24 Declassified - 01 - Operation Hell Gate by Marc Cerasini

Author:Marc Cerasini [Cerasini, Marc]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Thriller, Mystery, General, Fiction, Action & Adventure, Suspense, Suspense Fiction, Thrillers, Media Tie-In, Espionage, Terrorism, United States, Terrorism - United States
ISBN: 9780060842246
Google: KUvGlwEACAAJ
Amazon: B00A1AF7WK
Barnesnoble: B00A1AF7WK
Goodreads: 205570
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2005-09-27T07:00:00+00:00

“Why did you break with protocol?” he demanded. “Why did you come here yourself, instead of sending that boy?”

“You need the case—”

“The boy was supposed to bring us the case,” the man interrupted. “Where is he? Where is the case?”

Jack knew from the man’s response that Caitlin’s brother had not yet made his delivery, which was good news. If the boy had made the drop, these Afghanis would probably have killed Jack on the spot. Instead they hesitated, despite their obvious suspicions. Jack knew it was because they were so desperate to take possession of the contents of that case they were willing to take the risk that Jack was an impostor.

“I was being followed,” Jack lied. “I had to ditch the case in case I was captured.”

Jack sensed the man in the suit was wavering, not yet ready to believe Jack’s story, but willing to be con

159

vinced. The silent man’s expression was unreadable, so Jack decided to push the envelope, go for broke.

“Listen,” he said in an urgent tone. “The whole plan may be unraveling. I think the Feds are on to us—that’s who was following me, I’m sure of it.”

The older man raised an eyebrow. “What do you propose to do about it?”

“I have to see Felix Tanner. Tanner has to be warned that the whole plan might be compromised.”

The man in the suit became instantly alarmed. The silent man seemed implacable.

“Didn’t you hear me?” Jack cried. “The whole plan is in jeopardy. I have to warn Tanner now, before it’s too late.”

The silent man spoke at last. His voice was soft, but firm. “We must retrieve the attaché case first. Lead me to it, then I will take you to see Tanner.”

“Listen, Taj, we’re all in danger. Just let me speak with Tanner—”

The older man stepped backward, perhaps alarmed by Jack’s urgency. Before he could speak the high window burst inward, showering them all with shards of dirty glass. A dark object landed on the dirt floor. Instinctively, Jack threw himself backward, to land behind the crate he’d been sitting on. But the older man stooped over the object, reaching to pick it up. Jack opened his mouth to cry a warning—then the grenade exploded.

The powerful concussion tossed the man backward, against the wall. Though the older man absorbed the brunt of it, the blast was powerful enough to bowl everyone else over as well. Partially deafened by the noise, Jack could not hear the hissing noise as the gas canister released its noxious contents. But he immediately felt the stinging pain in his eyes, his nose, and he choked against the rising tear gas mist. Through the roaring that still filled his ears, Jack heard a loudspeaker blaring outside.

“This is the FBI. We’ve surrounded the building. There is no way you can escape. Come out with your hands up and you won’t be harmed . . .”

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