Operation Iran

By Brian Wilson

The CIA have a double agent leaking secrets to the Chinese. In an attempt to identify the double agent, Adam Brown, a senior CIA operative disappears leading to speculation and confusion, which is added to when Frank- a world-renown physicist becomes involved. This is an action packed spy novel; a thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as the mystery unfolds leaving you guessing to who are the good guys and who is the double agent. Brian Wilson - the author known for his short stories - brings to this gripping novel his skills of twists, turns and deception.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian Wilson
• Release date: Jan 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370232260

Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson spent eighteen years as Labour MP for Cunninghame North and served in five UK Ministerial capacities. On leaving politics in 2005, he became a Non-Executive Director of Celtic plc. He lives on the Isle of Lewis.

Book preview

Prologue

Beijing was one of Adam’s least favourite Chinese cities: flat, drab, polluted, boring, and a long drive from the airport to his hotel. Why couldn’t the meeting have taken place in a more interesting place like Shanghai with its modern buildings, rivers and parks?

This was a dangerous place for a high-ranking CIA agent disguised as a tourist. Being here was not his choice. Adam had heard about Chinese prisons where those incarcerated often ended up as involuntary organ donors. He wasn’t sure how he would be treated if caught and he really didn’t want to know. It was the Director with the support of his boss, Donald, who had insisted that Adam collect this delicate information in person. Goodness knows why this information couldn’t be faxed, or emailed in code, or even conveyed through a phone call? Over this whole double agent episode the Director had been both anxious and paranoid. Perhaps the Director was the double agent and Adam was walking straight into his trap. He checked his watch. Yes there would be time to have a meal at the hotel before he met briefly with the CIA operative. He loved Chinese food especially when it was cooked in China. It was one of his favourite dishes. The Chinese had a way with mixing their meat, vegetables, herbs and special sauces. This time he thought he would have a dish of sweet and sour pork with rice.

Adam was still licking his lips as he made his way from the hotel to his car. That sauce certainly left a pleasant taste in his mouth. It was still early and had only started to get dark, but his years of training as an operative had taught him to always arrive at the rendezvous point well before the arranged time. If there was any ambush planned then he was likely to catch the enemy off guard and have more chance of escape. This was an important meeting with a CIA mole who occupied a high position in the Chinese MSS (Ministry of State Security). Finally he would learn the identity of the double agent, who had been passing US secrets to the Chinese.

He now turned apprehensively into the road on which they had agreed to meet. Driving the full length he checked for possible ambushes and planned escape routes should he encounter difficulties. His foot rested over the accelerator ready to press hard down, but there were no suspicious signs.

Darkness had fallen fast, but China doesn’t stop for night, especially in a city of 11.5 million people. Across the road from where he had parked there was a hive of activity, a garbage recycling business of sorts. It looked to be a genuine activity where people managed to scratch a living dealing in rubbish. Adam was always suspicious of any activity and kept the motor running as he watched motor scooters and bicycles from both directions bringing odds and ends ranging from metal objects to plastic bottles. The proprietor would take the goods, pulling out a wad of notes and paying what he thought fit for each load. In between customers, the owner and his helpers continued to pack the truck methodically stacking it higher and higher until the load was ready to drive away and sell to a larger operator. It seemed to be a labour intensive job with an endless supply to be recycled; a job starting at dawn and ending well beyond dusk.

Thirty minutes had now elapsed when a blue saloon entered the street. Adam switched off the motor and slumped down deep into his seat to give the impression that his car was empty. Could this be his informant, or was it the MSS? Adam heard the car slowly glide by, before rising to observe it stopping about fifty metres further up the road. He waited patiently for the signal, a left then right indicator flash. Finally the blue car signalled just as a large black saloon entered the street. Adam once again quickly slumped down into his seat before this car passed ever so slowly by. As it passed a torch light criss-crossed above his head and Adam sunk even further down into his vehicle. Then the car was gone and Adam, now saturated in sweat, was able to slide back up into his seat. He watched the black saloon continue down the road before it drew level with the blue vehicle and stopped. Then a hand holding a revolver reached out of a window firing four shots into the blue car. A few seconds passed before a short Chinese man bounced out of the black car, opened the blue car door, bent in and returned quickly with papers in his hand. The driver wasted no time leaving the scene, given that the rubbish dealers must have observed the shooting and might call the police.

