Black Ops Brotherhood: Tightrope Part 23

Special Agent Walsh was in a desert camouflage uniform complete with the SEAL Trident over US NAVY on his left chest.

I knew it!

"Senior chief," she said with a nod.

Gavin smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm much better. What's this about?"

"We have a lot to talk about, and we're real short on time."

After Rio and Schotzie transferred from the Jeep, Gavin drove them to a building in the middle of the base. They went to a small office bare of anything other than a desk, two chairs, and a laptop. She settled Schotzie and took a seat as she waited for Gavin to seat himself behind the desk.

"I need your help, and I'm hoping I can count on it," he started.

"Of course. What can I do for you?"

"I run a federal counterterrorism task force that works very closely with the Department of Defense. As you know, the US military can't operate on US soil. But, civilian authorities like the FBI, ATF, DEA, and CBP can. You, as CBP, know better than anyone what we're up against at the border because you see it every day. I want you and your team to come to work with the task force for a while and think about joining my reserve unit. I need CBP's a.s.sistance with a case that I've been working for a long time. But also, I particularly need your skills as a dog handler and trainer. I want to start a group of specialty search dogs within our reserve unit. That being said, you and some of your team members will need to join the Navy Reserves, and you'll be a.s.signed to Special Warfare Group 5 at Randolph. I'm working it out where some of the guys stay at the Naco CBP station because we need them here. I want you, Van, and Alan to come to work directly for me. I'd like to partner with you on a full-time basis. You'll have to join the reserves and move to San Antonio. We have a slot waiting for you, if you agree. Eventually, I hope you'll consider moving to the FBI. I'm working on creating training slots, but for now, I want you three to be liaisons between the FBI, Special Warfare Group 5, and the CBP."

"FBI?" Rio asked, attempting to maintain a cool exterior.

Being an FBI agent was her dream career, and someone who could make it happen now handed her the opportunity. Gavin went on to explain how the program would work and how, after three years, she'd be sent to the FBI Academy at Quantico after which she'd be a fully qualified special agent.

"Are you open to this idea?" Gavin asked.

"Sure, I'm open to it. What do you need me to do?"

"Would you consider coming over to the FBI after we're done with this case?"

"Yes. I would."

Excited and overjoyed beyond belief, she managed to stay outwardly calm and neutral as she smiled. "I think so."

"Is this something you'll do?"

"Yes, senior chief. I've got this."

Gavin looked down at her left hand and cleared his throat; there was obviously more. She glanced at her engagement ring, and her tummy did a slight flip. The ring seemed to sparkle a little brighter each day.

"I know you and Dan are very close. How do you feel about working with him?"

Naturally he had to address their situation. It would've been something she would've done as well. Being focused at work had never been a problem for her in the past, but this would be the first time she'd have a personal relations.h.i.+p with someone she worked closely with. She didn't intend to let her relations.h.i.+p with Danny become a problem for her now.

"It's not a problem for me. Work is work, and I can keep my personal life away from it."

"Dan's a little worried."

"As far as I'm concerned, unless I'm in his direct chain of command, there's not a problem."

"I thought you'd say that," Gavin said with a smile and extended his hand. "Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, senior chief."

"Don't thank me yet. I need to get you cleared for light duty, so you and Schotzie can report here tomorrow morning. Let's go and get you a temporary CAC card for access to the base. We've got a lot of work to do."

Dan couldn't concentrate on the computer application he'd been working on. He shut his laptop down and went to the fridge for a bottle of water. When Gavin told him the full extent of his offer, he knew there would be no way Rio would turn him down. It was all she wanted, a shot at becoming an FBI agent. Bada.s.s was right. He needed to deal with it and move on. He needed to have unconditional trust in her. She was a professional and smart enough to leave her personal life at the door when she came to work every day. He needed to do the same.

It wasn't that hard. When he arrived at the hangar for work or reported for an op he'd always been focused and on target, and everything else seemed to fade into the background. He thought about it a little more. At least she'd be working with Bada.s.s, and he'd watch out for her. He wouldn't be worried about her being in the brush facing dangerous drug dealers alone, and if she left the CBP, maybe the cartel wouldn't consider her a threat any longer. She'd also be working with Special Warfare Group 5, giving him the opportunity to protect her.

