by Bill O. A
“Thank you for your soothing words Mr Williams, but Amy and I have always wanted to go to MIT.”
“I am sure communication wouldn’t be a problem for Kenny and I, that is if everything goes as imagined.”
“You don’t need to worry. I will keep in touch,” said Kenny. He held her hand and gave her a reassuring look.
Half of the party support had left and the rest who stayed behind were keeping themselves busy to ensure security till whenever the replacement agents arrived. Jack was only able to get a four-man team from an operation in Long Beach; they had six hours to read their briefs and come to the field. They were expected to come in from Boston as late arrivals for their cousin’s birthday party and would be spending the night to leave the next day at noon.
To fortify the hasty arrangement, the local police were also instructed to patrol the streets leading to the house all night. Any and all unusual movement would be followed up vehemently. Jack would remain in charge via video and audio communication.
“Mum, put that down. The support team will handle that.”
“Quiet Amy, you have the Feds throw a party for you, the least you can do is show some gratitude.”
“Mum, it was a sting, it happens everywhere when necessary.”
“I hope you remember the areas where you are not to speak in the house. This killer came into our home and planted some bugs, so you can imagine the desperation,” said Jessica, shaking her head.
“Mum, let’s not bother about that. Let us think of the night to come.”
“You mean your sleep to come.”
“Well George, your dad and I have spoken. You will spend the night in the master bedroom.”
“Come on Mum, all we have to do is bring down those pictures in my room and test this thing once and for all.”
“I don’t think you should argue with George’s angle, and it is just for one night. Once you are good, then your old life returns, while Donald and I can have some real peace.”
“Anything you say, Mum.”
“George, I never thought this day will come so soon,” said Donald.
“I am thrilled we have this all sorted out. I am sure the night has a lot to reveal, it will be wise to delay gratification just a little while,” replied George.
“Hahaha, but you were at the party and saw the awesome display by my daughter. Everyone lost count on the number of touches. This is a sealed deal, Professor.”
“It certainly looks so,” replied George. “But I just want her to sleep and complete the cycle by giving us assurances.”
“I am sure that is just a couple of hours away. In the meantime, there is some whisky if you would like some.”
“Thank you, Donald, but I want to be as alert as possible. Coffee would be more appropriate at this time.”
“I will see to that,” replied Mr Jones.
“Please can you call Mark? I would like him to be around during the verification tonight,” said George.
“Yeah, he is still around somewhere chatting with some of the party support. I will send him over to you shortly.”
Chapter 26
All Areas, California
4th July 2015, 9:12 p.m.
“Cousins! I actually thought you guys wouldn’t make it. How was your flight?” asked Jessica.
“It was good,” replied Betty. She was the team lead for the security detail that night. Everyone knew the bugs were still active so the façade continued.
“A few bumps but nothing unusual for a flight at forty thousand feet above sea level.”
“So where is my birthday girl?” asked Agent Max.
The other two agents were already taking positions for the night. Betty had signalled to them where they should be.
“She went to bed about ten minutes ago. I am sure she will be thrilled to see you guys in the morning,” replied Jessica.
Donald left George and Mark and went to greet his wife’s ‘cousins’, the two friends who began the journey kept looking at the video feed from the master bedroom. Amy was lying down in bed but not asleep; the anxiety was riveting for everyone.
Amy’s cell phone rang and she answered it. Sandra was just following up to see if there had been any development. The girls chatted for some time, and then ended the call just as there was a knock on the door. It was Jessica. She had brought a beverage to aid her daughter’s sleep. Amy drank some of it, thanked her mum and lay down again. Jessica left after planting a kiss on Amy’s forehead.
An hour later and Amy was still awake, rolling in bed.
“She must be frustrated by now,” said Mark.
“I agree,” replied George. “We just need to be patient and hope she falls asleep.”
“Dad, you have been quiet since we left San Francisco. I know you don’t want to talk about your hypothesis on the grand agenda by our competitors, but anyone can be wrong. I still have my respect for you.”
“Something will pop up at the end of the selection process by these potential clients with respect to the NLNG job,” replied Bode. “I might not be accurate and I also recognise that these Americans have outwitted me, but I felt it, something is definitely up.”
“Dad, I am off to sleep. I have had an interesting time with you and I am sure you need to complete whatever you are doing on that laptop.”
“Son, don’t worry. Time will reveal all. Goodnight, and remember to chat with the battery-throwing girl before you sleep.”
“Goodnight Dad,” replied Kenny in a sarcastic way.
Bode got back to work. A long-awaited contract with a Federal Government agency had just been approved. His company was to evacuate all metals in form of shipwrecks, abandoned vessels and all related items on the water ways from the south-southern part of his home country towards the Gulf of Guinea. It was a project he has been pursuing for almost three years and it had experienced all forms of red tape, but here he had achieved another milestone. He would need the right financing and expertise to make sure a clean job was done.
