Rube’s phone chimed at five o’clock in the evening. A text from Jared. “Tonight will be great for star-gazing. Get over here.” Rube showed it to Jill.
“Let’s both go. We’ll grab some fast food on the way. Traffic will be crazy, but this sounds like we need to be there.”
Rube texted back. “Jill and I love the stars. Shall we bring you some food?”
Jared’s reply was one word. “YES!!!!!!!”
By six-fifteen Jill and Rube cleared security at Langley and arrived in Jared’s cluttered office. Jared hugged Jill. “It’s been a long time and I heard about the baby . . . I see it’s not far off. Congratulations. Exciting.”
Jill sat down, shifting her weight a bit gingerly. “We are so excited. A little tough with Rube’s parents in Israel but we’re good. We brought you food.” She grinned. “And food for me and the baby. Traffic was crazy, so it took a little longer.”
“We’re okay, things don’t start hopping until seven. I’m starved.” Jared peeked in the bags and started pulling out burgers and fries. “Thanks!”
“So why are we here? What’s happening?” Rube started shifting piles of files from the chairs to the desk.
“What’s not happening? The whole world is happening. But who has been under the radar with so many other things in the news?”
Rube unwrapped a hamburger. “Iran.”
“Exactly.”
Jill groaned. “Don’t tell me they’re ready to fire on Israel.”
“No, Israel is about to take out their nuclear capability.” Jared held up his hand and high-fived Rube. “With your family so involved, you need to see this.”
“Israel is going to bomb Iran?” Jill covered her face with her hands.
“Drones, Jill, drones. And these seek out enriched uranium. Ingenious. Israel’s technology is amazing.”
“Our administration isn’t screaming about it?”
“They don’t know. Frank was informed. He let me know. I let you know. We’ll watch, then report. No one is paying attention right now. It’s the perfect time.”
“How can it be the perfect time?” Jill popped a french fry in her mouth. “Everyone is watching Israel.”
“But no one is watching Iran, except the Israelis right now. They’re striking while the iron is hot.” Jared punched in a code on his computer. “Zero hour is two a.m. there, seven p.m. here.”
“What if Iran retaliates?”
“Israel’s military is on full alert. They’ve just added to their Iron Dome. Their F151s are on the tarmacs now. But they have been ready since they retook the Temple Mount. So, no one is noticing their alert. Sheez, the Israelis live in alert status.”
Jared punched in a few more numbers on his computer. “Okay, here’s the feed. Man, only three drones, and they can neutralize this Iranian nuclear threat. Dear God, help them.”
Rube placed all his attention on the screen. “Do you think any radar can pick them up in these other countries?”
“Not likely. They are so hard to detect on radar. It’s possible that people on the ground could see them, but they make so little sound.” Jared grabbed another hamburger. “Jill, are you done? There are a few in here.”
Jill laughed. “We know you, Jared. We got plenty extra. Eat all you want. I’m good.”
Silence followed as they watched the blips representing the drones edge closer to Iran.
Rube interrupted the silence. “Jared, you just said ‘Dear God’. Was that a prayer?”
Jared grinned. “You won’t believe this. If I wasn’t here watching this tonight, which I wouldn’t miss, and technically I need to be here, I would be with Deb at church.”
“Deb’s at church on a Wednesday night. I thought church was just Sunday morning. How is she?”
“She’s great. We both are.” Jared paused and punched in some coordinates on the computer. The screen image zoomed in on Iran. “Oh, look, they are starting to split off. This is amazing. We thought they had three main centers, but we could determine only the locations of two for sure. Apparently, Israel found the third one. Praise God.”
Rube turned. “Praise God? Who are you and what have you done with the Jared I know?”
“It’s incredible, you guys, just incredible. You know, Deb and I have been on the verge of breaking up a few times. This CIA work wears on a marriage, as you well know. But Deb’s sister invited us to this special thing to honor Israel at their church. Well, we went. Wait, wait, I think the drones are about to strike.”
They stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the screen. Simultaneously the drones struck three locations in Iran. The satellite feed was close enough to tell they were exactly on mark. The explosions were significant and the fires high in the sky.
Jared turned up the volume of the Haifa laboratory technicians. There was Hebrew with English translations. “We have hit. They are direct on target. The uranium has been nullified and the buildings are on fire.”
“I forgot to tell you. The drones were able to nullify nuclear detonation with a chemical powder, like a dust that was expelled moments before the explosion blew up the buildings. The innovation of the Israeli chemists is unprecedented.”
Jared sat down and sent out an encrypted message to the White House. He looked up. “Well, now the real fireworks are about to start. I’m so glad, though, that Israel has the upper hand. If they could just stop ISIS and Russia, they’d be all set. Hamas is weakening, Israel has the Temple Mount, Iran has just lost nuclear capability, and Syria basically has no more power.”
Jared typed a few more items. “Okay, now back to Deb and me.” He took a big gulp of soda. “Well, we just fell in love with this church, and before we knew it, we prayed to make Jesus our Lord.” He looked from Jill to Rube and back. “I’m sorry if that offends you, being Jewish, but there are a lot of people at the church who say they are Jewish and that they are now realizing that Jesus is their Messiah. Is that crazy or what?”
