by Bill O. A
“I just want to finish this episode of CNN money before I go and get ready.”
“So, what exactly are you watching Dad?”
“It’s the Greek crisis,” replied Bode. “They are spiralling deeper into financial and political doom. The European Union might kick them out. You see there are some concerns. For example, there is the fear of the unknown; no one knows if this crisis will end up being another ‘Lehman brothers’ moment’. The mere fact that markets around the world received a heavy blow on Monday in direct relation to the possibility that Greece will default on its enormous debt is troubling. It is not really because investors are mainly exposed to Greek asset, in truth most of Greece’s debt is held by major governments and institutions of international standing capable of withstanding a default like this. It is the fear of flying into the unknown that is controlling markets. You see, it is not every day you see a country go bankrupt. This Greek situation would be the largest bankruptcy in history; it will definitely shake the firewall the European Central Bank and other major institutions have tried to set up over the past three to four years.
“We can also look at the possibility that other countries in Europe might witness a higher borrowing cost if Greece leaves the EU. The Greeks are most likely to witness harder times ahead; their economy has shrunk by about 25%, unemployment is skyrocketing, wages and pensions have been reduced. The country is even suffering from an inflow of refugees running away from wars in Syria, Libya and where have you, although the whole of Europe has that to deal with it. Now the ties between Greece with Russia are bringing an ugly face. The commercial, cultural and religious bonds between the two countries have always been an issue.”
“Will this situation lead to the ‘loss’ of Greece to Russia?”
“So you see my son, there are a lot of issues on ground and the status quo of things as we know it in Europe might change from the development of this crisis.”
“Bode, will you please come and have your bath? Time is of the essence.”
Toun was unhappy. Her husband had agreed to a dinner event and here he was chatting about a crisis that has no connection to him or his business, she thought.
“I will be right up in a minute. Son, listen to the rest of the news. I want an update once I am done getting ready for my evening’s event.”
Chapter 15
San Francisco, California
28th June 2015, 8:30 a.m.
“The Egyptians were the first civilised people. This is an amulet; it could also be called a lucky charm. They often represent one of their different gods. This amulet in particular represents Horus who was a powerful god. He had the body of a man and a head of a hawk. One could wear it like this,” said Professor George Holmes, demonstrating to the class.
He was explaining how to wear the amulet when the class door was flung opened. Agent Alfred came in with two other agents.
“Professor, you need to go with us at once. Tom Flint is dead and we are taking in all the remaining targets in the numbers killer case into protective custody pending when the suspect is arrested.”
“You must be joking,” replied George. “You can’t just walk into my class, disturb a lecture and start giving orders. Where do you think you are?”
“I think it is best you cooperate with us at this stage,” replied Alfred. “The killer has been creative since we began our trail on him. We don’t know what moves he has up his sleeves. Please don’t make this any harder than it should be.”
The students in the class were quiet; they had noticed some agents monitoring the University for some time, but they didn’t really know what was happening.
“So, if I refuse what is going to happen?” asked George.
“I don’t think we should go down that path” replied Alfred. “It has been difficult for us to reach this decision but instructions are instructions. We have to take in all the remaining targets. It is the safest thing to do right now.”
“But I have explained to you before, I have this very important mission that I am on right now. I cannot just disappear from the family’s reach.”
“Please, let us continue this discussion in your office. Do dismiss the class. I don’t know why you are setting up a Sunday class at such a dangerous time.”
“Always use your seat belt. Apart from it being the law, it is for your safety,” said Donald.
He was driving his family to church and Felix wasn’t using his seat belt.
“I think we should visit George after church,” said Jessica. She wanted to change the discussion as Felix had obeyed and was now using his seat belt.
“That is fine,” replied Donald. “Did you bring the gift you bought for him?”
“No, Dad. I had no idea we were going visiting him,” replied Amy. I wanted to give it to him whenever he came to the house”
“Seems George is going to wait for Amy’s gift then,” replied Donald.
Everyone in the car began to laugh.
“Watch your step boy. You have to be careful with the entrance. This building is quite old,” said Donald. He went further to hold his son hand.
“Dad, why doesn’t Grandpa attend a Catholic church?” asked Felix.
“I will explain everything to you when we get home. Let’s concentrate on the Mass.”
Old St Mary’s Cathedral had opened to the public in 1854. It is dominantly a Catholic church.
“Sit down quietly. Father Julius Garcia has started his homily.”
Donald didn’t want his family to be a form of disturbance as they took their seats.
“Today, we celebrate the Thirteenth Sunday of our Catholic calendar, we look into the encounter of Christ healing a woman and a young girl. Mark 5: 21-43 gives us details of this,” said the priest as he watched the congregation for their attention. “We have Christ healing a woman who had suffered from bleeding for the past twelve years, and there is the raising up of the dead, the daughter of a Synagogue official…”
“Hey Doug, some coincidence. I thought you had a weekend shift,” said Harry. He didn’t expect to see his former colleague in the shopping mall.