He went back to his numbers and started plotting with his maths; he would need to send them to his wife, Toun, for her ever-observant eyes.
“Jack, the Bureau of Consular Services has a hit!” said Brad. “Nathan Taylor’s American passport was last issued two years ago. He looks like a polished Vietnamese with his American crew cut.”
“Wonderful!” replied Jack. “Where is his address?”
“Ridgeland, Mississippi, sir. A team will be on their way there in the morning to question him about what he knows of the serial killings.”
“That is great news,” replied Jack. “Get me Washington. I see this thing coming to an end with this development.”
“On it, sir,” replied Brad. As he walked out of Jack’s office in the safe house, his boss made another request.
“Meanwhile, send me a copy of the bio data page. I need to see his face.”
“She is asleep!” squealed Jessica.
Betty was with the family in the section of the house where they were watching the room on the monitor. George smiled and looked at Mark. The five people in the room looked at the monitor and waited in silence to see if she would alter the moment.
“Well, I think it is time we blend this day with the celebration in the country,” said Betty.
“Happy Independence Day everyone.”
There was a huge sigh of relief among the gathering; everyone had been so caught up with the party and events afterwards.
Donald took a walk and came back with an American flag. He began to recite the national anthem. “Oh, say can you see, By the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed, At the twilight’s last gleaming?” …Everyone joined in; it was a time of national pride and identity.
Brian couldn’t believe his ears. At this crucial time of deliverance or whatever they want to call it, the entire house was honouring the country. He got up and walked to the window facing the Joneses’ house. He took his binoculars and peered at the house opposite as well as its adjoining
structures.
Everything seemed normal except the FBI had left George alone with some non-security agents. It was clearly a trap but he knew this type of opportunity would not come by if he didn’t at least try something; he would be careful and attack at the right time.
Fifteen minutes later, he brought out his pistol, a classic Ruger yet to be released in the market. He had stolen it from a testing site during his time as a handyman in their facility. An odd job for an educated man of his standing, he kept a low profile throughout his time in the USA, a far cry from his time in Oxford. Brian was an engineer.
His parents made sure he got the best in life, from his cradle he was schooled with the finest minds. His parents ensured no expense was too much for their son; he was raised as their prince. One day, he came home from secondary school early and walked in on a conversation that changed his life. He kept it a secret since the parties arguing were oblivious of his presence. He had a psychotic break and was never the same again.
Brian began to take a walk towards the Joneses’ house. He slowed his pace when he got close enough, and looked around. Finding no one in close proximity, he jumped the short picket fence and went straight to the back of the house. He still had a good recollection of the layout. He peeped and saw the gathering and singing. He bent down and knew he had to wait; they would gradually retire and he would have his chance. He kept listening to their singing and smiled at the opportunity that had presented itself.
“Your daughter is busy chatting with the ghost man at this time of the day,” said Ralph.
“I don’t know why she doesn’t see the big picture. This thing wouldn’t work and it will spoil her relationship with Amy, not to talk of the mystic stuff she’s toying with. These girls have been best friends since their childhood.”
“Don’t worry honey, distance has a way of killing intimacy. It is just a phase and will pass,” replied Mrs Gates. “All we have to do is ensure the ghost man knows the true story of the last forty-eight hours and he will walk.”
“That seems harsh,” said Ralph. “You know we were all part of it. There should be some other way to terminate this unexpected situation.”
“Just hold me honey,” responded his better half. “Dawn will present a solution. We are always winners you know.”
“I guess you are right. We can safely assume everything will fall in place.”
Ralph held his wife and cuddled her. They kissed and much later fell asleep on each other’s arms.
Chapter 27
All areas, California
5th July 2015, 3:38 a.m.
Brian could feel and hear the silence in the house. He was wise to have worn a jacket for the cold. He peeped again and this time there was no movement in the house. He adjusted himself properly and had a clear view; there were some people sleeping in the living room. It was time for him to act.
He began to pick the lock of the kitchen door at the back of the house. It led to the living room in the middle of the ground floor. The lock clicked open and he had access to the house. As he stepped in, he screwed a silencer onto the Ruger pistol. His sneakers were noiseless and he moved with ease and precision.
He paused at the exit of the kitchen by the hall en route to the living room and stayed in the shadows. He began to look for his target. George wasn’t in sight. Brian had to take the risk of searching the entire floor. That might wake up anyone not fully asleep, he thought to himself.
Well, he had come this far and there was no security presence. He had an edge either way; he left his assumed safety of darkness and moved to the left where the study was.
Aha, he was in luck. George was asleep on a chair, snoring like a baby. There were two other people close to him, both asleep too. All he had to do was put a bullet in him and off he went.
He took five steps towards the man. As he raised his arm to aim, he heard a quiet sound.
“Freeze. Don’t move.”
