Hunting Savage Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Contents

  Acknowledgements

  Author’s Note

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Author’s Post Script

  Guarding Savage

  About the Author

  The Peter Savage Series

  Title Page

  Hunting

  Savage

  a Peter Savage novel

  Dave Edlund

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2017, by Dave Edlund

  Hunting Savage (Peter Savage, #4)

  Dave Edlund

  www.petersavagenovels.com

  [email protected]

  Published 2017, by Light Messages

  www.lightmessages.com

  Durham, NC 27713

  Ebook ISBN: 978-1-61153-208-1

  Paperback ISBN: 978-1-61153-209-8

  Library Control Number: 2016952719

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 International Copyright Act, without the prior written permission except in brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Dedication

  To Eileen, you are everything to me… and so much more.

  Acknowledgements

  This is the fourth book in the Peter Savage series, and it would not exist without the support and encouragement of you, the readers. Thank you. It sounds trite as I write these two words, yet I mean this from my heart, for what is the point of writing a novel if no one reads it?

  There are many persons to acknowledge and express my gratitude to. I’ll begin with my publisher, Light Messages. It has been said that producing a book is a team effort, and I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Betty and Wally for your unwavering support and hard work to expand distribution channels; not only domestically but also in other countries. I also want to acknowledge Kylee and express my appreciation for the amazing graphics she creates and the social media marketing work she puts in on my behalf. And a special thank you to my editor, Elizabeth. Your keen insight and candid feedback contribute immensely to making these stories better.

  I also want to acknowledge the generous support from my beta readers for your comments and suggestions, as well as all those who have posted reviews. Thank you.

  When it comes to issues of military tactics and technology, I have relied heavily on the expert knowledge of Joseph Linhart (Captain U.S. Army, Retired) and Sergeant Seth Lombardy (U.S. Army). These gentlemen were instrumental in supplementing my research on Army ordinance and especially artillery fuzes, to ensure accurate depiction in this novel.

  Finally, two of my long-time mentors deserve special mention; Gary and Gordon. You have each been a driving force behind my writing adventure. If not for the encouragement and honest critical feedback from the both of you, I probably would not be here now, at the keyboard typing these words. Your influence goes beyond my capability to measure.

  So, here we are—adventure number four. The plot is mostly set in Bend, Oregon, and the Cascade Mountains just west of Bend. The locations introduced in the novel are real. I’ve wanted to share more of my hometown, and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity. As for the settings along the slope of Broken Top and the edge of the Tam McArthur Rim, these places are very special to me. I’ve spent many wonderful weeks in these mountains hiking, camping, hunting, backpacking. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, it is a grand location to sit and think—and dream about the next thrilling escapade of Peter Savage!

  Author’s Note

  By the time Hunting Savage is released, the U.S. Presidential election will be done and over. However, I am writing these words on the eve of the first debate between the major party candidates, and at this point in time the outcome is far from certain. No worries, I’m not going to pontificate on what could have been or should have been. Rather, my objective is to draw attention to the dangers we face in this era of highly polarized politics and strained international relationships.

  Although I am speaking without hard and accurate facts, it seems to me that in the years following the financial meltdown of ’08, governance by politicians in Washington continues to set record levels of inaction and disapproval, year after year. At the same time, the bitter rhetoric is continuously ratcheting up. And it’s not just U.S. politicians—we see similar challenges overseas.

  The danger is that this bitter divide is a fertile breeding ground for ultra-nationalism. Using fear as a tool, too often politicians strive to drive a wedge between one’s patriotism and common sense. Although fear takes many forms, in Hunting Savage it is the fear of terrorism that is used as a means to justify violence on a very wide scale.

  International terrorism has played a prominent role in global policy for several decades. Historically, terrorism has been almost the exclusive domain of marginalized groups fighting for political or religious ideology. Are we witnessing a shift to nations using terror as an overt (rather than covert) action? Is the Russian-backed invasion of Ukraine and resulting proxy war that much different from the actions of IS in the Middle East? And what are we to say of the bombing campaign by both Russia and the U.S. in Syria—with hundreds of thousands of civilians suffering daily from the brutality and death brought about over ideology and politics?

  It is easy to prey on one’s fear of violence to win a political election. But what if such tactics are not only used by the candidates? What if such tactics were to be employed by other countries? Outrageous? Perhaps not. With unresolved allegations of Russian hackers trying to gain confidential information in order to influence the U.S. Presidential election, unfriendly nations may already be trying to influence the selection of our leaders.

