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DEN OF THIEVES First Edition
By V.R. McCoy Based on the Character Alexander Mundy
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Copyright Š 2013 Creative Commons All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-304-00683-7 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ or send a letter to: Creative Commons 171 Second Street, Suite 300 San Francisco, California 94105 USA
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DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this work of fiction to all the writers out there with a dream and an idea. In the words of Malone and Elliot Ness from the movie ‘The Untouchables’-“Never stop fighting til the fight is done!” I would also like to dedicate this book to all the law enforcement personnel and military personnel who put their lives on the line every day when they go to work. They are the real heroes and my inspiration. I would like to thank Rolland Kibbee, the creator/writer of the television show “It Takes a Thief ” for inspiring me with the character Alexander Mundy. This television show was innovative and before it’s time. Thank you very much for providing a young boy with such pleasure. It is obvious that it was quite memorable. I would like to thank my sister for her never ending support. When others disbelieved you continued to believe. Thanks Trae. I love you. I would like to thank the following studios for their art design: www.fractal-wallpapers.com, www.wallm.com, Blogspot.com and Shuttershock.com And of course last, but never least; I would like to thank the readers. Please enjoy this with me and I look forward to presenting you with more works in the future.
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Table of Content PART I Chapter One: Terre Haute Chapter Two: Paraiso Chapter Three: Jumeirah Chapter Four: Hades Chapter Five: An Eye for An Eye PART II Chapter Six: All of Nothing Chapter Seven: A Perfect Work of Art Subchapter: Langkawi, Malaysia Subchapter: Bushido; The Warriors Code Subchapter: The Jade Dragon Chapter Eight: The Silk Road Chapter Nine: Heaven on Earth Chapter Ten: The Art of War PART III Chapter Eleven: A Dish Best Served Cold Chapter Twelve: Land of the Sharks Chapter Thirteen: The Phoenix Chapter Fourteen: London’s Calling Chapter Fifteen: Winged Victory Conclusion: Vienna, Austria
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PREFACE I am a member of several exclusive organizations and societies to include fraternities and fellowships. I’m a Washingtonian who attended Howard University and Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C.; the high school where the famous Alex Cross of the James Patterson Novels attended. I spent 9 years working at the U.S. Department of State with the Diplomatic Security Service where I met a dichotomy of interesting individuals and agents from different agencies; CIA, FBI, NSA, Homeland Security, DEA and other law enforcement agencies including military personnel to include special forces of the Marine Corps, Navy Seals, Army Rangers, Recon and Sniper personnel. I’ve always wanted to write about the experiences shared with me, but couldn’t due to the classified content and Information Act. Therefore I attempted to engage their personalities and experiences in this book combined with revising one of my favorite iconic boyhood heroes; Al Mundy from the TV series “It Takes a Thief.” I’ve combined their worlds in this international, globe hopping, jet set adventure of espionage, international criminals, terrorist and love. Al Monday is trapped in a spider’s web of international incidents and betrayal. He doesn’t know who to trust or who to turn to. Thank you for reading and I hope you will enjoy. Sincerely, V.R. McCoy
vrmccoy@hotmail.com
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PROLOGUE All I wanted was to get out of the game after Patrice died, so I ran. The CIA’s policy for deserters and traitors are the same; life imprisonment, if they want to teach you a slow and grueling lesson or they grant you mercy with a bullet! There’s no star for you on the Reaper’s Wall in the lobby at the CIA headquarters in Langley Virginia. No one knows your identity anyway; especially if you’re only a contractor. The contractors have no Government pensions to look forward to or plush desks jobs and watches before retiring, so you better get what you can while you can; that was my motto! We are the expendables; the ones that the Government disavows. We aren’t recognized for the good we do for the country and definitely not for the bad. If we’re caught the CIA never heard of us or our mission. That’s exactly what happened to me. The mission was botched and someone had betrayed us. The mark was waiting for me and my partner. It was a set up and a blood bath. That’s when Patrice died. I had enough at that point and just wanted out, but I knew too much. I was a risk and a loose end that they needed to close, so they sent the dogs after me. It took them three years before they finally caught me. Instead of granting me an honorable way out with a bullet to the head; they imprisoned me and threw away the key. I might as well have been living under a rock. No one knew where I was located or what happened to me. They could only speculate. I had no contact with the outside world. I didn’t have any remaining friends in the States and my only family was overseas. For all practical purposes I was dead. A contractor’s only worth is to the mission at hand and to the next mission; if they survive.
