Six Soft Targets

PART ONE – THE EVIL AMONG US

"Just because you don’t think they are at war with you, doesn’t mean they are not at war with you.

Chapter One

The Plot

Western Civilization will never be safe and peaceful as long as Islam remains a force of submission and violence.

Seven sinister-looking bearded men appeared on the large wall screen. Revealing no clue of a location, the leader's image stood out against a solid blue background. He occupied the left side of the screen, while the others were stacked in three rows of two columns. Six impassive faces leered straight into the camera, the banked fires of fanaticism simmering in their dark eyes. Their bland expressions belied their sinister intentions.

Their colorful robes and checkered keffiyeh presented the appearance of wealthy businessmen, however, the subject of the video conference was dark and menacing. Their mission was to solidify their strategy to destroy Western civilization.

The leader bowed his head and pronounced. Ahlan bikum. Marhaba.

Bowing in unison, the six participants recited, Allah Akbar.

The leader, known only as The Ghost, spoke, his tone firm and commanding. His hatchet-like face was accentuated by a full goatee. His dark eyes burned with malevolent hatred, a hatred directed at infidels. It is Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. Our days of victory are a mere three months away. Thanks to Allah and you, our faithful, the brave jihadis in America have begun their final preparations to beget death to The Great Satan.

A full-bearded man wearing a white ghutrah with a black agal, Has the date been selected?

The Ghost grinned. Our young martyrs will be given their seventy-two virgins to initiate their days of unlimited and eternal sex. Their glorious afterlife begins on America’s Black Friday.

A day well selected. It commemorates their materialism and intemperance. A younger male with a trimmed beard wearing a red checkered keffiyeh with a black agal commented.

We are aligned. The gray-bearded man wearing a red and white keffiyeh wrapped in turban style declared. We believe the true interpretation of the key tenets of the primary message of the Qur’an.

We must rid the Gulf of its western presence. In the eyes of many, numerous Gulf countries are willing to open their sacred lands to the Western world. Their corrupt, disgraceful behavior has contaminated the holy ground that once was home to the Prophet Mohammed, an older man forcefully interjected.

I agree, a fit-looking young warrior wearing a red shemagh scarf raised his voice. One American on our holy ground is one too many. Most countries tolerate this presence, but secretly they truly abhor having Americans in the region. The infidels will leave in shame after our glorious attack on their soil.

Remember. The gray-bearded man interjected emphatically, Our objective is not how many people we can kill, but it is to break the will of the American infidels.

And to destroy confidence in their government, as well, exclaimed the younger man.

The Ghost flicked his hand outward away from his body. For years, we prayed there would be an opportunity to remove the infidels permanently. The time is now. Soon, all followers will be united with us when we bring them to their knees in their own country.

Have the targets been identified? Will this be a greater victory than nine-eleven? The full-bearded male wearing the white ghutrah with the black agal asked.

The Ghost touched his fingertips together and held out his hand. Yes, my brother, it will. But you must remember we agreed to allow our instrument in America to choose the places of assault and the types of assaults. We must maintain utmost security.

Does our representative have sufficient resources to complete the objective? The full-bearded male wearing the white ghutrah with the black agal asked.

Thanks be to Allah. Your generous contributions have placed them on the path to success. But we must continue to fund our plan for the next three months to ensure victory.

Will we meet again to learn of their progress? The full-bearded face wearing the white ghutrah with the black agal inquired conversationally.

Yes, my brothers. We will resume our contact on the eleventh of each month at the eleventh hour. May Allah bless you and your families with all his blessings, and may you have days full of peace and prosperity.

The six bowed their heads and responded, Maa Al-Salmah. The screen went black.

Turn off the devices and shut everything down. The leader commanded his aide, ensuring complete security was maintained. The technician, a loyal servant for more than eight years, was skilled in the newest methods of electronics and technology.

* * *

Hassan, the leader’s son, stood off to the rear of the makeshift video studio. He was silent as he stood pressed against the wall. There was no door, just an opening on a side wall which enabled Hassan to overhear the conversation. He was fearful of the assault his father was spearheading.

Hassan was sickened by his father’s radicalism and hatred of Western civilization. He was never told of the cause of this animosity, but he overheard his father’s exchanges with these like-minded fanatics.

He doesn’t know I hear things. He doesn’t know I observe the brutality my mother endures at his hands. I am repulsed, but I have no power. No outlet. I’m twenty-three years old, and yet he treats me like an infant. Like I’m average. Nothing special. Just an ordinary possession. I despise everything my father stands for, but I am trapped in these surroundings.

