AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Together they were considered to be the most dangerous of the Colombian drug barons. Their massive wealth and power enabled them to bribe government and legal officials, and buy sophisticated weaponry for their protection. Some believed their influence was so far-reaching they’d soon take over not just the government, but the military too.
Before that happened, Striker predicted that a bloodbath in which one emerged the victor and controlled it all, was odds-on likely.
“Do you think either of them is funding Ghafor?” asked Merrigan.
Striker nodded. “The most obvious would be Franz, given his Armenian connection, but there is a strong case to be made for Mao.”
“They aren’t the only cartels in South America either,” added Doc.
“No, but the amount of cash that is flowing in Ghafor’s direction is staggering.” Striker pulled the notes out from his last meeting with Mercer and gave them to Doc and Merrigan to look over.
“Holy shit,” Doc muttered when he finished reading the brief.
“It’s a lot more than I would’ve predicted,” Striker murmured.
“Is there any sign, other than the sheer amount of money, that either of the cartels is connected to the Islamic State or directly to Ghafor?” Merrigan asked.
“None.”
“Let’s look at it from the opposite direction,” suggested Doc. “What is Ghafor planning, and why would one or both of them want him to succeed?”
“At first glance, it would be easy to think that Ghafor is arming himself for an attack on the US. But would the cartels name us as their worst enemy? Would the Islamic State? There have been as many ISIS-led terrorist attacks on the UK, France, even Colombia itself.”
“We need someone on the inside,” said Doc.
“With all of K19’s recent activity there, who do you suggest?”
“What about Tackle or Halo?” asked Merrigan.
“What’s their status?”
“On board, but without known connection to us,” she answered.
Striker nodded. “Good. I’ll make contact.”
The three talked about their newest operatives’ backgrounds.
Tackle, who had once been the number one defensive player in division one college football, was well versed in the Middle East, and would be better placed inside the embassy.
Halo, whose mother’s family was Venezuelan and who had been Striker’s protégé in South American intelligence before they both left the CIA, would be the obvious choice to infiltrate one of the cartels. Which one, was the question.
“You’re far too visible, Striker, with both Ghafor and the Colombians. Put Monk in as direct handler,” Doc suggested. “Then decide whether Onyx and Corazón serve as more than transport.”
“Prior to sending anyone in, I’d like Eighty-eight to see if he can get a better idea of where the money is flowing from. It’s also imperative we find out who’s heading up the fundamentalist organization as soon as possible. I don’t want to make a move on Ghafor until we know.”
Doc nodded. “What was Santiago’s take?”
“He didn’t have one.”
Doc raised his eyebrow and looked at Merrigan.
“If you’re asking, I agree that it’s unlikely he’s as disengaged as he appears to be.”
“What about MI-6?” Striker asked.
“I’ll make contact and see if anyone in Colombia is on their radar,” Merrigan offered. “You’re aware Shiver’s out? Meaning he’s retired.”
Striker nodded. “I’d also heard his brother, Wilder, was being considered as his replacement.”
