Assassination: The Family Business

By Al DesHôtel

I never thought of being a paid assassin as a career choice – Linc Devereaux

This sequel to Agency Assassin finds Linc Devereaux in the middle of a US intelligence agency dispute. To save face his contacts in the Mossad and the Japanese secret police move the undercover operation away from the Americans at the request of the NSA.

Now independent of his own home country he begins to see why America isn’t well received outside its own borders after a proposal to commit treason which is presented to him. As a seasoned professional hit man he passes the tricks of the trade to his son and girlfriend.

Al DesHôtel continues his fast paced storytelling with the thrilling sequel to Agency Assassin.

189,000 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al DesHôtel
• Release date: Apr 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476484419

Al DesHôtel

Greetings! I started writing science fiction in the late 1980's because I always felt that most science fiction was missing a few things. The routine, every day life occurances always seemed to be glossed over or not mentioned at all in lieu of the high excitement items. While my writings have plenty of high excitement scenes there are also mention of routine things and how they apply from the every day life to the storyline.The Alaytion Archives series started out as an idea of an alien race and how an every day ordinary person with above average intelligence could end up far in the future with them. As it evolved I kept finding more and more of the story to write about and it now currently spans 5 novel length books.Another genre that I've taken up in recent years is action-adventure. From the basic shoot 'em up type scenes to complex interlocking plots of advanced spy novels.Like many authors I weave my every day real life experiences into my work so that it becomes more alive and exciting.-Al

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Assassination: The Family Business

By Al DesHôtel

Copyright © 2012 Al DesHôtel

Edited by Polly Mirkovich

Cover artwork by Garry T. Spoor

Smashwords Edition License

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Author's note: All characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older. All characters are fictional and any resemblances to actual persons living or dead is a coincidence.

Chapter 1

Seoul, South Korea

Linc thought he heard bacon frying. That was odd. He sniffed the air. It didn’t smell like bacon. In fact the air smelled like anything but bacon. It actually was damp and stinky. Somewhat like a swamp. His leg was throbbing. It was quiet. He tried to roll over. That hurt. Where was he? Opening his eyes he looked around. He head hurt too. He put one hand down, he was on something hard and cold. Very hard. Pushing down he propped himself up as he looked around. He was in a warehouse of some sort. There were a few lights. Then it hit him. He was in Kim Lo’s warehouse. What had happened?

As he tried to get up he found he couldn’t put any pressure on his leg. He bent the other one and slipped. Putting his hand down it was sticky and wet. He held up his hand. Red? Blood. Had to be. He smelled it. Yes, that was the smell of blood. From where? He looked down and the dark pool was by his leg. He then realized what the pain was from. He was bleeding. Then his memories began to rush back in. He had been shot. In Kim Lo’s warehouse after looking at the demonstration of the mines.

Bang! Bang! He heard. Looking around he couldn’t tell from where though. He remembered now. Looking to his right he saw a man lying prone on the floor. Not moving. Dead? Probably. Then he looked beside him and saw his own gun. Picking it up he checked and it was still holding a few rounds. He dropped the magazine and put it in his pocket and put in a fresh magazine. A trick he had learned in tactical shooting class many years ago – long before he had been recruited by the CIA. No sense in carrying around a gun that isn’t fully loaded his instructor told him. He eased the slide back a bit and checked; sure enough a round was in the chamber.

What had happened? He looked towards his left. He saw another body. Who was that? It was Cice!

Linc dragged himself over to her, she was about twenty feet away and with his leg not working that took some effort. She was face down. He rolled her over and checked for a pulse. Weak but there. He checked her over. No bullet holes but she definitely had some bullets in her shirt. Ripping open her blouse he checked. Sure enough, embedded in the bullet proof vest she was wearing. The ladies model, custom fitted for cup size. In this case a 46 C if he remembered correctly. Three rounds had hit her. One nearly directly over the trauma plate and two more slightly lower, just about halfway between her bellybutton and sternum or so he would guess. He checked around her. No blood.

Bang! Bang!

Bang!

The last shot was a different gun. That was for sure. 9mm if he was any judge of the size of a gun by the report at some distance in a warehouse in South Korea. He checked her again. Still a good steady pulse. She was out though. He rolled her over on her side and checked her back. Another bullet embedded in her vest. Imagine that. Well any one of those could have hit her hard enough to knock the wind out of her.

Looking down he saw more blood by his leg. It was throbbing. He ripped open his pants leg and looked at it. Looked like it was midway through his left thigh. He felt and could feel the exit hole – at least it felt wet and warm and hurt like a son of a bitch. A tourniquet was out of the question, he would lose his leg that way. He needed to stop the bleeding. From the size of the hole he guessed a 9mm. Those were rarely fatal in the leg or so an ex-SEAL had told him. He tore his pants into some squares and stacked them neatly. However he needed to hold them on. With what?

He looked at Cice. Yes, she was wearing stockings. Nice, soft and stretchy stockings. Taking off her right shoe he reached up and undid her garter belt clips and rolled the stocking down her leg. Then as an afterthought he put her shoe back on. He unrolled the stocking and then laid it flat. This would do perfectly. Stockings were stretchy. And porous so if he continued to bleed through the material he would know about it. He carefully held a stack of patches at the bottom of his thigh with the stocking under it and then slowly and gently laid his thigh back on the cold concrete floor. Then taking another stack of the cloth from his pants he put it over the top hole. He wound the two ends of the stocking tightly and half twisted it. Good – stretched it should have enough length. He lifted his thigh and wrapped the stocking around the back and then back towards the front and tied it in a square knot with a good bit of tension on it. Now if only it would quit hurting. He didn’t delude himself though; this was going to get a lot worse before it got better.

