CCC Redux

By Chuck Kimball

Rich, Sabine, and Vic, three black operatives while on assignment during operation "The CCC" was unable to terminate some of those involved in bringing drugs and armory into the United States. Rich and his two partners had assassinated suppliers and agents in both the United States and Southern France, putting a dent in the supply chain. But the

• Language: English
• Publisher: GoldTouch Press, LLC
• Release date: Apr 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955347099

Chuck Kimball

Chuck Kimball is the author of _ e CCC. His latest book, CCC REDUX, is a thriller featuring the same deep black ops private operators who have dedicated their lives to helping the President of the United States, POTUS, often by working outside the law by avoiding bureaucratic handicaps. Chuck Kimball was born in a small town in Northern California. In the early years of his career, he worked for the California Department of Forestry, which later became Cal Fire. During his eleven years with the Department, Chuck worked his way up to Fire Captain and spent seven years directing air operations on wild_ res. During the winter months, his interest in teaching Fire Training enticed him to leave employment with California to take a job as a college instructor in San Diego, where he trained fire service personnel and others seeking a firefighting career. While furthering his education, seeking a second Master's degree, he met a wonderful woman from France who became his wife of over forty-two years. Chuck left San Diego and helped put together a Fire Technology program for Solano College in California's Fairfield/Suisun City area. This program featured live-fire training utilizing gasoline and propane for fire props. Recognizing this unique learning site's value, the petrol chemical companies, and the Military Sea Lift Command, and others sent their private fire brigades for training. With the generous time off provided to teachers, Chuck and his wife traveled to many parts of the world, places he depicts in his writing, Russia, India, Egypt, South America, France, Italy, Greece, and the Yucatan, to name a few. Chuck retired the first day of January, nineteen-nighty eight, and moved to Spokane, Washington.

Book preview

CCC REDUX

Chuck Kimball

Copyright © 2021 by Chuck Kimball.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2021907390

HARDBACK:    978-1-955347-08-2

Paperback:    978-1-955347-07-5

eBook:             978-1-955347-09-9

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Contents

Chapter    1

Chapter    2

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

To my beloved wife who has given me the inspiration to write another book. As always she has been at my side, to give help and encouragement.

Chapter

1

PARIS FRANCE, Present-day

The early morning hours found the temperature and humidity higher than usual for the city of light. It would be a warm balmy night for the residents and bureaucrats of this ancient and beautiful city. But on the dinner cruise on the Seine river, there would be a refreshing breeze now and then. Sitting around the dinner table was two men and a petite attractive woman with long hair. The older man had grey showing around the temples and was known as Captain Victor Coutaire. He was retired and liked to be called Vic. There was a yellowish tint on his short beard and even the skin around his lips. All of it caused by years of heavy smoking. Vic was just under five feet eight inches tall; he retired from the French military for over five years. He walked with a slight limp because of an injury while on active duty in Africa. The second man who sat straight across from him looked to be about six feet tall, maybe an inch more. He was broad-shouldered, with biceps muscles that bulged every time he moved his arms. Though he had been called Sergeant Rich Ferguson in the military, he now just liked to be called Rich. He had a handsome face that seemed to bring a woman like a magnet. He was lucky to have this attribute, but Rich was shy around women and never took advantage of his l ooks.

While on a particular operation controlled by Colonel Andy Coleman and sanctioned by the United States president (POTUS), he met an attractive and unique woman in France. She sat close to her man. Sabine Boucher was only five foot two inches tall, dark long hair that hung below her shoulders, and a pleasant warm face that attracted men. This woman weighed just under one hundred and eight pounds, trained in two types of hand-to-hand combat, and could outshoot most men. Sabine was so petite and attractive; she could go almost anywhere with no one having suspicions that she worked with an assassin, Rich.

The couple had completed several assignments then Vic joined the group to complete one job that would have most likely cost the couple their life.

The trio had decided to have dinner at the LeCalife, which docks at the Port des Saint-Peres. Sabine has chosen the cruise for dinner as they could sit outside, and Vic could smoke his Gitane cigarette as needed. Although it was not allowed, Vic would show his identification, and the waiters would bend over backward to accommodate him. Vic lit his third cigarette while the trio was having dinner.

The trio had been laughing and telling stories for over three hours.

Near Sabine sat an empty bottle of white wine, Pinot Gris. There were two opened and empty and one almost empty of Chambolle-Musigny, an excellent French red wine.

