Chapter 17

1600 Hours, 12 November

“Hold it!  Okay, enlarge that area,” Dean said, pointing to a section of the photo from the morning’s fly over.  “Is that the hangar where you saw the reflection?”  Katie checked the number on the front of the hangar and nodded in the affirmative.

“That’s the one.”  She enlarged the section once more, then pointed to a section of interior wall that could be seen through the window.  “See that reflection.  It reminds me of the shimmer of an indoor swimming pool reflecting off a wall.  Let me see if I can clear the image up a bit.”  Katie hit a few keys and then watched as the resolution improved.  “Yeah, that’s it.”

“Good catch, Katie.  I think you just found our way into the complex.”  Dean stood and stretched before picking up her water bottle and draining half of it.  “When we flew over the first time, I noted a trail of cracks in the ground that seemed to lead to that building.  When we went back the second time, I could see water in those cracks.  My guess is that a new blue hole opened up under that hangar, or Scott and his buddies opened it once they found the beginnings of the blue hole.  It must connect somehow to the underwater caverns that lead to the national park.”

“So, you’re saying that our way in is through those caverns,” Katie asked for clarification.

“Exactly,” Dean replied.

“And, out of the miles and miles of caverns, we’re going to be able to find the right cavern that leads to that hangar?”  This came from Bill.

“Exactly,” Dean echoed once more.  “You have a problem with that?”

“Uh, no,” Katie responded cautiously.

“Nuh uh,” came the answer from Bill.

“Excuse me, Colonel.  But I may be able to help ya’ll with this one.” Tiny’s thick Texas drawl caught them off guard since this was the first time he spoke.  “I’ve been diving these caverns for nearly fifteen years with Dr. Samuel Withers.  Went with him and his missus on most dives.”

“Is that the Dr. Withers who died of nitrogen narcosis last month?” Dean asked, interested in what the quiet man was getting at.

“Same one.  He knew these caverns like the back of his hand.  But, on that last dive, he was checking out a new passageway that he hadn’t explored before,” Tiny continued with a shake of his head.  “I was going to go with him that day, but came down with a stomach bug and had to stay home.”

“Do you know which passageway he was exploring?”  This question came from Bill.

“Yeah, we had gone over the map of the known ones in that area a couple of nights before.  Wit was explaining how this new one developed.  You see, most of this area is made up of limestone.  It’s pretty porous and gives way easily.  It’s not uncommon for a new passageway to open up.”

It was Katie’s turn to ask Tiny a question. “Can you direct us to this new one?” 

“Only if you let me go along to the base.” Tiny’s normally unexpressive face was now very serious.  “I’ve always felt something wasn’t right about Wit’s death, now I know it wasn’t an accident.  He was just too careful to wind up a victim of the bends.  I want to help nail those guys for what they did.”

“Anyone have a problem with this?”  Dean surveyed her two partners’ faces before agreeing with Tiny.  “Okay, Tiny, you’re in.”

The group planned a checkout dive for Tuesday.  Knowing how easily one could get disoriented on a cave dive, Dean insisted that each member of the group brush up on their cave diving techniques.  Tiny offered to get the official permission forms for the checkout dive.  The government had very strict regulations on cave diving, but with Ned’s influence, they’d be able to get the required permit.  They agreed that Tuesday’s dive should take place in the Zodiac Caverns below Sweeting’s Cay.  That way, if Gentry had a watcher on Ben’s Cave, they wouldn’t bring attention to themselves.  If all went well on Tuesday, they’d make the dive to explore the new corridor on Thursday.  The day off in between would be necessary for their bodies to eliminate the build up of gases in their blood and body tissues,blood a since they would be using a nitrox blend in their tanks.

“Now that we’ve settled the getting in part, how are we going to get out?” Katie looked around the room at her partners, who in turn looked at Dean.  “We obviously won’t be able to carry an extra set of tanks along.”

“Uhh, well, hmm, let’s take another look at those pictures you took,” Dean replied casually.

