Code Name Snowman

By David Bennett

Ex Special Forces Jim Hammond, now turned freelance trouble-shooter was relaxing at home when a call came from his old boss Frank Keenan, who was now working for British Intelligence in Cairo. They both served together in the army. Jim had, at one point saved Frank's life. The call was to get Jim to infiltrate a gang of drug smugglers and capture the number one man, a certain Miguel Sandora. Jim knew that if he was going to shut Sandora's operation down, he would have to go into the lion's den. He had to come up with a plan to get Sandora out in the open.........

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Sep 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465303813

David Bennett

David Bennett is from Sydney, Australia and is pursuing a DPhil (PhD) in theology at the University of Oxford. A founding member of the Church of England’s Archbishops’ college of evangelists, he holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Oxford and a master’s degree in theology from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.  

Book preview

Chapter 1

THE CALL FROM CAIRO

Jim was relaxing on the sun deck at the rear of his hideaway home on a remote Island somewhere in the Indian Ocean. He was reflecting on the events that unfolded after receiving a call from his old boss in special forces. When the call came, Jim knew that this would be the end of any peace and tranquility he had in mind for the foreseeable future.

Hello, Jim! Frank Keenan here!

Frank you old bastard! How are you?

Fine Jim, just fine, how about you?

Things are just great this end. What’s on your mind Frank?

I’ve got a job for you if you’re interested.

I’m always interested if the price is right, what’s it all about Frank?

I can’t say too much over the phone, come to my office and I’ll brief you on all the details.

OK Frank I’ll be on the first flight in the morning, see you later.

I’ll look forward to it Jim.

Jim went into the bedroom and began throwing a few things into a bag.

He grabbed his things and made his way down to the jetty where he had a small power boat moored, he climbed aboard and made ready to launch. As Jim prepared the boat for its trip, he stopped and stood still for a moment, and gazed in awe at the sheer beauty of the Island.

The Island, covered for the most part in dense jungle, with a few small clearings where local fisherman lived with their families in huts, made from materials taken from the surrounding jungle. The fishermen make their own boats from timber harvested locally, and fish with nets to catch fish for the table. The crescent-shaped bay where Jim had his boat moored, had pure white sand and the sea was a beautiful azure blue. Jim thanked his lucky stars for the privilege of being able to live in such idyllic surroundings, as almost all the missions that he had been on were in horrendous locations.

Jim was above average height, standing at six feet two inches tall in his socks, he had a muscular body with a square jaw and a rugged complexion. He had brown eyes and tightly curled short black hair. He also sported a few battle scars, most of which weren’t visible, apart from the scar that ran diagonally across his chin, which he gained in a skirmish with some North Korean rebels. Jim had spent eight years in Special Forces, and in that time he went all over the world, mainly on black ops. After his time in the armed forces, Jim took time out to relax and forget the horrors he had seen over the years; but it was short-lived as he soon got bored. That was when he decided to go free-lance and hire himself out to anyone with the right amount of cash. That way he could pick the jobs he took on. He was a very private man who liked nothing more than relaxing at home with a beer, where the only thing to worry about was, what to have for lunch. A far cry from the realities of the missions he often found himself on.

The short trip would take about an hour, he fired up the outboard engine and opened up the throttle, the boat surged forward and the bow of the boat lifted out of the water as it sped through the waves. Jim sat in the seat and settled down to motor towards the mainland. As the boat cut through the waves, Jim’s thoughts turned back towards that comfy hammock he had left only a few moments ago, he wondered how long it would be before he would be able to kick back and relax once again. The sky was a beautiful clear blue, there was a light breeze coming from the mainland which made the sea a little choppy, there were three or four small fishing boats in the bay, catching fish for the market, as Jim sailed by them the fishermen began to wave, he waved back and shouted his greetings to them. Once on the mainland he made his way into the town where he could get a cab to the airport.

Taxi!

Where to sir?

Take me to the airport and there’s an extra ten rupee for you if you can get me there before my plane leaves.

Yes sir!

