Double Blindside

Brognola looked around the table. “And a veiled hint that a similar incident could take place here, on U.S. soil, to back up what Özgürlük is threatening. Now, this may be nothing more than some Turkish half-assed bullying. But when U.S. agents are murdered—agents investigating Turkish agitators advocating the removal of our base at Incirlik—it all starts to take on a shadow of reality. The deaths have been kept out of the spotlight. No point in allowing press hype to muddy the waters.”

“With the background of NATO and the American presence in Turkey,” James said, “I have to say we do need to follow through.”

“The President doesn’t want to be caught on the back foot if something does happen,” Brognola said. “Turkish stability needs to be maintained. There’s a lot at stake with our base at Incirlik and the NATO alliance. Anything that might upset it at all needs to be eliminated. These days there are too many groups wrangling for position. And U.S. influence is constantly under fire from various involved parties.”

“These alleged strikes…” McCarter said. “Do we have any idea how they might be formulated?”

“At this point we’re guessing in the dark. That’s why we need Phoenix Force presence on two fronts. Turkey and London.”

“What’s in London?” McCarter asked.

Brognola slid a sheet of paper across for him to read.

“Kartal picked up on some mention of Özgürlük’s banker in London. The guy who collects money. Passes it out when the organization needs funds. Makerson had the NSA run some phone intercepts and he liaised with Kartal. Between them they got a location for this guy, Aziz Makar. And phone transmissions from another London address. Could be a safehouse. It’s a starting point for a look-see while the Turkish end is being checked out at the same time.”

“We ran the address. Tracked it down through local admin for property tax they pay in the UK. House is owned by a guy called Stanley Rimmer. His bio has him down as a landlord on a few properties. Tracking back through his transactions, we came to a dead stop with the real owner of the house.”

“The Polat group?” McCarter said.

“Way down the chain,” Kurtzman said. “A long chain, but if you’re in there, the truth will come out.”

“More to it, though?” McCarter said.

Brognola smiled at the Briton’s grasp of the detail.

“Money in the deal was paid via Aziz Makar. Our Özgürlük paymaster.”

Brognola waited to see if anyone registered the word and was not disappointed when Hawkins tapped the file in front of him.

“It’s in the file,” he said. “The organization fronting the opposition to the U.S. in Turkey and the hinted-at American strike—Özgürlük—keeps showing.”

“Based on intel from Makerson and Berna Kartal’s own file, I had my people run a deep trawl across the internet,” Kurtzman said, joining the ongoing conversation again.

Deep trawling was Kurtzman’s way of saying his team had dug their way into sites both open and secret. In Kurtzman’s eyes, if information was available, whether he got it by fair means or foul, the need was there. It was seldom the Stony Man cyber team failed to come up with the goods. When Stony Man got caught up in missions where lives and security were the main factors, Kurtzman threw rule books out the window. He hated protocols that might deter weaker individuals. They were knocked aside by Kurtzman and his people. To him the protection of America, the SOG teams and that often sneered-at word justice were more important. Aaron Kurtzman dedicated every waking hour to maintaining the integrity of his department and his people.

“The NSA has picked up recent phone chatter involving Özgürlük. This group might have money behind them,” Kurtzman said, “but they don’t have a monopoly on staying totally undercover. They are not very sophisticated when it comes to covering their tracks. We picked up traces of communication between various individuals. Once we located cell phones from the numbers Kartal and Makerson identified, it wasn’t all that difficult to expand our lists and start tracking messages.”

He put the text messages on-screen—most of the originals had been in Turkish, so Kurtzman had pulled in Erika Dukas, one of the translators Stony Man occasionally consulted. She had taken the messages and fed them through her computer, translating and creating English versions. Passed back to Kurtzman, the messages had been incorporated into his files.

