5th and 6th Days

The fifth day in Austin is Thursday.  Anoush begins his monitoring process exactly as he did yesterday.

On that day both the Hamas agent and the Hezbollah agent are going separately to various locations within Austin.  Anoush wishes he knew what went on at the locations they stopped at.  He knows they are into money laundering but wonders who the contacts are they dealing with.  He knows the Israelis must know. 

Each agent made ten stops in the morning.  Both of the vehicles converged at the same location at noontime.  They must have a meeting with someone or are planning something together.

Fourth Day

Anoush and Edina have an early breakfast.  Anoush wants to have his laptop on by 7:55 am.  They return to their room at 7:45.  The room offers a spacious desk and leather office chair for comfort.  He sets the laptop on the desk and starts the computer.  The software allows him to split the screen and track both vehicles at the same time.  As soon as the laptop is loaded he can tell neither man has left the parking lot.

Over breakfast Edina told him she would be taking the University Tower Tour at 2:00 pm.  The tour is an hour long and is guided.  She told him she would be carrying her camera because you cannot have camera cases or even purses on you.  She would also take in the Tower Garden afterwards so she probably wouldn’t be back until 4:00.  Her admission ticket is already booked and she needs to be there twenty-minutes before 2:00.

“That is good, I want you to enjoy the sites.  I am going to track these two all day.  I need to find out where they go during the day and how their travels vary,” says Anoush. 

“Well well, our Hamas agent is on the move ahead of the Hezbollah agent this morning.  Let’s see if he goes to the office or where else he goes.  Edina, I need you to go down to the front desk and purchase a city map which shows business locations on it.”

“I’ll be right back with it.”

“The Hezbollah agent leaves a half hour later and he proceeds to the office.  Anoush is tracking the Hamas agent through Austin.  Anoush is recording the route he is taking and what stops he makes along the way.

Third Day in Austin

The report Anoush has indicates the men leave their residences anywhere between 8:00 am to 8:30 am.  He arrives at the condo complex at 7:30 am.  He parks near the entrance in order for him to observe when they depart.  What he is looking for is what kind of vehicles they drive.  His plan is to arrive at their office location mid-morning so he can spot the vehicles and memorize the license plates.

From the photos he has the Hezbollah agent leaves first, driving a green Ford Explorer at 8:15.  The Hamas agent leaves twenty minutes later, driving a red Toyota Camry.  If they both drive to their office instead of going in different directions it will make the next part of his surveillance easier.

At ten thirty he parks his car a block away from their office.  He lifts a briefcase off of the passenger seat and walks towards their parking lot.  This will give anyone the impression he is in the lot on business.  As he approaches the office he is pleased to notice both vehicles are there.  He takes his time walking by them to make sure he has the numbers memorized.  Then at the end of the building he goes around back and exits the parking lot from the rear exit.  This is a longer walk back to his car but no one will see him twice.

Entering his car he starts the vehicle to turn on the air conditioner and then records the plate numbers on the pad in his briefcase.

Arrived in Texas

Following breakfast the next morning, Anoush and Edina sit on the couch in their room.  He begins, “My idea is for us to ride around the known residences of these men today and where they have their office.  I want to get a good layout of the areas.  When we locate them I want to do a ten square block grid of each site.” 

“Why ten square blocks?”

“It would be a large enough area for me to know each and every street in case I need to make a quick exit.  It is just a precaution I want to take.  I did that in Iran and it makes for comfortable feelings in emergency situations.

“I will take you with me to rent a vehicle.  With the two of us in the car we should be considered tourists.”

“What about surveillance, will I come along?”

“Only on certain situations, I don’t want you in any jeopardy.  Remember what I told you before we left Albania.  If something should happen to me you check out and head back home, understand!”

Edina looks like she doesn’t want to reply then she says, “I remember what you told me and I agreed to.”

“Good, I can do this, I’m not sure how I will go about it yet but it will be a lot easier if I am not worrying about you.”

