Free Targets of Opportunity by Jeffrey Stephens

with a nod, saying nothing. Adina reflected on how he had taken a particular liking to this man—affection would be too strong a word—appreciating his no-nonsense style and the unquestioning way in which he followed orders.
    “We need to begin our work here.”
    “As you say.”
    “We’ve revised our thinking,” Adina told him. “We think it will be best to have the Americans begin their chase sooner rather than later. The weather forecasts seem to favor an earlier timeline.”
    “Good.”
    Adina smiled. “It is therefore time for us to send Hicham on his mission.”
    ————

    Cardona drove Adina and his lieutenant Renaldo along the mountainous road that led back to the compound on the cliff. When they reached the house, they strode quickly from the parking area inside the main building.
    Hicham was in his bathing trunks, soaking up the early morning sun on a chaise beside the pool. When he saw the three Venezuelans enter he jumped to attention. Cardona made the introductions.
    Adina gave a nod of the head without shaking hands. Then he turned and stepped to the railing to have a look out at the sea. “Beautiful view,” he said simply.
    When Hicham assured him that he would enjoy the villa, Adina explained that he and his aide would remain with the others on the yacht. Then he asked to see the layout anyway. Hicham grabbed a T-shirt and pulled it on, then led them from room to room. As they finished their walk along the concrete path overhanging the cliff, Adina said, “So, we are completely undisturbed here.”
    “Yes, except the housekeeper living in the maisonette at the foot of the driveway there. She comes in once a day for about an hour.” Hicham had a quick look at his watch. “Just about twenty minutes from now. Quite attractive,” he added.
    Adina glanced at Cardona. “I do not want to meet her.” Turning back to Hicham, he said, “Go and tell her she is not needed today.”
    When Hicham was gone, Cardona led the other two men back into the master bedroom suite. He took his suitcase from the closet and displayed the explosives he had successfully smuggled into the country.
    Adina nodded approvingly. “Time to get started, my friend.”
    “What do you want me to do?”
    “Our sun-loving North African friend will begin the operation for us.”
    Cardona nodded.
    Adina placed a hand on Cardona’s powerful shoulder. “I have already arranged his passage, from here to St. Maarten, then connecting on the afternoon flight to New York.” Speaking to Renaldo, he said, “While we have lunch on the yacht you can arrange for his boarding pass.”
    Renaldo said that he understood, but Cardona seemed to be mulling it over.
    “Is something wrong, my friend?”
    “No, I’m sorry, no, I was just thinking, that was all.”
    The older man smiled indulgently. “Thought is the assassin of action. Do you know who said that?”
    Cardona gave a confused look, then shook his head.
    “I did,” Adina announced, followed by a hearty laugh that he prolonged until the two younger men joined in. When he resumed his serious demeanor, he said, “Tell me your concern.”
    “Well, once he arrives in St. Maarten, won’t he have to claim the bag and run it through customs?”
    “Ah, a good question. You see, Renaldo, why I tell you I am so pleased with this man? He leaves nothing to chance.” Turning back to Cardona, he explained: “There is a service here that allows a check-through, as well as a connecting boarding pass, both of which Renaldo will arrange for a small fee. We’ll take care of everything.”
    Cardona responded with a satisfied look.
    “Good,” Adina said in a way that made it clear the subject was closed to any further discussion.
    Cardona closed the suitcase and followed Adina and Renaldo from the bedroom back to the deck, where Hicham had just returned.
    “Well,” Adina said, “this is quite a glorious setting, is it not?” He did not await a response. “And you will also enjoy our