Free Necessary Retribution by Mike McNeff Page B

soon be a paper tiger and will no longer be part of the movement to destroy America.”
    “Thank you. I cannot sit idly by and watch us give up. I am taking a serious risk to do this, so I must do what I can to make it worth my while.”
    “Well, then I must leave you. I have much to do.” Teo went to his car and drove away.
    “You almost brought tears to my eyes, with your patriotic talk, Ivan,” Danshov said with a sardonic grin.
    “Screw you, Viktor. Let that monkey think it is patriotic. I just want my money before everything goes to hell.”
    Danshov laughed. “We are of the same mind.”

E LEVEN
    FROM HIS ROOM at the Silver Cloud Hotel, Special Agent Chris Fleming watched the late afternoon sun create a golden shimmer on the water. His many years as an FBI agent had conditioned him not to question strange assignments, especially when the assignment originated from high up in the CIA. He had been told to get to Mukilteo, Washington, go to the Silver Cloud Hotel and wait for further instructions. So, he watched Possession Sound and waited.
    At exactly five pm his phone rang. “Chris Fleming.”
    “Hey you ol’ fart, are you hungry?” That voice sounds familiar.
    “I am.”
    “Well, get your raggedy ass up to Arnie's just up the hill from you. You're already a drink behind.”
    “I'm on my way.” He walked up to Arnie's, his memory searching for that voice. He made his way through the crowd at the entrance, but stopped in mid stride on the way to the hostess. Robin Marlette stood next to the podium, with a grin on his face.
    “Rob!” Chris rushed forward and gave his old friend a warm handshake. “Damn, it's good to see you!”
    “Good to see you too, Chris. C'mon, there's a bunch of hooligans waiting for us.” Robin led Chris down the stairs to a banquet room and they walked through the door, the Guardians mobbed Chris and subjected him to bear hugs and thumps on his back.
    Chris looked around at the twelve friends who dared to cross into Mexico and take on the most dangerous drug cartel to rescue Robin's daughter, Cathy. A tear or two welled up in his eyes. “For abunch of guys shot to shit a couple of years ago, you all look pretty damn good! Where's Doug?”
    “Doug is taking some time off for medical treatment,” Robin said.
    “Is he going to be all right?”
    “When his treatment is done I suspect he'll be healed in more ways than one.”
    “That's good to hear.”
    “C'mon, have a seat, order a drink and catch up.”
    “What do you know about us?” Robin asked as he and Chris enjoyed Arnie's great seafood an hour later.
    “Nothing. After the raid on Rodriquez's compound you guys and Bill Grassley disappeared and all information stopped as if you didn't exist anymore. The last time I saw you all was at Davis-Monthan when they brought you back from Mexico and you all looked like hell. I honestly thought some of you were dead.”
    “We weren't too far away from it, especially Jamie and Marv.”
    “So what are you guys up to?”
    “We're in the import/export business.”
    Chris cocked his head sideways.
    “We have reps all over the world and we're always looking for good people.”
    Chris looked around at the team. “Rob, you're so full of bullshit. All of you guys had the tactical operator look back when you all were SWAT cops, but you guys really have the look now. So, are you going to level with me?”
    Robin handed Chris his business card. “Come see me when you retire. I guarantee it will be worth your while. I'll even pay for your travel.”
    “I can't believe you're not going to tell me now!”
    “I am telling you, Chris. You know more about us than any other person not involved in our company. The rest will come naturally.”
    Chris took in a deep breath. “I plan on retiring within the next year. I'll come up the next day. Or better yet, you're all invited to my retirement party. We'll come back here together!”
    “We'll be there in spirit.”
    Chris laughed and shook