Edina shakes her head in the affirmative.

“Now let’s get the rental I’ve reserved.”

Last Day in New York

After an early breakfast Edina and Anoush take a taxi down to Battery Park where the ticket booths are located to take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.  The tickets are purchased and their wait will only be twenty minutes as they are getting on the first run.

While they wait Anoush points out to her how close they are to the memorial for the World Trade Center.  He explains how both buildings were destroyed by hijacked airlines flown directly into them. 

She tells him she is somewhat aware of what they call the 9/11 incident when over three thousand Americans were killed in the tragedy.  She goes on to say, “Those hijackers were insane.”

They stand in line to board the ferry.  The ferry is the only vessel allowed to dock at the Statue of Liberty.

As the ferry proceeds towards the site Edina begins taking photographs.  She is in awe of what she has been seeing in New York City.  She hopes that someday they will return for a longer visit.

New York

Anoush and Edina slept late the next morning.  Both of them are suffering from jet lag.  When she became fully awake she decided to take the first shower.  Anoush orders breakfast for the two of them from room service.  By the time breakfast is delivered to the room both of them were showered and dressed ready to begin taking in some tourist sites.

While eating breakfast they make the decision to visit the Empire State Building before lunch and then take the three hour boat tour around Manhattan in the afternoon.  If they are not tired, they might take in the symphony or a play in the evening.

Week Before Departure

Anoush sends Max an e-mail telling him he will be ready to leave for his vacation in one week.  Max should contact him to obtain the proper information to make his scheduled payments.  He also needs to know where Max’s relatives live in the United States so he can visit them.

Max receives the e-mail and begins to laugh.  This guy is always one step ahead of me.  It’s probably why he remains free.  I will call him tomorrow for his Swiss bank account numbers.

The following evening Anoush receives a call from Max.  He supplies Max with his account information and asks when he will receive the location he requires.

Max says, “It is in a flash drive on its way to you by overnight priority mail.  You will have to sign for it so expect it tomorrow or the next day the latest. 

YES

A week after Max’s meeting with Anoush, an e-mail is sent stating “YES.”

Receiving the e-mail, Anoush realizes he is committed to this project which brings up all kinds of situations.  Plus he will have the responsibility of Edina being with him. 

He calls her at home that night and tells her they have confirmed the project.  “We are going to the United States.”

“Oh Allah how can this be happening” she says.  “I feel like I could cry and be excited at the same time.”

“Did the jeweler call to say your ring has been resized yet?”

“They called me yesterday and I told them we would both come in Saturday.  I want you to place it on my finger.”

Anoush smiles as he says, “It will please me to place it on your finger.”

Wednesday's Meeting

At 10:00 in the morning Max pulls into Anoush’s driveway.  He parks his rental car next to Anoush’s vehicle.  As he exits the car Anoush is walking down the stairs towards him. 

“Good morning, how was your flight?”

“How do you know I flew here?”

“Come on Max, I wasn’t born yesterday.  Is it too cool for you to sit out here or would you prefer to go inside?”

“The picnic table will be fine.”  Both men head over to the table and sit on opposite sides facing each other.

“We thought you wouldn’t respond to my visit by the third week.  We were surprised when your e-mail came through the fourth week.”

“I’ve been quite busy, as a matter of fact I am committed for two more months.  Then I am available if I am interested.  What are you looking to have done?”

Max looks around which is a very natural human reaction when clandestine discussions begin to take place. 

“We have two individuals we would like to have eliminated.”

“Why are you talking with me?  I’m sure an organization like yours has many talented people.”

Max doesn’t respond immediately.  He senses Anoush is telling him he suspects who he is.  He’s not about to confirm it.  “I am only the messenger I cannot tell you why that decision was made.  Someone above me tells me you have the potential to do the assignment.”

“Who are these people?”

“One is Hezbollah and one is Hamas.”

