Rogue Asset (Book 3 of the Wade Hanna Series) (14 page)

On a more serious note, Claude continued his story, “The dry dock repairs and retrofit upgrades made a decade ago are now showing wear and neglect. The double hull reinforcement of the vessel which allowed them to increase tonnage and the variety of goods also came in handy when they started smuggling goods a few years ago.”

Wade responded, “I’m sure it did. I bet the mobsters were all over that hidden cargo bay.”

“That’s right, but it was clever how they modified that lower deck. The double-hull construction now consists of an upper and lower deck in the ship’s main cargo hold. The upper floor makes her look like any single bulk carrier but is removable. Removal of the upper floor exposes all that capacity between the upper and lower decks for illegal merchandise, mostly drugs and weapons.”

Claude was eager to continue his description.

“It seems the mobsters are making all the money on the illegal goods and weapons they sell and paying the shipping company enough to stay in business. They don’t want the shipping company to go out of business. It gives the mobsters a legitimate front and the means to transport all their illegal goods.”

Wade grasped the ruse. Wade glanced back at Claude.

“Sounds like they have this pretty well planned. How large is the shipping company?”

“The shipping company’s fleet that numbered 24 after the war is now down to only four vessels, but they are on the market to find more vessels.”

Wade responded.

“That’s great but how does Sikes fit into the current deal?”

Claude backed off Wade’s question a little, not being sure of the answer. He continued.

“The shipping company tries to get traditional cargo trade, but the market is very competitive. I think the only thing keeping the company afloat is the illegal transport of drugs, arms, and even human trafficking. I think that Sikes found out about the shipping company from the Russians who are supplying the arms for this deal.”

Wade replied, “That would make sense. So I guess we can assume Sikes is only using the shipping company as a carrier and not involved directly with the company itself?”

Claude thought for a moment before responding. “You’re going to have to ask Mr. Leopold that question.”

Wade quickly responded, “I will.”

Claude reached for a small folder he was carrying.

After a bathroom break and ordering some rolls to cut the acidity of the three cups of powerful Turkish coffee they had downed, Clyde resumed his briefing. “The shipping company is known among the illegal shipping trade to haul anything for a price and the company seems always to know who’s paying the higher price. Here’s a three-year-old picture of the vessel I got from Lloyd’s.”

Wade studied the photo for a while and commented, “She looks like a rust bucket to me, not well maintained at all.”

Claude agreed with a nod before continuing his explanation. “Captain Mustafa of the
Hariba
is a 16-year veteran sea captain. He drinks a lot, and we are told by a former crewmember that he has a real bad temper. His hand is out for payoffs and illegal schemes in every port the vessel docks.”

Claude continued without interruption. “Mustafa also knows every person to bribe in every port along the Africa coast to get his cargo cleanly through inspections, customs inquiries, and even police investigations. He’s ruthless and takes little resistance from anyone on board the vessel. Mustafa is also a control freak and strict disciplinarian of sorts when it comes to his crew.”

Claude passed over a picture of Captain Mustafa taken at some distance. Both men paused, looking at the picture as they took a few more sips of coffee.

“The captain’s chief enforcer on board is a person by the name of Abid. He serves under the dubious title of first mate. From what we found his skills are more in line with a prison guard than a seaman.”

Claude passed a picture of Abid over to Wade, also taken at a distance but showing Abid’s muscular, tattooed frame, baldhead, and long mustache.

Wade was quick to reply to Abid’s picture. “This guy looks like he came out of some pirate movie.”

Claude nodded his head in agreement and emphasized the point. “This is one brutal character. He is feared by everyone on the crew. Former crew says you don’t want to be in the path of him during one of his angry outbreaks. Stories among the former crew about Abid’s ruthless escapades abound. He served several short-term sentences for brutal assaults onshore. He’s had three murder trials all of which resulted in acquittal because of lack of evidence. In one case a questionable judge and disappearing witnesses all seem to be part of his trials. His bad reputation only seems to add to his mystique and fear among other crew members that he is above the law.”

Wade looked at the picture of Abid again and commented, “You wouldn’t want to meet this guy in a dark alley.”

Claude smiled in agreement commenting, “Or even in a lighted one.”

Wade responded still holding Abid’s picture. “Looks like a guy that needs to be put down.”

