Tropical Passion Killer (No-one said it would be easy. Book 1) Page 5

  At HQ he picked up a secured tablet, a mobile phone authorised for overseas use, travel tickets, US dollars and a business credit card in the name of Northern Ventures.

  Steve then drove to Manchester. , he decided he would meet up with Billy and Alan and one of them would drive his car back.

  He phoned Jessica, “Hi Jessica its Steve.”

  “Hello Jimmy.” She laughed.

  “I gather you have been talking to Billy and Alan”

  “They don’t shut up. Funny people. They are away talking to Marty who got the text from Josh”

  “Is there anymore joy from anyone?”

  “Unfortunately, not. I have contacted everyone I can think of. Do you think it’s bad?”

  “It doesn’t look good. Ehm, what are you doing tonight? I’m flying out to Panama tomorrow morning from Manchester so I have some time to kill tonight if you’re free”

  “What time you flying tomorrow?”

  “Just after 10”

  “OK, I’ll make some plans to get free tonight, text me the hotel and I will pick you up about 8.”

  Later that afternoon Steve walked into the Radisson hotel at the airport. He took his case, document holder and tablet carrier out of the car and made his way to the hotel room. He contacted Billy and arranged to meet him in the bar. He switched on the tablet and checked his emails.

  Email from Andy that the Panama liaison officer knew he was going and would meet up when he got to the city. A Radisson hotel was booked in Panama City for the first night, after that just book accommodation himself. No further usage of Filipe’s phone but it was used in Panama City, Colon, Aruba and Margarita. Filipe had made a call to a hotel in Colon called Andros and called a number in Aruba on a few occasions which wasn’t identified the same number contacted him again in Margarita and a number for a hotel in Margarita, The Imperial.

  His phone rang, it was Billy in the hotel lobby. He went down to meet Billy and Alan, they went into the bar. They had recorded some bank account numbers and found books on North American Native Indians but nothing of any use and no further information from Josh’s friend Marty but Alan had taken a statement. Billy had collected Josh’s laptop for Walter to work on. After a large coffee, they left, Billy was driving Steve's car back to the office. Steve went back to his room and showered again. He sent a text to Jessica. “Radisson room 418”.

  At 8pm prompt, Jessica walked into the lobby of the hotel. Steve was sat waiting, drinking a glass of sparkling water. They met each other and shook hands, then Jessica keeping hold of Steve’s hand, pulled him closer and kissed him on the cheek. Steve thought she looked magnificent, a short length red and dark blue patterned figure-hugging dress and matching heels, her dark long hair tied back in a ponytail. She was about five centimetres smaller in height than Steve in her heels. They left in her Porsche and went to Wilmslow. For the next three hours they had a meal and chatted to get to know each other and their relationship was developing.

  On their return to the Radisson they both got out of the car. They embraced each other and kissed each other gently on the cheek. Steve promised that he would meet up with Jessica when he returned from his Latin American enquiry. He hadn’t felt like this about any woman he had met. They kissed again and Jessica got into the car and drove away slowly. Steve made his way to his room, on his own. Not what he wanted. Not what Jessica had wanted either?

  In the morning Steve had showered and dressed in lightweight travel clothing, he checked his emails but there was nothing new. After taking an early self-service breakfast, cereal, full English fry up with toast and lots of coffee, he had walked across the walkway from the hotel into the airport terminal and called the boss. Nothing new to report but the liaison man would meet at the airport in Panama City when Steve made contact.

  He was now sitting comfortably in the window seat 57K of the Virgin 330-300 and waiting to complete the emergency demonstration prior to take off. He was approached by a male steward, “Mr. Bond.” Steve nodded. “Jessica has a seat next to her in premium If you would like to make your way there after take-off please”

  He gave a quizzical look to the steward, “What? Yes, I will”.

  Chapter 6

  Monday 9th May

  The lads walked together through the Tocumen International airport terminal in Panama City. They were both carrying their heavy rucksacks as they stopped to look at the departures board. The flights were on time so they headed for the Copa airline desk.

