Free Daniel Ganninger - Icarus Investigations 01 - Flapjack by Daniel Ganninger Page A

the Adamanthea project was all wrapped up, but we would learn the file was just the tip of an iceberg.

-Chapter 16-
     
    “Citation four-three-echo cleared to land two-eight right,” the pilot of the Cessna Citation X business jet repeated to air traffic control as they bounced in the clear air.
    He pulled the power back slightly and lined up the plane perfectly with the runway centerline, gently caressing the plane to the ground. 
    The pilots maneuvered the plane to the opposite end of the field and to the front of a large grey hangar.  Two black Suburban’s were parked near the hanger door, surrounded by neatly dressed men wearing sport coats.  The cabin door of the plane swung open as the engines revved down, and the stairs lowered to the ground.  Colonel Espinosa bounded down the stairs carrying the silver case.  He was met by one of the men who had been standing in front of the waiting Suburban. 
    “ Everything in place?” the man asked.
    “ Yes, and no problems.  Everything was on schedule.  I did what I was instructed,” the Colonel answered and handed the man the case.  He looked it over carefully.  A small green LED was lit on the case near the latch.
    “ It all looks good.  No tampering and everything is clean.  After verification of the contents we’ll transfer payment to you,” the man told the Colonel.
    “ Yes, of course.  I’m looking forward to it.”
    “ Here is your ticket.  You’re on the 10:15 to Mexico City.  It will be up to you to make it back home from there.  Please use anonymity.  This isn’t something we want going around,” the man instructed the Colonel.
    The man pulled out a small matchbook sized device and stuck it in an opening next to the green light.  The small light changed to red as it was inserted.
    “ Good,” the man announced dryly, and without a smile.  He motioned with his hand to another man at the Suburban who opened up a laptop on the hood of the SUV.  After a few seconds the man waved back.
    “ Your funds have been transferred and we’re having your bonus being delivered to your home as we speak.”
    “ Good, good,” the Colonel said while holding the airline ticket.  “I won’t ask you how you got it.”
    “ That probably wouldn’t be a smart idea,” the man snapped back.  “Make sure you’re on that plane, and remember, speak of this to no one.”
    “ Of course, of course.  I shut my lips.  Pleasure to do business with you,” the Colonel said, but not before the man had already turned and walked away.
    The Colonel watched as the man carried the case to the black Suburban, got in, and almost immediately, sped away.  Colonel Espinosa flashed a smile on his face, thought of his good luck, and made his way to the airline terminal for his journey home.

-Chapter 17-
     
    Galveston called me at home the next morning, waking me from my wonderful slumber.
    “ Hey sleepy head, get over here, will ya?”  I peered at the time.
    “ What?”  I said groggily rubbing my eyes.  “How about after twelve.  I feel like I’ve been hit by a Mack truck.”
    “ That’s understandable.  Get over here within the hour then.  Alex is already on his way.”
    “ Well thanks for taking my needs into account,” I replied sarcastically.
    “ I did.  I was going to tell you to get here immediately, so I figure I’m throwing you a bone,” Galveston replied insensitively.
    “ You have a heart of gold you know.”
    “ I know.  See you in an hour and bring some food.  Bye.”
    “ Bye,” I said grumpily.
    I struggled up fro m my bed, ironing the kinks out of my body, and prepared myself in the bathroom.  I was becoming excited as I readied myself.  What was the story going to be, and what damage had we done?
    I couldn’t eat, but I obliged my partners and stopped off for donuts and coffee.  I arrived at our so called office a little after 9:30 A.M.  I was never one for being punctual.
    Alex and Galveston were bright eyed and bushy