“Lots of talk back and forth,” Kurtzman said. “All about logistics. Supply. Locations. This last one will interest Able. You people may recall the late Jack Regan. Arms dealer who was killed a while back. Now we have his successor, a Mexican named Pablo Gutierrez. He’s picked up some of Regan’s old clients. The Echelon listening device picked up some vague chatter with Gutierrez’s name attached to a couple of emails from our Turkish dissidents. Something about a deal with a Russian—Gennadi Antonov. Vague. No specifics, but Antonov is suspected of ties to former Russian military.”

“Where does he hang out? This Regan clone?” Hermann “Gadgets” Schwarz, Able Team’s electronics expert who had been silent for most of the meeting, asked.

“Miami.”

Blancanales scanned the messages on the plasma screen.

“That damn name again,” he said. “Özgürlük. It’s like a secret handshake for these guys. But unfortunately for them, not too secret.”

Brognola said, “Okay, people, time to saddle up. Look into it. If it doesn’t pan out, no harm done. But if there’s solid evidence, you know what to do. We don’t dare miss this in case it is real.”

There was a brief silence as everyone around the conference table had a final run through their files. A few more questions were put forward until they were all satisfied for the moment.

“Anyone like to hear an idle thought?” McCarter said as everyone started to move.

Brognola turned his attention to the Phoenix Force leader. McCarter never had idle thoughts.

“Go ahead, David.”

“This is just rambling. If Özgürlük does turn out to be really running this threat to blackmail us and it doesn’t work and they set off a nuke close enough to damage the Incirlik base—what about the nukes already stockpiled there?”

“Ouch,” Hawkins said. “Damn, how would that work? I mean would they go off, as well?”

Manning said, “If they’re not actually armed, maybe not. But radioactive material could be leaked.”

“I’ll get my team to look into that,” Kurtzman said.

Lyons said, “Time to update the President, Hal. He’ll need to take some kind of action over this.”

“Alerting the base would be in the cards,” McCarter said.

As the teams filed out, Brognola watched them go, his mind already turning over what McCarter had said. The Briton had been right on the button. If the suggestions about nukes were true, with the bottom line being a detonation, the situation would go quickly from bad to worse. Apart from anything else, a strike against Incirlik would make a hell of a statement. It would hit the U.S. hard, dent its pride and take out a strategic factor in the area. The anti-U.S. brigade would get what it had wanted for a long time and Özgürlük would strengthen its position.

If a dissident group wanted maximum publicity for their aims, a high-profile strike against a major target would be the way to go. Small incidents were not very productive, but a massive hit would focus attention. It would focus in on U.S. military presence across the globe. And collateral damage didn’t bother the perpetrators any longer—9/11 had set the benchmark.

“So we have to work out whether this Özgürlük deal is a scare tactic or the real thing,” Encizo said as he exited the room. “We need to understand if these people are just faking or genuinely willing to set off a nuke on an American base in Turkey.”

“And on U.S. soil,” Lyons said.

* * *

BARBARA PRICE, IN HER usual efficient fashion, went about organizing travel arrangements for the teams. Able Team’s was an easy option—simply having one of the on-site vehicles prepared while Lyons and his partners gathered their weapons and IDs. Fixing things for Phoenix Force took the bulk of her work. Via Brognola’s clout with the President, travel for McCarter and company was arranged on an Air Force transport on a regular flight across the Atlantic to the UK, then a switch to a similar flight from Lakenheath across to Incirlik, Turkey. For once, the odds were in her favor and the influence of the Commander in Chief allowed her to complete the arrangements within a short time. She was not made aware of any persuasive arguments the President might have used, and in truth she didn’t care. Price only wanted the end result for her people.

If fate had decreed a different direction for her, Barbara Price could have made her living as a model, even a movie star. She had the looks: honey-blonde, with an athletic, slim figure and penetrating blue eyes. Behind the glamorous appearance, she had a keen, insightful brain that had led her to a position within the NSA, where she was in charge of analyzing SIGINT and HUMINT data. Her skills with the reclusive signals and human intelligence arm of the NSA had kept Price busy, but not exclusively satisfied.

