Twisted Fate

By John Boyd

Major Robert Davis had almost captured bin Laden. He’d rescued the U.S. President’s son from kidnappers and met with the Castro brothers to prevent a war between the U.S. and Cuba. Now, with his Colombian-born mother recovering from a heart attack, all he wants is to resign from military intelligence and help her with the family’s international manufacturing company. And then the President calls.
In John Boyd’s debut thriller, TWISTED FATE, Davis, the only person to have found bin Laden must travel to Colombia on a black ops mission to stop a planned terrorist attack on the U.S. by the revolutionary FARC and its secret leader, Gilberto Rodriquez. Supported by bin Laden’s organization, Rodriquez has the attack plan in motion, but he has not counted on Robert Davis. With the help of his brother and team, including a nerdy genius with a sophisticated tracking device, Robert races against time, with his life and the life of the woman he loves at stake.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329489653

Book preview

Twisted Fate

Twisted Fate

By

John R. Boyd

Four Pawns Publishing

901 N. Gadsden St.

Tallahassee, Fl. 32303

www.fourpawnspublishing.com

© 2014, Four Pawns Publishing, All Rights Reserved    

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my wife Mariana who gave me the inspiration to do something I never thought possible, to write this book. Thanks for your unwavering support. Te amo.

Acknowledgements

When I first went down the path of writing a novel it wasn’t for anything other than the challenge and pure enjoyment, thank God that hasn’t changed. You wouldn’t be reading this if it wasn’t for the effort, dedication and assistance of some pretty talented people. First thanks to George Modric, my best friend, you amaze me every day by your enthusiasm. Robert Ray, Donna Carver, Bernard Daley, Audrey Graves and Lars Bjerga… the effort you have put into this dream is humbling. Thank you. Bonnie Hill, for editing, advising and guiding this work out, thank you. Finally to my mother and father. My mother knew I wrote this but didn’t live long enough to see it published, thank you for giving me a love of reading. I know you are smiling up there. To my father for the encouragement and giving me a love of puzzles, I am putting that love to good use. Thanks for everything.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third party websites or their content.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

PROLOGUE

Present day

The feeling of falling was overwhelming. It wouldn’t stop. Then it ended, just like that. He tried to open his eyes but realized they were covered.

It was then that his senses heightened. He could feel his heartbeat in his head, realized his breathing was rapid. He knew he was in trouble.

Slowly he regained his senses of sound and smell. His training kicked in, and he knew to take an inventory. His hands and feet were bound, his left shoulder injured, most likely separated. He could taste blood, and his right leg throbbed. Then the sounds came into focus. He heard muffled shouting in the distance. Sounded like orders. Also the sounds of raindrops against canvas. He’d heard them many times during the years in the military in a former life. Right now, they confirmed the musty smell of being in a tent. He also realized he was sweating. It was hot, so hot that breathing was difficult.

It was then he heard footsteps, more than one set, getting louder and closer. Then they stopped. Someone gave an order to raise him and remove the hood covering his head.

It took him a moment to focus coming out of the darkness and daze that had enveloped him, for how long he didn’t know. It was then that someone was gripping him by the nape of the neck, twisting his head to direct his view. He saw the man and knew his own search was over.

Well, I understand you’ve been looking for me, the stranger said, and before he could respond, his head was twisted toward the opposite end of the tent. In that split second, the sight of the woman he loved, bloodied, bound, and gagged took his breath away and shook him to his core.

Before he could speak, his head was twisted back. I’ll have questions for you, the stranger said, and you’ll have answers for me.

At that moment, he was struck at the back of the head, and the feeling of falling started all over again.

ONE

Part One - Cuba: 1959, January

Eva heard a quiet tapping on the back door of the small house on the outskirts of Havana. She sat up in her bed and listened. It was barely light and much too early for visitors, but their neighborhood was safe, so she got out of bed and pulled her robe tightly around her shoulders, put her feet into her slippers and quietly walked toward the noise. As she approached the door, she could see it was her brother Tito.

She opened the door and whispered, They’re all asleep. Be quiet and come in. It’s early.

Her brother smiled and stepped into the house carrying some things in his hands.

It’s happening now, he said. The revolution is here. Batista is gone, and Castro is in charge.

This is a good day for Cuba then, brother, she replied.

"Sit down, and I’ll make some café con leche for you."

No, I don’t have time. I need you to hide these things for me and tell no one.

