Hard Target: A Quinn Rafferty Adventure

By Harv Hollek

The government of the United States and the supposed shadow government, and yet another layer that has perhaps the last say on who will really govern the country has Quinn Rafferty trying to protect the life of the President to assure the relationship between him and the Chinese keeps going forward. The forces who are trying to make a one world order will do anything to succeed in that endeavor. From Seattle Washington, to Shanghai China, and then Mexico and on Washington D.C and Pakistan. The many twists and turns will keep you reading to the end. Youre going to like this guy Quinn as he makes it all look easy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469159676

Harv Hollek

Harv is still in the Safari business and still traveling between his home in Florida and places like Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam and the Middle East. This is book number (5) and he and his buddy Quinn Rafferty are still getting the job done. When it stop’s being fun and no longer an adventure Harv and Quinn will just fade away in the sunset, have a drink together and remember how much fun they had.

Book preview

Hard

Target

A Quinn Rafferty Adventure

Harv Hollek

Copyright © 2012 by Harv Hollek.

Library of Congress Control Number:          2012901674

ISBN:                      Hardcover                      978-1-4691-5966-9

                                 Softcover                      978-1-4691-5965-2

                                 Ebook                            978-1-4691-5967-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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 any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

Seattle Washington

Quetta—Pakistan

Quantico Virginia

Seattle Washington

Agadir Morocco

Quetta Pakistan

Seattle—Shanghai

Washington D.C.

And The CIA

Shanghai—China—

Pudong International

Intercontinental Hotel

Quetta—Pakistan

Washington D.c.

Quetta Pakistan

Shanghai China

Washington D.C.

Karachi—Istanbul—

Mexico City

Shanghai—Mexico City

Washington—Mexico City

Karachi—Mexico City

Hawaii—Mexico City

Washington—Mexico City

Holiday Inn Hotel,

The Dining Room.

Four Seasons Hotel

Care For Some Breakfast?

Los Bocas—Terrorists

In Training

Four Seasons Hotel

Washington D.C.

Los Bocas

Mexico City

Dieter Hausner

Quinn Rafferty’s Room

The Next Day

Training At Los Bocas

Tent Camp In

The Sand—Day #1

Terrorist Training Camp

Washington D.C.

Tent Camp In The Sand

Costello & Mancuso

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

Costello & Mancusco

Washington D.C.

Four Seasons Hotel

Mexico City To Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.

Shanghai China

Mexico City—

The Night Before

Quetta Pakistan

Shanghai China

Shanghai

Mexico City—Janine

Washington D.C.

Pakistan

International Aiport—

Mexico City

Shanghai

Quetta—Pakistan

CIA—Washington D.c.

Shanghai

Quetta Pakistan

Washington, D.c.

Shanghai

Dieter Hausner

Washington D.c.

Shanghai

Karaichi Pakistan

Mexico City

Shanghai

Washington D.C.

Oval Office

CIA Office Washington

Shanghai

Pentagon

Office Of The President

Watergate Hotel

Ted And Terry

White House West Wing

Hotel Watergate

The Pentagon Basement Meeting Room

Shanghai

Watergate Hotel

Captain Ted Mallires’ Room

Arlington—Virginia

Teheran Iran

Watergate Hotel

Walter Reed Hospital

Whitehouse Basement

Arlington Virgina

Islamabad Pakistan

Shanghai

Washington D.c.

Shanghai China

Washington D.c.

Oval Office

Shanghai

Washington D.c.

Morocco—Kyrgyzstan

Beijing China

Moscow

Kabul Afghanistan

Shanghai

Seattle Washington

Quinn is in Seattle Washington on his boat named the Almost. Olga is dead, his friends Sasha, Timor and Vladimir have gone their separate ways, and he is left alone with his thoughts. He is not yet done with the grieving of his loss of Olga.

It is night in Seattle and the weather is terrible, overcast, rainy, and just plain cold. It’s miserable and he’s miserable, and it doesn’t feel like it’s going to get any better.

There was a phone call, Quinn answered it and said, Quinn Rafferty here. The response to him was, Good evening Mr. Rafferty, this is Wu Chinn. Quinn was surprised by who was calling. He didn’t expect a call from Wu Chinn, at least not for a long time.

Good evening Mr. Chinn.

