Chapter 8: Breaking The Code

Patrick O’Reilly: Okay, we have enough to put Eduardo Sanchez away but there’s nothing to connect him to Balitran directly.

Stanley: This is a memo that Balitran wrote to Brothers of Shadows dated 7 months ago. It has these selected statements: Killing two birds with one stone is delightful. The light at the tunnel is almost clear. America will not know what we do unto them until it is too late. The mountains will crumble with force when Brothers of Shadows rain upon them.  I’ve been working on this encryption code for hours. I may have just figure out the code.

Patrick O’Reilly: As far as, kill two birds with one stone, I’m sure he is referring to our President and me. He will be delighted to have his revenge on both of us. Sorry, to interrupt you Stanley.

Stanley: Not a problem. The phrase: The light at the tunnel is almost clear. He may be planning an attack in the Paris tunnel. Or maybe that’s what he wants me to think. The phrase: America will not know what we do unto them until it is too late. The mountains will crumble with force when Brothers of Shadows rain upon them. I think this has something to do with the Iglas. He might be planning to launch Iglas missiles at U.S. military bases or shopping malls or the Golden Gate Bridge. To blow up everything that is a symbol of U.S. power.  In the memo, it also states; there will be celebration of life, the rebirth of a nation in turmoil, the passing of the baton.

Bobby: What the heck does that mean? Is the guy talking in riddles?

Jack: But you don’t know for sure where and when he will strike. The code doesn’t give a timeframe at all, Stanley?

Stanley: No, he is smart enough to cover his tracks.

Jack: I am going to video conference with Jessica. Maybe she can help figure out the meaning behind these statements. Stanley, keep working to crack the code. We need to know for sure what Balitran is planning to do.  Pulls up the monitor, and says Hi, Jessica.

Jessica: Hi Jack. You look awful.

Jack: Thanks, just what I always wanted to hear from a lady. Too bad, this is not a social call. I wanted to check in and see how you are doing. In your dreams, did you happen to see shopping malls or U.S. military bases or bridges being blown sky high?  Do you remember anything that would tell us where to pinpoint his location? Jessica, are you still with me? Jack is thinking; Jessica looks too pale. Maybe I shouldn’t bother her right now.

Jessica is in a hypnotic trance. She is having another one of her visions. This one is new. Jack is waiting for her to answer him. She snaps out of it.

Jack: Earth to Jessica, are you okay?

Jessica: Yeah, I’m fine. I had a vision just now.

Jack: What can you tell me about it?

Jessica: A beautiful house on the beach with palm trees, sandy beaches, and glistening blue water. There’s a man inside talking on the phone.

Jack: Do you remember what he said?

Jessica: All I heard him say was soon it will be dooms day. He keeps looking at his watch. I don’t want you to see me like this, Jack.

Jack: It’s okay. You are doing great. I’ll let you get your beauty sleep. Talk to you soon, D.C. time. Bye.

He gets up and pours another coffee cup. Jack is wearing a beige polo and gray slack. She touches his shoulder and gives him a neck massage. Jack and Sue share a look and smile at each other.

Sue: Signing-You okay? Is there anything I can do? Is your neck bothering you again?

Jack: No, I’m fine. I’m just worried about Jessica, Danny, Hannah, and I just want this case to be over with.

Sue: We all do.  You are very sweet. You always putting everyone else’s feelings first before you think about yourself. Sue thinking: I can tell Jack is really tense. Maybe I should give him a massage. That might make him feel better.

Jack: Sue, you don’t have to do this. (smiles)

Sue: Jack, just relax. I don’t bite. Besides you are very tense. You need to unwind even if it’s just a couple of minutes. Think of this as getting a free massage. (laughs)

Jack: I know. (laughs) Ah, it hurts in that really good sort of way. Oh, that feels good. I mean, I feel much better now. Thank you, Sue. You have a great touch.

Sue: Thanks. If you need anymore massages, just let me know. Anyway, I’m glad I could help you. (smiles)

Jack: Well, we better get back to work. Checking his watch, now talking to the team, we have about 20 hrs and 50 minutes to find Balitran before all hell breaks loose.

 

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