Foxx tilted his head quizzically. But Beach just held up his hand for silence. A few seconds later his call was answered.
“Jake, it’s Alan Beach. I think we’ve got a serious problem.”
Chapter 12
Following their visit with Billy D, Jake had called General Khay of the Royal Cambodian Army. Jake began to give Khay a brief explanation of the situation, but the wise and perceptive general had stopped Jake mid-sentence. In his mildly British accent, he’d said, “No further explanation required, Jake Riley. Tell me the address. I have a full Counter-Terrorism Commando unit standing by at a base just minutes from the city center. They are on ready alert for a training exercise and at your disposal.”
Jake had provided the general details for one of Ugolev’s safe houses, adding that the Russians were backed by Police General Klot. Khay had laughed dismissively, urging Jake to accept some of his highly trained breach specialists for his own operation as well. “That won’t be necessary, General. Thanks for the offer, but you know how I operate.”
“How could I ever forget? Without your lone-wolf style and deadly skills, my daughter would surely have died. Call me when you’re in position, my friend.”
After the call, Jake had gotten into a waiting tuktuk beside Mike Lee. The driver had been instructed to follow Billy D.’s man on his motorcycle, while Dozer and Priest followed in another tuktuk. Less than five minutes into their journey, Jake’s cell phone had vibrated in his pocket. He’d accepted the call, straining to hear above the noise of the tuktuk and Phnom Penh traffic chaos. “I can’t hear you – hang on a minute.”
He tapped the driver’s shoulder then pointed to the roadside. The tuktuk driver pulled over and cut his engine, watching in amusement as the big man awkwardly squeezed out through the wrong side of the vehicle. Once disentangled, Jake put the phone back to his ear.
“Alan, is that you?”
“Yes, can you hear me? Where are you?”
“Cambodia. I haven’t got time to talk – we’ll have to catch up another time.”
“Wait, Jake, this is not a social call – this is serious.”
“Listen to me, Alan – someone’s taken Tik. Is it more serious than that?”
“My God, is she okay? Will you be able to get her back?”
“We’re on our way now.”
“All right. What I’ve got to tell you is very disturbing, but not as urgent as your situation. It can wait until Tik’s safe. Call me as soon as you can, but make sure you have a secure line.”
Jake hung up and wedged himself back in the tuktuk, this time through the correct door. Mike struggled across to make room for him. The tiny seat was not designed for large western bodies.
“Who was that?”
“A friend.”
Mike knew better than to press Jake at a time like this. But a few seconds later, Jake offered, “I thought it might have been an update on Tik.”
Mike nodded, remaining silent.
Five minutes later, the driver guided his tiny vehicle into a slot behind Billy D’s Cambodian knife expert. Mike and Jake got out and waited for Dozer and Priest to catch up. As the Aussies approached, their demeanors had changed completely. Gone was the good-natured larrikinism. It was time to go to work, and they knew full well the risks involved. Losing Tik was not an option.
Leaving the scene, their tuktuks made a u-turn to head back to their tourist hunting grounds. While Priest spoke with the little Cambodian, the others surveyed the area. The quiet residential zone was dotted with well-tended colonial style homes. Pretty tropical flowers and meandering vines draped the fences, giving the scene an atmosphere of suburban Buddhist serenity. Most houses were in darkness, the inhabitants sleeping through the humid night, ahead of their coming work day. A couple of dwellings showed signs of life through the flickering light of television sets in darkened rooms, but Jake was confident he and his crew’s activities would go largely unnoticed.
His detailed discussion with Billy’s man concluded, Priest returned to the group. “I sent the little guy on his way like you said. Are you sure your general and his men can handle the other safe house without one of us there?”
“As sure as I can be,” Jake replied. “He’s called in Special Forces Commandos from the National Counter-Terrorism group, so I think he’s got it under control. Still, I’d rather we have the live target. Let’s hope your little pal’s intel is right, and this is the place they’re holding her.”