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PART I Chapter One: Terre Haute Terre Haute, a Supermax Federal Prison in Indiana. This is where the Government hides your worst nightmares! If Freddy Kruger was imprisoned; it would be here. The worst of the worst were housed here. They are the scourge of society; enemies of the U.S. Government and others. The others would be the embarrassments of the government; the ones they were trying to hide due to shame or injustices. Some terrorist, prisoners of war or warring conflicts like Iraqi prisoners and people like me were sent there. This place made Guantanamo Bay look like a picnic ground. Most of these prisoners were lifers or awaiting execution. They were animals and treated like such. I was there because I was one of those embarrassments. I was a former contractor for the CIA/ NSA/ DSS/ USSS whichever way the money or the contract was coming from at the time. I was in for life or until they decided whatever else to do with me. I was convicted of treason, but it was a trumped up sentence to keep me out of the way and out of the game. I knew too much to remain out there. I refused to continue playing ball, but they kept me alive as a way of torture and knowing that they could get their hands on me in the future. I was in solitary confinement like most of the Federal hideaways here. It wasn’t just because of our own safety, but also to hide us from the general population. They didn’t want anyone to know we were there and didn’t want us to influence or kill the other convicts. We were allowed to go outside twice a week for an hour. They never let us know when we were going outside. The hours differ every day and the days differ per week. We were the most dangerous, brightest and most lethal of the prisoners; therefore they took no unnecessary chances with us developing a pattern in which to apply strategy or schematics for escape or other nefarious plans. I utilized my two hours per week meditating outside and just enjoying the fresh air, blue sky and whatever hints of nature that I could take in; a passing bird, butterfly etc… They knew the worst thing they could do to me is to have me live a lifetime in jail thinking about and living with the pain of what took place before I came here. They were right. I attempted suicide on two separate occasions before they became smarter and alleviated me of any items that would assist me in my venture. They wanted me alive and suffering. I had been inside for 1360 days and counting without a visitor or correspondence. My only interpersonal contact came from the guards who escorted me to and from the infirmary and the yard until today. It was a usual day; nothing out of the ordinary, when I was escorted outside to the yard. I was in the lotus position and engaged in serene meditation. I thought it was just going to be a normal meditation session with the outdoors until it was interrupted. I heard the steps of six men approaching from behind. There were the usual two guards and four pairs of oxford type shoes approaching from the rear. These were my first and only visitors in 3 years, 8 months and 25 days. Then I heard his voice. It was the voice of the man who put me here. The first thing that went through my mind was rage! I went from a deeply peaceful state to a fully war mentality! Buddha would have done a back flip on how quickly my state had changed, but my rationale took
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over the rage as I quickly and methodically began to strategize on how to kill him. I wondered if there were any snipers watching, which I’m sure there would be. He wouldn’t dare come in here without a safety plan! The extra three men, whose footsteps I heard, wouldn’t be enough; if he got close enough. He would be dead before they could blink! He was smart enough to keep a safe distance. As I rose to my feet and turned around; I made an assessment of the surroundings. He did in fact have snipers zeroed in on me. “Hello Al; we need to talk,” he stated. “Are you here to tell me that they want to execute me now; hopefully? I’ve been waiting for it. They won't allow me to do it myself, but perhaps if I attempt to kill you right now they will oblige me,” I stated. “No; they will only maim you before you can get within 10 feet of me, so I advise you not to come too close. It will be uncomfortable attempting your meditation if you are maimed!” “So what do I owe the displeasure,” I inquired? “I have a job that will gain you your freedom; if you live through it.” “You haven’t heard; I want to die, if you will allow me?” “That makes it even better. I heard about the suicide attempts, but that’s not what you want Al. You can’t forgive yourself for what happened, but I have a chance for your redemption,” he stated. At this point I wanted to tell him how much I would enjoy killing him right now, but what good would it do; he already knew it. Also I hate letting my opposition know what I was thinking; it’s how I keep my edge. “I’d rather stay in here and die then to die for the likes of any of you.” “Well we’ll just have to see about that. I don’t think that’s what you want at all. Just let the warden know when you’re ready to hear my proposal,” he stated then departed. I knew this only meant trouble for me. He was about to make my life even more difficult until he received what he wanted, but what could he do to me that he hadn’t already done? I’m sure