“Well there are forty-one minutes remaining. I have called the police. They should be here shortly,” Charles said.
“But this is so preposterous!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Why would someone leave a bomb in my postbox?”
“There is no explanation. We just have to sit tight and wait for the police,” Charles tried to maintain calm.
They all stood there feeling helpless. There was very light traffic on the road, few vehicles intermittently. A bus also passed by without halting. There was nobody at the stop and probably no passengers wanted to disembark. The driver must have thought it strange to see a group of people just standing there by the side of the road. None of them felt like talking. Cynara decided that everyone was in a state of shock. She certainly was and her mind was in turmoil. She did not know what to think or make of this new development. After a few minutes, they all heard the sirens approaching.
Two police cars and an unmarked van screeched to a halt beside them. The policemen jumped out and the man in charge, Officer Ben, approached them. Charles quickly explained the situation. The officers told them to stand at a distance, as the postbox could be booby-trapped. They all scuttled back while the officers cautiously opened the box. One of them flashed a light inside with a powerful beam.
“It is a bomb, a standalone unit. We have a little over thirty minutes to disarm it,” Officer Ben said.
The four men from the unmarked car took over. They seemed to be the bomb squad. Just then, two more cars joined them. The agents, Mr. Daniels and Mr. Watson, alighted from the first car. Cynara had never seen the two people in the next car. The police quickly set up perimeters on the two ends of the road. No traffic was going to be allowed through. All of them had a quick discussion and the bomb squad started pulling out equipment from the van.
Mr. Daniels walked up to them and said, “We are going to start the process of deactivating the bomb. This is always tricky so we want all of you to get back behind that perimeter. Is there anyone else in the manor or the cottages?”
“No this is all of us.” Elizabeth seemed about to say something else but then decided against it.
“Good luck,” Cynara wished fervently.
They all followed Charles past the boundary and huddled there. It was difficult to observe how the bomb squad was progressing from this distance. “I cannot believe this is actually happening,” Elizabeth finally broke the silence.
“I feel it is a nightmare and I will wake up soon.” Mr. Drake shakily rubbed his eyes with a trembling hand.
“Jimmy blowing himself up was bad enough, a terrorist bomber actually living on my premises. But this is just ludicrous. A bomb in my mailbox! What is the purpose? That we all get blasted to smithereens?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes that is what it seems,” Cynara murmured.
“Why would someone want that?” Mrs. Keene chipped in, looking teary. Her husband reached over and held her hand comfortingly.
“Terrorists!” Mr. Drake exclaimed.
“If it is terrorism, why are they not targeting a more public place?” Mrs. Simpson asked.
“Maybe it is personal,” Cynara said.
“Personal? Whatever do you mean? How can it be personal? None of us knows any terrorists. The one who was associated with them, Jimmy, is dead,” Elizabeth said fretfully.
“It is pointless to discuss until we get all the facts. The agents will defuse the bomb shortly. Let us be optimistic and hope they find out who planted it,” Charles said soothingly.
“Yes hope it is quick,” Elizabeth said wringing her hands together. “We do not have much time before the bomb detonates.” Mrs. Simpson consolingly put an arm around her shoulders. Elizabeth seemed to draw strength from the gesture and tried to compose herself.
Cynara felt very troubled by the circumstances. Why would someone want to kill them? Was it Fatima targeting her? She did not dare to voice it. If the agents heard, they would arrest Fatima right away. Their questioning could take any form. These were now becoming desperate times. She needed to make sure Charles would also refrain from mentioning anything about Fatima’s visit. It was not possible to speak privately with him in front of everyone. Luckily, she had her phone on her. She quickly took it out and sent Charles a text message. He signaled his consent with a brief nod.
Cynara knew terrorism was a reality of today. It was rampant, and on the rise everywhere. However, this was literally at their very doorstep. Terrorism was believable on a larger scale, a stadium, a crowded mall, or even a symphony hall. It was so inconceivable here, a private residence. Maybe it was not terrorism. Maybe it was someone with a grudge against the Stewarts, wanting to kill them. Cynara felt her head was going to split with all the questions crowding her mind. She decided to not think at all and wait for the agents to finish their task.
The silent atmosphere was soon so thick with tension that one could cut it with a knife. Just when it was about to become unbearable, Mr. Daniels walked up to them. “It is done.”
“The bomb would have exploded if you had not disarmed it?” Elizabeth asked fearfully.
“Yes,” Mr. Daniels replied. “A bomb powerful enough to have blown up half your property.”
Chapter 27
“What are you saying?” Mrs. Simpson cried.
“This was a nasty one. We estimate the timer must have been set at about one hour. You are all extremely fortunate that Mr. Walters glanced into the postbox and alerted us promptly,” Mr. Daniels said.
“Yes very lucky indeed,” Elizabeth said slowly. “But who is targeting us?”
“That is a question to which I have no answer yet,” Mr. Daniels said bleakly. “We can go back to the house and talk there.”