Good evening Mr. Rafferty. I called you to express my sympathy for your loss. I understand she was a wonderful person and I am truly sorry for your loss.

Thank you Mr. Chinn, but how could you know about that? It happened in Moscow and if I am not wrong you should be in, either Shanghai or Saigon.

At this moment I am in Saigon Mr. Rafferty, but have many friends who keep track of the people that are very important to me and you are one of them.

I appreciate the call Mr. Chinn. Is there a number I can call you back? I really don’t feel much like talking right now.

Yes, but I would rather call you at a better time, if that is alright with you.

Then would you call me tomorrow, say about noon my time?

Of course I will. I can tell you Mr. Rafferty that things will get better with time, but it will never be the same and one has to make the necessary mental changes to continue one’s life in a quality manner. I give you this information from my own personal experience.

Thank you for the advice Mr. Chinn, I’m sure you’re right. I’ll be talking to you tomorrow. Goodnight Sir. Goodnight Mr. Rafferty, we’ll talk tomorrow. Quinn put the phone down, and poured another Jack Daniels.

It’s a better day, weather wise in Seattle. Some early sun breaks, but little more than that. Quinn was getting restless lying in his bed thinking about Olga. He never really got too emotional over things that have happened to him in the past, but this was too much. He touched his cheek and found the tears that formed and rolled down his cheek. He wiped them away but they just came back. He needed to get more control over himself, and he needed to do it now.

He sat up and swung his legs over the side, and thought, this was going to be the hardest thing he has ever had to do. He looked at his wrist watch and knew he had better start the day. Wu Chin will call exactly at noon and he needed to be ready for that call. He knew that Wu Chinn didn’t call just to tell him he was sorry for is loss. There was something else Wu Chinn had on his mind and he would find out very soon what it was, and it wasn’t going to be easy.

The coffee was made and he had a cup and was ready to start the day. It would only be about four hours and Wu Chin would call and then he would know what was on the mind of this very old but shrewd Chinese billionaire business man. From what Quinn knew about him, he came from very humble beginnings in Northern China. From a young age he was a force to be reckoned with. Quinn had heard many stories about Wu Chinn and all of them had a certain amount of killing for profit in the opium business. Quinn had heard so many stories that it was hard to figure out what was true and what wasn’t.

For sure he knew Wu Chinn would order the death of anyone who got in the way of something he wanted. The old man was a killer at heart. The question was, why did Wu Chinn call? It wasn’t just to say he was sorry for my loss. Looking at his watch the morning went very fast, he knew it wasn’t going to be very long before he found out the answer to that question. He walked over to the telephone and waited for it to ring. It was almost noon and Wu chin was always on time for everything, and this phone call would not be an exception. Three seconds go by then the phone rings.

Good Morning Mr. Chinn.

Yes good morning Mr. Rafferty as it is morning on your side of this planet.

"It has been a while since we have seen each other, how is your health and your business?

Everything is fine and I am well enough for an old man.

Mr. Chinn, I don’t believe you will ever grow old, you’re much too smart to do that.

It is very gracious of you to say that Mr. Rafferty.

So, Mr. Chinn is there something we need to discuss?

Yes, but I don’t mean to impose my problems on you, and of course if what I am going to ask of you would be too much for you than certainly I would understand.

Mr. Chinn, I am at your service.

I was hoping that you would say that. You are a good and true partner. Do your friends still work with you?

Yes they would consider coming to work depending on what the work was.

That’s good to hear. Mr. Rafferty, are you free to travel within the next few days?

Yes I am. Where would I be going?

You would be going to Shanghai for a short visit with me. What I have to talk to you about cannot be talked over a telephone. I will order you a round trip ticket if you would come for this visit. If what you hear doesn’t suit you then you can return back to Seattle. If you do like what I have to say then you can start work within a short time.

Mr. Chin, you always make it sound so interesting it would be difficult to say no to your offer.

Good, then perhaps within the next three days you would be on the flight to Shanghai?

I’ll wait for your next call with the confirmation for the flight.

Quinn! May I call you Quinn? I appreciate your considering this undertaking.

Mr. Chinn, when you are ready call me, and I’ll see you in Shanghai.

Then good-bye Quinn until I see you in Shanghai.

