C'est la Vie (Raja Williams Series) (22 page)

Raja pinched himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Then he started to laugh.

Inspector Gilliard smiled. “So you see, my annoying American friend, sometimes all is not quite as it seems.”

“You knew about this, didn’t you? And who is this Didier?”

“All in good time, Monsieur Williams. I believe there is a man who will want to see his wife as soon as possible.” The inspector made a phone call.

While they waited for Mrs. Browning’s husband to be brought to the villa, Margaret explained that she had finally convinced Didier that she would not try to escape if he would explain to her what was going on. After he explained the situation she agreed to cooperate fully.

The arrival of Phillip Browning at the villa launched a joyous celebration of the long-awaited reunion of husband and wife. Margaret was waiting outside. The tears flowed freely from them both and more than a few flowed from the eyes of the men who were there to witness the event.

“My little potato,” cried Phillip when he saw his beloved Margaret.

“Pinky,” she returned with equal affection. Neither cared that strangers heard the most intimate nicknames they used only for each other. After kissing profusely for several minutes, Professor Browning asked his wife how she was.

“I’m quite well, all things considered,” she said. “You are just in time to share a meal inside.”

Phillip looked at her quizzically.

“I’ll explain all about it later,” said Margaret. “For now, some thanks are in order, don’t you think, Phillip?” The two turned their attention to the others.

“Mr. Williams, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me,” said the professor. “As I said, name your fee. You have certainly earned it.”

“Seeing you reunited is pay enough. Besides, I cannot take the credit.” Raja looked at Gilliard.

“Yes, yes. Inspector Gilliard. You also have my undying gratitude,” said the professor.

“Now, come with me, dear,” said Margaret. “It’s a dinner for two. The beef will get cold.” Margaret dragged her husband toward the door.

After the professor and his wife went inside, Gilliard and Raja discussed the circumstances of Margaret Browning’s captivity. Raja began to see Inspector Gilliard in a new light.

When the English couple came out, Inspector Gilliard instructed the policeman who had driven Professor Browning to take them to their hotel and stand guard outside until further notice.

“Is that necessary?” asked the professor.

“There may be no need for concern, but in light of today’s events, we will do it just the same,” said Gilliard. “We will need Margaret down at the station at some point for a statement, but that can wait. You two should sleep in your own bed tonight.”

More policemen arrived to help Inspector Gilliard with the bodies. Raja called Vinny to fill her in on the latest events.

“So, Inspector Gilliard is not the villain we thought?” asked Vinny.

“Apparently not. He saved my life, no question there. The rest I don’t yet fully understand. But he is definitely one of the good guys.”

Vinny was relieved for her new friend Yvette. She had been dreading the devastating disaster it would be for Yvette if Gilliard turned out to be the Scorpion.

Chapter Thirty-three: A Day at the Docks

The next day Raja got a call from Remy Montagne. The three containers that had left Paris were now back at the train yard near where the fourth container sat. Since originally dropping the containers at the dock, the
Alhambra
had been anchored two miles up river and the crew had been on shore leave. The policemen watching the ship reported that the crew was back on board and it looked like they were readying the ship to weigh anchor. Yarif Assad himself had not been seen and his whereabouts were unknown.

“Kidnapping and human trafficking put the operation on this case squarely in our division,” said Remy. “In fact, Inspector Gilliard is planning to come along, if that’s okay.” Remy knew that the two had been butting heads.

“No problem there,” said Raja. “I was wrong about your inspector.”

Remy was relieved to hear that. He had a lot of respect for both men. “We have a man waiting near the docks,” he said, “and another watching the train yard. I’d like to know what plan you have in mind for this raid.”

“I’ll meet you at the station and tell you all about it.” On the way Raja called Vinny. She still hadn’t been able to get an opportunity to crack the safe, but continued doing other research. The test panels she had run on the club drugs came back with some curious results.