Vic had started another one of his tales while in the military when the waiter walked up. The waiter sat the ice bucket down, took out a bottle of Krug Grande Cuvee champagne, and showed the trio. The trio shook their head in unison. The waiter topped the champagne glasses off, then Rich stood and said, To the ones I love, and may the time soon come when I Sabine and I can elope.

No one said a word as the glasses clicked. Sabine reached for a napkin in her purse to dabbed her wet eyes, then stood and kissed Rich, whose face turned red; he was still a shy man, but Sabine was still training him to let go and live. Just as the couple started to sit, Rich felt something vibrate in his pocket.

Sabine felt it also, as her petite frame was still against Rich. Two sets of eyes were on Rich as he reached into his pocket and brought out an unusual-looking phone. I am sure you both know what this is. Of course, Sabine and Vic knew. It was a particular unit used by the NSA and others in intelligence work. Rich looked at the couple again and said, I have to take this.

Go ahead, said Vic. I hope you get an assignment so I can tag along like a puppy dog if you don’t agree to take me with you.

Sabine was also quick to respond. Ignore the old goat, hon; we are as anxious as you.

After pushing a button, Rich put the phone to his ear, then gave a code. There was silence as Rich listened to the code on the other end. After about twenty seconds, Rich said, We are doing fine, sir. Vic, Sabine, and I are having dinner. There was silence again for almost three minutes, then Rich spoke. Give me a few moments, sir; I will ask them. Rich put his hand over the talk section of his phone and said. POTUS contacted the colonel, and he has an assignment for me. He sounded desperate, and the job would require me to go to the United States. I don’t know what to say, and I should not put Sabine in danger again.

Before Sabine could speak, Vic started to stand and said, I am on my way to pack. Call me when you want me at the airport.

Sabine put her hand on Rich’s, then said, I would go anywhere with you, my love, and you know that you need me. We have stared down death together before. See if Andy will agree to the three of us. We are a top-notch team now.

I agree. Rich took his hand from the phone. Waited two seconds and said, Colonel, the three of us, my team will be there as soon as you want us.

Rich heard nothing on the phone for over ten seconds. Then the colonel spoke in an authoritative voice. If anything happens to Sabine, my wife will kill me. I am going to say yes for now. But give me your word you will send Sabine home if there is a problem.

Yes, sir, I promise.

Both Vic and Sabine were watching and listening like a cat, ready to pounce.

Pack what you need. Buy un-dated return tickets to New Orleans. Make sure you sit in different places on the plane. Make sure you are not seen together at the airports. You are to use one of your false I.D.’s. I will have extra false I.D.’s for all of you when you pick up the packet in New Orleans.

Where will I pick it up at.

Hold your pants on. You must send me a photo of Vic and Sabine by phone before you leave your dinner.

Yes, sir.

Vic had sat back down, and Annie was trying to put her ear as close as possible to her man. Both of them wanted to know what was going on.

Then in a steadfast and orderly voice, the colonel said, I want to talk to Captain Coutaire. Give him the phone.

Yes, sir. Rich handed the phone to Vic and said, "The Colonel wants

to talk to you, sir."

After Vic had said bonjour, Andy, his old friend, said, Vic, you don’t owe me anything; you already did a hell of a job in Marseille. You sure you want to put your life on the line again?

I am bored to death, sir, and in need of an exciting vacation. Besides that, we work well together. Better than any team I have ever worked with before.

No one could hear as Vic had walked over by the railing on the boat. Around five minutes later, Vic returned and handed Rich the phone.

Andy said, I went over everything with Vic. You guys watch over each other. Remember to send Sabine home if things go south. There will be a sealed large brown package with the assignment outline. There will also be a locked trunk with an armory for the three of you. The boxes will be waiting for you at the U.S. Coast Guard base at 170 Saturn Blvd. Don’t’ take either package if it looks like someone tampered with the seal or lock. The lock’s combination is 31 R, 18L, 29R, and back left to number 18. Remember, four sets to turn, not the traditional three. Send those pictures now. Also, there will be a money belt for each of you with cash, twenty-thousand each God knows where you might have to go. I will have fake passports, credit cards, and I.D.’s ready and in the package. There is one more important thing. There was a pause.

Rich thought he had lost contact, so he said, Go ahead, sir. What is it?

While the three of you were on assignment, do you remember General Richard C. Clarkston?

