Damascus Code

by Merri Christi Pemberton

  Avalon let out a troubled sigh. "This is a mess."

  Tai assured, "It's almost over."

  In seconds the black car left out of the gate, with Morgan inside, and was away from the estate. The three rescuers waited until the guards went back into the castle. They quickly and quietly made their dash to the road following the sedan’s path. The three met up with their fourth crew member who was parked on the side of the road. Henry was leaning against a small grey car listening to a few 80's tunes from the radio. He spotted the three running towards him.

  "Hey, mission accomplished,” Henry boasted.

  Max got to him first. They gave each other a high five. "Piece of cake mate!"

  Avalon and Tai came up from behind. Henry high five’d both women.

  "Are you two okay?" Henry asked.

  "We're good. I just hope she's alright." Tai said with worry.

  "She'll get through. She's a tough one,” Henry confirmed.

  Max opened the passenger and back doors for the women. Tai got into the passenger side. Avalon went into the back seat. The two young men got in with Henry on the driver side. They peeled off. Avalon leaned back and closed her eyes in relief. Everything was okay, she hoped.

  The Alley

  In the blink of an eye, Avalon’s dreams snatched her away from that scene. She was now at the scene of her nightmare. She was in the alley behind a bakery. Her heart began to skip beats. What street was she on? Nothing looked familiar.

  In a fit of pain, she felt a punch in the stomach. Avalon doubled over and stumbled to her knees. She struggled to get her bearings. Avalon stood up with wobbly legs and gasped for air. As she struggled take in a deep break, she realized who the culprit was. It was her!

  She wasn't punched. That blow to the stomach came from a 20 minutes chase. She was being hunted! Who was after her?

  She felt something grab her arm. Then a whisper said, “Don't make a sound. There are five men looking for you."

  Avalon made no sound.

  The voice instructed her, "You're going to walk with me across this bridge to a grey car. We're getting in. You'll be safe. You're going home. Do you understand?"

  Avalon nodded in silence. She turned her head slightly to the side. It was Hannibal, the guard who Morgan hugged. At a closer view, Avalon noticed a scar near his right eye. Another man appeared from behind Avalon. He was a slightly taller man with long brown hair, full beard, and black overcoat. He smiled.

  The bearded man whispered, “My name is Garth. I'm going to put my arm around you.” Avalon nodded again. Garth placed his arm around Avalon in a safe grip. The three began walking across the bridge with Hannibal staying a few feet behind the two.

  Avalon was sure that these two were very well armed.

  As she looked around her, she realized just how spectacular Prague was. It was early morning, about 6am. The Charles Bridge, built in the 14th or 15th century, was lined with captivating statues and lamps. From there you are surrounded in a kingdom of Prague's many churches, medieval towers, and palaces.

  There weren't many pedestrians out, but a few who were walking across the bridge smiled as they noticed Avalon with this olive-toned bearded gentleman. Avalon looked up at the man. She noticed how pleasantly he smiled at each passerby. He greeted each one and nodded his head. Garth looked about her age, maybe a little older.

  As the three reached the end of the bridge, they ventured through the whimsical Old Town. They were surrounded by buildings from Gothic-style to the elaborate Baroque. The streets opened into a wide square plaza framed by the incredible Church of Our Lady before Týn…with its sharp spires flanking each side and a series of ornate colorful buildings with reddish roofs.

  The three headed toward the art gallery and center Galerie Rudolfinum. This yellow-tinted and Neo-Renaissance classical building was adorned with several columns. The bearded man began a pleasant conversation to relax Avalon and give the façade that they were dating. "I heard that the Swiss photographer Annelies Štrba exhibit was pretty good. Have you seen it Avalon?"

  "No, I hope to see it another time,” Avalon answered with a nervous tone.

  Garth perked up with a deep bass voice, "If things weren't so hectic, then we would suggest you check it out.”

  "What is the exhibit about?" inquired Avalon.

  "About family photography—seen in a different light.”

  "Avalon looked up, as if she just realized something. "Interesting.”

  Garth continued. "I have a close family. I’m the oldest of five kids.”

