Manjo thought some more. He always figured this was a one way trip. His eyes turned toward Foday and his head slowly began nodding up and down.
“I can do it. I will do it. I am ready.”
“Our brothers will speak of this until the end of days, Manjo. The Caliph will be proud of you. Sheikh Cissi will be proud. This honor is yours.”
“How will I become infected?”
“Leave that to me, Manjo. Return to your bunk and get some sleep. I will remain top deck with Fallubah.”
Foday rejoined Fallubah.
“You were right. He is willing to do it. I thought we might have to resort to other measures.”
“Excellent. Think he has any idea of his true purpose?”
“No.”
JIATF-S Headquarters, Key West, Florida – November 12, 10:30 AM
“Sir, we got a request from CIA last night for drone support,” said Lieutenant Commander Hunter.
“What does CIA want to know?” asked Rear Admiral Christopher Tobin.
“They want us to look for a ship called the Black River. Apparently, it’s making its way to Jamaica.”
“When is the ship scheduled to arrive in Jamaican waters?”
“Sometime today or tomorrow.”
“From which direction?”
“Coming from the east, sir.”
Rear Admiral Tobin turned to his senior intelligence officer. Captain Michele Griffin, a career officer with the United States Coast Guard since 1995, was a rising star in the Intelligence Community.
“Michele, can we spare a drone to support this?”
“We could, sir, but the tasking order for the next couple of days has our drones over the Dominican Republic. According to DEA, there is a suspected shipment of cocaine going to a marina near Santo Domingo. The tasking calls for continuous surveillance.”
“What about our third drone?”
“In maintenance. The onboard GPS system failed during its last mission. Technicians are looking at it now.”
“How long before they can fix it?”
“No idea, sir. You know how these things go. It could be within hours or days depending on what parts are needed and what they have in stock.”
Tobin turned to his DEA liaison.
“Eric, what’s the anticipated size of the shipment?”
“Small, sir. Source reporting suggests between ten and fifteen kilos.”
“That’s not too small. Commander Hunter, can we send more cutters to Santo Domingo?”
“I can call Miami and let you know ASAP, sir.”
“Okay, let’s do it. CIA would not be asking if it was not important. Michele, redirect the drones to Jamaica for the next three days. After that, they go back to Eric’s people, assuming he still needs them. Eric, let your people know and have them call Michele if there are any complaints. I suspect someone will not be happy with me this morning.”
“Will do, sir. If we can get an extra cutter that might be enough.”
Within the hour, the first drone began its flight toward Jamaica. The hunt for the Black River was on.
The White House, Washington, D.C. – November 12, 11:30 AM
“Good morning everyone. Leslie, get us started,” said Deputy National Security Advisor Clancy.
“Good morning sir. A lot has happened since we spoke two days ago. First, we know the name of the vessel. It is the Black River, a fifty-foot yacht registered in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It departed Freetown on November 6 and is heading for Jamaica. Second, the original port of entry was Port Antonio along the northeastern coast. However, CIA is reporting the man scheduled to meet the Black River suddenly checked out of his hotel. We believe he is currently looking for another marina or port to link up with the crew.”
“In Jamaica or somewhere else?”
“Probably Jamaica, sir. I do not think he has enough time to find another location. CIA and other analysts I’ve spoken to agree.”
“Can the Black River really make it across the Atlantic in seven or eight days?”
“Yes, if they average twenty knots, it’s very possible due to the ship’s design. Good weather is also a must.”
“So, let’s say the crew makes it to Jamaica. What next?”
“If we are unable to stop them, my assessment is that they will make their way to Miami or a marina off the west coast of Florida. They could try to make their way to New Orleans, but Florida is the quickest route to get off the ship and travel north using a car or other type of transportation.”
“Who are the passengers?”
“Two men. Fallubah Tinibu is the captain and a man called Manjo. We do not know his last name and he is the individual who will infect himself.”
“Should we assume they have fake passports or visas?”
“No sir, research indicates most terrorists use legitimate passports. Very few are fake.”
Clancy turned to Homeland Security.
“How quickly can we add these two names to the terror watch list and get their names to state and local authorities?”
“Already done. CIA shared the Intel, and we have passed it on to all the fusion centers up and down the east coast. By this afternoon, every law enforcement agency will have their names. If the analysts are correct, we should be able to pick them up if CIA fails.”
“If word of this gets to the press, we’ll have a panic on our hands. Let’s do this as discreetly as possible. Leslie, who else can we think of that has a need to know?”
“Do we know if JIATF-S has been updated?” asked Leslie as she turned to Homeland Security.
CIA chimed in, still reeling from Homeland Security’s insinuation they might fail.
“We requested they provide drone support along Eastern Jamaica. I am confident they will execute the mission. We should be able to spot them before they even hit the port, wherever that might be.”
“What is the plan if we find them?” asked Clancy.
