The Trail of the Serpent

By Al E. Gateson

It was a manhunt for a charismatic Islamist terrorist who was gathering thousands to his cause because he tells them that he speaks with God who has ordained him to rid the world of infidels and he has obtained four nuclear weapons illegally in Pakistan and intends to use them against four major world cities.
The CIA, the Israeli Mossad, the British MI6 and the Russians all have men in the field searching for the bombs and the man who calls himself the Serpent of God. The chase takes place over much of the globe, from Spain to France, Russia and the United States. One bomb has already been detonated. Can they find the others to avert a world-wide disaster?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 21, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453573860

Al E. Gateson

Al E Gateson is a retired businessman with a prior military background. He has been writing since he was a teenager but never attempted to publish any of his work until he retired. Since then he has published seven novels and plans many more. He is married with three married daughters and three grandchildren.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

THE EVENTS IN this novel cover a vast area of the globe, to name a few, Pakistan, Prague, Spain and the jungles of Columbia, South America and many places in between.

This is a search for nuclear weapons obtained illegally and a manhunt for the one responsible for obtaining them with the intention of using them against Western cities in Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

The two main characters are a seasoned British MI6 operative and a senior American CIA agent who are chasing down the whereabouts of the weapons and those holding them. The two men work independently, unknown to each other until later in the book. As they desperately search for the terrorists they learn that The Russians and the Israelis are also searching for them and their paths cross at one time or another.

This is also the tale of two romantic relationships, one that was doomed and disastrous and the other almost so.

The discovery of a mole in the British Secret Service complicates the scene and causes the British agent much anguish and places him under suspicion as well.

They must jointly or separately find the man responsible for obtaining the nuclear devices before he uses them. But will they find him?

CHAPTER 1

An old Acquaintance

JACK SPEERS HATED consular cocktail parties. They were invariably black tie and political correctness being the by word. You had to be friendly and smile at everyone at all times and indulge in polite conversation. It was rare that he found anyone interesting to talk to and the women were all dressed to the nines trying to out do one another.

The party was being held in the Russian embassy and although he knew many of his hosts there wasn’t one of them he wanted to converse with.

Drink in hand he was suddenly approached by the wife of the British ambassador.

Jack Speers, how nice to see you again. How have you been keeping?

Hugh forced a smile. Very well, Mildred and yourself?

Mildred Duckworth leaned toward him in a conspiring way and lowered her voice. I don’t like most of these Russians. Most of them are gruff and rude with the exception of Dmitri, the Ambassador. He’s the only gentleman among them.

Well, Mildred, Jack replied. We have to have an open mind to all cultures. It would be pretty boring if we all acted and presented ourselves the same way.

I suppose you’re right, Jack. What are you doing in Islamabad anyway? The last I saw you, you were working with Bill Tenant and then I heard you were in Miami.

Jack lost the smile. Yes, that is correct. I was in Miami for at least three years and now I work out of a headquarters in London.

You still haven’t told me what you’re doing in Pakistan. Mildred reminded.

Jack smiled again. And I’m not going to tell you.

I’ll bet my husband would know. She stated coyly.

And you would be wrong. Jack replied, still with the grin.

Mildred waved a hand in exasperation. Oh, you secret service people are all the same. Everything is a secret.

It was then that Jack spotted a man just entering the hall. He was dressed like everyone else but he looked somehow uncomfortable in his tux like he wasn’t used to wearing one.

Would you excuse me Mildred? I see someone across the hall that I should talk to.

Certainly, Jack. If you get a chance, drop around to the house. I’d like to talk to you further.

Jack nodded politely to her and made his way through the maze of humanity where the newcomer stood, just accepting a glass of wine from a waitress.

Jack found his smile again. Nikolai Kerchinski you old gangster, I thought your government would have fed you to the lions by now.

Kerchinski was a man in his late forties. He had a crop of very black hair accompanied with dark eyes and a small beard of the same color. His eyes opened wide in surprise as he recognized Speers.

Speers, you son of a bitch, the last time I saw you was in Athens, a little over a year ago.

