JET - Ops Files by Russell Blake Read Free Book Online Page B

to will call Kevod right after I finish, and he’ll tell them I’m a problem case. That’ll ensure the warning goes nowhere.”
    “Maybe you can invent a story – you overheard two men talking while working the line?”
    She frowned. “How believable does that sound? Two guys discussing their next terrorist strike while within earshot of the IDF?”
    He shrugged. “I see your point. Hey, you could leave an anonymous note where Kevod could find it. Or send one to the command center.”
    “Which might or might not generate any interest. That’s about as good as a coin toss, and you know it.”
    “They treat this sort of thing very seriously.”
    “Perhaps. But if this is going down in the next couple of days, we can’t afford any blundering around. And as of right now I have no idea where the bomb is located.”
    “I thought you said it was at the house.”
    “No, that’s part of the problem. The guy I think killed Sarah lives there, but he was telling the other one he’d be getting ball bearings for him. So it sounds like it’s the other man who’s actually building the bomb, and it didn’t sound like he was doing it at the house.”
    Samuel paused. “What are you going to do?”
    “See if I can tail him when he leaves after picking up the bearings.”
    Samuel blinked in disbelief. “Are you insane?”
    “Maybe. But do you have a better idea?”
    He stared off into the distance before answering. “Not really. What a crappy situation.”
    “Tell me about it.”
    “Look, do me a favor. If you need help or anything happens, text or call me. Seriously. If there’s trouble, I’ll make sure the entire IDF shows up.”
    Her expression softened. “Thanks, Samuel. You’re a true friend.”
    “No, I’m just as crazy as you are. But it would be better if you made it back tonight and filed a formal report. Just come up with a story about how you’ve been sneaking out – I don’t want to get my ass handed to me for helping you.”
    “You just offered to lead the cavalry over the hills.”
    “That was as a last resort, and it’s deniable – you called me, remember? But I don’t need it memorialized in writing that I assisted you in your little missions.”
    Maya glanced around the empty area and nodded before pulling her robe over her head and donning the hijab. She stepped close to him, placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. “What’s with the long face? I’ll be back in no time.”
    Samuel watched her disappear around a dusty corner, the constant wind blowing long threads of sand over the rough pavement, and muttered under his breath.
    “Girl’s lost it. Completely lost it.”
     

Chapter 10
    Prague, Czech Republic
    Max strode down the boulevard, streetlamps illuminating his way, his black overcoat and briefcase identifying him as a mid-level businessman returning home after a long day at the office. He paused at an intersection and checked his watch, then turned and walked down the smaller, quiet street, taking his time as he fiddled with his cell phone. Two blocks further he hesitated in front of a large residence whose austere façade served as a memorial to glory days past. After glancing around, he mounted the three steps to the front stoop, clutching the iron railing for support, and depressed the doorbell.
    He stood like a penitent before the enameled door for twenty seconds, and then a female voice called from inside.
    “Yes?”
    “I’m here for my piano class.”
    The door swung open, and a tall woman wearing dress slacks and a crème silk blouse studied him for a moment.
    “Ah. Just so. Come in,” she said.
    He entered the foyer, which was lit by two low-wattage bulbs in antique sconces above a wall decorated with forgettable oil paintings, and his hostess closed the door behind him.
    “Was there something special you had in mind?”
    “I made an appointment with Esther.”
    “I see. Would you be kind enough to open your briefcase? Strictly routine, I assure