Dawn of Hope- Exodus

by Dobrin Kostadinov

  On March 26 Ben set up a meeting with his old companion and decided to personally take a flight to Berlin to talk to him. The two were going to talk like friends, and not only, in the famous Berghaus Hotel, to be precise in the presidential suite–property of the wealthy Radeberg. The doorbell rang at 4:30 in the afternoon.

  ‘Hello, Konrad, how are you doing?’ Ben asked smiling and opened his arms for a hug.

  ‘I’m good as always,’ the German replied, offering the same gesture in return and hugging the Major and patting him on the back.

  ‘From what I see the years haven’t left a mark on you unlike the way they have worked for me,’ the investigator complimented.

  ‘Oh, come on, there’s nothing wrong with you, you’re the same old grinning fool I know,’ the share-holder countered playfully.

  ‘I wish it was true, I’m trying to hang in, but my nerves are frazzled, work and all, you know. How is your family doing, business going well?’ Robinson asked curious, yet politely.

  ‘You know how it happens, there’s too much work and barely any time left for the family. Ask me something about the business, I don’t have anything else. Apparently one gets used to loneliness,’ the German rich man said laughing, realizing what he uttered did not sound all that well.

  ‘Unfortunately, my situation isn’t any different. Sometimes I forget that a person needs rest, friends and the love of the family they have started. It’s a good thing I have them, otherwise it all would lack any point. And since you have nothing to boast with, let’s talk about something that concerns you directly,’ the English man hinted.

  ‘Come, let’s sit in the living-room, besides you have to see my new home,’ Konrand prompted, showing him the way and not missing the opportunity to show off with the beauty of his home. The Major was charmed by everything that surrounded him, yet he was in a hurry and had no time for lengthy conversations.

  ‘You know about the plane crash in Belgrade and the ammunition supply warehouse that was robbed. But there’s a connection between the two events–the plane’s cargo was stolen from that warehouse and it belongs to one of your companies,’ Ben started.

  ‘Yes, I’m aware that the stolen equipment belongs to one of my firms, but I didn’t know that the two cases were related. The interesting part is how did the cargo end up on the plane? This means that the people who robbed me died in the crash, right?’ concluded the shareholder astounded at the news.

  ‘I’m one of the investigators on the case and want to question you so I get more information about the situation at hand. I’ll abstain from comments for the time being.’ The investigator did not want to reveal any more details around the crash, for he had to keep everything classified even from someone like Radeberg.

  ‘It’s all right, but I want to ask you something. While your investigation is open, can I initiate one of my own with my own people and also would you mind if we compare notes in case either of us finds something?’

  ‘I don’t think it will be a problem as long as you have a good team of P-Eyes and do not obstruct my investigation in any way,’ Ben stressed.

  ‘OK, I’ll do my best,’ the German smiled and went on. ‘Now is the time for you to question me because from now on I’ll be quite busy,’ the head of the megacompany advised.

  ‘Let’s begin then. I will ask you a few questions and I want you to be very precise in your answers,’ the Major started up.

  The NATO employee began with the examination by asking Radeberg questions, such as what exactly the stolen equipment was, how much it cost in total, why it was there, how it was transported to the place and who guarded it. It was all particulars to which Konrad gave exhaustive answers without thinking or lying. Once he received what he wanted, Ben left with material he could rely on, but the German was displeased by the turn of events. He immediately launched an investigation, hiring the best private detectives in the world along with a private security company to help them. He had to get ahead of Ben in the findings so his schemes with Eisenhower would never be revealed. Such worries befell him the second his friend arrived at his threshold.

  Until nightfall the billionaire had found and summoned a few private detectives to tell them what he wanted them to do for him. His investigation was backed up from all sides. He even ordered one of the experts to keep track of his bank accounts from then on and check if his current accounts were real. He wanted to know whether or not someone had dared steal from him in any other way. He entrusted each of investigators with a specific task, hoping that there will soon be development on the case. Yet even if he was striving for perfectionism in all of his endeavors, time played a key role for the outcome and there wasn’t almost any of it. He needed at least a week . . . He was left with no choice but to wait . . .

  In the meantime the man who was taking advantage of his money was building something serious. At three o’clock in the afternoon on March 30 he was secretly writing his plan of action in his office. On that day he was seized by the whim to do something different. The tremendous excitement he got from his new occupation coupled with a variety of other emotions made him feel lonely. He had a sudden desire to share what he was doing and the stage at which he had arrived with the material. Omar knew that he could not discuss it with just anyone–neither with his friends, nor with his family. Few were the suitable interlocutors, but they were precisely the ones who started the whole affair on a par with him. For that very reason he felt like talking to Dimitar and exchanging views on his ideas. Although he did not credit the Balkan with his unconditional trust, he managed to impress the General with some of his actions. At four o’clock in the afternoon the two men had a phone call and arranged a meeting in Omar’s office. Twenty minutes later Milev arrived ready as ever to listen and pick up on the novelties.