Schotzie came bounding inside when the door opened and jumped on Dan as she barked happily. Prancing out of sight, she returned a short time later and dropped a ball at his feet. It was almost time for the three of them to take a short walk to a nearby empty field and play fetch. He rubbed her ears as he picked up the ball.

"In a little while, girl, it's still a too hot outside," he said.

Resuming his seat, he opened the lid to his laptop as Rio slid her arm around him and leaned in for a kiss. Her happiness showed. As he thought about how she'd struggled all of her life, he felt himself relent somewhat because she deserved this break. Someone had finally seen just how special and talented she truly was. s.h.i.+fting his focus, he let go of his doubts and allowed himself to be happy for her. She took a sip of his water as she sat in the seat next to him.

"Do you want me to get you a bottle?" he asked.

"I'll get it," she said, starting to rise.

"No, let me. Relax, and tell me what happened."

"I think you already know because you were so stressed out about it earlier," she said as he opened the bottle and handed it to her.

"I guess it just freaked me out a little. Now that I think about it, I'm really happy for you. I know it's what you want."

"It totally blew me away. I still can't believe it," she said with a giggle.

The bubbly giggle made him smile. She laughed more, and as they spent more time together, her walls seemed to be coming down. She wasn't as controlled and guarded. She'd let herself go and was becoming the Rio he remembered. Knowing she'd already accepted Gavin's offer, he listened as she told him what Gavin had proposed. Her happiness was infectious, and he shook off the doubts that had plagued him earlier. They'd be all right. They weren't teenagers anymore. They were adults with professional lives and were among the best in cla.s.s in their respective careers.

"Are you still worried about this?" she asked.

"No, babe, I'll be fine. I'm really happy you're getting what you've always wanted. We'll figure it out."

"Amba.s.sador Nasir Hesbani from the Pakistani emba.s.sy has arrived, sir," the aide announced.

Viktor Ivanov and the Russian amba.s.sador a.s.signed to the Office of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Houston, Texas, exchanged glances. Amba.s.sador Hesbani had requested the meeting. Ivanov knew that the Pakistani amba.s.sador and wayward Minister Bakri were linked, and that Pakistan had already made preparations to cut the ties with Bakri. He'd been maneuvering this moment since Bakri slipped through his fingers. Hesbani had specifically requested that the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation attend this meeting. Viktor was the director of military counterintelligence and reported directly to the President of the Russian Federation. His division had been a more palatable way of keeping the KGB alive and well in Russia.

The amba.s.sador arrived, and the meeting began with the usual customs and courtesies between the two representatives. Fifteen minutes into the meeting Ivanov had lost interest and his patience. When the Russian amba.s.sador abruptly excused himself, Viktor had missed why his amba.s.sador had left. He flashed Hesbani an awkward smile. He didn't like these diplomatic games but understood the necessity.

"I needed to speak with you, alone," Hesbani said.

The request surprised him. "I am at your service, Mr. Amba.s.sador."

"Cigarette?" the amba.s.sador offered.

Being former KGB, Ivanov was suspicious of someone attempting to do him harm.

"Please, take one of mine," he said, digging out his platinum cigarette case. "They are specially made for me from a very fine Cuban tobacco. I'm sure you'll enjoy them."

The amba.s.sador smiled and took the offering. "You and I both seek the same thing. We need to find Minister Bakri and...minimize him."

Ivanov managed a surprised, blank gaze. "What do you mean, amba.s.sador?"

"Let's just say that the Pakistani government is interested in moving forward with plans to a.s.sist Russia with her current international trade interests. We are fully prepared to lobby for your entry into OPEC with our allies. However, there has been a recent misunderstanding in our program for exchanging certain scientific projects."

More diplomatic double talk. Ivanov sighed inwardly. His tolerance for this sort of game had become low and thin. Knowing the layout of the emba.s.sy, he knew he was in one of the less secure rooms. Even so, cameras were watching them from every direction. He leaned forward to light the amba.s.sador's cigarette and whispered, "Whatever you want with me, say it-quickly." The harsh tone in his voice left no room for questions. The amba.s.sador glanced at him, startled. "What is it you want from me?"