The two men had taken another sip of coffee before Claude continued, “The rest of the crew are not beauties by any means. Most are alcoholics, drug addicts, misfits, or ex-cons running away from something. Mustafa and Abid seem to know where to find these characters. Abid keeps them in line by fear and harsh punishment, and some say even death at sea. On more than one occasion, Mustafa has had to explain several mysterious deaths at sea before a formal maritime inquiry. He usually sends in a report with statements and signatures from seaman he coerces from the crew as witnesses in support of his description of events.”

Wade shook his head as he commented. “What a nice group of sailors here. This information is great to know but do you know why Mr. Leopold wants me to know this?”

“I am uncertain. He didn’t tell me anything about the ‘Why’.”

Wade looked up at Claude “One other question. Where is the
Hariba
now?”

“I do not know for sure where she is right now. I think she may still be loading grain in Egypt and coming to Tangier soon. Maybe that’s why Mr. Leopold wants you to know about all this. You might just ask him.”

Wade replied, “I think I will but when did they pick up the arms?”

Clyde picked up the story. “The arms were picked up from a small port in Libya near the larger port of Abu Kammash. The small dock in Libya attracts less attention. It’s often used by the Russians and Middle Eastern countries for transporting small arms to other countries. After the ships arrive at their destination country, the arms are unloaded and transported by rail or trucks to in-country locations disguised as commercial or agricultural equipment.

In order to load the arms in Libya from the old, unstable dock facility, crates are strapped to pallets that are in turn loaded by manpower onto homemade barges powered by outboard motors. The pallets are brought out to the anchored ship and loaded aboard using the ship’s crane. After the weapons and ammunition are stored in the ship’s lower deck, the second floor is put back in place making the ship ready to take on grain cargo in Egypt.

This year Egypt had a good crop of both corn and wheat farmed inland near the Nile River and was exporting the excess at reasonable prices. Egypt was one of the few countries in the area that bolstered its economy with periodic exports of grain. This was one of those good years.

As the 150 metric tons of grain flowed into
Hariba’s
cargo hold the first lower deck buckled under its weight. The food cargo also served two purposes. It provided legitimate transport income and sealed the contraband Russian military arms in hiding between the upper and lower decks of the vessel.”

That evening Wade confirmed with Leo that the
Hariba
remained docked at Port Said, Egypt under overcast skies. The ship hadn’t completed loading all of its cargo of grain and was five hours behind schedule.

Chapter 14

Sierra Leone, West Africa

One of Leo’s men tracked Sikes to Sierra Leone. Sikes was meeting with resistance leader Mosi Mabuto to provide an update on the arms shipment. Mosi’s English was quite good having spent his early years at a boarding school in England. Mabuto’s English became more refined as a practiced orator giving speeches for three years as assistant ambassador to the United Nations for the country of Chad.

Mabuto represented the strongest resistance movement in Sierra Leone since the current leader, President Salam, took over in a U.S. supported coup five years ago. The U.S. supported the former warlord, Salam, because of his stated commitment to turn the country into a democratic state.

Wade remembered what he was told during the briefing in Canada about the current leader in Sierra Leon. Trying to put the political pieces together Wade called Leo asking more questions about why the U.S. and U.K. intelligence were so keen on protecting the likes of a former warlord Salam who had continued to turn his back on the U.S.

Leo wanted Wade to understand what was really behind the mission. He sensed an underlying mistrust in Wade’s question. Despite his frustration at Wade’s probing questions Leo patiently took the time to try to explain.

“We now know Salam never intended to turn the country into a voting democratic nation. Salam ruled as a dictator with an iron hand with only the trappings of a puppet Congress who voted as they were directed. The outcome gave the U.S. all the unwelcomed publicity about Salam’s rise to power it wanted.

When Mabuto’s uprising started, the U.S. press was quick to question how Americans could play any role in the conflict since it was to blame for the Salam mishap and everything that had already happened in the country.”

Leo anticipated Wade’s question of “why” before continuing his explanation.

“Mabuto ceased on the negative western press believing the U.S. and Western powers were neutralized and would not interfere in the conflict. This was despite the fact that the U.S. Military and State Department felt Mabuto would be a much more ruthless leader than Salam.

Mabuto’s resistance movement had already made significant inroads into the country, controlling approximately one-fifth of the land area and its population. Fear tactics of Mabuto did not go unnoticed by the world press and included starvation, mass executions and public limb dismemberment.”

Wade interjected by asking, “How did Mabuto’s insurgence even get started if Salam was in such control?”