After another two hours passed reviewing Katie’s pictures, the group decided that they would need more information before they attempted their excursion onto the base.

“Do you suppose Gentry will let any of his men off the base?  You know, a little R&R before the big event?”  This question came from Colleen who had been sitting quietly through the whole planning stage.

“If I were in charge, definitely not,” Dean answered Colleen.  “But then, I’m not running the show.  Anyone have any ideas on the subject?”

“Well, if I were Gentry, and I just had an ultralight fly over my op area, I might be just a bit nervous, if not curious.  Maybe I’d even send someone off base to check it out,” Tracy chimed in.

“She’s got a point there, Colonel,” Tom commented.  “How about if Tiny and I go and see if anyone was checking you out at Bahama Ultralights?  We know the owner pretty well. He’ll be straight with us.”

“Sounds like a good idea.  We’ll keep a low profile here while you check it out.”

* * * * *

Dean and Katie had just returned from the cove after a short snorkeling session in preparation for their checkout dive the next day.  The air temperature was in the low eighties, and the water temperature in the mid seventies.  They would still wear wet suits for the practice dive, but for the present, they were glad to get some sun.  They were lying on the beach drying off when Tom and Tiny returned from Freeport. 

“Colonel, it’s just as we suspected.  A couple of guys came around asking questions about the two of you after you left.  Augie picked them out of the mug shots you gave us--Jerry Stockton and Joel Astin,” Tom informed the two women.

“Ah, the elusive Jerry Stockton.  Did your friend tell them anything?”

“Only that he was impressed with your flying ability, finding it very unusual for the normal run of the mill tourist, and that you seemed to be pretty well off financially.”

Dean smiled and nodded her head.  “Did he happen to say anything else to them?”

“Yeah, I thought it was a bit strange, but he said that you two were planning on buying his place after you cleaned house at the casino tonight, and that you were planning a night out at Lucaya.”  Tom just shrugged his shoulders and looked quizzically at the two women.  “Are you planning on going gambling tonight?”  Dean was smiling broadly, and Katie was looking thoughtfully at her partner. 

“So, you expected them to check us out, and you planted a little story to bring them to us.  Pretty slick, Dean.” Katie spoke with respect for her lover’s creativity.  “Guess that means we see a little night life tonight?”

“Yep, and Tom here, and Bill are going to be our escorts, okay? And Tiny can keep an eye on the Lady Luck.” She looked up at the two ex-Seals with a dazzling smile.  “Tracy and Colleen will go separately and watch our backs.”

“Be delighted to,” Tom replied happily.

“I wish I were going along. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of them,” Tiny exclaimed.

“Ah, ah,” Dean warned, waggling her index finger at him.  “Not until we find out just what the hell is going on here.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Tiny responded in true military fashion, “but after we put a stop to them, I’ll want a word or two alone with the one that ended Wit’s life.”

“Careful with your lust for revenge, my friend.  I’ve been down that road, and it’s easy to get lost,” Dean cautioned softly, as she stood and gently placed her hand on the man’s shoulder, peering into his brown eyes.  Tiny read the pain in the sapphire eyes across from him, and nodded in understanding.  Smiling once more, Dean suggested that they get changed and head to town for dinner.  After that, they’d play a little game of cat and mouse at the Lucayan Casino.

* * * * *

Jerry and Joel nodded in unison. “That’s what the guy said.” 

“So, they’re a couple of seemingly rich broads, that you don’t think add up to being just tourists?”  Scott Gentry turned back towards the two men, contemplating the situation a bit longer. 

“That one that piloted the ultralight seemed too calm and collected when she lost power,” Jerry added.  “I just have a bad feeling about this, Scott.  I think we should check them out a little more.”

“I don’t like the idea of you guys going off base again.  Every time someone leaves this base, the chance of being spotted multiplies.  It’s too risky,” Gentry replied shaking his head.  “But then, I can’t take the chance that they’re more than they seem.”  He paused for a moment before continuing. “Go ahead and check them out.  But be thorough about it.  I don’t want anyone leaving base again after tonight.”