Yes, sir. I believe Clarkston left the meeting in Monaco and went back to the States, and we never had a chance to help with his retirement. Rich chuckled.

That traitor took his retirement and now is the head of security for the CCC group There was a pause, then Andy said, He is also an advisor to the Rothchild’s for security. Andy coughed, and this allowed Rich to speak.

Will he be on our assignment list, sir?

Yes, if you see him, and it is safe to take him down. What is important is that intel has it that he is involved with a man named Javier. Intel also says they might be bringing in drugs and armory to support unrest in the U.S.

Like you have always told me, sir. War, police action, or unrest, in this case, equals money for the corporations. We are anxious to get back to work, sir.

Your package in New Orleans will tell you as much as I know so far. Use your assigned code in the package. Goodbye, and good luck.

Rich, no more, then had shut the phone off when he said, I need to take your pictures for passports right now. Let’s go over there by the wall.

Each time Rich took a picture, he would send it to Andy. Once done, they went back to the table and ordered coffee. The conversation had changed from cheerful to a severe mood. A half-hour passed before Rich said, Remember, pack lite, and bring a pack with two straps, so you hang it over either arm. Vic started to get up; Rich raised his hand and said, Just in case, have your taxi drive around a while to see if a vehicle follows you. I will call you at ten am and give you the flight numbers. I want to leave late in the afternoon; we will see.

Vic was all smiles as he pushed his chair back and stood up. Vic gave

Rich a long hug, then said, Thanks, see you tomorrow. Vic gave Sabine a long hug and a kiss on the cheeks, then with a slight tilt and a limp, he disappeared into the night.

Sabine and Rich had a second coffee cup and were still talking when the waiter came to tell them that they were closing.

The couple walked hand in the arm from the boat up to the sidewalk. As a taxi neared, Rich raised his hand. Once in the cab, Rich gave the driver directions for a long route to Sabine’s mother’s home; like Vic, he wanted to be sure no one was following.

Chapter

2

Before going to bed just before 1:10 am, Rich had told his biological clock to wake him at five am, as he had a lot of work to do in the calm of the early morning. Rich’s eyelids quivered then opened. He looked at the clock; it was one minute past five. Rich removed his left arm, lying across Sabine’s back, then slid from the bed like a snake. After turning on the coffee, he headed for the shower. Rich let the hot water spray his back, then turned the cold water on for five minutes. Rich felt revived though he had a slight headache. He dressed and swallowed two aspirin with his first sip of co ffee.

While sitting on the couch sipping coffee, he turned on his new iPhone 12. Lightning fast, the flight times to New Orleans appeared on his screen.

Rich perused the flight times and soon found the one he wanted. Delta 85 was leaving at three-fifty pm today. Rich smiled when he noticed that the plane would be an Airbus A330-300. As he wrote the information down, he flipped to the arrival time in New Orleans, nine twenty-four pm the same day. Wow, not much time, he said out lowed to himself. Then Rich heard a sleep-sounding familiar voice.

What did you say, hon?

"Just talking out loud. I am booking our flights to New Orleans. We leave just before four pm. Go shower; I will have your coffee waiting.

I will make the flight arrangements, then call Vic. It would be best if you contact Celeste, so she can water and watch the house.

Rich was on the phone for almost twenty minutes before he had booked all three tickets. Rich was so involved in his work; he never heard Sabine slip up behind him. All of a sudden, two lips kissed him on the forehead. Sabine was fully dressed and had on a tight Simplee Womans Faux Suede Minie Bodycon Skirt. She was wearing an Italian Neineiuree Woman’s Loose Casual Short Sleeve to enhance her figure even more.

Chiffon Top T-Shirt Blouse. Sabine stepped back, posing so her Bruno Magli Woman’s Valentina Swiss Quartz watch with an Italian brown leather strap watch could be seen. After Rich stared for a few moments, Sabine tapped her left foot, pointing toward Rich. Then he noticed the beautiful Clarks Women’s Linvale Jerica pump shoes with 2.2-inch heels.

Rich could see the full-grain leather and the craftsmanship. Then Sabine said, "What time do we leave?’

Rich was mesmerized at her beauty, and it was several seconds before he said, We have to be at the airport by two-thirty, and the plane leaves at three-forty-five. We will be in New Orleans tonight at about ten pm.

Sabine turned and walked toward the coffee pot. Rich then called Vic and gave him the schedule. When Rich asked if he would pack soon, the senior Captain replied he had packed last night. Rich then told Vic to go to Delta counter and pick up his ticket. Rich told him they would be sitting in separate seats and not to make contact until outside the vehicle rentals in New Orleans.

