Terrorist: Three Book Boxed Set

by Phillip Strang

  Compliant meant drugged. The euphemism was not lost on the Prince, a moral man in all respects except where women were concerned.

  ‘I am interested to find out more,’ he replied. ‘But I need some assurance the woman is young, a virgin, and she will not be traced back to here.’

  Saleh entered the conversation. ‘We have a doctor in Chad who will vouch for her virginity. He checks out the black girls that we bring here.’

  ‘Very well, travel to meet with the Sheikh, view the girl, check her out and negotiate a price. When all is ready, then you can arrange for one of my jets to pick her up. Bribe whoever you need to achieve our aims in this matter.’

  The Saudi Prince was pleased. His one remaining desire was to be answered.

  When he was pleased, his generosity was boundless. ‘Please stay tonight and avail yourself of two of my girls. They are leaving tomorrow. I have tired of them, but I can let you know that they are exceptional in their beauty and their talents.’

  Saleh chose Yelena, a tall Ukrainian beauty, and Abdullah, a Chinese from Hong Kong, by the name of Yasmin. Early the next morning, exhausted and satisfied, they took one of the Prince’s jets and flew to Chad.

  Chapter 20

  ‘It is to my great shame that Sheikh Idriss Deubet may be the person you seek.’ Ahmed Sahoulba was apologetic. A proud Chadian and a friend of Harry Warburton, he was embarrassed that a fellow countryman of his was involved in such a shameful business.

  ‘What have you found out?’ Harry asked. The three, Harry, Phil, and Yanny, were sitting in the garden of Ahmed’s house in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, sipping tea.

  ‘I have never been naïve about the failings of my country, but to be faced with facts, rather than assumptions, is always difficult. I have asked my cousin to make enquiries. His report is disturbing.

  ‘We must deal with the facts. If Kate McDonald is with him, she must be rescued within the next few days,’ said Harry.

  ‘That is understood,’ Ahmed said.

  ‘We don’t have any option,’ Yanny explained. ‘The Sheikh, if it is indeed the person you mention, has become difficult, threatening in his ransom demands.’

  ‘My full assistance is without question,’ Ahmed said.

  ‘He’s threatened to conduct an auction. Highest bidder will take her.’ said Yanny.

  ‘Who else would want her, other than her father?’ Ahmed asked.

  ‘His indications are that he would sell her to the Middle East as a concubine.’

  ‘Sold as a concubine? You cannot be serious!’

  ‘Unfortunately, we are,’ Harry said.

  ‘Do they exist, such places? It amounts to sexual slavery.’ Ahmed shocked at the possibility.

  ‘The depravity of man knows no limit. They exist,’ replied Yanny.

  ‘What help do you need from me?’ asked Ahmed.

  ‘We need to check out his compound.’

  ‘There will be guards.’

  ‘Phil will find a way in.’

  ‘What about the guards?’

  ‘Phil will deal with them if necessary, but ideally we don’t want them to know he has been there.’ Yanny said.

  ‘They will have dogs,’ Ahmed added.

  ‘Then they will be given a tasty treat with some added ingredients,’ replied Harry. ‘They will sleep for thirty, maybe sixty minutes at least. All the time Phil needs.’

  ‘It is clear, Harry, that you and your friends are well experienced in such operations.’

  ‘We’re the best.’ Ahmed knew his friend well enough to realise it was not false boasting.

  ‘His compound is located in a densely populated part of town,’ said Ahmed. ‘If they suspect you are Westerners, they may become hostile.’

  ‘Dress Phil in local clothes, darken his face a little and they will not pick him,’ said Harry.

  ‘They will notice his accent – or, should I say, lack of it.’

  ‘Not with Phil. His French is passable, complete with accent, and his Arabic is good.’

  ‘Harry’s right, I may not be able to hold an exhaustive conversation in Arabic, but it’s good enough to move around,’ said Phil.

  ‘Yanny will coordinate our activities and remain here if that is acceptable,’ Harry asked.

  ‘An unaccompanied female may give rise to comment.’ Ahmed looked at Yanny directly. ‘I assume you could adjust your dress and manner as well and your Arabic would be flawless?’