What are they, and what’s in that tube? she asked.

We were able to get into Batista’s mansion before the others, so I took what I could, Tito said. 

But you’re one of Castro’s lieutenants. Surely he would have no problem with you taking things from Batista.

Oh, Eva, you’re young, and I love you, but Castro has changed much since I was with him and Ché in Mexico. We can’t take a chance, ever. He put his arm around her. One day, I’ll come back for these things, but you can never tell anyone and never open the tube. It’s been sealed with wax to protect what’s inside.

Okay, my brother, I’ll do as you ask.

Bye, little sister. I have to report in.

He bent over, kissed her on the cheek, and left.

She took the things to her room, removed her secret panel in back of her closet, and put them inside. Then she crawled back in bed and went to sleep.

Her only brother hadn’t lived with their mother and her since she was eight, but she always did what he asked.

***

He’s looking for you. You need to report to him now, the sergeant said. He’s at the palace, and I’m supposed to drive you. Please, don’t make trouble for me.

I’ll go with you. I don’t want any trouble, Tito said. I just need to go to the bathroom before we leave.

Okay, but hurry.

He walked to the bathroom at the rear of the barracks, pushed the window open and climbed out. There was no turning back now. At least, he would have a few minutes head start. Other men rushed about, so he blended in and headed toward the gate.

He had to find a place to hide. His friend Carlos Puig, perhaps. No, that wouldn’t work. He needed to buy some time. Why couldn’t he have kept his mouth shut? No time to think about that now. He made it out the gate and waved at an approaching car to stop.

He put his head into the passenger window. Can I have a ride? 

Get in, young man, the driver said.

Tito opened the door, slid in, sweating and shaking and shut it behind him. He had just made a decision that would change his life. No one runs from his boss without paying a penalty.

The farther away from the city they headed, a calming feeling came over him, but he knew he couldn’t get far enough.

The old man eventually stopped and let him out.

Tito found a small restaurant. He figured he should try to eat and drink something before continuing.

He decided against calling his family. It would be best if they didn’t have to lie for him.

That night he found a hiding place under a tree off the side of the road. Sleep was difficult, but it finally came after the adrenaline wore off from his earlier actions. Upon awakening, he made up his mind. There was only one way out.

It took almost the whole day to make it to his destination. Traveling side roads and hoping for rides, he again found food and drink along the way, and decided to sleep in the open again. Maybe just one more day, he thought. He awoke before sunrise and began moving. Many things had to fall in place for his plan to work.

He watched the guards as they made their rounds, and then made his move. Sunrise was approaching, and he thanked God when he saw the fuel gauge. As he started the engine, he saw the guards running toward him waving their arms and shouting. He moved the vehicle forward slowly at first, then faster and faster until the wheels lifted off the ground. He sighed and began to sweat again.

TWO

Fewer than fifteen seconds were left in the match. The two grapplers had fought hard, both straining to gain the advantage. The crowd was yelling for their favorite, trying to urge him to victory. The match was tied.

All that the top wrestler had to do was continue to ride and control his opponent, until the whistle blew. Based on the riding-time advantage he had accumulated, he would win.

With a burst of energy and strength, the wrestler on bottom stood and grasped the hands clamped around his waist. Pulling with all his strength, he broke his opponent’s grip and stepped free, while still holding on to one of his opponent’s hands.

The wrestler, who a split second ago had been on bottom seemingly in a helpless situation, now turned and twisted his body into his opponent’s, then wrapped both arms around his opponent’s chest. With a powerful jerk, he lifted him off the mat and twisted his body. Then, with the grace of a judo master, he threw his opponent to the mat on his back.

The referee, who was positioned near them with a whistle in his mouth, raised two fingers indicating points scored. A second later, a horn sounded, and the whistle blew. The match was over. The wrestler, who moments ago, was seconds away from losing, stood and offered a hand to his opponent, helping him to his feet.

The referee then grabbed the winner’s wrist and thrust his arm straight up. His coaches, team members, family, and friends mobbed him.

Robert Davis had just won the 1988 177-pound NCAA Wrestling Championship. As the crowd descended, he looked for the person who had been by his side his entire life. His brother Luis fought his way through the crowd and finally got to his older brother.

You did it, he said, as he hugged him. What took you so long, bro?

Robert still felt dazed as he walked off the mat, being congratulated and back-slapped. He turned to his brother. Where’s mom?

