Dangerous Alliance, page 22
Located in Munsu-dong adjacent to the diplomatic area, Soo’s family had been overjoyed with the expanse of their new home on the thirteenth floor of the dun-colored building. They enjoyed meeting other government functionaries who shared the building.
Silence.
Soo’s heart sank—without his family, an empty apartment, more like a prison than a home. He collapsed on a sofa, head between his hands. No more. I can’t take any more.
Time passed before he walked to an ornate desk—one of the wedding gifts from Wook. Two photographs in silver frames stood in the middle. One held a photo of Soo and Jung Gi on their wedding day. The other, taken last year, showed their two grinning boys.
He smiled. I must be strong for them. Otherwise, everything is a sham—the government, position, power. Soo snapped his fingers. It can disappear in a moment as if nothing existed.
He turned over a glass on the desk, uncorked a decanter of Jinro, and poured a healthy amount. Gazing at his wife’s photo, he lifted the glass in a silent toast and downed the spirits in a single gulp. I’d do anything to get my family out of Wook’s control.
Soo prepared a second drink and stepped back to the sofa. He lifted the glass of potent vodka-like soju and stopped. He hurled the glass across the room, where it shattered after striking the wall. No!
He stretched out on the sofa, an arm across his eyes. Sobbing, he remained in the same position, calling the names of his wife and children.
***
After Soo departed Pyongyang Sunan International Airport in a government limousine, Kim hailed a taxi.
“Where to, please?”
“The Taedonggang Beer Shop. I’m tired—no more questions.”
The taxi driver nodded and pulled away from the curb.
Kim closed his eyes.
“Sir? Sir? We are at your destination.”
Kim jerked out of a light sleep and fumbled in a pocket for money. Without a word, he paid, left the taxi, and entered the shop.
A place for working-class men to meet at the end of the day, the Taedonggang Beer Shop was packed to capacity. No stools or chairs, the customers stood around tall tables, talking, laughing and drinking.
Kim scanned the crowd. There—at the rear, with two others. He pushed his way toward his objective. When he approached, the two men left, leaving his contact alone.
The short, stocky man eyed Kim before sliding a beer toward him.
Kim nodded in appreciation and downed half of his drink. “Tell our friend the task is finished.”
“Welcome back. I will tell him. He wants to meet.”
“In two days—usual place. I’m waiting for a summons, which I must attend.”
“I’ll pass the word.”
Kim finished his beer and worked his way out of the bar. He meandered through the streets until he arrived at his apartment block in the workers’ section of the city.
***
The shrill ring of the telephone startled Soo. Still dressed in the clothes he wore when he returned home the night before, he jumped from the sofa and ran to the phone.
He answered on the fourth ring. “Hello?”
“Good morning, Ambassador Soo. Did you enjoy your vacation?”
“Y-yes, but my jet lag is terrible. How are you, Nari?”
“I am fine, Ambassador. Your appointment is at one p.m. at the Ryongsong Residence. The driver will pick you up from your apartment thirty minutes before the meeting.”
Soo stifled a gasp at the mention of Ryongsong.
“O-okay, Nari. Anything else?”
“No. Will you be in the office after your appointment?”
“I hope so.” Soo dropped the receiver into its cradle. What now? My last visit to Ryongsong ended in disaster.
He paced the room, contemplating the summons. Perhaps Wook is pleased with my efforts and will return my family. He shook his head. No. Wook doesn’t forgive even a perceived slight. Until the oil flows, they will remain hostages.
His stomach gurgled. Time to eat. Soo sniffed an armpit. A shower first.
Revitalized, Soo reviewed the transfer of weapons to the Somali pirates. No issues, except for the Krumen’s captain wanting more money.
The intercom buzzed.
Soo jumped, unaware of the passing time. He left the apartment, locked the door, and hurried down the stairs. Floor after floor he went, cursing the lack of a working elevator. Hasn’t worked for weeks.
When Soo exited the building, the driver waited by the car’s door. Unlike the last time when Soo opened and closed his own door, the driver smiled, and assisted him into the vehicle.