A car engine started outside the warehouse and tires screeched. Then he heard cursing in French from outside. At this point he figured he had done as much as he could for his leg and leaned out with his gun drawn and looked around the pallets. He saw another body about ten yards away. It had on a khaki jacket. Richard? Yes, had to be. He crawled and dragged himself over to Richard. Motionless. Rolling the man over he saw it. A hole in the man’s face. Dead. He reached into Richard’s pocket and pulled out the extra magazines that he found. Damn. He swore in a whisper. Richard was carrying a .40 caliber. He looked and saw the gun some five feet away and reached over and got it and put it in his pocket. Linc was carrying a .45 caliber. Where was Rene?

Hearing footsteps Linc drew back behind the pallets and waited. The footsteps kept getting closer and closer. They would stop and then resume. Soft for sure like someone was trying to be stealthy.

He saw an arm with a gun come out of the shadows and raised his gun. Then with his finger on the trigger he held the gun up ready to shoot. The arm wavered. Then it dropped. Rene emerged from the shadows!

Rene!

Jerome!

"What the fuck happened?

Rene looked down at Linc’s bandaged leg. You’ve been hit!

Through. No biggie – yet. Cice is out but ok.

Richard. Rene said with an air of finality.

It was true too. Richard was done for. Any more?

One got away in the limo. You nailed Kim Lo though. He was last into the warehouse from the loading dock. The guy with him was also nailed. I think by you. The holes look big enough.

Richard was carrying a 40

Thought so. No way was that damage from a 40. You have your 45?

Yeah.

Then both Kim Lo and the guy with him were you. The bastard behind you I got. The second one behind him ran through the warehouse. I chased him for a ways. He eventually doubled back and got to the limo and dove in and the driver took off seconds later.

Any more?

I don’t think so. At least no one else shooting at me aside from the one I was chasing.

The driver didn’t join in?

No. He was sitting in the car with the engine running from what I could tell. Probably listening to the stereo or something. Parking lights were on.

Recon the warehouse again. I think there is a light panel by the back door towards the loading dock. Make sure there aren’t any more.

Will do. We better plan on getting out of here though before the guy and the driver return with some reinforcements.

Help me up.

Linc pulled on a pallet and with Rene’s help managed to stand up. He put some weight on his leg. Hurts like hell.

I imagine. Boss man you better plan on not walking around much.

Grab some mines. Put a couple by the two front doors, a couple by the back door. I’ll rig them up. We need to figure out how to get out of here too. Without the limo it is going to be a long walk and I’m thinking I can’t make it that far.

They had walked towards the back door. Linc kicked at Kim Lo’s body.

He isn’t going anywhere. I counted four holes in him.

Reaching the light switch panel Linc opened the panel and took out his cell phone and used the light to read it. It was in Korean. No habla. He then started flipping all the breakers on one by one and left the ones with light on and returned the others to their original position. Rene stepped over to a crate and opened one. He brought some mines over by the door and took them out of the protective wrappers and placed them on the floor. Then he went off in the warehouse towards the far end.

Linc looked out of the back door. There was another warehouse there. In fact this whole area had several warehouses. Mostly lined up. He then sat down and started working on the mines. They were a general purpose type that could be tripped by a trip wire. So looking at the door and the various debris laying around he proceeded to rig up several of them by the overhead door. When he finished that he worked on the personnel door. Ending by closing it and hooking the tripwire he struggled to stand up. Looking down at his thigh it was obvious that the blood was oozing through the cloth bandage into the nylon stocking.

He walked around the second down man by Kim Lo and went past Cice, stopping to check her pulse again. Still steady. Then towards the front door where they had parked the limo. He looked outside and could see the main road some hundred yards away. No cars passing and no hint over towards the East. He couldn’t see West due to another warehouse in the way. No cars in the parking area either.

Rene came walking back. No one else in here .. I think. Here you go. He said setting down four mines.

We need an exit door. I’m guessing this one. I’ve already rigged the back one and the overhead by the loading dock. Drag Cice over here.

Sure thing. I have some more by the other door. Down that way about fifty yards.

Ok. Linc said taking off in a gimp walk towards the door.

Ten minutes later he returned. Other door is set. Where is Cice?

Outside already. There are a couple of houses off towards the West of these warehouses. I’ll go get a car. Rene said.

What about Richard?

Outside by Cice. He is a lot heavier too.

I imagine.

All clear for rigging. Rene said and he went off between the warehouses towards the West, his gun still drawn.

Linc rigged the door and then with it nearly shut he reached behind it and attached the last loop of twine he had fashioned into a loop to the door knob. There was only about six inches of slack. If you knew it was there and reached in you could disarm it. He was betting though that Kim Lo’s reinforcements, if they ever showed up, wouldn’t be that careful.

Linc went over by Richard’s body and the unconscious Cice. He sat down to wait. With his leg bleeding this badly there was no way he was going to travel far without losing a lot of blood. He reached down and began scavenging her left stocking.

Watching the road outside he saw a car approaching. It drove by without slowing down. A few minutes later another going the other way. At least there was some traffic if Rene couldn’t find them some transportation. He pulled out his cell phone and started to key in a message to send to the handlers. Then thinking better of asking for their help he canceled it and put the phone back into his pocket.

Cice coughed. Linc looked over at her. Then a second cough. She moved her arm. A couple of seconds went by then she opened her eyes.

