The Russian Connection

By Kenneth Fain

Rick Lane coping with the death of his wife Annie, resigns from the Marines. His old Boss, General Long, now head of Clandestine Operations for Home Land Security, asks Rick to come to Washington to head up a team investigating drug smuggling operations and a possible assassination plot. Along the way, Rick uncovers traitors, assassins, blackmailed Government officials.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kenneth Fain
• Release date: Sep 13, 2010
• ISBN: 9780557631421

Kenneth Fain

Ken Fain joined the Marine Corps right after high school, and worked as a radio telegraph and field radio operator. Following his time in the service, he received his bachelor’s and master’s in education from Central Missouri State University. He is the author of “The Russian Connection,” and "Cassidy's Justice, and when he’s not working on his next book, he is usually on location for a photo shoot. His goal of capturing moments worth remembering are clearly depicted in his literary and visual collections.

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The Russian Connection

by

Ken Fain

Smashwords Edition

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Published by:

Ken Fain on Smashwords

The Russian Connection

Copyright © 2010 by Ken Fain

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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The Russian Connection

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Acknowledgements

I want to thank my best friend, and love of my life, my wife, Georgia. Without her encouragement and belief in me, this book would never have come to life. Every day I am so thankful that you chose me to share your life with you. To my tow beautiful and talented daughters Michell, Monica, and Monica’s husband Brian who all amaze and inspire me every day with their accomplishments. To my two granddaughters Sophie and Allie who make my world a better place to be. To my high school coach, Dick Harris, he saw more in me as a young man than I saw and encouraged me over the years with his friendship, thanks Coach.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Mission

Chapter 2: Tracking Begins

Chapter 3: The Russian Connection

Chapter 4: New Markets In America

Chapter 5: Unexpected Allies

Chapter 6: The Meeting

Chapter 7: A Link To Unravel

Chapter 8: Plans Are Formed

Chapter 9: Don’t Under Estamate A Woman

Chapter 10: Boarder Crossing

Chapter 11: The Trap Tightens

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Prologue

Malibu California 8:00 A M April 21, 2005

The morning rush hour on the Pacific Coast Highway was, as usual, bumper-to-bumper, loud, and everyone in a hurry. Annie Lane, twenty-eight, stunningly beautiful, tall at nearly 6 feet, alluring green eyes and beautiful long flowing blond hair looked at the line of heavy traffic and shrugged her shoulders knowing it was going to be a long trip into LAX. Annie had recently returned from Washington DC where she had spent some time with her husband Major Rick Lane before he left for an assignment in Afghanistan. Rick, attached to Homeland Security, never knew when or for how long he could be on an assignment so whenever possible they would make sure to spend any free time he had together.

Annie’s cell phone rang as she continued to maneuver her Mercedes-Benz SL convertible through the busy morning traffic.

Hello,

Annie it’s Anthony. You have time for lunch today?

Anthony Lane was Rick’s father and a very prominent attorney in Los Angeles.

I am on my way to LAX to pick up my luggage the airlines lost. Can I take a rain check on the lunch?

Sure, you drive careful out there with all the crazy drivers young lady.

I will Dad. You worry too much. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?

That works for me. Have a great day kid.

Annie tossed the phone back in her purse and let her mind return to her thoughts of Rick.

LAX Airport

Abedin al-Habari, Consul for Economic Affairs at the Afghanistan consulate in Los Angeles, watched from just inside the hanger door as two Latino gang members, Juan Cruz twenty one short with tattoos on his arm to signify his gang membership, and his brother Pedro eighteen smaller than his brother, unloaded drugs from the plane. The van Abedin had provided had diplomatic plates so once the drugs were loaded everything should be fine.

Abedin yanked his head sharply to the left as his eyes caught movement down a row of planes parked along the hangers. There, coming across the tarmac were a large number of men dressed in black with weapons. It must be the police. Abedin quickly turned and headed for the front of the hanger where he had parked his car. He needed to distance himself from the area as quickly as possible.

