Abducted Read online

  ABDUCTED

  A Code Raven 2 novella by

  Lynda Filler

  © Abducted, Lynda Filler 2018

  All content contained in this publication are fictional in all respects. Any and all character names, places, brands, media and storyline circumstances or incidents have been created fictitiously and shall not be construed or otherwise misinterpreted as real persons, places or true-life situations.

  ABDUCTED, a gripping action suspense thriller is a roller coaster ride of cartel drug and human trafficking across tempestuous high seas off the coast of Mexico.

  A ruthless Mexican drug cartel, notorious for their involvement in a world of illicit drug and human trafficking, is at the center of this action-packed drama where power, greed, and immorality are the cornerstones of their global operations.

  In this fast-paced high-stakes thriller, a rash of abductions involving young female captives are ‘sold’ for extraordinary sums of money. They become the victims of extortion and manipulative leveraging in the pursuit of huge financial gains and unforeseen opportunity for revenge.

  Among the terrified captives are the infant daughter of an ex-Mossad Special Ops expert and a prominent Mexican judge’s beautiful and talented daughter recently crowned Queen of a state beauty pageant. Capturing widespread regional and national media attention Allegra, the honoree, is a celebrity in the eyes and hearts of an adoring homeland people. Loved ones struggle to deal with the heart-wrenching circumstances fearing the worst possible outcome while keeping prayerful vigil as a crack rescue team assembles to plan a high-risk assault on the assailants and bring the young captives home to their families unharmed.

  The picturesque beauty of coastal Mexico is in stark contrast to the dark, insidious corruption discreetly unfolding as cargo vessels leave port’s moorage in the stormy dark of night and tempest seas as the drama unfolds.

  A team of former US SEALs embarks, armed with authority from the highest level, on what is perhaps their most treacherous mission ever as time, distance and threatening weather impose daunting obstacles that could allow the entire group of young captives to slip away, inaccessible, into the night and a life of servitude and abuse. For two captives, in particular, failure of the mission was not an option.

  Join Luci and the Raven Group on another fast-paced action adventure that will keep you breathless!

  Characters in the Raven Group.

  Luke Raven

  -Billionaire scientist, high-tech genius, history of working on US top secret projects, philanthropist, somewhat reclusive. He is a Patriot. He formed the Raven Group after his wife and seven-year-old daughter were murdered in the Bahamas. He will do whatever it takes to keep America safe.

  Samaar (code name Luci)

  -Ex-Mossad, once on loan to M16, assassin, in hiding from her ex-employers and a South American cartel after exposing their drugs/money/guns/CIA scam.

  She’s the sometime romantic interest of Luke Raven and sometime agent in the Raven Group. She currently resides in Paris with her four-year-old daughter Alice and a team of security provided by Raven to keep her safe.

  Alice

  -The daughter of Samaar never knew her father an Arab Journalist murdered in the Middle East. Currently lives with her mother in Paris, learning to speak French and Arabic, already knows English, and Spanish from her life in hiding with her mother in South America.

  RB

  -Genius techie, security expert, inside crucial man of the Raven Group, and close friend of Luke Raven. They met at Caltech. Luke taught, and RB was his protégé. Luke and RB have an unbreakable bond. RB was there for Luke when his wife and daughter were murdered. When Luke formed the Raven Group, RB was the first person he recruited.

  David

  -Family to Zach, part of his Navy SEAL team, recently retired from the Navy, pilots Raven’s prototypes and corporate jet, joins the Raven Group and very active in Silk Road.

  Zach

  -Retired Navy SEAL, was involved in the takedown of Osama bin Laden. He was born in Israel, his parents were professors (undercover CIA) in Beirut, killed there when he was a child. Zach is now a full-time international operative for the Raven Group.

  Maggs

  -Ex-US Special Forces, Michelin trained chef, the only full-time woman in Raven Group. Currently stationed in Paris. Likely with Samaar and Alice.

  Himanish

  - An ex-military Pilot for India. Joined RAW-Research and Analysis, the Indian secret service department. He covertly helped Samaar/Luci disappear by hacking into a South American Cartel’s Swiss bank account. He took 250 million US dollars and gave it to Luci and Alice to support their new life on the run. Himanish currently works for the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva Switzerland, in a covert role he has created for himself. His main focus is Human Rights and cyber-crimes.

  Lorena

  -Friend of Zach and Raven. Trained operative. She looks after a safe house in Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa Bay, Mexico.

  Table of Contents

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  1

  Guadalajara, Mexico

  “CONTADOR! UNACCEPTABLE! I entrusted you with my funds. You promised my money would be safe. Then you invest in this chicken shit country China! CHINA!” The accountant cringed and prayed El Guapo was not calling him from Guadalajara.

  “Alejandro, China is an emerging nation. It represents twenty percent of the world’s population. They make all the Apple products! And you know how well we have done with your Apple investments.” The accountant wiped his dripping sweat off the top of his grandfather’s Castilian desk.

