NOIR

Chapter Three

Deception

By Steve Edward

Friday, October 26th 1100 hours, Kampong Sultan Pasir Panjang Park

Kirika Yumura entered the visitor center, and mingled among the crowd. Strolling to the various informational displays scattered about the visitor center, Kirika took note of those present. Though several children were present, none were the ones that she and Mireille were to take custody of.

Mireille Bouquet standing at a viewing scope stood upon the pedestal and utilized the instrument to view the surround area. As she was doing so, a discreet cough from behind her interrupted the viewing, "Madam? Are you with the Baldwin Foundation?"

Kirika Yumura, exited the visitor center to rejoin Mireille, stopped as she observed an elderly man speaking to Mireille. Mireille smiled and nodded, "Yes I am." The man turned away briefly and gave a hand signal to another unseen. Moments later the two Japanese children, Yoko and Yuri Yoshiro appeared.

Holding hands, the two children approached the man and Mireille, the elderly man looking briefly at his former charges spoke, "As you can see they are undamaged. Please ensure that Mr. Baldwin clearly understands that any further interference will be dealt harshly against the remainder."

Motioning for the children to come to her, Mireille gazed directly into the messenger's eyes, "You should also note that if harm befalls them, there will be no place on earth that you can hide. It is a double sided sword."

The messenger turned to leave, "Perhaps you are correct, Madame. Good day."

Friday, October 26th, 1315 hours, Darwin International Airport, Darwin, Australia

Randy Baldwin set the handset down in the cradle, and then turned to Naomi Sesser "It seems the pirates have followed through with their promise of turning the Japanese hostages over. The children are with my associates and are on their way to the hotel."

Naomi sighed then turned from the office window, "Mr. Baldwin. Your efforts are appreciated, however we would prefer to do out own negotiations. Interfering in our own business was neither welcomed nor needed."

Randy returned to sit behind the desk, "Your government, itself would not negotiate for the ransom for a reason; as you apparently have done this before behind their backs. Why are you repeating the cycle, Mrs. Sesser?"

Naomi trying to hide her surprise but failing replied, "How did you know?"

Randy Baldwin opened a folder, "The Baldwin Foundation does not leap blindly into a situation without first knowing what had previously occurred. Your late father had previously done the exact same thing. The ship's master and third mate are in-fact your brother-in-laws; since they so happen to be married to your sisters, Beth and Monique. The Sea Cadet, James is the grandson of your late father."

Naomi Sesser taking a seat across from Randy cast her eyes downward briefly, "Then you Mr. Baldwin, can understand the stakes that are involved?"

Randy nodded, "I have been in the same position as well. You feel powerless; you want to lash out at those responsible. Yet you know if you try they could be harmed, so you pay and hope the cycle ends, or you bid your time and strike on your own terms."

Friday, October 26th 1230 hours, Singapore National Hospital

The litany of the injuries suffered by Trevor Mittens, made Kelly Summers ponder just how much abuse the human body could withstand. The doctor treating Mittens had been given permission to reveal the injuries to her and had done so, "The gentleman has a collapsed right lug, two shattered ribs, wounds to his right arm and leg consistent with that of a high powered assault rifle, either an AK-47 or AK-74 and that is for starters."

The parents of Trevor had been flown from Australia aboard a Nattier corporate jet and were in the room when she had interviewed Trevor. Though he may not have seen those that attacked the yacht directly, he did hear a name. Trevor in pain looked at her, "I was lying on the deck in the pilot house, the bastards were laughing as they worked; but I kept hearing someone say the name "Gorman" over and over again. The "Gorman" spoke English, but it was not with the usual accents you would hear around these parts. He was from somewhere else."

Friday, October 26th 1245 hours, Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore

Alfred Stolzberg was patient. He had to be otherwise being a negotiator would not be a good career choice. "Stolen" from the US State Department by Randy Baldwin, Alfred Stolzberg's negotiating skills had come into play on numerous occasions, but never for hostages while in the service of the foundation itself till now. This was not Alfred's first hostage negation. He had been involved in seven others before his career move.

