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During the attack, Thomas hid and didn’t come out until the shooting stopped and then helped put the fire out by organizing the men. This endeared him further to Mordulfah because the man loved this mansion and what it represented, which is why he would rebuild it, regardless of the cost or time it took.

  After the plane leveled off, Thomas fell asleep and didn’t wake until it landed in Washington DC. The flight attendant came up and escorted him and the pilots off the plane.

  Two limousines were parked on the tarmac. Thomas watched as a chauffeur opened the back door of one of the limos. A tall, middle-aged man with a receding hairline stepped out. He wore black-framed glasses and a red tie on a tailored dark blue suit. He jogged up the stairs and disappeared into the jet.

  Thomas thought he recognized him and tried to remember where he’d seen him before. He turned to the pilot and asked him.

  “No idea,” shrugged the pilot.

  “Yeah, you do,” said the copilot. “He was with Perozzi that one time we flew Mordulfah down to that private island in the Bahamas?”

  “Oh yeah, that’s right. That big get-together with all those mucky-mucks. That was a helluva a trip. Remember all the women?”

  “Yeah, some were a bit too young though.”

  “Not for the prince,” snickered the pilot.

  The two pilots kept reminiscing while Thomas kept thinking he knew the guy from somewhere. He wondered what they were talking about and wished he was inside sitting in on this secret meeting.

  After fifteen minutes, the man exited the jet and came down the stairs. His chauffeur must have said something funny to him because the man laughed in a high pitched tone. The odd laugh finally gave up the mysterious man. Thomas remembered where he had seen him before. He had given the commencement speech at his graduation at the University of Tennessee.

  His name was Albert Sauer and was the son of German immigrants that came to America after the war. He had gone to all the right schools and worked on Wall Street as a stockbroker before climbing the corporate ladder to become a CEO of a major bank.

  Thomas thought perhaps he was now working in the new government but wasn’t sure. What was he doing here, talking with Mordulfah? There was an obvious banking connection, but why the secrecy of a meeting out on the tarmac?

  Thomas put it out of his mind when the limo pulled away, and Mordulfah exited the jet. He joined the prince and climbed into the second limo. Mordulfah said nothing about the man and Thomas didn’t dare ask him. He sat back and watched the passing scenery. He’d never been to Washington before and hoped they would pass by some of the sights.

  Chapter 5

  Chelsea Michigan

  Meeks began moving away from the outdoor latrine when two more Jijis came their way. Bassett signaled him to stand still. If spotted, they’d have a lot of angry Jijis chasing them through the woods. There was no way to take these guys down quietly if they saw them. All hopes of blending into the woods evaporated when one of the men stopped and stared at Bassett trying to figure out who he was.

  Bassett let out a breath when the Jiji swung his rifle off his shoulder. Bassett had him beat and fired a single round taking him down. The sound of the Colt M4 echoed in the still air and alerted the rest of the enemy. Bassett aimed at the other Jiji and squeezed off another round, but missed him. The Jiji had taken cover behind a tree and yelled for his friends. He then started firing wildly into the woods hoping to hit something.

  “Let’s get the hell out of here,” said Bassett.

  “And it was all going so well,” said Meeks as he followed Bassett through the woods.

  “Bassett,” Nordell said over the radio, “give me a SITREP,” which was short for Situation Report.

  “We’re busted here,” said Bassett. “We’re hauling ass back to the truck.”

  “Copy that, we’ll meet you there.”

  Bassett shoved the radio back into his vest pocket and turned to see if they had anyone on their tail. Not seeing anyone, he yelled for Meeks to hold up. They needed a plan to get back the fastest way. When they had crossed through the Proving Grounds before, it took nearly an hour. Granted, they did it at a leisurely pace, but even at a jog, it would still take too long. It was eight miles to their nearest guard post, which was too far away to call for help on the handheld radio. He wasn’t sure how motivated the Jijis were, but then he had just killed one of them. The Jijis hadn’t seen much action as of late so this would be a perfect opportunity for them to alleviate their boredom.