  ‘Hello, Milev, it’s been a long time. How are you?’ the Iranian took up.

  ‘I’m laying low for now, I’m doing all right, no one bothers me. I’m waiting for your orders.’

  ‘There are no orders for the time being, I just wanted to consult with you about something. But before that I want us to sit down so you can answer me two questions,’ he offered the Bulgarian a seat. Saadi put in order the papers scattered all over his desk, put them together and showed Milev what he had done so far. Meanwhile he asked his first question.

  ‘What is happening with our two assistants? I haven’t heard from them recently. Maybe you know something.’

  ‘As far as I know they’re keeping a low profile, too–I call them every now and then. I saw them go out together a few times, but I’m not sure it is what it looks like,’ Milev gave a short laugh.

  ‘Who knows, something may be going on between them. Love arises at the least expected moments and places,’ the Iranian livened up a bit. ‘And now to cut to the more important point. Do you remember that dream of mine I mentioned to you? It was a long time ago, but I hope you remember it.’

  ‘I do, but you did not finish it for me,’ Dimitar reminded.

  ‘Read what I have put down and tell me your opinion and then I will clarify it to you. Then you will grasp everything.’ Milev got a little surprised, but he started reading vigilantly. After fifteen minutes of examining papers, photos and explicative information he was done.

  ‘So, what do you think?’ Saadi asked, impatiently waiting for the assessment of the Balkan.

  ‘It’s perfect. I think it will work. I’m pleasantly surprised. Does that mean we’re ready?’

  ‘Not yet. The time for action hasn’t come yet, besides there’re certain aspects that need polishing up. The exact moment will present itself. Haven’t you noticed what is happening out on the streets? Strikes, demonstrations, civil disobedience . . . The police and the law enforcement are beginning to soften and little by little I’m enhancing these processes all over the world. I sound like I’m some evil genius. I don’t wish it to be this way, but the whole situation requires actions,’ Omar started and continued. ‘Let’s go back to my dream. I had mentio
ned to you I was in a forest and a storm caught up on me, my only refuge was a house whose doors were closed. I also mentioned that with the help of certain animals I managed to find my way in. And now the whole symbolism will come to light to you. The storm is an embodiment of the people and they are the touchstone for the ideal moment. We’ll hide in the storm of human wrath and we’ll attack from there. The animals in my dream, just as you guessed, are the people under my command–it will be swift and over for minutes. We’ll mount an invasion by land and air with the costumes. We’ll first cut all communications all over the world, Harry’s paramount in that respect. With his help and the access we have to a satellite we’ll sever the GPS signals and all sorts of wireless communication. Along with that he will have to provide us with control over the recently launched Iranian high energy particle-beam satellites. We’ll also need an infantry. I have something in mind, all I need to do is add the final touches to the plan and the rest of our brave men will be deployed to the battle field. With their help we’ll strike the defensive arms and the resistance. Everything needs to go down in strict order, point by point, promptly, or else everything will crumble. I’m saying it again–the moment will present itself and we’re bound to see it,’ the General laid out exhaustively his ideas about the plan.

  ‘It’s amazing, but I haven’t doubted you for a second you will do great and that’s the very reason I offered you in specific to tackle the whole organization. The question from now on is what do I do?’ Milev asked directly.

  ‘If need you again, I’ll give you a call. I’m rather busy at the moment and I have a mercenary recruiting an army. This same man, named Phillip, is also spurring on the civil discontent by sponsoring different groups of rebels with weapons. What I want from you is to keep an eye on those two young birds. I’ll need both of them, especially Harry–he’s of vital importance. You can go now, but take good care of yourself because you’re even more valuable to the mission,’ Saadi instructed. The Balkan nodded and dashed off just as he had marched in, leaving the Iranian alone with his own thoughts.

  Harry and Alice who Milev was tasked to keep watch on them, for a month they had the chance to get to know each other not only as friends but also as something much more. All the fun they had together as well as the similarity in their characters made them tremendously close. Love could really spring at any place even where a person would least expect it to.

  The next day Milev found the two lovebirds sitting in one of the city’s coffee shops not far from their hotel. His goal was to follow them from a distance so they would not notice his presence. But the more he observed the two young people who held hands and watched each other in the eyes when they spoke, the more something got unlocked inside of him. The caresses they lavished each other with and the sweet talks accompanied by naïve giggles brought back something from his past relationships. The memories swiftly emerged in his mind. Harry even reminded him a bit of his own essence. Dimitar was standing in the middle of a crossroads in his adolescence, but the military put him on the right track or at least that was what he liked to say.

  As he was approaching the place where the two darlings were drinking their masterly made coffee undisturbed, Milev decided to be benevolent and just have a talk with them.

  ‘Hello, comrades. I’m not bothering you, am I?’ Milev popped up out of the blue. They let go of each other’s hands abruptly and moved apart. Stammering, they spoke in unison.

  ‘We’re fine, even great.’