I trust no one and have no real friends. But then, there is Armin. He’s been like a brother to me. His parents were murdered by Saddam Hussein. An outcast. He became a translator for the Americans. I believe he stays in contact with the friends he made. I will speak to Armin. He will be true. We will make plans as well.

* * *

The hazy August sky darkened rapidly as Sophie climbed the long, winding mountain highway in her new SUV through Monteagle, Tennessee. She drove past the town with an elevation of two thousand feet.

Interstate 24 started its treacherous descent toward her planned stopover in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The gas gauge read a quarter tank, while the display showed ninety-six miles cruising range. She was reassured she had enough fuel before needing to stop for gas and check into her reserved motel room.

Fatigue descended on Sophie as she navigated the winding road through the heavy truck and automobile traffic. Road signs indicated a service station and facilities at the next exit as she desperately needed to take a quick break. She had been driving a long time since her overnight in Columbia, Missouri.

She inserted her credit card and pumped gas until the handle clicked. Sophie pulled away from the pumps to the front of the convenience store before resuming her drive to the motel. She walked up, opened the door, and looked for the restroom sign. She noticed a guy glance her way and then walk toward a young girl looking at the snack rack.

The girl turned and walked down the grungy hallway leading to the Lady’s Room. Sophie followed and leaned against the wall to wait when she felt for her bag. Damn, I left my bag in the SUV. Pretty careless. If I had forgotten my gear in Iraq it would have meant my life.

What’s taking so long? It’s been at least five minutes.

Just then, the young lady hurried out the door and sped down the hall to the exit.

My turn at last.

Sophie walked out of the store and found an empty space where she had parked. I’m really tired. First, I forget my bag and now where I parked. Where’s my wheels? She clicked her key fob. Nothing. Clicked again. Silence.

She saw a guy sitting in a huge black pickup truck next to her empty space. He gave her a quizzical stare. Sophie walked up and knocked on the driver’s window. She blurted nervously, I need some help,

What can I do for you sweetheart? the bearded guy in a red Marines tee shirt replied. He had an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor tattoo on his arm.

I can trust this guy.

I parked next to your pickup. A grey SUV. Now it’s gone. Did you see anyone drive it away?

Yeah, a young guy with a black ball cap. He got in. Then his lady friend rushed out. She jumped in, and they drove off. Didn’t notice much else. I’m waitin’ for my wife to pick up some stuff inside. Looks like they took your truck.

Damn. It sure looks like it. I locked it. I’ve got the key right here in my hand.

You’re not from aroun’ here, are ya ma’am? I’ll call 911 for ya. See if we can getcha some help.

After the Marine made the 911 call, he said, By the way, my name’s Larry Hyland. I’m from here.

Thanks, Marine, and thanks for your service. Sophie turned and went into the store and tried to interrupt the clerk who was waiting on a long line of customers. I parked my SUV outside, and now it’s gone. Did you see who took it? Do you have cameras?

No, ma’am. Didn’t see a thing. Been swamped with customers for a while now, but we’ve got cameras. I’ll call the manager to come in and take a look at the video.

Thanks. I’m traveling through, and everything I own is in that SUV.

I’ll call her now. She lives close by.

After a short wait, a Chattanooga police car drove up and pulled into Sophie’s vacant parking space. They got out. Walked up to where Sophie and Larry Hyland were standing and talking. The officer asked, who’s the driver who had their vehicle taken?

Sophie raised her hand, I am. I stopped for gas, parked, and went into the Ladies. When I came out, my SUV was gone. It sat right there where you parked.

Can I please see some ID, ma’am?

I don’t have any. My bag was locked in the SUV when I went inside. I’m passing through on my way to Florida. I’ve got a reservation to stay at a motel here tonight. My roller bag, duffle, and laptop were in the SUV as well.

That’s not much to go on. Whad’ya got to show me? Anything? I need to verify who you are.

All I got is my phone and my key fob. I’ve got an App on my phone that has my vehicle information. Sophie turned on her phone and brought up the App. Look, here we are, and there’s my vehicle. Looks like it’s heading south.

A Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer arrived. Hey, I heard the stolen vehicle call, and I came over because this has happened before. Sixth vehicle stolen from around here in the past few weeks. Show me the App that’s tracking your vehicle.

Sophie handed the trooper her phone.

Just as I thought. Heading south on I-75 toward Atlanta. He leaned in his car window and called the Tennessee Dispatcher, gave the vehicle details from the phone, and requested Tennessee alert the Georgia State Patrol. Do you have your key fob with you?