Easy there princess. Linc put his hand on her arm. You’ve been in a nasty gun fight. Just lay still for a few seconds.

Cice let out a low moan. Oh… this hurts. She coughed again. Then winced. Ouch!

I know the ground is a bit cold but lay still for a few minutes. We’ll get you out of here. Rene went to get a car. Linc said.

Jerome! Jerome! Is.. is Richard…

Yes, he is dead. You would be too if you didn’t have that bullet proof vest on. And me. Linc answered her.

She turned her head to look at him then looked down at his leg. You’re hit.

Yes. Clean through. Borrowed your hose for a bandage, sorry.

She smiled a rather weak smile. Oh this hurts.

Bruised up. Might even have a broken rib. You were hit several times.

By what?

Looks like 9mm or .40 cal rounds to me. Sorry, didn’t have time to check.

Who did this?

Kim Lo Linc said.

Kim Lo? Why?

Well a while back I remember reading a bio on him that Interpol had that was posted by the American CIA. They suspected him of having ties to the DPRK. Now since the DPRK have a few agents dead I would imagine that they have called in all favors. Linc said.

The North Koreans want you dead?

Of course. They have probably figured out by now that Yuk is missing and two of their own have turned up dead. Maybe more. Linc said.

Two of their own? You mean besides Yuk?

Yes.

How?

Linc contemplated telling her the whole truth or just a partial truth. Might as well tell her the whole, or at least most, of the truth. Well I would imagine payback for me putting a hit on Joo-Chan and Won-Shik Tchah. Remember the two Migs I shipped to Mushif that I told you were gratis?

She furrowed her brow. Linc watched her. Then he saw the look of understanding. To pay for the hit. You had Mushif put a hit on those two guys. She paused. And since you took out Yuk that was three of them.

Bong Cha Pak, a.k.a. Yuk Yung worked for Joo-Chan. Joo-Chan worked for Won-Shik Tchah. And Won-Shik Tchah works for a man name Hyo Hwangbo. If I had to guess I would think this hit that we managed to partially foil was put out by him.

So now he needs to go?

Something like that.

So Kim Lo?

Got him and two of his men. Jerome confirmed for her.

Oh it hurts to breathe.

Just lay there. You probably broke a rib. Knocked your head for sure, you have been out for about half an hour I would guess. He said.

Jerome took a gun out of his holster and held it. Sure hope that is Rene.

The car approached them between the warehouses, slowing until it passed a few feet and then stopped. Linc heard it go into park and the driver’s door opened. Best I could do. Rene said stepping out.

Plenty good enough. Linc said putting his gun back in his holster and standing up carefully. Shit. He said as he put weight on his leg. Then he reached over for Cice. Can you make it up?

Maybe. She grunted and let him pull her to a sitting position. ohhhh… Linc stopped to let her catch her breath. Then she folded one of her legs under her and began to push up as he pulled her to a standing position. Her other arm folded instinctively around her rib cage.

In the meantime Rene had opened the trunk and dragged Richard’s body to the trunk and heaved the dead man into the trunk. By the time he closed the trunk lid Jerome had managed to get Cice into the back seat of the car. He limped around the car to the passenger side while Rene went to the driver’s side.

Ready? Rene asked after he closed his door.

Let’s get. I would like to stay around and make sure they are all dead but I don’t think I’m up to that fight tonight and we don’t have enough firepower.

Where to?

Not Seoul.

Rene put the car into gear and then drove to the end of the warehouse row and out to the main road. He turned left, opposite from the direction that they had come and away from the metropolis of Seoul.

Linc was studying his PDA GPS. There. That sign is their equivalent to an Interstate highway. Get on the 1, Southbound. Got your bearings?

I think so, we’re headed West right now.

So turn left when you get to the 1. Then it should connect up to 50 in a few miles. Take that Westerly. When 50 runs into 150 and Incheon is dead ahead. We’ll hit a hospital there.

Won’t the authorities question a gunshot wound?

Sure they will. We’ll say we were held up by highway bandits and send them on a wild goose chase. Stash the guns before we go in somewhere. Then quietly slip out of the hospital once we are patched up, pick up the guns and head to a hotel somewhere. You’ll need to find someone to go back to our other hotel and retrieve our stuff. I don’t want to take a chance on us going there in case they are waiting on us.

What about Richard?

Leave him in the trunk for a while. Tomorrow we’ll need to arrange shipping for him out of here. Linc said. He turned around to look at Cice. She wasn’t moving. Cice? No answer. I think she passed out again. Not good.

Concussion?

Probably when she fell and hit her head on the concrete. My head hurts too but my leg collapsed first so I didn’t have as far to fall.

What if we just say that the highway robbers that shot us killed Richard too?

That might work. Let’s start with my leg. Damned.

What?

How do we explain Cice’s wounds?

What do you mean?

Well we sure as hell don’t want to walk into the hospital with body armor on.

True. Rene pulled the car off the road into a closed store with a parking lot light on. Need to pull off Richard’s armor. Get your own off and I’ll get Cice’s when I get back. He said putting the car into park.

After attending to that Rene got back in and pulled onto the road again. Another mile and they hit the highway. So how do we explain Cice?

She fainted and hit her head when she hit the car and the ground? Jerome offered up.

Maybe. So they shot you and hit you. Killed Richard. How do we explain having time to put him in the trunk?

They stole our car and we .. how did you get this car?

Paid a guy for it and told him he could report it as stolen in the morning.

We took their car then should work.