“Yes, Sir.  We’ll be thorough and careful,” Joel offered.

“You’d better be.  They’ve moved the live fire exercises up to this weekend, and I won’t have time to come haul your asses out of trouble.”

“No problem, Scott, we can handle them. They’re just women.”  Jerry and Joel turned and left the control room.  They headed to their quarters to change into clothes suitable for the casino, and to wait for the sun to go down before cautiously leaving the base.

“Just women.  That’s what I’m afraid of,” Scott mumbled to himself as his two minions left the control room.

* * * * *

After discussing the plan for the evening and contacting Ned for support, Tom, Tiny, Dean, Katie, and Bill decided to take the yacht to Port Lucaya to reinforce the ‘rich playgirls’ storyline.  Tom and Bill were assigned the role of escorts for Dean and Katie, while Tiny stayed on the yacht.  Tracy and Colleen took the SUV and some miniature com units to be able to keep in touch with the others once they arrived at the casino.  Before leaving, everyone became familiar with the faces of the two mercenaries that had been checking up on Dean and Katie.  They all hoped the same two men would be sent to check them out at the casino.  Just to be on the safe side, they also reviewed the files of the other mercenaries thought to be involved in the operation.

Tracy and Colleen left first to establish their presence prior to the arrival of the others.  The boat ride to the Port Lucaya Marina & Marketplace took almost forty-five minutes from dock to dock.  They decided to eat at the Junkanoo, where island dishes were the featured fare.  Tracy and Colleen staked out a table in the Corner Bar to watch the crowd filtering through the entertainment section of the Marketplace.  Their location was advantageous since it was diagonally across from the Junkanoo, and afforded a clear view for their surveillance.  As they sat sipping a Kalik beer, they watched the Lady Luck enter the marina and dock at slip twenty-seven.  The sun had been down for nearly an hour, and the tourists were beginning to gather in anticipation of the night’s entertainment at the Count Basie Bandstand.  One of the local favorites was performing tonight, including a limbo show and contest.  There would be many faces to scan in the crowd when the foursome made their way to the casino.

Dean checked out the entertainment square as the group of four walked up the gangplank from their docking slip.  A quick appraisal of the square, and she spotted Tracy and Colleen at their table, munching on conch fritters.  The group walked casually around the square, checking the menus of each pub as they passed by, finally entering the outside seating area of the Junkanoo.  For all intents and purposes, they looked like typical tourists enjoying a night in the Marketplace.  As Tom held the chair out for Dean, he whispered that he had not seen any of the mercenaries as of yet.  

“Well,” she softly replied, ‘the sun’s just been down for a bit, and they probably had to wait ‘til dark before they could safely leave the base without being seen.  Don’t worry, we’ll make sure to get their attention before we leave for the casino.”

Katie raised an eyebrow at her lover trying to decide just how they were going to accomplish that, when Dean smiled at her and told her to wait and see.  Just then, ‘Little Joe and his Band’ started playing in true island fashion. 

It was nearly an hour from the time they docked to the time they finished their meal, and the tourists were starting to crowd the area, much to the pleasure of ‘Little Joe’ who was more than happy to see his tip bucket start to fill.  The more dollars that made their way into his bucket, the more animated his performance became.  Soon, tourists of all ages were up dancing in the square to his tunes.

Dean surveyed the crowd as she nonchalantly spoke into the miniature com microphone hidden in her watch.  “Any sign of them?”

“Negative,” came Tracy’s response.

“Okay.  We’ll hang out here for another hour before heading over to the casino.”

“Affirmative.  We’ll stay here and watch the crowd as you leave, then go to the casino.”

“That’s the plan,” Dean replied before standing and taking Tom’s hand, leading him to the square.  Soon they were winding their way through the dance crowd, enjoying the music and revelers.  As they danced, they both kept their eyes on the passing crowds looking for those familiar faces.

