SERVICES RENDERED
by
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The annual Nationalist Ball was very glamorous. Many of the nation's diplomats and officials were on hand to celebrate the leadership of their country. The Ball served as an arena for glad- handing, elbow-rubbing, and name-dropping. Its official function was unknown to the members and guests. No one ever asked, they were all glad to have an excuse to enjoy a night on the town.
Agent Lomax followed the McClanes into the main foyer of the Metro-Center, while Agents Thomas and Stevens found secure parking for the Rovers. Once inside, the McClanes were escorted by one of President Sycba's aides, Tabula. Tabula was a short, thin man, who wore a black tuxedo, and looked to be in his early twenties. The aide brought Brittan and Maddy to the bar where Carlton was waiting. They exchanged pleasantries, and Carlton proceeded to introduce them to high-ranking government officials standing near the bar, most of who spoke perfect English. Eventually, Tabula returned, and brought the couple to a small table set for two. Carlton resumed his place at the bar, and ordered another Long Island Iced Tea. Agent Lomax made his way to a large potted palm tree and stood beside it, trying to be discreet.
As Maddy and Brittan ate, they spotted Thomas and Stevens move in and out of the crowd. They were easy to spot in a sea of black faces. Brit made a joke about it and the two laughed quietly. They were served a delicious meal of smoked salmon, roasted new potatoes, corn meal, and a traditional cucumber and tomato salad. They finished the meal, and the plates were removed quickly. Suddenly, Tabula appeared at their table.
"President Sycba would like for the two of you to join him at the head table for tea and coffee," he said kindly. "Please follow me."
Brit and Maddy rose to their feet and followed the aide. Lomax left his post beside the large potted tree and made his way through the crowd, towards them. Lomax saw Thomas and Stevens at their assigned locations, Thomas was positioned at the end of the bar, while Stevens stood near the front door. Lomax spoke softly into a microphone hidden within his American Foreign Service lapel pin.
"The McClanes are on the move," Lomax said to both Thomas and Stevens. "Get into position in front of them, I'll move in from the rear." Thomas and Stevens acted quickly. Lomax reached into his jacket pocket and pressed a small button, switching frequencies on his communication device. "Carlton, can you hear me?"
"Yes, I am here," Carlton Mathers said sipping on his drink at the main bar, fifty yards from Lomax's position.
"Do you know what is going on? Brittan and Madeline are making their way across the room. I knew Brittan and Sycba were planning to meet, but I assumed it would be alone, after the Ball." Lomax said, somewhat exasperated.
"I am not sure. It looks like he is heading for Sycba's table," Carlton said, turning around on his bar stool. He was thirty feet from the President's large table.
Suddenly, the lights went out and the room fell into total darkness. Maddy and Brit felt large strong hands grab them and pull them quickly to the right. They could hear Lomax's loud voice calling for them in the chaos of screams and yells. Alarms and buzzers were activated, as their captors pushed open a set of emergency doors. Within seconds they were blindfolded and carried outside. Gunshots and small explosions could be heard inside the Metro-Center. Brit and Maddy struggled as they were carefully placed in a van and driven from the chaotic scene.
After a few moments of pointless resistance, the McClanes relaxed. Afraid, they groped around for one another. Brit found Maddy's hand and pulled her to him. They embraced and she began to weep. The surface beneath the van quickly changed from smooth asphalt to an uneven dirt road. They had reached the city limits of Libreville, their captors were not making any sound at all. Their mysterious, silent ride continued as the van glided recklessly across the African dirt road.
The ten mile journey, which seemed longer to the retained captives, lasted only fifteen minutes. Maddy was suddenly aware of the van's whereabouts as they slowed and crossed the familiar Owendo bridge, creaking loudly as the driver crossed the expanse. The trip came to an abrupt halt and the doors of the van flew open. The cool night air and the songs of the cicadas rushed in. The McClane's obliged their captors, and moved easily from the rear of the van. They allowed the men to guide them into a small room where they were positioned in separate chairs. Their blindfolds were removed. Brit looked over at Maddy and asked if she was all right. She nodded "'yes".
"What the hell is going on?" Brit asked loudly as he rose out of his seat. A large native, standing behind Brit, gently placed him back in the chair.
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About the Book
Services Rendered is a political thriller centered around an American Foreign Service Agent named Brittan McClane. He and his wife Madeline and son Gavin are sent on an assignment to Gabon, an impoverished, post-colonial western African nation on the verge of war. He is ordered to work with the Nationalist President, Fulani Sycba, to create laws to repress the rebel factions and develop an economic treaty, which benefits both Gabon and the United States.
Beneath shadows, behind closed doors, and within secret meetings, Agent McClane is undermined and used as a pawn in a U.S. conspiracy to rape the country of its most precious natural resources. Those whom he trusted most become potential adversaries, as he struggles to uncover the true nature of his assignment.
Services Rendered is an action-packed drama played out on a political stage in a dark and mysterious foreign country amidst a bloody civil war. The height of the story includes uncovering hidden agendas, avenging vendettas, outwitting military generals, and partaking in a traumatic victory for the people of Gabon. A rare, surprise ending will leave its readers holding their breath and reflecting on the true nature of humanity.
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