So they left this junker and stole our car?

Sure. Theirs was stolen too, right?

Right. Rene answered as he changed lanes.

And Cice fell over a culvert in a ditch when they hit her which would explain bruises on both sides and her likely broken rib.

Got it.

--**--

Linc was laying on the bed with his laptop hooked up to the internet and trading emails with his office staff. He heard a double knock at the door. He put his hand on his gun under the blanket. Then a second double knock. The door opened and Rene stepped into the room. Well Cice is doing better. They said she can go home this afternoon.

Good. See any police?

Yeah. There was that detective hanging around asking questions again.

I would have thought after six hours with him yesterday that he would have had all his questions answered.

One would think. Rene said and popped a six pack of beer into the small fridge.

I got a call from some sergeant about Richard. The morgue is ready to release his body now.

When?

Now. I have a local funeral home going to pick it up and pack it for shipping. Sarita finished the paperwork for the airline and it will go out tomorrow headed for Rio.

Good.

Any word from the rental agencies?

Yeah. Rene said and took a notebook out of his pocket. The car rental yesterday is extended. The police towed the car out of the hospital parking lot. Part of what the detective asked questions about, he was fuzzy about how we got the bad guys car until I reminded him that they left the keys in it. He stopped to flip a page. The gun rental guy didn’t have a problem with picking the guns up outside the airport so we’ll just call him a couple of hours before we leave. Told him we would pay extra for the barrel change out. I plan on ditching both your and my barrels. I can leave Richard’s since he didn’t hit anyone.

Good. Oh, by the way, saw a news item that looked like there was a warehouse explosion to the East of town night before last. Looked like the place, it was in Korean though so I can’t be sure. Linc said.

So when do we leave?

The sooner the better. If Cice is getting out this afternoon we can leave on the evening flight over to Tokyo if you can swing by and pick me up before 5. The flight leaves at 9.

That will work. You sure everything is square on Richard?

Yes. If not you can come back next week and tend to anything we missed. Linc said.

How’s your leg?

Better. Not as much blood on the bandages today. The staples helped. And the pain meds are quite the thing.

Yeah well just be sure you don’t take too many of them and do something stupid. Rene reminded him.

Don’t worry mommy.

--**--

After arriving at Tokyo, Jerome decided that Cice needed to rest for a couple of days before going on. So they checked into a hotel and rested. He sent Chou a message and arranged a meeting for that evening.

Where you going?

Out. I’m getting a bit stir crazy. Linc said.

On that leg?

It will be fine. Besides I need to exercise it so the scar tissue doesn’t build up. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Keep an eye on her. He said motioning towards the bedroom where Cice was sleeping after popping some more pain meds.

Ok, if you are sure. I thought we are supposed to be resting up?

We are. I just need to get out of the room for a while. Don’t worry. I’m going to find me a pachinko parlor and play for a while. Might catch some sushi or something.

Ok. Send me a message if you are going to be a while so I’ll know you haven’t passed out.

Will do. He said, grabbing his room key and limping out the door with the cane he had bought.

After walking a block down the street he spotted the car that Chou said would be waiting. He saw the female driver smile at him and motion him in.

Mr. St. John?

Yes.

I am Lin Mai.

Good to meet you. Is it far?

Not far. She said pulling the car out into traffic. Mr. Chou said to look for a Western man with a limp.

Well that I have.

After riding for about three miles she turned into a parking garage and two levels up parked the car. This way. She said.

Riding the elevator down to the lobby they crossed the lobby and then up into the office tower where they got out on the 34th floor. She took out a key and opened a door and held it while Linc limped in. Then through another door and he was in a large room that resembled a game room or someone’s den.

Ah Jerome. Good to see you. He paused and looked at the cane. You should sit down.

Yes, that is better. Linc said after flopping ungracefully onto the sofa.

Need anything?

Pain meds would help if you can score some without me having to wait half a day on an exam, questions and doctors. Linc said and took the bottle of prescription pain killers out of his pocket.

Of course. Chou said and handed the bottle to Lin Mai. Get some of these as quick as you can.

She nodded and left the room.

So what happened? Chou asked sitting down.

Well it seems that Kim Lo was definitely working with the North Koreans. He set me up with an offer of a hundred and eighty pallets of land mines. Then pulled an ambush on me. Damned near killed me.

I can see that. Chou said frowning.

Shot through the leg. If I wouldn’t have had a bullet proof vest on he would have been successful. Cice wasn’t quite as lucky, three broken ribs and a concussion. She is in the hotel sleeping on pain meds. Rene is the only one who got out without a scratch. Richard is dead.

Your bodyguard is dead? Chou asked in disbelief.

Yes. We shipped his body back directly from Seoul. Or at least that is what the arrangements we made were.

And Kim Lo?

Well he wasn’t so lucky. I got him with a .45 right between the eyes before I passed out. Between Rene and me we managed to get two more of his men. Two got away.

And the land mines?

Still in the warehouse.

A hundred and eighty pallets?

Yes. Tested and they work. Except for the few I rigged on the doors. I may have got a few more of his men with those. Not sure. We got out of there before we ran out of bullets. That was four days ago.

That sounds rough.

Part of the game my friend. That was payback for taking out Joo-Chan, Won-Shik Tchah and Yuk.

But how would Kim Lo know?

Well he didn’t say so but why else would he set up a sale and then shoot me in the back?

In the back?

Oh yes. In the back. Thankfully the vest stopped it. I have a right nice bruise though. Linc pulled up his shirt and leaned over.

Yep, that is a bruise alright. You peeing blood?