The phones were placed back on their cradles and the conversation was ended.

Quinn thought, it is certainly time for a drink after that conversation. He pours a Jack Daniels then goes on deck for a little sunshine and some thought. He didn’t have any feeling one way or the other. What could that old warrior want with him? He would find that out sooner rather than later.

Quetta—Pakistan

Our mullah asked for martyr’s so I begged him to become one. I always knew that someday Allah would shine his light on me, and now that has happened, but why did you become one Rashid?

Mohammed, you ask a question that can only be truly be answered by Allah, but my answer to you is this. For many years my dreams have been about killing. Cutting throats, hanging people. I have read the Koran every day since I was a little boy and it teaches me that someday Islam will be the religion that rules the world. Sharia law will be the law of all the people. In my dreams I never knew who I was killing until a few months ago. I saw myself standing in the middle of a city I did not know and the people had no faces and said nothing to me as they passed by. I did not move or talk, I just looked at the people passing me by. Then a voice that I thought to be our Mullah spoke to me, and said, These are the Americans. Those that will not accept Allah and our Sharia law you must kill for the good of Islam."

Now I knew who I was killing in my dreams. I really had no idea how I was going to accomplish this until our Mullah asked for martyrs. It was as if Allah stepped into my body and I stood up just as you did without any hesitation and pledged myself to do this for Allah and Islam."

And your wife, has she said anything to you about your decision?

My wife does not have that right as you well know.

Do you have any idea when we will be sent to America?

I do not know the time frame, but I can tell you we will enter America from Mexico. It seems that the Americans are too moral or to corrupt to stop the flow of Mexicans coming across their border. I even heard on television that the Mexican government is now telling the Americans what to do. It seems to all concerned that the Americans are doomed to fail as a nation. In the end we will die Mohammed, but we will be martyrs, and that is good and it is our destiny.

Allah Akbar, Rashid.

Allah Akbar, Mohammed.

Quantico Virginia

A car parked at a gas station that has food service has three men in it. These men work for the CIA. Jack Hessler, Ali Khalid Khan, and Norm Nuerberg.

Coffee, hot dogs, and serious conversation are taking place. The windows are fogging up, so no one can see who is in the car.

Are we sure we want to do this?

Damn right, we’re sure Ali.

And you Norm, how do you feel about it? still with the program?

Yeah Jack, I think we will be doing the country a big favor, and I don’t see any of those assholes in the Senate or Congress stepping up to the plate and stopping the three of them, so we need to do this. It cost the company $5 Million but I think it’s worth it.

Just like Vietnam huh, Ali?

Yeah right Jack, but with more purpose.

You do realize that they are going to hang our asses after they find out we contracted the hit.

My life is a bag of bones anyway, but our justice system won’t let them kill us at the scene of the crime, so we would probably die in Federal prison before they execute us, and that would be about Twenty years.

We live in a wonderful country Norm, so let’s do the right thing for it.

The men nodded their heads in agreement.

One more thing, for sure the inside guys still with the program?

Ali replies,

Yes they are. They hate the bastards as much, or more than we do.

Ok, then it’s a go.

I hope so it’s already paid for.

Seattle Washington

Its early evening in Seattle, and for a change it’s a very nice evening, No rain, no misting, and a very nice breeze coming through Lake Union. Sitting on the flying bridge aboard the Almost Quinn’s thoughts are between his loss of Olga and coping with that loss, and Wu Chinn, and what’s in store for him after he receives the next phone call.

It’s been two days and no call as yet, but he knew it was coming. Wu Chinn has always kept his word about everything he has ever said he was going to do. It was time for a drink so he climbed down the ladder and entered the main cabin.

The drink was poured and then the phone rang. Quinn knew who it was as he picked up the receiver.

Good evening Mr. Chinn how are you?

Mr. Rafferty, you knew that it was me? How did you know?

I don’t know, but I was right, and I thought we did agree that you would call me Quinn.

Yes, we agreed. You are kind enough to let me call you by your first name.

Now that we have that out of the way, how can I help you with this problem you have?

Quinn, I need for you to come to Shanghai for a visit?

When would you like me to be there?

If you can, I will have a private jet waiting for you at the corporate side of your Sea-Tac airport tomorrow night about 9:00 pm.

