“Mr. Friedman,” said Eric solemnly, “let's not waste time. You know why we're here, but there have been some alarming developments. Through Dan and other sources we hear that the Iranians are planning to increase substantially the destruction power of their yet-to-be-built atom bomb. They plan to insert a few grams of tritium and deuterium directly into a plutonium warhead. The result is a huge boost of power. That process allows the Iranians to reduce the amount of plutonium, which is, as you know, heavily regulated and expensive to manufacture. Now, add that to our mutual knowledge of the progress the Iranians have made in their missile program and their threats against Israel, and you get the bottom line: the Iranians have the intention and could have the means to destroy Israel. They've shown their aggression against U.S. allies by sponsoring terror attacks. It is typical of Iran to use proxies for its dirty war. The Iranian government rarely sends its soldiers but instead uses their state-sponsored terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or Al Dawa in Iraq, to do the job. Even the capture of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the taking of the hostages was not carried out by the Iranian army or police, but by so-called ‘revolutionary students.’ The Iranian fanatics won't hesitate to use doomsday aggression against another U.S. ally, Israel, through one of their clandestine terrorist organizations, and then offer their help treating the surviving victims.”
Benny scratched his head and said, “And do I know what all this adds up to?”
“Of course you do, it's written all over your face,” said Eric. “First, the file Dan saw at the bank would tell us exactly what they expect him to do and allow him to continue with his charade. And second, that file and hopefully the others kept at the bank would give us an insight into their capabilities. Our scientists would be able to predict how advanced the Iranian development of the bomb is and how long it would take them to join the nuclear club. That could give us several options: hit the suppliers, the buyers, or both. You hit the Iraqi nuclear reactor at the last minute, just before it became ‘hot.’ I don't think Israel would want to wait and risk missing an opportunity with the Iranians.”
Eric looked at me, waiting for me to fill Benny in with further details and comments.
“Hey, I'm here for DeLouise's money,” I said. “That's my prime mission. I need to bring ninety million dollars back to the U.S. Treasury. When this thing is over, I'm back looking for the assets.”
“Hang on,” said Eric, “there could be some dividends for you from this matter.” Then turning to Benny he asked, “What do you think?”
“Do you need our manpower for the break-in, or do you just need intelligence?” asked Benny.
“Well, I was about to suggest Israel could actually do it with our active assistance. Israel has a lot to gain from the operation and a lot to lose if we let the Iranians continue with their plans. Besides, I think you have a score to settle with the Iranians.”
Benny gave him his brown-eyed shrewd look in anticipation.
“I need to bring this matter to the head of the Mossad,” said Benny. “But before I can do that, I need to collect essential elements of information, what we call EEI, and risk assessments on both political and operational levels. Based upon the results of these evaluations, the director of the Mossad will decide whether we're in or out.”
“That's good enough,” said Eric. “Although it'll be an Israeli operation, we'll have joint investment and joint profits.”
Benny nodded to show he'd heard Eric, but knowing him I knew it didn't necessarily mean an approval. “OK, let's roll up our sleeves and do some research. The results, whether we play or not, should be useful to you.”
“Fine,” said Eric.
Benny continued, “I took the liberty of bringing two of our men with me. One is an expert in break-ins and the other is a logistics man. Do you have anyone here you want to attach to them while they look around?”
“How long do you think your EEI will take?”
“We'll be done here in one or two days, but that could change based upon the operational needs and risks evaluation. Then we'll continue in Israel with the political risks review. Finally, I don't know how long it will take for the director to decide once we submit the report for his review and approval. Bear in mind that even if he approves, he might want to consult with the prime minister.”
“Give me a time frame for your country's decision,” insisted Eric.
“A week,” said Benny.
“Good,” said Eric. “I have three men available to join your EEI team.”
Benny turned to me and said, “Well, Dan, you didn't think we'd ever work together again.”
“No,” I admitted. “Life is full of surprises.”
Benny pressed me. “Tell me what you think. You were inside the bank.”
I thought for a moment. “From an operational point of view, I don't think there will be a problem breaking in to the bank. Guttmacher's office is not physically protected with bars on the windows or with a safety door. However, there could be some invisible protective device such as a sonic or infrared alarm system. Although I didn't notice any, that doesn't mean they don't exist. The EEI would give you all the facts you'd need to make a decision.”
“That's enough for a start. Let's get our teams organized. I'll be working with Shimon, my break-in expert. What about you?” he asked Eric.
“Tom and Jeff,” said Eric. “And, I think, Dan Gordon.” He looked at me for approval.
“Sure,” I said, “I'll be glad to, but I need to work alone.”
“On the logistics assessment side, we'll need help,” said Benny. “I only have one man with me to survey the needs and I don't know if you have the technical means here. If not, we'll have to bring them in from our European center in Brussels.”
“Let's see the list of what you need,” said Eric. “We could do that after the operational team recommends a course of action.”
“OK,” said Benny.
“Who handles the German police?” I chipped in.
“We'll treat that as part of the EEI,” said Eric. “We'll consider the German police from two angles. First, we'll fake an event and monitor their radio to hear if an entry to the bank was reported by an individual or automatically by a silently triggered system.
“Second, we'll work on a contingency plan in case the police stop a member of our team before, during, or after the operation. We need an immediate cover story, a plausible explanation, and a political decision about what nationality to claim if caught.”
Benny nodded and turned to Eric. “I expect your team to do the drill on the German police. You have the right equipment for that. As to the cover story, I suggest we handle that in Tel Aviv as part of the operation structuring.”
“That's OK with me,” said Eric.
Benny added, “During the EEI period, even before we go into planning, we'll need a native German from this area, preferably someone who understands police jargon. I need to study the police routine here.”
“I can take care of that,” said Eric. “We'll record one or two days worth of police-radio activity. You could take it home with you for analysis.”
“What about a cover story during the EEI period?” I insisted.
“We'll fabricate something. In fact my men are working on it as we speak,” said Eric.
“Good,” concluded Benny. “Are your men here? Mine are outside.”
Tom and Jeff were called in, and Benny brought in Shimon, a skinny, dark Israeli with a wide smile. He looked as if he could infiltrate a keyhole.
Eric pointed to his guys. “They'll do the intelligence first, and Dan will join them.”
Benny nodded and said “OK, Shimon, what about you?”
“I'll do some research on my own. I'm a burglar, remember?”
“I guess we're set for now,” said Eric. “The next meeting will be here later today. Let's make it at eight tonight.”
I went outside and Tom drove me back in his cab. I knew what I wanted to do. I'd been a lone wolf for a long time. As a child I had learned the Jewish sage's wisdom: “If I'm not for myself, who will be for me? And if not now, when?”
“Tom,” I said, “change of plans. Take me to the bank, but let me off before we get there. I want to check out a few things.”
Tom looked like a serious Robin Williams. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“Well, I've been inside the bank twice, so I know my way. I can wander around and get a better view of the security arrangements. The bank is open for business, so my presence shouldn't raise any suspicion. I'd be just another customer.”
Tom said, “I don't have to remind you that if you're caught, you're on your own. Even so, I think you should talk to Eric about it; you could risk the entire operation.”