No. The doctor said the kidney was ok.

So now what?

Well I think I’m done buying from Kim Lo.

I would say so.

If you want the mines have at them. Not worth it to me to go get them.

Sure. He said.

That warehouse I sent you the coordinates for a couple of days ago. Of course now I guess I have a price on my head from Won-Shik Tchah’s boss.

Maybe. Maybe not. He may decide to cut his losses. You have managed to kill four of his agents now. Chou mused. He got up. Something to drink?

Sure, brew if you have one.

With the pain meds?

Makes them work better.

Uh huh. Chou said and went to the refrigerator to get out some beer. He handed one to Linc. So what made you wear bullet proof vests?

Very suspicious. Haven’t heard from Kim Lo in a while and then suddenly get a call from him. That and the ridiculously low price he was asking for the mines. Something had to be up.

Good thing you have that instinct.

Fill in Brandt and Goldman for me.

Will do. Chou said, immersed in thought. So how do we find out who Won-Shik Tchah worked for?

He worked for a guy by the name of Hyo Hwangbo. Linc said taking a long swig of beer.

How do you know that?

Bong told me, ah Yuk.

Oh. Interesting. We haven’t ever been able to figure that out. Chou said.

Linc finished his beer and set it down. Another? Chou asked.

Sure.

Chou got up and got a fresh pair. He handed one to Linc. So now what?

Well unless we get a line on Hwangbo or someone takes him out I will assume I’ve got a price on my head.

Well, don’t lose too much sleep over it. A regular contract hitter probably wouldn’t take that job. Notice how he had Kim Lo doing the hit for him. Chou said.

I guess. Soon as I get Cice back home I think I’m going to just lay low for a few weeks and heal up. Sure bet I won’t be playing any golf for a while. Linc said.

I’m really surprised you smoothed things over with the South Korean police as well as you did. You really have them chasing their tails.

Don’t worry, the case will hit the cold case files soon enough if no one is fanning the flame.

Maybe.

Chou and Linc talked for a while and finished off a few more beers. Linc was just returning from a trip to the bathroom when there was a knock at the door and then Lin Mai came in.

Here you are. Not exactly the same but close enough. She handed the small bottle of pills over to Jerome St. John.

Thanks Lin.

I guess you should be getting back before Rene misses you. Chou said.

Probably so.

Lin can drive you back.

Thanks.

--**--

Narita Airport, Tokyo Japan

Passports the ticket counter lady asked.

They are travelling with me. He said handing over the three passports.

The ticket lady processed the tickets and passports, occasionally looking up to match the picture on the passport with the person.

Rene stepped up and put the checked luggage onto the scale at the counter and then stepped back with the wheel bag carryon luggage.

You ok? He asked her.

I think so. It still hurts. The pain meds help though. Cice answered. She had her arm around him to help her to stand up.

Miss Cice Tomaso The ticket lady said handing over a ticket and passport. Mr. Rene Peltier and Mr. Jerome St. John. Anything else?

No ma’am. Thank you. Linc said scooping up the passports and tickets and putting them into his jacket pocket. He then grabbed his cane and helped Cice turn and exit the line. Rene followed dragging the two wheel bags and having another satchel on the strap over his neck.

The trio made their way slowly through the security line and taking extra long since they had to give Cice extra attention due to the rib brace she was wearing and having to stop and read the letter from the doctor in Korea. The security personnel detained them an extra hour while they confirmed the authenticity of the letter about her injuries. Linc wasn’t happy about it either; he stopped short of getting Chou to intercede though. Finally at the gate they eased Cice down into a chair to wait until boarding. Seeing this Linc carefully depositing himself with his cane and leg bandaged up the gate counter woman came out from behind her counter.

Sir.

Yes. He answered.

The plane is cleaned but they are still stocking the galley. I can see that you will need extra time boarding so if you would like to go now you may. She politely stated.

Why thank you Miss Sakomura. He said reading her name tag.

She smiled. Do you need any help? She offered.

Linc stuck up his arm. A bit difficult getting up; my leg doesn’t bend real well. She grabbed his hand to steady him while he got up and pushed off with his cane. Then he turned to Cice. Ready dear?

Yes. She said and winced as she started to get up. Linc grabbed one hand and the gate agent grabbed the other to help Cice get out of the chair.

She doesn’t bend well either with the brace.

Cice was a bit wobbly. The pain meds make things spin a bit too. She said finally getting up.

The gate agent led them over to the gate kiosk and accepted the tickets from Linc. By this time Rene had returned from buying some snacks from the vending machine. Sorry boss.

No problem.

There you go. Have a nice flight. Miss Sakomura said handing the boarding pass stubs back to Linc.

Thanks.

When they arrived at the plane the flight attendant helped Cice and Linc get situated in their seats while Rene busied himself with stowing the carryon luggage in the overhead bins.

Linc heard his PDA blip at him. He pulled it from his pocket and read the message. Well it looks like the first two of the MI-8 helicopters have been picked up by the folks from Colombia.

That is good. Isn’t that the guy who got killed? Rene asked.

That is the one. Cice answered.

I’m somewhat surprised that they completed the purchase. I would have expected them to have a delay if they even still wanted to go through with it. He was one of their pilots too. Linc said.

She is so young to be a widow. Cice commented.

Bad business they are in.

I read that news article. The sniper was hired by a competitor. Rene said.

--**--

Buzios, Brazil

We’re home! Cice said as they walked through the door.

Feels good huh?

Yes it does. I want to just stay here for a while.

