Gateway To Terror j4p3v

Gateway to Terror

Joe Smiga

Copyright © 2011 by Joe Smiga.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011910852

ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4628-9704-9

Softcover 978-1-4628-9703-2

Ebook 978-1-4628-9705-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Xlibris Corporation 1-888-795-4274 www.Xlibris.com [email protected] 96500

Contents

Third Novel Manuscript What Happened in 2011

Prologue Inside of Tehran

Chapter One The Following Week

Chapter Two Washington DC

Chapter Three Back to New York

Chapter Four Evening at the CIA

Chapter Five Late Afternoon Services

Chapter Six Four Weeks Later

Chapter Seven After the Meeting

Chapter Eight Hoping for Employment

Chapter Nine The Proposal

Chapter Ten Meeting for the Project

Chapter Eleven A Letter to Dearborn

Chapter Twelve Sunday Evening

Chapter Thirteen Next Morning

Chapter Fourteen Second Day of Training

Chapter Fifteen Four Weeks Later

Chapter Sixteen Mid-June 2012

Chapter Seventeen Arriving in Canada

Chapter Eighteen After Chartierville

Chapter Nineteen Manchester New Hampshire

Chapter Twenty The Next Day

Chapter Twenty-One Laying the Groundwork

Chapter Twenty-Two The Next Four Days

Chapter Twenty-Three Selecting Targets

Chapter Twenty-Four Choosing Cells

Chapter Twenty-Five The Next Day

Chapter Twenty-Six Planning

Chapter Twenty-Seven Phone Calls

Chapter Twenty-Eight Palmdale California

Chapter Twenty-Nine Two O’clock Meeting

Chapter Thirty Two Days Later

Chapter Thirty-One The Following Week

Chapter Thirty-Two End of the Week

Chapter Thirty-Three Convention Week

Chapter Thirty-Four Labor Day Weekend

Chapter Thirty-Five Week Following Labor Day

Chapter Thirty-Six Friday

Chapter Thirty-Seven Tuesday with Azim

Chapter Thirty-Eight Last Week in September

Chapter Thirty-Nine Friday the Same Week

Chapter Forty Change of Direction

Chapter Forty-One Moving Ahead

Chapter Forty-Two Weekend before the Election

Chapter Forty-Three Selecting the Last Two

Chapter Forty-Four Setting up the Last Two

Chapter Forty-Five Back in Washington

Chapter Forty-Six Between Cells

Chapter Forty-Seven Newark New Jersey

Chapter Forty-Eight Portuguese Experience

Chapter Forty-Nine Major Snow Storm

Chapter Fifty Two Meetings

Chapter Fifty-One End of December

Chapter Fifty-Two January 2013

Chapter Fifty-Three California Plan

Chapter Fifty-Four Last Week of January

Chapter Fifty-Five Early February

Chapter Fifty-Six Second Half of February

Chapter Fifty-Seven Meeting with Azim

Chapter Fifty-Eight Back in Detroit

Chapter Fifty-Nine First Week of April

Chapter Sixty Azim Begins His Role

Chapter Sixty-One April 9th

Chapter Sixty-Two April 10th

Chapter Sixty-Three Westward Bound

Chapter Sixty-Four Delivering His Cargo

Chapter Sixty-Five May 4th

Chapter Sixty-Six May 27th

Chapter Sixty-Seven Aftermath from Mojave

Chapter Sixty-Eight May 28th

Chapter Sixty-Nine May 29th

Chapter Seventy May 30th

Chapter Seventy-One May 31st

Chapter Seventy-Two Police Departments

Chapter Seventy-Three Adjusting Finances

Chapter Seventy-Four Crime Scene Leads

Chapter Seventy-Five Following Monday

Chapter Seventy-Six Austin Texas

Chapter Seventy-Seven New Hampshire

Chapter Seventy-Eight Montreal

Chapter Seventy-Nine Allison’s Office

Chapter Eighty White House

Chapter Eighty-One Inside Tehran

Dedications

This book is dedicated to my wonderful wife, Linda who continues to encourage me to write and be everything I can be. Our children, Joe, Sharon, Jake, Seth and Dina, with a wish to all of you, and all of the free societies in the world, I hope there will always be liberties for free men and women to enjoy and live by.

A second dedication I wish to make is for Rhoda Coleman, Linda’s cousin, who lived in New Jersey, she read, “Behind the Lies,” my first novel, as soon as it was published. It was the first military thriller she ever read. She told me it was so intense for her she couldn’t put it down the last one-hundred fifty pages. She asked me to write a sequel to it, something I wasn’t thinking about at the time. Here is the book to fulfill Rhoda’s wish. Rhoda was like a sister to me and to Linda, we enjoyed seeing each other and chatting on the phone. Sadly, Rhoda’s life was cut short because of cancer. She ed away after retiring from teaching several years ago. She will always be ed and greatly missed.

Third Novel Manuscript

What Happened in 2011

In the fall of 2011, four Iranian Kilo submarines launch cruise missiles with nuclear warheads against four major cities in the United States. A fifth submarine attacks Israel at the same time.

The president of the United States launches a powerful conventional weapons attack on Iranian soil. He has no choice but to protect his country.

The following story is part of the aftermath of those disastrous events.

Prologue

Inside of Tehran

It has been two months since Iran was attacked by the United States. The structure of their former form of government is destroyed; the country is in a transitional state. Elements in the country are trying to form a more democratic form of government; while die-hard fundamentalists are trying to maintain control over the population.

Some citizens are enjoying their new independence while others don’t know where to turn for direction. Individuals who were forced to have politically correct relationships are forming new relationships and are distancing themselves from former friends.

Kamil Hussein and Hamid Dakham, who worked with Jibril Atwan on procuring nuclear materials from the Russian Mafiya are making every opportunity to distance themselves from their past. They have discontinued praying at their former mosque, named Rajab Ali.

* * *

Kamil Hussein and Hamid Dakham stand at the end of evening services. As they depart their present mosque, they are approached by the Imam who gave the sermon.

“Wait one minute,” the imam says. “I wish to have a word with both of you.”

Kamil and Hamid look at each other surprised.

“I noticed the two of you have come regularly since the bombing fell on our city and our country.”

Kamil says, “Yes, so what is that supposed to mean?”

“Noticing your prayers and meditations, both of you seem to be observant. Where did you worship before?”

Hamid replies, “It really doesn’t matter to Allah. Why does it matter to you?”

“After what happened to our country, we need believers to help us keep our focus for Islam. Would both of you be willing to come to a session we are having in middle of next week after evening prayers?”

Kamil questions, “What is the purpose of the session?”

“We want to begin some community projects and develop leaders to maintain our beliefs.”

“Isn’t that your responsibility?” remarks Hamid.

“Yes, but we cannot do it alone.”

Kamil says, “We’ll talk about it and if we want to do the session we will stay after prayer, the night of the meeting.”

“Good, that is all I ask. I hope both of you will consider my invitation.”

Exiting the mosque and turning right, Kamil says, “What do you make of his comment?”

“I don’t really know for sure. My gut feeling is he wants something from us besides being observant Muslims.”

“I think so too!”

“What do you want to do?”

“Let me think about it for a couple of days and I’ll have your answer,” replies Kamil.

* * *

The imam who offered the invitation is stopped by the senior mullah. “Well, what did they say?”

“They didn’t commit to anything, which is the reply I expected.”

“Do you think they will come?”

“From what I learned when Jibril was alive, I would say they are curious.”

“We’ll see if that’s true next week.” The mullah leaves the imam standing in the center of the sanctuary alone with his thoughts.

* * *

Kamil and Hamid continue walking away from the mosque. It is getting dark and the air has a nice breeze. They are heading for the food court at the outdoor bazaar.

“Hamid, have you found any work?”

“Small jobs, nothing steady, I can barely pay my bills. Since the bombings it’s like there is a new regime taking over. If I am right, they know who worked for the secret police and are boycotting us. It’s as if they’re afraid of us.”

“I’m having the same problem. I’m glad we have each other to talk to. I feel as if I don’t know who to trust,” speaks Kamil.

Hamid replies, “Let’s grab some food, and we’ll at least have full bellies tonight.”

Music and entertainment is bellowing from the food court. Men and women are dancing together and the women are not wearing traditional head coverings.

“Things certainly have changed in two months. It looks like we are a western nation; instead of a nation of Islam,” remarks Kamil.

“Iran is changing, Kamil. Maybe we are the stubborn ones who refuse to accept the change.”

“Following Allah is the only way we should live our lives, Hamid.”

“Yeah, and look where it got the President and the Supreme Council. Maybe their interpretation of the Koran isn’t the only way.”

“You sound like a heretic.”

“Maybe, but our world has turned upside down because of those who professed to be the anointed ones. I don’t feel I can trust anyone with that mindset in the future.”

“What can we trust or who can we trust?”

“Right now, Kamil, you are the only one I really trust.”

“Are you trying to soften me up so I’ll pay for dinner?”

“Gee, that would be a nice gesture on your part, since I paid the last two times.”

“Fine, but I want to go to a special place most don’t know about.”

“So long as the food is good, that imam talked too long, I’m starved.”

Kamil laughs, then says, “Let’s go, it’s about ten minutes from here.”

* * *

They walk into a section of the city that is a block away from where the

presidential palace stood before the bombing. Even late into the evening, workers are seen still trying to clear the wreckage made by the US bombs. Neither one of them has ever seen this much devastation before. Both of them are horrified by what they see. It is difficult to comprehend this happened to their country.

Turning into an alley, Kamil leads Hamid toward the back where he knocks on the steel door three times. They wait for a response, he knocks again.

“Do they really serve food in this place, Kamil? There is no display in front saying they are an eating establishment.”

The door creaked open on its hinges.

A heavy set fellow with eyes as black as coal and a full black beard says, “Kamil, it’s been awhile. Is he with you?”

“Yes, he’s a friend, it’s good to see you again, Siamak.”

The man steps aside so they can enter.

Knowing the way, Kamil leads Hamid down a dimly lighted corridor.

As they walk, Hamid is scenting the sweet smell of marijuana. He doesn’t say anything because of the fellow behind them who opened the door.

Kamil and Hamid through an archway which leads into a small room with four tables along each of the side walls. Three of the tables are occupied with men who seem oblivious to their presence.

The lighting in the room is only slightly better than the corridor.

“I will get you menus,” says Siamak.

“Don’t bother; we are going to have some falafel sandwiches with hummus and tabouli. Please bring us some of your sweet tea,” speaks Kamil.

Siamak nods and walks off.

“Do you come here often, Kamil?”

“No, not often, just when I want to discuss things or think about things where I know others won’t interfere with me. Someone I used to know brought me here years ago. I found those who come here keep to themselves and want to be treated in the same manner.”

“If we stay very long, we might get a little high.”

“Oh that, it never bothered me before.”

Just then Siamak arrives with their food and drinks.

Kamil and Hamid stare at each other under the dim lighting just above the table. They wait for Siamak to leave before they continue.

Hamid spreads some hummus on his falafel sandwich and begins to eat.

Biting into the sandwich Hamid says, “It’s good, better than I expected. Have you eaten anything else here?”

“Yes, but not for a long time, it’s probably been more than a year since I ate here last. Before we did our last business venture.”

“So why are we eating in this clandestine atmosphere?”

“That is the mood I am in, Hamid.”

“What brought on all of this darkness, may I ask?”

“I feel disconnected. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because of the bombing we took.”

“Or maybe, you sense the loss of leadership, Kamil.”

“Doesn’t it bother you, Hamid, that the plans we were part of failed?”

“From an accomplishment standpoint, yes, it does. Kamil, those are the chances we took being pawns in Jibril’s game plan. I don’t even know where he is right now. And I really don’t care either.”

“Perhaps, we could have struck a mighty blow for Islam. Don’t you think so?”

“Maybe Allah has different plans than Jibril had. Look Kamil, I’m not a western believer, I’m also no longer a radical fanatic for Islam. Maybe, I’ve changed, I don’t know.”

“What do you suspect the imam has up his sleeve?”

“Why don’t you start your sandwich maybe that will help change your mood. What do I think the imam wants? I can’t answer you. Maybe I’ll be able to come up with something if I hear him talk.”

Kamil picks up his fork and starts eating his tabouli salad before he places some hummus onto his sandwich.

Hamid notices how Kamil plays with his fork as he chews his sandwich. His friend is quite nervous, more so than he had seen him inside of Russia.

When both of them are finished eating, Kamil pays for the meal and says, “I need a walk, will you me or do you have something to do?”

“Nothing planned, I’ll be glad to you.”

Chapter One

The Following Week

Monday and Tuesday evening services in the mosque end with an announcement, stating that there will be a discussion meeting on Wednesday evening following services. The topics will cover how could participate in furthering the cause of Islam.

* * *

On their way out of the mosque Tuesday evening, Kamil says, “Do you want to attend the discussion tomorrow?”

“I have mixed emotions about it. One side of me says, I should, the other side of me tells me to run in the opposite direction.”

“What can happen to us if we just listen? We don’t have to volunteer for anything.”

“It sounds to me as if you have already decided to go, correct?”

“Yes, I believe I made that decision. Will you come with me?”

Hamid, the shorter and stouter of the two men looks up at his tall friend and smiles. “Why do you need me to go?”

Kamil, with his light complexion and six foot-four height, tall for an Iranian, looks down upon his friend and says, “I can make my own decisions, but I would feel better if you were with me.”

“We’ll go together. I don’t have much of anything else to do anyway.”

“Good, I’m glad.”

* * *

Wednesday evening services seem to move at a faster pace than usual. Surprisingly, the imam even keeps his sermon short.

Hamid quietly says to Kamil, “They are in an awful hurry to get the meeting started.”

“It does seem that way, doesn’t it?”

The services come to an end. The senior mullah announces their meeting will be held on the lower level, in the room at the bottom of the rear stairway. The meeting will start in ten minutes.

* * *

Slowly some of the men begin to enter the stairwell and descend to the lower level. The senior mullah is standing by the doorway of the meeting room warmly shaking hands with those who enter. After nearly ten minutes, he takes a head count, seventeen decided to attend.

The Imam who personally invited Kamil and Hamid is pleased to see them in attendance.

Kamil and Hamid look around to see if they recognize anyone in the room. Both men take notice of Azim’s face. He was the truck driver who drove their materials to the seaport inside of Russia.

Azim acts as if he is deliberately trying to ignore their glances.

The senior mullah begins, “Welcome, we are glad to see so many of you. You need to know that at this very moment you are part of many groups listening to the same message in every mosque inside Iran.

“In our country, Islam is experiencing a terrible shift within our people. Many believers are frightened by the power of the West and are quick to change their

ways. We need assistance in overcoming this.

“Tonight, you will hear some of the plans your leaders are creating so that you and others can become leaders in maintaining our spiritual growth. These will not be volunteer positions. You will be paid for your time and your efforts. I am turning the remainder of this meeting over to Imam Adel.”

Before the imam gets up to speak, Kamil gives Hamid a look of surprise that they are willing to pay for their efforts.

For the next hour, Imam Adel explains some of the planned committees that are being considered. He explains that no one is being asked to commit to any committee tonight. They should take time to seriously think about what they would like to be involved with.

He goes on to say, “A week from Friday, we would hope each of you will have made a decision. If you have any questions, I will be glad to answer them.”

There are a few questions at the moment. The biggest fear among them is, are they being asked to be martyrs? The imam assures them this is not what the meeting is about. He ends the meeting with a comment to call him at anytime to discuss whatever questions they have in mind.

* * *

When everyone leaves, the senior mullah asks Imam Adel, what his opinions of

Kamil and Hamid are.

“I don’t have a feel for them yet, do you?”

“No, I don’t; not yet. Let’s see what transpires by next Friday. If we don’t get a positive response from them by that time; I want you to make sure they are blacklisted from any employment so they begin to need us more than we need them.”

“It will be done as you ask.”

Each man goes his own way after the session.

* * *

After leaving the meeting, Kamil asks, Hamid, “What did you think about the session?”

“I think Imam Adel, is a very persuasive speaker. I felt my neck hairs standing up when he spoke, telling me to watch out for whatever he is talking about.”

“You didn’t hear anything negative?”

“Negative, not really, but the whole picture may not be what he makes it up to be.”

“You’re being very critical of him.”

“You’re right, I am. I just saw the results of terrible tragedy happen right here in our own backyard. You’re damn right I am being critical; especially when my ass may be on the line.”

“Hamid, I have to do something this evening, I’ll see you Friday at services.”

Good, I need time to think about this evening, Hamid thought. “Fine, see you then.”

Chapter Two

Washington DC

At 9:00 AM the next day:

Inside the Oval Office, President William Egan is sitting at his desk with the newly appointed Iranian ambassador to the United Nations seated in front of him. Vafa, whose name means loyalty and faithfulness, is in awe of being alone with the most powerful leader in the world.

“Ambassador, after what both of our countries recently experienced, I would hope we could develop more meaningful relationships in our future dealings.”

“Mr. President, there are many in my country who wish to see change. However, you and I both know that sometimes change is difficult and happens only after time gives it room to grow.

“In my new position, I plan to be a positive role in that change. But you must be aware; I must do what is in the best interest for Iran.”

“I hope that your people see that we have kept our word with them after we launched our attack on your military and your government.”

“Yes, they are aware of your efforts. Right now a government is being formed so those who propose change will have an equal say in the future of our country.”

“Do you think the revolutionary guard will try to hold a coup and overtake what is being created?”

“That could happen, yes, I will not deny it. However, many smart minds are working to avoid this.”

“Since this conversation cannot really go very far, let’s talk about what you and I can do. First, how can we help you to get settled in?”

“I’ve been in your country for three weeks now. The Secretary General of the UN has been a great asset to me in getting acclimated and settled in.

“I am learning the ropes about the responsibilities of ambassadorship. Learning by trial and error you might say. I’m hoping to make very few errors.”

“The Secretary General advised me you are a bright and conscientious man. She says you will do well.”

“I will do my best. I hope that the future brings both of our expectations to a reality.”

With that said, President Egan rises and offers his handshake. Vafa stands knowing it is time to depart and heads to the door.

“One more thing Ambassador, feel free to call me if you would like to discuss any matters.”

“Thank you, sir, I may take you up on that offer.”

* * *

President Egan picks up his phone and pushes the speed button for his secretary. “Janet, have Allison and John arrived for their ten o’clock meeting?”

“Yes sir, they are seated in the waiting area. Would you like me to send them in?”

“Please do that.”

Janet rises from behind her desk. Oh these small stretch breaks are great. She walks into the waiting area. “The president would like to see the two of you now.”

“Both Allison and John give Janet a polite, “thank you.”

As they enter the Oval Office the president rises and says, “I’m glad both of you are a little early. My meeting with the Iranian ambassador didn’t take very long.”

As they approach the front of the president’s desk, Allison McDonald is the first to speak. “Is there something wrong, sir?”

“Wrong, no, not really, at least not right at this moment. The new Iranian ambassador is playing it very coy with me. He is trying to feel his oats and wants to make sure I understand where he is coming from.”

“Is that a problem, suh?” remarks John Walker.

“No, not in itself, I’m having a difficult time getting over the feeling everything isn’t all right inside of Iran. I don’t see those radical fundamentalists giving up so easily.”

Both John and Allison start to reply at the same time and smile at each other.

“We’re watching Iran very closely by satellite,” remarks John.

“We’ve increased the number of agents inside of Iran to twice their former numbers,” replies Allison.

“Do you see or hear anything suspicious?” asks the president.

Both of them reply with a prompt no.

Waving his right arm in the air, the president says, “Maybe I’m being overly cautious.”

“Understandable,” remarks Allison.

“With this year being an election year, the party is driving me crazy to select a vice-president to run on the ticket. I’m trying to find a new chief-of-staff to replace Maria, and it isn’t so easy. I don’t want to be side-tracked away from what is most important. I need the two of you to stay on top of anything relative to Iran and make sure I know quickly if you suspect anything.”

John replies, “Sir, you can stop worrying. You know both of us will keep you on top of everything. The little exercise you had us do before their attack taught both of us how to work together more effectively. We have continued to do that on a number of issues besides Iran.”

“Good! I know I can count on the two of you. I do want to get re-elected and try to complete projects I started in this term besides go to war.”

Allison is quick to remark, “You will get re-elected. The people know what you did for the country.”

“I wish I felt as confident as you do, Allison. The world of politics is a strange breed, and you never know until all the votes are in.

“What else do you have for me?”

Both John and Allison make their regular morning reports.

Chapter Three

Back to New York

Ambassador Vafa sits in the back seat of the black Lincoln town car; his chauffeur is driving. They are headed north on route 95 from Washington DC. He hopes they arrive in New York before the traffic congestion begins.

As he looks out of the tinted side windows and sees the scenery flashing by, he begins to reflect on his meeting with the president.

President Egan seems to be a good man. Good but shrewd, he didn’t become president being a push-over. He knows how to play the game to get what he wants and what is best for his country. I suspect he would really want eventually to have peaceful relations with Iran, but at what cost?

I know I have a great deal to learn. I’ve been given this job because my family has a history of being honest and trustworthy. I hope I can live up to the expectations that are awaiting me. Yet my grandparents have instilled a deep sense of religious fervor in me. I know some of the traditional ways are stymieing the growth of my country. Now I feel as if I am being torn in two directions.

Suddenly, his car phone rings. As he places the receiver to his ear he says, “Vafa.”

His staff advisor says, “Sir, your plans for this evening have changed. You were to have dinner with the ambassadors of Iraq and Syria. It seems that something has come up for the two ambassadors. They apologize deeply and will reschedule very soon.”

“Not a problem, Farbod, I will probably be late getting back anyway. This traffic heading north in Delaware is very heavy. We haven’t even entered New Jersey yet. Is the schedule for tomorrow set or are there additional changes?”

“The schedule remains the same unless there are last minute changes we are not aware of at the moment.” Farbod replied.

“Good, why don’t you take off a little early this evening, but meet me in the office at seven tomorrow so we can go over a few things before my first meeting.”

“Of course,” he replies. Farbod is not an early riser and his new boss likes getting into the office early. However, he realizes he’s getting a break today, so he really can’t complain. He will miss the heavy traffic tonight by leaving at this hour.

Vafa hangs up the receiver.

Farbod is looking out of the window across from his desk. He will call his wife and tell her he will be home early for dinner. Maybe the two of them could go out instead. They haven’t been out of the house for sometime with all of the

schedule changes going on in the office.

Yes, that is my next priority. Especially, since I will have to leave home very early in the morning to make it to the office for seven.

Meanwhile, Vafa is trying to figure out why two ambassadors suddenly became unavailable at the same time to have dinner. It does seem odd.

Chapter Four

Evening at the CIA

Allison McDonald is reading reports from two field agents located inside of Iran. Both men have been able to infiltrate the fundamentalist community and are attending services at different mosques. The interesting commonality is that both reports are almost identical. They speak of meetings being held after evening services, led by imams. Imams who discuss how they plan to develop committees to encourage the following of Allah by developing community projects. The talk of spiritual development is the main topic and the positions of leaders will be paid by the mosques. With unemployment rising, it appears that the religious zealots are planning to maintain control over the people, by providing for the basic needs of families while improving their images after the bombings.

The conclusion of both reports is as follows: The imams are looking to remove blame from themselves, and place it elsewhere.

Standing and stretching to remove the tension in her neck and body, Allison moves over to the large bullet proof window overlooking the CIA campus. With her arms folded she looks below, it is dark, street lights look dim from this height, she sees employees moving about. From this height they look like mere specks and it feels as if they have very few cares in the world. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel free from my everyday pressures?

The phone starts to ring and she is brought back into the real world, she moves

back to her desk. Her secretary speaks when she picks up the receiver. “Director, you have Ariel Wattenberg, from Israel on the phone.”

“Thank you, Sharon. I’ll take it.” Allison sits down in her chair.

“Ariel, you’re working very late. It must be midnight in Israel.”

“You know Allison, it comes with the job. I’m sure you have your share of midnight oil burnings.”

Allison lets out a slight laugh, “You’re right, I do. What is happening for me to deserve this late hour call?”

After a few seconds of silence, Ariel continues, “After what your president did to save Israel, I have strict instructions from our prime minister to along any bits of information that may be of value to you.”

“Thank you, Ariel, and what bits do you have to make you call this late?”

“It may be just minor posturing on the parts of imams in the mosques, but my gut tells me something is in the works.”

“What is your gut telling you, Ariel?”

“We have four agents inside Tehran. They attend services at four different mosques. Imams are developing a plan to put together projects to get people involved in spiritual work and humanitarian projects.”

“Is that bad, what would you expect them to do?”

“Allison, if a couple of mosques were doing this. I would say this is a positive thing for the communities. I believe this is a coordinated plan to maintain control over the changes that might happen inside the government of Iran.”

Allison is holding a pencil in her right hand and unconsciously begins to tap it on her desk.

“So you feel this could be the start of something that we should be aware of?”

“Allison, I can’t be positive, you know better than that. I feel I would be doing you an injustice if I didn’t this along to you. That’s all I can tell you.”

“What do I owe you for this, Ariel?”

Smiling to himself he says, “Nothing at all, we are very appreciative of what your country did as I told you before.”

“Thank you, I will mention this to the president in my morning report. I will also tell him how you took the time to call at such a late hour.”

“I appreciate that, Allison. We don’t get many pats on the back in this business. I will consider your remarks one of them. Have a good evening.”

Allison put down her phone. She didn’t plan on telling Ariel she had a similar report from two agents. The less he knows about her people in Iran the better. However, she sensed the concern in his voice.

Allison picks up the phone and hits the speed dialer to call, John Walker the National Security Advisor.

“National Security Agency,” Shirley speaking, “How may I help you?”

“Shirley, this is Allison McDonald, is the director in?”

“Yes ma’am. I will ring his line.”

In a moment, John Walker is on the phone. “Allison, what’s up?”

Allison goes through the reports her agents gave and then she tells John about Ariel’s call.”

“What do you make of it? Do you think a problem is starting to brew?”

“Maybe, I’m going to advise the president of our people’s reports and then let him know about Ariel’s call.”

“How can the NSA help?”

“I’m running that through my mind right now. My first thought is we need to start selecting some mosques and get some satellite photos over a period of time.”

“What if I suggest that to the president in my report, so he doesn’t think you’re trying to run my agency? It will also give us his permission and make him feel it was his decision.”

“I like that, John. I’m beginning to like this working together cooperatively.”

“Me too, though I’m sure it won’t work for everybody.”

“I know you’re right about that, at least it works for us.”

“Look, Allison, I’m glad you called, but I have to run tonight. My wife has a dinner engagement for us.”

“You don’t want to miss that, thanks for listening, see you in the morning.”

Allison sits back in her chair. She knows they and Israel are on to something. Just what it is and where it will go is anyone’s guess.

She begins preparing her morning report before she leaves the office.

Finishing the reports she thinks, wouldn’t it be nice if I had a dinner engagement tonight instead of going home to leftovers again.

Chapter Five

Late Afternoon Services

Imam Adel sees Kamil and Hamid entering the prayer room; he has only a couple of minutes to get their attention before the call to prayer will sound.

He hurries over and says, “Could we please speak after the service. I need your comments.”

Hamid replies, “Sure, no problem.”

The imam smiles and walks to the front of the room.

Tapping Kamil with his elbow, Hamid says, “What did I tell you, tonight will be some gentle arm twisting.”

* * *

When the service is over, Imam Adel hurries to meet with Hamid and Kamil. “Do you mind if we meet in my office for a few moments?”

“No, we don’t mind? We’ll follow you,” states Kamil.

The men head towards the rear of the mosque, Imam Adel enters an office and turns on the air conditioning.

“With three of us in here it might get a little stifling.”

Hamid looks around not surprised by what he sees. Observant Muslims use only the barest of necessities. The room only holds a small desk, with a squarebacked chair and three folding chairs for guests. The walls are bare, no pictures, no message boards, nothing.

Kamil begins, “What did you have in mind to discuss?”

“We were hoping that you might have reached a decision by this evening to serve on a committee.”

Hamid replies for both of them, “We have reached a decision.

“Only you might not be pleased with it. You know what the employment situation is here in Tehran. Both of us are finding it difficult to maintain long term employment. We decided we cannot afford to work on your proposed committees because in the long term, it would not benefit us.”

“I see,” remarks Adel.

“You don’t feel any sense of spiritual obligation to Islam?”

Kamil says, “Of course we do, however we’ve learned over the years, if our own spirituality is to survive, we need to care for our own needs before the needs of others.”

“Do you realize how many others are in the same situation but have offered to become involved. Of course, they will be compensated too.”

Hamid interrupts the imam, “We understand you will provide compensation. That is not the only issue here. We are tired of doing short term projects. We are looking for long term employment and you don’t offer that.”

“If we were able to do that?” says the imam.

Kamil looks over to Hamid. Hamid doesn’t quite know what to say.

“What kind of long term employment might the two of you be looking for?”

Kamil says, “Something at least two to three years would be better then what we are dealing with right now.”

“How about at least a two year project?”

Hamid replies, “What would a mosque be doing hiring commoners for that long a period of time? We don’t want to be janitors.”

Adel says, “That never entered my mind. I need to speak with our senior mullah. This will take some time for me to get back to you. I know he is considering a few projects. I will let you know as soon as I hear from him. Then we can discuss everything. Let us leave this room with the blessing of Allah and an open mind for what we may soon address together.”

* * *

As they depart the stairways onto the streets of Tehran, Hamid says, “What did you make of that conversation? I felt it was a little strange.”

“I never expected what came out of it. It almost sounds as if they want us for something.”

“I think so. It’s as if they have a sense and have something in mind for us to do. Something that will take a fairly long period of time.”

Kamil said, “Possibly, maybe it’s all in our heads too. Something we would like to happen.”

“I don’t know, Kamil. There is a lot more to this than we realize.”

Kamil goes on, “Look, I promised my mother I would come over after services for dinner. Would you like to us?”

“Not this evening, I have some other plans, maybe another time.”

The two men split. Azim, the agent who worked for Jibril has to decide who he is going to follow.

* * *

The Senior Mullah enters Imam Adel’s office after he watches Hamid and Kamil depart.

“Well, what is their decision?”

“They have tly made a decision not to be involved. They feel it is more important they seek long term employment.”

“And what did you tell them?”

‘I told them, I would be talking to you and we may have something long term.”

“Did you put my instructions into effect?”

“I did a week ago, and I told them it will take me time to meet with you.”

“Good, let them get a taste of being hungry and out of work.”

Chapter Six

Four Weeks Later

Kamil and Hamid haven’t been able to find any work for six weeks. Both men display visible signs of stress, they find it difficult to pay their bills and enjoy their lives.

Hamid invites Kamil over to his apartment because he doesn’t want the expense of eating out. He prepares some Turkish coffee.

Kamil has never been inside of Hamid’s apartment. Entering he is shocked by its Spartan appearance. He realizes how fortunate he is. His family provided him with plenty of items to furnish his place.

“Enter my humble abode,” says Hamid.

Kamil gives him a warm hug, which is customary in the Middle East.

“Sit, I made some coffee. My mother made some treats a couple of days ago and they aren’t stale yet, you might like them.”

“Hamid, you are beginning to sound like I feel. We have always been able to take care of ourselves and now we are acting like we need handouts.”

“Well, don’t we?”

“I understand your mood my friend, funny you always seem to be the calm one and now it seems our roles have been reversed.”

“Kamil, something is going on, something we don’t understand. Neither one of us has ever been out of work for this long. This is beginning to irritate me.”

“Who could be causing what you suggest?”

‘I don’t know, it is a gut feeling of mine.”

“You know, we could always Imam Adel.”

“You haven’t heard from him, have you? He probably can’t come up with what he spoke about. He is probably embarrassed.”

“You’re assuming he is. Why don’t we approach him next Friday?”

As they sip their Turkish coffee and munch on the goodies made by Hamid’s

mother, they contemplate what they will do and how they will approach the imam.

* * *

Azim is sitting in Imam Adel’s office giving his report to the imam and the senior mullah. “Neither of them has been able to secure any work for weeks now.”

Imam Adel says, “Yet they haven’t approached us to ask about getting involved in any projects.”

The senior mullah remarks, “They are proud men. That can be a good trait and it can also make them difficult to manage.”

“Azim, what is your honest opinion of these two?” asks Adel.

“I believe they are dedicated men. They will give everything they have, if they are doing something they believe in.”

“Can they be convinced our idea is in Iran’s best interest?” asks the mullah.

“Maybe, maybe not, your idea is totally different than what they did for Jibril, inside of Russia. You need to have them realize how important it is for the

United States to be confused and insecure about what is happening inside their country than to be concerned about what is going on inside of Iran.”

“Is that enough?” replies Adel.

“No, it is not enough, you need to make it worthwhile financially. Look, this idea of yours has a new magnitude to it. It is totally different than doing a secret police project.”

“What kind of levels of financial incentives do we need to make?” asks the mullah.

“You are getting into new territory here. Something even I am not familiar with. You need to do some research somehow. Maybe the moles Iran has around the globe can give you a feel for what foreign intrigue pays.”

“How can we do this without drawing attention to ourselves?” asks Adel.

“Look, from what I am hearing, whoever is creating this project hasn’t thought everything through. If you want this project to succeed, you will need to work out as many details as possible. You want to send men around the world, you must offer them rewards to take risks.”

The senior mullah rises, “We will meet again, Azim. Are you still willing to be part of this operation? If so, we will pay you accordingly.”

“Yes, I am. I feel your idea is excellent. We just need to make sure we bring on the right people and they have reason to do the job with all of the risks involved.”

“I hear you, and I agree with you. Our first priority will be to make them a generous offer. When we have them on board we will create an outline for the whole plan.”

Azim states, “I believe that is the best approach.”

Azim leaves the office and the mullah says to Adel, “We need to meet with the others.”

“I agree.”

Chapter Seven

After the Meeting

Azim enters the parking lot at the rear of the mosque. Out of habit, he looks underneath the vehicle and gives a once over underneath the hood before he takes out his car keys and presses the entry button on his blue Mini-Cooper. He enters the car and starts the engine. You can’t be too careful even here in Tehran.

As he pulls into traffic, he smiles to himself. How easy it was to plant a seed with these so called religious leaders two months ago. The idea that they could retaliate against the United States for the bombing was so powerful, they couldn’t even think straight after hearing it. Immediately, they set about how they might accomplish it.

Tonight he not only gave them a bit of financial reality in this matter, but he actually improved his own position. The mullah is so worried he will back out that he assured him he would be taken care of financially, as well as others. Fool, he would do it for nothing just to get revenge against the United States.

When the Shah was the puppet of the United States, his security forces tortured and murdered Azim’s parents and siblings. It was only by the grace of Allah that he escaped detection. Now, they will pay many times over.

He realizes he must continue to be the prod behind the scenes, and make these

fools with the money think they are planning this occurrence. Little do they know he is really in control. This plan will take a great deal of preparation. I cannot allow it to fail. I must stay three steps ahead of them all the time.

* * *

Inside of NSA, monitors record six identical phone conversations made inside Tehran. The only message given is, “We must meet tomorrow at our facility. Make it immediately after noon prayer.” The sender of each message used a phone located inside of one of the local mosques. Each receiving line will need to be traced.

* * *

It’s only a fifteen minute drive to Azim’s apartment. He parks his car in his usual space and walks up the three flights of stairs to his unit. He checks the door for the planted hair. It is still in place.

Once inside he opens the blinds and the windows to get some air moving. He has been out most of the day and it feels like an oven.

He looks at his mail. It is the usual load of bills and some ments. Surprised, he notices something out of the ordinary. An international priority mail letter sent from someone he knew in the past, they left Iran and moved to Europe during the revolution. Later he learned they moved to the United States. Interesting isn’t it, this may fall right into my plans. Right now, I need something to eat.

Azim, lays the letter on his table unopened. He decides he will prepare some eggs, cheese and tomatoes and onions along with some toast and hummus for dinner. It won’t take long to put this together, then I’ll read the letter.

With his meal ready, he sits down at his table and begins to eat. He opens the letter.

Dear Cousin Azim,

We are certain you are surprised to receive this letter. It has been a very long time since we conversed. After hearing the United States bombed Iran, we started to think about you and our other relatives wondering how you are. We are frightened for you. Were many citizens killed or injured in the bombings? Please tell us if you need something. We would be happy to help.

We learned your address from my brother. He told me he doesn’t believe you ever married. Somehow, he was able to come up with the address, and we hope it is correct and that you receive this letter.

We wish to connect with you. Our dream is that you will respond to this letter and let us know you are in good health. We pray to Allah for all of our relatives to be safe.

Our children are grown and now we have grandchildren. Our house has extra rooms available for guests, and we are hoping that possibly you could come here to visit for some period of time. It would be wonderful to catch up with old times

and see familiar faces again.

Please write back and tell us about yourself, even if you are unable to come. There is a large Muslim community here in Michigan. You would feel comfortable while you are here.

Our mailing address in Dearborn, Michigan is at the bottom of this stationary.

Best wishes your cousin,

Ali

Placing the letter on the table, Azim smiles to himself. The timing of this letter couldn’t be better. It will be part of his plan to enter the United States and might even be good cover for a period of time.

He decides he needs to think about how he is going to respond.

* * *

The twelve imams from around the city are walking into the room. They see the room has chairs set up in a circle. A few of them are upset by the arrangement because it removes their seating status in the community. There are also mumblings and groans about having this meeting with such short notice.

Inside the room, Imam Adel begins the meeting. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Adel realizes the men he is talking to are used to giving orders, not used to being talked to. He knows he must tread lightly. “We feel that the men we want for this project will make a decision soon, however, we must discuss the financial arrangements necessary to procure their services.”

A short man named Farrokh responds, “What kind of financial arrangements. They have an obligation to Allah. We will pay their expenses and supply the goods to accomplish this mission. What is the problem?”

Adel’s senior mullah replies to Farrokh. “Farrokh, don’t you get paid to be an Imam? When these men begin to operate outside of our sphere of influence, they must have motivation. You know as well as the rest of us, money is a motivator.”

“Yes, but how much money?” is Farrokh’s retort.

The mullah continues, “We are not sure yet. That is why all of you are here. We need information from all of you to investigate the costs of an operation like this. Not the operation itself, but the cost of the individuals involved. Our plans are to use three people.”

Kamal, a heavy set Imam inquires, “When do we need this information?”

Adel, responds, “As soon as we can get it. Maybe a week, no more than two at the latest, if we are to hire the men we are looking to acquire, we must move quickly. Time is critical, an operation of this size will take a lot of resources and

planning. We cannot afford to have the wrong people running it.”

Jalal, a friendlier imam speaks next, “How do you expect us to come up with this information, Adel?”

“We need to check with whatever sources you personally feel will give you the information we want, and then we can compile figures. this project is all of our responsibilities not just any one mosque in the community. It is too important and will cost a great deal of operational money for us to fund based on what we have already talked about.”

“Adel, you make it sound so simple,” remarks Farrokh. “How do we know the information we seek will not attract undue attention.”

The senior mullah rises and waves off Adel, before he has a chance to speak, “Each of you have a responsibility to this project. You volunteered your resources and made commitments. Is the fear of reprisal overcoming your love for Allah and Iran? If so, any of you are free to leave this room and never return for another session. Either we are in this together or we can stop this operation right now.”

No one says a word and a few look around at each other.

“Then leave this room and be back here in ten days with your information.”

The twelve visiting imams rise and filter out of the room.

Gathering outside, six of the imams talk among themselves. They are coming to the realization that this grandiose idea is more than words. It will take involvement on their part. Something they never expected. Finally, they leave in their respective vehicles, not sure of what is going to happen to them. Will the United States seek revenge just as it did on the President and the Supreme Council? What have they gotten themselves into?

Inside of the mosque, Imam Adel thanks his boss for taking over.

“Farrokh is a loud mouth. He is mostly talk. Once he realized he must get his hands dirty, he is feeling vulnerable. He will do his part only because he doesn’t want to look like a coward. Always keep that in mind when you are dealing with him, Adel.”

“I will.”

Both men exit the room and head to the upper level to depart from the mosque.

Chapter Eight

Hoping for Employment

Kamil and Hamid meet at their usual corner on their way to services. The ten blocks they walk permits them some time to bounce ideas back and forth. This evening is especially important. They need to learn if Imam Adel will be true to his word about having some long term employment. Both of them have been out of work for nearly two months now.

“So, what do you think we will find?” asks Kamil.

“Your guess is as good as mine. What I cannot figure out is what kind of work they have in mind for a long term commitment.”

“At this point, I’m ready to accept just about anything.”

“Kamil, watch what you say. We may be biting off more than we really care to.”

Wanting to change the subject, Kamil states, “Hamid, have you noticed there are more people wandering the streets this evening?”

“It’s probably because, the weather has been warmer than usual for this time of year.”

“I guess you are right. I have been so concerned about finding employment, my mind isn’t focusing on much of anything else.”

“Kamil, let’s not get our hopes up too high. Let’s just hear what Adel says.”

As the two men near the bottom of the entry way to the front of the mosque, they look at each other wondering what awaits them.

* * *

Entering the mosque they see Imam Adel on the far side of the room. He looks towards them and appears to be smiling.

Hamid says, “Well that looks promising, perhaps he has good news.”

The call to prayer is coming out of the loud speakers, both men position themselves near the front of the prayer room.

Tonight, the senior mullah is leading the service.

Hamid whispers to Kamil, “This is going to be a long Asr service, I’ve seen him do services before and they tend to be on the long side.”

“Sh-sh,” the man to Hamid’s left side responds.

* * *

Hamid was right, the service was longer than what most imams conduct in the evening.

As they rise, they realize Imam Adel is standing next to them. “If you will follow me, I would like to talk in my office.”

Hamid and Kamil follow the imam towards the rear of the mosque.

Entering the room, they seat themselves in front of the desk.

Walking around the desk and sitting down, Imam Adel inquires, “How are the two of you doing?”

“If you’re asking healthwise, we’re both well. If you’re inquiring whether or not we have found employment, the answer to that is no,” remarks Hamid.

“I see,” says Adel. He is pleased to hear this response.

“We are hoping you have something for us,” states Kamil.

Smiling, Imam Adel opens up the center drawer of his desk and reaches inside for two envelopes, then places them on top. Closing the drawer he positions one envelope in front of each man.

Adel looks across to the men and begins.

“We will have a firm offer for you by next Friday evening after services. In the meantime, I have been instructed to give each of you an envelope. Inside are some finances to help you through the week until we meet again. It is not a loan merely a donation on the part of the mosque to take the strain off of being unemployed. We appreciate your patience with us.”

Kamil and Hamid glance at each other, disbelieving what they just heard.

Kamil speaks first, “Thank you, we can use whatever you can give us. It is difficult to find meaningful employment. Are you sure you will have an answer next week?”

“Yes, we are sure. Our council are meeting this coming Wednesday, and we will have an answer for you by Friday.”

Hamid asks, “Can you give us some idea what kind of work we will be required to do for this venture?”

Adel looks both of them in the eyes and says, “Right now, I cannot go into detail. What I do know is you will be given the choice of working on the project and more details will be provided if you agree to do so. You will also be given the financial parameters.”

“Will we be the only ones involved?” asks Kamil.

“No, three individuals are to be selected and all I can say is they will be supervising five groups of others.”

Kamil and Hamid exchange glances. They wonder how these imams found out they have leadership skills.

Imam Adel stands and says, “Use the money in these envelopes to make next week comfortable. Next Friday, we will ask you to decide on significant plans.”

Both men realize the meeting is over and they stand to leave. Before leaving they each reach for one of the envelopes on the desk.

After departing the front stairway of the mosque, Hamid opens the flap of his envelope and whistles. “Whoa, there is enough cash in here to cover me for two weeks, never mind one. Check your envelope, Kamil.”

Performing the same function, Kamil is also surprised at what he sees in the envelope.

“Kamil, I get the feeling they want us very badly. They seem to know an awful lot that we never told them.”

“I agree, but let’s go eat and enjoy some of this money. I am tired of being hungry because of lack of funds.”

“Lead the way, as a matter-of-fact, let’s go to your favorite hole in the wall so we can talk in private.”

“Good idea!”

* * *

The following Monday in Washington DC:

The reporters are anxiously waiting in the White House press room. A notice of a meeting to be held this afternoon at 1:00 pm was e-mailed into every major newspaper and television network late Friday. Voices are buzzing around the room speculating about its purpose. This short notice is unusual.

Precisely at 1:00, the White House Press Secretary enters the room and heads for

the podium. “Ladies and Gentlemen, in a few minutes the president will address you. He wants the country to hear it firsthand. At the end of his presentation there will be no questions allowed. The presentation will be self-explanatory.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States.”

As the press secretary steps off the platform, President William Egan enters the press room and walks to the podium.

He smiles at the crowd in front of him, knowing they are caught unaware and are uncomfortable. The President knows there is a lot of speculation what the content of his announcement is because this meeting was called in an unusual manner. He loves keeping reporters on edge.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming. Today, it gives me great pleasure to assure our citizens that its government is fully staffed.

“This morning I have appointed Mr. Stewart Downey, a retired CEO to be my Vice-President for the remainder of this term and also for my second term. Stewart comes to the White House with a leadership background that will take the office of vice-president to new and successful heights.

“Before I introduce him, I wish to announce my second appointment. Mr. Robert Jacobie, who has retired from our military with over thirty years of service, and has functioned as a chief-of-staff to a number of our senior officers, he has accepted the position as my Chief-of-Staff.

“Under our constitution the president has the authority to appoint these offices. Both of these individuals will operate in their respective offices while they are awaiting confirmation of the Senate.

“Now, I introduce to you, Stewart Downey and Robert Jacobie.”

Both of the men enter into the press room. Stewart stands to the right of the president and Robert to his left.

Microphones and notepads are being shuffled in order to properly record the information they have just received. For months now, the istration has been receiving flack about the vacancies of these positions, especially because this is an election year. The president’s reply has always been, he wouldn’t appoint anyone until he was sure of their capabilities.

This is a high power move on the president’s part in this election year. He smiles at the group and with a wave of his right hand, he and the newly appointed men step down from the platform and exit the room.

The press secretary re-enters and advises the meeting is adjourned.

Now the pressure is on each one of the media organizations to get the correct backgrounds of each newly appointed individual. Who will be the first in their field to tell the public? The rush is on to get their cell phones out to a place where they can speak freely.

* * *

Inside of the Oval Office, the President along with his newly appointed VicePresident and Chief-of-Staff sit on the comfortable couches drinking coffee while they reflect on the stunned looks of the reporters in the press conference.

“I believe, we took them by surprise this afternoon,” remarks President Egan.

“No doubt about it, everyone of their faces reflected the startled look they had,” remarks Stewart.

“Not only the press corps, but the opposition party is going to go ballistic trying to out-do the maneuver, to gain some political advantage, you just took away from the negativity of their ads,” remarks Robert.

“Gentlemen, now it’s official. Both of you need to review the staffs that were assigned to those offices and see if you want to make any changes. Right now I have other issues to deal with.”

With that said the three men rise and two leave the Oval office.

* * *

The following Wednesday morning, Imam Adel is on the phone ing each

of the other six mosques to gain the financial information which they were supposed to compile and provide by today.

Adel is finding getting someone to the phone is hard enough never mind getting the information. He has left messages at all six of the mosques and it is nearly noon without any returned calls.

It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that he finally received the various pieces of financials. Tonight he must meet with the senior mullah to show him the range of fees they have learned. The senior mullah must make his decision by tomorrow night or the latest on Friday by noon after prayer.

* * *

Inside of the NSA, the phone calls of Imam Adel’s mosque to the other six mosques are being monitored. It seems a bit unusual for clerics to be discussing clandestine contract fees. Jerry Daniels knows Jim Stewart his boss, and the director, John Walker are going to intrigued by this. The president will be intrigued as well. But how will they deal with it?

Chapter Nine

The Proposal

Kamil and Hamid are anxious as they enter the mosque. Not so much for the services but for what might come afterwards. They both smile when they see that Imam Adel is going to lead. He is keen enough to keep things proper yet realistic. Older mullahs tend to drag out the prayers. They believe there is a need to justify their income or show how holy they are.

