First things first: I am SO sorry for the long wait for this new chapter. I had finals and a bunch of projects to finish for the Fall semester. So, needless to say, I was pretty busy. Then after that, I just needed a week to just relax. I'm sure all of you completely understand what that feels like, because hey! We all love to relax! :D But thanks for being patient. Hopefully I didn't lose any readers, haha. This chapter is one of those longer chapters...so I'll be breaking it up into separate parts.
Chapter 22 - Into the Hornets' Nest - Part 1
"So, you two well-rested?" Price's asked roughly.
"Aye." Soap replied.
"Yes, sir." Rico was quick to respond.
"I'm going to keep this simple, and cut to the chase," Price's voice echoed lowly, "we need you two in-and-out as quickly and subtly as possible."
Soap and Rico stared back with wide eyes that reflected deep concentration.
"The main priority is finding out where the Hernandez cartel ended up. We know Hernandez cut off most of their business ties with Vasquez, especially after they've been receiving so much unwanted 'attention'. Both families are weakened, and we need to use that to our advantage." Price's sharp stare glimmered in the light. "Having lost Hernandez as one of the main suppliers, Vasquez is desperate and is in need of some new business relations. Then you have Hernandez...also desperate. After Alberto 'Sly' Hernandez has found himself a cozy spot in jail, his brother, Pablo 'Rio' Hernandez, wants out of the Vasquez deal. In simplified terms, Sly is the strongarm, and Rio is the diplomat who likes to play it safe."
"So, what's the plan, old man?" Soap inquired deeply.
Price's keen eyes darted in the Scotsman's direction. "We got you two in. They bought it. You're both going undercover as representatives to the Danbury supplier in the U.K.; Vasquez will think you both are the real deal." He scratched the bridge of his crooked nose. "The Vasquez brothers know you are coming to strike a deal with them, so they'll be open to any opportunities, but they're also on edge...that means you got to rattle their cages a bit. Prove you mean business, and don't forget to remind them that they're up shit creek without a paddle."
Soap nodded. "Right. What else?"
"I'll run you two from the start." Price straightened up in his chair. "Talon will be dropping you right off at the front of the Vasquez villa. They're hosting a party in two days that, by now, you both are well aware of. It's a cocktail party, so having you dropped off right at the front is far from outlandish. Once you're there, make your way up the steps to be greeted by some of Vasquez's men. You'll immediately be ordered to show them your invitations before being patted down...but don't fret, you two will pass the inspection."
Price pulled out some papers from a folder and laid them out before the two soldiers. They were blueprints of the Vasquez tuscan-style property. "A day before the party, we're having Thumper go in with some Talon members posing as pest control. Thumper and his crew have been instructed to tap into the Vasquez security surveillance and override it once you two gain access. Echo will be stationed on the main drag to supply you with any information you'll be desperately needing once you're in a tight spot."
Soap sat up with a mildly perplexed expression. "How are we supposed to keep in touch if we have no radios at hand?"
"I'm getting to that." Price sniffed and returned to speaking. "Shortly after you two successfully make it to the main foyer, where the party is being hosted, you'll notice some servants on the floor. Some will be grabbing up dirty dishes, others will be providing the guests with drinks, and others will be strolling around with finger-foods atop silver platters. One of those waiters will be a Talon member posing as a servant. They'll slip you your radio pieces. Very small bluetooth earbuds that are essentially invisible to an unwary eye. From there, I need you two to mingle for awhile; become acquainted to your surroundings. The Vasquez brothers will be out greeting their guests and exchanging pleasantries. It's wise to introduce yourselves before your little meetup after one of the brothers delivers a toast."
He rose an intrigued eyebrow. "With that being said, you two will need to burn some time." His sky-blue eyes shot in Soap's direction. "Soap, you'll need to find a way to sneak off. Rico. You'll help him with that by keeping the brothers preoccupied. Exchange some friendly words. It's a well-known fact that Arsenio is a hungry bachelor that loves the ladies. Providing him with any form of your attention will suffice."
Rico had to sigh. "Right...eye candy…"
"Once they've become more distracted by conversation and guests, you'll need to slip away from the commotion, Soap. I think you'll be able to judge when the time is right." Price cleared his throat. "You'll need to creep off in search of your gear Talon planted the day before in the space above the ceiling tiles in the library, located on the east wing. This sector will be off limits to guests...meaning you need to go unnoticed. This is when you'll be heavily reliant on radio connections. Echo will be your eyes. From there, you'll need to retrieve any documentation you can find while in the library. You'll find all of the gear necessary for extracting files from hard-drives, in addition to a silenced M9 and one extra magazine."
