“No, my master, you mustn’t speak such things.”
“You know it’s true. That harpy has gutted me. I can feel it in my bones. My body grows weak.” He drew him closer, his voice fading. “You know my wishes.”
Mutukan closed his eyes for a moment, his chest aching. “Yes, my master.”
“Then I leave it in your hands.”
“It will be my honor, my master.”
His Khan’s grip loosened, his hand finally falling to the bed as his groans of agony continued, the doctors furiously trying to stop the bleeding down below to no avail.
Everyone knew it was already too late.
But no one dared stop, lest they be accused of giving up too soon.
And when he finally passed after hours of agony, the doctors had disappeared within moments, leaving Mutukan alone with his beloved master. He held his Khan’s hand tightly against his chest as he sobbed unabashedly in private, the love he had for this man equaled by no other two souls.
He forced himself to let go, to stand like a man, then quickly dressed him, concealing the shame of how he had been killed behind his clothes, then tore the blood-soaked sheets from the bed and piled them in the corner. He straightened the body, folded his master’s arms across his chest, then placed his favorite weapons on either side of him.
Then made the pronouncement to those on the other side of the curtains.
“The Khan is dead.”
Word swept through the camp, wails of sorrow filling the air for hours, wails that would continue for days. He had immediately ordered word sent to the Khan’s sons so the succession could begin, a succession that would be fraught with infighting, for there was disagreement on whether the eldest was a legitimate heir, since his lineage was in question.
The Khan had fathered countless, yet the most important, his eldest son, might not be his.
Yet none of that was his concern. His only concern was that he carry out his master’s final wishes.
To be buried in the home of his ancestors, in an unmarked grave, never to be disturbed for eternity.
A massive undertaking.
An undertaking that none could bear witness to.
And live.
34 |
East of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Present Day
“Are we being colossally stupid?”
Laura turned from staring off into the distance, the landscape barren and boring, the drive one of the more dull ones they had taken. Even driving the eight hours from Cairo to her dig site in the desert was more exciting—at least there was traffic.
During the entire drive, they had seen perhaps half a dozen cars heading the opposite direction, and none in half an hour. It was tedious, and Acton was exhausted.
“What was that?”
He smiled at his wife, clearly as bored as he was. “I said, are we being colossally stupid?”
“Oh, definitely, but do we have a choice?”
“Of course we do. We could go to the American embassy or the British. They might be able to help.”
She pursed her lips. “Yes, I suppose we could, but that won’t help Arban.”
“True, but an hour ago we were prepared to leave the country and then notify the authorities.”
She frowned. “Forgot about that.” She eyed him. “So then, why are we doing this?”
He grunted. “Well, Hugh would probably say because we’re daft, or some other Briticism.”
She agreed. “He would that.”
“But here’s what I’m thinking. Whoever is behind this was foreign and well-equipped.”
“Yes, they definitely didn’t look local.”
“Right. They’ve proven they don’t care about the laws here, so chances are, they don’t care about them outside of the country either.”
“You mean back home.”
“Exactly. And, we know that men like this are expensive, and those photos showed mining core samples. If it’s a mining operation, then it’s foreign too, because the Mongolians don’t have the capability to handle a mine without outside help, and that outside help is almost definitely funding these hired guns.”
“I’m with you so far.”
“So, I’m thinking we’re heading toward a mining operation, a very valuable mining operation, that won’t allow anything to stop them, especially some archaeological find.”
“Agreed. So, what do you think we can do about it?”
“Well, they’re in the middle of nowhere, which means I doubt they have much security there. All we need to do is figure out what the name of the company is, and get that info to Dylan. The Feds back home should then be able to get to the bottom of it, and hopefully arrest anyone who might be a threat to us or the kids. Right now, if we head home, we have no idea who is after us, and we could be waiting for a bullet to the back of the head for the rest of our lives, especially once we report what happened to the authorities.”
She frowned. “I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right, of course, it all makes sense when you say it out loud, but I still think this is crazy. We have no support network, and no idea what we’re heading into. For all we know, there could be roadblocks ahead with police who’ve been bribed and told to be on the lookout for us.”
He eased off the accelerator. “Huh, that never occurred to me. Do you want to turn back?”
She thought for a moment then shook her head. “No, you’re right. As soon as we try to go to the airport, we’re going to be arrested or picked up, either by corrupt authorities, or armed mercenaries.”
He frowned. “Now you’ve got me worried about Mai and Tommy.”
“Nobody knows they’re with us or what they look like. They should be safe.” She sighed. “I really don’t care what happens to us, I just want them safe.”
“Me too. You know, it’s funny. I think of those two almost like our son and daughter.”
She reached over and patted his leg. “Me too, though perhaps daughter and son-in-law might be less icky.”
He laughed. “Good point.”
She stared at him, her eyes glistening. “You would have made a great father.”
