Birth of the Wolf (Wahaya) Read Free Page A

the area.
    “ You don’t have to look for the van anymore because it’s in a salvage yard or a crusher right now, you’ll never find it. 
    "What you should do is get someone to checking all local airports capable of handling a business jet and see if any left this morning either directly or indirectly for Peru or bordering countries.  They weren’t worried or in a hurry, so I’d say check first for direct flights.”
    He turned to the juane and then pointed at the ceviche wrappers, explaining to the Atlanta PD, and indirectly to the General, their significance and why he was focused on Peru.
    “ There’s no sign of any kind of struggle, the women were unconscious or drugged when they were taken from the limo, and the van didn’t spin its tires leaving…they were calm and in no rush.”  He looked at the dumbfounded Sergeant, who was perfectly aware that Nick had not crossed the Police tape. 
    “ Sergeant,” Nick said kindly, “these men were Peruvian professionals, probably from North Central Peru.  In all likelihood they are members of an offshoot of the Shining Path Movement, a terrorist group that has in recent years become more interested in drug trafficking and kidnapping than in politics. The thermite burns on the door lock are distinctive, a trick learned quickly by the senderistas.”
    He turned, as if it was an afterthought.  “There’s a dead man in the front of the car…the senderistas cut the throats of the useless victims to let you know they are ruthless.  There will be prints all over the inside of the car, but they won’t be of any use to you unless these men come back.”  He looked directly at the Sergeant’s eyes and the Sergeant, a thirty year veteran, felt a chill when Nick spoke next.  “These gentlemen won’t be returning to the states.” The voice was flat, confident, and final.

* * * * *
    The sleek C-37A streaked back to Fort Bragg.  “We have a brand new G VI that DEA confiscated if you can find a place for it,” Swain said.  “We have several confiscated properties available as well that you can buy .  We can arrange it so that you are the sole bidder.  It will be a totally legitimate purchase in your own name, no way to trace it back to us. 
    "One last thing Nick…if you choose to add employees, their salaries will be added to your “consulting” contract with the Department of Agriculture.  I’ve got a couple of men at the Special Warfare school getting ready to get out that are interested, even though they don’t have all the details. 
    "With things winding down in the Middle East it’s the same old song…there’s no room in the Army now for warriors, they want politicians.  I’m glad I won’t be around to see it.”
    For the first time, Nick heard something that surprised him.  “You’re getting out too general?”
    “ Yes,” said Swain, ” oddly enough I’m going to get a consultant’s job too.”  He looked Nick in the eye.  “I’m to be the facilitator for this operation.  When you need something, I’ll just be a phone call away.  It’s my job not only to find whatever you need, but to see that you get it in a way that can’t be connected to any black ops fund or unit.”
    Nick returned to his house.  He entered his study and walked over to his desk.  He picked up the letter that had bothered him so.  "Was it really only this morning," He wondered.
    He picked it up in one hand and pulled out his zippo lighter with the other one.  He watched as orange and red flames licked up the letter.  He dropped it in a metal waste basket when it began to burn his fingers.  When all that was left was black ash he leaned back in his chair and slowly looked around the room.
    His eyes went to the shadow box lovingly put together by his grandmother as a gift.  All his awards, decorations, skill qualification badges and tabs were present. 
    At his request, the only one that really mattered to him was on top, the silver on blue flintlock