Sitting in the lounge of the hotel, Alfred flagged a passing waiter to bring him some coffee, when he was finally contacted. The man added to the order, "Perhaps it should be two Mr. Stolzberg?"

The waiter departed with the order, as Alfred stood to meet his contact who introduced himself as Mr. Blackwood.

Gnu Gorman held out his hand in greeting, which Alfred took and shook firmly. Gnu impeccably dressed, gave Alfred a business card that belonged to an attorney in Singapore, "I am here on behalf of interested parties. I am assuming you are prepared, Mr. Stolzberg?"

Alfred returned to his seat and waited for Mr. Blackwood, "Yes. I am. However I am intrigued that you would involve oneself in such activities. Perhaps you have some explanation?"

Gnu expecting the question replied, "The pirates as you call them see this strictly as business. They realize the involvement of the Baldwin Foundation has raised the stakes somewhat and they desire an outcome that will be satisfactory to all those involved."

Alfred turned to accept the coffee from the waiter then gazed at the man he knew as Mr. Blackwell, "Economically speaking, the attacks will eventually draw out military forces that will have mandates to hunt down your clients. Surely your clients realize this?"

Gnu stirring his coffee replied, "Yes they realize that. However economically speaking, many have little else to turn to. Since December of 2004 the earthquakes and tsunamis that have been plaguing this region have caused disruptions that have affected many livelihoods. They have little else to fall back on, so they raid cargo vessels and take hostages to gain wealth."

Alfred pondered that statement. The devastation wrought in December of 2004 had been heavy in both human life and had wrecked the economies of numerous nations in the affected region. What had been favored tourist vacation spots had become ghost towns, in the literal sense; after repeated quakes and even more tsunamis. Fishing grounds had been disrupted, the aquatic life driven elsewhere seeking a more peaceful areas, many of the new fishing grounds so far out of reach for island fishermen to make it unworthwhile to follow the fish. Many islanders could ill afford to relocate, so they eked out a life as best as they could.

Alfred replied, "Surely your clients have submitted requests for aid? Perhaps to learn new skills?" as Gnu responded, "Yes at first it was met, however the numerous governments are shall we say at odds over how aid should be given and when. The aid that has been given has been little and mainly to those who have power to influence. Those that have little sway get little, while promises of more are never delivered; hence they have turned to raiding."

Alfred a meticulous note taker paused and put his pen down, "Mr. Blackwell, you seem well versed in the economics of life within the underprivileged; what are their demands for the remainder of the hostages and what else do they desire?"

Gnu, smiled "Perhaps this outline will explain their goals and desires," as Gnu opened his briefcase and handed Alfred Stolzberg the written demands.

Alfred glanced briefly at the written demands, then returned his focus on Mr. Blackwell; "This will have to be forwarded to the interested parties. Perhaps we can meet again here tomorrow, say 8 AM?"

Gnu closing his briefcase smiled, "I will be here promptly at 8AM. Please be alone, till then farewell." Alfred stood and giving a brief handshake watched as Mr. Blackwell departed from view. Opening his own briefcase and depositing the demands within, he headed for his suite.

Friday, October 26th 1300 hours, Singapore Ferry Landing

Mireille and Kirika with the former hostages in tow walked off the ferry from the wild life preserve then entered their rental car. Kirika sitting in the back with the two children as Mireille drove; speaking Japanese to both asked each young teen what he or she could remember.

Mireille spotted the tail, 3 minutes after leaving the ferry landing, "Kirika, we are being followed."

Kirika acknowledged without looking back, and reached within her windbreaker "I am ready. Pick the spot." Yoko who was about to turn around to look was stopped by Kirika, "No do not do that. Listen closely the both of you. This is what I want you to do…"

The sedan following Mireille and Kirika contained four men. Their orders had been simple, allow the intermediaries to return to Singapore proper unmolested with their charges and follow them; then when the opportunity presented itself ambush and kill them including the children.