His eyes burned as he patted her hand still on his leg. “And you would have been a fabulous mother.”
A tear rolled down her cheek as they both threatened to become overwhelmed by the fact she was unable to have children due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen and the resulting damage.
He forced a smile. “Think of it this way. With Mai and Tommy, we got to avoid the diapers, the tantrums, and the teenage years.”
“Not to mention the stretch marks and saggy boobs.”
He grinned, giving the girls an ogle. “Wouldn’t want that!”
She laughed and punched him gently on the shoulder. “You’re terrible.”
“Hey, you brought them up.”
She sighed. “They’re good kids. Let’s just hope Mary was able to book a flight and get them the info. For all we know, they could already be on their way to the airport.”
35 |
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tommy stared at the text message that had just arrived, forcing the decision they had both been putting off. Mai stopped her pacing.
“What is it?”
“It’s from the travel agent. She’s got four seats booked on a flight in two hours, but we have to leave now if we’re going to make it.”
Mai stared at their luggage by the door. “What do we do?”
Tommy sighed, foolishly playing the man card. “You should go. Get out of here while you can. I’ll stay to make sure our message got to Dylan.”
Mai shoved her hands onto her hips. “Don’t be all chivalrous on me. Besides, we got the coordinates to Dean Milton’s secretary. It’s her responsibility now. We both have to go, and we have to go now while we can. The longer we stay, the more likely it is that someone will discover we’re here.”
Tommy chewed his cheek, staring at her. She was right. The coordinates were now outside the country,
which had always been his concern. If they were arrested at the airport, then no one would ever know where the professors had gone. But now that Rita had them, she would get them to Milton, and he could get them to Kane. His job was done.
Their job was done.
“You’re right. Let’s get the hell out of here.” He snapped his laptop shut and rolled out of bed, shoving the device into one of the pouches on his carry-on. “Have we got everything?”
“I’ve checked a hundred times.”
He chuckled, giving her a quick kiss. “I know you have.”
He opened the door and Mai cried out as he gasped, three large men with insincere smiles blocking their paths.
“Going somewhere?”
36 |
Operations Center 3, CIA Headquarters Langley, Virginia
Leroux stared at the screen uselessly, little of the intel displayed current. He turned to Child. “ETA on our operative?”
“Five minutes.”
Leroux growled then returned to his station. It had been a bit of a chore to contact the pilot, the nightshift at the charter not believing them at first. When Child hacked their system and let them watch as he extracted the information himself, Leroux had asked the simple question.
“Do you believe me now?”
“Yes?”
“And we have your permission to contact the pilot?”
“Umm, yes?”
And the call had been made, the location of the crew’s hotel provided, and the confirmation given that local police had shown up at the hotel and escorted them directly to the airport without the rest of the crew or their luggage.
Tong turned in her chair to face him. “This is interesting.”
“What?”
“I’ve been monitoring airline bookings like you asked, and a bunch of them just showed up for the professors and their students.”
Child spun in his chair, staring at the ceiling. “That travel agent is definitely on the ball.”
“Yeah, four seats on half a dozen flights, all spaced out by roughly half a day.”
Leroux smiled at the resourcefulness shown. “When’s the first flight?”
“Less than two hours from now.”
“Is there any indication they’ve checked in?”
Tong shook her head. “No. The flights were only booked in the past half hour.”
Leroux rose. “If the travel agent was able to get this information to them, then they might just get themselves out of the country. Maybe.” He tapped her monitor. “Get that info to our guy. He can take them to the airport and put them on that flight himself if he has to.”
Tong’s fingers flew over the keyboard. “Done.” She looked up at him. “Umm, I’ve got something else you’re not going to like.”
His eyes narrowed. “What now?”
“Well, on a whim, I added a few more names to the search, and a ticket was just booked from London to Seoul.”
Leroux sighed and returned to his station, collapsing in his chair. “Let me guess. Agent Reading of Interpol?”
“Yup.”
He shook his head. “The professors have too many friends willing to do whatever it takes.”
Tong regarded him. “Doesn’t that include us?”
Leroux grunted. “I suppose it does. When does his flight leave?”
“In two hours.”
“Good. Then he should still be answering his phone. Get him for me.”
37 |
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Stander stepped into the hotel room as their two targets retreated toward the window. Once he had figured out that the professors had smuggled them in as flight crew, finding them was a simple matter.
And could prove fruitful, as he was quite certain the professors would turn themselves over the moment they found out these two were in his custody.
“Very clever what your friends did. Irresponsible, but clever. I mean, they’re old enough to be your parents, yet they bring you to Mongolia of all places. They must not like you very much.”
The girl opened her mouth to no doubt defend the professors, but the boy wisely cut her off. “What do you want?”
“I want the professors.”
“They’re not here.”
“No, I’m sure they’re not, but I’m sure they told you where they were going.”
“How could they? We haven’t seen them since the airplane.”
