by Allan, Dale
“Anything else?”
“Well, there’s another office that’s rented, but I’ve never seen anyone go there.”
Vincent pressed, “Then how do you get the rent?”
“It’s wired directly to the landlord’s bank.”
This time Luke pulled out two twenties, handed them to her, and said, “Can you let us into that office?”
She hesitated and looked at the money in her hand a few times. Before she could answer, Luke added another twenty.
“Right this way.”
THE SUPER OPENED THE office door for them, saying, “Make sure you lock up before you leave,” and then she left them alone.
Vincent and Luke entered and looked around. There wasn’t anything to see. It was an empty room with dust lining the windowsills and cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. “This doesn’t look promising,” Vincent finally admitted. Luke shrugged his shoulders in defeat as he crossed the room. “Maybe it’s the import-export place?”
Disappointed, Vincent said, “Or maybe Arnold doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Luke stopped in front of a narrow door and opened it. “Or maybe he does.”
Vincent hurried over to see what Luke was looking at. Inside the small, dark closet was some sort of sophisticated machine sitting on a stack of boxes. Looking in, Vincent exclaimed, “Holy shit!”
Luke bit his lower lip nervously. “That’s no ordinary answering machine, and I’m not sure what it is, but we probably know someone who does.”
They both said at the same time, “Arnold.”
Hoping he was still awake, Luke quickly dialed his number again.
“Father, I’m going to be able to buy a new car if you keep calling,” Arnold said when he answered.
“I have another question. Just add it to my bill.” Arnold didn’t respond. “Vincent and I are at the address you gave us. There’s some kind of answering machine here that looks like a computer and we have no idea how it works. We thought you might be able to help.”
“I can’t come over there now, but can you take a few pictures of it with your phone? Be sure to get the model numbers and any serial numbers in the pictures. But be careful not to jar the machine. Send me a few text messages with the pictures attached.”
Luke hung up and looked toward the closet. “Vincent, can you open the blinds so we can get some light in here?” With the room illuminated in bright sunlight, Luke took his first picture. It took him a few minutes to figure out how to attach it to a text, but soon he was snapping picture after picture and sending them to Arnold. After his seventh message, the phone buzzed. It was a text from Arnold that said two words: “ENOUGH ALREADY!”
Not wanting to annoy him any more than he already had, Luke paced back and forth until Vincent said, “Why don’t we call the number and see what happens. It would let us know that we are definitely in the right place.” He searched his pockets and said, “Luke, I must have left my phone in the Jeep; let me borrow yours.”
Luke handed him the phone. Vincent quickly entered the number. A few seconds later, two green lights began blinking on the front of the machine. “Yes!” Vincent yelled as he walked over and gave Luke a high five.
As he handed the phone back, Vincent became serious. “Luke, I don’t know how you figured all of this out, but I’m beginning to worry that we’re in over our heads. I don’t want to aggravate you, but do you think we should go to the feds?”
Luke paced, thinking. “I would, but I honestly believe that they would laugh at us. Right now, we have the word of a homeless man who has no credibility and has spent time in jail. The only witness to his death is his schizophrenic girlfriend who would never testify or talk to anyone. And we’ve located an answering machine in an empty office. And to tell you the truth, I don’t trust the FBI guy Dempsey. Let’s see what Jami comes up with. By the time I get back from Riyadh, we’ll know if we can prove our case.”
Vincent stepped closer. “What do you think you’re going to find over there?”
“I’m not really sure, but I’m hoping to get the proof that will solve Aaron’s murder.”
After several minutes of silence, Luke’s cell buzzed, and he put it on speaker so Vincent could hear. “Thanks for calling back so quickly. What did you find out?”
Arnold replied, “OK, that machine is what’s called an intelligent remote caller ID system. It’s a fairly complex unit. I’m assuming that it’s been configured so that the office you are in is most likely set up as the service control point. This machine could be networked to several others at any location.”
Trying to simplify his explanation, Arnold slowed his pace, softened his tone, and took a deep breath.
“To make a long story short, here’s what it does in layman’s terms. Once a call is received, it’s programmed to send that message or phone number to as many as a dozen other devices. So if someone wanted to make it seem like they had an office in Boston, but he really lived in, well, let’s just say Saudi Arabia, they could route messages through this machine. So a call or voice message sent to the machine could trigger an alert on a phone, computer, or networked system anywhere in the world. And if the recipient responded, you would see a phone number that looked like they were located in Boston.”
Thinking quickly, Luke asked, “Is there any way to figure out what number or device this machine is linked to?”
“Good question, but there’s no easy way. I’ve scanned through the owner’s manual, and that particular machine requires that you create a unique PIN and password. It also has a triggering device that alerts everyone linked to the system if it’s logged into or any type of change is made to the unit. These systems are often used by outsourced customer-service firms to mask the fact that they are located in India. The security is built into the systems so they can’t be tampered with.”
Luke and Vincent suddenly came to the same realization as Luke deliberately asked, “So, if I called this number from my cell phone, there’s a chance that my phone number was transmitted to somewhere else in the world, like Riyadh?”