Sophie nodded yes. Showed it to him.

This is what they do. New vehicles are high-tech. They have multiple screens, countless gadgets, and features, and most of the time, a keyless entry system. This entry system often needs no key at all. You don’t have an actual key, do you Miss?

Sophie shook her head and held up her key fob.

Drivers hold their key fob, press a button, or just walk up, and the door unlocks. They can even start the engine remotely. I see the App on your phone has that feature. This is super convenient, and this is how they got your vehicle. They watch for you to go inside where they have an accomplice in the store get in the restroom and delay you for a few minutes.

Sophie nodded.

The perp with a remote walks up, the door unlocks, he gets in and starts the vehicle. When the partner comes out, they get out of there in a hurry. We suspect they’re taking your vehicle to a chop shop in Atlanta, which is less than two hours away. They’re probably about halfway there now. I’ll have Georgia track them.

A small gawking crowd had gathered. Since nothing else was happening, the officers explained how police and security experts warn drivers of similarly equipped vehicles. These are the most highly targeted and recent victims of vehicle theft. A new signal hijacking scheme called ‘relay theft’ allows auto thieves to use radio devices to read car keys outside your home, workplace, or current location. Service stations are prime spots. They target high-end vehicles, and they love to steal something new with a full tank of gas.

The convenience store manager arrived. After being briefed by the two local officers, agreed to look at the video feed. She took the police inside to review the footage. After a while, the three came back out.

We saw a young guy on the video with a black ball cap get in Sophie’s SUV and start the engine. He waited a few minutes and then took off when his partner appeared and jumped in the shotgun seat.

The policeman called it in.

How do they get these gadgets? Larry asked.

They’re called ‘relay boxes.’ Anyone can order one on eBay or Amazon. They allow thieves to pick up the signal from your keyless fob, send the signal to the vehicle, electronically open it, start it and drive away ruining your day or in this case, evening.

Well, they sure did that, Sophie lamented. I need to get to my motel and make some phone calls. I’ve got a paid reservation, but I don’t have ID, cash, or clothes. And now, I need a ride. I’m in a pretty big mess.

The state trooper received a call and listened for a few minutes, then said to Sophie. Dispatch ran a check on you to make sure you are who you say you are. Just routine. We need to be sure about what we do and say. Seems you’re a pretty important person. The Feds told us you’re a recently retired Army full bird. Specialty is anti-terrorism with the highest security clearance. They were pretty hush-hush on the details. We got the word to treat you well, and thank you for your service, colonel.

If it’s okay with everyone, Paz and I’ll take you to your motel, ma’am, Larry exclaimed. It’s just two exits down I-24 from here, and it’s on our way home. We’ll be delighted to carry you over there. She’s retired Air Force, and I served in the Corps in Desert Storm. We met while I recovered from wounds in Landstuhl, Germany. I’m honored to lend a hand.

Chapter Two

Strange Coincidences

I am with you; so confirm the believers. I shall cast into the unbelievers’ hearts terror; so smite above the necks, and smite every finger of them! – Koran 8:12.

Sophie’s new friends dropped her off at the motel. They waited outside to make sure she was able to register. Paz slipped Sophie a pair of twenties when she came out to let them know she got checked in without a problem. There are still good Samaritans in America. If they only knew what I know.

In her room, Sophie got out her phone, pulled up her contacts, and called Dave Clayton in Jacksonville, Florida. She knew Dave from several tours in Iraq. He was a retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with the specialty of Cyber Surety. Sophie and Dave had worked together in joint operations involving anti-terrorism and insurgency in the Mideast.

Sophie knew firsthand that Dave was well-trained and experienced in high tech. He had the innate ability of a hacker. His responsibility in the Air Force was to detect, prevent, and repel cyber-attacks. His classification was Cyber Surety Specialist. He was tasked to ensure the security of computer networks and online communications, including programming and hardware. His job was to keep highly classified military systems and information safe and secure. And much, much more than most ever knew existed.

Dave, this is Sophie. I’ve got a serious problem. I need help. Are you in a position to drive to Chattanooga to get me?

Dave replied, Sure thing, colonel. What’s up? Are you okay? What kind of trouble are you in?

I’m retired from active duty. Driving to Florida from Fort Leavenworth. I made a pit stop at a service station off I-24 in Chattanooga, and my new SUV was stolen. I planned to spend the night here anyway, but now I’m stuck with no ID. Purse was locked inside with bags, and worse, my laptop. The rest I can tell you when I see you. I can see you, can’t I?