All of them nodded their agreement. They trooped back to the gate. Charles thanked Officer Ben and the bomb squad for successfully annihilating the threat. Elizabeth led them inside the manor, followed by Mr. Daniels and Mr. Watson. They assembled in the sitting room. Mr. Watson asked them all to take a seat.
“What time did you first discover the bomb?” Mr. Daniels asked Charles.
“I came home around 4:30 and walked past that mailbox but did not hear anything. Then about half an hour later, Cynara and I went out for a jog. That is when we both heard the ticking noise and checked,” Charles replied.
“So we can presume someone placed it there in that half hour, between 4:30 and 5 p.m.,” Mr. Watson said. “Did any of you observe somebody loitering around the postbox, or in the vicinity?”
Everyone shook their heads in denial. None of them had stepped out of the house. Did you notice anyone when you came at 4:30?” Mr. Daniels asked Charles.
“No. There was nobody. The road seemed deserted,” Charles said.
“What was the last time all of you came in today?” Mr. Watson asked. “We are trying to establish a timeline.”
“I have been home all day,” Elizabeth said.
“The first time I went out was around 5 p.m. for the jog,” Cynara said.
“Mrs. Keene and I did not go out at all,” Mr. Drake said.
“I went to the local store by bus just after lunch and returned in an hour or so, around 2 p.m.,” Mrs. Simpson said.
“Did you notice anyone, maybe parked a bit further up on the street?” Mr. Watson asked.
“No. I did not notice anyone or anything,” Mrs. Simpson replied.
Mr. Watson turned towards Mr. Keene and asked, “You went somewhere?”
“Yes. I went to buy some weed killer in the afternoon. Came back at 3 p.m. by bus. The street was empty at the time,” Mr. Keene said.
“Were there other people on your bus?” Mr. Watson asked.
“Yes, a few. I did not pay much attention. They seemed to be passengers just like me,” Mr. Keene replied.
“Mr. Walters, what time did you leave the house today?” Mr. Watson asked.
“Around 11 a.m.,” Charles replied.
“So to sum it up, Mr. Walters and Ms. Walters are the first ones to have sighted the bomb.
It seems to have been placed in the mailbox between 4:30 and 5 p.m. None of you saw anyone suspicious around the vicinity of the manor. Is that accurate?” Mr. Watson asked.
They all acknowledged their assent. Mr. Watson then continued, “When the bomb squad arrived, around 5:11, the timer was at thirty-four minutes. The explosion was going to be at 5:45. Based on that estimation, the bomb was activated around 4:45 p.m.”
“I am still unable to come to terms with there being a bomb outside my own house!” Elizabeth exclaimed a little hysterically. “Why was it there?”
“Mrs. Stewart, we will surely provide an answer, but you need to trust us and give us some time,” Mr. Daniels said confidently.
“The persons behind this will know soon enough that they failed. What will prevent them from trying again?” Charles asked.
“Try again! What do you mean try again? They will try killing us again?” Elizabeth asked wildly.
“Please Mrs. Stewart calm down. You are all going to be safe. That is a promise. We are assigning a twenty-four hour surveillance team that will guard your estate. Our supervisor is already arranging it,” Mr. Daniels said.
“Also, it is imperative that the media does not find out about what has occurred here today. Your neighbors might ask you. Please do not mention the bomb,” Mr. Watson added.
All of them consented readily. The agents left. They would soon return with the patrol unit. Elizabeth requested everyone to wait at the manor house until the team’s arrival. Mr. Drake and Charles walked out to the gate. They made sure no one was idling around the property or hovering in the shadows. The street was quiet. There was only one unmarked police car still parked outside with two police officers standing beside it. Mr. Drake latched the gate and they returned inside.
Elizabeth, Cynara, and Charles retreated to the study. Cynara wanted to tell Elizabeth about Fatima but again felt daunted at the prospect. Fatima’s brother had directly affected Elizabeth. Abaan’s influence had caused Jimmy to convert and become a Jihadi. That led to George Stewart’s death due to a bomb. Now, in the light of this other bomb, she was unsure of Elizabeth’s reaction. Cynara decided not to mention anything at this already stressful time.
Elizabeth was awkwardly perched on one end of the sofa looking anxious. Cynara wished she could comfort her. “Elizabeth, please try not to worry.”
“I am scared. Whoever did this has been observing my household. They knew that on Mondays we mostly stay home and hardly anybody goes in or out. Their timing was good,” Elizabeth paused reflectively. “Your jogging saved us.”
“And fortunately the timer clicked loud enough for us to have heard it. Otherwise we would not have discovered the bomb,” Cynara recalled gratefully.
“We caught a lucky break,” Charles agreed.
“Terrorists targeting the manor seems so bizarre,” Elizabeth piped in. “What could they possibly gain from it?”