This must be important Mr. Chinn if you are going to have a jet just for me to fly to Shanghai.

Even if there were no importance to this visit I would have that type of travel for you.

Thank you Mr. Chinn, I will do a few things for the boat and be at the airport at the suggested time, and by the way this is a magnificent boat, again thank you so much for this gift.

"You deserved that, and more for your help with the last assignment. So;

I’ll see you in Shanghai at your hotel, the Intercontinental. Is that suitable for you?"

Absolutely, I’ll see you in Shanghai. Good-bye Mr. Chinn.

Good-bye Quinn.

Agadir Morocco

Time has passed since Vladimir has seen his friends. His life in Morocco with Marta has been a good one. He lacked for nothing, but he did miss his friends. He had no contact with Sasha or Timor for a long time. They should have called but then again he could have also called.

It would be night time in Seattle now and he felt like calling Quinn, just to say hello. So he did just that. The phone rang a few times then it was picked up.

Hello Rafferty here, how can I help you?

Quinn, its Vladimir, how are you?

For god’s sake Vladimir, is this really you?

Yes old friend it’s me calling to see how my very old friend and mentor is doing?

Well your old mentor is doing fine at the moment, but it ain’t easy.

We heard about Olga. I left a message but you never returned it. All of us are very sorry about her death.

I’m sorry I didn’t respond to your calls but I just couldn’t do it.

All of us understood, and it was ok not to respond. So what are you doing for excitement and a little fun?

I’m leaving for Shanghai tomorrow to visit with Wu Chinn. It seems he has a job for me.

Would this job require more than just you to get it done?

I really don’t know, but if it does I’ll certainly call you and see if you want to participate.

It would be fun to go back to work but I think I would have some resistance from Marta.

And how is the lovely Marta?

Never better. She still treats me like a King. Of course I treat her like a Queen.

Sounds like you have a great arrangement. So if I have something for you I shouldn’t call and ask for your help, right?

If I leave for another assignment, I think she would leave me and I really don’t want that to happen, but if you do get into trouble and need my help all you have to do is call and I’ll be there, and you can count on that.

Thanks buddy, if I get into that much trouble it may be too late to call, but I appreciate the offer. Do you speak with Timor or Sasha at all?

Not very often Quinn. They are rarely home as I never can reach them by phone in Bishkek or Moscow.

I’m sure they are doing well and having fun.

I think you’re right about that.

So thanks for calling and if I need your help I will call, and if you can come and help you know I would appreciate that very much, and the money will be good.

Ok Quinn, if you need me I will be there.

Quetta Pakistan

Prayers are done for the day and it is quiet in the Mosque. All but three are left for a discussion group, and that discussion is about leaving for America, and soon.

The Mullah is speaking to the chosen few men that would be going to America. Three of those men are Akmed, Mohammed, and Rashid. They are listening very intently to what the Mullah is saying.

God is smiling on us tonight. God will continue to smile upon us as we are doing his bidding. You have stepped forward and offered yourselves as martyrs for Allah and Islam. Your rewards will be great and your families will be taken care of upon your entrance to heaven and Allah. Tonight you will learn your mission and when you are to leave to prepare for it."

The three men in the room were fidgeting and looking at each other. Beads of sweat were running off the foreheads of all who were to become martyrs. Not one of them has asked any questions of the Mullah, but very soon to know the answers to the questions they would have asked when the opportunity appeared. The Mullah, after a drink of water continued.

The three of you will leave in two days for the country of Mexico. Once there you will be placed in houses and with people who believe the way we do. They will train you in specific areas that will guarantee the success of your mission. Before you ask the question that is on the minds of all of you I will tell you what your mission is. It will be your mission to kill the American President, and if possible place the flag of Islam in the room called oval. They will kill all of you, but with Allah’s help not before you accomplish your mission. You will have whatever is needed to accomplish this. Allah and Islam are with you. Allah Ack Bar!

Everyone fell to their knees and repeated, Allah Ack Bar. No more words were spoken and everyone left the Mosque quietly and went to their homes. The only discussion that would take place in their homes would be when they were leaving. They would make this contribution for the good of Islam and for Allah. In their eyes the entire world should very soon be an Islamic one, and they did their part to accomplish it.

