“I’ve never been accused of being too smart. I saw you get shot, drop to the pavement. You okay?”
“Nothing I haven’t been through before,” Juan said. “More embarrassed than injured. Took a bullet to my shoulder and one to my shin. Didn’t really think it was a good idea for me to wait for an ambulance so I employed some other resources.”
“Where are you now?”
“My location really isn’t important. What is important is that you understand that this isn’t over yet. Not by a long shot.”
“Tareef planning more attacks?” Derek asked, afraid of the answer.
“Who knows? My opinion is that the attack you just prevented was the first in a series. Look at all the places where the IUIEEO is established.”
“And if Tareef and his band of misfits are as entrenched as you believe they are, they may have things all set up and ready to go. New York City may have been planned as their announcement.”
“Probably,” Juan said. “And thanks to you, that announcement was stifled.”
“Not entirely. News says that four people were killed and I’m being told that Aahill had a briefcase containing spent fuel rods. If that news leaks out, Tareef’s message may turn out to be powerfully received.”
“Either the IUIEEO is working on a nuke, already has one or is tied in with a country that has reactors up and running. Hate to say this, but we haven’t seen the last of the Tareef and the IUIEEO.”
“Have any ideas about who killed Henderson and what the official word will be about him?”
“I have an idea about who ordered his termination but not ready to share that info yet.” Juan sounded sullen when talking about his old partner and friend. “Official word will be that he was a traitor. That he joined me and my cause.”
“Burying the truth by destroying your credibility,” Derek said.
“That’s why you won’t hear from me again. No one will, not for a while. I’m heading somewhere safe and, once I’m situated, I’ll plan out how I release the info I have.”
“You’re going to make yourself even more of a target.”
“I know,” Juan said. “Funny, isn’t it?”
“What’s funny?”
“That I am now the unwanted nuisance.”
“You’ll be haunting the government for many years to come, I imagine.”
“An invisible but vocal specter. That is, till they find me.”
“Using non-secured cell lines isn’t the smartest way to remain hidden,” Derek said, sensing the conversation was drawing to its conclusion.
“Check the number I’m calling you from when you have a chance. It’s registered to the UN. Take care of yourself, Cole. You’ll a hell of a freelance detective.”
“And you’re a hell of a patriot. God bless.”
“And remember that being an unwanted nuisance is part of your job description. Don’t ever forget it.”
“Goodbye, Juan.”
As the call ended, Derek casually strolled around the library and into Bryant Park. Though the park was quiet, there were a few people sitting on the benches scattered about the park. As he walked past them, he wondered if they had any idea of the magnitude of the tragedy the city and its inhabitants just avoided. He continued walking towards Time Square, passing people, mostly tourists, on his way. When he reached the area where, just a few days ago, Abdul Fattaah Huda had blown himself up, he saw that the police and crews had cleaned the area and removed any traces of the tragedy that happened so recently. There were tourists, of course, standing in the exact spot where Abdul had died, having their pictures taken: a way to create a morbid connection with a tragedy, the extent of which none surely could comprehend.
But that’s how people wanted it, he thought to himself as he turned and headed back towards the Port Authority to retrieve his car. To know just enough of the events of the world to keep them from sounding like someone out of touch with the world when asked their thoughts about a particular happening. People needed to filter out so much of the misery in this world, less they would never be able to enjoy what is good about the world.
There would be more birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and births because of what he, Mark Henderson and Juan Cortez had done. And while no one will ever think of them while enjoying a life celebration, no one will ever mention their names in their nighttime prayers or make a wish in their benefit while blowing out the candles of their birthday cake, Derek walked with a smile and a sense that he had made a difference. Though he knew that the discoveries made this past week would not end the threat, he believed that despite the whitewashing the government was already actively engaged in, somehow the IUIEEO would lose its status in the world. He was hopeful that the United Nations would remove the organization from its Permanent Observer status and in doing so, remove any continuing power that it had because of their recognized status. He wished that someone, somewhere would have the courage to expose them for what they truly are.
As he neared the Port Authority, Derek wondered what role Juan Cortez would be playing and if his name would ever be cleared. He wondered if Juan would forever be considered a traitor to the United States or if someday he would present his case in front the US Congress. For now and probably for the foreseeable future, Juan Cortez would be considered a traitor and will be a hunted man. Mark Henderson will be a psychopath that tried to bring America to its knees for some, yet to be determined reason.
As for him, Derek Cole will go back to Columbus Ohio, where he will pick up his life just where he left it and will never be mentioned as being the person who prevented thousands of deaths.
He was fine with that.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Other Books in the Derek Cole Private Investigator Suspense Thriller Series
Heartless
Those of the Margin
Thank you for reading “The Observer.” If you enjoyed the book, please be so kind and leave a review.
Thank you,
T Patrick Phelps
The Observer (Derek Cole Suspense Thriller Book 3) Page 23