  And what of our allies? We know that the U.S. has not always behaved in a friendly fashion toward its closest allies—getting caught spying on Angela Merkel was bad form to say the least. It’s reasonable to think that some of our closest friends may have agendas not necessarily in line with evolvin
g U.S. foreign or domestic policy. Maybe, just maybe, some of those close allies are willing to play their own version of “dirty tricks” to influence our elections in their favor.

  That is the question posed herein.

  In a complex world, the truth doesn’t always fit neatly into 15-second soundbites.

  –DE

  Prologue

  Tel Aviv, Israel

  November 13, 2015

  “I would have never believed President Taylor would sell us out.” Prime Minister David Feldman was angry—and desperate.

  Yossi Winer, the National Security Adviser, lowered his head. “The Americans are an ocean away. President Taylor has no idea what it is like to be truly threatened, to live surrounded by enemies.”

  Also present in Feldman’s office was his Intelligence Adviser, Benjamin Roshal. “Our agents report that the Iranians will renege on the agreement once international trade is normalized. The primary objective for the Iranians was to regain access to the billions of dollars in currency and assets frozen offshore, and the freedom to sell oil openly on international markets. Once their coffers are full again, their nuclear program will be resumed—almost certainly with the aid of Russia.”

  “Russia?” The question came from David.

  “Yes. As you know, most of the enriched uranium that was manufactured by Iranian scientists was shipped to Russia.”

  “Thousands of tons,” Yossi added. “It is no secret that Russia and Iran have been forging a closer relationship.”

  David shifted his eyes to Benjamin. “How long?”

  “Until they have an atomic bomb?” He shrugged, calculating the numerous variables. “Within five years if they have to rebuild their key reactors and resume processing fuel. However, if the Russians or Pakistanis help, it could be much sooner.”

  “With enough money, anything is for sale,” Yossi added glumly. “Once the sanctions are lifted, the Iranians will have plenty of money.”

  “What are the most likely scenarios?” David asked from behind his desk, leaving his advisers standing.

  “Benjamin and I have studied this risk in great detail. When the sanctions are lifted—”

  “You think there is no hope that we can convince the West to stall?”

  “No, sir,” Benjamin answered. Months ago he had resigned himself to the new reality for Israel—the reality of a nuclear-armed Iran.

  David raised a finger and swirled it in a circle aimed at Yossi, his signal to continue. “With a few hundred million dollars, Iran can buy a weapon from many sources. Most likely, from a disgruntled former Russian officer. Possibly from the Ukraine. Or, maybe from the Pakistanis.”

  Benjamin nodded, his expression dour. “Our agents believe that Hezbollah might be the eager recipient of such a weapon. Iran would be able to deny they had any role in the deal, and Hezbollah has hundreds of loyal soldiers who could smuggle a bomb into Israel.”

  “We need to increase the number of radiation scanners at the border crossings,” David said to neither man in particular, but Yossi took it as an action item.

  “You cannot guarantee the survival of Israel with radiation scanners,” Benjamin said.

  David cast a piercing gaze upon his trusted advisor. “And what would you have me do? Iran outnumbers our military four to one. They have a capable navy, as well as sophisticated missile systems. Our nuclear arsenal has been the only deterrent we enjoy. And, if your predictions are accurate, that will soon be nullified.”

  “If Iran attacks the homeland, the U.S. and NATO allies will rush to our side,” Yossi observed. Israel had always been a very close ally of the U.S. and most European countries. Ironically, Germany had evolved to be one of Israel’s strongest benefactors, second only to the United States. It seemed that modern German governments were still repenting for the horrors wrought by the Nazis.

  “And what good will that be if Tel Aviv is a smoking ruin?”

  “Perhaps,” Benjamin offered, pressing a finger to his lips, sensing the time was right, “perhaps, we should think proactively rather than reactively.”

  David and Yossi both looked at the Intelligence Adviser. Benjamin allowed a moment to pass, ensuring he had their full attention. “The fathers of Israel would never have allowed such a threat to exist. They would have dispatched it before the threat was material.”

  The Prime Minister narrowed his eyes. “Are you suggesting a pre-emptive strike?”

  “We’ve done it before,” Yossi said. “Air strikes, sabotage. We’ve even destroyed key reactor parts and uranium fuel being readied to ship from ports in France.”

  “I’m quite familiar with the Begin Doctrine,” David answered, referring to a fundamental tenet of Israeli foreign policy to use pre-emptive force in self-defense.