Juan saw the police before they saw him and Pedro. Pedro, it’s the cops. Follow me. Juan crouched low to the ground with Pedro following close behind. They moved towards the hanger door using the van as a shield from the view of the police. Juan grabbed Pedro and pushed him through the hanger door just as the police reached the plane.

Moving quickly to the rear of the hanger Juan saw an open door and headed for it. Come on Pedro. We don’t have much time.

Both men exited the rear of the building and made their way swiftly down the chain-link security fence that separated the hangers from the parking area. As they neared the end of the fence there was a small opening where it attached to the building.

Here, Juan pointed to the opening. Then he pulled at the fence to make the opening wider. Get your ass through there and hurry up.

Pedro turned on his side the opening was barely large enough but he was finally able to pull himself through. Juan quickly followed Pedro through the opening.

Once outside the fence Juan and Pedro quickly headed for the parking garage. Juan pointed at the first row of vehicles, Look for someone getting out of their car.

Both men quickly moved down the row of cars parked on the first level. No one, damn it, Juan thought. Then, as they started back up the second row, a car pulled into the parking garage driving slowly, the driver obviously looking for somewhere to park. Juan reaches back to the small of his back, pulled his gun out, and waited in the dimly lit area directly behind a concrete column as the vehicle approached.

Annie drove slowly down the row of cars her eyes searching for the first open parking space. As she turned her head, her eyes stop on a man standing directly in front of her. Annie slammed on the brakes coming to an abrupt halt. The man was pointing a gun directly at her. Annie’s first instinct was to put the car in gear and hit the accelerator. However before she could get her body to respond to what her mind was telling her, the man was alongside her car yelling.

Get out of the car, now. Then reaching in the open window, he grabbed Annie’s arm pulling her out as he opened the door.

Annie fought back with all her strength, swinging her arms wildly trying to break the man’s grip. Then with all the force she could manage, Annie thrusts her knee into the man’s groin.

Juan doubles over in pain. Staggering back against the car screaming, You bitch.

Annie turns to run but a second man grabs her before she could move and shoves her up against the car.

Juan let’s get out of here the cops are going to be here any minute. The first man now recovered enough to move from Annie’s blow, but still obviously in a lot of pain, grabs Annie by the throat his fingers digging into her neck. Then he places the gun up against the side of Annie’s head. Say good night bitch, and pulls the trigger.

Annie knew from the crazed look in the man’s eyes when he put the gun to her head that she was going to die. Her last thought flashed of Rick as her head violently hit the side of the car from the impact of the bullet entering her temple. Then almost as if in slow motion, her lifeless body slumped to the ground as Annie’s world went black.

What the hell did you shoot her for, Pedro asked.

Forget about that Bitch, Juan replied. Get in the god damn car. The cops will be here any minute.

Washington DC April 21, 2005

Gunnery Sergeant Sanchez knocked on the open door of Lt. General James Long’s office. Sir, Secretary Jones is on the line.

General James Long, a tall physically fit man of 50, was one of the most respected military people attached to Homeland Security, and a close friend of Secretary William Jones, to whom he directly reported.

What can I do for you this morning Bill?

Secretary Jones had known General Long for over twenty years. In addition, he was aware of the close relationship General Long had with Major Rick Lane and his wife Annie. He had been there when the President had awarded Major Lane the Medal of Honor, for his heroic rescue of General Long in Afghanistan. He knew his friend would take this news extremely hard.

James I just received some news from our Los Angles office on a drug bust that went down this morning. If you have a few minutes I would like to discuss it with you.

I can be in your office in a few minutes, Bill.

As General Long starts to leave his office he turns to Gunnery Sergeant Sanchez, Gunny I’m going up to Secretary Jones’s office, not for sure how long I’ll be.

Five minutes later General Long entered the Secretary of Homeland Security, William Jones’s office, Good morning, Diane.

Good morning General, Secretary Jones is expecting you. Please go on in.

As General Long entered Secretary Jones’s office, he could tell immediately from his expression that something was wrong. Good morning, Bill.