"Minister Bakri is a liability to both of us. The only way we can move forward and get to where we both need to be is to eliminate him. How that is done, I will leave to you. Where can I deliver the wayward minister?"

Ivanov sat back in his chair. While politics could be a game he didn't like to play, he'd mastered it to survive the change from communism to socialism. He'd outlasted several prime ministers and presidents, men who held his career, and at times, his freedom in their hands. Through it all, he'd maintained his position in the unpredictable world of politics. Cameras be d.a.m.ned, he was either being set up, or the G.o.ds had just dropped a golden gift in his lap. Still, there would be no way he would take the fall for this alone. He knew that by maneuvering the direction of these negotiations to his and Russia's advantage, this conversation would never see the light of day. But if he failed, it could mean his life. Time was growing short, and he needed to get rid of the minister.

"What exactly do you expect me to do with the minister once you've delivered him?"

The amba.s.sador looked around the room nervously. He realized what was at stake as well. If this greasy b.a.s.t.a.r.d had the backing of his own government, then he'd come clean with what he really wanted, if he'd come on his own, then this discussion would end.

"We need him neutralized. He's become unreasonable and is putting us all at risk. It would be in both of our best interests if he was out of the way. The minister has become fixated and shortsighted. Russia and Pakistan have a much bigger vision."

"Let's be clear. You want Russia to rein in a monster you created-"

The amba.s.sador rudely interjected. "That we both created. Let's not forget your resources got him-"

"Cut the s.h.i.+t, amba.s.sador. Russia was doing what you asked of us, support you and give you the technology to play both sides of the fence with the United States and the Taliban. We kept our end of the bargain. Your people f.u.c.ked this up."

Ivanov paused to let his words sink in. By his fearful expression, the amba.s.sador couldn't hide the fact that Ivanov's message had been loud and clear. It was time to nail the coffin shut and seal a deal in his favor. Suddenly he understood that the Pakistani government was scrambling-something had become amiss between them and Iran. From now on, Russia had to deal with Iran directly. No more middlemen. Ivanov had to get his government out of the middle of a dangerous international incident.

"And now, you want us to pick up the pieces before it's too late to excuse away your treachery with the United States and what you did with the aid money you've used against them."

The amba.s.sador's eyes widened, and Ivanov knew he'd struck a nerve. He'd a.s.sessed this situation correctly. By the look on the amba.s.sador's face it was clear Pakistan had become concerned over losing Russia and the United States as supporters. Ivanov continued, "I don't think Russia is interested in p.i.s.sing off the United States quite like that. I'm sorry amba.s.sador, I'm not your man, and Russia isn't the ally to help you with this."

"We will cut the ties and hand him over to you if you can reach Iran and have them do the same," the amba.s.sador said quickly.

Perhaps Bakri had done more damage than Ivanov knew. There would be no reason to pursue Bakri any longer, and this embarra.s.sing loose end would tie itself up eventually. But if the opportunity presented itself, the leverage from getting rid of Bakri would go far, and Ivanov made the decision to leave that door open.

"We'll see when and if you can hand him over. Your government has been long on promises and short on delivery."

Wes stared at the message he'd just received in his inbox. He had to get his hands on the Jensen ranch before he blew the biggest deal of his life. The family didn't realize they were sitting on a gold mine. He ran his fingers through his thinning salt-and-pepper hair. His broker in Mexico had threatened to go to the Jensens directly and force their hand. That b.l.o.o.d.y trail would lead straight back to him if anything like that happened. It wouldn't be only Rio this time. It would be the whole d.a.m.n family.

There had to be a cleaner way to do this. He looked over the plat of the Jensen ranch once more. The property had been owned by a silver mining company, and now it had become scrub brush barely able to support the cattle they ran on it. And for some reason, Davey Jensen thought he could turn that around. They hadn't been able to make money off that land since they'd owned it. Wes knew that, because the land had never been intended to make any money.