The streets were bustling with people and traders, trying to sell you anything from carpets and silks, to spices and herbs, and the smells of all kinds of food being cooked filled the air, as the taxi weaved its way through the narrow streets. Finally the streets began to clear, as we started to leave town and head for the main highway. After about an hour of being shut in a car with the outside temperature reaching a hundred and ten degrees, he was more than happy to see the airport appear on the horizon.

Here we are sir!

Thanks.

That’s twenty rupees please sir.

There you are and here’s an extra ten for you.

Thank you very much sir.

Jim made his way into the crowded airport. He gazed around the departure lounge for a moment until he spotted the departure desk.

Ah, there it is.

He made his way through the crowds of people to the desk. On the desk there was the most beautiful young woman he had seen in a long time, she had long black glossy hair and dark brown eyes that sparkled as bright as any star in the sky.

Yes sir, how can I help you?

Yes I’d like to book a seat on the next flight to Cairo please.

Certainly Sir. The next flight departs at ten thirty and check-in is at gate fifty-four.

Thank you that’s fine.

That will be one hundred eighty-five rupees sir, how would you like to pay?

By card.

Thank you sir, if you could just sign here sir.

Certainly.

Gate fifty-four is down there to the right, sir.

Thank you, very much!

After the time he spent in the taxi, in the heat, Jim thought that a few hours on a comfortable air-conditioned plane would be just what he needed, at least he would be able to get his head down for a few hours. He made his way to the departure gate, it was like all airports, the gate you wanted was a mile and half away. Still, it was good to stretch your legs for a while. The airport was a busy place, bustling with people, some waiting for flights, and others waiting for friends or relatives, to come in on planes that have flown in from all parts of the world. There was also a lot of security noticeable, which was understandable, with the current situation in the world today. Finally Jim got to the passport desk. He attached himself to the end of the queue and waited. Luckily the queue moved quickly, so it wasn’t long before he got to the desk, he gave the man his paperwork, he opened up Jim’s passport and looked at him, it was the same the world over, passport control always made you feel like a criminal. The man gave Jim his documents back, and he made his way to the security scanner, he put his bag on the conveyor and it moved in towards the X-ray machine, he walked through the body scanner, as usual it went off, so he checked his pockets, he pulled out some change and his lighter, he went back through again, this time it was OK.

He picked up his bag and walked to the departure lounge. Once he got to the lounge he made for the refreshment area and ordered himself a coffee. He took his cigarettes from his pocket and lit one; he looked at the packet and noticed he was getting low, so he went to the counter to buy another pack. Yes sir? said the man behind the counter.

Twenty Marlborough please.

The man turned and took a packet from the shelf behind him.

There you are sir. said the man.

He paid for the cigarettes and went back to his coffee. As he sipped at the coffee his mind wandered back to the days when he was happily married to Jill, he still would be, but for the accident on that fate full night in November, when Jill was mown down by a hit a run driver, while on her way home from work.

He often found himself lying in bed at night, crying like a baby. Jim was a hard man but the loss of his wife hit him hard, so much so that he often had thoughts of committing suicide, so that he could be with her again. He sometimes thought that life without Jill was so empty that he just didn’t want to go on. I’m not so sure this was such a good thing to have on your mind when going on a mission; it would either dull your reflexes, or make you so reckless that you would take unnecessary risks. All he knew was, he had to keep working, this would at the very least, keep his mind focused on other things. Just then, the sound of a baby crying brought Jim back to reality, he looked around the departure lounge, it was beginning to get full by now, so it wouldn’t be long before take off. Jim carried on drinking his coffee and smoking the cigarette. It wasn’t long before the call came over the public address system.

Will all passengers for flight number 86734 to Cairo please make their way to gate fifty-four as the plane is now boarding?

He stubbed the cigarette out in the ashtray and downed the last of the coffee, grabbed his bag and walked towards the gate. When he got to the gate he handed the attendant his boarding pass, and walked down the corridor to the plane. As he got to the plane the flight attendant asked to see his boarding pass.

Seat thirty-four sir, down on the left hand side.

Thanks.

