by Bill O. A
“You can remove your blindfold now. We are at George’s house.”
The Joneses were relieved by being separated from the FBI; too much drama for one day.
“Thank you so much. I got your number and anytime we need to see George we will just call,” offered Donald.
“That is fine,” replied the agent.
The family got into their vehicle and drove away.
Brian waited for a full minute before he followed the family to their destination.
“I heard over the radio that the suspect is within the vicinity,” said the agent who drove the Joneses.
“Yeah,” replied the senior agent. “The team is blocking all major highways, they want to lock him in. I hope he doesn’t evade us again.”
Chapter 17
South-western Nigeria
1st July 2015, 6:15 a.m.
“Dad, what is so special about Silicon Valley and why are we going there?”
“Well, Silicon Valley is the birthplace of many start-up companies in the USA. We also have multi-national technology companies like Apple, Facebook and even Google having their head offices in the city,” replied Bode. He was excited his son was showing some interest in his line of work. “My potential client is based there and they just won a contract with the Nigerian LNG to build a seventh train for them.”
“Dad, what is a train? I know you don’t mean the movable train used for transportation.”
Bode laughed. “Okay, I will tell you. An LNG train is used to purify and then liquefy natural gas. You see, when the natural gas gets to the train, its volume has to be reduced greatly so it can be commercially and practically possible to transport this gas to other countries. To achieve this, the gas is first purified by refrigeration at about less than -161°C. At this level, impurities are frozen and separated before the liquefaction begins. Once the volume is decreased, it is then stored for future transportation by vessels to buyers. These vessels are not just regular vessels, they are customized to carry liquefied gas by sea. We call them LNG carriers.”
“Whoa. I didn’t know it takes so much just to get gas exported from the country,” said Kenny. “So Dad, what will you be doing in this process?”
“Well, the contract between Nigeria LNG and my potential client requires a 100% Nigerian content. The job will require me to provide about 95% manpower, while the other 5% will be American expatriates who will oversee the project.”
“This sounds big.”
“Sir, the airport is ten minutes away,” said Femi.
“That’s good. You guys should park at the entrance of Departures so we can easily move our things.”
“Got that, sir.”
“Son, I want you to learn as much as you can during this trip. If we do a good job, our company’s name will receive all the glory and when Bonny Island thinks of another train, we will be remembered and you might be at the driving seat then after I retire.”
“All right, Dad, I will give this trip all my attention and commitment.”
“Femi, I thought the process at our airports had improved. Why all these procedures just to get onto the plane?”
“Sir, some things never really change.”
The three travellers left the last checking point and boarded the plane.
“Femi, please help Kenny put his hand luggage into the compartment above, he doesn’t seem to know how to open it.”
“Done, sir.”
“Thank you very much,” replied Bode. “This is a long flight son, you better buckle up and search for a movie to watch on the plane’s media gadget right in front of you.”
“Sure Dad. Our only stop is Amsterdam, right Dad?”
“Exactly, son. So, what movie have you found?”
“Revenge of the Sith,” replied Kenny.
“Star Wars! How many times are you going to see that movie?”
“I can’t help it Dad, it is a pure classic.”
Bode smiled and put on his earphones; he was listening to Mozart. He was in his world.
“Son, wake up. We have arrived Amsterdam, Airport Schipol.”
“Dad, I need to sleep some more.”
“Wake up boy, we have been in the air for almost seven hours. Let’s go window shopping in the airport. It will be good for our legs.”
“Sir, I will just be having coffee over there. I will join the connecting flight when it is almost due.”
“That is fine. Kenny and I will go sightseeing. Son, you will love this place, just follow me.”
“All right Dad, I wonder what surprise you have for me now. I need you to let me enjoy the chocolate cake.”
A security guard stood close by and Bode approached him.
“Good morning, please where is the entrance to the airport park?”
“You are almost there, sir, just take the next left turn.”
“Dad, this place is wonderful. All this efizi for an airport?”
“Son, this is the typical thinking of a European. Anything to make their guests or users of the airport relaxed and satisfied.”
“Whoa. I am obviously taking some pictures.”
“I am sure you have had your fill. Let’s start heading to the counter, our flight will be leaving soon.”
“On my way, Dad,” replied Kenny.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please buckle your seat belts the plane is about to take off.”
“Don’t tell me you plan on finishing the whole six episodes of Star Wars on this trip?”
Kenny grinned and kept watching the small screen in front of him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to inform you that we are now in American airspace. Our expected time of arrival in San Jose International airport is two hours thirty minutes. Please enjoy the rest of the flight.”
“Son, you can stop that movie. I want to go through the slides with you. I want you to be involved in this as you will be moving the slides for me when it is projected. That means you have to understand it and know when to change each slide.”
“I am all ears, Dad.”
About an hour later, Bode addressed his son.
“You are sure you understand every slide now?”
