Crescent City Chronicles (Books 1-3)

by Judith Lucci

  What was it the Jihadists said? Why have 10,000 men when you could recruit 10 million foot soldiers to do your killing, secretly and all over the world and never leave home? Once again, Adam Lee cursed the internet. Besides, the Russians had been a boil on America’s ass since before the Cold War. He had warned all of his colleagues in the Senate and the House that Russia would once again raise her nasty head against the West. In Congress, Adam Patrick Lee was known as a law and order politician and was a major Congressional advocate for sanctions against terrorist countries. His thoughts were interrupted when Martin spoke. Adam had forgotten that he was in a cab en route to Hotel Burgundy. He was on his way to see Beth Blankenship.

  He turned toward Martin and said, “Martin, I’m sorry. I was caught up in my thoughts. I didn’t hear a word you said. Could you repeat it for me?”

  “Sorry if I’m botherin’ you, Mr. Congressman. I jist said I was sorry about your friend getting’ hurt from Washington and I am really sorry that Miss Alex is so upset ‘bout how things are the hospital. Things is bad here in Naw’lins for your visit.”

  Martin’s New Orleans dialect grated on Congressman’s Lee nerves but he stiffened his back and said nothing, a major feat for Adam Lee since he hated New Orleans and everything about it.

  His voice was quiet as he replied. “Thanks, Martin. It could be better but it’s certainly none of your doing. It’ll get better soon. We’ll nail the bastards who are making this virus and doing all of this killing. Françoise will get ‘em.” Adam’s soft, Southern Virginia accent was melodious and he spoke with more bravado than he felt. He hoped he’d been convincing.

  Martin nodded and continued, “Yes suh, Commander Jack is the best we got here. He’ll get ‘em ... whoever is doing all of this, with all the help we have here from de Feds.” Martin gestured with his finger and said, “There’s de Hotel Burgundy ahead. Looks like a lot of the press are there. Been like that the whole day. Talking to all those politicians staying there who are comin’ and goin’. They are just pumpin’ them for information. Want to go around back?”

  “That’d be great. I am picking up Mrs. Blankenship and I would like to usher her out, away from the press. Can you give us about 15 minutes and then circle back and get us?”

  “Sure, no problems. I’ll be back in 15.”

  Adam nodded and extended his hand, “Thanks, man. Appreciate the ride.”

  Martin high-fived the Congressman as he skillfully maneuvered his white Lincoln Town Car out into the French Quarter traffic.

  Chapter 32

  Ali was tired and his heart was torn. His easy fun-loving spirit had been reduced to nothing and his ability to think clearly and make decisions was decidedly absent. Last night, after the meeting with the Jihad leaders, he had returned to his lab to continue to work on the virus. He had worked until the wee hours of the morning and then returned to his apartment where he could barely pass by the sleeping bodies on the way to his small bedroom.

  His heart had almost stopped beating when Syed had tripped him with an AK47 and then laughed at his fear. Ali hated Syed. In fact, he hated all of them and he hated what they were doing. More than anything, he wished there was something he could do to put the world right again. Two days ago, his life had been perfect. School was great, he was happy, Nazir was less stressed, and life seemed good.

  Now, Nazir had become a stressed-out wacko in Ali’s opinion and he was terrified for him. In fact, he didn’t trust any of the men sleeping on his living room floor. For all he knew, they would kill all of them. He was pretty sure they had killed Yahwa, but of course, he wasn’t certain. Of course, Nazir had denied it repeatedly. Ali wasn’t sure that Nazir even knew what was going on, or had any idea what would happen to them. The way he read the situation, Nazir was clueless about a lot of things, naïve and filled with fear. He just wanted the Jihad out of their apartment. Besides, the place stank of gym shoes and unwashed bodies.

