January 8, 2008
GW
The convoy of vehicles made their way towards the river. Kathy and Tim had been taking turns riding 'shotgun' with Bob, and it was once again Kathy who sat next to him.
"Bob, Tell me something. How do we get across the river? As far as I've heard, there are road blocks on each end of every bridge. That means we need a ferry or something. But, lets' face it. Nobody is going to stick their neck out for us, without sticking out their hand, palm up, first."
"Long ago, while I was in basic training, my drill instructor pounded one thing into us day after day. Pardon my language, but he said, 'prior planning prevents piss-poor performance' and in all the years since then, I've never known that to fail. Now, I've planned for everything I could plan for. After that, I depend on The Lord. As Paul told Timothy, you do everything you can do,' and having done all, Stand.'"
"So what's the plan now?"
"First, we find the vessel we're looking for. It should be somewhere around here."
As with most rivers, many small fish camps and boat docks had sprung up over many years. These were communities where everyone knew everyone else. Strangers really stood out, and weren't trusted. While martial law had virtually ended road traffic, on the river, it was a different story. With so many road blocks, trucks were constantly backed up on every road. Barges, ferry's, and other watercraft, were pressed into service to help moving goods from one side of the river to the other. This had given the river men and women a bit more freedom than those who lived and worked on land.
It was into one of these that Bob had turned. He slowly made his way down to the docks, with Tim close behind in the 4X4 and Alex bringing up the rear in his small car. Bob pulled up by a barge-like boat, and stopped.
"Stay here." Was all he said as he got out and headed towards it. He could see two men working on the deck.
"Excuse me, Sir. Can you tell me where I might find the captain of this vessel?"
Without looking up the nearer man answered.
"You're talking to him."
"Very good. Captain, I'd like to get passage across the river for myself, three vehicles, passengers, and our stuff."
"Do you have any idea what you're asking?" The man said, then he looked up at Bob, and his jaw dropped.
"YOU!"
Puzzled Bob said, "Sorry Sir, I don't think I've ever had the pleasure of making your acquaintance."
"I've seen you before. I was told....Wait a minute, you said three vehicles?"
Still curious Bob answered, "That's right. Are you alright?"
"Fine, fine. You remind me of someone I saw once, that's all. Three vehicles, passengers and cargo. $3,000. You can off load at the inspection dock on the other side."
"Captain, I'll be honest with you, we don't have a lot of money. But there might be other things you would be willing to accept in exchange for passage."
"Such as?"
"Captain, are you sure you want to negotiate out here on the dock? Maybe there is some place a little more private where we could go."
"Hm mm, alright, come on board."
"Thank you, Sir."
The two men went to the wheelhouse of the boat, and the captain motioned Bob to one of the chairs sitting by a small table.
"So, what exactly is it that you want?"
"As I said Sir, passage across the river. However I'd like to avoid any inspections on the far side."
"Well, that is the trick isn't it?"
"Can you do it, or should I look elsewhere?"
"I can get you across alright, but that kind of service comes at a higher price."
"Understood. But you recall I mentioned negotiation. Truthfully, we don't have a lot of money. However there might be something else you would accept as payment."
"I hope you aren't going to offer me an hour or so with a woman. I must get that at least six times a day, and my Mrs. doesn't like it."
"No, not that. There is only one woman with us, and she is a married mother of four. Not only do I think she wouldn't do it, I know her husband wouldn't agree to it. What I had in mind was something a bit more practical."
The captain looked at Bob for a moment, seemingly distracted by something. Then he went to a cabinet and took out a small plate, a box of salt, two glasses, and a bottle of tequila.
"I've always found this kind of talk to be pretty dry work."
He placed the plate, salt, glasses and unopened tequila between them. Then he poured some of the salt into the plate. He then gently shook the plate until the salt was leveled out. But he didn't pour the drinks.
"You mentioned a payment of something besides cash. What did you have in mind?"
"How much fuel would it take to get us to the other side?"
At this the captains ears perked up. "It isn't just getting you over there, I have to also bring the 'Molly B.' back to the berth. Say 10 gallons round trip. Then there is the matter of avoiding complications. That has to be worth something as well."
"Captain, we will supply the gas for the trip, both ways. I also happen to know that in the cabinet is a .22 caliber rifle."
The captains eyes widened again, but he said nothing.
"I also know that you are running a little low on ammo. I'm willing to sweeten the offer with a brick of .22's."
"550 rounds of ammo does make it a sight sweeter. Tell me what do you think of this?"
With that the captain reached out and drew a curved line in the salt.
Bob smiled. He knew this little puzzle. He drew another curved line in the salt. Together, they made the symbol of a fish. The captain shook the plate once again, erasing the symbol. Then he poured a drink for each of them and put a pinch of salt on the web of his hand, between the thumb and forefinger.
"Call me Jim. To a safe crossing." He raised his glass.
Bob did as his host had done and answered, "And a safe return."
Director Claire was becoming more pleased by the day. Things were almost ready. He was actually almost in a good mood by the time Manuel made it to his office. He noticed that Manuel was really not one for success. His eyes glowed red, and there were scratches on his face and arms from some woman, he supposed. He was also unsteady on his feet, as if he were drunk. Well, if he couldn't control himself when he was in a position of power, it would make the next deception that much easier.
"Manuel, sit down. there is something we must talk about."
"Hey, Mister Director. What's wrong man? We ain't had no trouble in a while now."
"That's what I wanted to talk with you about. How clever you are to know what I want to say. You are absolutely right. There hasn't been the first bit of trouble from your sector. I wanted to thank you and your men for all you've done. I have a little surprise in mind for all of you. But I need your help to do it. You see I have been putting aside some very special people as a present for you all, if you know what I mean."
"What kind of people?"
"Oh they are young, good looking, and VERY talented, if you get what I'm saying. No, no, don't ask any more, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise." He arched his eye brows suggestively. "But I need to know where these people need to dropped off for you and your men. To do that, I need to know where they are living. You understand?"
"Young and good looking you say? Yeah, I get you. I hope they are as talented as you say. These local women have no idea how to take care of a man like me."
"Oh trust me, Manuel, they will take care of you like you won't believe. As a matter of fact, you could say they are specialists. From the city."
"Hey I've known some very special ladies in the city. This sounds good."
"Then you'll help me, by getting those addresses?"
Manuel burped before answering. "Sure Mr. Director, I'll have them for you by tomorrow. You see, I have to always know where my boys are, so I already have a list."
"Excellent. Now remember, this is a surprise. You must not tell anyone about it."
"O.K. I'll bring it by in the morning."
"Thank you Manuel. This makes things so much easier."
"No problem, Mister Director."
With that, Manuel stood, somewhat unsteadily, turned, just managing to avoid falling over, then left the room.
Once he was gone, Claire pushed the intercom button.
"I want the Director of Intelligence in here right now."
It wasn't long before he arrived.
"Manuel has a list of his men in his office. I don't want to take any chances. I want that list photographed, printed out, and on my desk by 4 A.M."
"Yes Sir."
Claire sat down, and thought about how close everything was to completion. It wouldn't be long now. First the American troops were almost done for, but before that, he would have the pleasure of reliving that night so long ago that pleased his master. The night of the long knives was about to happen again.
GW, Vietnam Vet