“That I do not know. He left the country four days ago. He is on a ship.”
“What ship?”
“I am not aware of its name, but I know where it is going.”
“Where and when will it arrive?”
“Jamaica. I will not say more until I receive my guarantee.”
“Where is your family now?”
“Somewhere safe in Kenema. You will not find them. If I get the letter and we are safely on a plane, I will tell you everything I know.”
Michael became annoyed at the Sheikh’s bravado. He was not used to bargaining with evil men. However, under the circumstances, he considered the Sheikh’s proposal.
“Gideon, please come inside,” shouted Michael.
“Yes?”
“Find his family. They are in Kenema. Do what you have to. Bring them here. Go to the Mosque first. They are probably there.”
Michael reached a point of no return. Time was critical and tactics that were more intimidating became necessary. He did not intend to harm the Sheikh’s family, but the psychological impact of their capture might discourage the Sheikh’s resolve.
“All right Sheikh Cissi, let me see what I can do to get you out. The information you give me must be confirmed first.”
“Why have you sent those men to Kenema?”
“Time to relax, Sheikh Cissi. Would you like some water?”
“No.”
Michael returned to his car and reached for his bag. Within a few minutes, he was back in the trailer and securely connected with Langley.
In Hangha with the Sheikh. Plot confirmed. An individual left Sierra Leone four days ago via ship. Destination is Jamaica. No further information available at this time. Will update when more details emerge.
“Did you send your superiors a message to get me and my family out?” asked Cissi.
“Yes. This type of request will have to go through many offices. It will likely take several days, Sheikh Cissi. Time which I do not have,” said Michael.
“Then how will I know if I can trust you?”
“You can. It is the men looking for your family that you should be worried about. They are contractors and only paid for specific services. They will listen to me only as long as they are assured we will pay.”
“Would it help if I gave you the name of the boat they are using?”
“Very much, Sheikh Cissi. Look, I do not know or care why you agreed to help the Islamic State. Maybe they threatened your family. Maybe they paid you large sums of cash. On the other hand, maybe you just believe in the Caliphate. Either way, I do not care. All I want to do is stop the individual traveling to my country.”
“Your country has caused many people to suffer in the past.”
“You are right, but I don’t care about that right now.”
“Maybe you should?”
“Sheikh Cissi, I am not a politician. I do not engage in policy decisions. I only care about my mission. I am sure you understand.”
Michael continued to converse with Sheikh Cissi for much of the afternoon. He had established rapport and got the Sheikh talking. He was convinced if Gideon found the Sheikh’s family he would give up everything he knew.
Atlantic Ocean - November 10, 4:20 PM
Foday and Manjo sat inside the galley of the Black River. Fallubah was at the helm of the boat where he had been for much of the trip. The advanced autopilot system aboard the yacht allowed the man to squeeze in much-needed naps and several hours of sleep at night. Fallubah bore the brunt of the difficult crossing as Foday and Manjo remained below deck focused on their mission.
The winds blowing along the frigid Atlantic waters remained calm while the salty sea air made its way inside the yacht. The Black River swayed violently the previous evening from a storm which blew over from the south. However, today the seas were calm, and the group was moving at nearly twenty knots.
Foday dialed his satellite phone and called Dayo, who remained at the Errol Flynn Marina in Jamaica.
“Dayo, we have crossed the halfway point. I think we will arrive in three to four days depending on the conditions. How are things there?”
“Good, Foday. You are all set to refuel, and I have the provisions for the rest of your trip.”
“Have you spoken to Sahr?”
“Every day as he instructed, except yesterday. He did not answer his phone.”
This unexpected bit of news displeased Foday.
“You tried his cell and office?”
“Yes, both, many times. I also called today and nothing. Is there something wrong, Foday?”
“Maybe not, Dayo. I will call again tomorrow and check in with you. This is not like Sahr.”
Foday turned to Manjo.
“Manjo, you have probably been wondering why we are aboard this ship. It’s time I tell you the mission.”
“Okay, I have wondered but figured you would tell me when you were ready.”
“What have you read from the Quran today?”
“I read from the Quran, 9:5.”
“And what do you remember?”
“Slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. Prophet! Make war on the unbelievers and hypocrites! Hell shall be their home, an evil fate.”
Foday smiled at Manjo and simply nodded his head as if he approved.
“You and I are going to the United States, specifically to New York City. Once we arrive in New York, you will spend several days along the subway trains scouting out potential targets for bombings. I will give you the routes and trains to ride once we settle in. Fallubah will assist with the planning and build the detonators for the bombs. This will not be a suicide mission for you Manjo. Rather, the start of a jihad in the United States against the country responsible for our troubles.”
“We are going to New York City? I hear surveillance there is very good.”
“Yes. The best in the world. They will never expect us. New York has become comfortable since 9/11.”
“What will we do after we bomb?”
“We simply travel to another city and do it again. Allah willing, we will conduct many attacks.”
Foday set the first part of his plan in motion. Manjo became excited and optimistic the plan could work.