That’s correct. Jack replied with a little laugh. We were hunting the same game.

You were just going to kill him anyway. Kerchinski responded gruffly.

So what are you up to in Pakistan? Speers asked, not expecting a truthful answer.

Waiting for a new assignment.

Did you want to get out of here and get some decent liquor? Speers asked.

There’s a bar called the Aga Khan a block from here. I’ll meet you there in an hour. That’s about all the time I intend to spend here.

Kerchinski moved away and engaged in conversation with one of the Russian consular staff.

Spears placed his empty wineglass on a tray held by a waitress and took another one. It was then that he noticed Ian Duckworth, the British ambassador to Pakistan and Mildred’s husband walking toward him smiling.

Goof evening, Jack. I wasn’t sure you were going to make it tonight. I know you’re not fussy about these gatherings.

Speers shrugged. I was ordered to attend, Ian. My boss in London wants me to network.

He does eh? Duckworth chuckled. How long do you expect to hang around the embassy?

I appreciate your allowing me to make the embassy my temporary headquarters, Ian. Jack replied. Actually, I plan to be moving on within a day or two. I’m expecting orders very soon.

I gather you are still with MI6. Duckworth remarked, obviously searching for further information from him.

Yes, that’s correct, Ian.

Well what the devil are you doing now? Duckworth persisted.

The same work. Jack answered quickly. This was the type of conversation he wanted to avoid.

For whom? The Pakistanis?

Can’t say, Ian.

Well, Bill Tenant vouched for you. Duckworth said very quietly. So that probably means you’re involved in black ops and that’s none of my business so I won’t ask you any more questions.

Thank God!" Spears thought.

It was some time later after indulging in brief conversations with the Canadian and the Indian Ambassador that he excused himself and left the party.

It was 9:30 PM and the sidewalks of the city were basically void of pedestrians. Vehicular traffic, however, was brisk. As Speers walked at a fast pace down the sidewalk toward the Aga Khan he witnessed a traffic accident, which amounted to a rear end collision. The two parties involved were arguing fiercely in Pashtun, the language of the mountain tribes. He reminded himself that he was destined to travel into those same areas and was waiting for the final ok from London.

Pakistan was an Islamic state and the indulgence in alcoholic beverages was not permitted by the faith. There were enough westerners in the country at all times to warrant the opening of the odd bar and the Aga Khan was one of them.

The sign in front of the establishment was very small as if the owner was not eager to advertise his business too blatantly. Inside, the smell of beer and tobacco fumes was very evident.

He found a table near the door and placed his order with the proprietor. He ordered whiskey and water.

Casting his eyes around the room he noticed there were a few Americans there and several Europeans speaking in French or German. Kerchinski was nowhere to be seen.

Just as his drink arrived he noticed Kerchinski emerging from the washroom, fiddling with his belt as he walked.

Speers, the older I get the worst my stomach becomes. He remarked as he slid into a chair opposite him.

Maybe you have an ulcer. Jack suggested with a little grin.

I don’t know what it is but that food that I ate at the reception went through me like shit through a goose.

Kerchinski looked at Jack’s’ drink. What you doing drinking that? We need a good bottle of Vodka He turned to the proprietor who was just walking by. Bring us two glasses and a bottle of your best vodka.

So what brings you to Islamabad? Jack asked, changing the subject.

The usual shitty business . . . and you?

The same.

Still chasing terrorists eh? Kerensky continued. Us, we worry only about the Chechens. We call them rag heads in fur hats.

They’re responsible for many bombings and assassinations in your country. Jack stated the obvious.

They want to separate from mother Russia and have their own country and we won’t let them. Nikolai stated. So they attack us and blow up our factories and hotels trying to get their way by acts of terror.

Not a whole lot different then what’s been happening in the west, Nikolai. Jack replied. I have a feeling it’s building up to something big but no idea when it will happen.

Those damn Chinese are causing trouble too. Nikolai went on. They’re poking their nose into our communications and hacking into our defense department on a regular basis. The other day we caught one of their embassy staff trying to buy information on our nuclear capability. Last month we caught another one seeking plans for our nuclear submarines.