Jones rose from his desk, and walked over to General Long, We can sit over here, James. I will have Diane bringing some coffee in for us.

On cue, Diane walked in with coffee and set it on the table turned and left without speaking.

What’s up Bill?

James, as I said on the phone, I received a call just a few minutes ago from our Los Angeles office. Secretary Jones paused finding the words hard to say. During a drug sting operation that took place this morning at the Los Angeles International Airport, two suspects made their escape by pulling a civilian from her car, putting a gun to her head and shooting her. The police are still looking for them.

General Long watched Bill intently waiting for the other shoe to drop. He knew from the way Bill was taking his time and obviously choosing his words very carefully, there was more to it than what he had said so far.

James there is no easy way to put this, he paused again his face showing the anguish he felt. The woman they shot and killed was Major Lanes’ wife, Annie.

General Long sat staring straightforward, motionless, a blank shocked look enveloping his face. After several seconds and with a barely audible voice he asked, Are you sure it was Annie, Bill?

Jones nodded his head.

James, I am so sorry. I know how close you are to the Major and Annie...

General Long slowly raised his eyes and looked straight into his friend’s eyes. His look stopped the Secretary in mid sentence. There was an empty yet sad stare to James’s eyes, and Bill could feel his friend’s pain.

Jesus, Bill, I walked her down the aisle when she and Rick were married. She had no family and asked me to give her away. She was like a daughter to me. How in the hell can this happen?

Bill sat there looking at his friend. He had known that James would take the news hard and he wanted to help, but how can you take away the pain of losing a loved one.

General Long’s eyes still focused on some distant thought, slowly sat back in his chair, his hands holding the chair arms to keep them from shaking. Bill, could you have the Los Angeles office gather all the details of this operation and have it ready for me when I arrive in Los Angeles this afternoon. I’ll be leaving as soon as I can make arrangements.

Secretary Jones nodded, I’ll make sure everything they know to this point is available upon your arrival James. Again, please let me express my sincere sympathy.

Thanks, Bill. Right now, the most important thing is to have someone take care of Annie until I can get there. I don’t want her left in the morgue, at the hospital, or have just anyone taking care of her.

Jones got up and went to the door of his office. Diane, could you step in here for a minute?

Jones had briefed Diane on the death of Major Lane’s wife before the General had arrived.

I need you to call The Los Angeles office and make sure Ed Inman personally handles getting the Major’s wife from the hospital to the funeral home. Then call Major Lane’s father in Los Angeles. General Long will be leaving for L.A. this afternoon. Ask Mr. Lane if he could meet the General at LAX when he arrives.

Then turning to General Long, he said, James, you will want to talk to him before the news gets out on television and the newspapers. We put a lid on it for now but things like this have a way of getting out.

Diane turned to General Long, Sir, I will make the calls immediately. What time should I say you will be arriving?

General Long sat there not responding to Diane’s question. Both Diane and Bill looked at each other waiting for the General to speak.

Slowly still in thought General Long shifted his gaze to Diane. That’s ok Diane. I will make the call to Anthony Lane when I get back to my office. There is also no need to call Ed Inman. I will take care of Annie myself.

Are you sure, James? Jones asked."

Yeah, the walk back to my office will give me a little time to sort out everything before I call him.

The next thing, James, is to get in touch with Rick.

Major Lane is currently out of the country, Bill, but I will get him headed back to the States today. I’ll call you when I get in Los Angeles. Now if you will excuse me, I would like to get started.

Of course, James, call me if there is anything I can do.

General Long got up, nodded to Secretary Jones, then turned and without speaking walked out. On the way back to his office, General Long’s thoughts turned to Rick and the pain Annie’s death would bring to him. He knew Rick would pursue Annie’s killers and they had no idea what was about to be unleashed on them.