As before, he paid no attention as the vehicle hurried through the streets. Once at the Ryongsong Residence, the driver escorted him to a more appropriate room, befitting his position.
No guards waited with him. Soo sat at an ornate cherry table laid with two informal place settings. Tea and dim sum?
Before long, the inner doors opened. Wook entered with a single guard, followed by a servant pushing a cart laden with a tea service and several covered dishes.
“Welcome back.” A smile crept across Wook’s face. “My congratulations on a job well done in delivering the weapons.”
Soo shook the proffered hand and bowed. “Thank you, Supreme Leader. Not easy dealing with a lower-class crew and a scoundrel of a captain, but I insisted they follow my instructions.”
Wook sat at the table, motioning for Soo to sit across from him. The servant poured tea, uncovered the dishes, and served portions of the appetizers to both men.
After eating in silence, Wook pushed his plate away and drained the cup. He gazed at Soo. “I have a surprise for you.”
“I am honored, Supreme Leader.” Now what?
Wook clapped his hands, and the inner doors opened again. Two young boys, Jae and Ki, entered the room. They bowed toward Wook before rushing to their father.
“Appa! Appa!” The boys ran to Soo who threw his arms around them in a smothering hug.
Wook acknowledged the boys and turned to Soo. He clapped his hands and the doors opened a third time.
Jung Gi!
Soo bowed to Wook. “Thank you, Supreme Leader. My most private wishes have come true.”
“I’ll give you fifteen minutes with your family—no more. Remember, they are still my guests until you complete your mission.” Wook stood and left the room, the guard following.
Jung Gi hurried to Soo. “My husband—I missed you so.”
“Did anyone hurt you? Wook told me he sent you to Camp Fourteen.” Soo shook with rage at the vision of his wife at the mercy of the prison guards.
“No. One of my brother’s guards took me with three other women to the camp. He left the others but brought me back. They’ve locked me in a room ever since.” She placed a hand on Soo’s arm. “I am unharmed.”
Soo pulled her close so she wouldn’t notice the tears welling in his eyes. She’s lost weight. No spark in her eyes. He clenched her tighter. I must free my family—somehow.
Six guards entered the room.
Jung Gi kissed Soo as the guards pulled her from his embrace. “I must go now, my husband. Take care of yourself and one day we will be reunited.” She knelt and kissed Jae and Ki. “I love you, my sons. Be strong.” She held back her tears and kissed them again, giving each one a final hug.
Soo stood with the boys on either side of him as two of the guards escorted Jung Gi from the room.
“Appa, we want you to stay with us. Please?” Jae, the older of the two by a year, stared at his father with pleading eyes.
“No, my sons. The Supreme Leader wants you to remain here where you’ll be safe while I conduct government business. We’ll be together again, soon.” I hope.
Guards grabbed the arms of the children and escorted them away, leaving Soo alone. He sat and pounded his fists on the table. He glanced at the door, hoping for another glimpse of his children. Nothing. He cradled his head on his arms and wept.
***
Soo entered his office and smiled when Nari rushed to him. He gave her a brief hug and stepped away.
“I’m glad to be back.” He wiped his red eyes. “Wook allowed me a brief visit with my family, but I have more work to do before we are reunited.”
“The Supreme Leader cares about his people, Ambassador. You are one of his instruments to keep our country safe.”
Soo smiled. She doesn’t realize how evil Wook is. I didn’t either until he took my family.
“I brought you a present from Cambodia.” He handed a gift-wrapped box to Nari.
She squealed with delight as she removed the paper, using caution so it might be reused at a later date. A black and silver box hid the gift.
Opening the cover, her eyes widened and a smile spread across her face. “Oh, Ambassador! What a beautiful checkered scarf. What brilliant colors. I will always treasure it.”
Soo smiled and waved a hand. “It’s called a krama and will help keep you warm during our winters.”
Nari bowed. “Thank you, Ambassador.”