The spy business will never end, Nikolai. Jack stated, appearing to make light of this admission. It was useful information however.

You should be wary of those bastards too. Nikolai said, a little malice in his voice.

Why do you say that? Jack answered. We have a large trade with the Chinese here in Europe, in America and in England as well.

Yes and you are providing the Chinese with most of your manufacturing because it can be made cheaper there and they send you junk that you buy from them. In the meantime they are infiltrating your scientific research areas and sending the information to Beijing. Your work force is getting laid off and your governments don’t seem to give a damn about it. They cater only to the big corporations and want to make them richer.

I can’t deny what you’re saying Nikolai. Jack replied. But problems that the big corporations and government are creating are out of my area of expertise. I’m just a lowly government employee that does what he’s told to do.

I know what you are, Speers but if you are thinking of heading into the mountains you will encounter something that is in your area of expertise.

The waiter placed a bottle of vodka on the table and two semi clean glasses.

Tell me.

Those same Chinese I was talking about are there now.

Doing what?

Supplying the Taliban and Al Queda with sophisticated arms including shoulder fired anti aircraft missiles.

What makes you think I’m heading for the mountains? Jack asked.

Just a guess.

This was interesting, Speers thought. Nikolai was usually not this talkative.

First of all, Nikolai, we can’t go in there because the Pakistani government won’t allow us to. They say those areas of Pakistan are their problem and they will take care of it.

But are they?

No.

Kerchinski shook his head violently. The Soviet army and Air force fought those rag heads for years and they beat us, Speers. Those ragged bands of guerrillas beat us and we had to withdraw. You people have a real problem with that border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

That appears to be true. Jack agreed.

NATO and the Americans will never destroy the Taliban as long as they can run to this country for refuge. Kerchinski continued.

Chinese agents running arms to Al Queda and the Taliban, that was news to Speers but he didn’t want to appear surprised by this revelation from Kerchinski and tried to create the impression he knew all about it.

He was of course aware that these people were obtaining weapons from somewhere perhaps from the arms dealers that were everywhere in the Middle East and central Asia and most likely funded by Al Queda cash.

He wondered what possible advantage the Chinese were gaining from such transactions. Were they attempting to antagonize the Americans and NATO in any way they could or was it possible that the central Chinese government knew nothing about what was going on and only one or two rogue Chinese generals were involved in it to line their pockets. He would have to check further into this.

You plan to be in Pakistan long? Jack asked, wondering how Nikolai would react to the question.

Maybe not. Nikolai responded. Once my mission is completed, I will leave.

Nikolai was a trained and efficient assassin. His very presence in Islamabad indicated that he was sent here to kill someone. Kerchinski was also aware that Speers had blood on his hands through many years of encounters with him.

At one time they were enemies and strange as it seemed, they probably still were but they had a mutual respect for one another and they both dreaded a situation where one of them would have to liquidate the other.

Speers was actually employed by British MI6. He worked either by himself as he was in Pakistan or as a team member with others to accomplish a mission. The others could be American, British or originally from central Europe. The man in charge of MI6 was a Bill Tenant but was always referred to as T, a former Army Colonel who had held the position for a year and a half.

Jack examined the vodka bottle on the table and noticed it was now empty. Nikolai, I’m glad I ran into you. As usual, you picked the best liquor in the house. It’s been a pleasure talking to you again. Next time we meet, I’ll buy the vodka.

If we’re both alive for a next time. Nikolai replied cryptically.

I’ve enjoyed your company and I appreciate the information you passed on to me. I’ll make certain it gets to the right ears. Jack responded.

You’re a good man, Speers. Kerchinski replied. But you work for the wrong people. Come work with me for mother Russia and reap the awards that your employers do not supply.

Jack grinned wide. Not in this lifetime.

CHAPTER 2

A Dangerous Strategy

BILL TENANT DIDN’T mind London at all. As a matter of fact he rather enjoyed being there. He had been in London in his official capacity for approximately a year and previously in Glasgow for a year.