Luis pointed to the arena’s exit doors. You know her. She couldn’t stand to watch. Too scared.

I’m going to find her, Robert hustled to the doors and entered the long corridor where the concessions were sold.

He spotted her standing by herself. As he walked toward her, he saw she was crying.

Mama, we did it. 

She turned toward him, wiping tears away. No, you did it, she said. I stood outside the doors watching. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this.

You don’t need to cry. I won.

"I know, míjo. I’m so proud of you."

***

Alicia Davis didn’t want to tell Robert that her tears were because his father wasn’t there to see what his son had just accomplished.

Born Alicia Silva in Colombia, she had come a long way. Robert, her eldest, would graduate from North Carolina State University, as she and her husband Michael had. Michael had lost his life fighting for the United States in Vietnam. Her other son, Luis, was a year behind his brother at State. They had grown up too fast. It was difficult to be a single mother raising two children during the last two decades, especially being an immigrant. But she was smart and came from good stock. Lucky that the furniture business the boys’ grandfather started had prospered under her supervision and allowed her two sons to obtain an education, nonetheless, a good life.

They celebrated by going to the Angus Steakhouse near the apartment in Raleigh that Robert and Luis shared with Matt Lewis, Robert’s best friend.

Vanessa, her close friend and assistant, had driven up to Raleigh with Alicia to watch the tournament. Since she and her husband hadn’t had children of their own, she was always interested in the boys’ achievements and was like a second mother to them.

Robert had decided on this restaurant to celebrate with the 48-ounce steak on the menu. Since it was now March, and he’d been cutting weight all school year, food seemed like the best way to celebrate. The 177-pound weight class had been tough for him to maintain, forcing him to starve days preceding each match to make weight. But now it was finally over, and he was going to end it with a bang.

"Here’s to you, míjo." His mom and the others raised their glasses.

Thank you, Robert said, as he took a sip of beer for the first time in seven months. Oh, that tastes good.  

Well, Luis, Matt said. We’ll have to stock up now that Robert’s back on the beer circuit.

Yeah, Mama, Luis said. You wouldn’t believe how tough it’s been living with the champ since he couldn’t drink or eat hardly anything this season.

She smiled. I know he’s been telling me of how you two teased him this year with all the pizzas and beer you consumed in front of him.  

Hey it’s not our fault he had to pick a sport in college that you can’t eat or drink to compete, Luis said.

Mrs. D., Matt chimed in. I bet the champ didn’t tell you that he had been hiding our beer and canceling pizza orders to pay us back? 

Robert smiled shyly. Well, that’s it. My last match. No more diets. He lifted his glass. Where’s that steak?

***

Matt and Robert had been thrown together as roommates their freshman year. Matt was from Richmond, Virginia, and a lacrosse player on a sport’s scholarship, like Robert.

They hit it off the first day and had quickly become friends. When Robert’s brother enrolled at State the following year, they all rented an apartment together. The athletic department gave a housing allowance to its chosen athletes living off campus. Quickly they became the Three Musketeers, doing everything together.

All three were good-looking young men, so they had their share of girlfriends and parties at their apartment over the years. But this was going to be their last one together since Robert and Matt were graduating, while Luis had another year left.

Although both Robert and Matt were graduating with BS degrees in civil engineering, they were going to take different paths. Matt had received a job offer from an international construction firm based in DC to work as a project engineer. Robert had decided to join the Army. Of course, only Luis and Matt knew that. He hadn’t had the courage yet to spring the news on his mother.

Even though his father died when he was a baby, and Luis was still in their mother’s womb, she never let them forget about him. Almost all of the pictures they had of their father showed him in an Army uniform. If it was good enough for his father, it was good enough for him, Robert thought.

THREE

Matt had found a small apartment near the Universal   Construction’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. He quickly settled in and reported to work. Two months earlier, he had been a college senior hanging out with his friends, but now he would start over again like a freshman trying to fit in. It was strange not having roommates, especially ones like Robert and Luis Davis, both friends for life he hoped.

Probably the hardest thing about this move was leaving his girlfriend Jenny behind in another state. She was going to be a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They had dated since high school in Richmond. At least during the years in college they were close, due to the proximity of Raleigh to Chapel Hill. They would try to meet on weekends if possible.

Jenny had cried for the last two weeks. He assured her that he loved her, and that things would work out.