At the end of services, Imam Adel walks to where the two are kneeling and greets them as they stand. “Let’s go downstairs to have more room. Entering the room they are not surprised to see the senior mullah there. Both men see positions of four chairs with two of them facing the other two. Instinctively they take two chairs side by side. Imam Adel takes one of the others and the mullah the remaining one.

With a smile on his face, the senior mullah says, “Good evening gentlemen. We trust you had a comfortable week with the funds provided you.”

Both men reply, “Yes!”

“Good, now let’s get down to the matter at hand. We have a project in mind we expect will last from eighteen to twenty-four months. It will involve managing five sets of groups and also involve travel. Any questions so far?”

Neither of the men responds.

“Financially we are prepared to pay each of you, at the rate of 180,000 euros per year for this project. Above that all of your living and travel expenses will be paid.”

Hamid speaks, “What kind of project are you planning? That amount of money is more that the average Iranian makes in five years.”

Meanwhile, Kamil is beginning to look dreamy eyed by this talk of money.

The mullah doesn’t answer his question, he merely continues to speak, “We are planning a diversion project. This project will enable Iran to have time to think for itself and not be directly influenced by western pressures. Believe me, Islam must remain the foundational core of Iran. Our people must realize their purpose is to live for Allah.”

Hamid continues, “Can you clarify the details of this project some more? Imam Adel said there would be three people involved. Where is the third person and who might that be?”

“He is correct and one person has already committed to take part. We are seeking two more individuals. We think that the both of you are the type we would want for this project. If not, then we will continue to look elsewhere. If you agree we will present the whole package to all three of you at another meeting.”

Sensing Hamid’s hesitation, Kamil speaks, “Do we have to commit tonight? Can’t we have time to think about this?”

The mullah responds, “You have twenty-four hours to think about making your decision. If we don’t hear from you by 2000 tomorrow evening we will assume you are not interested and start looking for others.”

“Is there anything else you can tell us?” asks Hamid. “You know both of us are unemployed and the money is certainly attractive. Speaking for myself, I would feel more comfortable knowing what the details of this project are.”

“I’m sorry, for confidentiality reasons we cannot tell you more than we have.” The mullah rises and says, “We await your decision.” He stands and leaves the room. He is not accustomed to being questioned.

Imam Adel plays the good cop role and smiles at the two men. He rises and says, “We hope to have a positive response from you by tomorrow evening. I must ask you to leave now as I need to lock up for the evening.”

Hamid and Kamil rise and walk up the flight of stairs to the main floor and exit the front of the mosque. Kamil begins to speak, but Hamid raises his finger to his lips and says, “When we are clear of the area.”

When they are two blocks away, Kamil says, “Why did you ask me to wait?”

“Kamil, there is a lot more to this so called project they are planning then just being leaders of five groups. This has the air of espionage.”

“Espionage, you’re dreaming. Your imagination is running away with you.”

“Oh yeah, then go ahead and volunteer. If you commit and say no afterwards, I don’t think your life is going to be worth two rials.”

“You are serious, aren’t you?”

“I am very serious, my friend. Somehow they know of our previous business with Jibril. They see us as good candidates for this type of work.”

“But, what or how could managing five groups cause us harm?”

“Kamil, they are willing to pay big money because it is going to be dangerous, they don’t want to do it themselves. They are willing to pay in euros not rials, which are almost worthless right now, look at what they’re offering. Think my friend think!”

“Will it be anymore dangerous than what we did in Russia?’

“Probably not, but I don’t feel we’ll have the same backing us up like we did in Russia.”

“So, you’re saying the three of us, whoever the third person is, will be on our own.”

“Yes!”

“Are you willing to take the risk for that kind of money?”

“Kamil, with everything else going on, I’m asking myself the same question. If I take it and we come back safe, I want to leave Iran and go somewhere else.”

“Where would you go?”

“I don’t know, somewhere where I can enjoy life, all I know is that for the last three years my life hasn’t been pleasant.”

“Come, let’s get some dinner at my hole-in-the wall, as you call it. We can even get some alcohol there. Tonight we need to talk and have a drink.”

* * *

As the meeting in Iran is coming to a close, Ariel Wattenberg, director of Mossad, hears his phone ring.

Pushing his speaker button he asks, “Yes, what is it?”

“Director, you have the head of the CIA on the phone.”

With a look of surprise on his face, Ariel tells her to put the call through.

“Allison, how are you?”

“I’m fine, Ariel. How are you doing?”

“It’s the same as usual, too much to do and not enough hours in a day.”

“I see we belong to the same club,” Allison says as she smiles at the pleasantry going on.

“What do I owe this pleasant conversation to, Allison?”

“Just a tid-bit of information I want to on to you about our friends in the East.”

“Oh!”

“It seems that seven mosques have been calling each other over the last two weeks with conversations ranging from finances to contracts.”

“Can you get me a list of the mosques?”

“I will and I’ll get you a transcript of the phone calls.”

“Why?”

“Because there isn’t much to go on and I think if you know about it as well as myself we might get somewhere without blowing it out of proportion.”

“I see, so you want to keep this under wraps.”

“Yes, we don’t want to unnecessarily take steps that could jeopardize what we are trying to build there. Yet, we don’t want to get caught behind the eight ball.”

“Good thinking, I’ll see what we can do with it and get back to you.”

“Thank you, Ariel.”

“Don’t mention it.” As he hangs up he is still amazed at how this lady can get him to do things most men can’t. He laughs and gets up from his desk to get a file.

* * *

Kamil and Hamid are sipping a glass of merlot. Neither of them knows how to begin.

Finally, Kamil says, “The way I see it, if everything goes well, we could have some substantial finances to rely on. I like the idea that it is designed to give our country some flexibility in making government decisions without western influence. At least, that is the intent of the project.”

“Something about how this is being set-up sticks in my craw. I feel this is the hard line clerics trying to buy time to make sure they don’t lose control over the government,” Hamid says quietly.

“Look, you’re probably right. However, if we don’t do it, they’re going to get someone else and we’re out of a lot of money.”

“If we ever live to spend it, you mean?”

“Why are you being so pessimistic about this?”

“It just doesn’t feel right.”

“So, you’re saying you don’t want to do it, even if I decide to do it.”

Just then their meals arrive and the lamb kabobs look delicious. They have both ordered the same thing on Kamil’s recommendation.

Before the waiter departs they ask for a second glass of wine.

“Look Kamil, this is not in the same league with what we did in the past. Can we do it? I’m sure we can. Yet, there are many uncertainties we will face. Is it really worth the money? I always felt Jibril would come through for us if we needed him. Not because he had any love for us, but we satisfied a need he had. He would protect us to protect his own ass. I don’t feel this will be the same.”

“So, if I am hearing you correctly, this is a whole new challenge for us.”

Hamid smiles, “Yes, I guess it is. I gather you want to go. If I say yes, then I want you to let me manage the way our finances are handled, both regarding ourselves and whatever expenses the project costs.”

“Be my guest, I don’t need the headache of handling the monies for whatever we are going to get involved in. I just want to make sure I have mine when it is all over.”

“Our second glass of wine is coming, let’s enjoy this meal and the wine then we can talk some more.”

When they are through with their meals and drinking espresso coffee, they look at each other expectantly.

“Well, what are you thinking about?” asks Kamil.

“I’m thinking I can’t let you do this alone, because if something happens to you I will probably blame myself.”

“Aren’t you the soft hearted one?”

“No, probably soft headed is more like it.”

“So, we will do it!”

“Yes, but I will call Adel around 1930 tomorrow. Let them sweat awhile for a change.”

Kamil sits back and smiles.

Chapter Ten

Meeting for the Project

Nearing the front stairs to the mosque, Hamid turns to Kamil, “Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

“Yes, I am sure, aren’t you?”

“I guess I am. Only time will tell if I am making the right decision.”

Both of them walk up the stairs feeling anxious. Entering the mosque they head for the back stairway per the instructions they were given. On the lower level, they enter the first room to the left and see the senior mullah along with Imam Adel waiting for them. This is the same room they used for the first meeting.

Hamid looks around for the third person that was supposed to have volunteered.

Imam Adel recognizes his moves and says, “Our third person will be here shortly. He called saying he was detained in leaving where he was visiting.”

Hamid acknowledges his statement by nodding and feels a sense of ease that

there really is a third person involved.

The senior mullah begins by saying, “Be seated so we can discuss our project.” As he speaks, Azim enters the room and nods to everyone in recognition.

“Azim, it is good to see you made it sooner than you thought you would,” says Imam Adel.

Hamid and Kamil are not surprised to see the third person is Azim.

Kamil, Hamid, and Azim seated themselves directly across the spiritual leaders.

The mullah begins, “I want you to know you have one last chance to change your minds. If you are not sure you want to go ahead with us then leave the room. If you hear the details of the project and change your mind, there could be serious consequences.”

The three men look at each other, more so to see if anyone will leave rather than what the consequences might be.

No one stands.

“Alright, we have your word that you are committed to this project. Now, I will outline it. Bear in mind this is only a brief outline, and it will take time for us to formulate a final plan on how the operation will develop.

“All of us know of the destruction our country has suffered by the hands of the Americans. Now we are seeing large portions of our population starting to shift their thoughts to Western ideas and philosophies. This is contrary to Islam, we cannot afford to have this continue. Our plan is to create a series of incidents inside of America in order for them to focus on themselves and give us time to re-orient our own government. We must never let infidels influence our society.”

The three are listening and not giving any indication what these statements mean to them individually.

“Do I have any questions so far?”

Hamid says, “You told us we would be leading five groups, now you speak of terror tactics. Have I missed something?”

“You are correct, you will be providing leadership to five separate groups. They will be the ones who will be creating the incidents. We do not want any of these incidents to be connected with Iran. Is this a problem for you?”

“Not really a problem, how do we know these groups? How qualified are they to do what you wish to achieve. How can we lead and not be involved in the outcomes of these incidents?’ states Hamid.

“For decades, Muslim migration into the United States has allowed the creation of cells inside their country. Those cells are part of our long range plans to establish Islamic law there. We plan to use some of these cells to create these

incidents. You will be coordinating planning and providing finances to get these incidents to become a reality.”

“Speaking for myself, I can understand the concept of what you want to achieve. However, it will take time to make sure the people we select are capable. Otherwise we could have nothing more than chaos,” replies Hamid.

“You are correct in what you state, Hamid. That is why this is such a long term project. You and Kamil will work with Azim for at least two months to develop the necessary skills he has, and re-enforce your own past backgrounds. Our plan is to achieve the final solution for this project any where from eighteen to possibly as long as twenty-four months. This will give the three of you time to be certain the cells you select are satisfactory and decide where the incidents will occur. Finances and hardware to accomplish all of this will be provided to your cells and also to you of course to cover your expenses. We will discuss those matters another time. Beginning next week, the three of you will start working together to improve your skills. During that time we will review the different cells, what skills we believe they have and look to select potential targets.”

Imam Adel speaks, “Gentlemen, we realize this is a lot to place on you in one night. We plan to meet with you twice a week while you train. Azim is highly experienced in these matters. He was trained by none other than Jibril Atwan.”

Kamil and Hamid look at each other, realizing Azim is not merely a driver for errands, he is a highly trained operative from the Iranian secret police.

The senior mullah rises and says, “Enough for this evening, the three of you should plan a time and place to begin your training.” Both the mullah and the Imam leave the three alone in the room.

Azim rises and smirks, “It looks like we will be working together once more. Only this time we have bigger goals on our hands. I know you are familiar with the police building. I would like you to meet me there Monday morning at 0900. We will discuss the kinds of training you will need and how we can accomplish it. Do you have any questions for me?”

Kamil replies, “I don’t, but I will next week.”

Hamid just smiles and the three men move up the stairs and depart the mosque by different exits.

When Kamil and Hamid are outside alone, Hamid says, “I told you I thought this could be espionage, it’s even more serious than I thought its terrorism.”

“I know, are you sorry we volunteered?”

“I’m not sure if I am sorry or not. I guess this is a real shock. Our only chance of surviving this operation is being smarter than everyone else.”

Chapter Eleven

A Letter to Dearborn

After leaving the mosque, Azim heads home. He realizes his dream is beginning to come together. The fact that Hamid and Kamil volunteered is encouraging. He told the mullah about them and has been hoping they would be the ones to the project. He knows they are capable in this type of work. As he drives his thoughts begin to formulate a plan to begin their training and create the necessary papers for the three of them to travel. Before he begins to do this he must send his cousin Ali a reply to his letter. The timing of Ali’s letter could not be better. Oh Allah, I pray that you will guide me in this mission. America must not be allowed to change Iran from true Islamic beliefs.

Parking in his usual space Azim hurries up the three flights of stairs to his level and anxiously works the key in the lock. Inside he tosses the evening paper onto the table and turns on the lights. Azim’s body is full of energy and finds it difficult to be still. He grabs Ali’s letter from the bowl where he keeps his mail, and rereads it before starting a reply. He sits down and begins to write.

* * *

Dear Ali,

I am very pleased to receive your letter. I’m sorry that I have taken some time to

reply. Tehran was bombed by the American government and I have been working long hours to help clear the rubble around the presidential palace.

How are you and your family doing? I hear a great deal of negative press about the Muslim community in the United States. Right now there seems to be a big rift about a mosque they want to build in Manhattan. Is the attitude the same for the Muslims in Michigan?

I am fine physically, but my heart bleeds for our people. I would love to come and visit with you and your family, and I appreciate your invitation.

I believe I can get away in two to three months from now. How long would you care for me to visit? Is it possible that I could get to see some sights while I am visiting?

I look forward to hearing from you again. My next letter will give you a definite date that I can arrive. Is there a better day of the week for me to come?

Sincerely your cousin,

Azim

* * *

Meanwhile, Kamil and Hamid are walking the streets of Tehran. They are trying to keep their minds straight as to how they are going to handle what has just been proposed to them.

“Hamid, do you believe we can accomplish what they wish and still come back home in one piece?”

“Their idea intrigues me to some degree. Yes, I think it can be done with a foolproof plan that keeps us distant from the attacks.”

“You are talking about the same thing for Azim as well, right?”

“I can’t answer that one yet. I’ve got a feeling there has been a great deal of thought put into this that we are not aware of right now.”

“Once we leave Iran, who is going to be running this project, Azim?”

“We will know more on Monday, Kamil. Don’t let your fears control your thoughts over the weekend. Right now we’re involved in this. I wouldn’t want to think what might happen if we changed our minds. what I told you a while back?”

“Yes, I do and when the mullah said consequences, your words about my life not being worth a rial went through my mind. You also know this project can make us heroes back here.”

“Right now, I just want to make sure we come back in one piece and get paid for our efforts.”

“You think they would short change us? This promise of payment is merely words?”

“Look, if we get captured or killed they can confiscate any of the monies they paid the three of us. They will deny any knowledge of us.”

“So what can we do to protect ourselves and our finances?”

“I will work on it over the weekend. Give me some time and I will share my ideas over breakfast with you on Monday. Is that fair enough?”

“Fine, I’ll see you Monday morning. Call me and tell me where you want to meet.”

“I’ll call you Sunday night. I have plans for the weekend and I won’t be home until the afternoon.”

“Oh, young lady, plans you don’t want to share?”

“Actually, it’s an old army buddy of mind. I want to see if I can learn some things without getting him suspicious.”

“I’ll look forward to your call”

Both men split up each walking with some reservations and also with an idea of new challenges.

Chapter Twelve

Sunday Evening

Hamid calls Kamil around 1730. “Meet me at your favorite hole-in-the wall.”

“What is it? I have plans for this evening. Why can’t we discuss this over the phone?”

“Because, I don’t feel comfortable talking about what we need to discuss over the phone.”

“What time will you be there?”

“In half an hour, we can get a bite to eat as we talk and you can be on your way in one hour or no more than an hour and a half.”

“I’ll meet you there, this better be good.”

“It depends on your opinion of good, meet you there.”

Kamil hangs up his phone and cannot imagine what Hamid is getting so worked up about. They haven’t even started the project. Or is that what this is all about? What did he mean by, it depends on your opinion of good?”

* * *

Kamil enters the eating establishment, he is told by the man who answers the door his friend is already seated.

Kamil maneuvers his way along the dark ageway, enters the small dimly lit dining area. He sees Hamid seated at a table along the back wall.

Hamid nods and Kamil pulls the opposite chair away from the table.

“Why, did you have to wait so late to have this session?”

“Because I’ve been busy meeting with reliable sources. Do you want to hear them or not?”

Kamil has never heard Hamid talk like this before. “You sound upset, what is wrong?”

“A whole fucking lot is wrong. That’s what’s wrong. Do you want to know about it or not?”

“Keep your voice down, Hamid, so we don’t invite listeners.”

“You’re right, I will, only now we are committed to do a project and I don’t fucking trust who is sponsoring it.”

“Oh shit!”

“Right!”

At this point the waiter comes over and asks if they would like to order?

Hamid says, “I would like the lamb kabob.”

Kamil says, “I’ll take the same, make mine medium. Bring us some of your special tea with ice.”

The waiter leaves and Hamid continues, “ I told you that I would be spending time with an old army buddy this weekend?”

“Yes, so what?”

“Well this buddy of mine asked me how things were because he heard I was having a hard time getting work.”

“Did you tell him you recently found something?”

“Without any details, I told him I have volunteered to do some community projects through one of the mosques.”

“And, what did he say?”

“He first told me that he was surprised to hear me say that. His reasoning is that the word on the street not to hire me came from the mosques.”

“What, are you sure of this?”

“He is a trusted friend but I didn’t just take his word for it. Today, I met with some friends who tend to be let’s say on the religious fanatical side of things.”

“What did you learn?”

At that moment their dinners arrive and they hold off on their conversation.

When the waiter leaves they continue.

“Two of them are aware of the word on the street not to hire a couple of individuals. You are the second one.”

“You are saying that we have deliberately been unemployed to force us to do this new project.”

“Sounds like it!

“Kamil, don’t just sit there start eating.”

“What should we do?”

“I think we should make sure we somehow gain control over what happens. Now, we know we cannot trust the imams and I wouldn’t trust Azim anymore than I would a poisonous snake.”

“How do we get control over this?”

“It will take time to figure out. We must stick together on this. I don’t want you to go start getting your dreams of being a martyr for Allah in the way of your thinking.”

“I don’t plan to be a martyr!”

“That’s good! I think you get my point. Let’s meet in the morning.”

Kamil looks at Hamid and sees he is dead serious. “Okay, I do have to leave soon. You are going to pay for this meal since you called this meeting, right?”

Hamid smiles and says, “Yes, I had planned to pay for it. I’ll get you back don’t worry.

“By the way, we do not discuss any of this over the phones, understand?”

“You think our phones or apartments are bugged?”

“I wouldn’t put it past them, especially Azim.”

They finish their meals. Outside of the building Kamil says, “Look, I do have to go but I’m glad you shared this with me. We must be very careful.”

“Yes, especially since I think they look at us as being expendable.”

“Exactly!”

Chapter Thirteen

Next Morning

Hamid and Kamil are sitting in the waiting room of police headquarters, trying to be patient. It is 0915. They were told to be there at 0900. Where is Azim? He is supposed to run the training.

Five minutes later, Azim casually walks through the front door and sees them seated. “You are on time. I was delayed. Follow me, we have a conference room assigned to us on this floor.”

Uniquely, the conference room is the same one Jibril Atwan used when they worked for him on the Russian Mafiya project. Hamid thinks, I get the feeling this guy is using Jibril’s former tactics to create a control mood. I will bet his tardiness was deliberate.

The room hadn’t changed, it has a conference table that seats twelve and the walls still have the same crappy drawings on them.

“Take a seat around the table. We need to discuss a number of things.”

Azim sits at the head of the table, Hamid and Kamil sit to his right and left.

“I want to tell you I am pleased the two of you volunteered for this project. I know you are capable and I don’t have to teach you things you already know.

“I want you to realize that I will be leading this team when we leave here. You will answer to me and I will instruct you what the imams want us to do.”

Hamid looks over to Kamil and each of them realize that this is what they have anticipated.

Hamid responds to Azim’s statement, “Azim, don’t treat us like children. We anticipated you would be leading this team. What we want to know is how we are going to accomplish this project and how we are going to be successful.”

Slightly stunned, Azim says, “I’m just laying the ground rules. If you follow them we will have no problems, if you don’t I will have you replaced.”

Kamil smiles but thinks to himself. This guy is a jerk, with a major ego problem, seeking power and glory. What the hell did we get ourselves into?

Hamid sternly replies, “Azim, let’s get one thing straight right now. We know for a fact the imams need us as much as they need you. We’re not stupid. We agreed to this project or terrorism if you want to call it truthfully, because we believe in our country. Let’s stop the games right here and now. Or else we’ll walk out the door and leave you holding your hands on your ass and let’s see what the imams will do without us.”

Azim sits back a moment and studies both of their faces. He sees they are not frightened or intimidated by him. This is something he is unaccustomed to with his years with the secret police. He realizes he must handle them differently.

Hesitating a moment, he says, “I just want to make sure we pull this off.”

Kamil replies, “Yes, that is our purpose, now if you want to lead, show us how to respect you. Then we will follow. We are used to working as a team, you know that from the past. We were very successful working with Jibril. By the way, where is he?”

Hamid smiles at Kamil, his friend said everything quite eloquently.

“You two don’t know, Jibril is dead?”

“What, did it happen in the bombing?” asks Kamil.

“He died in Lebanon, he drowned.”

“In Lebanon, why was he in Lebanon?” asks Kamil.

“He was on a special assignment. I don’t know anymore about it. Look we need to start talking about what we are going to do.

“I have relatives in the United States, I am going to apply for a visa to visit them. The two of you will develop new identities.”

“Do you have anything particular in mind?” speaks Hamid.

“I suggest being Turkish business men. Do you have any other suggestions?

Kamil sits back in his chair and ponders that for a moment. “That’s okay with me. I think it would be more acceptable to the westerners than any other Middle Eastern country.”

Hamid responses, “I agree!”

“Next you need to select Turkish names so we can create identity papers and ports.”

“We can have that for you by tomorrow. We’ll work on it later. Can we use computers in this building?” asks Kamil.

“That can be arranged. You will also have to get used to your new identities so we will start calling each other by your new names so you are accustomed to being summoned by them.”

Kamil and Hamid look at each other across the table and nod their approvals.

“I assume both of you have been in the military and received weapons training.”

Kamil replies, “I did the basic training, but I went into supply afterwards.”

Hamil states, “I was in the Tank Corps after my basic training.”

“So each of you have some knowledge of handling weapons, am I correct?”

Each of them responds, “Yes!”

“The next item on my agenda is to let you know each of you will receive an envelope every week, similar to the one you received two weeks ago. This is to cover your regular living expenses while you remain here. Before you leave you will give notice on your apartments that you are on special assignment. There is no need to continue the overhead of your rentals while you are gone. While we are away money will be placed in each of our s for the amounts we are being contracted. I will handle your s so you need not worry.”

Hamid looks over to Kamil and gives him a slight negative shake of his head.

We are near the noon hour and will break for lunch. This afternoon I will take you downstairs to the firing range. Bear in mind though you will not be carrying weapons overseas.”

Then why all of the big deal about weapons, Azim?” asks Kamil.

“I just want to make sure you have the ability if it becomes necessary to use weapons.”

“What else will our training consist of?” asks Hamid.

“Tomorrow you will provide me with names for your new Turkish identities. I will arrange for the ports and necessary paperwork.

“For the next two weeks we will work on some subjects from martial arts, to coordinating the attacks, and driving in America.

“Why don’t we break for lunch? I will arrange for some computer time for late this afternoon.”

* * *

Kamil and Hamid go off on their own while Azim stays behind in the headquarters. They are familiar with the cafes a few blocks away.

“Let’s sit outside away from everyone so we can talk,” says Hamid.

“My thoughts exactly, where do you want to go?”

“When we get closer we can pick a place that isn’t so busy. This morning went the way I expected it to go. What I want the two of us to do is to build a plan that will give us a better handle on this operation and more control over ourselves. We will explain our thoughts to the imams near the end of the training. This will complicate things for them, but I lay you odds they will go along with our ideas. Azim seems to be as radical as Jibril was.”

“Over there, the café on the right has plenty of outside space available. Pick a spot near the partition. This way it limits the number of tables around us even if they become occupied,” remarks Kamil.

* * *

Azim was pleased with what he saw on the firing range even if they couldn’t hit the target as well as he could. They have a working knowledge of firearms should it become necessary to obtain them. At some point during this training I should teach them to handle knives.

Kamil was pleased with himself on the firing range. Hamid hit the targets well enough to look good but didn’t fire too accurately so Azim would not know how good his accuracy was. For some reason he held back because sometime in the future it might be important.

* * *

Towards the end of the afternoon Kamil and Hamid are able to get some Internet time to seek out Turkish male first and family names. They print out a number of pages of each to review together this evening and make their selections.

Chapter Fourteen

Second Day of Training

On the way to headquarters, Hamid and Kamil toss around the idea of arriving late, saying they were delayed. This is child’s play, yet it might teach Azim he’s not in total control. Their final decision is not to be too confrontational because they still had to operate as a team.

Arriving just before 0900, they find they are alone in the waiting room again.

Azim shows up at 0925 this time. Either he has a problem being on time or he is really hung up with being in control. This may be a bigger problem later on.

“Let’s head for the same conference room and get started,” Azim says.

Kamil just looks at Hamid and rolls his eyes.

Hamid is shaking his head as if he can’t believe this guy. It is hard to believe the imams want to put him in charge of an operation of this magnitude. Maybe he sold them a bill of goods of what he can accomplish and they don’t realize what is going on?

Entering the conference room the three of them take the same seats.

“Do you have the Turkish names selected for your new identities?”

“Good morning, Azim.” “Oh yes, good morning.”

Kamil hands him a paper which states: Kamil will be Altan Yilmiz and Hamid will be Dentz Aydin.

Azim looks at the list and sneers, “How did you come up with these names?”

Kamil replies, “With a lot of trial and error by matching names and families so that we don’t have someone else’s identity. We feel these names are the best choices for us.”

“What kind of business are the two of you involved in?”

“We haven’t decided that yet,” states Hamid. This guy is a real, jackass. We have two months to think about these things and he wants immediate answers to questions he hasn’t even offered.

“Fine I need your current ports so I can have new pictures and new ports created before we leave.”

Both men hand him their port.

“Today we start with explosives. This will take up the rest of the morning and all afternoon. How much experience do either of you have with any explosives?”

“I have none,” says Kamil. “I thought the cells were doing the incidents and we were not going to handle any explosives.”

“You are correct, we are not planning for you to handle any. This education is in case you need to teach the cells how to handle them.”

Hamid sees that Azim in now working in his realm. He must be an explosives expert because he handles each sample with such tender cautious care, and does an excellent job of explaining all of the important details. Hamid is enjoying today’s session. When Azim finishes for the day it is nearly 1600 hours.

Finishing the session Azim states, “It is too late to continue. Tomorrow, we will go over everything one more time. Afterwards, I will question you and you will explain everything back to me. We will continue this process with all of our topics until I am satisfied you are knowledgeable. Tomorrow, you should plan on being here at 1000 hours. I need to visit with our engraver in the morning, for your ports.”

* * *

Leaving headquarters and walking towards their apartments, Kamil remarks,

“He certainly does know explosives, doesn’t he?”

“He does, I’ve had some experience learning explosives, I don’t think there could be a better instructor for what we are learning.”

“I wonder how many facilities he has blown up or convoys? An instructor yes, an organizer and a leader, I have my doubts,” says Kamil.

“Other than being an egomaniac he is a good instructor for this kind of work.

“That’s probably why Jibril had him on his staff.

“Look Kamil, or should I say Altan, I need a break, I’ll see you tomorrow at our regular corner at 0930.”

“I agree, I’m going home and crash for a while. See you in the morning, Dentz.”

Hamid turns and smiles.

* * *

Meanwhile Azim slips into the mosque to meet with Imam Adel.

Inside of his office the imam says, “How are they doing?”

“Other than being young and a little brash, they are smart and learn quickly. We may not need the full two months.”

“Good, I will report that to the mullah. We will want to meet with the three of you a couple of weeks before you move out.”

“We will arrange it.”

Azim rises out of his chair and leaves the imam sitting in his office.

Azim is satisfied with the way things are going and begins to dream of his journey to meet his cousin.

Reaching his apartment he sees he has a reply from his cousin. He is anxious to read it.

Chapter Fifteen

Four Weeks Later

It is mid-week on the fifth week of training. Azim concludes his discussion of the cell s and how he wants them to be approached. He announces, “Tomorrow morning the Senior Mullah and Imam Adel will be meeting with us in the conference room. They have been pleased with your progress and wish to go over some issues with all of us. You should plan to be here by 1000 hours.”

Altan-Kamil asks, “Is there anything special we should be aware of for this meeting?”

“No, they wish to go over some details.”

The three men rise to leave the room. Altan-Kamil and Dentz-Hamid head out the front door and don’t speak until they are two blocks away from the building.

“Hamid, I mean Dentz, are you planning on telling them our ideas tomorrow?

“This will be the perfect time. Azim will be unable to say much with them sitting there unless he makes a fool of himself. Right now we know everything about the plan. If they choose not to agree with us it will jeopardize their time table.

Not only that it will be very hard to replace us and Azim can’t handle this on his own, and I think all three of them realize that. Our plan is better, I’m sure they will agree on it.”

“I sure hope so, I don’t want to go through with it the way Azim describes it.”

“Altan, tomorrow we let them do the talking first.”

“I agree, but you will handle the presentation right?”

“Yes, I will handle it. Let’s go somewhere different tonight to have some dinner. For the first time, I’m beginning to feel good about this. By the way, it’s your turn to pay.”

* * *

Allison McDonald reaches for the phone, “Sharon, have the deputy director come to my office.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The deputy enters Allison’s office. “You want to see me, director.”

“Yes, Chuck, I want you to read a report here in my office before I it down to you. Give me your analysis of what you see.”

Allison hands him the “your eyes” only report.

Chuck reads the two page report once then reads it again a second time.

Allison watches him intently.

“Reading this, I say we can expect a terrorist team to be entering the country sometime within the next sixty days. It doesn’t state how many are in the team or what their targets are. Right now we’re going to be operating by the seat of our pants on this.”

“Our thoughts are identical. I will alert the president in tomorrow’s report. I think we need to keep this within the need to know realm so we don’t let on we are aware of them coming. They might make a mistake and tip their hand somewhere.”

“I wish we knew how many were coming or where they were coming from,” states Chuck.

“Hopefully, we will get more info from our people. Right now the information seems very vague.”

“What do you want from me on this, Allison?”

“Right now there’s not much either of us can do. I will make my report and it is up to the president to advise the necessary agencies.”

Chuck rises off of the couch in Allison’s office. “I have a bad feeling about this one.”

“I do too.”

* * *

When Altan-Kamil and Dentz-Hamid enter the headquarters the receptionist advises them everyone is waiting in the conference room.

Dentz looks at Altan and smiles, “This is the first time in five weeks, Azim has been early or even on time. Amazing what he does when his paymaster is around.”

Entering the room, they greet the three of them seated at the table. The spiritual leaders are seated together on one side of the table to Azim’s right so they seat themselves opposite them on his left.

The Senior Mullah starts to speak. “Azim has been giving us positive reports on

your training and we feel you have completed what we set out to do in a shorter period of time than we expected.

“We want you prepared to leave the end of next week. The three of you will go to Turkey. From there Azim will travel to Canada and enter the United States into Michigan. You two are to arrive in Atlanta and will travel to Oklahoma to set up a base of operations.

“Azim will be directing your moves to the cells and begin arranging the strikes on a date he will provide you.

“Any questions so far?”

With none raised he continues, “We have your new ports with us. We are providing you with enough cash to operate for 30 days. Azim will arrange for additional funds to operate on. The monies promised you will begin being deposited into s for you. Azim will handle all of the details.”

Azim sits back comfortably in his chair and smiles.

“Do either of you have anything to add to these statements?”

“Yes, I have a few questions for all three of you.” Dentz pauses for effect, then faces Azim looking directly in his eyes.

“Azim, besides driving us to the harbor inside of Russia, can you tell everyone here what other operations you worked on outside of Iran.”

Azim sits up straight? “What do you mean . . . why does it matter?”

“It matters a great deal to the success of this mission.”

The Senior Mullah and Imam Adel look at Dentz as if he has two heads.

“As spiritual leaders can you tell us if either or both of you have ever been outside of Iran before?”

“Adel shakes his head no and repeats, “Why does it matter?”

“We have been working in this headquarters for five weeks and we realize this mission is going to fail.”

The Senior Mullah stands, pounds his fist on the table and shouts, “What are you saying? Fail, that is impossible.”

There is a long pause in the room.

Dentz states, “Impossible, think again, we don’t believe so. Most likely, we

believe so. Based on what we’ve been told to do by Azim, the three of you have no clue how to operate outside of Iran. However, we have a plan to save the mission and everyone’s ass, including our own.”

The two spiritual leaders look at them wondering what this plan is. Meanwhile Azim is seething in his seat.

Dentz-Hamid begins to lay out their plan. “Azim will travel to Michigan, we will enter the country without going through customs. We have selected an entry point. We do not want to tell Azim its location because if he is picked up, possibly he might divulge where we are. This is just a precaution.

“Our plan is to locate our base of operations in Ohio which is close enough for Azim to meet with us in person. No one is to use phones, cell phones or e-mails which could be monitored by the American government. We will call Azim from pay phones in public places which are difficult to trace. We will leave a location and a date to meet. Our plan is to switch hotels periodically and rent two adjacent rooms with two queen beds in each. Azim will not have to rent a room because he will meet us as a guest and the two of us will share one room when he visits. This way there is no record of Azim being there.

“Money transfers can be a problem. There are limits of how much money can be transferred without arousing government curiosity. However, credit cards with high cash reserves can be used to withdraw money from s as necessary. Money deposited in those s under the limits will not be noticed. Credit card companies will love you for it. You should hold 25,000 US dollars as a maximum amount in each card. Altan and I should have three cards apiece. You are never to let each balance go below 10,000 US dollars.

“It appears that you expect these cells to be overjoyed to do these tasks without

reservations. We are not as confident about that as you seem to be. We need Azim to work with us but not manage these cells. He is to be the man behind the scene who follows them after we meet and lets us know whether or not he thinks they can accomplish the tasks and are trustworthy.

“Azim will need to be the one to arrange for explosives and any other armaments these teams will need. This is his area of expertise. However, they are not to know he is around. He may be required to eliminate someone or a group of them.

“When the five attacks are scheduled and completed, the three of us leave the country separately.

“Now as far as our money is concerned we want to handle our s. We want access to them with our own s and each of us will be allowed to handle each other’s s excluding Azim of course.

“This has a chance to achieve what you are sending us out to do.”

Dentz-Hamid sits back finished with his presentation. Altan-Kamil looks satisfied with what he said.

Azim is turning beet red. The two leaders are thinking and not saying anything.

* * *

“Everyone remains in this room Adel, come with me,” commands the mullah.

The two spiritual leaders exit the doorway and walk around the building.

“Adel, what do you think?”

“I think we may have made a grave mistake with Azim. He gave us such a glowing story of what he can accomplish against the United States, we didn’t question his background.”

“I agree, however, all is not lost. These two are exactly what we need in order to save this plan. I believe they have put a great deal of thought into this to make it successful and to be able to survive.”

“What do you want to do?”

“If we fail and the money is wasted, or if the world sees our involvement, we stand to lose here as well as in the world market.

“I think we should accept this plan.”

“What about Azim?”

“We use him just as they suggested. This should satisfy the revenge I feel he always wanted for some reason of his own.”

The two head back to the conference room.

* * *

As they enter the room, they hear Azim saying, “Why did you do this to me?”

“Azim, no one did this to you. We feel fortunate to have such a well thought out plan.”

“Hamid and Kamil, or whatever your new names are, we are accepting your proposal. May Allah bless it to be successful. Imam Adel will arrange for transportation to Turkey for you. Azim will fly to Turkey from Tehran.

“I would like you to send us a message through Azim when you have entered the US, when you feel it is safe to do so. Make up a simple message saying your mother is well or something like that. One thing I want is for Azim to stay in with us letting us know how you are proceeding. I suggest the three of you prepare the notations together.”

Everyone rises and leaves.

Chapter Sixteen

Mid-June 2012

Altan-Kamil and Dentz-Hamid are sitting in Imam Adel’s office reviewing their departure schedules.

“The two of you will be picked up early morning at Kamil’s residence in two days. The trip to the Istanbul airport in Turkey by land will take four to four and half days. Both of you are booked into one room at the WOW Airport Hotel for two nights before your flights. The flights to Canada are reserved for you on British Airways. You will be connecting at Heathrow airport in London, then on to Montreal, Canada. Are you going to tell me where you are entering the United States?”

“Imam, we learned a long time ago not to tell people our plans. It’s not that we don’t trust you, it is just good practice for us not to let you know. We have already made s with individuals who will help us enter the United States. Likewise we do not want to know how you sent Azim to the states. We will notify Azim when we are settled and Azim can you,” remarks DentzHamid.

“I am not used to this confidentiality and cloak-and-dagger work.”

“Imam, you better get used to it. Our lives depend on it.”

“I promise you, I will only share this information with the senior mullah.”

“Understandable, but who will he share it with is a question we have.”

Adel looks at him but doesn’t respond to the last statement. He knows the mullah will tell others. How much he will tell is up to him.

“Are you prepared to leave?”

“Imam, you worry about our transportation and we will handle the details. This is not the first time we are doing something like this,” replies Altan-Kamil.

Both men depart the mosque and walk around a couple of blocks making sure they don’t have a tail.

“It would seem kind of foolish for them to be tailing us, don’t you think, Dentz?”

“Who the hell knows what is in their heads. I want us to come back with our heads attached is what I am concerned about.”

* * *

It took eighteen hours to arrive near the Turkish border after leaving Tehran. Before crossing over, they pull off the road to rest for two hours. The two men driving the Land Rover were switching every two hours in order to make good time without getting exhausted. Both drivers ask curious questions about the trip, but the agents don’t respond. Crossing the border is handled very similar to when they entered Pakistan two years ago. Guards are bribed and no ports are ever shown. After crossing the drivers explain how important it is for them to get through the northeastern portion of Turkey quickly. Hopefully, they won’t run into Kurdish rebel patrols.

Stopping only for short breaks, fuel, some meals and quick prayers, they arrive in Istanbul by the middle of the fourth day. Even though Altan-Kamil and DentzHamid were not driving they are exhausted. Even with air conditioning their bodies reek with sweat. They are sure it is the tension causing them to be so uncomfortable.

They are dropped off in front of the hotel’s entrance way.

Altan-Kamil asks, “Are you going to be able to rest before you head back to Iran?”

One of the drivers replies, “They made accommodations for us nearby.”

“We will probably never see each other again, we will pray Allah gets you home safely.”

“Thank you, Altan,” reply both men.

As the Land Rover departs they pick up their travel bags and head towards the reservation desk.

“When we get to our room, I have first crack at the shower. Then I’m going to sleep before I do anything else,” states Dentz.

Smiling Altan replies, “Don’t fall asleep in the shower, I don’t want to have to drag you out to get my turn.”

Check-in is quick and courteous. They choose to carry their own bags.

After their showers both of them fall asleep, neither of them wakes up until the next morning.

“Oh shit,” says Dentz. “I feel like I’ve been drugged.”

Barely opening his eyes, Altan says, “What time is it?”

Dentz looks at the clock on the stand between the beds. “The clock reads ten after nine. The sun is shining so I think we slept for about sixteen hours.”

Dentz-Hamid says, “I’ll shower first so you can catch a couple more minutes of shut-eye.”

‘Leave me some hot water will you.”

“This is a hotel , there’s supposed to be plenty of hot water.”

“Well my shower yesterday sure didn’t feel like it.”

After both men showered they begin to ire the room they are housed in. It is glamorous compared to the rooms they stayed inside of Russia.

Taking the elevator to the lobby they seek out the restaurant for breakfast.

They decide to take a seat along the window which faces the airport. Both of them feel like children as they watch the jets taking off and coming in for landings. This is a real treat for them. They order a large breakfast of vegetable omelets with potatoes, fruit and toast. There is plenty of delicious coffee and fresh orange juice. They haven’t had a decent meal in five days.

“What do you say we do a city tour after we confirm our flights for tomorrow,” says Altan.

“It sounds fine with me. This is probably the only time we’ll ever get to see Istanbul. Besides, tomorrow will come soon enough.”

“Let’s go over everything later today, items we need to do when we land in Montreal, so we don’t have to discuss it among strangers,” says Altan.

“Good idea.”

* * *

They are up at the crack of dawn next morning showering and packing their bags. They head down to the lobby to close out their bill and make sure the shuttle to the airport will be on time.

International flights require a three hour pre-boarding time to make sure everything clears security properly. They actually wind up at the gate an hour and a half before boarding. Unfortunately airport gate seating is not very comfortable.

Coffee and stale muffins take the emptiness off of their hunger before they can get their breakfast on the plane.

The flight to London boards on time and they are pleasantly surprised to see they are flying business class. They assume it was to ensure their cover. Business class is more spacious and comfortable than economy class. The ten hour flight to London doesn’t incur any turbulence and lands on time.

Now they have to deal with a four hour wait before their Montreal flight boards.

Both Altan-Kamil and Dentz-Hamid are active people and all of this sitting around and waiting is getting to both of them. They are pacing around the gate area like caged animals.

“I can’t wait until the next flight lands,” says Dentz.

“That goes for both of us, brother.”

“Altan, I guess we truly are brothers even if it is not of the biological sense.”

“From what I have seen in life our type is better than the biological type.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Once the Montreal flight is in the air both men try to take advantage of the six hour time frame by getting some sleep before they land in Canada. They know this project is really only beginning and they are in charge of its success. Neither knows when they will get some rest after they land.

Both men awake as the pilot energizes the fasten your seat belt sign indicating they will be preparing to land in Montreal in thirty minutes.

“I can’t believe I slept that long,” says Altan.

“I woke up a few times. You were sound asleep even when they served some food, if that’s what you want to call it. Don’t worry you didn’t miss much.”

“We can get something at the airport.”

Dentz replies, “Before we do that, I want to see if our transportation has arrived. They are supposed to be meeting us outside of the customs area. After that we can get something to eat.”

The plane lands and both men head for the customs area after picking up their travel bags. Each one is asked what manner of business they have in Canada and how long they are planning on staying. Satisfied with their responses their ports are stamped and they are cleared through customs.

Chapter Seventeen

Arriving in Canada

Leaving the customs area they are looking for the signs with the code they asked to be displayed.

“Over there Dentz, the sign, A-D, I don’t see any other like it so they must be our transportation.”

Dentz-Hamid sees two men standing alone with a large poster reading A-D. Both are around five foot seven, they are fair skinned more like Altan than Dentz. The two of them walk cautiously over and ask for their names.

“I am Andre and my brother is Pierre. One of you is A and the other is D, am I correct?”

“If you are who you say you are, you are correct. How is it you have French names instead of Persian names?” asks Dentz-Hamid. “Our never mentioned this.”

“If you were to live in Quebec, you would understand why we go by French names. The French of Quebec don’t even speak to their own if they cannot

respond in French. If we are to survive we needed to learn French and develop new identities,” says Pierre. “Bear in mind we are second generation muslims. In order for us to survive and operate we must look as if we assimilate into the French Canadian society.”

“One more question before we go. What hotel are we staying at and how many of us are staying overnight?” asks Dentz-Hamid.

Andre replies, “We are traveling east to Notre-Dame-des-Bois. The four of us are staying at the Auberge Aux Toits Rouges Country Inn. It is quiet with only five rooms. We have accomodations for two of them. We are booked for two nights. Of course you are paying for our accommodations.”

Dentz smiles at the answer and says, “We need to eat. Lunch is on us, just find us a decent place to get a meal. Then we can head out.”

* * *

Following lunch the four get back into Andre’s Ford Explorer. Pierre is in the front enger seat, Altan and Dentz are in the back.

Dentz-Hamid says, “I want you to understand, whenever we are around strangers, or inside of the inn, there is to be no mention of details of this trip.”

Pierre says, “You don’t have to worry . We know better.”

Altan-Kamil asks, “How long will it take us to get to Notre-Dame des Bois?”

Andre replies, “The roads from Montreal to Sherbrooke are highways, after that the roads are two-lane roads. We can’t travel as fast as the highways. Depending on the traffic I am guessing at five hours.”

“Five more hours of sitting, I don’t know if my ass can take it,” says AltanKamil.

The other men burst out laughing. A good sign indicating the tension is easing between them.

“Andre, take us to a restaurant in Notre-Dame-des-Bois before we check into the inn. We should eat all of our meals at as many different locations as are available while we are here. I don’t want people seeing our faces too often,” says DentzHamid.

“Do you want to begin discussing what we have arranged for you today or will tomorrow be sufficient?” requests Andre.

Dentz-Hamid replies, “Today, I want you to tell us all about the town where we are staying and the surrounding area. If for some reason we are stopped and questioned we need to know how to respond. Tomorrow we will leave the inn, have a late breakfast to avoid the crowds and then we will spend the rest of the day reviewing your plans.”

“Pierre, why don’t you start telling them about the area. I need to keep my eyes on the road.”

Four and one-half hours later they cross the intersection of routes 212 and 257. Andre pulls over to the side of the road and turns around in his driver’s seat. “The road we just ed is the road we will take tomorrow to explain our plans. It is the road that leads to the US border. We are near the end of this drive, we have almost another half hour to go.”

Altan-Kamil says, “I look forward to getting out and being able to walk around.”

Dentz-Hamid smiles and nods his agreement.

Arriving at Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Andre sees a sign for a restaurant. Another 500 meters and they pull into the parking lot.

Exiting the vehicle, Pierre says, “When we are seated we can explain what the menus are for you. They will be written in French and English.”

“Thank you, Pierre. We can read the English so we are all set. Have you been here before?” states Altan-Kamil.

“Only once years ago, it was for vacation with my parents,” remarks Andre.

Inside of the restaurant there are a number of vacant tables. The pretty hostess directs them to a table. Dentz-Hamid requests a table by the back wall and she accommodates his request.

Looking at his watch, Altan-Kamil says, “It seems that the dinner crowd eats later than this hour. It is good to note this point for tomorrow.”

The food is excellent and plentiful. Altan and Dentz drink tonic water with lime. Andre and Pierre drink wine with their meals. They have really assimilated into the French Canadian culture.

After dinner they check into the inn. The desk clerk is a pleasant middle aged gentleman who is delighted to have two of his rooms reserved. He explains all of the extras that go with their rooms such as the sitting room, the library room, the game room and where the coffee and tea urns are located.

The men ask for a 0800 wake-up call and a suggestion of where to have breakfast.

“Oh, you must try Chez Mamie, it is a wonderful bakery as well as a small restaurant. You will not be disappointed.”

Dentz-Hamid turns to Andre and Pierre and says, “See you two in the lobby around 0830 then we can head out for the day.”

Pierre responds “Sounds good to us. We have a full day planned tomorrow.”

Pierre says this more for the desk clerk’s benefit.

Altan and Dentz enter their room. They are pleasantly surprised to see how spacious it is. The two queen beds feel comfortable and the decorations on the walls are attractive. Whoever chose this location made a good choice.

Speaking in a low voice, Dentz asks “Altan, what do you think so far?”

“So far I am comfortable with our guides and with this facility. Tomorrow is another day. I am concerned about the plan they have in mind to get us across the border.”

“It’s been a long day. Let’s try not to worry about it. We’ll deal with it tomorrow. So far we have done nothing wrong except enter the country under false pretenses. The day after tomorrow will be another matter.”

* * *

Andre and Pierre are already in the lobby when they come out of their room.

“Our room was great and the beds were comfortable, how did you two find things?” asks Pierre.

“Our room gets the same approval rating, we must tell our friends about this

place,” says Altan-Kamil. He wants to leave a nice impression on the morning clerk so they don’t pay too much attention to them.

Chez Mamie is everything the night clerk said. The breakfast is exceptional and the bakery products are outstanding. They even buy some to take along with them for the day.

* * *

Leaving the Chez Mamie parking lot they head west on route 212. Approximately thirty minutes later they are at the intersection of 212 and 257. They turn left heading south to Chartierville, Quebec.

Fifteen minutes later they are at the intersection of 210 and 257.