  “That sounds fun,” Avalon chuckled.

  Hannibal chimed in, "He makes sure his brothers and sisters stay in line.”

  "Protective, I understand,”said Avalon.

  "That’s my job. What about you Avalon?”

  "I have a younger brother-two years apart.

  "Big sis!”

  “I used to make both of us our favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on bagels.”

  “Nice,” replied Hannibal.

  "How do you know that whomever is after me won't be on that plane too?"

  Garth patted Avalon on the back. "We'll have someone on board to make sure nothing happens. You won't know who she is.”

  “You'll be alright,” promised Hannibal.

  "Thank you.”

  The three came upon a staircase, which took them down into the underground garage beside the gallery. Garth pulled Avalon's arm to the right. They came upon a small grey car. It seemed a bit awkward for these big men to be traveling in this smaller vehicle.

  Garth opened the door to the back seat. Avalon got in the passenger seat and Hannibal in the back. Garth was in the driver's seat. They started their journey to the airport.

  Almost two hours later, Avalon was on the flight back to Aberdeen. As she leaned back in her aisle seat, she felt a little better. Max always checked his phone, so she was sure the group would know that she was safe. Avalon prayed that her friends were also on their way back.

  There was quite a story behind Morgan. She was a little older than Avalon and much of the crew—in her late twenties. The research project she conducted was with former Aberdeen professor Dr. Francisco Magellan. They were both in Prague.

  The experiment, according to Tai, could change the way we see humans and its history on earth. She wouldn't tell the whole story, but Avalon didn't believe Tai knew it all herself. She was visibly more worried about Morgan being in Prague working on that project.

  Avalon grew up having a sensitive intuition for something that was about to go wrong. When that happens, she normally stepped away from the scene. Granted, this rescue mission was a bit out of character for her, but this was for Morgan. Both women didn’t have a long friendship, but Morgan became a great friend to Ava.

  She was a peer tutor for Avalon in the classes they had together. Both were archaeology students. Morgan had another year or two to go before she received her doctorate. Avalon was about to start her program.

  It seemed a bit strange how Morgan left Aberdeen all of a sudden. This Magellan research project began last summer, when Morgan was scheduled to start work at a local gallery. She decided a few weeks from her gallery job to call the director and inform her of the change in plans. That was when the director called Avalon to take the summer registrar's assistant position.

  Avalon bumped into Taira the following day of taking the position. She was noticeably worried, but Avalon didn't press her on the details of what exactly was going on. What really disturbed Avalon was Taira’s statement, “The Magellan project could disrupt a variety of systems, and you know what that means? Whomever controls the strings will come after the nosey researcher. I hope she’s ready to—.”

  Avalon’s body jerked forward. The plane was in turbulence. Her eyes sprung open. The passengers were looking around in confusion. A baby cried. Avalon grabbed her black bag from under her feet. She fumbled through it—where is my—.” Someone grabbed her neck.

  BUUZZZZZ! BUUZZZZZ! BUUUZZZZZ
ZZZZ!

  Avalon woke up in her hotel bed. She was sweating bullets. The alarm was going off with that dreadful buzzing sound. She pulled herself up in a sitting position. Her heart was pounding. Thank God it was day time. Thank God! Avalon was still shaking, but sat on the edge of her bed.

  Who grabbed her? It had to have been a real person. Maybe she blocked out the identity.

  Avalon grabbed her water bottle and gulped down 16 ounces. That seemed to calm her nerves a little. For a few minutes, she sunk her head into her knees.

  "Okay, pull yourself together,” Avalon whispered. Then she remembered an old saying from her grandmother Anna. Midnight comes to make a new day.

  Avalon had dreams similar to this nature ever since her trip back from Prague. It always reminded her that, no matter what, you face those fears every time and keep going. This mission that she and Silas were on was definitely one of those times.

  Her cell phone rang. Avalon answered. "Hello, Silas?"

  "No, it's me,”

  "Tai! This is a surprise. How are you?"

  "I’m doing well Ava. I wanted to check on you to see how things were going. How’s home?"

