Killing Time:
The CIA International Thriller Series Part 2
by R.
Lawson
Description
In this second novel
of the series, Veteran CIA field officer Biff Roberts collaborates with Mossad
in a clever, cyber-warfare attack designed to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran has been
stalling, buying time to develop a nuclear bomb, but targeted assassinations of
key nuclear scientists critically hinder Iran’s efforts.
The assassinations
trigger a vicious cycle of retaliation and "Killing Time" becomes a
double entendre.
Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE – LATE
FOR THE MEETING – TEHRAN
“What was that
thump, Abdul?”
“Two youngsters on a
motorbike sideswiped our right rear fender, weaving in and out of traffic, sir”
replied his limo driver. “A bit careless.”
“No damage, sir.
Look, they’re up the road about fifty meters ahead, on the right, still
maneuvering in and out of the congested traffic. Look at them go! They’re
fearless!”
Mostar Ahmadi Roshan
was tense, apprehensive. The traffic was horrendous, worse than usual. His
chauffeur and bodyguard, Abdul, was carefully driving him to a crucial meeting
at the atomic energy ministry with Ferreydoon Davanni Abbassi, the director of
the AEOI.
Things had not been
going well with the Iranian nuclear program lately. Ahmadinejad and his clique,
SAVAMA, representatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, and select mullahs
expected him to get the Fordow Uranium enrichment program back on tract. Roshan
sensed the mounting pressure. The minor scrape by the motorbike irritated him.
Normally, he would have paid it little or no notice. And, the dreadful, heavy
morning traffic in downtown Tehran frustrated him.
Was there an
accident up ahead? He did not want to be late for this important conference
with Abbassi. His boss did not tolerate tardiness.
A series of
assassinations of three key Iranian nuclear scientists over the past two years,
plus the recent devastating cyber invasion by an unknown, extremely virulent
computer virus had dealt a serious setback to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Everyone expressed frustration, searching for a new strategy. He was the man on
the spot, assuming the role of the ‘lead scientist’, an expert in Uranium
enrichment. These political meetings hindered his task, his goal. He was a chemical
engineer, not a politician. Just let him get on with his valuable work.
“Look at them! The
western cinemas have contaminated our Islamic society, Abdul. Just witness
their reckless behavior, imitating a movie ‘chase scene.’ This younger
generation assumes no responsibility. Their secular nature will destroy our
sacred Persian culture from within, long before Israel strikes a fatal blow.
Recall that Rome fell from within, not to a foreign army! ”
He vented his
frustrations. Abdul noted Roshan’s loss of his characteristic formality and
composure. He had never seen the nuclear scientist so annoyed over such a
trivial incident. The Professor could be in for a long, tedious day at the AEOI
ministry. The anticipation of an unpleasant, drawn out meeting full of
recriminations probably accounted for the scientist’s aggravation.
“I agree, sir,” he
replied, hoping to calm him down.
Abdul stopped the
silver Peugeot at the red street light of the busy intersection of Kargar
Avenue, in the left turn lane which would allow them to take the main city
thoroughfare to the northern Amir Abad district, about twenty minutes away, if
the traffic abated. Heaven forbid, if they were late.
“Look! There they
are now. Across the intersection, Professor.
About one hundred meters up by the sidewalk, on the left, talking on a
cell phone.” Abdul pointed in the direction of the motorbike culprits.
“Can you believe
that? After all that reckless driving, endangering others, just to beat a
street light! Now chatting casually on a
cell phone, another western invention. A perfect example of what I mean, Abdul.
Our society is going to the dogs!”
Mustafi Roshan declared emphatically.
Those would be the
last words exchanged this morning on the way to the AEOI ministry.
“Dial the code now!”
“OK, you’ve got it.”
The phone signal
immediately triggered the detonation of the magnetic car bomb that they had
attached to the scientist’s limo rear fender in a “drive by’’ just minutes
earlier. The massive explosion of C-4
rocked the intersection, blasting the limo to smithereens, instantly killing
the occupants. A dozen vehicles in a fifty meter radius suffered serious
destruction and injuries – collateral damage.
LANGLEY, VIRGINIA - CIA
HEADQUARTERS
“Take a glance at
this classified communication that just came in from Tel Aviv. NSA deciphered
it, Admiral.”
“Thank you, Harry.”
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
> FOUR DOWN < FIVE TO GO
Admiral Delaney
smiled, and said nothing for a minute. Obviously he was impressed with his
colleagues’ efficiency in pulling off the operation in broad daylight in
midtown Tehran. Nothing short of sensational actually. And, the CIA had
plausible deniability. Now, a total of four key Iranian nuclear scientists
assassinated with professional precision over the last two years. Another
surgical strike at the heart of their Uranium enrichment program, frustrating
Iran’s ambitions.