  ‘Flawless, but I am best served coordinating activities here and back in Nigeria.’

  The next day, an unpleasant little man, his clothes stinking of stale cigarette smoke, and eating peanuts out of a paper bag, came to the house. Yanny took an instant dislike to him. He, to the contrary, found her delightful and desirable.

  ‘Let me introduce Mustapha Tombalbaye,’ Ahmed said. ‘I have known him for many years. He is the person you need.’

  Introductions aside, the situation was discussed. Mustapha wanted to sit close to Yanny. As a result, she had to constantly excuse herself and move around the room.

  ‘Mustapha, please stay where you are,’ Ahmed discretely advised. A first cousin, he knew him well, trusted him implicitly, but he knew him for what he was, and he did not want Yanny feeling uncomfortable in his house.

  Mustapha Tombalbaye, private investigator, delver into the cesspit of society, was a man of few scruples and even fewer morals. Ahmed used him as necessary: where there was a land deal to be gazumped, a government contract to be secured, political pressure to be applied. He could always find the truth, the lever. Ahmed prided himself in the fact that, in a corrupt society, he had managed to maintain a good degree of honesty. He was not squeaky clean – how could anyone be, when the highest politician to the lowest worker on the street was looking for an angle, a way to make some more money?

  He found that Mustapha’s enquiries invariably gave him information and knowledge that, once intimated to the relevant person, would cause a change in their stance, their demands, and the money they wanted.

  ‘I’ve had someone staking out the Sheikh’s compound for a few days,’ Mustapha said.

  ‘What were the results?’ Yanny asked.

  ‘My person has seen nothing unusual – just a few vehicles going in and out. However, he did see some black women in the back of one of the cars, but it was very dusty. He thought they didn’t appear local.’

  ‘Why would black women raise suspicion? How would he know they weren’t local?’

  ‘They may be domestic servants, but they would walk in and out. Black women in the Sheikh’s vehicles – it doesn’t sound right.’

  ‘Any sign of a white woman?’

  ‘No, he was keeping his eyes open, but only the black women were seen.’

  ‘What do you make of this, Yanny?’ Harry asked.

  ‘They may be recent purchases and the dust would suggest a long trip.’

  ‘Can we arrange for me to go in tonight?’ Phil asked.

  ‘Not dressed like that,’ Ahmed replied. Phil, dressed in standard Khaki with an Australian Akubra hat, would not have passed for a local.

  ‘I could get you some local clothes,’ Mustapha said. ‘I just hope you’re as good as blending in as you say you are.’

  ‘I am.’

  ‘Good, I wouldn’t want to be with you if you are caught. Justice is tough out there.’

  ‘Just get me to the compound wall without being seen. Pick me up afterwards at my signal.’

  ***

  The area around the compound was busy that afternoon as Phil and Mustapha walked casually around its perimeter. It was large, and the walls high.

  ‘How will you get over?’ Mustapha asked. He was amazed at the transformation in Phil. His ability to blend was impressive and the way he walked was that of a local. He had even indulged in conversation with a local shopkeeper.

  ‘There’s a place around the corner we just passed where the wall is crumbling at the top. That is the best place. I’ll go over there.’
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br />   ‘I didn’t see it,’ replied Mustapha.

  ‘You don’t know what to look for. It’s hidden from view of the surrounding buildings, but there is still some light in the street.’

  ‘Don’t worry, let me know the time, and I’ll ensure the light goes off.’

  ‘How will you do that?’ asked Phil.

  ‘You tell me the time, and the power to the area will be cut. It’s unreliable at the best of time and with some money in the right pockets, anything can be arranged.’

  ‘The Sheikh will have a backup generator.’

  ‘I have taken it into account,’ said Mustapha. ‘The generator fuel tank was filled this morning. The tanker delivery company will be in serious trouble later; the diesel was full of water. Besides, there is a problem with the starter motor.

  ‘You paid the people delivering? They’ve disabled the engine?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Phil had a newfound respect for his colleague.

  At that moment, a Toyota Land Cruiser pulled up at the main gate of the compound.

  ‘That’s the Sheikh’s personal vehicle,’ Mustapha said.