“In a few minutes we are going to enter the town. It is a very small community, and after we are finished going over the plans, we can have lunch here. There is only one restaurant. It is a stop-over for tourists, snowmobilers in the winter months, and whoever else comes into town. Population of Chartierville is less than five hundred.

“Let’s take a walk around the few streets and then head a little further down the road.”

“Why do we need to stop here and walk around?” asks Altan-Kamil.

Andre continues, “If for some reason you are picked up crossing the border we want you to say you are Montreal Canadians who are visiting the area and became disoriented in the woods. Tell them there were four of us and we became separated. You will be able to provide who is questioning, accurate information about Notre-Dame and Chartierville. We expect they will just drive you back across if they don’t get suspicious.”

“Good idea!” states Dentz-Hamid.

The four men were dressed like any other tourist so no one paid any special attention to them. They walked around the town, browsed in a few windows and located the restaurant to have lunch when they were through.

“Let’s head back to the SUV,” spoke Andre.

Ten minutes later they climb inside and Andre pulls out of town onto route 257.

“Before we start, I would like to show you something unusual here in Canada.”

“What is it?” ask Altan-Kamil.

“Just wait you will see.”

Andre pulls over to the side of the road in front of a sign, which explains they are in proximity of what is called Magnetic Hill.

“Step outside and read the sign. Then come back to the vehicle.”

Pierre, Altan and Dentz walk over to the sign and read how there are magnetic forces in the hill which will pull a vehicle backwards so long as the vehicle is in neutral and the brake is off.

Dentz—Hamid says, “This I have to see while getting back into the vehicle.”

When all three of them are inside and everyone’s seat belt is set, Andre releases the emergency brake and places the transmission in neutral. He puts his emergency flashers on so traffic will realize what he is doing.

For a few minutes nothing happens. Then the Explorer starts to move backward. It didn’t move very fast but it is in motion.

Andre says, “I wasn’t sure it would work with all of our weight. When my dad did this for me there was only my mom and me. I wasn’t even one hundred pounds.

“This is really a natural phenomenon. It must attract a lot of attention,” says Altan-Kamil.

“It does, people come from all over to see it even from the US,” says Pierre.

“It is probably one reason the town of Chartierville survives.”

“You’re probably right. I really don’t see any other reason why it should,” states Dentz-Hamid.

“Alright, let’s get down to business.” Andre moves the vehicle about 100 meters and pulls over a second time.

“Here is the plan. Let Pierre explain it since he did most of the leg work. Let him finish and then we can discuss it.”

“Before I start, I want you to know that I have walked this trail myself. Andre picked me up in Pittsburg, which is the first town over the border.

“I have created a GPS route on this Garmin unit for you to use tomorrow. We will drop the two of you off right here and pick you up where the track ends just north of the Third Connecticut Lake.

“Now let me get down to details. You will walk perpendicular to this road toward farm property about a half a mile inward. The property is fenced. Stay outside of the fence line and the farmer doesn’t care if you’re there or not. Go across and you might get your ass shot.

“When you come to the fence follow it as it heads south-southwest. It is all on the GPS. Have you ever used one?”

Both men it they have not.

“Well we know what we have to do at lunchtime don’t we?”

“Following the fence line you will come to a tree line. Inside of the tree line is a game trail probably used by deer and moose. I think it was an old snowmobile trail.

“Once you enter the game trail you need to walk very slowly. The US states on their website that there are sensors that can detect human traffic around the area. I made it safely across by imitating how deer walk and maneuver. The natural border for the US is just beyond the end of the first tree line. You will come out to a clearing. I want you to walk like game all through the first tree line so that it is practice for you. When you come to the clearing you are on the walkway to the Fourth Connecticut Lake. In the middle of that clearing is a somewhat worn foot path where visitors tramp back and forth visiting the lake.

“You will turn right and come up to the lake. When you get to the lake you will follow the eastern shoreline southward. At the end of the lake the GPS will take you further west to make sure you avoid security.

“You will always be able to hear traffic that comes up Route 3 to cross the border in either direction. At a point you will start to be directed to swing southsoutheast. You will continue to walk that way for about a kilometer, then you will walk southward and only be a hundred meters off of the highway.

“At the end of the track you will be directed to move easterly. You will come out of the woods just fifty meters north of the parking area for the Third Connecticut Lake. We will be waiting for you there.

“If someone stops you on the road and wants to know if you need help or what you might be doing tell them you saw a moose in the woods. You left us in the parking area and went back to take a closer look. Any questions?”

Dentz-Hamid asks, “How long did it take you to do this track?”

“It took me four hours. I believe it may take you longer because it will be difficult for you to imitate deer like I can.”

“What happens to us when we get to your vehicle?” asks Altan-Kamil.

“Our orders are to drive you to the Manchester airport. Is there to be a change in plans?”

“There might be depending on what time we get to Manchester. We might want to stay overnight and get a flight out the next day,” replies Dentz-Hamid.

“Are you going to be waiting for us by the Third Connecticut Lake all of that time?” asks Altan-Kamil.

“Oh heck no! We do business in New Hampshire and Vermont. We will see some customers and be back at the lake in four hours. We also don’t want any state police to see us sitting there too long. Don’t worry if it takes you longer, we will wait for you. Our father told us the contract isn’t complete until you are in Manchester,” states Andre.

“Well let’s go back to Chartierville and teach us how to use the GPS and how to walk like deer before we have lunch,” says Dentz-Hamid.

Chapter Eighteen

After Chartierville

Before lunch Andre and Pierre take Altan and Dentz to a section of woods just south of Chartierville. They explain how the GPS functions. They mark the position of the Explorer on the GPS then walk further into the woods making left and right turns. When they have traveled far enough away from the vehicle they teach Altan and Dentz how to use the GOTO function feature so they can return to the vehicle where they began. Arriving back at the SUV, Andre asks, “Should we do this again or are you comfortable with this unit? All you have to do is follow the waypoints on the track we created for you and you will reach the end.”

Dentz-Hamid says, “I’m fine with it. How about you, Altan?”

Altan-Kamil nods in agreement. “When are you going to teach us how to walk like deer?”

Andre replies, “First we have lunch. I don’t want to spend too much time in any one area around here and raise any suspicions. Let’s head back to town.”

As they enter the vehicle, Dentz says, “After lunch I want to find a shop where we can pick up some backpacks and water containers for tomorrow.”

Pierre responses, “We’ll do that in Notre-Dame-des-Bois because you will have better selections than in Chartierville.”

* * *

After lunch they head north on route 257 to the intersection of 212. Turning east they drive for another fifteen minutes. Andre pulls the vehicle into an area that is far enough off the road not to attract attention. “Alright you two, you get your first lesson on how to walk like deer. Pierre, they’re all yours, since you’re the expert deer tracker.”

Pierre, Altan and Dentz climb out of the vehicle.

“Do either of you have any idea how deer travel through woods?

Both men shake their heads no and Altan says, “Not even a clue.”

Pierre begins by showing how deer walk together in an open area and then through thickets. “Alright, you watched me now let me see you try it.”

“Slowly, you’re moving too fast. That is the way humans walk not deer.”

On and on for the next hour he makes them do the same exercises over and over again until he is satisfied they have an idea of what they are doing. “Let’s do this one more time and if I think you have it we will stop.”

Pierre is satisfied. He knew they were ready he wanted them to repeat it one more time to make it a more natural gait. Something they didn’t have to think about.

When the three arrive back at the Explorer, Andre says, “Let’s go find those backpacks you want.”

After looking through three shops they find fanny packs with the capacity to carry two water bottles. Of course, the bottles need to have the same brand name on them as the packs so they look like they know what they are doing.

Dentz states, “It is almost sunset, let’s have dinner and finish early tonight. Where do you recommend we go?”

“We only have one more choice for dinner. It is called, “Aux Berges-del’Aurore.” The inn clerk told me they serve wonderful regional cuisine. It is a bed and breakfast but also has a dining room for forty people. Tomorrow we are going to have to go back to Chez Mamie for breakfast because we’ve run out of different places,” replies Andre.

“I don’t see that as a problem, because people are in and out of there very quickly. It is not a place to sit and study whoever is seated there. Besides, we can get some nice pastry to take with us on our hike,” says Altan-Kamil.

Similar to the night before dinner is a pleasant experience. Altan and Dentz realize they must eat enough to have the necessary energy to do their border crossing tomorrow.

* * *

At 0800 the next morning the four men check out.

They drive over to Chez Mamie and enjoy another one of their delicious breakfasts along with some baked goods. All four of them purchase some selections to take with them for the day’s trip.

They leave Notre-Dame-des-Bois around 0900 and head back to route 257. They arrive just south of the Magnetic Hill sign around 0945.

Andre pulls the Explorer over to the side of the road. Pierre gets out as do Altan and Dentz. Pierre hands them the GPS. “I put new batteries in it and have calibrated it so you know it is exact. We will meet you in Pittsburg some time after three o’clock. to walk like deer. Pierre hands them Canadian drivers’ licenses issued in Montreal. This is in case you get stopped crossing. They will your cover story. Only use them if you need to.”

Altan says, “We will see you soon.” Altan and Dentz thank them for everything and head out across the field.

They energize the GPS as soon as they depart. It takes twenty minutes to walk to the farmer’s fence.

They turn southward as the track and the fence indicate for them to do.

The walk along the fence takes another forty minutes. They enter the first tree line and begin imitating the way deer would move in the woods. Or at least that is what Pierre said they should do.

Walking similar to deer takes them a half an hour to get to the back edge of the tree line. They are almost to the border where there is a wide open area having the walkway to the Fourth Connecticut lake. As Pierre told them to do, they wait inside of the tree line for ten minutes to look and see if any hikers are coming from either the American customs station or heading back from the lake. They don’t want to be spotted coming out of the woods.

Not hearing or seeing anyone they slowly walk out into the clearing and begin moving along the walkway to the lake. At this point they are straddling both the Canadian border and the US border. The lake is not far and it is only another fifteen minutes for them to arrive at its shoreline.

Both men sit on some rocks for a brief rest. The constant discipline on how to walk like deer and the emotional threat of being spotted is tiring.

Dentz-Hamid says, “Getting the drivers licenses was a great idea. I didn’t understand why their father wanted me to submit port photos of both of us to him. I just assumed he wanted them for airport recognition.”

“It seems to me he had everything planned out very well. We could have used the border crossing near Beecher Falls, Vermont. But Pierre said it is a very busy crossing with more security and they didn’t want to chance it.”

“Have you rested enough,” asks Dentz.

“Yes, but I won’t really rest until we get to meet them in the parking lot.”

Dentz continues, “We shouldn’t talk anymore until we get out to the road, do you agree?”

“I agree.”

They move along the shore line of the lake. Walking like deer is a more natural pace for them now. When they arrive at the end of the lake their track turns south-southwest. Two hours later it turns south-southeast.

One hour later it turns south. They can easily hear the traffic moving along Route 3 now. They realize they are getting close.

It has taken them five hours to get to this point.

Another hour and their track directs them eastward. Twenty minutes later they

come to the edge of the road. Looking in both direction and not seeing any vehicles, they step out of the tree line and begin to walk south.

They only have fifty more yards to go. Entering the parking area they see Andre smoking alongside of the Explorer. “Pierre, look our birds have come back to the nest.”

Pierre looks at his watch, “Not bad for beginners it only took them six and a half hours from when we left them off. Go easy on them, they are probably bushed.”

Coming up to the vehicle Altan-Kamil says, “You gentlemen are a sight for sore eyes. How the hell did you do that in four hours?”

“Altan, it’s called years of experience being in the woods tracking and hunting deer. Hand me your GPS so I can delete the route.”

“Do you have any extra water, we are just about out?” remarks Dentz-Hamid.

Andre reaches into the back of his vehicle and pulls out two bottles of cold water. “Here but drink it slowly so you don’t get stomach cramps. Get out of sight in the truck and we’ll begin to head south. We plan on having something to eat in Pittsburg at a place called the ‘Happy Café.’ It has good food and plenty of it.”

Over the meal Dentz explains he wants to go to the Holiday Inn near the airport to see if they can get a room there. Holiday Inns always have a dining facility

and they will also be able to get shuttle service to the airport tomorrow.

Andre agrees with them staying overnight is a better idea than trying to get a flight out this evening. The drive to Manchester will be at least four hours.

Chapter Nineteen

Manchester New Hampshire

Leaving the Happy Café they pull into one of the local gas stations in Pittsburg to fill the tank before beginning the long drive.

While Andre is filling the tank, Pierre turns around. “It will be an hour’s drive to the next community which is Colebrook. Then we follow Route 3 south through Franconia Notch. The Notch is a man-made ageway cut through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After the Notch we get onto a highway numbered Route 93. From that point on we can travel faster to Manchester. We should make it there around ten o’clock. We can all get rooms at the Holiday Inn. We only need two rooms.”

“Pierre, for what you, Andre and your father have done for us, we will pick up your room cost. What I want to do is, Altan and I will each get a room with two beds. After we check in you and Andre can bring your luggage up through a side entrance. I don’t want your information available this far south.”

“I understand what you are saying and I like that.”

Just then Andre opens the driver’s door and hops into his seat. “Prepare for a long ride my friends. Feel free to go to sleep if you like, please no snoring.”

Everyone laughs.

Pierre explains what Dentz discussed and Andre likes the idea.

* * *

Three and a half hours later they pull into the southbound rest area with the huge liquor store in Hooksett NH. “I don’t know about you three, but I need to take a leak,” says Andre.

“It’s probably a good idea for all of us to do and stretch our legs as well.”

When Andre and Pierre head off, Dentz tugs Altan’s arm. “From now on let’s use the Canadian driver’s licenses they gave us. I am sure they are more acceptable here in the states and won’t raise as many questions as to who we are.”

“I’m sure you are correct. I hadn’t thought about it. It is a good idea. Anyway we can use our Turkish identification when we get back to Canada when this is all over.”

“Let’s go use the restrooms and come back.”

As they move off from the vehicle they see Pierre and Andre heading back.

“We’ve got directions to the Holiday Inn near the airport from the service desk inside. We know exactly where to go,” says Pierre.

“Good, we’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Fifteen minutes later they are pulling into the parking area of the Holiday Inn on Brown Ave. Altan and Dentz enter the lobby to get their rooms.

“Yes, we have rooms available. All we have are no-smoking rooms with two queen size beds. Is that acceptable?”

“That is fine.” They each pay by credit card and are given two sets of keys to their rooms.

“Would you care for a wake-up call?” Each man declines.

“We would like you to do one more thing though. We are flying to Columbus, Ohio tomorrow. We need reservations at the Holiday Inn near the airport. Give us the same type rooms that we have tonight only make the rooms ading. Reserve the rooms for seven days. We are going to have something to eat in the diner as soon as we place our luggage in our rooms. We can pick up the confirmations after we eat,” states Dentz-Hamid.

“By the way, how late does the diner stay open?” ask Altan.

“They stop serving at eleven so you have another half an hour.”

They leave the entrance and head towards the Explorer. Removing their luggage, Altan hands over his room keys to Pierre. “Meet us at the side door on the right side of the building. We will let you in. The room number is on the folder. We’re going back in the front entrance and then head up to our room. We want to drop off our bags before we get something to eat. We will meet you inside of the diner.”

Pierre waves his hand and Andre starts the Explorer.

Altan-Kamil and Dentz-Hamid enter the interior door of the diner from the Holiday Inn. A hostess sees them and guides them to a table.

“There will be two more gentlemen ing us in a moment,” states Altan.

Placing four menus on the table she mentions, “We stop serving at eleven but we don’t close until everyone is through their meals. Take your time and enjoy your food.”

“Thank you,” says Dentz.

The hostess no sooner turns around when Andre and Pierre are walking towards

the table.

* * *

After their meals, the four say goodnight and goodby.

When Altan and Dentz get up to their room they call the carrier with the largest amount of air traffic out of Manchester. It happens to be Southwest Airlines. They are able to book two tickets on tomorrow’s flight to Columbus, Ohio. The flight doesn’t depart until 11:20 am and will arrive in Columbus at 3:00 in the afternoon. That is perfect timewise for checking into the Holiday Inn.

The next thing to do is set the alarm and get some sleep. In the morning they can breakfast in the diner and take a shuttle to the airport to be there two hours before takeoff.

Chapter Twenty

The Next Day

After breakfast Altan and Dentz check out then head up to their room. They finish packing their bags and leave the keys on the dresser for the cleaning service to return. They take the elevator down to the lobby and walk outside to wait ten minutes for the shuttle to take them to the airport.

“You know when we get to Columbus we need to send out laundry,” speaks Altan.

“I know, do you need to buy any more clothes or can you wait for the laundry service?” asks Dentz.

“I have enough for today and tomorrow.”

“We’ll ask the next location how quick we can get dry cleaning service. Don’t let me forget when we check in,” replies Dentz.

The shuttle arrives, they are surprised the trip to the airport only takes five minutes.

Checking in for their flights is easy as there are no lines at this time of day. The reservation agents are very helpful. Because they are visiting the country, the agents make sure they understand how Southwest’s seating assignments work. Security lines are short, and are simple to go through. They have plenty of time to roam around the shops and select some reading materials.

Their flight takes off on time and it will only be a few hours of travel time to Columbus with one stop in between.

* * *

In Michigan, Azim is enjoying the week he has been spending with his cousin and his family. He is surprised to see the size of the Muslim population residing in Dearborn Michigan. It is almost like a little Iran within the state.

Periodically, Azim wonders how Altan and Dentz are making out in their efforts to enter the country. He feels it was very easy for him just by going through customs. He wonders why they chose to come in as they are doing. Will they make it?

* * *

Allison McDonald adjourns the meeting inside of her office with four staff . As they rise to leave she says, “Chuck, I want you to stay for another few minutes. I have something I want to discuss with you.”

Chuck O’Malley, deputy director to Allison, nods his head in agreement.

When the others have left the room and they take a couple of minutes to wind down from the previous conversation, Allison says, “I have more word about our incoming terrorists.”

“Is it good, will it give us some help or just something opaque again?”

“I’m afraid it’s not much more help than before. The report states that a team of three men are coming into the country. It doesn’t give us any dates or if they are already here, or how they are entering the country.”

“What are you going to do, tell the FBI?”

“I will tell the president tomorrow. I just want to keep you up to date on the information I have.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“It is nearly three months since we first heard about this situation. Whatever they are planning, they are taking their time. These are definitely not hothead terrorists. This is going to be more like 9/11.”

“Or worse!”

* * *

The flight to Columbus lands on time. They have no difficulty obtaining their luggage. They are amazed at how little security and the amounts of freedom Americans have. It is easy for them to find the shuttle to the Holiday Inn and the trip there only takes ten minutes.

Entering the lobby, they walk over to the reservation desk. The young blond lady behind the desk gives them a big smile and asks, “Do you have a reservation with us?”

Altan hands over the print out they picked up in Manchester.

“Yes, we have everything all set for you. All I need are your credit cards and your drivers’ licenses for identification.”

They each produce what she asks for.

“Two things we need to ask you. First, we need to extend our reservation another seven days. Second, when can we have some dry cleaning service?” says Dentz.

“I’ll be more than happy to extend your reservations. You can use the dry cleaning bags in the closets of your rooms. In the morning call down to the desk and someone will pick them up from your rooms and they will be returned

around four o’clock in the afternoon.”

‘Thank you,” says Altan.

“Let me give each of you a brochure of our facility. You probably realize this is a very large facility and we have just about anything you will need. They take the brochures and carry their bags up to the rooms. Entering they check out the connecting door opening to make sure that works. After unpacking they decide to take a walk outside of the Holiday Inn to find a pay phone.

* * *

Ten blocks away they find a bank of two phones outside of a convenience store. Dentz removes the number he has hidden inside of his wallet. He picks up the phone and, after speaking with an operator, deposits change to make a three minute call to Michigan. Altan lifts the other receiver so no one else uses it.

Inside of Azim’s cousin’s home the phone rings and Ali’s wife answers it.

“One minute, I will get Azim for you.

“Azim, you have a call.”

Even though he is waiting for the call, he is surprised when it comes.

“Yes, this is Azim.”

“We have arrived, we will call to meet in two weeks after we have done some research. You should notify Adel.”

“That’s all you can tell me, nothing else.”

“Have a good day, Azim.”

Azim puts down the receiver feeling very frustrated. His need to be in control is surfacing with his emotions.

When Azim returns to the patio where his cousin and his wife are seated, Ali states, “I didn’t realize you were expecting a call. Is there someone else you plan on visiting while you are in the country?”

“I wasn’t sure my friend would arrive. He has relatives in Ohio. He said he would call back in a couple of weeks and possibly we could get together.”

“Would you like to invite him here?”

“Before I say yes, let me see what his plans are.”

Shit I never thought he would invite someone here he didn’t know. It appears that my cousin is very warm and friendly. I need to figure out how to handle this. I know Kamil and Hamid will not want to see anyone they have no need to.

Chapter Twenty-One

Laying the Groundwork

The following morning after breakfast, Altan-Kamil and Dentz-Hamid sit down at the table in Dentz’s room. Before them they have the list of s Azim gave them to connect with. They also have the list of s Imam Adel gave them. They are unsure why Azim only told them about five cells. They knew there had to be more in the US than those on Azim’s list.

“Maybe the imams told him who they wanted to use,” spoke Altan.

“If so, why didn’t they give us the same instructions? No, there’s more to this than meets the eye.

“We need to compare where his five are located compared to the larger list. Maybe that will give us some idea.”

There is a knock on the door. “Room service, can I clean your room or would you like me to come back?”

Dentz replies, “How long will it take for you to finish?”

“I should be through in fifteen minutes.”

Picking up the paperwork that is spread out on the table, Dentz says, “Come in. We will return when you are through.”

Dentz zips up the binder which holds his paperwork and carries it with him into the hallway. “Let’s go downstairs while she does the room. She will probably do your room next. I don’t want anyone to hear any part of our conversations so we have at least a half hour to kill.”

A half hour later, they return. The cleaning lady hasn’t done Altan’s room, she is across the hall.

“Well so much for assuming. At least we know their routines now.”

Thirty minutes later the two men sit back down at the table.

“Let’s plot out the states that Azim gave us, starting at the top of the list,” says Altan. “From Azim’s list we have New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Virginia and Florida.”

Dentz goes on, “If I correctly, our very first meeting told us we were to spread havoc across the country. This list leaves 80 percent of the country untouched. There are thirty-seven cells on Adel’s list stretching from the west coast across to the east coast.”

“So what are you saying, Dentz? Do you want to select different cells in different states?”

“If you were going to cause havoc in a country where would you attack?”

Altan replies, “I’m not sure, I need to think about this. Maybe we should look at types of targets before we begin talking to cells.”

“Now you’re thinking, my man. If we are going to have the greatest impact we are going to select targets which will hamper this country for a long period of time. We want to create havoc so this country will focus on itself instead of Iran. We want to spread the problems for them over a larger area so they won’t know where they could be hit next. If we just hit major metropolitan areas they have enough resources to carry them through. They will begin to function again within a short time frame. We need to do something different.”

* * *

The same afternoon Azim is walking to the local post office in Dearborn Michigan, to send a message to Imam Adel. Arriving at the window he is advised he must send his mail by International Priority Mail as there is no other foreign mail service within Iran.

He pays the expensive fee they charge. Leaving the counter, he curses the fact he has been instructed not to use the internet to communicate. He thinks this foolishness is ridiculous.

* * *

Altan and Dentz break for an early lunch before the crowds invade the dining establishments. They have decided to walk around the area so they are not seen in the same place too many times. Six blocks away is a Subway sandwich shop.

Both men order tuna fish sandwiches with all of the fixings. “We need one of these places back home,” says Altan.

“After this operation is over, maybe you can create one something like it,” replies Dentz.

“No, too much work, I’d rather just eat there.”

Dentz smiles, both men are relaxed enough to think clearly. It is amazing to both of them the ease they had entering the country and how easy it is for them to move around within its borders.

They finish their sandwiches and their drinks. “Let’s take a stroll for a while. I need to clear up my mind to do some deep thinking,” states Dentz.

“I agree. I think we should make two lists. We need one list for primary targets and one for secondary targets. You know I didn’t think of it until just now, Azim never talked about targets. He only talked about s.”

“Altan, I suspect he would have the s on his list do any type of hit they chose to do. So long as it was a hit is all he was concerned about. To me his message was just to make a lot of noise and create terror.”

“I think you’re right. Is that what made you suspicious about his ability to lead this operation?”

“Among other things he said and did. You realize we may have trouble with him on this operation, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I try not to think about it.”

“Well, you better keep it in the back of your head just in case.”

They start walking back towards the Holiday Inn without saying another word.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The Next Four Days

As the two men begin to consider possible targets, Altan says, “What would you consider primary targets?”

“If I wanted to make huge splashes in the media, I would say we need to hit electrical power, industries relating to the military, maybe shopping malls, something that will affect large numbers of people.”

“So, if we weren’t so interested in making big splashes like their September 11th, what would you suggest?”

“I think we can accomplish enough fear and damage by staying away from areas that are being monitored by their homeland security and the FBI, yet still achieve powerful results. More importantly, we want our cells to remain secure so the fear factor remains strong. I think it is not what we target, but that we can hit when and where we please, and disappear.”

* * *

Meanwhile in Iran, Imam Adel receives the mail delivery and notices a priority

package within the pile. Quickly he opens the packet and reads the contents.

It reads: “Received a call from our friends. They arrived without any difficulty. I will be meeting them in two weeks. I will notify you when I have some specifics.”

Imam Adel sits back in his chair. He is pleased that Kamil and Hamid are capable individuals. Phase one of the project is complete. I need to tell the Mullah as soon as he returns from his meeting. He will be pleased.

* * *

While Altan-Kamil and Dentz-Hamid work independently on lists of possible targets to consider, Altan says, “I hope that our friends in Canada deposit the postcards the way we asked them to, so our families know that we are alive.”

Dentz realizes his friend is feeling homesick. He has been having these same thoughts since they entered the United States.

Neither man has ever taken on a long-term project before. Each realizes the concerns their families must be experiencing.

Dentz says, “Let’s take a break and go down to the lobby to get something to drink. I don’t know about you but I need to stretch for a while.”

“It sounds good to me, when we get back we should turn on the television to see what is going on around us.”

“Good idea,” remarks Dentz.

Altan and Dentz walked around the block for an hour sipping some sweet drinks they never had before. Dentz likes his while Altan isn’t satisfied with his. They decide they would switch choices next time and see what the consensus will be. They head upstairs to their rooms to turn on the evening news.

* * *

On a local Columbus channel the attractive blond reporter is broadcasting how the federal government has issued a terrorist warning. The report states the government is aware that a three man team has recently entered the country. It is believed the terrorists are planning to cause havoc this summer at the Democratic and Republican national conventions. All national and state security forces are on alert. No further details are available at this time.

“Dentz, did you hear what she just said?”

“Yes, I caught it. It appears they might have learned . How really doesn’t matter. We need to be exceptionally careful. The good thing is, we are not interested in hitting their conventions so their focus will be on those locations.”

“Maybe, it’s not us they are talking about. Isn’t that possible?”

“It is, however, when Azim arrives for our meetings I don’t want the three of us seen together outside of a hotel room.”

“I agree. Let’s not keep him around very long.”

“I’m not planning to. With what we just learned I believe I will have him fly in early morning and leave late in the afternoon just like any other business traveler.

“Now, we must pay attention to where the locations of those conventions are so that we stay clear of them. I don’t want any targets to be located within a hundred miles of them. It is vital that none of our cells get arrested doing any surveillance.”

“Dentz, let’s call it quits for the day and work on the lists tomorrow.”

“I just thought of another thing Altan, we need to find places that we can frequent outside of the hotels which give us some privacy. We don’t want to arouse any suspicions by always staying in the rooms.”

“I didn’t think of that, but, yes, I agree. The weather is warming up and we should be able to find a number of places to spend some time outdoors.”

* * *

Chuck O’Malley, Deputy Director of the CIA knocks on the Director’s door.

Allison McDonald responds, “Come in.”

Looking Allison in the eye Chuck says, “Did you hear the news, yet?”

Slightly startled Allison replies, “What news am I missing?”

“It’s all over the media, the federal government made the announcement of a terrorist warning, that three individuals are suspected to have entered the country. It is believed the national conventions will be their targets.”

“Great, just great, nothing like telling them to be extra careful and not get caught.

“Whose bright idea was that, do you have any suspicions?”

“My first guess, it leaked from the FBI. My second guess is someone at Homeland Security opened their mouth, possibly intentionally leaked with the president’s approval.”

“Well we sure can’t tell the president he screwed up can we?” Chuck smiles at the comment.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Selecting Targets

After breakfast the two men take a bus into the downtown area of Columbus, Altan and Dentz walk through a large city park for a couple of hours. Their tension levels are high caused by creating target lists. It is mentally and emotionally draining. Now, they are trying to relax, enjoy the sunshine and the morning air. They observe women walking babies in strollers and joggers doing their routines of keeping fit.

“Dentz, did you ever think this project would be so intense before we started?”

“I knew it wouldn’t be like our last one. However, I really never gave it much thought until I realized if we let Azim run it, this would be a disaster. “Altan, I can’t wait to start calling you Kamil again, but until then, we must accomplish our commitment and get home safely. I will say one thing though, we are getting paid better this time.”

“Let’s continue walking for a while and by the time we return room service should have our rooms cleaned,” spoke Altan. “Let’s grab a quick lunch so we don’t have to break once we get started.”

* * *

Altan says, “Do you want to go first or do you want me to start?”

“You go first and see how we differ.”

“First thing I thought of is transportation. That is a broad area. You have automobiles, trains, airlines, subways, boats.

“Second, I thought of resources, utilities, water, oil, gasoline, and natural gas.

“Third, I wrote down sites such as government agencies, they could be state or local city government offices. Locations the FBI and Homeland Security should be lax on.”

“You’re right about transportation being a broad area. That could be five targets in itself. This is what I selected.

“We should consider their railway systems, subway systems, bridges and highways. I’d like to see us hit an oil refinery that reduces their ability to convert oil into other products. I read somewhere that said they haven’t been building new refineries for decades.

“Can we get away with targeting a financial institution? No one seems to go after those targets.

“My fantasy idea is somehow hitting their shipping industry.”

For the rest of the afternoon and the next day, both men work on selecting five different potential prospects from the two lists they have compiled. As they do this, they also decided they would select targets to do the most material damage while trying to minimize the loss of lives. Doing a mission is one thing, being considered mass murderers is something else neither man wants to live with.

* * *

After hours of pouring over their lists, Altan and Dentz decided on the following: transportation, oil storage or refineries, baggage claim at a major airline where security is lax or doesn’t exist, import cargo containers coming off of shipping and a financial industry.

“Altan, tomorrow we need to look at the locations of our list of cells around the country relative to these lists. After we select cells across the country we can work with them on the most suitable targets in their areas. Next, we need to take the very delicate step of exposing ourselves by ing them and meeting with them. We cannot expect them to trust us immediately. There will be a time factor of gaining each other’s confidence. Next time frame will be selecting a target in their area and enough surveillance to do the task. If we have any suspicions, we will have Azim tail them to see if we need to make any adjustments or changes. Then Azim must arrange for enough C4 to get the jobs done. Lastly we need to set a date to begin and coordinate all of the hits.

* * *

Over breakfast the next morning both men realize how valuable their outdoor exercise yesterday was for them. Even though they have been using the exercise room in the hotel, they see the need for something else. Today, they will walk around a shopping mall as the weather is very wet outside.

“Dentz, have you checked to see if your funds are in your ?”

“Yes, I did that online from the computer room. They offer internet service here and probably will have access wherever we plan to stay. My funds are in the and I assume yours are as well.”

“So, far they are living up to their financial commitments. Dentz, do you think we should let the money build up there?

“I’ve been giving it some thought. Why don’t we create an offshore from Iran? My suggestion would be in the Cayman Islands, they tend to keep s very confidential there. We could start a t and quarterly move our funds there. Both of us will have access and in the event something happens to one of us the other will have use of the money.”

“I like that idea. Only nothing better happen to either one of us.”

Altan, I hope you are right about that! “Look let’s go to the larger mall the desk recommended and walk for as long as we did yesterday. We can even have lunch there. I’m beginning to think we will work better if our mornings are filled with physical activities and we can accomplish our planning in the afternoons.”

“I like that! Besides room service won’t see us every day when they want to clean. When are we going to call Azim again?”

“Let’s finish our planning and then call him so he has three days to plan to be here. I think that is reasonable enough. He must be having a fit not being in charge.”

“Oh, I’m sure he is. It will be interesting to see how he reacts on our first visit with him.”

“Alright then let’s head out and walk off this breakfast,” replies Dentz.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Choosing Cells

Walking around the largest mall Columbus, Ohio is a different type of walk than walking in an Iranian mall. While Iran does have malls, the size of this particular mall is enormous. There are five levels of outlet stores and it takes half an hour just to casually walk around each level. They are amazed that people are shopping so early in the morning. Back home shopping is normally done in the late afternoon or the evening hours and weekends.

At the end of their exercise, they head for the food court on the lower level. Looking at the various choices they have, it takes a few minutes for them to decide.

Finishing their southwestern salads and their diet drinks they exit the mall and head for the area where they can pick-up a bus to go back to the Holiday Inn.

“Dentz, it is almost one o’clock, I can’t believe lunch and a trip to a mall took that much time. We didn’t even do any shopping.”

Dentz smiles at his partner’s comment. “We know where we can kill some time and get some indoor exercise when the weather isn’t favorable.”

“We sure do!”

* * *

Back in their room they start spreading out the maps of the United States they picked up.

“Alright Dentz, you go first this time.”

Dentz leans backwards in his chair and touches the wall with the back of his head. “I think we need to start somewhere off the Pacific coast and work our way eastward.”

“If you’re not careful, that chair is going to slide out from under you and you’re going to land on your ass.”

Sitting upright, Dentz smiles, continues saying, “We have three cells in California, one in Oregon, one in Washington and one in Nevada. I think we should begin there.”

Altan removes a file from his briefcase, the one Imam Adel gave him with the names, addresses and phone numbers of each cell leader. “You are talking about six different cells. We can’t go around checking to see if they are interested in doing terrorism. They could be under surveillance or have a plant which provides information to the authorities. What do you suggest we do?”

“You’re right, we can’t go around asking. What we can do is offer one of them glory for the cause and of course some financial reward too. We need to be selective in who we start with so we don’t have to visit with more than a couple within an area. Let’s first eliminate those who are a high probability of being infiltrated. We need those who are not only capable but also those who are hungry for glory.

“Now, Altan, who do you recommend we eliminate?”

Altan looks at the file in front of him and looks at the map of the western states. “I think I would eliminate the one in Washington, the one in Oregon and two of them in California, because of where they are located. They reside in highly visible areas which could place them in jeopardy of being known by the authorities.”

“My thinking as well, alright we are now down to two. Which state offers us the potential targets from the list we created?”

“I really don’t know much about Nevada yet, however I will say that California probably offers us the best targets.”

“Okay, so where does our California cell reside?”

Looking at the file he reads, “A town called Edison, I will have to look it up to see what it is near.” Stretching out the western states map he finds that Edison is located south of Bakersfield.

“Bakersfield is the closest decent sized community. Not like the larger cities.”

“Edison sounds reasonable. I would venture to say that cell is dying to do something to give them some recognition.”

“How do we approach them, now that we have selected them?”

“That my friend is something we have to work out. You don’t think they are paying us all of that money just to plant a few bombs do you? First, we should make a draft of who else we will choose across the country. Do you agree or not?”

“I agree, this way we can visualize how we might approach them. Maybe all with the same scenario or do we need to customize each approach?”

“I think we should make that decision after we meet each leader. We need to play that by their personalities.

“What area do you suggest we select next?”

“Looking at the central part of the country and where we know the cells are located I would choose Texas. Michigan has a number of cells but Azim is visiting there and I suspect with the size of the Muslim population there, they are under a great deal of surveillance.”

“Fine, Texas it is and that would be good for the oil storages or refineries. Now where is our potential cell just like the one we just picked for California?”

“There are three in Texas, my choice based on the locations of two would be the one located in Bishop.”

“After Texas where do you want to head to?”

“Dentz, I don’t know if you will agree with this. My first choice was Georgia which has two cells. They are right around the Atlanta area. Not good choices based on our template. However, Atlanta is a major hub for airlines.”

“You didn’t state your second choice.”

“My second choice is Virginia which also has a major hub for airlines located in nearby Baltimore MD. Virginia has three cells and one of them is near the Maryland border and in a small community. It is located in Cherrydale.”

“I like your analysis on this Altan. Alright, now we have three. Tomorrow let’s work on the shipping and financial potentials. This will be more difficult because we will need to get involved with cells in major metropolitan areas in New Jersey and New York.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The Next Day

Inside the Oval Office, President Egan is holding his regular morning briefing with John Walker, the NSA Director, and Allison McDonald, the CIA Director. Both reports indicate there is nothing new in their assessments of overseas activity.

At the conclusion of their discussions the President rises and says, “I want the two of you to remain a little longer. I have the Directors of the FBI and Homeland Security waiting in the lobby. I want the four of you in the next session.”

The president lifts his phone and asks Janet, his secretary, to have the Secret Service escort the two gentlemen into the office.

Mike Richardson, FBI Director, and James Decker, Homeland Security Director, enter.

“I think we will be more comfortable sitting over in the far corner on the couches and chairs,” remarks the president.

The directors sitting on couches around the president are a little apprehensive since they have no idea what the president has in mind.

“Let me begin,” speaks the president. “It has been eight weeks since we learned that a team of three terrorists is expected to enter the country. Since then we haven’t had a clue to their whereabouts. I’m asking the four of you, why not?

“Allison, your morning reports give no further information than what we had at the beginning. If we aren’t getting anything from our own sources, can’t we get something from the Mossad?”

“Sir, I spoke with Ariel, yesterday. He has no more information than what we originally found. It appears whoever is running this team is not communicating with them by phone, or e-mails. Otherwise, John’s people would have picked it up. Ariel also said there are no more rumors surfacing about what the team is planning to do or where it will happen. I know the media has stated they believe the team is going after the conventions but the CIA has no basis to expect that to happen.”

When Allison mentions the media the president became a little red faced. She senses he must have deliberately provided the leak.

“John, what do you have to say?”

“Sir, as Allison just said, there are no records of any communication coming from Iran to the US. There doesn’t appear to be any communication within the boundaries of the country that would seem to hint of any terror activities. If they are here, I don’t know what they have planned and how they are

communicating.”

“Are you telling me the conventions are not the targets?”

“Sir, right now we don’t have any proof of any targets.”

“Mark, where is the FBI on this?”

“Sir, we have been checking all possibilities of illegal entry or any entry into the country by fictitious names to see if we can locate these people. I’m sorry to say we haven’t found any evidence of them yet. Do you suppose this is a feeble attempt to cause fear in our election year?”

Without answering Mark the president goes on, “James, what is coming out of Homeland Security?”

“I apologize sir, we are stymied about the presence of this team. Customs borders around the country have no idea they crossed anywhere inside of our country.”

“Are you telling me they aren’t here?”

“No sir, I’m just stating a fact that we haven’t found any clue of them here right now.”

“Look people, the Democratic Convention is scheduled for the first week of August and the Republican Convention is the third week of August. My sense is that they are most likely the targets. We need to find out where they are now and how they are operating. It would be a total disaster to our democratic process for one or both of those conventions to have attacks from Islamic radicals.”

“Sir, the FBI is placing each convention under the utmost security during their events.”

Allison speaks, “Maybe, the conventions are not the targets and we could be spending most of our focus in the wrong places. Maybe they aren’t going for the obvious.”

“Maybe you’re right, Allison. But right now we don’t have a clue and I want each of your departments coming up with something concrete.

“Your people are the eyes and ears of the security and safety of this nation. Let’s get back to work and check and recheck everything we have considered to make sure we are not overlooking something. I have another appointment so this meeting is concluded.”

President Egan stands and walks back to his desk while the four directors file out of the Oval Office.

Leaving the White House, John Walker turns to Allison, “he is really worked up over this, isn’t he?”

“I think he’s worried what will happen if there is an attack and how will it affect the election.”

“Exactly my thoughts, too.”

* * *

Three days later, Altan and Dentz have reached their decisions over which cells would be selected in the New Jersey and New York areas. The two of them held long discussions and debates to reach their conclusions.

In New Jersey, the cell located in the town of Orange is their choice and in New York, the cell located in the Bronx is chosen.

The next step in the process is how to approach each of these choices. Hoping their first choices are the right ones to get the job done.

“Altan, we need to take some time off. My mind is swimming with too many discussions and possibilities of things that could go wrong.”

“Look, why don’t we just walk around the city for a couple of hours. We don’t have to act like moles in these rooms.”

“You’re right, let’s get out into the sunshine. Maybe that will help give us better perspectives with the next step. By the way, we need to decide when we will have Azim meet with us. After he leaves I want to check out the next day so there is no possibility he can call us here and make .”

“You know even if he does call it will only go into the main phone number and just be transferred up to one of our rooms.”

“You’re right but I don’t even want him to know where we will be the day after his visit.”

“Are you being paranoid or you just don’t trust him at all, do you?”

“Let’s just say, I am being extra cautious.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Planning

“Altan, next week is the first political convention according to the newscasts. I would like to the cell in California and set a time and place to meet with their leader that week. I want to have it arranged so when Azim arrives we can tell him about the meeting.”

“Are you asking me if we should have him at the meeting?”

“No, I want him to know we have developed a plan and are working out our strategy. , he is reporting back to Iran. After we meet with the cell leader, we will set a time period for them to make a decision to work with us. If the answer is positive, we will arrange another session to discuss our plan in greater detail. Are you in agreement with this?”

Altan stands, moves away from the table and walks around the room a couple of times.

“What message are you trying to give me, Altan?”

“Ever since you told me we should check out the day after he leaves, I have been

sensing that he might betray us somehow.”

“To the Americans, no Altan, I don’t think he will do that. His hate for them is greater than his anger at us. What I feel is since he’s not controlling this operation, his anger might cause him to make mistakes.”

“What kind of mistakes are you talking about?”

“There could be any sort of slip-ups that could give us problems.

“Sit down, Altan, I want you to calm down. We are increasing our risk factors and that increases our stress factors. I want both of us to think clearly so that if something goes wrong down the line we can get away from all of this. That is where I’m coming from.

“Today, I want to go and purchase pre-paid cell phones. I want to purchase six of them. We will purchase those with the least amount of time on them. After we use one twice we will destroy it or dispose of it somewhere. After each phone call we will remove the SIM card and the battery so that its location cannot be traced.”

“Where did you learn all of this, Dentz?”

“I’ve made it a point to study things like this. Tonight around eight o’clock California time we will make a first with our California leader.”

“Alright, I am with you so far. How should we word our phone call?”

“That is what we need to work out this afternoon besides getting cell phones.”

* * *

In the lobby Dentz asks the desk clerk, “Could you give us directions to a local Walmart?”

“Of course!” She takes out a map of the local area from her drawer and she shows them how to find the Walmart. “There is a bus that leaves the area in front that goes by the shopping mall where the Walmart is located or you could signal to one of the cabs that are always in front.”

“Thank you, young lady. You have been very helpful,” says Dentz.

She smiles at them. She appreciates the kind words.

They decide to take the bus in order to do something different. They are not pressed for time and it will help ease the stress they are feeling.

“Dentz, how do you know what model phones we should be looking for?”

“I looked on Walmart’s website and found a number of phones and read the reviews. The Samsung T139 model has very good reviews and since we will be disposing of them often the cost isn’t very expensive. They are listed on the site as twenty-dollars but I’m not sure the store will have the same price.”

“You know, you amaze me. You always seem to be one step ahead of everything.”

“No, it’s merely my nature to be curious so I try to think ahead. Actually, we are well suited for each other as you have qualities that I don’t have. Believe me, before this is all over you will see yourself better than you have ever seen yourself before.”

“Maybe, you seem so sure of yourself. I don’t tend to think like you do.”

“But you can learn can’t you?”

Leaving the bus, it is a short walk to the front of the Walmart SuperCenter. As they enter they are greeted by an individual who offers to help direct them to any department.

“Could you please direct us to cell phones,” speaks Altan.

After they are sent off in the right direction, Dentz says, “See you automatically took charge. Keep that up, I need you to be a partner in this operation. I don’t want to be the only one planning everything.”

“Have I been doing that?”

“Yes, and it’s partly my fault. I tend to rush to get things completed. Waiting for your opinions is going to teach me to slow down and get you to be more assertive. I think the combination of those efforts will make us successful and get us home safely.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that!”

* * *

Back at the hotel, they remove each phone from its packaging and familiarize themselves with its operation. Once they are comfortable with their usage they place five phones in some luggage and keep one on the table in front of the window.

“So do you want to start or do I start on how we conduct the phone call tonight?” asks Altan.

“See, you’re doing it again, so automatically. You start, I want to hear your thoughts.”

For the next hour, the two role play and come up with different scenarios on how to approach the individual they will be calling this evening. While they have

ideas, they cannot afford to make the conversation appear scripted or that might turn him off.

What they did do was make two lists of key words that will be in front of whoever calls and try to make the conversation more natural.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Phone Calls

It was agreed that Altan-Kamil would make the initial call to California.

He picks up the cell phone and dials the number Dentz places in front of him. After three rings, a man answers.

“Hello!”

“Asad, my name is Altan Yilmiz, Imam Adel gave me your name and phone number. Do you meeting him in the mosque two years ago?”

Momentarily surprised by the imam’s name, Asad, slowly and cautiously responds. “What can I do for you, Altan?”

“He told me to look you up sometime when I am in the country. Right now, I am traveling the southern part of your state and I am hoping to meet with you next week. He said he promised to give you a gift and asked me to deliver it. What day next week would you be available? I am planning on spending one night in Palmdale.”

“I live eighty or so miles north of Palmdale, I could meet you in the early afternoon next Wednesday.”

“Good, I will be staying at the Holiday Inn wherever that is in Palmdale. Let’s say around two o’clock.

“Let me spell out my name for you.”

“I need to get something to write with, hold on.”

After Altan spells out his name, Asad asks one more question. “How is the tall, overweight imam doing?”

“Asad, you must be ing the senior mullah, Adel is short and skinny as a rail.”

“Oh yes, you are right, it’s been a couple of years and we saw many people. It is hard to keep track of them.”

“I understand, I have the same problem at times. I look forward to meeting with you.”

Altan ends the call.

“Nice work, you kept it under three minutes. If his line is tapped by the authorities the call will be difficult to trace. We must always abide by the three minute rule.”

“At first he was surprised to get the call, then he became cautious. While he listened to my story he tested me at the end by saying Adel was tall and overweight.”

“I heard you answer him. Your response was quick and natural without any hesitation. If you had hesitated he would never show up.”

“The idea of a gift is good. Each of these leaders has been to or lived in Iran at some point. Besides, everyone likes to get a gift.”

* * *

Asad, hangs up his receiver. He does Imam Adel. It has been two years since he visited Tehran. He re pledging he would assemble a group of men who one day might be called upon to follow some instructions. Deep down he knows what this phone call is all about.

* * *

“We must call Azim,” speaks Dentz.

“I would rather you him. You handle him better than I do.”

“Agreed, I will have him meet us here next Friday. What time do you recommend he arrive?”

“My thoughts are to get him here before noon, take him somewhere to have lunch and return here to review what is happening. He should make a return flight for late afternoon. It is probably only an hour or little more from Detroit to here. He should be able to make evening prayers at the mosque if his flight isn’t delayed.”

“I will call mid-morning tomorrow. I don’t want to call his cousin’s home this late.”

“Tomorrow morning is plenty of time. After he agrees to be here Friday, we should decide on where we are moving to when we check out on Saturday. We also need to make flights to Burbank, California for next Tuesday and return on Thursday. We should make the reservations for the Holiday Inn in Palmdale for two nights as well.”

“Let’s work that out tomorrow. There is something on television I would like to watch before I go to sleep.”

Altan laughs and says, “My, my, Dentz, it appears you are getting spoiled by western customs.”

“Hey, give me a break, I need distractions from all of this.”

Laughing as he walks through the connecting door to his room, Altan says, “I expect you in the exercise room at seven in the morning.”