Stander shook his head, mock disappointment on his face. “I really hate it when I’m lied to. I mean, if everyone just told the truth, the world would be a much better place.”
“More boring though,” said Myburg.
Stander chuckled “Yes, more boring, but better.” He stepped closer and the boy herded the girl behind him.
Boyfriend and girlfriend? That could be useful.
“Now, I need to know where the professors are, and you don’t want to tell me. I know you know, because the hotel staff I bribed told me they were here earlier. They wouldn’t leave here without telling you where they were going.” He gestured at their luggage. “Now, where were you going? To meet them?”
“No, we’re just going to the airport to catch a flight home. That’s all they told us. They said to wait for a text message from the travel agent, then go to the airport and get on the flight. That’s all I know, I swear.”
Stander smiled slightly. “Oh, you swear? Then it must be the truth.”
“It is!” cried the girl.
Stander stepped closer and the boy stepped back, bumping into the girl. “Thomas is it? And Mai?”
The boy went pale. “H-how do you know that?”
“The crew manifest. Like I said. Very clever. Nobody ever watches the crew. If you’ve got a flight out of here, then that means whoever booked it could have booked it for all four of you. The fact the professors aren’t here means they had somewhere else to be. And that concerns me, because it concerns my client. Now, I don’t like being concerned. I like being in complete control of every situation. And so, when I’m not in control, I do whatever it takes to get in control.” He swiftly drew his weapon and swung his arm toward Tommy, stopping over the boy’s shoulder, the barrel aimed squarely at the young woman cowering behind her boyfriend. “Tell me everything you know, right now, or I promise you my men will have their way with her all night while you watch, then we’ll put a bullet in her head.”
Jack—just Jack—parked his Camry about a hundred yards short of the hotel where the two subjects Langley was interested in were staying. As he walked to the entrance, he spotted an SUV idling nearby, a vehicle far nicer than most in the city. And shook his head at the driver—Caucasian with short-clipped hair.
Do you have to be so obvious about it?
At least he now knew he was heading into a situation, and with only one vehicle in sight, he was probably up against three to five well-trained men. This wouldn’t be easy. In fact, it could prove impossible.
“I should have been a brain surgeon.”
He suppressed a chuckle at the phrase, something his instructor at The Farm had said repeatedly every time a recruit frustrated him. He had adopted the mantra as his own, though had never spoken the words aloud.
Until today.
I wonder if that means something.
He might be dead in the next five minutes, which would be unfortunate, though he wouldn’t be missed. Jobs like this were usually given to those with few connections, especially family. He had no wife, no kids, no siblings, no parents—no living parents.
And no friends.
It was a lonely life. And that was exactly how he liked it. Nobody to hurt you. Nobody to betray you. Do the job, and if, at the end of the day you were still alive, then you probably did it right. And if you weren’t, then what did it matter? He didn’t believe in all that Heaven and Hell crap. You were alive, and then you weren’t.
End of story.
He entered the lobby and spotted a suitable employee. He pulled a pre-written note from his
pocket, a month’s wages tucked inside, and handed it to him, giving him a look.
“Five minutes?”
The young man’s eyes bulged at the cash then he quickly read the note and nodded. Jack scanned the lobby for his subjects and any hostiles, finding nothing. It meant they were either on their way down, or still in the room, about to be on their way down. And with only one elevator, currently on the second floor, and his subjects on the fourth, it was a safe bet they were in the room.
He pressed the button and the elevator arrived moments later. He gripped his weapon, tucked in his belt underneath his jacket, and was greeted with an empty cab. He stepped inside and pressed the button for the third floor, riding up in silence, the chime indicating he had arrived, the doors opening then closing a few moments later.
And he waited.
Though not for long.
The elevator jerked and headed up. He drew his weapon, screwing the suppressor in place, and readied himself. He was about to either scare the living shit out of some poor tourist, or get the drop on superior numbers. The doors opened on the fourth floor and he squeezed the trigger.
Tommy’s eyes bulged and Mai screamed as a man fired over Tommy’s shoulder then over his other, dropping two of their kidnappers before they could react. A hand reached out and grabbed Mai by the shirt, yanking her inside the elevator. Tommy reached out to stop her as the man in charge, the man he had just spilled everything to only moments ago without a finger laid on him, dove out of the way, drawing his weapon and swinging it toward them.
Tommy’s jaw dropped as he realized there was only one possible target left and he dove into the elevator with Mai and a man his mind hadn’t yet had a chance to classify as friend or foe. Gunfire erupted behind him, tearing into the door as the new arrival hammered on the Close Door button, Lobby already lit. The man reached out with his left hand and corralled them to the opposite side of the elevator then dropped to a knee, aiming at the opening. Tommy spotted a shadow and their rescuer—for he was now certain that’s who he was—fired two rounds before the door finally closed and the elevator began its descent.
The Tomb of Genghis Khan Page 10