I will find out sooner than later. This is why they kept me alive; to continue doing their bidding or so they thought. They ruined my 30 minutes of meditation outside. After they departed the guards came to escort me back to my cell. I had to prepare myself for what was about to come. I just wanted to be left alone, but I knew there was no way of that happening. The next morning seemed normal. I was up half the night contemplated what Jack would do to me next until I gave in. I received my early morning breakfast at a random time and completed my routine cardio regiment which consisted of flat pushups, incline pushups, pull ups, crunches, triceps extensions and running in place or jumping jacks. I didn’t have any place else to go, so I might as well stay in shape, just in case. I usually complete my exercises before lunch is served, so I cool down during the wait. After lunch my routine is to request a shower before dinner and play chess in between time. My chess set was made strictly of paper. After dinner I would practice martial arts and before bed I would do some Tai Chi exercises to relax before bed. Unfortunately for me this wasn’t a particularly routine day due to my unexpected visit yesterday. Before I got a chance to shower or eat dinner the guards came and shook down my cell for a transfer. I was being transferred to general population. Jack was making his move and some people were going to die.
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We were kept separate from the rest of the pop for a good reason, but I knew Jack would get his way, even if lives were at stake. This would be a way of polishing off my skills, but I never got too cocky since this was a game of life or death. He would send people to kill me or almost kill me until I gave in. There were also the people who he didn’t send to kill me that I had to defend myself against; the natural predators of the prison. This was going to get very bloody before it was all said and done. I was transferred during the middle of the day. I was on display for everyone to see. The regular transfers are carried out at night during lock down and while most are asleep, but this wasn’t a normal transfer. I was moved into a cell with a lifer name Jumper; a huge African American brother, about 6-6 at 260 and all muscle. I was thinking this would be my first test, so as usual; I sized him up for the battle. The first words out of his mouth were, “You know they’re coming for you right?” “Yeah, I know, but do we have beef,” I asked him? “Nah, just don’t be expecting me to help your ass in any way. I’m like Bennett, if you know what I mean,” he stated with a smirk. “Yeah I know what you mean; thanks,” I stated. “What the fuck for,” he inquired? “For staying out of it,” I said. “Shit; you gonna wish for all the help you can get; the way they’re gonna come,” he said with the same smirk. “Just remember I ain’t in this shit,” he exclaimed! I nodded at this point. I was just happy that I would be able to sleep or was this just a way of throwing me off my game? I’ll still be on guard regardless.
During the next month they came at me from all sides at all times of the day. I stayed in the infirmary getting stitched, stapled or bandaged. There was a ‘no holds barred’ rule when it came to me. The first attack came stereotypically in the shower. They weren’t attempting to rape me, but to beat me senseless or kill me. There were three convicts; none had shanks which was good. I easily overcame them and placed them in the infirmary. I saw Jumper in the background looking on. He kept to his word about not assisting. The next attack was more violent with a different crew. This time there was only two, but they both were armed with shanks. I sustained two cuts; nothing lethal, but they both lost their lives. The guards put me down before escorting back to the cell. I had to make examples out of them with the hope that this would distract the others from approaching me, but it didn’t stop them. I fought four more armed convicts in the laundry area. I managed to kill one and maiming the other three, but not without sustaining a potentially lethal stab wound myself. I had lost a lot of blood and passed out. I woke up in the infirmary, but didn’t know how I got there. I believe it was Jumper. He always seemed to be around looking-on whenever the action was about to take place, but never intervening. Maybe he was orchestrating the attacks and just keeping me alive for the punishment? Whoever it was probably saved my life. I killed several people that month and knew it would only escalate. Jumper stayed out of it as he stated. This month seemed like a year in passing. Everyday there was another lethal battle. The days were going by very slowly and as another day passed, it ended with the same results. The murder/ death count was rising as was my time spent in the infirmary. I spent another week in the infirmary for another stab wound. By the end of the month it began slowing down a little, but they were still coming. By this time the inmates realized that they were likely to die or be maimed in the confrontation. The money wasn’t worth it, especially if you couldn’t spend it! I was tired and wasn’t going to make it much longer at this pace. As much as I wanted to die I didn’t want one of these assholes to take my life over some money. Besides, I couldn’t stand the fact of Jack finally beating me down and defeating me.