“I’ll be there don’t worry. After I call Azim, I want to go into the city to see that museum we talked about. I need a change from all of this.”

Before he turns on the television, Dentz removes the SIM card and the battery from the cell phone. He lays all three pieces on the table for easy assembly in the morning.

* * *

Mid-morning the following day, Dentz and Altan are sitting in Altan’s room and Dentz dials Azim’s cousin’s home phone in Michigan.

“Hello, who is calling?”

“I am Dentz a friend of your cousin Azim, is he available?”

“Yes, just one moment while I get him to the phone.”

It takes a full minute for Azim to pick up and this frustrates Dentz because he doesn’t want to break the three minute rule he created.

“Hello, Dentz, this is Azim. I have been waiting for your call.”

“We have been busy planning, Azim. We want to meet with you a week from Friday. You should fly into Columbus Ohio before noon and return later in the afternoon on the same day.”

“No overnight stay. You have everything worked out to tell me in that short a time.”

“We have most everything figured out. We will discuss it here not over the phone. I will call you Thursday evening to get your flight schedules. I will meet you at the airport.”

“Dentz this is not what I expected, I am in the dark on this.”

Looking quickly at his wristwatch, Dentz says, “Azim you will understand when you get here. Wait for my call on Thursday.”

Dentz ends the transmission, removes the SIM card from the phone as well as the battery. This is the last call he will make on this phone. He will drop each piece in the trash in separate containers.

“The call took three minutes and twenty-seconds, mostly because his cousin had to get him to the phone. From now on we will call him from pay phones away from any hotels.”

“I gather he isn’t pleased he had to wait until now for us to call him and is only going to be here a part of the day,” says Altan.

“You’re right, this is what I meant about him making stupid mistakes. He is more worried about his own ego than he is about the mission.

“Let’s get some fresh air and go to that museum. I need a break from all this tension.”

“I’m with you,” replies Altan.

* * *

As they leave the elevator, Dentz says, “Let’s have the front desk make our Palmdale reservations.”

“Good idea.”

Walking up to the front desk the pretty brunette clerk asks, “Can I help you gentlemen?”

“Yes, we are rooms 407 and 409, we will be checking out Tuesday and returning on Thursday afternoon. We would like the same accommodations that we have now. We need you to book us into the Holiday Inn in Palmdale, California for Tuesday and Wednesday nights with the same accommodations.”

“Not a problem sir, how long will the two of you be staying with us when you check back in next Thursday?

“We will be leaving Saturday.”

“I will be glad to take care of your reservations and you can pick up a copy of them anytime you wish. They will be here at the front desk.”

“Thank you.” Dentz and Altan leave and head out to catch a cab to the museum.

Inside of the cab, Altan says, “Now all we need to do is select a flight to Burbank.”

“We can check the schedules of the various airlines when we get back this evening.”

Altan says, “Let’s go have some down time.

“We need one more thing, we need to decide where we are staying Saturday.”

“You’re right it slipped my mind. We’ll do that this evening as well. See why it is important for both of us to be thinking.”

“Yes, I can see how stress causes mistakes.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Palmdale California

Altan and Dentz arrive at the Bob Hope airport in Burbank, California on time. Their Southwest flight was comfortable. They need to collect their luggage and head over to the Hertz counter to pick up their car. The Hertz clerk processes their paperwork and gives them a one page map on how to exit the airport and find Route 5 northbound. He says, “You need to turn onto Route 14 northbound from Route 5. You will enter Palmdale from Route 14. Your vehicle is located in section 201 in the garage with a full tank of gas.” They thank him as they leave the counter.

From the directions they found on Google, they must find the exit for W. Palmdale Blvd. They should head west and the Holiday Inn will be visible from the exit. They need to turn right at the first intersection.

Looking at the temperature display for exterior of the car, both men are amazed at the huge difference in temperatures here in California compared to what they experienced in Ohio.

“Dentz says, “This part of California looks like the desert we have back home. I never realized there is so much open country and it looks so brown.”

“Looking at the map we picked up, California is one large land mass. Imagine

this is only one of their states,” replies Altan.

One hour later they are entering the city limits of Palmdale and take the exit onto W. Palmdale Blvd. Altan is driving and Dentz is navigating. “The directions are correct, I can see the hotel from here, take the right at the light.”

Stepping out of the car, Dentz says, “It must be over a hundred degrees here. It’s even hotter than in Burbank. Let’s check in, I could use some air conditioning.”

“If it wasn’t for the wind, I bet you could fry eggs on the sidewalk here,” says Altan.

Inside they find their reservations are exactly as they asked for. They take the elevator to the third floor and enter their respective rooms. First thing Dentz checks is the connecting door to make sure they can move back and forth without exiting their rooms.

After they unpack, Altan says, “On the way up we talked about driving around to see what the area looks like. We need to get a feel of what the cell will be dealing with in selecting a target. Do you agree with this idea?”

“Don’t forget, Altan, they know the area better than we do. They should make the selections for targets.”

“Right, but I would like to see for ourselves what the area looks like in case we disagree with their selection.”

Dentz goes on, “ the idea is to cause havoc. We must rely on these people to do a job and not get caught. The purpose of our plan is to hit and run. We needn’t go after the biggest targets. The goal is to be successful as well as cause substantial damage.”

“I agree, but let’s get out of this room and see some country. I’m tired of being in hotel rooms.”

“Fine by me, the car has a good air conditioner. What direction do you want to head?”

“Let’s swing east for a while and then head north. I want to see what it looks like outside of this minicity in the middle of nothing but desert and mountains.”

“Then I’ll drive so you can sightsee. Is that good enough for what you want to accomplish.”

“I think so.”

Heading down to the lobby, they ask where they can purchase a detailed map of the area. Altan explains they are investors who are looking to possibly expand in the area and need to see various parcels of land within a thirty mile radius.

The young man reaches inside of the front desk and gives them a community map of the Lancaster and Palmdale area published by the two Chambers of

Commerce.

Altan says, “Thank you, this will be helpful.”

* * *

Looking at their map, the best way to see anything, besides city streets, is to head south out of Palmdale and pick up Route 18 heading easterly. Once they leave Palmdale they realize there is little to see except desert and some clusters of mobile homes.

When they arrive at the intersection of Route 18 and 395 they turn left and head north. This sector takes them alongside the back end of Edwards Air Force Base. Entering the town of Kramer Junction they turn left onto Route 58. This leg of the trip gives them a greater appreciation of the size and magnitude of the base. Route 58 takes them near the small town of Mojave. So far this trip seems to be a waste of time and gas so they turn off of 58 and enter Mojave.

Driving through the community they notice the train lines running through town, the main highway Route 14 which will take them back to Palmdale and oil storage tanks just south of the over outside of town.

“Are you thinking, what I am thinking Dentz?”

“Yes, but I don’t want to discuss it in the car. It’s been a long day. We haven’t eaten lunch today, we need to find a good place to have dinner and head back to

the room.”

“I asked the clerk at the hotel where there is a good place to have dinner and he told me about a mall in Palmdale not far from the hotel. It has a number of places for us to choose from,” replies Altan.

“Good, let’s find it and have some dinner. Why don’t we unwind this evening and continue our thoughts tomorrow. We have plenty of time, the meeting isn’t until two in the afternoon.”

“I’m with you, besides you’re driving.”

Dentz continues southbound on Route 14. They through the town of Rosamond and the city of Lancaster before they enter Palmdale. Dentz looks for the mall exit.

Pulling off the exit they enter the mall area and immediately see three different restaurants. They select the Olive Garden. They are informed there will be a twenty minute wait for a table. Looking at each other, both men shrug it is fine with them. They are tired.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Two O’clock Meeting

It is agreed Dentz-Hamid will sit in the lobby beginning 1:30 in the afternoon. The cell leader is expected for a two o’clock meeting and they didn’t expect him earlier than 1:30. The purpose of watching for him is to get an appraisal of the man without him realizing he is being observed. It is also important to see if he brought additional people with him.

At 1:50, a man about five feet ten, black hair, with a dark complexion enters the Holiday Inn lobby and walks up to the registration desk.

“I have an appointment with a Mr. Altan Yilmiz.”

“I will him for you, sir. May I have your name?” says the pretty red head at the counter.

“Tell him Asad is here for his appointment.”

Dialing room three-fifteen, the young lady waits for an answer to her ring.

Altan lets the phone ring four times before he picks it up so as not to seem too anxious.

“Hello!”

“Sir, I have a Mister Asad here in the lobby who says he has a two o’clock appointment with you.”

“Yes, I am expecting him, please send him up.”

Hanging up her phone, the red head tells Asad, “Mr. Yilmiz is in room threefifteen. The elevators are down the hallway to your left.”

Asad walks off towards the elevator.

Meanwhile Dentz is observing his mannerisms and knows he has come alone. He doubts that someone is sitting outside of the building in this heat, even with air conditioning.

Dentz folds the newspaper he is reading and places it on the end table. He slowly walks to the bank of elevators and watches the lights indicating one car has stopped on the third floor. He pushes the upward button and takes the next elevator to his room three-seventeen.

Altan answers the second knock on his door and invites Asad inside.

Asad is surprised to see Altan with a very light complexion. He is used to seeing Iranians dark colored like him.

“Come in and have a seat. Before we begin I need to make a quick phone call.

Altan lifts the receiver and dials 7317, which rings next door in Dentz’s room. Dentz is just entering. His phone rings three times before he answers it.

Dentz says, “He came alone.”

“Good, us when you can.”

Dentz waits nearly ten minutes to give Altan and Asad time to size each other up before he enters the picture. Then he enters Altan’s room through the connecting door.

Asad is a little unnerved by Dentz entering the room through the connecting door. He doesn’t know what to make of this move.

Sensing his apprehension Altan says, “Asad, this is my associate, Dentz. We are traveling together.”

Asad looks at Dentz who extends his hand for a handshake. Neither man says

anything they just look into each other’s eyes.

While Dentz is shaking hands, Altan opens the drawer in the desk near the window. He removes a copy of the Quran. He hands the Quran over to Asad.

Asad takes the Quran and realizes this is an opening for him to speak.

“If I may call you Altan, what kind of visit is this intended to be?”

“Yes, please call me by my first name. Imam Adel gave us your name, saying you were asked to put together a number of men for future projects.”

Asad places the Quran on the sofa next to his leg. He realizes the gift he was told he would be receiving is a ploy to get him here.

Dentz is letting Altan handle the conversation and is satisfied to be a bystander so far.

“Yes, Imam Adel did ask me. He even went further in our conversations then you are stating. I have four others besides myself who are willing to participate in, let’s say, ‘activities.’ Are we talking about the same things here?”

“Dentz and I are here to coordinate a couple of activities, as you call them. We are meeting with known leaders like yourself. You are the first one we are talking with. Our mission is to cause some havoc and not be seen. The not be

seen part applies to you and your cell as well. Let us say, we want to create a hit-and-run program.”

Asad knew this day would come eventually. He looks at both men and continues. “What sort of activities do you have in mind?”

Dentz steps into the conversation. “At the moment, we are talking about obtaining a commitment from cell leaders. Right now, you are the only one we are talking to on the west coast. Should you decide not to work with us, we would another group out here. At this point, we are not going to go into details until we know you have made a commitment.”

“So you want us to commit without any more information.”

Altan replies, “I have already said this is to be hit-and-run. We will wait for thirty days for you and your people to decide.”

“How am I supposed to advise you? Do I call you?”

“No, we will call you. If you give us a positive response, we will have a second meeting to explain the details and the financial arrangements to accomplish this. This project will take time. It must be well planned, rehearsed and have a satisfactory conclusion,” remarks Dentz. “The next meeting you can bring an associate if you wish.”

“I don’t feel comfortable committing to do something without knowing more

facts.”

Altan responds, “We understand, we felt the same way when we were first approached to do this. However, we are prepared to move on to another group if you decline. The only thing I can say is that it may affect the financial you are receiving from Iran and they could ask you and your family to return.”

Asad is starting to develop a line of sweat on his brow. He is not sure if it is the unknown factors of what he is being asked to do. Or is it because, he and his family might be called back to Iran.

He rises from the couch and says, “I will discuss this with my men. We have pledged to work on behalf of Iran. We must be cautious so any blame that might return does not affect our country. I think you understand me.”

“Yes, we do understand and we want everything to come off smoothly,” replies Dentz.

“Yes, smoothly, but who knows what can happen once we undertake this mission.”

“You will have a great deal of time to prepare for this. We are working on a number of things to fall into place at once. You will be given ample time before a strike date. You will have plenty time to make rehearsals to complete your project,” states Altan.

Asad rises, picks up his Quran, he looks each of the men in the eyes and says, “I will do my best to convince my group we are to participate.”

“That is all we can ask of you,” states Altan.

He walks Asad to the door and locks it after he exits the room.

* * *

“What do you think?” asks Altan.

“It went just as I expected. He’s no dummy and feels like we did about knowing more before he sticks his neck out. The threat of losing his financial from Iran, or even more so, the threat of being called back hit him hard. Who told you that, Altan?”

“No one really, we know the cells are getting financial aid. I threw in another factor into our negotiations.”

“Nice piece of work because, I think you scared the shit out of him.

“Look, it’s getting near five, let’s go and find a different restaurant in that mall.”

“Sounds good to me, my hole-in-the-wall doesn’t look so appealing to me now that I’ve eaten here in the states.”

Dentz-Hamid bursts out laughing.

* * *

Asad has a lot to think about on his eighty mile drive back home. One part of him is angry for making the commitment two years ago. The money has been nice coming every month. Yet, he knew some day this would happen. Now he has to deal with it. Shit!

* * *

They check out of the Palmdale Holiday Inn at six o’clock in the morning. Then head back to Burbank, to catch their return flight to Columbus. On the way, they decide to move over to the Courtyard on Saturday. Their plan will always be move the day after meeting with Azim. The one hour drive also gives them time to brainstorm their meeting. Dentz will meet him at the airport, and he and Azim will meet Altan at a restaurant. This way Azim is not asking for them at the desk. After lunch the three will return to the Holiday Inn room together. Azim will take a cab to return to the airport in time to go through security for his flight.

Chapter Thirty

Two Days Later

At eight o’clock in the morning, Stewart Downey, Vice-President and Robert Jacobie, Chief-of-Staff are seated in front of the president in the Oval Office.

President Egan is incensed that there is no further information from the intelligence agencies, or the FBI regarding the three suspected terrorists.

“Bob, I want you to stay on top of the FBI, Homeland Security, NSA and the CIA while Stewart and I are traveling and preparing for the convention in two weeks.”

“Yes sir!”

“We are near the end of this week’s Democratic convention and thank God nothing has occurred.”

“How hard do you want me to push everyone, sir?”

“Do what you feel you need to do to get some results. We cannot afford to have a

terrorist attack during a convention and right now those seem to be the most vulnerable targets for them to hit. Since September 2001, we’ve had plenty of experience in what to look for. I cannot believe we have nothing so far.

“If anyone has the slightest inkling of information, I want to be notified immediately. We need to be prepared to act.”

“We’ll find them, sir. You and Stewart can go about getting elected.”

After a couple of other minor discussions the president closes the meeting. Stewart and Bob head out of the office.

“He’s in a bit of a frenzy about this idea we have three terrorists infiltrating the country. It’s not like it’s the first time nor will be the last,” says Stewart.

“You’re right, but he wants to get re-elected and doesn’t want anything to stand in his way of looking good to the public. I’ll do the best I can. I have to work with these people so I’m not about to beat them over the head. Besides, my telling them I want information doesn’t make answers appear out of nowhere. We have very competent people heading those agencies and they know what they’re doing and what is at stake.”

* * *

While Altan is making arrangements at the Courtyard in Columbus for a two week stay beginning Saturday, Dentz leaves to head over to the airport. He grabs

the first cab in line outside of the Holiday Inn and asks to be dropped off at the Delta terminal.

Dentz told Azim he would be waiting for him in the baggage claim area, in front of a men’s room entrance.

Dentz looks at the monitors for arrival flights and sees that the flight is listed as having arrived. It’s just a matter of waiting for the engers to deplane and for Azim to make it to baggage claim. Dentz wonders how this first meeting will go. Azim will either have decided to follow the mullah and the imam’s instructions or resort to his ego pattern. It should be an interesting day.

Azim walks into the baggage claim area and looks for a men’s room.

They see each other and Azim walks towards him. As he approaches Dentz, he gives off a quick smile but doesn’t offer to shake hands. Dentz is waiting for him to make the first move, as this could be a sign of how the day will go. It is also a power play on both of their parts.

I think this meeting is going to be very touchy!

“Do you need to use the facilities before we head out to have lunch with Altan?”

“Yes, give me a minute.”

When Azim returns, they walk outside and signal for a cab.

Inside the taxi, Dentz gives the driver instructions. Azim asks, “Where are we meeting Altan?”

“We picked out a restaurant with a Mediterranean Middle Eastern menu. We thought you would enjoy that instead of the typical menus available in most places.”

“It sounds good.”

“Are you enjoying your stay with your cousin?”

“He and his wife are good company. I’m not used to having people around me. It’s an adjustment for me. I expect you will have me traveling with you very soon.”

“We will discuss all of those matters back at the hotel. We want to relax over lunch and enjoy some casual conversation.”

“Nothing will be discussed over lunch?”

“No, only back in the room. It is better that way.”

Dentz is watching the cab driver’s eyes glancing back and forth between the two men. He realizes how careless Azim is acting. When the driver realizes Dentz is observing his eyes he quickly glances away.

They are dropped off in front of the restaurant and upon entering they see Altan is seated at a table in the far right hand corner.

“Can I help you two gentlemen,” asks a young man with menus in his hands.

Dentz replies, “The gentleman in the far corner is expecting us.”

“Oh, of course, he did say he was waiting for two others. Go right over if you would.”

As they approach the table, Dentz shakes his head left and right. This is a prearranged signal between them telling Altan what his impression of Azim is at the moment.

This signal signifies Azim is not very friendly at the moment, so Altan remains seated as they approach the table. Altan is seated on the aisle side of the table, Dentz moves into position to take the other aisle seat. This leaves Azim the choice to sit on either side against the wall. He moves next to Altan.

“Azim, welcome to Columbus, I trust your flight was satisfactory.”

“The rest of the day will tell me if everything I am undertaking today is worthwhile.”

With little further conversation between them, they order, eat their meals and leave the restaurant.

* * *

Back at the Holiday Inn, the three men enter Altan’s room and seat themselves. Altan and Dentz sit on the couch and Azim on an easy chair. “How did you make it here? I am curious.”

“That is not important, what’s important is that we discuss our basic plan and what we have accomplished. You are making reports back to Adel, so we will fill you in on what we did and how we see the plan unfolding. We also need you to plan to do surveillance work fairly soon to make sure we are dealing with sincere people,” says Altan.

Dentz begins, “Based on what the mullah and the imam told us we have laid out a strategy of target locations across the country. We selected specific targets within certain areas for the cells to penetrate and create havoc.”

“The list I gave you in training only focused on the east coast, why the changes?”

“Before we left for Turkey, they asked us to revise the list to extend across the

country,” replies Altan.

Azim doesn’t reply for a few minutes. “You know they have no experience in these matters, and my former secret police training should supersede their ideas.”

Dentz speaks, “Azim, we have specific instructions to take this across the country. We were told to manage this portion of the program and you are our backup for security, also to provide weapons and explosives to the cells. I am sorry if you disagree, you can take that up with them. They are paying the bills.”

The frown on Azim face is very profound. He is not pleased. His ego tells him the whole trip will come apart unless he regains control.

“So, how do you want me to do this surveillance you talk about? When will they need the weapons and the explosives?”

Altan and Dentz explain their plan of doing the first occurrence in California. They tell of meeting the cell leader and giving him a month to make a decision. In the meantime, they will a second cell in Texas. The process of locating an agreeable cell will be the same in each portion of their plan. They did not tell him where the other three targets are planned.

They review that after a cell agrees to work, he will be asked to do his surveillance work to see if they are truly committed to this project. He should plan to spend at least one to two months monitoring each cell. Weapons and explosives will not be needed until a month before their attacks. He must arrange and handle delivery of everything they require.

At this point in the discussion, Azim settles down, and feels he is being included in vital plans for each cell. Maybe, these two will pull this off.

Dentz looks at his watch and reminds Azim he must be back at the airport two hours before his flight. He rises and says, “This may go better than I planned. I will wait for your next phone call. By the way, how are you dealing with daily prayers?”

Altan replies, “There is no way we want to be seen in a mosque so we must be content to pray in our rooms.”

Azim nods his head. Altan is not sure he agrees with their decision.

Azim leaves and takes the elevator to the lobby. On the way out, he picks up a business card from the registration desk. He might want to call them sometime, he has memorized the room number.

Chapter Thirty-One

The Following Week

The Monday after leaving Altan and Dentz, Azim is getting antsy about what his next move will be. He creates an idea that should appear innocent to them when he calls.

He dials the Holiday Inn in Columbus and asks to speak with Altan Yilmiz.

The desk clerk checks the computer and says, “Sir, Mr. Yilmiz checked out of the hotel Saturday morning. He gave no forwarding destination.”

“I see,” says Azim. He hangs up the phone. Those bastards, they don’t trust anyone.

* * *

Dentz is watching the noon time newscast and he is getting a chuckle from the young lady who is broadcasting. She’s telling her viewing audience that the reason there wasn’t a terrorist incident at the Democratic convention is due to the security employed.

Really, lady, you don’t have a clue. But wait until next year, you will have a great deal to talk about.

* * *

The next day, Chief-of-Staff, Robert Jacobie is becoming very frustrated, not because the intelligence agencies and the FBI aren’t giving him any positive reports. Robert is not used to being unable to provide answers for his superior.

Allison McDonald told him the Mossad has no further information on those three suspects than what they originally supplied. Nor does the CIA have any further facts. Right now, it appears they don’t exist. Yet, Allison knows better. Until she has something concrete she isn’t going to wing it.

Mike Richardson, director of the FBI tells him the same thing. So far they have nothing to hang their hats on.

Homeland Security and the NSA respond in the same manner. No one has anything new to offer the istration.

Robert hopes the Republican convention will be incident free similar to the Democratic convention.

* * *

The same afternoon Altan and Dentz begin reviewing the options of cells they can in Texas to create the second attack. They decide the target for this oil rich area will be a refinery or something related. Now, they are trying to analyze the information to select the correct cell to accomplish the mission.

The cells in Texas have resided there for ten years. They should be familiar with the various companies in the area.

Four hours later the two men have prioritized the list of cells. Tomorrow, Altan will make the first call and test out the individual with some preplanned questions.

* * *

Inside of the mosque in Tehran, the senior mullah enters the office of Imam Adel.

“Do you have another report from Azim yet?”

“No, only the one I’ve given you. He met with them in Ohio three days ago. I expect to see something in the mail from him anytime.”

“Using the mail is terribly slow. However, I am sure no one would ever suspect

we are communicating in this archaic manner,” responds the mullah.

Adel replies, “I suspect Hamid is counting on that very same theory.”

The mullah rises and says, “ me as soon as you have Azim’s report. Do you think they will accomplish this mission?”

“If anyone can accomplish what we asked them to do, I believe these two can.”

Adel realizes the mullah senses he has no control and is beginning to doubt the success of the mission.

* * *

Over dinner Altan and Dentz are planning to enjoy some Italian food. They select a restaurant from the hotel directory. It is within walking distance and is rated five stars.

Both men need to read the description for each entrée. They could ask for their waiter’s assistance but the less face-to-face they have the better off they are. They make a choice and hope for the best.

While they eat their salads, Altan says, “You said you would open the in the Cayman Islands today and transfer what is already deposited in our s.

Have you accomplished that?”

“First, I checked both of our s to see if the proper funds were posted. We each had the correct amount for three months. They started paying us when our training began. So far they are holding up their end.

“Then I called a bank in Grand Cayman and created a t there in both of our names. I used our real names which are on our s in Tehran. I have the and the bank information in my wallet. As we discussed, either one of us can withdraw funds. If something should happen to one of us the survivor receives the funds. I have created equal beneficiaries to the by listing both of our families. I ed our bank in Tehran and had the money wired. I think we should do this at least every other month. I think Tehran will believe we are sending the money to our families.”

Just then their entrees arrive.

Altan receives a dinner known as Chicken Pomodoro. Dentz’s choice is WoodGrilled Sirloin.

Each man nods and smiles to the other as they eat, indicating approval of one’s choice.

Chapter Thirty-Two

End of the Week

“Altan, if we don’t reach the first cell today, I suggest we switch to the second choice.”

“Maybe, they are away on holiday. After all they are not expecting our call.”

“Possibly, I just don’t have a good feeling about this one because they don’t even have the ability to get messages while they are away.”

“Let me try now. If he doesn’t answer, I will try once more on Monday.”

“Fine, don’t forget we need to call Asad back at the end of next week to see if he has made a decision to us.”

“I haven’t forgotten. I can see once we have all five cells set up, we are going to be doing a great deal of traveling around the country.”

“Yes, we will. My biggest concern is will Azim hold up his end on getting the weapons and explosives.”

“I think he is dying to get into it more than we are. He will hold up.”

Dentz says, “Time will tell.”

* * *

Imam Adel knocks and enters the office of the senior mullah.

Sitting in front of the mullah’s desk he speaks, “I have Azim’s report. He met with Altan and Dentz. They’ve already met with one cell in California and are awaiting a decision from them. The cell member has no specifics of our plans and will only be told the minimum amount if they decide to us.”

“What happens if they don’t?”

“I will cut off their quarterly allowance.

“Our team has other options to choose from if the first one declines.”

“When will we know if they will work with us?”

“Azim reports they have thirty days to decide. Meanwhile the team is planning to make a selection in Texas.”

“What is Azim doing, besides visiting his cousin all this time?”

“He said he will be more actively involved once the first cell commits.”

“Good, I don’t want to be paying him while he sits around doing nothing.”

Adel rises from his seat and leaves the mullah to his thoughts.

* * *

Monday evening, Altan prepares another cell phone, the questions to ask the cell leader, and one of the two three-minute egg timers they purchased, sits on the table in front of the sofa. Dentz is seated across from him to assist in any way he might be needed.

Altan looks at his wristwatch and places the call.

On the third ring, a man’s voice responds by asking who is calling. Altan turns the egg timer over.

“My name is Altan, your friend Adel from the mosque asked me to give you a call.”

Rapidly the caller responds, “What are you talking about? Do you have the right number? I don’t know any Adel from any mosque. Don’t bother me again and he hangs up.”

It took less than a minute for this call. Altan shuts the phone off. Dentz looks over at Altan with a question mark written all over his face.

Altan looks over to Dentz saying, “Did we get an incorrect number?”

“What was the tone of his voice? Did he really sound confused or something else?” says Dentz.

“Give me a minute to sort out the conversation in my head before I answer you.”

Thinking to himself a few minutes, Altan responds, “He sounded angry like he didn’t want to be bothered. He didn’t even say what mosque, or that he didn’t belong to a mosque. I have the feeling he doesn’t want to be ed.”

“Altan, do you think, he suspects his phone is tapped?”

“I don’t know, it was not what I expected.”

“Alright, disassemble the phone. We will take a short walk and drop the individual pieces off in the sewer system in various places.”

Altan remarks, “We need to give this information to Azim for his next report. Let them handle it.”

“I agree. First, let’s get rid of the parts.”

* * *

Inside of the NSA, Jerry Daniels, an analyst obtains a report of the brief phone call that was made to the first cell. It really doesn’t tell him very much. The caller mentioned he was calling on behalf of someone named Adel. However, to Jerry, it seemed the receiver was brushing off the caller. It seems he was trying to get rid of him. Just for the record, he includes it in his evening report to his boss, Jim Stewart. They have been monitoring this phone for a month and this is the first incident that has made it worthwhile. Jerry suspects this guy knows he is being monitored. The call was too short to be able to make a trace. Damn.

* * *

The next night, Altan sets himself up in the same manner he did the night before. I sure hope this call goes a lot better than last night.

Dentz is sitting across from him with the same thought in mind.

Altan dials the number.

“Hello, this is Hami, who’s calling?”

“Hami, my name is Altan Yilmiz. We have a mutual friend named Adel. Do you him?”

Hami hesitates for a moment and says, “Yes, I do. How is he?”

“He’s doing fine. He suggested I give you a call sometime when I am in the states. I am hoping to be in Texas after Labor Day. If I called you with a date and time could you meet me somewhere?”

“I could, just , Texas is a huge state. Where are you planning to come to?”

“I haven’t worked that out yet. I will call you a couple of days before. I have an idea of where you live so I won’t be too far away.”

Noticing his egg timer, Altan closes the conversation by saying, “Nice talking to you, I will be in touch.” He shuts the phone off as the last of the salt grains drop into the bottom of the timer.

Dentz looks at him and remarks, “Well that one went much easier.”

“It sure did. I haven’t worked out what the first caller’s problem is.”

Dentz replies, “Just for security sake when we meet with this guy, I want him to fully understand there is possibly a great deal of surveillance going on right now and he needs to keep tight security even from other cells.”

“I agree.”

* * *

CIA Director, Allison McDonald’s phone rings.

“Director, Director John Walker of the NSA is on a secure line for you.”

“Thank you.”

“John, how are you? Are you getting tied up in the frustration of looking for the trio that is supposed to have entered the country.”

“Yes, and I’m sure you are as well!”

“You’re right on that. It’s just that we have a big country and where do we start?”

“I might have something for you, it’s really petty information. However, I don’t want to overlook anything right now.”

“What is it, tell me and let me decide.”

John explains Jim Stewart’s report.

“I see what you mean about it not being much. Did you share this with Mike?”

“No, I haven’t. You can feel free to do so if you like.”

“Let me think about it for a while. I probably will but not today. I want to mull this over in my head. This might not be much right now but later it could open a can of worms for us.”

“That’s my gut feeling too, Allison. That is why I called you. To be honest with you, Mike doesn’t work with me as easily as you do.”

“I know what you mean, he still runs by the old FBI mindset. Do you plan to this on to Jacobie? John, can you give me a physical location of the receiver?”

“Yes, I will get you that information. As far as Jacobie is concerned I’ll give it to him tomorrow. However, I’m going to tell him not to hang his future on it, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, believe me I do. Besides, the way the president is acting right now, it’s not a good time to go ing out information that will not lead anywhere.

“John, thank you for sharing, I don’t think this will lead us very far but you never know.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Convention Week

The Republican Convention kicks off in its usual style. Not much different from the Democratic convention. If you change the ideology on the platform, it would seem they were the same people. But, it is the best form of government on the planet, even with all of its failures.

As the week heads towards its fifth day, President Egan and Vice-President Downey are anxiously hoping the convention will close without acts of terrorism.

* * *

Friday night, Altan prepares to call Asad to see if his cell will commit.

Anxiously, he dials the cell phone in his hand. Dentz is sitting across from him with at least the same level of anxiety.

Altan hears the phone ringing. Asad picks up, and asks, “Who’s calling?”

“Asad it is your friend Altan. I promised to call you in a month.”

“Yes, you are true to your word my friend.” That last word relaxes Altan somewhat.

“My partners and I have decided to take on your assignment. When can we find out more details to get started?”

Watching the egg timer, Altan continues, “We will fly out to meet you in one week. We will work out the details and call you. Can we meet in Palmdale again?”

“That works for us, I look forward to hearing from you.”

Both men hang up their phones.

Altan turns to Dentz with a large smile on his face. “We have our first cell.”

“This calls for a celebration, what do you suggest we do?”

“Let’s take in a movie downtown or go to a live show,” says Altan.

“You get to pick it. I’ll be glad to get out of this room for a while.”

“Me too!”

* * *

After breakfast on Saturday, Dentz is on the internet making round trip reservations to fly into Austin, Texas on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. He also calls the Holiday Inn and Suites near the Austin airport for reservations from Saturday through Wednesday.

Dentz then goes on line a second time to make the flight reservations from Austin to Burbank, CA on Wednesday with a return trip to Columbus on Sunday. It was decided by both men they would use the Hampton Inn for the second trip to Palmdale.

Dentz’s third assignment is to Azim at his cousin’s home and advise him they need to meet on Tuesday, September 11th. He will meet Azim at the airport as he did last time and he should schedule a one day in and out trip.

Altan will call Texas and California to on the information of arrivals.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Labor Day Weekend

Friday afternoon before the Labor Day Weekend, Allison McDonald is meeting with her senior black ops officer in her office.

“Kevin, I am going to give you a file. Inside is a report of an individual in Texas who received a suspect call. He rejected the call a bit too quickly for my benefit and for the NSA’s benefit. Which makes us suspect, he realizes he is being monitored. He has been for a month before this without any incident. The NSA was going to pull the plug next week. Now, they are going to wait another month. The call was very short and cut on both ends, without enough time for a trace. The person’s name and address along with his employment and his religious affiliation is in the file.”

“I assume he is a Muslim.”

“The file will tell you where his mosque is.”

“Now that he is alerted to being monitored, what do you expect to find?”

Allison laughs a little. “Kevin, if I could tell you that, it would make your job a

whole lot easier. Based on information we received from Mossad earlier, we believe three Iranian agents have slipped into the country. Right now, we have no evidence of that. I am thinking someone is trying to make . Do you get my point?”

Kevin sits back on the couch and thinks for a moment before he responds. “What are you looking for me and my people to do? Is the FBI involved?”

“I want you to thoroughly investigate this guy. The FBI has been alerted to this a few days ago. My gut feeling is they won’t do much with it, and I can’t blame them based on what we have to work with. But my gut tells me there is something here.”

“How much time do I have?”

“I want you to use Jim and Tony. I know they’re your best. Give it sixty days and let’s talk after that.”

Standing up from the couch, Kevin reaches out for the file and says, “I’ll meet with Jim and Tony on Tuesday.”

“That’s all I can ask. Thank You.”

Kevin leaves. Right now she feels full of energy and knows this will lead somewhere. Maybe somewhere they don’t want to go.

* * *

Saturday, their Southwest flight from Columbus arrives on time in Austin, Texas. After Altan and Dentz collect their bags from the claims area, they head to the Avis car rental booth, noticing how hot the local temperature is. While the temperature in Columbus is in the seventies, here it is in the nineties. It reminds them of their trip to California.

Obtaining their vehicle, they drive over to the Holiday Inn and Suites to check in.

Both men get a charge out of the southern accent they are hearing. These people speak so differently.

Upon checking in and dropping their bags off in their respective rooms, they make plans to go out and see what the city looks like.

Heading down to the lobby, Dentz walks over to the registration desk and asks for a recommendation to a restaurant which serves southern fried chicken.

Smiling the young lady replies, “You must be new here sir. Nearly every restaurant around Texas serves either southern fried chicken, steak, or both. I happen to like O’Malley’s which has a diverse menu. Let me get a city map and show you how to get there. You do have a car, right?”

“Yes, young lady, I do and thank you for the courtesy.”

* * *

Dinner last night was so large and filling both men skip breakfast after their workout.

They are interested in driving around the area to see what the refinery situation is. Afterwards, they can make a better judgment when dealing with this particular cell.

Sunday’s drive is a real eye opener for them. They didn’t appreciate the remark from the cell leader of how large Texas is. It is huge, close to four hundred miles later, they return to the Holiday Inn. However, their efforts were worth every mile. If the cell team agrees they want to make their hit in Corpus Christi.

* * *

Labor Day, Monday, is a national holiday in the country. Both men decide to take advantage of it. They plan to relax and lounge around the pool most of the day. After all, the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

* * *

Rising early Tuesday, they are in the exercise room getting a good work out.

They don’t want the preplanning stresses to affect their interview with Hami. After a cool shower they head down to the restaurant to have breakfast.

Dentz says, “He’s supposed to meet us at one o’clock, correct?”

“Yes, that is what he agreed to.”

They will stick to their previous plan where Dentz will sit in the lobby observing Hami when he arrives. He will enter Altan’s room through the connecting door between their rooms.

* * *

At 12:30 pm, Dentz heads down to the lobby.

Close to 1:00, a fellow, with a very dark complexion, about five foot three, enters the lobby and walks up to the registration desk. “I have an appointment with Mr. Altan Yilmiz, can you give me his room number?”

“The young man on duty says, “Sir, if you give me your name, I will ring him for you.”

“Just tell him Hami is here.”

Altan picks up his phone on the third ring and advises the desk clerk to send him up.

“You can go up to room 506, sir. He is waiting for you.”

Hami walks off without another word.

Dentz watches him strut down the corridor to the elevators. After he enters one, Dentz follows.

Altan opens the door to his room on the second knock. “Hami, I am Altan. Thank you for coming.”

Hami, enters the room and glances around noticing how spacious and decorative it is.

Altan says, “Have a seat on the couch. I will you momentarily.” He picks up the phone and dials 7508.

“He is alone.”

“Good, us in a few minutes.”

Seating himself across from Hami, Altan says, “My associate will be with us shortly. How long have you lived in Texas?” Altan says trying to create a relaxed mood in the room.

“My family has been here for six years. We moved down from Michigan when the job market became a problem there.”

As they talk, Dentz enters the room through the connecting door and introduces himself. Dentz seats himself across from the couch.

Hami realizes this man was in the lobby when he arrived, but doesn’t let on.

Altan continues, “We have a project we want to accomplish and we are hoping you and your partners will be capable of helping us achieve our goals.”

“What sort of project, you mentioned Adel’s name on the phone. I have been imagining all sorts of things.”

Dentz enters the conversation, “Right at this moment, we don’t plan to give out many details. What we are interested in is knowing if we can count on you.”

“I have been waiting for years to get this kind of call. Am I correct, you want my group to work for Allah?”

“To put it simply, yes that is what we want you to do,” says Altan.

Dentz asks, “How many men do you have in your group?”

“Six men counting myself.”

Dentz continues, “What kind of employment are your people involved in?”

“Three of us work in the oil industry and three in other occupations. Why does that matter?”

“Altan and I are responsible to Adel in selecting the right groups to do certain jobs. We have one particular project in mind in Texas. That is why I asked the question.”

Smiling to make himself feel more comfortable, Hami responds, “Did we ?”

Dentz smiles in return. “So far, however, Altan and I would like to know all of your team will agree with working with us.”

“They are dedicated Muslims. They will do as I ask them to.”

Altan steps back into the conversation. “What Dentz is saying, our projects take

a coordinated team effort. We must be sure you and your people can pull off what we would discuss with you at a second meeting.”

“You mean, you are not going to tell me now?”

Dentz replies, “That is correct. We will call you at the end of September to find out what your team’s response is. If they are as anxious as you are, we will give you the layout of what we want to do.”

Hami is immensely disappointed. He entered the hotel with visions in his head of getting involved in a jihad. At this moment, he is not sure what they are being asked to do.

Altan senses his disappointment. “Hami, we are not talking with anyone else unless you and your team don’t agree.”

“I will talk with my group over the next couple of weeks. I am sure we will have a positive answer for you when you call.”

Altan closes the session by stating, “That is exactly what we want to hear.”

Dentz rises signifying the session is over. Hami and Altan get off the couch and Hami departs.

Altan looks at Dentz saying, “What do you think?”

“I think he is a little too anxious and he has a short man’s ego.”

Altan laughs out loud. “No question about that. However, just think of how these cells must feel. They have been living undercover for years and they are anxious to do something.”

“Maybe, I’m not so sure it is that simple.”

“Let’s get out of this room for a while and walk around.”

Dentz says, “It sounds good to me.”

* * *

Hami starts his car to get the air conditioner running. He looks up at the hotel and tries to figure out where all of this is headed. He’s surprised it took so long for him to receive a call. He considers himself a man of action and is feeling frustrated by the two men he left.

Five minutes later, he pulls out of the parking lot and onto the highway. He will set up a meeting with his group next week. Right now he feels as if he’s being asked to do a job blindfolded.

The closer he gets to his home the calmer he becomes. He is beginning to think there might be good reason for all of this caution. Allah, I need to be patient and it is so hard to do! While his mind is wandering about what the project possibilities are, Hami hopes his group will be excited about doing something for Allah.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Week Following Labor Day

Inside of the Oval Office, Robert Jacobie, Chief-of-Staff is speaking with the President and the Vice-President. “I hear the convention was successful.”

President Egan responds, “It was very successful. I am thankful there were no terrorist attacks. Now my concern is, are they planning something for the November election? Are there any further reports from the intelligence agencies?”

“No sir, I’m afraid not. They are working diligently though to find anything they can.”

The Vice-President remarks, “Is it possible they have other plans besides our political structure?”

“What are you suggesting, Stewart?” replies the President.

“I’m not suggesting. I’m trying to do a little brainstorming. It seems to me they are planning a longer term attack something like the Twin Towers.”

“Oh God, let’s hope not,” responds the President.

“Gentlemen, we have other things to attend to. Let’s get down to business, we have been away most of two weeks . . .”

* * *

Sitting in the Austin airport waiting for their flight to Burbank, Dentz looks over to Altan. “Are you feeling okay? You seem a little quiet and reserved this morning.”

“I’m okay! I imagine the realization of this starting to move ahead is getting to my nerves.”

“Maybe, we need to talk when we get into the car.”

“I would like that. This is all new for me.”

“It’s new for me too. What you are experiencing is perfectly normal.”

“Really!”

“Yes, really. We’ll talk about it in the car.”

Altan smiles and begins to look a little more relaxed.

Dentz realizes his partner is beginning to feel a little overwhelmed or out-ofcontrol in the situation.

* * *

This is the second time they landed in Burbank and use the Avis car rental agency this trip. Last time it was Hertz, they want to keep switching so they are not noticed too often.

Locating their car, they place their bags in the trunk. Dentz says, “I’ll drive this trip you navigate.”

“It sounds good to me.”

When they pull onto Route 5 northbound, Dentz says, “Do you want to talk about what is making you so nervous?”

“I guess it’s a little bit of everything. I never thought I would miss home this much before. This sitting around and planning without having a real life is nuts.”

“Altan, , I told you this would be more than we bargained for.”

“Yes, I do. At the time the idea of the mission and the money seemed to make it all worthwhile.”

“You know we can’t walk away from this.”

“I know. Azim would hunt us down and assassinate us.”

“Maybe, if not him they would send someone else. Then where would we go? We would not be safe here or in Iran and still be without family.

“This is even safer than when we worked with Dimitri,” says Dentz.

“How do you figure that?”

“Dimitri could have sold us down the river to the Russian government or wasted us somewhere. Here we are covering our tracks very well. The cells we are working with will not meet each other. They only know of their own participation and they should be committed to Islam. I don’t see them turning us in.”

“You really think so.”

“Yes, I do. To be honest with you I feel our weakest link is Azim. Why do you think I am keeping him in the dark as much as possible?”

“I haven’t been looking at it that way. I guess I’m afraid of getting caught too.”

“Well, we’ll have to do our best not to get caught. Think of it as a game of chess. In chess you need to be at least two moves ahead of your opponent.” Dentz playfully punches Altan in the left shoulder.

“Look we are not meeting Asad until Friday. Why don’t we go and visit some of the tourist places tomorrow to take our minds off of this.”

“Good idea.”

“Now, you need to navigate me to the Hampton Inn.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Friday

Over breakfast they are talking about the events they took in at SeaWorld and Disneyland yesterday. Altan says, “I cannot believe the amount of money people spend on entertainment. You could feed thousands for a long time just on what the Disney Park takes in one day.”

Dentz replies, “Yesterday will be a day you will never forget. I am sure most of those families will not be returning for a long period of time, if ever.”

“I have never seen anything like it before. It was really a wonderful experience.”

“Watch it, you might want to become a citizen here,” laughs Dentz.

“Next you will be saying I will want an infidel wife.”

“Strange things have happened in this world.”

“Enough, let’s eat and take a walk and talk.”

“Relax, Altan, I am only teasing you.”

Altan looks over to Dentz and sees his friend is smiling.

* * *

Close to one o’clock, Altan’s phone rings. The front desk advises him he has two gentlemen wanting to see him.

“Thank you, send them up.”

Asad and Saeed, one of his cell group, walk towards the elevator and take one to the fourth floor.

With the first knock, Altan answers the door cheerfully welcoming Asad. “Who might this young man be, Asad?”

“Saeed is a member of our group, and I asked him to come with me to discuss the matters at hand.”

“Good, Asad, you Dentz, I am sure.”

Dentz also shakes Saeed’s hand. It is a firm hand shake however his hand is a little cold for the room temperature. Dentz attributes this to some nervousness. He is not surprised. Yet, Saeed’s physical image doesn’t show his emotions.

Asad and Saeed seat themselves on the couch. Altan and Dentz pull out some chairs to sit directly in front of them.

Asad leads the conversation. “We have agreed to work with you. Saeed and I would like to understand what you are asking us to take on.”

Altan begins, “The purpose of this meeting is to show you what Dentz and I have put together. We have created a list of industries where we want to create havoc. Here in California we are looking to target transportation.”

“What do you mean by transportation?” asks Asad.

“Highway and rail transportation which could foul up moving materials, people, fluids, etc,” replies Dentz.

Saeed remarks, “Such as oil or gasoline?”

“You’re getting the picture. Asad, if you we said we want to hit-andrun. Our intent is to show we can cause substantial damage and not be found out by the authorities.”

Saeed says, “We are to do this and blend back into society as if nothing happened?”

“That is correct! This is why we are planning cautiously and not rushing into anything,” quotes Altan.

Asad says, “How are we to get the materials to do this?”

“Everything you require will be supplied to you one month before the hit,” speaks Dentz.

Saeed goes on, “Are we going to be compensated for this work?”

Dentz smiles wondering why the question wasn’t asked earlier, “Of course, you will. In ninety days we will meet again. You need to have selected a target area and a plan on how you will accomplish this mission. If we are satisfied with your proposal we are going to give you ten thousand dollars. That is the down payment for your cell to begin phase two. Your cell must spend time in surveillance of the target for the next several months. We will you two months before the target date to inquire what you need. It will be delivered to you. When we set a target date, we will call you with a date and time to execute. Upon completion of the mission, you will receive another quarter of a million dollars in American currency in small bills. How you divide that is your business.”

“How are we supposed to receive this money,” asks Asad.

“Imam Adel is handling everything on his end. It will come to an address you must give us, one month before the attack. Once we receive word over the media of your successful completion, he will send you the packages.

“How many other cells are you working with in California to do the same thing?” asks Saeed.

“You are the only one in California.”

Asad speaks, “Then you are doing this elsewhere in the country?”

“Yes, however, you and they don’t have a need to know about each other. Only Dentz and I know that information.

Saeed looks at Asad, Asad shakes his head for him to go ahead.

“A year ago, we purchased four RPGs. You know what they are correct?”

Both Altan and Dentz nod in the affirmative.

“We are hoping to use them somehow. We feel this is a great opportunity to do so.”

“So, what is the problem?” asks Altan.

“They cost us twenty-five hundred dollars apiece. If we use them will you reimburse us?”

Altan smiles and looks over at Dentz. Nodding his head he goes on, “Yes, we will. We will even give you twenty-thousand at the meeting instead of ten. You are sure they will function?”

“They will function,” says Asad.

Dentz interjects, “We are not going to select your target area. However, on our last visit, while we drove around, we noticed the town of Mojave has road, train and oil depots in it. Being such a small town with all of those attributes, we think you might want to consider it.

Asad says, “We will look at it among other locations.”

“Fair enough, if you gentlemen would like a cold drink, I will go downstairs and get us something.”

Dentz heads downstairs to purchase some cold drinks from one of the machines.

* * *

Outside of the Hampton Inn, Asad and Saeed enter their vehicle.

“So, what do you think, Saeed?”

“They are very organized and very covert. Whatever they are planning has a good chance of being accomplished.”

Asad starts the car. He heads out of the parking lot and moves northbound onto Route 14. “They are interested in Mojave. Let us take a look at it as we drive home. This could save us a trip.”

“I was going to make that suggestion.”

“Saeed, you handled yourself very well in the meeting.”

“Thank you. I think this will be good for our group.”

* * *

Inside of Altan’s room, Dentz and Altan are discussing the session.

“What do you think, Dentz?”

“I feel comfortable with Asad and Saeed. I think the California plan will be successful.”

“Let’s take a walk before we head out to dinner. I need to stretch and relieve some of this tension,” says Altan.

“I’m with you. I don’t look forward to meeting with Azim on Tuesday, but it’s one of our necessary evils.”

