by J E Higgins
“Where someone following them could slip in unobserved and watch us meet,” Dayan scoffed with irritation.
“Have you taken the necessary precautions?” the katza asked, as he buttoned up his coat.
Dayan leaned back against the wall and shoved his hands deep into his pockets. “The guys and I came out last night and recced the area. We found all possible ambush points, decent sniper positions, and checked for spots that might make good observation posts. I have four teams out there manning the posts that give overhead surveillance to this spot. If this is a setup, we’ll be protected.”
“From what I’ve seen so far, these little shits don’t seem that intelligent,” Cohen replied incredulously. “Still, open stupidity best hides quiet deception.”
Dayan had only heard of the Guardians of Israel and the assassination attempt on Elloy Mendoza a few days ago. He thought their actions stupid and was angered by the danger the hoodlums had placed everyone in. Additional explanations had been provided, and now the two Israelis had to risk meeting them. The idea of having to sit down with the people whose actions had resulted in so many detrimental repercussions had nearly sent the commando into a rage. His first thought had been to ignore the street brawlers altogether. When Cohen explained that they knew too much, and there was a good possibility they would do something else to jeopardize their mission, the commando’s next consideration was to kill them the moment they showed up. Cohen’s diplomacy prevailed.
A voice came over the tiny microphone in Dayan’s ear. It was Oskar Perez alerting him to the arrival of two men walking up the road in the direction of the barn. Acknowledging the message, Dayan unzipped the tan field coat he was wearing to give himself better access to his firearm ─ a 9mm Glock. Normally, for an outdoor engagement, he would have preferred a .40 caliber model. But this was not a mission where he entered expecting a gunfight; it was a meeting that could remain peaceful. He had been led to believe these were not professional operatives, but local hoodlums. If a gunfight was to occur, he figured he would be laying down a barrage of fire to cover an escape. Consequently, he decided magazine capacity over caliber size would be more practical.
Two figures appeared at the other end of the barn; they stopped at the entry.
“Shalom,” called one of the figures. The two Israelis gave each other questioning looks.
“Shalom, as well,” Cohen replied. “I’m assuming we all know each other, so can we get down to business?”
“We meet in the middle,” the figure commanded.
“No,” Dayan chimed in, his bitterness thinly veiled. “We’re good where we’re at.”
For what seemed like forever, no one from either side moved or spoke. It was only when the two Israelis began walking away that the two figures started walking toward them.
When the two figures were close, Dayan stepped back to maintain some distance. They were both strong, muscular looking men. Dayan wanted to stay well out of arm’s reach in case things turned violent. Both men looked to be in their early twenties, possibly even younger.
Cohen approached the young men. He gave a slight nod of recognition to the larger of the two. Dayan kept his eyes fixed on both of them but stayed within grabbing distance of the katsa.
“Good day, Mr. Gold,” Cohen opened the discussion with a mild pleasantry.
Gold and his cohort said nothing but kept their eyes and facial expressions cold and hard. They were clearly trying to look the part of hardened professionals in front of the two Israeli operatives.
“We want to be involved in your operation,” Mr. Gold announced ─ still working to keep his tough guy demeanor.
“Well,” Cohen replied, “since we all know who everyone is, there is no point in trying to be evasive and play stupid.”
“And, you are who exactly?” Dayan chimed in looking at the two young men with obvious irritation.
Gold turned to face the younger of the two Israelis. “We are the Guardians of Israel. We fight to defend Zionism and the Jewish people.”
“Defend us? How? In South America?” the commando asked sarcastically.
Gold and his cohort both glanced back at him with annoyance. They said nothing as they turned to face the katsa, whom they concluded was in charge. “We are both fighting the same war against Elloy Mendoza and whoever he is working with. My organization is extensive in this country, and we can lend you a hand.”
“Hand at what?” Dayan asked again, in the same exasperated tone. “Like you handled trying to kill the Cuban in the first place ─ fucking it up badly from what I’ve heard. And then, thanks to you, letting him and those he works with know we exist. So, how do you see yourselves helping?”
“We fight for a cause and defend the Jewish people,” Gold’s cohort now spoke up bitterly, as he glared at the commando.
Dayan shook his head as he smirked. That only angered the two younger men more. “How? Bar brawls with guys over anti-Semitic remarks and gang fights with Nazi assholes in the streets?”
The cohort spit back. “Like you, we are warriors fighting for a cause.”
“Really,” Dayan was now bordering on belligerent. “Try infiltrating the Bekka Valley sometime.”
“Alright!” Cohen interceded, as he regained control of the meeting. “I realize tempers are high. This is not a good time for anyone. Please, can we keep this civil?”
Heads nodded all around as everyone breathed a collective sigh. When everyone had composed themselves, Cohen opened the discussion again. “What exactly are you after? I know you said you wanted to be part of our operation. But to what extent? My subordinate here may not have much in the way of diplomatic skills, but he does make a point. We are not chasing skinheads or brawling in the streets. We are dealing with some well-connected professionals.”
“We can handle ourselves just fine,” Gold spoke up trying, again, to display an image of the tough professional.