  “It’s going to be okay; you will see. Give it time.”

  “I don’t have time. I need that money now! You were supposed to show me an eighteen percent return on investment by June thirtieth. I need that fifty million for a business deal in Russia!”

  “I know. You’re right Alex. I promise I will make good on this.”

  “Your time is running out. I will see you this weekend in Vallarta, yes? Make sure you have the solution to your problem.”

  The Contador calmly placed his cell phone on his desk. He looked out the window of his high-rise office in Zapopan, Mexico. He was getting too old for this stress. Even though he was only in his early fifties, he seemed to be shrinking and expanding in the wrong places! His family were direct descendants of Spanish royalty, and he still carried the regal bearing, as did his father before him. But he had aged ten years over the last couple of years. Too much Don Julio, too many Tacos at midnight and too much El Guapo!

  He wanted to say no when El Guapo came to him for investment advice. He sighed audibly. But saying no to the leader of Mexico’s most powerful cartel was not an option.

  At that moment, the door to his office blew open.

  “Papa
, what’s up? You wanted to talk to me?”

  “Gabriel! You could knock. I’m an old man, you frightened me.”

  The accountant pulled his son into his arms and held on tight.

  “What’s wrong, Papa? You’re sweating. Is your heart okay? Mama said you’re having palpitations. You need to stop smoking and drinking.”

  “Just shoot me then.” Papa and son laughed.

  “What do you want with me? I’m happy that school is finally over.”

  “It’s not every day my son graduates from the Stanford MBA program. I wanted to congratulate you and give you this.” The accountant handed his son an envelope.

  Opening it, Gabriel read the contents slowly and then looked up.

  “What is this, Papa?”

  “It’s the information for an account I have set up for you in the Grand Cayman Islands. It’s a clean corporation, untraceable. No one knows anything about this. That money is yours to do with as you wish.”

  “But ten million US dollars? Dollars?”

  “It’s your graduation gift, hijo. You are my only son. Now memorize the information. Always keep your passport with you. And these copies I made, save in a very safe place. In case anything happens to me, there is a second account attached to this for your mother. You can access the funds in person with proof of my death.

  “You’re scaring me, Papa.”

  “No, it’s not like that. You are the man of the family. It’s time you take your place in the business, and I need to know that you will look after your mother should something happen to me. It’s normal to be prepared for family, no?”

  “Si, Papa, si.”

  They embraced for a few moments.

  “Now tell me, son, how is the beautiful Allegra?”

  2

  Buenos Aires, Argentina

  DR. EMIL ROTHSTEIN was no stranger to violence. His parents escaped from Poland one day ahead of the selection for the train to Auschwitz. He’d listened to the stories as a young child and still shivered at the memories. He read everything he could about the Holocaust and the eventual capture of Adolf Eichmann by the Mossad in Argentina in 1960.

  When he was young, he dreamed of being part of the Jewish nation of Israel. His parents had other plans for him. He abided by their wishes like a good Jewish boy, stayed in Argentina, and became known the world over for his groundbreaking work in cosmetic surgery. Still, at heart, he loved Israel, and the Doctor hoped in retirement to talk his wife into going home.

  He pulled into a parking lot at the side of a discreet three-story mansion in a quiet, exclusive suburb of Buenos Aires. The three military-clad security guards were a not-uncommon occurrence in this part of the world. Many of his patients required secrecy and seclusion. Still, for a man who was known for re-constructing damaged faces, the sight of AK-47’s held forcefully, and aimed directly at him, was disconcerting. They relaxed slightly upon recognition of the good doctor.

  A guard accompanied him to a secure area where the most private and privileged clients convalesced.

  “How are you doing today Mme Anjou?” An elegant Chinese woman stood poised in the latest Paris fashions. Her long black hair had an impressive streak of white, more than likely the result of past trauma. In her late twenties, these unique features merely added to her mystique. She looked demure, but the doctor recognized her for what she was.

  “Fine thanks. I expect to leave your premises in the next few days.”

  “Well, I think you are certainly ready.”

  “The successful reconstruction of my face has pleased me greatly.”

  Dr. Rothstein hesitated for a moment before continuing.

  “I have a family you know. A wife, a daughter and twin grandchildren.”

  Mme Anjou waited.

  “I don’t suppose you might reconsider.”

  Mme Anjou raised her arm. Her Glock was pointed directly at his heart.

  “I’m sorry doctor, but your work here is done. And mine has just begun.”

  3

  Guadalajara, Mexico

  THE JUDGE ADJUSTED his tuxedo and smiled at the pudgy figure in the floor-to-ceiling mirror. He twisted his charcoal black mustache and ran his fingers through his well-groomed mane of silver hair. He tried to emulate the movie stars of the forties, suave and sophisticated, even though he stood five feet tall and weighed over 91 kilos.