Rico perked up. "Do I not get a gun?"
Price shook his head. "Afraid not."
"Damn it."
"You won't need it if things go smoothly."
Soap had to cock his head slightly. "And if things don't…?"
"Then you get the fuck out of there. Signal for us and we'll rendezvous." Price sat back in his seat. "Soap, once you make it back into the foyer, the Vasquez brothers should be delivering a toast and mentioning any honorable guests. Shortly after that, they'll want to take you two to a private location to discuss business matters. Give them plausible bollocks. Just try to get a rise out of one of them to discover what exactly it was that made Hernandez back out, and if they know where Hernandez has relocated. After that...you two should make a point to find the exit as casually as possible."
The old man leaned forward and tapped a finger onto a map before him. "Santiago de Cuba is where this party is being hosted. It's down a private drive about a kilometer from the main drag, which is Circunvalación Street. That road is your only way out...meaning don't mess this up because it'll be even harder to get you two out should you become compromised. Stay sharp, and don't forget to blend in. Once you make it back to the front of the villa, valet will help you find your ride...oh, speaking of which, two of the valet are also Talon members. They'll deliver your escape plan right to your feet once they see you approaching." Price had to flatten his brow. "Any questions?"
"No, sir." The two soldiers replied with firm voices.
Palm trees and tropical growth passed up the tinted windows of the small limousine that eased along a secluded road. A loan escort vehicle guided the limousine driver down the private drive and through an opened gate which clung to two separate, stone columns. As the vehicles casually rolled through the checkpoint, Soap had to narrow his eyes out the window.
"Looks like we got a guarded gate to get passed once we make a getaway." His frosty eyes glimmered in the interior overhead lighting. He glanced over towards Samson and Rico who sat across from him.
"Shouldn't be a problem." Samson commented.
Soap had to exhale through his nose. "Assuming we don't get held up at the gate by Vasquez's men."
"You could always blow right on past." Rico stated through lips painted red.
Soap's stare landed onto her face as he took a brief moment of silence before flashing a quick smirk. "That always works."
Samson suddenly leaned forward, letting his face become encompassed by the dimmed, setting sun light that peeped through the tinted sunroof. "Remember to mingle and blend with the rest of the crowd. Help yourself to some food and drink, maybe enjoy one slow dance...that sort of thing. If someone notices one of you have disappeared for some time, it will be less alarming had you been acting sketchy instead. Use the crowd of people to your advantage. You got to make sure you two can sell the Mr. and Mrs. Blair persona. Also…" His hand moved away to reach for a tablet, and was quick to show Rico and Soap the screen. "Here are the men and women on your team. Keep an eye open for them."
Soap and Rico leaned forward to observe the four faces of the Latino Talon members assigned to the mission.
"Smart. Talon got their unit to look the part." Rico stated calmly.
Samson nodded. "Right. Just like you two." His green eyes landed onto Soap's face. "Soap, luckily for you, you're already Scottish. Representing the nation you're from should be easy. And remember, Rico. Keep that German accent thick."
"Roger that." She murmured.
As more trees moved away from the windows, the two vehicles suddenly broke into a clearing revealing a large, Mediterranean two-storied villa. The beige stucco contrasted smoothly with the white columns and framing around the massive windows that emitted a warm lambency. Everyone's attention fell onto the paved driveway that was covered in a multitude of finely-dressed guests who were all exiting their vehicles and ambling with bliss for the entrance stairs.
Samson peered over at Soap and Rico and spoke calmly. "You two ready?"
"I hope so." Rico replied while Soap firmly nodded.
"Remember, once you've obtained your radios from the Talon member inside, find a private place to set up communications. From there, you'll both essentially be on your own until you're ready for valet to bring you your ride home." Samson commented smoothly as he gestured his head up towards the right wing window. "Good luck."
They had reached the roundabout driveway and came to a steady stop, causing one of the valet men to jog for the side and greet them. Soap exited first with Rico following shortly behind with her arm hooked over his bent forearm. He gestured his head in 'thanks' to the valet who was quick to nod back.
Both were finely dressed in semi-formal, cocktail party attire. Soap bore a dark grey suit, a white, navy blue pinstripe dress shirt underneath, and a midnight blue tie that was sheen in the light. Rico mirrored the rich blue-tinted apparel by sporting an elegant, one-strapped, knee- length cocktail dress with a tail that lengthened and nearly reached her ankles.
