Storm Unleashed
Quantum Touch Book 4
Michael R. Stern
Copyright (C) 2018 Michael R. Stern
Layout design and Copyright (C) 2018 by Creativia
Published 2018 by Creativia
Cover art by Cover Mint
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
A Last Request
Sneak Peek
Also by the Author
Dedication
For Linda,
A kind heart and an iron will
For all the people of the countries of the Middle East
May the peace we all wish for you become reality soon
Acknowledgements
The publication of a book is a team effort. I want to say thank you to those who have helped me present this latest effort to you, the reader.
First, my editor, Amy Davis of Riverfog Writer's Group, has molded this writer, and with tough love, forced me to take the next steps to becoming a competent storyteller. Believe me when I say that the many light-bulb moments I have experienced reflect lessons that have been beaten into me, and I hope are reflected in the story. Our collaboration in the four books of Quantum Touch thus far has been rewarding for me as a writer, and I hope the result will be enjoyable stories for the reader.
My designer, Jack Parry, and publication consultant, Elizabeth Parry, of Parry Design, are responsible for the fabulous cover and creative layout. They also have joined me on this quest through the first four books of this collection.
I would like to express my deepest thanks to George and Jill Hobson Kassis for sharing their knowledge and love of the countries of the Middle East. Our conversations have added to the perspective presented in the story.
The collective stories of Quantum Touch revolve around two teachers, Fritz and Ashley, and a high school. The teachers as characters are now a part of my life, but in reality, are based on two teachers from my school years, who left a lasting impression. Both have passed on now, but are remembered. Thank you, Russell Fritz, for introducing me to my own written words. Thank you, Gilbert Ashley, for making learning fun.
My final thank you is to you, the reader, those who have joined me on this journey. I hope you have enjoyed the tale, and that Storm Unleashed makes you happy you have returned for the next adventure.
Chapter 1
“DARKNESS IS HARD TO DEFEAT.” The gray-haired man stood by a bank of windows overlooking the black Pacific. A dimmed antique chandelier imprisoned the shadows and barricaded dawn's arrival. Polished, paneled walls reflected Tiffany lamplight. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases exuded first-edition mustiness. His minions, five silent figures sitting in a circle of plush chairs, weighed his remarks. “The others will be here soon,” he said. “We need to find a successor for our dearly departed.” His undisguised disgust darkened his pallid complexion. “His office has been searched and secured. They were thorough. No signs have been left.”
“Do you have someone in mind?” asked the youngest of the group, a former corporate founder who took his money and ran.
“That's why we're here,” the gray-haired man said as he crossed the room. “To choose a replacement.” With his back to his guests, he watched through the bay window as four top-shelf cars approached on the long gravel drive. It was sunrise.
* * *
“MERRY CHRISTMAS, Mr. President.”
“Merry Christmas, Fritz. I'm sure you have a busy day ahead, but I wanted to invite you here for New Year's Eve. You could stay a day and we could look around this place together.”
When Fritz first stumbled through the portal that let him move around the world, time travel also ceased to be fiction. Since spring, when it began, his relationship with the commander-in-chief had intensified. Fritz had saved the president's life twice. As useful as it was, the portal also brought danger. They might be able to use it for good, but Fritz had almost been killed by men who had tried to destroy his passage to the past.
Fritz and Linda Russell sat in the family room, while TJ, their month-old baby, napped in his crib in the corner. The tree ornaments reflected the early morning light coming from the sunroom. “Thanks, Mr. President. I'll have to speak to Linda and call you back.”
“Bring the baby. Jane and Ashley will be here too. We can celebrate having made it through this very strange year.”
“Strange is an understatement, Mr. President.”
Fritz and Linda's goal was simply to enjoy a quiet Christmas morning. A busy afternoon was in store, but coffee and a Christmas movie provided the perfect interlude. Fritz's parents were coming, and so were Ashley Gilbert and Jane Barclay. Putting dinner in the oven remained the sole, planned interruption to eating, drinking, and being merry. Until the phone rang.
“The president invited us for New Year's Eve,” said Fritz. “He said to bring TJ.”
“I wonder what he wants this time,” Linda said. “It's strange that he would want to socialize with us.”
“I've thought about that. But like he said, we treat him like a normal person. I think he likes that. We missed their Christmas affair. Do you want to go? Do you feel up to it?”
“Not really. I don't feel comfortable taking TJ. And I can't help but feel he wants you to use the portal again for something else. Though our staying away won't keep him from asking.”
Since April, Fritz had used the portal to let special troops rescue the U.S. Ambassador to Eledoria and his family. To destroy Naria's nuclear program. To save an Israeli community from an attack by the Eledorians. To end a conspiracy to assassinate the president.
“We don't need to RSVP yet. If he needs the portal, I'm sure he'll let me know.”
Ashley and Jane showed up at two, early as usual. Ashley and Fritz were teachers at Riverboro High School and had been friends for years. Jane, Ashley's girlfriend, worked for the government as an advisor to the president. In official circles, s
he was known as Dr. Barclay. She also held the rank of major in the Army. Ashley blamed Jane for the ever-present smile on his face. When they arrived, Ashley volunteered to help Linda with Christmas dinner, and Jane joined Fritz in the family room with TJ.
“The president called this morning,” Fritz said. “He wants us to come to the White House for New Year's.”
“I know. We're going. It should be fun. Very few people are invited. Besides, he wants to talk to you.”
“Linda thought that's why we were invited.”
“It's not the only reason. I've been fine-tuning his plan for the Middle East summit, so he'll want to talk to you about that. He's also concerned about the chest-beating going on in North Korea again. It's certainly not dull.” Fritz rubbed behind his left ear. “He invited us to insulate him from the politicians, I think,” she continued. “He told me he feels closer to you than most of the people he sees every day.”
“Jane, every time he wants to use the portal, it's for some world-saving event. And it's getting scarier each time. The portal isn't secret any more, and the bad guys know about it.”
“I understand that. I've been trying to find out more about the people Koppler associated with. The problem is that he knew everybody. It's a Who's-Who list from around the world.” James Koppler, a former advisor to the president, appeared to have been the center of a large group of conspirators. “We're still sifting through the stuff from his office. James and Mel Zack went back on Black Friday. They planted small cameras. By that Saturday, someone else had been there too, but they were masked. We're not the only interested party. Someone else is not taking chances.”
“That worries me even more. Do you think he worked with some terrorist group or something?”
“Not terrorists. But I have a feeling that there's more to it than we've seen so far.”
“One of your feelings? Now I know I have a reason to worry.” Jane had had one of those feelings before the president had almost been killed at a summit conference in Geneva only eight weeks earlier. Fritz and Ashley had used the portal to save him.
They were interrupted by the doorbell. Fritz checked his watch. Too early for his parents. Jim Shaw, a former student and local police officer was standing at the door. “Hi, Mr. R. Merry Christmas.”
“Come in. Are you working today?”
“Yeah. I switched with a guy with four kids.”
“Hi, Jim,” said Linda, coming from the kitchen. “Merry Christmas. Want to come for dinner?”
“Hi, Linda. Thanks, but I'm on duty. I just wanted to drop off a present for TJ.”
“Thanks, that's very thoughtful. Can I get you a drink of something? Egg nog?”
“No, thanks. I have to go. But I'll be around if you need me.”
Jim had taught Fritz to shoot, which had come in handy when the president was taken hostage in Geneva. When Koppler had tried to shoot the president, Fritz had killed Koppler instead.
“I have to get back to work,” Jim said. “Hi, Mr. Gilbert, ma'am,” he said as Ashley and Jane came to the door.
“Merry Christmas, Jim,” they said together.
“Have a good day, Jim,” said Fritz. “And thanks again.”
Before Fritz closed the door, a black Suburban drove past. They all saw it and exchanged glances. Jane had jammed her phone to her ear before the door shut.
“Good morning, Mr. President. A black Suburban just drove by Fritz's house. Anything you know about?”
“Merry Christmas, Jane. I forgot to tell Fritz. Sorry. I asked the guys to keep an eye out and be visible, just in case.”
“I'll tell him. Sorry to bother you. Merry Christmas.”
Black Suburbans had played a significant role, good and bad, since Fritz had found the portal. The primary transport used by the Secret Service, they had also been used by the conspirators. One had tried to slam into Fritz when he climbed out of his car, and another had tried to ram him as he left school for the day. Each new one they spotted raised a red flag.
“It's time for some eggnog,” said Ashley. “I'm buying.”
“It's already in the refrigerator,” Fritz said.
“I know that. But it doesn't have my personal touch, which of course I will provide. Free of charge.”
Linda said, “You mean you're pouring it into glasses?”
“Absolutely. My personal touch.”
JUST AFTER THREE, Fritz's parents arrived. Everyone opened presents, mostly for TJ, who had no idea what was going on but gurgled and squeaked. After a dessert pudding of fruits and nuts, a mix of spices, and some highly flammable brandy, they had just moved to the family room for coffee when breaking news disturbed the celebration.
“Here we go again,” said Ashley. The report said North Korea had launched a missile that might have intercontinental range.
“If they're accurate,” Jane said, “we might have a big problem. We know they're close to developing nukes. And now they probably have the delivery capability. I'll bet the president's already on the phone.”
Linda's frown and furrowed brow reminded them all of the danger they faced. Fritz put his arm around her, pulled her close, and said, “I know.”
Fritz's father, John, asked, “Do you think the president…”
Fritz interrupted. “I don't know. He's mentioned the North Koreans before. I hope he finds another way to fix this, Dad.”
* * *
IN A ROOM FULL of suits, a man dressed in white slacks and a thin blue sweater glanced at his phone and said, “Turn on the TV. Something's up in Korea.” The eight men and one woman gathered around a large screen enclosed in a custom-made mahogany cabinet. After watching, the host offered a toast. Standing by the crystal bowl of Christmas cheer, he said, “Gentlemen, and lady, to the Kim family. May their year be as bad as ours will be good.”
* * *
“JANE,” SAID THE PRESIDENT, “I think they picked today to disrupt the holiday. The football games will be interrupted. I've called the cabinet for 9 P.M. I need you here before then.”
Chapter 2
“MR. PRESIDENT, we know where the nukes and the launching areas are,” the secretary of defense said. “There's no indication they're trying to move the bombs, at least not yet.”
The secretary of state said, “The parade is about to begin. The usual crowd is out, and the square is full. They're in high-level show-off mode, sir.”
“What I have to decide is what to say and when,” said the president. “The missile worked. But that's the first one that has, and we don't know its full range. It's not a threat at the moment, and I'm not going to push a national panic button.”
“Mr. President, wait for a regular press conference and questions. Still, we should move some ships closer.” The president held up his hand and looked around the table.
“John, have you spoken to the Chinese yet?” the president asked the secretary of state.
“Not yet, sir. I've called their ambassador, and I've called the foreign minister. I couldn't get through to either. I think they're still determining their response, particularly to us.”
“Here's my thought,” the president said. “In his next press briefing, Mac should say only that we're evaluating the situation. When we reach the Chinese and the Russians, then maybe I'll have a press conference next week. Tuesday or Wednesday.”
“Mr. President, I think you should be visible on this. And it should be immediate,” said the secretary of defense. “Show you're on top of the situation and will have more to say when we've gathered more information. Leave it at that. If you wait, the hawks will get to the media first.”
“They're already at it, Charlie. The usual suspects interrupted their Christmas dinners to take shots at the president.”
The meeting lasted until 10:30, with no final resolution. The president said he wanted to consider the options. Adjourning to his office, he went to talk to two people—the First Lady and Dr. Jane Barclay.
“Sorry to disturb Christmas, Jane.”
“No problem, sir. I expected to hear from you.”
The First Lady said, “The regulars are already piling on, hon. You'd think they had a direct feed to Fox.”
The president thought he should make a TV appearance and let the public know that the administration wasn't worried and was making contact with leaders around the world. “Let the country enjoy the weekend. Mac needs to know what I want to do.” The president looked through the window at the glowing top of the Washington Monument and the muted lights around the South Lawn. He dialed his press secretary. “Mac, arrange a statement for as quickly as possible. Tell the networks it will be five-minutes long. No questions.”
“Mr. President, you need to call the leaders before you go on,” Jane said. “We're going to need them with us for the summit. And the Joint Chiefs. You know how General Beech gets.”
* * *
FRITZ AND LINDA were up before seven. Bacon wandered through the house and roused Fritz's parents. John settled in the family room with his coffee and turned on the TV.
“Fritz,” his father called. “The president's talking about North Korea.” Fritz turned off the flame under the bacon and went to watch the report. The president reassured the country that all diplomatic channels were open and that the situation was being monitored. He closed by wishing the country Happy Holidays and said he looked forward to the new year.
“I bet he does,” said Linda, feeding TJ in the doorway. “Only one more year and he's done.”
* * *
EARLY SATURDAY MORNING, phone traffic contained a conversation from California. “Do we have replacements yet for the ones we lost at the school?” He sipped his coffee. “Then see if we can fill the gap with Asians. We need them now. Get as many as you can. Time to rattle cages. We have to prove the president wrong.”
* * *
ALTHOUGH SCHOOL would be closed until after the holidays, Fritz still had work to do. He needed questions for the history baseball tournament his ninth graders were planning. His seniors had outlined a play about a family's trek through the Twentieth Century. Ashley's tenth-grade creative writing students were writing the script. After breakfast, Fritz went back to his laptop to dig for questions.
Storm Unleashed (Quantum Touch Book 4) Page 1
