Chapter One-4
843 Words
“I see,” I said.
It sounded like a fairly standard play. I wish I had more time to study the subject’s tendencies, his likes and dislikes. But there was no time for extensive research on this case. We would have to wing it tomorrow. My Handler continued to prep me.
“You work as a waitress at Obsessions and have been assigned to serve drinks at Al Khatani’s private party. At first I thought you should wear a full burqa or niqab, but he might suspect he’s being set up. You should be dressed in whatever uniform a regular waitress wears.”
“I’ll have one of my other cocktail waitresses bring in an extra outfit for tomorrow night that matches what they wear, a short black mini skirt and a white tank top with the word Obsessions written above the breast,” Jefferson said.
“Perfect, that should work,” my Handler said. “I’m betting on the fact that Al Khatani is a typical guy and will fall hard for you,” my Handler said.
“Why should Agent Milani take on all the risk? What exact role am I playing in the operation?” Zardooz asked.
“I can’t have anyone see you tomorrow night. You will be in Mr. Jefferson’s office , recording and monitoring the conversations at the club. If we indeed go to Riyadh, I need you to be as close to Agent Milani as possible. Your name will be Omar Saliba, a commoner. I have your travel documents. They were created by our best people in Langley. You should have no problem traveling with them whatsoever. If in fact the Prince takes Agent Milani back with him to Riyadh I need you to get inside Al Khatani’s compound at Riyadh, Agent Zardooz. You’ll have to figure out how when you get there. Perhaps you can apply to work as one of Al Khatani’s gardeners, household staff, etcetera. Get a job in there, cleaning his toilets if you have to. Agent Milani is going into the deepest cover of her career. I need eyes on her. I need to know where she is at all times, who she meets and what she hears. I need you to be close by, but hidden in plain sight Agent Zardooz. And when the time comes, I need you to get her the hell out of Dodge. Do you understand your role, Agent?”
“I do Sir,” Zardooz said.
“For tomorrow evening we won’t risk planting bugs in the room Al Khatani rented, but all of us will be wearing wires, including you Agent Milani. You’ll be the one closest to him throughout the evening and we need to record every word he says. Mr. Jefferson and I will make rounds through the room every few minutes, while Agent Zardooz monitors the transmissions. We’ll all be able to communicate with each other through hidden ear pieces. If anyone hears the words “hellfire”, “equipment manager”, or anything incriminating that could tie Al Khatani to a terrorist plot, we’ll call the authorities and arrest his entire entourage tomorrow night. But if we can’t get the evidence we need here, I need you to get Al Khatani to take you back to the hotel with him tonight and hopefully on the plane to Riyadh with him on Sunday. Agent Zardooz, if you see Agent Milani get on the flight with Al Khatani, I want you on the same flight out of Chicago to rendezvous with our field director in Riyadh…”
My Handler took a deep breath and there was a period of silence in the room. We all took sips of our drinks.
“I know this play is full of holes and has been slapped together, but this may be our best chance to make a move on these guys. Unlike what happened prior to 9-11, both agencies of our government are working together this time, sharing information and talent. Of course, it all may lead nowhere, but if these two men have gotten a hold of a suitcase bomb, this may be our best shot to foil their terrorist plot. Are we all in agreement with the play?” my Handler asked.
All three of us nodded our head at once. My Handler glanced at me briefly and I avoided his eyes.
“Agent Milani, you’ve been abnormally quiet. Are you alright?”
It was true. The planning of the whole operation had a slapdash quality about it. I wished we could do a trial run in the safety of our Langley office, but there was no time for that. I knew the success or failure of the mission rested solely upon my shoulders. I began to feel uneasy.
“I’m fine. I think it’s a good play. Nothing I haven’t handled before.”
“Does anyone have any questions?” my Handler said.
We collectively shook our heads no. My Handler handed Zardooz and I our travel documents. I looked mine over. They were expertly done, considering the short time Langley had to create them. I put the fake passport and ID of Aisha Nayef in my purse next to my lipstick.
“Very good then. We will meet here again at 5PM tomorrow evening to prepare for the operation.”
There was a knock on the door. One of Jefferson’s employees opened the door and spoke.
“Lucius Barrington and the two women have arrived, Sir.”
“Speak of the devil…” my Handler said, smiling ever so slightly.
- Writer