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It was also at this point that I realized that Jumper was guarding me at night. He was making sure that no one shanked me while I was asleep or otherwise not able to defend myself. I didn’t know if he was paid to do so or if he did it out of kindness, but I was grateful for the little hours of sleep that I was allowed. This was the only time when I could truly relax. I trusted that he wouldn’t let anyone get me while I was asleep. I didn’t know how I would be able to repay him for this or if he wasn’t already getting paid, but I was thankful nonetheless. “They gonna send the guards after you now,” Jumper said during the middle of the night when we were supposed to be asleep. “Just lie down and take it and hope they don’t kill you ‘cause if you kill one of them there is nothing I or anyone else can do at that point. They hold the keys,” he said, “so get some sleep and pray you make it through tomorrow.” The next day was exactly as Jumper stated it would be; the guards took me down to the laundry area and beat me until I passed out. I woke up in the infirmary again. The guards had taken me there. That was the least they could do for me. At this rate I would surely be dead before the month’s end; if I couldn't defend myself. Jack’s reach or should I say the CIA’s reach was long and strong. I asked for the warden while I was in the infirmary. I had to live to fight another day or just until I could enact my revenge on Jack. The guards really did a number on me with the beat down. Several stitches and wounds were reopened. It would take me several weeks to recover from this beating. The warden allowed me to stay in the infirmary until Jack arrived the following week. The whole prison could hear the helicopter landing as he arrived. I’m thinking he would visit the warden first; go over security procedures during his visit and then arrange for the meeting. Most of the day had expired and Jack hadn't made it around to seeing me. I guest he had a lot of paper work to get through due to all the murders that took place. No one would miss the dead or question the killing of anyone residing in this place. The helicopter landed at the prison this morning at 1002; it was now 2000 hours and Jack still hadn’t arrived to the infirmary. At 2037 that evening the helicopter departed from the prison and I still hadn’t seen Jack. Now I was concerned; was the deal called off ? Will this be another night of getting my ass kicked? I don’t know what game Jack is playing, but he definitely had me vehemently perplexed at this point. I was escorted back to my cell around 2330 that night. I had no idea what to expect as I settled down in my bunk with a myriad of concerned ideas. “How you feeling,” asked Jumper? “Like a piece of horse crap; stamped, hammered and processed for fertilizer.” “You’re alive though, so that’s a good thing,” he stated. “Yeah, but for how long,” I interjected. “They’re keeping you alive. They’ve got plans for you,” he said. Around 0100 hours the next morning I heard several people walking towards our direction. I didn’t hear the helicopter arrive so what could this be; another beat down? The entourage stopped at our cell and leading the group was Samantha Reeder. Samantha was Jack’s right hand and henchman or henchperson. She was his number one assassin and she was deadly. She never missed a target or failed an assignment. She was known around the intelligence community as Reeder the Freezer Feeder due to the long list of bodies she's put in the morgue. She was one cold hearted bitch that you didn’t want looking for you. She was a tall, golden blonde with curves in all the places there should be curves. She could have easily been a Miss Universe, a model or anything she wanted to be. She was extremely intelligent and extremely
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pleasing to the eyes. She was gorgeous, but suffered from that mind trip of not knowing or thinking that she is beautiful, but she was definitely the total package! This assisted greatly in her accepted line of work. It never occurred to her that most men desired her because of her looks. She thought all men were dogs and would sleep with anyone if given the chance; therefore the attention and obsessions that men afforded her was all due to their lustful ways. She thought it had nothing to do with her looks. Even I must admit; if she was sent to kill me at this point in time it would definitely be a welcomed sight. She was the Angel of Death. I’m sure a lot of men met their demise thinking the same way. Our paths crossed a couple of times, but never on a job together or against; just in passing. She did clean up on a couple of jobs I contracted on. When you work for the agency you meet or have heard of most of the major players around the world. “Hello Al, you look like shit,” she said in greeting. “I know and hello to you. Is this visit social or business,” I inquired? “What type of question is that? It is always business love,” she stated. I figured she wasn’t here to kill me since she brought the entourage with her, so I’ll just let this one play out and listen. “Jack had another appointment, but will meet you later in the day. I’m here to prep your extraction.” “You mean release, right,” I stated. Then she gave me a stern look of contempt as if I shouldn’t speak out of turn. Her entourage began working on the cell and the lock. They were staging an escape. “I thought we were walking through the front door,” I inquired? “We are; this isn’t for you,” She stated. Then she looked at Jumper. He