  ‘Why did you move apart? I’ve been watching you for some time now, you aren’t hiding from anyone and you show the feelings you have for each other publically, why did you get embarrassed by me?’ the ex-officer asked them.

  The young ones exchanged a look and cast their eyes down. They did not have a particular answer to that question and could hardly explain the awe they nourished for his personality.

  ‘You don’t want to share anything, all right, I understand you. Let me sit with you for a while,’ he seated himself between the two of them and went on. ‘I have to keep an eye on you every now and then, the General is almost ready and you two are very important to us. I won’t bother you, but I’ll be close by.’ At that moment the coupe felt an odd tingling in their stomachs brought by the thought that they would no longer be able to express their feelings. But the truth lay elsewhere. ‘I don’t want you to feel uneasy, I’ll be sort of guarding you. You can act naturally, just as you did so far, keep being in love. I wouldn’t advise you, though, to become very fond of each other because of the events to come, but in the end we all need to have somebody at our side. Don’t think I haven’t felt it myself. Love in times of war is the strongest of all.’ On saying these final words he got off his seat, patted the young man and woman on their shoulders and left their sight.

  At first Harry and Alice were very surprised, but they grasped what Dimitar tried to tell them and it could translate to “make the best of the beautiful moments because in time you may not have that chance”. Perhaps Milev himself was grieving over something long lost or he was simply glad for the young couple because not everything boiled down to death and conspiracy. There had to be love and if nothing else survived, at least it had to. That was on his mind when he strode out of the café. Wise thoughts forged by the hammer of suffering and the anvil called experience . . .

  At another place, five days after Konrad launched his investigation, he was visited by one of the detectives he had hired, Hans Lekerman, a financial investigator by profession. In his early thirties, tall, with a good physique, chestnut brown hair and blue eyes he was one of the best in his field. The investigator brought hair-raising documentation to the home of the rich man.

  ‘Good afternoon, Mr. Radeberg, I have news for you, so you’d better sit down.’

  ‘I’ve already sat down. What’s going on?’ he asked surprised.

  ‘These are extracts from your bank statements. The papers show how the money in your accounts decreases little by little. Yet your name is found nowhere on the payments and this is not a single occurrence. Someone has taken advantage of you. We need to take immediate measures.’

  ‘Excuse me? You’re trying to tell me that I’ve been robbed again? How is that possible?! Explain everything to me.’ At that moment the president of the company jumped out of his seat and started pacing nervously around the room.

  ‘It’s hard to track what happens with you and your accounts. At this stage all seems to be a breach in the bank system that caters for you. Look, the thing is that you have many accounts, but they are all governed by the same system that provides interconnections between the different bank institutions. This system was created especially for you so you can have immediate access to all of your bank accounts without a cash withdrawal limit, otherwise you could not manage your operations, that is what you requested from the bank officers.’

  ‘ It’s true, and it is not my fault, though, but theirs. Still how does that happen, I don’t understand.’

  ‘The fault lies in the security of the system, but until it is restored, your financial resources are in danger,’ the investigator stated categorically while Konrad nearly plucked his hair out, pulling strands of it upwards. His face turned red, his eyes went bloodshot, taking on a scarlet hue.

  ‘Tell me as an expert what do you suggest I do and also who do you think stands in the bottom of all this?’ Radeberg asked, coming to a halt despite the tension brought about by a deep fear. A fear of further digging around the origins of his wealth. And even though he had backed himself up and his plan was hard to fathom some of his accomplices could decide to talk and everything could come to light.

  ‘I suggest you don’t issue a preservation order procedure so as not to notify your enemy we know about them. Leave things as they are now and we’ll try to find out who and where from are they stealing your financial assets. I think someone holds the control over your system and until we catch him or them. Your fortune will be at risk much as you try to hide it.’

>   The German got infuriated, but did not show his emotions. He somehow managed to calm himself down and pondered over the gravity of the matter. A little common sense and piecing the facts together would work much better.

  ‘Thank you for your prompt reaction, I’d ask you to keep vigil over the situation and inform me duly if you spot new transactions. I’ll try to find other people who can help me.’ On saying that, he smiled and tried to calm himself with that gesture. ‘You’re free to go.’

  Hans got suspicious of his employer’s behavior. At first the man was exasperated and flew into a rage, but later on he was relaxed and centered. Everything pointed in the direction of something rotten about the whole affair, but for the time being he intended to comply with the orders he was given. After he reported the irregularities, Lekerman felt redundant. He got up, bid goodbye and left the presidential apartment. Radeberg locked the door after him. Once the locking mechanism clicked, the president flew off the handle again. He began shaking and clenched his hands into fists. All of a sudden he started yelling and cursing in German. He ran for the table in the living-room, took the chair that was set closest to it and headed for the gilded fountain. He hit the fountain of intertwined female bodies with a heavy blow. At first the sculpture only twisted to the side. A second and a third blow followed while he was screaming and a few phrases stood out among the general yelling and the obscenities.