  Filipe bought a one-way ticket to Aruba which would take off in just over an hour. He paid cash in dollars. At the same time, Josh was paying for his flight with his credit card for his flight to Los Angeles. There was just enough time for a small beer together before they hugged shoulders and separated, Filipe walking briskly to the departure gate. Josh watched him disappear through the gate then walked towards a restaurant for some tacos. His flight was another four hours to wait.

  Susanna and Maria were sunning themselves on the top sun deck of the ‘Alisios’. They were stretched out on the thick padded loungers next to the fresh water pool, with their mojitos placed on the nearby table. Both were enjoying life, happy with what they had completed and looking forward to further payment and probably more work. It was so easy money.

  Later that day, Filipe landed in Aruba Reina Beatrix International airport. He took a taxi to the Brickell Bay Beach Club and Spa hotel, a mid-range hotel, on the beach just twenty minutes from the airport. As Filipe was booking in and paying cash in advance for his stay, Josh was in his aisle seat on the runway in Panama ready for take-off to the USA.

  Filipe checked out the bedroom furnishings and used a plastic self-adhesive hook inside the rear of the drawers to hang a small bag containing his camera and cash. He thought this was safer than using the safe provided as he had done this throughout his travels.

  Two days later, in the early morning sunshine the ‘Alisios’ slowly manoeuvred into the waters around Aruba and into the cruise terminal of Oranjestad. Filipe had taken a seat in the air-conditioned terminal watching the final phases of the ship being readied for disembarkation. It seemed to take forever until eventually the ramp was lowered to allow the passengers to leave. The tour coaches were starting to park up outside the terminal. Filipe took a seat outside the passport check to wait for Susanna and Maria. The short stay visitors were directed one way towards the coaches, those leaving the cruise walked towards passport control.

  He saw Susanna and Maria approaching the desk, he slumped in his seat, put his head down and pulled his bucket hat lower over his face. Maria came through first and stopped and waited for Susanna. They were laughing and walking towards the exit, they would pass Filipe.

  “Hola senoras, como estan” (hello ladies how are you)

  They both turned and looked towards Filipe. He lifted his hat and started laughing. There was a look of puzzlement on the girls’ faces and then Susanna walked over and hugged him tightly and kissed him on the lips and both cheeks. Maria kissed him on both cheeks. Filipe explained that Josh had travelled to the US. The terminal was busy and their movement was stopped by the volume of passengers and some tourists taking photos of everything and waiting for directions for which bus to board.

  Susanna gave Filipe her mobile number and told him she would contact him later that afternoon when they knew where they were staying. They both wanted a cold drink; Filipe opened his wallet and gave them some US dollars in small bills which could be used for the drinks and tipping. He left them to get into a taxi before the queue outside got too big. They all hugged and they exchanged kisses on the cheeks.

  Susanna hadn’t spoken of Filipe since they boarded the ‘Alisios’. In fact, she hadn’t thought about him, it was supposed to be a one-night experience. She had enjoyed the night and was now starting to look forward to another night or maybe two together.

  Susanna and Maria eventually left the terminal building and saw that the two suitcases had been put onto the coach. It was the same group of people from Panama all enjoying this short break. They boarded the coach and as usual, the passengers had taken the same seats as if personally prior booked. They were told by the holiday representative that they were staying at the Holiday Inn Resort. Susanna wrote a text and then sent to Filipe. She then deleted the text record.

  Filipe had just walked into the foyer of the hotel from the short taxi ride when his mobile vibrated. He read the new message. He replied, “your hotel bar 3”.

  That afternoon Filipe met Susanna in the bar, Maria was spending her time on the sun lounger on the beach. Susanna was wearing a bikini with a white sarong wrapped around her slender waist. They went outside to the beach bar and sat at a table overlooking the turquoise sea. Filipe ordered Mojito’s and they chatted about the sailing to Aruba, the quality of the cabin and the experience on board. Nothing was mentioned about the luggage exchange or how much she would be paid for this holiday. They were there for three nights and Susanna was going to enjoy every night. It was decided that the girls would enjoy the sun and sea during the day and meet up with Filipe on the evenings. Filipe was happy with the arrangement which would allow him to explore the island and hopefully get some photographs of the birds and wildlife.