“No, my shift is for next weekend. We haven’t picked up any positive response yet, SAFCOM is yet to identify this man, I know you said it normally takes a week for any concrete answer.”
“Exactly,” replied Doug.
“There is this question I need to ask.” Harry wasn’t sure if Doug had the answers. “I need the contact details of retired officer Bright Connelly.”
“What do you want the man for? He is almost eighty years old,” replied Doug.
“I will need his guidance on this thing I am working on. I need an old-fashioned cop to help me with this search just in case SAFCOM doesn’t pull through.”
“I think the man is in a retirement home. Don’t know how he can help you on this.”
“Once his mind is okay then I am good with that,” replied Harry.
“I will ask his son for his father’s details. We attend the same alcohol addiction class.”
“Thank you so much. I am most grateful.”
“Not a problem,” replied Doug. “And don’t forget we have four more days to go. Let’s hope something happens.”
“One thing for sure is you cannot just keep me away from the world. I have my rights you know,” said George who was becoming frustrated by the FBI’s intervention in his life.
“We are here to protect you from the killer, and obviously from yourself. You don’t seem to appreciate the gravity of what is going on,” replied Alfred.
“You know, what really bothers me is that I need to consult with the Joneses every now and then.”
“I am sure when Special Agent Jack Dillon gets here, he will work something out for you,” said Alfred. “In the meantime, just remain quiet and enjoy the ride.”
The SUV moved at top speed heading towards the FBI safe house.
“Are you really going to keep me here incommunicado?”
“Of course not, you can make your phone calls and
send or read your mails but no one must know where you are.”
“Should I be saying I appreciate that?”
“One more thing, when is Special Agent Jack Dillon coming in?”
“His flight takes off at noon today. He needs to tie up some lose end before he departs. He will be with us before evening.”
“Dad, don’t tell me you can’t figure out the way to George’s house,” said Amy giggling in the back seat.
“I told you we passed the street at the other turning.” Jessica couldn’t believe Donald had forgotten the way.
“I have only been there once, and Mark was driving that day in the height of the confusion. All right, let me try Jessica’s route. This street I believe,” said Donald. He needed his wife’s approval before he drove in.
“Yeah, you are right. I remember this building. The colour is kind of strange though.”
“I don’t think anyone is home. Let me try his cell phone. No answer it just keeps ringing.” Donald was slightly annoyed.
“Why don’t you try Mark? Maybe he may know where he is.”
“I will do that right away.”
As Donald was searching for Mark’s number on his contact list, two men approached the family.
“I believe you are Donald Jones?” inquired the FBI agent.
“Yes I am. And this is my family.”
“George mentioned you might come looking for him, but we weren’t expecting you so soon. We are with the FBI and will be taking you to meet George. There has been a recent development.”
Chapter 16
Miami to San Francisco
28th June 2015, 5:25 p.m.
“This private jet hire should have a bar. The FBI can’t pay so much and yet we don’t get satisfied,” said Brad who had just finished the last bottle of Vodka in the compartment of the seat beside him. “You better bring out your laptop and make a plan for this Jones matter. It is obviously going to disturb our operation in San Francisco.”
“Under no circumstances should George be seen with the Joneses without full FBI presence,” replied Jack.
“I didn’t know we now deal with magic,” countered Brad. “Listen and learn. You couldn’t handle the Nathan angle, I had to take over that personally and here you are talking about magic. You obviously have a lot to learn.”
“What is our ETA? Please confirm from the cockpit.”
“Where are you going?”
“You said I should confirm our ETA.”
“Use the plane’s intercom. I hope you are not tipsy. You have to finish work on the Jones angle before we touch down.”
“I already have a plan in mind,” said Brad.
“No more bait tricks,” replied Jack. “We can’t afford to lose any more targets. Things are looking bad already and Washington is on my neck. Just yesterday I heard they want to call Arnold Jobs out of retirement to beef up the investigation, so you can imagine the slap on my reputation. Code priceless remains in force till further notice.”
“ETA is six thirty-five p.m. Just confirmed from the pilot.”
“Great we still have slightly over an hour,” replied Jack.
Brad opened his laptop.
“Hey Jack, the CIA has sent a picture of Nathan, the most recent one his family has.”
“Let me have a look,” replied Jack. “You were copied so please check your mail. This is a man in his thirties. How old is Nathan now?”
“Forty-five years old,” replied Brad.
“Well, if this is the best we have, then you have to work with it. Send it to Barbara, she will know what to do with it.”
“Let me see what you have now on the George/Jones plan. I hope you know that George can never be left alone.”
“Yeah, it is all here,” replied Brad.
“This is good, and you kept to time. I will just make some few amendments and send it to Alfred.”
“We are in California’s airspace now, sir. Fifteen minutes to touchdown.”
“Agent Alfred, I believe.”