Rube leaned back and took Jill’s hand. “It seems like that is happening all over Israel, too. My folks and Tassie have told us, and it’s even on the news. I think Tassie has gone that route. It’s strange, but I feel kind of drawn to it. Somehow it sounds right.”
“And I hear it’s happening all over our country. People are turning their lives over to God.” Jared grabbed a few more fries.
Jill took a deep breath. “Yeah, being pregnant . . . I don’t know if you get more serious or feel more responsible or what. You just want to make sure you do everything right.” She looked at Rube and then back to Jared. “Maybe we should visit your church sometime.”
“That would be great. I need to give you something else to consider. Frank has been our man on the ground in Israel for a long time. He’s getting closer to retirement. Because of your expertise and keen abilities, Rube, I’ve been authorized to offer you a position as Frank’s assistant with the plan that you take over for him when he steps down. It seemed to be a great fit as your family is there.”
Rube sat open mouthed, with his soda in his hand. “You’re serious, Jared. Seriously?”
“Yeah, I am. We are. It’s a big decision. No hurry. You might want to wait till after the baby arrives, but it’s open and will remain open.”
Rube looked at Jill. Her eyes were wide. “We have a lot to think about.”
CHAPTER 28
A FEW WEEKS EARLIER, IRAQ
The three-day mourning period had ended for Omar’s grandfather. Omar had missed most of it, but he walked to the burial site to watch his brother Mustafa, the oldest male descendant, place the soil blocks under Grandfather in the cemetery. The shroud was traditional white. Omar, under promise from the King that he would not be killed, and with his four bodyguards, walked to the body and threw soil on the grave. Although others had already said the Janazah prayer, he stood before his grandfather and said the traditional prayer. Inside his heart though, he saw his beloved grandfather in the pit of hell, pleading with him to tell his brothers that their Paradise d
idn’t exist.
He could feel the tension in the air at his very presence. Some were glad to see he finally arrived to pay proper respect, not understanding why he would not have been there the whole time. Others, specifically Saiim and Daran, were angry that he remained alive.
There could be snipers around, but he trusted the King. Why, he wasn’t sure, but he did. As everyone drifted off, he called Mustafa, Saiim, and Daran to him just a short distance from the gravesite.
“I know there is an inheritance that is sizeable.” Daran and Saiim’s eyes grew wide. Mustafa nodded his head. “I am here to say that I will give up my portion. You may split it or use it for a worthy cause as you see fit.”
“Are you well? You don’t look yourself.” Mustafa, the quiet one, was usually the most perceptive.
Saiim and Daran were hot-headed, always. Daran’s eyes revealed his hatred for Omar. “What are you up to? Why would you disrespect Grandfather? We returned as soon as we heard, and you were gone. We looked for you.”
Omar smiled. “I’m sure you wondered where I went. I knew you came to kill me.”
Saiim lunged at Omar, but Mustafa stepped between them. “This is not the time, brothers. Omar, you have something to say, so say it.”
“I have come to know the Jewish King.”
Daran rolled his eyes. “Did you get hit in the head? Do you mean the prime minister, Ben-Aharon?”
“No, I mean King Jesus.”
Each brother stepped back as if pushed. Mustafa rubbed his forehead. “Are you sick, brother? What are you trying to tell us?”
Omar sighed. “Just listen.” He related the details of his experiences from the time of the explosion to the present, focusing strongly on the pleas of their grandfather to tell them to follow the King and not go to the pit.
Daran and Saiim seemed at a loss for words. Mustafa shook his head. “I have heard of such things. I have not wanted to believe any of it. But, unless you sustained irreparable damage to your brain, I find it hard to dismiss what you say. And I see a light in your eyes that I have never seen before. I will consider it.”
Omar gave Mustafa an embrace. “That is all I can ask.”
Daran spat. “This is nonsense.”
“I understand, Daran. I responded the same way at first.”
Saiim looked Omar in the eye. “If this is true, you are an infidel, therefore a dead man.”
“I know, Saiim, but I have chosen this, and you will probably never see me again.”
“Yeah, because you will be dead, and I will not mourn you.” Daran waved his finger in Omar’s face.
“I don’t think I’ll be killed, but I understand, Daran.”
“Only because it is you, Omar, will I consider it.” Mustafa stepped back and hung his head. “I pray you will not be killed.”
“Only because Grandfather told you things you could not know, I may consider it, but not necessarily. I do wish you well, Omar.” Saiim stepped forward and embraced him.
Daran spat again. “I wish you dead, Omar. It is only right. Saiim said it. You are now an infidel. Death to the infidels.” He turned and walked away.
“I must go. You must make your own decisions. I will not forget you, my brothers, our time growing together, and our grandfather to whom we owe so much.”
Saiim looked in Omar’s eyes once more and walked away without a word.
Mustafa nodded to Omar and handed him a card. “When you can, let me know how you are, and if this new allegiance is working for you. Even if you are under a different name, I will know it is you. Thank you for returning. Grandfather always loved you so much.”
“Mustafa, I think you are most like him.”