“He seemed pretty confident, reckons the other place is too easy to breach. This one’s supposed to have some kind of basement or root-cellar setup out the back. He seemed certain this is where she’ll be.”
“Okay, you and Dozer start your reconnaissance, I’ll call the general and make sure his guys are ready. Mike, you find a cover position across the street and call us in when we’re ready. Get your Bluetooth headsets on. And don’t forget, we don’t have silencers, so it’s knives only, unless you absolutely have to fire. Let’s do this.”
Jake dialed up General Khay on his cell phone. “General, we’re nearly ready for breach. Is your team set?”
“You mean teams, my friend. There are no half measures in this. I swear on my life, if your friend is in this house, my men will extract her safely.”
“Thank you, Khay Rith.” Jake used the general’s full name, both to acknowledge its meaning, Victorious Power, and to emphasize the personal nature of their relationship. It showed the general that he’d made the effort to learn his customs, further endearing him to the powerful military leader.
“Anything for you, my friend. Give me the signal when your team is prepared.”
The group walked a hundred yards up the street to the target dwelling. Dozer and Priest promptly disappeared into the shadows to reconnoiter the target while Mike Lee traced the property line across the street, seeking the best covered vantage point. Jake lingered in front of the adjoining home; scanning the windows of neighboring houses for any sign they were being observed. By the time the former Australian SAS operators returned, Jake was satisfied they’d made it this far undetected. The team tested their comms and waited while Jake called General Khay to give him the go signal. Then Jake pointed toward the target, and their synchronized missions were underway.
Jake made off toward the far end of the property’s street frontage, while Dozer and Priest entered the nearest neighboring yard, jumped the fence, and maneuvered to the base of the target dwelling. Dozer clasped his hands together in a sling, allowing Priest to insert his foot and be boosted up to peer through a window. Seeing no sign of life, Priest dropped back down to continue along the wall. At the next window, they repeated the procedure. Dropping down for the second time, Priest shook his head, and the brothers moved off toward the back of the house.
By the time Jake arrived at the rear, Priest’s voice came over the comms: “Clear to back entrance.”
“Copy.”
“Clear at front,” Lee reported.
“On three,” Jake ordered.
At the other side of the house, Priest watched for Jake’s hand signal. His fingers counted down from three, and the Aussie brothers bolted to their positions either side of the back door, while Jake readied himself over a makeshift trapdoor leading under the dwelling. Back to the wall, Priest watched for the next signal. Jake held his hand up, counting down again, and the three men simultaneously breached their assigned entries.
The sting of futility hit Jake immediately. There had been no response to their breach, so the intel must have been wrong. The three highly trained operators ran their full search before giving up, but the situation was obvious. The dwelling and its basement now clear, the team regrouped in the back yard.
Jake hailed Mike Lee. “It’s a blowout, Mike. The place is empty. Maintain position and keep your eyes open. I’m calling the general.”
Dozer and Priest watched expectantly as Jake dialed the number. “General, do you have a report?”
“It’s coming in now.” Gene
ral Khay paused, listening to his counter-terrorism team leader. “I am truly sorry, Jake Riley, there is no one at this target. The house is vacant and unfurnished.”
Jake shook his head, conveying the message to the others. Priest’s reaction was to slap his brother on the chest and sprint toward the front of the house. Dozer shrugged off Jake’s questioning glance.
The general continued, “Tell me if there is anything else I can do to help.”
“I will. And thank you.”
Mike Lee’s voice came over their comms: “What the hell’s Priest up to? He just stole a motorcycle and tore off down the road.”
Dozer smiled knowingly. “Don’t worry about it, mate.”
The remaining team members stood waiting to hear from Priest. Mike Lee broke the silence. “How long do we wait?”
Dozer checked his watch. “It’s been almost fifteen minutes. Let’s give it another five then head back to the hotel. He can meet us there.”
“The hotel?” Jake glared at Dozer. “Not a chance – I’ve got an appointment with a dead man.”
“Revenge can wait. We need to regroup and come up with a plan, mate. I’ll give Erik the Viking a ring. I reckon he’ll have another contact we can talk to – someone less sleazy than Billy D.”