His position as the Second Secretary for International operations of MI6 had taken him here along with most of his trusted agents. Prior to Glasgow it was thirty years in the British army.

His headquarters were located at 85 Albert Embankment Vauxhall Cross.

It was late summer now in London and he reminded himself that the winter would not be anything like it was in Africa.

It was such a beautiful morning that he had decided to walk to work canceling the car that usually picked him up. The sun was warm and although the street was crowded he enjoyed the odors that were emanating from the bake shops he passed tempting him to drop in and taste of their wares but he reminded himself he had already eaten breakfast and he was trying to keep his weight down.

He reached the door of 85 Albert Embankment and noticed his forehead was slightly damp from the exertions of his walk. Good, he thought, I made the right decision to walk.

He took the elevator to the second floor and exited greeted by the security guard and walked a short distance down a hall to a heavy steel door where another guard stood on duty. Pressing the right buttons on a panel the door swung open and he entered a spacious room flooded with pale blue light.

Phyllis Breman, who had a serious expression on her face, met him. Good morning, T, I need to see you as soon as possible.

Give me a chance to grab a cup of coffee and then join me in my office. He replied.

Phyllis looked a little troubled as she entered Tenant’s office. She was usually this way whenever Speers was on assignment. She and Jack Speers had been seeing each other for approximately a year.

Heard from Jack? Tenant asked trying to put a little cheer in his voice.

That’s what I’m here about. She replied, biting her lower lip. He’ sent us a coded report this morning concerning his present assignment.

And?

He didn’t disclose the source but states he has, from a very reliable source, information that there are new players on the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He has discovered that the Taliban and Al Queda are receiving sophisticated arms from the Chinese.

Tenant sat silent for a few seconds. This couldn’t be true. The Chinese were well aware of the problems the Americans and NATO were having with the mountain tribes, almost all of them Taliban who would attack in Afghanistan with either a small terrorist group or stage a major attack against NATO or the Afghan army and then retreat back into the mountains to Pakistan where they couldn’t follow. What possible benefit could the Chinese derive with such interaction with the Taliban?

If true, this is going to cause a major rumble in Washington. Tenant remarked, fishing a cigar out of his vest pocket. Jack is waiting for approval to go in to the mountains to have a look around with some CIA people. So far Washington has been reluctant to send them in but this could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. We must confirm what he’s heard.

What will you do now? Phyllis asked, her blue eyes open wide.

I’ll send a report on this immediately to Langley and wait for their response. I’m not taking any action on my own without confirmation.

Fred Reeves stood at the entrance to his office examining the message just handed to him by an aide. He read it with rapt attention and his brow furrowed.

Reeves was the Director of the CIA and headquartered in Langley, Virginia. He wagged his head slowly and then entered his office. Seated at his desk he picked up the phone and called the Pentagon. It took him three minutes to get the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Josh Black, on the other end.

Josh, it’s Fred here in Langley. Reeves began. I’ve just received a report from MI6 about some strange goings on in Pakistan.

Go ahead. The voice on the other end urged.

They have a report from an agent in the field that the Chinese are running arms up to the mountain tribes in Pakistan. These arms are intended for the Taliban and Al Queda.

Good Christ! Has this been verified at all?

We don’t have an agent in the area. We’ve been weighing the idea of sending a team in there to get some intelligence on the ground and we haven’t made our minds up yet. We also have a major manpower shortage here. It’s a dangerous place to go in to. The mountain tribes are fiercely independent and they don’t like strangers poking around their turf. People who have gone in there in the past have never been heard from again.

Fred, there is now a real urgency that we get someone in there ASAP by whatever means we can employ. I know the Pakistanis won’t like it but they don’t have to know. After all we’re not invading the area. I’ll get you what satellite imagery I can find as high a resolution as possible. I’m not reporting this to the President until we can get this verified. Is this agent in Pakistan reliable?

Very from what I understand but he’s not our man, he’s British MI6.

Ok, I’m not authorized to tell you what to do but I suggest you find some one to work out an insertion plan and let me know how things work out as soon as you can. Do you foresee any problems?