“When it comes to
methods and sources, Mossad excels at their covert craft. This will really
hamper Iran’s nuclear program, let me tell you, Captain. Mustafi Roshan was a
key player in getting their uranium enrichment program back up and running
after the Stuxnet virus infected and disabled their computers. The cyber-attack
set their endeavors back at least a year, maybe six months to a year more,
judging from our satellite photos indicating that 984 P-1 centrifuge machines
were put out of action at Natanz. That’s about twenty times the usual ‘change
out’ rate according to IAEA inspection data. That number represents one-sixth
of their centrifuges. Took them awhile to figure it out. Called in Chinese hacker geeks to help sort
it out, I understand.”
“Let the Director
Hayden, and Biff Roberts know, OK?”
“Right away, sir.”
When the Admiral was
happy, Capt. Harry Rundgren and his entire NSA section were happy. The old
sailor could be crusty.
LONDON - MI6
British intelligence
chief, John Sawyers, gazed out of his upper floor office window at the barges
slowly cruising, or being tugged up and down the Thames River below. A morning ritual for him. He somehow found the daily scene fascinating,
or possibly an escape from his ponderous duties. His deep thoughts were
suddenly interrupted by a brief knock, followed by the rushed, excited entry
into his office by his deputy director, Graham Ashton. Not at all
characteristic. He sensed something of great consequences had occurred, nothing
routine.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning,
Graham. You seem excited.”
“They pulled it off,
John, without a hitch! They are on a plane to Dubai, as we speak. No one
questioned their British student passports. Pretty smooth op, I’d say!”
“Wonderful!” The
director exclaimed. “A masterful job by ‘the boys’. Their intensive training
paid dividends. A quite proficient performance. I love to collaborate with
Mossad. They have perfected ‘hit jobs’. Personally, I find it a nasty
business.”
“Nobody does it
better. Masters of the clandestine craft.
I believe that is four scientists down now.”
“That’s correct,
Graham, my man.” The director was exhilarated at the successful operation.
“Black op’s at its best. Absolute
perfection!”
He tweaked his
aristocratic handlebar mustache. “A
British classic,” Graham reflected.” Always does that when he’s pleased.”
The director was
nattily attired his country manor tweed jacket, wearing a heavily starched
white shirt featuring a colorful paisley bow tie.
“Fits everyone’s
cinema concept of what a MI6 director should look like”, Graham mused.
“Beats the Hell out
of a bloody military confrontation. With the Israeli’s, I always fear we are
just one step away from a nuclear intervention. They will not abide Iran
developing a nuclear capability.”
“Do you blame them,
John? A small nation in the midst of
fourteen hostile countries...”
“No, not a bit. They
are certainly not paranoid, rather, profoundly realistic. But, I worry that
patience is not their long suit.”
“Iran is still
recovering from the coordinated cyber-attack. The Stuxnet virus crippled Qom
and Natanz. Today’s action will slow them down again. But, we still need a long
term solution to unresolved conflicts.”
“Do you really
believe the problems in the Middle East will ever be resolved, John?”
“Good Lord, I hope
so!”
“Perhaps I’m
cynical, but I do not see any substantial settlement to their ingrained
disputes and tensions in our lifetime. Their divergent worldviews, grievances,
real and perceived, and often fanatic religious beliefs portend a continuing
struggle, as well as a threat to democracies with a third world war.”
Graham Ashton was
the heir apparent as director of MI6, being groomed as Sawyer’s, protégé.
Graduating at the top of his class at Eton, he was recruited and intensively
trained by the British Intelligence service, the oldest in operation, the
Godfather of the CIA and Mossad. A brilliant analyst, he often joisted
intellectually with his boss, taking contrarian positions just for the Hell of
it. Their mutual respect allowed such spirited exchanges. His conservative
pinstriped, Regent Street suits and mannerisms suggested that he was a banker,
or a bean counter, not a master spy. Angular features, granny spectacles,
nimble build, Graham did not fit the stereotype. Even his appearance was a
subterfuge, an artful deception. Outside of MI6 circles, Graham was virtually
unknown,, in contrast to the director, his idol, who received a lot of positive
press coverage and mingled socially with the elite of the British Isles. Graham Ashton preferred it that way, a low profile suited him just fine.
“You make a cogent observation, Graham. But, I
maintain that timely, judicious interventions may influence the outcome. I’ve
always been a strong proponent of a covert war in the region. The unrest is
widespread. Too many factions. Too many schisms. Clandestine action on our part is far
preferable to military action, especially one risking a disastrous nuclear
confrontation to which you allude. Those two Arab youngsters you trained
performed admirably, a testimony to my concept .Today’s well-orchestrated,
stealthy action most assuredly will throw a ‘monkey wrench’ into Iran’s
nefarious nuclear ambitions, as the Yanks say. ”
“I believe it will,
John, for sure.”
TEL AVIV – MOSSAD HEADQUARTERS:
Herzliya
“They are safely on
the ground in Dubai, Benny. Our contacts met them at the UAE terminal and will
escort them to the safe house.”
“Well done, Rafi.
