Chapter 1848 - 1392: Running Away Is Not My Style

Although at his peak, Song Heping was simultaneously at odds with the CIA, Mossad, and MI6, even being listed by then CIA Director Vincent as a KB Leader, he had never faced opponents like today.

Seeing Song Heping remain silent, Simon thought he had become afraid and continued: "You should take my advice and release Misu, then act as if nothing happened, leave the Middle East, and return to Africa. That's your only chance for survival."

In the end, he even said a heartfelt sentence: "Song, you should know, if there's anyone in this world who doesn't want you dead, it's definitely me."

Simon was sincere with this statement.

Not because he had any special feelings for Song Heping.

The two weren't even friends, just mutually exploiting each other.

But Simon's dirt was held by Song Heping.

Song Heping had made full preparations, so if he died unexpectedly, Simon's dirt would be sent to the internet and major media immediately.

Not wanting Song Heping dead, merely meant not wanting himself dead.

"Yeah... your words really 'move' me." Song Heping suddenly laughed self-mockingly: "You speak as if it makes a lot of sense."

"That's right." Simon thought Song Heping had compromised, happily picking up the conversation: "Hurry and leave, while 'Witness' people haven't arrived in Iraq yet, you still have a chance."

"Who said I'm leaving?" Song Heping retorted: "Why should I leave?"

"SHIT!" Simon couldn't help cursing: "I'm saying, Song, smart people don't choose a dead end unless they've gone mad!"

"Simon, we've known each other for so long, do you think I'm a normal person?" Song Heping teased.

Simon was speechless.

Indeed.

Song Heping wasn't quite normal.

If he were, he wouldn't have offended the three intelligence agencies at once back then.

No one with normal logical thinking would do that.

"From your tone, it sounds like you're planning to go against the White House?" Simon gasped: "You should realize who's in there! The president of the world's only superpower! Along with the entire Donkey Party, and all the big figures involved in the plan back then!"

"Hmm... you seem to be right, but running away isn't my style." Song Heping said flatly: "That would be too challenging."

He suddenly asked: "If I really choose to confront your president, what advice can you give me?"

"You..."

Simon's face changed.

Truly mad...

He was actually asking him, the proud CIA director, how to deal with his own country's president?

OH! FUCK!

How did he end up with such a lunatic, and let him grasp the handle!

"Not much time left, I need to finish the conversation before 'Witness' new hunting squad arrives, leave here, aren't you disinclined to see me dead? Then quickly give me advice. Don't think of this as betrayal. You're not the first CIA director to betray the incumbent president either."

Song Heping spoke urgently, but his tone sounded not a bit tense.

Simon realized he couldn't persuade Song Heping.

He understood this guy.

No one can stop him from doing what he intends.

Now he can only help him.

After all, his life is tied to his own.

"Listen! I'll only say this once! First, assume that all conventional communications are monitored. Except for this encrypted phone we're using. Second, trust no one, especially those offering help actively. Finally, find a new patron, someone strong enough, whose interests conflict with the current power structure and forces."

"For example?"

"I didn't say anything." Simon cautiously said: "Remember, in the United States, even the strongest force has opposing players."

"Hmm..." Song Heping seemed to understand: "Looks like it's worth a try, better than sitting waiting for death."

Simon sighed again.

"There's a name. I can only say this much. There's a Russian called Ivanov. A month ago, he tried to contact Duke, inquiring about 'unconventional U.S. action team' information. Duke refused, but if someone brought valuable information to find him now..."

"Russian." Song Heping's lips curled into a cold smile: "From the American wolf den to the Russian tiger's lair?"

"At least it's another beast." Simon said: "And they might be willing to protect you, as a bargaining chip against American influence. But this is just theory, the actual situation might be completely different."

"Any other options?"

"Your homeland? France? England? They have interest, but may not be willing to confront the U.S. directly for this." Simon paused: "Or you could try exposing through media, but doing that wouldn't benefit you much, and you'd become a global target for hunting."

Song Heping considered these options.

None ideal, but at least a direction.

"I need more information about Ryan. Ryan, the former Delta Commander, now the department head leading the 'Witness'." Song Heping requested background.

Paper-turn sound came from the other end of the phone.

"Ryan... Yes, there's a record. Retired due to injury during the Iraq War, awarded Silver Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal. Later founded a private security consultancy 'Sentinel International', serving the State Department, ostensibly a contractor, but actually a Black Glove specializing in dirty work for those bigwigs, his company registered in Cayman Islands, shareholders are opaque."

"His whereabouts?" Song Heping asked: "Did he come to Iraq."

"Last public record was two weeks ago attending a defense industry conference in Washington. Private jet records show his Gulfstream G550 took off from Andrews Air Force Base three days ago, destination Qatar Doha." Simon paused: "If he's really in the Middle East, then you're right, he personally stepped in."

Song Heping asked: "How long from Qatar to Mosul?"

