He tagged CJ and nodded toward his car. “Got your stuff?”
“Yeah. Are we okayed to leave?”
“Yep. They think we stopped them before they could take anything. They have your statement. We’re good.” They got in the car and headed back to Mrs. Gage’s home.
When they came into the parlor and sat down, Judy raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Andy.
He said, “You know, I’m getting really sick of these people.”
“Excuse me?” Judy said.
“They know our names. They know our relationship. They called you my blonde beauty.”
“What? You talked to them?”
“Guy in the crowd had a comm device. Yep, just talked to one of the creeps myself.”
CJ told Andy, “Dude, you’re going to have to start from the beginning.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Their ride through Istanbul last night had given them majestic views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Istanbul was a beautiful city between east and west. Mrs. Gage had secured some nice digs once again. Kenann did not care how she did it, she was just happy to stretch out on the luxurious bed reveling in the view of the Bosphorus Strait. She smiled when Danny Mac came in but sat up when she saw his face.
“What is it?”
He sat down beside her and decided it was better to just get it out. “Andy called. They had an encounter in Memphis.” He hurried on as she stiffened. “Everyone is fine. He made contact with one of the members.”
Danny pulled her into his arms and held her. Despite her brave face he knew she was remembering some very bad times and feelings.
“Have you been meeting with Carter?”
“Yes, me, Angelo and Jake.”
“Not Mrs. G.?”
Danny Mac laughed. “She was too busy to meet with us.”
“What does she have up her sleeve now?”
“I don’t know but I think Carter is nervous. He kept asking where she was. You have to admit, Mrs. Gage on the loose is a dangerous proposition.”
“Well, in the meantime, let’s explore this villa for some food. I’m starving.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him up and wrapped her arm around his waist. She was so thankful to be facing this with him. Even the thought of going head to head with the Society again was bearable as long as she had Danny Mac.
* * *
They were walking down the long corridor in their sock feet when they heard raised voices. Danny Mac recognized them immediately and put his finger to his lips. Kenann followed him as he tiptoed up to the huge door leading into what looked like a library. The door was open a small space. They shamelessly listened to the heated discourse.
“You heard me. I said leave her alone.”
“Oh, come on Jake. What are you going to do about it?” Carter’s voice held a sneer.
Jack spat back. “She has been hurt enough in her lifetime. I won’t stand by and watch her be hurt again.”
“First of all, I do not intend to hurt her. My intent is to hurt you. And I repeat, what are you going to do about it?”
Jake chose to ignore Carter’s goading. “I am asking you not to use her to satisfy this grudge you have against me.”
“Too late.”
“Carter, this is ludicrous. We have too much at stake to play a stupid game like this.”
“Well, unlike you, I can handle more than one thing at a time. And a harmless flirtation will not impact my resolve to handle this situation. If I can rub salt into your wound while I’m at it … well it’s a win - win now isn’t it?” Carter laughed and slapped Jake on the arm before heading toward the hall. Danny Mac picked Kenann up around the waist and ran down the hall to the first open door he came to. He slid inside just as Carter entered the hallway. Kenann started to laugh. Danny Mac covered her mouth with his. He was just getting into it when Carter walked by.
“Get a room.”
Danny Mac and Kenann fell against each other trying not to laugh out loud.
“What in the world was that about?” Kenann whispered.
“More of Carter’s stupidity.”
“I assume they were talking about Mrs. G.”
“Well, it better not have been you.” He laughed.
“Should I tell her?” Kenann asked.
“No, it would only give it more credence. She is a big girl. She can handle herself.”
“I feel sorry for Jake.”
“I think he really cares for Mrs. Gage, but she is holding him at arm’s length. Her choice, I guess. But Jake is right, we can’t let this distract us. Now, come on. Let’s go find that food. And then I need you to help me with my homework.”
* * *
The next morning, they met in the large dining room. Mrs. Gage encouraged them to fill their plates at the sideboard and join her at the table.
“I trust you all have completed your respective assignments?”
“As instructed.” Carter smirked.
“I appreciate your cooperation. I needed the extra eyes to assist me on my theory. Daniel, what did you find?”
“The Coptic literature makes reference to what they call infiltrations.”
Mrs. Gage interrupted, “Did you detect any patterns that might be useful to us.”
“I think so, but I’m not sure. I will be interested to hear the other results to compare and decide. There were some who declared that their belief system was being subtly manipulated. It sounded very contemporary. These people were labeled the equivalent of ‘conspiracy theorists.” They laughed.
“Of course, those were not the terms they used but it was the same. There was significant conflict in the literature between the two camps.”
“But, can we be sure it was the Society?”
“No but that is why I want to compare the other results. The efforts to subvert seemed pretty well orchestrated.”
Mrs. Gage turned to the others. “Angelo?” He smiled at her. “What did you determine from the Russian information?”
“Just like Danny Mac, I was drawn to the ideological conflicts that emerged.”
Kenann interjected, “But this has happened since the beginning of time. There will always be a difference of opinion on any subject.”
