MAC WALKER'S BENGHAZI: The Complete Collection by D. W. Ulsterman

tan Mercedes 300 that was parked in the front of Ella’s building. Though older, the car’s tan leather interior remained in almost new condition, and when Udi turned the ignition, the engine started instantly and idled smoothly.
    Mac sat in the front passenger seat while the other three men in his crew sat shoulder to shoulder in the backseat. Udi backed the vehicle slowly onto the street and pulled away smoothly, steadily increasing the Mercedes’ speed as he exited off a gravel covered secondary road to turn onto one of Benghazi’s primary highways that led to one of the many large suburban areas on the outer portions of Benghazi. Udi expertly moved the Mercedes into and out of traffic as he kept the vehicle’s speed above seventy miles an hour.
    “Your safe house is located in a residential area just outside the city proper. Very nice neighborhood actually, home to some of the area’s wealthier residents. I was told the property is fully gated, and should provide ample security for you.”
    Mac glanced over at Udi, admiring the Israeli man’s driving skills. Udi exited the main road and was once again on a secondary road. Though still somewhat paved, it was covered under a fine layer of desert sand. The Mercedes vaulted forward, now speeding along at nearly ninety miles an hour, causing a large plume of dust to billow up behind them.
    Just as Udi described, the properties to the right and left of them were expansive, with large, soft colored stucco buildings and meticulously cared for gardens. While Benghazi had many slums within the city, the homes ringing its borders indicated residents of considerable wealth.
    Udi slowed the vehicle and turned sharply left onto a narrow drive that led to a substantial dark ironed gate with two guard towers one each side. The gate was open, allowing Udi to speed through it and travel another hundred yards to the property’s main house – an expansive two story structure painted tan and white with massive floor to ceiling windows on the first floor, and several large balconies that jutted out from the second floor. Mac estimated the home to be at least six thousand square feet.
    “Here we are gentleman, your safe house, courtesy of your friend Mr. Tilley. My job is done – this is where we part ways. Please follow Ella’s instructions – do not contact us again.”
    Mac, Benny, Minnick and Jack exited the Mercedes and watched as Udi sped off down the long drive and back onto the road, soon to be lost amidst another plume of sand dust that marked his swift departure.
    Minnick peered up at the large home and then glanced at Mac.
    “Home sweet home, huh?”
    Mac ignored the comment, already attempting to call Tilley. The phone rang three times and then went to Tilley’s voice mail.
    “Tilley – Mac. We’ve arrived. Awaiting instructions.”
    Benny began walking toward the home’s large, wooden, double-door entrance.
    “Might as well check it out while we’re waiting to hear back from Tilley.”
    Mac noted Jack surveying the surroundings. Two other properties were easily in view from where they stood. One to the east of the safe house sat some four hundred yards away, while the other across the street, was likely no more than a few hundred yards. Like the safe house, the other properties appeared to be upper class residences as well.
    “Feel like we’re too much in the open out here Mac. Don’t like it.”
    Mac’s eyes squinted into the increasingly warm and bright Benghazi sun. He understood Jack’s concern – he didn’t like the location either. While it allowed them to see who was coming, it also made them a much easier target, and given the relative distance from the main city, help would be a long time coming. This particular safe house did seem an odd choice, if for nothing more than it would require them to drive considerable distance to get anywhere.
    That said, it was one hell of a nice property.
    Benny called out behind him as his hand reached out to