Dangerous Alliance, page 29
“Will … will you let me go? My … my family relies on me.”
Trevor shook his head. “Dacar, don’t lie to me. The first questions we asked concerned your family. We spent all night confirming what we could.”
“But … but ….”
“Drink your tea before it’s cold. In the morning, we’ll talk again, before your trip.”
“What trip?”
“To the UK, where you’ll be a guest of Her Majesty’s judicial system. You forgot. In addition to other crimes, you confessed to killing a young crewman from the Napoli—he would have been twenty-four tomorrow.”
Trevor left the room, the sound of a deadbolt echoing in the cellar when he secured the door. He went upstairs and made an Earl Grey tea for himself before sending an update. He chuckled, thinking how they convinced Dacar he was injected with an experimental drug—yet it was a simple saline solution.
To: Topaz
From: Black
Dacar captured. Bound and gagged in safe-house.
Initial interrogation confirmed location of pirate compound near Ras Hafun. One of the two missing Napoli crew still alive. Dacar killed the other one. Fifteen members from another hijacked vessel held at same location.
Bravo maxed out with current requirements. Recommend Royal Marines attack pirate compound.
Trevor sat on the sofa, contemplating what he’d learned. I’d like to string him up myself. But, must let the legal system runs its course.
A ping indicated an incoming message.
To: Black
From: Topaz
Excellent information. Amphibious assault ship, HMS Neptune, with Royal Marine contingent, will be dispatched to pirate camp. Bedlam Alpha deployed to Brize Norton in the event you require reinforcements. Continue interrogation.
Instruct Blue to proceed to Nairobi and join Rebel and White at British Embassy.
Trevor closed down his computer. He grabbed two bottles of water and headed back to Dacar. When he unlocked the door and pushed it open, a vile coppery odor permeated the air.
Blood!
Dacar’s head rested on his chest. Blood dripped from a gashed throat, a piece of a broken china cup on his lap. Flies found his saturated clothes, feasting on the unexpected meal.
No! No!
Trevor pushed his hand against Dacar’s throat—no pulse. He checked the pirate’s wrists.
Dead.
Trevor staggered away and sat in the other chair, his head in his hands. What have I done?
Chapter Forty
Hilton Northholme Resort
Victoria, Seychelles
Soo and Kim stepped from the Seychelles International Airport terminal into brilliant sunshine and a warm breeze. A cab shot forth from the nearby taxi stand and stopped in front of them. They glanced at each other before climbing inside.
“Take us to the Hilton Northholme Resort.” Soo grinned, slapping the seat next to him. “I’m looking forward to a relaxing time.” I wish Jung Gi and the boys were here.
“Don’t forget, we’re here on important business. How did you manage to arrange rooms at the Hilton?” Kim raised his eyebrows. “Who will pay for them?”
“Never mind. Nari made the arrangements—I’m positive she drove a hard bargain.” Soo’s eyes sparkled as he laughed. “We don’t have rooms. Nari booked us into a villa—complete with a private pool.”
After check-in, a bellhop escorted them to their villa. He deposited their luggage on the floor of the single-story white building and departed. Outside the windows, the rustling fronds of nearby palm trees provided a relaxing backdrop.
“Kim, the guest room is yours. I’ll use the main bedroom.”
“Yes, Ambassador. Where shall we eat this evening?”
“Make reservations for the hotel’s restaurant. Tomorrow evening, we’ll dine elsewhere.”
***
A man dressed in black stepped away from the camera after taking a final photo. Another person took his place and zoomed in on a table where Kim and Soo sat.
“Appears they’re settling in for the evening.” Trevor tapped notes on his iPad.
“We must separate them before we take Kim.” Mi-Cha continued watching the two men.
“I suggest we monitor their activities for two or three days to ascertain any possible pattern where they might partake of different activities.”
“Agreed.” Mi-Cha backed away from the camera and used her binoculars to scan the hotel complex. “My men will continue to surveil them until we’re ready.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
She handed the glasses to Trevor. “Your friend, Nate, is sitting at a table by the window in the restaurant. Who is the woman?”