“Holy smokes,” Bill whispered as he watched Dean undulate to the tropical tunes.  “I didn’t know the colonel had moves like that!”

Katie’s grin was getting wider as she grabbed Bill and headed to the dance square.  “I didn’t either.  But, two can play this game,” she commented as she began a wild dance with her awestruck partner.  Soon, the crowded parted as they watched the two couples increase their seductive dance moves across the open square.  Even ‘Little Joe’ picked up the tempo to aid their dancing performance.  By the time the music ended, the entire crowd, including the band, applauded the four dancers.  As they started to make their way back to their table, Little Joe announced the beginning of the limbo contest, encouraging the crowd to convince the foursome to enter.  With the crowd voicing their encouragement, Dean winked at Katie and turned, walking back to the stage.  Tom and Bill both begged off, but Katie eagerly joined her lover along with several other tourists.  The limbo bar started out at a relatively easy height of five feet, but as it dropped, several tourists also dropped out.  Soon, there were only three contestants remaining; Dean, Katie, and a young teenaged boy named Mac.  By the time the bar was lowered to twenty-four inches, Dean and Katie were the only contestants remaining.  Mac fell to the wayside after losing his balance and landing unceremoniously on his keester.

“I’ll get ya this time,” crooned Dean.

“Wanna bet?” came Katie’s challenge.

“You’re on.  Loser has to…”

“Has to be my personal slave for a week,” Katie offered.

“A week!  How about a month!” Dean shot back.

They both made the twenty-two inch bar and the twenty inch one.  The crowd was on their feet cheering for their favorite, as the bar was lowered to eighteen inches.

“Wanna give up?” Katie asked, grinning.

“Nope.”

Dean went first and nearly cleared the bar, but she lost her balance and hit the concrete with a grunt.  Looking over at Katie she shrugged, stood, then waved her on, as the pole was reset for Katie’s turn.  Katie did a few stretches then approached the bar.  The band began a slow island tune as Katie began to maneuver under the obstacle.  The crowd began chanting as she slowly edged her way forward, then broke into cheers and applause as she completed the final height and stood, bowing to the crowd.  After a little conversation with Little Joe, and a presentation of Bahamas T-Shirts and caps, the two women returned to their table, arm-in-arm, waving at the crowd.

* * * * *

Tracy and Colleen had a hard time keeping their eyes on the crowd instead of Dean and Katie as they baited each other during the limbo contest.  When it was finally over, Colleen said, “Pay up, partner!  I knew Katie would beat Dean.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Tracy replied as she caught the attention of a passing waiter, and placed an order for Colleen’s winning beer.  She then contacted Tom over her com unit and gave him the location of the two mercenaries they were seeking.  “Tom, they’re situated at eleven o’clock relative to your position.  They have their backs to the square, but they’ve been watching every move through the mirror on the back bar.  Never would have seen them, except for the fact that they were the only two heads not turned towards the square during the limbo contest.  Joel’s dressed in a black shirt and slacks, and Jerry’s wearing tan dress shorts and a green golf shirt.”

“Affirmative.  I’ve got them.  We’ll hang here a bit after Dean and Katie return to the table and then head across.  Hang back and follow them.”

“Jesus,” Tracy whispered.  “Just look at the crowed applaud those two.”

* * * * *

“Nice try, sport,” Katie said as they walked back to the table.

“Ah, well, it’s a little harder when you’re taller,” Dean kidded.

“Oh, yeah.” Katie agreed laughing.  “The bigger they are the harder they fall,” which elicited a round of laughter from Dean too.

After they sat down, each eagerly took a large drink from their now tepid iced tea, then quickly requested a report from their friends on the crowd surveillance. 

“Yep, they’re here, and they definitely know we are too!” Bill reported with a grin.  “Nothing like making yourself the center of attention.”