“They are just creating chaos. That is their aim. And this is like any other place. Plus, there is a direct link to Jimmy,” Charles speculated.
“I was supposed to have died with George at the races. Maybe they want to finish what Jimmy could not complete,” Elizabeth said somewhat dramatically.
“Let us not jump to any conclusions,” Charles said pragmatically.
Cynara suddenly felt calmer after hearing these words. There had to be a logical explanation for the bomb. She was confident it did not include Fatima, maybe her brother, but definitely not her. Abaan Khalid Fakhri was most likely in England and behind the attempt. He had a direct link to the Stewarts through Jimmy. Otherwise, why would terrorists target them?
Mr. Daniels and Mr. Watson finally returned after about an hour. Two other officers accompanied them. They were going to patrol the premises throughout the night. Everyone in the house was quite subdued by this time. It had become a very long and exhausting evening. All of them were glad to see the police officers. It made them feel safer. The manor house was being provided around the clock protection, three sets of two officers on eight-hour shifts.
The agents left after introducing the two policemen, who provided their names and numbers. Cynara saved the information on her phone and silently prayed that the need never arise to actually call them. The officers then went outside and took up their respective posts for the night. One stationed himself in front of the manor and the other in the back. They would constantly encircle the property and safeguard it.
Cynara and Charles bid everyone a good night and walked to their cottage. The minute they were out of Elizabeth’s earshot, Charles reminded her, “We need to talk about Fatima.”
“Yes,” Cynara reluctantly agreed knowing what was coming. She unlocked the door of the cottage. Before she could say another word, her cell rang. It was Bradley Robinson. She held up the phone and showed Charles the caller Id. Without waiting for his consent, she quickly accepted the call.
“Cynara?” Bradley asked.
“Yes,” Cynara replied.
“I need to see you right now. There has been a Fatwa issued against Elizabeth!” Bradley exclaimed.
Chapter 28
“What do you mean?” Cynara mouthed incredulously.
“Do you know what a Fatwa is?” Bradley asked.
“Yes, isn’t it like a death sentence for all practical purposes?” Cynara asked.
“That pretty much sums it up,” Bradley said.
“What is he saying?” Charles demanded.
“That there is a Fatwa on Elizabeth’s life,” Cynara said in consternation. “How is that possible?”
“Look is that Charles, your brother? Is he there?” Bradley asked.
“Yes,” Cynara replied.
“Okay I am coming over. I need to talk to him,” he said and hung up.
“He said he is coming here,” Cynara said holding her phone. She suddenly started to feel a bit dizzy.
“This is just too outrageous. That man had no right to barge in here Saturday night and he has no right to call you and spin such yarns,” Charles sputtered angrily.
Cynara just stood there with her head whirling. This was beyond her comprehension. She knew what a Fatwa meant. Why had one been issued against Elizabeth? Was that the reason for the bomb? The terrorists seemed to be definitely targeting Elizabeth. She looked at Charles and said, “I need to lie down for a bit.”
Cynara sought refuge in her room. She closed her eyes and forced her mind to empty of all thoughts. The next thing she knew was Charles shaking her awake. She had actually fallen asleep. Bradley was here. She freshened up and went outside. Charles and Bradley were sitting in a stony silence. Hostility seemed to be brewing between them. Cynara sighed inwardly. Charles could be quite standoffish if he disliked someone. Bradley seemed to be topping the list.
Bradley quickly stood up and said, “Look I am sorry to barge in like this but it is urgent. I know about the bomb.”
“How the hell do you know?” Charles interrupted rudely.
“I have a source inside the police force who has been tipping me about this case. He called me a short while back and mentioned the bomb. It must have been so very traumatic for all of you,” Bradley sympathized.
“Yes,” Cynara whispered.
Bradley continued, “He also revealed how they just found a Fatwa broadcast on social media.”
“What social media?” Cynara asked.
“I do not know. All he said was that it was made public yesterday,” Bradley said.
“So was that the reason for the bomb? They want Elizabeth dead?” Cynara asked shakily.
“Most likely,” Bradley replied.
“Why did the police not mention the Fatwa when they were here?” Cynara said.
“It was discovered by a team in the anti-terrorist unit only about an hour ago,” Bradley explained.
“We need to inform Elizabeth,” Cynara said.
“Not tonight. It has already been a very distressful day. We will tell her tomorrow. The police surveillance will keep her safe,” Ch
arles said logically.
“But what is the reason behind the Fatwa and the bomb?” Cynara asked.
“We do not know their rationale and so it is pointless to speculate. Instead, let us concentrate on what our agenda should be,” Charles said decisively.
“Our agenda?” Cynara questioned.
“You have not mentioned Fatima’s visit to anyone. We need to inform the agents,” Charles responded.
“Do you think Fatima can be involved in this?” Cynara asked Bradley.
“She seemed genuine but one cannot be certain. Charles is right. The agents need to know,” Bradley confirmed.
A Bombing Enigma Page 17