Agent Max had awoken by instinct. He felt there was something wrong and decided to check George from his position in the living room. Only the killer and the agent were awake. Brian knew his chances were slim; he had to think fast and improvise. Max moved slowly but assuredly towards the intruder.
“I repeat, don’t move and put the gun down.”
Brian was about to obey when all of a sudden, there was a loud scream.
The ghost man had visited Amy.
Bode had just finished the work he was doing. He had spent about six hours tying numbers together and achieving a cost plan, as well as potential capital sources; he was good at what he did.
He checked the time; it was almost noon in Nigeria. He would send his plan to Toun so she could make her comments for his review. She has been a pillar for him ever since they got married. They had met at a cross-sectional campus fellowship in his fourth year whilst she was in her second year. The body chemistry had been right from the beginning; they had a lot of things in common. He changed fellowship to be closer to her and by their fifth meeting; she had fallen head over heels in love with him. He was a smooth talker and that impressed her a lot.
Toun knew the value of being able to capture the attention of an audience. Her father had been a top lawyer in the country, recognised in Nigeria with a senior advocate status, a privilege that extended beyond court proceedings and social clout. Business always came their way by means of this status and it was every lawyer’s aspiration to become a senior advocate in their lifetime.
By the time Bode was in his final year, they were officially dating and he was sure his future bride would wait for him while he went for the compulsory national service programme for all graduates which involved some military training and work experience dictated by the Nigerian Federal Government posting and allocation. The essence was to have a disciplined workforce, fully integrated with other cultures in the country and boost unity in a highly diverse nation.
A year passed and Bode completed his service, the young lady waited for him, but while undergoing his nation’s call he received a scholarship to study for an MBA in the UK and had to leave her again. However, she was the wise one. She knew if she got pregnant for him her parents would go crazy on her, so she took the inheritance her grandfather left her and had a wedding all paid for from the sale of the property.
Now Bode was a married man and would not elope in a foreign country; he would come back to be with his bride. The rest was now history; the couple had three children, the only son a complete replica of his father.
Bode called Nigeria and spoke to his wife briefly; she understood what she had to do. He finished the call, drank a few shots of Jack Daniels and went to bed. Dawn was only a few hours away and Kenny would soon start calling for a new set of adventures.
Brian utilised the opportunity like a pro.
Max lost his advantage and looked away; the scream has startled him. As Brian dodged from his aim, he fell to the ground and fired twice at the agent. At that same very instance, the entire house was awake and concerned about the sudden reality of the scream. The shots from Brian were muffled and not loud or noticed by people in the house. There was confusion. Max was on the ground holding his shin, where a bullet had hit him.
George, Mark and Donald watched in disbelief as the intruder made a somersault on the ground and ran towards the window close to the front door. Max tried to shoot but his vision wasn’t clear.
Betty ran in from the living room and was trying to understand the situation from a glance. She saw a man break through the window of the house and run towards the picket fence. She ran towards the broken window and began shooting at the intruder.
Mark got up and rushed to Max. He pulled along a white tablecloth from where he sat and began to stop the bleeding. Other agents joined Betty; she gave others that they should pursue the killer.
Donald couldn’t believe what was happening; his daughter has just had an experience. He quickly snapped out of it and ran upstairs. He flung open the door of his room and found Jessica already with Am
y.
Brian had a three-minute lead and made good with it; by the time the agents got outside he was nowhere in sight. Betty’s shots got the attention of a nearby police patrol car, and the officer drove up to the agents.
“I think he went that way,” said the chubby FBI agent. His colleague got into the patrol car and they went looking for the intruder.
George just sat there looking at Mark. He just escaped death by the whiskers. Jack was right; he wasn’t safe here, but he was also right by staying with the family. Now he would have to manage the situation accordingly. His doubts had been confirmed; he would have to review the current discovery carefully. He brought out his cell phone; he still hadn’t moved since the scream. Then he called Jack.
Brian had made himself a key that could unlock a laundry delivery truck parked close to his hideout, after gathering intelligence that the truck was always parked there, in the same spot from eight p.m. to seven a.m. every day. He was in the truck’s loading area when the patrol car with the FBI agent drove by. He was barely a second in when his pursuers searched the area.
He couldn’t rely on luck anymore; he would have to devise a more drastic means to eliminate this rather tricky target. Bombs came to his mind, they would obviously be collateral damage, but the FBI was dictating his pace now.
He waited for ten minutes and was sure the area was clear, and then he came out without his jacket. Two minutes later he was in his hideout. He packed as much as he could and went back to the truck; he would not be driving it as roadblocks were certain to be setting up by now. Rather, he would wait till dawn and go with the truck driver wherever he went to escape. He positioned himself on the floor of the truck and closed his eyes. He knew no one would think of him being here.
He checked his watch again and disabled the alarm that usually woke him up in the morning so that it wouldn’t ring and draw the attention of pedestrians. He began to wait for sleep to come till his ‘chauffeur’ got here.