***
Major Kim sat in an antechamber waiting for his meeting with the Supreme Leader. Impatient, he crossed and uncrossed his legs before standing and examining a series of photographs depicting the Supreme Leader from childhood to the most powerful man in North Korea.
Doors swung inward and two guards entered. After confirming Kim’s identity papers, one tilted his head toward the exit. “Come.”
Kim left the room and marched along a nondescript hallway, flanked by the two men. They stopped at an unmarked door. “You may enter.”
Kim stepped inside and found Wook waiting for him.
“Welcome back, Major Kim. Sorry for the delay. I dangled bait in front of Soo first.”
“What did you bait him with, Supreme Leader?”
Wook laughed, a sinister snarl filling the room. “His family. He seems to think if he completes this mission to my satisfaction, I’ll return his family.”
“Very generous, Supreme Leader.”
“I haven’t forgotten Soo’s incompetence which put our country and my leadership in an awkward position. I might allow him another visit, but I’ll keep his family under my control.”
Kim nodded. “A wise decision, if I may say so, Supreme Leader. Do you have a new mission for me?”
“Yes, for both of you. Return to the Seychelles in two days. Learn more about this pirate named Dacar.” Wook thrust a hand toward Kim. “Kill him as a lesson to the others not to play games with me. I’m still waiting for delivery of the first oil tanker.”
“I’m under the impression it’s on the way, Supreme Leader.”
“Never mind. You have your orders.” He handed a sealed envelope to Kim. “Additional details are inside. You are dismissed.” Wook turned and left the room.
The guards escorted Kim out of the palace. He went to a nearby taxi rank. Devoid of cabs, Kim waited with other passengers. He glanced around, sensing an unknown presence.
Shaking it off, Kim scanned the area. Perhaps I’m overtired. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Once an empty taxi stopped in front of him, he gave instructions for the driver to take him to the Taedonggang Beer Shop. Still early in the day, few customers occupied the tables. Kim ordered a beer, went to his accustomed spot at the rear and opened the envelope.
Complete your mission as ordered. Should Soo meet with an unfortunate accident, no blame will fall on your shoulders. Do not fail.
A hand grabbed Kim’s shoulder. His heart raced as he prepared to attack.
“Relax. Here’s another beer.” His contact pushed over a fresh drink. “How did your meeting go?”
“I’m returning to the Seychelles. He wants the Somali pirate leader killed as a lesson to the others.”
The man shrugged. “You’ve handled this type of mission before. What’s another?”
“I’m to take the ambassador with me.” Kim bowed his head. “He will die, too.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Jujubba Refugee Camp
Malindi, Kenya
Ian and Alf stared at the muscular bulk of Gerhard and the diminutive Pun. Alf grinned and stretched out a hand. It disappeared within Gerhard’s grasp.
“I’m Corporal Alfred Livingston. My friends call me Alf.” He wrenched his hand free, flexing his fingers to restart the blood flow. “Where is the rest of your team?”
“Ag, man. With your assistance, we won’t require additional support. Pun is one of the best trackers in the world. I’m not too bad, either.”
“Welcome to Jujubba.” Ian smiled and motioned for Gerhard and Pun to sit. “I wish we’d met under better circumstances. Would you care for something to eat or drink?”
Pun remained silent, letting Gerhard carry the conversation. “Might be wise to refresh ourselves. We’ve been on the go for several hours. Afterward, we want to visit Prince George’s quarters.”
“George and I shared a tent.” Alf laughed when Gerhard and Pun appeared puzzled by his familiar reference to the prince. “He didn’t want any special treatment, so we always called him George. Ian and I are privy to his true identity, but no one else.”
“Did you post guards in the evening?” Gerhard scratched the stubble on his chin as if something occurred to him.
“Before the initial kidnappings of several women, we didn’t post guards.” Ian glanced at the floor. “Jujubba is a quiet refuge, designed to help those in need. After the first incident, we hired two men.”
“Did they remain at a static post or did they patrol?”
“They monitored a post near the main gate, but I asked them to patrol the perimeter every two hours.”
