pups, were watching the little guy chew on a leather doggie bone meant for dogs.
Billy came in and said, "Sujin, Brad is not acting normal these days. He told me to tell the President of the United States he was not available. What am I supposed to do?"
"Go call Nancy and tell her what he said. They'll work it out. Meanwhile would you go change Brian? He smells awful."
"Whoa, wait a minute here Sujin. I have no idea how do that job."
"You're a computer expert, look it up on Goggle," she laughed.
Brad walked in and said, "Never mind Billy, I'll call Nancy."
Billy sat down at the kitchen table while Sujin changed the baby's diaper. A few minutes later, Brad came up and sat at the table. He said, "You're not going to believe this, but they want us to go prospecting for gold. The Master would love this mission."
"Are you serious boss," asked Billy.
"Yup partner I sure am," he said in a western drawl.
Sujin said, "What does prospecting mean."
"It means to go looking for something like gold," he answered.
Billy asked, "I've an old metal detector at home. You want me to go get it?"
Brad laughed and Sujin wondered what was so funny. No doubt it was an American thing, she thought.
Brad said, "Seriously, it would appear a very large amount of gold was stolen off a train somewhere between Montreal, Canada and New York City back in the winter of 1940. As far as anyone knows, it still is missing and has never surfaced. Even back then records were kept on all gold transactions. The current thinking is the between 10 and 20 tons of gold is still in one place or something like that. It came from Norway, which is not part of the European Union. With Union in trouble from the economic fiasco, that gold could make a big difference in Europe. You do the math Billy. How much is a ton of gold worth in today's market?"
Billy answered, "A whole lot of money."
"Anyway, I told them it has been lost for more than 70 years, so another month won't make much difference."
Billy said, "I'm on it boss; an overview coming soon." And away he went to the front door. Anyone else would have thought he went off the deep end going out the front door, but that was where his sand can for his spent Marlboros was located. Similar to a drug addict, Billy needed nicotine fix before doing his research.
Brad fixed a pot of tea and while the water was getting hot, he called Mike Henderson. Mike was Brad's best bud. They had been in Afghanistan together as members of a SEAL team. The small SEAL team had been overwhelmed by the Taliban. Brad, their commander, stayed behind to give the helicopter cover fire. He was severely wounded in the leg and managed to hide from the bad guys. Mike was one of his team members.
The last mission in North Korea turned out similar as Brad was once again left behind as he ordered the stealth choppers to leave him. Mike was having a hard time dealing with the 'leaving' part. It was non-military to leave a buddy behind. However, orders were orders.
"Mike, glad I caught you. I was afraid you were out milking the cows." No one was going to let him forget that during an important discussion, his significant one, Julie, called him to say their milk cow had twins.
Mike said, "Not funny Brad. But I guess we can laugh about it now. Julie says I'm getting better, but I think I need a Prozac or two."
"If you not doing much, why not bring the wife and kids and come up tomorrow for lunch or dinner. I've got an interesting story to tell you."
"I can't see why not. Julie needs to get the cow shit smell off her anyway. The kids love the beach and playing with the dogs. We'll be there for lunch."
Billy came back in and Brad said, "Billy, send a message to the Master that he's needed at the Round House."
"Consider it done. Now I'm going panning for gold. I feel the gold fever coming upon me. I'm going to pardoner up with Jones and Wendy."
Sujin said, "What a sense of humor that guy has. We're way too serious around here. Park has been outside all day making plans for a garden. He just can't sit still. I ordered some good dirt for him. He says he wants some Chinese cabbage. I told him to plant red pepper too and I'll make kimchee."
Brad's cell phone rang. It was Nancy and she had a message from President Samuel Bates. She said, "Brad you're not going to believe this but the President is coming to see you. He's taking Air Force One and landing in Portland. He wants your/our plane to meet him there for the flight down to North Bend. He said a guest room would be nice. The secret service is or will stay somewhere close by."
"Well, that's a new twist," he said to Sujin. "Most are summoned to his office and now the big man is coming here?" I can't believe it. Well, I guess we need to make room. If I'm not mistaken he's coming for a few days vacation. A walk on the beach is what he's looking for. Mike is going to get a kick out of this visit. You'd best call your sister for some help. I'll call the restaurant for a big pot of chowder and garlic bread. Agent Jones can set the crab pots. Also your fishing buddy needs to fish hard for a big soup or BBQ fish."