Universal was a growing company, with projects spanning the globe, so he was excited about practicing what he had learned in school. Always looking for a challenge, by the end of his first week, he was overwhelmed and now understood the old saying, Those who can’t do, teach. But the president of the company, Wilbur Morris, who hired him, would stick his head in Matt’s cubicle daily to check on his progress, tell him to be patient and remind him that, in the construction industry, experience was more important than book knowledge, and the only way to get experience was to earn it a brick at a time.

So that’s what he decided to do, earn it, a brick at a time.

He was initially assigned to an older/experienced project manager with more than thirty years’ experience. During his first year with the company, he was that man’s shadow, doing everything he was told to do, and soaking up everything he heard, read, or saw.

His first project was the addition to the Air & Space Museum in D.C., working as the old project manager’s assistant, doing all the grunt work and shit jobs for a man who had been there and done that. By the end of the project, he had assumed most of the project manager’s duties and responsibilities. The more experienced man stepped aside before one of those bricks of experience could fall on his young assistant’s head. The project ended so successfully that Morris, the president of the company, called Matt into his office.

Matt, I’m told you did a great job on this project. We’re very pleased with your progress.

Thank you, sir, Matt said. But I was following Jimmy Randolph’s lead. He’s a smart project manager.  

Yes, Morris agreed. Jimmy’s the best. He told me toward the end of the project that it was really your baby, and you brought it in on time and budget. So, I want to ask, would you’d like to travel?

Well, yes, sir, I’ll go anywhere. This work is exciting.

That’s good because we have a big project in Dubai, and there’s room for you to run a renovation project of a hotel resort there called the Chicago Beach. We have an office there, and you’ll report to the VP in charge, Bill Ogden. I’ve discussed this with him, and he’s interested in getting you over there soon.

Matt was taken aback and surprised, but excited until he thought of Jenny.

Sir, I’d love to do that, but I’m getting married soon.

Take her. This position is family status, so the company will pay her expenses along with yours.

Okay, sir, what’s the next step?

I want you to call Bill Ogden in Dubai and follow his lead. You’ll need a visa and passport if you don’t have one, as well as one for your wife-to-be.

Morris stood and wished Matt good luck, shaking his hand.

In a daze, Matt walked back to his office to call Bill Ogden in Dubai. He wanted to get as many details as possible about the job assignment before he saw Jenny at her graduation that weekend. He had a feeling both their lives were going to change.

His call with his new boss went well, and the job sounded exciting. He’d been given a large raise and, with the company paying for most of their expenses, they should be able to save money for the future. He and Jenny both wanted kids. He was told to report to Dubai as soon as possible, so he had a lot to do.

The graduation went well. Jenny’s parents had died when she was young, but her aunt and uncle were there, so it was a big and very emotional moment.

He hadn’t seen her in the weeks before the graduation due to handling loose ends at work and filling out paperwork in the human resources department for the transfer. He had decided to tell her of the news face-to-face instead of over the phone.

After her graduation, they went to dinner with her aunt and uncle to celebrate, then headed to a hotel in the area to discuss the future.

After they entered their hotel room, Jenny turned toward Matt. I can’t believe it’s over. This feels like we are on our honeymoon. Speaking of that, have you figured out where we’re going on our honeymoon?

Funny you asked. How about Dubai? I hear they have nice beaches there.

Dubai? Where’s that? she asked.

Matt took her hands in his. Sweetheart, you better sit down.

A week later, they were married in Richmond, then the adventure began.

***

Matt Lewis sat behind his desk, leaning over the plan table that was his credenza. His secretary, Agnes Manlogon, the feisty Filipina, stuck her head in and said, He’s here.

He turned around. Thanks. Wish me luck.

Matt had been with Universal Construction since college, and in those twelve years, he had risen quickly to Vice President in charge of Universal’s Asia office based in Makati, Philippines. Makati was known as the Manhattan of Manila. His office was on the fifteenth floor of the Rufino Building, a modern glass tower, one of many in Manila.

He had come to the Philippines four years before and since then, had made Universal the largest contractor in the Philippines and one of the largest in Asia.

He had an elegant house in a private golf community in an area called Ayala Alabang, a wife, a son and daughter, both attending the best private school available. Besides, the company paid their housing. They had a maid, cook, and two cars with drivers all paid by Universal and, with his $250,000 per year salary plus bonuses, they had everything, he thought.

