Chapter 27
Wade and Max met at the scheduled rendezvous point in the afternoon to update each other on the day’s activities and decide on the next steps. Both men were on high alert, knowing time was running out before the showdown. Max reviewed the observations he’d recorded from the rooftop.
“Boris and Jackson were together scoping out Buildings 3 and 5. I think they did preliminary angle and drop calculations. I didn’t see Stephan the entire afternoon.”
Wade tied into Max’s last thought. “That’s because he was at the cemetery picking up the black cases. I didn’t see him carry them into the safe house, but I think they were there. There was an inordinate amount of activity going on as I watched.”
Max paused to give that some thought. “When you think about it, they have to assemble the rifles, dope their scopes, and sync their communication devices. They may also have to set the detonation codes on the cases and coordinate signals. They will also have to test and practice their extraction coordinates.”
“What’s involved in setting the detonation codes on the black cases?”
“As I mentioned earlier, the cases can be detonated with a timer that’s already in the case or be triggered by a remote transmission signal. My guess is they’ll use the remote trigger, which means they’ll have to test and coordinate frequencies and set a code for the cases using those numbered bars on the locking mechanism.”
Wade thought about what he’d almost triggered the first time he saw them. “That’s good to know. Before you arrived, I was going to spin those scrolls to test the lock.”
Max looked at him wide-eyed. “That would have been the last spin you would have ever made.”
After a pause that got Wade’s attention, Max asked, “How do you think they’ll stage the attack?”
“If it were me, I would stash weapons on the roof tonight for tomorrow’s event.”
“Good thought. We’ll need to go there tonight to confirm.”
The men returned to the motel to continue their planning as the afternoon sun fell below waving palm trees. The motel room floor and bed were covered with maps, schedules, and gear. The two men continued to go over timing, command protocols, extraction procedures, and checking weapons and communications equipment.
The evening check of Buildings 1, 3 and 5 confirmed large duffle bags of equipment neatly hidden on the roof deck parallel to the vent ducts on Building 1 and 3. It was clear the operatives had access to the buildings any time they wanted it, which still puzzled both men.
Early the next day, five hours before the scheduled ceremonies, Max was already in position on the roof. He was to remain in position while Wade followed Stephan, trying to determine where the black cases were going to be placed. Even though they’d been disarmed, the placement of the cases might disclose probable extraction routes and how they might approach target shots.
Three large speakers were in place at the foot of the stage to supplement the public address system. The sound from the microphone would travel throughout the large area crowded with guests, visitors, and press.
The Prime Minister of Belize was scheduled to speak after introductory speeches by senior military officers from three countries and members of the Prime Minister’s cabinet. The message shared by all the speakers was in support of stronger Central and South American counties with greater ties to Western powers. The event was being broadcast worldwide by international press in both English and Spanish.
As Max remained in place on the rooftop, Wade covered the safe house. The operatives were still inside preparing. Wade wondered how Stephan was going to handle the placement of the black cases this close to the commencement of ceremonies. He radioed Max that he was leaving his observation post at the safe house to be closer to the city center and the stage. Wade approached the outer platform of the stage from the rear.
An apron of flags from various participating countries hung next to each other along the stage floor. Wade found a seam between two flags and ducked under the stage floor. Quickly moving under the stage from one upright to the other Wade didn’t find the cases, which they code-named “party favors.”
Wade radioed Max, whose code name was “Sky.”
“Base to Sky. Over.”
“Sky. Copy.”
“Any activity?”
“Negative.”
“I’m a little surprised that the party favors are not in place.”
“Me as well. Over.”
“Maybe they called the party off.”
“It’s possible.”
“Wait…”
The radio went silent. Wade noticed a worker in worn gray coveralls walking alongside the stage carrying a black case. His face was unfamiliar. Wade quickly named him Coverall.
As Coverall got closer, Wade ducked behind a large metal box housing cables and wires. He still had a good view of the underside of the stage, but Wade could only see Coverall’s shoes and the shadow of the case he was carrying.
Coverall stopped, looked around, and quickly ducked under the stage between two flags a third of the way from the back of the stage. From his crouching position, Wade could see Coverall move past two upright posts and place the first case on the ground, against the third support post from the sidewalk. Then he quietly disappeared through the flags to the sidewalk.
A few minutes later, the same man reappeared with the second case, this time on the opposite side of the stage. He ducked under it, placing the case against the second upright post, and returned to the sidewalk, then casually walked away from the stage. Wade remained in place, knowing Coverall would probably be under scope surveillance by Stephan.
Moving to the opposite side under the stage, Wade radioed Max. “We just had two party favors dropped about twenty feet under the stage on the west and east sides. The drop is wearing worn gray coveralls, code name Coverall. Cover him while I get out from under this stage. I want to follow him.”
Max used his binoculars to catch the man leaving the stage area. “I have him. He’s heading south from your location.”
“Stay on him. I want to make sure I find an exit from under here where I won’t be observed.”
“Affirmative.”
Wade saw a stream of light coming in between the flags which joined the steps to the platform. He moved toward the light, believing he might get additional cover from the stairs themselves if he was in Stephan’s scope range.
A radio call to Max confirmed that he was still hidden before he exited from under the stage.
Max guided Wade toward Coverall man. The target was moving briskly away from the stage area. Every fifty feet, Coverall stopped and looked around for anyone following, but didn’t pick up Wade’s presence. Wade kept in constant contact with Max.
“Base to Sky.”
“Sky over.
“Is Coverall wearing any wires, or is he transmitting?”
“Negative.”
“Keep him in sight. I’ve got to stay back to maintain cover.”
“Roger. I have him in scope, just making a turn to his right at the next block from you. Over.”
“I’ll maintain this distance.”
Coverall was cautious, keeping to a cat-like route between buildings and close to shrubbery as if he knew this terrain very well. Wade wondered, How could we have missed this guy with all of our surveillance?