made a deal with Jack to protect me, but just to ensure that I remained alive. That’s how he knew their every move. He had no idea the kind of people he was involved with. Reeder quickly briefed the both of us on the itinerary. “So the helicopter will be here at 0400 hours for you and I; Mr. Monday. There will be a vehicle and money waiting for you (Jumper),” she stated to him and turned her attention back towards me. “I will return at 0330 to pick you up. Until then get some rest and I’ll see you then.” Her crew were company men and very professional. Jumper was a loose end and wouldn’t survive this. I at least owed it to him to warn him. When they departed from the cell I got my chance to warn Jumper. “You asleep,” I spoke out to Jumper. “Are you kidding man,” he asked? “Look I want to say thank you for the advice and watching over me at night, but you don’t know these people like I do. Whatever you do man; don’t leave out of the cell,” I told him. “Man; are you joking? I’m in here for life. I hear what you’re saying, but this ain’t living, so if there is a slight chance I can end it and get out; I have to take it. Wouldn’t you do the same,” he inquired? I was speechless at that point because he was right. I would choose to take the way out. I was the one on suicide watch, so who was I to tell him anything different? “Ok; if you do get out; take the money and continue to run. Don’t let them know where you are going and don’t meet with them ever again. These people never leave loose ends dangling, capiche? “Yeah, I got you,” he said and we both became real quiet after that. At 0330 hours Reeder arrived like clockwork, as I knew she would. I said my last good bye to Jumper and shook his hand. “Good luck and I hope all works out well,” I said. “You too,” he stated and shook my hand. “Do either of you need a Kleenex,” Reeder said with a smirk? We departed for the helicopter landing pad to wait for my transportation out of there. The helicopter arrive on time at 0400 hours and took us to the nearest airport where there was a private jet waiting for us.
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Chapter Two: Paraiso The jet took us to a lavish ranch in Bolivia. This had to belong to someone affiliated with the Cartel. It was equipped with a stable and horses, swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, a helicopter, and several expensive European vehicles. There were several beautiful women with thong-like swimming suites taking a dip lounging and around the pool when we arrived. It was as if they came with the spread. They were drinking alcoholic beverages and parting like they hadn’t a care in the world. High class working girls no doubt! Then I was greeted by our host and suspected owner. “Good Afternoon Mr. Monday; I’ve heard so much about you. Your reputation is renowned! I am Javier Alejandro Ramirez and welcome to Paraiso my humble abode.” He extended his hand with a smile. It has been a long time since I experience anyone extending me a hand in friendship or recognition with a smile. I shook his hand nonetheless. “Anything you need just ask. I will be your host for a couple of days until Jack arrives, so please make yourself comfortable; mi casa su casa.” “I would like to shower and get out of these clothes,” I stated. “Well of course,” he said and called out to two beautiful women setting poolside, “Maria, Angelic; come escort my guest to his quarters. I want you to take special care of him. Whatever he needs provided it. Ms. Reeder your quarters will be next door as you requested, but if you decide to upgrade the offer is still open.” He was posturing to get closer to Samantha; he wanted her, but didn’t know she was like a black widow. “It’s touching that you want to be close to me, but it might get a little loud being next door to me. It has been a while since I’ve been with a woman, yet alone two gorgeous women like Maria and Angelic,” I stated with a smile looking at the two of them as they positioned themselves to each side of me and escorted me away. Maria and Angelica were perfect companions for the evening. They bathed me, shaved me and cut my hair which had grown into dread locks exceedingly pass my shoulders. I never really got the opportunity to look at myself while in lock down, due to the fact that any mirror or metallic reflecting object could be utilized as a weapon. I did look like shit; like I had been on a deserted island. You couldn’t even see my face due to the beard and hair. By the time the girls completed grooming me we went into the bedroom and I reacquainted myself with the opposite sex for most of the night. I woke up the next day still sore from the beat down placed on me by the prison guards and the lingering injuries from all the fighting. I was thankful not to be hung over a sink spitting out blood or in the infirmary getting stitched or stapled. The rest and relaxation came with a high price. If Jack was allowing me time to recuperate the job must be incredibly huge or a suicide mission. He was desperate to risk breaking me and Jumper out of jail. I wonder if Jumper made it out alive. It isn’t like Jack to leave loose ends; it’s not part of the protocol. The morning sun felt good on my face as I stared outside at the scenery. This was a beautiful country. I didn’t realize how much I really missed being free and enjoying nature until now, if you call this being free. I was back again doing someone else’s bidding like a Ronin. The girls were still asleep. They were a lot of fun, but now I was hungry for some real food; not prison generic food, but real food.
