Threat From The Pearl Of Antilles (Threat Series, Book 1)

By Robert Koger

The more police detective Sean Kennedy and mystery writer C. L. ‘Claire’ Morris, learned about the enemy, the more dangerous it became. They were up against a wide-spread, treacherous, and well-funded organization that had spent years gathering power so they could undermine and destroy the United States from within. The patriots would die for their mission, and wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who got in their way. Sean and Claire’s knowledge of the organization put them in danger, and both were in the crosshairs of El Cuco and his team of killers.

El Cuco's job was to torture and kill those who got in the way. He was a masochist who made sure his victims suffered. His latest victim was Vernon Childs, a retired Secret Service Agent who was a father figure and mentor for Claire. Childs investigation into the series of murders got too close to El Cuco.

Sean didn't know who he could trust which made every step dangerous. He had a plan, but one misstep and both he and Claire would die. Could they stop the threat to America?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Koger
• Release date: Nov 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370881239

Robert Koger

Robert ‘Bob’ Koger writes full time. Writing has been a big part of his life, starting as a technical writer for a fortune 500 company. He then started writing books on coaching youth soccer before turning to mysteries. Bob has a wide range of interests. Among some of his favorites hobbies are: soccer, fishing, and reading. He enjoys spending time with his best friend, who also happens to be his wife Mary, and his family. He has a daughter, two sons, a grandson and three granddaughters.

Book preview

Books by Robert Koger

DAN EDWARDS MYSTERY SERIES

Death’s Revenge, Book 1

Coyote Secret, Book 2

Envelope of Death, Book 3

All Must Die, Book 4

MYSTERY – PARANORMAL

Death On My Watch

SOCCER

101 Great Youth Soccer Drills

The New Coach’s Guide to Coaching Youth Soccer

Baffled Parent’s Guide to Fix-It Drills for Youth Soccer

Ejercicious de entrenamiento para Jovenes Futbolistas

MAINTAINING THE HOME

The Ultimate Guide

This is a work of fiction. Characters, corporations, businesses, institutions, and organizations in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously without any intent to describe actual conduct.

Copyright © 2017, Robert Koger

All rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Books by Robert Koger

Prologue: Havana - 1960

Chapter 1: Current Day - Dallas, Texas

Chapter 2: Dallas, Texas

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Next Book

To my family for their support, and to the book review group who made suggestions and corrections that enhanced this book. To all of you, thank you.

Prologue

Havana - 1960

Hitler had the right concept. His Fourth Reich was well thought out and ready to go. However, he was a narcissist and because of his arrogance he failed to accept the fact that Germany could lose the war. He botched the only thing that could have given him world domination.

El Presidente paused to look over the large group of young couples. All eyes were on him. They were in awe of the great man standing in his military field uniform, inside the Presidential Palace. Not a single sound could be heard as they waited for him to continue.

Looking around the room he saw the majestic windows that stood 25 feet in height. Their curved tops just added to the elegance. Through the windows he could see Havana bustling with life. The stage he was on was framed by large columns reaching from the floor to the ceiling and the platform was elevated so he looked down on his group. Everyone was happy and pleased to be in the new Cuba. He’d led the revolt and was revered by the masses.

When my army of patriots won back our land I vowed to the people of Cuba that never again would we be ruled by puppets who danced from the strings of America.

Moving his arm so his finger could point at all of the people in the audience he said, "You have been chosen to be my instruments to creating a new world order. Let me explain why your missions are so important. President Kennedy of the United States said, ‘At the beginning of 1959, United States companies owned about 40 percent of the Cuban sugar lands, almost all the cattle ranches, 90 percent of the mines and mineral concessions, 80 percent of the utilities, practically all the oil industry, and supplied two-thirds of Cuba’s imports’. That is a crime. Batista didn’t want to make Cuba a great land. He only wanted to get money from the Yankee imperialists.

I mentioned the Fourth Reich earlier. The First Reich was the Roman Empire which ran from 962 to 1806. The Second Reich was the German Empire that ran from 1871 to 1918. The Third Reich, which was the shortest, ran from 1933 to 1945.

He’d had his younger brother look up the information. He, El Presidente, was the fighter and his younger brother the academic. His brother was smart, but he didn’t have the stature or the ability to stand in front of people and mesmerize them.

"The Fourth Reich was a concept where Germany would send out people to other countries to grow and become embedded into the very fabric of the country. As time went on, they would be placed into key positions throughout the countries they were sent to, taking over finance, politics, churches, and all areas that could influence and control that country.

