Howard was shuffling a deck of cards, “So Jonah, you decided not to vacation in Colombia this December? I can’t remember you passing up a chance to be with your children.”
Jonah leaned back in his chair as he blew a cloud of smoke into the air. “Well as hard as it may be, it’s the best for the children. The less they see of me, the easier it will be when the final break is made. Besides when I’m with Maria we constantly argue. The further I’m away from her, the better it is for everyone, especially the children.”
Before Jonah could continue an announcer on the news station stated, “We have breaking news from Tunisia. There are reports of police obstructing demonstrators and using tear gas on hundreds of young protesters in the city of Sidi Bouzid. We understand that the protesters had gathered to demonstrate against the treatment of street peddler who had operated an unlicensed vegetable cart which was confiscated by police. Unable to support his family of eight, he doused himself with a flammable liquid and set himself on fire in front of the police headquarters.”
Jonah reached for the TV remote and turned up the volume. “Do you think it’s the work of al-Qaeda?
Howard shook his head no as he spoke, “All the information I have from my government contacts doesn’t show a strong presence of al-Qaeda in Tunisia. It’s the same problem the Arab’s in the Middle East have in general. Low wages, poor housing, louse sanitation and living under a cruel dictatorship. The entire area is a powder keg ready to explode!”
Daniel laid down his cards showing two pairs. “I can’t buy a decent hand tonight. What implications does this mean for the mission? Do you think the turmoil will disrupt our plans?”
“Actually just the opposite”, said Jonah as he revealed his cards of a full house. He reached across the table to retrieve the chips. “With a government in disarray they can’t focus on everyone, and we end up with some immunity. It gives Howard an excuse to be acquiring information from his government buddies.”
“Not so fast Jonah,” remarked Howard.
“What do you mean? Your contacts aren’t reliable,” blurted Jonah.
“My contacts are fine,” laughed Howard. “But your full house doesn’t beat a straight flush.” He rose up and scooped the chips over to his side of the table. “That’s enough news for tonight. I’ll query my contacts in the morning. It’s time for me to get home anyway.”
“It’s always time for you to go home when you’ve just won the biggest pot of the night,” grumbled Daniel as he stood up to leave.
Jonah walked the two men to the door as they bide goodnight. He returned to the room and continued to watch the broadcast. I wonder how the Amir is viewing this turn of events. Maybe I should fly to San Andres and meet with Abu Abbas. It’s too dangerous communicating via the Internet and a phone conversation is totally out of the question.
CHAPTER 27
THE AMIR
Colombia
Jonah, as he made plans for the trip to Colombia and San Andrés, sent a message to Abu Abbas Ismail through the dating service chat room regarding the trip.
I’m going on my annual Caribbean vacation and will not be available from March 1 through the 16th.
Abu Abbas upon reading the posting knew that Jonah would be in San Andrés during those dates.
Jonah departed for Bogotá in early March and then on to a connecting flight to San Andres. He would stop to see the children on the way home. During the flight Jonah reflected upon his relationship with his wife. I’ve watched Maria since her father’s death. She’s withdrawn from society in general. Her decision to permanently live in Colombia has simplified my life.
After the usual delayed flight to San Andrés, Jonah arrived at the apartmento, unpacked, and immediately made his way to Abu Abbas’s shop.
Abu Abbas, upon seeing him became very excited. “I’ve some startling news for you. Tomorrow morning you must be here at seven, for we’re blessed to have the Amir in our presence.”
Jonah couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The Amir was here to see him personally. This can only mean one thing. The mission is close to being implemented.
Jonah thanked Abu Abbas and left the shop and walked back to the apartment. I must be prepared in every way. I’ve put many things in place, but there’s so much to do. I only hope I’m up to the task.
Jonah was standing in front of the apartment complex before he knew it and he couldn’t even recollect the route he took to get there. His mind was completely absorbed by the mission and meeting the Amir.