  After several fitful hours, Ali had given up on sleep and by eight a.m., he had returned to work. He had examined several samples of mutating viral fluids under an electron microscope when a light bulb went off in his head. His heart raced with excitement and as he ran the assays again, he was convinced his conclusions were correct. He knew exactly what caused the virus and more than that, he knew what the virus was. He had identified the virus that was causing all of the deaths. In the world of virology, that was practically a win-win and Ali, with a sense of renewed energy and strength, continued to work rapidly. Perhaps he could help after all. He made a decision not to tell Dr. Smith until he was positive he was correct, and if he had just a few more hours, he could be sure. He checked the large clock on the wall in the lab. It was a little after noon. Perhaps by five o’clock, he would have some real answers and they could start saving people.

  Chapter 33

  Kathryn Lee sat in Alex’s sunroom with a glass of lemonade and watched her beloved granddaughter as she talked on her cell phone to the CDC doctor. She saw Alex put her hand to her mouth, most likely in dismay, as she listened to the physician’s report.

  Alex saw her grandmother watching her and walked with her cell phone into the kitchen, supposedly to make lunch, in an effort to keep her grandmother from listening to her side of the conversation.

  Kathryn was apprehensive, tortured in fact, that the two most important people in her life were involved in what was potentially becoming the worse days of her life, possibly even the final days of all of their lives. She bowed her head and said a silent prayer for Beth Blankenship and for her small family. Her beliefs and her faith were her strength and she needed a lot of strength right now ... for herself, Alex, Adam, and Beth.

  She supposed she’d be on her knees a lot in the next 24 hours. As she continued to wait, her eyes perused the beautiful silk orchid painting in the sunroom that Alex had painted, and she wondered how there could be so much beauty and so much evil in the world at the same time. Kathryn felt as though the two forces were colliding right there in Alex’s lovely solarium. She tried to shrug off a feeling of free-floating anxiety but she was unsuccessful. For some reason, she was besieged by feelings of discomfort and uneasiness. In truth, she was afraid and she didn’t know why. That startled her, and in common day speak, she guessed she was freaked out.

  Alex returned from the kitchen with a bright smile on her face and a tuna fish sandwich, potato chips, and sweet iced tea.

  Her grandmother accepted her lunch gratefully. She felt a bit weak and dizzy.

  As Alex bent down to kiss her grandmother on the cheek, she noticed her grandmother’s pale face and anxious look.

  “Grand, what’s the matter? Do you feel okay? Was the flight from Virginia too much for you?” The concern in Alex’s voice was obvious and when Alex reached for her wrist to check her pulse, her grandmother protested.

  “Stop it, I’m fine. Just hungry. It’s just old lady diabetes.” Kathryn’s voice was sharp as she slapped her granddaughter’s hand away. “What’s new at the hospital? It didn’t look good.” Grand gave Alex “the look” that she was aware her granddaughter hadn’t gone into the kitchen for just a sandwich.

  Alex smiled and patted her grandmother’s hand. “I can’t get anything by you, can I?”

  Kathryn gave her a doleful look. “No, probably not and you never will. I’ve been on to you since you were less than two years old. I don’t see that changing now unless I become totally senile or demented.”

  “I truly don’t see that in your future,” Alex opined as she gave her grandmother a sideways look. “Anyway, that was Dr. Yvette Charmaine. She’s the chief CDC doctor at CCMC and she told me there are now 33 cases of the virus with 13 people dead. They are all dying from some mysterious lung ailment. It doesn’t seem the virus is directly killing them.”

  Kathryn shook her head. “That seems like a lot of sick people in just a short period of time. This only began yesterday, correct?”

  Alex was taken back. “Wow, was it only yesterday? It seems like this h
as been going on for over a week. Yes, I guess so, although it seems like it’s been a lot longer. The past 24 hours have been hell.”

  “I’m sure. Tomorrow it will all be over and we can go to Commander’s Palace for dinner.”

  “Yes, that’d be great. Cannot wait. Keep holding on to that thought.” Alex knew that Commander’s was her grandmother’s favorite restaurant and Alex was determined to get her there before they left the city.

  Kathryn nodded as Alex continued, “I’m going to have to go to the hospital. Martin’s wife is bringing over Gumbo and Shrimp Remoulade for dinner. You’ve met her, right?”

  Kathryn smiled, “Oh yes, indeed. A really colorful lady. Her name is Carla, right? Always so bright and happy.”

