A Bombing Enigma

by Angelika Lansdale

  “That is the extent of my knowledge. The agents did not divulge what they learned from the email on Elizabeth’s computer,” Cynara said.

  “I have that information,” Bradley said.

  “You do? How?” Cynara asked.

  “I have a resource inside the agency,” Bradley said. “And I am sorry to tell you that Sharon was definitely in cohorts with Abaan and his companions.”

  “She was?” Cynara gasped.

  “Yes the email that they managed to find was from an anonymous source to Sharon. They are still trying to trace it. It clearly stated something like, Thanks for all your help. The plan is set. We will meet soon. AKF,” Bradley elucidated.

  “So she was in touch with Abaan Khalid Fakhri,” Cynara said slowly.

  “Yes,” Bradley nodded. “Sharon was most likely the girl that Abaan Khalid had referred to in his letter to Jimmy?”

  “The girl in the letter had wanted to convert to Islam. How could Sharon have formed an allegiance with them and known of her religious affinity? She was so young?” Cynara questioned.

  “They are the most gullible. She was probably greatly influenced by Jimmy, must have fallen in love with him. And love can be quite dangerous,” Bradley said.

  “Seems rather fantastic,” Cynara said.

  “Yes, but it happens. I have seen it often enough. Terrorists have a way with young ones, and a girl in love is very susceptible,” Bradley explained.

  “But what was it all for? Jimmy committed suicide. And Mr. Qureshi and Sharon were killed?” Cynara asked puzzled.

  “The agents are pretty certain that another terrorist attack is impending,” Bradley said.

  “More terrorism,” Cynara whispered in alarm. This was turning out to be just what Charles had suggested.

  “Unfortunately yes. The agents first thought that Qureshi was killed to prevent the identification of Jimmy’s girlfriend. But it is possible that his death was to prevent him from leaking any pertinent information regarding the upcoming attack,” Bradley said. “And Sharon was most likely the one who pulled the trigger.”

  “If Sharon shot him then why was she murdered as well and by whom?” Cynara asked.

  “Most likely Abaan and his group and for the same reasons,” Bradley said. “She knew too much and they felt threatened.”

  “So she was collateral damage?” Cynara asked repeating her brother’s words.

  Bradley looked at her strangely, “Interesting choice of words.”

  “Yes,” Cynara said quickly. She did not want to explain about her conversation with Charles. “But why did they kill her now? I mean if Sharon was Jimmy’s girl than she had known them a long time, since before Jimmy’s suicide. So why did they suddenly feel threatened. What changed?”

  “With a plan afoot, they are treading very carefully and keeping a close circle. That is how these terrorist organizations function,” Bradley said. “They have no loyalties. The end justifies all means. As soon as Sharon became more of a liability than an asset, they disposed of her.”

  “How heartless. She was so young. What a waste of a life,” Cynara remarked.

  “They are heartless,” Bradley said.

  “Maybe Abaan’s sister knew Sharon or had met her?” Cynara asked.

  “I am sure the agents questioned her about Sharon. But my source did not mention anything,” Bradley said. “I actually went to meet the sister yesterday, at her apartment. She was not at all welcoming and simply refused to talk to me. I think she is under constant surveillance and is most unhappy about it.”

  “She probably thinks Abaan is innocent,” Cynara said.

  “That is her stance. However, we cannot be sure. She just might be helping him out,” Bradley said.

  “Yes,” Cynara agreed. “And what about the diary? Jimmy’s diary? Do they have any leads from that?”

  “My source has been pretty non-committal. They are still delving into it and making their inquiries,” Bradley replied.

  From this Cynara deduced that Bradley did not know about Mr. George Stewart’s affairs. She had not disclosed anything when she had talked about the diary. It was best kept under the covers. She wanted to protect Elizabeth at all costs. Something must have shown on her face because Bradley looked at her searchingly and then asked, “Do you know anything more? You read that diary.”

  Cynara quickly denied any other knowledge, “I have already told you everything I read.” Bradley continued to regard her astutely but refrained from asking more questions. Cynara felt relieved. She quickly changed the topic, “Abaan Khalid must be back in England.”

  “No sources have yielded confirmation of his presence here. However, that does not disprove it. Terrorist groups have means of slipping in and out of countries without the authorities finding out,” Bradley said. “There also has been a sudden increase in chatter on all communication channels coming out of the Middle East, especially from Syria and Iraq.”

  “What does that mean?” Cynara asked.

  “These counter terrorist agencies look at all the activity over the internet, especially originating from the Middle East, as well as listen for key words on phone conversations. And lately the web has been extremely active,” Bradley explained.

  “So something is about to happen,” Cynara said worriedly. “It is so alarming.”

  “We can hope the police and anti-terrorist agents will find something definitive and successfully prevent the attack before it occurs,” Bradley tried to assuage her fears.