“Definitely yes.”
BACK AT THE HOUSE, Luke logged on to the computer to check flights to Riyadh. Scanning the British Airways site, he reviewed his options. The next flight that still had availability took off from Boston’s Logan airport at 8:15 a.m. and landed in Riyadh at 6:00 a.m. the following day, a total flight time of almost fifteen hours, including a stopover in London. Before confirming his reservation, Luke called Jami’s number to see if she had located an investigator who could help find Fatih once he landed. Hearing the extra-long ring, he realized that she was still on the phone.
While anxiously waiting for Jami to return his call, Luke continued reading the British Airways website. He was surprised to see that the airline’s food was Sharia compliant. Not understanding what that meant, he started surfing the net and discovered that a halal certification for a Muslim was similar to a kosher accreditation for a Jew. As he read further he learned that there were specific guidelines regarding the type of food served and the way it was prepared. Understandably, it meant no pork, no animals that were dead prior to slaughtering, and no alcohol. But what really surprised Luke was the last requirement: The animals that were eaten had to be slaughtered in the name of Allah. Who would have thought that British Airways was worried about Sharia compliance?
Disturbed at Sharia’s encroachment into everyday life, Luke continued searching. He was surprised that there were mutual funds that were specified as Sharia compliant, including the Dow Jones Islamic Index that targeted Muslim investors. He also discovered a court case from New Jersey where a trial judge found a Muslim man innocent of raping and beating his wife over a period of several months because his actions were based on his “religious belief” in Sharia law. The article quoted the man as saying that in his religion, it was his “right” to rape her.
Hearing something buzzing, he looked over and noticed his cell phone vibrating on the desk. He glanced at the display
before answering and saw that it was Jami.
“Have you been on the phone since this morning?” Luke asked.
“Yes,” she softly replied.
“Is everything all right?”
She sighed. “Yes, just extremely complicated.”
Confused, Luke asked, “Why?”
Jami ignored his question and said, “I found a private investigator who’s willing to help us. Are you still considering going to Riyadh?”
“Yes, I’m about to book the flight. Will the investigator meet with me?”
“He said he would. He wants to know your flight number so he can pick you up at the airport.”
“That’s great,” Luke said. “Just give me a second.” He pressed Enter on the keyboard and confirmed his reservation. After giving her his itinerary, he asked, “Are you sure you’re OK?”
He thought he heard her voice quiver, but she finally answered, “Yes, I’m fine.”
“You don’t seem like yourself today.”
She said softly, “I’m fine, just tired. Before it gets too late in Riyadh, let me call the investigator and give him your flight information.”
Worried, Luke said, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Probably not, since I’ll be at the airport early.”
After hanging up, Luke printed his boarding pass, logged off, and thought about what to do next. First, he called John and asked him to come over so that he could fill him in on his plans. Next he called Deborah.
She answered on the second ring. “Hi, Luke!”
“How have you been?”
“Great. The kids are having a wonderful time. They miss you, though.”
“I miss them, too.”
He could hear her walking and shutting a door. She whispered, “I just wanted to let you know that Lori may be returning to Boston in a few days.”
Concerned, Luke asked, “Is everything OK?”
“Not really. She’s going to meet with her lawyer and file for divorce. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me telling you, but I don’t want to talk about it in front of the children.”
Luke thought about suggesting counseling or having them talk to a priest, but as much as he prayed for understanding, he disdained her husband, Dick, with a vengeance.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said insincerely.
Deb snapped back, “I’m not. If you knew half the things I know about that jerk husband of hers, you would understand.” Changing the topic, she continued, “Can you come up and stay with us? Maybe next week?”
He decided not to tell her that he was going to be on his way to Saudi Arabia in the morning, not only so that she wouldn’t worry but also at this point, the less she knew, the better. “I’d really like to, but let’s see how things go.”
Before hanging up, Deborah added, “I told Lori that she could stay at our house if she wants. Her mother-in-law lives at their house, and she doesn’t want her to know that she is home. I’ve already alerted our security guards.” She added, “We really miss you. Please come to see us.”
“I’ll call in a few days.”
Luke found Vincent in the family room watching a football game with Justice lying on his lap. Seeing Luke, the dog began wagging his tail. “Vincent, don’t get up. I’m going to pack some things for my trip.”
“You decided to go?”
“Yes, I’m leaving in the morning. When John gets here, I’ll tell you both the details.”
While Luke was packing, John arrived with pizzas. They ate, and Luke told them about his travel plans.
They finished their meal, and Luke left John and Vincent watching the game while he drove to visit his parents before his trip. En route in Vincent’s Jeep, he called his mom to let her know that he was coming. She was waiting at the front door when he arrived.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. “You have to talk to your father. Since we moved back home, reality has set in, and all he does is sit in his chair and stare into space. He still can’t accept Aaron’s death. The fact that whoever murdered your brother is still out there is eating him alive.”
Luke entered the house and went directly to the living room. He sat down next to his father and said softly, “Dad, don’t worry, I’m going to figure it out.”
