Read Online The Watchman of Ephraim (Book Club Edition) by Gerard de Marigny - Free Book Online
Authors: Gerard de Marigny
Tags: political thriller, Suspense/Thriller, counterterrorism, christian thriller, terrorism attacks, border security, 911 fiction, geopolitical thriller, thriller military thriller black ops covert ops west point suspense
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concern.
“ Sir, is it wise to meet him in this way, just showing up unannounced and in of all places, at Ground Zero? Did you not want to keep your … interest … in Park51 unknown to everyone?”
Zamani ignored Fard’s questions, instead he shared his thoughts.
“ If a man like Cris De Niro joins the opposition to the Mosque, he could bankroll them himself. They have not had any real financial backing to this point. With this man’s wealth, he could broaden and deepen the investigation into the financing of Park51.”
Fard knew better than to repeat the questions to which he had not received answers, but he was still curious about one thing.
“ Sir, with respect, why would we care if this man bankroll’s those infidels? There is no question, we have the legal right to build there and that money can be raised from other Muslims to build it.”
Zamani marveled at how his aide could be both so intelligent and so short-sided.
“ Fard, with enough money and a financial master like this man De Niro investigating, it’s possible that he could discover our financing of our other operations in the west.”
Zamani looked out the window as they approached the site where the World Trade Center once was. He felt great pride in seeing the sky where the towers once stood.
“ I will admit that Park51 would be another triumph for us. Some in our cause believe that it is a great decoy, away from our more … important activities in the United States. Others, like me believe it is an unnecessary distraction away from our more militant actions.”
“ Then why did you agree to back it financially?”
Zamani’s face turned red with anger.
“ Fard, just as our President does, I heed the bidding of the clerics in Tehran … not to do so would be … unwise.”
Straightening his tie, he got his anger under control.
“ Nevertheless, we cannot allow the spotlight that this American may focus on it to grow in intensity, to the point where it illuminates operations we need to keep cloaked in darkness. Besides, I have always wanted to meet him. He is something of a legend in the global financial circles.”
Fard nodded his understanding then peered out his window.
“ Sir, is that not him standing by that wall?”
Zamani ordered his bodyguard/driver to pull to the curb. He stepped out of the car then ordered both of his bodyguards to wait outside by the car while he approached De Niro.
Zamani knocked on the limo’s window, motioning for Fard to lower it.
“ You will wait in the car, while I go speak to him. Do not be concerned, Fard. I will keep my identity from him. I think it is an acceptable risk for me to see if I can determine what this man De Niro’s interest is in Park51. I’m sure those back in Tehran would want to know.”
Chapter 7
The Viewing Wall at Ground Zero
Church Street, New York, New York
3:00p.m., Monday, May 16, 2011
De Niro and Tompkins stood silently for several minutes looking out over the site where almost 10 years before, both men met, on that fateful September morning.
After they had been standing there for some time their limo pulled up at the curb behind them.
Tompkins walked over and told the driver to wait there. Then he approached De Niro, who seemed to be lost in thought. He put his hand on De Niro’s shoulder. De Niro started speaking to him without turning.
“ You know Keith, that’s exactly what you did when you first met me in the stairwell – you put your hand on my shoulder. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.”
“ So can I, brother, so can I …”
De Niro turned to face his friend.
“ If it weren’t for you, Richard and Louis would have lost both of their parents that day. I’m not sure I can ever thank you enough for what you did.”
“ Cris, you did more than thank me, you enabled me to take care of my wife and kids for the rest of their lives. I should be thanking you, broth.”
De Niro smiled at his friend but then let
“ Sir, is it wise to meet him in this way, just showing up unannounced and in of all places, at Ground Zero? Did you not want to keep your … interest … in Park51 unknown to everyone?”
Zamani ignored Fard’s questions, instead he shared his thoughts.
“ If a man like Cris De Niro joins the opposition to the Mosque, he could bankroll them himself. They have not had any real financial backing to this point. With this man’s wealth, he could broaden and deepen the investigation into the financing of Park51.”
Fard knew better than to repeat the questions to which he had not received answers, but he was still curious about one thing.
“ Sir, with respect, why would we care if this man bankroll’s those infidels? There is no question, we have the legal right to build there and that money can be raised from other Muslims to build it.”
Zamani marveled at how his aide could be both so intelligent and so short-sided.
“ Fard, with enough money and a financial master like this man De Niro investigating, it’s possible that he could discover our financing of our other operations in the west.”
Zamani looked out the window as they approached the site where the World Trade Center once was. He felt great pride in seeing the sky where the towers once stood.
“ I will admit that Park51 would be another triumph for us. Some in our cause believe that it is a great decoy, away from our more … important activities in the United States. Others, like me believe it is an unnecessary distraction away from our more militant actions.”
“ Then why did you agree to back it financially?”
Zamani’s face turned red with anger.
“ Fard, just as our President does, I heed the bidding of the clerics in Tehran … not to do so would be … unwise.”
Straightening his tie, he got his anger under control.
“ Nevertheless, we cannot allow the spotlight that this American may focus on it to grow in intensity, to the point where it illuminates operations we need to keep cloaked in darkness. Besides, I have always wanted to meet him. He is something of a legend in the global financial circles.”
Fard nodded his understanding then peered out his window.
“ Sir, is that not him standing by that wall?”
Zamani ordered his bodyguard/driver to pull to the curb. He stepped out of the car then ordered both of his bodyguards to wait outside by the car while he approached De Niro.
Zamani knocked on the limo’s window, motioning for Fard to lower it.
“ You will wait in the car, while I go speak to him. Do not be concerned, Fard. I will keep my identity from him. I think it is an acceptable risk for me to see if I can determine what this man De Niro’s interest is in Park51. I’m sure those back in Tehran would want to know.”
Chapter 7
The Viewing Wall at Ground Zero
Church Street, New York, New York
3:00p.m., Monday, May 16, 2011
De Niro and Tompkins stood silently for several minutes looking out over the site where almost 10 years before, both men met, on that fateful September morning.
After they had been standing there for some time their limo pulled up at the curb behind them.
Tompkins walked over and told the driver to wait there. Then he approached De Niro, who seemed to be lost in thought. He put his hand on De Niro’s shoulder. De Niro started speaking to him without turning.
“ You know Keith, that’s exactly what you did when you first met me in the stairwell – you put your hand on my shoulder. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.”
“ So can I, brother, so can I …”
De Niro turned to face his friend.
“ If it weren’t for you, Richard and Louis would have lost both of their parents that day. I’m not sure I can ever thank you enough for what you did.”
“ Cris, you did more than thank me, you enabled me to take care of my wife and kids for the rest of their lives. I should be thanking you, broth.”
De Niro smiled at his friend but then let
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