“Thank you, Foday, for giving me this honor.”
“The honor is ours, Manjo. Many brothers around the world will speak your name. Return to your studies. I am going to get some air and talk to Fallubah.”
Hangha, Sierra Leone – November 10, 5:30 PM
“We have them, Michael. It was not easy. I lost one of my men. You were right, we found them inside the Mosque guarded by two men,” said Gideon.
“Good work, Gideon. See you soon.”
Michael turned to Cissi.
“The men found your family, Sheikh Cissi. They are bringing them here now.”
“Are they harmed?”
“Of course, not. Now please tell me what you know.”
“Not until I know we are leaving.”
“That is not what I wanted to hear. Do you not trust me, Sheikh Cissi?”
“Right now, I trust no one.”
“Who is the man you sent? Where is he going?” Michael’s pace and intensity increased.
“Not until my family and I are safe.”
“Sheikh Cissi. I do not think you understand what is going on here. You will not leave until I am satisfied you have given me what I need. Do you want to give those men a reason to harm your wife or children? I will not be able to stop them. They require fees for their services.”
“You wouldn’t dare do such a thing.”
“No, but I cannot guarantee what they will do.”
Sheikh Cissi sighed and sat back in his chair. The moment he feared arrived. His family wo
uld be joining him soon. He ran out of time and imagined what might happen, if he remained silent.
“The man’s name is Manjo. I do not know his last name. He only arrived at the Mosque ten days ago. We trained him, and he is going to Jamaica.”
“Where in Jamaica?”
“You promise my family will be safe?”
“Yes.”
“They will arrive at the Errol Flynn Marina in a city called Port Antonio.”
“What is the name of their boat?”
“Black River.”
“How many men are traveling with Manjo?”
“The boat’s captain is Fallubah Owusu.”
“Is he part of the plan?”
“No. He is simply transporting him there and returning home.”
“Anyone else on board besides Manjo and Fallubah?”
“No, not that I know of.”
“Is someone waiting for them in Jamaica?”
“Yes, a man named Dayo. He is only gathering provisions and coordinating for fuel.”
What is Dayo’s last name?”
“Tinibu.”
“Where is Dayo staying?”
“The Trident Hotel in Port Antonio.”
“Where are they going?”
“New York City.”
“How do they plan to release Ebola into the population?”
“I do not know.”
“Sheikh Cissi. Think of your family. Be very careful here.”
“Fallubah is going to infect Manjo. Fallubah did not give me the specifics.”
“Where will he go?”
“I do not know. He was given instructions to choose targets and locations of his choosing.”
“You are sure?”
“I am.”
Michael sat back. The Sheikh’s body language, tone and demeanor indicated he told Michael everything he knew.
A short while later, Gideon and his men returned to the trailer. Cissi’s wife and children were with the Nigerian mercenaries. Their faces spoke of sheer terror. Gideon’s men clearly made an impression. Michael joined them outside and motioned Gideon to walk with him.
“I believe I have the Intel I need and you probably won’t be seeing me again. Keep the family and Sheikh Cissi here until Freetown calls with instructions. They are not to be touched for now. You and your men did a good job.”
“Okay, Michael. How long will we wait? My men and I will need payment soon.”
Michael was not pleased with Gideon’s demeanor. “Until Freetown calls you.”
“My men and I are not babysitters, Michael.”
“Give Freetown a few hours, okay Gideon?”
“A few hours, but not much longer. I have other contracts waiting.”
Michael entered his car as Gideon and his men bustled the family into the trailer. Michael was not pleased with how they handled the children. Despite their father’s failings, the siblings were innocent victims. As the door behind them closed, he heard a shriek coming from Sheikh Cissi’s wife. One of Gideon’s men yelled at her to move away. The cries from Cissi’s children grew louder.
Michael stormed into the trailer. He had his weapon drawn and noticed Gideon’s men were manhandling Cissi’s wife. Their intentions were clear, and the loss of one of their men probably added to their vicious behavior. One of the men turned toward Michael and began drawing his weapon. Michael immediately reacted and fired off two quick shots. Both of Gideon’s men fell to the floor. Gideon reached for his sidearm, but it was too late. Two rounds entered his chest, and the Nigerian mercenary hit the ground. Chaos ensued as Cissi’s children began crying loudly.
“Calm them down, Sheikh. Tell them they are safe now,” said Michael unemotionally.
Michael quickly called Freetown with the news. No one was pleased, but Michael felt he had little choice. He made a deal with the Sheikh, and his family was off limits.
“Michael, I can get a team there in a few hours.”
“Good. I want the Sheikh and his family taken to the Embassy. They will remain there until Doug gives you instructions.”
Several hours later, Brittany and her team from Freetown arrived. They took hold of the Sheikh and his family, while two men remained to clean up the mess.
Michael returned to his car and sent another message to Langley.
