Page 9 of Operation: Silent Angel
“You know that I have primarily been working on locating and arresting those on the Red List as a contractor with Interpol,” he said.
“Yes.”
“And you know what the Red List is?”
“Yes, those on the Red List have had notices go out to law enforcement worldwide to locate and arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. A Red Notice is not actually an international arrest warrant, but it is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and arrest a person.”
“Yes. I’m concentrating on the twelve who remain on it specifically for human trafficking. They’re the worst of the worst. So far, I’ve tracked down and helped to apprehend seven others with no problems. But this guy, someone’s protecting him. Someone high-ranking at Interpol. That’s why it could get dicey for Shepherd. He’ll more than likely receive a stand-down order, just as I did. Then he’ll have to decide if he’s going to keep going or standdown, which could land him in a lot of trouble.”
“And what about you? By continuing, aren’t you in a lot of trouble?”
“Yes. I’m burning bridges I probably won’t be able to repair. I’m sure once they know I’m proceeding, my status as a contractor with Interpol will be void.”
“Is this guy worth it?” Yvette asked.
“Yes. The sheer number of victims and the young ages of them make it worth it. He has to be stopped. He’s responsible for hundreds of deaths in those he’s trafficked.”
“Are we talking sex trafficking?”
“Mostly, but he also supplies people who are forced into drug production and trafficking as well as in weapons trafficking. There was a mass gravesite discovered in Mexico with sixty bodies, children as young as twelve years old who were killed in an accident during the packaging of fentanyl.” He paused and swept a hand through his hair, pushing it back from his face. “Twelve years old and forced to work in a dangerous environment packaging drugs,” he repeated.
“Where is he now?”
“A luxury resort just north of Cancun. I believe he is going to conduct meetings there with several cartel heads, his customers. We could net more than him if we move fast enough. That’s why I came to you and why I want Shepherd’s help. He can move fast.”
“And you were told to stand down by Interpol when you told them what you’ve told me. You were told not to arrest him even though you have this guy’s location?”
“And a request for surveillance and authorization to intercept anyone he meets with there was also turned down. I was told to leave the area and not to engage.”
“Could there have been another operation already at play?”
“No, there is not. I have confirmation of that from other very reliable sources,” he said.
That was when Yvette decided Shepherd should not be presented with this case. She knew him well enough to know that he’d join forces with Mac and most likely harm his standing with the intelligence community. “Is it possible this guy is working with our CIA or DEA? That would explain why he’s untouchable.”
Mac sighed loudly. “The thought had crossed my mind, but I quickly decided that even if he is, and his crimes are being given a free pass right now, it doesn’t matter. He still has to be brought to justice.”
Yvette was impressed by how determined his voice sounded. But that was Mac, dedicated and impartial to his core. “I have some time off coming and will help. I know of several men we can get to back you up. They’re good, ex-spooks who now work for the agency as hired muscle. This isn’t a mission for Shepherd,” she stated plainly.
“Shepherd will know where you are, your tracker.”
“I know how to work around it,” she said. “I assume you need boots on the ground ASAP.”
“I need to get back down there tomorrow,” Mac said.
“Okay. I’ll either go with you or meet you within a few days. I’ll contact the team I’m thinking of and get the ball rolling. What is the price you’re offering for the job?”
“Enough to engage them,” Mac said. “I have an errand of my own to run this afternoon. Meet you back here for dinner? I’ll bring a pizza.”
“Sounds good.”
She went to see the one person who could help her. Michaela Karras Johnson. Michaela was still at home on maternity leave. This would be the sixth time Yvette had seen baby Stephanie. She didn’t arrive empty-handed. She never did. She always stopped at a store on the way and picked up a small gift. Today she bought a package of headbands with bows on them in various colors. The last time she was over, a week earlier, Michaela had one around the baby’s head and mentioned she needed to get a few more in different colors as she really liked putting them on the baby.
After visiting with Michaela, and hearing that she and the baby were doing well, Yvette brought up the true reason for her visit. Michaela had her back to her as she was at the sink, rinsingthe few dishes that were there, and Yvette held little Stephanie, drinking in the incredible feeling of holding the tiny being close to her chest.
“I need a favor,” Yvette said.
Michaela stopped what she was doing and turned to face Yvette. There was something in her voice that conveyed urgency, seriousness. “What is it?”
