by Bill O. A
“Then you should try the California milkshake, it our speciality.”
Jack understood that something had changed and he needed to be briefed immediately.
“Certainly. Where can I get some?”
“The table at the back has a set of milkshake cups.”
Both men went to a blind spot in the house.
“Sir, we have noticed that our communication devices make a static sound. It seems there is another device in the building jamming our communication.”
“Are you trying to say the Joneses have been bugged?” asked Jack.
“Exactly sir, and this changes everything. The numbers killer might be aware of our presence here.”
“I don’t think so,” said Jack. “Only Ralph knew we were taking over this party. Our presence here is a surprise to this celebrating family and their main concern is getting over with this curse thing, you can assume we are oblivious to them.”
“Copy sir,” replied the agent.
“Meanwhile, create a domestic accident and have a cleaner come sweep the place. Identify the bugs but don’t remove them.”
“Sandra, you are so beautifully dressed I would have thought it was you having a birthday party,” said Mrs Gates.
“Mum, stop it.”
“Your dad says you have fallen in love with the ghost man. I can only advise you to keep away from anything mystical. That is not our area.”
Sandra acted deaf and spoke to her father.
“We are running late Dad, I don’t think we should delay this stuff any further.”
“Relax child, the party starts at ten a.m. so a couple of minutes late wouldn’t harm anyone.”
“Honey, you know she wants to be with him, so do oblige her. I am sure the Nigerians will soon leave the country and everything will fall back into place.”
“Dad, should I call Sandra and ask what time they will be here?”
“Yeah, that sounds like a good strategy to keep things in motion. Do make the call please.”
“She said they are eleven minutes away from us.”
“Good,” replied Bode. “Don’t forget what I have told you. Learn as much as you can during this whole episode, and you will be fine.”
“Do turn on the TV and let me watch some news, I am sure there is a CNN channel here.”
“Dad, right in the heat of things you want to watch the TV? You should be planning or something.”
“Kid, planning comes naturally. You need not worry about any potential disappointment from me.”
The TV anchor was speaking. “It seems that there is a possible terrorist threat aiming at American citizens during our Independence Day, it is advised that…”
Brian walked past the Joneses’ house for the fourth time in the space of an hour. There was no presence of any security and George was inside. He just couldn’t understand why the FBI would let him off without a security detail. Well, the party wasn’t in top gear yet, so he would have to wait and see how things would unfold.
He went back to his quarters and continued listening to his bugs.
“Agent, can you explain why Mr Williams and his boy are not yet here?” inquired Jack on his cell phone.
“Sir, I am in the hotel lobby and understand from Mr Gates that they are on their way,” replied the FBI agent. “They should be here any minute to pick up the man and his son.”
“That is good. Make sure you remain undetected but operational in your duties.”
“Definitely sir.”
George walked up to his visiting co-professor. “I hope you are enjoying the party my dear colleague.”
“Of course,” replied Jack. “I never knew the child had so many friends. I just hope none of them make a slip on information. There are listening devices in the house planted by the killer.”
“What?!” exclaimed George. “How could he have found this family so fast, and even tie them to me?” asked George in amazement.
“Well, that is one of the reasons I need him alive. We need to understand his style and how he moves around,” replied Jack.
“So, how can we be sure he can’t hear us right now?”
“You don’t need to worry, the bugs have been identified and we are keeping key individuals from their locations. If he doesn’t show up at the party, we will set him up by delivering fake information to him. He will definitely fall for that. This time we have the advantage and we will utilise it to the fullest.”
“I am glad to hear some good news after all this while.”
“Dad, Sandra is downstairs with her father. Let’s go. She sent me an SMS about a minute ago.”
“Relax, much to learn you have my young padawan.”
“Now you are doing a Master Yoda on me,” said Kenny.
Bode laughed and told his son to sit down. “You must never show excitement or confusion, you must be in control at all times. Let us wait for the knock at the door and I will take it from there.”
“Ah, Ralph. I see you are dressed for a party,” said Bode.
“Yeah, any opportunity to relax a bit is welcomed. Would you be leaving for Silicon Valley today?” inquired Ralph.
“Certainly, we would. My assistant has been informed of our delay and he will be making arrangements for our departure on Monday.”
“I wish you a safe trip ahead,” said Ralph. “Now back to my daughter’s best friend’s birthday party. I heard the celebration has begun so please let us be on our way.”
“We are glad to be part of this child’s precious moments,” replied Bode.
The lobby of the Hilton Hotel was a beehive of activities; business was obviously going well. The FBI agent on site sent a confirmation message to the team at the party; he ensured everyone was in Mr Gates’ car, and they left unceremoniously.
“It is just a nine-minute drive. There isn’t really any traffic at this time. We will be there shortly,” said Ralph.
Meanwhile Sandra and Kenny were busy chatting away and filling each other in on their last hours away, their bond had become strong and one couldn’t deny the love growing and shining even better.