Mrs. Gage said, “If we are to find any clues as to their modus operandi, we must look at these important junctures in history. By their own admission they say they were there. Our job will be to find their footprint.”
“Madam President?”
Mrs. Gage turned her eyes to Carter and despite herself she laughed. “Mr. Carter, I realize you find it … chafing, to work with me in this capacity but I certainly defer to you.”
“I am the top US analyst on this exercise. Want me to take the data and submit a report of similarities and patterns?”
She paused only briefly but he took note of it. “Yes. Everyone, please turn over your notes to Mr. Carter.”
Jake sighed and shoved his papers on Nazi Germany across the table. Danny Mac, Angelo and Mrs. Gage did the same with their respective folios on other high-profile points in the historical past. Carter smiled and shuffled them into one pile.
“I will have my report to you by the end of the day tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Mr. Carter.” She snapped alert. “We have a breach. Follow me and quickly.”
She ran to one of the panels along the wall and pushed on the corner. It slid open silently. She stepped aside and ushered the others inside with haste. She stepped inside and the door closed quietly behind them.
Kenann grabbed Mrs. Gage’s arm and whispered, “Granny!” Her eyes were frantic. Mrs. Gage hesitated only a brief second. She looked at Danny Mac and nodded up the steps. She made a circle in the air and pointed down indicating all the rest of them were to go down. They complied without hesitation.
Mrs. Gage joined Danny Mac and they ascended the steps to the next level. They could hear male voices and knew the sweep team had made it to the second floor. Neither spoke but both prayed they could get to Granny in time. Mrs.
Gage found the panel to Granny’s room and opened it a few inches. What they saw stunned them. Danny Mac stole a quick glance at Mrs. Gage and grinned.
Granny had managed to pull a wooden bed slat from her bed frame and stood facing the door. She held the slat like a Louisville slugger ready to take on the world. Danny silently crept behind her, covering her mouth with his hand to silence any startled cry. She started to struggle but soon realized it was Danny Mac and allowed him to carry her through the panel into the passage. He sat her down.
Granny whispered, “I thought you’d never come.” Danny Mac grabbed her hand and pulled her into a crushing embrace. They silently made their way down the steps to the bottom level and walked into the large room where the other team waited. Kenann swallowed Granny in her arms, thanking Danny Mac with her eyes above Granny’s head. Danny Mac thought once again how much he loved these two women.
Carter jumped first, “Do you mind telling me what is going on?”
“I was notified that we had some intruders entering the house.”
Kenann asked, “In broad daylight?”
“Apparently, the Turkish contingency of the Society is not as subtle as others.” Mrs. Gage replied. “The staff were all alerted to escape. They should all be here in a few minutes.
“How secure is this area?” Danny Mac asked.
“Follow me.” She spoke as she walked, “There is a traditional basement above us to throw off suspicion of this much deeper bunker. If you noticed, there were visible exits to the outside from that level to promote the decision that we have left. Also, I am sure you noticed we came through another well-hidden and camouflaged door into this level concealing it from the one above. We have separate water and air filtration systems in the event they try to flush us out with tear gas or the like.”
The next room was stocked with foodstuff and firepower. She opened the next door to show several large SUV’s.
“The entrances to this site are a few kilometers away and well camouflaged. I think we are quite secure for the time being.”
Carter was baffled. “How did you manage to construct this under the noses of the very restrictive Turkish government?”
Mrs. Gage responded, “Money has always been able to buy secrecy.”
Just then, the house servants came into the kitchen/dining area and formed a line looking at Mrs. Gage awaiting orders.
“Wonderful job Ladies and Gentlemen. Mr. Biggs, I assume you activated the locks on all the panels to prevent their discovery?” He nodded his assent. “Now let’s busy ourselves making accommodations for a short stay. Clean sheets and a bit of tea are in order.” The staff smiled at her and began busying themselves. Mrs. Gage turned to the rest of the group and gestured for them to sit at the awaiting long table.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
“They are the Jinn!”
“Nonsense.”
“I tell you they disappeared into thin air. There was no one in the house and no one saw them leave.”
“Then they are still there.”
“We searched, I tell you. Their food was still warm on the tables. They have magical powers.”
“Stay there. I am coming.”
“But, Sir … “
“I will be there in a few hours.” His words and tone brokered no further objections.
From a villa high in the Alps, preparations were made for the Master with his bodyguards and assassins to leave for Istanbul. He was not trusting anyone else to end this. He wanted to look into the eyes of Danny Mac and Kenann as he slowly and painfully took their lives. Yes, he decided, he would make Danny Mac watch as he tortured and killed Kenann. Or maybe the other way around. He still had plans for Kenann.
* * *
CJ appointed himself Blade’s unofficial protector. The kid had really gotten to him. He had had a great Dad growing up and couldn’t stand the thought of this kid not having one. Broke his heart. The security detail would remain in place, but CJ planned on being closer. Blade came to the mansion after school the next day.
