COUNTDOWN TO TERROR
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THE GRAND HOTEL – MOSCOW
The Grand Hotel is Moscow is relatively new. It was built in 1997, but the architecture and design are reminiscent of the history beauty that captured Moscow at the turn of the century. Located in the center of all the attractions that make Moscow the amazing city that it is, this palace of a hotel fits in with the concept of old world Moscow and was actually the perfect place for the President and Prime Minister to be staying.
The group positioned themselves at various points throughout the hotel. It was hard to communicate since they did not have the necessary equipment with them. Although, that could also be viewed as a good thing since such devices would make them stand out. Around 10am, Harm spotted Catherine Gale, in a Marine uniform, walking through the lobby looking very official. She was speaking with a man who appeared to be part of in house security. Harm went to find Webb and let him know what he had seen.
"Everything is set," Catherine said.
"Yes, ma'am," The man replied. "No one gets onto the floor without an access key."
"Are the keys accounted for?" Catherine asked.
"Of course they are, the last one is yours and you will need to sign for it." The man said.
"Naturally," Catherine smiled and signed the paper.
"Oh Colonel, one last thing, will you be attending the reception?" The man asked.
"No, once I am confident that they are secure, my job is over." Catherine smiled.
"Very well, it has been a pleasure working with you Colonel MacKenzie. It was finally nice to put a face with the name." The man said and walked away.
Catherine Gale looked at the key card and smiled. This is too easy. She thought as she walked out of the lobby.
"Who was she talking to?" Harm asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Webb replied. "Let's find Alex."
They went to the other side of the lobby where Alex was sitting.
"Anything?" Alex asked.
"Yes, we saw her talking to someone who might have been with the hotel." Harm said.
"Let's go find him," Alex said.
"Clay," Zoya called quietly, and looking very tired.
"What's wrong?" Webb asked.
"Someone is going to blow up this hotel," Zoya said.
"Are you okay?" Webb asked.
"I'm fine," Zoya replied.
"Zoya, where's Mac?" Harm asked.
"Using the facilities," Zoya replied. "She spotted Gale leaving the hotel and had to go cool off."
"Where were you?" Webb asked.
"I went into the room service area." Zoya replied.
"How did you get back there?" Webb asked.
"Pregnant woman looking for food, would you stop me?" Zoya asked.
"Good point," Alex replied. "What did you find out?"
"A new waiter is starting today," Zoya said. "I heard some of the staff talking about how unfair it was that he was going to be handling the special floor."
"Did anyone use his name?" Webb asked.
"No," Zoya said. "But, if Alex was looking for a job, he might be able to get into the HR office."
"I could do that," Alex said with a nod. "See you later."
Alex went to the HR office and applied for a position. While he was there he took the opportunity to casually glance at the files on the desk. He noticed a file marked "New Hires" and accidentally knocked it off the desk when he reached for a pencil.
"Forgive me," Alex shrugged.
"It's not a problem," The HR manager smiled.
"Things seem busy here today," Alex said.
"No more than usual," The manager replied.
Alex watched as the manager picked the file up, he noticed an ID card was still on the floor and picked it up for the woman.
"Will I get one of these if I am hired?" Alex asked.
"All employees get one before they start working." The woman said.
"This man takes a good picture," Alex smiled looking at the ID.
"He's a lucky one," The woman laughed. "Well Alexei, we don't have any need for drivers now, but I will keep your name on file should something open up."
"Thank you," Alex said and left the office.
He immediately returned to the café where the group was eating and advised them that the new hire was indeed Abraham Abdullah. Again there was nothing they could do but wait. They had to catch Abdullah in order to stop him.
SIX HOURS LATER
Agreeing that there was nothing that could be done, the group had left the hotel earlier and only returned when they knew the President and Prime Minister would be there. Now was the time to show their identification. It was the only way they were going to get into the hotel. Walking the lobby, they saw a familiar figure.
"Rabb, I hear congratulations are in order," Sokol said.
"Thank you," Harm replied.
"I have a picture to show you," Sokol stated. "Her body was found about an hour ago, her passport said she was Sarah MacKenzie."
"Did she have a hole where her heart should be?" Zoya asked.
"How did you know?" Sokol asked.
"That's how Abdullah takes care of people. He cuts their hearts out, literally." Zoya replied.
"Let me see the picture," Webb said. "That's Catherine Gale."
"Why would he kill her?" Mac asked.
"He got what he needed." Zoya said. "He probably strung her along with small monetary gifts until he got the big prize. Then he no longer had use for her."
"We need to keep this quiet," Sokol said.
"Don't worry about us," Harm said.
"I really want to feel bad," Zoya said.
"We all do," Mac agreed.