Later that evening, as the days were getting longer as March was just around the corner. However, winter had not released its hold on the cold season just yet. Billy came up with a sheaf of papers about Norwegian history and the movements of gold. Billy gave a brief overview and then Brad told him about the President coming for a visit. Billy's mouth dropped open. He said, "Is this missing gold that important. Hell, its only money. The only guy I know who loves gold is the Master. Oh, by the way, the message was verified and received."
Sujin rang the dinner bell and in a flash Agent Jones, Wendy and Park came up and sat around the floor table. They discussed the upcoming mission and heard the President was coming. It would be nice to see the President relax and take a walk on the beach.
++++
The next day Mike came up and heard the news. Sujin and Julie took the kids and dogs for a playtime on the beach. It was typically cloudy and cold day, but the kids were bundled up staying warm chasing each other with the dogs hot on their backsides.
/> Julie said, without Sujin asking, "Mike is better. He's not his usual jovial self, but time will heal his ego. I expect today he and Brad will bond a bit and if the President comes, that should perk him up."
Sujin said, "We've run out of rooms. Park took Nancy's old room and now we must kick him out. He said he didn't mind making room for the President. He'll sleep in the computer room on a mat. He's a nice guy Julie. My husband told me when he saw Park on that fishing boat, his hopes went sky high."
"I can't imagine what those guys must go through Sujin. I try to tune it out and go about my daily business. Thank God I have the kids to occupy my time."
Sujin thought of little Brian and the next one coming around Christmas time. Soon Brian would be jogging on the beach with his father. She felt some wet tears run down her cheeks. Julie noticed and both had a good cry just because it felt like the thing to do.
Up on the cliff overlooking the beach, both Brad and Mike watched their families walk and play drifting up the beach towards Fish Rock. The tide was coming in and her friend the fisherman was perch fishing. Fish soup for dinner, Brad thought. He said, "Mike we have to put the last mission behind us. We've a new one coming up."
"So soon," Mike said.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. The President is coming tomorrow for an overnight stay. Apparently we're to go hunting for a lost shipment of gold. The gold was lost on a train in 1940 during a blizzard from Montreal to New York City. From Billy's research, the most likely place is Montpelier, Vermont."
"Why us Brad, "Mike asked.
"Damn if I know. You'd think the FBI would be the one to tackle this job."
"More to than meets the eye, huh?"
"I think so to include us in this gold search," said Brad. "I think there're some deeper things going on and we'll find out tomorrow."
"How about a run on the beach before lunch," suggested Mike?
"I see the clouds breaking up and I'm game," said Brad.
++++
After Mike and family left, Brad and Sujin put Brian down for his night's sleep. Sujin said, "I had a good time today my husband. Julie and I are becoming good friends. She worries about Mike as he gets older he's more sentimental."
"Yes, I agree with her and you too. However, I still need him on the missions as he's the one I rely on the most."
"I understand. I hope this coming mission is not as dangerous as last time."
Chapter Two
Sujin hopes were not realized as the coming mission was fraught with international intrigue, murder, robbery and terrorists raised their heads for the first time in the Batt Team's history.
Everyone worked hard the next morning preparing for the President's arrival. Brad got word he'd be rolling in around 12:30 just in time for lunch. A bigger table was set up that went from the kitchen to part way into the living room. No one was going to ask the President to sit on the floor and eat with chop sticks.
The buzzer went off announcing the arrival of someone at the gate. Rocky had set off the buzzer with his nose. Strategically placed metal posts with a large button on it were used to alert the house that visitors arrived. They were knee high and painted a dark green with signs on them denoting private property to disguise their real purpose.
Brad went out to greet the President and his entourage. The President stepped out with his hand outstretched for Brad. Behind him a bevy of secret service men scanned the surrounding area. Then they packed up and left.
The President looked around taking in the location and let off a big sigh. His look of envy was evident. The Round House was unusual, but after Brad had informed him of the reasons, he totally understood. Park had grabbed the Presidents overnight bag. Brad and the President followed him inside. Sujin gave him a big bow. Sandy raised her paw and the President, laughing, shook her hand.
He said, "Let's get business out of the way and then I'd love a walk on the beach."
"Please sit down and would you care for some coffee or tea," asked Sujin.
"Yes, please. Tea would be fine. I'm a little jet lagged, but the salt air should solve that problem soon enough."
Brad and team took their places around the large table and waited for the President to inform them of his wishes. He said, "This is the Readers' Digest version. Short and to the point. The Norwegians' and especially the European Union needs financial support. Even though Norway is not a member of the Union, she still needs increasing funds to support the economic policies. Hence, the need to find tons of her missing gold. In addition, the USA has a black mark against it due to losing the gold.