“You say this,” the katsa replied. “But your… your actions so far have not proven this. Your previous attempt to kill the Cuban only complicated matters for us.”
Gold nodded. “We’ve had setbacks. But even the Mossad has messed up in the field. I don’t think you can judge us too harshly. With the help of professionals like yourselves, I’m sure we will get better.”
“We aren’t military advisors, Cohen said gently. “We’re just some guys you think a little too highly of.”
Gold shook his head, and his cohort bit his lip. Neither of them believed the old man. “Look, we know about you. We know Rabbi Kovinski died because he was doing something for you. This is our home and, if there is an enemy to Israel here, then they are an enemy to us, as well. I know we are fighting someone more dangerous than what we’re used to. And, I know you two have to be skilled operators. If you can help us, we can help you. We have lost people too because of this situation, and we’re going to be a part of this regardless. We don’t need your permission.”
The looks from both Israelis was suddenly very hard and cold. Not anything like the persona the two young toughs were trying to project. No, it was the deadly, cold stare of two veteran killers. At that point, Gold realized he had gone too far. He was looking at two men who could just as easily kill him and his friend. He didn’t like to think Jews would kill other Jews, but the old man was right ─ he and his gang had only dreamed of this kind of fight. They had never dealt with the real thing until now.
No one said anything for several seconds. Dayan looked the two young men over. In the silence, with the possibility of being dismissed or killed, they began to show signs of their true characters.
“Look,” Gold finally broke the chilling silence. “When they killed the Rabbi, they also killed a young girl.”
“We know,” Cohen responded in more sympathetic tone.
Gold continued, “What you don’t know is that the only reason she was there that day was because of me. She was the one who crept into the Rabbi’s office and gave us the documents that let us know to go after Mend
oza. She wouldn’t have even been working that day except we wanted to have another chance at these guys and pushed her to keep spying on the Rabbi. She was trying to help us get more information.” Gold and his cohort were now looking more distressed than tough. “She wasn’t just killed. They violated her and beat her until you couldn’t even recognize her. She was just an innocent kid from our community trying to help us out. She didn’t even want to spy on him or get involved. But, we all grew up together, and she knew how important this was to us.”
Dayan pursed his lips. Neither he nor the katsa knew how to respond. The professional answer would have been that’s how it works in this business ─ get over it and move on. God only knew how many friends and people they had grown up with that they had watched die back in Israel.
However, the human answer was that they had lost one of their own, an innocent. They had lost her in a horrible way and felt responsible. “What was her name?” Dayan asked. His tone was quiet and soft, revealing a sincere sign of sympathy.
“Myra,” the cohort replied, in a similar tone. “She was only nineteen. All she wanted was to get accepted into the cooking school and be happy working in a restaurant. She didn’t deserve what happened to her.”
Dayan looked over at the katsa, who met his gaze. Then turning back to the two young men, he responded. “As it happens, Mendoza is on our list, and we intend on taking him out.”
Cohen walked over to the commando and in a hushed breath asked, “Are we sure about this?”
“Are we sure it’s good to cast them adrift and worry about what they’ll do on their own, if they don’t work with us,” Dayan replied in a similar whisper. “Besides, thanks to Mendoza, we have lost our intelligence organ. And now that the Iranians have a line on us, we have to cripple their intelligence organ as well if we want to succeed.”
Cohen pursed his lips. “We don’t need to have trouble with the Cubans, and we will have trouble if we do this.”
Dayan placed a hand on the katsa’s shoulder. “We already have trouble with the Cuban. He’s going to continue his rampage and continue aiding the Iranians. Given he already thinks Israeli intelligence sent these guys after him, the rest is a moot point.” The katsa offered a hesitant nod of agreement.
Dayan turned back to the young men who, by now, were once again trying to look the part of experienced veterans. “Provided we can trust you, and you remember this is about the mission and not revenge, we can use your help.” The young men perked up, their attention completely undivided. Dayan continued, “He has bodyguards, and he knows we’re after him. He’s a really hard target now. So, we have to take our time to develop intelligence and a plan. If you have people who can be discrete, we need surveillance on him. We need to know his routine. We need to know the number of men he keeps in his entourage. I want this done slowly, methodically, and with precision when we take our shot.”
The young men were nodding, both trying hard to mask their excitement. “I can give you that,” Gold replied, his face still stern.
Dayan continued, “Try to learn what you can about his security detail, and what type of weapons they keep, both on them and inside their vehicles. If we have to deal with them, I want to know what we will be up against. And again, I don’t want any adventure seekers. I don’t need any more telegraphing of our moves so that he knows we’re coming. Use only your most disciplined guys. And remember I only want intelligence. The action will come later.”
The meeting ended on a friendlier note as the two groups parted company. Cohen looked back at Dayan, “I have my reservations.”
Dayan nodded. “As do I, but at least, they won’t be on our blind side anymore. I think the thought of actually doing something worthwhile will keep them in line. Besides, I meant what I told you. Our intelligence network is blown. We need to blind the Iranians as well. It makes killing Mendoza an operational necessity.”
