Covert Action by Dick Couch

Author:Dick Couch [Couch, Dick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781416510437
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2005-08-01T00:00:00+00:00

Later that evening, Janet Brisco was at her desk, deep into a recent set of satellite images. There were two mugs on her desk, one tea and one coffee, and an ashtray full of cigarette butts. Now that most of the logistic flow for the deployment of her small force was in place, she was free to begin to build a target package and think about the tactical problems that they might face. There was a soft rap on her door.

“Come—Oh, hello, Tomba. Please come in.”

He crossed the room with several noiseless strides. “I will be leaving in a few hours. As you know, Nkosi Akheem will be going with me. There will be a private jet to take us to Nairobi, where we are booked on a commercial flight to Johannesburg.”

At first Janet had questioned the necessity of having AKR accompany Tomba, but she had to admit that he could move in African cities as well as Tomba, and should there be a need for contact or assistance from the U.S. embassy in Pretoria, then his presence would be useful. It had been Steven’s call, and on reflection, she realized it was a good one.

“My men are ready to travel in all respects; just give them the word when the time comes. I am here for two reasons. One is to thank you for all you are doing as we prepare for this mission. The other is to ask if you will join my men and myself for a few minutes. It is customary for African warriors to share a drink before we depart our base camp for an operation. I know you are very busy, but it would mean a great deal to my men—and to me.”

She was on her feet without thinking. “I would be honored, Tomba.”

They were seated around a small fire, dressed in T-shirts, long trousers, and sandals. All rose as she and Tomba approached.

“Nkosi Janet has come to join us for a drink. Please make her welcome at our fire.” There was a murmur of agreement among the men around the circle. Suddenly, AKR was at her side, handing her a wooden cup. He inclined his head in a show of respect, and he smiled warmly.

“I see you, Nkosi Janet,” he said as he solemnly raised his own cup and took a drink.

“What the hell am I supposed to do now?” she said under her breath.

“Enjoy the moment,” he replied quietly. “This is an honor seldom given to one outside their number.”

He gently guided her through an opening in the circle and paused in front of one of the men.

“I see you, miss,” he said, raising his cup to drink.

“And I see you,” she replied and drank. The brew was strong, bitter, and not altogether unpleasant.

With AKR’s guidance they made their way around the circle and back to Tomba.

“I see you, Nkosi Janet.”

“I see you, Tomba.” She paused to swallow before continuing. “I, uh, thank you for this honor, Tomba. This is, well, it is very special.

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