Back at the room Jonah contemplated his upcoming trip to Bogota, knowing it would be his last.
I know the final separation from my children is going to rip my soul apart, but I must sacrifice any personal feelings and emotions for the sake of the mission.
The Amir
Jonah left for Abu Abbas’s shop at six-thirty in the morning after not sleeping the entire night. He had waited almost a quarter of a century for this moment and now that it was here he couldn’t contain his excitement. Arriving at the shop early, he paced outside.
Abu Abbas opened the door. “Come in, the Amir is already here.”
Jonah entered and Abu Abbas walked out saying, “I’ll leave the two of you alone. He’s waiting in the office.”
Jonah had nervous anticipation as he walked to the back of the shop and opened the door to the office. A man wearing large dark sunglasses that partially hid his face was sitting behind the desk. Jonah estimated that he was in his mid to late sixties. His salt-and-pepper hair accented his almost golden tan skin. The man was impeccably dressed in a tailored business suit with a large diamond ring on his pinkie finger. Approaching the desk the Amir motioned for him to sit.
Jonah sat in the chair and continued to stare at the man. Suddenly he bolted upward. “Uncle, you’re the Amir?”
Ahman Imad Rahman rose from his chair. Removing his sunglasses, he walked around the desk. He grabbed Jonah so hard that Jonah lost his breath. “Nasih, it has been twenty-eight long years since I put you on the plane in Jordan.”
It’s strange to hear my given Palestinian name after so many years.
Ahman spoke as he held both of Jonah’s arms. “It has been a painful time for me. Never being able to speak or write to you was heart wrenching. I knew many of the details of your life but always as an outsider looking in. I thought this day would never come.”
Tears streamed down Jonah’s cheeks. “Uncle, are you here to let me bring vengeance for our people? I’ll die like a proud martyr and all Palestinians will be proud of me.”
Ahman stepped back from his hold and looked his nephew in the eye. “You’re too valuable for me to sacrifice your blood in that pagan land. You must be steadfast and survive. By staying alive you’ll be a symbol for our people and extreme anger for the Western Powers, especially the United States. Your act if it is necessary will make the attacks of 9/11 look like child’s play and the memories will haunt the Americans for decades. You must pledge that you’ll return to me unharmed.”
“I’m yours and Allāh’s servant and I’ll do as commanded.”
Ahman and Jonah spent the next several hours reminiscing and plotting.
“What about the turmoil in Egypt and the new government,” asked Jonah? “How will it affect Muslims For Justice.”
Ahman smiled as he spoke. “The departure of President Mubarak has been a blessing for us. The Muslims For Justice are now able to openly campaign for political elections. We have been very careful to eliminate the extremist and radicals amongst us and to purge anyone associated with al-Qaeda. The killing of innocent Muslims by these terrorists has turned the majority of Muslims against the movement. We mustn’t appear to the Western powers as radicals. This would only isolate Egypt and bring about sanctions. We can now apply pressure to Israel by firming up diplomatic relations with Iran and also by opening up the border with the Gaza Strip. The majority of Egyptians want the 1979 peace treaty with Israel revoked.”
“Do you think this change in the
political landscape will be enough to provoke Israel into signing a peace agreement with the Palestinians and have Israel withdraw from the West Bank,” retorted Jonah?
The smile faded from Ahman’s face as he scowled. “It has been sixty-three years since Al-Nakba and all the Israelis have done is continued to persecute our people. They have been building more settlements on the West Bank further encroaching on Palestinian territory like a cancer slowly eating away at our souls and they won’t be happy until we are eliminated from the face of the earth.” Ahman face was now twisted with rage as he pounded on the desk. “I want those Western powers that have supported Israeli to understand that they are not immune from our revenge. I want them to feel the pain and misery that our people have suffered.”