Get some rest. You’ve had a long drive. I’ll leave in the morning. It’s about an eight-hour drive. I’ll see you in the afternoon about two. What do we do then, and where do we go?

I need to sort some things out. Find out if they can recover my vehicle. Georgia Highway Patrol is tracking it from the info on the App on my phone. We can talk more when you get here.

Sophie called the Tennessee Highway Patrol. After an update, they gave Sophie the phone number of the Georgia State Patrol. They put Sophie on hold and then switched her from one desk to another. Finally, she got some good news. She also found out she’d be without her stuff for a while. We’ve got an unmarked car following your SUV. Can you verify the license number and state?

Sophie did.

Colonel, first let me thank you for your service to our country. We need to follow your vehicle to the location where it’ll be delivered. This is a big operation, and this is the first good lead we got. We’ve got three unmarked vehicles watching them as they’re entering the Atlanta area. If you’ve been there, you know how difficult it is to navigate around Spaghetti Junction and some of these crazy roads.

I understand.

I can’t tell you a lot. We’re putting together a SWAT Team to raid this operation and shut it put these guys away. Can we send you updates at this number?

Sophie replied in the affirmative, hoping this wouldn’t be a crapshoot. She desperately needed to get her ID and laptop back.

Sophie needed to get some sleep but she was wound up tight.

Oh great, no clothes or toiletries.

She checked the bathroom and found all the stuff she would need to take a shower. The front desk had given her a toothbrush, toothpaste, and welcome kit. This would have to do. Sophie peeled off her clothes. Clothes she would be wearing for a few days. This was not as rough as it was outside the wire in the desert with no place to sleep or shower. She turned on the shower.

I’ll make this work.

* * *

Dave Clayton climbed into his full-size pick-up truck and left Jacksonville a few minutes before 6:00 am. He headed west on I-10 and two hours later he was driving north on I-75 toward Atlanta keeping a little under eighty miles per hour. He wanted to pick up Sophie at the motel by 2:00 pm. He looked forward to hearing her story and her plan on what was next. He decided not to call Sophie. She needed her sleep after a likely restless night.

Dave stopped, ate a quick breakfast, topped off the fuel tank and got on the road. He didn’t want to keep the Colonel waiting. He was certain she must be stressed about this. Then he rethought. Nothing can stress that lady.

* * *

Sophie glanced at her watch. It was eleven. Time to check out. She grabbed her new luggage, a plastic laundry bag found in the motel room closet, and filled it with her assortment of toiletries, toothbrush, etc., left her room and rode the elevator to the lobby. She didn’t know when she would regain possession of her real luggage and laptop. The laptop was critical. She needed it so much. Not all was lost. She had her digital folders and files backed up on Google Drive. The problem was setting up the research web pages links in her favorites. That will be a pain in the butt.

* * *

Dave located the motel and parked under the canopy in front of the lobby. He didn’t think they would be here long. He got out, locked the doors, and strode into the lobby ten minutes before two o’clock. Not seeing Sophie, he asked the desk clerk if Sophie Strange had left a message for Dave Clayton.

No, but a lady’s in the business center room down the hall. Maybe that’s who you’re looking for.

Thanks. Dave found the business center and knocked on the glass door.

Sophie was alone in the room, sitting in front of the computer monitor. She turned her head when she heard the knock and saw this tall, tanned good looking guy through the glass door. Sophie jumped up, opened the door and motioned Dave inside. Sophie wrapped her arms around him, giving him a tight hug. Dave, thanks for coming to my rescue. It’s so good to see you. I knew I could count on you.

Always, Colonel, Dave replied.

Sophie beamed, happy to see Dave. She showed more emotion than she did when they worked together in Iraq.

Are you retired and working for the government as a contractor?

Retired and on my own.

I suspect you’ve got something important to tell me. Let’s get outta here. You can tell me later when ya think the time is right. She’ll tell me when she feels it’s the right time. I have to remember to be a good listener. Give her all the support I can. I owe her that much and what can I lose?

Okay, Sophie replied as she grabbed her motel plastic laundry bag, What’re you doing to stay busy during your retirement years?

My life is pretty darn quiet right now, Dave spoke as they walked toward the lobby. What do I do? I work out most every day. I try to get some sun. Working on my tan. I’m always reading a book. I watch too much TV. I go out to eat too many times a week.

Sounds like an unexciting routine, Dave. Knowing you, there’s more.