I have only one man available at the moment and he’s a rookie that I don’t have a lot of confidence in. Everyone else is tied up.

Then we have no choice but to rely on the report the British operative makes assuming he makes it out alive.

Speers spent several hours at the British embassy the day after meeting Kerchinski poring over maps of the mountain area. He had made his report to Legoland or the Firm as MI6 preferred to be referred to and assumed the message was passed on to Langley and perhaps even the Pentagon and the President. It was up to London now; they had to make a decision as to whether or not he went in to the mountains either alone or with a team. He didn’t know if the Yanks would send somebody. He had done odd jobs in the past for the Americans and could do so again.

He wasn’t really optimistic about his chance of survival no matter what way he went in. The mountains were treacherous and the tribes located there were not under the control of the Pakistani government. The Pakistani army had ventured in there in strength on a few occasions and frequently were faced with battle in which they had suffered heavy casualties without actually accomplishing much in their search for Bin Laden and the Taliban leaders.

What could one man do? He realized that he would enter the mountains with the idea of gathering intelligence only and not to engage in any kind of confrontation with tribal people or even Al Queda elements or the Taliban but he had a feeling that they would spot him long before he saw any sign of them.

He was about to leave the embassy when the ambassador himself knocked on the door of the office he was working in.

Jack?

Yes, Mr. Ambassador.

I have an eyes only message for you sent in by courier. I guess whoever sent it didn’t want anybody intercepting it electronically.

Thank you, sir. Jack replied and waited until the ambassador had left.

He opened the heavily sealed manila envelope and a letter dropped out with the MI6 letterhead on it. It was signed, Bill Tenant

Sitting back in his chair he began to read:

To: Jack Speers

From: Bill Clement

Subject: Covert insertion into tribal areas of Pakistan.

You are hereby instructed to make plans for a covert insertion into the mountains of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan to report on the military strength of the Taliban and Al Queda forces in that area. This operation has been discussed with the American CIA head. How you accomplish this feat is up to you. A team would be acceptable but it must be a small team so as to keep your presence as unnoticeable as possible. Please report directly to this office on completion of your mission.

So that was it. He was going in, the question was how.

He pulled out the maps again and began to carefully study them. There were three ways in the mountain area that were commonly used by the traders with their mule trains. The first was the Khojak pass 80 kilometers north west of Quetta in Balochistan, the Khyber Pass 40 kilometers west of Peshawar and leading to Kabul. The third one was the Baroghil pass in the North that gave access to the Wakhan corridor.

He was well aware that he couldn’t cover all of that area, he had to choose one section of the mountains to inspect and he settled on the Khojak pass as his entrance point. It was late summer and he also knew that he had to make the move soon before the winter snows hit the area making it nigh impossible to get through these passes.

He decided he would go in with a donkey and try to blend in with the other traders using the pass. Instead of trade goods he would pack blankets, a sleeping bag, food and water supplies, a first aid kit and of course, an AK 47 assault rifle with about a thousand rounds of ammunition. His Walther PPK pistol he would wear at his belt level.

The next question was would he go in alone or with others? Who would they be? He knew instinctively who another person would be. He had to contact MI6 again.

Bill Tenant received the e-mail from Phyllis and studied it carefully. He knew that Speers had one hell of a tough assignment ahead of him and secretly feared for his safety. He was now requesting another agent join him in this quest. He was asking for Norman Wendel and that was a good choice. Norm spoke Pashtun and some Urdu sufficient enough to make him understood by local tribe people and Norm and Jack had worked together on many occasions. The big problem for Tenant was could he spare Wendel at this time.

Norm Wendel was a good looking man in his early thirties and had been with the firm for four years. In that time he had proven himself an efficient and thorough operative.

He buzzed for Phyllis and instructed her to locate Wendel and to have him report to him directly.

It was three hours later when Wendel sat across from Tenant’s desk curious as to the reason for the summons.

Norm, I was considering you for an operation in the Czech Republic. Tenant began. But something else has come up that is equally important. I understand that Ferguson is back from his vacation?