“Where would you like to go for dinner?” asks Altan.

“We saw a place called Applebees somewhere over in the mall. We haven’t been there yet.”

“Let’s do it after our walk.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Tuesday with Azim

Altan and Dentz arrive in Columbus mid-evening on Saturday night. They take a cab from the airport to the Courtyard Hotel.

Both men enter their respective rooms and have already decided to shower before they head out for dinner.

After taking his shower and changing into something comfortable, Altan walks through the connecting door between their rooms.

He sees Dentz in the bathroom with the door open fixing his hair.

“Do you have any idea what you might want for dinner?”

“I would like some Mexican food. I heard so much about it in our brief stopover in Texas I am curious to try it,” says Dentz. “Don’t pick a place with steaks or fried chicken for a while. I’ve had enough of steak and chicken to last me a long time.”

Altan laughs at his friend’s remark. “While you finish up I’ll look at the hotel directory.”

As Dentz is shutting off the light in the bathroom, he hears, “I found this place called Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. Do you want to try it?”

“Might as well, I don’t know one from the other.”

“If we eat there, we will know how to compare one the next time we go to Texas.”

“That sounds good to me, let’s go I’m hungry.”

* * *

The food was good but the crowd was noisy. It seemed to both men it was more of a quick meal place with a lot of drinking going on. They didn’t stay very long.

* * *

Tuesday morning both men are having breakfast in the Courtyard Restaurant. It has already been decided that Dentz would meet Azim at the airport. Azim is due in three hours from now at 11:45.

Altan selected a Greek Restaurant for their luncheon today. It is the closest thing he could think of to Middle Eastern in Columbus.

“Are you prepared to go over the details with him today?” asks Dentz.

“Yes, there is nothing we should withhold from him. However, we must stress the importance that his surveillance be discreet. If he has any hint of being spotted he should break off.”

“I agree! Is there anything you want to share with me before the meeting?”

“No, I am sure we will have plenty to talk about after he leaves.”

“I will call our reservations in to the Four Points Hotel. We will arrive tomorrow and use the standard two weeks reservation,” says Dentz.

“Since we are having two full meals today, we could have a light snack tonight instead of a full dinner. I feel all we do is talk and eat most of the time.”

Dentz smiles at his partner. He is pleased that Altan seems to have lightened up.

* * *

Dentz is standing in his same location near the men’s restroom. He knows Azim’s flight is in, it’s a matter of waiting for the engers to disembark,

He spots Azim coming down the escalator to the baggage claim area. Azim knows where to look for him. They don’t want to use vocal communication and arouse any suspicions.

As Azim walks over to him, Dentz notices something different about the man. Maybe it’s his imagination but Azim seems to be slouching over somewhat.

As Azim approaches, he asks, “Are you feeling alright? You look tired.”

Azim waves his hand to indicate it is nothing. “No need to worry, I have been putting in a lot of hours planning.”

Dentz wants to say something about the comment but chooses to wait until after lunch and they are back in their room.

“Altan has selected a Greek restaurant for us. We will meet him there.”

Azim nods and doesn’t respond to the comment.

* * *

Back at the Courtyard, the three men ride the elevator to the room.

Altan nods questioningly at Dentz. He is wondering what is going on with Azim.

Entering the room Azim heads for the couch. “I hope you have good news for me. I need to be doing more than visiting my cousin and his wife. She is a great cook but the things she makes most of the time seem to upset my stomach.”

“Azim, when is the last time you saw a doctor back home?”

“Doctors, what do they know? Once I get away from my sister-in-law’s cooking for a while I will be fine.”

“Have you tried taking anything for your stomach from local pharmacies?”

“No, maybe I should. Do I look that bad to you?”

“Well, you don’t look like yourself.

“When I get back to Michigan I will go to a pharmacy. What do you have for me?”

Last night Dentz told Altan to lead the discussion. Azim needs to know that Altan is not fearful of him.

Altan begins, “We have a working agreement with a cell from Edison, CA. Edison is near Bakersfield. We met with them a second time and know two of the five personally. We have given them three months to do some research on laying out a mission. We will meet with them in January.

“Your responsibility is going to make sure they seem to be what they say they are. In the folder we will give you are the names of the two we met and the address of the cell leader. You need to do some surveillance to make sure they are not going to the authorities and setting us up for a fall.”

“When we were in Iran you told us of your expertise in this area. Now we need you to put it to good use.”

“How long do you want me to tail them?”

Dentz speaks, “If you don’t see anything unusual in one month’s time, you should end it. Besides, we will be requiring your services in Texas afterwards to do the same thing there,”

Altan continues, “One thing we want you to realize. If for some reason you believe you have been spotted, we want you to drop everything and leave. We don’t want them to know we are checking on them and, most of all, not to think the authorities know about them. We have a good feeling about this group.”

“Don’t worry, they won’t know I’m around.”

“I hope not,” says Dentz.

Azim gives him a nasty stare.

“How am I supposed to be in touch with you two if I can’t call you?”

Dentz goes on, “Here is what you will do. You will fly into Burbank and rent a car. You will have a two and a half hour to three hour drive to Bakersfield. We want you to stay at the Holiday Inn Express. We will call you every Saturday night to have your appraisal on how things are progressing. If for some reason you need to drop the surveillance, you should check out and we will know you ended it. “We will you at your cousin’s. At the end of the fourth week we want to know if you are ready to go on to Texas.”

“Texas, what are you planning in Texas?”

“For security purposes no one will know what the targets are except the two of us and each cell knowing their own responsibility,” remarks Altan.

“Besides from now on you can expect to be doing a great deal of traveling. We will be doing the same circulating around the country.”

“Are you working out the details on how to arrange for any weapons and

explosives we will need?” asks Altan.

“Yes, but you need to tell me what you need and where to send it.”

“We will when the time is ready,” replies Dentz.

“Can I see the folder you told me about?”

“Are you capable of memorizing it so you don’t need to walk out of here with it?”

“A photographic memory is one of my attributes.”

Altan hands him the folder and tells him to take his time.

* * *

An hour later, Dentz walks Azim down to the front of the hotel to catch a cab for his return flight.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Last Week in September

Allison McDonald, CIA Director dials the phone number of Kevin McCarthy, head of her black ops group. She lets it ring three times. When Kevin doesn’t answer, she knows he has good reason not to and he will return her call.

* * *

In Dentz’s room at the Four Points Hotel in Columbus Ohio, Altan and Dentz are looking at the possible target prospects that will suit the next area.

“I think the airline industry is the next way to go from our list. Baltimore, Maryland is a major hub area. If we cause enough havoc there, it will screw up air travel all along the east coast for some time,” says Dentz.

“I see where you’re coming from, but what particular area of the airline industry?

If we continue to use our hit-and-run concept we must be careful what segment we select.”

“What do you mean?”

“We definitely don’t want to use anyone as a martyr. With so many people involved in a terminal, the chances of getting away are a lot more difficult,” remarks Altan.

Dentz sits back a moment and smiles realizing his partner is really starting to think tactically.

“What are you smiling at?”

“You, my friend, but in a positive mode, you are thinking like a leader more and more each day.”

Smiling Altan says, “I didn’t realize it. Maybe, it’s wearing off from you.”

“Let’s say this whole trip is educating both of us. I’m good with your idea of the airline industry. Baltimore is a good choice. Now, we need to look at the number of cells within a reasonable distance to do the job.”

“I already have, we have one in southern Delaware, one in Virginia and two just over the border in Pennsylvania.”

“My, my, this is impressive.”

“Hey, I needed to do something instead of sitting around. Now, all we need to do is prioritize the list and call one of them.”

“Yes, and we need to call the one in Texas to get his reply. Although, I’m sure it will be a positive one from him,” says Dentz.

“We also need to call Azim on Saturday to see if he has anything to report,” remarks Altan.

* * *

Inside of the mosque in Iran, Imam Adel knocks on the office doorway of the Senior Mullah.

“Enter!”

Adel enters the office and takes a seat in front of the mullah’s desk.

“What do you have?”

“A report from Azim, everything is beginning to move ahead as planned. The California cell has accepted their part in the plan. They are to select a target and prepare a strategy plan to propose in January. Azim is leaving to spend time out in California to check security on them. He is probably already there. Altan and Dentz have spoken with a cell leader in Texas. He will give them an answer by the end of this week. It is expected to be positive.”

“So, our idea is beginning to bear fruit.”

“Yes, Azim also asked me to provide s inside of Canada or the US to provide the weapons and explosives they will need to complete this mission.”

“You have the list, start working on it. Don’t provide it to him until we are sure they are ready to go. If for some reason they are picked up beforehand I don’t want that information available to the authorities.”

“I agree! That is all I have.”

Adel rises and exits the office.

* * *

Altan goes into his room to the cell leader in Texas.

Meanwhile Dentz calls the Holiday Inn Express in Bakersfield, CA to speak with Azim.

* * *

Allison’s phone rings. Lifting the receiver, she says, “Yes.”

“Director, Kevin McCarthy is on the phone for you.”

“Thank you!”

“Kevin, I left a message for you, did you receive it?”

“That is why I am calling. I suppose you want to discuss my latest assignment.”

“It’s nearly one month now, what are you finding?”

“I’m not in a position to discuss this where I am. Can I come in on Friday?”

Allison glances at her planner schedule. “Make it at 3:00.”

“I’ll be there.”

Allison hangs up the phone and is curious how Friday’s conversation will go.

* * *

Altan walks back into Dentz’s room through the connecting door.

“I reached our leader in Texas. He will meet us in two weeks. He seemed very anxious for the meeting. I told him he was welcome to bring along an associate but he felt no need for anyone else to attend.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. I think he’s a control freak. I don’t know but for some reason he makes me nervous.”

“Why are you nervous?”

“Right now, I can’t explain it. Maybe after we meet a second time I will put my finger on it.”

“How did things go with Azim?”

“He says that after three weeks he has nothing to suspect. The leader held two meetings with his people. He met with four others. He took the time to observe each one of them independently. He says they all look good to him. If nothing changes he will head back to his cousin’s home next weekend.”

“Did you ask him if he is feeling any better?”

“No, it slipped my mind.”

“Tomorrow night I want to call the cell leader in York, PA. Are you ready to?”

“You make the call as you always have and let’s see where it goes.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Friday the Same Week

Allison McDonald, CIA director, is catching herself frequently glancing at the clock, on her office wall. It is after 2:30 in the afternoon and she is starting to get anxious about the report she expects from Kevin McCarthy.

It is not like Allison to get this wound up. However, with the concern of terrorists inside of the country and no information on where they might be, she is impatient.

Her phone rings, “Director, Kevin is here for his 3:00 appointment. Would you like me to send him in now?”

“Tell him I need five minutes to finish what I am doing and then you can send him in.”

Five minutes later, a knock comes on the director’s door, she says, “Come in.”

Kevin enters and smiles at her.

“Kevin, would you like some coffee, or water?”

“No, I’m fine.” Kevin walks over to sit on the couch facing Allison.

“What did you find?”

“Jim and Tony found this to be one of the most boring surveillances they ever did.”

“Really.”

“Well boring for the first two weeks. Not so boring after they dug deeper into who this guy is, what he does for work, where he came from and how he spends his time.”

Kevin goes on to give Allison his report.

Sitting back in her high back chair she says, “So what do you surmise from what your people found?”

“My gut tells me he is a sleeper. Possibly a member of a cell, they found he has a very small circle of friends. They are all of the same mosque. He’s been over here with his wife and children for eight years now. We couldn’t find any occurrences of terrorist connections. Yet, he moves around Texas as if he wants to be invisible. I would definitely keep him on a list for observation.”

“Do you think his abrupt hang up was deliberate or just coincidence?”

“Oh, I would say it was deliberate, but for what reason, I don’t know.”

“Should I ask the NSA to extend their monitoring of him for a longer period of time?”

“It will probably be a good idea. Although, if he suspects he is being observed, we mostly likely will come up empty handed.”

“Do you feel keeping Jim and Tony or anyone else on him another month is worthwhile?”

“I don’t think this guy is going to give himself away very soon. So, I will say it’s probably not worthwhile right now.”

“Alright, I will call the NSA director and ask to keep him on for a couple more months. Thank you, I appreciate how you and your people handled this. We know we have sleepers inside of our country. The trouble is our own laws restrict our abilities to dig them out because of civil rights.”

“Yeah, sometimes our laws cause more problems than they benefit.”

Kevin stands, “That’s all I have, Allison. I have a number of other items to attend to before the weekend.”

Allison rises up behind her desk. She extends her hand to Kevin as he heads to the door. He shakes her hand, knowing it is done with heartfelt appreciation.

* * *

Dentz and Altan are sitting in Altan’s room. Altan is laying out items he wants to keep in view when he makes the call to York PA.

Altan dials the number he has on the cell phone.

On the fourth ring, a man answers. “Hello, who is calling?”

“I am calling to reach Parviz, are you the person I am trying to reach?”

“Yes, I am Parviz, who am I speaking with?”

“Parviz, my name is Altan. A friend of yours named Adel asked me to speak with you when I visited this country.”

Momentarily, Parviz hesitates, he knows who Adel is and was hoping that this call would never come. “Yes, I Adel. I haven’t seen him for a number of years so I had to think a moment.”

“Adel, asked me to get together with you. He has something he would like you to do.”

“What does he have in mind?”

“We can discuss it when we meet. I would like to fly into Harrisburg and meet with you in a couple of weeks.”

“Fine, I will bring my brother with me.”

“Parviz, I would like to meet with you alone. If we meet again then you can bring someone else.”

“What day will we meet in a couple of weeks?”

“I need to check my schedule. I will call you again to set a day and place.”

“Call me in the evenings around this time. I am usually home at this hour.”

Dentz is pointing towards the egg timer. Altan nods and says his goodbye.

Dentz asks, “So what do you think?”

“I’m not sure, he hesitated when I mentioned Adel’s name. It could have been a natural delay while he was trying to Adel, but it felt like something else.”

“Do you want to set up the meeting with him or not?”

“Right now, I need to think about it.”

“What do you think? Should we call someone else?”

Dentz goes on, “There is a thing about being too cautious. Why don’t we go with it and see what happens when we meet.”

“I’ll let you know over breakfast. You always tell me to learn to trust my instincts. Right now I need to sort my instincts out about him.”

“That sounds fair enough. I’m ready for the sack. See you in the workout room tomorrow before breakfast.”

Altan nods as Dentz walks through the connecting door to his room.

Chapter Forty

Change of Direction

Dentz walks into the workout room of the Four Points Hotel. Altan is already on the treill.

Dentz heads over, “You’re up early this morning.”

“I’ve had a lot of thinking to do last night and I came up with a solution this morning. I’ll discuss it with you over breakfast. Let’s have a late one so there are not many people in the dining room.”

“Good, I could use some extra time to work out.”

The two men leave the workout room after 8:30, then head up to their rooms to shower and change.

* * *

After placing their breakfast order, Dentz says, “So tell me what you decided?”

“I thought of meeting with him in Harrisburg, I’m not sure what that would tell us.

“What I am sure of is I have an uncomfortable feeling about him. I think it would be better if we never called him again. This way we have never met. He has no idea what we really want so that is the safest thing for us and for the operation.”

Just then breakfast arrives and Dentz holds off commenting.

When the waitress leaves, Dentz replies, “I believe you are right, it is the smartest thing to do.”

“You don’t think I am being paranoid about him?”

“In this business a small dose of paranoia isn’t so bad. He will wait for your call and at some point wonder why you haven’t called back. We need to have confidence in the people we select. Otherwise too many things could go wrong. If he worries about why you didn’t call back that is his problem, not ours. We need to move on to the next choice.”

Altan nods in the affirmative and they settle down to enjoy their breakfast.

* * *

On the following Monday evening the call to the cell located in Cherrydale VA is made. Altan feels a great deal more comfortable on this call. He told the cell leader he would call him in two days with a date and a place to meet.

When he was through with the call, Dentz remarks, “You were more comfortable with this one, correct?”

“Yes, I am and I’m also getting used to making the calls so that makes it easier too.”

“We need to pick a place for him to meet with us not too far for him to drive.”

Altan says, “How about Washington DC? Dulles Airport will have many people no one will pay any attention to us. We’ll get a room near the airport.”

Dentz continues, “Looking at the calendar, let’s look at November 5th. The day before the national elections will be: so busy it will aid our cover.”

Chapter Forty-One

Moving Ahead

On Monday October first, the istration and the Republican Party step up their major push in the election campaign. The president is flying in one direction and the vice president is flying in the opposite direction. Each one trying to counteract what the Democratic Party is putting forth to win the election. Every four years the nation’s capital is the center of political turmoil. While unbeknownst to them terrible destruction awaits the nation from inside its core. Election Day is November 6th.

* * *

The following Monday, Dentz and Altan arrive in Austin, Texas for their planned meeting. While the weather is getting cooler in Ohio, it is very warm in Texas. Picking up their vehicle at the Hertz garage, they follow the directions they received to check into the Fairfield Inn and Suites on Highway 35. The meeting they plan to hold with Hami is set for Wednesday the 10th.

The drive to the hotel isn’t long, but is unusually quiet between the two men. On the way, they notice a Courtyard Hotel near the airport and make a mental note to have Azim there when he does his surveillance.

Their checking into the hotel is typical to what they have been experiencing

everywhere they have stayed. Both men begin to wonder how boring it must be for people who constantly travel.

The Fairfield rooms are basic yet clean and neat. They reserved suites, their rooms are more spacious than standard rooms. There is a big difference in artwork on the walls of expensive locations.

Dentz tosses his bag on the bed. He unlocks the connecting door between their rooms and says, “I don’t know what you would like to do, I want to hit the pool we saw from the lobby.”

“I am glad we don’t have to do all of this traveling after this project is over,” says Altan.

“I agree. It can be tiring and monotonous,” says Dentz.

“Dentz, I was thinking, have you transferred any more of our funds since the last time?”

“I will be doing that at the end of October. If you we agreed to do it every other month.”

“You’re right we did agree to that. It’s just I feel I need to be on top of everything.”

“Altan, our work is becoming very complicated and both of us are beginning to feel the stress of what is happening. We are doing very well. Trust me, if I thought we need to make changes I would tell you.”

“I know, but sometimes it seems like an enormous project.”

“You’re just beginning to realize this now, my friend. We have taken on a major undertaking. Whatever money we are getting paid will never be enough.

“The project is enormous; however, we have it broken down into segments. We are only responsible for the supervision. Don’t feel responsible for the cells’ parts. Let that play out. If they want to get paid they have to perform.”

“I guess you are right. I’m not used to letting others handle so much responsibility.”

“Altan, you need to let go a little or you will drive yourself nuts. I need you to be able to think clearly.”

“I will. I’m glad we can talk.”

* * *

After a few laps in the lukewarm water both men are relaxing on lounge chairs

around the pool.

“The water is warmer than I thought it would be. It’s almost like bath water,” says Altan.

“With the hot sun they have down here, what do you expect? At least it is wet,” replies Dentz.

Altan continues, “We are using our last cell phone. We should find a Walmart and pick up six more.”

“Let’s do that when we go out for dinner. I want to try some Mexican food down here to see if it is any different from the food we got back in Columbus.”

* * *

Downtown Austin has many restaurants. You can choose from steak houses, those saying their specialty is fried chicken, Chinese and Japanese, Thai, Italian, and a number of Mexican restaurants. They walk around for a while and pick out one titled Mexicana.

Inside they notice the atmosphere is totally different from what they experienced in Ohio. Here they are escorted to a comfortable booth and enjoy the cheerful sound of Mexican music being played in the background.

When their waiter arrives he brings menus and water, along with a basket of corn chips and spicy sauce. He asks if this is their first time. Then offers to explain the menu items they may have questions about when he returns to take their order.

Altan says, “This is much different than what we had in Columbus. If the food is as good as they smell, I am going to enjoy this.”

Dentz is busy studying the menu. It is pretty self-explanatory so he understands what the dishes contain.

While they wait for their food, they chat and enjoy the corn chips and the spicy sauce.

When their meals arrive, they are amazed at the size of the portions.

Altan is first to comment, “I would say this is the real style Mexican food. Much better than what we had in Ohio.”

“This is exceptional. I would like to come here when we return in a couple of months.”

“I agree. It is something enjoyable to look forward to besides work.”

An hour later they leave the restaurant after getting directions to the closest

Walmart. It doesn’t take long to get there and they are in and out with their purchase of more cell phones. They purchase the same model phone they used before.

* * *

On Wednesday October 10th Hami enters the lobby at 12:50pm and asks for Altan Yilmiz’s room.

The dark haired young Mexican girl asks for his name and dials Altan’s room. “Sir, you have a guest at the desk, would you like me to send him up.” She doesn’t try to pronounce Hami’s name for fear of getting it incorrect.

“Yes, please send him up.”

Hami strolls down the hallway to the elevator and walks as if he has a spring in his step.

Knocking on the door of room 516, Hami only has to knock one time.

Altan opens the door with a warm greeting and Hami steps inside. Walking towards the couch he notices Dentz is also in the room. For some reason Hami doesn’t feel quite comfortable with Dentz.

Dentz says, “Hami, it is good to see you again. We are pleased you have good news for us.”

Hami replies he is happy to meet with them again. Altan takes a seat in the other soft chair next to Dentz. This way both men are facing him.

Altan picks up the conversation. “We are pleased your people are willing to work with us.”

“We are as well. There are six of us and we want to know what you are looking for us to do.”

Dentz replies, “We want you and your group to cause some havoc in the oil industry.”

Momentarily, Hami is stunned. “You want us to do what?”

Altan responds, “Your people are to cause an incident within the oil industry. We want you to figure out what is the best method and where that should happen. From our previous visit we see Corpus Christi as a potential area for you to accomplish this.”

Dentz says, “We will meet with you again in February to find out what you have assembled and see if we are in agreement with your plans. If we are, we will you once more, after you do sufficient surveillance. When we you, we will arrange for the necessary materials you tell us you need.”

“I assume we will be paid for our endeavors,” remarks Hami.

“If we agree with your proposal at the next meeting, we will provide you with ten thousand dollars for expenses. When the mission is successfully completed, you will receive two-hundred fifty thousand more by special courier in American currency. All of the materials you will need will arrive one month before your target date.”

Hami sits back on the couch and pauses for a few moments.

“Are you having difficulty with this?” asks Dentz.

“No, not difficulty, it is not what we expected. Your time table will give us plenty of room to assess what areas of the oil industry are most vulnerable, and to select a prime target.”

“We are creating this time table so there is little left for chance and our mission will be successful,” remarks Altan.

“What is the target date for us to accomplish this mission?”

Dentz answers, “It has not been set at this time. You will have at least a month’s notice.”

Dentz and Altan are watching Hami’s eyes as he is trying to comprehend what he just learned.

The three men continue their conversations over other details and two hours later Hami leaves the room.

* * *

Following Hami’s departure, Dentz says, “What do you think?”

“I think we surprised him. It is a bigger picture than he and his people imagined.”

“We’ll know in February if they have the expertise to pull off something like this based on their proposal,” comments Dentz.

“What happens if we feel their plan is inadequate?”

“Then we need to have a plan B for them to use instead.”

“Oh! I didn’t think of that.”

“Look, let’s check out early tomorrow and drive around Corpus Christi again to keep the area fresh in our minds. When we get back tomorrow we should plan on checking out the next day and checking in somewhere else. We have been there eighteen days and our original plan was only to be somewhere for two weeks.”

Altan says, “Not a problem for me. You pick the next place.”

“I’ll do that tomorrow evening after we return. I also need to call Azim to send him down here and to tell him to use the Courtyard near the airport.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Weekend before the Election

Altan and Dentz are coming off of the plane they took from Columbus to Dulles airport in Washington DC. They are amazed at the size of this terminal and the amount of people walking around compared to the other locations they flew in and out of.

There are also people standing in every conceivable space with placards held high with the candidates’ names running for Tuesday’s election. Something they are not familiar with back in Iran.

They move towards the baggage claim area to pick up their luggage and head to catch a cab.

Once outside, Dentz says, “Can you believe this crowd? Maybe, it’s because of the elections next week. I wasn’t expecting so many travelers on a weekend. Yet, that could be a good thing because it is so crowded I sense no one is paying any special attention to us.”

The Hampton Inn and Suites is a short ride from the airport. However, the trip takes them thirty minutes because of traffic congestion.

Checking in, their rooms are on the sixth floor, they head over to the elevator.

Surprised their suites are more spacious then the suite rooms they had in California. They assume it is because of the locality and business reasons. The rooms also seem to be plush compared to a desert community.

Dentz enters Altan’s room through the connecting door and asks, “It is too early to have dinner, what would you like to do?”

“We talked about seeing some of the sites while we are here. Why don’t we take a cab into the area where we can catch a number of sites walking around? It isn’t too cold yet, we can always find a place to eat after we do that. Then we can catch a cab back here.”

“I was thinking, after we meet with this fellow, let’s plan the next two cells backto-back because they are in close proximity. I would like to have our first meeting with them before the end of December.”

“We have all day tomorrow to work on that idea. I think it is a good idea. It will save us another flight.”

“When will you be ready to leave?” asks Dentz.

“Give me ten minutes, I’ll knock on the connecting door to let you know I am ready.”

Dentz goes back to the television in his room and turns on a local channel.

* * *

Monday morning, they choose to have breakfast in their rooms. Each one orders individually for their respective rooms. When the meals arrive Dentz brings his tray into Altan’s room so they can discuss the appointment.

* * *

At 12:45pm a good looking gentleman with a dark complexion moves in front of the counter at the Hampton Inn.

“I was asked to meet a Mr. Altan Yilmiz here for 1:00. Will you please him and tell him I have arrived.”

“Yes sir!” The cute brunette looks at the computer and picks up the phone receiver.

“Mr. Yilmiz, I have a gentleman at the front desk who says you are expecting him.”

“Please send him up.”

“Sir, Mr. Yilmiz asked if you would go to his room. The number is 610. The elevators are around the corner.

When Hassan turns the corner, Dentz rises from the easy chair and places the newspaper on the small table. He noticed Hassan is probably in his thirties, close to six feet tall and very athletic looking. He is also the most polite of the three who have shown up so far. He waits a few minutes and takes the next elevator up to his room.

Altan answers his door on the second knock. “Hassan, I am glad you are on time. We have important matters to discuss. Come in and take a seat. I need to make a quick call before we begin.

The phone in Dentz’s room rings, he picks it up at the first sound. “Come over.”

“He is alone. I will be in shortly.”

Altan moves over to where Hassan is seated on the couch. “My partner will be in momentarily.”

Hassan inquires, “You mentioned Imam Adel, how is he doing? I haven’t seen him in three years.”

As Hassan speaks, Dentz enters the room through the connecting door.

“Before I answer you let me introduce Dentz, my partner to you.”

Dentz walks over to Hassan and offers to shake hands while Hassan is seated. Hassan smiles as he shakes Dentz’s hand. It indicates he feels comfortable.

Dentz takes the other easy chair alongside of Altan so that both of them can face Hassan.

“To answer your question, Imam Adel is doing well. He spoke very highly of you before we left the country.”

“He is a good spiritual leader. When things were tough for us back in Iran he told me he would be able to get me into the immigration movement to enter the United States. He said he would even be able to help me get employment through the network. It all worked out for the two of us, so we owe him a great deal. If he needs some help with something here, I am willing to help.”

“How far are you willing to go to assist him,” asks Altan.

Hassan hesitates for a moment, then responds, “What kind of question is that?”

Dentz answers, “The imam has recruited us to create some incidents in this country to shift its focus onto its own inner problems instead of turning Iran into a westernized nation. Adel told us you are the leader of a cell here. Is all of this correct?”

Slowly he responds, “Yes, this is correct. We are four in number. We have simulated some activities, but have never put anything into reality because of finances and our numbers.”

“Hassan, what we are looking to do is what we call a hit and run. We can provide the materials, the finances and the remuneration for doing the project. After it is over you would blend back into society like nothing happened,” speaks Altan.

“What do you want us to do?”

Dentz says, “What we want is a positive response from you and your people that all of you will work with us.”

“I know I can speak for my group. They would be willing. Tell me what you have in mind.”

“We are planning this in stages, first we want the cells to be fully committed. If your group makes the commitment, we hold a meeting to tell you what area we wish you to handle. Afterwards, you have several months to come up with a strategic plan. We will hold a meeting to assess your plans and give you time to do surveillance work and whatever else is necessary to complete the job.”

“This sounds very well organized. How many of these incidents will happen?”

“Hassan, your only need to know will be your plan. Yes, there will be others, not

in your locality. They will never know about you and neither will you know about them. It is better for all of us this way.”

“When do you want an answer from us? How do I you?”

“We want an answer from you when we call you the Friday after Thanksgiving. If it is positive, we will meet a second time the first week of December. You can bring one other associate with you if you choose.”

“Then I assume there is no need for further discussion,” says Hassan.

“Hassan, the two of us selected you from a number of cells within a radius of this area. We feel Adel’s faith in you will lead you to be successful in this campaign,” says Altan.

Hassan smiles as he rises and shakes the hands of both men. He knows when his ego is being stroked and these two are good at it.

After Hassan leaves the room, Altan asks, “What do you think?”

“I think and feel this guy will be good. He is smart and asks the right questions. When he doesn’t get his answers right away, he knows enough to back off. He senses we are stroking his ego. I think he will give us a positive reply. My only hope is his crew is large enough to do a good job. We will see what they come up with.”

“Time will tell, maybe he needs a plan B as well.”

Dentz starts laughing as his partner is trying to throw some humor into their situation.

* * *

The next day is election day, they fly back to Columbus.

Chapter Forty-Three

Selecting the Last Two

Altan and Dentz’s flight lands in Columbus in the mid afternoon. They take a cab to the Towne Place Suites hotel. It is the fourth hotel they are using while they are in Columbus. They have one more choice near the airport before they start repeating locations.

Both men are curious to see what the results of today’s presidential elections will bring. They know back home the elections are always rigged and the winner is the anointed one from the mullahs. The elections are merely window dressing for the rest of the world to think they are democratic.

As the cab pulls up to the Towne Place—the décor is impressive—they are met by a bellman that opens the cab door for them.

Checking in is the same as everywhere else, they realize it cannot be improved no matter where they go.

Their rooms are very elegant and each one makes a mental note to come back when they start to repeat locations.

After they unpack, Altan comes into Dentz’s room. Altan says, “I will make the choice for dinner tonight.”

“That is fine by me. Do you have something in mind?”

“On the way here, I saw a barbecue restaurant. I don’t know what they have, let’s try it. It’s even close enough for us to walk. We need the fresh air and the exercise. All of this cloak and dagger stuff is draining.”

“Okay, James Bond Jr., do you want to head out now?”

“I need to use the toilet first. I’ll knock on your connecting door.”

* * *

Wednesday morning they are discussing the elections results after breakfast. The current president is re-elected to a second term. They think it is unique that he is only allowed one more term. You would never hear of that in Iran.

“Alright, we need to think about how we are going to organize the end of this cell search,” says Altan.

“How many cells do we have to consider for each of the last two areas?”

“Dentz, there are fourteen cells in New Jersey to choose from and there are twenty-one in New York if you include all of New York State.”

“Alright, we need to list them in some kind of an order for us to make an intelligent decision. The other areas didn’t have this many. We can’t just throw darts at a piece of paper on the wall.”

“My idea is to weed out those within a half hour’s drive from the targets so investigations won’t uncover them. Then we delete those that are more than an hour’s drive. From the remainder let’s see what we have to work with.”

“How did you arrive at this formula?” asks Dentz.

“Simple, I already explained the first part. The second part is to pick cells close enough to the target area so they don’t do a sloppy job when it’s time for surveillance and execution.”

“Very interesting, very basic, and it is most likely a workable solution.”

Altan says, “I’ll get the maps and we can break down the list for New Jersey first and then New York.”

Altan reads off the communities of each cell and they both decide whether or not to list them on their active list.

After two hours of deliberation the lists are broken down to five in New Jersey and seven in New York.

Dentz says, “Now we need to study the comments Adel gave us on each one of these to decide whom to call.”

“Why don’t we put this aside for a couple of days and begin fresh on Monday. Once we decide we can place our phone calls and set up a meet date and time.”

Dentz replies, “You’re right. We need to clear our minds from everything else. I need to call Azim in Texas tomorrow to get his appraisal on the cell there. If Azim’s report is positive, you need to call Texas to set up another meeting.”

“After you Azim tomorrow, let’s take some mental health time for one or two days. By the way did you move the money yet?”

“I moved it a week ago as I told you I would.”

“Good, what would you enjoy doing for some mental health?”

* * *

Inside of the Oval Office there is happiness and jubilation about winning the election. President Egan is more relaxed that he has been since the convention. The fact there were no terrorist attacks during either convention or during the election is a relief from his mind. While everyone else is celebrating, he knows he must put priorities on agendas he wants to achieve over the next four years. However, now is the time to let his hair down and enjoy what he has accomplished.

John Walker, NSA director and Allison McDonald, CIA director are standing in a far corner of the Oval Office. They are sipping some champagne brought in for the celebration. John turns to Allison, “Do you think the terrorist threat we haven’t uncovered is bogus, Allison?”

“No, John, I don’t believe so. Whatever they are planning, they are being very good at hiding and covering their tracks. My next concern is the inauguration ceremony.”

“You’re kidding me. There will be so much security there a mouse couldn’t get through to the president.”

“I’m merely speculating. Nothing has happened so far. It will come in time. Our jobs are to stay ahead of them. But, they are damn good.”

“Does the FBI have anything on them?”

“Mike told me, he doesn’t have anything concrete to be serious about.”

“I ended the monitoring of the fellow in Texas. It’s been four months now and we only had the one abrupt hang up. There is nothing there to give us any information.”

Chapter Forty-Four

Setting up the Last Two

Following breakfast on Monday morning, Altan and Dentz decide to walk in the crisp fall air before they settle down to selecting cells four and five. As they walk, Dentz tells Altan, “It took me three times to reach Azim over the weekend.”

“Are you concerned?”

“Yes and no, where Azim is concerned I don’t trust him, he might screw up somehow. Maybe, I am getting a little uptight too. He seemed fine when we spoke. He didn’t sound like he was trying to hide something.”

“You know Dentz, he is by himself and that has to be hard too.”

“I guess you’re right. He has no one to blow off with like we have each other.”

“Yes, he is living with all of the tensions and is always waiting for something negative to happen to destroy the plans. Why don’t you give him some slack?”

“I hear you. It might do me some good too.”

“Dentz, this assignment is tough. We are trying to do our best. We will make it work. I know it will happen the way we are planning.”

* * *

Up in Altan’s room they are reviewing the lists of cells in New Jersey.

“According to Adel’s comments, I would select the one located in Orange first. What do you think?”

“I see what you mean, but I am leaning towards the one in Brunswick.”

“What is your reasoning?”

“The leader is older and that might be someone more mature.”

“Alright, do you think he has more qualifications than just his age?”

“It is hard to tell without talking with him. The trouble is we can’t afford the luxury of talking to people as if we were hiring employees.”

“So what do you suggest? Since this is the first time we couldn’t agree on a first choice.”

“Let me think for a moment.” Dentz picks up the travel map of the state and studies the locations of Orange and Brunswick to get a logistics comparison.

Five minutes afterwards, he says, “Okay, let’s go with Orange first and see what happens.”

Altan smiles as if he had just won a trophy in a child’s game.

“You don’t have to gloat, Altan,”

“I couldn’t help it. It felt good.”

Dentz smiles as he knows his friend is developing his skills for this project.

“Dentz, we will call him this evening. Do you want to make the calls for these two cells?”

“No, let’s keep it as we have been doing. Your full name is associated with the cells if someone leaks something. My name is the only one associated with Azim.”

* * *

Monday evening Altan dials one of their cells phones.

After four rings, a male voice answers. “Hello, who is this?”

“I am calling for a Jalil, are you the party?”

With a great deal of hesitation, Jalil responds, “Yes, I am Jalil. What can I do for you?”

“Jalil, one of your friends, Imam Adel asked me to you when I visited the country. I plan to be in New Jersey in a couple of weeks. Could we meet? He has something for you.”

“Something for me, I haven’t spoken with him in ages. What could he want with me?”

“Look, I am heading out the door quickly. Let me call you back in a couple of weeks and we can set up a time to meet.”

Dentz is starting to give Altan the one minute warning on the timer.

“Fine, but call me first thing in the morning before seven when my family is not awake. I want to be able to talk to you some more about what Adel has for me.”

“I will do that, say around six.”

“Good!”

After Altan hangs up, he says, “You might be right after all. He wants to discuss what we are going to meet about beforehand.”

“Let’s think about this overnight,” says Dentz. “We might want to do the same thing we did to the guy in York.”

“Do you want to select one for New York tonight or not?” asks Altan.

“Let’s select one, only we’ll wait until tomorrow to call him. Are you alright with that?”

“Yes, I believe I am seeing a culture difference with these east coast cells.”

“How do you mean, culture difference?”

“They seem to be more inquisitive.”

“What may be happening is they may be under more surveillance than California and Texas.”

“You could be right. Tomorrow is another day.”

Dentz realizes his friend is not used to others questioning something coming from spiritual leaders. He has been raised to blindly obey.

* * *

The decision was made the following day not to call the cell in Orange. They would call the cell in Brunswick this evening and the cell in the Bronx in New York.

* * *

Altan phoned Kauroosh in Brunswick New Jersey. The call was quick and concise. A first meeting date was set for 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 12th, at the Ramada Inn near the Newark Airport.

“This call was the easiest one of all of them. Maybe your idea of maturity has some value.”

“Sometimes, my ideas get lucky,” Dentz says smiling. “Go on make the next call.”

Altan made two calls on this phone so he selects another one. He dials the number for the cell in the Bronx.

Navid answered on the second ring. Altan quickly goes into his script and Navid replies with a positive answer to meet. The date is set for the same Ramada Inn near the Newark Airport for 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 13th.

Dentz is removing the batteries and the SIM cards from both phones.

Altan sits back in his chair. “I hope these two cells will be agreeable. We need to start our meetings for the targets. I am getting anxious to move this along.”

“Don’t get too anxious, that is how mistakes happen. I have another idea.”

“What, did we forget something?”

“No, we plan to meet the Maryland cell leader on December 5th. Instead of flying back to Columbus, we could stay at the hotel near the Dulles airport a couple more days to get our thoughts together for the next two visits. We can arrange for the rental car to be dropped off in Newark when we fly back to Columbus. That will give us time to wander around the Newark Port Authority to see things for ourselves. Possibly, we could get into New York and take a look

at the financial district too.”

“We still need to call Hassan back the day after Thanksgiving to set up the meeting for the fifth of December,” says Altan.

“I , we are both sure he will go along with us. Even if the date needs to be changed we could use the same plan. Do you like this idea?”

“Yes, it’s a good idea. I am also tired of sitting in planes and at airports.”

“Get used to it for at least another year. We have a lot of flying left to do.”

* * *

The day after Thanksgiving, Hassan agrees to meet Altan and Dentz at the Sheraton Hotel near Dulles Airport in Washington.

Dentz goes on line and makes flight arrangements for the two men to travel to Washington, DC on Tuesday, December 4th, and returning to Columbus, on Saturday December 15th, from Newark. He also arranges for the rental car from Avis to be dropped off in Newark.

Chapter Forty-Five

Back in Washington

Altan drives the Avis rental out of the garage area. Dentz directs him to the Sheraton Hotel. Altan’s hands are freezing holding the steering wheel, he makes a mental note to get some gloves. Dentz is rubbing his hands together to get them warm. It will take a few minutes before the heater gives off decent heat.

“Damn it is cold.”

“I am thinking we need to get some gloves before we continue on this trip,” says Altan.

“After we check in let’s ask for a good place to shop. There must be a mall nearby.”

Midafternoon traffic is not congested. Altan expertly maneuvers the mid-sized Ford along the streets and it only takes fifteen minutes to get to the hotel.

Fortunately, the Sheraton’s garage isn’t wide open, they don’t have to deal with the brutal wind while they make their way to the hotel’s lobby.

Opening the doors to their rooms they are pleasantly surprised to hear the heaters running keeping their rooms warm.

Both men take off their coats and unpack.

Dentz turns on the television and is amazed to hear all of the Christmas music that is being played on any station he clicks on.

Altan knocks on the connecting door.

When Dentz opens it, Altan says, “Do you dare brave the cold and do some shopping?”

“I think it will be smarter to do it now, since the engine is still fairly warm and won’t take as long to heat up. If we wait while it sits for a long time, we’ll freeze our asses off.”

“I think your idea has merit. Let’s go down to the desk and ask for directions,” says Altan.

Directions to the mall are not difficult. They were advised to go to the mall at this hour before the mall becomes too busy with Christmas holiday shopping. They thank the clerk for the directions and the suggestion.

“Let’s take our time walking around the mall to find what we need. We can

always get some dinner there so we don’t have to go out again. If it’s this cold tomorrow, we can eat at the Sheraton.”

“I’m with you. You drive!”

Altan smiles, this is one thing he has learned about Dentz. Dentz doesn’t like to deal with traffic.

The half hour drive to the mall isn’t difficult. However, when they arrive at the mall, they are amazed the parking lot is packed. The clerk said this would be a slower time. They look at each other in disbelief.

* * *

The next day both Altan and Dentz are waiting for Hassan to arrive.

At 12:45 Altan’s room phone rings. The front desk advises him there are two men who have requested to see him. They indicate they have an appointment.

“Please send them up!”

A short time later, a knock is heard on the door and Altan answers it. “Hassan, it is good to see you again. Come in. Who is this young gentleman you have with you?”

Hassan enters and he explains Mahdi is the man behind him. Both men walk over to the couch area closer to the heater.

Dentz rises from his chair, smiles warmly and shakes their hands.

Hassan formally introduces Mahdi and explains there is a particular reason why he is at the meeting.

Dentz inquires, “We are glad to have you here, Mahdi. I am curious what the particular reason is though.”

Mahdi looks over to Hassan, he receives a glance to take over the conversation.

“Hassan came back to our group with the idea of being involved in an incident. Being a small group, we discussed the possibilities of what we could do to achieve something significant. That is why I am here with him.”

Altan comments, “What is the something significant you are offering, Mahdi?”

“I work at the Baltimore International Airport.”

Momentarily, Dentz and Altan are stunned. This sounds too good to be true.

Dentz asks Mahdi, “What area of the airport do you currently work in?”

“For the last six months I have been working in baggage handling. Sometimes I work inside and sometime outside off-loading planes or loading them.”

Dentz looks at Hassan. “Is Mahdi, the only one of your team who works at the airport?”

“Yes, I and the others have no connection with anything in the airline industry.”

Altan picks up the conversation. “How long have you worked at the airport?”

“I have worked there for two and a half years. For the first two years I did the ticket counters. They thought I would be more suited for the baggage department.”

“My supervisor told me he needed someone who is quicker on the terminals checking people in. They told me baggage would be less stressful for me.”

“Is it less stressful?” ask Dentz.

“Sometimes it can be just as stressful when there are many flights departing and arriving in the same time period. But since I can work at whatever pace I need to

complete my tasks, most of my tasks are not as stressful as the counter.”

Dentz looks over to Altan and then at Hassan, “Since you have an in at the airport, tell us what your ideas are.”

Hassan takes over the conversation from Mahdi. He along with Mahdi participates in a presentation regarding the conversations their cell had.

Altan and Dentz are impressed. The four men discuss the airport in more detail. Then Altan goes over the finances they are offering and scheduling a meeting to discuss more detailed plans in February.

Hassan and Mahdi leave the room at 3:45.

Chapter Forty-Six

Between Cells

Thursday at breakfast, Dentz and Altan are enjoying their meal and discussing the satisfaction they have with the Virginia group.

While they choose not to discuss it in detail within the dining room, both men see the third cell is very capable of accomplishing the mission they envisioned with the airline industry. The unique thing about it is they didn’t have to discuss their plans with them. They had come up with the idea on their own.

Altan asks, “Were you able to reach Azim last evening?”

“Yes, I gave him the information he needs to follow up in Virginia. I told him to inform the powers-to-be that we are three-fifths completed with phase two. If all goes well phase three will begin in 2013.”

“Did he say anything? Does he seem agreeable to how things are going?”

“I am not getting any negative from him at the moment.”

“Altan, have you been watching the weather reports on television?”

“No, what are you seeing?”

“We planned to leave for Newark early Tuesday morning to arrive there around check in time. They are forecasting what they call a northeaster. A major snow storm that could cause us travel problems. I suggest we continue to watch the weather and consider changing our departure plans to give us time to get ahead of the storm.”

“Damn, I am looking forward to viewing some of those museums we talked about.”

“Well, I suggest we prioritize the list.”

* * *

The same day Azim is mailing a report to Imam Adel. He tells him there are three groups committed to work with the team. He mentions he is on his way to oversee the third group. Groups four and five have their first meeting set for next week. He will advise them in January when all five groups are committed to the program.

* * *

Dentz and Altan have prioritized the list of sites. They list them in the order they both agreed upon: the Smithsonian Institute, the International Spy Museum, the Air and Space Museum, the National Aquarium and if they have time the National Geographic Museum.

Late Thursday, both realize they will never see all five if they must leave early Monday instead of Tuesday. The Smithsonian has captured their attention all day.

* * *

Sunday morning before breakfast, they check the weather forecasts. The meteorologists are still predicting the storm will intensify along the east coast early morning on Tuesday from Virginia all the way north to Massachusetts.

Over breakfast they decide to check out early Monday and plan to make a call to the Ramada to check in on Monday instead of Tuesday.

Their plan is to squeeze the National Aquarium and the National Geographic Museum into one day, if possible.

* * *

After a very early breakfast Monday, Altan and Dentz check out and leave the Washington DC area. Their goal is to reach Newark by two-thirty.

As Dentz drives, Altan asks him, “What did you think of all the sites we saw?”

“What did I think of them? I thought they are a tribute to a number of topics.”

“How come we don’t have something like them back in Iran?”

“You’re asking me? How would I know?”

“Is something beginning to bother you, Altan?”

“I don’t know, maybe it’s me but I’m beginning to look at this country a lot different than what we were taught.”

“Don’t repeat that statement back home. It will get you a room in the revolutionary guard prison.”

“Have you noticed?”

“Yes, I have noticed. The only thing I can tell you is right now we have a mission to complete. What you do after the mission is your business. Until then I

suggest you keep your mind on it.”

“Will you ever repeat what I said to someone back home?”

“Altan, do you believe I want something to happen to you? This is the first time you are seeing a free society. Russia was no different than Iran. You didn’t notice it there. I see what you see. I am not sure what I will do after this assignment. The only thing I am sure of is Iran needs to change from the inside out.”

“Then I am not imagining things.”

“No, my friend, you are not.”

“Good, because I thought it was me.”

“Altan, you are free to worship Allah anywhere in the world. You don’t need to be brainwashed by the mullahs and imams to be seen worthy in Allah’s eyes.”

“You’re sure of that?”

“As sure as I’m going to say, “It’s your turn to drive. I’m pulling over in the next rest area.”

“Already, the time went by so fast. How many miles have you driven?”

“Enough of them, keep your mind on the road and we’ll be better off.”

Dentz begins to worry about his partner.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Newark New Jersey

Altan pays the turnpike fee then exits the rental car through the toll booth on the New Jersey Turnpike at the Newark exit. It is only eight more miles to the Ramada. He steers into the check-in section in front of the Ramada Inn and shuts off the engine. It is 3:15 pm, not too bad considering the traffic going through Delaware. Getting out of the car after the long ride both men stretch their limbs before moving towards the Ramada to .

The young woman who s them smiles the whole time. It makes them wonder if it is a job requirement or whether she is a very friendly person.

As they for their rooms, they ask if there are in-house dining facilities. The woman tells them there is a dining room which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now they feel they don’t need to worry about where they are going to eat with the snow storm coming up the coast.

Altan moves the car onto the parking lot before he heads up to his room. Dentz has already left the lobby.

After Dentz unpacks his luggage, he hears Altan entering the room next to his.

Dentz unlocks his side of the connecting door and knocks on Altan’s side.

“Would you like to eat elsewhere tonight,” he says through the door.

Altan opens his side and asks, “Why, haven’t we driven enough today?”