“So, anyone paying attention would be able to time their attack when the guards were out of sight.” Gerhard nodded. “How did they find out George worked here—perhaps inside help?”
“I don’t think George was a specific target.” Alf peered at Ian. “All of the male volunteers shared tents near the north side perimeter with the females located in the second row.”
“I can’t believe anyone inside this camp would aid kidnappers.” Ian shook his head and frowned. “The refugees are almost dead when they arrive. The locals we employ earn an excellent wage by local standards. Why would they jeopardize a steady income when well-paying jobs are hard to find?”
Stifling a yawn, Gerhard stretched and struggled to his feet. “Ag. I suggest we quit for tonight and begin anew after daybreak.” He shifted toward Ian. “Do you have a spare tent Pun and I might use? If not, we brought one.”
“There’s an empty one near Alf. He’ll show you the way.”
“Excellent. In the morning. I want to view the tent where you stayed. Perhaps we’ll pick up some clues.”
***
Gerhard opened his eyes as a rooster crowed. Pun sat on his camp bed, dressed and sharpening his kukri against a well-used whetstone.
Pun smiled at him. “Get changed. Time to work.”
“Ag, man. I thought I gave the orders.”
Gerhard dressed and they stepped outside. Two rows of brown, two-person tents, lined an area close to the fence.
Alf approached. “Sorry about the accommodations. These are excess British officer supplies, complete with a canvas floor. The best we can do.”
Gerhard laughed. “Plenty of space.”
“I suppose for one night. As you’ll notice in the tent I shared with George, we also kept a small chest for personal items and a lantern.” Alf led them to a tent on the outer row.
“This is where we stayed. I moved my personal belongings to my new tent but tried to preserve things the way they were prior to the kidnapping.”
Inside, both beds were overturned. Reddish-brown splotches stained both the pillows. The lantern lay on the floor, smashed. The chest had been tipped over.
“Not much to see. The stains are blood—both of us received some minor injuries during the scuffle.”
“Enough.” Gerhard nudged Pun. “Any clues to help us?”
Pun gazed around the tent before shaking his head.
“Okay, show us the fence where the kidnappers entered the compound.”
Alf led them to a spot about twenty yards away. Four strands of barbed wire stretched from post to post, but the two lower pieces had been cut.
“This is where they entered and forced us out and dragged us out there.” Alf gestured to several sand dunes about 100 yards away.
“Thank you, Alf. Let’s eat breakfast and talk with Ian before we depart.”
As they walked past the small tents, they neared rows of larger ones.
“The green tents are for the refugees. Each one will hold twenty people, but sometimes we squeeze in a few more. There are one hundred of these tents, so we can handle at least two thousand refugees.” Alf’s chest swelled with pride. “The five camps near Dadaab can hold almost two hundred fifty thousand people. They receive most of the aid donations, but we do a decent job.”
They jumped up the three steps to the veranda and entered the camp office. Ian wasn’t inside, so Gerhard powered up his iPad. One new message.
To: Green, Black
From: Topaz
Sensitive source confirms a couple from Europe had been held captive at a small compound in the vicinity of Kidi Faani, Somalia. Current whereabouts unknown but believed heading north.
Locate and determine whether the couple is the missing George and the Italian woman. Acknowledge.
Gerhard acknowledged the message and closed his iPad. “Prince George and Silvia might be located near a village called Kidi Faani in Somalia.” He leaned toward Pun. “Plot the fastest possible course to this village.”
Pun nodded and pulled out his tablet. Head down, he poked a few characters.
Alf snapped his fingers. “One of the kidnappers mentioned ‘kidifani’ or something similar. Didn’t realize it might be a location. Sounded like a local word.”
“Ag, man. No worries. Let’s chat with Ian, grab our kit, and begin the hunt.”
“What about breakfast?” Alf rubbed his rumbling stomach.
“Ag, man. I almost forgot. Must eat first.”
Ian entered the office in time to overhear Gerhard’s words. “Breakfast will be here soon. Two of the volunteers are bringing our food.”