“The drugs are pharmaceutical grade, with their chemical formulas matching exactly some reported test variations of drugs that were eventually approved and legally marketed,” said Vinny. “I also looked at the police evidence taken from your original fail on the warehouse bust.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“The results from that raid may turn out to be an important piece of the puzzle. There was evidence of cutting and packaging but not manufacturing. That was why I couldn’t locate the warehouse. I think the drugs may have come directly from a pharmaceutical lab. There are hundreds of test drugs that are shelved and not sold. Since they are not documented for regulation and sale, they might not be subject to the same level of monitoring.”

“Are you saying the pharmaceutical company is selling them directly to the black market?”

“I don’t know about directly, but it is a thought worth pursuing.”

“When we wrap up our case you should turn all your research over to Captain Rochefort in narcotics. I’m sure he would be interested.”

“Sounds like a plan, Stan.”

“Right now I’m heading to the police station. The ship will be on the move soon. Anything else?”

“The phantom corporation that owns the club and antique shop traced to Luxembourg but I lost the trail there. Whoever set things up really didn’t want to be found.”

“Sounds like our elusive Scorpion. Okay, Vinny. Keep your eyes open. I’ll touch base later.”

Raja drove to the 36 and met with Remy and Inspector Gilliard. Captain Rochefort sent Lieutenant Brevard to assist, as he had a lot of experience with police raids.

Raja looked at Gilliard. “Good to see you again, Inspector. You know, I still have some questions you might be able to clear up for me.”

“I’m sure you do, but I will have to explain later.”

“Monsieur Williams, we have been putting our attack plan together,” said Lieutenant Brevard. “Remy tells me you might have a few suggestions. Now would be the time. From what I understand, we will raid the ship at the dock when it is picking up containers. However, you don’t expect any contraband to be in the containers.”

“If my theory is correct the women are already on board,” said Raja. “The containers are simply the slight of hand used to distract attention. The empties will be checked before loading, which, while keeping everything looking legit, will be moot, since the girls will already be on board the ship. I studied the film from the refueling depot, and that’s where I believe the girls were taken onto the ship. However, I am certain the smugglers have help from someone on the customs crew at the dock. My main concern is how to flush him out.”

“If the women are already on board the ship as you say, and the containers are now empty, then our co-conspirator has no further role to play,” said Brevard. “When we raid the ship he will simply stand back and do nothing, and thus avoid detection.”

“Exactly. We must give him a role and the urgency to act.”

“We warn the customs office ahead of the raid,” said Remy.

“Right you are, Remy. But we must time it perfectly. We don’t want to endanger the girls. It must be when the ship is close but not yet anchored, so the agent has urgent reason to warn them away. Then we watch and listen. As soon as our traitor makes contact, we then must have the means to force the ship to the dock where we can board her quickly and rescue the girls.”

“We have the river police patrol,” said Gilliard.

“Good. However, they must be close enough to be effective, yet out of sight until we need them.”

“
Les stups
has two unmarked speed boats that are small enough to hide and fast enough to close quickly when needed,” said Lieutenant Brevard.

“That will work.”

“I’ll arrange it,” said Brevard.

“How will we know when the customs man contacts the ship?” asked Remy.

“I am having my associate monitor any calls by phone or radio,” said Raja.

“Your associate?” asked Gilliard.

“Yes.” Raja smiled. “That’s something I will have to explain later. As I said, we will monitor all calls and also watch the ship.”

A call came in for Inspector Gilliard.

“I think we have our plan,” said Brevard.

“That’s good,” said Gilliard, “because all four containers have been loaded on the train and the train is heading to the dock. We have to move now.”

The team gathered into two vehicles and drove to the dock. They parked right on the same bridge where Remy and Raja had first surveilled the smuggling operation. From that spot they had a panoramic view that included the dock, the train tracks and the river. Lieutenant Brevard coordinated the assault team that was standing by below.

The first thing they saw was the ship as it made its way along the river toward the docks. The train carrying the containers was still nowhere in sight, but that wouldn’t matter. They just had to time this well.

“Are the speedboats alerted?” asked Raja.

“Yes, and standing by,” said Brevard. “Just give me the word.”

“Good. Who makes the call?”

“That would be me,” said Gilliard.