“We’ll send the coast guard to pick them up and arrest them, that simple.”
“It’s never simple, Mark,” said Clancy.
“Leslie, what if we fail to find the Black River or the individuals on board?”
“Sir, I recommend you wait two days. If we cannot find her or the crew, then we have to notify NYPD. This will at least give them time to assess the situation and prepare their hazmat teams. We should probably ask the hospitals in the city to submit their current Ebola preparedness and risk mitigation plans.”
“Why not now?”
“You could, sir, but if word gets out that Homeland Security is asking hospitals for Ebola preparedness plans, it might leak to the press. There will likely be a lot of questions.”
“We’ll have to take that chance. If they land in Miami, they could be in New York within a day. I’ll update the President.”
Clancy turned back to Homeland Security.
“Let’s notify NYPD this afternoon. Who is responsible for notifying the hospitals?”
“We’ll take care of that as well, Jason.”
Clancy then turned to CIA.
“I want all Intel on this shared with Leslie in real time. Is that going to be an issue?”
“No, not all.”
Clancy concluded the meeting and asked Leslie to remain in the room.
“Leslie, do you have a secure cell?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Give me the number in case I need to reach you. I’ll need your insight if this thing spins out of control.”
Kingston, Jamaica – November 12, 1:30 PM
Michael and Ashani checked into their rooms.
“I’m going to run downtown for a few minutes, Michael,” said Ashani.
“What for?”
“Art, man. After this mission is over, I am going to spoil myself with a painting. This artist
is amazing and will ensure my retirement is fully funded.”
“Good for you, Ashani. Let me know if your boys see our man leave.”
“Of course, Michael. I will be back shortly.”
Michael reached into his bag and opened his personal cell. A message from Laura awaited.
Great choice for dinner, Michael. That sounds wonderful. What did you have in mind for dessert? Yes, heading to Chicago next week for another conference. Same topics just different players. When do you think you will be back? I leave Thursday and return to DC on Saturday afternoon. So excited for dinner. I even bought a new dress for the occasion! Hope you like blue. Stay safe. Laura
Michael felt special; something he had not felt in a very long time. Laura genuinely made him feel this way, and he still could not believe how quickly he fell for her. This mission could not end soon enough, he thought to himself. He hoped to catch a flight to D.C. in the coming days. Michael turned his attention to Langley and called Doug.
“Doug, we found Dayo here in Kingston. It looks like the Black River will arrive at the marina of the Grand Hotel in Port Royal. Ashani’s men are watching him now. By the way, thanks for sending him. He seems like a good man.”
“He is a good man and glad he could help. I put in a request for drone support so we should be able to give you a few hours’ notice before the Black River approaches. With just two men on board, this should be easy for you.”
“We’ll see, Doug. I assume the Coast Guard or Navy will have a ship nearby?”
“Yes, the Coast Guard will remain in international waters. I will send over their position later so you can rendezvous with them.”
“How are Sheikh Cissi and his family?”
“They are still in Freetown. It won’t be easy securing their visas.”
“Good. I made a deal with the man, but his Intel still needs to check out.”
“Agreed, what is your assessment of the man?”
“He got in over his head. I think Islamic State put pressure on him and they probably paid him very well. He might have told me everything, but we will know for sure when the boat arrives. I cannot help thinking he may have withheld something. Have you run his finances?”
“Yes, there was a large deposit in his Mosque’s account in Freetown. It originated from a bank in Damascus. However, there was a large withdrawal the day before the Black River left.”
“How much?”
“One hundred thousand dollars in cash.”
“Who withdrew it?”
“Someone by the name of Foday Bello. He’s made withdrawals before but never this much.”
“Who is this guy?”
“A member of the Mosque. Freetown is checking it out.”
“Think this guy delivered the cash to the Black River?”
“It’s a good bet, but Sheikh Cissi has used large sums of cash to fund local projects in Kenema. I will send you an update if we get anything.”
“Will the drone feed go into the operations center?”
“Yes, we are coordinating for the links now.”
“Good, it might come in handy. Thanks, Doug. I’ll be in touch.”
Kingston, Jamaica – November 12, 2:35 PM
Ashani arrived at the Studio 174 art gallery in Kingston. A group of talented locals ran the gallery, which included exhibits from some of the hottest artists in the metropolitan area. It was also home to many inner-city youth who used the gallery to escape the violence and street gangs of Kingston. One of its more notorious and lethal gangs included the Shower Posse. Ashani had caused the imprisonment of many of its members and risked confrontation each time he visited. He did not care. Ashani was a mentor to many of the kids there and popular with the staff.
A vehicle with three passengers drove up as Ashani made his way back to the car. He instantly recognized them as members of the Scare Dem street gang, a rival to the Shower Posse. Scare Dem was battling Shower Posse in Kingston’s west side for control over the lucrative cocaine business. Cocaine distribution was exploding on the island as the United States had conducted successful seizures and high-profile arrests in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Kingston was a war zone.