“Well, it seemed like the fastest way to get noticed.”  Dean looked over at Katie and smiled seductively.  “Of, course we could have done something different.”  Blue sapphires eyes pinned the emerald ones across from her in an intense, sensual stare.

“Ah, no.  I think that was just right,” Tom replied quickly, as he felt the animal heat arise from the two women that were locked in each other’s gaze.  “How about another round?  That tea’s got to be pretty warm by now,” he asked feebly as he attempted to break their trance.  “I’m sure a nice ice cold Kalik would go down better, but we do have to dive in the morning.”

“Sure,” Katie replied without taking her eyes off Dean.  “Um, Dean, I think we’re making the guys nervous,” she mouthed silently to her lover.  It was another few heartbeats before they broke contact, laughing.  The four of them sat there for another fifteen minutes, finishing their round of drinks, before heading out across the marketplace for the casino.

* * * * *

“Wow,” Katie muttered as she caught sight of the brand new casino.  “I didn’t realize it would be so, so, …”

“Big…?” Dean offered.

“No, so beautiful,” Katie explained.  “Most of the casinos I’ve seen on islands have been small and plain, but this one is gorgeous.”  She marveled at the marble columns that were dramatically highlighted by the precise placement of a low voltage lighting system.  The whole appearance of the complex seemed to transport one back to the Greek isles during the height of their beauty.  Even the reproduction statues between the columns were exquisite in their selection and location.  The entire effect was warm and inviting, and more European in style and feel, unlike the architectural glitz and gaudiness of most American casinos.

“Yeah, the corporation that bought up this part of the island has spent millions making it a real classy resort.  You should see it all in the daytime, it’s very impressive,” Tom informed the women.  “They even cleaned up the beachfront.  The sand is manicured daily at sunrise.  You won’t find a sliver of seaweed or a washed up jelly fish anywhere on that beach.”

When they entered the casino lobby, everyone was impressed with the beautiful tile floors, Grecian architecture, and tropical plants.  The gentle aroma rising from the multitude of flowering shrubs was pleasant, and not offensive, as one might expect from so many flowers.  Entering the casino proper, they were immediately struck by the lack of harsh noises, boisterous patrons, and smoke.  It definitely had a European atmosphere with the exception of the lack of cigarette smoke.

“I take it this place doesn’t allow smoking?” Dean queried. Her escort nodded in confirmation.  “Hmm, I like it.”

After taking a casual walk through the casino to check out the other entrances and exits, the foursome settled down at the roulette table nearest the bar.  In just ten minutes, Dean spied the two mercenaries sitting at the bar with their backs to them, and also Art and Gwen who were seated at the baccarat table.  She found Ned and another woman chatting quietly at the bar.  Good.  All the players are lined up for their roles.

Whispering softly, Dean casually motioned to where the two men were sipping their beer.  “You’d think they’d get tired of watching a mirror image.” 

As the two men and two women moved through the casino trying their luck at various tables, Tracy and Colleen watched discreetly, keeping an eye on the two mercenaries.

At midnight, Dean excused herself from the blackjack table where they were now seated, and headed to the women’s lounge, followed shortly by Tracy.  When Tracy entered the room, Dean held her fingers to her lips in a silencing motion and nodded toward the far stall.  Playing for time, Dean entered the first stall and waited until she heard the toilet flush before flushing hers and walking over to the washbasin.  In the meantime, Tracy fiddled with her hair, while the other woman washed her hands before finally leaving the room.

“You know what to do, right?” Dean inquired as Tracy replaced her comb.

“Yep.  We’ll head out and get the SUV now.  Give us ten minutes.”

“Is Colleen ready with the syringe?”

“No problem.  She’s got the move down pat.”  Smiling at her friend she added, “Don’t worry, I spotted Ned near the entrance.  Everything will go as planned.”

“All right.  Let’s do it.”  Dean held the door as Tracy exited first without a backward glance, heading back to the bar where she’d left Colleen.  Dean returned to her blackjack seat and nodded once as she placed her bet for the next hand.