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Chapter One

The Mission

Washington DC, two years later, January 12 2007

The Oval Office seemed to hold a mystical feeling for Rick that transcended time itself, and what one often thought of when they saw the photographs. George Washington’s Presidential picture hung with commanding stateliness over the fireplace, a testament to what the room truly represented. The feeling that it evoked made him proud to be an American. The last time he had stood in the Oval Office he had received the Medal of Honor from President Bishop and his late wife Annie stood beside him. That had been more than two years ago but it seemed as if it had been a lifetime. Since that day, Rick and his world had changed.

That precise moment his world had crumbled, the shock, and intense pain he felt in his heart was still clear in Rick’s memory. His team had just returned from an important mission into insurgent held territory when Admiral Ritter, Commander Carrier Strike Group 3, called him to the Bridge

He could hear the Admiral’s voice, as his mind played the words in slow motion. Each word he had said seemed to resonate from a dense fog striking his heart with the force of a powerful fist.

There is no easy way to tell you Major, Admiral Ritter had said. General Long has just received word that your wife has been the victim of a shooting. Rick could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the searing pain twisting inside of him screaming out Annie’s name. The look in Admiral Ritter’s eyes told him before the Admiral continued, that he had lost her.

"I am very sorry to tell you, Major, but she did not make it.

It had taken him months after resigning his commission to track down the killer, but he finally had. Rick thought that his capture would give him closure, but it had not. What it had done was to set him on a road to seek out the remaining individual Rick knew was responsible for Annie’s death. That road had brought him to the White House today.

Would he ever be able to purge his memory of Annie’s death? That fight he had unquestionably been losing until that day on the beach when he had met an old friend from his years in high school. Now ten years older and a very successful movie star, Lindsey Owens was just as captivatingly beautiful and strong willed as she had been in high school. With time, Lindsey had been able to break through the wall Rick had built around himself and gotten him to feel again. He wished she were with him now as old wounds not yet completely healed and shadowy uncertainties were beginning to creep back into his head.

Rick’s thoughts abruptly dissolved as President John Bishop, a tall-distinguished looking man of sixty, entered the room. Following him was William Jones, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Larry Jacobson, Director of National Intelligence. Following them was Rick’s boss General James Long Director of Clandestine Services.

President Bishop extended his hand to Rick. Sorry to keep you waiting so long, Rick.

Rick shook President Bishop’s hand, smiling, No problem Mr. President. I am always at your service.

President Bishop raised his left eyebrow and gave a quick smile, I hope when we are finished with our little talk, Rick, that you will say the same thing. President Bishop pointed towards a chair, Have a seat Rick. Then President Bishop sat down facing Rick in front of the fireplace. Then everyone else followed suit sitting on the sofa across from Rick and just to the President’s left. I believe the last time we were in this room together Rick, I had the distinct privilege of awarding you the Medal of Honor from a very grateful nation. I also recall General Long saying he was extremely thankful you were the one sent to rescue him that day.

I was only doing my job Mr. President.

Two years earlier Rick, a Captain at the time in General Long’s command, in Kabul Afghanistan, had led a rescue team when General Long’s helicopter crashed after coming under fire in rebel held territory. Rick had saved General Long’s life as well as his teams when he single-handedly evaded and then killed four rebels who where tracking his team’s return to the pick-up area with severely wounded General Long.

You seem to make a habit of doing your job exceptionally well, Rick and I believe everyone in this room would concur. President Bishop looked around at the others sitting next to him and each nodded agreement. He leaned forward giving Rick a forthright look. Rick there’s an upcoming operation I would like you to consider. Should you decide to accept, it would mean your returning to active duty. I have recommended that along with this new assignment, a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel become effective immediately. General Long has already taken care of the paper work should you decide to accept my offer.

Rick Lane, a tall muscular, strikingly handsome young man of thirty, was an unusual Marine Corps officer. Unusual in that he was extremely wealthy. The kind of wealth you don’t often associate with a career military person. Rick’s Grandfather had started and built one of the largest law firms in Los Angeles. The firms’ cliental included some of the biggest names in Hollywood and most of the studios as well. He had hoped that his grandson would follow his father’s example and join the firm. Rick received his law degree, sat, and passed the California Bar exam, but he had decided on a career in the Marines. His Grandfather had been disappointed but had supported Rick and his decision. When he died, he left Rick a trust fund worth fifty million dollars, a home in the exclusive Colonies of Malibu and stock in the law firm that his father now ran.

