A Deal to Die For

by Albert Able

  Title Page

  A DEAL TO DIE FOR

  The Alex Scott Files

  By

  Albert Able

  Publisher Information

  A Deal to Die For? Published in 2012 by

  Andrews UK Limited

  www.andrewsuk.com

  The right of Albert Able to be identified as the Author of this Work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998

  Copyright © 2012 Albert Able

  All the characters and events in this book are fictitious, any resemblance to actual events or characters is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. Any person who does so may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

  About The Author

  Albert Able was raised initially in an agricultural background; his adventurous nature allowed him to gain experience in a variety of commercial enterprises.

  He has been a sailing, powerboat and scuba diving enthusiast.

  Formerly a private pilot, he loved the joy and liberty of flying but not the Spartan discipline associated with it.

  “You can eat, drink and make love on the sea! It’s not impossible in the air of course, just much more difficult,” he will cheerfully tell you.

  When his own ‘Deal to Far’ in 1999 forced him into early retirement, he turned to writing to occupy his agile mind.

  Although all his own books are pure fiction a broad experience of life helps to inspire his enthralling stories.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my long suffering wife, family and especially to that handful of loyal friends who helped and encouraged me when the going got tough.

  ALBERT

  About The Story

  When after a long and bloody struggle, one of the most notorious international crime organisations in recent history the Syndicate, is thought to have been finally neutered by the United Nations secret agency ‘Special Operations National and International Crime’ known as SONIC. Yet the Syndicate’s terrifying spectra unexpectedly returns when, so incensed by the humility of defeat, the former leader Carl Peterson, whose true identity is still unknown to the authorities, returns and mobilizes his enormous wealth and together with a selection of willing vassals aims to acquire the vital components necessary to manufacture one of man’s most feared and deadly weapons the ‘tactical nuclear bomb’.

  The next burning question for Peterson is how and where to launch this terrifying weapon so that it will satisfy his deep rooted passion for vengeance. SONIC’s former agent Alex Scott is brought back from retirement, he has battled head to head with the Syndicate in the past and his understanding of the leader’s devious mind means that Alex is probably the only man who can intervene to halt the dreadful consequences of the plan.

  If Alex Scott were to fail it would not only be his own life at stake but the lives of thousands of innocent souls.

  So, can Alex Scott once again stop the manic mind in time and at what price?

  ***

  A Deal To Die For

  Born within six months of each other, the boys - both with Vietnamese mothers and unknown American fathers - had, along with hundreds of other war surplus children, been abandoned to be raised at an orphanage in the outskirts of Saigon.

  Their initial education was minimal but as they grew-up, unlike the other waifs in their group, they chose not to play frivolous games all day. Instead, they invented mathematical conundrums and other mental challenges, constantly testing each other’s skills to the limit of their rapidly developing abilities.

  Their harassed teacher did her best to offer some kind of education to her class, but with over one hundred unruly pupils in her care, it was almost impossible. It was to the teacher’s great credit, therefore, that she identified the unusual talents of these two different little boys and managed, though only after considerable bureaucratic difficulties, to have them placed in a special class where their unique abilities were soon to blossom.

  They literally flew through the elementary and senior school and were to become two of the youngest students from Vietnam ever to qualify for an American University grant.

  Once established in their new environment they easily graduated in computer sciences and were immediately offered development places with SKY-SEC; a major computer company in Silicon Valley run by the mysterious industrial tycoon Carl Peterson.

  They - nor anyone else for that matter - could have known that Carl Peterson was the leader and sole survivor of the once powerful criminal organisation, known to the security authorities as the Syndicate.

  In its hey-day the Syndicate had successfully traded in illegal arms, the smuggling of ‘conflict’ diamonds and gold bullion and had frequently provided funds to generate international terror, especially where and when it could be activated to the Syndicate’s financial advantage.

  These illicit operations lasted for several years, allowing Carl Peterson and his partners to amass vast personal fortunes before their enterprise was finally destroyed; largely through the tenacity and cunning of British agent Alex Scott working for the now redundant United Nations organisation, SONIC.

  Although Alex Scott had personally eliminated most of the Syndicate’s senior operatives, he had never been able to establish any clue as to the true identity of the leader. Neither could he have known that once this calculating, callous and elusive man had realised that the end of the Syndicate was inevitable, in order to preserve his own anonymity he had cold bloodedly murdered his sole surviving partner, ensuring that he, Carl Peterson, was able to continue his normal public life without any fear of recognition

  Among the many legitimate businesses Carl Peterson controlled was a company situated in ‘Silicon Valley’ California and known as ‘SKY-SEC’. Their prime activity: to develop and install some of the most sophisticated security systems and equipment currently available to the lucrative international market; consequently, their clients were mostly government or military establishments.