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I showered and ventured into the walk in closet. They furnished everything I needed, down to the size and it was top rack designer wear. Most of my clothes wear tailor made from Hong Kong, London and Paris, but I was grateful for the effort. I wasn’t in the mood for suits at this time, but the linen shirts and pants were perfect! I slipped into some sandals and ventured out while the girls continued to sleep. I took a tour of the estate which was magnificent. Samantha was already up as well. She was doing yoga at poolside. I stopped for a minute and watched without her noticing me. She truly was a remarkable and gifted woman, but also a ruthless killer. I paid a visit to the stables. It had been a long time since I’ve been on a horse. I use to ride all the time when I was a teenager. I grew up in the city, but my parents always made sure I had a very rounded background of culture and experiences. I couldn’t resist saddling up the beautiful appaloosa, a horse I’d been in love with since a kid. Man this was exhilarating. I felt like a kid again, innocent and filled with good dreams! The wind was in my face as if I didn’t have a care in the world. Then I came back down to earth and remembered where I was and why I was there. I walked the horse after she worked up a sweat and hosed her down as well. She was a good horse, beautiful and well trained. Javier had a lot of beautiful things and all from ill gotten gains, but who was I to judge? Samantha met me in the stables. She seemed to have known where I was; perhaps she saw me riding or even saw me staring at her. It didn’t make a difference; that brief moment of freedom was gone. “Did you enjoy your ride,” she inquired? “Yeah it was great.” “Will you join me for brunch,” she inquired? “Absolutely, allow me to wash off and I’ll meet.” “Let’s eat on the terrace,” she suggested and departed. I washed off and met her for breakfast on the terrace. She was wearing a lavender summer dress which contoured to her perfect figure and made her looked even sexier and appealing. There was a house servant waiting to take our order for the morning. The mansion was equipped with a full servant staff, chef, chauffeur grounds keeper and stable hands. I knew there was something more to this brunch then her just wanting to eat with me and shoot the breeze. “So what do I owe this pleasure,” I inquired of her? “I just wanted to go over a few things before Jack arrives. While you’re recovering from your injuries I will be briefing you on the mission and answering any questions that you may have within my knowledge. “When will we begin,” I asked? “We already have,” she stated. We enjoyed a great meal on the terrace. We talked about the mansion and the affiliation with the CIA which was already implied since I was being briefed at this location. Ramirez was in league with the CIA. It wouldn’t be the first time that they were involved in the drug trade for one reason or the other like Afghanistan and the opium trade. She was as intelligent as I thought. Maria and Angelica had departed when I returned to my quarters. I didn’t venture to find out where they had gone. I was tired after being up most of the night with them and waking up so early. I was still in the habit of waking up early due to prison, so I laid down and went to sleep. Samantha woke me up for dinner. We ate dinner inside the dining room then went over the ops. The poolside was quite and there were no women or partying. I guess the party was for me and Reeder got rid of them since the real work was about to begin. We went over the preliminaries of the ops; the player’s bios, the demographics, covers, inlets, the extraction and the item of extraction. This was a job that required my special skills of extraction. This was a job that requires one to get in and out without being
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seen and without lot of noise or murder, if possible. It required a thief, not just any thief, but Interpol’s top international thief who hasn’t been caught. I was skilled in cracking safes and bypassing the most intricate and state of the art security systems. I was suspected of pulling off some of the most elaborate and highly skilled thiefs in Interpol’s history until the CIA recruited me. I was skilled in martial arts and received tactical training while in the military Special Forces. I was the perfect candidate for the CIA including my dark side of breaking the law. The CIA blackmailed me into doing their bidding. It was doing my last job when Patrice died. We were going to take our savings and run together. I didn’t complete the job, but took the money and disappeared until I got tired of running and killing whoever they sent after me. I’m glad they never sent Samantha after me. Since I was going to spend the next days in Bolivia; the first thing I