Wendy and Brad stood talking and both agreed the grandmother Alina Muller was behind the original robbery. It was not long when Wade came back saying that an Eric Weber was the contractor working in the basement of the National Historical Society. Wade had called the local police and they were coming very soon.
Brad was not worried that the man would be caught very soon. People around him told Brad that Eric had a big Ford truck with dual tires in the back. Brad told Wade to take care of the police work. Brad seemed more concerned with an attack on his property than the tracking of the German who took some gold. How much did he take? No way of knowing and until he was caught, then a total count could be taken.
Brad left Agent Jones, Wendy and Wade to take care of the gold problem. Billy drove back to Washington in his van. Brad told Jones and Wendy to set aside two bars. Both knew the gold would be given to the Master.
A tired Brad Pratt drove back to Washington DC. He found a motel and called his wife. Sujin was happy to hear from him. She told him not much was new around there since he left. Park was busy in the garden with Sandy keeping an eye on him.
He told her about the gold and the subsequent loss of a portion of it. She interrupted his story and said, "Husband you sound tired. Let's talk in the morning."
"Okay, I'll hang up and talk to you tomorrow. Big hug for both of you."
The next day found Brad in the X Office. Steve and Nancy were waiting for him. He felt much better but the terrorists' idea was still nagging at him.
He told them Wade was working with the police to track down the suspect. It shouldn't take too much time to catch up with him. Brad said, "It appears they were onto us as this guy tunneled his way to the museum from the Historical Society. They are very close so it wasn't so hard. The Master told me where the gold was hidden. We were a day late or at least some hours late in finding the gold intact. We have no idea how much is missing, but I'd guess a substantial amount.
What bothers me a little is he must know we are searching for his Ford pickup truck. We have to assume he will change vehicles or something like that. We'd best alert all shipping ports to look out for said truck. My thinking is he'll go south with the gold. Nancy you'd best hook up with Billy to find the country that would be the best place to unload a large amount of gold. Meanwhile, I'm going back to Oregon and prepare for a possible terrorists attack. Steve, I have a strong suspicion this is a not an isolated attack, but two or more at the same time. Remember 9/11. More than two planes were involved. We need some better intelligence on this idea."
Nancy asked, "What or where is Mike?
"I sent him to Montreal to see if he could back track the ship and to discover how much gold was actually put on the train. I haven't heard from him for days now. However that doesn't mean a lot knowing Mike. No news is good news when it comes to Mike. Also Billy should be here soon"
++++
Eric Weber was grinning from ear to ear. He didn't know how much gold he'd loaded into his truck, but it felt like a goodly amount. He guessed he had about six hour's head start on the government agents. First thing he would do is find storage units, off load the gold, then dispose of his truck. After that he would buy an old truck for cash, load up the gold and head for Texas. The truck he purchased must be street legal and he couldn't afford to be stopped by the police. Once he reached the Mexican border in Texas he could cross over and be home free. His wife knew nothing. He told her he would contact her and that was that.
In roughly six hours he was near Altoona, Pennsylvania. He found a large storage unit place and rented a unit for one year. He hated using his real name and license, but no choice. Two days at the most and he would be gone. He left his truck in the storage unit. After a year who would care about the truck.
Wade and Agent Jones went to interview Eric Weber's wife, Dorothy. She lived in a fairly big house just outside of town with a large garage. The garage was obviously Eric's work shop. Wade knocked on the door and after a long wait the door slowly opened a few inches. A pair of red eyes stared back at him. Wade put on his best smile and said, "We're not here to arrest you Mrs. Weber. May we come in and ask you a few questions?"
The door opened slowly and they followed a portly middle aged woman to the living room. Agent Jones noted that the furniture was early Salvation Army at best. They sat down on an old brown davenport and she sat in an even older rocker that was used for knitting by the rolls of yarn lying next to it.
Wade said, "Do you know where your husband Eric is right now?"
Dorothy sat on the edge of her chair with her folded hands resting on her legs. She said, "No I don't. I wish I did, but I can't tell you anything because I don't know anything. He told me he'd be in contact, but 'when' was answered with a shrug of the shoulders."
"Did you know about the gold Dorothy?"
"No and this is the first time I've heard the word gold. When you're married to a German man, knowing not much of anything that goes on is the truth. He gives me money to buy groceries and clothes for the kids. What more can I tell you and by the way what does gold have to do with anything?"
"That's a long story and you'll catch the drift in town as the days go by. We think, or we know, your husband took a substantial amount of gold and drove away with it in his truck."
"I’m confused. You're saying my husband stole gold from this town?"
"Yes, we are saying that exactly. Many years ago your mother-in-law, with her husband and two other friends hijacked a lot of gold off a train. It's been hidden for years. The only one that was left alive was your husband's grandmother. She had to pass on the secret. We thank you and a phone tap will be put on your phone in case he calls."
Wendy was at Alina Muller's house at the same time Wade and Agent Jones were visiting Eric's wife. All she received from Alina was a smirk. No words were spoken. Well, Wendy thought, no matter as she went through her entire life rich beyond her wildest dreams, but couldn't touch the source. Realistically, the same held true for her grandson Eric. He was driving around with a fortune in gold, but it's hard to use at a Mc D's. The irony was bitter and true.