Friday, October 26th 1315 hours, Singapore

Mireille timed it then floored it, cutting off a bus in the lane next to her then racing up a side street to the blare of horns, slowed briefly to allow what had become their pursuers to catch a glimpse of the Subaru as Mireille floored it again turning up another side street raced away from the crowded business district.

Stopping briefly, both children scrambled clear of the car and they ran into a small park. The pursuing vehicle occupants took no notice as they raced past after their quarry in the Subaru. Yoko, with a cell phone in hand and a business card clutched in the other said a silent prayer as she and her brother sat on a park bench to wait for the prescribed period of time to pass before they made the phone call.

Mireille powered the Subaru around the next corner then racing up the street; pulled the car to the side of the road. Both she and Kirika exited the car and Kirika walked to the center of the roadway to await the hunters.

The man driving the Nissan slowed as he turned the corner; but accelerated as he straightened out. The passenger sitting next to him uttered "Oh Fuck." It was the last words he would hear.

Kirika, stood dead center in the street as the car closed with her. The sun slightly behind her, the glare from it obscuring her but shedding light into the interior of the car was all she need. Mireille standing off to her side spoke, "It's time Kirika."

Kirika with the silenced M1934 Beretta fired twice, "Go Mireille!" as Mireille Bouquet stepped from between two parked cars, punched out four rounds from her own silenced P99 Walther that sent them into the rear occupants, both that she could see were armed with assault rifles.

Driverless, the car veered toward the left side of the street away from Kirika who had calmly remained standing in the path of the car, and Kirika fired twice more as the car passed; the target was the passenger trying to take control of the car before it crashed.

The passenger had all but forgotten his weapon as he tried to pry the dead drivers hand from the wheel. The Asian woman still standing where she had fired the first time, raised her weapon again and fired. Both 9MM rounds slammed into his body, one a head shot the other a hit in the side of torso caused the dead passenger to push the steering wheel farther to the left, which sent the Nissan into a nearby concrete wall. The collision would have been enough to kill or severely injure the occupants if they were not all ready dead, it was the rupture of the gas tank and the following detonation that had those living and working in the neighborhood wondering if a bomb had gone off.

Mireille and Kirika returned to their rental car and drove off unhurriedly, Kirika spoke "Someone planned our demise." Mireille nodded, "Yes Kirika, someone did. They used the children as bait again. It perhaps is now the time that Mr. Baldwin will take the gloves off."

Yoko and Yuri heard the Asian woman calling to them from the car, Yoko looked at Kirika who was smiling and motioning for them to come to the car. Neither Kirika nor the woman named Mireille showed any worried looks as they returned to the car. Ensuring both had their seatbelts on, Kirika returned to her seat next to Yoko, "Can you tell me again what you remember of being on the island…" as Mireille waited for a fire truck to pass carefully pulled away from the curb.

Friday, October 26th 1730 hours, Singapore International Airport

BF II, touching down left puffs of smoke on landing. Inside Randy Baldwin contemplated what had transpired several hours earlier. Though he had tried to discourage Willie Nattier from coming along as well as Naomi Sesser and her husband they had insisted.

Alfred Stolzberg had been the one to break the news of the attempted attack against Mireille and Kirika and the end results. Kay Milroy and Else F. Conroy had outdone themselves on estimates of getting BFII airborne. Lisa Mead and Randy Baldwin were still struggling with the tie down chains for the Hummer when BFII lifted 10 minutes after Stolzberg's call.