Ten minutes later, the two couples were exiting the casino and casually walking down the sidewalk to return to the boat.  Seconds later, they were followed by the two mercenaries. When they reached the street, Dean whispered to her companions, “Now,” and they hurriedly crossed the road.  As they reached the other side, Katie caught sight of the two men beginning to sprint across after them.  Fortunately, they both had their eyes on their targets, and never saw the SUV approach.  Tracy executed the bump perfectly, sending Joel to the ground.  As soon as he hit the pavement, Colleen jumped from the SUV and administered the injection, sending her victim into an immediate and harmless sleep, all the while calling for help from a conveniently stationed policeman.  A small crowd, including Gwen and Art acting brilliantly, gathered quickly as the policeman declared the man dead and began looking for the friend that was crossing the road with him.  Jerry hid in the shadows across the street, watching as the play unfolded.  All the participants, even the gathering crowd, gave a very believable performance, thanks to Art and Gwen’s lead.  Tracy played her part to perfection as the distraught driver, who didn’t see the man dressed in black jump out in front of her vehicle until it was too late.  As the constable continued to search for the victim’s friend, Jerry silently slipped from view.

* * * * *

“Damn it, Jerry!  Now we’re short another pair of hands.  Joel was my key radar technician, too.”  The anger in Scott’s voice was palpable and made Jerry very edgy.

“Scott, it was an accident.  We were so focused on following the targets, we didn’t see the SUV come at us.  Even the constable at the casino said it was an accident.”  Jerry was visibly shaken by his boss’s fury, and stayed beyond his reach as a precaution.

“Did anyone see you?”

“No, Scott, no way.  I hid in the shadows until I heard the cop say he was dead.”

“Are you sure he’s dead?”  A calmer voice emerged from Scott as he paced the control room.

“Yeah, he’s dead all right.  I followed the ambulance to Rand Memorial, then called the ER a few minutes later.”  Jerry started to calm down as he realized his boss wasn’t going to take any adverse action toward him.  “Do you want me to claim the body?”

“No!  Definitely not.  I don’t want him associated with anyone in our group. The less they know about him the better.”  Gentry continued pacing the room as he thought about his next problem.  “Better get Sal in here.  He’s going to have to learn everything he can about the Ares Array before Saturday.  The damned program requires two technicians, and he’s going to have to be perfect or the whole op is down the tube.”

Jerry jumped at this opportunity to leave the room and find Sal.  He’d forewarn the young mercenary before he sent him to see Scott, knowing how hard a taskmaster his boss could be, especially when he was in a foul mood.

* * * * *

Dean approached her old friend in the secured morgue section of Rand Memorial Hospital and pulled her into a big hug.  “That was the most perfect takedown I’ve ever seen.” 

Smiling broadly, Tracy blushed at the compliment from her friend.  “Well, I just followed your directions,” she added softly.

“And you too, Colleen.  Just the right amount of panic to cover the injection.”  Dean looked around the room to find Ned, Arthur, Matty, who was the island country’s equivalent of a British MI 6 agent, and Katie.  Tom and Bill were subtly keeping watch on the room from the staff lounge off the hallway. Dean approached the doctor who was injecting Joel with a stimulant that would bring him out of his induced sleep.  “How long before we can question him?” she asked quietly.

“He’ll be fully awake in about thirty minutes,” the doctor responded, before leaving the room, not wanting to be there when the ‘official’ interrogation began.

“Okay folks, remember the plan. This is going to be a ‘Mission Impossible’ type interrogation.  Tracy, Colleen, you’d better duck out before he starts coming to.”  The two women left the room, joining Tom and Bill in the small staff lounge down the hall.  The rest responded in unison, “Got it.” 

As they waited for Joel to come around, Dean and Katie commandeered the far corner of the small morgue prep room to discuss the interrogation.  Matty, the local intelligence officer, and Art and Ned sat on stools near the patient.