  “Whaddya think?” asked Meeks.

  “I think we just gave these guys their activity for the rest of the day.”

  Meeks let out a scoff. “Yeah, probably so.”

  “If these guys were smart, they’d start surrounding the area and cut off any chance of escape.”

  “But they’re not, and they have no idea it’s just two of us.”

  Leaves started rustling, and they turned to see six Jijis running through woods. Bassett and Meeks squatted down and watched them as they ran by them heading west. Meeks’ eyes flickered up and down as he raised his rifle. Bassett whispered for him to wait. Sure enough, another group of four came bursting through the woods following the others. They were chattering in loud voices and an air of excitement was encouraging them.

  Bassett tapped Meeks on the shoulder and signaled him to get behind this group. He decided to take these guys out, which will make the others more cautious. These guys weren’t professional and seemed a little too cock-sure and excited. They needed a reminder that if they continued, it was at their own peril.

  Bassett raised his M4 to his shoulder and Meeks did the same thing as they rose up and got behind this group. They followed them as the Jijis came into a clearing exposing them. They were no more than thirty feet away as Bassett, pulling the trigger first, was immediately followed by Meeks. The nearest Jiji in the group took two rounds in the back sending him crashing into the man in front of him. Meeks also hit one in the back, and he dropped like a bag of rocks when both his lungs and heart were punctured. The third tried to veer away but caught multiple rounds exploding his head. The last one, who had been knocked down, rolled onto his stomach, raised his rifle and got one shot off that went wild before Bassett emptied his mag on him.

  “Let’s go this way,” said Bassett pointing south.

  They raced across a small clearing before entering another set of woods just as the first group of six Jijis came running back.

  “That ought to slow ‘em down for a bit,” said Bassett.

  “Hell yeah, it will.”

  They disappeared into the woods before turning around to see what their enemy was going to do. To their surprise, the Jijis started following them and shooting into the trees.

  “Well, that didn’t work,” said Meeks.

  “C’mon.”

  They sprinted through the woods and soon came to a test road, which they had taken before to get in their original position. They crossed over, and Bassett grabbed Meeks’ arm.

  “We’ll make a stand here.”

  It was the perfect place to wait for an advancing enemy. It was seventy feet of open ground from one side of the road to the other. They would need to wait until all six were in the open before they fired. Bassett was counting on the fact they weren’t experienced enough to send one or two across at a time. He had hoped to leave a couple alive so they could tell their friends what happened. This would spread through their ranks and make them more cautious.

  Bassett slammed in a fresh magazine, which left him with only seven. They needed to conserve their ammo if it was going to be an all-afternoon battle.

  He turned to Meeks. “How many mags you got?”

  Meeks patted his chest rig and counted six.

  “Three-shot burst only,” said Bassett.

  Meeks nodded.

  They didn’t have to wait too long before the Jijis came out of the woods to the road. They started to cross the road when one of them ordered them back to the safety of the woods. These gu
ys or at least one of them was smart enough to pull back. Now it was a waiting game to see what they would do.

  Chapter 6

  Washington D.C.

  The limo pulled up to the entrance of the Saudi embassy and stopped at the gate. Thomas’ heart beat faster as the guard waved them through. He’d never been to Washington D.C. before, and here he was, by the side of an Ambassador’s nephew.

  It had been a short drive from the airport and apart from seeing the Washington Monument in the distance; he didn’t get to see much of the city. He was surprised to see so many cars on the road and wondered if it was like this anywhere else.

  The limo continued to the embassy, and he looked at the square building but wasn’t impressed as it was quite plain. He assumed the inside would be much nicer.

  Mordulfah looked up at him. “You are to stay by my side and not to say anything. You’ll handle my briefcase and get me whatever I need. When we are meeting with my uncle, stand off to the side but within my view.”