  The Presidential Suite at the Westin Guadalajara was appointed with all one would expect for the elite of Mexican society. The furnishings were imported from Italy. The bar first class. He sipped his Patrón and clipped the end of a Cuban cigar.

  “Daddy! Put that cigar away!”

  Allegra waltzed through the door, all five-feet-ten inches of stunning beauty in a Vera Wang Couture lilac gown. The chandeliers reflected the spun silver embroidery, a design feature reminiscent of the precious metal of Mexico. She threw back her waist-length auburn locks and bent down to give her papa a kiss.

  “Do you like papa?”

  Allegra curtsied as she had been taught the summer she spent in a finishing school in Switzerland. Her Mother said when a woman is as beautiful as Allegra, royalty will want to make her acquaintance. Allegra smiled at the memory. She decided to keep her partying with Prince Harry a royal secret.

  “Allegra, you are my joy, my heart, Mi Vida.” Papa grabbed her as close as his massive paunch would allow.

  “Papa! My hair, my makeup! Stop!”

  Laughing, they joined arms, called out for Maria Consuelo, the judge’s wife, and from whom Allegra’s beauty flowed, and exited their suite.

  4

  “WHERE IS GABRIEL?” Allegra cried. “I can’t make an entrance if he’s not here yet!”

  “Shush mi Amor, he’s here. Don’t worry.”

  Glittering under enormous chandeliers, they ascended the circular staircase the three levels to a private lobby area.

  Raucous applause filled the expanse. The room was jubilant with Old World Mariachi music. Allegra adjusted her crown and sash and smiled for the photographers and International News cameramen waiting below.

  “Thank you, Papa. This is the most amazing night! I feel like Cinderella. Ah, there’s Gabriel!”

  A handsome young man with a California Kurt Cobain looks smiled proudly at Allegra. He nervously stroked the lapels of his Tom Ford tuxedo purchased for this occasion.

  At the bottom of the stairs, the music silenced. A glass of champagne was handed to the judge and to Allegra.

  “I thank you, my friends, for joining us tonight. May I present to you Miss Jalisco 2018!”

  Allegra Alves Diaz had realized a childhood dream. Every little girl wants to be a Princess. She also had another goal. Her dream was to apprentice in a dominant fashion house in Paris or Milan. Allegra had talent, but not that kind of talent. But daddy could make it happen. He always did.

  Gabriel lifted her hand and in a charming gesture kissed her fingertips. The crowd roared. Then the room silenced as Gabriel went down on one knee. He offered Allegra a four-carat diamond ring from Tiffany.

  Only those who knew Allegra well would have recognized her astonished look as panic. But what could she do? She looked around. Her father beamed; her mother was already planning the wedding. She was cornered, so she did what any great actress would do. She accepted her lover’s ring and then kissed him with the crowd’s approval.

  As Gabriel took her in his arms, the panic subsided slightly. She loved Gabriel. But she felt trapped. And the large solitaire was like a cement block dragging her down to the ocean floor.

  5

  Yelapa, Bay of Banderas, Mexico

  “LENA, LENA LOOK!” The tiny adorable child danced on the patio of a villa in the Mexican fishing village.

  “Do you like your new silver necklace baby?” Lorena laughed.

  “Yes Lena, gracias. Momma give for me?”

  “Yes baby, it’s from your momma.” Lorena, ex FBI agent, a current member of the Raven Group, hugged sweet Alice. Luci, aka Samaar, an ex-Mossad agent
had recently joined the Raven Group and left Lorena in charge of four-year-old Alice.

  Everything was tranquilo, but Lorena felt more comfortable with the ID necklace around Alice’s neck. Luci had inscribed Raven’s e-mail address and Lorena’s cell phone number. And if she knew Luke Raven, there was probably some type of locator embedded in it as well. You can never be too careful.

  “Momma comes?” the sad jade eyes looked up through long luscious black eyelashes.

  “Soon baby, soon.” Samaar, Alice’s mother, had joined Luke Raven, to take care of business up north. Samaar, code-named Luci had a cartel chasing her. The Raven Group gave mother and daughter a safe haven. The Group also required Luci’s expertise in cyber warfare after the Chinese hack on the Office of Personnel Management of the United States. After much soul-searching, she had entrusted the care of Alice to Lorena here in Mexico and became an operative for Luke Raven’s group.

  Lorena had fallen in love. Alice filled her heart. After her husband, a firefighter was killed in 9-11 she’d joined a task force to hunt Osama bin Laden. It took years of work to find and assassinate the leader of Al Queda, and over time, Lorena had fallen in love with a team member, Zach, a Navy SEAL. But Zach had demons, and those ghosts were impossible to erase. What had she been thinking? It was a source of her sadness that she carried an unrequited love for a confirmed bachelor.

  At thirty-six, she’d pretty much given up on the idea of having her own kids. She would be sad to have to give Alice back to her mother. She knew Samaar would settle up north eventually and return to retrieve Alice.

  “Let’s take the fast boat and go see a movie at the Galerias. What do you say?”