Independence Day by Ben Coes Read Free Book Online Page B

start taking them today. They won’t stop the radiation sickness, but they’ll delay it. After that, you know what to do. The specific maps and time lines have already been sent to you.”
    “Yes, I have studied them.”
    Cloud nodded to the older man with him.
    “This is Dr. Poldark,” said Cloud. “He’ll inspect the device and connect the detonator. Give him whatever assistance he needs.”
    Faqir nodded at the older man.
    “It’s an honor to meet you, sir,” he said.
    “Is my equipment here?” asked Poldark. “Lathe? Soldering devices? Explosives?”
    “It arrived last night. It’s been placed aboard.”
    “Very good,” said Poldark. “What about hazmat suits?”
    “Yes, they’re on board.”
    “And did you cover it in the tarp I sent?”
    “Yes, sir. What is it for?”
    “The Americans measure radiation from satellites in the sky,” said Poldark. “Uranium depletion emits a signature that enables them to pinpoint and track the bomb from stationary locations in outer space based solely on molecular level air characteristics. Soon, the United States will know the bomb is moving. They will scan the coast. If their Milstar satellites attempt to find the radioactive signature that matches the bomb, the covering will obscure the readings and cause them to lose track of the bomb for several hours. By then, we will be out of their imprint lines. Hopefully, they won’t know where it’s gone.”
    “If the Americans somehow find us—” said Faqir respectfully.
    “There are too many boats and the ocean is too busy and too wide for you to be caught,” said Cloud, interrupting. “However, if the Americans catch you, tell them whatever you know. There’s no glory in trying to protect me. They will torture you to get at the truth. I am deeply grateful for your service and your sacrifice. I wouldn’t want you to suffer torture. Now get going. I’ll be in touch after you’re through the Strait of Gibraltar and are free and clear.”
    He turned to leave, then reached into his pocket and removed a small remote.
    “Faqir,” he said, tossing it in the air. “The detonator.”
    Faqir caught the device, a panicked look on his face.
    “It’s not connected yet,” said Poldark, shaking his head.
    Cloud moved up the driveway. Al-Medi followed him. He stepped close, so that Poldark and Faqir couldn’t hear him speak.
    “I must tell you something,” he said in a low voice. “At dinner last night, there was talk. Chatter. Everyone is talking about the next nine/eleven. They know something.”
    “This is because of your jihadists,” said Cloud, nodding toward Faqir. “We need them, but they have big mouths.”
    “What if the Americans—”
    “You seem worried,” interrupted Cloud. “Do you remember nine/eleven? Do you remember coming to me after school and asking for my help? You didn’t have any fear back then, did you?”
    Cloud stepped forward so that he was only inches from Al-Medi’s face. He glared into Al-Medi’s eyes.
    “Let me worry about the CIA,” continued Cloud. “You have one job to do. Get that boat moving, then get back to Moscow.”
    He handed Al-Medi a cell phone.
    “Keep this on you,” said Cloud. “I want to be able to reach you.”
    “What about my payment?”
    Cloud moved up the hill. He climbed into the Porsche and started it, then revved the engine as he looked at Al-Medi, standing in front of the car. He stared at the cell phone as Al-Medi stuck it into the pocket of his jeans.
    He lowered the window.
    “You get paid when the boat is through the strait,” said Cloud. “That should be Friday or Saturday. Saturday I’m having a dinner party at the dacha. Come by. It will be fun. I’ll pay you then.”
    Cloud cranked the wheel hard clockwise, then slammed the gas, burning a fiery, dust-choked cloud into the air behind him.

 
    5
    IGUALA, MEXICO
    A white Chevy Suburban, windows tinted sunglass silver, ripped along a decrepit, pothole-rutted road at a hundred