++++
Before he left town, Brad met the President and informed him of what was being done with the gold. In the Oval Office sat Brad, Steve, Rocky and the President. Brad said, "We found the gold. However a portion of it was stolen under our very eyes. A search is on for the thief. We know who he is, but we don't know where he is going. We guess that he is heading for Mexico. A part of our team is looking for him along with the FBI and police. We've a National Guard company looking after the gold while it's being shipped to New York City. I'm on my way home to prepare for a battle with the terrorists. I've nothing to base this feeling upon, but I will tell you, like 9/11 the Taliban used multiple weapons and targets. They want us to think that the attack against me is the only strike, but I think we need to upgrade our Homeland Security and put the Navy on alert. I'll stop by and see my father."
The room went silent. The President was digesting the information. Then he said, "Brad I respect your foresight. Let's very quietly increase our underwater and surface defenses. Also, a heightened awareness on our boarders with Mexico and Canada. What other suggestions do you have?"
"Let's include Canada with our alert," he answered.
Chapter Five
Alexandria, Egypt, in a warehouse, classes were ongoing learning the art of submarine operation. Because of security and the prying eyes of the Western World, a mock up of a Romeo class submarine was used for class inside the warehouse. There were over one hundred volunteers ready to do their bidding for the Taliban.
The instructor was working hard to make the class stay on schedule. There was only a few weeks left until the students class ended. Two submarines were on standby under cover in an underground submarine pen purchased from North Korea. What nobody else knew was there were two more subs being readied at the same time in different area.
The two subs were being outfitted with torpedoes. Maybe a little crude f
or this day and age, but for terrorists, a well placed torpedo would scare the world when a passenger ship with thousands aboard was sunk. The latest Queen Elizabeth 2 just leaving New York would be a nice time to wake up the world. It's fuel tanks full and with a well placed torpedo, a burning inferno would be spectacular sight.
The CIA knew something was happening, but 'what' they couldn't find out. Two Egyptians, both CIA salaried, were sent in and neither one came back out. Security was just too good. The word was passed on up the chain of command until it reached the President's ears. From there it went to Steve Lewis. Nancy was informed and soon Brad was listening to Steve and Nancy on a conference call.
Brad said, "We need better Intel than what's coming out of Egypt. I realize that sounds redundant but how can anyone make a plan without knowing what you're up against,"
Steve detected a little anger in his voice. That was a bit unusual for Brad. Nancy too picked up on it. Brad said, "This is what we'll do. Pull Wade off the gold search and send him to Egypt. I'll find Mike and see what he is up to. If possible he can meet Wade in Alexandria. Steve, fix up some bona fide passports for both of them. You choose what field and so on. I've a really bad feeling about this new form of terrorism; if in fact I'm right. The better safe than sorry comes to mind. Well, if there's nothing else, I best get back to work with my father."
Steve sat contemplating what Brad had said and how he said it. This was as high strung he'd ever seen Brad. It appeared he was going all out to protect his home and family. Then he reasoned, he is simply acting like a concerned father and manager of his company. He said to Nancy, "Nancy I think I'd best fly out and see how Brad is doing. I'll use the pick up the dog excuse. What if he's right and the Taliban are going underwater with their suicide bombers."
Nancy said, "I've not known Brad as long as you Steve, but we've come to trust his instincts. I know this sounds rather naive, but their targets would have to be something within range of a submarine torpedo I'm assuming."
"We must take into account that a submarine could drop off suicide bombers anywhere along our coast. No city would be safe within a short distance of the ocean. If I remember correctly, 80% of our major cities are located on the coasts. This is a 'what if' example. What if a submarine were to drop off a group of terrorists at the Round House and then proceed to LA and do whatever."
"You're scaring me Steve," said Nancy.
"I'm scaring myself Nancy."
Brad turned back to his father after hanging up the secure phone. His father asked, "You just arrived here son. Tell me what is going on and what we are up against?"
"I've not much to go on as far as facts go, but my gut feeling is an attack by the Taliban on my property and somewhere else at the same time. It's been many years since the attack on the Worlds Trade Center. Then we eliminated their famous leader Bin Laden. The Taliban are angry along with Pakistan. The Taliban need something to cheer about. They suspect me who killed their leader so revenge is coming. What I really wonder is who finances these terrorists?"
"Brad, we've word that North Korea is selling some of its submarines. So you figure the Taliban are preparing for a strike using submarines?"
"I do father. Furthermore, we have some evidence they are being trained in Egypt. The CIA lost two men seeking some Intel. I'm sending Wade and Mike to Alexandria. Hopefully they can root out some information. Meanwhile, the SEALs are coming to my home to secure it against any attacks. Father, we need to alert the Navy and beef up our coastal security. I'm relying on you for this action. The Chinese Master is at my home to protect my family.
"Now I must go if there're no more questions."
"Go home son. We'll take this seriously."