Leo quickly responded, “Most of what fed the expansion of Mabuto’s reign came from small villages that provided protection money and young male soldiers for his army. His recent purchase of Russian arms through Sikes would soon provide sufficient armament to complete his domination over the rest of the country. These arms would give him the resources needed to fight what remained of Salam’s fragmented forces and ensure additional high ground and more control of the countryside.”

Wade asked, “Did the two warlords know each other?”

“Mabuto had known Salem since childhood. Both came from different warring tribes and villages with long-standing hatred of each other. Salem was good at giving speeches openly supporting democracy until he came to achieving political power. With mainly oratory skills, he was able to get modest support secretly from the U.S. and several European countries. These sources were now waning as he failed to deliver on his promises of democracy because of the brutal oppression of dissenting voices and the loss of province after province to Mabuto rebels.”

Wade was quiet after Leo’s explanation. He had a lot to absorb and could tell Leo was reaching the end of his story. He thought it was best to break things off at this point believing more of the story would probably unfold right before his eyes soon.

Wade ended the conversation with “I know I’m asking dumb questions but I just couldn’t put some of the pieces together.”

Leo replied, “There is no such thing as dumb questions when you’re in this business. You have to understand what you are fighting for and I would rather you ask questions now than in the middle of a fire fight.”

With that final comment both wished each other a good evening.

Sierra Leon, Africa

Mabuto Rebel Headquarters

Sikes arrived at Mabuto’s headquarters in the center of his controlled territory in Sierra Leon. Leo’s tail confirmed Sike’s arrival in Sierra Leone but couldn’t find a way to covertly follow him into the country. He relied on several high-ranking spies in Mabuto’s army and whose information was not always reliable.

Sikes and Mabuto sat across from each other at a table in Mabuto’s headquarter building. Speaking first Mabuto stared into Sikes eyes, “Are you ready with my shipment?”

“Yes, we are just a little behind schedule due to the grain loading holdup in Egypt. The goods should be in your country in approximately 18 days.”

“Do you still want the 25 tons of grain that we discussed? I may have another buyer in Tangier for it if you don’t need the grain.”

“Yes, I want the grain. I’m using the grain to help persuade villages to support my cause. It shows them I have the ability to deliver food goods as well as democracy. I want their loyalty, as well as their young village men, to fight for my cause. The grain should help me in that cause.”

Sikes looked up from the table over his cup of local coffee.

“How will we handle the unloading of the shipment at the dock?”

With confidence Mabuto quickly replied, “I want the ship to dock at the Port of Nambisa. It’s an older dock facility but should be adequate for our purposes. My men control all of the areas around the dock and that part of the country.”

After a brief pause Mabuto continued, “I will have trucks and a conveyor for the unloading when the ship arrives. The trucks will bring the grain to my covered warehouse nearby and return for another load. We will bag the grain at the warehouse and my men will handle the distribution to villages from the warehouse at another time.”

Sikes seemed to agree. He broached the next topic of discussion.

“What about the money?”

Mabuto smiled although the question was taken as a rude, unmannered gesture by Sikes questioning Mabuto’s integrity.

“You British are just like the Americans, always jumping to the money. If I didn’t know you better, I might think you didn’t trust me.”

There was a pause. Sikes remained silent quickly realizing he offended Mabuto. He should have asked his question differently at another time. Mabuto dismissed Sikes’s awkwardness and changed the subject while he calmed down.

“Why don’t we relax first and have some local wine and some of our local dishes. We can continue our discussion in a civilized manner.”

Sikes now knew he should have kept his mouth shut. The men moved to another room of Mabuto’s mansion as servants brought out a fine display of assorted small African appetizers on an exquisite polished silver serving platter. The table was covered with fine white linen with hand-embroidered lace.

The waiter poured wine into Sikes’ crystal wine glass.

Pointing to the appetizers Mabuto said, “Please help yourself.”

Sikes sipped the wine showing an appreciation of its quality.

“I bet you didn’t know we made fine wine here in Africa. You are a man of the world, Mr. Sikes. Please let me know what you think of our wine.”

Sikes sniffed the glass, slowly turning it before he took a second sip. He paused looking into his glass.

“It is very good, in fact excellent.”

Mabuto followed with an appreciative sip. “I’m glad you like it. My vineyard and winery are not far from here. I will make sure your captain has a good supply of my wine when the ship arrives.”

The two men talked about the various food dishes before each sampled several. They talked about world affairs. It was clear Mabuto knew exactly what was going on in the world. In fact, Mabuto showed he was more informed on world events than Sikes.

