First Strike by Ben Coes Read Free Book Online Page A

Raditz. “Your word is shit. You want to embarrass me? Embarrass the United States? Go ahead. Why haven’t you done it yet?”
    â€œBecause I knew I would need one last thing. This is what I need.”
    â€œI’ll tell you what,” said Raditz. “I’ll do it.”
    â€œThat’s more like it.”
    â€œTell me where you are and I’ll send an Exocet right now,” said Raditz, laughing. “Immediate delivery.”
    Nazir joined him in laughing.
    â€œSo is that your answer?” asked Nazir.
    â€œYes, that’s my answer, fuckhead. Go fuck yourself. I have to go. It’s my bedtime.”
    â€œVery well,” said Nazir, clearing his throat. “I’ll leave you alone.”
    â€œDon’t call me again.”
    â€œI won’t,” said Nazir. “I’ll respect your wishes. Oh, one more thing. Can you deliver a message to my friends?”
    Raditz’s mouth opened as a shot of cold fear hit his chest. He was momentarily speechless. Slowly, he put the wineglass down.
    â€œWhat have you done?” whispered Raditz.
    â€œGo to the window.”
    â€œAre you threatening me? You don’t get it, do you, Tristan? I’m already dead. Dead! This will come out and I am a dead man, even though all I was trying to do was stop you lunatics from taking over the world. There won’t be a trial or even a discussion. Go ahead and kill me. Send ’em in.”
    â€œI need you alive,” said Nazir. “They’re not there to kill you.”
    â€œWhat have you done?” Raditz asked anxiously.
    â€œGo look,” said Nazir. “When the answer is yes, I will release them. I would decide relatively soon, though. Your ex-wife is fine but your daughter doesn’t seem too happy.”
    Silence took over the call.
    Raditz felt tears abruptly dampen his eyes.
    â€œYou miserable fuck … they didn’t do anything.” Raditz’s voice trailed off amid pathetic sobs.
    Nazir waited for several moments.
    â€œMark?”
    Raditz was silent, except for his low crying, a sound he himself had never even heard—animal desperation, like a wolf caught in the steel maw of a hunter’s trap.
    â€œIs the answer yes?”
    â€œWhat about my family?”
    â€œOpen your garage. I’ll have them back the van in.”
    â€œIt’ll take a few days,” said Raditz, barely above a whisper.
    â€œFine, I understand. I know it’s complicated. I’m going to take you at your word that it will happen. You see, Mark, I’m trusting you. But if you fail me, next time they’ll be delivered in bits and pieces.”

 
    7
    U.S. CONSULATE
    VIA PRINCIPE AMEDEO
    MILAN
    Mallory couldn’t sleep. He looked at his watch: 2:18 A.M . He turned on the light and walked to the chair where he’d thrown his pants. Searching the pockets, he found the card, reached for his cell, and dialed. After three rings, someone picked up.
    â€œHello?”
    â€œAl-Jaheishi?” asked Mallory.
    â€œYes, who is this?”
    â€œThe reporter gave me your number.”
    â€œWhy has it taken you so long to call? Do you understand my life is at risk?”
    â€œWhat do you want?” asked Mallory, ignoring the question.
    â€œI have information.”
    â€œWhat do you have … and what do you want for it?”
    â€œI need to meet you.”
    â€œOkay, this call is done,” said Mallory.
    â€œ Wait! ” he pleaded. “I need to meet you to give you information. I have evidence. You have to know this: The United States Government is behind ISIS. Your government. You provided the money and the weapons.”
    â€œThat’s absurd.”
    â€œIt’s true.”
    â€œHow do you know?”
    â€œI know. That’s all you need to know. Do you not care?”
    Mallory paused. Within the quiet, and the dim light of his bedroom, he experienced the same feeling he had earlier: