“Well, I was thinking of which restaurant to ask you to. Then, I thought, we’ve never actually dated, but we’re beyond just dinner. So, how about a day trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Pre-Thanksgiving is a great time of year for Williamsburg. The only time better is pre-Christmas, but we might luck out and see some early Christmas decorations.”
“I love Colonial Williamsburg,” said Abby. “When did you get to be such a Washingtonian?”
“Someone at the station told me about it. Said it was a must see. How about next Saturday?”
“Sounds good,” said Abby. “I’ll text you my address.”
“OK, I’ll pick you up at eight next Saturday morning?”
The two closed the door on the way out of the SCIF. They exited the building and drove home.
The next morning, Zeke put a pot of coffee on the gas stove. He had one of those old 1950s metallic pots which he filled with water and put the grinds in a contraption that he lowered into the pot. As the coffee percolated filling the house with a wonderful aroma, he started waking up. His mind went to Ronald Burch. He got on his laptop and looked up his name in the NCIC database but nothing. He really needed to look him up in the TIDE and N-Dex databases where he could better see and correlate terrorist activities. For that he would need Abby. She had access, and he figured Agent Johnson hadn’t yet requested it for him. He poured himself a cup of coffee in his Waffle House mug and called Abby.
“Abby, good morning,” greeted Zeke. Hope I didn’t wake you.”
“It’s ten o’clock. I’ve been up since seven,” said Abby. “What’s up?”
“Can you look up a suspect in your TIDE and N-Dex databases for me?”
“Did Tom call you?” asked Abby.
“No,” replied Zeke.
“Well, who is this person?”
“His name is Ronald Burch,” replied Zeke.
“How did you get his name?”
“I got it from Abdul Muti Poya.
“Who is Ronald Burch?” asked Abby.
“I don’t really know, but Abdul said he handles weapons procurement for them. He doesn’t show up in the NCIC database. I want to find out if he’s on anyone’s radar.”
“Sure, I’ll run a check on him, but then we should wait for Tom’s instructions. I’ll call you after I run the checks.”
“OK. Thanks, Abby.”
Zeke brushed his teeth, put on some old dingy jeans and got a rake out of his shed. Then he went out and began raking leaves that had dropped from the old annoying silver maple tree in his front yard. He pushed them to the curb for the city to pick up. Back home, they would just burn them and enjoy the smell, but they weren’t allowed to burn anything here. Still, it was a welcomed distraction. When Zeke finished, he went inside, showered and shaved.
Late that afternoon, Abby called. “Ronald Burch is clean,” said Abby.
“What? That can’t be,” said Zeke.
“I checked all the databases,” said Abby.
“Did you check TIDE and N-Dex?” asked Zeke.
TIDE was a database of known or suspected international terrorists contributed to by the CIA, FBI, NSA, and DIA. It was the source for the FBI’s terrorist database, TSDB.
N-Dex was a smart database that facilitated interagency connections correlating data among persons, places, and things.
“Yes,” said Abby. “Nothing.”
“This guy is working with Abdul Muti Poya, but he’s not on anyone’s radar?” asked Zeke.
What’s Ronald Burch’s deal? wondered Zeke.
“Don’t worry about it. We can ask Tom when he calls. Meanwhile, what are you doing for dinner?” asked Abby.
“I’m beat. I just got done raking the leaves,” said Zeke.” I just want to make a sandwich and then go to bed early and get up and go to church.
By Wednesday Zeke hadn’t heard from Agent Johnson, so he called Abby. “Abby, what’s going on? Have you heard anything?”
“No, not a word from Tom. Something probably sprung up which totally sucked him in,” said Abby. “I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten about us.”
“All right, later,” said Zeke.
Zeke called Agent Johnson.
“Zeke, I was just going to call you and Abby. I apologize. Things have been crazy around here. Terrorist chatter has been high. Can you come over to Langley?”
“When?”
“Now,” said Agent Johnson. “I’ll call Abby and tell her.”
“OK. See you in about an hour,” said Zeke.
Zeke and Abby met in the lobby of the CIA building. Security called Agent Johnson and told him Zeke and Abby were waiting for him.
“I’ve reserved a SCIF upstairs. Let’s go,” said Agent Johnson after he entered the lobby. After they walked up to the SCIF and Agent Johnson entered the combination, all three went in. and took a seat.
“Things are starting to heat up on the Muti Poya front,” said Agent Johnson. “We’re starting to hear more and more overseas chatter. Poya’s name has been mentioned but he hasn’t actually spoken to anyone. Abby, I want you to run some queries on Abdul Muti Poya in the TIDE and N-Dex databases looking for conversations and contacts he’s had in the last month. Also, any places of significance he’s been in the last month.”
“What are we looking for?” asked Abby.
“Anything that ties him to the presidential assassination, a possible money trail from overseas, funding from overseas,” said Agent Johnson.
“Did you inform my supervisor that I’d be working on this?” asked Abby.
“I talked to him this morning,” said Tom. “You’re all set. I convinced him it was good for interagency relations and good experience for you. Zeke, I want you to interview Abdul again. Find out his connection to Ahmad Khan Afghan. Take Abby with you.”
“Last time I interviewed him, he told me that he made a trip back to Afghanistan last month to get money from his Afghan backers for his protest efforts,” said Zeke.
“Yes, we know,” said Agent Johnson. “We eavesdropped on your conversation from the car.”
“Then you know about Ronald Burch,” said Zeke.
“He’s just a local arms dealer. He doesn’t have international ties. Don’t worry about him,” said Agent Johnson.
“Did you get me access to the TIDE and N-Dex databases?” asked Zeke.
“No, the IT people never got to it. Don’t worry. Abby has access,” said Agent Johnson.
“But I don’t want to have to bother her all the time,” replied Zeke. “Why don’t you give me the names of the IT staff so I can check on it?”
“That’s OK,” replied Agent Johnson. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Tom, just an FYI,” said Abby. “Zeke and I will be out of town on Saturday. We’re going to Williamsburg.”
“It’s not a problem. Have fun. Now, you two get out of here.”
“Zeke, I’m going back to my office to check through these databases,” said Abby. “Call me when you want to go see Abdul.”
“OK, I need to think about how to approach him,” replied Zeke. “I may be wearing out my welcome.”
The two left the SCIF and the building. Zeke headed back to WJOP. When he arrived at the station, he jogged up the familiar white stone steps leading to the arched entrance. Once inside, he was greeted by Julie.
“Zeke, I heard you’re leaving us,” said Julie.
“Not really,” said Zeke. “I’ll still be around, just not on the payroll as an employee.”
“Where are you going?” asked Julie.
“I’m launching out on my own as a stringer. A freelancer if you will.”
“Wow, that’s scary,” replied Julie. “I need the security of a regular paycheck.”
“Well, I’ve got some other things in the fire. I’ll be OK.”
“Like what?” asked Julie.
“I can’t say,” said Zeke.
On his way to his desk, Zeke stopped by the coffee room where he ran into Ellie from social media.
“It’s true I’m afraid.”
“You were really tearing it up around here. I thought you might take the job at BlackRock. Everybody knew. That kind of news travels fast around here.”
“That really wasn’t my thing. I felt terrible about that interview with Jack Cong.”
“Headquarters loved it. Ratings went through the roof,” said Ellie. “Our social media just exploded.”
“Maybe so, but I wonder how Jack liked it. I should call him and see how he’s doing. Apologize or something.”
“Well, Zeke it’s not gonna be nearly as exciting without you around here.”
“Hey, I’ll be around. I’m gonna be a stringer for Harvey.”
“Oh, that’s good to hear. Good luck. See you around.”
Zeke went to Harvey’s office and knocked on his door.
“Come in,” yelled Harvey. “Hey, kid. Wrapping up your last two weeks on the payroll?”
“I guess you could say that. I’m still working the assassination story, and I’m working some leads, but I need time for things to develop further.”
“Maybe I’m too soft sometimes, but the only story I’m expecting from you is the assassination story. So, follow whatever leads you need. Go where your contacts tell you. Just get me the story. By the way, you’re on the hook for this. If it’s still going after your two weeks, I’m not paying any stringer fees,” said Harvey.
“OK, Boss, you got it.”
“And, keep Sly in the loop,” said Harvey.
Zeke stopped by Sly’s cubicle. “What’s up, Zeke?” said Sly.
“This is a long shot but have you ever heard of a guy by the name of Ronald Burch?” asked Zeke.
“That name sounds familiar,” said Sly. “But I can’t place it off the top of my head. Did you look him up in NCIC?”
“Yeah, I didn’t find anything. If it comes to you, let me know.”
“Anything happening on the assassination front?”
“No, not really.”
“Keep me in the loop, man,” said Sly.
“Don’t worry, I will,” said Zeke.
As Zeke walked away, he called Abby from his cell. “Hey, it’s five o’clock. Do you want to get some dinner?”
“Sure, I’ll meet you at Harriet’s in thirty minutes,” said Abby.
“Better make that fifty minutes. It’s rush hour,” said Zeke.
“OK,” said Abby.
When Zeke arrived at the restaurant, Abby was already there and had selected a table. Zeke spotted her and went to her table.
“Have you been waiting long?” asked Zeke.
“About ten minutes,” said Abby. “How was traffic?”
“Not that bad. I guess I’m getting used to it.”
The waitress stopped by their table.
“I’ll have the unsweetened tea,” said Abby.
“Same here,” said Zeke.
“Are you ready for your entrée or do you need more time?” asked the waitress.
“I’m ready,” said Zeke. “How about you, Abby?”
“I’ll have the Atlantic salmon,” said Abby.
“I’ll have the meatloaf,” said Zeke. The waitress left to fill the order. “Find anything in the databases?” asked Zeke.
“Yeah, plenty,” said Abby. “I was able to correlate a lot of data among three databases. But I think we should wait till we talk to Tom at the Langley facility before discussing it.”
“Oh, yeah,” agreed Zeke. “After dinner, I’ll call him and schedule a time when we can both talk to him in a SCIF.”
“Sounds good,” said Abby as their food appeared.
After they were done eating, Zeke called Agent Johnson.
“Agent Johnson, this is Zeke. Abby has been able to correlate some data, and we’re ready to meet with you.”
“Have you interviewed Poya yet?” asked Agent Johnson.
“No, we’re going to see him tomorrow.”
“I’ll put you on my schedule for eleven o’clock Friday morning. That way you will have had a chance for a fresh talk with Poya.”
“OK. See you then,” said Zeke.
Zeke turned to Abby and told her about the appointment with Agent Johnson at Langley on Friday. He also told her about interviewing Abdul beforehand. “I’ll meet you at Abdul’s apartment in Riverside tomorrow at eleven am, Riverside Apartments, Apartment 201.”
“OK, said Abby. “Have a restful night. I’ll see you at Abdul’s.”
“Don’t dress like a cop,” said Zeke.
“How does a cop dress?” asked Abby.
“You know. Black slacks, white shirt, and black jacket,” said Zeke.
Zeke went home but did not have a good night’s sleep. He was awakened by a frightening dream of a large six-headed viper pursuing him. The next morning, he put on a pot of coffee. After pouring a cup into his comforting Waffle House mug, he sat at the kitchen table, Bible in hand, looking for a comforting passage of scripture and asking the Lord to be with him as he went up against the unknown. He was challenged by what seemed to be the familiar verse that was defining his life, Ephesians 6:12:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
But he was comforted by another verse, 2 Timothy 1:7:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
After Zeke finished his coffee and praying, he showered, shaved, and brushed his teeth before getting in his truck and driving to Abdul’s apartment. He met up with Abby, who was waiting for him in her car in the parking lot.
When Abby got out of the car, Zeke told her to leave her badge.
They went up to Abdul’s apartment. They knocked, and Zeke spoke Abdul’s full name loudly without shouting.
“Who wants to know?” answered Abdul.