Seattle—Shanghai

It was almost time for Quinn to depart for the airport. The boat was made ready to be alone for about a month, but if necessary one of Quinn’s dock buddies would take care of anything that was visibly needed. His ride to the airport was the shuttle. He could have gotten a ride from any number of people on the dock but that would have provided an opportunity for conversation about the trip and he was in no mood for talk.

He had one bag with enough clothes for the time being and if he needed more he would buy them in Shanghai. He was outside the gate waiting for the shuttle, and in a few minutes it was there.

Are you Mr. Rafferty Sir?

Yes I am.

Ready to go?

All ready.

Ok, please watch your step getting in. I’ll take your bag.

Thanks.

Quinn was in and the driver was next and then they would be on their way. In a matter of seconds Quinn was on his way to the airport for that meeting with Wu Chinn.

I need to go where the corporate planes are hangered, so the regular departure area is not for me.

Yes Sir I know exactly where you’re going. It’s on the other side of the airport.

Good I have plenty of time to go through what security there is, so you don’t have to rush.

The ride was short even in the rush hour traffic. The shuttle went directly to the corporate hangers. There were only two planes on the tarmac. Both looked like they were ready to fly. The shuttle pulled up between them and Quinn got out. The driver got his bag and Quinn paid him. Quinn looked around and didn’t see anyone. Then he heard a shout,

Are you Mr. Rafferty?

Yes I am.

We didn’t expect you for another half hour.

I like to be early.

My name is Ted Mallires. I’m your Captain for this flight, and this young man walking towards us is Terry Theriopolous, my co-pilot.

Quinn was smiling a bit when he said,

I don’t want you to read anything into what I’m about to say, but isn’t it a little unusual to have an all Greek crew on a flight to Shanghai on a plane I assume is owned by a Chinese businessman?

We do originate from Athens, but it would seem a bit funny that you do have an all Greek crew, but please don’t worry we can get you there. I just finished my first Fifty hours since I got my license last week, and Terry here, well this is his first trip to anywhere so it will take him a little time to get acquainted with this plane. Everything is in English and he only reads and speaks Greek.

Quinn started to laugh, and so did the crew.

Ok boys you got me. I won’t say another word. When do we go?

We should have our clearance in about Ten minutes and then we can go shortly after that. Sorry to give you that ration of guff, but I thought it wasn’t a bad idea, and you did laugh didn’t you?

Yeah I did. This should be a fun trip.

I hope so Mr. Rafferty, and by the way that very pretty young lady standing at the entrance door is your flight attendant. She is there to make your flight nothing less than wonderful and I do mean wonderful.

Well, that’s nice to know. You did say anything didn’t you?

Yes Sir, I did. She is a mixture of Chinese and Russian, and she is quite the looker, and a very good flight attendant.

I’ll remember that. So when do we leave?

Is this your only bag?

Yes Captain it is.

We can get our clearance on the tarmac so let’s go. Mr. Chinn I’m sure is waiting for you.

Quinn and the two pilots start up the stairs and when they get to the top they are greeted by this very pretty flight attendant.

Welcome aboard Mr. Rafferty, my name Sophie. I am here to make your flight to Shanghai a pleasant experience.

Thank you Sophie. I promise I won’t be too much trouble.

If there’s anything you need during this flight please don’t hesitate to let me know. I am at your disposal, anything at all.

Thanks again Sophie. Quinn retires to his seat, one of eight places to sit. The two pilots head forward to the cockpit and start the checklist procedures. After getting their clearance they tell Quinn and the flight attendant to buckle up as they will be taxing to the active runway for takeoff.

Taxing, and in position the Captain gets his permission to take off. We’re cleared to go.

Quinn say’s loudly,

Think it’s long enough to take off? Ted the Captain replies,

This G5 has a short takeoff capability so I only really need about half or a little more, and then we are on our way to Shanghai, and here we go.

The G5 lifts off at about where Ted said it would and he has a high angle of attack for takeoff attitude. Like an angel returning home, the G5 quickly gets to and leaves 5000 ft. and the lights of Seattle, going almost straight up to and reaching 39,000 ft. Quinn didn’t expect to be ferried in a G5. He actually thought he would fly commercial. He would thank Wu Chinn for this luxury trip.

Sophie came to him and asked him if