But with all good comes sacrifices. He worked like a mad man six days a week, sometimes seven, and vacations were almost non-existent. Jenny had gone along with him on his journey up. They had been married eleven years, and the four years in the Philippines were the longest stop. Before, they had lived in Kuwait, Jakarta, Dubai, and Washington.

Laurie was now nine and Jimmy, seven. And two weeks before, Jenny had finally given him an ultimatum. She’d decided to return to the States with or without him. She had calmly delivered this ultimatum, not a threat, but a promise. He was shocked at first. He thought everything was all right. But after time, he realized that all his hours and days away had taken a toll. This girl he’d met in high school and married a year after college deserved more, and so did their kids.

Today was the day Wilbur Morris, Universal’s president and CEO, was making his Manila stop on his yearly world tour of company offices.

Matt, you’re looking good, Morris told him.

Matt walked around the desk, and shook hands with his boss and mentor who’d hired him out of college. It’s good to see you again.

The office looks busy. I understand we now have more than six hundred employees in the office here.

Yes, Wil, it’s been a good year, and the back-log is strong for the next couple.

With your guidance we weathered the Asia meltdown. This is now our largest foreign office. Congratulations.

Thanks.

Well, I got your e-mail a couple of days ago and moved my travel plans around to see you. It seemed urgent. Oh, by the way, how are Jenny and the kids?

They’re fine. The kids are really growing fast.

So what’s so urgent? Is there some kind of problem?

No, nothing like that, he said. I’ve made a decision to leave the company and return to the States.

Matt, I’m surprised and shocked. He seemed to think about it. Is something wrong, something I can help you with? Of course, if you want, I’ll bring you back to the DC office.

No, it’s Jenny and the kids. They’re growing up basically without a father. With the time I put into work and travel, it’s too much. Jenny has followed without a complaint until now, and frankly I’ve been too busy to see the problems. I need to do this for them.

So, your mind’s made up?

Yes, I think we should promote Chris Lefler here to take my place. He’s a good man and could handle the job.

Well, why don’t you want to come back to DC? I’m sure we can figure out something to allow you more family time.

Believe me, I’ve thought of that, but I’m thinking of moving them to Florida. My mother and father retired there a couple of years ago, and I’m sure I can find something to do. But I’m afraid that if I come back to the States with Universal, I’ll be back in the same rut in probably a couple of years. It’s something I have to work out for myself. I’ll never forget all that you’ve done for me. I’ll stay long enough to make a smooth transition for whoever you decide to take over.

So there’s nothing I can say or do to change your mind? No, Wil, there’s not.

Okay, I respect you too much to push. Remember, if you ever change your mind or need any help, just call.

It took three months for the transition. Jenny and the kids left early to start looking for a place to live until he could follow. It was going to be a big change from Manila to Port St. Lucie, Florida, his parents’ home, but he liked adventure.

FOUR

Quickly after graduation, Robert Davis showed up at Ft. Bragg, and all of a sudden, he learned he wasn’t in charge of his life any longer. The testing, running, push-ups, sit-ups, the crazy exercises being yelled at him continually for two months, were standard operating procedure.

Then OCS, then to Ft. Benning Ranger School, and the yelling started all over again. But through all of the torture, he loved it. Being a college wrestler had helped him. He excelled at the physical side and loved the hand-to-hand training. Soon he stood out, and it wasn’t long before he found himself heading off to Panama and coming back with medals and ribbons. Upon returning, he engaged in more training and learning, before being deployed to Kuwait. By then, his brother had joined the Army and followed him into the Rangers.

Again he returned with more awards, more training, more classes, and more tests, until he was told to report to Ft. Bragg again. Delta was calling, then the black missions started, and he loved them. It wasn’t long after being made captain that he was sent to the Pentagon with a different type of training and more tests. Now he found his calling. Military intelligence.

FIVE

Matt and Jenny finally moved into their new home in one of the many golf communities lining Interstate 95 in Florida. The month spent with Matt’s mother and father had been brutal on them all.

Jenny thought she could detect a sign of relief on Matt’s mother’s face when they packed up. The first week was fine with everyone getting over the jet lag and the grandparents getting reacquainted with the kids. But after that, the visit had worn thin, especially with Matt’s mother not at her best and the kids eager to be in their own rooms. Jenny thought Matt was taking it well. But he started climbing the walls after week two.

They finally made it into a nice four-bedroom, four-bath house with a screened-in pool in Palm City,