  Yossi deferred to Benjamin. “David, one simply needs to read the newspaper to understand that Jews are constantly under threat. Persecution of our brothers and sisters is becoming more common. Last week a teenager was knifed to death in Lyon, France, by two immigrants simply because he was Jewish. In London, the Faithful have been advised not to appear in public wearing the kippah for fear of retribution by Muslims. Hezbollah continues to harass our northern border, and Fatah is constantly planning and launching raids across our southern border. And it has only been three weeks since the terrorist attack in Eilat. We know that attack was orchestrated by Hezbollah and financed by Iranian agents.”

  The Prime Minister’s shoulders slumped under the great weight of it all. The deadly terrorist attack at the gorgeous Hilton Queen of Sheba hotel in the port city of Eilat was still a fresh wound in Israel. Known for the gorgeous snorkeling and scuba diving nearby in the Red Sea, the Queen of Sheba hotel was packed with tourists, mostly Israelis, on holiday. Six Hezbollah terrorists—three men and three women, posing as couples on vacation—went on a killing rampage. They wandered the halls and lobby of the hotel for over an hour, firing automatic weapons and tossing grenades into the terrified crowds using tactics copied from the Pakistani terrorists who had nearly destroyed the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai in 2008.

  Eventually, all six terrorists were shot dead by security troops, but not before 137 civilians—including children as young as two years old—were murdered. The nation was still mourning the loss.

  “The Middle East has changed much since the 60s and 70s,” David objected. “The Arab Coalition we faced in those days no longer exists. It has been replaced with new alliances—ones that are much stronger. You said yourself that Russia and Iran are developing ties. And what of China?” He shook his head. “China does not have the energy resources she needs to fully modernize. Do you think China will miss an opportunity to ally with our oil-rich enemies?”

  Yossi held his hands out at his sides, imploring the Prime Minister to keep an open mind. “David, please. Listen to Benjamin. Hear him out before you make a decision.”

  Feldman turned to Benjamin and dipped his chin in a curt nod. “You have a plan?”

  “Indeed. We must strike Iran a deathblow before the hard liners acquire even one atomic bomb. We will take advantage of the animosity between the Sunni majority of Saudi Arabia and the Shia clerics who have ruled Iran since 1979.”

  For several silent minutes David Feldman considered what his advisers were saying. If Israel did strike first in accord with the Begin Doctrine, there was plenty of precedent for such action. Although the international community as a rule condemned first-strike military actions, the UN seemed to be willing to grant Israel more leeway in dealing with threats to her security.

  “For the sake of argument, let’s imagine Israel does attack Iran. What do you suggest is the objective? There are no operational nuclear facilities, are there?” He raised an eyebrow with this last question as he locked eyes with Yossi.

  Benjamin cleared his throat. “No. For the moment at least, there are no nuclear programs of any significance underway in Iran. And we must ensure they are never able to develop or purchase such weapons.”

  “S
o you have said. What is it exactly that you suggest I do?”

  Benjamin straightened his back and squared his shoulders. “For the sake of God, we must change the map of the Middle East forever. Our enemies must be defeated once and for all.”

  Slowly, David Feldman rose from his chair. In silent contemplation he rounded his desk and stood toe to toe with his National Security and Intelligence advisers. “We can do this?”

  Yossi and Benjamin both nodded.

  “You have a plan?” David asked.

  “We do,” Yossi answered. “I suggest we brief you fully, including the general staff.”

  “It would be a historic achievement for Israel.” David rubbed his chin as he turned to pace across his office. “It would ensure our security for generations.”

  “You would be a national hero,” Benjamin offered.

  Feldman stopped, a disturbing thought suddenly coming to mind. “What if the plan fails? We cannot win a protracted battle with Iran. And what of Russia?”

  For the first time since the meeting began, Benjamin Roshal offered a smile. “We have the backing of the American military. Russia will not intervene. And if the plan does not go as well as expected, the American war machine will prove to be an invincible ally as we defeat first Iran, then Syria and Iraq. Libya, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories will be ours for the taking.”

  David snorted a disingenuous laugh. “You can’t possibly believe President Taylor will offer military support to Israel in this venture.”

  “No,” replied Benjamin, a crafty smirk still plastered across his face, but the next U.S. President will.”

  Chapter 1

  New York City

  February 2

  Eli moved forward in purposeful strides. Head down, he wore dark glasses, gloves, and a black beret. The collar of his black wool overcoat was turned up to ward off the frigid air. A stiff leather messenger pouch hung at his side, the contents given to him by Benny Goldsmith, the Israeli Ambassador to the United States.