The Contessa was not the least bit surprised when she saw Illana Muricia being led into the parlor of her house by one of the casually dressed men she employed for her security detail. He led the young lady over to a couch before crossing to a corner awaiting further instructions.
“That will be all, thank you,” the Contessa said, waving the man off in a casual manner. With military precision, he turned sharply and disappeared out the way he came, leaving the two ladies alone.
The Contessa took a moment to study the young lady sitting before her. Illana Muricia was dressed in informal business attire ─ a pale blue pantsuit; slacks and a matching vest over a light blue blouse with the top buttons left undone. It was professional, yet restrained. Ms. Muricia had clearly come with the intention of taking the job offer seriously.
“Might I offer you a drink?” the Contessa inquired as she walked over to the mini-bar located in the far corner of the room. It was out of the way but positioned so she had a full view of the room and the outside driveway leading up to the house.
“No, thank you, I’m fine,” Muricia replied, crossing her legs and assuming a more assertive pose.
“Then let me get down to business,” the Contessa continued as she poured herself a small glass of gin. “You’re here, and I assume that you have inquired about me and know who and what I am.”
Muricia nodded. “My sources say you are a businesswoman doing quite well in a rather intriguing field. You are expanding your business with a global clientele from what I understand. What I don’t understand is why you are interested in me?”
With glass in hand, the Contessa returned and took a seat across from her guest. “As you said, my business interests are growing and not just regionally. As for my interest in you, you have traveled extensively and have a great deal of experience in business ─ both legal and illegal. Two qualities I need. And, as you now know, my dealings are not all legal. Our previous meetings had the greatest impact on me, however. You didn’t just mindlessly drink up everything your illustrious professor espoused, nor did you simply dismiss it out of protest. In the coffee shop, I, a complete stranger, began citing your biography, and you didn’t even flinch. In my business, I need someone who is not easily intimidated nor is a mindless follower.”
Muricia looked around. The room was well decorated and clearly maintained by professional cleaners. “I still don’t see how I would be of much use to you. You reside in a world where I think a more viable male candidate would be found among our military ranks.”
The Contessa smiled as she brought the crystal glass to her lips. Lightly sipping her libation, she eyed the young woman. “You are right. I am a woman operating in what is definitely a man’s world, as it should be. As a rule, women are too sensitive and feminine for this kind of work. I consider myself an anomaly. But, as to your question, why not a soldier or someone from the intelligence world? Why not, above all, a man? Well, to be honest, a man would be more beneficial. He would also have the same attitude as most men. That I would better serve in his bed than as his employer. Once they had knowledge of my operation, I would have to worry about them taking over. After all, machoism thrives among this community. Both subordinates and clients tend to see me more as a mistress than someone in the business.”
Muricia cocked her head to one side and gave the Contessa a sly look. “And you think I won’t do the same if given the chance?”
The Contessa nodded. “Oh, I’m sure you would, given the chance. But, it won’t be as easy for you. I don’t think you would ever be happy taking the reins from someone else’s creation. I think your ego would demand you branch out on your own and create something for yourself. In the meantime, you’ll dutifully carry out my orders and bide your time learning the ropes and gaining experience. During this time, you’ll prove of great benefit to me.”
“You’re quite sure I’m going to take your offer,” Muricia said as she cocked her head a little further.
“You came,” the Contessa replied. “You already know what you’re getting yourself into. You would have ended our associations at once if you weren’t
interested. So, I have already made arrangements for our departure. We leave tonight at 2230hrs. There is no need to bring anything. We’ll see to your wardrobe and any other needs at our destination.”
Muricia was slightly put off by the Contessa’s arrogant, self-assured attitude. She almost wanted to say no to the offer and leave just to prove the woman wrong, but she was intrigued. She had completed her classes, and she had nothing to lose. There was nothing exciting waiting for her. Besides, the woman before her was in her early twenties and had already managed to accomplish so much. She couldn’t help but respect her.
“Alright,” she replied as she uncrossed her legs and rose to her feet. “I just have one question. If we agree that I’m not a special forces soldier, some covert operative or a career criminal, and I can’t stand up to pee, what was the allure that brought you to seek me out?”
The Contessa took another sip of her drink. “I’ll respond by asking a question of my own. Why, when we met in the coffee shop for the first time, were you not the least bit intimidated by a complete stranger knowing such details about you? Most people your age would have been frightened. You just brushed it off.”
Muricia realized she would not get an answer until she replied. “Ask around, browse the internet. In the end, it’s not a magic trick when you can figure out how easily someone could do a little research. If you had meant me harm, you would have accosted me at any number of more discrete locations. A coffee shop that I regularly frequent with friends, where people could easily watch us, wouldn’t have been the best place to choose if you had intended to be more threatening. Only in a bad spy movie would someone try something that stupid.”
The Contessa nodded, clearly impressed and answered Muricia’s question, “Because you have natural instincts for this life you are about to enter.”
Muricia said nothing more as she turned to leave. She was just about out of the room when the Contessa called to her. “Bring nothing but your passport and some money. Your old life is over. Any other needs you have will be provided.”