Alfred Stolzberg apprizing the US Embassy of the situation as well as some old friends inside the Singapore government had smoothed things over for the arrival of BFII and its occupants. The customs officials had barely looked around the interior of the massive cargo aircraft and had signed off on allowing entry. A commercial hanger large enough to accommodate the Hercules had been "rented" and the aircraft was now safely secured inside, as Randy with his assortment of passengers crammed into the Hummer headed for the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Friday, October 26th 1900 hours, Pan Pacific Hotel

Kelly Summers turned to Randy, "The interview with the master of Motor Yacht Candice went well. He kept hearing a name being called out. It was "Hey Gorman what about this. Hey Gorman what about that" that sort of thing, the master further stated the replies were in English but with an accent not from this region. The shipyard manager who I interviewed earlier pointed out that the pirates were targeting high end stuff. Electronics were the primary, followed by less valuable items that would not be easily traceable but could be sold for quick cash to those who did not ask any questions. The odd part about the attack on the yacht is the fact that the safe onboard was never touched, even though I was informed it still contains significant valuables. The manager noted that previous vessels that had been in his yard for repair had suffered the same fate, but their safes had been forced open."

Alfred Stolzberg spoke, "Mr. Baldwin, which goes without saying that the pirates are seeking items of value to support themselves and others. The list of demands which you have seen does address the economics that these people are living in." Randy leaned back and put his feet up on the table, "Well either way it is ransom and blackmail all rolled into one. Since Mireille and Kirika's little incident, how are the local authorities dealing with the spill over?"

Alfred frowned slightly, "They have put two faces on it for now. The tragic accident was simply that. A vehicle out of control and speeding that then crashed killing its occupants, though the local fire department had to wait for all the ammunition that was in that car to cook off before they could get near it. Fortunately where Mireille and Kirika made their stand it was mostly a warehouse district with few residential buildings. The local police are withholding the information about the weapons that were found. As for the occupants they were all burned beyond recognition. Until a missing person report is filed or some other information is received, just who they were is still unknown. The car itself was reported stolen two days ago."

Randy addressed Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura, "Ok, Mireille from your view point who do you think we are dealing with?" Mireille replied, "Amateurs. The ones that tried to ambush us were nothing more than muscle with guns. It was likely they had been given the task to kill us and the children. Who hired them is another matter. They are trying to divert our attention from the actual leadership or organizational structure. Someone was sending a message, in effect that by taking away the children we would have to pay a high price for our interference."

Naomi Sesser interrupted, "Mr. Baldwin, do you see why I feared your intervention? It was just because of something like this. Can you not just leave things well enough alone?"

Kirika Yumura replied for Randy, "Mr. Baldwin is well aware of the risks and that is why he retained our services. He expected such an action in the first place." Willie Nattier interrupted, "Mrs. Sesser, the young woman is correct. They were using the children as pawns. They were testing Mr. Baldwin's resolve, and to take his measure. My daughter's safety as well as your brother-in-laws lives and the life of the grandson still hang in the balance. The Baldwin Foundation involvement threw a wrench so to speak in their well lubed machinery. They still want the money, but are willing to sacrifice others to do so. I still feel very confident that the Baldwin Foundation will be successful."

Randy sitting back up normally turned to Alfred Stolzberg, "Alfred, what was the reaction from the Japanese Embassy?" Alfred smiled slightly, "The Japanese are happy to have their hostages back safe and unharmed though they were just as shocked at what has transpired. They have promised to interview the children again to help us learn more where they might have been held. The young boy Yuri was able to give us a time period of when they were on the boat that transported them from where they were being held, to the visitor center thanks to Kirika. Perhaps this might help narrow the area itself. The base of operations has to be close by in the literal sense."

Naomi Sesser interrupted, "How can that be possible? You said the child had been blind folded?" Kelly Summers replied, "They gave him back his watch, and they did a rather poor job on the blind fold, as he was able to look downward at his watch. He was able to use the chronometer to judge the duration of the trip and the time spent at anchor. Four hours at sail and six hours at anchor before the vessel they were on got underway and then moored at the visitor center dock to drop them off."