“Sure Dad, I will not disappoint you. But Dad, where are you going to get one thousand, nine hundred people from, not to talk of their diversity in skills and geographical location?”
“When we win the contract, then we can start working on that. Our main aim is to impress these Americans, convince them we can do this and go home smiling.”
“Whatever you say, Dad.”
The plane touched down at six forty-five a.m. on Thursday 2 July; almost twenty-three hours to get to the USA.
“Femi, I hope you can see the distinct difference between this airport and the one we started our journey from. The service, mood of staff, ambience, you name it.”
“I fully understand you sir,” replied Femi. “Our transport is right outside waiting for us. I just received a text message from them.”
“That’s good,” replied Bode. “Which hotel did you get for us?”
“The Four Seasons, sir. It is just a twelve-minute drive to the venue of our meeting and presentation.”
“Excellent. Let’s go have breakfast and a quick nap. We should all get ready by one p.m. the meeting is for two p.m. today.”
“So gentlemen, as you can all see, we are ready and set to take up this task. Our experience and expertise is proudly second to none.”
“I have a question for you, Mr Bode.”
“Please go ahead, chairman,” replied Bode.
“The current technology the existing trains use is completely different from what we are going to construct. How will your men cope with this level of new technology?”
“You see sir, the fundamental principles of engineering technology do not necessarily change, I am confident that with the shared designs and refresher courses my team will blend with yours effortlessly.” Bode hoped his answer was perfect under the situation.
“Okay
Mr Bode this has been a learning point for us. Thank you for all your insights about the situation in your country. We will definitely put that into consideration when evaluating all the bids.
“It is a pleasure being here sir. Have a great day and bye.”
“Dad, that was awesome. I have never seen you display like that. Femi what do you think?”
“I think we have gotten it Kenny, your father was outstanding.”
“Let the celebration start after the results are out,” said Bode. “Kenny, don’t forget the open house at University of California in Berkeley is scheduled for tomorrow. I want you to be involved with the whole event. Femi will escort you to make sure you don’t get into any trouble.”
“Dad, our agreement was you’d be there so I can give you my observations at once, you have to come along please.”
“All right, let us get back to the hotel.”
Chapter 18
San Francisco, California
2nd July 2015, 9:33 a.m.
All the bugs planted in the Joneses’ house were working fine; Brian Smith had collected enough info about this family he could practically guess each member’s next move. So, George was being kept in an unknown safe house; the FBI was dead serious about this case. Well, I will keep listening, something will pop up soon, he thought to himself.
Brian walked to the window of his room. He could easily see the family’s house, and there were obviously no FBI agents around. He walked some more in the room, then picked up a picture of George. He stared at it with contempt. He was going to complete his mission even though it meant him paying the ultimate price. He would certainly have all nine men dead.
“Do we have any info from the Bureau of Consular Affairs? I am sure the advanced-aged picture Barbara sent will do some magic with the Nathan’s angle,” said Jack to Brad and Alfred. He was hoping some form of address would be had from the records with the Bureau, yet they hadn’t responded.
“Nathan has been travelling with his official name on an American passport, he certainly would have filled the forms, the picture and his name was the only way forward now.”
“Jack, there has been no activity around George’s house since that pizza delivery ruse. I think we should adjust our strategy a bit; we need to take some risks to achieve some results,” said Alfred.
“So agent, what’s on your mind?”
“I think we should allow George to visit either the University or the Joneses. I’m sure the killer will snoop again and this time we will be ready to bounce at him. No second thoughts, straight for the jugular.”
“I understand your point, Alfred,” replied Jack, “but our losses are above average. Washington will have my head if any more targets are killed. Let us give him more time, I am sure he will get fed up and try something, hang in there okay? This is a waiting game.”
“Honey, it is exactly a week and neither George nor the private detective has brought news about the SAFCOM search.”
Donald looked down at his watch immediately. “I think I should see Harry myself. George has his own problems now.”
“Why don’t you call him and set up a time for that?” asked Jessica.
“I will do just that.”
Donald picked up his cell phone and dialled Harry’s number.
“Hey Harry, its Donald, you know George’s contact with the search issue.”
“Oh, I am sorry I thought you were someone else.”
“Not a problem,” replied Donald. “I am calling to find out if you have any positive development with the search of the ghost man.”
“Well, there’s nothing yet and the chances of success drops every day. I am on my way to see George to give him an update and share with him my change of plans and the way forward.”
“No one knows the safe house,” replied Donald.
“Yes, you are right. I am to hook up with some FBI agents at Fisherman’s Wharf. They will take me to him.”
“I think I should be there,” said Donald. “I will meet up with you at Fisherman’s Wharf so we can all go together. I need to know what the next plans are.”
“Sounds great. Give me a call when you get there so I can connect with you before calling the Feds,” said Harry.
“Thank you, Harry. Bye.”
Brian heard everything Donald had said but couldn’t guess what the other person was saying. He geared up and started to set up some of his stuff; he was going to Fisherman’s Wharf way before Donald would get there. He was sure a clue would emerge.