“Do you think this will work?” Katie asked once more, hoping that they would finally be able to get to the bottom of the puzzle.

“I certainly hope so, or we’re going to have to try to find our way through to that blue hole.” 

“He’s beginning to come around,” Matty’s distinctive native voice called to them as Joel’s eyes blinked open and closed several times.

Katie and Dean stood and walked over to flank the other side of Joel’s gurney.  They watched him struggle to consciousness and finally survey the room and his circumstances.  He was dressed in a hospital gown, and his arms were strapped down to his sides.

“Wh..where am I?”  His voice was slurred and his head lolled around limply as he looked at each face watching him.  “Hey, I know you,” he commented as he looked at Dean, then Katie, “and you too.”

“That’s right Joel, and we know all about you and your buddies from the old tracking station.  Too bad, you’re the only one that made it out alive.”  Katie looked at the mercenary, nodding her head as she spoke.

“What’dya mean?  Alive… they’re dead?”  He was having trouble comprehending yet, and was fighting to understand what he was being told.

“Just what we said, Joel, and if you cooperate, maybe you’ll stay alive.” Matty leaned down, coming within inches of Joel’s face as she did her best intimidation stare. “The Bahamian Commonwealth does not tolerate terrorists operating on its soil.  And, our laws won’t offer the kind of protection you would have in the United States.” 

“But, I’m a US citizen, I… I demand to see an attorney.”  Beads of sweat were beginning to form on Joel’s forehead as he looked around at the others by his bed.

As Matty straightened up, Dean leaned down into his personal space and spoke in a low menacing tone. “Sorry, Joel, no can do.  Ya see, we reported your death with the rest of your cronies.  You almost got yourself a toe tag, but you started to come to just in time.  What’sa matter, Joel, you pass out from fright when you saw us hit the station?”

“No fuckin’ way.  I don’t believe a word you say.  How’d you get past our perimeter without being seen?”

“We came through the blue hole,” Dean offered, hoping that he’d buy it.  When he refused to talk any more, Dean shrugged saying, “Fine, Joel, we’ll just let the Bahamian government put you away in some nice cell for the rest of your life.”

“Unless, you want to cooperate and tell us the whole story from the top.  Just fill in the blanks for us, starting with the contacts at the Algerian Embassy, and then finish with the radar array.”  Matty smiled sweetly at the sweating man, as he seemed to be thinking it over.

“No, I don’t believe you.  You’re just trying to get information from me.”  He shook his head, then spat out, “You know so much, you tell me.”

Katie decided to try her hand at the interrogation.  “Come on, Joel, we tracked all the pieces and parts through the warehouse in DC all the way to your little blue hole and the old tracking station.  We’d been watching for a long time before we hit it.  We just want to get at your sorry ass boss who let all your friends die for no reason.  Don’t you want to see him pay for letting your friends down?”

For just a moment, it looked like Joel was going to buy into Katie’s logic, but then he just shook his head refusing to answer the question. “If you know about the blue hole, then tell me which entrance you use to get to it?”  When no one responded, Joel laughed and said, “Yeah, just as I figured, you don’t know squat, and I’m not saying another word.”

They tried several other approaches to get the information, but Joel refused to talk any more.  Matty called in her constables, and they took him out of the room and over to a solitary cell at headquarters.

Dean looked around the room. “Well, I guess we get to go diving,” she commented.

“Our government will cooperate fully with your dive request.  Unfortunately, we can’t do more without specific evidence, and that man just isn’t going to give us any.  We’ll keep up the interrogation pressure as well as keep him in solitary confinement for as long as possible.  As you know, we don’t have the capability to assault the site, and it still is under U.S. authority, so we can’t be of much assistance, I’m afraid.”  Matty smiled sadly as she shook Dean’s hand, and nodded at Ned, Art, and Katie, before exiting the room.

“Well, we’d better get some rest or we won’t be able to function properly for our check out dive tomorrow.  Let’s get the guys and head home,” Dean directed.

* * * * *

Continued

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