Of course. We both need time to heal up. Linc said. It had taken them just over forty hours from Japan to get down to the villa in Buzios.

A hot bath would be nice. She said as she headed for her bedroom. She stopped and looked back at him.

Oh. Yeah. Sorry, new routine for me. Linc answered. He had been helping Cice to bathe for the past several days since she was too sore to remove the rib brace she was wearing and couldn’t even bend over to pull off her shoes or panties.

After getting her undressed and into the tub she flinched at the cold porcelain on her butt. Linc reached over and stoppered the tub and started the water to running. Bath beads?

Yes!

Going to her linen closet he pulled out a box and put a sprinkle into the tub.

More. She watched as he added more. Good.

Glass of wine?

Ohhh.. now you’re talking. Only make it a scotch.

Humm. I gotta get you out of there when you’re done.

Well maybe I’ll just sleep here tonight.

You slug down a couple glasses of scotch with those pain meds and you just might.

I haven’t had one since we left the airport.

Yeah. He said and handed her the bath loofah.

Linc went to the den and where the bar was at. He fixed two scotch and sodas with ice. He purposefully went light on the scotch on both of them as he intended to take a pain pill before bed tonight and Cice was going to be flying high enough herself.

Oh so good to see you home Jerome! Lucina came up and gave him a hug. That is so terrible what happened to Miss Cice!

Well she will heal up in a few weeks. She is alive that is the most important thing.

Oh and your leg! She said leaning down to look at it.

I’ve been better – yeah.

You want me to help Miss Cice?

Got it covered. Linc said picking up the two glasses.

Oh. So are you hungry?

Well yes. However it is somewhat late so something not too heavy. How about some breakfast food?

Of course! What do you want?

Biscuits and a bit of bacon.

Right away.

Oh and put it on the bed tray. Might want to wait for about an hour before we will be ready. Cice is soaking in the tub now and I think she will want to be in there for a while.

Ok. Will do Mr. St. John. I will go get the dough ready. You want me to check before I start cooking?

Linc glanced at the clock. No, I think we will be ready by about midnight.

Yes sir.

Linc then carried the two drinks to Cice’s bathroom. When he arrived the tub was nearly half full with bubbles already. He just stood in the door admiring the sight of her breasts cradled in the soft fluffy bubbles.

Jerome! Not like you haven’t seen them before. She said. I’m thirsty!

Yes ma’am. He said putting his glass down on the counter and then lifting her hand and using her finger to stir. He licked her finger. Ah – just right.

You are such a pig!

Makes it taste better. He said grabbing his own drink.

He sat down on the makeup chair turned around backwards and sipped his drink.

You just going to sit there and stare at my boobs all night? Can’t you at least make yourself useful?

I thought I was. Enjoying the scenery and the drink at the same time. Lucina is going to make us some biscuits and bacon for a snack.

I guess I should probably eat a biscuit or something. Not really all that hungry.

It will help with the reflux from the pills.

True.

After chatting for nearly half an hour Linc helped Cice rinse off and then to stand up while the tub was draining. He towel dried her while she held onto the edge of the claw foot tub before stepping out of it carefully. I think I want to sleep without that stupid brace. It is so hot!

Ok but if I hear you whining I’m going to strap you back in it.

Yes Daddy.

Wench!

Pig!

He helped her to the bed. He got out her usual nightgown from the drawer by the dresser. I’ll skip that tonight. These pain meds make me hot. She said lying down in the bed and propping herself up on the pillows before pulling the sheet up. I think I’ll eat in here. The dining room is such a long way.

As my ladyship wishes. He said and bowed.

Linc then went to the kitchen, his cane thumping on the hardwood floor of the hallway. He got to the kitchen where Lucina was busy cooking bacon.

It will be ready in ten minutes señor.

Good timing. He said and then hobbled down the short hall by the dining room to go take a leak.

After seeing that Lucina was assembling the food on the bed tray he told her he would eat in Cice’s room with her and then hobbled down the hall.

--**--

Two months later..

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Here is the transfer for the MI-24. Cice handed Jerome the paperwork.

Good. I sent an email to Tamara Johnston that it was at the Santiago warehouse. Linc said.

So are you going over there to see her?

Me?

Sure. Cice said with a twinkle in her eye.

Oh come on, you’ve got to be kidding me.

Well you could use a girlfriend.

Yeah, right.

Young, single. Cice added playfully.

Yeah, right. Too young and her daddy is the most notorious cocaine producer in Colombia.

Just saying.

Uh huh. Forget it. Linc stopped and looked at her. He pushed the intercom button on his phone and dialed a number.

Yes sir?

Sarita, please come in here for a moment. He said and hung up.

Cice had a wide eyed look. Sarita stepped into the office a moment later.

Sarita. Good. I’m going to hand off the MI-24 helicopter deal to you. You can fly over to Santiago and play saleslady.

Me?

Yes.

By myself? She asked, shocked.

Well Cice said you need more responsibility. Besides it isn’t like our typical customer. The widow lady from that guy in Colombia.

Jerome, are you sure about that? Cice asked.

You said she needs to learn more about the business. Besides after what I put her through with Tsuris she needs a break. Relax, it is a done sale already. All you have to do is try to sell them some accessories. I will guarantee you they want stuff to go with it. I’ll even sweeten the deal. You can have a 5% commission on the profit for the accessories.

Sarita blinked. Yes… yes sir!

Good. I’ll send you her contact info and the rest of the order in a few minutes.