As he’d worked at selecting personnel for the newly created Stony Man, Hal Brognola had met the young woman and was so impressed with her intellect that he considered her as a replacement for the deceased April Rose, the Farm’s original mission controller. When Brognola approached her and offered her the job, Price, who was disillusioned with NSA internal political squabbling, was intrigued by his offer. It hadn’t taken her long to realize she was being given the opportunity to join a special department.

Once on board, Price became aware of the Special Operation Group’s unique setup. It was ultrasecret, manned by the best in every field, from Brognola down to the operatives who ran the day-to-day workings of Stony Man. The secret nature of the unit meant Price’s personal life became almost nonexistent. It didn’t put her off. The people she came to see as her family were enough to satisfy her. The job kept her involved day and night. She built strong relationships with the teams who roved the globe fighting all kinds of threats and menaces. In truth, Price’s life was full. She was committed to it, and committed to having her concerns over Phoenix and Able. She fully understood the situations they found themselves in and had made it her responsibility to ensure they received the best backup she could offer.

McCarter had assigned Manning and Hawkins to the UK detail, while he, Encizo and James would go on to Turkey to head up that end of the assignment. Manning and Hawkins would join up with the rest of the group if their part of the mission could be completed in time.

It wasn’t a regular contrivance to split Phoenix Force, but given how the information had come through, a two-pronged investigation would be appropriate for the initial probe.

As Phoenix Force was being flown in by the USAF, they were able to travel with their weapons. Once they left the Incirlik base, matters might be different and they would have to check with the Turkish Secret Service, with whom they would be working, on the ability to retain their arms.

Price handed out documentation packs with her usual operational ability.

“And don’t go spending your pocket money all in one go,” she said lightly. “I expect receipts for everything. They will be checked.”

It was her usual banter, part joke, part serious because she worried about them once they were in the field and, as professional as she was, Price had more than a passing concern for their safety. It didn’t matter how many times the Stony Man combat teams departed, she experienced the same feelings and would not be settled until they all returned safely from their missions.

On this mission the results of failure were almost beyond belief. Barbara Price had been with Stony Man long enough to accept the reckless behavior of extremist groups. They took on board what they wanted to express and disregarded the wider impact of the damage they might create. In this case, Özgürlük appeared to be playing an extremely dangerous game. One that involved the possible detonation of a nuclear device on their own soil.

Would they do it?

Could they risk affecting a part of Turkey with radioactive poison simply to gain their demands? From past experience, Price knew the answer. The madness of extreme threats had no limits. It had been postulated before. And it would be again if the Turkish fanatics—and Price had no hesitation using the word—went to the logical conclusion of their game.

Nuclear bombs in Turkey and even in the U.S.

A double threat.

One that could easily come true if the Stony Man teams didn’t neutralize it.

CHAPTER TWO

Istanbul, Turkey

Senior Agent Cem Asker of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization—Milli İstihbarat Teşkilati—shook hands with the three members of the American team. He had been advised the Americans were to be afforded all possible courtesies as representatives of U.S. Intelligence. His orders had come down from the highest source possible in the Turkish government. Issued by the president himself. There were to be no questions about the team. No obstacles were to be put in their way as they launched the probe into the suspected security breaches that involved both Turkey and the United States. The courtesy also extended to the weapons the men had brought with them.

Asker was a dapper man in his early forties with a neatly trimmed beard. He gave the impression of being organized and precise. He had arranged for additional seating to be provided for the three men when they were shown into his office. He waited until they were ranged in front of his desk before he sat himself.

“It would appear a little churlish to welcome you to Istanbul so casually,” he said. “You are not here to enjoy a vacation.”

McCarter said, “And we are not here to override your authority, either, Agent Asker. Our aim is to hopefully stop whatever is going on that might affect Turkish security.”

“And American interests, as well,” Asker said keenly. “Both countries are involved. And as NATO also has an interest in the matter, there is a further urgency.”

“It’s complicated,” McCarter said.