“We have, but I have a feeling we will be eating a number of meals in the same dining room downstairs with this snow storm coming up the coast. I really don’t look forward to that.”

“I see what you mean. Let’s look at the hotel directory and see what we can find.”

Altan walks into Dentz’s room with his copy of the hotel directory. He starts turning pages looking for restaurants. “Do you have anything in particular in mind, Dentz?”

“No, I have no idea what kinds of food they have here except the traditional American dishes.”

“Have you ever had Portuguese?”

“No, where would I have the opportunity to eat Portuguese?”

“Would you be willing to try some, I haven’t had it before either.”

“I’m game, let’s do it. How far do we have to travel?”

“We can get directions down at the desk.”

It turns out the Portuguese restaurant is only a short distance away. They are relieved at not having to drive very far. The man at the desk told them they will enjoy the food as it is one of the top Portuguese restaurants in Newark.

“Altan says, “You drive, I did the last fifty miles on the turnpike.”

“I knew you would say that. Hand over the keys. Tomorrow we should call the group in Brunswick and tell them if the storm is too bad we could switch the date to Friday.”

“Let’s see what the conditions are tomorrow before we decide that.”

Chapter Forty-Eight

Portuguese Experience

Altan and Dentz look at each other as they view the menu. Dentz asks, “Are you really ready for this?”

“I think I am, but my stomach might not be after reading this.”

Dentz goes on, “I am hearing multiple languages around us. I think some are Portuguese and I believe some might be Spanish.”

As Dentz makes this remark the waiter comes to the table. “You are correct in your assessment, sir. We have a large Spanish clientele as well as a Portuguese crowd. You must be new here.”

Altan picks up, “We are only here for a couple of days. This is our first time to New Jersey.”

“Oh, then let me help you with the menu.”

Following explanations of the menu and recommendations, they order.

The waiter says, “Good choices, gentlemen. I will bring you some water while you decide on what you would like to drink.”

The soup arrives very quickly and both men order hot tea to drink. As they sample their soups they are pleasantly surprised to see how tasty it is.

Within a few minutes of their soup bowls being removed their entrees arrive. The aromas are mouthwatering.

“Oh, this smells wonderful,” says Altan.

“I agree!” replies Dentz.

“Gentlemen, eat slowly, we do not rush our guests here.”

“Thank you!” remarks Altan.

Both men take the waiter at his word and take their time enjoying their meals. When they are through the waiter shows up as if he were watching their every move. “Would you care for dessert?”

Altan looks at Dentz, Dentz nods in the affirmative. Altan says, “What do you recommend?”

“We have cold rice pudding, chocolate cake, cookie cake, almond, apple and coconut tarts and custards.”

Dentz says, “Rice pudding for me.”

Altan says, “Coconut tarte for me.”

The two of them promise each other to do an extra-long workout tomorrow to take off some of these calories.

Chapter Forty-Nine

Major Snow Storm

During the night Dentz heard the wind howling. He looked out of his window a couple of times to see the snow coming down and blowing with a fierce wind.

When his alarm clock radio plays at seven, he heads for the bathroom. Coming into the room he heads for the window to see what conditions look like outside.

Holy shit, I have never seen so much snow in my life. I don’t believe what I’m seeing. Thank Allah we came up yesterday. We would never have made it today.

Turning on the television, he clicks through the channels to find out about the storm conditions.

Altan knocks on their connecting door. Dentz opens it.

“Did you look out the window?”

“Yes, and the weather forecasts say it will continue into tomorrow. They are predicting two feet or more of snow,” says Dentz.

* * *

Meanwhile Azim is sitting in the Holiday Inn Express in Alexandria VA with the same circumstances. He cannot believe the amount of snow that has fallen and is expected to continue falling. From the looks of things he will be stuck inside this room for a few days. He realizes it is fortunate there are eating establishments within walking distance. Only who wants to go out in this.

* * *

Inside of the mosque in Tehran, Imam Adel is speaking with the senior mullah in a corner of the lower level.

“They are three-fifths on their way to acquiring all of the cells. They will know within thirty days if they have all five.”

“What is Azim doing?”

“Right now he is sitting somewhere in Virginia observing the third cell exactly as Dentz and Altan have set up. It appears that he is accepting their leadership.”

“Let me know when they have acquired all five. I want them to get moving on this.”

“I will do ask you ask.”

Adel moves off from the mullah and heads upstairs to his office. He knows the mullah is under a great deal of pressure from the other mosques. He cannot rush this project. It is not wise to do so.

* * *

Altan and Dentz prepare to keep themselves occupied for the day. Both men head over to the gift shop after breakfast to purchase some reading materials.

* * *

Tuesday evening’s weather report indicates the storm will not wind down until sometime Wednesday morning.

Moving into Dentz’s room, Altan says, “We need to call Kourosh and get him to reschedule to Thursday morning early or Friday.”

Altan picks up the cell phone they have been using. It only takes three rings for Kourosh to answer. “Hello this is Kourosh.”

“Kourosh, this is Altan. I am in Newark but I would like to reschedule our meeting tomorrow to early Thursday or Friday. Is that possible for you?”

“I am glad you called. I have been wondering how I was going to be able to meet you with the weather the way it is. I can do Thursday morning let us say nine thirty.”

“I will be waiting,” says Altan.

“He will be here at nine thirty on Thursday.”

“I wonder how Azim is doing in Virginia with this storm.”

Altan says, “He’ll survive, it is a new experience for the three of us. We don’t see this kind of weather back in Iran.”

Chapter Fifty

Two Meetings

Altan and Dentz skipped the gym room this morning to have an early breakfast. They have a meeting this morning and one in the afternoon. They are anxious to fill the last two positions they established.

Kourosh shows up fifteen minutes early. They take it as a good sign especially with the conditions of the roads after the storm. After the usual pleasantries they move to the couch and the easy chairs.

Kourosh is a small man around five feet five, with jet black hair. He is heavy for his size and starting to bald in the back of his head. He reminds Dentz of characters in some of the gangster movies he has been watching on the classic movies channels.

While Dentz and Altan begin their routine, Kourosh interrupts their train of thought.

“Gentlemen, your phone call told me enough to realize you are not the authorities.”

Altan stops in mid discussion, he realizes he must handle this situation differently.

“Kourosh, Dentz and I realize you are very perceptive. Can you tell us what you expect from our meeting?”

Kourosh sits back on the couch and gets completely relaxed placing his right arm up on the arm rest. “For three years I have been waiting to get such a call from Imam Adel. When I left Iran, he told me he would be in touch with me in a short time. I began to think it was all talk. Now you call and mention his name. Tell me what you have in mind for us to do.”

Dentz looks at Altan and nods in the affirmative. Altan proceeds to tell him what they basically want to do without giving him any specifics. After he has discussed it with his people, and they agree, they will meet again to discuss what their operational plan will be.

“That’s it you cannot give me any specifics now?”

Dentz replies, “Kourosh, we want to know that your people are on board as a team. We have a number of cells to discuss this with here in the state if your people are not on board with you. As Altan told you, this is a plan which should pan out and also allow you to drift back into the shadows without any connections to it. It takes teamwork, yours and ours. We cannot make it any clearer for you.”

Moving to the front edge of the couch, he says, “I will talk to my people. When can we meet again? How many teams are you planning to work with in New

Jersey?”

“We will call you at the end of this month. If you have a positive answer we will meet again next month. There will not be any other teams working with us in the state. We ask that you bring another person with you so that two of you fully understand what you are undertaking.”

“Who will provide us with the means to do what you are planning?”

“Next month we would talk about a specific plan and requirements as well as financial remuneration.”

“I am a little surprised this is being handled this way. It seems to me you are being overly cautious.’

Dentz answers his statement, “You are one hundred percent correct, both for you and for our benefit. We want this to succeed and we want everyone to walk away from their plans to function another time.”

“So you are saying you have more than one plan.”

Dentz again remarks, “Yes, they will never know about you and you will never know about them. It is safer for everyone this way.”

Rising off of the couch, Kourosh says, “I’m not accustomed to working like this,

however since Adel sent you. I trust what you say.”

Shaking his hand, Altan says, “Thank you for understanding and thank you for coming this morning.”

Kourosh leaves and the two of them look at each other with uncertainty in their minds as what kind of an answer they will receive when they call.

* * *

Mike Richardson, FBI director is seated in his conference room with Allison McDonald, CIA director and John Walker, NSA director.

“Thank you for coming. I know the roads are pretty lousy out there. Did you have much trouble getting here? Would you like something to drink?”

Both Allison and John reply there wasn’t much difficulty and decline a drink. Each of them allowed plenty of time to get to the Hoover Building.

“I asked the two of you to come because I am getting a great deal of pressure from the White House. With the inauguration coming up next month, they are getting paranoid there will be an attack from our phantom terrorist group no one knows anything about.”

Allison replies, “What are you looking for from us, Mike?”

“Does one or both of you think this could be disinformation to keep us running in circles, and missing something important?”

John remarks, “Possibly, yet it came from the Mossad, Allison told me. Am I correct Allison?”

Allison nods in the affirmative.

“I gave Allison some information about a quick hang-up from someone we were monitoring at the time. Because of it we monitored him longer than I would have. However, nothing more came of it. I believe Allison said she ed that information on to you.”

“She did. It was very vague to spend a great deal of time on it and the time we did spend wasn’t very fruitful.”

Allison goes on, “Maybe the mosque he belongs to can give you a better picture than you have now.”

“The only trouble is on what grounds can I start investigating the mosque and other . They’re going to be screaming Islamaphobia, to the media.”

John continues, “Mike, I empathize with you. We’re not having much luck

coming up with anything other than what we first heard about this team. I don’t know what to tell you at this point.”

Allison comments, “Mike, if you want my honest opinion. They’re here, we haven’t found them yet. Israel has never given me a bum steer before. That is the only thing I can tell you. I know the president isn’t very pleased with my reports about this team. I’m not going to lie to make his paranoia become something real for him.”

“Look, I’m sorry I wasted your time. Thank you for coming over. I’ll have you escorted down to the lobby and your drivers.”

After shaking hands and moving down to the lobby, John says, “What do you think?”

“Right now I wish I knew what we could all do. This one is getting very frustrating.”

* * *

Dentz and Altan order room service for lunch. They need to have time to think out loud about handling the next session.

“Dentz, do you Adel saying something about the cells in this area?”

“Like what, explain what you mean.”

There is a knock on the door, room service has arrived. The gentleman brings two separate trays into the room with their sandwiches and drinks.

Altan signs the room service charge making sure to leave a gratuity on it.

Altan places his tray on the coffee table in front of the couch, while Dentz takes the chair out from under the desk and places his tray on the desk.

“Why don’t we eat before we continue this conversation,” says Dentz.

“We’ve always talked in the dining room with food in our mouths, what’s the difference?”

“I’m going to need two hands to handle this sandwich I ordered and I want to give my mind a break.”

“I guess that’s a good excuse.” Altan says smiling.

Fifteen minutes later both men move their trays outside of the room to be picked up by the staff.

“Alright, here is what I am ing Adel saying, ‘The cells in the New York and New Jersey area tend to be very direct. They are very different from the others across the country.’ He believes it is a cultural thing they picked up living here. Didn’t you notice it?”

“Direct seems a little light. Pushy would be more like it, don’t you think?”

“I guess you could look at it that way. What I believe Adel meant, is this is their normal way of dealing with conversations.”

“You did a good job of switching gears this morning. Do you want to start off differently with Navid?”

“I think I will. If you feel I am on the wrong track with him, step into the conversation.”

* * *

Navid arrives for his appointment on time and just as they expected the conversations tended to be very similar to those proposed this morning.

Navid agrees to speak with his people. He will give Altan a decision when he is called in two weeks.

Chapter Fifty-One

End of December

Their reservations are at the Country Inn on this return trip to Columbus. This location is the last of the hotels they haven’t previously used near the airport. After their return from California in January, they must begin recycling the list.

Altan and Dentz are glad to be off the road for the next few weeks. On the way home, they ran through their minds what they would do beginning the new year. In January, they would meet with the California people to review their plans. If they have positive from New Jersey and New York, they would set meetings up with them in January right after California.

Dentz will Azim to do surveillance on the final two selections. So far, with the first three, his reports have been favorable. They need his reports by the end of the January.

In February, they are going to be on the road every week. They will hold the third and final meeting with Texas, Virginia and the last two. After that they will set a supply date for the groups and afterwards set a target date.

Once Azim gives his report on the final two they will tell him what they want to on to Adel.

The atmosphere with the two is getting tense. They are operating ahead of their forecasted schedule. Hopefully, Azim’s portion of supplying explosives will go off without a hitch.

Altan and Dentz are getting excited to see this plan to conclusion.

* * *

The Country Inn provides a continental breakfast when you stay overnight. Lunches and dinners must be dined elsewhere. This even worked out to their advantage. It forced them to get out of their rooms even though it was the middle of winter.

One thing totally new to both Altan and Dentz is seeing all of the decorations and festivities for the Christmas season.

* * *

Thursday afternoon, December 27th, Altan and Dentz call Kourosh in New Jersey and Navid in New York to obtain the decisions their teams were to make.

Both leaders reply their groups decided to comply with the requests Altan and Dentz made.

Altan instructs them they will call back after the New Year and set a date for a more specific meeting.

Dentz looks over to Altan and smiles saying, “We are halfway to our goal. We have the groups and now we implement the plans. After the first of the month, I will call Azim and send him to check out these two.”

Chapter Fifty-Two

January 2013

Azim is scheduled to leave for New Jersey and New York on Thursday, following New Year’s Day. Dentz told him he would call him on January 20th to discuss his findings regarding the surveillance of the last two cells. Based on Azim’s report they would conclude their search for other cells or backtrack and renew their search for two more.

This morning Dentz is on the phone scheduling flights for next Monday, to Burbank, California, returning to Columbus on Saturday.

Altan has confirmed with Asad they would meet on Wednesday, the second week of January. Asad would arrive early in the morning, giving them enough time to discuss their proposed plans. Asad plans to bring his associate Saeed with him. This trip they would meet at the Holiday Inn Express in Lancaster just north of Palmdale.

After scheduling their flights, Dentz calls Budget Rent A Car to arrange for ground transportation. Then he schedules their stay at the Holiday Inn Express arriving Monday and departing on Saturday. He makes arrangements for their regular rooms with a connecting door, and a suite for their meeting on Wednesday.

“Altan, we need additional cell phones and we must go to various banks to obtain cashier checks against our credit card s.”

“We promised this cell we will purchase their RPGs when we met again. Meaning we need to bring them twenty thousand.”

“We will! Our cards allow us to withdraw what we need for funds. I want to visit four different banks. We will use four different credit cards, withdrawing five thousand from each. That amount of money should not attract any attention. We will need to make sure Adel reimburses the cards so we can do the same thing in February.

“We can do all of this on Friday during the day.”

“Dentz, how the hell do you keep all of this in your head?”

“I really don’t know. I guess it’s an asset in circumstances like ours.”

“Look it’s almost lunch time. The weather is crappy let’s head over to the mall to walk around, maybe get some lunch there and possibly do some shopping,” says Altan.

“Good idea, let’s find a cab!”

* * *

Monday, they make reservations at the Holiday Inn in Columbus for the following Saturday, before leaving for their flight.

Chapter Fifty-Three

California Plan

Altan and Dentz arrive near Lancaster around five Monday evening. They are following their Google directions to the Holiday Inn Express. Dentz is driving while Altan navigates. Heading north, they recognize the Palmdale mall off to their left from the highway.

Altan says, “Lancaster is not far from here. I find it hard to believe with all of this sunshine, we have this terrible wind. It must be around sixty miles an hour.”

“Try eighty, I saw the weather report on the television before we left the airport.”

“I hope it doesn’t last the whole week.”

“From the weather report this is typical most of the winter into springtime.”

“Shit, it sucks!”

Arriving at the Holiday Inn Express, they see it is a smaller version of the typical Holiday Inn. The one in Lancaster appears to be relatively new. Tired, they are

happy to arrive and anxious to check in.

Entering their rooms, both men are pleased the rooms are spacious. After unpacking, they walk down to the front desk and ask to see the suite they have reserved for their meeting on Wednesday.

The perky young lady who is staffing the desk, asks one of the other staff to take them to the suite and answer any questions they may have.

Looking around, they decide the suite is adequate for their needs. They will be using the suite from eight thirty in the morning to five in the afternoon. The staff member makes them aware, the breaks they ordered will be delivered around ten thirty and two thirty. Lunch can be delivered from any of the menus on the table.

Satisfied, they leave for the Palmdale mall area to have dinner.

* * *

Asad and Saeed arrive shortly before nine. The front desk sends them to the conference room per Altan’s instructions.

Dentz answers the knock on the door and warmly greets Asad and Saeed into the room.

Altan asks, “How was the drive down?”

Asad replies, “Long, not much traffic coming this way from Bakersfield.”

Saeed notices the room is set up with a large table in the center and four chairs in positions around the table.

Dentz speaks next, “Let’s sit down and get comfortable. I’m sure we have a great deal to discuss.” He walks over to the television turns it on and increases the volume, “So our voices don’t carry through the walls.”

Asad and Saeed select seats on one side of the table and Altan and Dentz on the opposite side.

“How much detail do you want us to discuss today. We have reviewed three sites based on the parameters you gave,” asks Asad.

Dentz responds, “Explain how you arrived at the three sites and how you prioritized them. the choice is yours, you understand the territory. We want an overview of your ideas.”

Saeed speaks, “We want to give you a good assessment of our selection. We thought you would want to make the final decision.”

Altan replies, “Thank you for the courtesy. However, as Dentz remarked, we

don’t know the area. It would be better for you to make the selection.”

Saeed looks at Asad. Asad says, “We looked at Bakersfield, Tehachapi and Mojave.”

Asad spreads a large map across the table.

Most of the morning takes up how Asad and his group made their decisions. Each site is discussed thoroughly. Altan and Dentz play devil’s advocates looking for holes that could cause problems for the group.

After two and a half hours of conversing, Dentz says, “Let’s stop and take a break. He walks over to the desk and picks up menus to order lunch. I want to have lunch here so as few people as possible see us together.”

First they must decide where they will order the food from and then what each man chooses to have. “Choosing where to purchase lunch and what to order can be as difficult as choosing sites,” Asad says with some humor. The other three smile.

Altan phones in the order, he is told it will be delivered in thirty minutes.

Dentz heads into the bathroom and washes his hands before the food arrives. Altan follows his lead. Asad and Saeed both stand to stretch.

“This morning is more difficult than finding a site,” says Asad.

Saeed nods his head in agreement.

The front desk calls the room to announce their food has arrived and someone needs to pay for it at the front desk. Altan heads to the desk and Dentz goes with him to help carry the food back.

While they are out of the room, Saeed asks, “What do you make of those two?”

“They are very meticulous in their planning. I like them. They have made us consider possibilities we never even thought of. It could mean our success or failure.”

“I agree. I get the sense all of this will make us successful.”

Altan and Dentz walk back in the room with four meals and drinks for them.

Placing what he is carrying on the table, Dentz heads back out to the breakfast area to obtain more napkins.

“As he es the front desk, the clerk inquires if everything is satisfactory with lunch.

“It smells delicious; I hope it tastes as good.”

The clerk says, “You picked one of the better places.”

Lunch time is spent in a more relaxed mode. The four joke some and talk about what happened in Iran with the bombings. Asad and Saeed want to learn about changes that are happening with the government.

Asad gives them the top priority site selected by the group. Altan and Dentz nod in agreement.

“That is my choice as well,” says Altan. “What about you Dentz?”

“Based on everything we discussed this morning that would be my choice as well.”

Altan continues, “So I believe the next thing you gentlemen would like to see is some money.”

Asad smiles and Saeed is trying to hide his expression.

Dentz takes an envelope from the top of the desk in the room and hands it to Asad.

“There are four checks made out to you Asad each valued at five thousand dollars. It’s the kind of transaction no one will see as a red flag. I would suggest you deposit them into your or wherever you keep the cells money in four increments over a month. Try and use different tellers or different branches is my suggestion,” says Altan.

Asad opens the envelope and looks to Saeed. He says, “We have the money for the RPGs.”

Dentz says, “We promised you ten for the project to start and ten for your equipment. I hope to hear from newscasts that the RPGs were successful.”

“Don’t worry, we have big plans for them,” remarks Saeed.

“There are a couple more things we need to finalize before you head back,” remarks Altan.

“This is our last face-to-face meeting. The first week of April we will call you and we want you to give us a number of how many pounds of C4 you need to do your work. You will be getting them delivered to you Asad.”

“How are they supposed to arrive so as not to arouse any suspicion?” asks Asad.

“The third member of our team who you haven’t met will deliver them along with remote detonators and wire you might need. He is an explosives expert. He will spend a day with you teaching you what you need to know if you need

instruction,” says Dentz.

“When with the C4 arrive?” asks Saeed.

“It will arrive the last part of April. When we decide on a target date, we will call you, we expect you to be ready to act. You will given one date to do your work. We are working on a time table to create the most effect. It is imperative you follow this instruction.

Asad speaks, “After we are successful Adel will send the rest of the money.”

“Yes, the quarter of a million will be sent to you in small dominations of US currency,” says Altan.

Dentz looks at Altan and rises, “Gentlemen, may Allah go with you and guide you to be successful.”

Asad and Saeed rise shake hands with both men and leave with their funds.

Dentz turns to Altan, “I think that went very well. Here’s hoping the rest of them go the same.”

“I don’t know about you Altan but I need to move around.”

“It’s too damn windy outside, let’s go walk around the mall like we do in Columbus.”

“Fine, we can spend some time there and then pick a place to have dinner before we head back here.” Dentz turns off the television.

* * *

After dinner in the Palmdale Mall, Altan is on the phone to the New Jersey and the New York cell leaders to confirm whether or not their teams are in agreement. If they are, he and Dentz will fly into Newark the last week of January.

* * *

On January 20th, Dentz reaches Azim. Azim reports his surveillance was successful. He saw no reason not to go ahead with the two teams.

“Fine, when you report to Adel, you need to get the materials sources so we can deliver them in the spring. Also he must refill four credit cards s with five thousand dollars each so we can use those s in February. Tell him California is all set.”

“When will you need them in the spring? I need time to get them around the country.”

“You will know early April, be ready to move when we give you the amounts.”

Azim’s glee is beginning to show through his conversation.

“I will take care of everything on my end,” says Azim.

* * *

Iman Adel sits down across from the senior mullah, in the mullah’s office.

Adel begins, “Altan and Dentz have finalized California. They plan to meet with the other four teams in February and March to finalize everything. Azim explains he needs his explosive source by mid-March. He will be delivering the C4 compound and the detonators by the end of April to all five cells. We can monitor the attacks on world news.”

The mullah says, “I wish we didn’t agree to let them set the dates. We have no control over these two.”

“Why do you worry? They have performed well so far. I think they have everything under control. It is safer this way. There is no communication to tie us with anything.”

“Save that statement for when it is all over and we shall see.”

Iman Adel leaves the mullah’s office and shakes his head in disbelief.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Last Week of January

Altan and Dentz arrive, at the airport in Newark, New Jersey, late Monday afternoon. Their rooms are reserved at the Hampton Inn near the airport. They quickly claim their luggage and catch the shuttle outside of the terminal. They have scheduled their first meeting, tomorrow morning at nine. The second meeting with the New York people will be at 1:30 in the afternoon.

* * *

The phone is ringing in Altan’s room. He quickly looks at his wristwatch. It is 8:45 our guests seem to be a little early. Picking up his receiver he hears the front desk advise him there are two gentlemen waiting in the lobby to see him. “Send them up!”

“Sirs, Mr. Yilmiz’s room number is seven twenty-one. He gave me instructions to send you up. The elevators are around the corner.”

Kourosh replies, “Thank you.”

Kourosh and Jafar head over to take the elevator.

Altan dials 7723, he hears Dentz’s phone ringing.

When Dentz picks up his receiver, he announces, “They have arrived.”

“I’ll be right in.”

As Dentz walks through the connecting door to their rooms, Altan is answering the knock. He welcomes Kourosh into the room and extends his arm to shake the hand of the man entering behind him.

Where Kourosh is a short man, Jafar is around six feet tall. He has fairly light skin, jet black hair and dark black eyes. He shakes Altan’s hand.

Kourosh turns to Altan and Dentz to introduce Jafar. Likewise, Altan introduces Dentz and himself.

“Take a seat on the couch. Thank you for coming early. We are early risers, we were waiting for you to arrive,” says Altan.

Jafar begins, “Kourosh asked me to come with him because you indicated he could bring someone to this meeting. I have a few questions for you.”

“Before you start Jafar, Kourosh indicated to me on the phone your people are

willing to work with us,” says Altan.

“Yes, right now we don’t know what you want us to do.”

“Understandable,” replies Dentz.

Dentz goes on, “Before we are willing to lay out our plans we want to know if your group is serious. Right now we feel they are, am I wrong?”

“No, we are willing, when are you going to tell us what you want us to do?”

Altan says, “We begin this morning. We are going to assign you the responsibility of creating an incident with the shipping and import business located in New Jersey.”

Jafar looks over to Kourosh and releases a low whistle through his teeth.

“That is our primary target. You must do some surveillance and decide what portion of the business will be your target.”

Kourosh asks, “You mean we get to choose what we hit?”

“Yes,” says Dentz. You know the area much better than we do. We will provide

funds and materials to do the job you lay out. We want you to do this on a target date to be determined at a later time.”

Jafar sits back onto the couch and appears a little more relaxed from when he entered the room.

“Question for you?” asks Jafar. “How much time will we have to plan this operation?”

Altlan looks at Kourosh and directs his answer to him. “You have months to prepare. You have plenty of time to do the job correctly and insure your own safety.”

Dentz continues, “Four weeks from now, we will meet again. At that time, we want you to show us what you considered as possible potential targets. Bear in mind the final choice is yours as we said before. We want to have an idea of what you have planned.”

Kourosh goes on, “After that meeting what do you want us to do?”

Altan speaks, “We figure in four weeks, you will have a good idea what your primary target will be. After the meeting you need to continue refining your approaches to do what is necessary to complete the task.”

“What about explosives or whatever you plan to use?” remarks Jafar.

Dentz responds, “All of those issues will be discussed in four weeks. At that time we will be handing you ten thousand dollars to begin the process. When the operation is successfully completed you will receive a quarter of a million dollars in small dominations of US currency. How you share the money with your group is your business.”

Kourosh looks over to Jafar and smiles. “This is what we have waited for. The opportunity to strike back for the bombing Iran received.”

Jafar looks towards Altan and Dentz. “We should set a date for the meeting in four weeks before we leave.”

Altan smiles, “Let’s discuss any other details you would like to clear the air and then we can set a date.”

Kourosh and Jafar leave the room at 11:45.

“Dentz, what do you think?”

“I believe they will do an outstanding job. They are seeking revenge.”

“I could use some lunch, I didn’t eat much for breakfast,” says Altan.

“Let’s go.”

* * *

Navid, Giv, his associate, Altan and Dentz have been talking for an hour and a half.

Giv, looks like he is Navid’s brother, the two don’t bother to ask.

Both men appear comfortable with the task of creating their incident in the financial section of Manhattan. They offered half a dozen possible targets in that area off the top of their heads.

Dentz senses a deep feeling of determination coming from Giv. He wants to address it.

“Giv, pardon my curiosity, you seemed determined and somewhat preoccupied about this project as we talk. Are you alright with working on the team?”

No one speaks for nearly thirty seconds.

“Yes, I don’t have any problem with it.”

Navid glances over to Giv, “We should tell them.”

“Tell us what?” asks Altan, looking very surprised.

Giv nods in the affirmative to Navid, “Go ahead, tell them.”

Navid starts, “When you called us, it was like a miracle coming from Allah. Giv and I are cousins. We had another cousin aboard the Iranian submarine sunk off the New York coast last year.”

Altan and Dentz sit back in their chairs to reflect a moment.

Dentz continues, “We are sorry for your loss. They were brave men. My immediate concern is for you to be fully conscious of what you are taking on. If you are preoccupied you could make serious and dangerous mistakes.”

Navid replies, “I understand where you are coming from. We have five others in our group. Giv and I will do the planning. The others will do the field work. The two of us have already addressed what you said. We want this act to be in memory of the men on that vessel.”

“You feel the operation will succeed.”

“No question about it. We know how to handle this, “says Navid.

Dentz speaks, “Alright, let’s set the next meeting date around the same time of day.”

Altan picks up his notes and sets the date for the same afternoon as the New Jersey group.

Navid and Giv rise from the couch, shake each of their hands and leave.

“Dentz, do you think they can handle it?”

“Yes, if they are exceptionally careful.”

* * *

On the flight returning to Columbus, Altan and Dentz decide they must hold a face-to-face meeting with Azim in mid-March. At that time he must have knowledge of where to obtain the materials they need. He must be on the move in April to deliver all of the goods.

Chapter Fifty-Five

Early February

In the Oval Office, on February 1st, the president is sitting at his desk, with his chief-of-staff across from him. “Bob, what do you make of the fact we haven’t had the terrorist strikes we were expecting?”

“Sir, I am perplexed as you are. It made logical sense they would have caused problems during the election or the inauguration.”

“Do you think they don’t exist since our intelligence sources haven’t been able to locate them?”

“I would like to agree with that statement. However, I believe they have another agenda. Something other than the one we concentrated on.”

“What do you think their agenda might be?”

“Sir, I really don’t want to speculate.”

* * *

On February 2nd, Dentz is calling Azim at his cousin’s home. When Azim comes to the phone, he continues.

“Azim, we had our final meeting with our friends out west. We will have our final meeting with the other four this month. We need to meet with you midMarch. Our meeting should take a whole day. How much notice do you need to get out here?”

“I assume you are still in Ohio.”

“Yes, when we call you, we will tell you where we plan to be staying and when you should arrive.”

“Give me a week’s notice, that shouldn’t raise any eyebrows here.”

“Good, you will have your notice. Talk to you then, everything is going well.”

Azim hangs up the receiver. He would like to celebrate but cannot share this with anyone here.

* * *

The following Monday, Altan makes phone calls to the cells in Texas, and Virginia. They already have a confirmed date with New Jersey and New York from their previous visit.

* * *

Two days later Altan begins making hotel reservations to meet with Texas on February 7th, Virginia on February 14th and the final two on February 20th.

Dentz begins making arrangements with rental cars to handle their visits.

* * *

Wednesday, February 6th, Dentz and Altan arrive in Austin. The Hilton Hotel is merely two minutes from the enger terminal. They retrieve their luggage and take the Hilton shuttle to the hotel.

Checking in they find their reservations are exactly as requested. Similar to their California visit, they each have their own room with a connecting door between. They also have a conference room reserved for tomorrow’s meeting.

Dentz knocks on the connecting door to Altan’s room. “Let’s hit that Mexicana restaurant once more since this is our last trip here.”

“I’m with you. That place was great.”

They have the bellman obtain a cab for them.

* * *

Dentz answers the phone in the conference room. “Hello!”

“Sir this is the front desk. We have a gentleman looking for a Mr. Yilmiz. His name is assigned to this room. Is he available to speak with?”

“You may send the gentleman to the room. We are waiting for him.”

“Thank you, I will direct him.”

Within a few minutes, Hami enters when Altan opens the door.

Altan gives Dentz a shrug of his shoulders standing behind Hami’s back. Both men expected him to have someone else with him at this meeting.

“Welcome, Hami,” says Dentz.

Hami, smiles at the surroundings. “This is nice, much more spacious than when we met before.”

Taking the opening Dentz says, “We thought you might have someone else or more than one with you. We wanted to have the room to accommodate everyone.”

Hami, seats himself on the couch. “No need to have anyone else. The group relies on me to create the plans.”

Hami, maybe I should ask what would happen if something unforeseen should happen to you? Anything can happen to anyone at any time. You are an important part of this operation.”

Slightly frustrated, Hami replies, “What we decide today, I on to two of my people. They will know exactly what I have decided. They will carry out the mission if I am unavailable.”

Altan remarks, “Good, then I think we can feel more comfortable.”

Dentz thinks, Only no one else is part of the decision process, sounds a little like Azim.

“Let’s use the table, I assume you have area maps you want to show us,” speaks Dentz.

“Yes, I have selected six possible targets for us. How many do you want to hit?”

Alton continues, “The final decision of who and where to hit are for you and your team. I assume you want to make a decision based on how effective your five men plus yourself can be. You will be spread out very thin if you hit too many targets.”

“I think you need to tell us how much damage you want at any one site. I can split us three ways with two on a site or two ways with three on a site.”

“Hami, we feel the more damage you can do to one particular site will generate more fear than small hits on a number of sites,” remarks Dentz.

Altan confirms Dentz’s comment. “Yes, the operation is set to make the biggest hit we can in a number of locations. This will be like a domino effect to the Americans. They won’t know where we will strike next or how hard.”

“Then you must decide which of six locations we should hit.”

Altan repeats, “We will review your choices but the hit must be your choice.”

Hami shrinks back a bit. It is obvious he can put together a gang to do some work but has never masterminded a plan.

Dentz says, “Let’s see what you have and we can give you some input.”

Hami, opens a folder with a detailed map and six possible potentials.

Altan and Dentz stand up and lean across the table to get a good view of what he is proposing.

* * *

The three men work straight through the noon hour into early afternoon.

“Are you satisfied with what we found?”

“Yes, we are satisfied,” says Dentz.

Altan says, “Now that you have made your selection we can take a break for a late lunch and head down into the dining room.”

The move to have a late lunch was a deliberate act by Altan and Dentz. They would avoid the lunch crowd. Hami’s personality needs a lot of stroking.

After lunch, Hami leaves with a sense of accomplishment.

Up in Altan’s room, Dentz asks, “What is your assessment of his plans?”

“You really want to know?”

“Why do you think I asked you?”

“Right now, I hope we made the right decision.”

“I feel the same way. Hopefully it will work out.”

“Only time will tell,” says Altan.

Chapter Fifty-Six

Second Half of February

On Wednesday, February 13th, Altan and Dentz arrive in Washington DC. They head out of the terminal looking to pick up the shuttle to the hotel.

Arriving both men are satisfied they picked another Hilton. They need to stay over until Monday. The smaller rooms in other facilities make them a bit claustrophobic. Monday morning they will pick-up a rental car then head to Newark and check into the Hilton there barring no further snow storms.

The next day, they are meeting the Virginia cell , Hassan and Mahdi, in the same manner they did in California and Texas.

* * *

Hassan is very precise. He and Mahdi arrive exactly at 9:00. The phone in the conference room rings, Altan answers and tells the clerk to send them to the room.

Altan gives both men a warm greeting, as they enter the room.

Dentz smiles when the two approach him near the window. “We felt this would be more comfortable for an all-day meeting.

Hassan says, “No question about it. This is a great deal more comfortable and spacious.”

Mahdi is gazing around the room. He is not familiar with this kind of luxury.

“Gentlemen sit down around the table. We have a great deal to do,” says Altan.

Dentz asks, “Are you still thinking along the same lines, regarding the baggage areas, since our last meeting.”

Mahdi responds, “Yes, we have come up with four possibilities. We want to run them by you to get your opinions.”

For the next three hours Mahdi and Hassan present their ideas of targeting the baggage claim areas.

Altan asks, “I can see how two of these ideas wouldn’t leave a trace back to you, but the other two could cause them to investigate everyone in the baggage department. Don’t you think that is possible?”

Hassan replies, “I see what you mean. We weren’t looking at it that way.”

Dentz says, “Look why don’t we break for a few minutes. Let’s refresh our thoughts. Have lunch, then come back and see if we can finalize this, with fewer risks for you and your people.”

* * *

Dentz is more comfortable having Hassan and Mahdi them for lunch in the Hilton dining area. He realizes it is because of the diverse ethnic groups moving about in Washington, than he saw in Austin.

* * *

After two more hours in the conference room, they have tly arrived at a working plan with the least amount of risks to the men involved.

Altan explains how this is their last face-to-face meeting. He will call them early in April to inquire how much explosives they will need.

As the men separate they realize neither of them will see each other again and hope their plan will be successful. Only Allah knows what the future holds.

* * *

Monday morning Altan and Dentz eat a large breakfast and check out. This time they use Hertz a second time in the same town. They figure with all of the rental traffic it would never matter they duplicated a company.

Altan begins the driving knowing Dentz hates the congested highways.

It takes them seven hours to reach the Hilton in Newark. Between the stress of the meetings and the traveling both men feel exhausted. It is a good idea when they planned tomorrow to be a free day.

* * *

On Wednesday February 20th they are waiting for Kourosh and Jafar to arrive. For some reason they are delayed.

“Do you think they changed their minds?” ask Altan.

“I doubt it. They have their own agenda besides the agenda of our mission. They must have a legitimate reason, be patient.”

Ten minutes later the phone rings. “See they are here,” says Dentz.

Altan picks up the phone. It is a message to him from the front desk. There is a major accident northbound on the New Jersey Turnpike. They have been stuck in traffic for an hour. They will arrive as soon as they can.

Putting the receiver down, Altan repeats the message and goes on, “I am thankful they are not injured. It must be a very serious accident to cause that much delay.”

“Turn on the television, you will undoubtedly see it on breaking news on most local channels,” says Dentz.

Sure enough the first channel Altan selects provides a report on the six car pileup blocking all north bound traffic from exits nine through exits twelve.

Thirty minutes later, Kourosh and Jafar arrive. Both men look tired and frustrated.

Dentz says, “Come sit down the discussion will take your mind off of what happened.”

Altan adds, “We are glad you are not the injured parties. We watched it on the television after we received your message. What a mess and tragedy.”

When everyone seats themselves around the table, Dentz begins, “Do you have any idea of the type of areas you will target at the Port Authority?”

Kourosh responds, “There are eight of us in our group. Each one of us took a look at the area. We listed the ideas from each man and edited down to three areas. Then we broke down each of the three to prioritize the list to see which hit would be the most effective.”

Altan is curious what is on the list.

“Jafar, why don’t you continue since you came up with the suggestion,” says Kourosh.

Jafar hesitates a moment before speaking. “I envisioned the best target to be the cranes which load and unload the cargo containers from the vessels.”

Altan and Dentz look at each other a moment, Altan says, “How do you expect to disable the cranes?”

Jafar continues, “It will take a great deal of explosives to do the job. Can you supply what we ask for?”

“How much will you need to accomplish this?” asks Dentz.

“Right now we don’t have it figured out. When do you need to know?”

“We will call you the first week of April and ask what your requirements are,” remarks Altan.

Dentz goes on, “What are the other areas on your list?”

Kourosh answers, “We could hit some of the cargo containers, or do some damage to one of the vessels along the piers.”

Dentz sits back in his chair and smiles. “I like it, you figure out what you need and we will do our best to get it to you.”

Altan looks at Dentz, then responds, “It sounds like you gentlemen have done your homework on this. Let me order some coffee and then we can continue. I’m sure after sitting in traffic so long you could use something.”

* * *

Altan and Dentz review the final details with Kourosh and Jafar after having the coffee. It is close to noon so they plan to take the two men to lunch. Fortunately, the cell’s excellent planning made up for the lost time this morning and they are still on schedule for their second meeting.

* * *

Navid and Giv arrive on time. Their meeting exhibits details, with various choices. They discuss four primary financial targets in the Manhattan area. The New Jersey team, California, and Virginia are more focused than New York and Texas, thinks Dentz.

Dentz asks, “What criteria are you going to use to make a final decision on which one to target?’

Navid replies, “How soon do you need to know?”

Altan answers, “We don’t need to know what you decided. We need to know how much explosive to provide you, when we call the first week of April.”

Dentz goes on, “I only asked my question, because I’m sure each one of your choices is excellent. I am curious is my only reason for asking,”

Giv speaks, “Our group is leaning towards one particular target. However, no final decision has been made.”

Altan reviews the final details with Navid and Giv. The meeting is ended at four o’clock for them to avoid the heavy commuter traffic heading back to New York.

* * *

The following day, Altan and Dentz check out at 10:00, drive over to the airport to return the Hertz vehicle and check in. Their flight leaves at noon and they will be back in Columbus by 2:15 pm.

* * *

The evening of their return Dentz decides to call Azim.

“Azim, make your reservations to come to Columbus the second week of March. I will call you the Sunday before and let you know where we are staying. Tell our friends the final meetings with our groups are completed.”

“What else should I know?”

“We will discuss those issues when you are here.”

* * *

Azim’s report arrives at Imam Adel’s desk. He is so anxious to read it he starts to shake while he tears the mailing envelope apart.

Our two friends have completed all of their meetings with the five groups. I need to have the resources to complete the next phase of the plan. I must have them in my possession by the end of March. Send them to me overnight with signature

required.

Adel cannot wait to this on to the senior mullah.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Meeting with Azim

On Wednesday, the second week of March, Azim’s flight arrives in Columbus. From past visits, he is familiar with the terminal. He pulls his carry-on behind him, Azim heads outside looking for the shuttle bus to the Four Points Hotel. Feeling a bit disgusted about having to deal with the winter weather in the United States, Azim cannot wait for the project to finalize. He doesn’t want to shovel any more snow.

Azim stands on the island where you meet shuttles for various hotels. With his collar turned up, stomping from one leg to the next, and his hands in his pockets, he is trying to block out the cold winter wind. He wonders how people deal with this insane weather all of their lives. He cannot comprehend how his cousin and family acclimated themselves to these conditions.

The Four Points shuttle finally makes the turn to arrive at his terminal. He imagines the driver should have the heat turned up. At least he will be out of this forsaken wind. After a series of stops, it takes the shuttle nearly fifteen minutes to arrive at the hotel. By this time he is beginning to thaw out.

Walking across the lobby, Azim heads to the registration desk and asks for Mr. Yilmiz’s room. The young lady at the desk calls and is advised to send him up. She directs him to the elevators around the corner. On the eighth floor he finds room 810.

Altan answers on the first knock. “Come in, you look terribly cold.”

“Terribly cold is putting it mildly, this is my last trip here. I hate this weather.”

Dentz responds, “The weather man says spring is just around the corner, Azim.”

“Sure and those people are wrong more than they are right. How do they keep their jobs?”

Laughing Altan suggests, “Maybe, it’s politics, Azim.”

Azim gives him a dirty look and says, “Do you have any hot coffee up here?”

“Not, at the moment, I’ll order some from room service.”

“Ask them to make it quickly will you, my insides are still shivering.”

Altan and Dentz try not to laugh at his discomfort. He would have been smart to purchase some warm clothes while he is here. Neither man wants to comment.

* * *

Room service was prompt, the coffee arrived on a cart along with some pastry.

The three of them seat themselves on the couch and easy chairs.

With his second cup of coffee in his hands, Azim begins, “So, you have concluded your final meeting with your select groups.”

“Yes, we will them the first week of April to obtain how much C4 you must deliver to each one,” replies Dentz.

“I need to deliver, how did this come about?”

“You are the explosives expert among us. It is imperative you make sure they fully understand how to handle the stuff, just as you taught us,” continues Dentz.

“That is why I taught you, so you two could do the lessons.”

Altan says, “When we left Iran, we reminded the religious leaders, you are the expert. We told them it would be your part of the mission. If you don’t handle this portion there wouldn’t have been a reason to have you here. Our cells know we will only communicate with them by phone in the future. They will be meeting the third member of our team in late April or early May.”

Azim squirms in his chair, while he contemplates his unexpected role in this.

He says, “How am I expected to deliver these explosives?”

“Azim, you are a smart man. That is your responsibility. We don’t want to know where or how you get the material. That is part of our security. Before you leave today, I will give you the names, addresses and phone number of each cell leader. You need to work out how you will get everything to each one. When you call them, close to their locations, you are to say, ‘Altan sent me.’ If they need training it shouldn’t take more than one day for each one. We want them to have the materials by the end of April or no later than the first week of May.”

“When are the targets being hit?”

“So long as they receive the deliveries, Altan and I will select a date. Right after you drop off the last load we want you to head directly back to Detroit by plane.”

“When will I know so I can advise Adel?”

“After you arrive safely back in Detroit, you are to advise him to watch news broadcasts for the next forty-five days. He will learn of our target dates from the media,” says Altan.

“How about me, when will I know?”

“We will call you a week before the target date. We suggest you plan to vacate Detroit that same week.”

“Don’t you think that might be suspicious?”

Altan speaks, “What do you care, how it looks, so long as you are free and clear. If you do your part without getting caught delivering the explosives, there should be nothing to worry you.”

“Look, I am getting hungry and I will not be back until tonight. I need some food.”

Dentz says, “We’ll go downstairs to the dining room. The lunch crowd should be cleared now.”

* * *

After lunch they spend another three hours working out more details. Azim leaves at four-thirty.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Back in Detroit

When Azim arrives back at his cousin’s home, Ali meets him at the door and says, “An envelope arrived for you this morning. I had to sign for it. It is on the coffee table in the living room.”

Azim doesn’t want the envelope sitting around anymore than necessary. He believes he knows what is inside and no one other than himself must read its contents.

“Thank you Ali, I’ve had a long day with my friends I’ll take the envelope up to my room. Is there any chance there are leftovers from dinner. We had a late lunch and I haven’t taken the time to eat dinner.”

“When you come down I will check for leftovers, I am sure there are some in the refrigerator.”

Azim enters the living room and picks up the envelope. He tries to deflect attention from it by saying, “I was expecting this. My Imam wants me to do him some favors while I am here in the states.” He heads up to his room.

Rather than leave an open envelope hanging around, he heads downstairs for dinner before he opens it.

As Azim enters the kitchen, Ali says, “There are plenty of leftovers from two different evening meals. Take a look in the refrigerator and heat up whatever you want in the microwave.”

As Azim makes his selections, Ali sits at the kitchen table. Uh-Oh, just as I suspected would happen. Ali wants to talk.

When the microwave’s timer dings, Azim selects a plate from the cabinet and places the food onto the dish.

“Azim, I am worried about you. You don’t seem to be relaxed. Is everything okay with you?”

“Yes, you needn’t worry. I am fine. Do you have any pita bread?”

“Let me get it for you.” Ali moves over to the bread box and takes out a container of pita bread. “Would you like some hummus with this?”

“That would be fine. Thank you.”

As Ali sits back down, Azim goes on, “In a couple of weeks my friends want me to them on a tour of the country. It make take us a couple of weeks, is that

okay with you?”

“Fine my wife and I are just concerned you are not relaxing and enjoying yourself. Can we do anything to help you?”

“No, being a gracious host is enough for me. I suspect I am getting homesick for Iran.”

“I can understand those feelings, we went through the same things when we first arrived here. I guess we shouldn’t expect you to be any different.”

“Ali, I was telling my friends that after our trip I might plan to go back.”

“Won’t you at least stay for a while after you return from this trip? After all who knows when we will see each other again?”

“These leftovers are great, yes, I will stay a while after I return from the trip.”

“When are your friends planning to take the trip?”

“Sometime in early April. I should be back by the end of the month.”

The conversation changes and Azim feels a little more relaxed. He feels

obligated to spend the evening with Ali and his wife watching television. They have been great to him. He is glad there will not be any terrorism here near them.

After the eleven o’clock news, Azim walks upstairs to wash up and go to bed. While he was watching television he was making plans to hide the envelope from any prying eyes. Tomorrow he will go to one of the local banks and sign for a safe deposit box. He will be the only one with the keys and no one needs to know what he has done.

* * *

After lunch Azim anxiously opens the envelope. He learns he has three choices of where to obtain the C4 explosives. He has names, addresses and phone numbers. The three he can choose from are located in Michigan, New York and Montana. Imam Adel advises him how Iran will handle the financial arrangements for the supplier. Adel instructs him not to the supplier until he knows the quantity he needs for the teams.

Azim places the envelope under the mattress until he goes to the bank.

* * *

His cousins didn’t allow him much time to himself last night. He really cannot blame them. They have been wonderful to him.

However, he is really pissed the religious leaders allowed Altan and Dentz to maneuver them so they aren’t involved with the explosives. If he gets caught, there is no connection to them. He never knows where they will be staying until they tell him. They move around like ghosts.

The whole affair will be on his shoulders if something goes wrong. This bothers him, it wasn’t supposed to be like this.

I must be smart like Jibril taught me to be years ago. I need to play the part of the cagey cat. Especially, when I follow Adel’s final instructions for me.