He will be as of tomorrow morning. Wendel replied.

Good, I’ll groom him for that job. Tenant acknowledged. I just heard from Jack in Pakistan. He’s working on an up coming operation there and needs some help. I’d like to send you there to help him out.

Norm Wendel felt slightly queasy. He knew that Jack was in Central Asia but was not totally in the loop as to what he was planning there. He only knew that Jack took most of the tough jobs.

What’s entailed here, T?

A little jaunt into the frontier between Pakistan and Afghanistan to garner some intelligence on the strengths and resources of the Taliban and Al Queda.

That’s a suicide mission. Norm remarked, feeling all the queasier. How does Jack expect to pull this off?

He never went into details with me. As you know, I may make a suggestion on Tactics from time to time but I generally leave it up to the operative in the field to strategize . . . He specifically asked for you.

There was a strong bond of friendship between Norm and Jack Speers. In the past they had worked well together and now Jack was asking for his help. He didn’t like the nature of the operation but he knew deep down that he couldn’t let Jack down.

I’ll go. He stated firmly to Tenant. But I have a feeling I’m walking into a mine field.

Use your usual caution, Norm. Tenant answered. Rely on your training and experience and you and Jack will pull this one off.

Eighteen hours later Norm landed at Islamabad airport. Speers was there to meet him. Jack had a huge smile on his face.

Hello, Norm. Glad you could come to the party.

When I go to a party I expect good whiskey, pretty girls and good food. Norm answered in a surly manner. I don’t think that’s the kind of party you are entertaining.

Come on, Norm, Jack chided. We’ve been in tougher assignments together.

This time, Norm grinned. I can’t remember when.

They collected Norm’s luggage and caught a cab. Jack directed the cabby to take them to the Islamabad Serena Hotel located at Khayaban-E-Suhrawardy.

Once settled in a room, Norm ordered room service for a quick lunch. They had much to discuss and felt more secure doing the discussion in a private room rather than a hotel dining room.

What made you choose this hotel? Norm asked.

Well, I like the view from the balcony of the Margaila hills and it’s right next door to the diplomatic enclave which was handy for me. I’ve spent a lot of time lately in the embassy going over maps.

Norm looked curiously at what Jack was wearing. He was dressed in a pair of clean but baggy pants, a loose plaid shirt over the pants and a pair of sandals on his feet in direct contrast to Norm’s suit and tie.

That suit you’re wearing has to go. Norm remarked with a little grin.

On the contrary, old boy. Jack replied. Your suit has to go. I try to make myself as inconspicuous as possible here. Suits stand out like a sore thumb and draw attention, sometimes from the wrong people.

Guess I’ll have to find myself some of that local garb. Norm said, losing the grin.

There was a knock at the door and Jack opened it for the waiter brining in a wheeled cart with their lunch.

Norm was hungry and began to eat immediately. Jack walked over to a coffee table where he had stored several maps and spread them out on the rug. Take a look at these maps, Norm. Jack urged.

Norm brought his chicken sandwich with him and dropped to his knees on the floor.

There are three main routes into the mountains. Jack began. The one I’ve chosen is the Khojak pass 80 kilometers north west of Quetta in Balochistan. This pass, like all the others, is used by traders and travelers all the time but seldom in the winter because it becomes too treacherous at that time.

It’s now the middle of August. Norm reminded. How soon does the snow come?

About a month from now. Jack advised.

Norm Wendel emitted a little snort. If we’re going to go in there we’d better get our asses in gear.

I agree. Jack concurred. And this is the scenario I’ve worked out. First of all, we get you some proper garb meaning a change of clothing. Secondly we hit the livestock markets close to Quetta and buy ourselves a donkey.

Norm laughed. Why a donkey?

To carry the food, blankets, cooking utensils, first aid stuff and our weapons.

Do the other people using the pass have donkeys? Norm asked still with the trace of a smile.

Yes, most of them, only they are usually carrying trade goods into Afghanistan.

And then? Norm prompted.