The ship is called the Black River. Port of destination is the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Jamaica. Target’s name is Manjo. Last name unknown. The boat’s captain is Fallubah Owusu. A man named Dayo Tinibu is staying at the Trident Hotel in Port Antonio. Sheikh Cissi cooperated and will move to Freetown this evening. Request he and his family be relocated to the US or destination of their choosing. This assumes Intel is good and confirmed. Need travel arrangements to the nearest airport to Port Antonio tonight or tomorrow morning.
Michael sped off. His drive to Kenema would be short, and Laura occupied his attention for the first time in several days. He was anxious to reach out and send her a message.
Lying in bed, he wrote his new love.
Good evening Laura. Wow, the last few days have been busy! Still unsure when I can get the heck out of here. So looking forward to seeing you soon. Been brushing up on my French cuisine. How does a Marjoram roasted rack with Morel Panna Cotta and Fava beans sound to you? How are things at work since your conference? Are you planning any more trips soon? Michael
Michael turned his attention to Jamaica as he drifted closer to sleep. He visited the country once before for a short assignment in 1994. There, he conducted a reconnaissance against drug lords with ties to Haitian street gangs. During the assignment in support of Operation Uphold Democracy, he collected valuable information supporting US military forces. Their mission was to restore order to the ravaged country. Michael wondered if this trip would lead to similar success.
The hunt for the Black River would begin in the morning.
Atlantic Ocean – November 11, 7:45 AM
“Good morning, Dayo. Have you heard from Sahr?”
“Still nothing, Foday. I am worried.”
“As am I. We need a change of plans. Can you find another marina on the island?”
“I’m sure I can, but we are all set here.”
“We cannot risk detection. We must assume our enemies are aware of our plans. I want you to begin preparations for a new entry point. Do you still have plenty of cash on hand?”
“Yes, Sahr provided extra for contingencies.”
“Good, find another hotel. I will call again tomorrow morning. We are moving closer, and the winds are in our favor.”
“Okay, Foday. Safe journey my friend.”
“You as well, Dayo.”
Foday thought to himself for a while. The Sheikh’s sudden and unexpected silence was clearly worrisome. Nevertheless, Foday’s decision to alter the plan was correct. Islamic State and the Sheikh would not care of tactical considerations. Their only concern was the successful delivery of the virus. Foday and Dayo would be the only men aware of the new marina.
St Margarets Bay, Jamaica – November 11, 3:30 PM
Michael debarked from the private Lear jet on loan from Freetown. He was well rested and soon began the short twenty-minute trip to Port Antonio. The magnificent drive along Highway 4 reminded Michael of the Caribbean’s mystique and natural beauty. Halfway into his trip, he looked north toward Orange Bay and gazed at the white sandy beaches and tropical trees. The seas were calm, and he wondered where the Black River might be.
“Good afternoon, please transfer me to Mr. Dayo Tinibu’s room,” asked Michael from inside the cab.
“I’m sorry sir, he checked out this morning,” said the hotel’s front desk clerk.
“Did he mention where he might be going?”
“No sir, he was scheduled to spend several more days with us, but he left unexpectedly.
”
“Thanks. Do you have a room available?”
“Yes sir, we do.”
“My name is Michael Brennan. I will be there in just a few minutes.”
“How long will be you be staying with us, sir?”
“A week.”
Michael hung up and placed a call to Doug.
“Doug, our lead here in Jamaica has left his hotel.”
“Where are you now, Michael?”
“In a cab heading to the hotel. I should be there in a few minutes.”
“The Black River is still a day or two away depending on the conditions. Let me see what I can do to get some additional assets down there. I already passed on the data associated with the Sheikh’s cell phone. It should not take NSA long to identify his recent calls. With a little luck, they will determine Dayo’s location quickly. In the meantime, see if you can track this kid down. I will send you an update tonight or tomorrow morning regarding additional coverage.”
“Sounds good, thanks.”
Dayo Tinibu had become one of the world’s most wanted men.
Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATS-S), Key West, Florida – November 11, 8:45 PM
“Sir, we have a request from CIA for aerial coverage over Jamaica,” said Olivia Bell, a young intelligence analyst with the Joint Interagency Task Force in southern Florida.
“What are they looking for?” asked Lieutenant Commander Lance Fuller, a career officer with the United States Coast Guard.
“They are asking for drone support. They are searching for a ship called the Black River, which departed West Africa five days ago. They estimate it will reach Jamaican waters in the next couple of days or so.”
“They say why, Olivia?”
“No. Only to know which port or marina it goes to.”
“Do they realize we only have three drones on the books? We are drowning here looking for drug shipments throughout the Caribbean region, and they want us looking for one ship somewhere in the ocean?”
“The request is high priority,” said Olivia.
Joint Interagency Task Force South was one of the most successful intelligence sharing agencies within the United States government. The agency’s focus is to detect and monitor transnational organized crime groups operating in the Caribbean region. JIATF-S used a sophisticated array of classified intelligence gathering systems as it alerted Coast Guard cutters, naval ships and allied partners to intercept suspected narcotics traffickers.
Into The Shadows Page 20