“This is the President of the United States.” He waited for a response; none came. “Director, I have in my possession evidence that includes an email from you to the Secretariat of the IPCC stating your intentions. It is clear that the Consortium has intentionally perpetrated a fraud of gargantuan proportions—with the potential to collapse the world-wide economy—if it were exposed.” The president paused slightly and let out an inaudible breath. Then he continued. “The information will be withheld on one condition. The Consortium must dial back the rhetoric and slowly denounce the claims of anthropogenic global warming. If I see any drastic movement in the markets to the contrary, I will expose not only the fraud—but your identity.”
The Director was silent. Then he challenged, “You’re bluffing.”
“As I mentioned, I have a copy of the email you sent to the IPCC with your directives.” The president paused. It was time to call the bluff. “I also have evidence that the Consortium hired the deadly assassin called L to kill three scientists and Senator Sherman Spark, and that Senator Winston Erog is your messenger.”
Again, silence.
“Done!” The line went dead.
It was settled.
The president placed the phone back in its cradle. His posture remained stiff as he sat in his chair. He studied the Oval Office as he contemplated the myriad of pronouncements that had come to fruition in that room. He hoped his judgement had not betrayed his oath of office. But he was certain—L was dead, Erog was going to jail, and the Consortium was forced to stand down. He glanced at the President’s Book of Secrets lying open on his desk. He now would be forced to enter the first notation of his presidency. Next to the telephone number and code he wrote in two more sets of numbers: Latitude 36.108564 Longitude -86.819957, identifying the location of the Consortium’s private server. Then he placed the SD memory card in between the pages and closed the book.
Confident he had made the right decision, he returned the sacred tome to its rightful place inside the vault. He said a prayer and then texted Noble: The sky is clear.
Noble texted Enzo: Tomorrow.
OTHER POINTS OF VIEW
“Few challenges facing America and the world are more urgent than combating climate change. The science is beyond dispute and the facts are clear.”
—President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama,
November 19, 2008
“Climate change is a terrible problem, and it absolutely needs to be solved. It deserves to be a huge priority.”
—Bill Gates, Founder Microsoft, Philanthropist,
November 11, 2010
“We are running the most dangerous experiment in history right now, which is to see how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before there is an environmental catastrophe.”
—Elon Musk, CEO Tesla Motors, Inventor,
April 22, 2013
“I am not a scientist, but I don’t need to be. Because the world’s scientific community has spoken, and they have given us our prognosis, if we do not act together, we will surely perish.”
—Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor,
September 23, 2014
“Today, there’s no greater threat to our planet than climate change.”
—President Barack Hussein Obama,
April 18, 2015
“Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political, and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.”
—Pope Francis,
June 18, 2015
“…The scientific community has been extremely clear—no debate—climate change is real, climate change is manmade, and climate change is already causing severe damage in terms of drought, floods, forest fires, rising sea levels, and extreme weather disturbances…”
—Senator Bernie Sanders,
September 4, 2015
“It’s hard to believe that people running for president refuse to believe the settled science of climate change.”
—Hillary Rodham Clinton,
July 1, 2016
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Editor: After the completion of each novel I’m faced with a dilemma: how to recognize someone who has had the greatest impact in the creation of the novel. After using the Dedication and the Acknowledgment in past novels, neither appeared sufficient. Joe Fernandez, my loving husband, avid supporter, and incredible content editor, deserves the highest recognition. After 38 years together, he made it possible for me to embark on this amazing journey as an author; to produce entertaining, intellectual, and informative novels. His literary contributions alone are invaluable. Additionally, his diligent, in-depth editing enhances my narrative. His scrutiny of segue, nuances, facts, and the content that assures plausibility is priceless. My mantra has become, “If Joe doesn’t get it, neither will the reader.” Because of him, my writing style has improved immensely; because of him I’ve written five novels of which I am proud. Perhaps, the only place to fully appreciate the sacrifices he has made is in that special place in my heart that he occupies.
The Publisher: Both Joe and I offer our deep appreciation to my publisher, David Dunham, for his continued confidence in me as a novelist. And for giving of his own time to see my projects to fruition. But I know David could not do it without his amazing colleagues at Dunham Books, Managing Editor Crystal Flores and Associate Publisher Joel Dunham. Thanks to all of you.
The Alpha/Beta Readers: Our profound thanks go to my special inner circle of talented readers whose objective insights and valuable feedback from various perspectives continue to help enrich my stories. It’s amazing after the number of rereads and edits Joe and I run the manuscript through, this group still finds the nagging oversights and offer helpful hints: to Kenney DeCamp, Richard Halpern, Ann Howells, Donna Post, and Alfredo Vedro.