Thank you, Sir. I had no idea I was in line for a promotion.

You have earned it, Rick, and now that I have buttered you up sufficiently let’s get down to business.

Everyone laughed respectfully, however Rick had been under no illusion from the beginning that his invitation to the White House had very little, if anything, to do with his promotion. General Long had already discussed some of what the President would be covering. However, Rick knew there was more to the meeting than what the General had discussed.

"Rick, I have received a request from the Afghanistan government, that is to say President Hamari. He is asking for General Long’s team, more specifically, your team, to assist his government in fighting the drug trafficking problem from Afghanistan into Europe and the United States. President Hamari feels, as do I, that the money and power generated from that drug traffic could cause problems both in the upcoming Afghan elections and in his government meeting the new U.S. guidelines for aid.

President Bishop turned towards Secretary Jones, a short bald man of fifty-five with blue eyes that seemed to look right through you. Bill, why don’t you bring Rick up to speed on what you and I have been discussing?

Secretary Jones nodded, and then focused on Rick, "the only way the Afghan government can meet the drug eradication guidelines is to cut off the flow of money the drug trade is generating for the Taliban and al-Qaida. The Taliban is keeping the local corrupt political leaders in power and are using the local farmers as slaves to grow their crops. If we can help President Hamari’s government cut off the flow of money and support to the Taliban, and stem the indiscriminate killing of the Afghan people, then he has a chance to give stability and security to the local Afghan people. It will also help to secure the political structure of the Afghan government, which is important to our own security.

President Bishop leaned towards Rick, The flow of money to the Taliban and al-Qaida is also funding terrorist activity both in Europe and here in the United States. They would like nothing better than to get one of their own corrupt political leaders elected in the upcoming elections. That Rick, cannot happen. We must cut off the head of the snake that is behind the drug trafficking and put an end to their control of the local population.

Rick knew who the snake was that President Bishop had been referring to and at that instant Rick knew he was aboard for the mission.

Director Jacobson, a tall gray haired distinguished man of fifty, cleared his throat to get the Presidents attention. Mr. President if I may interrupt.

President Bishop nodded for Director Jacobson to proceed,

Rick, my office has had several requests from Amir Farid, head of security for President Hamari, to work with you on a plan to solve the problem President Bishop and Secretary Jones have been discussing. We all feel that you have not only Mr. Farid’s confidence but also that of President Hamari. Rick, I cannot over emphasize how important stemming the flow of money from drugs to al-Qaida and the Taliban is to our own security here in the United States.

Rick sat there mulling over everything President Bishop, Secretary Jones and Director Jacobson had just covered. He had put away the man who had actually pulled the trigger and killed Annie. However, the person behind the drug shipment to Los Angeles International airport that day was still free and he was in Afghanistan. Rick knew he had unfinished business in Afghanistan in the form of Abedin al-Habri and his father Majid.

President Bishop then said, You would have the full co-operation of Director Jacobson’s people and that of the Department of Homeland Security. General Long has said you can pick your team on this one, correct General?

I think Rick has his team already in mind should he choose to undertake this mission, but yes, he has my full backing on any individual he feels he needs and that includes two of my personal staff I feel quite certain I will be losing. General Long looked at Rick and winked.

President Bishop cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention, "As the President the buck so to speak stops here, and I can assure you Rick that the undertaking of this mission has national security implications beyond the curtailment of the trafficking of drugs out of Afghanistan. As I said earlier, you would have the full support of the White House and I have personally spoken to President Hamari who has said whatever you need he will make available. There is one other thing here Rick and that is the political ramifications of having the Afghani government fully in support of denying the flow of money to al-Qaida and the Taliban. That in itself is a tremendous victory against terrorism and a big step towards securing our own borders.