  “Yes, your Highness.”

  They exited the limo and headed inside the massive building. The place was spacious and decorated ornately but not in a gaudy way. The blue carpet coordinated well with the gold curtains.

  A representative came and ushered them into the Ambassador’s office.

  Thomas stepped to the side and watched as Prince Faisal warmly greeted his nephew. The elder prince was taller and heavier than Mordulfah and had followed the trend of the monarch by dying his beard black. He appeared genuinely happy to see his nephew, which made Thomas wonder what kind of relationship they had. After catching up on family, Mordulfah got down to business informing his uncle of his predicament.

  “I have known about your troubles,” said Faisal.

  “Of course,” said Mordulfah.

  “I’ve been expecting you to ask for help. I’m actually quite surprised it has taken you this long.”

  “I thought I had the problem taken care of and didn’t want to be a burden.”

  Faisal shook his head. “No, my dear nephew, you didn’t want to divide up your deal with Perozzi.”

  “Yes, that too.”

  “Mordulfah, you are a businessman and a brilliant one at that. You have outshone your many cousins, most of whom don’t do anything but spend money,” said Faisal as he then changed the tone of his voice. “You’ve come a long way in this world, but one thing you are not is a military man.”

  Mordulfah ate up the compliment but seethed at the same time. Thomas had never seen him in a subservient position before and couldn’t help but enjoy himself. Mordulfah wasn’t so confident after all and was quite thin-skinned. The man sat stiffly in the chair knowing this meeting was going to be costly.

  “I have what you need and have had them ready for some time,” continued Faisal.

  Mordulfah didn’t seem too surprised by this information. “How many?”

  “I have five-hundred highly trained and seasoned fighters ready to go.”

  “Where are they?” asked Mordulfah.

  “They are nearby.”

  “When can I expect them?”

  “You can have them today.”

  Mordulfah nodded in satisfaction.

  “I’ll have you meet with their commander. He’s a colonel and knows what he is doing, so do yourself a favor and listen to him.”

  Mordulfah stared at his uncle for a few moments before asking him the cost.

  “Half the revenue from the North Dakota oilfields.”

  Mordulfah didn’t move a muscle and continued to stare at his uncle.

  “You think this is too steep a price?” asked Faisal uncomfortable with the silence.

  Thomas forced himself to control his facial expression at this question. He had a degree in finance and knew a little about the art of negotiating. You never question your own demand as it showed weakness. Thomas looked over at Mordulfah who still hadn’t moved a muscle and began to appreciate his skillful handling of his uncle. He had been contrite during the whole meeting but was now a lion patiently waiting to wear down his prey.

  Thomas could see Faisal grow nervous and figured he had realized the asking price was too high, to begin with. Half of the oilfield revenue would eventually be worth billions.

  “Okay, I can see you think that is too much but I remind you, if you’re not able to get your situation under control, you’ll have nothing.” Faisal fidgeted slightly and continued. “Since you are my favorite nephew, I’ll go with twenty-five percent, and that is a gift.”

  Thomas shifted his eyes to Mordulfah wondering when he would move.

  Mordulfah didn’t flinch and took his time responding. “Is that really the best you can do?”

  Faisal’s eyes darted around the room, which surprised Thomas because he had the upper hand but gave it away too willingly. Perhaps, he had a soft spot for his nephew or was just a bad negotiator. He now appeared to be more of a pleaser or perhaps, simply a diplomat.

  “I’ll go twenty percent.”

  “Ten percent sounds better,” said Mordulfah finally making an offer.

  “Fifteen.”

  Mordulfah then pounced. “Fifteen it is but for five years only, which will be worth billions and all for five hundred men.”

  Faisal nodded and extended his hand.

  Thomas slightly shook his head in disappointment. He wanted to yell at the elder prince to ask for ten years and couldn’t believe he hadn’t. He watched as the two men stood up to shake hands and kiss each other to seal the agreement.

