The Greatest of These by Greg Wendleton (have you read this book .txt) 📗

there probably is. I was out hiking when my son-in-law called telling me my daughter had gone into labor prematurely.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. We will do our best to get you to your gate in just a minute.” With that the TSA agent unzipped the backpack and began searching the contents. “That’s quite a pair of binoculars you’ve got there. And that’s a lot of cash.”

“Yes. Can I not travel with binoculars and cash?”

“Sure”, he said while doing a quick count of the money. “It’s less than ten grand, so your okay. I just need to confiscate the water and you’re good to go.”

“Sure, no problem. Thank you.” He took his backpack, slung it over his shoulder and headed for his gate.

No more than ten minutes later, he was boarding his flight and sandwiching himself into the cramped economy seat. No bulkhead or window to lean against on this flight. Instead, he was on the aisle right in front of the restroom. His seat would not recline more than a few inches and he would have people milling about and opening and closing the lavatory door during the entire flight.

It was going to be another very long day.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

The United States Air Force C-130 tasked with the delivery of the seven freezer containers that held fifty-million, single dose COVID vaccines completed the first stage of the mission successfully. The giant aircraft was parked in a large hanger located on the tarmac of Korat Royal Thai Air Base.

The seven-man crew, led by Major Dan Avery, were resting in a bunk room within the hangar. They had been instructed to remain ‘out of sight’ and therefore would not be doing any sightseeing or mingling with other airmen on the base. It was imperative that the secret be kept in order to protect the vaccine. Unfortunately, the men were already beginning to get antsy. The Major would have to exercise his leadership skills to maintain control.

The United Nations had decided that the fifty million, single dose vaccine, would be distributed to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, with Thailand receiving thirty-five million doses. The remaining fifteen million doses would need to be split into three containers, with ten million going to Cambodia. Laos, with a population of less than eight million, would receive the balance.

The message sent from the PacAsian Star by merchant sailor, Aiguo Pinyin, had gone unread, as its intended recipient was currently on the run from authorities on Maui and members of the United Bamboo Gang. The Red Assassin, or Jackie Ming, knew that the entire scheme had collapsed around him and he would be hunted by his bosses. His only hope was to never return home, and to find Conrad, to make him pay for his sins.

The flight from Maui to LAX arrived before midnight, local time on Saturday, February 27. He had more than two hours to kill within the airport, that was filled with security cameras. He kept his face mask pulled as high up on his face as possible, without looking conspicuous. He also kept on the ballcap of the Super Bowl LIV champions, Kansas City Chiefs. He had found it in a convenience store on Maui and had been wearing it while conducting his surveillance of the safe house in Kihei. The black hat had blended in nicely to the hillside, and ironically, the black hat held a ‘bad guy’ persona, which Jackie certainly was.

He had gotten lucky Friday morning when the civilian male came outside to help carry in the grocery bags that the couple driving the pickup truck had brought. He had quickly taken a picture of the man utilizing the specially equipped binoculars that had zoomed in on his face. He would have to find out from Conrad, before he killed him, who this man was.

Remaining in darkened areas of the gate house, he waited for the hour to arrive when boarding for the flight to Dallas would begin. He did not fall asleep as he waited. Instead, he remained vigilant, watching for police officers or other security personnel. When his boarding group was called, he moved quickly into the line and pulled his hat further down on his head and his mask further up. His eyes and ears were about the only visible portions of his face. The tired and bored gate agent scanned his boarding pass and welcomed him to the flight.

“Enjoy the flight Mr. Ming”, he said as he yawned. “Excuse me, it’s been a long day. I’m headed home as soon as we get you all on board.”

“Thank you. Be careful getting home.”

The Red Assassin walked down the jetway and located his window seat and shoved his backpack under the seat in front of him. He buckled his seat belt tipped his hat down over his eyes and pretended to be asleep. He ignored the greetings of the flight attendants, as well as the safety presentation. After they had taken off and reached their cruising altitude, he relaxed and fell asleep for the duration of the three-hour flight.

He had decided not to fly from Dallas to San Antonio, instead opting to locate a vehicle and drive, thereby avoiding additional security cameras. When he awoke on touchdown, he jerked and sat up in his seat. He looked around him and noticed that the man sitting in the aisle seat had just awakened as well. They both nodded at each other and began to gather themselves in preparation for arrival at the gate.

“That’s the best way to fly. Sleep straight through”, said the man on the aisle.

“Yes, it certainly is. Is this home?”

“You betcha, born and raised a Texan. Caught this red-eye flight so I could be home for my son’s tenth birthday today. Wanted to surprise him at breakfast. How about you?”

“No, I’m from Canada. I’m here to visit my daughter and son-in-law. She’s having a baby.”

“Well congratulations Grandpa!”

The Red Assassin nodded his head and replied, “Thank you.”

He followed his seat mate off the plane and