  Alex shook her head and smiled, “Grand, you are just the best. You say things so well. Yes, Carla is bright and colorful with a heart of gold and more importantly, she’s a fantastic Cajun cook. Since we’re feeding God and Country, she’s the best. Also, Jack is sending over additional NOPD offers for security and they will be staying in the Carriage House with the Secret Service who is here to protect Beth and Granddad.”

  Kathryn laughed, “Well, we certainly should be safe enough. When do you think your grandfather will be back with Beth? I would like a quick nap.”

  Alex checked her watch, “I’d say about an hour. Go for it. I’m out of here. I really need to get over to the medical center to check on things. It seems like forever since I saw Bridget. Call me if you need me. I’ll probably be back around four. ”

  Kathryn smiled as she thought of Bridgett, Alex’s wonderful, delightful, funny, and always happy secretary. “Please ask Bridgett to stop by, would you? I enjoy her company so much.”

  “I will. She wants to see you. She told me yesterday. Oh Grand,” Alex paused, “you should have seen her yesterday, she was dressed all in pink and orange and she looked sensational. Even her toes were pink with orange stars on them. It was unbelievable! She literally sparkled. Oh, and by the way, she wants to take me shopping!”

  Kathryn laughed and said, “That’s Bridgett, for sure! Go with her Alex. It would be fun. Maybe I could go as well. We could both use a little color in our lives.”

  “It’s a date. I’ll set it up with Bridgett today. She’ll love it.”

  Kathryn hugged Alex goodbye and immediately headed for Alex’s beautifully appointed grey and silver guest room. It was her room away from home and she was dying for a brief rest. She felt sad and despondent and she didn’t know why. These were not feelings she was accustomed to and she didn’t like them at all. Perhaps a nap will take these feelings away.

  Chapter 34

  Ali smiled broadly at one of his graduate school buddies who called out to him as he exited the double doors of The Department of Tropical Medicine at Tulane University Medical Center. All in all, it’d been a great day and Ali was pleased with this work on identifying the virus. He’d left several messages for Dr. Smith to report his progress but they had not connected yet.

  “Anthony, how goes it? Where have you been keeping yourself? Haven’t seen you for weeks!” Ali was never more American than when he was at school. He loved his graduate school friends and relished the time he spent with them. They made him feel welcomed and accepted. He had never felt that way among his Muslim friends. Perhaps he was more American than Muslim, an accusation Nazir had made for several years. Right now, this second, he didn’t hate his life. He loved it. He was happy and just glad to see the friendly face.

  “Ali my friend! Where have you been? Do you have time for a cup of coffee so we can catch up?”

  “Sure, dude. I sure do. I’ve been working almost nonstop trying to help identify the virus that’s over at Crescent City Medical. Let’s head back to the campus coffee bar and we can talk a while. What do you say?”

  “I’m there,” said Anthony happily as the two young men turned and began the journey to the campus coffee bar. “Catch me up on this virus. I know very little about it. Is this the one I heard on the local news?”

  Ali nodded excitedly. “Yeah, that’s the one. It’s been all over the local and national news and the virus has killed a bunch of people. I’ve been helping Dr. Smith isolate and identify it.”

  Anthony was interested. “Have you identified it?”

  Ali shrugged his shoulders. “I think so but I have to check my findings with Dr. Smith before I can say for sure. I worked in the lab almost all night long last night, but boy did I learn a lot. I think I might have most of the data I need for my thesis.” Ali was excited. This was the best break he’d had in days. He loved sitting around shooting the breeze with his school buddies.

  Anthony was impressed and said, “Cool dude, that’s awesome. Not to change the subject or anything, but do you want to play basketball on Sunday afternoon?”

  Ali hesitated for a moment and said, “Sure. I need a break. Same place?”

  “Yep,” Anthony said as he chugged his coffee and checked his watch. “I got to get my skinny ass out of here. Tonight’s my second anniversary and if I don’t get Linda some flowers and a gift, I can guarantee you I won’t be celebrating a third year of marriage. I’ve been so busy studying and working at the library the two of us seem to pass like ships in the night. Between her schedule and mine, we’ve barely spoken for days.”