Trevor focused on the restaurant, finding Nate. “One of the hotel clerks. I don’t remember her name.”
“Perfect idea to use her while he covers Soo and Kim.”
I’m sure he has ulterior motives, too. “Nate’s an experienced field operator, and she makes an excellent companion. Who would expect a local woman and a foreign man to be anything other than a couple enjoying a meal?”
“I would be most suspicious. But, I’m wary of everything.” Mi-Cha nudged Trevor and laughed. “Where are you taking me for dinner?”
***
Two days later in Kumquat’s safe-house, she presented her kidnapping plan, and refused to entertain any adjustments.
“It’s clear to me Kim goes for a daily massage while Soo is swimming each morning.” She pouted, her lips pushed upward. “We should grab him today.”
“I’d prefer one more day. But ….” Trevor glared at his not-so-agreeable contact. “But, we’ll do as you suggest.”
Mi-Cha clapped her hands, a smile sneaking across her face. “I knew you would listen to sound advice. This might be your operation, but I know my cousin.” Why won’t Trevor listen?
Trevor glanced at his wristwatch. “If they keep to their routine, we have about five hours to set things up and be in position.”
“Not a problem. My men are at the hotel now, disguised as caterers assisting with a private party a local dignitary is holding at the hotel this evening.”
“When did you plan to share this little tidbit?”
He might excel at his job, but he does not understand my people. She chuckled. “I just did.”
Trevor blew out a breath, threw his hands up, but remained silent.
***
Kim changed into loose-fitting clothes while Soo donned his swimwear. After Soo stepped outside to the suite’s private pool, Kim headed to the spa for his regular massage.
He entered an empty room and glanced around. No masseuse waited for him. “Hello. I’m ready for my appointment. Hello?”
No response.
Kim called again and a hotel staff member stepped into the room. “The masseuse is behind schedule, working on an important customer. She will join you when she’s finished.”
Sitting on the table, Kim waited, his impatience growing. He swung his feet back and forth, his hands resting in his lap.
Noise at the door caught his attention—the masseuse. “Fifteen more minutes and I’ll be with you. Lie on the bed and I’ll cover you with a warm towel.”
Kim did as instructed. After the masseuse covered him with a towel, she turned off the overhead lights. A pink glow emanating from a small lamp cast shadows throughout the room. “Rest. I return soon.”
The warm towel, combined with the soothing orchestra music of popular tunes coming from a ceiling-mounted speaker, eased Kim’s tension. After a few minutes, he began to snore.
Unseen hands grabbed his arms and legs.
“Whaat? Who?”
Kim felt large calloused hands around his wrists, forcing them down, as someone else took control of his arms. He struggled but couldn't break free. What little light existed in the room was extinguished as a rough sack covered his head. The fibers scratched his cheek and the scent of ammonia and cinnamon invaded his sinuses. He soon succumbed to the knock-out drug.
***
Four balaclava-clad men wearing gas masks, dumped the unconscious Kim into a commercial laundry hamper with wheels. One checked the hallway, while another headed to the outer door.
The coast clear, the remaining two removed their masks and shoved the hamper along the hallway and outside. One of the men jumped into the driver’s seat of a white van. Displayed on the side, ‘Victoria Caterers—We Feed You Right.’
The others manhandled the hamper into the back. The last man slammed the cargo doors shut and hopped into the front passenger seat. The driver stepped on the gas and headed out of the complex.
***
Once Kim came to, he found himself lying on a bed, his arms and legs secured with plastic ties. Unable to free himself, he studied his surroundings. In the opposite wall, a door. Might be the way out. Two chairs, a small table, and a dresser completed the furnishings. No pictures or photographs present. A second door to his right perhaps led to a bathroom.
Kim caught the slight scrape of a key in the lock. He feigned sleep as someone entered.
“Come, Major Kim. We know you’re awake—the room has eyes.”