The morning went smoothly, then Rich called for a cab just before two pm. When they were at the airport, he sent Sabine to pick up her Delta ticket first, and he would follow in ten minutes.

All three of the assassins were waiting in separate seats outside the Delta departure area by three-thirty. Sabine loaded first as Rich had purchased her a first-class ticket. As she walked past Rich, she smiled and moved her hips sensually to tease him, and with her lips moved them just enough to say thank you. Rich had also purchased Vic a first-class ticket and himself a business class ticket.

Rich used his iPhone to reserve three rooms at two various hotels in New Orleans during the flight.

Chapter

3

New Orleans

The was a grinding noise while the wheels of the giant Airbus lowered. Shortly after a thump, the plane rose into the air, then back down, and another thump before the plane moved smoothly down the airs trip.

All three of the assassins moved through customs without a hitch. Vic,

Sabine and Rich, with their pack hanging over their shoulder, moved toward the car rental area. Once no one was near, Rich said, I reserved a Ford SUV for you, Sabine, at hertz. Here is the name of the hotel where you will be staying with me. Rich handed her a piece of paper with the name and address. "You and I will stay together at the New Orleans Downtown Marriott. We have two queen size beds in case Vic has to stay with us. Now Vic. I booked you a room at the Hilton, about a mile from us.

I have also rented you an SUV, a Chevrolet. We both must get city and state maps. Vic, your room also has two queen-size beds if Sabine and I have to stay with you."

Vic quickly responded, Where do we meet in the morning?

I want you to be at the parking area near Jazz Park at nine am. Once you are downtown, go up N Peters Blvd. You can’t miss it. The maps they will give you at National care rental. You will see their office just up ahead.

Do you care if I come to town early and walk around the French Quarter? Vic had more on his mind than looking around.

Not at all. It’s not far from where you will leave your vehicle.

"Once we meet up, what’s on the menu?’

We are going to go to U.S. Coast Guard Base. There I will pick up my sealed orders, are armory, etc. You two will have to stay off the base until I come back out.

Sounds good to me, hon. Let’s get the maps and our vehicles and get some rest.

Rich had Vic follow him, and once he was at the Hilton, he and Sabine headed to the Downtown Marriott."

Chapter

4

New Orleans

Both Sabine and Rich had awakened at the same time. Rich looked at his watch and said the hell with it, pulled the sheet and blanket over his head.

Another hour passed, then he dragged his tired legs to the side of the bed, and placed his feet on the carpet, and stood up. After looking at his watch, he walked around the top mattress, kissed Sabine on the cheek, and told her it was almost eight am, and she had to get up. Each took a five-minute shower and dressed. Sabine had put on tight Levi-type pants and a navy blue polo shirt.

Rich had put on a pair of Brown Unionbay Menn’s Survivor Iv Relaxed Cargo pants.

Once the couple was ready, they placed one strap of their small backpack over their left shoulder and headed for the continental breakfast. Rich and Sabine both were hungry and feasted on fresh juice and fruit first. Then they followed that by pancakes, eggs, and coffee.

Rich looked at his watch and noted it was eight forty-five am.; they had to go now. We need to go now.

After picking up their SUV, they headed for the prearranged meeting spot. As they drove up, they spotted Vic leaning against his Chevy, smoking a cigarette as usual. After Rich had parked, the couple walked up next to Vic. The elder Frenchman looked at his watch and said, Where have you two been? Our enemy, whoever they are, could be halfway around the world now. A little more smoke blew from his nose, and he continued. Your honeymooning will have to wait. Vic crushed what remained of his cigarette and let it drop to the ground.

Sabine looked Vic straight in the eyes and said, "It was just a quickie;

no harm." Then Sabine gave one of those smiles that only a satisfied woman could provide.

Rich looked at Vic and Annie and said, We are going to the U.S. Coast Guard Base on Saturn Blvd. You two will ride together and stay nearby at Treme’ Lafette, a Jazz area until I come back.

Let’s get going; I love Jazz, Sabine said as she hugged Rich.

The trio pulled up together near a park in the Treme’ Lafette area in less than sixteen minutes. Rich went over a few things with the couple, and as he started to walk away, he turned and said, If I am not back in one hour, you two head back to France; that’s an order. Then Rich got into his own SUV and headed for the gate to the base.