“You know what Sandra, I have a best friend too, and I am sure when I tell him about you, he would be excited,” said Kenny.
“That would be lovely,” replied the young Gates.
“We are here.”
Sandra looked at Kenny one more time to make sure he was the ghost man. She was thrilled at being instrumental in this curse-lifting process and obviously the other takeaway she was possibly going to have.
Chapter 24
All Areas, California
4th July 2015, 10:53 a.m.
The ‘entertainment team’ outside the house fully dressed as various cartoon characters were already aware of the Jones family’s expected visitors. They methodologically scanned the vehicle and other passing vehicles when the occupants got out of the car. There was nothing unusual.
Sandra came out first and dragged Kenny with her to the front of the house. They began to move with the precise strides of people who were used to the environment. Young Miss Gates opened the front door and stepped in.
The entire awaiting team made up of Amy, Donald, Jessica, George, Mark and Jack had already taken their positions and were waiting to see how Amy would act.
Kenny stepped in after Sandra.
“Hi, I am Amy and you must be Kenny?” She stretched out her right hand towards him for a handshake. She was perfect with her moves; her first sight of him confirmed any doubt about Kenny being the ghost man.
“Hello and yes I am Kenny,” he said as he shook her hand.
That very instant, everyone in the team froze. George knew that it was over. Amy played well by allowing the ghost man to take off his gloves before offering her hand. History has been made, the curse was now lifted. He scanned the room to embrace the mood of the others.
The party was still on and no one else knew what was happening, it was a golden moment for family.
“I hope my best friend has told
you that we took some European classes recently,” said Amy as she led Kenny to the living room with their hands still locked from the handshake.
“She must have forgotten to mention this,” replied Kenny.
“Well, that isn’t much of a problem, just that we have started greeting each other and our friends the European friendly way.”
“Which is?” asked Kenny.
Amy stepped closer to him and planted a quick kiss on each side of his face. Kenny looked surprised, he was expecting some form of information gathering or other subtle surveillance activity, but this rather was a social event and the girls were flirting with him.
“Okay, your turn Kenny. Try it on me,” suggested Amy. Sandra was all smiles as she knew her best friend wasn’t taking chances.
George and the rest of the team were amazed the way Donald’s daughter was handling things; she must have rehearsed this role several times since the solution became apparent.
Outside, two female FBI agents acting as cooks/ushers for the party had stopped Ralph and Bode with a long tale of how good the food inside was, and how they had spent the night before setting up things in the kitchen. The UCB professor caught the line and played along; the focus of the discussion led to a deep cooking argument on whose style was better.
“Well, cheek kissing isn’t that difficult,” replied Kenny, “but I am sure I can practise with Sandra.”
“Nonsense,” said Miss Gates. “My best friend here is celebrating so all attention goes to her, after all we chatted all day yesterday and most of the drive here today. Come on, give the birthday girl some love.”
Kenny had no choice; he leaned forward and made the old long European cheek kiss culture on Amy.
“You got it all wrong!” exclaimed the cheek kiss recipient. “All right, I will show it to you again, and please watch me carefully.” She made the gesture again and got assurances from Kenny that he had got it this time around.
“Okay, please try one more time and let us all see how fast a learner you are.”
George knew that overdoing things might draw some suspicion. The main action was body contact and that had been made already, anything beyond that was completely superfluous.
“Come on kids, this is not a culture class,” interjected the History cum Archaeology professor. “Why don’t we let Kenny teach us a Nigerian greeting?”
“Yeah, that is right,” replied Jessica.
Several other supportive screams came from the party crowd. The atmosphere was tensed now.
“Well, I am from south-western Nigeria, and greetings are based in our utterances more than with physical contact. How deep your greeting is, shows more affection to your neighbour or guest.”
“Give us an example!”
The calls came from all over the room.
“Okay,” responded Kenny. “Let us start with Ekabo o se dada le de it means You are welcome. I hope you had a safe trip.”
“Awesome!”
The party crowd were ecstatic.
“DJ, give us some beats,” screamed a young FBI agent acting as one of the guests. “Let us turn this party up.”
Outside, the sudden loud music from the house got the attention of Bode. He tapped Ralph and beckoned they go inside to see what was happening.
“That is fine,” replied Ralph. “Ladies, thank you for your time, I am sure we will enjoy your meals.”
Jack walked up to George and spoke freely.
“I can assume we are done now with this curse thing. I need to know when I can pull you out; the two individuals have made contact in a rather grand manner. I am sure we can leave now.”
“I appreciate your contribution to this process but I just have to see it through,” replied George.
“What is there to see? The youngsters are having a nice time and here you are just watching them. You don’t really need to be here anymore. You have supervised the touch, you are done.”
“There is more to this than the mere touch,” replied George. “We need to be sure it worked.”