When Phoenix Force had landed at the American base at Incirlik, it was more than apparent that a terrorist attack on the massive base would have a debilitating effect on the American presence in the country. Apart from the military hardware, there were some 5,000 U.S. personnel and family members stationed at Incirlik. Not to be overlooked was the stockpiled nuclear ordnance, there in case the unthinkable happened and American bombers needed to be launched. The commitment to the protection of U.S. interests and the readiness of the American military had been and still was a matter of much debate.

It didn’t take a stretch of the imagination to visualize the damage even a small nuclear device could do. Substantial American and other lives lost. And millions of dollars of equipment destroyed. A big victory for Özgürlük.

“It is complicated indeed,” Asker agreed. “Which is partly why I have asked Agent Berna Kartal to join us. Her association with your people has placed her at the forefront of this matter. I am sure she will be able to assist you greatly.”

“Any help we can get,” McCarter said, “will be welcome.”

“Berna Kartal is a very experienced agent.”

“Always handy to have experience,” Manning said. “If it’s the right kind, of course.”

“Please do not concern yourself with that,” someone said from behind the seated Phoenix Force operatives. “My experience is extensive.”

Phoenix Force turned in unison and saw the young woman who had stepped into Asker’s office. She was five foot eight. With her dark hair held back from her face, her high cheekbones and generous mouth only added to her natural beauty. Her eyes scanned across the Phoenix trio, searching and curious; there was an intelligence there that told them this young woman was not making a casual statement about her abilities. She wore all black, shirt and pants, and had a holstered Glock 9 mm pistol on her right hip. As she moved into the office to take a chair beside Asker’s desk, a faint smile edged her full lips.

“Do I pass?” she said.

“Not judging,” Encizo said graciously. “Just appreciating.” The Cuban’s easy manner was at its most disarming.

Kartal smiled and placed the folder she was carrying on the desk.

“I’m sure Senior Agent Asker has expressed our condolences over the deaths of your colleagues,” she said. Her English was good, with barely an accent. “May I add mine? I knew both of those men, especially Makerson. He was an extremely capable agent.”

McCarter nodded. “You shared your information?”

“Yes. We both felt there was something to be concerned about involving Özgürlük. Although we had gathered data, it was… I believe you would say…all up in the air?”

“Difficult to make sense of?” James suggested.

“Exactly. Many individuals and messages. But nothing any more solid than that.” Kartal leaned forward and opened the file, turning pages. “I take it you have all read the information?”

“Yes,” McCarter said. “Our own people looked into the background and used their own system to dig deeper.”

He slipped out the file Kurtzman had prepared and placed it beside Kartal’s. She spent a little time going through it, comparing the information with her own, and nodding as she read the data.

“It is extremely extensive. How did you get all this?”

“By using the best facilities around,” McCarter said. “Let’s just say if it’s out there, our people will find it. I can’t say any more than that.”

“Much of what is in here tallies with what Makerson and I had suspected.”

“It seems we are already in your debt,” Asker said.

“No point scoring,” Encizo said. “All we want is to put a stop to whatever Özgürlük may have planned.”

“Do you have any suggestions?” Kartal asked.

“As you know, two of our team have gone directly to London,” McCarter said. “They’re going to take a look at the lead you offered there. See what they can come up with. In the meantime we need to run down your intelligence here, Agent Kartal.”

“Please, my name is Berna. Agent Asker will tell you I am not very strong when it comes to formalities.”

Asker managed a strained smile. “That is very true. Agent Kartal, it seems, is more at home with your casual American ways.”

“Fine by us,” McCarter said.

He quickly offered their cover names and sensed that Kartal seemed more relaxed with that.

“Please make use of Agent Kartal’s office,” Asker told them. “I am sure you have much to discuss. I am not being inhospitable, but my position means I must divide my time between the many other agents in the department. We have other problems to deal with.”

“No need to apologize,” McCarter said. “We’ll keep you updated.”