did was rearranged the furniture in the room I was staying. It was just a paranoid habit of the job. I placed the bed in a corner with no windows so I could see the door and the windows of the room. Most nights I would sleep on the other side of the room on the floor and just stuff the bed with pillows; disguising it like I was sleeping in it. Often I would see and hear Samantha checking on me in the room. I wondered if she slept the same way I did or if she slept at all? For the next couple of days we went over and over the Intelligence of the ops and the timing. We also trained together. In the mornings we would begin with a run, then we ate breakfast and sparred; sometimes together and sometimes with several agency men. In the afternoon we would eat lunch then go over the mission. The evenings were spent going over the Ops then dinner under a starry moonlit sky. Sometimes we would eat with Javier, but most of the time it would just be the two of us. Javier basically stayed out of the way and allowed us to do what we needed to prepare for the mission. After dinner we would do Yoga or Tai Chi. Some nights I would spend time with the horses while she would partake in an evening swim in the pool. Other nights I would catch her having a midnight swim in the pool while nude. She seemed to enjoy the water and spent most of her time near it or in it. When she went for these midnight swims I often wondered if she knew I would be looking or was it for Javier looking on as well. I didn’t know what to believe; if she was a tease or if she wanted company? I knew enough to know that with a woman like this; it would go over better if you waited to be invited, therefore I respected the boundaries. I was becoming very fond of Samantha, but had to remember why we both were here and that she would put a bullet in me without hesitation, if the job required it. On the last night before Jack was to arrive; I requested Javier to provide me with some female entertainment; the type that I experienced on my first night at the ranch. The day had gone the same as the others until that night when it was time for my guest to arrive. This time there were three different women, but just as beautiful as the previous two. They were escorted from the ranch early the next morning in preparation for the final brief with Jack. I was ready to carry out the mission, but I had some new stipulations to give to Jack. Jack arrived to the ranch at 1500 hours with his usual entourage of henchmen. The ranch was cleared of all personnel except for Javier and a few house servants. “Good Afternoon Al. How are you feeling?” “You mean after the guards placed the beat down on me that you ordered?” “This is important Al; whatever is on that chip is a direct threat to National Security and a detriment to the UN.” “So that is why
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were going to steal it,” I inquired? “No, we just want the technology. Copy it and leave it in place.” “Not a problem, but I want my usual fee and you can place me back on the service list,” I stated. “It’s a deal and welcome back,” Jack stated as we shook hands on it. “I want half of the diamonds up front and the rest on completion as usual,” I further commented. I always preferred to get paid in diamonds instead of money transfers, which can be traced or retracted and carrying around large amounts of money in a bag is just stupid. Diamonds were small and inconspicuous. A hand size bag full of the appropriate diamonds is worth millions, untraced with no serial numbers. “Ok then let’s celebrate. I’ll have Javier get us a bottle of his best champagne from the cellar and have his staff prepare us dinner. I was hoping that you would change your mind after training and spending time in prep. I didn’t want to be presumptuous, but I have your usual half of the fee with me now. It feels good to have you back on the team Al. There is one stipulation that I have as well. I want you to take Samantha along with you on this one.” “I work alone Jack and the last time you had me take someone with me things became ugly, very ugly. I won’t be doing that again, no Jack,” I exclaimed! “You don’t have a choice Al. We need more than monetary assurances on this one, since you ran the last time. It is either that or the deal is completely off,” he stated; “Besides she means nothing to you, right?” I paused and looked at him and couldn’t believe how little she really meant to him. It was also at this moment that I realized that I did care for her. I felt sorry for her. She had to be a very lonely person. “Ok Jack, but remember I was against this again and after this I work alone without question!” We did in fact have a wonderful meal. It is like the last request of a man being sent to the chair. We ate, drank and smoked cigars after the meal with Javier and Samantha. I still didn’t trust Jack, especially after