  Chapter 7

  Chelsea Michigan

  Bassett and Meeks watched as the six Jijis who had been chasing them stopped at the edge of the woods. There was a lot of open ground between them and it was an ideal kill zone.

  “C’mon now,” whispered Meeks, “no one’s waiting for ya.”

  “That tall one there has some experience and seems to be in charge,” said Bassett.

  The tall Jiji waved his hands around and split the men into three groups. Two of the groups walked in opposite directions for fifty yards before crossing the road to start flanking their enemy.

  Splitting the force was a good move, but it would weaken their attack capability if not done correctly. Not only was speed essential but also coming in without detection was also crucial.

  “I want that tall one,” said Bassett.

  “Shouldn’t we be backing up and take out their flanks?”

  “Normally yes, but that tall one is smart and needs to be taken out. The others won’t know what to do without him.”

  “Gotcha.”

  “Few more seconds and he’ll get his courage up.”

  They both continued to stand behind a tree. Soon a bearded Jiji started forward, leaving the tall one behind safely in the bush. He cautiously crept across the open ground darting his head from side to side.

  “That tall one is smarter than we thought,” smirked Meeks.

  “Bit of a wuss if you ask me,” whispered Bassett, as he pulled the rifle sling over his head. He laid the rifle on the ground before pulling his tactical tomahawk and blackened steel knife out.

  “Poor bastard doesn’t have a chance,” said Meeks.

  “Keep me covered.”

  The bearded man kept his AK-47 at his side on full auto. He made it to the edge of the trees, and stopped where he stared into the woods looking for any movement. Not seeing any, he entered the woods and crept toward an awaiting Bassett.

  Bassett tightened the grip on his weapons and prepared to strike. He pushed against the tree, listening as the man closed in. He took a deep breath and twisted around the tree swinging the tomahawk upwards into the pit of the arm. The move sliced through the joint and muscle, which disabled his trigger finger. Bassett then jammed the blade into the side of the neck. Blood sprayed in all directions as the bearded man collapsed to the ground dead.

  Meeks pulled the corpse away before getting back into position. The tall Jiji still kept to the woods and didn’t appear to be in any hurry
to put himself in danger. Bassett and Meeks didn’t have much time left before they would have the flanks closing in on them.

  “C’mon, ya bastard,” said Meeks who then turned to Bassett. “Oh, ah, nice work by the way.”

  Bassett gave him a firm nod.

  “I think he’s gone,” said Meeks.

  “Yeah, he was probably supposed to get an all-clear signal by now.”

  “Okay. So what now?”

  “Let’s head west. We should be able to avoid those flankers.”

  Bassett led the way disappointed the tall one decided not to engage. It would now be too dangerous to go after him. Too much time had passed and more Jijis were sure to be headed their way. Bassett stayed close to the edge of the road to keep an eye on their flank. They ran another three hundred yards to where the road curved to the left. The road intersected another one, which meant they were running out of cover. They would be forced to cross the open area which would leave them exposed for seventy feet or more.

  “If I remember correctly, this road intersects with another just ahead,” said Bassett.

  “Roads everywhere in this damn place.”

  “No kidding.”

  They turned south and within a minute came to another road with an excess of exposed ground from one side to the other.

  “Got no choice,” said Bassett.

  “Great.”

  Bassett raised his M4 to his shoulder and looked both ways before running across. Meeks followed paying attention to their six. Upon crossing safely, they let out a sigh of relief, but it didn’t last long as voices penetrated the air. They both froze. Bassett turned toward the sounds and then pointed down the dirt road to their east. The four Jijis who had separated to flank them were now walking towards them.

  “Must have been frustrating not finding us,” said Meeks.

  “Don’t see the tall one anywhere,” responded Bassett.

  “What ya think?”

  “Hate to give away our position.”

  “Let them pass?” asked Meeks.

  “We can go south then.”

  Meeks nodded and then squatted down behind some bushes.