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "It had to be a small vessel, which helped narrow down what we are looking for. What the pirates did not know was that the dock itself is under video surveillance," as Kirika Yumura stood and then walked to the table and set a video tape cartridge down, "The vessel docked one hour before our ferry arrived, its fishery registry is clearly visible." Kelly Summers reached for the tape, "Well, we shall have to find out who the fishing vessel belongs to won't we."

Friday, October 26th 1400 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Paris, France

Lucio Magnus, set the phone down and returned to the computer screen. The reports from Singapore had been enlightening for Lucio. With the added information, the massive computer search of law enforcement data bases had been fruitful. Interpol had been very helpful, and had matched the piracy activities with that of an African named Gnu Gorman. The mixed race son of a Nigerian fisherman and an Australian woman, Gnu had joined his father in his endeavors until the death of his father; twenty years earlier. Gnu's father listed as missing at sea had sailed without his son on that fateful day.

Gnu's mother had decided to return to Australia for unknown reasons, left her only child behind at his own request. Gnu, had for a period of time attended numerous educational institutions, which included a law school in Johannesburg which he graduated.

But Lucio noted that instead of aiding those who needed an attorney for difficulties, Gnu had crossed over and began piracy acts. It was only after Nigerian authorities acting to stop the activities focused on Gnu Gorman. Gnu fled Nigeria and headed to Australia then he dropped from sight, until two years ago. Interpol believed Gnu Gorman was in Singapore.

Lucio brought up a photograph of Gnu Gorman and viewed it briefly. Typing out an e-mail addressed to Randy Baldwin and carbon copied to Alfred Stolzberg and Kelly Summers and the Atlanta Office; Lucio tapped the mouse and sent the messages off into the electronic ether.

Saturday, October 27th 0500 hours, Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura had risen early, and were walking together to get breakfast. Neither were surprised to see Randy Baldwin already at a table. But he was not alone. Alfred Stolzberg and Kelly Summers were with him. Looking up from his laptop, Randy waved them over to join them.

Sitting across from Randy and next to Kelly Summers, Mireille noted all three had their laptops open and operating, "Any thing interesting?"

Alfred nodded, "Yes Madam Bouquet there is. It seems, I have been played for a fool," as Kelly Summers rotated her laptop around for Mireille and Kirika to see.

Randy replied, "We all have been at one time or another Alfred. Mireille, Kirika the fellow on the screen is apparently going by several names. His given name is Gnu Gorman. He is using an alias of Mr. Blackwell as well. He is of Nigerian nationality. Lucio struck pay dirt with Interpol. It seems Gorman has a history of piracy activities and he is a lawyer by trade at least that is one of his trades. His background includes fishery experience."

Kelly Summers passed over several printouts, "Those give all the details that we have at this point. In a nutshell, after being run out of Nigeria for doing the same thing, Gorman eventually ended up here in Singapore. After passing the local bar exam to practice law, he took the name Gorman Blackwell. Using what he learned from his mistakes in Nigeria, he began to practice both law and piracy."

Mireille replied, "An interesting choice. On one side he practices law, all the while he is also busy with organizing piracy activities and even participating in some events. Being in a position to access confidential information, he could likely have contacts in the law enforcement establishment to listen to the grape vine so to speak."

Mireille continued, "Since he apparently works both sides of the law he likely has contacts with the criminal underground in Singapore as well hence the hired muscle. He more than likely already knows you and the other interested parties are in Singapore. It follows the same pattern that Lucio had previously put together. Bring the ones with the money closer to him."

Randy tapped a key on the laptop, "He knew we were in Darwin, and that we were negotiating on the behalf of the Nattier family. When the Sesser's showed up to argue their participation and knowing we would refuse he had already setup the release of the children as bait to draw all of the participants to Singapore. Gorman knew he was not dealing with the average negotiating firm, so he arranged for the demise of the ex-hostages and the intermediaries knowing that when the attack; if it failed which in all likelihood as he knew it would, would in fact force my hand to be closer to the situation."