Brad finally reached Mike in Montreal. He told Brad his story after arriving in Montreal. He claimed to be an old salt looking for his long lost relative who sailed aboard the ship Bomma. It was the name of the ship which carried the gold from England to Canada. Mike discovered a really old retired sailor on the wharves drinking his life away.
"The upshot was the train carrying the gold was only part of the total gold being shipped to the USA. The very next train carried the other half and it never reached New York City. The train and all disappeared. I found the records and the old man was correct. The train never arrived at its destination in America. Brad, this means there's a whole train missing with around 20 tons of gold on it."
"Mike, that's terrific work. However, I need you back here soonest you can. It can't be discussed over any phone. I'll see you soon."
Mike said, "I'll wrap things up here and fly home on the next available flight. See you later."
Brad went upstairs to the living room. Sujin was in the kitchen, Park was outside working on in the garden and the Master was meditating facing east. Sujin asked, "You seemed troubled my husband. Can I help in anyway?"
"You help in so many ways I can't tell you all of them. Without you I'm like a sail boat without sails. A boat without direction. Anyway, Mikes coming back from Montreal soon and he'll be a big help. I'm sending he and Wade to Egypt. Mike can find information where no one else can. Here's one for you. Mike said there were two trains with gold on board. One was robbed in Montpelier and, get this, the other one never arrived anywhere. It simply disappeared. Regardless, it's not a high priority right now. Also Steve is coming to pick up his dog. The real reason is he is worried about us."
"What about Billy," asked Sujin?
"He's staying to help Nancy track down the gold guy. Wendy and Jones are on the border in Texas wait for the guy to show up. Unknown to most folks, a scale is imbedded in the boarder crossing. I'd say our chances are good we nail the guy.
"When are the SEALs coming? I need to alert my sister and the fisherman to prepare more food for the upcoming invasion," she said smiling. "I feel sorry for those guys who are coming to attack us."
"You know, I too feel sorry for those blind fools sacrificing themselves for a cause that is not real. This religious warfare began more than a thousand years ago. The Crusades is what they called it. I really wonder how many good people have died because of more than a thousand years of religious wars."
"We didn't learn that in South Korea. We did experience Japanese occupation for many years. That was a bad experience for us."
"Honey, I'm going to take a run on the beach. Oh, the SEALs should be here in a few days."
++++
Wendy said to Agent Jones, "This is really boring."
"I like the warm weather. But yes, this really sucks. However, we must catch the dude before he crosses the border. If he makes a run for it, then we have an international event. We need to walk the line of cars going in. Make it a really slow process. We've got FBI and state police on watch. It's like my old FBI instructor always said: "Look at the eyes. There is a real difference between just apprehensive and really guilty of something. At least we have it down to a small truck, like maybe a U-Haul type truck."
"This is our second day and as the weekend is coming, the traffic is increasing. I see our man is at the wheel of half track just waiting to leap cross ways in front of the bad guy," said Wendy.
Eric had timed it so he would cross the border just after lunch. Every guard would be sleepy as siesta time was upon them. He pulled up and stopped in a long line driving his new truck. It was an old yellow Ryder truck he picked up for a song. The only extra cost was tires, but good tires are what he needed. He saw a lot of guards and police moving up and down the line of traffic. This was Eric's first time so he had no idea what to expect. He had his registration and a story to go with it. If you looked in the back all you would see is painting supplies. Buried underneath was the gold. Be cool he, thought.
Agent Jones had on an FBI bullet proof vest. He spied the yellow truck right away. He didn't want to alert the guy and have him panic, so he walked slowly up the line of traffic smiling and checking driver's license and registrations.
Wendy saw what Jones had seen in the yellow truck. She gave the high sign t
o the FBI team leader who nodded to the half track driver. The guards allowing in country from Mexico were to slow down the flow so as to block any chance the perp would drive through to the other side. Wendy slowly made her was up the opposite side of the cars than Jones.
Eric, with both hands on the wheel, was totally focused on the guys checking out the vehicles. He told himself to remain calm and stick with his story that he was on a job for a Mexican company who needed a professional painter. He'd found a major company and copied down their phone numbers and address. If they called, he'd be in trouble, but he looked the part.
He saw a black guy smiling at each car as he worked his way up the slow moving line of traffic. Eric did have an old pistol he bought at a pawn shop back up the road a ways. He was half sitting on it and had no intention of using it. However, if pushed come to shove, he'd rather fight than go to jail.
Agent Jones was now one car away from the yellow truck. Jones looked up and met Eric's eyes. He quickly looked away and smiled at the car's driver. It was a load of Mexican people going home for the weekend he guessed. He looked up and saw Wendy chatting with the previous car passenger. She too was laughing. Jones had no doubt she was onto the game. Agent Jones finished and the car moved up a couple of places. Agent Jones walked up to Eric's rolled down window. "May I see your license and registration please," asked Jones.
Eric said, "Sure can. Here it is."
Agent Jones looked at the registration and saw Eric Weber on both the registration and license. Jones asked, "What is your purpose of a trip into Mexico?"
Under Water Secret Page 4