Desperation Rules the Day: 1, #1

By Colin Guest

Desperation Rules the Day is the first in a thrilling trilogy related to the ongoing situation between America and Iran. Over his head in gambling debts, cargo ship captain Nathan accepts a large sum of money to allow two containers aboard his ship. Little does he know, he's now an accomplice in an Iran-backed terrorist plot set to cause mass devastation on Independence Day. A surprise awaits this act, which leads to the start of a trail of retribution against the perpetrators.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tigerman
• Release date: Mar 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781393140252

Colin Guest

Colin Guest is English, now retired and living in Istanbul. He has written eleven books, including memoirs, thrillers and romance stories. His latest book is Unforgettable Cruise, a romance story. Colin is passionate about wild animals and has adopted a tiger for the past twelve years.

Book preview

Dedication

In memory to all those who died from terrorist attacks

The Terrorist Plot

Chapter 1

Book 1

––––––––

In Panama, Nathan Hobbs sat in a smoke-filled, dimly lit bar, nursing a cold beer. At 55, he looked older than his years. Nathen’s once six-foot-tall, erect frame now slumped with despair. His belly showed he drank more than he exercised. That, and along with the lack of focus in his blurry brown eyes, he was a mess. Once a captain in the U.S Navy, Nathan was discharged after being found guilty of striking a visiting admiral while drunk on duty. The admiral had then utilised his many contacts and put the word out not to hire him. As a result, Nathan had found it impossible to get another captain’s position in the U.S.. Shamed and unable to get a decent job, Nathan moved to Panama, where he had lived ever since.

Now, despite racking his brains, Nathan could think of no way out of his present predicament. Namely, his wage as a captain with a shipping company could not cover his massive gambling debts. He’d been warned on multiple occasions of the consequences should he not pay off the money he owed. Unfortunately, like many gamblers on a losing streak, Nathan gambled more to regain his losses. To his dismay, he ended up further in debt than when he began. Given his situation, Nathan cringed each time the bar door creaked open. He only relaxed when he found the person entering was not a threat to his safety.

Unbeknownst to him, a way out of his predicament was about to enter the bar. It would present itself because of trouble thousands of miles away in Iran. Due to sanctions placed by the U.S., Iran found itself currently embroiled in civil unrest. In addition, the country was in dire straits, with the economic situation worsened by the day.

Many in Iran and outside the country knew the Revolutionary Guards ran the country, not the president. The ruling council was worried the population would rise and overthrow the government. This, they could not allow happening. Given these concerns, when approached by one Hamid Khoroushi with an audacious plan to make America suffer, they were keen to know more. To their astonishment, it involved blowing up a major American landmark. Its destruction would not only strike a significant blow, but it would also cause the deaths of hundreds of people.

His scheme was so outrageous, at first, they were shocked. Then, on hearing Hamid would only use American nationals or people who held American passports, the council listened earnestly. Their eyes lit up with delight as he outlined his idea. It would send shock waves reverberating throughout the world. Although all eyes would turn to Iran as the culprit, nothing could be proved. Overall, the council were impressed. It would give their people other things to think about beyond the country’s economic woes. They believed it was worth the money Hamid required to execute his scheme. However, given the seriousness of what he intended, the council gave Hamid a warning. Should  America learn Iran was behind the attack, he would pay with his life.

Despite this, Hamid was not unduly concerned. He had been the instigator behind terrorist plots in Middle Eastern and European countries. Hamid was a man who did not stand out in a crowd nor gave any visible sign of being anything other than your average passer-by. During his years as a loyal subject to the Iranian cause, Hamid had gained many contacts in different parts of the world. He had plenty of associates to involve in his audacious plot. Hamid chuckled inwardly. He considered himself a master puppeteer - when he pulled the strings, others danced. His plan would bring death and destruction on a massive scale. Plus, the traffic disruption in San Francisco would cause chaos. 

His plot involved two separate operations, the first more complicated than the second. However,  Hamid did not foresee any problems with unlimited funds at his disposal. He had a large team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to the cause. 

The first part of Hamid’s plan required a cargo ship, which after several weeks of searching, Ramiz, one of his contacts, located one in Panama. It belonged to a small shipping company more interested in a tax loss than operating the ship. The company employed an American captain and several crew members who, for various reasons, could not return to America. However, they were American  -perfect for Hamid’s plan.

Due to the general slowdown in the shipping world, the ship spent most of its time moored outside the port of Balboa. However, discreet enquiries revealed the captain needed money. Not only to keep him supplied with booze and prostitutes, but to pay off his gambling debts. Given this information, Ramiz was instructed to contact the captain—Mr Nathan Hobbs.

An accomplice of Ramiz named Salem tracked down the captain in a dimly lit bar in downtown Balboa. After a casual introduction, Salem told him he had a proposition that might interest him. Nathan blinked and looked up. He hoped whatever Salem wanted; he would be well rewarded.

Salem didn’t miss the dollar signs light up in Nathan’s eyes. He knew he had his attention. I want two containers placed on your ship when you leave Panama. Then, at Nathan’s look of bewilderment, Salem added, There is no need for you to know what they contain.

Nathan was puzzled. He hadn’t heard his ship was going anywhere. When he mentioned this, Salem gave a half-smile. You will find out soon enough. Oh, and don’t worry about the paperwork for the containers. You’ll find them all in order.

When Nathan heard of the money Salem was offering, he gawped in surprise and almost choked on his beer. It would solve all his problems, primarily his gambling debts. This proposition was welcome, as two heavies had recently beaten Nathan up. The second time they visited him, one man carried a pair of bolt croppers. They made it clear what would happen should he cannot pay. Now, with the money offered, Nathen’s look of misery transformed into a broad smile. Of course, he would have to share some cash with Jack, his first mate. Still, he would come out wealthy and, more importantly, debt-free.

Jack was a deserter from the U.S. army, who Nathan had met in a bar in Panama many years ago. They had been comrades ever since and shared some dark secrets. Nathan knew Jack would have his back on any dubious deal he made without even asking. Not once did Nathan ask what was in the two containers. His top priority was to keep his fingers attached to his hands. Asking no questions, Nathan agreed to carry out what seemed a simple arrangement. With this done, Salem agreed to meet Nathan two days later, then left. Unlike today, their next meeting would be in a more upmarket area. Here, Salem would hand Nathan the first instalment of his payment. Although only a portion of the total money promised, it would be a king’s ransom for anyone living in downtown Panama.

When Nathen next met Salem in a restaurant uptown, he looked a far different man. Before sitting in a dingy bar, Nathan looked the part, unshaven with untidy hair and worn-out clothing. Today, though still unshaven, Nathan had groomed and dressed smartly.

On his confirming his ability to carry out his part of the deal, Salem nodded. He then passed him a thick envelope under the table.  From its weight, Nathan knew it contained the first part of his payment. With stealth, Nathan slid the package under the jacket he wore, especially for this purpose. As Salem went to leave, he turned. His friendly expression had turned into a cold, hard stare. He gave Nathan a chilling warning. Do not think of leaving town. Should you try, it would prove bad for your health. Salem then smiled. I will see you once the containers are on board your ship. 

Chapter