"This is where you all come into the picture. You will attend classes on everything you need to take your place in America, and to also raise children to do our bidding. It may not happen with the first generation, and I might not live to see it implemented, but it will be my legacy.

"When you finish your classes, you will be sent to America. You will have houses and apartments furnished to you. You will have new identification documents and money provided by Cuba. You will also have people to contact if you need assistance.

You are the tip of the sword. There will come a day when America will be brought to its knees. We will control all aspects of the country and the imperial pigs will do our bidding.

Walking down off the stage he stood in front of the people. You will find great Cuban pastries on the tables at the back of the room. You will also see each of your names on a roster. Beside each name is a number. The number designates which group you will be assigned to for your training.

He smiled as he turned and walked away from the group. He was joined by his body guards as they escorted him from the room. At the door he stopped, turned back to face the people, and told the group. Your new life starts today.

He smiled as he walked to his Presidential Office. He was pleased. As President for Life he would be able to keep his finger on the project to ensure everything continued to go as planned. America would pay for what they did to him and his beloved Cuba.

Chapter 1

Current Day - Dallas, Texas

The car drove slowly as the occupants observed the area. The five men in the car were totally different in appearance. They all had the darker skin tone and dark hair that’s common with people from South America, but that’s where the similarity ended.

It was just before 1:00 AM and all the lights in the homes were out. The neighborhood was a nice one. Unlike the poorer ones, these had wooden fences around the back yards. Poor neighborhoods had backyards that were open, or had chain link fences around them. The rich also had paved alleys between the houses.

El Conductor, ‘The Driver’ was slender and his face was narrow, almost pointed, with weasel-like features. The leader of the crew, Oz, or as the world knew him, El Cuco, "The Monster’, could have been a model. He had the build and looks you’d expect from an actor in a soap opera. The big guy was El Hombre Fuerte, ‘The Strongman’, and was all muscles. He had a shaved head and looked like a bodybuilder. The fourth guy, El Ayudante, ‘The Helper’, had a normal build and normal look. No one would take a second glance at him. The final occupant was El Gato, ‘The Cat’. He was small, with eyes constantly scanning left and right. Always on alert.

Oz pointed ahead. Drive around the block one more time. I want to make sure no one is watching.

Oz turned to El Ayudante as the drove under the darkened street light, When did you take out the light?

I did it tonight, about two hours ago. I didn’t want to give anyone time to fix it before our mission.

Very good. Is everyone ready?

All four men answered as one. We are.

Oz was pleased. El Conductor, pull over at the side of the corner house. Since it’s vacant and has a for sale sign in the yard, no one will be there to see us. When El Ayudante shot out the light he gave us darkness. Darkness will cover us in our mission.

When the car stopped, Oz turned to one of the men in the back seat. El Gato, go ahead and unlock the back door for us. The house is the one on the corner lot I pointed out as we drove past it. It is the farthest house down the alley, on the left.

Are you sure he’s asleep?

Oz laughed. You’re a little old lady. Always worried about something. Yes, he’s asleep. Just pick the lock and move out of the way. Once your magic fingers grant us access, go back into the alley and serve as the lookout. El Conductor will stay in the car. That way we have both ends of the block covered.

As the Cat was getting out of the car, Oz asked, Everyone have on their gloves?

El Gato stopped and Oz smiled, I know you don’t wear gloves, your magic fingers need to be free to manipulate the lock.

As the other three exited the car, no light came on from the interior. It had been turned off to ensure no one would be distracted by it.

They quietly made their way down the alley. As they approached the back of the house, El Gato came out of the gate into the alley.

The door is unlocked. He only had the deadbolt engaged.

Oz smiled and nodded. Thanks, now keep your eyes open for anyone who doesn’t belong.

He led the team through the backyard, up on the covered back porch, and silently turned the door knob. The door swung inward with no sound. All three entered. Oz pointed to his left and the other two nodded. They had memorized the layout of the house and knew exactly where to go. They exited the kitchen and moved into the hallway. Vernon’s bedroom was on the left. He had his own bathroom, with another across the hall. The house was originally a three-bedroom, one-bath house that had been remodeled. Vernon had added another bathroom in his bedroom and had changed the front bedroom into an office.

Oz held up his hand and they stopped. The door to the bedroom was open. They stood and listened, but the only sound was his steady breathing. Oz gave the signal to enter and spread out. They had gone over this numerous times and each person knew exactly what they had to do. The Cat had been inside the house and photographed it when Vernon was out. They had studied the pictures and knew where everything was.

El Ayudante and El Hombre Fuerte moved to the sides of the bed while Oz stood at the foot of the bed.