Mr. President, I am humbled that you would place this much confidence in me. Rick paused thinking of the questions that had surfaced in his mind as everyone had been speaking. "I will try to live up to your expectations. With that said there are a few requests I would like to make in undertaking the mission that may require your help as far as my team goes.

President Bishop nodded for Rick to continue.

There is an individual, Carlos Hernandez. He is a former Master Gunnery Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps, that I would like to have returned to full active duty. Gunny Hernandez was a critical part of our success in preventing the attempted assassination of President Hamari in San Diego. He is also a close friend of Amir Farid, which would be valuable in such an operation."

General Long can arrange for that to happen, am I correct General?

Yes Sir, Mr. President, however I believe what Rick is talking about is not getting Gunny Hernandez approved, I can take care of that, but getting him to accept.

I guess I don’t follow you General, President Bishop said frowning.

Rick slid forward in his chair, looking first at General Long who in turn nodded his head to proceed. Then turning toward President Bishop said, Mr. President, what General Long is saying is that Gunnery Sergeant Hernandez is what is often referred to as a homeless vet. However, what he truly is can best be explained by sharing his story with you.

President Bishop nodded for Rick to continue.

When the Marines discharged Gunny Hernandez, he had no family other than the one he had just left, the Corps. He grew up an orphan on the streets of East Los Angeles bounced from foster home to foster home until pushed out on the streets at the ripe old age of fourteen. The first time he was part of a real family was when he joined the Marines. He served his country well and my guess is he would still be in the Corps today if not for his compassion and loyalty towards helping fellow veterans less fortunate than he sees himself. You see, Mr. President, he lives on the streets of Los Angeles by choice. He is using his retirement money and what savings he accumulated while in the Marines to care for Vets unable to take care of themselves. I have tried to get him to work for me at a restaurant Lee Jensen and I own, but I have not been able to convince him. His response, Mr. President, was that he was needed more to help feed homeless Vets who had served their country honorably than serving wealthy people who had no idea what the word hunger meant.

President Bishop sat back in his chair slowly shaking his head as Rick continued. Rick Lane had always impressed him. The compassion and loyalty he had towards his men was what made him stand out from his peers.

I think he would be inclined to accept if he felt that his country truly needed him, Mr. President. I believe if you were to ask him if he would consider serving his country again in a matter of importance to national security he would consider it.

President Bishop sat there for several seconds looking at Rick, and then said, This Gunny Hernandez sounds like quite a man Rick.

He is, Mr. President, and I believe he would play an intricate part in the success of this mission if we can get him to come aboard.

Do you have a way of getting in touch with Gunnery Sergeant Hernandez?

Yes Sir. I gave him a phone so I could stay in touch with him. I am sure he has it with him at all times if I know the Gunny.

Good, I have some thoughts that may just help Gunny Hernandez’s cause and at the same time help us with this mission, but we can get to that later. Now you said there were a few requests that may require my help. That indicates more than Gunny Hernandez’s return to active duty I am assuming.

Rick nodded, Yes Sir and this next one may create a bit of a problem. I would like to request a security clearance for two civilians, Lee Jensen and Elaine Reynolds. Elaine is currently the District Attorney in Los Angeles. I am not sure if she would be able to or even willing to be relieved of her responsibilities as the Los Angeles District Attorney. If I were unable to convince her of the importance of this operation, then of course I would not need her to receive a security clearance. However, I am hoping she will see the significance of what we are trying to accomplish. As for Lee Jensen, he is presently a Captain in the Marine Corps reserve with an inactive status. When on active duty he was a Ground Intelligence Officer. He would make an excellent addition to homeland Security as well as a tremendous resource to me, Mr. President.

Mr. President, if I may interrupt, General Long said. "The two individuals Colonel Lane referred to were also members of his team in San Diego. I agree with Colonel Lane, Sir that these two individuals would play a vital role in this operation, and I would like to support this request.

Everyone was looking at President Bishop for the next move.

Director Jacobson, do you see a problem with clearances for these individuals? President Bishop asked.

"No