Adam felt sick to think that he could have been shot had the black car arrived a few minutes later. Across the road the recycling operation continued despite what had happened. Surely they must have noticed, but maybe this was a society where everyone minded their own business. Perhaps given the reputation of the Red Guard, the rubbish dealers were reluctant to involve the police, or maybe they had already made that call. Adam quickly drove his car up the road and stopped level with the blue vehicle. He carefully removed a man from the car who was barely alive and dragged him into the back seat of his vehicle, then quickly searched through the informant’s car for clues on the double agent’s identity. Adam’s face lit up as he found what he was looking for. So it seemed that the MSS had been tipped off and Adam was the target after all. Adam quickly returned to his car and drove off at speed.

After driving a short distance down a few streets, Adam stopped to attend to his passenger, but found that he had meanwhile died. Having removed all ID from his colleague, Adam reluctantly left the body lying at the side of some quiet street, before returning to his hotel where he would spend the night. Tomorrow he would return as planned on his flight to Kuala Lumpa. China was as he had thought a dangerous place and he didn’t want to linger there for too much longer, just in case they discovered that he was still alive.

Chapter One

Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them.

Leo Rosten

Double agent? No, one of the last people I would have expected. Adam Brown, deep in thought, strolled down the quiet side street back to his apartment; a route he frequently travelled. Tomorrow he would return to Washington with valuable information he had taken from his reliable source stationed in China. Capturing this mole would need delicate handling. This was information far too sensitive to convey to Washington other than in person and to the CIA hierarchy.

Adam felt betrayed. He was temporarily awoken from his thoughts as a sickly voice blasted out from a nearby mosque calling obedient Muslim to worship. It reminded him that he was still in Kuala Lumpa. What a hell-hole of a place this is: the dirty streets, the smell of sewerage in a sticky thirty degree heat and this hideous sound amplified around the city. I hate this place. Damn! Damn! I hate this job. Double agent, can we really be sure? No, it couldn’t be.

A noisy motorcycle rattled past, the helmeted rider turning to take more than a cursory glance at the sturdy fifty year-old American strolling down the street. But Adam failed to notice the rider because noise, smell and sweaty hot days were all part of his experience living in this hell-hole. It seemed that he also failed to notice the Mossad agent who had been following him down the street. This middle-aged woman blended into the surroundings and could easily have been somebody’s mother out shopping. Perhaps he had forgotten just how important he had become, or perhaps he had been in his position too long and had grown too complacent.

As the Assistant Director of Asian Operations there was so much to cover, perhaps too much. The balance of power over the last decade had shifted in Asia with the sleeping giant, China, finally awaking. It was now both a major economic and military force. It had started to flex its muscles, extending its interests to places as far away as the Pacific Ocean and Africa, as well as becoming more vocal on disputed territories, particularly islands also claimed by Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Russia. Taiwan and Japan were countries that the USA had strong relationships with, but at the same time the USA needed to nurture its relationship with China in order to isolate Russia. In any world war it was imperative that China would side with the USA. A closer relationship with China also had benefits for the economy and the future prosperity of the USA. Asia was therefore a political football requiring delicacy and diplomacy in matters of intelligence gathering. Adam was both intelligent and tactful, the right man for this job.

Added to this heavy workload was the addition of overseeing the gathering of information on Muslim terrorist activity. Since 9/11 the USA had mounted a war against terror with increased surveillance of Muslim groups such as Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Adam was very much a part of this war against terror with many new operatives now under his control. These terrorist groups needed to be destroyed and the potential for new groups forming, eliminated. While US airport security had been heightened there were limitations to the overall effectiveness. Cunning terrorists could still manage to slip through the borders, and bombs and weapons could still be smuggled onto planes through devious means. This was despite metal detectors, sniffer dogs, security cameras, restrictions on what could be included in hand luggage, plus many other measures. Information feeds on planned acts of terrorism were therefore imperative if further atrocities like 9/11 were to be prevented. Adam’s role in Malaysia had become critical.