Oz grabbed Vernon’s foot and shook it, he instantly woke and reached for the drawer in his night table to get his gun. The Helper gripped that arm while The Strongman snatched the other.

Oz told them to lift him out of the bed. As they did he told Vernon, Good evening, I’m El Cuco, and it’s time for you to feel my wrath.

Drag him into the kitchen and tie him to the chair. El Ayudante, do your thing

The Strongman picked him up like he weighed nothing. Vernon struggled but the big guy shook him like a rag doll. Behave, or I will hurt you.

Vernon calmed down but said, You’re going to anyway, so what difference does it make?

The Strongman laughed, Doesn’t make any difference to me.

They took him into the kitchen, closed the curtains, and turned on the lights. The Helper pulled out a chair and The Strongman sat Vernon in it. As he was held in position, The Helper strapped his body and legs to the chair with duct tape.

Once Vernon was secured, The Helper walked out to the back porch where he picked up his canvas bag of tools they had brought for the job. He sat it on the kitchen table and reached inside pulling out two six-inch steel spike nails. He then pulled out an eight-pound hammer. Turning to Vernon he said, Mr. Childs, it’s time to begin the ceremony. The first thing is to ensure you don’t try to run away.

Vernon saw what he was trying to do, but he was tied to the chair and couldn’t move. The Helper took the nail, placed it at the top of his foot, raised the hammer and struck the nail driving it through the foot and into the wooden floor. He hit it twice more to ensure it was anchored properly. When he finished he repeated the process with the second foot.

The tape around Vernon’s mouth prevented him from screaming. Oz had watched his face and it looked like he was trying to say something. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to tell us everything you know.

Oz had just finished when Vernon jerked from a spasm and his head slumped until his chin was on his chest.

Oz was disappointed. I thought you’d be stronger than that. A few nails and you pass out. You are a little baby.

The Helper put his finger on the side of Vernon’s neck. I don’t think he’s alive.

Oz lifted Vernon’s head and pried open his mouth. What happened? Did he take a pill to kill himself?

He looked inside his mouth, but didn’t see anything, there wasn’t any sign of a drug.

The Strongman said, He might have had a heart attack.

This had never happened to Oz. He turned and walked into the bathroom, opened the medicine cabinet and pulled out the bottles of medicine. Returning to the room he said, He had high blood pressure, and heart problems. We should have checked on that.

The Helper said, It’s never happened before.

You’re right, but we’ve never dealt with anyone as old as him. I will add that to our list for The Cat to check when he enters the houses and businesses.

Oz looked around the kitchen. The house was old but the kitchen looked like it had just been remodeled. The counters were polished granite; there was a farm style sink, plenty of cabinets, and a four-person table.

Since he’s dead, he can’t tell us what we need to know. Close the blinds throughout the house and search for the information. We know he has it. Find it.

The three shut the blinds and curtains and then pulled out three LED lights that had straps that went around their heads. They turned on the lights and started searching. The office was first. They found a few files on people, but nothing dealing with them.

The remainder of the file cabinet was filled with household items. They pulled out each file, looked through it and then dropped it to the floor. They emptied the drawers of his desk on the top of the desk. They didn’t find anything.

Oz pointed down the hall. Each of us will take a different room and check it thoroughly. Look everywhere.

They split up and after about 15 minutes they returned to the kitchen. They’d looked everywhere. Even inside the cushions and mattresses. They’d taken knives and split them from edge to edge. There weren’t any files.

The Strongman asked, Do you suppose he keeps them in a safe deposit box?

Oz shook his head. No. There wasn’t paperwork from the bank that showed he had a box. There were a few letters to his lawyer, but those dealt with his will.

The Helper asked, So what do we do now?

Nothing. We know he was a loner. The only person he had much contact with was the writer. We looked at her, but she’s not a threat. Let’s finish up.

They went back into the kitchen where Oz said, We have to do everything like we always do.

The Helper nodded. He pulled out the ice pick and drove it into Vernon’s right ear. Normally after getting the information, or tying up loose ends, they would use the ice pick to scramble the person’s brain. It was El Cuco’s signature. It left the person alive, but in a vegetable state, unable to communicate or do anything else.

Oz pulled out the card and placed in on Vernon’s lap. It read, ‘Quien por su gusto padece, vaya al infierno a quejarse’. The message meant, ‘Who suffers for his taste, go to hell to complain.’ Also on the card was a black image of the monster, El Cuco.

Oz sent the others through the house to turn off the lights. They departed out the back door. The Cat was there and joined them as they headed down the alley to the waiting car.