“Are you suggesting we stay all night till the next day? Our cover will be blown. Once this party ends, my team would pull out and so should we. Don’t forget the killer is still out there and in any place within a 500-foot circumference to our location according to our cleaners. He is within the vicinity waiting for an opening to strike. You are not safe here,” said Jack.
“We have come this far,” said George, “and it is only proper we finish it.”
“I don’t believe this. If anything happens to you under the present circumstances I am finished. All protocol dictates that we pull out immediately. You are going to be the end of me,” said Jack with exasperation.
“Just stay with me on this one,” said George. “Once I confirm the end of the curse, you can take me anywhere. I will be all game then. Where are you going?” he asked.
“I am going to change strategy and pull some strings. We need a change in the team and scope for the night. The FBI is always ready for any potential eventualities.”
George smiled and turned to watch the party.
Ralph opened the front door and walked into the heat of the party with his new friend. Bode was shocked to see his son getting it real with some cool dance steps with another female teenager.
“Who is the girl?” asked Mr Williams.
“She is the birthday girl,” replied Ralph. “Please come along, let me introduce you to her parents.”
Bode wasn’t comfortable that everything seemed to be normal. The teenagers were just having a party, and from the atmosphere, it looked real. The Americans have beaten me in my own game, he thought. He just hoped his boy wouldn’t get carried away and do something scandalous.
“Hello Donald, this is Bode Williams, the businessman from Nigeria.”
“Oh, you are the cute boy’s father, a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise,” replied the Nigerian.
“This is my wife Jessica, and our daughter is obviously learning some dance tricks from your boy over there.”
Everyone laughed.
Chapter 25
All Areas, California
4th July 2015, 3:20 p.m.
“Thank you for coming, yes thank you.”
Amy was by the front door seeing her guests out of the house. The party was over and things were wrapping up inside.
“Congratulations child. I can see that your nights will be grand and special henceforth.”
Professor Marcus Garcia was leaving the party and by his side was George, who went with him to make sure he had all the details.
Amy typed in some words on her iPad then said the following Italian words, “Grazie per essere venuto signore.”
“I am sure you will be a pro someday,” said Jack, responding to her greetings but was actually talking about her display today.
“Thank you once again, sir,” replied Amy.
“So Marcus, will you be heading to the university today?” George was outside the house now, not too far from the vehicle that had brought them earlier.
“Well, come to think of it my dear friend, I have some shopping to do. I need to buy some gifts for my wife and kids.”
“That is an excellent idea,” replied George. “I guess we will be in touch.”
Both men hugged for about a minute, and in that same instant Jack told him that Brad and other agents are putting in a replacement team to take over the night operations and that his team would help with packing and cleaning, and finally pull out when their replacement comes.
“I will oversee everything from the safe house.”
Professor Marcus got into his vehicle graciously and was driven away by his driver, another agent as expected.
George began to walk back to the house when he saw Kenny, Sandra, Ralph and Bode leaving.
“Hey fellow Professor,” said Ralph.
“I am sure you have had an enthralling moment today, by dawn tomorrow I will let you know of the effects.”
Both men chuckle
d.
“I am sure you have met Bode and his son,” said Ralph.
“Well briefly, when he came upstairs to use the gents.”
“Hello, I am George Holmes, historian and archaeologist.”
“Bode Williams, businessman a pleasure to meet you.”
“It is a pity we weren’t introduced formally much earlier, but I guess we are in a small world.”
“Hope to see you some other time,” Ralph interjected. “By the way, Mr Williams and his son are on a sort of vacation here in California. They were at our Open House yesterday, and are leaving for Silicon Valley any moment from now en route Nigeria on Monday.”
“I see,” replied George. “Well, I wish you a safe trip back to your country.”
“Thank you,” said Bode. “Have a lovely evening.”
As both parties crossed paths, George touched Kenny on his head as a goodbye gesture but was really only trying to be funny to himself.
Amy stood at the front door and saw everything. She had had an umpteenth number of touches with the ghost man that not even Zeus could stop the curse from being lifted. George walked up to her.
“My child, you are now part of history,” he said to her, smiling.
Amy just hugged him, they stood there and watched as all guests gradually left the party.
“I believe you would pick your vehicle from the hotel and head straight up, right?” Ralph wanted to be sure that the duo were still on schedule as Silicon Valley was slightly over an hour from their hotel.
“That is correct, my friend. We will need to start packing for our Monday flight.”
“I totally understand,” replied Ralph.
Sandra had been quiet during the drive to the drop-off point. The reality of having Kenny gone so soon had set in and she wasn’t sure if he would call when he arrived home in Nigeria. Driving three cars behind them was the FBI agent who had been with them since the Open House banquet. Jack had instructed him to accompany father and son to Silicon Valley and still keep watch. He would relieve him when George gives the signal.
“Sandra, I think you should consider UCB. Work things with Kenny and both of you should plan things together. I am sure your father wouldn’t mind you being on the same campus with him.”