"Tell me what you've got." Sokol stated.
"Abraham Abdullah is an employee here and assigned to the VIP floor." Webb said.
"He was seen earlier with Bin Atta," Alex added.
"We were told that Bin Atta died in Casablanca." Sokol replied.
"You need to work on you intel," Zoya advised. "He's never there when the bombs go off."
"I assume you have a plan," Sokol questioned.
"Apparently our positions carry a lot of weight," Mac said.
"We'll be working on the floor." Webb stated. "We're just waiting for our uniforms."
"You people are crazy," Sokol said.
"Do you have a better idea?" Harm asked.
"No I don't," Sokol replied. "I want to help you, but my hands are tied."
"Why is that?" Webb asked. "There is going to be an assassination attempt in your country and you can just sit back and let it happen?"
"You know it's not that simple." Sokol said.
"You're right, it's not that simple," Webb replied. "It's even easier. Forget which government we work for, our job is to stop terrorism."
"I wish you all the best of luck," Sokol said handing Webb a bag. "That's the best I can do."
With that Sokol walked away. He did want to stay and help them, but he had been ordered away from anything to do with the NATO reception. He wasn't sure why and he never questioned his superiors. That was something his American counterparts did, and he envied that quality in them.
THE PRESIDENTIAL FLOOR
Dressed as maintenance workers and housekeepers, the group made their way through the corridor. The bag from Sokol contained firearms and detection equipment. He couldn't help them but he was going to do whatever he could to make sure they succeeded.
The group went from room to room checking and rechecking finding nothing. Zoya and Webb entered the suite for the Prime Minister and after a quick inspection left. Mac and Harm went to the President's room and found everything to be secure. Alex was stationed by the service elevator watching as people came and went. All looked peaceful and calm, the realized this was the calm before the storm.
"Something isn't right," Zoya said.
"We're not looking in the right places," Mac replied.
"We're in the right place," Harm said. "The bomb isn't here yet."
"Isn't that risky?" Alex asked.
"Not if he is going to remote detonate it," Webb said. "He's working room service right?"
"The amenities," Zoya said. "That has to be it."
"What are you doing here?" A manager asked.
"We were assigned to this floor," Zoya replied in Russian.
"Is there something wrong?" Mac asked in Russian.
"All assignments were cleared through me," The manager said. "I don't remember any of you. Let me see your identification."
Each presented their ID cards to the manager. He looked at them and nodded.
"With 870 employees and all this security one can't be too careful," He said and walked away.
"That was close," Harm said with a loud exhale.
"Thank god he didn't ask either of you any questions," Zoya said. "Clay, you really need to learn Russian."
Before Webb could answer the service elevator doors opened and Abdullah walked off pushing a cart. He scanned the hallway and saw the group.
"What are you doing here?" Abdullah asked.
"We work here," Alex said. "We are on duty to ensure that none of the rooms have a problem."
"I was told this is my floor," Abdullah said.
"Don't worry, we won't take your tariffs," Mac smiled. "We just want to see them."
"Take a good look," Abdullah said and pushed the cart past them.
"Lock the elevator," Webb instructed Harm. "He's not getting off the floor.
"I'm on it," Harm said.
They watched as Abdullah went from room to room, leaving the largest baskets in the President's and Prime Minister's rooms. In the surrounding rooms, which were being used for their entourages he left smaller baskets. They group made themselves scarce as Abdullah made his way back to the service elevator. They watched as he pushed the call button and waited.
Zoya and Mac went to the entourage rooms to check the baskets, while Alex and Harm checked the President's and Prime Minister's rooms. Webb made his way down the hall and stopped Abdullah.
"It's over," Webb said aiming his gun. "The elevator isn't coming."
"I can kill us all now," Abdullah smiled.
"You aren't ready to die," Webb said. "Where's the bomb?"
"I will give you ten minutes to find it," Abdullah said as he pulled a remote from his pocket and clicked the switch.
"What have you done?" Webb shouted. "Get them off the floor, he activated the bomb!"
At the sound of the word bomb, doors flew open and there was chaos on in the corridor.
"Special Agent Webb, CIA. Get off the floor, there is a bomb!" Webb shouted to the secret service. "Get them out of here."
Immediately, the President and Prime Minister where removed from the floor. As this was happening, Abdullah charged at Webb, his goal, to get to the exits at the other end of the corridor.
A scuffled ensued and when it was over a bullet entered Abdullah, and he died with the secret of the bomb location.
"Harm," Webb shouted. "We have less than five minutes."
"Alex, get Mac and Zoya out of here," Harm yelled.
"Mac's already gone. She went with the Secret Service." Alex said. "Once she identified herself as a marine, they asked for her assistance."