Juan Jensen had been a Mexican mining engineer who'd come here to work in the dwindling mining industry in the early seventies. He had purchased the land from the Mexican company who deemed it worthless once the silver played out. He decided to make Bisbee his home and marry Marissa, a Sierra Vista socialite who'd been dazzled by Juan's family lineage in Mexico. His vision went on to make modern Bisbee what it had become today. Eventually taking on the role as city manager, his vision included incorporating more of the surrounding small pueblos, thus doubling the size of Bisbee within ten years and increasing the tax base. He rebranded the city, turning it away from the brink of abandonment and making it a haven for modern artists. He lured the Indians back to the almost empty reservation nearby and turned the worthless sand and cactus into a billion-dollar casino that never closed. Of course, nearby Bisbee and Sierra Vista also took the overflow of tourists.

Juan never took much of the credit, but as a real-estate broker and developer, Wes had been a part of his vision and saw the genius behind it. Rio reminded Wes of her father, quiet intelligence, hardworking, and stubborn as all h.e.l.l. Despite what Marissa said, he knew Rio wasn't the idiot her mother made her out to be. She'd managed to escape Montenegro and that had to have been one h.e.l.l of a trick. Marissa confused book smart with life smart. Rio had a s.h.i.+t ton of common sense and ambition. Rio would do well no matter what she decided to do with her life. The girl had become every inch her father when it came to thinking. He needed that kind of genius working for him.

Jax would never be able to keep her under control; that would be up to Wes. The girl also had her mother's beauty if she'd quit dressing up like a man in that CBP uniform. He picked up his cell phone and scrolled through the numbers. Eli Reyes. How could he get Rio in the right place at the right time, again? Danny Gamez... The boy never left her side, and now he never would. Something else Jax had f.u.c.ked up. He tossed his phone on his desk in frustration. They had to come up with a different plan this time to get that ranch and Rio under control. He dug out the plat of the former silver mine and looked it over again. d.a.m.n! This place is worth millions. He had to find a hole in the paperwork for the Jensen estate. He also had to find a way to s.h.i.+ft the murder of his ranch hands away from him and Montez's people who'd been hired to take Rio away until her family signed over the land. Jax had come home that night and told him how they planned on kidnapping Rio. He'd led his drunk son on and offered the use of his ranch hands. The unfortunate murder of his hands had been a necessary sacrifice to put Reyes in the right place at the right time and setup PJ to take the fall. But Jax had managed to screw up a carefully laid, infallible plan.

"Jax!" Wes yelled impatiently as he drank the last of the shot of whiskey in his gla.s.s.

"Yeah, Pa," Jax answered, lumbering into the room.

"I'm going out tonight. Stay here and undercover. I can't risk you doing something stupid again."

"But PJ and me-"

"But nothing! You're out of jail on bond money we don't have. You park your a.s.s and do your jacking off with PJ here. Just don't f.u.c.king move!"

Wes looked down at his desk and the Jensen ranch on paper. Did that wily b.a.s.t.a.r.d know this land would be worth something one day? Juan always had a plan and a vision that could be miles ahead of anyone else. Wes recalled the conversations he and Juan would have at the end of a city council or chamber of commerce meeting. They always involved the next strategic move. Maybe it was time to take a step back and think.

What would Juan do?

Chapter 19.

1515 Santa Cruz St.

South Bisbee, Arizona July 19, 2010/1618 Zulu Rio watched from the doorway as Danny zipped up his bag and scanned over his belongings. Instead of Coronado, he would be going back to San Antonio for a week and return with the team conducting operations later in the month.

"Did you get everything you need?"

"I think so." He glanced at his watch and picked up his bags. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," she replied, strapping her duty belt around her waist. While he watched her, she watched his pupils dilate, and the skin of his neck and face became flushed. When he licked his lips, she just had to ask what the h.e.l.l had just gone through his mind.

"Why are you looking at me that way?" He didn't answer and continued to stare. "Danny!"

"What?" He blinked as he came back to reality.

"What are you looking at?"

He shook his head as if he were a little disoriented and looked down at his things on the bed.

"How come you're dressed in your CBP uniform? You're not working with Gavin today?"

"No, they're shorthanded at the station. I'll be picking up people from the county jail and processing. We've had a big influx over the last couple of days."

"Oh..."