The Alpha Affair by Tomas Black

Author:Tomas Black [Black, Tomas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The Albanian

“That’s him?” said Drum, glancing through the window of the cafe opposite the garage.

“Yes,” said Sara. “Bujar Abazi, Albanian. Suspected of people and drugs trafficking—”

“Suspected?” said Rocha. She sat at the next table with Claremont, nursing her coffee, which she had yet to drink. The coffee from the greasy spoon was not up to French standards. Sara noticed that Rocha had on a long, black coat over a light black sweater and jeans which tapered down to a sturdy pair of combat boots, even though the weather was unseasonably warm. Claremont had dressed similarly, having discarded his signature black suit for something more fitting of the occasion, and that could hide the assortment of weapons that Sara imagined he had concealed beneath his coat. Drum wore his familiar faded blue jeans and battered brown leather jacket, which helped conceal his Glock 17.

Sara continued. “Yes. The NCA has been tracking his operation for some time now, but has failed to bring a prosecution. They believe he is part of a major OCG—Organised Crime Group—operating across Europe. They raided the place recently but came up empty.”

“Tipped off, obviously,” said Claremont.

“He must be paying some well-connected people,” added Drum. “Perhaps we’ll have better luck.”

Claremont indicated towards the garage. “And that is your father?”

Amit had exited the garage and was standing next to the Albanian, who pointed to a black Mercedes parked on the forecourt. Amit nodded and set to work on the vehicle. The Albanian watched for a while, then went inside.

“That’s him,” said Sara. “Amit Shah. I don’t understand why he takes so much shit from these people. He’s treated worse than a dog.”

“He owes them money,” said Drum. “I guarantee it.”

“What’s the plan?” said Rocha, her coffee now discarded.

“We’ll give Sara time to remove her father from the scene, then move in.”

“You must get him to leave with you, Sara,” said Claremont. “Things will escalate quickly once we’re inside.”

Sara nodded and left to find her car.

Claremont moved his chair closer to Drum. “We have authorisation for this? It would be embarrassing to be arrested for firearms offences in the UK.”

“I spoke to Harrington first thing. She green-lit the operation, and, of course, Sara is our MI5 liaison.”

“You realise they could already have been tipped off,” said Claremont.

Drum shrugged. “I had no choice. I had to get clearance. Harrington is a seasoned professional. She knows the score. She will have provided scant operational details of the target internally.”

“I’m surprised she agreed to this,” said Rocha.

“I convinced her that Volkov’s missing daughter and the North Korean scientist are connected.”

“You did?” said Claremont.

“It’s the only theory that makes sense,” said Drum.

~~~

Sara drove her government issued Range Rover onto the forecourt of the Albanian’s garage. The vehicle was new, with just a few hundred miles on the clock. It had that pristine smell of new leather with just a hint of bergamot oil coming from the passenger seat. She rolled down the black-tinted window and stared at her father, his head under the bonnet of a new Mercedes.

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