  Josh had an enjoyable flight to Los Angeles. He was sat next to Maddison. She had been to Panama on business as an I.T. consultant from her employers in California. They both shared experiences and chat during the course of the flight which shortened the flight time. They exchanged mobile numbers and email addresses before the flight had landed. Maddison was being collected by her employers when she landed but agreed to meet Josh if they got a chance. She was single and lived in Santa Monica. Josh thought she was about his age. He was attracted by her intelligence, manor and appearance. After passing through immigrat
ion checks, he again met Maddison who had waited for him with a cold Pepsi. He took a selfie of himself with Maddison on his mobile. They shook hands, holding a little longer, then parted. Maddison waved as she left the terminal building.

  He was going to drive to Satwiwa Native American Cultural Centre. He had planned for a ten-night stay camping in the area to study native American history. He was on his own, he enjoyed the solitude at times. First, he wanted some comfort. He had booked a room at Boutique 444 Venice Beach for three nights to explore Santa Monica.

  For Filipe, the next three nights went by too fast. It was living in Paradise; it was loving in Paradise. Maria did not come out with Susanna on the evenings and chose to stay in the hotel at the paid for bar. Filipe and Susanna spent the time visiting local bars before returning to Filipe’s room in the early hours. They both knew that they would never see each other again so they made good use of the time together.

  Early in the morning of Saturday 14th May, after a coffee Filipe walked to the Holiday Inn hotel. It was 07:30, it was bright and hot. Susanna and Maria were leaving the hotel and walked towards the coach. Filipe greeted them and kissed Maria on both cheeks. Susanna embraced him strongly and there was one light kiss on the lips. They were laughing but there was a sadness in Filipe, he really liked Susanna and wanted more from the relationship. He had good memories, he had his camera and asked one of the tourists to take a photo of the three of them together and one with Susanna. They were happy photographs. The girls got onto the coach, in the usual seats and were smiling and waving as the coach was driven slowly away from the front of the hotel. Filipe waved until the coach was out of site. He then checked the quality of the photographs. He was happy. He decided to walk back to his hotel. He had to make travel plans.

  It took two days before Josh contacted Maddison by email. He had seen what he wanted to see in the area, but he really wanted to see Maddison. She replied that she would meet up with Josh at ‘Santa Monica Seafood’ on Wilshire Boulevard that evening and would book a table.

  Josh was early, he had bought a new shirt, trousers and shoes. Looking at his reflection in the polished window, he felt good and thought he was looking good but was unusually nervous.

  He stood outside the building in the warm breeze. A taxi stopped near to the restaurant and Maddison elegantly got out of the rear of the cab. Her long blonde hair was straight and over her shoulders, she was wearing a flower print dress that had style and grace and red heeled shoes. Her smile was warm. They greeted each other with a short hug. They stayed in the restaurant and bar for three hours. For Josh it felt like ten minutes. They got to know each other well, family members, friends, career plans, hobbies, likes and dislikes. They certainly liked each other. There was just the short matter of several thousand miles between them in just a few days’ time. They had respect for each other and a want for each other. Josh suggested that Maddison could attend his sister’s wedding with him in New Zealand to see first-hand how distance can be compromised and his heart jumped when Maddison said she would consider it if it was possible.

  He was sorely tempted to forego his planned journey into the hills and live the life of a native Indian. Josh explained that he would be working as a volunteer with the local tribe, living in the same conditions of over two centuries ago. There would be no modern-day, hi-tech assistance or machinery for approximately ten days or more until the work was completed. That would include no mobile or internet contact with the outside world. Josh payed the bill for the restaurant and as they walked towards the door they held hands. A taxi was parked waiting outside the restaurant. They walked to the cab together, Josh opened the rear cab door. Maddison grabbed hold of Josh and they kissed and hugged lightly. She got into the car and waved as she was driven away.