Alfred replied, "So do we still play along? Or break the news to him that we know his scheme?" Randy replied, "Play along, since it takes two for this game to work. But we are going to throw a third group of players into the mix. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura will be our trump cards."

Saturday, October 27th 0800 hours, Pan Pacific Hotel

Gnu Gorman, a.k.a. Gorman Blackwell exited the taxi and entered the hotel. Parked in full view near the entrance, the blue Hummer belonging to Randy Baldwin sat empty. Gorman barely giving it a second glance walked into the hotel for the continuation of his meeting with Alfred Stolzberg.

Alfred stood as Gorman approached and offered pleasantries then both sat down across from each other and began business.

Alfred studied Gorman briefly then began, "Mr. Blackwell, it seems your clients have a penchant for causing a bit of excitement. Our intermediaries were nearly gunned down yesterday afternoon with the children who were in their care. Could you explain your position on this issue?"

Gorman Blackwell replied, "I was unaware of their decision to do so until after our initial meeting. You have my profuse apologies on that matter. There was some dissent within their ranks apparently over loss of ransom."

Alfred making notes replied, "It was fortunate that my employer foresaw the possibility of such a situation. I am happy to advise that both children have been repatriated to Japan proper early this morning, however he feels he owes no apologies to those who died in the attempt."

Gorman mused silently, "So it is true. They are all dead. How fortunate, at least for me. I will not have to worry about certain hotheads no longer."

Gorman replied, "My client has assured me that the remaining hostages will remain unharmed. If you don't mind, I have proof that they are still alive, and they all have personal messages for their loved ones; which I understand the immediate relatives are staying at this very hotel. Do you happen to have a DVD player available?"

Alfred nodded, "Yes. I have access to such equipment. As for the monetary compensation as they call it, I have been directed by my employer to consider all options that you provided in the list of demands. With one condition," as Alfred relaxed in his chair he continued; "My employer would like to meet with you now to discuss certain issues. Would you be equitable to such a face to face meeting? He is by the way looking for representation in this region." Gorman smiled, "Yes. I would be willing; perhaps he has need for an attorney."

Kelly Summers listening in and watching the wireless video, made a finger shaped in the form of a hook and commented, "Hook, Line and Sinker. Blackwell or whoever you are you are going to be in for one wild ride. You should have never left Nigeria."

Saturday, October 27th 0915 hours, BFII, Singapore Straight

Kay Milroy banked the Hercules to port at 12,000 feet then leveled the aircraft off. Lisa Mead studied the video feed from the nose camera and then set the automated still camera system to begin the mission assignment. The high resolution color and black and white digital images were being saved to four massive terabyte hard drives and the video feed was being etched onto high capacity DVD's.

The time span of the trip by fishing craft which had largely been estimated by the former Japanese hostage based on his senses of hearing and feeling, but it was still good enough to cut down on extensive flying mission over the Riau Island Chain; which could have raised some suspicions.

The Japanese child had remembered the number of "turns" the vessel had made when he had been put onboard, helping the fact that with the minimal course changes taken, there were very few islands that could conceivably be the base of operations.

The first pass was over the western most ends of the islands, then flying for 5 miles in an easterly direction, Kay Milroy turned to port again and headed back to Singapore, but while doing so she maintained an imaginary line over the western part of the island chain.

Returning at 11:30 hours, Kay Milroy and Else F. Conroy set BFII down once again at Singapore International Airport and taxied the aircraft to the rented hanger.

Saturday, October 27th 1215 hours, Singapore Docks

The man got up from the bench and folding his newspaper nodded his farewell to Mireille Bouquet, who in turn smiled giving silent thanks. Waiting a brief period of time, Mireille Bouquet left the bench and began walking the dock area. Kirika Yumura coming from a nearby coffee shop joined her, "The fishing vessel is moored at the third slip down from here. A marina worker mentioned that the attorney Mr. Blackwell has a motor yacht docked nearby. It is of sufficient size to be ocean going."