Jake knew Dozer was right. They couldn’t waste time on the treacherous kingpin while Tik was still in Ugolev’s hands. “So call him – we’re burning time.”
Dozer ignored Jake, straining to hear a distant sound. “Wait for it, wait for it…”
A couple of seconds later, a small motorcycle rounded the corner, sixty yards down the road. As the bike approached, Priest’s face came into view. He parked the bike and approached the group, smiling like a schoolboy after winning a rugby match. Jake saw blood dripping from his left forearm. “Your arm.”
Priest held the limb up to look. “I’ve cut meself worse shaving. Got to admit though, Billy D. was right. The little bloke was pretty good with a blade – better than I expected.”
“If that’s what you call a shaving cut, you must get a lot of stitches,” Lee said, tearing some cloth from the bottom of his shirt. “Let me bind that until we can get back to the hotel.”
Priest paid no attention as Lee applied the makeshift dressing. “Our little pal didn’t want to cooperate at first, but he came round eventually. I caught up with him just before he made it back to the club. Little bugger went straight for his knife. Once I got it off him, I took him to confession. Apparently, Billy D. was into the Russians for over ten grand. They gave him a choice. He could lie to us, and his debt was paid, or he’d lose a leg. He shouldn’t have done it, but they didn’t give him much of a choice, I reckon.”
Jake glared. “I don’t care about his situation, but if something happens to Tik because of his bullshit, Billy D’s going to join Ugolev in a shallow grave. Did you find out where they’re holding her?”
“Sorry, mate – nobody knows. Your Russian’s playing it close to his chest.”
“What’s our next move, Jakey?” Dozer asked. “You still want me to call Erik?”
Before he could answer, Jake’s cell phone began vibrating. He looked for the number, but it didn’t register. It had to be coming from a VOIP service. He put the call on speaker so the others could hear.
“Mr. Riley, did you enjoy your little diversion?”
Jake camouflaged his frustration. “Well played, Ugolev, but my ultimatum stands. If she’s hurt in any way…”
“And as I told you, don’t interfere with my business here. I knew you wouldn’t leave it alone, so I arranged this distraction for you. As you can see, my intelligence network here is superior to yours, so I suggest you now return to your lodgings and wait. I assure you, I will release her when I leave the country.”
Exasperated, Jake disconnected the call without further words. The flames of fury burned in his chest. He knew he’d been outmaneuvered, and in his frustration turned on Lee. “You told me you had this guy locked down. What the hell kind of intelligence officer are you?”
Mike hung his head. There was really nothing he could say in his own defense. He’d been at the top of his game at the CIA for many years, but now he’d let down his closest friend. Dozer draped an arm across Jake’s chest to steer him away from the situation. “Come on, mate, there’s no point lashing out. Let’s head to the hotel and regroup.”
They walked a couple of blocks to where there was some traffic and hailed two tuktuks. This time, Dozer steered Jake into the first taxi, climbing in beside him, while Priest put Lee into the second. Arriving at their hotel, Priest paid the drivers then gave his brother a knowing wink. Dozer slapped a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Go and grab a quick shower to cool down, mate. It’s hot enough to grill cheese out here. Let’s meet in the hotel restaurant in twenty minutes.”
Normally, Dozer would never presume to instruct the senior Delta Force soldier, but Tik’s abduction had obviously thrown Jake off his usual decisive style. The brothers knew he’d be back to normal after a cool shower and a few minutes on his own. Jake silently complied.
Twenty minutes later, the team gathered in the restaurant. Mike Lee had been first to arrive. He sat quietly sipping ice water, waiting to gauge Jake’s mood. Dozer and Priest broke the ice with some light banter before Mike spoke. “Jake, I’m really sorry, man. You’re right, I should have had the whole thing nailed down. The only excuse I can offer is that the intel I got was so hot, I had to move fast – too fast. I didn’t have time to get normal procedures in place, but I knew what getting Ugolev would mean to you, so I jumped in too soon.”