"If by military transport plane, a few hours." Simon replied: "Song, if he's truly here, then your time is running out. Ryan is known for efficiency and thoroughness. He won't leave any loose ends."

Song Heping asked again: "Including Milosh and his team staying in the unified action group?"

"Especially them. Mercenaries have no official status, are the easiest to deal with."

Simon's voice turned even more serious: "Listen, I must hang up now. This call has been too long. Final advice: don't go back to Mosul. It's no longer safe there."

The call was disconnected.

Song Heping stood at the cave entrance, letting the desert night wind blow across his face.

He needed to decide, and quickly.

Returning to the hiding spot, he found Joseph supervising Blake writing testimony.

"We need to talk."

Song Heping gestured Joseph to speak aside.

The two walked to a corner of the cave entrance, stepping into the shadow.

"How bad is the boss's situation?" Joseph asked directly.

"Duke is dead, officially reported as a heart attack," Song Heping said. "Ryan, the Witness Department leader, is probably on his way to Illiguo. He will clear all witnesses, including Blake, including Misu, including us."

Joseph's expression turned stiff.

"What should we do? Fight or evacuate?"

"Split into two groups," Song Heping said. "You take Blake and his testimony, and Misu to alternate location B. That's our hidden spot in the Sinjar Mountain Area, remember?"

Joseph nodded. "I remember. It's even more desolate than here."

"But it's safe, and not many know about it," Song Heping said. "I'll go to Mosul to check the situation. If possible, I'll try to gather more evidence and meet up with you."

"You're going alone? That's too dangerous."

"More people might make it conspicuous," Song Heping said. "Besides, I need to confirm a few things: whether Ryan really took over the base, how many people he brought, and what's Milosh's current situation."

"Can't we notify Milosh now to have them leave?" Joseph asked.

Song Heping shook his head. "No, signals at the base are monitored. Contacting Milosh would lead them here. Earlier, I dialed Duke's encrypted satellite phone, presumably their tech department will track it, they'll soon follow here."

Joseph hesitated, "Boss, if it's really that bad... maybe we should evacuate together. Abandon the mission, leave Illiguo. Return to Africa, where we have sufficient resources to start anew."

Song Heping looked at the loyal subordinate, seeing fear in his eyes.

This isn't cowardice, it's rationality — facing an invincible enemy, retreat is the only wise choice.

"I can't," Song Heping said. "Duke is dead, if we flee now, we'd be hunted forever, it wouldn't do us any good. The Witness Department has global reach, nowhere to hide. Remember, against ruthless people, the only way to survive is to be even more ruthless."

Joseph worriedly said, "Even if we gather all the hard evidence, will we be safe?"

"At least we'll have bargaining chips," Song Heping said. "Secrets with sufficient weight can be exchanged for a deal. The key is to find the right buyer."

Joseph took a deep breath, accepting the decision.

"When do we depart?"

"Now. Pack necessary gear immediately, leave within an hour," Song Heping said. "Take the mountain route, avoid main roads, use the terrain to hide movements as much as possible, watch out for drones and satellites. Maintain radio silence unless absolutely necessary."

"Communication protocol?"

"The usual rule. Log into the Dark Web encrypted chat room of our company every day at 3 AM."

Joseph nodded, "Understood."

An hour later, two modified off-road vehicles left the hiding spot, disappearing into the desert night.

Song Heping watched them leave, then returned inside the building to pack his gear.

He chose a light setup: an HK416 rifle with a silencer, four magazines, a Glock 19 pistol, two hand grenades, a medical kit, satellite phone, encrypted laptop, and enough food and water.

All equipment was thoroughly checked, with no traceable markers.

He got into the last off-road vehicle, started the engine, and drove into the darkness.

As Song Heping left the hideout, at the Mosul Joint Task Force base.

It's 4 AM, the base was still engulfed in the pre-dawn silence.

The spotlights on the watchtower regularly swept the surrounding area, two patrols walked along fixed paths inside the walls.

The command center lights were still on, but most soldiers rested in the barracks.

Milosh sat in his dormitory, a map and several reports spread out across the table.

As Song Heping's Deputy Commander staying here, he awaited further orders.

But a growing uneasiness brewed inside him.

Regular communications with Song Heping had been interrupted for thirty-six hours, which was out of the ordinary.

Whirring—

A strange noise came from outside the door.

Sounded like airflow generated by rotor blades slicing through the air.

And it wasn't just one helicopter, it was several.

"What's happening?"

Already restless, Milosh got up, opened the door, and stepped into the hallway.

He quickly located the source of the sound.

It was four Black Hawk helicopters.

Flying from the east, the direction of Baghdad.

"Huh?"

Suspicion rose in Milosh's mind.

So early in the morning, people from Baghdad?

Duke had a heart attack yesterday, got sent to Baghdad.

Could it be Duke is alright and has returned?