  “Aw, dude, you know Linda loves you. You just need to make it up to her tonight.”

  “I intend to. I can’t believe she married an ugly old grunt like me.”

  “Me neither, it must have been an off day for her,” Ali said as he clapped his buddy on the back, “Have a great time. She’s a great catch. You’re a lucky guy.”

  “Yeah, for sure. Will do. See you Sunday,” Anthony said, flashing him a smile and departed.

  Chapter 35

  Nazir’s small apartment had become the epicenter for New Orleans Jihad activity. Ali tried to sneak past the men sprawled all over the living room, but Syed grabbed him roughly by his collar.

  “Sit down, boy genius,” Syed hissed in his ear. “The leaders have a special job for you.”

  Ali fell onto the sofa, weak with nausea from the stench of Syed’s breath. He smelled like day-old hummus, olives, and tooth decay and the combination made him queasy. The entire apartment stunk of sweat, bad food, and foul odors. His eyes searched Nazir who was in a corner. Nazir’s fear and uncertainty was obvious.

  “Ali, I am glad you are here,” said Omar, his dark, unreadable eyes penetrating the young scientist. “I have a special task for you. Our mission in New Orleans has changed a bit. We have received orders from above to destroy as many of the infidels as we possibly can. Your brother,” Omar said, as he gestured toward Nazir, "has volunteered to wear explosives into the, what do you call it here, the French Quarter?”

  Ali’s heart sank and he was overcome by feelings of helplessness. Tears jumped into his eyes. “No, no, please no. Do not make my brother take his own life. Please do not make him a suicide bomber. He’s all I have.”

  Omar laughed and said, “Do not worry, Ali, he will not die. He will simply be a diversion, a decoy so to speak. We want to frighten the infidels with explosives so they will run inside buildings.”

  Ali was confused. “But why, Omar? Why would we want to frighten them? I thought you wanted the American President and the politicians. Why frighten the locals and the tourists?”

  Mohammed’s face was dark with impatience. His control was much less obvious than Omar's careful observations. His voice was clipped and precise. “Ali, listen. You are smart and we are only saying this one time. If your brother dies as a suicide bomber, he will die honorably. He will die for Allah. He will be a warrior. But, that is not the plan. Your brother will be a decoy. Our plan is to kill the American people.”

  “How will you do that?” Ali could feel the tension and fear pressing into his brain. His voice was weak and timid. He asked again louder, “How will you kill the Americans?”

  Mohammed gave Ali a tight half smile. His voi
ce was quiet. “You will do that for us, Ali.”

  “Me? But how? I am one person.” Ali’s voice was incredulous, uncertain. He was practically shouting at the esteemed leader. He was paralyzed with anxiety and apprehension.

  “You, my young brain, will turn the virus into a gas and it will be released all over New Orleans. It’s just that simple. We will kill thousands. It will make 9/11 look like child's play.”

  Ali was stunned, speechless. He stood there waiting for more and indeed, the leaders were not finished with him.

  Chapter 36

  Adam Lee entered the Hotel Burgundy through the kitchen. As he walked past the executive kitchen chefs, sous chefs, and short order cooks, he noticed they were all wearing facemasks. Adam's senses were heightened by the smell of good food. The good, heady smell of Cajun spaces seemed to awaken his senses and energize him. New Orleans is the devil’s city, but it does have some of the best damn food in the world.

  For the first time in several days, he realized he was hungry and that was a good feeling. He was in control again. He was starting to feel normal. He stopped for a second to watch a guy quickly chop enormous gulf shrimp into tiny pieces. He watched another cook dump huge crab claws into an enormous cauldron of Gumbo simmering on an eight-burner stove. The smells were invigorating and pungent, and Adam would have paid a hundred dollars for a bowl of the spicy Naw’lins Gumbo. Suddenly, as if reading the Congressman’s mind, a chef dipped a ladle into the steaming liquid, poured it into a bowl of rice, and handed it to Adam.

  “Welcome to Naw’lins,” the Executive Chef said in greeting. “We have the best Gumbo in the Vieux Carre and I would like for you to be a taste tester.”