After Sarita left the room Cice just sat there with a blank look on her face. Hey if I don’t have to do all the selling I can do more volume.

More?

Sure.

Linc and Cice worked on more routine business paperwork for the rest of the afternoon. Linc spent an hour clearing out email and then went to the gym before returning to the flat.

Chapter 2

Madrid, Spain

Linc and Juan pulled out their luggage from the cab and then went into the apartment building where Jerome had an apartment.

Eeew! Juan said as he opened the door.

Whoa. That stinks. Linc said getting a whiff of the stench.

Juan flipped on the light and went in. He walked into the kitchen and checked the refrigerator. Not in the kitchen.

Linc walked into one of the bedrooms and looked around. Cat shit! Looking around he saw that the bed was made up. He walked into the bathroom and turned on the light and looked around.

Found it! Juan said from a few rooms away.

Making his way to the other bedroom he found Juan in there looking at the body of a dead cat curled up in the corner near the closet. How the hell did that get here?

Probably wandered in while the maid was cleaning and she didn’t notice it. When we’re not here she only comes once a month. It has been a while. She was due in tomorrow. Fuck it. I’m not sleeping here tonight.

So what do you want me to do with it? Juan said.

She let the damned thing in here, she can clean it up.

I’ll bet she will just love you for that.

Her problem. Linc answered.

Taking his phone out he hit redial on the cab company. Then giving them directions for a pickup they said a car was in the area and it would be less than ten minutes.

After locking up the two men went down by the lobby to the apartment building and waited. A taxi pulled up. The same one that they had just got out of. The driver was surprised to see them. After explaining what happened they went to a nearby hotel and got rooms for the night.

Linc told Juan he wanted to turn in early tonight because he was jet lagged. He waited an hour then left the room and caught a cab.

Checking the address after getting out of the cab he found the building number and walked the half block down to it. It was some sort of low rent apartments from what he could tell. It looked like a four story walk-up. On the third floor, apartment 319, he knocked on the door.

Ah Jerome. Good of you to make it. Goldman said and shook his hand.

Good to see you too.

Jerome! Tom Brandt greeted him. Beer?

Sure.

Blackjack. Goldman said sitting down at the table.

Ok.

So you are looking good after what happened. Chou said he had never seen you looking so bad as when you were in Tokyo a few months ago.

Well, after getting shot I got an infection. He should have seen me a few days later. The infection didn’t kick up until I got back to Buzios. The anti-biotic made me sick to my stomach and I was on them for close to three weeks. I ended up dropping fifteen pounds.

Wow. Hell of a diet.

Wasn’t pretty. Linc said taking a swig of the beer and checking his cards. He had a seven of hearts and a two of clubs. Well it’s obvious you guys aren’t going to be getting rich in Vegas anytime soon. What’s up? He asked after first looking at Goldman then to Brandt.

Need a little job done. Tom said.

Uh huh. Linc answered. A hit on someone most likely.

Well as we suspected we need to think about getting into a position to eliminate the new dictator in Venezuela.

Raul Montemayor? Already? Jesus, the guy hasn’t been in office a year yet and you want him out? Linc said tapping the table for another card. Damn. He said as he got a three of hearts. He tapped the table again and Goldman gave him a jack of hearts.

Yeah well we have a good lead that he is going to take what Hugo was doing and double up on the socialist dogma. The populace there is oppressed and already revolting. Tom said scooping up the cards.

To paraphrase Jefferson, ‘a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing’. Linc said.

Except Montemayor isn’t going to let that happen anytime soon. He has his secret police rounding up what few dissidents that Chavez didn’t get and throwing them in with the rest.

So why, exactly, is the CIA so interested?

The most obvious reason.

Oil. Linc said.

And what is good for the U.S.A. is also good for Israel. Tobias Goldman said.

I see. So what is the timetable?

Easy, casual. Look for an opening. I have some leads on some inexpensive guns you can sell to his buddy Molina.

I see. Linc answered.

Don’t push. Let them come to you. Tom said.

Ok.

So just plug him in the head with a .45 and that is it?

If you can get away clean, sure. I doubt it will be that easy.

After two more hands had been dealt Linc got up and got three more beers. Anything else?

Well are you ready to retire yet?

Nope. I’m off your payroll, what do you care?

What about Layla? Goldman asked.

She is doing good now that you ask. Should be graduated and ready for the real world inside of six months. Tom said passing the shoe over to Jerome.

After another hour the three called it quits for the night. Linc made it back to his hotel by 02:45.

--**--

Two weeks later, Santiago, Chile

Sarita, the people from C-Tec Exploration are here. Liza de la Fuente said as she walked into the office.

Good. Did you page Carlos?

Didn’t have to, he was already back.

Tell Juan.

Next on my list. Fresh coffee should be ready in ten minutes. Liza said.

Good. Sarita said standing up. Thanks.

Sarita checked her makeup and hair in the mirror and then grabbed her notebook computer and walked down the hall to the conference room. Oh Carlos.

I’ve shown them to the conference room. I’ll go make sure the helicopter is out of the hangar. Carols said.

Good. Thanks.

Inside Sarita looked at the people as she entered the conference room. The woman was obviously the widow of the Colombian customer. And pregnant on top of that. That was sad, Sarita thought. Welcome Señora Johnston.

Gracias Señorita Perez. The woman said as she shook Sarita’s hand. She then turned and motioned to one of the two men with her. A medium build white man. And this is one of my pilots, Phillip Worley.