Kartal led them from Asker’s office and through the busy department to her own office at the other end. It proved to be slightly larger than Asker’s, with a wide window overlooking the city. A ceiling fan provided a stream of cool air. On a cabinet against one wall a coffeemaker bubbled quietly. As Kartal slid behind her tidy desk she waved a hand at the machine.

“Help yourselves,” she said. “I cannot offer you traditionally made Turkish coffee because that has to be prepared by the cup and takes a long time. But the coffee in the machine there is quite acceptable.”

James smiled. “We have someone back home who brews coffee so strong it would leave a scorch mark on your desk.”

“Mine is strong but not that strong.”

James stepped up and poured cups for each of them, passing them around.

Taking one of the cups, Kartal watched with a faintly amused smile on her lips as they each tasted the brew. The reaction was interesting.

“Just remember not to drink too quickly,” Kartal said. “In Turkey we prefer the grounds to be quite coarse and they should be allowed to settle in your cup. Try not to swallow them.”

“Thanks for the advice,” James said.

McCarter and Encizo tried their own cups.

“Tell me the truth,” she said.

“Beats instant. I’ll give you that,” McCarter said.

Getting down to business, Kartal noted, “Makerson and the other agent had gathered background on Özgürlük that details their possible intentions. The information about the chance they are ready to actually use nuclear devices was uncovered shortly before their deaths. My own feelings are that finding that possibility triggered a reaction and pushed Özgürlük to murdering them.”

“You have no positive evidence as to who was responsible?” Encizo said.

Kartal glanced at him, her smooth brow furrowing.

“What Constantine suggests,” McCarter said, using Encizo’s cover name, “is that you have suspicions but not enough to move on.”

Kartal agreed. “We have nothing more than, as you say, suspicion. My feeling is Özgürlük is aware we are powerless at this time.”

“And?” Encizo said.

“And it makes me angry.”

“And…?”

“And it makes me determined to find a way to stop Özgürlük.”

“That wasn’t hard, was it?” Encizo said.

Kartal smiled. “Are you always so…so…?”

“Irritating?” McCarter said. “Not all the time.”

“Just most of the time,” James added.

The casual banter helped to break any strain over the meeting, and Kartal relaxed visibly. They spent the next couple of hours going over all the information they had, pooling everything. Kartal was not shy in sharing her own views. She was able to match anything Phoenix Force said.

“In the morning,” Kartal said, “we can formulate a plan of action. But now you must be ready to relax after your long journey. Have you somewhere to stay?”

McCarter nodded. “Accommodation has been reserved for us at a hotel in the city.”

“Give me a little while and I will drive you there.”

CHAPTER THREE

Thirty minutes later Phoenix Force had loaded their luggage into the rear of the large SUV Kartal had been assigned, and she rolled out of the NIO compound.

“It will only take us twenty minutes to reach your hotel,” she said. “You do realize where you stay is a very expensive place.”

James said, “Our organizer always makes sure we get the best.”

“So it seems.”

The streets were busy with traffic and the sidewalks congested. Kartal knew a shortcut to the hotel. It took them away from the main stream of traffic, allowing them a relaxing drive as she negotiated the city. She pointed out landmarks as she drove, showing sections of the old city and comparing it to the modern buildings. Istanbul struck Phoenix Force as a city of diverse contrasts.

“A beautiful city,” James noted.

“I love it,” Kartal said, unashamedly proud of it.

“Is it where you were born?” McCarter asked.

“Yes. I grew up here and spent my childhood in it. And now I am lucky to be working here.” She hesitated. “The city is in the stages of bringing in the modern without losing too much of our historical past. It creates difficulties as this is achieved.”

Kartal eventually eased off the main route and picked up the side roads she would be using. She plainly knew her way around Istanbul. It was a pleasant enough drive for Phoenix Force after their long flight from the U.S.

Pleasant, that is, until someone decided to use them as target practice.

The panel truck was old, the paintwork faded and the bodywork battered and rusting. It came roaring out of a side street and sped directly at the NIO vehicle. There was no mistaking the driver’s intention. He was using the truck as a guided missile—and the target was Phoenix Force and Kartal.