“Is this a fact finding mission too?”
“It depends on circumstances, Gus. I agree with what Paul suspects – that Al-Saud knows how the network operates that keeps smuggling the numbers of recruits in at cell compounds like Pilot Hill. He and Al-Kadi were rivals, but I’d wager it has to do with Al-Saud wanting to take over a place like the Pilot Hill compound for his own purposes. He was none too happy about my hint that the federal authorities were all over the compound. There’s something I’m missing in all of this. Paul would like to confirm there’s not a conduit from Europe we have no clue about. Those recruits at Pilot Hill had first class papers and passports. Paul and I are hoping the same outfit running an identity mill for Al-Kadi may be supplying Al-Saud’s people. Lynn bled Al-Kadi dry. He told Lynn the recruits already had their papers when they reached him. Al-Kadi received his orders anonymously on the Dark Web. His cell was to remain compartmentalized so they couldn’t expose the entire network if caught.”
“But what about this ‘Lone Wolf’ attack crap,” Gus persisted. “Think about thousands of these bastards spread all around the country after leaving terrorist training depots like Pilot Hill, with no orders or connections once they leave the training compound. They’re free to cause havoc like the one trying to kill you, or on a larger scale like San Bernadino.”
Nick hesitated, concentrating on Cala’s flying. “That’s damn good, Gus. They could play into this insanity of stripping away the Second Amendment and disarming the populace in the face of a much larger threat. It’s already working after the Orlando massacre. You’d think the idiots running the country and the media would stop playing right into their hands. I like your thinking, Gus. If what you surmise is true, I’m not sure how valuable Al-Saud is, other than a spoke in the terrorist wheel that facilitates whatever he’s asked to do.”
“It makes sense, Muerto,” Johnny agreed. “Would you still like to go down to the Point this morning?”
Nick leaned back in his seat, the enormity of Gus’s theory blanketing his imagination far into the future. “I sure would, Johnny. We could be in the middle of this stupid war forever.”
*
Nick checked into his suite at the Atlantis without incident. Khalil called him on the satellite phone he brought along for communication only from Khalil. It could not be monitored. “Hello, my friend. I’m checked into the Atlantis.”
“We have an opportunity, Nick. Al-Saud has a meeting at the Bab Peshawar Restaurant in Sharjah, after which he will be traveling along Maliha Rd. His destination is the Galb Al Gamar General Trading building.”
“Damn! I know that route.” Nick closed his eyes picturing from memory the nearly deserted stretch of highway. “There is a Gulf Dynamic Services building along the route. If I can get atop the building with my M107, I can take Al-Saud at a barren spot along the route. How certain are you of the information.”
“Very sure. One of my contacts servicing Al-Saud’s suite overheard the plans made on the phone. You are very impressive remembering the route and buildings. I could not get the keycard made without suspicions raised. I have our cargo pilot from your last adventure killing people. I promised him a hundred thousand US dollars to fly us out of Sharjah International Airport. Is that satisfactory?”
“You are amazing, brother. It will be perfect if the route pans out. I will meet with Al-Saud tonight and conduct the meeting in a business as usual persona. Tomorrow morning at 2 am, I will position myself on the roof of the Gulf Dynamic building.”
“I have a taxi to use. I will be out front in fifteen minutes. Will that be acceptable?”
“With this new information, I would like you to stay away until I need to get into position, unless it is possible for you to bring my Colt to me. What are the chances of taking my Colt inside the Atlantis?”
“Not good, Nick,” Khalil answered. “Another problem is that Al-Saud’s bodyguards will be armed.”
“Then stay away from here until you pick me up at 1 am out front. I will be fine meeting with Al-Saud. He would have no reason to suspect me of anything other than business here in the Atlantis. He’ll be okay with the change of plans because I arrived early. I’ll convince him the waterpark meeting would be bad for future business. I will go over my plan with you under the new circumstances when I see you later, brother.”
“I will see you then, Nick. Good luck.”
Nick called Al-Saud immediately after disconnecting from Khalil.
“You are in the hotel. My man saw you arrive,” Al-Saud said by way of greeting. “Will you come to my suite or will you require rest?”
“I slept on the plane. I’m actually glad to skip your waterpark meeting. I will shower and be at your suite in twenty minutes.”