  The next morning, Josh drove to Satwiwa Native American Cultural Centre. He took on a volunteer role in the community and handed his mobile phone into the safe keeping of the administrators. There was no mobile signal or internet in the mountainous area.

  Chapter 7

  Saturday 14th May

  The ‘Alisios’ had arrived in Fort Lauderdale and the passengers were disembarking. Frank and Eleanor Carlson were waiting for their car to be delivered to the terminal meeting point. They looked like most passengers on the cruise, mid-fifties, tanned, well presented and the appearance of wealth. Their luggage was next to them, delivered by the ship’s crew on a trolley. They were under observation by several DEA officers. Their car had been electronically tagged and a camera had been hidden inside the dashboard of the vehicle.

  The vehicle was driven in by the attendant, it had been valeted and was gleaming. The white Chrysler 300 SRT8 has a large boot, big enough to take the 4 suitcases. The attendant placed the luggage into the boot and handed the keys to Frank Carlson. Frank examined the vehicle and handed the attendant $20. The attendant opened the front passenger door for Mrs. Carlson. Frank started the engine, the attendant closed the passenger door and smiled at Mrs. Carlson as the vehicle was slowly driven away into a line of other vehicles exiting the quayside and dock area.

  Six DEA officers had boarded the cruise ship and with the assistance of the ships purser they made their way to the identified crew’s quarters. They detained two Latino crew who put up a brief struggle before being subdued and placed in handcuffs.

  Frank was driving at a steady speed staying in the traffic flow. He was heading away from the docks. The traffic was light. A phone call was received in the car. Frank was heard to say “1961 Oakland Industrial Park ok.” He then spoke to Eleanor “Not long now. Just drop and go”.

  Drug Enforcement Agency officers made their way to the area of Oakland Industrial Park in unmarked police vehicles. The command room made use of the CCTV coverage in the area and contacted the commander and told him of some activity in the area of the location given. The Enforcement helicopter was overhead at a discreet distance not to draw attention. There were four men seen at the warehouse building. It was a single-story building in the middle of a block, it had two large drive-through overhead doors, one to the front and one at the back and a pedestrian access door to the front of the building near to what was expected to be the office. There were two windows from the office which overlooked the front road and access to the building. One man was seen sitting in the driver’s seat of a black Dodge MPV on the entrance to the estate. Some of the buildings nearby were occupied and there was a low level of activity in the area.

  The ground commander deployed his foot team at a covert location 500metres distance from the building as the secondary team were following the Chrysler with the tracking device. The foot team made a circuitry route to specific points encompassing the building, avoiding the observer in the black Dodge and being wary of other spotters that may be in the area. They were all armed with assault rifle carbines, Sig Sauger 551 or HK G36K, Sub machine guns 9mm HK MP5 and semi-automatic pistols, Glock or Sig Sauger 9mm. They silently moved into specified radial locations with firing lines on the building and the exits.

  After twenty minutes, Frank drove the Chrysler passed the Dodge MPV into the estate. The electric roller shutters to the front of the building were slowly being opened. A man in denim jeans and jacket waved towards the Chrysler, directing Frank to drive into the warehouse. Frank drove the car under the shutters which were closed behind the vehicle. There were three men in dark coloured suits stood inside and were smiling as he stopped the car in front of them. One of the men approached the car and opened the driver’s door, “Ola Amigo”. Frank was smiling as he swung his legs out of the door, ready to shake hands. He was shot three times, at close range with a silenced automatic handgun. Twice in the chest and once in his face. Franks skull, brain and blood cascaded over Eleanor who screamed briefly. It was all being recorded. Then the sound of two more muffled shots and silence. The black MPV was now being driven towards the building and the doors were being raised, the DEA snipers were in position on the roof of the units opposite the front and rear of the building.