Andy greeted him, “Hey, little dude, how ya doing?”
“I told my mom you were helping me with my homework.”
Andy paled. “I’ve seen your homework. I can’t do that fifth-grade math.”
Judy smacked Andy on the shoulder, “You’re off the hook, big guy, I love math.” Judy put her arm over Blade’s shoulder, and they went to the library table next to the patio window.
“Whew, dodged that bullet.” He said to CJ. “Have you seen the way they do math now? It is ridiculous.”
CJ laughed. “That’s why I am driving a truck, man. Did Mrs. G tell you she wanted me to stay?”
“Yes, and I think it’s a good idea. You will have added protection for yourself now that you are on the radar and you can keep an eye out for Blade.”
“One step ahead of you, brother. I’m going to need some firepower.”
“She didn’t say anything about that.”
“Well, I’m saying. I don’t usually go around armed but after what happened at the truck yard, I will feel a whole lot better if I’m prepared.”
“I hear you. I will get you hooked up. But, don’t go rogue.”
CJ shot him a disgusted look. “Do I look like somebody who would do that? I didn’t get this pot belly from fighting ninjas.”
Andy burst out laughing, “Okay, I’ll make sure you have anything you need before we take off.”
“When will that be?”
“Soon. We have learned about as much as we can, I think. We have confirmed that this society has people strategically placed but can move them on a moment’s notice. We have tracers and profiles out on anyone who has left their job or community suddenly. We have compiled extensive background and lifestyle data on them, to track any patterns for recruitment or connections - that sort of thing. With facial recognition software we have a better chance of tracking them and seeing where they are placed next. We can then put a watch on these people and in turn the society itself. Carter decided to farm out all that data to the techs at Langley to analyze. He wants the head of the beast. That is our job.”
CJ asked, “Do you think the kid’s safe?”
“God, I hope so. We have done everything we can to make sure of it, but you never know and that sucks.”
“Well, I’m gonna do everything I can. Mrs. G is counting on me.”
“And we are not about to disappoint her, are we?”
“Not on my watch.”
* * *
Andy and Judy were sitting silently curled up together on the couch. CJ had dismissed himself and gone up to bed after walking Blade home. They had spent the evening challenging each other on video games after Blade and Judy finished homework. Judy and Andy had smiled at each other listening to them fight and laugh over the game. Now in the stillness of both the night and the house, Judy and Andy sat lost in their thoughts.
Andy broke the silence. “Marry me.”
“What?”
“I love you, babe. Now I know how Danny felt. I can’t do this without you. I need to be with you.”
“But I’ve told you, I don’t know if I can be with you, Andy.”
“And I told you it will not be a problem.”
“But you don’t know that.”
Andy gave her a devilish grin. “I have tremendous confidence on my ability to seduce you.”
Judy could not help herself and laughed. Then she sobered. “I couldn’t stand it if I disappointed you.”
“Oh, babe, you could not do that. I have checked on it. We can fly to Vegas and make it legal. It will be too much of a hassle to do it here since I am not a resident.”
“You’ve put some thought into this.”
“I take my job and this situation seriously but to be honest I think about you and being with you constantly.”
Judy dropped her head. How could she make him understand how terrified she was of freezing up during their intimacy? She still had nightmares about the repeated rapes. What if she went t
otal freakazoid on him during sex? That would not be fair to him. She decided. “Can I give you my decision tomorrow?”
“As long as it is yes.”
* * *
Judy took a deep breath and pushed the door open before she could change her mind. Andy, wearing just his jeans, stood looking out the window with a long neck bottle in his hand. He turned when he heard the door close. His eyes met hers.
“Judy?”
“Before you say anything, I have thought about this and I know what I am doing.”
“And what are you doing?”
She took another deep breath. In for a penny in for a pound. She dropped her robe. She wore the only thing she owned that wasn’t flannel. By the way Andy’s pupils flared, she guessed it worked.
“Judy.”
“Is that all you are going to say?”
“Yes.”
“Well, this is very awkward.”
“Judy, I have asked you to trust me.”
“Oh Andy, I do. It’s me I don’t trust.”
“Are you that convinced we can’t make it work in bed?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know. It’s scary enough to get married but with this hanging over my head, it’s like a brick wall I can’t get around, see around.”
“Come over her. Sit down.” He motioned her to the two wing backed chairs by the fireplace. She grabbed her robe from the floor and put it back on. So much for the big sexy entrance. She sat across from him and dropped her head.
“Judy, I am honored,” she snorted in derision and he continued, “I said I am honored that you would do this for me, for us. But it is not necessary.”
“Maybe not for you, but it is for me.”
“How so?”
“Look, the future is a big blank page to me. I know I may be a control freak, but I have to know what I’m doing.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake, you are making sex with me sound like a medical procedure you have to perform. What happened to passion and maybe a little lust thrown in?” His volume matched his annoyance.
“Well, I went for lust and you shut me down.” She spat back but couldn’t stop the tears from filling her eyes.
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