Sarita took a couple of steps over to him. Fairly nice looking she thought. Looks like an Anglo, maybe even American. Certainly not a native Colombian unless he had a lot of Castilian Spanish blood to offset the native Mayan or Inca bloodlines.

Miss Perez. Phillip said shaking her hand.

And one of my husband’s business associates, Chavez Lopez. Señora Johnston introduced the second man.

Welcome Señor Lopez. Sarita shook his hand. This guy had to be a bodyguard. He had the same sort of look to him that Jerome’s men did. She mused to herself that it was a sad statement on her career choice she felt comfortable shaking hands with a man who was probably carrying a gun. Not that she hadn’t got used to that being with her current boss and his cadre but she never would have thought she would comfortable with such unsavory people when she was growing up. She reminded herself she would have to make sure and not let her mother know just how far into this shady business she was. And you already met Carlos Soto. Would anyone care for a tea or coffee?

Yes, Gracias. An ice tea if you have it. Señora Johnston said.

Certainly. Sarita answered. She walked over to the refrigerator and got out a can of tea. Anyone else?

Water please. Phillip asked.

And you? Sarita said looking at Chavez. He smiled and nodded no. Handing the water to the Phillip, Sarita then to the conference table. Carlos is arranging for the helicopter to be brought out of the hanger. He said it wouldn’t be but a few minutes. Please have a seat.

Taking out a sheet from her notebook she looked up. Here is the translated flight characteristics summary. She said and handed it over to the pilot. And here is the list of current options installed on it with the weapons list on it. Sarita said, unsure who would want it. She looked at the pregnant woman and at the bodyguard. He stuck his hand out so she handed it to him. Would you like any additional options? She asked looking at Señora Johnston.

Yes. The woman opened her notebook she had brought with her. We would like to see what the availability is on a spare engine, operational spares kits. She said and looked at Sarita. Do you have any AT-2 Swatters?

While making a note of that request she answered almost automatically, Let me check. Flipping up the lid of her laptop she keyed in her password. The bodyguard had finished reading. Something?

Yes. I see that it has GSh-30-2 mounted in it. I’ll need you to get us a price on ammo for that. The bodyguard said.

Certainly. Keying in the name of the database for the aircraft she put in the Santiago warehouse code and was then relieved to see the familiar list. She so hated it when the computers didn’t work right. There. We do have AT-2 missiles available. It says here AT-2B, sorry to say we are out of stock on that and the AT-2C but we can get the AT-2B in about four weeks lead time. Would that be soon enough?

That will do fine. The widow said and jotted down something. Chavez, do we need the C?

No.

I’ll put that on the price sheet for you then. Sarita said. Now to see if they had what the buyer wanted. That was a XJ-S231 slash four, at least she hoped that was the right code. Whew! The spares kit is fifteen thousand Euros per engine.

Add two to the order please. The lady said.

And the spare engines are four hundred thirteen thousand each. Sarita read off and glanced at the other woman. She was so young to be a widow. Not much lipstick though.

Make it four hundred even and add one.

Sarita nodded. She hoped Jerome wasn’t going to be upset. It was her deal. She had to give herself a mental reminder to see if Cice thought she had done the right thing. Done. The email reminder popped up on her screen. She clicked it and the email opened. It was from Jerome. Good, he was online and answering. She breathed a sigh of relief. It was good to know that her boss had her back. Mr. St. John also sent me a note that he has a source for some AT-6A Spiral missiles if you were interested? Now which one would want to buy one? Hopefully they wanted some.

The woman looked at the bodyguard. He must have some sway with their organization when it came to weapons. Might even be their head bodyguard. Probably ex-military. How much? He asked. He looked like he could be a rough customer if he got mad.

Three months lead time and 27,500 each, they are listed as a manufacture date of 2002 and our source is Indonesia. Sarita read off of her database page for the missiles.

We will take eight. He stopped to write something down. Was that a delivered price?

I think that can be arranged, yes. Cice had told her to always throw in shipping, especially on big orders.

There was a knock at the door. Hopefully the helicopter was ready to fly. She prayed that it wasn’t bad news. Opening the door it was Carlos. Yes? She said cracking the door open.

It is ready to go. He said.

Thanks.

The helicopter is out on the tarmac. Is everyone ready? She asked hopefully. A test drive was always in order when selling something.

Yes. The lady answered.

Are you sure you’ll be ok? What if she couldn’t fly? Or worse, should she be flying? Sarita was thinking looking at the lady’s belly.

No problem. Only six months along so far. The doctor said I’m good for flying up until the start of the eighth month. She answered.

Ok then. This way please.

After handing them off to Carolos and seeing them go into the locker room, Sarita went back to her office. She worked on the quote for nearly an hour before she heard a knock at her door.

Sarita. They seem happy with it. Carlos said sticking his head in her office.

Great!

I put them in the conference room.

Ok. Thanks Carolos.

No problem.

Back in the conference room Sarita looked at them as she entered the room. They did seem pleased. She sat down and worked out a price that she had prepared while they were flying with the woman, Tamara, she said her first name was and then Sarita give them the account codes for the initial payment. They wanted the warehouse to hold it for a month until they could pick it up. Linc said before she had left Rio that anything up to six months was fine by him, the warehouse space didn’t cost all that much and was just overhead anyway.

Checking her account with the bank Sarita saw the down payment register and let Tamara know it was all good.

I will be in touch with delivery schedules on the rest of the rockets and ammunition by the end of the week.

That will be fine. Tamara answered.

So is it a boy or a girl?

I don’t know yet. We wanted to be surprised and after everything that happened I didn’t bother to find out.

"Oh.