The Fact-Checkers: A special thanks goes to those who have granted me permission to use them as real-life characters in my fictional story and for conducting a fact-check review: to Harold Doiron, Tom Wysmuller, Jim Peacock, Laurence Gould, and all members of The Right Climate Stuff research team. These former NASA Apollo Team heroes and other accomplished researchers who joined their research team deserve special recognition for continuing to take giant leaps for mankind. To Dennis Avery, former senior fellow of the Hudson Institute and co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Unstoppable Global Warming: Every 1,500 Years, who worked tirelessly alongside S. Fred Singer, to ensure the integrity of science be maintained through their dogged research and pursuit of the truth. To Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, James (“Sully”) Sullivan, and Dr. Paul Yungst; Sarasota, Florida’s finest citizens whose roles helped to enrich the plot.
The Italians: To all my Italian friends who have also allowed me to use them as real-life characters in my fictional story: Dottore Franco Della Piane, Simone Monciatti, Manuele Verdelli, Giuliana Ferrucci, and Valentina Catinari, who have always welcomed us with open arms during our stays at Capannelle. To Giovanni Righi, who not only opened the doors to his fabulous restaurant Ristorante Righi generously, but to the wonders of the Republic of San Marino during each of our frequent visits. To all the staff at the Hotel Titano who have always exceeded our expectations. And to Carmine and Massimo Maieli, for allowing me to use their family name, and for their amazing artistic talents to transform our US home into a Tuscan Villa; mille grazie.
Family and Friends: Lastly, I am indebted to all my family and friends from around the world, too numerous to mention, for all the love and support they have given me throughout this endeavor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
If you relish suspense thrillers with a tinge of conspiracy, you’ll enjoy Sally Fernandez’ novels. Readers have said she pens riveting plots of intrigue and political awakening, seamlessly blending fact with fiction…or fiction with fact…you be the judge.
Fernandez, a novelist of provocative political thrillers, wasn’t always twisting facts with fiction. Heavily endowed with ski
lls acquired in banking, she embarked on her writing career. Fernandez’ focus on computer technology, business consulting, and project management, enhanced by business and technical writing, proved to be a boon. Her books of fiction reflect the knowledge garnered from her business experiences, while living in New York City, San Francisco, and Hong Kong.
Fernandez’ foray into writing fiction officially began in 2007 when the presidential election cycle was in full swing. The overwhelming political spin by the media compelled her to question the frightening possibilities the political scene could generate. As a confirmed political junkie, she took to the keyboard armed with unwinding events and discovered a new and exciting career.
Redemption: Aftermath of The Simon Trilogy is her fourth and final novel in a series following Brotherhood Beyond the Yard, Noble’s Quest, and The Ultimate Revenge. Each book provides an exhilarating platform for Redemption, with a gripping narrative that challenges the reader to put the book down. The ever-elusive Simon’s daring escapes add unheard-of dimensions to the classic cat and mouse game. Her development of the other characters is destined to create a lasting bond between them and the reader. Despair not; Fernandez has a new series featuring Maxine Ford as the female protagonist. Climatized is the first Max Ford Thriller.
A world traveler, Ms. Fernandez and her husband, also editor-in-residence, split time between their homes in the United States and Florence, Italy.
BROTHERHOOD BEYOND THE YARD
In 1990, an extraordinarily talented young man was discovered on the streets of Florence, Italy. His gifts are readily apparent, his ability to lead unmatched, and the possibilities for his future endless. Several years later, a group of scholars at Harvard known as La Fratellanza devise a brilliant thesis in the form of an intellectual game. When the game morphs into a real-life experience with the election of President Abner Baari, no one could have foreseen the consequences—or ramifications.
Director Hamilton Scott of the States Intelligence Agency is dispatched to Florence to coordinate a sting operation with Interpol to trap a terrorist, but as he digs deeper, he finds himself in a complicated mystery that has the fate of the United States, even that of the president himself, on his shoulders. As Hamilton drives the investigation forward with clear-headed integrity, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard provides an array of disturbing possibilities while delivering a rush of thrills.
Sally Fernandez’s crackerjack international thriller expertly weaves seemingly disparate events into a cohesive whole leading to a shocking, shattering climax; a classic blend of character study and well-plotted action sequences keeps the pages turning faster and faster. There are no sacred cows here as Fernandez drives straight to the highest seats of Washington and questions anyone—and everything. A hair-raising page-turner from start to finish, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard examines political ideology, the international banking crisis, the role of Internet technology, and international terrorism with ferocious insight.
www.sallyfernandez.com
NOBLE’S QUEST
Fresh on the heels of her acclaimed first novel, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard, Sally Fernandez has penned a sequel that will add more sparkling thrills to the trilogy she is authoring. Major earth-shaking events in Europe and the USA converge to fuel Interpol and the States Intelligence Agency to join forces.