* * *

Five hours after Azim wakes up, Altan and Dentz have checked into the Towne Place Suites after leaving the Four Points for the last time. They will stay here until they need to switch for the last time.

Chapter Fifty-Nine

First Week of April

Monday, the first week of April, Altan begins making five calls. He plans to work his calls from the east coast to the west coast because of time zones.

New York is his first call. He handles the cell phone as if it is explosive.

Three rings after he dials, Navid answers.

“Navid, this is Altan, how much material do you need?”

“Send us ten pounds that should be sufficient.”

“You will be hearing from our team member.” He disconnects the call.

New Jersey is his second call. The phone he is using has made two calls. He picks up another phone.

After dialing the number, it takes five rings for Kourosh to answer.

“Kourosh, this is Altan, what do you need for your project?”

“Ninety pounds should do it.”

“Did I hear you correctly, Nine-zero pounds?”

“Yes, you did, that is the minimum for the job.”

“Your order is accepted. You will receive a call before delivery.” He disconnects.

Virginia is his third call. He is placing the second call on the phone he is holding. He and Dentz are adhering to the strict rules of only two calls per phone. After that they disable them and throw away the components in various locations.

It only takes two rings for Hassan to answer.

“Hassan, this is Altan, have you figured out the weight you need?”

“Yes, send us five pounds.”

“Consider it done.” Altan disconnects the phone.

Now he hopes to reach Texas. Picking up a third cell phone he dials Hami.

Hami answers on the third ring.

“Hami, this is Altan, have you calculated the weight you need?”

“Send us twenty-five pounds.”

“Thank you, you will be receiving a call.” Altan disconnects.

For the final call he dials California.

On the second ring Asad answers.

“Asad, this is Altan, I am looking for the number of pounds you need?”

“We calculated we need fifty pounds.”

“Thank you, you will receive a call for delivery.” He ends the call.

Altan turns around and looks to Dentz, do you think Azim can acquire one hundred and eighty pounds of C4?”

“I guess we’re going to find out if this project is real or not with this requirement. If not, we go back home and tell them they didn’t live up to their end of the bargain.”

“Will they believe that?”

“Who knows, but I’m not going to do a half-assed job to satisfy someone’s ego.”

Altan thinks about that a moment and responds, “I agree with you.”

Dentz continues, “We need to dismantle these phones and drop off the components somewhere. We also need to pick up three more in case we need them.”

“Fine by me, your ideas of security are better than mine,” says Altan.

* * *

Dentz wastes no time in calling Azim. Ali, his cousin answers the phone as

expected. Ali calls Azim to the phone. “Azim, we have a total weight and a breakdown. Can you write?”

“Give me a minute to get something to write with.”

Dentz gives him the breakdown and the total. He hears Azim whistle in the phone.

“Are you sure about this?” Azim asks.

“Yes, now it is your turn to do your job.”

Dentz ends the call just at the three minute mark.

Chapter Sixty

Azim Begins His Role

The following morning, Azim leaves his cousin’s home to take a walk. He tells his cousin and his wife he needs the exercise. His real purpose is to find a phone booth where he can make a phone call in privacy.

The morning is cool but not cold, the sun is out, its rays giving off more warmth as time es. He likes the area his cousin chose to live in, it has sidewalks and small parks. The homes are attractive and the local community takes pride in maintaining its public buildings so they are not an eyesore.

As he nears a shopping center, Azim sees a bank of phone booths that have enclosures to keep out the weather. He heads into the supermarket to obtain change to make calls.

Inside one of the booths, Azim finds himself getting anxious. He removes the paper from his jacket, on which he wrote the quantities down, along with the list of resources from Adel. He cannot believe they need this much explosive. What the hell are they planning?

He dials a number in Port Huron, Michigan. He hears a voice message asking him to leave a message and his call would be returned. Azim hangs up the receiver.

Damn, I cannot leave a message, I’ll call again later.

Azim continues to walk towards a series of shops he sees off in the distance.

* * *

Two hours later he finds another bank of phones and places the call again. After four rings, a woman answers. “Good afternoon, Port Huron Deliveries, can I help you?”

“I am looking to speak with Daniel Crocker, is he available? No sir, Daniel works our evening shift and will not be in until six tonight. Can I have someone else help you?”

“I’ll try to reach him this evening,” Azim hangs up the and realizes this is not going to be as simple as he thought.

* * *

That evening, Azim walks back to the supermarket area where the bank of enclosed phones is located. He has any choice of four, probably because pay phones are rarely used today.

He redials the number he called this morning. When another woman answers he asks for Daniel Crocker. “Hello, this is Daniel Crocker.”

“Daniel, your cousin Adel asked me to call you.” Momentarily, Dan is surprised by the call. Hesitantly Dan replies, “Oh, yeah, sure, how is my cousin?”

“He suggests we meet to discuss some business.”

Very quickly Dan says, “Mornings are best for me. Let’s meet at the Courtyard by Marriott in Pontiac. I can do Thursday at eleven. I’ll meet you in the lobby. We can have lunch there.”

“I will be waiting for you.”

Daniel is thankful the call is short, hanging up his phone, he glances around his office, wanting to see if anyone paid any attention. He received a coded message indicating he might be receiving a call. Is this really the call or are the authorities trying to uncover his operation?

Meanwhile, Azim begins walking back to his cousin’s home. He needs to rent a car. He is not going into this meeting totally blind. Adel recommended this guy as one source they used before, and Adel provided Azim with the current market price for C4 worldwide.

This should be interesting, I’ve never had to negotiate for explosives before, only to be sure they did what they were intended for, thinks Azim.

* * *

The drive to Pontiac is pleasant, with only minor traffic. The rental vehicle is equipped with a GPS navigational system and the directions to the Courtyard are easy to follow. Azim pulls into the parking lot at 10:45. Stepping out of the cab, he stretches from the stress of the ride, and from the tension of the meeting. He walks to the entrance way.

Azim selects one of the comfortable chairs near the coffee table in the lobby. He will wait to see how Dan Crocker will approach him.

Azim looks at his wristwatch, the time is 11:10, he is getting uncomfortable.

Meanwhile Dan Crocker has been observing the lobby for the last thirty minutes and decides this is not a set-up. He walks into the lobby area and moves towards Azim.

Leaning over Dan says, “Hello, I am Adel’s cousin. Would you care to have an early lunch with me?

Rising, Azim replies, “Yes, he told me a great deal about you. There are some things we have in common.”

No one pays any attention to the short American with blond hair, wearing a

brown sports jacket with tan slacks, while he is talking to the gentleman with a dark complexion.

Dan leads the way to the dining room. Azim notices he must be familiar with this place.

“Hello, Dan!” says the young hostess. “Are you here for a late breakfast or for an early lunch?”

“We’re going to have lunch, Denise.”

“It will be another fifteen minutes before you can order lunch, in the meantime let me get you seated along with some coffee.”

“Denise, we have business to discuss can you put us off somewhere that will fill up later.”

“Sure, no problem.”

After Dan and Azim are seated, Dan looks at him and says, “I received a message to expect a call three weeks ago. I almost forgot about it until you called.”

Carefully, Azim replies, “I have been occupied with other details. This is the first chance I’ve had to you.”

“So, how are things with Adel? I haven’t seen him for at least four years.”

“You’ve been in my country?” Azim asks with a great deal of surprise.

“A couple of times on some special projects for another company I used to work for.”

The next fifteen to twenty minutes are taken up in get-to-know each other conversation.

Their pretty blond waitress arrives and hands them lunch menus. “My name is Jeanne and I will give you a few minutes to look at the menus. Would you like some more coffee?”

Dan answers for the both of them. “Keep it coming, we may be here for a while.”

The waitress returns in five minutes and they place their orders.

“So, Azim, I assume you wish to make a purchase.”

“Yes, I want to acquire some C4, are you able to deliver?”

“How much are you looking for?”

Azim hesitates then replies, “One hundred and eighty pounds.”

Dan almost chokes drinking his coffee. “Are you serious?”

“Yes, and I need it next week. Are you able to deliver?”

Dan sits back in the booth. He knows he only has two hundred pounds in inventory. If he empties his stock he might lose other customers.

“I need to check my inventory.”

The conversations ceases as the food is delivered. When the young lady departs Dan continues.

“How can I reach you to let you know?”

“You cannot, I will you. Should, I use the same number as before?”

“Good Lord no, this project is too big. We will need to have a longer

conversation then I want to at that number. If we agree on a price, I will have an answer for you in two days.”

The food in front of them is delicious. Both men are enjoying the grilled salmon with a baked potato and salad with honey mustard dressing.

As they talk they begin to discuss pricing.

Dan’s first price is nearly twice the rate Adel gave him.

“Dan, I know the market price. That is twice as much.”

“Sure if you want to purchase the cheap crap made in third world countries. I’ll throw in two spools of detonation cord and two dozen remotes.”

“Still too much, Adel gave me three sources to . I guess I will need to the other two.”

Dan looks at him for a few moments without saying anything. “I really don’t need to check my inventory. I have enough in stock. The problem is if I fill your order I won’t have much left for other business for another month. I could lose customers.”

“Not my problem,” Azim says. “I am willing to pay you twenty-five percent more since you say it is better quality. I still want the extras. If we agree today, I

will not call anyone else.”

Dan finishes his plate and pushes it off to the side. “Where is all of this stuff going?”

“You do not need to know.”

“Am I going to have the fed down my neck?”

“Not if you play it right with me.”

“I want the payment up front when you pick it up.”

“Adel told me how he has previously wired money to your Swiss . The money will be in the the day before I arrive to load the goods.”

“Alright, we have a deal. I will give you the address you need to pick up the goods. I want you there by ten in the morning. You can be on your way in fifteen minutes.”

“Give me the address and another phone number I can use in case I need to you. I will be there Tuesday, the 10th of this month.”

Dan takes a card out of his jacket and adds a phone number to it.

Both men rise, Dan picks up the check and they head out to the lobby.

Exiting the front entrance, Dan says, “I’ll see you on the 10th so long as Adel lives up to his word.”

“He will, you needn’t worry about him. You make sure you have the right quantity and the extras on hand when I arrive.”

* * *

On the way back to Dearborn, Azim has a lot of time to think about what type of vehicle he would use for his long journey.

At first he thinks he would rent a custom van with a sleeper and stop at truck stops for food and showers. That thought was not too appealing. He will investigate renting an RV if he finds one suitable for his needs. He should be less conspicuous if he is traveling as a tourist.

Tomorrow the first thing he must do is send Adel an overnight priority letter on how much and when to transfer the money into the Swiss bank. Adel had given him some flexibility on closing the deal, so there will not be any repercussions about the pricing.

Chapter Sixty-One

April 9th

Monday afternoon, Azim takes a cab to the outskirts of Detroit and visits an RV rental center. He walks around the lot a few minutes before one of the sales agents approach.

After discussing his needs for a trip around the west coast and some southern states by himself, the agent suggests he looks at a Compact RV. They agent tells him of the great gas mileage a Compact gets, between fourteen and fifteen miles per gallon. The agent says, “As long as you have all of your supplies, you never need to worry where you’re going to stay. I can also give you a guide of RV camps in the country to help you along your way.”

Azim looks over the Compact RV. Anything larger would be more than what he needs. This would provide him with everything. All he has to do is stock it with supplies whenever he runs low.

Azim signs a contract with the agent to rent the RV for at least three weeks, possibly four weeks. It will be returned to this location which reduces his costs. He will pick up the unit tomorrow morning at eight.

Leaving the RV center, Azim heads back into Dearborn. This time he takes a bus to waste some of the afternoon away. He must think of a good story to tell his

cousin and his wife. They have been forewarned he might be leaving to travel with some friends. Yet, they are unaware he is leaving tomorrow. It must drive them a little crazy how he tends to pop in and out at times.

In the morning he will take a cab to the RV center, to pick up the Compact RV, and drive straight to Pontiac. If he arrives early, he will stock up on what he needs before he picks up the goods from Dan. If not, he will do so after the meeting. He doesn’t want his cousin to know how he is planning to travel. He would have too many questions Azim doesn’t want to answer.

Chapter Sixty-Two

April 10th

Driving out of the RV center, Azim heads into Detroit to pick up the major route towards Pontiac. He’s glad the RV has power steering. He is not used to driving something this large. The center provided him with a full tank of gas. The forty gallon fuel tank should take him a good distance before he needs to fill up again.

Azim begins his discipline of not exceeding the speed limit. He doesn’t want to give any police officer the opportunity to stop and question him.

He arrives in Pontiac at nine forty-five and heads directly to the location Dan provided. The GPS unit he purchased is a savior to aid him in getting around.

At five minutes to ten he pulls up the driveway to a warehouse. Dan comes out to make sure the driver is Azim. He punches a code and the overhead door lifts to allow the RV inside.

Inside the warehouse, Azim gets out. Dan comes alongside and tells him he has six boxes for him. Three weigh fifty pounds and one weighs thirty pounds and the other two are the extras he promised.

Azim asks, “Does each brick weigh one pound?”

“That is what my supplier tells me. I haven’t had any questions or comments from my commercial customers about the sizes. So I assume the supplier is telling me the truth.”

“I would like to remove the bricks from the boxes and count them. Not that I don’t trust you. Someone up the chain will ask me if I did.”

“I understand, let me help you.”

“Where are the spools of detonation coil, blasting caps, and two dozen remotes?”

“I have them over against the wall. We can count those as well if you like.”

“I will, you are being paid handsomely for this transaction. I want to be sure we are getting what we paid for.”

Dan watches Azim unpack the boxes, holding a couple trying to estimate the weight, and cautiously repacking each one. Azim works without saying a word. He realizes Azim knows how to handle C4, probably better than he does himself.

One hour later, Azim shakes Dan’s hand saying, “ we have never met.”

Dan replies, “That works two ways.”

Azim backs out of the warehouse. He drives over to a supermarket he spotted on the way to the warehouse. He doesn’t mind leaving the vehicle since it has an alarm system built into it.

* * *

Before heading onto the highway, Azim pulls into a local gas station and tops off his fuel tank. Entering the RV, Azim reprograms the GPS to get him to his first overnight.

The GPS begins the process of retracing his route back to Detroit to pick up route 75 southbound and then onto route 80 west.

“This is going to be one long drive,” he says to himself. He pats himself on the back verbally for having the idea to use an RV instead of any other type of vehicle. The drive should be more comfortable and he has everything at his fingertips. He will be able to pray in the RV which solves his worship requirements, and he can prepare his own food. Tonight he must read the directions on adding more fresh water and removing both the sewage and grey water (the used water from showers and dishes).

* * *

A couple of hours after leaving Pontiac, Azim reaches Route 80 south of Toledo, Ohio. Changing highways he resets the cruise control to the higher allowed speed and relaxes a bit more while he is driving. He is amazed at how easy it was to obtain the C4 and freely transport it around this country. He hopes the rest of his trip will be as simple as today.

* * *

The sun is setting lower in the sky as he nears South Bend, Indiana. The RV stop he selected from the camp directory is supposed to be close to the highway. He hopes they have a spot for him to hook-up for water and disposals. Being new at this has its disadvantages, someone at the camp will probably assist him when he explains he is an amateur at camping.

* * *

Since it’s early in the vacationing season, the RV camp has plenty of room available. When he s for one night, the owner tells his son to help Azim hook up the fresh water and show him how to remove the waste products.

Following those procedures, Azim prepares some dinner and tries to rethink the day’s events. The stress of the transfer and the driving are making him tired. He closes up the RV for the night and sets his watch for morning prayers. Azim plans to leave early to avoid as much morning traffic as possible.

* * *

After prayers the next morning, he makes some instant coffee and eats some breakfast. He leaves the camping area at six o’clock. He realizes even this amount of traffic is more than he is accustomed to, hoping the rest of the day it will lighten up. He wants to try and reach Iowa City, Iowa before sunset. He will be on Route 80 for a couple of days.

Chapter Sixty-Three

Westward Bound

Driving Route 80 for hours is very boring. Since he left Ohio and entered Iowa all Azim has seen so far is flat land. He is thankful to have cruise control otherwise his foot would get numb. Tonight he will relax after parking at a camp just outside of Iowa City near the highway.

* * *

Azim’s third night is spent in Nebraska outside of North Platte. Tomorrow his plans are for a short drive on Route 80. Then turn left south-southwest onto Denver, Colorado. Then he heads to Grand Junction, Colorado. The mountain ranges are a nice change from the flat lands. They remind him of home, only these appear taller.

* * *

Back in Columbus, Dentz and Altan are going out to have dinner. Dentz asks, “Are you wondering about Azim?”

“Yes, I assume he is moving free and clear otherwise we would hear it on the news.”

“You’re right, it would be all over national news. I plan to call him on the fourth of May. He should be back by then.”

Altan asks, “Are we going to give the target dates on the fifth?”

“Yes, this will give them plenty of time to do some last minute surveillance or whatever they need to do.”

“Good, let’s go have dinner. Everything is in place, let us see how Allah works the results.”

* * *

The fourth day, Azim is very tired of driving. He would like to stop somewhere for a day, however the schedule doesn’t allow it. He must push on even though his body aches. He is moving on Route 15 south and plans to sign into the RV camp north of Las Vegas. He realizes he only has one more overnight before he drops off his first load. He cannot wait to get out from behind this steering wheel. He falls asleep before he cleans his utensils.

* * *

After a sound sleep, morning prayers, and a quick breakfast, Azim showers, leaves the RV camp and fills up the gas tank before he continues on Route 15. Three hours later he enters the town of Barstow, California. From Barstow he heads northward on Route 58. That will take him to his destination, although he will stay near the town of Tehachapi. Tonight he will call the first drop to arrange a time and place.

On the way to Tehachapi he es Edwards Air Force Base. He is aware most of the American shuttle landings take place there. He wonders if the hit will be on the base.

Chapter Sixty-Four

Delivering His Cargo

The sixth straight day on the road, Azim leaves the RV camp outside of Tehachapi, after programing the address Asad gave him into his GPS for Edison.

In an hour he turns the corner for the given address. Before he stops he plans to drive around the block and look for anything that might look suspicious.

After two complete loops around the block, one in each direction, Azim pulls up to the house.

A man walks out of the house and comes to the driver’s side of the RV.

“Azim, I presume. I am glad you told me what you were driving.”

“Let me get out and stretch my legs a few minutes, then we can go into the back quarters.”

Azim steps outside, Altan and Dentz are going to owe him for this trip, he thinks.

Azim unlocks the side door of the trailer and both men step inside.

“Asad, do you know how to handle the explosives?”

“I assume you are carrying C4.”

“Yes, have you any experience with it?”

“Some, but not for at least ten years,” Asad replies.

“Then I will refresh your memory.” For the next two hours the two review handling, setting detonations cords, blasting caps, and using a remote detonator, something Asad never used before.

When Azim feels Asad understands and is comfortable, he says, “Where are you going to store it?”

“I am going to place it in my trunk, inside of the garage, and arrange to meet one of my men this evening to store it in a safe location until we need it.”

“Fine, open your garage and we can move what you requested inside.”

* * *

After the goods are moved, Azim asks, “Do you have a mosque in your community, I have been praying in this vehicle. I would enjoy going to a mosque.”

“To answer your question, “Yes, we do have a mosque, however, I suggest you rethink your idea of going. We know that we have been under surveillance. If you pull up with an RV with out of state plates, you are going to stick out. I would suggest you don’t go, it would be safer for you, especially with the cargo you are carrying.”

‘You’re right, I shouldn’t take the chance. I’ll heed your advice, thanks.”

“Why don’t you stay and have dinner with my wife and myself this evening.”

“Thanks for the offer, only I make it a rule not to let unnecessary people see me. You never know when one might slip and innocently say something.”

“I understand, are you going to head out now?”

“My drive from Tehachapi wasn’t long, so I can get a couple of hours in before I stop.”

“Azim, I like the RV idea, I don’t think I would have thought of it.”

Azim smiles as they shake hands once more and he gets behind the wheel to leave.

* * *

Before leaving Edison, Azim programs his GPS to get him to Route 5 southbound. He will take that freeway into Los Angeles and then pick up Route 10. Which will take him all the way to Austin, Texas. One thing he is learning, the drives here are very long in this part of the country but the interstate systems are excellent.

Leaving Edison isn’t a problem, getting to and through Los Angeles is a pain in the butt. This traffic is unreal. How do they live like this? thinks Azim.

Once he is clear of Los Angeles, the traffic thins out. He decides he will look for the next RV camp in the directory and stop earlier this evening.

* * *

It takes him four days to arrive in Austin. He calls Hami to set a meeting date for tomorrow night.

The next night Azim meets Hami at a public storage location in downtown Austin. While Azim would not use this type of facility, he feels Hami might be wise in his thinking of hiding something somewhere everyone sees and never pays attention.

Hami assures Azim he and his people are experienced with C4. Although Azim has doubts about Hami’s confidence he gives him the amount he asked for along with the necessary det cord, blasting caps and remotes.

He cannot afford to waste time if this man doesn’t want to learn more than he thinks he already knows. Besides he has to shop and replenish his supplies.

* * *

Leaving Austin the next morning, he heads up Route 35 northward to get to Arkansas. From Tennessee, he continues to Virginia. It takes him four days to make the trip.

Azim is weary of making this run, and his anger at Altan and Dentz is beginning to build. He was supposed to be leading this mission not be a delivery boy.

The RV camp he finds in the directory isn’t far from the location Hassan told him to meet. He reserves his campsite for two nights. Azim plans to crash for one night, after they meet. He needs a break before beginning his last two runs up the east coast. More importantly, he needs to empty the grey water tank and refill the fresh water tank before he leaves. The rest of the trip’s RV camp directory looks a little sparse so he wants to make sure he has everything.

The following noontime, Azim pulls into a park area. He begins to look for the visitors parking area Hassan told him about. He knows what kind of vehicle Hassan is driving and the plate number. He will meet Hassan and talk in his vehicle. As he enters the visitor parking area he sees Hassan’s car parked past the restroom area, away from most of the foot traffic.

Parking the RV next to Hassan’s blue Ford, he gets out and walks around to the driver’s side.

Hassan drops his window down. “Azim?”

“Yes, let me in on the enger side.”

Hassan hits the electric door locks allowing Azim entry.

Inside of the Ford, Azim and Hassan make the standard courtesies. Then Azim asks, “I only have five pounds of C4 for you, is that an error?”

“No, five will do what we plan to do.”

Azim shrugs, he has never attempted anything with less than ten pounds. For some reason this doesn’t feel right.

“Are you familiar with C4, det cords, blasting caps and remotes?”

“Everything except remotes, can you explain how they work?”

“Let me get one out of the vehicle. Open your trunk and I will place the other materials inside so I don’t make too many moves and make people suspicious.”

For the next half hour, Azim explains, and repeats twice more, how to use the remotes.

“Are you comfortable with remotes now?”

“Yes, they’re not complicated, we can handle it.”

The two say their goodbyes.

Azim leaves Hassan and begins moving the RV out of the park, away from any wandering eyes that might take notice of the two of them.

* * *

Azim heads back to the RV camp to spend the rest of the day relaxing.

* * *

Azim’s trip to Brunswick, New Jersey is uneventful. It takes two days. When he locates the RV camp he selected from the directory, he places a call into the fourth cell leader and sets up time to meet him the next evening.

Azim loads the address into the GPS and drives to the destination. He realizes how clever, the leader is. Kourosh selected a large shopping center with plenty of vehicles in the lot, and with the cover of darkness, no one will be paying attention to the two of them moving materials from the RV to his minivan. They will assume the two were shopping.

Arriving at the center of the parking lot, Azim drives into the far corner of the lot as directed. He spots the white minivan with the plate number he was given. There are three vacant spots near Kourosh’s vehicle. He picks the closest one to park in.

He gets out of the RV and locks the doors. Walking up to the minivan’s driver door he taps on the glass. “You are Kourosh?”

Kourosh lowers his window, “Come inside, let’s talk.”

Inside the two men discuss what Azim is delivering.

Kourosh says, “I am surprised you were able to obtain everything we asked for. That is a lot of explosives.”

“That is what you asked for and we said we would deliver.”

Azim goes into his questioning about their knowledge of C4.

Kourosh assures him they know how to handle it. However, like the others he asks for an explanation on handling the remotes.

Azim takes the time to make sure Kourosh understands the value and operational use of the remotes. It is vital for their missions.

When both men are satisfied, they get out of the minivan. Kourosh opens the tailgate and Azim unlocks the RV.

Inside of the RV, Azim points out the boxes, he and Kourosh will transfer to the van.

When everything is complete, both men shake and leave in separate directions.

Azim heads back to the RV camp, beginning to feel a little more relaxed, one hundred seventy pounds of the shipment are unloaded. If he had been stopped and searched he would be spending the rest of his life in some jail somewhere.

As he pulls into his reserved spot at the RV camp, he thinks, One more delivery and I can head back to Michigan, then only one more assignment to accomplish.

* * *

Two days later, Azim is meeting Navid in a rest area on the New York Thruway in the Hudson River area. Navid suggested this would be the safest and easiest place, for them to make the transfer. Besides, he realizes Azim might become confused inside of Manhattan or even get into an accident because of the traffic congestion. If the police got involved, that could become a problem.

Once the transfer is completed, and Azim goes through his information process, both men get back onto the Thruway. Azim will begin heading west towards Buffalo, New York and Navid east back towards the Bronx.

* * *

It takes Azim two days to arrive back in Detroit. He calls his cousin Ali, before he turns in the RV. He asks Ali to meet him at the center.

As Azim pulls into the center he notices Ali’s car is already waiting there for him. Parking the unit, he sees the salesman who suggested the Compact RV coming out of the office and heading over to him.

“How did you like the RV, were you happy with it?”

“It was a good suggestion. I enjoyed it. I met some friends along my trip and had a great time.”

“I’ll take the keys and close out your paperwork.”

Azim, goes over to Ali’s car and tells him it will be only a couple of minutes more.

When the paperwork is completed, the salesman says, “Come back again.”

“Thank you, I will.”

Getting into Ali’s car, his cousin asks, “You needed that rig for your trip, I thought you were flying.”

“Oh, my friends and I thought we would see the countryside from the ground. I picked them up and we traveled together. That rig handles three people.

“It is good to have you back, Azim.”

“It is good to be back.” Thank Allah for my safe and successful trip.

Chapter Sixty-Five

May 4th

After their dinner, Dentz calls Azim at his cousin’s home. His cousin Ali answers the phone and says, “Azim is outside, let me get him for you.”

Dentz watches the three minute egg timer drain. Azim picks up the phone.

“I see you have arrived safely. Everything went well for you.”

“Everything went very well.”

“Azim on the 27th of May we are flying into Newark, New Jersey and staying at the Sheraton Hotel near the airport. We will be leaving the morning of the 31st. This will be our last phone call to you, after you rest up leave for home.”

“When do things begin?”

“Soon, I need to hang up.” The call ends.

Altan turns to Dentz as he disconnects the phone. “Things went well for him.”

“That is what he told me. I can assume he had no difficulties or we would have seen it in the news.”

“Do we give the cells the dates tomorrow?”

“Yes, you should start calling after lunch.”

“I cannot believe we have come this far without any difficutly.”

“Altan, this country is so vulnerable, probably that will be their undoing.”

* * *

Lunch the next day doesn’t seem to digest easily because of their nerves.

Back in Altan’s room, with new cell phones, Altan begins his calls, each cell is already aware the call will be brief and to the point, also this will be the final call they will receive:

California: Asad, this is Altan, your date is: nighttime on May 27th.

Asad confirms May 27.

Texas: Hami, this is Altan, your date is: nighttime on May 28th.

Hami confirms May 28.

Virginia: Hassan, this is Altan, your date is: anytime on May 29th.

Hassan confirms May 29.

New Jersey: Kourosh, this is Altan, your date is: nighttime on May 30th.

Kourosh confirms May 30.

Dentz is motioning to Altan that he wants to talk into the phone.

“Kourosh, Dentz wants to say something.” Altan hands Dentz the phone. “Kourosh, I need you to pick me up an untraceable 9mm semi. I will call you on the 27th of May and tell you where to meet me.”

“I can do that. How much should I spend?”

“Purchase a quality one with two extra magazines and fifty rounds of hollow points. I will reimburse you when you deliver it.”

“I’ll wait for your call.”

New York: Navid, this is Altan, your date is: morning on May 31st.

Navid confirms May 31.

* * *

After Altan makes the last call, he turns to Dentz and asks, “What was that all about?”

“I’ve been thinking I might want us to have some insurance in case we need it leaving here.”

Altan looks at his friend wondering what he is thinking.

Chapter Sixty-Six

May 27th

Memorial Day late night traffic is light, possibly because of the price of gasoline. Just the same, Asad’s team is happy to know fewer numbers of drivers are on the road to take notice of them parked near the Dawn Road exit, just north on Route 14 above Rosamond, California, at nine-thirty.

Their biggest concern is if a California Highway Patrol or a Kern County Sheriff stops to investigate why the car is in the breakdown lane. They are prepared with an excuse but would rather not deal with it, because their license plate would go on record. Hopefully, the plate hasn’t been listed as stolen yet.

Asad has three other men, with him, setting charges on the center s of the Route 14 over entering the town of Mojave.

As they near completion of setting the charges he observes a vehicle coming north. The car blinks its lights which is their signal. As the vehicle pulls up to the over, Asad says, “Park about one hundred yards beyond the over. I want you to set the other charges you have on the railroad tracks north of the over.”

Saeed replies, “We’ve had no problem near Dawn Road. The charges are set to go in forty-five minutes. We will handle the tracks.”

Asad then directs the other two men to set the remainder of the C4 below the tanker cars on the railroad tracks south of the bridge.

With all of the charges set they lie down in the dark alongside of the road, waiting for the first explosion.

Fifteen minutes later, a fire ball bursts, then the explosion sound south on Route 14. The section of the track they have destroyed will take weeks if not months to repair.

“Alright, everyone knows their positions, when I press the remote to destroy the tracks near the tanker cars, you are to fire your RPGs into the oil tanks. shoot the last two first so you are clear of the blasts from the first two when they go up,” says Asad.

“Drop your canisters as soon as you fire and head across the over, so I can fire the charges underneath.”

The remotes work well for the charges set near the tanker cars and railroad tracks, the first two tanker cars erupt and burst into flames immediately.

* * *

As soon as the explosion occurs near the Dawn Road exit, lights go on across

Route 14 and phones are dialing for 9-1-1.

“Nine-one-one operator, is this an emergency?”

“I don’t really know,” says the first caller. “There was some kind of explosion on Route 14 near Dawn Road.”

The operator replies, “I’ll notify the Kern County Sheriff’s department and the Highway Patrol.”

The night duty sheriff’s car is parked near Tom’s Restaurant on Rosamond Blvd. He gets the call, makes his acknowledgement and heads east to pick up Route 14 northbound to get to the Dawn Road exit.

The Highway Patrol car is patrolling close to Edwards Air Force Base and will cut across to get to Rosamond and up Route 14.

* * *

The sheriff’s car reaches the site sooner than the highway patrol car. He is calling in what he sees to his dispatcher.

As he is on his radio, the highway patrol car pulls up behind him. Both cars are flashing their overhead lights making the area very bright.

As the trooper walks to the sheriff’s car the tanker cars and the oil storage tanks explode.

“Good God, what the hell is going on,” the deputy says into his mike.

The trooper runs to his vehicle to report in. He gives a quick report of the explosion and starts his cruiser to head towards Mojave.

* * *

The tank cars and the four storage tanks are ablaze, and fire is spreading through the area. Asad makes a quick head count to make sure his men are across the over.

Then he presses the remote detonator.

There are four separate large explosions underneath the over. He can see the site beginning to sway in the shockwaves and it crumbles downward before his eyes, leaving a huge open pit on Route 14.

His men are in their vehicle and as he approaches he hits the final detonator and the last of the C4 explodes destroying railroad tracks and a number of cars that were north of the over.

Jumping into the rear of their vehicle he tells his driver, “, head straight through town like nothing happened. Do not speed or we will attract attention. The CHP should be sending more cars into Mojave. They are likely to come into town along the airplane storage grounds. I want to head to the far end of town where 14 north goes around Denny’s and picks up Route 58 further down the road.

“Then we turn left onto 58 and we should be home in forty-five minutes.”

Saeed says, “We were successful.”

“Yes, we were, now we hope we didn’t leave any traces around to find us,” says Asad.

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Aftermath from Mojave

The CHP trooper in the cruiser heading north to Mojave, sees the road fully engulfed in flames in front of him. He realizes he cannot safely make it through that wall of flames. Little does he realize that past the flames is one gigantic crater.

Asad was correct in his assessment, the CHP cruisers coming into Mojave from Route 58 came into town down the road ing the airplane storage area. They saw the flames from the moment they left their station. In town they turn left and head south.

The last explosion was actually a blessing for them. The first cruiser stops because of large pieces of boxcar metal and track rails in the road. The trooper gets out to look around.

He maneuvers his way through the wreckage and comes upon the crater. Oh shit, he realizes if it wasn’t for the wreckage, he would have driven straight into the crater with another cruiser on top of him. He walks back to the cruiser behind his car as the second officer get out.

“What’s up?” asks the other officer.

“I’ll be damned if I know except that if it wasn’t for the wreckage in front of us, you and I might be dead in the bottom of a huge crater back there.”

“You’re shitting me, right.”

“Let’s call it in so we can get emergency crews to block off this road on both sides, then we can walk forward and you can see for yourself.”

* * *

Just before midnight, the president receives word of the explosions.

“Are there any casualties?” he asks.

“None that we are aware of,” says the secret service agent to a sleepy president.

“Call the directors of the FBI, CIA, NSA and Homeland Security, I want them in my office at eight. I also want everything you have on it at breakfast.”

“Yes sir, I will take care of it.”

* * *

Allison McDonald, CIA Director, John Walker, NSA Director, Mike Richardson, FBI Director, and James Decker, Homeland Security Director all receive the president’s instructions from the secret service agent.

As Allison hangs up her phone, she thinks, I think we found our terrorist group, or should I say, they found us.

* * *

Janet White, the president’s secretary, escorts the four individuals into the Oval Office. Inside the president stands from behind his desk and directs the group towards the easy chairs.

“From the reports I’ve received, what happened in California was a coordinated attack. To the best of my knowledge there was no loss of life. We are fortunate in that respect. I am assuming we can credit that to Mojave being almost in the middle of nowhere.”

All four directors are very attentive to the president’s words. They can tell there is a lot of meaning behind his statements, condemning each of them for the lack of warning.

“Mike, I want you in California today directing your people. John, the NSA needs to be extra vigilant for anything they hear to give us some facts about

these people before they strike again. Jim, your people need to Mike’s people; and I don’t want to hear anyone sabotaging his efforts. Allison, have your people backup Mike’s people by getting us some information or direction. We cannot let them get away with this.”

Allison asks, “Sir, do you think this might be the group we were looking for?”

The president looks each one of them in the eye before he responds, “Like yourselves, I can only speculate. But yes, I do.

“I’ve talked to the governor of California this morning. He hasn’t been aware of any terrorist groups in his state. That tells me we are all running blind, we need to change our tactics. How, I’m not sure yet.”

* * *

Mike Richardson arrived at Burbank, on the FBI’s special detail aircraft. In an hour he is in Rosamond talking with two of the Los Angeles office’s counter terrorism agents.

“What have you found so far?”

“Sir, from our initial inspection, we believe the Dawn Road bombing was a diversion, even though it was destructive.

“Then what?”

“The rest we are trying to piece together right now.”

Chapter Sixty-Eight

May 28th

At ten forty-five pm, two cars, each carrying three men approach the entrance gate for Towers Refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas. It is near the end of the afternoon shift for the security guards and for the employees. The guard observes the regulation parking permit on the windows and barely pays attention to the individuals inside the vehicles. He flags them through.

Hami is thrilled, the plan worked just as he hoped it would. Nearing the end of his shift, the guard has only one thing on his mind and that is getting relieved. He is sloppy at his job. This works to their benefit.

Both cars pull into one of the employee parking areas. They deliberately use the portion that is not well lighted. Hami has given each man his assignment. This operation should not take more than one hour to complete. They know what to do in case an emergency arises which forces them to evacuate hurriedly.

Their targets are: the control house, refiners, cooling towers, fractional towers, cracking towers and the distillation columns.

The six men split up to accomplish their tasks.

* * *

The front door of the control room opens, one of the men on the midnight shift steps outside. Something he ate for dinner has been bothering his stomach and he hopes some fresh air will help.

As he is trying to recover from what he ate, or maybe it was he ate too much, he notices a figure moving about the towers. The movements are not the typical movements of plant employees. Whoever it is appears to be hiding something and trying to avoid being seen.

He goes inside and calls the maintenance shop. The night shift supervisor answers.

“This is the control room. Do you have people moving about the cooling towers on any projects?”

“No, why do you ask?”

He explains what he saw when he stepped outside to get some fresh air.

“Call security, my men are all here inside working on equipment. I don’t send anyone out at this hour unless it’s an emergency.”

He hangs up and calls security. Repeating what he told maintenance and what maintenance relayed to him, he advises them they may want to check out the cooling towers.

The head of security is riding around the far end of the refinery on his mini-cart. He receives a call on his mobile radio from his dispatcher.

“I’ll go check it out, I’ll get back to you.”

It takes him another five minutes to reach the first set of towers, nothing appears unusual.

He continues on, then out of the corner of his eye he sees someone crawling around suspiciously.

“Hey, what the hell are you doing back there?”

The figure raises something in his hand, he fires his silenced pistol, the supervisor is thrown backward off of the cart.

Hitting the ground he checks himself to see how badly he is hurt. After being in Kuwait in the early nineties, he knows someone just tried to kill him. His shoulder is bleeding profusely, but more important he must spread the alarm.

He grabs his remote, thankfully connected to his uniform, pressing the alert

button, his dispatcher calls back immediately.

“Why the alert, is everything okay?”

“Someone just shot me in the shoulder, I need medical attention, but first activate our emergency plans, close everything down and get the employees outside of the gate.”

“Where are you, chief?”

“I’m on the ground by the cooling towers. Activate the city police response alarm.”

“Yes sir.” The dispatcher calls the gate and then notifies the police of the shutdown.

The emergency evacuation alarm sounds. Each employee knows the drill. All of the automatic shutdowns must be enacted then they are to get into their vehicles and leave the plant.

* * *

When the alarm sounds, Hami realizes they are in trouble. Someone has been spotted. He has placed his charges around three corners of the control room. He

heard someone come out the front door and skipped doing the fourth side.

* * *

Looking at his watch Hami realizes they only needed less than ten minutes more and they would have left the gate impersonating employees who are getting off their shift. His men are aware, in the event of something interrupting their work, they are to use blasting caps and timers, with a ten minute lapse time, instead of the remotes. Tonight, they do not have the luxury of being far from the explosions.

* * *

The infirmary van is flashing its lights and proceeds toward the cooling towers. Hami wonders what that is about since the evacuation alarm has sounded.

As the lines of employees head for the parking lot, Hami and his men them. They are dressed as most of the workers are, they shouldn’t arouse any suspicion. A great deal of conversation is going on about the reason for the evacuation.

* * *

Reaching their vehicles, they are sorry they are at the far end of the parking lot. It will take time to get to the gate and there could be flying debris in the area

when the C4 goes off. They have no choice other than to move out of the lot in the procession.

* * *

As they near the gate, they see two security people trying to merge different lines of traffic through the gate.

“C’mon, c’mon, get moving so we can get the hell out of here,” Hami is saying to no one in particular. The two other men in the car are as anxious as he is. The first vehicle containing his men is five vehicles ahead of him, because of the way security is shifting lines.

The eruptions begin. Almost simultaneously, four go off the same time. The other two are seconds behind.

The car in front of Hami and every other one inside of the gate is caught up in the explosions. Cars are uprooted in the air, structures are collapsing, a wall of flame incinerates anyone and anything in its path.

The infirmary vehicle with its two EMTs and the chief of security is engulfed in flames.

* * *

A local television station picked up the notice of the emergency evacuation when the police were called. Fortunately for them, they were far enough from the fence when the eruptions began. Their station has a bird’s eye view with live coverage.

The cars making it off the premises don’t adhere to the regulations of waiting outside of the gate. They are horrified at what they witnessed. The drivers are heading for home.

The half of Hami’s team that got clear does the same thing everyone else does.

The driver asks the other two, “Do you think the others got out?”

“I don’t know, I couldn’t tell. Who caused the alarm to go off?”

The three of them knew none of them were spotted.

* * *

The governor’s office is on the line with Corpus Christi police. They are looking for answers.

The police department tells them the same thing they are telling everyone else. When they get them, they will it on.

CNN, Fox News, ABC, CBS and NBC are broadcasting breaking news of the tragedy at the refinery.

* * *

The president is sitting inside the small office he can use when he is near his bedroom quarters. He is on the phone with the FBI.

“Have the director call me first thing in the morning.”

He is told the director is still in California but would return his call first thing.

President Egan sits back in his chair. Is this another terrorist attack or is this a problem that occurred forcing the evacuation and explosions?

It couldn’t be another terrorist attack they couldn’t move halfway across the country in twenty-four hours or can they?

* * *

Dentz has been watching the major newscasts since yesterday to see if anything occurred where the attacks were planned. Yesterday’s news showed a great deal of success on the part of Asad and his people. Hopefully, there will be nothing to trace back to them.

Just when he is going to turn off the television, he hears of a major catastrophe in a refinery in Texas.

He hurriedly opens the connecting door between his room and Altan’s room. Altan is sound asleep but he won’t mind being awakened.

“Turn on your television, you must see this.”

“What channel?”

“Any of the majors should have it on.”

* * *

Thirty minutes later, Altan walks into Dentz’s room. “Do you think they were as successful as yesterday’s group?”

“I cannot tell. If the evacuation was because of the explosions then probably, if they evacuated beforehand then our people were detected somehow.”

“If they were captured, can they trace them to us?”

“I doubt it. Even if they could trace something, it would take weeks before they could generate a trail. We are leaving on Friday.”

Altan says, “Tonight, I am going to open the liquor bar. Do you want to me?”

“I think that is an excellent idea.”

* * *

Outside of the gate the television crew is trying to get testimony from any of the employees. The dispatcher for security is one he asks.

“All I can tell you is one of the control room people spotted someone on the towers when he stepped outside. He called maintenance and after finding they didn’t have anyone on the towers he called us.”

“Us, meaning security correct?” says the reporter.

“Yes, I located our chief of security who was towards the back of the plant. He

said he would check on it. The next thing that happens he sends me an alert code from his mobile phone and I call him back. He tells me he’s just been shot and needs medical assistance. He gave me instructions to shut the plant down and get the employees out.”

The reporter faces the camera, “There you have it ladies and gentlemen, another act of terrorism. Yesterday in California and today in Texas, where will the next one hit? How can our government offer us protection?”

Chapter Sixty-Nine

May 29th

Before breakfast Altan and Dentz are on exercise equipment in the hotel’s workout room. The television screen shows the fire is still raging at the Towers Refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas. There is no way to assess the damages until the fire and smoke clears, and things cool down.

The two look at each other when the security dispatcher’s interview is shown on the set. It appears the team was detected, however, it seems they accomplished their mission. Both men wonder if any of them remain alive.

* * *

At the same time the president is eating his breakfast and trying to keep his composure as he hears the reporter interview the security dispatcher.

“Good god man, you’re speculating and might be creating unwarranted anxiety.”

As he sips his orange juice, his steward walks in with a phone set in his hands. “Mr. President, the director of the FBI is returning your call.”

“Mike, did you see the tragedy at the refinery?”

“Yes sir, there’s nothing else on television. You can’t miss it. I’ve also seen the dispatcher’s comments. I’ve got people from the San Antonio office on the way already.”

“Good, I hope this isn’t from foreigners.”

“It’s too soon to tell sir.”

* * *

After breakfast Dentz calls Kourosh to have him come over with the gun and ammo he asked for.

Kourosh said, “He could be there around three in the afternoon.”

* * *

In Michigan, Ali, Azim’s cousin, is commenting on the situations in California and Texas. “See how they always blame foreigners. Before you know it, they will say Iran caused all of this.”

Azim asks his cousin if he can use his computer. He needs to check on his flights to return home.

“That’s right, you are leaving us this week. On Friday, am I correct?”

“Yes, I wish to thank you and your wife for all of the wonderful hospitality.”

“It has been wonderful having you visit. I am glad you have been able to stay as long as you have and also were able to see some of this country too.”

“Yes, now it is time for me to return. , I have family back there.”

* * *

In the middle of the afternoon, after enger baggage is unloaded from a flight, the attendant moves his vehicle, with its train of carts, away from the plane.

Mahdi nervously wipes his hand over the package sitting on the seat next to him. He must insert it on the baggage cart without being spotted.

Moving into the removal area, Mahdi slips out of the cab and slides the package across the driver’s side by its handle. Holding it down by his side, he walks

towards the first cart and lifts it onto luggage already in place. The package has all of the markings of checked baggage. The timer is set to go off when the package is somewhere inside of the conveying system.

* * *

While Mahdi is working to unload luggage from his carts, two clergymen enter the baggage claim area from outside of the terminal. Both men are almost identically dressed. They are conversing together and no one pays them any particular attention.

Everyone is anxious to obtain their luggage and head towards their destinations.

As the carousels are moving luggage around and around, for engers to remove their possessions, the two clergymen separate and each move over to a different carousel.

engers are checking for luggage, some remove pieces and replace them, others find the correct bags and leave the area.

Suddenly, a loud explosion is heard and felt through the floor. People are shocked, they have no idea what caused it. Children are screaming and women are picking small ones off of the floor where they stumbled due to the shock wave.

Men are looking in all directions to see what caused the explosion. TSA

are running in all different directions along with police that are stationed in the terminal.

The two clergymen place their briefcases on their designated carousels which are still turning and leave in the confusion. They walk out of the building and get into a vehicle waiting outside.

As they pull away from the terminal two smaller explosions are heard from the baggage claim area.

* * *

The vehicle which picked up the two clergymen leaves the airport area before security has time to close the whole place down.

* * *

Chuck O’Malley, Deputy Director of the CIA knocks on the director’s door and doesn’t wait for a reply.

Allison quickly looks up surprised. “What’s the emergency, it looks like you’ve seen a ghost?”

“Turn on your television. Baltimore International just had a bombing in the

baggage area.”

“Oh god, how bad?

“We’re not sure yet. First California, then Texas and now the Maryland, it seems to me these people have worked their way across the country. There has to be a message in the way they’ve accomplished it.”

“Sit down, Chuck, take a couple of deep breaths before you have a heart attack on me.”

O’Malley follows her instructions and walks over to the couch and sits on the end of a cushion.

As he moves, Allison turns on her television.

The picture is not encouraging. There are a number of casualties around the carousels and many more wounded. No one is saying anything about what happened in the transfer areas.

Allison picks up her phone, she tells her secretary to have Kevin McCarthy call her immediately if not sooner.

“Yes ma’am.”

Allison sits back while the two are watching her TV screen. She wonders, Is this the end or are there more coming?

* * *

Inside of Mossad headquarters, Ariel Wattenberg, director, working late at night, is watching the CNN news coverage of the airport incident.

Deep down he knows this is the work of the team no one could find. They are very shrewd and highly efficient. They are giving a taste of what we’ve been dealing with for over sixty years.

* * *

In the Oval Office, the president has Janet, his secretary, cancel everything on his schedule for the rest of the day.

He calls Homeland Security and tells them to raise the security level to elevated threat.

He instructs them to make sure they are reported on Facebook and Twitter.

The security change is on national news, within thirty minutes.

Chapter Seventy

May 30th

Kevin McCarthy, head of the CIA black ops group, the group that doesn’t exist, is sitting in Allison’s office at five in the morning with a hot cup of coffee made by the director.

“Before we start Allison, you make a damn good cup of coffee.”

“You’ve told me before you liked it strong, and since that’s how I like it, it is easy to please.”

“Uh-huh, this is going to get heavy, I can tell.”

Allison gives him a grin.

“Kevin, I’m sure you’re aware of the three situations this week.”

“You can’t help not, being it’s all over everything.”

“I suspect before the week is over I am going to be called into the White House with the president wanting to do something, but feeling stymied about legal matters.”

“And you want to solve his problem.”