He opened his eyes and stared at two people. One tall, the other short, both dressed in black. The tall man’s features were visible, while the second person wore a balaclava.
“You’re British. Who are you? Why did you kidnap me? Release me at once.” I sound like Soo.
“Answer our questions and we will make things as painless as possible. You might even be freed.”
Kim shook his head. “I won’t tell you anything. I’m not a Western lackey, cowed by your feeble threats.”
“Perhaps not.”
A female voice, coming from the shorter person. Is this a trick?
“My name is Trevor.” He plugged a soldering iron into an electrical outlet and placed the device on the small table. “You might not be afraid now, but you will be.”
Torture? I’m prepared to hold out.
The female leaned toward him and whispered, “I know all of your secrets.”
How? The voice is familiar. Who is she? “I am unafraid.”
The woman pushed her thumbs under the balaclava and jerked it upward. She shook her head, letting her long black hair swish and fall into place.
Kim gasped. “Mi-Cha! What are you doing here?”
“Hello, my cousin. You have much to explain and not a lot of time.”
Trevor unplugged the iron and stepped closer. Mi-Cha grabbed Kim’s arms and held him as Trevor reached forward, the tip of the device glowing red.
“No!”
The plastic smoked and separated as the iron burned through the plastic tie securing Kim’s arms. Trevor repeated the process, freeing Kim’s legs.
Kim rubbed his wrists, his gaze switching from his cousin to Trevor and back again.
Mi-Cha handed Kim a bottle of water. He twisted the cap and guzzled, not stopping until he drank the last drop.
“What do you want?”
“Kim, your time working in Pyongyang has warped your mind.” Mi-Cha brushed a hand across her cousin’s face. “Did you forget your mission? Bring the Supreme Leader down.”
“A difficult task with surmountable obstacles. I request more time.”
“No, Kim. Your time has expired. We know about North Korea’s plot to obtain oil by exchanging weapons with Somali pirates.”
“Yes, your information is true.”
“We also know about your relationship with Ambassador Soo.” Mi-Cha stared at Kim. “As Trevor mentioned, you will tell us everything—before you’re escorted back to Seoul, either as a traitor or a hero—your choice.”
Kim puffed his chest out. “I’m not a traitor and I love South Korea. I will answer your questions.”
Trevor glanced at a list of questions he had written down. “What tactics did you use to gain Wook’s trust?”
“It wasn’t easy.” Kim closed and rubbed his eyes. “To prove my loyalty, I executed a South Korean spy.”
Mi-Cha gulped. “What? How could you?”
“I’m not making any excuses, but I believed my fate rested in Wook’s hands. I’m sure if I had hesitated, I would have died.”
Trevor nodded and scratched a few notes. “How did you end up working with Ambassador Soo?”
“Wook didn’t trust him, although they were childhood friends. He tasked me to kill Soo if he ever showed any disloyalty. I would have executed him, if it meant my life or his.”
Kim gazed at his cousin. “Did you know Soo’s wife is Wook’s sister? Jung Gi and Soo’s two boys are prisoners.”
Mi-Cha excused herself. “I must pass this information along right away. There is an operational cell in Pyongyang who might be able to help free them.”
Kim nodded. “Wook allows Soo restricted access to his family, most times in the palace. They also went to a guesthouse once outside the palace grounds.”
Trevor jotted more notes. “A final question, for now. Who came up with the plan to trade weapons for oil with the Somali pirates?”
“Hard to believe, but Soo came up with the idea. I thought Wook would ignore the suggestion.” Kim chuckled. “He instructed Soo to make the arrangements and I became his escort.”
Trevor stood and pulled a cable tie from his pocket. He secured Kim’s arm to the bedpost. “I’ll ask more questions later, but for now we’re finished. Would you like some food?”
“Yes, please.”
***
Trevor joined Mi-Cha in the safehouse’s kitchen. One of the men stirred a pot on the stove. One whiff and Trevor almost gagged.