Malaysia was both Asian and predominantly Muslim. It had become the safest Muslim country for an intelligence base for both Asian and Muslim matters. This was a politically stable and seemingly neutral country, even though underneath this façade it was marred by corruption and a strong Muslim presence. News of fanatical Muslim initiatives travelled quickly through Muslim circles worldwide, and was certain to reach the ears of certain Malaysian Muslim bent on jihad. Adam had an abundance of Muslim informers planted in all the right places who updated him on new acts of terrorism planned. It wasn’t hard to find a Muslim more than willing to betray Allah for a handful of cash. Israel through its intelligence-gathering organization, Mossad, coveted any information on Arab or Muslim terrorist activity and would take every opportunity to learn of and eliminate new threats. They followed Adam everywhere. Terrorists, on the other hand, would gladly kill to stop such information falling into the wrong hands. Adam’s position was therefore somewhat precarious, yet he felt safe in a country like Malaysia; maybe too safe, blinding him to what lay directly ahead.

Apart from feeling somewhat shaken at learning the identity of the double agent, this had been a productive day. Recent sightings of Osama Bin Laden had been reported around the deep mountain caves bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, and there was every indication of US drones being sent in if they could pinpoint his exact location. Then there was some information he had also acquired concerning a covert Iranian research activity on US soil. This had come at a cost with one of his operatives being taken out. The mutilated body suggested that the operative had been tortured at the hands of a sadist. The Iranian would stop at nothing to prevent their development of weapons of mass destruction being discovered. Since 2002 the US had been aware of nuclear facilities in the Iranian areas of Natanz and Arak, and Iran had been accused of building a nuclear bomb. This was naturally denied. Accordingly, Iran had since been closely monitored, so it would make complete sense for Iran to carry out military research in the last place anyone would look ― the USA.

Yes, it had been a promising day for Adam, though sad when he reflected on the previous day in China and the losses of operatives in both China and Iran. There was much valuable information to pass on when he met with the CIA Hierarchy. Still deep in thought Adam failed to notice the road gang just ahead and telltale signs suggesting danger. Maybe at the age of 55 he had lost that inner edge, one that would have alerted him to the fact that this was no ordinary road gang. Perhaps he had become too complacent and too over-confident. As a stocky six-footer, trained in martial arts he rarely felt threatened, especially in a safe environment like Malaysia. He continued down the street deep in thought, oblivious to the fact that he carried valuable information and would be stopped from passing it on at any cost.

He had now drawn level with the road gang and endeavored to negotiate his way past. On one side of him stood a giant of a man who was resting on a shovel. Sunglasses concealed his eyes and a cap much of his head. He slowly drew aside for the American to pass. On the other side two olive-skinned men were doubled over presumably studying a plan. One held a sack in his hand and both pretended not to notice the American pedestrian. Suddenly Adam was grabbed on each side by two of the men, while the third quickly placed the sack over his head and injected him in the arm. Adam twisted and turned, kicking and wrestling to get free. It was a movement he had practiced many times in learning martial arts, but this time his body quickly fell limp as the drug took effect. Hurriedly he was bundled into the back of a black van and joined by the three men. The van took off at speed passing the Mossad agent. Somewhat stunned she stood there with her mouth wide open, but had just sufficient time to observe what had taken place and to record the number plate and other details which she could pass on up the line. Mossad would certainly be worried if Adam had fallen into Arab hands. He knew too much and would need to be eliminated.

Chapter Two

Strange where our passions carry us, floggingly pursue us, forcing upon us unwanted dreams, unwelcome destinies

Truman Capote

Five days later, Washington DC

Doctor Frank Reza? enquired a tall stocky man in a brown suit, who looked to be in his fifties. My name is Adam Brown and I work for the CIA, he added, producing an ID card at the same time. This is my colleague Saber Azarov, who is overseeing one of our secret military projects.

Frank had been clearing the remaining papers from his desk and was about to leave the lecture room when the two men had unexpectedly entered. He leaned forward and reached out to shake both of their hands.

Sorry, I hope that we haven’t caught you at a bad time? Saber asked as he gave Frank a weak handshake.