“Ashani, how’s it kickin, man?”
“Curtis, what do you need? Still living by the gun?”
“Live by the gun them say or dead by the gun. You’re powerful you know… next to God, and when people hear it they backup, you understand?”
“Yeah, man. I get it.”
“Me going to do you a favor, Ashani. Shower Posse is looking for you. They have people all around the ghettos. They are looking for jungle justice.”
“Why are you telling me, Curtis?”
“I owe you. My cousin said you vouched for him in court. I wanted to thank you. Now we are even.”
“Thank you, man.”
Ashani returned to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, a four-star resort with seventeen floors in downtown Kingston and a popular destination for business travelers from throughout the Caribbean. Michael waited in the lobby, as the two would soon make their way back to the Port Royal marina. Michael requested they return for additional reconnaissance.
Michael turned to Ashani soon after they departed.
“You see it?”
“The blue sedan about four cars back? Yes, I see it, man.”
“Friends of yours?”
“Not hardly. They could be Shower Posse.”
“Are they a local gang here?”
“Yes and no. They are a transnational syndicate. They operate all over the island, in the United States, Canada and throughout the Caribbean.”
“How did they get their name?”
Suddenly the sedan pulled up alongside the rear of their vehicle and sprayed a volley of bullets. The rear window of Ashani’s SUV shattered into hundreds of pieces and several bullets narrowly missed the two men. Both men ducked as Ashani slammed his foot on the accelerator pedal. Bullets continued to fly around them from Israeli Uzis, a preferred weapon of Shower Posse. The ensuing chase down Highway 4 gave Michael the opportunity to draw his weapon.
“Stay ahead of them and get to the left side of the road,” shouted Michael.
Michael lowered his window and looked back. He fired his weapon several times and the driver of the blue sedan began to swerve. Michael continued shooting while aiming for the front tires. Out of bullets, he slammed another clip into his weapon and continued firing.
Finally, one of the rounds hit the front right tire, and the driver lost control. The car made a violent right turn and flipped several times along Highway 4. The chase ended as quickly as it began.
“What the hell was that about, Ashani?”
“Now you know how Shower Posse got its name. They spray their enemies with bullets from automatic rifles.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. What did they want?”
“I gave Kingston police some information about one of their leaders last month. They were trying to recruit one of the kids at the galleries I visit. I could not let that happen.”
“Just recruit?”
“They wanted him to sell cocaine on the streets, man. The kid’s life would have been ruined.”
“You have any more surprises for me, Ashani?”
“Not that I can think of, Michael. Let’s get the vehicle back to the city. I know where we can get another.”
Ashani’s cell phone rang.
“The man just left the hotel and took a short drive to Danny’s Marina. Looks like he is getting lunch.”
“Good, let me know if he moves.”
Caribbean Sea, fifty miles southeast of Jamaica – November 13, – 5:25 PM
Fifty miles from Jamaica’s southeastern coast, the Black River was nearing the end of its voyage. The choppy seas and heavy rains made for a challenging approach to Port Royal. Fallubah
and Foday were unaware of the drone approaching overhead.
The MQ-1 Predator drone, initially flown in 1994 and still in service, included a variant of the AN/AAS-52 Multi-spectral Targeting System. It also carried a day-TV camera, and a variable aperture thermographic camera used for low light conditions and nighttime surveillance. The drone flying overhead the Black River did not include any missiles, as JIATF-S did not engage targets within the scope of its missions.
“Fallubah, how close are we now?” asked Foday.
“About fifty miles. You should go below. Call Dayo and get him ready.”
Foday entered the galley. His clothes were soaking wet from the storm’s pounding rainfall. A few minutes later, a break in the clouds gave CIA and JIATF-S their first glimpse of the Black River. Their version of the MQ-1 Predator was older and not equipped with a synthetic aperture radar capable of detecting targets through the thick clouds below.
“Target acquired. Finally. Black River confirmed,” said the pilot.
“These clouds are going to make it difficult to stay with her,” said the co-pilot.
“Yes, but at least we have a positive identification and direction of movement. I hope this sucker gets to his port quickly so we can get out of here. Plenty of drug boats to hunt. Why the heck did the tasking order get changed so quickly?”
“Ha, good question bud, but it doesn’t matter. As soon as the boat reaches the dock, we are out of here. I see one man at the helm.”
“Let’s circle around to his stern and see if we can get a better look.”
The pilot made a slow right turn, as the camera remained focused on the Black River.
“You see anything else besides the skipper?”
“Nope.”
“Okay, let’s see where she goes.”
Foday made his way back to the galley. A fresh set of clothes did him some good. Time to call Dayo, he thought to himself.
“Dayo, we are fifty miles from the marina. Are you ready to meet us?”
“Yes, I am ready to go. Let me know when you are twenty miles away.”
Into The Shadows Page 22