The Maverick Experiment (19 page)

Derek approached Miller cautiously. “Hey, man, I can't tell you how sorry I am. He was a good friend, I know. But I still need you. We have to get out of here. He'd want you to get out of here.”

Miller slowly looked up and nodded in agreement as he swiped a forearm across his face. “I'm good. Let's get out of here.”

“Alright. Carson called the air crew. We're going to meet them in Kabul, and they'll fly all five of us out of here, but we need to get back and pick up Grimes.”

Miller sniffed and nodded. He stood and grabbed his bag as Derek patted him on the back. They headed toward the driveway.

Shafi had worked with Aziz to get another vehicle from a friend in order to slip out of the country. They hoped darkness and a different car would make the ride less eventful.

Tuesday, February 2
Everglades, Florida
Maverick Training Facility
0725 Hrs

The plane touched down as the sun began to break over the horizon, causing the morning fog to creep off the nearby swamp.

The flight home had been entirely different than the trip out. The men had hardly talked at all, yet no one had slept. By most standards, the first mission had been a success. The team had infiltrated two countries and eliminated four major players in the War on Terror, but losing two team members had devastated the remaining men. Going into the mission, fewer than ten Americans, including themselves, had even known of their existence. And now that number was whittled down even further.

Carlisle stood and waited as the door opened and the plane stairs folded down. He snapped his fingers and directed a team of men to the rear of the plane to remove Randy and Grimes as the rest of the team deplaned in the front.

Miller and Carson walked directly to the building across the runway, where they had all first met, as Derek approached Carlisle.

“I am sorry about your men, Derek. They were great soldiers. Patriots.”

Derek nodded as he stared over at the bodies, which were being escorted out of the plane toward the hangar.

“We could have done better. I didn't want to lose anybody.”

“I know you didn't. I didn't, either, but it was your first go around, and you guys accomplished things that the international coalition hasn't been able to accomplish in almost a decade. Plus, I think you have slowed the Miram Shah Council's operations to a grinding halt, and I guarantee those who are still alive aren't going to sleep well tonight. You did good. The director is proud and wants to see you personally.”

“Well, I am sure there will be time for that. I need to chat with the guys and go see my wife. I'm exhausted.”

“I understand. And you can do all those things, but I wouldn't keep the director waiting if I were you.”

Derek gave Carlisle a confused look. “Is he here?”

Carlisle turned and tilted his head toward the black sedan parked just off the runway. “He's waiting for you in the car.”

Derek turned and looked toward the vehicle and then back at Carlisle. “Alright,” he sighed before walking toward the director's car. As he neared the rear of the vehicle, the driver exited and opened the back door for him.

Covington spoke as Derek got in. “I have been waiting to meet you, Derek. I have heard a lot about you and couldn't be more grateful for your work. Thanks for all that you did.”

“It's my pleasure, sir. It's great to meet you.”

“Listen, Derek. I am terribly sorry about your men. I know it's tough to lose people; trust me, I do. But understand that I will do everything in my power to ensure their families are well taken care of. Nothing can replace their loved ones, but we can at least show our support and thank them for their patriotism.”

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”

“So are the others OK? I mean, can we count on them still?”

“I think so, sir. They're professionals. But Miller and Randy were good friends. Miller will need some time.”

The director removed his glasses and looked at Derek. “He'll have it. You know, you guys pissed a lot of people off because they don't know what was going on. People in Washington hate it when they don't know what's going on. It's a control thing. I'd just as soon keep them angry and confused—if you're up for it.”

“Sir. I think we need—”

The director interrupted, “Derek, before you say anything, let me tell you that I am working with Carlisle to get you more men and a support staff down here. We'll get you whatever you need. These Maverick teams are the way to get things done, but I am going to need your commitment. I need someone we can trust–someone I can trust. Can I count on you for that?”

Derek stared around the compound and thought for a moment. “We are going to need that support staff here. I need
better intelligence on the ground, and we need more time to develop our missions. We were flying by the seat of our pants over there, and two men came home in boxes. That's unsatisfactory.”

The director nodded.

“And I think Carlisle should be down here permanently so we have a somewhat visible command and control structure.”

“Done,” replied the director. “Derek, what you accomplished was no small feat. I am proud of you guys. I am going to need you as I run this agency. But you know I can't get too involved publicly and I will deny I know you if anything goes wrong. So stay sharp. Anytime you need me, you call. If something is wrong, you let me know. This is a team effort, and I want you to know that you can count on me.”

“Thank you, sir. I look forward to it. We have a good thing here. Now, if you don't mind me asking, what happened with Kabul station? Are they spinning after the past week's events?”

“Oh yes. And that's an understatement. I am getting calls from the chief over there every day. They have no idea what's going on, and he's squirming a bit. These guys don't like to feel helpless, either. They are doing a good job, though. We still need the traditional agency officers doing their mission, and everyone is working hard over there. After all, most of the intelligence we fed you came from them. They don't know what they don't know, though. They'll push this thing for a while until they determine it's not worth their efforts, and then they'll move on. I'll be sure to approve of them doing so to help take the heat off you guys.”

Derek nodded his head and smiled.

“Now get out of here and go home to your wife,” said the director. “We can chat more after you take a little break. God knows you earned it. But be ready. We have some more work to do. The hornet's nest has been stirred, and they'll be seeking revenge. It's just a matter of when and where.”

“Yes, sir.” Derek exited the vehicle and rejoined Carlisle.

“So, you good?” asked Carlisle.

“Yeah. I am. Who is going to talk to the families?”

“I will. You go home and let me worry about that. We are going to get you guys back down here soon for more training, but in the meantime, rest and spend time with your wife.”

“I can do that.”

Carlisle patted him on the back and walked to the director's vehicle. Derek watched as the sedan pulled away, then he made his way toward his teammates, who waited for him on the front porch.

I would like to extend a special thanks to the following partners in the Maverick Series. You have made this journey so much more exciting and I look forward to continued friendships as the series grows.

Rick Humphries, for your unwavering support and assistance with the Maverick Series weapons.

Higher Capacity, for your development of custom Maverick Series weapons accessories. All Maverick weapons accessories can be purchased at www.highercapacity.us.

Lone Wolf Distributors, for the creation of the custom Maverick Series Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol with Timberwolf frame. The Maverick Series Glock can be purchased and further modified at www.lonewolfdist.com.

DPMS Panther Arms, for your creation of both the custom Maverick Series AR-15 assault rifle and the SASS 7.62 Sniper system. You can purchase and modify your own Maverick Series rifles at www.dpmsinc.com.

Garmin, for your support of the Maverick Series. Visit www.garmin.com to obtain more information and purchase products for your area.

I would like to thank my loving wife, Amy, and our wonderful family for their constant, unwavering belief in me. I would also like to thank my dear friend Mike for his steady encouragement and editorial support through the writing of this novel. Finally, I thank my former colleagues and friends who remain on the front lines around the world. Truly, your dedication to the safety of our great country is amazing. God bless you all.

Michael Blakey is an Air Force veteran who achieved an undergraduate degree from Radford University as well as a master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He later served as an officer for the US intelligence community, where he conducted multiple trips abroad. He provides critical support to the creativity and realism of the Maverick series.

Drew Berquist is a graduate of the University of North Florida. He served as an officer with the US intelligence community both as a staff officer and in a contractual capacity. He has worked for multiple agencies and supported Special Operations. Drew was involved in more than a dozen deployments to hostile work environments and currently lives in Northeast Florida, with his wife and child.