Once out in the open, the limousine near their flanks resumed its course and vanished off back down the private drive, leaving Soap and Rico standing in a flock of partygoers. They peered up towards the monumental front entrance of the villa as their irises glowed from the warm lighting that emitted from the interior and the outdoor, landscape light posts.
Soap brought his attention away from the structure and towards Rico's side profile.
"You ready, lass?" He inquired deeply, mild concern hinting in his words.
She took a moment to gawk over the entryway before returning the stare. "Let's do this."
He bobbed his head in confirmation as he began to lead them along. A few ongoers couldn't help but stare them up and down; their appearances made them stick out like sore thumbs amongst the predominantly Cuban guests.
"I think we're too white for this…" She whispered towards him as they followed the crowd of people heading for the front.
His grey eyes ran over the faces and tops of the heads he managed to see over. "No doubt about that one…" he observed the surrounding people closely "there's a few other caucasians here. Probably just local, rich residents, though."
Within a matter of a few, quick minutes they had reached the top of the entryway stairs and were stopped by two of Vasquez's men they were warned about.
Once raised a hand up and gestured for their invitations. Soap was swift to follow through and handed off their forged invitations; the man looked over them closely as his eyes narrowed skeptically. Both Rico and Soap held their breaths before he finally rose his chin up to meet their eyes and nod in approval.
"You're good." He responded as he gestured for the second man. "Raise your arms. Pat-down." He ordered flatly.
Not wanting to go against his demands, they both allowed the two men to pat them down and verify the absence of a threat. The man assigned to Rico let his hands work their way up to her thighs and spent longer than was necessary to confirm her lack of weaponry.
She scrunched up her nose and glared down at him. "Einfach mit den Händen. (Easy with those hands)."
Soap glanced over at her as he let his arms fall casually to his sides. The man rose up to furrow his brow.
"¿Qué?" He questioned intrusively.
She returned the intensity of his stare, causing the man's friend to tap his arm and grab his attention.
"Cálmate, hombre. Están con Danbury. (Calm down, man. They're with Danbury.)" He spoke smoothly before letting his eyes land back onto Soap and Rico out before them. "You're all good. You may proceed."
Rico had to release a relieved sigh once Soap nodded in approval and returned to ambling for the massive, front door.
He had to smile faintly as recent events collected into his mind. "We're not going to make it very far with that attitude."
She had to shake her head gently. "You did see that, right?"
"What? Señor Pervert?" He asked softly with a growing smirk. "Aye. But no need to get your panties in a bundle. It's only going to persist with the way you're looking tonight."
She paused before raising a brow in his direction. "Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?"
His smile gradually faded as they passed through the entryway threshold and entered the foyer with towering ceilings. "You just look good, that's all."
Many smiling faces went passing-by as the sound of a distant five-man orchestra and chatter increased in volume.
"Well, that was my job for tonight, remember? Glad I got your approval...as well as Mr. Touchy out there."
He let his eyes fall onto her face which was scowling slightly. "Feisty tonight, aren't we? Try to relax; it was just a complement."
Realizing and understanding his statement, she had to release a heavy sigh. "Sorry. I'm just incredibly tense right now...this isn't what I'd call an ideal situation to be wrapped up in."
He nodded with comprehension. "I know, I know. But being stressed out about it is not going to solve the problem. You need to breathe and release some of that tension in your shoulders. You look cramped up."
Immediately, they came to a stop and faced each other while encompassed in a group of partygoers who enjoyed finger-foods and cocktails. She gazed up at him with round, aqua-colored eyes which were framed by smokey eyeshadow.
She exhaled another solid sigh, easing her shoulders and straightening her back elegantly.
He smiled at her again. "Much better. Now, just remember...you're a native German for this. You've already have forgotten to use the accent."
She bobbed her head quickly. "Right. Natürlich."
Her eyes went scrolling away from his freshly shaven face, and began to analyze the faces in the crowd. Soap followed her stare to scan the crowd.
Keeping his voice low, he spoke. "Got a positive I.D. on anyone yet?"
"Nein. Nothin' yat." She replied causing him to nod in amusement.
"There's the accent you've been working two weeks on. I was starting to worry."
She rolled her eyes in amusement and returned to observing the faces. "Nichts. Lat's keep vaulking."
They streamed in between the guests, Soap leading the way, both with sharp eyes full of focus. Suddenly, a familiar face broke through the crowd as their eyes met. It was a waiter, with dark, gelled over hair, a black dress vest with a white, long-sleeved, collared shirt, and a wide, pleasant smile. He was quick to flash them a welcoming grin and joined their side.
"Good evening. Would you care for some horderves?" He said with warm, brown eyes.