“Perhaps that is why I am not jealous of you and am concerned for your welfare. I wish you well, my little brother. I will miss you.” He turned and walked away.
Omar stayed for a few minutes. The sky was darkening to a deep purple. Omar walked over to the grave. “I’m sorry, Grandfather, that you are in that place. I so wish I could get you out. But I will now live for the King. I warned them, Grandfather, like you asked me to do. I think Mustafa may follow the King, and maybe Saiim. Daran does not seem like he will at all, but I felt the same way at first. Perhaps. Perhaps. Thank you, Grandfather.”
Omar dismissed his bodyguards. He paid them a handsome sum and thanked them for their service. They were dumbfounded.
Omar left in the night and walked the three miles to the place of the tunnel through which the Christians were escaping. He waited till just before dawn and walked up to an IDF soldier. The soldier pulled his gun. “Who goes there?”
“I would like to pass through the tunnel with you.”
“Who are you?”
“I have asked Jesus to be my Lord and I know my life is in great danger here.”
“Your name.”
Omar coughed. “Omar.”
“Homer?”
Omar nodded.
“I need to search you.” The soldier found nothing. Omar had transferred everything from his phone and computer to a small chip that he placed in his sock. Despite obvious suspicion, the soldier checked Omar’s shoes but not his socks.
The man led him through. The tunnel came out near the airport. A cargo plane was loaded with crates of Christians for transport to Israel. “This is dangerous, sir, but we have not yet been detected. We believe the God of Israel, blessed be He, has given us grace. We have only one flight per day, but we have transported several hundred who have suffered greatly from the ISIS take over.”
“Yes, I am only recently a believer, but have already been called an infidel. I do believe it is time for me to go.”
“Most have already been through the tunnel under the cover of darkness. It looks like we got you here in time to join today’s flight.”
Omar breathed a sigh of relief as he sat inside a crate as the plane took off for Israel. Apparently, the manifest indicated it was a transport plane from Jordan, and so far, they had been able to keep up the deception. The IDF felt they would make only a few more flights as most of the Christians still alive had been located and evacuated.
Omar could hear the others talking, praying, and singing songs of praise to Jesus. He knew he was responsible for most of their grief, and yet they worshipped their God, now his God. He also knew he was destined for prison, but hoped he’d do some good beforehand. If he survived and ever got out of prison he would hopefully do more good. He thought of the image he had of being married with three children and speaking about God. It was hard to imagine but he would trust the King.
What sat so strangely on his mind was not just the peace and strength he felt inside but that he could almost hear the King’s voice within himself telling him what to do. He knew he was doing the right thing and he prayed that turning himself over to the IDF or the Mossad in Israel would go smoothly.
The plane touched down. IDF came aboard and opened the crates. The people were instructed that they would be temporarily placed in a building near the airport. At this place they would be fed and provided medical assistance if needed. If they had family they were looking for, people would provide help. If they needed to start over, options would be provided.
Omar joined the group, hoping to blend in for a few more minutes. He was hungry and ready to eat. He sat with the others but did not make conversation. They did not know him, and he didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable nor was he ready to draw attention to himself.
He stood and walked toward the door. He could walk out and disappear. Instead he approached three IDF soldiers standing just inside the door keeping an eye on everything.
“How can we be of service?” One of the IDF men held out a hand to shake Omar’s.
Omar took it. “Sirs, I want you to know I have just converted to Christianity from Islam.”
One of the men patted him on the back. “That is a big step. We respect all religions here in Israel. I want you to know that.”
“Thank you, but now I would like to turn mys
elf in. I believe the Mossad would like to talk to me.”
The soldiers slightly stiffened. “Were you involved in the take-over of Mosul?”
“Yes, and more.”
“Sir, let us step outside so we can search you. We have many suicide bombers in this neck of the woods.”
Omar held his hands up and walked outside. “The only thing I have on me is a computer chip in my sock that will give you all the information you need to stop ISIS and to thwart Lemkrof.”
One of the soldiers let out a low whistle. “Who are you?”
“I am Omar Tugani.”
“We are going to handcuff you now and turn you over to Mossad.”
“Thank you.”
Mossad was incredulous that Omar Tugani had voluntarily turned himself in. Not only did they have the Temple Mount, but they had stopped Iran’s nuclear option against Israel, and now they had Tugani, lead man for ISIS and big contact of Lemkrof.
Omar was quickly transferred to a maximum-security building. From the computer chip they downloaded a treasure trove of information. They interrogated him, but found they simply had to ask him and he revealed all the information he was asked. The only place he hesitated was revealing the location of his brothers. After all was said and done, he appreciated family, and truly didn’t want them taken out. A few days before he had ordered their killings, and now he prayed they would live, at least long enough to know the King.
Israel did not broadcast this great coup. They simply took his information and used it to infiltrate ISIS and remove key people. They had already used Tassie’s debriefing information to locate the chemicals in Syria. The earthquake and the drones did the necessary destruction for them. They also fed a great deal of information about Russia’s plans in Ukraine, Slovakia, and Czech Republic to the U.S. They knew the U.S. might still sit on it, so they also informed the countries involved and offered tactical support.
Blood Moon Redemption Page 26