“Zeke Jackson with WJOP and my partner Abby Sorensen.”
“You bring cops?”
“No,” said Zeke. “Check your window.”
“OK. No cops,” said Abdul.
The door opened slightly with a chain latch preventing it from opening fully.
“What do you want?” asked Abdul.
“Did you listen to the last WJOP story on the Four Point Front?”
“Yes,” replied Abdul.
“Did you like it?”
“Yes, I like. You say what I tell you to say.”
“Good. I’m writing another story on your group. Can I talk to you some more?”
“I guess.” Abdul unlatched the chain lock and let them in.
“I brought you a video of the story on your group for you to keep as a promo for your recruits,” said Zeke as he handed Abdul the video with his right hand. Abdul grabbed the video with his right hand, but Zeke quickly slipped the video away with his left hand and grabbed Abdul’s extended hand. “A few questions first.”
After making eye contact, he was again confronted by the snake-like thing coiling around Abdul. Its three raptor-like heads sat above Abdul’s head once again hissing at Zeke.
“Are you Legion?” asked Zeke.
“That we are,” replied the demon.
“I want to talk to Abdul.”
“What business do you have with our servant Abdul?” asked the demon.
“I come in the name of the Lord of Hosts. Move aside.”
The demon sensed a strong presence of the Lord. “We will allow it. Do us no harm.”
Zeke proceeded to ask his questions of Abdul. “Do you know Ahmad Khan Afghan?”
“Yes, I do,” replied Abdul.
“Who is he?”
“He is my cousin,” replied Abdul.
“Where is he?” asked Zeke.
“He’s at the music store looking at guitars,” said Abdul.
“Which store?” asked Zeke.
“Chuck Levin’s Music
Store in Wheaton,” said Abdul.
Zeke pulled away from Abdul thanking him for the interview. He and Abby left the apartment and talked on the way to the parking lot. They agreed to meet at Chuck Levin’s, off Veirs Mill Road. As they pulled into the parking lot, they spotted Ahmad getting into a car.
“Ahmad Khan,” they yelled.
“Yes,” he replied as he got out of the car.
“My name is Zeke Jackson with WJOP, and this is my partner Abby Sorensen,” said Zeke as he extended his hand. “We were just talking with your cousin, Abdul Muti Poya, who told us we could find you here.”
Ahmad took his hand. Zeke was immediately confronted by a snake-like thing that coiled around Ahmad’s six-foot-four frame. This one was much larger and had six-raptor like heads that sat above Ahmad’s head and hissed at Zeke.
“Who are you?” asked Zeke.
“I am Abaddon,” the creature replied.
“Angel of death?” asked Zeke.
“Yes, the destroyer, angel of the great abyss. My time is yet to come.”
“What do you want with Ahmad?” asked Zeke.
“He belongs to me. He is my servant. He is on a mission,” replied the creature.
“What mission,” asked Zeke.
“You know,” replied the creature.
“Be gone from him,” commanded Zeke.
“I do not listen to you. You cannot defeat me alone.”
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, be gone,” commanded Zeke once again.
“Leave us before we destroy you,” said the angel of death.
“I am protected by the Lord of Hosts. You cannot harm me,” said Zeke.
“Maybe so, but the Lord of Hosts is not going to grant your request today,” replied the creature. “So we do not comply. Be gone.”
Zeke backed off. He did not understand why the Lord was not permitting him to ask Ahmad any questions.
Zeke finished greeting Ahmad and said, “It was nice meeting you. Hope you enjoy your visit.” Then, Zeke and Abby walked away.
“Why didn’t you ask him any questions?” asked Abby.
“God would not allow it.”
“But why not,” asked Abby.
“I don’t know. Maybe it wasn’t the right time.”
Friday morning Zeke awoke still wondering why he wasn’t able to get past the angel of death, Abaddon, to question Ahmad. He put his coffee on the stove and opened his Bible. He asked the Holy Spirit to reveal to him what was preventing him from getting through.
Soul Reader Series: Book1: Touch Enabled Page 15
