The Eleven

By James M. Gorman

Utilizing the global aspects and intricacies of U.S Customs Bonding & brokerage systems, & living in several parts of the nation, my book does not reflect any one person as it is a blend of many people and many events. The ins and outs, scenarios uncovered & global movement of people, places & things are elements of what I know in a world behind many closed doors not previously disclosed. I write about what I have seen, heard, experienced, and participated in, to weave a story uniquely odd & interesting. Introducing a team of women & men with very specialized skill sets. Skill sets unknown to the walk of every day lives. Utilizing the teams skill sets as a backdrop, and coupled with adventures of known & unknown events, personal vendettas, & extreme incentives in global, public & private sectors. Introducing ‘The Eleven’.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Mar 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9781489721976

James M. Gorman

James M. Gorman enjoys a semi-retired lifestyle. Having been active in surety insurance brokerage, specializing in the world of U.S Customs Bonding for over 45 years. Jim immersed himself in business at a young age. In his 40’s went back to college, graduating with honors from Harvard University. Writing, combined with his unique global insights, showcases his creative talents.

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Copyright © 2019 James M. Gorman.

WGA-West Registration # 1985205

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-2190-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2191-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2197-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019936187

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 3/12/2019

CONTENTS

Dedicated to

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

About the Author

DEDICATED TO

I wish to dedicate this book to 5 very important pe ople.

First Gail, Ken, and Carol, whose support was paramount in getting this project done. My brother Bob. Without his help the finish line would never have been reached. Most important of all, was and is, Linda, my wife, aka Super woman, with her understanding, terrific mind and care of me, made this all possible. She has gotten me through some of the most difficult times, and the number of times she has saved my life can never be repaid.

1

CHAPTER

T here are over 300 million people living in the United States. So guess how many have actually been to Washington D.C.? Or how many have come just to see the trees and flowers spectacularly bloom! How many have taken the time to enjoy the sights around the city? One could spend several days just walking the streets just to gaze upon the buildings our forefathers built, as their answer to the democratic society for which our Nation has built. Over forty years ago I came to the Capital feeling like a ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’, not knowing what was going to sweep me away.

I take it all in, exhale, & tell myself, ‘JB, if I had any idea back then what would become of the future, I would have still taken the path & enjoyed the ride even more! It’s great to be back.

The government has become what many feared it would become, an over bloated political system with too many people, expecting too much from a system which can no longer deliver everything for everyone.

When you enter the White House at any entrance you are immediately taken aback by the history, the majesty, the sheer feeling of immense power around every corner. Each and every minute spent there, you could feel smaller & smaller, wondering how did I arrive here? And why anyone would feel you are somehow important to the operation of this place? A person, who most likely does not know why you are there, will lead you around the hallways, designed like a never ending maze. And just when you are sure you are lost in that maze a door opens and you find yourself in the Oval Office. If you were not impressed before, you must be now, for there is no other office in the world which floods the mind with images, sounds and raw emotion.

I have been ushered into the Oval Office in which a conference is in progress with President Walsh. A man who was elected following two one term presidents who promised s great deal but delivered a great deal less. He is plagued with such a past depth of overspending, that currently, there is an inability to raise suitable funds. No thanks to promises of the past. When you attempt to tax too much to too few, the ‘many’ will raise more than the flag up the pole! I have been asked to return to form a small force to assist in various ways, with issues not handled by JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command). JSOC was formed prior to the 1980’s and has grown into a force so large, it now rivals all other branches of the services. The JSOC budget exceeds two billion a year and grows each year. It has finally reached the point in which any new or additional funding comes at the cost of the other Services, something the agencies fight about on a regular basis. And unfortunately, for the funds expended, the public does not see an equitable return. This has troubled many members of both Houses for years but there is very little they can do. Any member who willingly and openly goes against JSOC is almost assured of not being reelected next term, so why fight a battle they know they cannot win. Did I mention JSOC is an international response organization? Not domestic. Domestic is the purview of the FBI, who has had very little luck in working with other Agencies but has been very good fighting with them. They fight so well among themselves, but working together is, well, nearly impossible. I have my work cut out for me.

Good morning Mr. President. I received your request and am pleased to join this conversation. They shake hands. JB please sit down I have not finished yelling at the joint Chiefs, and I am sure they are glad to have fresh meat thrown into the pot. Well, Ladies and gentlemen, do any of you have anything good to say this morning or just the usual fluff you try to pass by me as fact! Speak up. JB has not been impressed by you since he came to Washington, some thirty years ago, so I am very sure he will not be impressed today. Now is your time to shine, not scurry away with your collective tails between your collective legs.

Jackson pipes up Mr. President the Air Force has given equipment and budget dollars in excess of 25% of its annual budget to JSOC and cannot afford to run by giving more to some new Agency or group you wish to form, we were promised JSOC will be limited in size and expense, none of which has ever become a reality. So at this point I must respectfully refuse. So one brave soul speaks up and the rest look for cover, as President, I expected much more. Do any of you know I was educated a bit this morning and I learned I cannot fire any of you, but I can demote you. After an earlier conversation with JB I agreed with him. It would not be wise to fire you for the simple reason if I fire you I cannot not punish you! If I simply demote you I can punish you in so many ways for years to come. So as of this moment no one is getting fired or demoted, you will stay and find a way to help me or as God is my witness I will make your lives as miserable as a President can!.

President Walsh continues, Ladies and Gentlemen for the last four hours we have been discussing how we can make the domestic situation better and so far you all can only agree on is your wish to empower JSOC to now act domestically as well as internationally. Something our laws do not allow and something even I do not believe Congress will go along with. In the alternative I have held discussions with Mr. Jim Baker here, aka JB. He is someone you all have come across from time to time. He has suggested a bold plan which will not need congressional approval and will cost none of the services a dime. As a matter of fact, it may even benefit some of you in ways you will not see coming. I will let JB take over from here and let us see where we go ‘Good luck JB’! Just then the Vice-president enters the room. "I thought by now JB has convinced you