My American Legion Post meets once a month. I support some veterans’ events in the area. I visit veterans in assisted living homes. Other than that my life is unexciting. Pretty dull compared to what we did together on active duty. My mind’s in overdrive? She’ll tell me what this is all about.

Dave, let’s get some lunch? Sophie said as she stepped up into Dave’s pickup. I had a complimentary breakfast at the motel. I need a restaurant where we can talk a bit.

I’m all in for lunch. I saw a sports bar by the interstate exit. It’s probably the best place to get something quick. You can bring me up to date on the trials and tribulations of Sophie Strange.

Did you really say that, Dave? Sophie grinned, "this isn’t the Perils of Pauline. Bottom line, my SUV was stolen and I need a ride. And I need someone I can trust.

Hey, I’m dead serious.

I know. I’m not sure what I’m doing myself. I may be in over my head. I found something serious and no one will show interest in it. I think something horrendous is going down. I talked with Gary Corbett. He’s with the FBI. I don’t know him that well, but he is the only one who sees what I see. Can I ask Dave to join me?

As Dave was getting out of his pickup, he looked at Sophie. Let’s talk in the restaurant.

I’ll tell you everything, but I need time to do it in my way. I want you to help me but you may think I’ve gone off the rails on a crazy train.

A young hostess greeted them. Sit wherever y’all want. I’ll bring some menus. Dave and Sophie found a booth in the back corner, away from the bar, and waited for the hostess to bring the menus. What’ya wanna drink?"

Iced tea. Unsweetened. They answered in unison.

The waitress brought the iced teas. "You folks ready to order, or do’ya need more time?

I’ll have the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, Sophie looked up and ordered.

Dave, still looking at the menu, not wanting to be difficult. Same for me.

Chapter Three

Rescuing Fair Maiden

"Christians and Jews are perverted. God assail them!

How they are perverted!" – Koran 9:30

Dave, I don’t have any cash You’ll have to run a tab on me. For everything. I’ll write you a check or do a PayPal for you later.

No worries. I suspected this when ya called me.

Dave, I’ll try to tell you everything. I need you to think this over before you make a decision.

Dave nodded. Go on.

I’d like you to join me, but I’ll understand if you say no. I never counted on help from anyone, but I’ve had a change of heart. I need someone to partner up with. Dave, you’re the most likely person to join me.

Is this a mission? It sounds like you’re frightened.

My worst fears are real. America will be attacked. Could be another 9/11. Could be worse? I fear radical Islamists want to destroy Western civilization as we know it.

They’ve always wanted to do that.

I’ll lay it all out. If you’re with me, we’ll have a lot to talk about on the way to Atlanta. If not, it’ll be a quiet afternoon.

We’ve been through a lot in the past. I wanna hear more ‘bout why you’re so alarmed.

I came across some information in an email from an Iraqi informer, Armin Haddad, Sophie spoke quietly without looking up, I think you might remember him. He occasionally translated for us.

Dave sipped his iced tea and leaned forward.

We started using him as an intelligence asset. He came from a very wealthy family who was assassinated by Saddam’s goons. He was low-level, but he got us a lot of good intel. He had connections with the children of other influential and wealthy Iraqis. Some good, some not so good, and some who would like to see America destroyed.

Is he the young guy we called The Canary? Dave asked.

Yes, he’s the one. Not so young anymore. Armin wants revenge for what happened to him and his family. Apparently, he’s been running some black market schemes and other not-so-legal operations that bring him a bit of under-the-table cash.

You think he’s credible? Could be reading too much into nothing.

Armin, Sophie continued, looking up into Dave’s brown eyes, sent me some interesting stuff that coincided with classified intel that came across my desk while I was still active.

Anything specific?

No. Mostly pretty vague, but when I put it all together, it tells a story. That story coincides with what Armin sent me and it scares me.

Are we talking ‘bout classified intel?

No, none of it ever identified specific names, places, dates, etc. No definite who, what, where, when, and why. I tried to run it up the flagpole several times, but it wouldn’t wave. The last time it was dead on arrival somewhere up the chain of command. Drop it and don’t spend time on it was the final response. No one wants to spend time or resources on something that isn’t actionable.

Sophie, you were pretty high up on that flagpole, why wouldn’t they listen to ya?

She shrugged, stared at the glass of iced tea in her hand and took a sip.

"Sophie, you’re one of the most respected officers in your field. As a senior non-com, we saw how things worked. Sometimes we heard stuff we weren’t supposed to, but