"Get Zoya and get out of here," Webb shouted. "Where is she?"
"Clay, I have the bomb." Zoya called from a room, "Fifth door from the elevator, next to the President's suite."
The men ran to the room and saw Zoya standing there. She had the look of courage on her face coupled with fear.
"We have three minutes," Zoya said pointing to the timer. "I can't stop it."
"What is it?" Harm asked.
"Plastique and C-4" Zoya said as she moved to the door.
"You can't disarm it?" Alex asked.
"Maybe with a bunch of tools and a year to spare," Zoya said. "Two minutes."
"Fill the tub," Harm said. "Maybe the water will help lessen the explosion."
"There isn't enough time," Webb said. "We need to get out of here."
Alex and Harm took off followed by Zoya. Webb, taking Harm's suggestion, moved the bomb into the tub and turned on the water. He then ran towards the stairwell behind the others. Alex and Harm were opening the door to the emergency stairs when the bomb exploded, showering them with debris. The force of the explosion missed Alex and Harm, but Webb and Zoya weren't as lucky. What looked to be a door flew at them and in an effort to protect her Webb shouldered the majority of the blow and was knocked unconscious.
"Clay," Zoya cried out.
"I'll get him," Harm said running to them. "Alex, help Zoya."
As they turned back to help their friends, the ceiling began to collapse onto them. Alex didn't make it in time to protect her from the falling debris. When he did get to her she was bleeding and withering in pain.
"The baby, please God." Zoya cried. "Where is Clay?"
"Harm got him, he's okay," Alex said not truly knowing Webb's fate.
"Alex, help me." Zoya begged.
Alex moved Zoya out from under the fallen debris and carried her down the stairs.
"You are going to be fine," Alex assured her.
"The baby," Zoya cried out.
"The baby will be fine." Alex said.
"Where is Clay?" Zoya asked.
"Harm has him, don't worry." Alex soothed.
"I really love him," Zoya said.
"And he you, you are going to be fine." Alex said.
By the time they reached the ground floor, Zoya was unconscious due to the loss of blood. There was pandemonium in the lobby as they entered.
"Harm!" Mac called out.
"We need doctors, now!" Harm shouted back.
Mac began to shout orders in Russian to the ambulance workers. Immediately they tended to Webb and Zoya. Once they were on their way to the hospital, Mac inspected both men to ensure that they were okay.
"I'm fine," Alex said, touching his blood soaked shirt. "It's not my blood."
"Harm, your head is bleeding," Mac said touching his scalp.
"I'll be fine," Harm said. "We need to get to the hospital."
"We need to call the Admiral," Mac said, "And Mrs. Webb."
ST. PETERSBURG HOSPITAL - TWO HOURS LATER
"Sarah, are you okay?" Sokol asked as he entered the waiting room.
"We're fine, Webb and Nassar weren't as lucky." Mac replied.
"We picked up Bin Atta trying to leave the country," Sokol said.
"Abdullah is dead," Harm stated. "Webb shot him."
"Have they told you anything?" Sokol asked.
"Nothing," Alex replied. "We aren't family."
"I'll take care of that." Sokol said and took off.
"Harm we need to make those calls," Mac said softly.
"I don't want to, until I have something to tell them." Harm replied.
"We tell them all we know," Mac said.
"Let's go," Harm said taking Mac's hand.
CHEGWIDDEN RESIDENCE
"Chegwidden," AJ said answering the line.
"Admiral, AJ…" Harm began and handed the phone to Mac.
"Rabb, what's wrong?" AJ asked.
"Admiral, this Mac." Mac began. "There's been an explosion."
"Webb?" AJ asked.
"Yes Sir," Mac said. "We don't know how he is yet. They haven't told us anything."
"I can contact Mrs. Webb," AJ offered.
"Admiral," Mac said quietly, "Zoya has been here in Russia."
"What?" AJ asked.
"She was hurt as well," Mac said.
"I'll be on the next plane," AJ said and hung up the phone.
WEBB RESIDENCE
The next call was to Porter Webb.
"Mrs. Webb, this is Harmon Rabb. I am a friend of Clayton's." Harm stated.
"Yes Commander, I remember you. What can I do for you?" Porter asked.
"We are in Russia and on assignment," Harm said and took a deep breath. "There was explosion and Clay was injured."
"I see," Porter said calmly. "Is my son alive?"
"Yes ma'am, at the present time he is unconscious but alive." Harm replied.
"Thank you Commander," Porter said. "What hospital is attending to him?"
"We're at St. Petersburg Hospital," Harm informed.