“Not really, I want to solve the country’s problem.”

“Is this where I come in?”

“What do you think? Look Mike Richardson is a good man. His problem is he has to fight the bad guys by the book.”

“And we don’t.”

“You never heard that from me, did you?”

“Yeah, I never heard it from your boss either. However, that is what he meant.”

“Yes, and you and he made good things happen.”

“Time will tell, so what do you want me to do?”

“Why don’t we go back to the dead end we had in Texas and see if you can scare the shit out of him. Accuse him of being the driving force in Corpus Christi.”

“Now that’s hard ball, don’t you think he is going to scream bloody murder.”

“Possibly, but I’m not sure he will.”

“So, you want to find out when he will say uncle.”

“That’s a good phrase. I like it.”

“I could use some more coffee.” Kevin gets up heads for the coffee pot and refills his cup along with some milk.

“Who else will know about this?”

“You, your people, Chuck and myself.”

“We get out of jail cards if this goes sour.”

“You know I will never sacrifice you.”

“Okay, let me look around and see where we can go with it. If I step on the FBI’s toes, give me some warning. If it becomes critical they need to back off, I want you to tell them.”

“Agreed. We have a deal.”

Kevin finishes his coffee and stands up before her desk. “Allison, don’t take this the wrong way, for a lady, you have a huge set of balls.”

Allison smiles saying, “From you, I will take that as a compliment.”

Kevin quickly leaves before the office staff arrives.

* * *

Altan and Dentz are eating breakfast, Dentz quietly says, “Yesterday is three for three now.”

“I know, so far we have success. After lunch today, I will pickup our rental car from Hertz so we can leave very early tomorrow after breakfast. We should be on the road by nine or nine-thirty heading to New Hampshire.”

“Agreed, I want to be past New York State as quickly as possible Friday.”

“I’ve picked a route to take us along the Hudson River Valley into Danbury, Connecticut. We can make it there in a couple of hours.”

* * *

At ten o’clock inside of the Oval Office, the president is sitting with, the CIA Director, the NSA Director, Director of Homeland Security, and the Deputy Director of the FBI, standing in for his boss, who is still in California.

The president speaks, “People, yesterday we lost twenty-four Americans and have forty-four wounded. Baltimore International is opening up today after being closed since late yesterday afternoon. There is no figure yet on how much damage there is in of dollars.

“We’ve had three incidents this week and right now I don’t have any answers to what is happening. I need to tell the American public something soon to keep them calm. I need you to get me some facts as to who and for what reason this is all happening.”

After another half hour of discussion, nothing substantial is decided and the president sends everyone off with strong demands.

* * *

Azim says goodbye to his cousin and his wife. He promises to write when he arrives home telling them he has returned safely.

He heads out the door and enters the cab he called to take him to the airport. Today he will fly into Newark, New Jersey and tomorrow afternoon he will depart from Newark heading to England and then onto Turkey.

The cab drops him off at the terminal and he checks the monitors to make sure his flight is on schedule. He has a reservation at the Holiday Inn for this evening. He wants to be in Newark one day earlier in case of any difficulties.

At his scheduled departure time he boards the flight, taking his window seat.

I suppose this will be the last view I will ever have of Detroit. So far the team’s success rate is excellent. They have two more to go.

After the plane levels off at cruising altitude he places his seat back so that he can rest comfortably.

* * *

Ten-thirty that night, three vehicles, with two occupants each, enter the main entrance at the Newark Port Authority. They mingle with other cars in order not to be noticeable. The men are all wearing TWIC ID tags on chains around their

necks in case they are questioned.

Inside they park in designated parking areas and head off towards their respective targets when no one else is in the lot. Each man is carrying fifteen pounds of C4 in their back packs. They will work in two man teams and set ten pounds to each of three legs of the crane. They calculated ten pounds on each leg should splinter them and cause the fourth leg to buckle under the immense weight of the cranes, sending them crashing to the ground.

The Port Authority employees are busy moving containers that have been off loaded from cargo vessels during the day onto to flat-bed trucks heading out to various destinations.

The larger cranes they are targeting only operate during the first two shifts. At this time of night, there is very little possibility they will be spotted setting the C4.

It only takes twenty-minutes for each team to mount and set the detonation cords with blasting caps to be fired by remote transmitters.

Each team departs to the parking lot, they leave in five minute intervals in order not to arouse suspicion at the main entrance.

* * *

Approximately midnight, from a secluded area outside of the property, each team

leader points his remote towards the particular crane he worked on and sets the trigger, in sequence, with one minute intervals. The blasts are enormous and in such close proximity to each other the shock wave knocks people off of their feet.

The legs bend and vibrate in different directions from each other and the desired effect is achieved. Three cargo cranes, which transport containers off vessels, tumble to the ground. The areas around the cranes look like a disaster hit the facility.

Everyone around is in a panic. What the hell is happening? Alarms and whistles are blowing. Emergency vehicle sirens are heard from a distance.

Fire equipment vehicles come racing from Newark along the turnpike.

People are picking themselves off of the ground and standing in awe at the sight of three cranes resting on their structure.

Local police and state police vehicles are racing through the gate trying to find out where they can park.

It is pure pandemonium.

* * *

Security called Port Authority management and were told they were on the way. Local news stations already had vans arriving. One smart thing was security told the entrance gates, no media were to be itted. They couldn’t stop what they did from outside the gate but were not to be allowed inside.

* * *

At one in the morning, the president is called. Rising he shakes his head, what the hell is going on?

He takes the call.

* * *

Inside of Iran, Imam Adel and the senior mullah are monitoring what is happening inside of the United States. So far there are four successful incidents. The team has not advised them of any particular number of targets or what they were. They can only watch as the news broadcasts come across CNN.

Adel smiles at the mullah and says, “You have been successful.”

“It appears that way. Let us see what develops because of these incidents. That is the real test.”

* * *

As soon as the explosions occur, the teams make their getaways. With the shock and confusion, no one pays any attention to three vehicles that are quickly leaving the area.

* * *

When management arrives, they are four of the board of directors. Speaking quickly to the police who are trying to close off the crime scene, they convince the police to let them send all of the employees on site home. Nothing more will be accomplished tonight work wise. His people do not need to be standing around stunned by what they see. They will provide the police with all names and addresses for further investigation. It is important to clear the area as much as possible.

Chapter Seventy-One

May 31st

At first light, Dentz gets out of bed and turns on the television. The Port Authority hit was successful. It is difficult to hide his jubilation He hears the television go on in Altan’s room. The two men shower and go down to breakfast. They have a great deal to do before they get on the road.

They have a hearty breakfast as they know it will be a long time before the next decent meal. By seven thirty they head back up to their rooms to pack.

Altan’s phone rings, “Dentz? No, it is Azim, I am in the lobby. Can I come up for a moment?”

“We thought you left for home already.”

“I’ll explain when I come up.”

“Sure, but make it quick, we are packing.’

Altan knocks on the connecting door and tells Dentz about Azim.

“He’s coming up now.”

“Yes, I told him to make whatever he had to say quick as we are leaving.”

“Leave the connecting door ajar so I can hear what he says while I am packing.”

When Altan turns back into his room, Dentz realizes the hair is rising on the back of his neck. This has always been an instinctive warning sign for him. It is also the first time it occurred on this project.

The knock comes on the door.

Altan opens his door and says, “Come in.” He heads back towards the bed where his luggage is opened and he continues packing his clothes.

“Well Azim, what do you want to say?” asking as he turns around.

Azim is pointing a pistol in his direction.

“Hamid, watch out!”

Hearing Altan use his real name, he knows there is a problem. Before Azim knocked on Altan’s door he slipped the 9mm into his waistband into the small of his back.

Then he hears pop-pop-pop. Gunfire!

Azim quickly checks Altan’s bathroom seeing if Dentz is in there. Then he notices the connecting door ajar.

Cautiously approaching the door, Azim moves to enter the room.

Dentz had partially closed his side of the connecting door and moved to the far side of the bed. He knees down on the floor behind the bed planning to use the bed for a bench rest. Taking the pistol out from his back he waits for Azim to come into his room.

Although he expects Dentz to be unarmed, Azim is still cautious.

As he slowly opens the door, he cannot see Dentz so he moves the door completely open and steps into the room with his gun raised.

Dentz fires three rounds hitting Azim in the chest.

The shock on his face that Dentz was armed speaks for itself.

Dentz comes over, kicks Azim’s weapon into the corner, and checks for a pulse. There is a small pulse. He will die soon even if help were to arrive. He places his weapon in the small of his back.

“Azim, why, why did this happen? You were supposed to be heading home.”

Gasping between his words, he says, “I was ordered to close the loose ends.”

Dentz stands up. Quickly opens the door to his room and puts the do not disturb sign outside of his door and then does the same thing for Altan’s door.

Dentz checks to see if Altan is alive and sees one of the three shots hit him in the forehead, he knows he is not.

He removes Altan’s wallet, the rental car keys, takes his port off the bed, and then removes Azim’s wallet as well. Grabbing his luggage, he looks outside his door. With no one in the hallway he slams the door shut and moves over to the stairway instead of taking the elevator.

Exiting the door into the parking garage, he’s glad Altan told him what kind of vehicle he picked up.

He gets into the dark blue Chevrolet and tosses his luggage onto the enger seat. He needs to get away quickly.

Driving out of the parking garage he follows the signs for the turnpike. Before he reaches the toll both to obtain a ticket he starts beating his hand on the steering wheel.

Why, Why? Those assholes used us and then tried to eliminate us. I need to get away then do something to protect the monies we have. Then I can plan my revenge. Kamil, I will get them, I promise you if it is the last thing I do in this world.

* * *

At ten o’clock a courier is delivering a package to the receiving area of the New York Stock Exchange. He hands the receiving clerk one package size twelve inches by twelve inches with a six inch depth. The clerk signs for the package and the courier leaves.

Inside the receiving room, the clerk notices the delivery label is addressed to the chief of security. He puts it aside for the next scheduled delivery routing.

* * *

Dentz enters the turnpike and heads towards the Garden State Parkway and then he’ll head north into New York State. From there he will pick up Route 287 east to the Saw Mill Parkway northbound. He re Altan talking about getting to Danbury, Connecticut from Route 684. He cannot get seeing Altan on the

floor out of his mind, tears are flowing down both cheeks.

* * *

The ladies cleaning the rooms, on the level Dentz and Altan occupied their rooms, notice the “Do Not Disturb” on both doors. Check-out is eleven but they give them extra time while they clean other rooms around them.

* * *

As Dentz heads north, he is waiting to hear something happening in New York. He doesn’t know when or where it will happen, but he would like it to be all over with now that he has lost his best friend. Those fucking traitors, we did their dirty work and they planned to eliminate us all along.

* * *

Navid is standing across from the Stock Exchange with a remote in his pocket. Right now he has no idea where in the building the package will be. He waits five more minutes before he presses the button.

Even though he presses the button three times, nothing happens. What could have gone wrong? He re strapping the blocks together carefully and setting the wiring so it was ed by the cushioning inside the box. Is the remote defective?

He moves off the corner so he doesn’t appear too conspicuous. Walks down the side street to his car and immediately heads back to the Bronx.

* * *

Room service cannot wait any longer. They assume the guests checked out without removing the signs on the doorknobs.

Those two rooms are assigned to Maria, she worked in the hotel for ten years, entering she says, “Room service,” just to be polite. Stepping into the room she walks towards the bathroom and sees Altan’s body on the floor. She begins to scream when she sees the blood.

Two other cleaning ladies rush to her aid, wondering what could have caused her to scream. They become a chorus of three with Maria pointing to the body.

* * *

The routing clerk inside of the stock exchange delivers the package to the head of security. Luke isn’t expecting any packages and it doesn’t have a return address where it originated from.

Opening the package, he momentarily freezes.

“Josh,” he yells out to his assistant. “Clear the building, we have a bomb inside. Close the exchange down.”

“That has to be cleared Luke.” “Josh, I don’t care how you do it but do it now and do it fast. Then get your ass out of the building. I need to call the bomb squad.”

Picking up his phone, he dials, 9-1-1.

“Nine-one-one operator, is this call an emergency?”

“This is the head of security at the stock exchange. I have a bomb on my desk; we need the bomb squad right now.”

“Yes sir, I will notify them immediately, please stay on the line while I make a call.”

The operator makes the call and comes back on the line. “The police want you to get everyone out of the building as quickly as possible, they are on the way. They want you to meet them in front of the building.”

“I have already instituted clearing the building, I’ll meet them outside.”

* * *

The manager of the Sheraton guides the three ladies out of the room. He has already called the police. They have instructed him to make sure no one touches anything.

* * *

Dentz hears there is a bomb threat at the New York Stock Exchange; the bomb squad is enroute to the scene. The last attempt in New York failed, too fucking bad, he thinks.

Also on the news, there has been a killing at the Sheraton in Newark, New Jersey, police are on the scene.

As he nears Danbury, Dentz realizes Kamil rented this car. He told the agency they were dropping it off in New Hampshire. He needs to get rid of the car and obtain another one, his picture will be on television and the newspapers. Someone at the rental place could him.

He re there is a major airport near Hartford, Connecticut. He will dump the car there in long term parking and get another one.

Chapter Seventy-Two

Police Departments

Hartford is another hour northeast of Danbury and the airport is north of the city off Route 91. Hamid parks the car at the far end of the long term parking. He takes the check-in ticket with him and throws it away. He heads over to the terminal and picks up the shuttle for Avis rental.

At Avis, he selects a tan colored sedan and advises the desk he will be renting it for two weeks heading out to Chicago for business. This way if he is traced to this location they should look for him towards Chicago.

Leaving the airport he continues to drive north on Route 91 towards Vermont.

* * *

The Newark police are working the crime scene at the Sheraton. This isn’t going to be easy. There is no identification on the man lying near the bed. The other fellow has a port in his jacket pocket. His port says he is Iranian. Possibly the man without identification is the one who checked into this room days ago. Who used the second room is what they want to know?

The other person in the second room is nowhere to be found.

* * *

The bomb squad removes the package of C4 from the security chief’s office. They gently move it after they took off the detonating wires. It appears this would have been detonated by a remote. What stopped it from exploding was that somehow in moving around one of the wires came loose and the ignition connection was not complete.

* * *

The New York office of the FBI is called to the scene.

Every major television news station is broadcasting the attempted bombing of the stock exchange. If not for a failed connection, there would have been a fifth explosion this week in the country.

* * *

Hamid continues his travels into the state of Vermont and exits at the town of Brattleboro. From Brattleboro he will travel east to Keene and take Route 9 northeast to Route 202 to Concord, New Hampshire. This route will keep him more secluded than the route he and Kamil planned on taking yesterday.

* * *

Allison McDonald is informing her black ops team on what happened to New York. Her gut feeling is this was part of the coordinated attacks on the country. She believes it will stop now, at least for a while.

* * *

Inside of Iran the senior mullah is swearing at the idiocy of the explosion failure in New York. This one could have brought their financial institutions to their knees, at least for a period of time. Imam Adel is trying to console him by reminding him of the four successes they had. He should be thankful to Allah they were successful on those attempts and they have already proven they can hit anywhere at any time they choose even with this failure. Imam Adel is wondering if Azim completed his final mission. He doesn’t want to bring it up.

* * *

Inside of the White House the president is hoping the failed explosion in New York will give the agencies some leads to find the people who are responsible for these catastrophes.

* * *

Hamid enters the city of Concord, New Hampshire from Route 202, after eight hours of driving and only having water or coffee to drink since he left Newark. He cannot continue without some much needed food and some rest. As he turns left onto the main street to find Route 93 north, he spots a Holiday Inn.

He knows full sized Holiday Inns have restaurants within them. He wouldn’t have to drive anywhere to get a decent meal. Besides they have computer access in each room. He decides it is wiser to stay over here than to continue. He also needs some food in his system. The emotional stress of today has been enormous. He doesn’t know how he is going to get word to Kamil’s parents that he is dead.

Check in is the standard procedure he is used to and he asks what time breakfast ends because he wants a late breakfast. He is told breakfast is from six to nine in the morning. He asks for an eight o’clock wake up call. The desk clerk tells him about their Mexican restaurant on premises. The way he feels right now anything would be good.

Up in his room he tosses his bag on the bed and walks down to the restaurant for dinner. The food is good but not anywhere near like the Mexicana restaurant in Austin. Right this minute he will not complain. The national news showing above the bar inside the restaurant is broadcasting the events in New York and Newark.

Wouldn’t these people be amazed to realize I am part of that operation, he thinks.

Chapter Seventy-Three

Adjusting Finances

When Hamid’s wakeup call rings, he is still groggy from all of the stress and the driving. He turns on the television and they are still broadcasting about the bombings that occurred during the week. He knows he must shower before he heads down to breakfast if he wants to be awake to enjoy it.

He orders a large breakfast of eggs and pancakes, along with a glass of orange juice and coffee. This morning is Saturday and there are only a few customers having breakfast. Possibly it is due to the late time of the morning, or because travelers are gone.

Breakfast is delicious, the food in his stomach along with the coffee is freeing up his mind.

After breakfast, he must make arrangement to use their computer room to move things into their offshore . Looking through Azim’s wallet last night he found the number and the for his . He will transfer those funds into the Cayman Island as well. Fuck him, he’s not going to have any need of it and I am sure when they learn of his death, they will try to remove his funds. They probably planned to do that exact thing with ours.

When he finishes, he goes to the front desk, since no one else is around, and asks

ing the computer equipment. The clerk advises him it will be free in about fifteen minutes.

* * *

After the balance of their Iranian s are transferred, and Azim’s total balance is added to his , he feels he can relax a little more.

He accomplishes one more thing. He wires the funds from the Cayman Island Bank to a second bank on the island. He doesn’t want any traces for the so called religious leaders to be able to follow.

Check out time is eleven and he will begin his drive north to Colebrook, New Hampshire.

* * *

As Hamid drives he realizes how much things have changed. I will never be free to walk freely around my country again. They would try to hunt me down since I wasn’t killed. They don’t want anyone to be able to reveal who caused all of this havoc. Did they plan to kill Azim too?

He knows he needs time to heal and time to plan. The longer I take, the easier it will be for me to accomplish my next mission because they will get lazy and sloppy, never suspecting me to return.

Chapter Seventy-Four

Crime Scene Leads

The Newark Police department thought it wise to call in the FBI to assist in the investigation because of what happened this past week, especially since an Iranian is found shot to death in the Sheraton, even though they realize they may lose control of it.

The lead agent on the scene has his men inquire who is ed to the room where the first body was found. It is ed to an Altan Yilmiz. He checked in on Monday the 27th. They need to find out if he had any ties to what has been going on. Right now they have nothing else on this fellow, they will Interpol.

The second body, with the Iranian port, came into the country last year through Michigan. He is listed having a visitor’s visa to see relatives in Dearborn, Michigan.

The room where he was lying, half in and half out of, is ed to a Dentz Aydin. Mr. Aydin’s presence is unknown and is definitely a person of interest. He also checked in on the 27th, and hasn’t checked out.

* * *

Meanwhile the Manhattan Police are working closely with the FBI trying to obtain any meaningful evidence from the failed bomb package.

* * *

It took two and a half hours for Hamid to drive to Colebrook, New Hampshire. Colebrook is a lovely community one and a half hours drive from the border crossing Hamid and Kamil byed when they came into the United States.

Hamid has a plan how to cross but needs to hole up somewhere to get there at the proper time. He’s pleased he withdrew two thousand dollars from each of two credit cards at the ATM in Danbury, Connecticut. He doesn’t want to be traced to New Hampshire.

* * *

After talking with Allison following the Newark and Manhattan events, Kevin McCarthy, Allison’s ops leader, sends three of his top people, to the Newark and Manhattan area to nose around and see what they can come up with, while he is working in Austin, Texas.

Allison feels very strongly the police and the FBI are not going to make much progress. This group, whoever they are, has been highly proficient and she doesn’t believe there will be much traceable evidence. She wants them to dig deeper where no one else will go.

* * *

Hamid steps into a coffee shop on the main street in Colebrook to stretch his legs and ask for information. He takes a seat at the counter. While he is sipping his coffee he asks the lady behind the counter if she can recommend a place for him to stay one night in Pittsburg.

“Well, there are a number of good places up there, but my favorite place is the Tall Timber Lodge. When my husband and I want to get away for a few days, that is where we go. He likes to fly fish. They also have a great restaurant called the Rainbow Grille in their lodge. If you like trout, I recommend you have the Trout Almondine. You’ll never get one better anywhere else.’

Hamid thanks her, finishes his coffee and leaves her a hefty tip.

Before he leaves Colebrook he refuels the rental car.

* * *

An hour later Hamid enters Pittsburg. Compared to Colebrook, Pittsburg is small in community size but the map he has shows it is huge geographically. He stops into a local store to ask directions to Tall Timber and pick up a newspaper plus some incidentals for his trip through Canada. Not far up the road, there is a left turn to take him to the Tall Timber Lodge.

He smiles and thinks, everyone I’ve talked to here in New Hampshire is so warm and friendly they must live in a different world than the rest of the country.

Checking in is a pleasant experience, he has to remind himself not to fall into their mood and be too talkative. He’s been cooped up for so long without good conversation he would love to just spend time with someone who would share good conversation.

The gentleman’s name is Tom and after giving him his key, Tom tells him about the Rainbow Grille.

“I’ve heard all about your famous Rainbow Grille from a waitress in Colebrook,” he said. “She couldn’t say enough about it. I couldn’t pick any other place to stay because of it.”

Tom smiles as he hears this. “Our customers are our best ment.”

* * *

Turning on the television, Hamid is trying to find out what kind of news is being broadcast. How far has their search extended? All he needs is one more night and he’ll be out of the United States.

On the Fox News channel, he springs off the bed as he sees a photo of Kamil and

Azim. The authorities are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying Kamil and where either of these men were beforehand.

So far there is no mention of him. It will not matter in two days time if everything goes well.

He looks at his watch and heads down to this supposedly fabulous restaurant the waitress was bragging about.

Inside of the Rainbow Grille he orders a glass of Merlot before dinner. It will help him settle down.

His salad arrives. As he is finishing it, the entrée is brought to the table. Hamid starts to taste the trout, the waitress was telling the truth. This is superb.

After dinner he has some coffee and dessert knowing this will be the most he will eat for quite a while. He signs the dinner bill and heads back to the room.

Around nine he decides to take a nap and sets the alarm in his watch to wake him at eleven. He wants to leave Tall Timber at eleven fifteen. The room and the meal will be billed to the card he presented so these nice people won’t be stuck with non-payment.

He packs his bag so all he has to do is dress and head out. He still has the 9mm Beretta with him and the extra clips. He refills the clip in the gun to replace the three rounds he fired at Azim.

* * *

His alarm sounds and he quickly shuts it off and quietly gets dressed and takes his bag and weapon out to the car. The bag will go into the trunk and the weapon under the seat.

He starts the car and moves out to the road, turns right and heads back to Route 3. This is the road they traveled down last year after crossing into New Hampshire. He checks his watch and he thinks his timing is perfect as he sees the American border crossing on his left. He knows the Canadian cros ahead closes at midnight and wonders how they stop someone from just going on through.

Pulling up to the Canadian crossing, the officer walks out.

“You’re running late, I’m ready to close.”

“I know it’s late, I’ve been away for a while on business and hope to be home in Montreal by morning.”

“Let me see some identification.”

Hamid hands him the Montreal driver’s license.

“Do you have a port?”

“Yeah, I do, but I’ll have to get it out of my luggage in the trunk.”

The customs officer looks at his wrist watch, “Are you carrying anything I should know about?”

“Like what”

“Any weapons or drugs?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Alright go ahead, you look honest enough. Take it slow and have a safe trip.”

“Thanks, I’ll do my best.”

As the car leaves the custom station, the officer notices it is an American plate and wonders why it isn’t a Canadian plate.

Oh it’s too late to worry about that now, he probably has a good reason.

Hamid thinks to himself, this worked just like I hoped it would. He wants to get home rather than being thorough. He prepares himself for the long drive to Montreal.

Chapter Seventy-Five

Following Monday

Inside of the mosque in Tehran, Imam Adel rushes to the senior mullah’s office. Knocking and quickly entering, he says, “Did you see the latest on the news, Kamil and Azim’s pictures are being shown. They are looking to identify Kamil by his Turkish name and will probably trace Azim back to his cousin.”

Looking up from his desk the mullah states, “I was hoping Azim was smart enough to finish the task and get away without being traced. I’ve already received calls from three other mosques this morning, asking me how this will affect us. What I want to know is where Hamid is. He could become a problem if he is caught.”

“With Azim killing Kamil and I’m sure Hamid killed him, he may hide out and then work out something with the authorities to obtain immunity against prosecution. We could have a major problem on our hands,” says Adel.

“You don’t have to remind me, Adel. I fully understand the problem we have, one thing is certain, Hamid will not return to Iran. He is too smart to try returning.”

* * *

The plane Hamid takes from Montreal to Grand Cayman is on the tarmac waiting to be given clearance to begin its flight. He is sitting in the comfortable business travel rows.

Hamid was surprised the customs agent didn’t even question the fact he had entered Canada over a year ago and was only leaving now. He will ditch this port as soon as he obtains a new one when he finds the right forger to create one for him. Once he steps off the plane the name Dentz Aydin will no longer exist.

* * *

Ali, Azim’s cousin and his wife are watching the newscasts regarding the shooting in New Jersey. Ali’s wife says, “That is Azim’s picture. You need to call the authorities, if you don’t and he is traced to Dearborn we will be investigated.”

“I know, but I have mixed feelings about doing it. It feels like a betrayal.”

“He’s dead, how are you betraying him?”

“Not him, maybe he was involved in something with Iran and we never knew it.”

“Call the FBI and ask to meet with them away from Dearborn. I know what you

are saying, he is family and one never turns their back on family. You invited him here to share our home for a vacation and he may have used us in a plot without our knowledge. If he did, he betrayed us, we did not betray him. Maybe he was involved in all of last week’s bombings.”

“Let me thing about it.”

“Don’t think on it too long, Ali. If the authorities come here first, they will suspect us and whatever you say afterwards will be meaningless.”

* * *

With the pictures being shown on television over and over again, each of the cell who met with Kamil, Hamid and Azim are becoming very anxious the authorities will find out about their involvement.

* * *

Inside of the Oval Office, President Egan has the four intelligence directors sitting in front of him.

“Can anyone tell me what the hell is going on? Last week was horrendous. We’ve had five attacks across the country and I don’t know a damn thing about how to solve them. Thank God, the stock exchange attack failed.”

Each of the four glances at each other.

Mike Richardson, the FBI director begins, “Sir, I’ll begin with California, right now we have four teams working on clues to determine who did this. Texas, is the same situation, we do know the refinery explosions were not accidents. It is obvious everything was set to happen. Baltimore’s airport will take more time. Our teams are going over every piece of evidence they come across to pin point the perpetrators. Our airports need to readdress security in baggage claim areas, security cameras in that area didn’t give us any leads. The New Jersey Port Authority is the same situation as the other three. We can identify the explosives used but there is little else for us to go by, at least right now. The stock exchange was fortunate for us, its loose connection is the only reason it failed. We don’t have any prints but are trying to trace where the C4 came from and work backwards. That takes time.”

“Time, time, I know these situations take time, tell that to Congress right now.”

Allison interrupts, and Mike smiles at her for taking the heat off him, “Sir, what would you have us do? I mean we have laws to follow. I’m sure the FBI is doing everything it can at the moment.”

“Mike, have you found the man ed in the second room at the Sheraton yet?”

“No sir, we have not, we did receive a call from Hertz about renting a car to, Altan Yilmiz, last Thursday. They were told it would be returned in Manchester NH. So far it is missing.”

“So you’re saying this Dentz character took the car and screwed.”

“Yes sir, I am, to put it bluntly as you did. We also know the .380 pistol found near the body of the Iranian, was the weapon used to shoot Altan. The autopsy showed the Iranian fired a weapon based on the residue on his right hand. However, he was killed with a 9mm. So this Dentz is armed and dangerous.”

Neither the NSA director nor Homeland Security director have anything to offer at this time.

“Alright keep me informed so I can make the congress and the public aware of what is happening. Allison, I would like you to remain after the others leave.”

When the three directors leave, the president says, “I want you to handle this like you did in the Melanie Jacobs situation and with the former vice-president.”

Rising from her chair, Allison says, “It’s already in the works, sir. I knew you would want me to.” She turns around and leaves the president with his mouth open.

Chapter Seventy-Six

Austin Texas

Kevin McCarthy has two other men with him taking turns doing surveillance of Mehrak. They have been at it for four days now. Each day he leaves home very early in the morning to head to the mosque for morning prayers with his prayer rug tucked under his left arm. From the mosque he walks to work and returns to the mosque for noon prayers. At the end of the work day he returns home. They are assuming he has dinner with his family because the children playing outside are always called into the house. After dinner he returns to the mosque once more for evening prayers.

Kevin tells his men they will do this for three more days hoping to obtain something to give them a clue if he is leading a hidden life.

* * *

Security at Bradley International Airport, near Hartford, Connecticut, always pays particular attention to vehicles, when they are parked more than one week. The dark blue Chevrolet parked, at the very end of long term parking, has been there for nine days. They decide to check if there is anything the local police can tell them about it.

Within thirty minutes of inquiring the security office is called by the FBI and

told the car belongs to Hertz Corporation. They are to monitor it until the FBI field team from Hartford arrives.

“Holy shit, says the dispatcher. What the hell have we got in our lot? The FBI doesn’t call you with a stolen car report.”

The security chief on duty tells his roving patrol to keep a watchful eye on the vehicle but maintain it from a distance. If anyone enters the vehicle they are to notify the office immediately. The chief says, “The occupant is considered armed and dangerous. Do not try to detain.”

* * *

The explosive material used in the attempted bombing of the stock exchange is definitely C4. It is not the Semtex explosive which is manufactured in the Czech Republic. FBI agents from New York and New Jersey are checking with distributors throughout the two states who purchase C4 to sell for commercial use.

* * *

Ali gets the willpower to call the FBI office in Detroit. He speaks with an agent and is asked to come into the office this afternoon.

When he hangs up the phone, he has mixed feelings as to whether or not he’s

made the right decision.

* * *

Two agents from the Hartford office of the FBI arrive at the security office in Bradley International. They make arrangements to impound the car and wait for a tow truck to remove it from the lot to bring it to where it will be gone over with a fine tooth comb. The security people are a little put out the agents don’t share any information with them as to the seriousness of the matter.

The Hertz corporate office is ed from the FBI office and told the agency will detain the car until it can be thoroughly searched.

Hertz people are at least pleased they will get the car back at some point. They have been told there doesn’t appear to be any interior or exterior damage to the car.

* * *

Ali arrives at the FBI’s Detroit office on time at 1:15. He is escorted into a room which has three men sitting around the table. Each man introduces himself only by his first name. The agent to the far left of Ali begins, “Ali, we want to be able to record this interview so we do not forget something you have given us. Do you give us your permission to record this session?”

“Of course,” Ali replies.

Ali begins with sending his first letter to his cousin back in Iran and receiving his reply after a couple of months. On and on Ali speaks and answers questions for four hours.”

When they shut the recorder off, the agent on the far left, thanks Ali for coming, they tell him they will him if they need further information.

Ali leaves the office and drives back to Dearborn.

When he arrives at home, his wife wants to know what happened. “I’ll tell you after I’ve eaten dinner and had some liquor.”

“You don’t drink liquor.”

“Tonight, I will. You don’t understand what I just went through. I stopped at a liquor store and bought some to bring home.”

* * *

A copy of Ali’s interview with the agents in Detroit is sent FedEx overnight to the Hoover building in Washington. The director will have it in the morning.

The Detroit office sends an agent to the RV camper location Azim rented a vehicle from.

* * *

The seventh day Kevin is covering Mehrak, the suspect changes his routine. The first indication is he is leaving work without his prayer rug. Kevin notices the change and begins to pay special attention as to what will happen next.

Mehrak doesn’t head to the mosque. Instead he walks to a café a few blocks away. He takes a table outside by himself and is handed a menu by the waiter. After reviewing the menu, he gives the waiter his lunch order.

Suspecting a meet with someone else or more than one person, and possibly needing assistance, Kevin calls on his cell phone to his two men in their motel room. He gets both of them to arrive near the café so they can triangulate the session.

* * *

Speaking into his lapel phone he coordinates the locations he wants his people to take.

Mehrak is sitting, slowly chewing on the food he ordered, and sipping some iced tea between bites. When he is halfway through his meal, two men arrive at his table and ask if they can him. He rises, shakes hands with them and continues eating his lunch.

The waiter comes over with menus but the two only order something to drink.

Kevin wishes he could hear their conversations but settles for taking some pictures with his cell phone. Neither Mehrak nor the men with him realize they are being photographed.

After he finishes his lunch, Mehrah rises and collects his paper plate and plastic utensils. He drops everything he is holding in a bin and then returns to the table. Both of the two other men rise to shake hands.

Mehrak heads back to work and the other two leave in the opposite direction.

Using his lapel phone, Kevin directs his two men to stay on the other two.

* * *

After Kevin is relieved from observing Mehrak on his shift, he calls Allison.

“Kevin, just the man I want to talk to. How is your vacation going?”

Kevin knows Allison doesn’t want to use operational language on cell phones.

“It’s going very well, the weather is great down here. I’ve just met some nice people for lunch. I’ve also taken some pictures I am going to e-mail you. You should have them in minutes.”

“Good, I’ll load them into your file for you to have them when you return.”

“Let me know, what you think of the quality?”

Allison says, “Call me tonight, around six, I have some items I want to discuss with you.”

“Will do!”

* * *

Allison’s phone rings and her secretary tells her Kevin is on the line.

When she is connected, she asks, “Where did you get those photos?”

“Why, is something hot?”

“Hot isn’t the word for it, the other two belong to Hamas and Hezbollah. I’m not sure, if we know they are in the country.”

“Holy shit!”

“Right, and after what we experienced, what the hell else is someone planning?”

“I don’t know, Allison, except our guy down here must have felt comfortable to be able to set up a meeting in public with them.

“Look, you asked me to call you at six. I know this isn’t what you wanted me for.”

“No, it isn’t. The FBI found the Hertz rental they were looking for in Danbury, Connecticut. The Hertz people said they expected to have it returned in Manchester, New Hampshire. If you were going to bust out of the country on the ground, where would you try to get out?”

“I would go to Montreal but I would drive straight up through Connecticut, and north through Vermont to get there not New Hampshire.

“At the moment, I don’t know, I wonder why he ditched the car other than realizing his dead partner could be traced to it. The guy still might have an idea

to get out of the country through New Hampshire. The border crossings there are not as active as they would be near Montreal.”

“I want you to come back here but replace yourself with another person. Have them continue down there until we decide not to. I want you in New Hampshire. Is anything coming to light in New York or New Jersey?”

“Nothing the FBI hasn’t already uncovered, I’m pulling my team back from there. I’ll be back late tomorrow. We can discuss New Hampshire tomorrow night in your office.”

“I’ll have the coffee on.”

Chapter Seventy-Seven

New Hampshire

Last night’s meeting with Allison didn’t shed any more light on what Kevin was facing in his new assignment.

Allison made it quite clear that she was trying her best to put herself into the terrorist’s head and looking to see in which direction he would head. She felt the two lying in the morgue were of the terrorist team. Why, she has no idea. But nothing else fits, for some reason deep down, she believes she has now connected with them, except it is like closing the barn door after the horses got out.

Early in the morning, Kevin flies into Manchester, New Hampshire and rents a car from Hertz. It should be a three hour ride to Colebrook, New Hampshire from here. I should make a room reservation up there, he thinks to himself.

Just then his cell phone starts vibrating.

“Kevin, I just received a call from the Canadian Border Patrol, why they called me I’m not sure, they said, “The officer with the last watch at the Pittsburg, New Hampshire border flagged through a guy with the name Dentz. It was just before midnight when he was closing, on Saturday, following the Newark shootings. He doesn’t much of his features because it was so dark, but when he

heard the name of the person we were looking for, he called it in. It may not be the same person. He had Canadian identification.”

“Is there a chance I can speak with him?”

“He has the same shift tomorrow night.”

“Call the Border Patrol for me and tell them I will be stopping at their crossing tomorrow afternoon at four. I still want to check out the Beecher Falls crossing before I go there.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

* * *

The Canadian crossing at Beecher Falls doesn’t have any recollections of anyone crossing with the name of Dentz for identification at any time. It was a coincidence the people on duty were the people who had duty over the weekend so they would know.

Kevin drives back to Colebrook to get some rest and check his messages. He won’t be able to do much until he meets the border crossing officer tomorrow and who knows where that will lead. Until then there isn’t any more he can do around here.

It’s too bad I don’t have my fishing gear with me, it looks like this is great trout country.

* * *

Nearly four o’clock the next afternoon, Kevin drives up to the Canadian border crossing north of Pittsburg, New Hampshire. He pulls his car over to the side of the road short of the guard house and gets out.

The border officer comes out of the small unit and asks, “Are you the fella, I’m supposed to be talking with?”

“That’s me. How are you? Would you like to see my identification?”

“No, I don’t think anyone else crossing would have that story.”

Kevin smiles at the man. “What can you tell me about this guy who went across?”

“It was nearly midnight last Saturday, I was surprised to see a pair of headlights coming to the border. Never had anyone else come over that late before.

“He pulls up, shows me a Montreal driver’s license, says he’s been away for a while on business and wants to drive straight through to be home in the morning.

“I asked him for a port, he told me it was in his luggage in the trunk. He seemed to be a pretty decent guy so I let it slide and told him to be careful driving.

“He thanked me and left.

“I didn’t notice when he pulled up he had American plates on the car. When he left I noticed the plates but didn’t think much about it. I figured he had good reasons to be driving what he was driving.”

“Can you describe him to me?”

“I think he had a dark complexion, but it’s hard to say when it’s so dark. He was clean shaven and very polite. I asked if he had a weapon or drugs with him and he told me no.”

Kevin thinks, Right, you think someone would really it to it.

“Is he dangerous?”

“Right now, I am checking things out. Until I learn more about him I can’t say one way or the other. Look, I need to keep going to try and follow him, do you have a problem with me entering the country?”

“Not if you have a port.”

Kevin reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out the port he always carries with him.

The officer looks at it, looks him over once more then says, “I hope you find what you’re looking for. It might be like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

Kevin asks, “How long do you think it will take me to drive to Montreal?”

“Figure on six or seven hours.”

“Where can I find some phones, cell phones don’t seem to work up here?”

“Nope, they don’t and probably never will. There’s a small town up ahead you will be able to find a phone.”

“Thanks, I’ll need some gas too.”

Kevin crosses the border and heads for Montreal.

Chapter Seventy-Eight

Montreal

Kevin finds a phone and calls Allison after he refuels the car.

“Where are you?” asks Allison.

“I spoke with the border guard a half hour ago. The fellow crossing had a Montreal driver’s license. If he’s not legitimate, my guess is he might catch a plane out of Montreal back to wherever he came from. I’m heading to the airport to see if I can find out if anyone with the name of Dentz Aydin flew out of there on Sunday.”

“Call me after you check it out.”

“I will.”

* * *

It’s almost midnight when Kevin reaches Montreal, he was able to get a decent

meal on the road and now needs to get some sleep. He won’t be able to get any worthwhile information at this hour from anyone. He will be there at nine in the morning when the airline offices should be open.

* * *

Just before nine Kevin walks in the Montreal airport and asks to speak to the Director of the Airport. The employee he addresses points to the direction of the director’s office. Entering the outer office he moves to the receptionist counter and asks to speak with the director. The young lady asks for identification and he shows his Intelligence ID.

Noticing his credentials she suddenly stands straight as if she was hit by a rod from behind. She moves to the director’s office and within minutes is asking him to come in.

As Kevin steps into the office, the receptionist exits.

Inside the director, a tall man in a dark blue suit with wavy blond hair, stands behind his desk and extends his hand to shake with Kevin.

Kevin is pleased this reception seems to be a welcomed visit.

Starting with the call from their own Border Patrol, Kevin relates the story the crossing officer told him. However, he personally believes the individual may have exited Canada from Montreal by plane last Sunday. He would like to know

what airlines, if any, he used and where he might have departed to.

“I see,” says the director. “I am glad you came to me instead of trying to airlines directly.”

“To be honest with you, I thought you could get a straight answer quicker than I could.”

Smiling the director says, “Let’s see if that is true. I will call my assistant and have her each airline and see what develops. What do you want her to inquire about?”

“Have her ask each airline to check their flights for Sunday and Monday with a enger manifest having someone with the name Dentz Aydin.”

“This might take some time, why don’t you browse in our walkways and do some window shopping in the wonderful stores we have.”

Kevin is not really in the mood for shopping but he will be courteous as this gentleman is doing him a huge favor.

“Thank you, I will. When should I check back?”

“We will page you to return to my office. Is that fair enough?”

“Thank you very much.”

* * *

Forty minutes later, Kevin hears the pager requesting him to return to the director’s office.

“Boy, that was quick,” he says to no one in particular. I wonder if they found anything.

Stepping into the reception area, the young lady he first spoke with rises from her seat and asks him to follow her into the director’s office.

Inside, the director looks at him. “I have an answer but I don’t think you’re going to like it.”

“Why is that?”

“Can I first ask if this has anything to do with the bombings last week in your country?”

“Possibly, that’s all I can honestly say right now.”

“I thought so. Your man entered Canada over a year ago. His port shows he is from Turkey. According to our system he never left Canada. Now he is in the Grand Cayman Islands somewhere or maybe onto someplace else.”

Kevin sits down. “When did he leave Montreal?”

“He boarded a plane last Sunday with one stop in Florida but no plane changes. You were right he left town very quickly. I’m afraid that is all the help I can give you.”

“Thank you. “Can I ask one more favor?”

“Be my guest.”

“I need to call Washington, to report to my boss, can I use a phone somewhere with some privacy?”

“I’ll ask my assistant to take a short break and you can use her office and her phone. Don’t worry about the charges.”

“Thanks again, you have been a big help.”

“I wish I could have done more. Our two countries need to work together.”

“You’re right, I only wish more people on both sides would realize that.”

* * *

As soon as Allison picks up her phone she says, “What did you find?”

Kevin tells her the news. Neither one of them is surprised by the hasty retreat.

“Dump the car with Hertz in Montreal, I want you back on the first available plane.”

The director gets him on the first flight out in first class and clears him through security.

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Allison’s Office

Kevin enters Allison’s office.

“That was quick. I didn’t expect you back so soon.”

Smiling, Kevin says, “If you want I can leave and come back later.”

“Sit down, nice piece of work. It didn’t work out the way we hoped it would, but you did one hell of a job following the small lead you had.

“Do you want some coffee?”

“No, I’m full of coffee. If I drink anymore of it my nerves will shatter.”

“I learned from the director of the airport, who by the way is one hell of a nice guy and very helpful, that this Dentz Aydin entered Canada last year but their system never shows him leaving.”

“Are you really surprised?”

“I guess I shouldn’t be. However, one of the dead guys in Newark came in on an Iranian port, and the other guy had no port on him or a wallet. Some of this doesn’t make sense.”

“While you were traveling back, I learned one more thing that doesn’t make sense, do you want to hear the rest of it,” says Allison.

“What’s that?”

“Our Mr. Dentz Aydin, left Montreal enroute to the Grand Cayman Islands, however the state department says, there is no record of him entering their country.”

“What?”

“My suspicion is, he used another port when he got off the plane. Now we have no idea who he is or where he might be.”

“Shit!”

“Right.”

“What’s next?”

“At the moment, I want you to keep tabs on the guy in Austin and the two he met with as well. They must be brewing something and I don’t want to be caught short another time. I need to meet with the president now that our third bird flew the coop.”

Chapter Eighty

White House

Janet White, the president’s personal secretary, advises him that the CIA Director is waiting outside of the Oval Office.

“Tell Allison, I’ll be another five minutes.”

“Yes sir,” Janet repeats his message to Allison.

“Thank you, Janet.”

Allison takes a seat and opens her briefcase to check papers inside.

* * *

When Allison enters the Oval Office, she walks up to the president’s desk, sits down and blows a cheek full of air.

“I’ve never seen you do that before. Do you call it letting off steam?”

Allison gives him a little smile.

“Not bad sir, that was cute. What I’d like to do is blow off a lot of steam.”

“Now you know about how I feel every day.”

“I guess it’s because this is the first situation since I’ve been your director that I feel we didn’t handle very well.”

“Of course, you’re taking all the blame yourself.”

“Not really, we got behind the eight ball and never got around it somehow.

“Let me give you a run down on what we found out about the guy who was ed in the other room.”

Allison tells the whole story of Kevin tracking him up to New Hampshire, crossing the border into Canada and flying out of Montreal. Then he suddenly disappears in the Grand Cayman Islands.

“Do you think he’s coming back again?”

“My gut feeling, no, I don’t know what happened in those hotels rooms other than two people are dead, but something caused a major rift between three operatives. That wouldn’t look good to whoever hired them or assigned them. I’d say he’s done at least for a long time. Maybe, I’m wrong, but I don’t think so.”

“Mike’s people are working very hard to put this together. What troubles me is if we do happen to connect some dots, there isn’t going to be anything other than circumstantial evidence to go to court with. The odds of getting verdicts is almost nil,” remarks the president.

“Sir, how do we protect the nation so this doesn’t continue to happen is the sixtyfour million dollar question?”

“Allison, right now, I wish I had the answer to that.”

“Sir, I wanted you to know how this ended without putting you in a tough spot in front of everyone else. That is why I came to see you today. I do want you to know the NSA was monitoring a guy in Austin for a while prior to this affair. They stopped because nothing panned out and on a gut feeling I had my people checking on him again to pressure him. With some more surveillance we learned he has a connection with Hamas and Hezbollah. Our surveillance spotted them having a meet. We will keep tabs on it, or do you want me to turn it over to the FBI?”

The president places his palms together in front of his face and takes a moment to answer.

“I want you and your people to handle it for now. Keep me informed if you feel the FBI should be involved. Right now, I know they have more on their plate than they can handle.”

“Anything else sir?”

“Yes, one more thing. Just between us, you are the first woman who ever walked out on me and left me standing with my mouth open without a thing to say.”

Allison giggles a moment like a little girl, “That is funny. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“You didn’t embarrass me, you caught me totally off guard when you said you had already initiated what I was going to ask you to do.”

“I guess, it’s because I’ve gotten to know you so well, sir. We tend to think alike. I’ve had my surprises this week too.”

“And what might that be.”

“When one of your own men tells you, for a lady, you have one huge set of balls, that surprised me. Although, he did mean it as a compliment.”

The president starts to laugh. You know what, “He’s right, only I never would have said it.”

The president rises and he and Allison shake hands, “I’m glad we’re on the same team.”

“I am too, sir.” Allison turns to leave the president with a smile on his face.

* * *

Allison heads back to her office to call Ariel Wattenberg, Director of the Mossad. She wants to run these incidents by him, especially about the one that got away to see what he thinks.

Chapter Eighty-One

Inside Tehran

The religious leaders from the six different mosques are ed in the conference room on the lower level where they hold their meetings. They are waiting for the senior mullah who has the responsibility of making the final decisions to them.

When he enters, he glances around the room. Pairs of eyes meet his, some quickly draw away and some seem determined to outlast his stares.

When he sits, shouts begin to assault his consciousness, he quickly stands once again. “What are your problems? You are acting like a bunch of grade school children.

“I’ve heard some of your concerns. Some are realistic and most are merely your own fears manifesting in your imaginations. To date, we know that there were four separate successful incidents created by our cells in the United States. Yes, there was one failure. Not intentional, a loose wire caused the detonator to fail to ignite the C4. Things happen in war. Right now you should be more than pleased because there has been no mention of Iran being involved or any retribution to our shores like the last time. We were successful.

“Go home to your families and act like men instead of a bunch of old ladies.

“When you want someone to handle your next project, go find someone else, I do not want to listen to your whining.”

He stands and walks out the door.

Imam Adel, conceals his smile. He was prepped this would happen. The others are totally shocked.

The of the other six mosques rise and depart, some shaking their heads as they feel they were treated unjustly.

The senior mullah knows the next time they want to do another incident these old ladies will be back begging to be heard. He has them right where he wants them.