  The two Vietnamese Students, now of course fully fledged young men, were naturally thrilled with their positions at ‘SKY-SEC’ where they soon put their skills to work.

  Charlie Sin-To rapidly developed his speciality with communication technology and David Mar-Shan with creating supposedly unbreakable codes. It was the combination of these two techniques that had singled them out to Carl Peterson, who had instantly recognised the special talents and potential of the two young Vietnamese.

  Carl Peterson’s apparent generous and paternal attitude soon won their undying trust. So when the setting of several unique challenges blatantly crossed the boundaries of legitimacy, they were easily accepted by the dedicated young men as pure and essential research.

  “We need to understand the enemy don’t we, eh?” Carl Peterson beamed comfortingly at his trusting wards.

  ***

  When SKY-SEC won the contract to install its equipment in the new British GCHQ in Cheltenham, England, Carl Peterson seized the opportunity to access the world satellite networks for his own purposes. Naturally only Charlie and David were skilled and trustworthy enough to install the ‘special’ customised equipment they had specifically developed for the task.

  The new circular designed billion pound electronic spy centre in Cheltenham, k
nown as the Doughnut by the locals, is the home for the British Government Communications Headquarters, GCHQ, which houses some of the most powerful computer systems in the world; monitoring a network of satellites and ground stations that covers every part of the globe with its sophisticated visual eavesdropping ability. It is, among other things, a key weapon against international terrorism.

  At the outset a host of complex, secure code-changing procedures had been designed to ensure maximum security to give absolute control of the facility to its authorised personnel only. None of the personnel could have known about the two insignificant little pieces of software carefully built into the initial circuits and programmed to accept the additional uniquely coded relays and security password checks specifically designed by Carl Peterson. These allowed for him, with certain limitations, to access the Doughnut’s computer system, and when required, to transmit any information via a short undetectable micro-transmission to a simple receiver and relay just outside the buildings perimeter - and from there, via the public mobile telephone network, to his personal computer system.

  When Carl Peterson invited Charlie and David to be responsible for the on-site installation of the ‘Final Control’ stage of the security system, they were overwhelmed with the honour of such awesome trust.

  “Only you two gentlemen will know the final operating procedures,” Carl Peterson smiled at his enthusiastic team, “other than the official operators, of course,” he added, reassuring them with a warm smile.

  The painstaking work was scheduled to continue throughout the summer and so Charlie and David were housed in a smart comfortable two-bed roomed apartment conveniently located just a short walk from the Doughnut. They had little opportunity for any social activity, spending most of their time diligently working on the complicated installation.

  One summer evening Carl Peterson held a small reception for some of the government officials at the site and invited Charlie and David to attend.

  They were like ducks out of water at such a gathering, but Carl introduced them to two young ladies who, in spite of also being overawed by the occasion, managed to engage in mutual light hearted conversation. From there the friendships blossomed and before long they became regular items in the local restaurants and discos.

  It was in fact the young men’s first ever love affairs.

  ***

  Carl Peterson was naturally delighted when the work on the security system was finally tested and completed, especially as it was well within the contract period and even more importantly on budget. The generous bonus he therefore authorised for his star engineers included a special five-day stopover trip to New York, on their way back to California.

  “It is merely a modest reward for all your hard work,” Carl Peterson smiled, handing over a bundle of first class airline tickets. ‘I also insist that you take your friends with you to New York and on to California too, if you want. You’ve earned it, gentlemen!” Carl Peterson, his arms around his two young stars, glowed with paternal pride.

  The girls readily agreed with the proposal to visit New York, apparently eager to get away from what they described as ‘their dreary suburban lives and the fast approaching British winter.’

  Soon after that they were all enjoying the luxury of one of New York’s best hotel suites and spent several days excitedly touring by day and night the vibrant city’s sites of special interest combined, of course, with some extravagant retail therapy.

  It was on the last morning of their visit that the girls suggested the helicopter tour of Manhattan Island and the Statue of Liberty.

  “Great idea,” the young men agreed. But when they arrived at the heliport the ladies had somehow lost their nerve.

  “Sorry but I’ve suddenly got the collywobbles about flying in a helicopter.” Charlie’s girl whispered shyly.

  “It’s okay boys, you go; I’ll wait here with her.” David’s girl sounded reluctant but quite clearly was not going to let her friend remain waiting all on her own at the dockside heliport.

  “Here, will you take one of the ‘Statue of Liberty’ for me, please?” She passed her ‘easy snap’ camera to David. “There’s only one left, so please make sure you get a good close shot?” She smiled encouragement.

  “Okay Charlie?” David queried.

  “Okay girls. We won’t be long anyway - we’ll make it up to you later!” Charlie winked lecherously.