  ‘Yes, but who are they in the back?’

  ‘They look like Arabs, but their dress is not of here.’

  ‘They look as if they are from the Middle East,’ said Phil. ‘Can you make some enquiries? Find out what you can.’

  ‘I have a cousin at the airport,’ replied Mustapha. ‘He owes me a favour.’

  ‘We need to know quickly. If they are who I suspect, then we do not have a lot of time.’

  ‘Who do you believe they are?’

  ‘I think they may be the other bidders for Kate.’

  ‘You can’t go in tonight if they are still there. I will ensure the compound is watched. As soon as they leave we can then plan your entry.’

  It was two days later before it was clear to enter the compound. In the meantime, Mustapha had learnt from his cousin – everyone seemed to be a cousin –the two Arabs had come in on a private jet from Saudi Arabia.

  ‘What else do we know about these two?’ Harry asked back at Ahmed’s house.

  ‘We know their names,’ Yanny replied. ‘The names on the passenger manifest show them to be Abdullah Al Balushi, an Omani national, and Saleh Al Hasani, a citizen of Muscat.’

  ‘And what do they do?’ Phil asked.

  ‘Our office in Baghdad made some enquiries,’ she replied. ‘They are procuring agents for some of the wealthiest individuals within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and one person in particular – Prince Abdul bin al-Ibrahim.

  ‘What is a procuring agent?’ Harry asked.

  ‘According to what I have been told, these two individuals travel the world acquiring rare works of art, vintage cars, real estate on behalf of immensely wealthy Arabs.’

  ‘So, on the face of it, they are decent men. But why are they here in Chad at a compound where we believe there is a Western woman for auction?’

  ‘There is more,’ Yanny said.

  ‘Please continue.’

  ‘Prince Abdul bin al-Ibrahim has a fondness for women, especially blonde and fair-skinned. His private jet has been known to take some of the Ukrainian and Russian women found hawking their wares in Dubai into Saudi Arabia.’

  ‘Is there anything wrong in that?’ Phil said.

  ‘Legally, no, but it’s a little perverse,’ Yanny replied, shocked at the ambivalence of his statement.

  ‘Why would he be interested in Kate?’ asked Harry. ‘She appears to be beautiful. But then, so are the majority of the women in Dubai, and they are readily available.’

  ‘You don’t get it,’ Yanny, a little agitated, replied.

  ‘What don’t I get?’

  ‘Flying blonde women into Saudi, just because you have unlimited money and an over-active libido, is not the issue. There is one thing the women in Dubai cannot offer.’

  ‘And what’s that?’

  ‘They can’t offer their virginity. What if the Prince has a perversion, an unsated desire for a blonde, fair-skinned virgin?’

  ‘Is she a virgin?’ Phil was incredulous that a modern, Western young woman would have still held on to the vestige of a more conservative era.

  ‘How would I know?’ Yanny replied. ‘It’s what they believe that is important. Maybe she mentioned it in an effort to make her kidnappers leave her alone.’

  ‘That would explain the interest of the two Arabs,’ said Harry. ‘We need to get her out as soon as we can.’

  ‘They are the agents. They will not touch her.’

  ‘Can we be sure of that?’ Phil asked.

  ‘The Prince wants a virgin, not some woman his agents have pawed,’ said Yanny. ‘She is perfectly safe, as long as she remains in the compound.’

  ***

  ‘We wish to see the virgin.’ Abdullah Al Balushi was direct and to the point at the meeting inside Sheik Idriss Deubet’s compound to discuss the Prince’s possible latest acquisition.

  ‘I have acquired her for the highest bidder. Not for your master,’ replied the Sheikh.

  ‘It has been made clear there is to be no auction for the woman,’ said Abdullah. ‘Our master, the Prince, has the first and only claim.’

  ‘His claim is subject to a satisfactory offer. I am aware of her value; I will not let her go for less.’

  ‘You are playing a dangerous game with your arrogant manner.’ Saleh Al Hasani knew the anger the Prince would express if they failed. He did not want to contemplate their fate.