“That is me, sir,” replied Alfred.
Jack was still climbing down the ramp when he spoke.
“So the safe house is secured, right?”
“Exactly, sir. We have an eight-man squad protecting the professor and have made the place a fortress, totally impenetrable.”
“Good. I will like to see things for myself,” replied Jack.
“Certainly, sir. The SUVs are this way.”
“Professor George Holmes? I hear you have been expecting me.”
“You bet I have. I didn’t know that American citizens can have their right of free movement restricted by the Government at any time.”
“We will do what is necessary to protect lives and property. As you are already aware, we lost Tom and no other lives have to be taken by this senseless killer. We are dealing with a highly skilled individual; all measures must be put in place henceforth, to ensure all remaining targets are safe and secured.”
“What of my meetings with the Jones family? How do we go around that?” asked George.
“We have built in a plan, so don’t worry, you will get your contacts with the Jones.”
Alfred’s cell phone rang.
“Hello, sir.”
“Yes agent. What can I do for you now?”
“The Joneses are outside.”
“We had to bring them, they want to see George.”
“Hold on. I will call in a bit. Let me speak with Special Agent Jack.”
“So fast? I thought everyone was waiting on the private detective before another meeting would be scheduled,” said Jack.
“It seems that this visit is just a social one,” replied Alfred.
“All right, let them come in.”
“Donald, good to see you.” George was happy that the Joneses were still in high spirits.
“The same here. George, but what is happening? FBI, safe house, secret location? We were blindfolded on our way here, even little Felix.”
“I am sorry about that,” replied Jack. “Sorry, I am Special Agent Jack Dillon and I am heading this investigation. You see, all loose ends must be covered. We cannot take any chances; we have lost five victims already in this case and the killer is still active for another four.”
“Wait a minute, please what is going on? Did I really hear you say killer?”
“Why don’t you sit down, Donald? I will explain everything to you.”
George showed him were to sit and told Jessica, Amy and Felix to sit across the room on a couch nearby. Jack, Alfred, Brad and two other agents stood by and listened.
“Are you telling me you are now the sixth target and the first five have all been taken out?” asked Donald.
“Now you understand our very strict methods,” Jack chipped in. “The killer could be anywhere this minute and our top priority is to keep the targets alive.”
“What of the search of the ghost man? Who is going to spearhead that now?”
“You don’t need to worry, we are providing state-of-the-art communication devices in this place, George can practically do anything from here, except visit us and be on the field with Harry when necessary,” replied Jack.
“Who is Harry?” inquired Jack vehemently.
“He is the private detective,” replied Alfred.
“Okay guys, it is time to leave. I am sure George is pleased with your visit.”
Brad needed to get to his hotel. “He wants to have a hot shower and sleep off like a baby. Give them ten more minutes. Alfred, take them to George’s house so they can pick up their car. And tell those agents placed in George’s house to keep watch actively, not chat away and forget their duty.”
Brian Smith watched the house belonging to Professor George Holmes with great intent. He was ten blocks away in a confectionery shop. His ID with the name Isaac Ford was no longer necessary; he had destroyed them to be on the safe side. It was almost eight p.m. and there had been no movement in or around the house for the past two hours. He had a plan.
Fifteen minutes later, a pizza delivery service guy approached the house. The dude came with a bike. He went to the front door and rang the bell, there was no answer. He rang it for the second time still no answer. He dropped the pizza on the porch of the house and began to leave but, by the time he got to his bike, two men stopped him.
“Who ordered pizza?” asked the FBI agent.
“I am just the delivery guy, our office has all the details, but the name should be on the receipt. Okay, it says ‘George Holmes’,” replied the delivery guy.
That very instant it sunk into the agents that this was a set-up; they were being watched.
“Sir, we need to set up a perimeter around the areas to George’s house. We believe the suspect is not far away,” said the senior FBI agent attached to George’s house. He was contacting Alfred.
“You are on speaker. Agent, explain to us what just happened,” Jack replied.
“There was a ruse with a pizza delivery guy. The suspect may be looking at us this very minute. We need to act fast and get the local police involved, block all major exit points from my location.”
“You are right. Agent Alfred is already making contacts with the local police chief. Their men should be on the way any minute from now. Can you guess where the suspect is?” offered Jack.
“No sir. I only feel he might be watching us. Perhaps he has another plan with the pizza delivery agenda.”
“Okay, stay put and hold fort. Major highways are being cordoned off as we speak. We will begin the sweep from the outer end and work to your location.”
“I got that sir. We will be waiting.”
Brian watched every move outside George’s house with undivided attention. He was right when he thought the FBI would be protecting George just like they did Tom. But George doesn’t seem to be home, he thought to himself. No one came out for the pizza and there was no movement within the house. This kill is going to be difficult; I will have to operate from the university. There will be certain loopholes there.
As Brian got into his vehicle and was about to leave, he saw an SUV pull up around the target’s house. He kept watching.