  Avalon hesitated. "Well, I am in California right now."

  "California? Is this a last minute vacation?"

  "No, I’m on a special assignment from professor.”

  "Uh oh. Is Max with you?"

  "Well no,” answered Avalon. "His name is Silas McGee."

  "Silas! He has his own lab downtown, right?" inquired Taira.

  "That’s him!"

  “He's a smart guy—kind of quiet."

  "Smart, yes, but he does talk a lot. At least when you get to know him."

  "Tell me more about this assignment."

  "Okay, do you have an hour or so?"

  Taira laughed, "I have all day for this. It sounds pretty heavy.”

  This time it was Avalon with the lion's share of information— at least compared to Taira. Tai was hanging on to Avalon's every word. She commented where appropriate. Both women were usually quite measured in their responses and actions. During the Prague mission, although Taira was heavily involved in the rescue planning, she was one to hesitate in exactly what actions to take. Avalon was the same way and relieved to have her on the rescue team.

  Their mutual friend Morgan, however, was a different story. She’s known to jump into the lion’s den.

  When Avalon mentioned Dr. Ezra, Taira jumped in. “Whoa! Dr. Benjamin Ezra—the genetics guy?”

  “Yep,”

  “Oooo you’re in deep.”

  “You know it. He disappeared.”

  “Oh, here we go.”

  “We have to find him. Last we heard, he was in Prague.”

  “Listen, let me make a few calls and see if we can help you track him.”

  "Make it fast. We’re flying there tomorrow.”

  “Will do. Girl, you are in one heck of a desired position, which no one wants to actually be in.”

  Avalon chuckled, "Ha! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, but we’re walking into a crocodile river.”

  “Let me make a few calls. I’ll let Max and Morgan know.”

  “I thought she was off the grid.”

  “She’s back and would want to be involved.”

  “Good,” Avalon carefully measured her words.

  "No worries,” assured Taira.

  Avalon pressed the end button on her burner phone. Time to prepare for the day.

  A hot shower should do the trick in washing off the last remnants of that nightmare from earlier. Memories of her being chased in Prague were buried in the dark corners of her subconscious. That was until this mission happened. She never quite understood exactly who chased her except that they were five men. They were also not part of Magellan’s team. Hannibal and his partner saved her. Maybe the five men were Magellan’s enemies.

  Avalon recalled after Morgan was flown out of Prague and back to the states, the crew got together for a debrief. They were wrapping up what they thought was a completely successful mission. How naive they were!

  The phone rang.

  Avalon answered, "Hello?"

  "Hey Avalon!"

  "Silas! Hey, did you get some sleep?"

  "The best I could, four or five hours worth. How about you?”

  "Same, about four hours.”

  "Well, we’ll need to turn in early tonight. I booked our flights for tomorrow at 5am.”

  Avalon forced herself to have a fairly confident demeanor, but her insides were shaking. They will be in Prague in a matter of hours.

  Facing The Fear

  The next day in the late evening, the two landed in Prague. Both Silas and Avalon were tired, haggard, and craved a huge pot of coffee and dinner. They forced their tired bodies through the airport and to the hired car service. The driver, a short stocky man, greeted them in English and opened the trunk for their bags. After everything was squared away in the trunk, the driver opened the back seat doors.

  The two eased into the car. As soon as their rear ends touched their cushy seats, they leaned back and let out an exhausted “uuuggghhh” simultaneously.

  Avalon could barely speak. She managed to wearily say, "I could sure use a big dinner and hot bath."

  "Steak and chips would be wonderful,” Silas responded in kind.

  "Mmmm,” Avalon said with a yawn. "To be honest, I’m too sleepy to eat."

  "I could manage a bite or two, but I may fall asleep in my plate."

  Avalon giggle, "Right in your mac n’ cheese.”

  Silas raised up from his previous laid back position. He sat straight up and turned to Avalon. They faced each other. He looked in into her eyes. Avalon looked down. That stare made her feel a bit uncomfortable, not threatened, but bashful. Silas' deep brown eyes were quite handsome and hopeful.