Jake knew his longtime friend would have done the best he could with what he had. He also knew he’d been too hard on him, but soppy consolations were not in Jake’s nature. He gave Lee a short sharp jab on the shoulder. “Man up, Mike. It’s not like I hit you or anything. Just kick-start that big CIA brain of yours, and give me something to work with.”
The punch was light by the three hardened soldiers’ standards, but physical capabilities not being his strong suit, Mike winced, grabbing his deltoid. “I’m working on it, Jake,” he said in a relieved tone. “Give me a minute.”
But Lee’s input would have to wait. Jake’s phone rang, and again he put it on speaker.
“I see you’ve finally learned to follow instructions, Mr. Riley, so here is your reward. My business in Cambodia is concluded, and I’ve just boarded my private jet. Go to see your friend Billy D. I believe he has something you want. Da svidaniya, Mr. Riley.”
Chapter 13
“So, you gonna tell me who that was?” Foxx asked.
“Jake Riley – the guy who saved my life, and helped me crack the Devlin conspiracy.”
“Why you calling him? We’re the freakin’ FBI, man! We got this.”
“I wish I could be as confident, but my experience tells me we’re going to need all the help we can get. Think about it – someone expertly hacked Tinsley’s phone. They knew what he was going to tell us, and it was something important enough to kill the man for.”
“It’s not like we haven’t seen cases like this before. What about the witness in New Jersey who got himself killed? We got the guy that did it.”
“The ‘guy that did it’ was a lone drug dealer. He was stupid and desperate. Motive and opportunity led us straight to the suspect, and the smoking gun. It was a slam-dunk. Don’t get me wrong, we are very good at what we do, but if Project Hallucineers technology really is being used again, this has the stink of high-level conspiracy. So who are we supposed to trust now?”
“You think we can’t trust our own people? Seriously?”
“That’s not what I’m saying. But whoever we’re dealing with has the means and the motive to hack Tinsley’s phone. And if they really do have access to the Hallucineers technology – and are willing to kill with it – we’ve got trouble. And I mean with a capital T. One thing Jake taught me is never bring a knife to a gunfight. We definitely need to run this past him as soon as he gets bac
k to me. In the meantime, we need to start watching our backs.”
“Come on, partner, you really think they’d come after FBI agents?”
“Like I told you, Devlin had several people killed, including a senior member of Congress, and he nearly got control of the President himself! He also sent a team of South African mercenaries to kill me. They were going to literally beat me to death – and they knew damned well I was a cop. If Jake hadn’t shown up when he did, you’d have a completely different partner, and America would be under Alex Devlin’s control,” Beach shook his head in frustration. “I’m telling you – if Tinsley was killed using the Hallucineers technology, it means someone got it from the Department of Defense. This is deadly serious!”
Foxx scratched his chin. “Okay, partner, I trust your judgment, even if it seems a bit farfetched to me. So what’s our next move?”
“Until Jake gets back to me, there’s only one thing we can do – go check out Dr. Tinsley’s home and see if we can find anything to go on.”
“And why don’t I call Mark Guthrie to see if his technician buddy has come up with anything on the tracker?”
“Good thinking, I’d nearly forgotten about that.”
Beach called for the check, then dialed FBI headquarters in New York to get Tinsley’s home address. Foxx entered it in his GPS phone app then pushed his Bluetooth headset on as they went back to the sheriff’s office to get the SUV. As they walked, Foxx called his former Marine comms friend at headquarters. “How did you go with that tracker, Mark?”
“My guy got it working, but there’s nothing to track.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s repaired it, and double-checked the circuitry – it’s definitely functional, but the map screen is blank. It doesn’t show any sign of a target. We’ve arranged a system to monitor the device, but if there’s no signal to track, we can’t tell you anything else.”
“Damn. We had high hopes for that thing.”
“Sorry, man – what can I do?”
“Yeah, thanks for trying – let us know if anything happens with it.”
The Killing Chase (Beach & Riley Book 2) Page 10