Based on the numerous discussions that had lasted for more than a week with his team of attack planners, and having finalized those intended logistics for the Colorado location, Samuel climbed aboard the family jet for a flight to Laredo. Once there, he hailed a taxi for the short ride to the border and walked across the bridge into Mexico. Waiting for him at a pre-determined restaurant in Nuevo Laredo was a jovial man of near fifty who greeted Samuel with a smile. Their meeting had been set up via a man in Oro Valley Arizona that Samuel had never met, but the intelligence gathered on the family background since January was comprehensive and showed that they had a tendency to recognize opportunity when it was presented.

Spotting the identifiable insignia that Samuel was told would be worn by his contact, he moved toward the man leaning against the bar. Then with extended hand he said, “It’s nice to meet you sir, and may I offer my congratulations to you and your family for Kevin’s upcoming graduation from West Point?”

Speaking nearly perfect English, the man replied, “Thank you very much. It’s sometimes hard for me and my wife to believe that his time there is nearly complete. We will join my brother and his wife at the commencement in about two weeks, and it will be a proud moment for all of us. I also understand that my nephew and your grandson Jason have become good friends while at West Point.”

“That’s my understanding as well, and I hope that the friendship between our two families that Kevin and Jason have established will continue for years to come.”

From the neighboring table a seated woman with her back to them added, “What a lovely sentiment. We feel the same way, and perhaps what we accomplish today will help to solidify both of our families’ mutual desire.”

Samuel turned toward the woman, removed his favorite cowboy hat, and said, “Mrs. Flores I presume? I’m glad that you both could make the trip from Monterrey.”

Rising to face him, she replied, “That is correct Mr. Tillman, and it was no trouble at all. We often do business here in Nuevo Laredo, so that is why we suggested this location to my husband’s brother in Arizona. Now then, how may my husband and I help you?”

“I would like to purchase an old helicopter that can be refurbished for transportation needs, and my understanding is that you could help me with that quest.”

“That is correct. We do have access to a surplus of old helicopters of various models in the Monterrey area that have been retired from Mexican military service. Do you have an idea of what type you are looking for that will suit your purposes?”

“Yes ma’am I do. I’m looking for a model that was of Soviet design used by dozens of countries in the world throughout the past several decades. It’s a MIL MI-8 HIP-C.”

Mr. Flores took the lead once again and announced, “That’s a fairly large bird Mr. Tillman, and depending on the model, it could be used for many purposes. I believe that you may already be aware of what such a helicopter is capable of carrying with regard to payload, as your knowledge of the model number and country of origin implies some research. Therefore it’s reasonable to assume your understanding that the HIP-C is primarily a transport version as opposed to others that possess more lethal characteristics.”

“Yes Mr. Flores. Thank you for pointing out the distinction, but I’m interested in something for the transport of personnel only.”

“Very well then Mr. Tillman. I do know of two such birds that could be made available for purchase, and depending on how comfortable you make the passenger cabin during the restoration process, she could comfortably seat as many as fifteen.”

Although more than willing to do business with the Flores family and their associates, Samuel remained cautious as to revealing the true intent of the helicopter. He replied, “Thank you Mr. Flores. That model is the size that I had in mind, but as it will be used to shuttle some of my business associates to places without a landing strip in comfort, the seating will be for no more than eight or ten.”