I know you're thinking that the FBI would be the agency of choice, but we'd like to keep this very low key. If word got out, the gold prospectors would be combing the tracks from the Great Lakes to New York City. Your cover story is looking for some lost prewar documents smuggled out of England around that same time. Covert is the key word here. Also the word caution is advised. Someone hijacked the gold. We think it's still there hidden someplace. Those that took the gold wouldn't be happy to have you find it. Our people think German SS people caught wind of it and subsequently followed it to North America."
The table was quiet as all were digesting what the President said. Brad spoke first. "We've done a little research. Billy thinks the hijacking of the gold took place in Montpelier, Vermont. There was a terrific snow storm there and the train was stuck in the city of Montpelier for three days. As far as we can determine, the guards were holed in the hotel thinking no person in their right mind would try to move tons of gold."
"I've asked the Master to join us on the hunt. He has a nose for gold as you well know. But first I'll send Mike, Agent Jones and Wendy to play historian and tourists. After that Billy and I will follow."
"Sounds good Brad. I do apologize for interrupting your overdue vacation, but the heat is on and I don't like it too hot in my office. Now before lunch, I'd like a brief walk on the beach and then a shower. I'm sorry to impose, but sometimes I just can't help myself," as he smiled and gave a short bow to Sujin. Brad had some walking shoes his size. Out the door they went with Sandy and her two offspring following.
"I've a bad feeling about this so called milk run. Whoever stole the gold is not going to like us. I'd wear a bullet proof vest if I were you guys," said Billy.
Down on the beach Brad and the President were slowly walking north past the giant sea stacks. Fish Rock was of interest as low tide marked a wall of colorful starfish. The President took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He looked around towards the jetty and then along the sea cliff. The Round House couldn't be seen from their angle. He said, "Brad I envy you and your location. You know, a President, even a retired President, has very little privacy. The people never look at the good things we do, but focus on the dirty underwear. I know what you're thinking," as they turned back to the south, "why would anyone want the job."
Brad laughed and kicked an empty clam shell watching Sandy chase it. Brad said, "I often wondered that myself. Nobody in their right mind would work so hard to lead a country where less than half the people like you. I remember a friend of mine went to a foreign country to work and live. He thought he could make a difference; but one man can't change the world."
The President picked up a small stick of driftwood and saw that Sandy wanted to fetch it. He threw the stick and yelled in pain from a sore arm. Brad told him to remember his age. They both laughed. Sandy waited for more, but more was not forthcoming.
Walking past Devils Kitchen Brad told the President this was where the SEALs trained for the North Korean mission. They stopped and the President starred at the scene as if to remember it for future reference; like a book he would write?"
Up the side hill trail they went and the President was shown Nancy's old room to shower and change into something more comfortable. Brad was going to give the President a secret tour of the underground facilities he had built some years ago. Brad was still afraid of a terrorist attack someday. He'd do anything to protect his family and team.
/> Brad was downstairs waiting for him to come out of his room. The President came out dressed in sweats. He looked younger than his years. Brad showed him the computer room first and then led him into his bedroom. The President looked troubled until a sidewall slid silently open revealing a well lit tunnel. Brad said, "Only a few people have seen or know about this part of my fort." He walked down the tunnel until they came to a center point. From the center, which he described as the center of a wheel, the spokes, or in this case, tunnels went off in five directions. Two of the spokes led directly west overlooking the Pacific Ocean; two others led south overlooking the creek and sand dunes; One went north and the last one led to the east.
"Let's look out where we were on the beach a little while ago," said Brad. The President noted the tunnels were awfully big for just people to walk in. Then it dawned on him that maybe small vehicles could travel up and down the tunnels. After a short five minute walk they came to the end of the tunnel.
Brad reached up and punched a large green button. Immediately a steel door slid open revealing a clear view of the ocean and beach. The President was amazed and said so. Brad grinned and punched another button. Part of the tunnel wall opened up revealing an armory. "Good lord," the President exclaimed. "I'm glad I'm one of the good guys."
Brad said, "Down here we are self sufficient with generators, enough fuel to last a long while. Food stuffs, water, housing, computers, and you name it we got it. From the center hub we have small ATV's that can transport people, food, and ammunition. The northern tunnel as well as the eastern tunnel has an escape ramp leading out for evacuation if needed. I think if we are attacked it would come from the west or south. All of my team is required to learn each and every weapon we have. Park is the only one who hasn't been through the training yet."
Under Water Secret Page 1