Chapter 2

Dallas, Texas

Sean pulled his Jeep Wrangler off of McCallum Street and into the parking lot of the North Central Police Department. As he headed inside he waved at a few of the guys also going in, and a few on their way out.

He went straight to the breakroom to get some coffee. The Lieutenant had convinced the purchasing department to get them a new coffee maker. The one he got was hooked up to a water supply that allowed the water to stay hot. All they had to do was put in the coffee. However, it hadn’t worked right after the first week.

Sean hoped it was working today. He had a small four cup pot at home. In reality it made about two regular size cups of coffee. When he left his apartment he only had half a cup to drink on the way to work.

He looked at the coffee maker, and it appeared to be okay. He rinsed a cup and put it under the spout. He was just about to hit the brew button when Rob walked in.

Don’t bother trying Sarge. I did earlier and all I got was hot water filled with coffee grounds. I used the small coffee maker we bought from donations to make some.

Rob hesitated, The night shift left it on and it cooked the little bit of coffee they didn’t drink. It was a mess and took me about ten minutes to clean it out. The good news is this is fresh.

Sean walked over to the pot, lifted the carafe and poured himself a cup. It was hot and smelled good. Thanks Rob, I really need this, I was about to go into withdrawal.

Rob smiled. Rough night with the ladies?

I wish. The neighbor got a new puppy and it whined and barked all night long.

You do know you own a gun.

Sean smiled and took a sip of his coffee. Trust me I’ve wanted to shoot the neighbors since the day they moved in.

I meant shoot the dog.

You and I both know the dog is safe, the people that live there, not so much.

As they were leaving the room, Rob asked, Can you ask the LT about getting the coffee maker repaired. That 12-cup pot just isn’t enough.

Sean nodded. I’ll run it past him, but you know him. He’ll start complaining about the budget.

Sean sat down at his desk, signed into his office computer and was scanning the daily details when his partner walked up to his desk.

Sarge, the Lieutenant wants to see us.

Morning, Megan, what’s he got?

Don’t know. He was out here earlier looking for you.

I was in the break room trying to get a cup of coffee.

Senior Corporal Sandusky looked at his cup. Is the machine working?

No, but Rob made a fresh pot with the small one. If you hurry you might be able to get some.

Megan took her cup and headed to get some for herself. Sean sat at his desk and sipped his until she returned.

The LTs door was open so they walked in. His office was always a mess. Folders scattered everywhere, pictures on the walls of him standing with other people were all at different angles, and the blinds on his windows were bent and hanging oddly.

Lt. Ridder was near retirement, stood six feet one, was overweight, had thinning hair that he combed over to hide his bald spot on the top of his head, and had a red face due to his poor diet, and high blood pressure. He was always upset over something.

Sean asked, Got something for us boss?

Lieutenant Ridder looked at the cups of coffee and asked, Is the coffee machine working?

No. Rob brewed a fresh pot with the little one.

The LT snatched his cup and took off. Take a seat, I’ll be right back.

He had a couch at the side of the room and two chairs facing his desk. Sean hesitated trying to decide whether to sit on the couch or in one of the chairs. He finally took the chair next to Megan. I don’t know where he got these chairs, but they are the most uncomfortable chairs I’ve ever sat in.

Megan smiled as she looked at him. The chairs are fine, you’re just too big to fit in them.

Sean was six feet three, with sandy brown hair. It wasn’t blond, but it wasn’t brown either, but was a mixture of the two. He had broad shoulders, a small waist and large muscular legs. Megan was five feet seven, weighed about 140 pounds, with red hair, blue eyes, and a figure that couldn’t be hidden even by wearing loose clothing.

When the Lieutenant returned, Sean said, Why don’t you get someone here to fix the big coffee machine?

We don’t have the money in the budget.

Megan cut in. It’s only a few months old, didn’t the Purchasing department get a warranty on it?

The Lieutenant stopped, crinkled his forehead and looked at Megan. I don’t know. I never thought of that. I’ll get Admin to check on it. If they did, repairing it won’t cost me anything.

With that settled, Sean asked, So why did you want to see us?

The Lieutenant sorted through the papers on his desk until he found the one he was hunting for. La Cuckoo struck again.

Sean sat straight up in his chair. El Cuco hit in our area?

Yes, the FBI has jurisdiction, but they knew you all worked other cases and called to let you know about this one.

We need to get there and see the scene.

The Lieutenant nodded. "Figured you would. I got the address for you. I shifted your stuff to Sergeant Martin and Senior Corporal