  "On the flight, you talked in your sleep. You mentioned Prague and someone named Morgan needing help.” Avalon looked up and mustered up the courage to meet Silas' stare. His eyes softened.

  “Ava, if there is something I can do just name it, please,” Silas offered gently.

  Avalon slowly began to speak.

  "She’s a friend of mine who’s been through a lot for the past two years. I don't know all the details, but I can’t invite a lot of questions about it."

  Silas reached and held Avalon's hand. "I don't mean to be a pest, but.."

  "You're not a pest, I understand the curiosity."

  Silas squeezed her hand. Avalon held her breath and thought "Stay focused! Don't let your feelings make you give up more info than you need too."

  "I understand if she needs privacy at this time,” Silas said in a comforting tone.

  Both laughed as they found themselves sitting awfully close to one another. Silas leaned forward to kiss her. Avalon lightly touched Silas' cheek. She felt the warmth of his skin. They lightly touched their lips together.

  "My apologies for interrupting,” blurted the driver.

  The two snapped out of their little world where nothing else existed. Avalon, gathering her thoughts, said, "Yes sir.”

  The driver continued, "We should be at the hotel in ten minutes."

  Charles Bridge

  After a much needed night’s sleep, the duo explored Charles Bridge with a morning stroll. The wind gently whipped Avalon’s hair—tickling her cheek. Silas asked her all kinds of questions about her love for the outdoors and hiking. They planned a day trip to explore the Scottish highlands after the mission was over. As they walked past others on the bridge, the duo received smiles and nods. One elderly woman said, “You are a lovely couple.”

  Silas and Avalon, not to disappoint the woman, said “Thank you.”

  On this sunny day, surrounded by such a beautiful historical city, it was easy to forget the danger that lurked in the shadows. For now, at least, the duo could drift into a fantasy world—free from worries.

  "Tell me more about yourself Ms. Mesa. Where are you from originally?" Silas asked with great in
terest.

  "New Mexico”

  "I’ve seen photographs of the state. It’s beautiful,” Silas commented.

  "It is indeed.”

  "Has your family lived there for long?"

  "Yes. For centuries. My ancestors ran away from slavery in the South and eventually settled in New Mexico. ” said Avalon.

  Silas’ eyes grew as big as his smile, "Wow! I would love to here more about your family history."

  "My great-grandmother married a young soldier from Georgia. He was one of the Cherokee code talkers who fought in World War 1."

  Silas was engrossed in Avalon's family history. He wanted to learn more. "I studied the history of Native American code talkers and how they delivered coded messages in their languages under fire. It's an amazing story!

  "It is."

  "You have a resilient history and culture."

  "Yes. As a human race, we all have a very resilient ancestral background.”

  “I understand, but not all of us have faced the kind of violent discrimination that your ancestors and others, like Latinos, have faced due to race or ethnicity. Being seen as property or non-human for hundreds of years is unimaginable to me.”

  “Thank you for acknowledging that. Unfortunately, too many tried to justify this abuse through their faith."

  “Do you subscribe to—.”

  “God—The Lord? Yes I do.”

  Silence fell. Silas wanted to learn more, but wasn’t too keen on being preached at. Avalon felt the awkwardness.

  “It’s greed and fear. That’s where you find these evils—of some using God to justify destroying or enslaving other ethnicities. God is Love.

  Silas gently took Avalon’s hand. “I agree. It’s human fear and greed that caused these atrocities. If God exists--."

  "He's all around," said Avalon with a warm joy in her voice.

  "Then he created and saw us equally beautiful.”

  A warm compassion began to rise in Avalon's heart. She was touched by his sincerity and kindness.

  Silas’ voice, eyes, and mind told the story of what was truly in his heart. Not everyone could express themselves with such warmth and conviction like Silas.

  Not everyone was willing to see the beauty in different people. Avalon felt secure with his openness. She silently, in her heart and mind, thanked God for giving her the opportunity for them to be partners in this mission. Something came over Avalon. She leaned in and kissed Silas on the cheek.