Prologue

The three Chevrolet Suburbans proceeded in formation, following the traffic through Avenida La Esperanza. The three vehicles were painted black with privacy glass in the windows, and they carried a full protective detail from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. There were three armed men in the lead and trail cars, all with extensive experience working in dangerous locales like this. Michael Cochrane had once been inside the Cadillac that carried the president in his motorcade; the Secret Service called that vehicle ‘the Beast,’ and this car was lacking by comparison. The glass in the Suburban wasn’t five inches thick, for example, and there was no ceramic armour; but it was still a substantial ride, and he was well protected by his guys. He felt safe, even in Bogotá.

Cochrane had been given the title of ambassador for this mission, although he was not a normal Foreign Service officer. His previous role had been as the Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Legal Affairs, known within the diplomatic community as the Bureau of Drugs and Thugs. He had worked in the DEA previous to this posting and had spent all of his professional life trying to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. Cochrane’s aide, Amanda Jones, was sitting next to him. She was buried in the briefing paper that had been delivered from Langley overnight.

The ambassador uncrossed his legs and leaned forward to speak to the driver. “You know where you’re going?”

Harrison was driving them today. The two men had been working together for several weeks now, and they had an easy rapport. Harrison was a pro and, without taking his eyes off the road, gave a nod. “Come on, boss—I know where we’re going. We’re good.”

“And the route is safe?”

Martinez was in the front, next to Harrison. “Yes, Mr. Ambassador. I went out in the pilot car and checked everything this morning. I’d still rather they were coming to us—”

“But you know that’s not possible.”

“I know, sir. I understand, and we’ve adapted. You’re in good hands.”

Cochrane slapped the back of the seat. “Never doubted it.”