"I will see you soon," Porter said and hung up the phone. Porter called for her valet and had her bags immediately packed. She then made a reservation for the first flight to Moscow. She didn't care about the cost, she cared about her son. She was not going to lose him to this job. She was not going to outlive her son. On the way to the airport, Porter Webb sat in the back of the limousine and cried. By the time she arrived at Dulles International Airport she was composed and ready to travel. No one would ever see the true pain that was currently in her heart.
DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Porter made her way to the gate and noticed a gentleman trying to obtain a ticket.
"I need to get to Moscow now," AJ bellowed. "My niece has been injured."
"Sir, I am sorry but there is nothing available." The clerk told him.
"Admiral Chegwidden?" Porter interrupted. "Is something wrong?"
"Mrs. Webb," AJ said. "Forgive my manners, I am trying to get on this flight and this young woman tells me there are no seats available."
"Young lady, this man is the Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy," Porter began.
"Yes ma'am, he told me," The clerk replied. "But as I told him without travel orders, I cannot bump another passenger for him."
"Is there anything in first class?" Porter asked calmly.
"Yes, but…" The girl replied.
"Give him a ticket," Porter instructed.
"We aren't permitted to give first class to military transports." The girl said.
"Young lady, give him a ticket." Porter said firmly and handed the clerk her ticket, "The seat next to mine will do."
"Yes ma'am." The clerk replied and handed the tickets back to AJ.
"Thank you," AJ said once they were seated.
"You said your niece was injured," Porter stated.
"I'm sorry, my mind is on Zoya. Has there been any word about Clay?" AJ asked.
"Zoya?" Porter asked in shock. "Not Ms. Nassar, the woman who worked with Clayton."
"Yes, you've met?" AJ asked.
"I should say so, Clayton is in love with her and she is in love with him." Porter said in a tone that only a mother could achieve.
"I had no idea," AJ said.
"Was she involved in the accident as well?" Porter asked.
"Yes," AJ replied.
"I didn't realize you were related," Porter stated.
"We aren't, I met Zoya when she was a child. Right after her parents had been killed. We formed a friendship and a bond." AJ smiled, thinking about the day they met.
"She is a remarkable woman," Porter smiled. "I am sure she is fine."
"They both are," AJ smiled and took Porter's hand in a comforting gesture.
ST. PETERSBURG HOSPITAL
"What can you tell us?" Mac asked the doctor as Alex translated for Harm.
"Mr. Webb sustained a serious head injury, he is in a coma." The doctor said.
"Will he come out of it?" Mac asked.
"We don't know," The doctor replied.
"What about Ms. Nassar?" Mac asked.
"She is still in surgery," The doctor advised.
"What about the baby?" Mac asked.
"We are trying to save them both," The doctor said. "If we had to choose one or the other, do you know what her wishes would be?"
"We can't answer that," Mac said.
"Is there anyone who can?" The doctor asked.
"Yes, Mr. Webb." Mac said. "Can we see him?"
"I'll have the nurse come get you," The doctor stated and walked away.
Twenty minutes later there was still no word on Zoya or the baby. However a nurse did come and escort them to Webb's room. Mac sat down on the chair and spoke to him. No one knew what to say but Mac just rambled about anything. Harm spoke to him as well and Alex promised him that as soon as he heard anything about Zoya and the baby he would let him know.
SEVENTEEN HOURS LATER
Webb was still in a coma when AJ and Porter arrived at the hospital. Mac got up from the bedside chair to give Porter a place to sit.
"My son is very strong," Porter said confidently. "How is Zoya?"
"They delivered a four pound baby girl, she's tiny but she's strong and she's beautiful." Mac said.
"Excuse me?" AJ asked.
"Zoya was seven months pregnant," Harm said.
"I had no idea," AJ said.
"Clayton's?" Porter asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Mac smiled. "I can take you to see the baby."
"I think that would be very nice," Porter replied and left with Mac.
"How is Zoya?" AJ asked.
"They had her on the table for ten hours trying to repair the internal injuries," Harm said.
"And," AJ asked.
"Nothing Sir," Alex replied.
"They did all that they could, the rest is up to her." Harm advised. "I can take you to her room.
AJ was taken to Zoya's room where she laid. There were no tubes or breathing machines helping her, she was breathing on her own. The injuries caused from the explosion had taken their toll on her body. But as with any mother, her body instinctively protected the baby. AJ took her hand and spoke to her. He talked about the day they met, he talked about all she had accomplished in her life and he talked about the little girl who was waiting to call her mommy.
Several hours later there was still no change in either Webb or Zoya. At Porter's request, which was met with objections with the hospital, she asked that Webb and Zoya be given one room.
"They need to feel each other's presence," Porter stated. "They need to know they are still alive."
The hospital finally complied and the group stood vigil, praying and hoping that Webb and Zoya would wake up.