He made his way down the plane to his seat; he put his bag in the overhead locker and took his seat by the window. The plane started to fill up, and it wasn’t long before the attendant closed the door and the plane was taxiing down the runway. The pilot turned the plane to face the wind, and opened the throttle, and the roar of the engines got louder, it wasn’t long before the plane was in the air. As soon as the plane leveled off, the cabin staff came around with the drinks trolley.

Can I get you anything sir? she said.

Yes, I’ll have a coffee, thank you.

Jim sat back and began to enjoy his coffee. He gazed out of the window at the clouds as they sailed by; the sky was a perfect clear blue. He finished his drink and settled down to have forty winks; the flight would take a few hours so he had plenty of time to sleep. As the plane began to descend Jim began to wake from his slumber, he had no idea how long he had been asleep, just then the plane banked around and he could see the runway lights below from the window, as the plane began to descend the lights from the airport came into view. Once down on the ground Jim made his way to the luggage hall, after a short wait his bag came into view, he grabbed the bag and made his way to the taxi rank outside.

Taxi!

Jim opened the door and climbed in.

Take me to the British Embassy!

Yes sir!

The taxi began to weave its way through the narrow streets until finally it reached its destination. Jim walked up to large iron gates and rang the bell, the door opened and a large man said.

State your business!

My appointment is with Sir Frank Keenan.

I need to see some I.D.!

With that he walked towards the gate, Jim handed him his passport, as he was checking the details another man came to the door.

Jim! Good to see you! OK Jenkins let him through; he’s a friend of mine.

Thanks said Jim.

Come on let’s go up to my office, there’s no time to lose.

Frank Keenan was of average height with grey hair which was thinning on top, the gold-rimmed glasses he wore sat low down on his nose, he also had an obvious limp that he gained when he was on active service as Jim’s Commanding Officer. After his injury he was given a desk job, it was still dealing with undercover operations, but more on the administrative side of things.

Come on in Jim, have a seat, coffee?

Sure black no sugar.

So what’s this all about Frank?

OK let’s get down to it, have you heard of a man called Miguel Sandora?

No can’t say I have.

"Well you’re going to very soon. He’s the head of the biggest drugs cartel in South America, and he’s been able to make shipments all over Europe completely undetected for the past four years, we think that he has an inside man high up in the Amsterdam police force, but we haven’t been able to find him yet, so we need you to flush him out. Now, there’s a freighter due to leave South America on the19th, that should give you about ten days to get yourself organized, we have word that Sandora will be on it.

It seems he wants to make sure that everything goes smoothly, as this is the biggest shipment of heroine he’s made so far, and we’re going to intercept it, and with a bit of luck we can catch Sandora and his contact at the same time. Our freighter is due to dock at Rotterdam harbor on the 29th, so I want you to get yourself down there and see what you can find out, we’ve got a man on the ground in Rotterdam. You can contact him at a bar called the Blue Capstan; he goes by the name of Jack Solomon. You can contact me on the usual number with the code word Snowman. Any questions Jim?

Just one, where can I get some food around here I’m starving?

OK come on let’s go, I know a great place we can eat, but the beers are on you OK!

They made their way down to the underground car park to were Frank had a company car waiting.

Get in Jim; I’m going to take you to the best restaurant in Cairo.

Great I’m starving!

After a short drive they arrived at the restaurant.

Here we are Jim, you’re going to love it here; the fish in this place is absolutely delicious.

They made their way to a table and sat down. The waiter came over and handed them the menu.

Can I get you something to drink while you’re waiting sir?

Yes I’d like two large beers please.

OK now let’s see, I think I’ll have the soup followed by the Red Snapper, how about you Jim?

I’ll have the sea bass followed by a rib eye steak.

Now Jim, I’ve got you on a military flight in the morning at 0.900 that will take you to Holland, from the airport you will take a car to Rotterdam, after that you’re on your own.

Thanks, you’re so good to me Frank.

If I thought you couldn’t handle the job you wouldn’t be here.

That’s comforting to know.

As they waited for their food to arrive they chatted about old times and the missions they had been on together. It had been four or five years since they had any kind of contact.

So how is Mary these days Frank?