Ahman Imad Rahman, the Amir, stood up and finally gave his blessing. “You’re free to strike, but your timing must be as cunning as the fox. Have your life in order. I know you’ll have pain in separating from your children. Be careful that you protect them, for they are the innocent bystanders in this plot. You and you alone will choose the time to strike. The other members are to follow your orders. If they don’t obey, you must eliminate them.”
“Not to worry, Uncle. They are as dedicated as I.”
They gave each other a final embrace and as they separated, Ahman quoted a verse from the Qur’an, An-Naml (The Ant, The Ants) Chapter 027, verse 50:
“Wamakaroo makran wamakarna makran wahum la yashAAuroona”
(They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not.)”
Jonah responded with verse 051:
“Faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu makrihim anna dammarnahum waqawmahum ajmaAAeena”
(Then see what was the end of their plot! We destroyed them and their people, all of them.)”
Jonah left the establishment feeling as if he owned the world and all of mankind would bow at his feet.
The Final Departure
Arriving in Bogotá, Jonah needed to implement his plan of final separation from the Ceballos. “Ronaldo, let’s go trout fishing,” said Jonah. “You’re always bragging about the Guavio River in Gacheta. Let’s make it a weekend.”
Jonah flipped the line back and forth until he placed the flash-pan crayfish dry fly in a small whirlpool near a fallen log. He worked the line, continuing his conversation with Ronaldo. “The entire housing market is stagnant in South Florida. People are leaving the area, reversing a trend of over sixty years of growth. The Palm Beach County school district has lost over five thousand students in the past few years and it looks like the trend will continue. High land taxes and insurance costs are driving the middle class out of the area. Soon all that’ll be left are the very rich or the very poor. The remaining housing contractors are barely making a living and many have gone into bankruptcy.”
Ronaldo was retrieving his line off a branch. “I’ve seen the reports in the Colombian business journals that the housing market slump in Florida hasn’t seen a recovery. South American investors, taking advantage of the weak dollar and market, are buying in Miami.”
Jonah walked slightly down the stream to try another promising spot. “The landscape business, for the first time, has seen reduced revenues and I had to let three crews go. Twelve people and I don’t know when it’s going to stop. I’m proposing to sell off the landscape business and also my property at Cooper Farms. The properties are zoned light industrial and I have many inquiries from several firms, including some high-tech medical companies, which want to turn the area into a health center. I think it’s time to sell.”
Ronaldo had been listening intently. “You know the business atmosphere in Florida better than me. If you think it’s time get out, then you have my approval.”
I’m pleased that Ronaldo accepted so easily. “I’ll solicit the offers and send them to you. Then we’ll discuss our sales strategy.”
Now that I’ve completed the first phase of my plan, convincing Ronaldo that we must sell all the property and the business in Florida, my only problem will be Maria and the children.
Jonah was in the bedroom at Ronaldo’s home dressing when Maria walked in after attending Mass.
She bluntly announced, “I’ve no intention of ever returning to the United States. I’m happier here being with my children and friends. This is now my home and where I intend to live.”
Jonah reflected on his good fortune. I wasn’t expecting that, but Maria you have just solved my dilemma. With the tone of his voice very subdued, Jonah replied, “Maria, I know our relationship has been deteriorating for several years. Our love has waned and it can never be the same as it was. I can accept your decision and will provide everything for you and the children. But what about the children, how will they react?”
Maria was very pragmatic. “Unlike the United States, the children of Colombians are told what they must do and they have no say in the consequences. I told them early this morning that we’re not going back. I took them to Mass and afterwards we had a consultation with the priest. He made them understand that your refusal to convert to Catholicism was a sacrilegious act against the church.”
Jonah listened to Maria’s flimsy excuse. She’s very smart. She waited until she was in Colombia with their old-fashioned priests and antiquated ways to spring this on the children. This would have never worked in the United States. If she only knew how easy this has made my life. My two biggest problems have been solved in just a few days. Allāh has smiled on me again.