“Remy, you keep eyes on the ship,” said Raja. “Let me know exactly what
it is
doing.” They waited what seemed an interminable time and the ship finally slowed for its approach to the dock.

“The ship is fifty meters out and slowing,” said Remy.

“Should I call?” asked Gilliard.

“Not yet,” said Raja. He called Vinny. “Are we monitoring?”

“I’ve got a live-time feed. I will capture any calls instantly.”

“Thirty meters,” announced Remy.

“Inspector, now you can make the call,” said Raja.

The inspector dialed quickly. The phone rang twice. “Come on,” he said.

“Customs,” said the voice on the other end.

“This is Inspector Gilliard from
le crim
. I am calling to alert you to a RAID team that is preparing to board the ship that is approaching Dock 21.”

“What? Why wasn’t I informed earlier?”

“I’m sorry we got a last minute tip.”

“The dock is our jurisdiction. There is protocol.”

“I’m afraid there isn’t time. Lives are at stake. You are welcome to assist. My team and I will be on the dock shortly.” The inspector ended the call.

“Perfect. You better get down there, Inspector.”

The inspector jumped in one of the cars and raced over the bridge and down to the dock.

“Status on the ship?” asked Raja.

“Still closing on the dock very slowly,” said Remy.

“Well?” Raja asked Vinny. “Are you monitoring?”

“Yes, but nothing yet. Hold on—there’s a shortwave signal.” Vinny repeated the message she heard. “Police raid coming. Do not dock. Repeat, do not dock.”

“We’ve got him,” said Raja. “Lieutenant, send in the boats.”

Brevard radioed the two speedboats. They zoomed into view ahead and behind the ship.

The
ship's captain cranked up its engine with the thought
of running.

“This is the police,” said a loud voice from the PA of the forward speedboat. “Kill your engines and drop anchor, by order of the National Police.”

The ship had no choice but to comply, cutting its engines and dropping the anchor. The RAID team moved onto the dock once the inspector arrived.

The lieutenant called for a larger police river cruiser to join the party, just for good measure. Remy, Raja and Brevard did not relax until they saw Inspector Gilliard and three officers walking up the gang plank onto the ship.

“So far so good,” said Remy, watching through binoculars. “Our men are on board.”

“Nothing more to do up here,” said Raja. “Let’s go down and see if they need any help with searching the ship.”

Inspector Gilliard and his team swarmed onto the vessel.

The captain came out on deck to protest. “What is the meaning of this? We have our customs papers in order, all properly signed and dated.”

“Stand aside,” said Gilliard, ignoring the captain’s protests. “Call your crew up on deck. We are searching this vessel from top to bottom.”

Gilliard instructed two of his RAID team to assemble and guard the crew on the deck while he and the rest of the officers began their search.

When Raja, Remy and Brevard reached the dock, the customs agents were huddled together. One stepped forward.

“I’m going to report this breach of protocol,” said Victor, the agent in charge at Dock 21.

“Me thinks the agent doth protest too much,” said Raja. “Watch them,” he said to Brevard. “One of them is a traitor. He’s got my vote,” said Raja pointing to Victor. The customs agents looked around at one another suspiciously. “Remy, you are with me.”

Once on board the ship, Raja and Remy went below to find Inspector Gilliard.

“How are we doing?” asked Raja, when they found Gilliard in the engine room.

“Nothing yet. We’ve been over most of the ship and found no sign of the girls. Are you sure they are here?”

Raja looked around the engine room. There was nothing there he didn’t expect to see. He recalled the security footage from the fueling depot. He scanned the engine room again looking for what was missing. “Is there a separate storage area for engine supplies?”

Remy had studied the spec sheet and diagrams of the ship. “No, everything should be in this room.”

Raja had seen a half dozen oil drums loaded onto the ship at the fueling depot. There was only one in the engine room. “Has anyone seen oil drums?”

“Yes, outside the galley,” said one of the policemen. “I assumed they were for garbage.”

“Show me,” said Raja. The officer led them to the hall outside the galley. Five fifty-gallon closed drums stood along the wall.