Not understanding what he was talking about, his father blankly responded, “Figure what out?”
“Who killed Aaron.”
Turning to face him, his expression changed, and he asked, “How? The police don’t have a clue.”
“I’m not working with the police. I’m working this myself, and I think I’m getting close.”
His father’s eyes widened in shock. “Luke, even though nothing would make me happier than finding the people who killed Aaron, I couldn’t bear to lose another son. Please be careful.”
“OK, I will. I’m going to be away for a few days.”
“Where are you going?”
“I can’t tell you, but hopefully by the time I return, this will all be over.”
JOHN PULLED INTO THE departure area of Logan International Airport and dropped Luke at the curb. Waving good-bye, Luke walked into the terminal and glanced at the monitor to find his gate. As he looked at his reflection in the glass windows, he hoped that his dark clothes and unshaven face would help him to fit in when he arrived in Riyadh. After waiting for over an hour in the security line, he sat at the gate with his head down, trying not to be recognized.
Once boarded, Luke reclined his seat and attempted to relax. He noticed that many of the female passengers were dressed in hijabs or head scarfs, and a few had on full burqas. Most of the men wore dark, loose-fitting clothing, similar to what he was wearing. One thought kept crossing his mind: Was he really about to meet his brother’s killer?
When the plane’s wheels touched down in London, he opened his eyes. As additional passengers began boarding, a woman with a head scarf that hid everything but her eyes quickly sat in the empty seat across from him. After taking off, he closed his eyes again and prayed for guidance once he landed in Riyadh. When he felt a nudge the first time, he thought it was an accident. When it happened again, he opened his eyes to see who was poking him. The woman across the aisle was staring at him. Unsure of what she wanted, he made eye contact, and as she uncovered her face, he exclaimed, “Jami, I can’t believe you’re here!”
Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “I was sitting up front, but when we landed in London, I asked the flight attendant if I could change my seat. Since the plane wasn’t full, she said I could sit anywhere.”
Luke smiled. “Were you in first class?”
“Yes, I thought you would be sitting there, so I decided to spend the extra money.”
Luke realized that Jami must have read the newspaper accounts regarding his inheritance. “I know it probably doesn’t seem like it, but I normally live a very simple lifestyle. You should go back to your comfortable seat. We can talk once we land.”
“No, this is fine.”
Once the plane took off, Luke was glad to see that it was more than half empty. With no one sitting nearby, he could discuss the details of the trip with Jami and not have to worry about anyone overhearing their conversation.
“So, who is this private investigator and what’s his name?
“His name is Masud, and he’s supposed to be very good.”
“How did you find him? Are you sure he can be trusted?”
“He works for a friend’s company and I’m told he can help.”
Luke sensed that she was holding back information and began to wonder if he had done the right thing by telling her everything he knew. “That’s it? He works for a friend’s company?”
Jami’s eyes darkened. “It’s not just any company; it’s the largest company in Saudi Arabia, and he’s the head of security.”
“I don’t know what arrangements you made, but I want to be the one to pay his fees.”
“That won’t be
necessary.”
Frustrated at her short answers, Luke asked, “Why not?”
“He’s doing it for free.”
Luke was astounded. “Who exactly is your friend?” he asked.
She took a deep breath, and Luke could tell that she was agitated. “Two years ago when I was still living in Cairo, I went to visit a girlfriend who was away at college. She was attending King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, one of the best schools in the Middle East. When she was showing me around the campus, my head scarf blew off in the wind and a young man picked it up for me.” She took another deep breath. “He never said a word to me. Three days later, I returned to Cairo. A few weeks after that, I returned home from school one day, and the man, Layth, was sitting in my house with my father. He had asked to marry me. My parents were so happy. His family owned one of the most successful companies in Saudi Arabia and they were very rich.”
Seeing that the more she talked, the more upset she became, Luke said softly, “But you didn’t get married?”
“At first, I went along with it, but I didn’t even know him. When I told my family that I wanted to call off the wedding, they were furious. As you know, this is not something a woman can do in that part of the world.”
Luke knew all too well the horror stories of Muslim women who turned down marriage proposals. There were documented cases of attacks where humiliated men had doused their brides-not-to-be with sulfuric acid, disfiguring their faces by burning the skin until their bones were exposed, often causing them to go blind. The underlying rationale seemed to be that if the man who was turned down couldn’t have his chosen bride, he would make sure that no one else would want her. These attacks had a catastrophic effect on the victims’ lives, not only physically, but psychologically, socially, and financially.
She continued, “My entire family turned against me, except for Ablaa. Have you ever heard of Chop Chop Square?” Luke shook his head. “My father sat me down and explained that there is a public square in Saudi Arabia where executions take place. Crowds gather to see criminals killed by beheadings or mutilated by amputations. This is not uncommon; it happens on a weekly basis. I think my father told me about this for two reasons: He wanted me to marry Layth, and he wanted to warn me about the dangers of not marrying him. Ablaa understood and insisted that I come to Boston, where she was attending school.”