Thank you for coordinating this operation. It went just as we planned.
Congratulations. ”
“Thank you, sir.
That will get the hornets buzzing!” He
laughed congenially, proud of the covert action’s resounding success.
“We will deny any
responsibility, of course. And, disseminate information indicating the action
was that of a home grown, rebel malcontent. “
His boss joined in
the mirth, and gave him a high five, very out of character for the ex
-paratrooper General. His pleasure was obvious to Rafi Dayan. The General had
worried a lot about this operation and had expressed some reservations at its
boldness in the strategic planning staff meetings. But, now it was over and
done with, a successful, well executed ‘black operation’.
“Instruct them to
‘lay low’ for a while until things quiet down. Act like the students indicated
on their British passports that MI6 issued. The Brits trained them to be
indistinguishable from Arabs raised in the UK, so request that they pursue
educational activities if they venture out, so as not to arouse suspicion.
Remind them to alter their appearance. Shave their beards and get a haircut
just in case some random surveillance camera in Tehran spotted them in the
vicinity of the explosion. I assure you that SAVAMA will be checking all the
photos closely, as well as all passport departures this morning and coming days
at the Khomeine International
Airport, and the old Mehrabad terminal.”
“Yes, sir” Rafi
replied.
“Just in case, I
suggest we consider issuing new passports, as a backup, to obscure their
identity in case the Iranian secret police have gotten smarter. SAVAMA may have
photo shopped the surveillance tapes and compared them with all recent
passports presented at the airports in Tehran for their secret service tracking
agents. Remind them to take no chances and take nothing for granted. I hope we’ve
trained them well enough to distinguish between appearance and reality.
Instruct them to trust no one outside of our UAE assets.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I worry. They are
young. Tell them we will bring them home when the heat dies down. I plan to
reward them with a short vacation at our secure beach house, not far from
here.”
“I’m sure they will
love that, Benny.”
“They deserve it for
their great service to our nation. Iran poses an existential threat to Israel.”
“OK, Benny. I’ll get
right on it. We fortunately have some reliable assets in Dubai. ‘Belts and
suspender’ guys who leave nothing to chance.”
“I’m certain they
are well compensated through discrete, convoluted channels. No traces? No
trails?”
“Not a chance…”
Lt. General Benny
Gantz smiled. “2012 will be a critical year for Iran. In part, because of
things that happen to it unnaturally.”
An ominous
prediction coming from the commander of the Israeli Defense Force , the
IDF.
Mossad’s mastermind
had let him in on a little secret.
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL –
SAN FRANCISCO
The sudden,
intermittent beeping coming from the top of the O.R. table indicated a cardiac
arrest. The alarm jolted Roe MacDonald and his assistant surgeon who were
closing the patient’s abdomen after a successful two hour, middle of the night
operation for a ruptured aortic aneurysm.
“Not now! Not after
all this good work! So close to a ‘save’
for a condition with a mortality rate of around sixty percent.” Roe thought to
himself. The operation had gone well to this point. What happened?
The patient was
rushed across the city code-3, in shock to the ER where an alert resident made
the correct diagnosis, instituted resuscitative measures, typed blood, and
immediately consulted the surgeons-on-call. The young Doctor had a rosy future
in medicine. His rapid diagnosis would be duly noted.
In emergency
surgery, Dr. MacDonald had skillfully stopped the internal hemorrhage and
repaired the aorta with a bypass graft. The operation had gone smoothly. The
patient was stable following blood transfusion. It was unusual for a patient to
arrest at this late stage of the emergency surgery.
“Where the HELL IS
THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST ? Go find Lindsey, Tom,” Roe instructed the
auto-transfusion tech.
“We are dealing with
a cardiac arrest here, Dammit!”
“Sue, give an amp of
bicarb and calcium IV , STAT”
“C.C., squirt a vial
of epinephrine down the endotrachial tube now.”
He instructed the circulating OR nurses.
“What happened to
Lindsey?”
No one seemed to
know.
“I’m opening the
right chest and pericardium to perform open cardiac massage. We have a full
blown CPR on our hands, people... Hop to it.”
“And a potential international diplomatic crisis! This patient is a top rank official from Iran
visiting our San Francisco consulate…” Roe reflected.
Review
This was a very
thrilling and well written book that I had a hard time putting down. Lawson
sure knows how to weave a tale and keep the reader captive till the last page.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's other book, Cabo Caper, so I knew Killing Time would be just as good. It did not disappoint! There so much intrigue,
suspense and excitement that espionage lovers will feel right at home within
the pages of the book.
About the Author
R. Lawson is a retired vascular surgeon and served as a captain in the
United States Air Force as a flight surgeon. With over 120 academic works under
his belt, he moved into the fiction genre and began writing thrillers with a focus
on terrorism, cyber spying and more.
He hopes that you enjoy his CIA International Intrigue series featuring
Biff Roberts, veteran CIA agent, as he travels the globe thwarting threats to
the United States and its allies.
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