“I hope he’s not cooking something for us to eat.”
Mi-Cha laughed. “No. If we must extract Kim from the Seychelles, this will be used to knock him out. Natural ingredients and leaves no residue behind.”
“Well, it smells terrible.” Trevor pointed toward the bedroom where Kim remained. “What did you make of his answers? Do you believe him?”
Mi-Cha gazed at Trevor before answering. “He’s changed—no longer the cousin I remember. I do believe he told us a version of the truth. I contacted the cell in Pyongyang, and at this moment they are investigating Kim’s claims.”
“I’ll send my report, then let’s eat somewhere nice to celebrate.”
To: Topaz
From: Black
Major Kim in custody. Initial debrief indicated he’d been embedded in the Wook government for almost five years. He killed a South Korean intelligence officer to gain closer access to Wook.
He stated Ambassador Soo is the brains behind the weapons for oil deal with the Somali pirates. Wook is holding Soo’s wife and children hostage to ensure successful completion of his mission.
Please advise.
Trevor sent his report and joined Mi-Cha. They left the safe-house and walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Two hours later, Trevor checked his laptop. Another message.
To: Black
From: Topaz
Your report acknowledged and shared with Alpha. Leave Major Kim in Kumquat’s care. Proceed to Mombasa.
***
Soo finished his swim, dried himself with a towel, and stretched out along the granite edge of the pool. Before long, he fell asleep under the sun’s rays.
When he awoke, the sun had edged toward the horizon. Exterior lights popped on around the resort. He sat, stretched, and went into the suite.
“Hello, Kim? Where are you? I’m hungry—let’s eat.”
Silence.
“Kim, are you here?” Soo knocked on the guest room door, expecting Kim to jump out at him.
No response, so he pounded on the door. Twisting the handle, he stepped inside.
No Kim, no belongings—nothing to indicate he ever used the room.
Soo changed into casual clothing and dashed outside, calling Kim’s name. Other guests stared at him and shook their heads when asked if they had seen another Korean at the hotel.
On the verge of a breakdown, Soo entered the hotel lobby and went to the check-in desk. “Excuse me. I’m Ambassador Soo. My aide, Major Kim is missing. Please find him at once.”
“One moment and a security officer will meet with you.” The clerk shook his head and picked up a telephone.
Soo sat on a nearby chair, crossing and uncrossing his legs. Where did he go? Did someone kidnap him? I hate this island.
A shadow paused in front of him. He glanced up.
“Ambassador Soo? I’m the hotel’s chief security officer. When did you last speak with your friend?”
“He’s not my friend—my aide. I spoke with him this afternoon before I went for a swim. He said he wanted another massage.”
“Any contact with him since?”
Soo shook his head. “Nothing. But something is strange. I checked in his room and all of his belongings are gone as if he never came with me.”
“I’ll search the premises for you, Ambassador. I’ll require assistance, so I’ll contact the police and ask them to send a few officers. Please wait here. Someone will bring you a drink.”
Soo watched the man disappear. If he brings the police, they might arrest me and charge me with a crime. I must go, but where?
A bellhop brought him tea and biscuits. After taking a sip, Soo snapped his fingers. The airport!
He stood and wandered around the lobby. No one appeared to be monitoring him.
Soo dashed out of the building and hurried to a nearby taxi stand. “The airport, please. And hurry!”
When he arrived at the airport, Soo handed several bills to the driver and scurried from the cab. Inside the terminal, he found a ticket counter. When his turn came, he sucked in air, exhaling to calm himself.
“I am Ambassador Soo from the People’s Democratic Republic of North Korea. Urgent business requires me to return home at once. Please book me on the next available flight out of here. The destination doesn’t matter.”
Chapter Forty-One
American Embassy
Nairobi, Kenya
Three foreigners stood within the security booth outside the three-story American Embassy. A Kenyan police officer stared at them while another examined their passports. Once he compared the photographs with their faces for the fourth time, he picked up a telephone.