  The helicopter rose a few feet from the ground before sweeping out across the bay heading for the tip of Manhattan Island and America’s symbol of liberty.

  The small aircraft was unbelievably noisy and vibrated so much that conversation without the headphones and miniature microphone would have been impossible.

  “We are approaching the Statue of Liberty, symbol of American freedom.” The pilot’s unconvincing voice droned in the headphones, emphasising the fact that it was his eighth trip that morning. “From this position you can see the whole of Manhattan in one panoramic picture.” He continued as the helicopter hovered facing the famous statue.

  Charlie nudged David and shouted, “Better take one with Liz’s camera?”

  Charlie shook his head. “Thanks, I nearly forgot. That would have cost me a cuddle!” He winked at David raised the camera focused on the giant statue and pressed the button.

  Considering the small amount of explosive packed into the camera, the explosion was most impressive. Killing both passengers the crew and instantaneously igniting the fuel escaping from the ruptured fuel tank, the ancient helicopter was completely enveloped in an angry ball of fire as it tumbled in an ungainly spiral from the sky to splash into the sea close to the unmoved Statue of Liberty.

  The girls had already walked some distance from the heliport and looking back watched without any emotion, as the tiny speck in the sky suddenly erupted in a silent, though spectacular orange burst of fire as the explosion spread across the clear blue sky.

  “Time to report.” Liz looped arms with her sister and pressed the send button on her mobile telephone. A simple prepared ‘Text’ appeared. ‘Mission Complete.’ Liz pressed ‘send’. The message vanished from the little screen.

  “Shame, I wonder what they did to upset him?” Karen asked indifferently.

  ‘I know what you mean, that Charlie was good in bed. But you know Daddy, he always has his reasons.” Liz Peterson replied sardonically as she hailed a passing yellow cab.

  ***

  Although he had always been the most dedicated and honourable servant, Alex Scott was forced to admit that he had felt mildly betrayed when his employers announced that the United Nations covert operation SONIC was to be disbanded.

  The end of the Cold War, cost cutting, streamlining and improved efficiency was among the standard excuses unconvincingly offered as the reason. In reality a new breed of young establishment organisers who only had eyes for their own future careers were now in command and regarded ‘the old brigade’ as little more than promotion obstacles.

  “The redundancy settlement of course, will be very generous and not to be sniffed at”, the Boss offered apologetically by way of an acceptable solution.

  In fact ‘very generous’ proved to be five years full salary, tax-free, with a fully inflation-proof final salary retirement pension. None the less Alex still felt as though he was being put out to pasture long before his time. Conversely, his wife, Rosie, was delighted. She knew from her own bitter experience that Alex’s ‘work’ was dangerous in the extreme, and having spent so many days and hours waiting anxiously for his calls to know that he was safe, could now look forward with considerable relief to a more conventional domestic lifestyle.

  Alex on the other hand was an action man, the son of several generations of fighting men and so understandably harboured other ideas. At the age of fifty he was still extremely fit and brimming with energy. The last thing on the mind of this six-f
oot ex Royal Navy Marine and Secret Agent was vegetating in some urban backwater.

  Unfortunately Alex’s frequent encounters with the Syndicate had not only exposed him to their sadistic methods but had also made his family extremely vulnerable to potential retribution. Consequently, following Alex’s last hair-raising encounter, the Boss had arranged for Alex, Rosie and their baby son to live incognito in Alaska where they had been for the last three years, living quite happily under an assumed name. But now, with the threat of danger from the Syndicate finally eliminated, at least it would be possible for them all to return to their home in Jersey.

  Alex, however, fearing that their sudden return from the dead would cause a flood of unwanted publicity in such a small community, persuaded Rosie to settle in Falmouth, Cornwall. He felt that there, by assuming a suitably low profile, they could once more enjoy a more natural lifestyle.

  The other good thing about Alex’s enforced retirement was that he could accept the offer to join forces with his old friend Hans de Wolf in his fledgling security business in London.

  Employing the extremely advanced transmitters and receivers already developed by Hans at his workshop in the centre of London, they proposed to offer specialised covert security and intelligence gathering services to a constantly growing number of security conscious establishments around the world.

  ***

  Now also officially retired from active service with SONIC, it’s Director and former Colonel in the legendary SAS, Sir Adrian Jordan, still maintained an unofficial advisory roll to the various security services and since he could no longer use the offices at Horse Guards, he elected to meet his special friends at his Club.

  “It’s still behind closed doors and you have the benefit of a little refreshment at the same time,” he would advise them by way of justification.

  Alex Scott was thrilled to receive the invitation from his old boss to meet. The meeting place was - somewhat surprisingly, he mused - at the Chelsea Arts Club. In the old days it would have been a coded message to meet at one of a number of fusty and inconspicuous old London Inns.