Enemy Among Us-A Jordan Wright Thriller (43 page)
Read Enemy Among Us-A Jordan Wright Thriller Online
Authors: Randy Reardon
Jerome heard the slug penetrate into the wall before he heard the glass of the window disintegrate in pulverized glass. His instinct drove him to the floor. His guards stormed the room with guns drawn.
“El Hefe” the guard shook Jerome as he lifted him off the floor, glass shards falling off his back and hitting the floor.
Jerome shook his head. “We have made some new enemies, different from ones we have had in the past. Our tactics will change but our plans do not.” He brushed himself off and went to the window. As the wind blew in from the window, only the thumping sound of a helicopter leaving by flying low enough to be blocked from view by the surrounding hillside was heard.
“It’s not a good idea for you to stand there.” The guard came over and attempted to put himself between his boss and the open window.
“They have made their point and they are gone. If they had wanted me dead, you would of found me that way.”
After the debrief with Stan, Kate and Jordan went to get a beer. Kate had arrived that morning from California after she recovered from extensive surgery and rehabilitation and only had minimal need for a cane.
The beers were cold and felt good going down. They had walked over to the Ritz-Carlton, across from City Hall, in downtown Philadelphia. The hotel was in a converted bank building and the decorator had retained the elegance of the original bank. Huge, white marble columns outlined the center of the lobby, with a matching marble floor. It was elegant, but comfortable. The lobby was crowded with business men and women in conversation. Kate and Jordan retreated to the bar, back in the corner, Jordan’s favorite watering hole. It had actually been the vault for the bank and the safe door still remained at the entrance.
“Quite a mission, huh?” Jordan said with a shitty grin on his face.
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s not everyday you get an all expense paid trip to California.”
“I could think of a better way to get there.” Jordan laughed.
“Yeah, you’re right. You know I still don’t get the kids?” Kate became serious.
“What do you mean?”
“That they could be so persuaded, so indoctrinated to do what they did and not question it.” She shrugged.
Jordan looked perplexed for a minute. “Oh right. You missed this part. About a week after the attack a couple came back from vacation and found a 15 year old boy in their house with his throat slashed and blood all over. The house had been a scene of a party gone bad or that’s what the cops thought. Turns out they both worked at City of Brotherly Love cleaners and had given Mohammed key to the house to use while they were gone. The kid turned out to be one of the other boys in training, killed during a meeting of the teenage leaders.
“You’re kidding.” Kate shifted in her seat, still dealing with the discomfort in her healing leg. “How do you know this?”
“Aziz and Akmed have been very helpful in taking us through the history of this group. It goes back almost thirty years after they released the American hostages.”
“Really, that long, how do they do that?”
“It’s cultural. We think one hundred years is a really long time. Our enemies think of it like it’s tomorrow. That’s why they are always going to be a challenge to us. They think so differently. For them they’ve been fighting this war since the birth of Christ.”
“Unbelievable.” Kate nodded her head.
“So what’s going to happen to the families?”
“Several of the parents have disappeared. It seems they had an escape plan if things didn’t work out. The children who were arrested will stand trial. It will be interesting to see how the jury reacts.”
“What about Akmed and Aziz?” Kate inquired.
“Well, they have both been very helpful. The information they provided has helped in uncovering two other cells that had not yet been activated. They still have to go to trial, but I think they’ll get lighter sentences and then Stan has arranged for them to go into witness protection.
They both sat there and looked at each other for a few minutes, processing the conversation.
“So, Kate, what are you going to do with your time off?” Jordan inquired.
“I’m not sure. Maybe hit some of the antiques shops north of here.”
“Really? That’s interesting. Want some company?”
“Company would be nice.” They smiled at each other.
“If we leave now, we’ll beat traffic.” Jordan said, already knowing the answer.
“Let’s go.” Kate jumped up from the table and headed for the door. Jordan fumbled for money in his pocket and pulled out a twenty dollar bill and threw it on the table.
“Do you want your change?” the bartender called after him.
“No. I had enough with change this week. You can keep it.”
They made chit-chat as they drove to Jordan’s house, then they made dinner together and dined on the porch.
“This is really a great place.” Kate observed. “If it were mine, I’m not sure I would ever leave.”
“I know what you mean. It’s the place that keeps me sane.” Jordan was looking out over the vista, staring at the hills in the distance. “I’m glad you’re here, Kate.”
“Thanks for letting me come back. I’m gonna turn in. We’ve got a big day of shopping tomorrow.” She got up from her chair and moved toward the door.
“Yes, a big day. See you tomorrow.”
Jordan remained on the porch for another hour before he headed inside, went to his room and changed. Once again, he went back down the hall and, once again, found himself outside her door. He hesitated and started to walk back. He stopped, stepped back and went to her door.
He knocked.
I hope you have enjoyed reading Enemy Among Us. While I want my readers to be entertained by my writing and characters, my intent is to stimulate your thinking. There is much that goes on in our world on a daily basis and it’s important we pay attention to it. The people who wish to destroy our way of life are fanatics. Their hatred is strong and their moral compass corrupt. They do take a long term view in their war on us. Their planning takes years and they constantly train. They rarely repeat the same type of attack, knowing that we are reactionary and will mobilize our resources on what has happened not on what could happen. Be diligent and be safe.
My next book will be out in 2011. It is the story of a new Russian Czar who wished to reunite the nations of the former Soviet Union. He acquires one of the lost coins of Judas which he feels will give him the power to carry out his mission. The gang is back lead by Jordan Wright with Father Marco and Gerhard playing larger roles. I hope you will consider reading it.
After thanking you for reading my work, I must thank my family and friends. It isn’t always fun being around an author, but my family is my strength. My wife Mary is my greatest supporter and is my strength. My three children Lauren, Jordan and Annemarie are my inspiration. Finally my ever growing faith in our Lord inspires me to pursue my dreams.
All the best to all of you.
Randy
Connect with me on:
Website:
http://www.randyreardon.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Randy-Reardon-Author-of-Thrillers
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