the way he brought me back in. Javier was an excellent host. You wouldn’t know we were in a third world country by the way he was living; protected via the US Government with dirty hands. After Jack’s team swept the conference room and got rid of all the Intel that Sam and I was using, Javier brought in the girls for a send off party. Jack departed a little after the sweep via helicopter. I wasn’t in the mood to party. I drank a little more and conversed with Javier and some of the girls, but walked off by myself and ended up in the stables. I felt so at peace around the horses and nature in general. I was petting and feeding the appaloosa some carrots when Samantha came into the stables. Once again she seemed to know exactly where I was located. “You’re not enjoying your party,” she stated. “No I’m just a little tired.” I was a bit melancholy from my plight and discussion with the cold hearted Jack. He didn’t care two cents about any of us. “Javier was inquiring about you,” she stated. “I would have thought he’d have his hands full at this point. So you’re my new guarding angel,” I asked? “You have a problem with that,” she inquired? “Yes, I do. I work alone. It’s just easier that way. I don’t have to worry about babysitting someone in a situation that only allows me time to watch my own six!” Then she walked closer to me. “I know what happen to you and Patrice. You must have loved her very much. I’ve never known nor had anyone feel like that about me; to not want to go on living...” Then she paused for a moment and continued, “Look; you don’t have to worry about looking after me while we’re out there. I do find it touching that you would even care,” she stated then kissed me on the cheek.
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Now my curiosity was really intrigued. I didn’t know if she was being sincere or if she was playing me like the professional that I know her to be. I did know it was time to stop asking questions. The more I let her into my psyche the more she will know about how and what I’m thinking. Therefore I did the rational thing that any average man would do. I kissed this extremely gorgeous woman in front of me, who was finally displaying some sort of affection towards me. She reciprocated my affections by kissing me back. If I was being played then it’s better to gain from it than to have nothing to show for it. We continued making out in the barn and then later in my quarters. I stopped wondering about her intentions, at least for the night. It didn’t matter if she was my guarding angel or the angel of death because tonight we were just two people lost in passion, lost in each other and the world will decide what is to become of us. Samantha stayed with me all night. I woke up before she did and just starred at her like I had previously without her knowledge. There were a lot of things going through my mind at this point. I didn’t know if last night was the prudent thing to do. I couldn’t afford to feel for someone on a job like before, but it was too late. I already had feelings for her. I cared about her when Jack displayed so little care about her life. I didn’t know if Jack sent her to me or not that night. Did he recognize that I had some type of feelings for her? Is that why he inquired? Were they testing me to see if I had some feeling about her and if I could be manipulated? I would have to proceed with caution until I discover her true intent, although it was a wonderful and blissful night spent with her. I went for a morning swim to relax and think before preparing for my trip. Sam woke up and joined me in the pool. “Good Morning; how are you,” she asked with a smile? “I’m doing very well and thanks for a wonderful night.” She immediately swam to me and kissed me. “It was all my pleasure. I hope this doesn’t complicate things too much,” she said with a concerned look. “You think”, I said with a sarcastic smile. “Well it doesn’t have to be, unless you want it to be,” she further stated as she looked in my eyes for a reaction. She was an expert at reading people; no doubt she had some advance profiling and interrogation training. “You already know this isn’t new territory for me. I just don’t want things to go bad,” I replied. “And they won’t! We are two very experienced professionals who happen to enjoy each other’s company. It doesn’t have to get messy or complicated. I’m not looking for anything else; no strings, no rings, no kings and definitely not a Knight in armor; agreed?” “Agreed,” I stated with a smile. The best thing about playing chess is that you learn great strategy skills and for a thief or spy there is no greater component or arsenal than strategy; to know your opponents next move; hopefully his next three or more moves in order to win! After our swim together we ate breakfast and prepared for departure.
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