Ghost Ship

There, on the side of the sleek helicopter was mounted an M70 Heavy Machinegun and at the helm Matthew the skipper was ready to shoot.

Catarina turned to Sam. “What in the name of…”

Sam didn’t let her finish. “Inside!”

They clambered across the helicopter’s skid and in through the open doorframe. Wide-eyed, Catarina stared at him. Gunfire spat from the stairwell, past the breached door.

She spun for the rocking helicopter entrance and grabbed on tight.

“All right?” Veyron shouted as Sam heaved his way to the back to make room for everyone else.

“Glad to see you!” Sam shouted back.

“Catarina?” Matthew grinned. “Pleasure to meet you.” He actually tipped his hat.

“A little help here, Matthew,” Elise shouted, bringing up the rear, and the door slammed shut, trapping everyone inside just as the hoard of mafia men emerged from the roof door and onto the thin parapet.

But as Sam and company had already figured out, there was nowhere for them to go.

Matthew depressed the red trigger and the M70 Heavy Machinegun turned the turret and everyone on top of it to pieces.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Ninety Minutes

The chartered private jet — a Cirrus Vision SF50 — landed at Rotterdam, The Hague airport. The pilot taxied the aircraft to the private jet’s hanger. A customs officer arrived to stamp their passports and fifteen minutes later, Sam, Tom, Genevieve, and Catarina climbed into a Volvo XC90. Genevieve drove, having mentioned that she’d spent time in The Hague years ago.

Sam said, “Step on it, Genevieve… we’re going to be cutting it down to a fine line!”

Genevieve shoved the Volvo into gear, pulled onto the main highway, and placed the accelerator all the way to the floor. “I’m on it.”

The Volvo spun around and entered the A4 — where the morning traffic was at a standstill.

Genevieve jammed on the brakes.

Tom swore…

The Volvo came to a complete stop.

Sam said, “Now what do we do?”

Chapter Sixty-Three

International Criminal Court — The Hague

The International Criminal Court was silent, respectful, and somber.

The hearing had been convened to pass judgment on International War Crimes against a rebel general, Saad Rashid — previously of Pakistan — who had allegedly murdered more than a hundred civilian Pashtuns traveling along the neutral region of the Durand Line — at an important navigational pass between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Saad Rashid, who was currently being held prisoner in Pakistan, was to be hung for Crimes Against Humanity, as soon as a conviction by the international community was achieved. Throughout the entire time, the man had protested his innocence, arguing that he and his men were in the vicinity, but had not been involved in the slaughter.

The chief judge said to the counsel for the U.S. Department of Defense, “If your witness isn’t here in the next five minutes, I’m going to be forced to end the proceedings.”

The secretary of defense stood up. She took a breath, her lips formed a thin line, and she said, “He will be here.”

The clock at the back of the court room ticked by.

The judge said, “I’m sorry, counsel, but I have extended the time as much as possible.”

The secretary of defense said, “I understand, Your Honor, but an innocent man is to be executed based on the rulings passed here today. Don’t you think it’s worth giving my witness the benefit of a little more time.”

The judge frowned. “Madam Secretary, you don’t need to tell me the severity of my duties in this instance! All right, I will allow another five minutes — and that’s it.”

At four minutes and fifty-five seconds, the door at the back of the court opened and Sam Reilly entered.

Chapter Sixty-Four

Sam Reilly took his place at the witness stand.

The secretary of defense said, “I believe you have new information regarding the murder of more than a hundred Pashtuns along the Durand Line?”

Sam nodded. “Yes, Madam Secretary.”

She arched her eyebrow. “And do you recall how you came about this information?”

Sam grinned. “Yes.”

The secretary of defense took a deep breath, her face plastered with relief. “Do you have documented proof that you believe will validate what you say here today?”

Sam said, “I believe so.”

She smiled. “Please tell the committee what you know.”

Sam said, “I was granted the unique opportunity to work for the Russian Mafia, known as the Bratva, as a skipper on board what is known as a Ghost Ship.”

The Secretary said, “Please inform the committee what a Ghost Ship is, Mr. Reilly.”

“A Ghost Ship is a particular term that criminal organizations use for a ship that looks dilapidated but is actually a technologically advanced ship inside, often used to serve as the hub for a high-powered internet server, known as a Dark Web.”

The judge asked, “And what is the purpose of the Dark Web?”

“To host a secret and highly illegal marketplace.”

The Secretary said, “And the Ghost Ship?”