  “I hope to God that is the case,” Cynara said soberly.

  Bradley switched off his tape recorder and thanked Cynara for all her help. “I have been quite candid with you and have shared everything I have discovered from my source within the agency. You are an unbiased bystander and I hope we can work together. Please keep me in the loop if you learn anything new.”

  “I will,” she said feeling guilty about not being totally honest and divulging the full contents of the diary.

  Cynara quickly got up and offered Bradley a cup of coffee. He willingly accepted and stood at the kitchen door while she made it. They chatted about York. He loved Yorkshire and advised her on what places she still needed to explore. Just as they finished their coffee, there was a loud knock at the front door. It startled them.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” Bradley asked.

  “No. I just seem to be very popular today,” Cynara joked and stood up. Before she could even reach the door, it burst open and an angry woman in a hijab barged in.

  Chapter 23

  “What the hell!” Cynara exclaimed in shock. “Who are you?”

  The woman looked at them wildly. She then rushed at Cynara, grabbed her by the arms, and started shaking her violently screaming, “How you dare.”

  Bradley swiftly moved forward, grabbed her from behind and then pushed her away, “Fatima, what are you doing?” He stood protectively in front of Cynara.

  “Fatima?” Cynara asked. “Abaan Khalid Fakhri’s sister?”

  “Yes I his sister. You tell lies. All lies!” Fatima shouted.

  “Stop it Fatima. Please. Otherwise we will have to call the police,” Bradley said firmly.

  He took her by the arm, led her to the sofa, and tried to make her sit down. Fatima pushed his hand away and pointed an accusing finger at Cynara, “It all your fault.”

  “I do not understand. What have I done?” Cynara asked. “I don’t even know you. We have never met.”

  “No all your fault,” Fatima repeated again.

  “Please sit and calm down,” Bradley beseeched.

  Fatima stood there scowling at Cynara. “You come here and trouble starts. They blame my Abaan. He not here. He not in England.” She then sank down onto the sofa and started to weep loudly.

  Cynara just stood there in bewilderment. She could not believe what had just happened. How did Abaan’s sister know her? Why did she come? Most importantly, why was she accusing her? Bradley quickly walked to the kitchen and found a clean glass o
n the drain rack. He filled it up with some water from the tap and returned. There was a tissue box on the coffee table. He grabbed some tissues and handed them to Fatima. Her loud sobbing ceased to silent heaving with tears streaking down her face. She wiped them and blew her nose. Bradley offered her the glass of water. After taking a few sips, she seemed to gain some composure.

  “Are you all-right?” Bradley asked.

  “No,” she continued to dab at her face. “Her fault.”

  “What is my fault?” Cynara finally forced herself out of her stupor and asked shakily.

  “You cause everything, all problem.” She jumped to her feet, all riled up again, and ranted, “Police come my house all time, asking, asking, and asking.”

  “But how am I responsible for that?” Cynara queried.

  “You start it. You say you have Abaan’s letter. He no even here. Why you say you have letter?” she shrieked, her voice rising in crescendo.

  “Stop. Please Fatima, stop!” Bradley exclaimed forcefully.

  Fatima turned towards him and accused, “Mr. Robinson you here too. Yesterday you come my apartment. But I know you no good. So I say nothing. See, I right. You with her.”

  Bradley took a deep breath and said gravely, “Fatima, please listen to me. We cannot talk to you like this. You need to control yourself. If you are not willing then leave now before I call the police.”

  Bradley’s words and tone finally penetrated Fatima’s anger and she sat down again. “Okay I listen.”

  “Let us start with the introductions. This is Cynara and this is Fatima, Abaan’s sister,” Bradley said smoothly.

  “I know who she,” Fatima snapped.

  “Please we are going to be civil with each other. Is that acceptable?” Bradley asked.

  Fatima did not reply and just glared back.

  “Fatima is that acceptable?” he persisted.

  She reluctantly nodded her head. “She know me. Why you waste time?”

  Before Bradley could retort, Cynara responded, “No I do not know you at all. How can I? We have never met.”

  “And still you do this. Why?” Fatima asked.

  “Fatima, why will I deliberately do anything to you? I work for Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart and found an email addressed to Jimmy. Elizabeth thought it was strange and called the authorities. My aim was certainly not to get you into any sort of trouble,” Cynara explained.

  “That is correct. Cynara moved to York only a few months ago. She did not even know of your existence,” Bradley said.

  “This email, how police know it from my brother?” Fatima asked.

  “It was signed as Abaan Khalid Fakhri. The police then investigated and found the connection between Jimmy and your brother,” Bradley said.

  “Yes Jimmy and Abaan good friends. Abaan was good boy. But this country not good to him. They think he terrorist. They hurt him,” Fatima said bitterly.