After some pleasantries, Mabuto paused before approaching the delicate subject that Sikes brought up so rudely before.

“I think you mentioned something about money a while ago?”

“Yes.”

“I believe our agreement was to pay you the remaining balance of $4 million when the ship leaves Tangier after we have inspected the cargo. You wanted a payment for $2 million, half in U.S. bills, half in British pounds, and the remainder of the payment in fine, uncut diamonds. Am I correct?”

Sikes acknowledged by affirmatively shaking his head, saying, “That is correct.”

Mabuto waved his hand over his shoulder to one of his men. Three of Mabuto’s left the room for another location in the large house. They soon returned carrying two large metal suitcases.

Mabuto pointed to the floor in front of Sikes’ chair. The men placed the suitcases on the floor in front of Sikes and unsnapped the locking mechanisms. Sikes stared at the two cases while Mabuto’s men unfolded the tops showing thick stacks of currency. In one of the cases were American dollars, and the other case was filled with British pounds.

Sikes sat back staring at the cases like they were a dog getting ready to bite. Mabuto smiled at Sikes’ frozen posture saying, “You may check it if you like.”

Sikes thought that counting the money in front of Mabuto might be taken as an insult. He decided to take the higher ground.

“It looks like everything is here. I trust you that everything is in order.”

Mabuto replied, “Thank you. You will always find my side is in order for any deal we make.”

“Perhaps you will want to examine the diamonds?”

Before Sikes could answer Mabuto put his hand up to signal one of his military men. The uniformed officer produced a royal blue velvet purse with a drawstring and handed it to Sikes.

Slowly Sikes opened the drawstring and poured some of the stones out on the table. He took one and examined it closely.

“These are very nice.”

Mabuto smiled saying, “There is a loupe on the table in that box in front of you.”

Sikes opened the box for the loupe. He began examining the stones. Precious stones were not foreign to Sikes who knew something about diamonds. He grew up in a family of jewelers in England and worked in their shops during his youth. Part of his job was grading stones before they were mounted. Sikes peered through the loupe at several of the stones, turning them to see the quality, fracture points and how they would best be cut. He responded with amazement, “Wow, these are excellent.”

Mabuto knew of Sikes’ background in diamonds and took his comments as a professional opinion. He was quick to clarify the effort he had made to obtain the stones.

“I had to negotiate with one of my neighboring countries for these. We produce beautiful stones in our country but not of this quality. You have before you at least three million in cash representing over a million more dollars than I originally promised. If you are slow and careful how these are cut and disposed of, you might be able to make as much as $4 million from the stones alone.”

Sikes looked back and forth at the cash notes and stones performing a quick calculation of the booty. It exceeded what he had bargained for, and he was very pleased. Mabuto saw the pleasure in his eyes and commented, “I want to make certain you are satisfied with the payment, Mr. Sikes.”

“Everything here looks in order. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Mabuto signaled his soldiers to pick up the cases of cash and diamonds lying in front of Sikes. They were returned to another room. Mabuto followed with clarification in his next remark. “The plan will be this. My men will meet you in Tangier after your ship has docked and unloaded most of the grain. They will board the ship and inspect my cargo. When my men are satisfied, my man on board ship will radio my men onshore with a code to bring you the payment.”

Sikes nodded in agreement. Mabuto continued, “We still have to decide where the actual money exchange will take place. When your ship arrives in Nambia and unloads, you will be free of your contract with me.”

Sikes acknowledged, “That’s my understanding as well.”

Mabuto’s face went from a smile to a more serious expression. “Unfortunately it is my duty to remind you of some possible unpleasantries. You understand that if anything happens to my arms or they do not arrive in my country I will hold you and your shipping cohorts fully responsible.”

Sikes was ready to reply but stopped when he saw Mabuto’s hand come up asking for silence until he was finished speaking. Mabuto’s answer anticipated any excuses Sikes might consider offering, “If that happens you would not only owe me the money you took but you will also pay with your life and the life of your daughter who I believe is now twelve and still living with her mother in England.”

Sikes was shocked at Mabuto’s comment. Mabuto reached into his coat pocket searching for a piece a paper. “I think this is a photograph of your daughter taken a few days ago. Is it not? She’s a very beautiful girl.”

Mabuto extended the photo into Sikes’ hands. He meekly nodded his head confirming it was a recent picture of his daughter. While Sikes grappled at the photo taken outside her school, Mabuto smiled as he said, “Keep the photograph. I have other copies.”