Oh, she’s just fine Jim, and she’s looking forward to seeing you again, how long has it been four-five years.

Yeah well I’ve been a little busy.

Yes, I heard that you had a little trouble in North Korea.

Yeah, they thought they could take liberties, so I had to show them the error of their ways.

Yes but did you have to blow up half of North Korea in the process.

So Frank, tell me more about this Sandora.

Well, he heads the largest drug cartel in South America, and he’s a ruthless bastard, if he finds out that you’re not who you say you are, he will have you killed, and not in a good way. When you get to Rotterdam I want you to go to the Blue Capstan and find Jack Solomon, he’ll bring you up to speed, you can get a room there. But be careful Jim, Sandora will have his informants all over that harbor.

Don’t worry Frank; they won’t know I’m there until it’s too late.

Ah! Here comes the food, I could eat a scabby horse!

The waiter laid the food on the table.

Enjoy your meal sir.

Another beer Jim?

We had better make this the last one I want to keep a clear head for tomorrow.

As they ate their meal they reminisced about old times back in their army days.

Have you kept in contact with any of the guys from the unit Jim?

No I dropped out for two years; I just relaxed in the sun, did a bit of fishing and got drunk.

I heard that Sammy and Nigel bought it in Angola, they were doing some freelance protection work at the time.

That’s a bloody shame, they were good blokes.

After a satisfying meal they sat and enjoyed the last of the beer. Frank gestured to the waiter.

Could I have the bill please?

They paid the bill and went out to the car park.

OK Jim, let’s head back to my place. Mary’s made up a bed in the spare room for you.

They made their way to the car and drove towards Frank’s house. After a short drive they came to the house, Frank went in first.

Mary! Mary! I’m home and Jim’s here!

Mary came down from upstairs.

Jim it’s lovely to see you.

Hello Mary, you’re looking as gorgeous as ever!

Oh flattery will get you everything! Your not looking to shabby yourself Jim!

Can I get a hello too?

Ooh, you poor thing, come here and give me a hug, mm, that’s good.

OK you two, enough, enough!

Can I get any one a coffee?

Yes please, said Frank.

Not for me Mary I need to get my head down, I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.

OK Jim, Frank, show Jim to his room while I put the coffee on.

Come on Jim it’s this way. Lead on. See you in the morning Mary!

Goodnight Jim, sleep well.

Here we are Jim.

Thanks Frank, I really appreciate you letting me stay the night.

Think nothing of it, it could be the best night’s sleep you’ll have in a while.

See you in the morning Jim.

Night Frank.

Jim made his self comfortable and got ready to bed down for the night. It could be a long day tomorrow, so a good night’s sleep was just what the doctor ordered.

Next morning Jim woke early, and lay there wondering what he would be up against when he finally gets to Rotterdam. One thing for sure, it wouldn’t be all heart’s and flowers. Jim made his way downstairs and into the kitchen where Mary was already making breakfast.

Good morning, Mary.

Morning Jim, did you sleep OK?

Fine thanks Mary.

Sit down breakfast’s nearly ready, coffee Jim?

Yes, please.

Where’s Frank?

Oh he’s in the den, making sure the car picks you up on time.

Ah! Jim, your up, the car will be here at eight to take you to the airbase. You’ll report to the Base Commander on arrival.

Come and sit down Frank breakfasts on the table.

OK honey, I’m coming, mm! This looks great.

I’ve had the gear you asked for put on the plane Jim, so everything is ready for you when you get to the airbase.

Do we know the name of the ship the drugs are on Frank?

Yes Jim, it’s called the Santa Rosa, when you contact Jack Solomon he will give you the entire local in-tell. I’ve also arranged for you to stay in a hotel near the harbor, it’s not the Ritz but it will be better for your cover.

And just what is my cover?

You’ll be posing as a docker, I’ve got you a job with one of the team’s down on the dock. You’ll report to a man called Franz Bauer, he’s the foreman down there.

He will be suspicious if I turn up out of the blue.

"That’s all been taken care of, I’ve arranged a cover story for you with the head office of the port authority, and so if