Thus, he was not willing to allow any complaints to influence him. He was a patient man and had worked too long and too hard to arrange things the way they were in Germany. He had earned the confidence of Mullah Ahmed Kahtar and the other leaders and was not about to take any actions which might risk all he had accomplished. It was enough that Kahtar was willing to wait and see. Hopefully, this visit by Candace Axtell and her demon fiancé would not amount to anything and all the media hype would quickly die down. Then the additional bombings already planned could resume.
He called Kahtar on their secure satellite phone link to brief him on the latest news concerning this visit. Although, satellite phones do disclose exact GPS locations in an insecure manner and can be traced, it was considered secure enough since the calls were encrypted, with no risk of being intercepted and listened to by any high-tech equipment.
After exchanging greetings, Kahtar asked, “What news do you have today about the American visitors, my friend?”
“As expected, they have spent all day at the U.S. Embassy,” Mansoor told him. “The girl gave more speeches there denouncing WIJO and hoping this movement she started yesterday in Munich will continue, even after she leaves. Justice for Johan and Justine. These American infidels love to stir things up with their slogans.”
“Do you know what they plan next?”
“Unfortunately, no. They did not say anything about that and all I know is their military guards will still be with them for several days, wherever they go.”
Kahtar grunted. “Her uncle will not allow them to travel anywhere otherwise. And, of course, that demon Bessom has proven what he can do. But, the girl attends college and this trip sounds like only something she’s doing while her school is on vacation this week.”
“It is good you are keeping track of her like that,” said Mansoor. “Once she is gone, we are ready here to continue our bombings. The new members of my group are complaining, however. They are very anxious to take action and are not happy they must wait.”
“Talib, remind them we are anxious as well but have been interfered with many times now by these demons the U.S. is using against us. Oliver Bessom is a huge threat and so is Missy McCrea. Since West Point cadets are also on vacation this week, it’s very possible McCrea is right there with them along with who knows what other demons. Tell everyone in your group to do as they’re told. For now? We shall continue to wait and see.”
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Tracy slid into the booth and John followed along next to her. They had picked a restaurant their guide Frank had recommended which was famous for its wiener schnitzel and beer. They each ordered a dark beer right away while they reviewed the menu; the drinking age everywhere in Germany was only eighteen so they had no problem ordering after showing their id’s.
“Frank considered it mandatory we experience some of the wonderful beer this country is so famous for,” said Tracy. “He really was great. I’m so glad we listened to Amanda and went on this walking tour.”
“Yeah, only my feet are ready to fall off,” said John. “I freely admit I can’t sustain the pace the way you highly trained West Point cadets can. But, yeah … that tour was fascinating and Frank was perfect. He really knew his German history and had an answer for every question anyone asked today.”
“What are you going to eat? I’m getting the wiener schnitzel, just like he suggested. The way he described it being so tender and perfectly breaded … not too cakey or too thin?”
John nodded and said, “Me too. If it’s as crisp and bursting with flavor as he says, then we’re in for a real treat. My stomach started growling after he told us all that.”
“Of course, since we skipped lunch, your stomach would probably growl at just about anything.” Tracy put down her menu and watched as the waiter served their drinks. After they placed their orders and the waiter left, she took a long drink from her beer. “Ahhh, that’s good. Really, really good!”
John tasted his beer and was equally as impressed. Then he said, “Taking this trip with you just gets better and better. Many magic moments and magnificent memories!”
“Yes, so far. I almost feel guilty having so much fun while everyone else is working hard to find those terrorists.”
“Well, hopefully they’ll succeed and maybe then you’ll be asked to help.” John was proud of the way she wanted to do her part. “It’s not up to you to do it all, you know. It’s enough that what you can do will make a difference and that you’re willing to do that.”
“I suppose. Did you notice how proud Amanda’s parents were when Klauss learned she was working for a task force?” asked Tracy. “When their Alpha realized their daughter was helping, was actually doing something about what happened to Johan and Justine …”
“Exactly. And, all the publicity which Candy is getting, demanding justice for them, will surely lead to something.”
Just then their waiter was back with their order and they watched as he set their dishes in front of them. As they enjoyed their meal they again were thankful they’d had Frank as their guide that day. It was every bit as delicious as he’d described.
Chapter Seven
Mar 18, 2020
Captain Bonomo and Linda had just gone up to their room when Lieutenant Colonel Schermerhorn’s call came in. They sat down side by side on Linda’s bed and Jesse said, “Go ahead, Colonel. We have you on speakerphone.”
“Good news. Missy was able to listen to a call from someone named Talib which was about Candy and Oliver’s visit today at the embassy. He mentioned his group being ready to continue the bombings once you all leave Germany. They’re concerned about interference from demons and are waiting until then before taking any actions.”
“That is good news that Missy managed hearing that,” said Linda, looking at Jesse and grinning. They knew Missy would not only have been invisible, spying on various WIJO leaders in Afghanistan, but was also fluent in Pashto and thus able to listen to everything with her supernatural hearing. “Obviously, our being here triggered that call. Have you traced it back to a location?”
“Yes. We already know it was from somewhere in Leipzig and by morning we should have an exact address. If Talib is associated with that address, we can also identify him by his full name.”
Jesse said, “Great, sir. Leipzig is less than three hours from here. I’ll let our security team know we’ll need them to escort us there tomorrow morning. They have several guards here already but Lieutenant Saunders told me he has more on standby at Ansbach and that he’d want them to travel with us in the event we went anywhere like this.”
They discussed the plan with the lieutenant colonel for a few minutes and then he disconnected so they could make arrangements with the others. Linda said she’d call the other three couples while Jesse called Lieutenant Saunders. They were both pretty excited and, in the euphoria of the moment, Linda gave Jesse a quick hug. Then she went into their bathroom to make her calls.