Soap and Rico recognized him as one of the Talon team members and accepted the offering. The waiter then drew himself closer as his free hand landed against Soap's palm.
He lowered his voice. "Use the restrooms. They have stalls." His voice came out clearly, despite being such a near inaudible whisper.
Soap immediately could feel a small object find itself cozily against his fingers. The Talon member nodded at them, smiled, and returned with his course. "You two enjoy yourselves."
Rico and Soap watched him disappear into the grinning, sea of people. Soap's fingers clenched around the two, tiny radio pieces before bringing one up to hand off to Rico. Her eyes abruptly widened towards something over Soap's broad shoulder. He lowered his brow and turned to face what she was staring at.
His eyes were quick to fall downward once he realized who it was. It was Arsenio Vasquez himself. And he was gazing up with entertained eyes and a cunning smile. Soap turned to face him completely, allowing Rico to become slightly obscured by his body while she snatched her radio clear from his grip.
"New guests! I couldn't help but notice the new faces. And…" Arsenio had spoken cheerfully as his eyes found Rico's profound stare." And I couldn't help but notice just how beautiful the señorita was looking tonight."
Soap let a forced smile spread across his face. "Well, if it isn't the big man himself."
Arsenio gawked up towards Soap while maintain his clever smile. "Sí! And has my brother greeted you all yet, or did I beat him at being welcoming, yet again?"
Soap shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Ah, then just disregard his lack of manners. He's a thick one." He looked over their faces before finding Rico's fair expression. "But I'm not one to talk...I have forgotten to properly greet you all as well. So please," he let out a hand and grabbed onto Rico's, "tell me who is gracing me with their presence tonight."
Rico let a lovely smile spread across her face; Soap watched them both closely.
"Bitte, you don't hauve to flautter me." She spoke sensually. "Mein Name ist Agatha Blair."
He smirked and kissed the top of her hand while she held her flirty stare. "Ah, sí...you must be the wife of this gentleman here." Arsenio pulled up from Rico's hand and let out a hand for Soap to accept. "Michael Blair, correct?"
"Aye." Soap replied.
"Bueno, bueno...I desperately need a sense of peace. I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Danbury had informed me of your arrival tonight." Arsenio's expression intensified. "So, I'm glad he's proven to me that he has some sense of integrity. The last time we had an encounter, he backed out." His expression suddenly softened as his grin returned. "But, seeing you all here means he's finally followed through."
Arsenio patted Soap's back and began to snake away. "We'll discuss matters later, but for now, enjoy yourselves! Get some drinks, fancy some dancing!"
Soap nodded in his direction. "Enjoy yourself as well, Vasquez. I need a less tense man to negotiate business with."
He waved him of. "I'm better now with your shining faces here!" Arsenio chuckled as he returned to the sea of people to greet more of his house guests.
Immediately, Soap and Rico had to drop their shoulders and release a sigh.
"Ah, shite. He had me on the edge of my seat when he grabbed your hand." Soap commented flatly.
Rico had to peer up at him with wide eyes. "No kidding...thankfully he grabbed my empty hand, otherwise that could have gotten awkward real fast."
"Well...he's a bit-"
"Shorter than you anticipated?" She asked.
"Yes. Much shorter than I anticipated. I realized how much shorter he was when he was standing near you."
"I am wearing four-inch heels." She commented with a faint smirk.
On cue, he gazed downward to meet up with the silver shoes on her feet; her dainty, painted toenails poked through the open ends. "You Americans and your Imperial metric system…"
"Imperial means royalty. Which is pretty awesome."
Their eyes met up, both reflecting minor signs of amusement before Soap's attention darted off towards the far end of the room.
"We need to set up communications. Let's find the restrooms." He said deeply.
After a nod of agreement, they slinked back into the boisterous crowd and promptly discovered the restrooms on the opposite side of the foyer. Going separate ways, they quickly found an available stall in each of the restrooms to secure and boot up communications with the Echo van positioned away from the perimeter of the Vasquez proper on Circunvalación Street.
Soap honed in, and spoke softly. "Do you read?"
A brief moment in time passed by before a voice sounded in his ear.
"Yes. We copy. MacTavish, what's your current status?" An Echo member responded.
"We just arrived at the party and are about to go off to enjoy ourselves some food and drink." He answered casually, voice calmly reverberating within the stall.
"Copy that. We've just set up communications with Weiss as well. We have our eyes on all of the camera feeds, so give us an update when you leave the main area. When you get back in touch, refer to us as Danbury."
"Will do. Have a good evening and we'll catch up later." Soap stated naturally.
