Chapter 24
No one had the patience for useless pleasantries, so Lon Dyer jumped right in.
“Yesterday, both agencies met with the vice president at the White House and briefed him on the situation. He planned to brief the president this morning. It has been decided that the CIA will assume authority of this matter. As we have discussed, the FBI handles things domestically. This is more of a foreign situation. I will remain in contact with my colleague at the CIA, Mr. Maceas here, and we will continue to keep you posted.”
Fritz was in no mood for doublespeak and interrupted with “Are you going to tell us everything you know?”
“Yes sir, that’s our plan.”
Everyone took a deep breath. Dexter Maceas took the hand-off and said, “Let me assure you this is a top priority for the CIA. You’ll understand more in a moment.
We are working with the French, their law enforcement and intelligence services, and so far things have gone as smooth as we could hope.
The truth is that, as of right now, we don’t know much.
The DGSI, the French equivalent of the FBI, has investigated every lead and every angle and found little.
They are still digging away. Using the information from Chelsea and Malik, the driver, they have an idea of what one of the suspects may look like, along with a name, but that has led to nothing, as of today.
The phone calls have been tracked but produced nothing valuable.
We and the French assume the phones were destroyed as soon as they were used for the last time.
We are dealing with smart guys and they’ve had some practice. ”
He paused for a second as everyone glanced around.
Then he continued, “This is the third such incident in France. Three years ago two newlyweds from Portland were doing a wine tour of the country and got separated at an estate near Bordeaux. Both families paid the ransom. The bride came home, the groom is still out there. Last year the same thing happened at Giverny, near Paris. The cases are so similar we’re assuming it’s the same gang at work. ”
“How much was the ransom?” Fritz asked.
“Same. Two million for each. The first two were delayed because the families were scrambling to sell everything.”
“Sounds familiar,” Fritz said, without trying to be sarcastic.
“It wreaked havoc on their lives and they’re still trying to recover. Just like in this case, the families chose not to involve law enforcement until after the monies were paid.”
Chelsea said, “You mean there are two other brides who lost their husbands on their honeymoons?”
“At least two others.”
“Why didn’t we know this?”
“We don’t monitor Americans traveling abroad, Ms. Tanner.”
“Please call me Chelsea.”
Maceas smiled and nodded and said, “Last year at least twenty Americans were kidnapped while traveling all over the world. We believe that number is low because some families pay the money quickly and stay quiet. We deal with the aftermath, just like in this case.”
Fritz said, “There should be some kind of warning.”
“There are warnings, Mr. Tanner. Check out the State Department website. Plenty of warnings to avoid a lot of places.”
“But not France. How many Americans were kidnapped last year in France?”
“The other one I mentioned.”
Chelsea asked, “And you believe that guy’s still alive?”
“We do.”
“Based on what?”
“Nothing but experience.”
Fritz raised his voice and said, “I can’t believe we were not warned.”
Maceas was a seasoned pro who had handled many difficult situations for the agency.
He calmly replied, “I’m sorry, but what would that warning look like, Mr. Tanner?
Ads in bridal magazines? Warnings to wedding planners and travel agents?
Postings in the lobbies of the favorite hotels in Paris?
Fifty million Americans travel abroad every year, we can’t protect them all.
When you go to another country you assume the risk. ”
Fritz waved him off and mumbled something no one could understand.
Sam said, “I’m sure the other families were warned to keep quiet, just like we were.”
“That’s correct. And they’ve done so. There’s no real benefit in going public. We don’t know the rules of engagement here so we can’t predict what the enemy might do. For now, if they say stay quiet, then it’s our advice to do it.”
Linzy said, “Are you in contact with the other families?”
“Yes we are.”
“How are they coping?”
Maceas shrugged and glanced at Agent Dyer who said, “They’re surviving, that’s about all I can say.”
Sam said, “So these thugs have stolen twelve million bucks in the past three years and they still have three prisoners, or hostages, or whatever you call them. What’s their next move?”
“We really don’t know. These cases are rather unique.”
Another pause as the group thought of questions.
Lowell asked, “And you have no idea who or why?”
“There might be a clue or two. The most obvious is their method. Grab a couple, separate them, call their families, and so on. I believe you know how it works. The ransom demands are identical. The wire transfers for the ransom payments vary slightly but not much. And, there’s a bigger clue that’s taking shape.
All three of the men have military backgrounds.
All were once on active duty in the JAG Corps.
The first, Alan Stockman, spent three years in law school, four years with the JAGs, and was working for Customs. The second, Jason Snyder, got a law degree from Stetson, worked in the JAG Corps for three years, and was a federal prosecutor in Tampa. You know Paul’s background.”
Maceas paused to take a drink of water and allow this news to sink in.
There were too many questions to ask at once, too many unconnected dots. They tried to comprehend what he was saying, but it was too confusing. Finally, Fritz asked, “What does that mean?”
“It can’t be a coincidence. This gang has a grudge against the U.S.
military, or perhaps the entire country.
I don’t know. What we do know is that there is no shortage of terrorist groups or cells or paramilitary groups who hate us.
Since 9/11, we’ve done a good job of infiltrating these groups with our own counterintelligence operations.
We’ve flooded the Mideast with our people, most of whom are locals.
We have ears on every street from Tripoli to Cairo to Tehran.
And no one has heard a word about these kidnappings.
Complete silence. We read that to mean we’re dealing with a tiny organization that strikes quick, disappears, and will be hard to find. ”
“Is that supposed to be encouraging?” Fritz said.
“No, Mr. Tanner. I’m just telling you the truth.”
“Thank you.”
“Right now we’re doing everything possible. Intercepting cell phone calls, listening to wiretaps, hacking emails, monitoring internet sites and posts, as well as such old-time methods as paying informants, stroking diplomats, and twisting arms. Something will turn up soon enough.”
“Then what?” Sam asked.
“Great question and there’s no answer, as of now. We have to wait and analyze the situation. But rest assured that the rescue of these three men is a priority. At Langley, the Pentagon, and the White House.”
Fritz said, “You’re sure the three are together?”
“We consider it highly likely, but, as I’ve said, there’s a lot we don’t know. When we learn more we’ll meet again.”
Chelsea cleared her throat and everyone noticed. She said, “I have a question. The other two brides, have they spoken to each other?”
“Yes. I know there has been contact, don’t know to what extent.”
“Is it okay if I call them?”
Fritz blurted, “You don’t need anyone’s permission to call anybody, Chelsea. Hell yes you can call them. We might want to do the same.” He glared at Maceas as if he’d done something wrong.
He replied, “Mr. Tanner is right. It’s up to you.”
“Okay. I think I’ll do that.”
Lon Dyer said, “I’ll send along their contact information, Chelsea, and I’m happy to make the introduction.”
“Thanks.”
Maceas said, “Any more questions, folks?”
Linzy said, “Oh, there are a lot of questions, Mr. Maceas, but not many answers. We trust that you and our government are doing everything possible to find Paul and the others.”
“I assure you that we are. And we’re happy to meet with you at any time.”