After showing his military ID, Rich had no trouble getting into the base. His ID, scrutinized by the officer inside, watched with eyes that made you think he would shoot you. Once they were in the secure area, the Sergeant pointed to a package and a trunk.

Rich checked both the package and the box. He saw no signs that someone tried to open either. Rich rose and said, Sargent, could you help me with the box?"

Two military men picked up the trunk and pushed it into the back of his SUV. Rich thanked the Sargent and the other men, then headed out the gate. He pulled back up next to the Chevy SUV that Vic was driving in less the thirty-five minutes.

Rich looked around to make sure no one was listening, then said, I have our orders in this brown packet. The gear we will need is in the back of my SUV. If you feel like a cup of coffee, let’s find someplace quiet, and I will find out what our orders are.

Ten minutes later, the trio found a small cafe and asked for a table in the very back near the restrooms. Rich opened the brown sealed large envelope marked ‘Top Secret’ in red. Rich read through the entire pages while Vic and Sabine sipped their coffee. Rich picked up his coffee and took a long drink, set it down, and said, "Take another long drink of your coffee before I start. After Vic and Sabine finished their coffee, Rich then shared with his partners the orders.

POTUS is worried about not only large amounts of heroin and coke brought into New Orleans, but there is proof that automatic weapons and other armory are coming into New Orleans. The police have confiscated several AK47s at bank robberies. There was a pause, and Rich could see the concern on both Vic and Sabine’s face. "The rumors have it that another big load, including grenades and grenade launchers, are going to arrive from Mexico. POTUS does not trust the ATF, and especially the DEA. By request of POTUS, Andy wants us to find the local receivers of said arms and the senders in Mexico.

Vic started to speak. Hold it, Vic, I have something else to add. Andy said that there is a corrupt player in the Mexican government. If we can, he wants us to eliminate him. Before I continue, go ahead with your questions, Vic.

Did he give us any information about where we should start?

There was no hesitation when Rich said, No. He did say he was sure the arms were leaving from Cancun or somewhere near there. Before I go further, Sabine, his daughter, is to be sent home if there is any danger for her.

Immediately Sabine pushed her chair back and said, No way, Rich, we are a team, and teams look out after one another. I go where you go.

Then Sabine looked at Rich with a wrinkled, stern look.

Fine with me, what do you think, Vic?

From now on, we are the new Three Musketeers. The way Sabine shoots, we can depend on her and keep her out of hand-to-hand stuff. She stays as far as I am concerned.

Agreed, Rich replied. In the trunk is two Dragunov sniper rifles. Plenty of ammo and clips for it. There are three SIG SAUER P226 side arms with clips and ammo. Knives, medkit’s for each of us, and a military surgery kit. There are grenades, explosives, and state-of-the-art communications devices for us. Then there was a pause as Rich opened his pack. He took out three money belts that he had taken out of the trunk earlier before meeting his two friends. Here is your money belt. There is ten-thousand in cash, two passports, and two credit cards with a thirty thousand dollar limit in case we get separated.

Sabine looked at her man, smiled, and said, Does Colonel Andy think we will get separated?

We never know in this work. Now let’s agree on a secret word to say on the phone in case we get captured. Several minutes passed before they had words to say if captured, need help, and other codes words for different situations.

Rich then told the couple the other guns they would have at their exposal. Seal knives for their legs, AR-15, as well as other arms. When done, it sounded as if they could handle a small war.

The couple ate a light breakfast, then while having more coffee, Rich said, We leave for Cancun this afternoon. I have your tickets. Then he reached in the brown packet and brought out three tickets. As he handed them to Vic and Sabine, he said, "We travel separately; once there, I will rent vehicles.

Chapter

5

CANCUN

More and more shadows were appearing as the sun began to set. The same seen the day before, several men were again pacing back and forth on the Playa Mujeres Hotel’s balcony. They looked eastward toward Florida every few minutes. Inside Javier’s luxury suite, the television was still on split-screen. It had been on since the day he had arrived three days ago. The television had never been shut off and was still on the same split channels, the Texas weather channel and the International Weather channel, showing continual weather updates twenty-four hours a day. Javier was the leader of a notorious drug gang and recently started shipping armory into the United St ates.

Besides the entry room door, posted on each side was a guard, and two other guards were resting in the adjacent room. Something differed now; there was one additional person in the room. He was working, silently placing a small monitoring camera inside a