Preamble: The White House was presented a ransom ultimatum from the notorious Sir William. Sir William, darling of the British MI6 and Parliamentary member turned rogue. Now on the CIA's most wanted list of international arms dealers. He collaborated with Assad ad-Din Zanghi, a rising star in international terrorism and possible heir to Bin Laden's evil throne of destruction. A small nuke had been moved across the Mexican border to somewhere near the Oak Ridge, TN Nuclear Research Center. Unless the US government paid a $250MM ransom and released 126 of Zanghi's confederates the bomb would be detonated near or at the facility causing untold destruction. The Ralph Arata aka the Neutralizer was called to the Justice department's war room where he teamed up with long time friend Russ ‘Gunner’ Mehaffey. The 2 soldiers were briefed on their seek and destroy mission and were now enroute to the Oak Ridge area in the Neutralizer's race prepared 1972 MGB.

Chapter 3: The two soldiers had travelled a circuitous route to TN Rt 25W then southeast toward Oak Ridge where they pulled the MG over to a pre-designated camo site. The Neutralizer tuned in the new com link from the Bs console and immediately David ‘Hard Drive’ Novak came on. "Hi guys! Nothing positive yet but we have eyes in the sky watching and a few agents in the locality making very discreet inquiries. Will advise....stay frosty!" Novak said to the Neutralizer. "As you know Gunner fulfils the role of covering-your-butt i.e. long-range sniper. His incredibly special skills fulfil this role perfectly. He has brought his girl friend with him. I believe we should have proximities on the tangos so you may wish to review your approach once we have the fix."

Arata looked at Mehaffey with a grin. "Who’s the friend?" Both soldiers got out of the "B" and went to its boot. Gunner pulled his gun case. "This is my girlfriend, Amy. It's a Barrett M82 sniper rifle. 10 clip semi-auto. No bolt action as repeat shells are automatically loaded via gas driven bolt assembly. Its 12.7 X 99MM ammo can penetrate bricks and concrete and can be used to detonate explosive ordinance long range. Its scope is 40X magnification. My Amy is smart and sensitive but when she makes her mind up to get the job done - it's done!!" Russ looked at the Soldier and said. "Intel does say we have at least 30 tangos there so you will need backup with Amy." The Neutralizer looked at the weapon and gave a low whistle. "I like Amy already."

The con sat sang out and the Neutralizer answered. Hard Drive came on and said....."I think we should a lead soon. Our telesat eye 48 picked up activity just north of the Oak Ridge Research center. There is a lot of people moving around in large SUVs in an area that is more wilderness than anything. Looks like you and Gunner need a soft probe. Novak out!" The two soldiers were quiet for a moment - then looked at each other. "Time to saddle up!!"

Gunner wanted to drive the "B" and Arata said "fine". Mahaffey took the 10" leather covered steering wheel and put the "B" through the turns down rural route 25W. The Goodrich G-Force R1 175/50 - 25 tires stuck to the road like glue. Gunner said "the Doc really out did himself on this machine. However, my 59 "A" is still prettier. I haven't had this much fun since I took Amy for whirl around the practice range.....did some real damage there."

The MGB's comstat went off and the Neutralizer, sitting in the passenger seat, saw Dave ‘Hard Drive’ Novak on the heads-up display. "We believe we may have ID'd Assad ad-Din Zanhi crew just north of Oak Ridge. Will send coordinates. Time to move guys....good luck. Novak out."

Russ ‘Gunner’ Mehaffey smiled and said, "looks like a job for you, me and our friend in your boot!" Arata looked back and said, "oh, you mean Amy....oh yes, Amy is sweet."

AMY? AMY WHO? I woke up ready for action, but my wife Susan was hovering over me. "If I didn't know better, I would say you have a girl friend but it looks like you were just off in dream land again. You promised the lawn would be cut today...time to move soldier."

OK, I did it again, but I sure love my naps and those dreams of glory they provide. Time to get off the couch!

NOTE: Chapters 1 & 2 are contained in the Driveline May & June issues respectively.