Fisherman’s Wharf was buzzing with activity. Tourists were everywhere buying souvenirs and enjoying themselves. Brian joined the crowds and began entertaining himself, but his eyes were alert for all fresh entry into the area. He was systematically studying his environment.
Forty minutes later, he saw Donald walk into the area and went straight to Alioto’s restaurant. Brian followed him.
“Donald! Over here!” shouted Harry. “I am really sad we couldn’t make a headway with the SAFCOM search.”
“What are we going to do now?” asked Donald.
“Don’t worry, I have consulted an old timer who is used to this kind of thing and he has given some lessons. Quite an old man, but his mind is as solid as a rock,” replied Harry.
“Can you please share?” inquired Donald.
“Be patient. Let me call the FBI. I will tell all when George is with us.”
Brian walked in and went in a different direction, away from Donald. He saw Donald was in the company of a man, and from his looks, a cop most likely. He sat down and ordered for some seafood.
“The FBI will be here any minute. We will soon be on our way.”
An FBI agent walked in, he looked around and spotted the duo; he walked in their direction.
Brian recognised the suited man immediately; he was the agent who had dropped off the Jones family the evening of his pizza delivery hoax. This must be some form of pick-up, he thought to himself. He left his unfinished food and went outside. He proceeded to the stall at the entrance of the area and spoke to the stall owner.
“Please, do you know where my friend wearing the suit parked his SUV?”
“Yes, I do. His colleague is in it. I think he is waiting for him. The dark blue one; close to the power pole.”
“Thank you, much appreciated.”
Brian walked casually to the SUV. The other agent was busy adjusting the vehicle’s radio.
Brian planted a tracking device underneath the car above the tyre region. He left and went to his car.
“I really don’t mind one of those, if you all are not in a hurry.” The FBI agent in the restaurant wanted to eat some seafood before they left.
“Certainly, have your fill,” replied Donald.
George had a late breakfast. He had been studying an ancient manuscript a colleague had couriered to his house late into the night. He had woken up late; the FBI agents there had picked it up and brought it to him.
“Professor you have some visitors.”
“Thank you, agent I will be out right away.”
“Good to see you are in fine health, George.” Harry was glad to see his dear friend.
“So, how are you holding up in here?”
“Well, they have provided me with everything I need, but not meeting people is the downside of this set-up.”
“Just relax, friend. I am sure the FBI will soon get this crazy killer.”
Donald kept watching; he just wanted everyone to get to the new plan part.
“So, Donald, I see you came along. How is Amy doing? Any recent experiences?”
“None whatsoever Prof, and she is doing fine. We just need to get to the end of this drama.”
“You have been calm all this while,” replied George. “Don’t let a simple situation of not finding the ghost man put you on the edge.”
Harry interrupted the chat to bring about some cool into the meeting.
“You see, my old boss gave me some insights into how we can continue this journey a
nd be successful. First we will need to…”
As he drove past the street indicated on his computer, Brian knew he was on track as the signal became stronger. He saw the dark-blue SUV parked along the street in front of a cream-coloured house. Two agents were in front of the house playing cards. He would need to make a plan that would be successful to achieve this kill. He drove off.
Chapter 19
Nigeria’s Capital City
7th July 2015, 9:25 p.m.
“I am happy you are recuperating fast. The doctors say they might discharge you this evening.”
Azeem was truly pleased to see his friend Alhaji drinking some juice and watching television.
“This hospital is more like a hotel, it has everything.”
Azeem laughed at the joke by his friend. “Now back to more serious things. As you know time is of the essence so I have taken the liberty to begin the arrangements with respect to the ‘quintessence’ package. You know we have no other way out of this situation. Full compliance with the chief priest’s requirements is key to staying alive. I hope there is no going back at this stage?” asked Azeem.
“What can I do? All my expectations are unprecedented and unexpected. I have no choice in the matter; I see this as a grand subtle set-up.”
“You have to remain calm and calculated. Or do you prefer to be dead than alive? You just have to be a man. Well, the operation for the key requirements will take place in the north-west of the country, just like the other time. The plan is in four parts. We have to be extra careful, the security up north has been tightened to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency, but that is only happening in the north-east.”
“Why is the government spreading security forces all over the north?” asked Alhaji.
“This government is not joking with the situation, so we need to adjust to the current happenings. The first part is to have a team to identify the subjects. Yours being a set of twins, while mine will be a virgin woman above the age of thirty.”
“You better make sure your men don’t go to a convent to pick up their nuns,” replied Alhaji. “If I was part of the game back then, I would never have allowed you tamper with that level of purity. You can tell your men to consider the tribe of Gunzi between the border of Niger and the country. Over there, their firstborn daughters are not allowed to marry if their parents don’t have a son. She will remain in her father’s house and have male children from adulterous relationships from the age of forty and above. This offspring will bear her father’s name.”