Although seemingly detached, the threats prompt Noble Bishop, Director of the SIA, and Enzo Borgini, Executive Director of Police Services for Interpol, to conduct joint investigations. Leading-edge technology is used to unravel the labyrinth of connections. The events are not coincidental. The enormous risks facing the USA and the world eventually draw the newly elected president into the picture.
Land grabs, political manipulation, and a terrorist camp—along with sea changes in the American psyche—are skillfully woven to form a tapestry of intrigue. Readers of Brotherhood Beyond the Yard will renew their acquaintanceship with some of the characters in the sequel. This time their roles are more expansive and transparent, adding to the lingering intrigue. The widely sought mastermind of the global terrorist threat adds a breathtaking twist that lends even more intrigue to the narrative.
Written in the author’s patent style, readers will be beguiled by the artistic marriage of established facts with a storyline that lifts creativity to new heights. Readers are challenged to separate fact from fiction, in the true Fernandez style.
www.sallyfernandez.com
THE ULTIMATE REVENGE
The Ultimate Revenge is the explosive conclusion to The Simon Trilogy that has held political thriller readers tightly in its grasp. The author’s earlier books, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard and Noble’s Quest, provide an exhilarating platform for the launch of this final chapter of a gripping narrative that challenges the reader to put the book down.
The ever-elusive Simon’s daring escape from a high-security prison allows him to add unheard-of dimensions to the classic cat-and-mouse game he has played with Noble, the SIA Director. The manhunt for Simon engages two geniuses and a collection of talented operatives, all immersed in a chase with more twists and turns than a rodeo bull. In the process chicanery and double-dealing at the highest levels is unfolded, continuing some of the manipulations of the earlier books. Max, Noble’s trusted partner, comes into her own, as she uncovers startling evidence and suggestive connections that reveal the nation’s power grids are at risk.
Of greater significance, are the hidden agendas of some of the world’s most powerful recognized leaders to pursue their goals toward a supra-national one-world government under the guise of global warming. Simon, the deposed President Baari, and the Jihadists find themselves sharing the same boat, each driven by separate motives but all resulting in a potential disastrous national emergency of huge proportions. The future of the United States is precipitously at stake. The capture of Simon becomes the highest priority as he continues to elude his captors with his usual bag of tricks. Meanwhile, Noble staves off a massive national emergency with his technical prowess. Simon, finally cornered, provides an explosive ending to a fast-paced trilogy that is not for the faint of heart.
Fernandez has proved once again that she has mastered the art of blending fact with fiction, leaving the readers to make their own judgments. Whatever the outcome, it raises the inviting question, “What if?”
www.sallyfernandez.com
REDEMPTION: AFTERMATH OF THE SIMON TRILOGY
It was April 2017. The nation was gripped by the shocking news that Simon Hall, the notorious terrorist, had leaped to his death off the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York. Moreover, the fact that the body had yet to be recovered raised doubts among many. Had Simon cleverly eluded his captors once again?
But for the newly elected president, there were greater threats looming. President Randall Post had inherited a rapidly sinking economy that brought chaos of gargantuan proportions. And with the push for global governance threatening America’s sovereignty, the country was in dire need of solutions.
Meanwhile, the American populace was clamoring for a full governmental offensive on the clear need to create more jobs. The economic sinkhole had been accelerated by the paucity of employment throughout the country, which was largely ignored by the former administration in favor of their agenda. Internationally, a loss of esteem, coupled with a rising support of global governance among powerful forces, gave birth to a prediction of a permanent decline in America’s stature. Unrest among the masses had surfaced in frequent demonstrations against the government, many of which included violence. There was a blatant crisis of confidence facing the nation.
The increasing turmoil threatening the future of the US was addressed head on by the newly-elected president. He filled the leadership void boldly and without hesitation—but he needed of the support of the American people. The downtrodden mood that permeated the society forced his primary objective to design a strategy to address the crucial need for more jobs. Borrowing a page from the Manhattan Project, the president’s chosen course was to
assemble some of the country’s best minds to offer solutions. The clandestine group known as La Fratellanza was enlisted to fulfill the role. Their superior intellectual skills and experience as Washington insiders, made them eminently qualified to meet the President’s needs. Noble Bishop, director of the States Intelligence Agency was tasked to bring them together and to provide the leadership and guidance. The timetable had been set. To deliver on the immediacy of his stated goals, the President expected an overall strategy in only sixty-five days—a challenge of overwhelming dimensions
With the country’s sinking economy and sovereignty in peril, can President Post rescue America?
www.sallyfernandez.com
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