  ‘Gentlemen, let us calm down,’ said the Sheikh. ‘This heated exchange belies our amicable business dealings in the past, the friendship I feel for you both, the respect I feel for the Prince.’ He attempted to placate the situation with soothing words. He wanted neither their friendship nor their presence; he just wanted the Prince’s money.

  ‘Of course, I will not auction her,’ he added. ‘She is for the Prince. I was just aiming to ensure the best possible price. You do understand?’

  ‘We understand your desire to maximise your return,’ replied Abdullah. ‘But be assured, the Prince will pay substantially well for the asset – if, she is, as you say, a unique beauty and a virgin.’ He did not like the Sheikh, and he was certain the Sheikh did not like him.

  Kate and Fatima had seen the Arabs enter the compound.

  ‘They’re not from here,’ Fatima said.

  ‘They’re from the Middle East,’ replied Kate. ‘Look how they are dressed. You see the long-sleeved, ankle-length robe? It’s called a thobe.’

  ‘How do you know all this?’ asked Fatima, surprised at Kate’s knowledge.

  ‘I’ve been to Dubai a few times with my father.’

  Abdullah, the taller of the two showed the effects of over-indulgence in the consumption of food and whisky. He could not be considered an attractive man. Saleh, smaller, more youthful, and definitely thinner, with a pronounced nose, the more impressive; however, at forty-eight years of age, he was at least ten years older than his colleague was.

  ‘They don’t look to be very nice men,’ Kate said.

  ‘Why do you think they are here?’ Fatima asked.

  ‘I am afraid they are coming for me.’

  ‘Your father will get you back before then,’ Fatima said reassuringly, although she was not sure; she had seen these men before. At the time, she had not thought much of it, but now it was clear; they had come for some of the black girls. This time, they were probably here for Kate.

  Meanwhile the two Arabs from the Prince were becoming agitated. ‘When can we see the woman?’ Abdullah asked.

  ‘She is being made ready for you. A special showing has been arranged. You will be able to see her, but she will not be aware of your presence.

  ‘It is important that we are able to see her naked,’ Saleh said.

  ‘Do you know what will happen to us if the Prince hears of your suggestion?’ Abdullah was visibly angry that his colleague could even suggest such an idea.

  ‘She will be cloth
ed exquisitely,’ replied the Sheikh, ‘dressed in a sheer and tight Western dress of the highest quality. The delights of her body are for your master, not for anyone else. If he realised you had partaken of any untoward liberties or disrespect, then his vengeance towards you would be without mercy.’

  ‘We would never enjoy the benefits of his women in Riyadh if he were to hear of any liberties being taken,’ Abdullah said. ‘We would not be capable.’

  ‘What do you mean, not be capable?’ the Sheikh asked.

  ‘He’d have our balls cut off and fed to the dogs.’

  ‘I hope Saleh understands,’ added the Sheikh.

  ‘I understand. I momentarily allowed myself to be overridden by lust.’

  ‘Let us discuss the price. Our master is willing to pay one million American dollars in either cash or into any bank account you nominate in the world,’ said Abdullah.

  The Sheikh was offended ‒ to talk about money and business with no respect for local traditions, unforgivable. It was necessary to eat, drink, discuss trivialities before the offensive topic of money discussed, and besides an offer of one million dollars for an asset worth ten times that amount offended him more.

  ‘It offends me that you discuss financial matters at this early stage,’ he replied.

  ‘It is not our intention, but the Prince has made it clear that he wants our negotiations to be concluded in the shortest possible time. He is aware of the sensitivity and the risk of taking an American woman secretly into Saudi Arabia. Even he, with all his wealth and influence, would not be immune to arrest and imprisonment for such an action.’ replied Abdullah.

  ‘I accept your apology. I am also under the same pressures. I wish to see her leave these premises as soon as possible.’

  ‘Then the offer of one million dollars remains.’

  ‘I have already been offered ten million by her father.’

  ‘You were told not to enter into any other negotiations.’

  ‘I have not. The group I purchased her from had instigated ransom negotiations, the money agreed by them. I have purely inherited that agreement.’ It was not true. The Sheikh had been pursuing an agreement and the amount was three million, not ten, but he did not intend to tell the truth to the agents of a man who counted his millions in their thousands.