Wrapping up the conversation, he exited the stall to join back up with the commotion outside and to reunite with his "wife".
Once outside in the small hallway that extended from the foyer, they found each other and returned to the main space.
"Drinks?" He asked her calmly.
"Ja, bitte. I need a pick-me-up…" She responded with mild contempt.
Retrieving adult refreshments and some food, they stood near the buffet tables and watched the many merry faces twirling and smiling obliviously before them.
Rico lowered her cocktail glass and shook her head. "Look at all of these cheery fucks."
Soap had to emit a quick chuckle. "That sounded like some personal loathing just then."
She half smirked and gestured her glass towards all of them. "I wonder what the average murder rate for each person in here is."
He raised an eyebrow. "In terms of drug lords and their violent business?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm, well, I think it's fair to say that not everyone in here is a gang leader." His eyes rolled away from her and found the rest of the room. "However, considering who's party we're attending, it's probably safe to say the majority of them are."
"Or at least friends to the gang leaders."
He nodded with minor amusement. "Right."
Suddenly, the band switched songs as the piano tempo slowed and strung relaxing notes. The pace of the partygoers drastically changed.
Soap heaved a sigh and straightened up. "Well, I guess that means we need to go 'blend in'."
She peered up at him. "And dance?"
He grabbed her wrist and began to lead her through the crowd with a faint smile. "Aye." His expression quickly relaxed as they found a place near the center to begin their 'blending-in' process.
The slow-paced dance was oddly enjoyable and forced them to regain their momentum for the mission. After growing tired of observing the people around her and analyzing the sea of entities, Rico allowed herself to relax closer to his chest and take in the moment. The scent of her hair was near his mouth and the way she loosened up, caused his attention to drift away from the previous moments of chaos.
After a few minutes of steady dancing, the song changed again and the tempo increased slightly. They pulled away from each other as she gazed up with a charming smile. While they stared into each others eyes, a dominant voice broke them from their daze.
"I see you two are finally enjoying the party."
They both looked towards the voice to see Arsenio had returned. The way he stared at them could make their heart rate rise; it was apparent the man had been experiencing a streak of bad luck.
Before either one of them could respond, the Cuban drug lord resumed his speaking. "Now if you don't mind, Señor Blair, I'd enjoy becoming more acquainted with you two before our little meetup."
"Of course." Soap replied with an even tone.
Soap and Rico pulled slightly apart, just in time for Arsenio to turn and face her with an amourous smile. "I'd like to start with your wife, Agatha."
Immediately, Rico flashed him a pleasant smile. "How may I assist you, Herr Vasquez?"
He maintained his white grin. "What is that, German? I never realized how charming German could be."
"Vell, Deutsch isn't known for being the language of love." She replied.
"But I'm loving it." Arsenio peered up towards Soap and pointed towards Rico. "Quite the señorita you've gotten yourself."
Soap nodded. "Indeed."
"Mind if I share a dance with your wife?" The Cuban inquired, but it came out more like a demand than a request.
"Be my guest." Soap backed up and shot Rico a concerned stare. She was quick to give him a reassuring expression.
"Bueno." Arsenio took over Soap's spot, signalling it was time for Soap to make a break. Rico nodded at him before he turned to leave.
"I'll make a call to Danbury." Soap announced.
Arsenio waved a hand through the air. "Take your time."
Soap pulled out his phone and glanced back one last time before completely disappearing from sight, using the crowd to his advantage. His keen eyes peered over the environment and swiftly spotted a break within the horde of people. Lowering his brow, he cut through the opening and gazed up towards a set of stairs that rose and extended other the east wing hallway; two poles locked together by a rope indicated that the region was off-limits. He immediately brought his phone up to his ear to appear to the guests around him that he was using his phone, and not some foreign object in his ear.
"Danbury. I've enjoyed my fair share of refreshments. I'm ready to speak business." He said into the receiver.
Echo replied abruptly. "Copy that. We have a visual on you. Do you see the overhead camera?"
Soap looked up and spotted the security camera that hugged an archway. "Aye. Is it safe?"
The men in the communications van paned over the camera and checked the screens. "You're clear for that whole stretch of hallway. Take a left at the end. You'll come across a set of back stairs after passing up a sitting area. Take those up to the second floor. There appears to be one tango near the top there, but he's on his phone. After that, you have a clear shot to the library which is about 20 meters down the hall and to the left."
"Copy that."
"We'll keep you updated with any movement."
Soap nodded, and before pacing down the hallway before him and past the barricade, he peered over his shoulder. Feeling reassured that no eyes were on him, he stepped over the rope and vanished from the scene.