Jonah played the part of the wounded husband, pleading but not overdoing his acting with Maria. In a final capitulation he agreed to talk to the children about the demise of the marriage. This is going to be the hardest. I would love to take the children back to my country. But if I did, I would put their lives in jeopardy. When the time comes they can renounce all of my actions and be free of the dishonor their father has brought upon them. Yes, this is the best course for all.
CHAPTER 28
THE MISSION
Preparing
Before leaving Bogotá, Jonah made a phone call to GoldCoast Environmental, Inc. “Daniel, I haven’t been home in over a month. Please make sure the premises have been fumigated. I’m having some guests over tonight about eight o’clock and I want no surprises creeping around.”
Daniel knew immediately that something important was happening. He called Howard and told him of the request for the meeting and the sweep of the house.
Howard dispatched Sergeant Navarro to the premises. The sergeant had been previously instructed to tell the housekeeper to leave and not return until the following morning. It took him more than two hours to complete a double sweep of the house, leaving only when satisfied that the premises were secure. He then parked his truck at the gate leading up to the house making sure no one would enter as he radioed back that he had completed the fumigation.
When the limousine pulled up to the gate, the GoldCoast Environmental truck was waiting for them. Jonah exited the limo and punched the code opening the gate. He then verified that the two closed-circuit surveillance cameras were in place.
Sergeant Navarro approached. “Sir, I’ve just completed the spraying. Would you please sign the work order?”
“Did you find anything unusual crawling around?”
“Sir, I saw nothing, but you can’t be too careful,” answered the sergeant as he closed the door to his truck.
Jonah watch the vehicle drive off, satisfied that the house was secure. He climbed into the limousine and motioned the driver to proceed, turning to watch the gate close behind them. Once in the house he went to his study and watched the limo drive away. As it approached the gate he opened it remotely, allowing the vehicle leave. He was pleased with the surveillance that surrounded the property. The cameras were strategically placed to tape any movement. The motion detectors were so sensitive that the camera footage had many times revealed raccoons or possums and only once an intruder, who turned out to be one of his own workers coming back to retrieve a lunch pail. Word on
the street was that the property had many guard dogs and only a fool would venture in. To help perpetuate the myth, Jonah had a tape that would run during the night through an amplified system, connected to hidden speakers near the perimeter of the property. Far enough away from his house so as not to disturb the occupants, the random barking would make anyone approaching the property think twice before entering.
Jonah found the meal the housekeeper had prepared for him in the refrigerator and reheated it in the microwave. She always made sure that Jonah had plenty to eat and drink. Carmela Bedoya was from Cali, Colombia and she had been working for the Ceballo family ever since immigrating to the United States in the late 1980’s. She was a small thin woman who always took better care of her “patrón” than herself. Jonah paid for all of her expenses, allowing her to live in a small one-bedroom condo that he had bought in east Boca Raton. He also purchased and gave her a two-bedroom condo in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“My Nino,” she affectingly called Jonah. “Why have you chosen a place so far away from here? Don’t misunderstand me I’m eternally grateful.”
All Jonah would say was, “Carmela, someday you’ll see the wisdom in my choice.”
Jonah ate the meal, but didn’t even remember how it tasted he was so busy writing out his strategy.
Upon Howard and Daniel’s arrival, Jonah greeted the pair. “As-Salamu `Alaikum. (May you be safe from harm.)”
They replied almost in unison, “Wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu. (The Mercy and Blessings of Allāh.)”
After showing them to the study, Jonah said. “I’ve met with the Amir.”
Their eyes widened. Howard was the first to speak. “What is the message? When do we strike?”
Jonah patiently answered him. “The Amir’s message is one of frustration with other organizations not being able to bring justice to the Palestinian people. He has lost faith in Hezbollah, Hamas and the PLO. He said we have a green light to proceed with the mission on a schedule that we agree is achievable.”
The Third Cell Page 33