Then we go in to the pass and start looking around. We won’t be sticking to the pass at all times, we have to check out the villages on either side of the pass and higher up the mountains. Jack advised.

Norm shook his head. Any way I can get out of this chicken outfit?

This time Speers laughed. You’re in for the duration, Norm. We’ll do the job and then get out in approximately three weeks.

God help us. Norm muttered.

CHAPTER 3

A Strenuous Journey and a Wounded boy

DAVID FERGUSON WAS late getting back from vacation with his family. Although it wasn’t his fault. His air connection between Disney World and London was delayed due to mechanical problems but it placed a little pressure on Tenant who was anxious to launch the mission in the Czech republic.

Ferguson was going to be a day late in arriving at London and Tenant began to realize that he couldn’t wait for him. Someone else would have to go.

David had been nursing a bullet would for the last four months and had not seen much action as far as field operations went and Tenant was anxious to get him back to form again but he couldn’t delay this operation another 24 hours.

He considered himself lucky in many respects; he had come out of Scotland with most of his people.

While in Scotland, he had lost a few field agents while they were involved in operations. They would be hard to replace.

There was a knock at his door and he noticed through the glass portal that it was Gayle Daniels, one of his newer operatives. He bade her enter.

Yes, Gayle?

Matt asked me to bring this in to you, he’s tied up with a cranky computer for the last hour. She handed him a recently decoded e-mail.

Thanks, Gayle. Have a seat.

He flipped on his reading glasses and began to read. It was from Fred Reeves the CIA chief. It read:

"Approximately 48 hours ago you informed me of a development in Pakistan that my office found very disturbing. My original intention was to send one or more of our people to accompany your agent into the area in question. Unfortunately, due to a manpower shortage I am unable to do so. Should your agent accomplish the mission, we would be interested in what he or she has discovered."

Trouble? Gayle inquired her eyebrows raised.

I hope not, I find lately that I’m getting a little skinny on people.

I haven’t worked for the last Month, T. Gayle reminded him. Why don’t you consider me?

Tenant did not reply immediately. He raised his eyes to meet hers. He didn’t need to be reminded as to how beautiful Gayle was. Her dark hair and green eyes stirred something in him he hadn’t felt for years. He was of course married and so was she and he kept his feelings to himself but sometimes he was a little too protective of her.

Gayle, this one is a very dirty job. I don’t think it would be suitable for you.

Don’t give me that shit, Mr. Tenant. She replied a slight ire in her voice and not using the letter T when addressing him, Are you still trying to protect me? I know what fieldwork is all about and you know it. I have always performed well. Our enemies are vicious, cruel and brain washed killers. The people who train them and encourage them to blow themselves up and kill innocent bystanders, men, women and children need to be put out of business. I shouldn’t have to remind you that we are involved in a war with these misfits and they have to be stopped. I’m paid as a field operative now let me do my job.

Tenant felt a little embarrassed. She was right of course, every word she spoke. It entails an elimination.

It was Gayle’s turn to be silent. For a brief second she thought she might have bit off more than she could chew. She quickly lost that thought. You know that I’ve killed before.

In self defense. Tenant reminded. Not in cold blood.

Are you going to give me the mission? She pressed.

I tell you what. Tenant replied. ‘You talk it over with Barry first and then come back and see me . . . today if possible." Barry Daniels was her husband and a minor official in the commerce department.

Before I can discuss it with Barry, I have to know what’s involved here.

Tenant sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair crossing his legs. A Hungarian nuclear scientist by the name of Robert Nagy came to the United States shortly after the Berlin wall fell. He was a young man then in his twenties and is now in his forties. For over twenty years he was always at the cutting edge of development in nuclear weaponry. Follow me so far?

Of course. Gayle replied.

Sometime in the last five years he became entangled with Muslin radicals in the USA and converted to Islam.

Go on. Gayle urged but she could see where this was heading.

"Robert Nagy disappeared a month ago taking his employers completely by surprise. The FBI and the CIA worked the case for almost a month and just recently have found him in Prague. He apparently has picked up a bodyguard of Middle Eastern