No I have just finished giving my last lecture for the semester, and was just about to leave for home. I guess if it hadn’t been for the number of students who bail me up after each lecture with questions I’d have been long gone. So your timing was perfection.

That’s good we caught you in time then as the university wasn’t prepared to give us your private address, said Adam giving Frank a firm handshake.

No they wouldn’t, replied Frank. If students were to know my private address we would get no peace and privacy. I would be constantly hassled about assignment grades, and questions about what areas might be covered in the exams and asked to explain areas they were having difficulties. That’s what the tutorials are for.

I remember those days well, smiled Adam. It was always helpful knowing what areas of the course you didn’t need to revise for the exam.

It was the same in England when I studied there, added Saber. Those cursed exams.

The three men laughed as Adam reached into his pocket and reproduced his ID.

You’ve seen this CIA ID, but as you know anything can be forged to look genuine these days, even just with basic computers and printers. If you’re in any doubt at all then you’re most welcome to confirm my identity with my boss, Donald Bush at the CIA. Don doesn’t know about this project as it is classified at a higher level. By all means check with him, but do not mention the project we are about to discuss, as this is certainly not for his eyes. I hope that you understand?

Frank nodded and put the remaining papers into his briefcase. He had been looking forward to the university break, having taken his last lecture. At times as a lecturer he had felt like a worn out grammar phone needle, teaching the same stuff over and over again as well as answering the same old questions. There was nothing mentally stimulating about lecturing except for the occasional standout student who contributed exciting new ideas, or asked difficult questions. These were the students who made it all worthwhile. As a brilliant physicist and probably the leading expert on laser in the USA he was a highly valued lecturer, but he was even more highly regarded for research projects requiring physicists. He welcomed these occasional opportunities when they arose to assist organisations like the US Military on secret projects. It was an opportunity to escape the mundane environment of lecturing. He also looked forward to other breaks like the occasional overseas conference, where he had the chance to meet with other brilliant minds and brainstorm on a number of theories at the forefront of scientific research. Often these occasional meetings led to breakthroughs.

Frank, continued Adam a little nervously, as he was about to disclose secret information, have you heard of a Professor Yaser Ahmadi, an Iranian physicist who was carrying out research on lasers?

I certainly have, replied Frank. I had many long conversations with Yaser on the subject of lasers. In fact the last time I met him was at an overseas conference. I think it was two years ago in Paris, and before that at the Max Planck Institute in Muchen. Such an approachable man, and so gifted as a physicist. It was so tragic and somewhat suspicious… the car accident, especially at a time when he was so close to making ground-breaking discoveries on laser.

No accident, Mossad…

Saber, interrupted Adam, scowling at Saber. Anyway, to continue, we are carrying out top secret work on the good professor’s findings. At the time he died he was, as you said, close to completing his project. His workings have conveniently fallen into our hands and we would like you to make sense of them and ah… take things to the next level, like ah finishing the project. Naturally you would be paid a generous salary and there is also the satisfaction of knowing that this work is immensely important to our country. You will be working with another Iranian, a Doctor …

Ghasemi, added Saber. So would you be happy working for us, we would love to have you as part of our team?

Am I ever? I’m most happy to serve my country and extremely flattered that you have offered me this opportunity. Frank happily clicked his briefcase shut and checked the latches. This was an offer far too good to turn down no matter how long it might take. Here was a rare opportunity to review the world laser expert’s workings. He was keen to learn what Professor Ahmadi had discovered and his solution to problems such as overcoming atmospheric distortion. His reported accident at the time had appeared suspicious. Perhaps he had been close to a major breakthrough, which might have elevated Iran’s standing in the Middle East. Israel in particular was most concerned about Iran developing nuclear capability and it wouldn’t surprise him if they had commissioned Mossad with the task of closing down this project. But how an Iranian professor’s work papers had fallen into the hands of the CIA was a mystery, but not unusual, and for the USA and Frank this was somewhat of a bonus.

So you’re interested, as the project is expected to commence in two weeks? asked Adam. It won’t interfere with university exams or whatever? You think that you can fit this into your busy schedule?

"I’m definitely interested even if it is short notice.