  “It was unfortunate what occurred at the time of the Bradford riots. Did that change Abaan and make him a terrorist?” Bradley asked.

  “He no terrorist,” Fatima shouted. “No terrorist.”

  “Okay, okay,” Bradley said softly. “But the evidence says otherwise.”

  “Evidence wrong,” Fatima said unshakably.

  “Look Fatima that is why I came to talk to you yesterday. I am researching this story and will only write the truth. If your brother is innocent, then that is what I will print. But you have to tell me everything, your side of the story,” Bradley said.

  Fatima glowered at him for a few moments. Bradley stood there quietly waiting. She finally bowed her head in acquiescence and said, “You promise prove Abaan innocent.”

  “If he is innocent then I promise. But if he is not then I will not be able to protect him,” Bradley said.

  “He innocent,” Fatima stated fiercely.

  “Well I need all the facts,” Bradley said. He asked Cynara to take a seat beside Fatima and reached for his tape recorder, which was still lying on top of the coffee table. “I am going to record this conversation.”

  “Why?” Fatima asked suspiciously.

  “Because I do not want to make any mistakes and rely on just my memory,” Bradley explained patiently. “I have your permission?”

  Fatima nodded in agreement. Bradley clicked the record button and sat down on the sofa across from them.

  “You moved to England with your husband and brother, Abaan?” Bradley asked.

  “Yes. London. Life in Iraq was tragedy. I lost my son,” Fatima paused and swallowed the lump in her throat. “Abaan stay with us first. Then he move to Bradford. He open butcher shop with cousin.”

  “Did you visit him there?” Bradley asked.

  “Many times. He happy. No trouble. He also come to London,” Fatima said. “Years pass. All good. One day he bring Jimmy.”

  “Were you surprised?” Cynara asked.

  “Yes. First time he bring friend. A white boy. I not sure. But husband Amir like him,” Fatima said. “Jimmy very sad boy.”

  “Do you know why he was sad? Did he ever tell you?” Bradley asked.

  “No. But soon he no sad. He okay. Abaan bring him a lot. They good friends. Soon I like Jimmy,” Fatima said.

  “Did he talk about his past?” Bradley asked.

  “No,” Fatima replied.

  “Did you know about Abaan’s girlfriend, Ruth, or ever meet her?” Bradley asked.

  “No, he only tell after breakup. He never bring to London,” Fatima said.

  “Was he upset about the breakup?” Bradley asked.

  “Only for few days. Then soon forget,” Fatima said.

  “What happened after that?” Cynara asked.

  “The riots. Very bad. Police take Abaan. Jimmy call us. We go but police no listen. They keep Abaan for days. He innocent. Police free him,” Fatima paused sadly. “He change. Become angry, very angry.”

  “Such unfortunate circumstances,” Cynara murmured.

  “Yes no fair. Because he Iraqi. Abaan very unhappy. Then he sell shop and move to London. He live with us. One day he leave. Say goodbye in note and leave,” Fatima said, wiping another tear that slowly trickled down her cheek.

  “Did he tell you where he was going and for what?” Bradley asked.

  “No say anything. We not know he going. Just find note,” Fatima said tearfully. “I no see him again.” She sniffed and blew her nose.

  “When did he leave?” Bradley asked.

  “November 24th, 2012. I remember date,” Fatima said poignantly.

  “Do you know where he is?” Bradley asked gently.

  Fatima did not reply. Bradley repeated the question and reminded her she had to be very truthful if she wanted his help. Finally, she nodded her head and said, “I no tell police. He send me letter one month after he leave.”

  “So where is he?” Bradley asked again.

  “Home. Iraq,” Fatima answered.

  Chapter 24

  “Iraq!” Cynara exclaimed. “Not Syria?”

  “No he fly Syria then go Iraq. He there,” Fatima said.

  “What is he doing there?” Bradley asked.

  “He join Muslim Radicals,” Fatima said.

  “Muslim Radicals. What is that?” Bradley asked.

  “Muslim Radicals no terrorists. They fight for country, for Iraq,” Fatima said. “He write he happy. He find goal.” She paused and asked Cynara for more water. Cynara quickly went into the kitchen and refilled her glass. After taking a few sips, she added, “But I no happy. We come England make new life. Get away from fight. He go back. He join fight.”

  “Was there anything else in the letter?” Bradley asked.

  “No,” Fatima said.

  “Did he write again after that? Or call you? Or send an email,” Bradley asked.

  “No,” Fatima replied. “No hear anything more.”

  “Did you ever see Jimmy after Abaan left?” Cynara asked.

  “No. Last time I see Jimmy when Abaan in jail. Not after that,” Fatima repli
ed. “Then we hear in news he die in bombing. We shock. No understand.”

  “Why did you not go to the police after you heard about Jimmy’s suicide?” Bradley asked.