Sending Email

Anoush sends an e-mail to the address on the card Max gave him Wednesday morning.  He waited four weeks before he did.  They have his curiosity working as to what they want him to do.  Yet he wants to play out his part in this.

Inside Mossad headquarters Yosef receives the e-mail.  Well, well, I thought you weren’t going to respond, Yosef tells himself.

Yosef decides to wait a full day before responding to Anoush’s e-mail.  In his reply he asks when it might be convenient for them to have a meeting.

When Anoush reads Yosef’s reply he smiles.  Max is being very obliging allowing him to set up this meeting at his convenience.

He replies they might as well meet at Anoush’s residence since Max knows how to get there.  Next Wednesday would be a good choice anytime mid-morning.

Yosef confirms the date and calls down to Ariel’s office to speak with him further on what Ariel has in mind for this project.

Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch New Hampshire

Linda and I hiked last Saturday to a place we hiked sixteen years before to the very day.  We have always remembered the falls and said one day we would go back.  Only this time we not only did the trail to the falls but the loop around which was supposed to be 4-5 miles.  Don't you believe it because that must be as the crow flies.  Anyway our four hour projected hike lasted six and a quarter hours.  We enjoyed ourselves except coming near the end.  We felt the trail markers left a lot to be desired.  We wound up bushwacking our way to a set of railroad tracks and walking back to the parking lot along the tracks because it was starting to get dark.  We feel we accomplished a great deal on this hike.  Our previous longest hike was eight hours but the trail was much better.

Mossad Headquarters

Sitting in Ariel’s office Yosef says, “I received what I expected.  He denied knowledge of what I told him.  He is good, his facial expression never let on he was lying.”

“If he never let on how do you know you have the right man?”

“I could read it in his eyes.   They gave him away.  That ever so slight shift in his eyes told me he wasn’t telling the truth.”

“Do you expect he will contact us?”

“Not immediately, he will make us wait a couple of weeks.  He will not want to appear anxious. 

When do you plan to let me in on what you want to use him for?”

“If he contacts us and you need to meet with him again I will brief you on how I am planning to use him.”

“I have other issues that need my attention,” say Yosef as he rises from his chair.

“Yosef, nice work, I knew you wouldn’t let me down.”

“Let’s see how all of this works out before you go patting me on the back.”

Ariel smiles as his senior agent closes the office door.

Dinner That Evening

When Edina arrives in the evening she is quite concerned.  Their previous relationship borders were to see each other on weekends.  Anoush crossed that line and she is worried about what is going on.

“What is wrong ?” she asks.   It is not a one sentence statement a great deal is being left unsaid.

 “Let’s talk and eat.  I’m having food delivered from our favorite oriental restaurant.  When it arrives, we can talk.”

He pours her some wine.  He probably needs it more than she does.  Edina gives him the I don’t buy it look.  “Are you seeing someone else?” she asks.

“Edina, get off your high horse of being hurt and listen to what I have to say.  I told you I love you and I don’t say those words freely.”

Meeting Anoush

At ten in the morning Anoush is working in the front yard clearing branches that were blown down by the heavy winds last night.  He enjoys the physical exercise working in the yard gives him.  He hears a car coming up the driveway.  He’s not expecting Edina so he is wondering who this person is.

A white four door sedan is slowly pulling onto the driveway.  Anoush heads towards the vehicle.

The driver turns off the engine.

“Who are you looking for, maybe I can help?”

“Are you Anoush Jalili?” 

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Do you mind if I get out of the car?”  “Not at all, but you still haven’t answered my question.”

Anoush is trying to figure out where this is going.

“Since you know my name I think it is only fair that you tell me yours.”

“My name is Max.  Can we talk somewhere?”

“There is a picnic table with benches in the back, let’s go there.”

Both men sit facing each other without saying a word for a few moments.

Three Months Later

Yosef is sitting in front of Ariel Wattenberg’s desk.  “You think this character Anoush Jalili is the man we want?” Ariel asks.

“Our people have scoured Albania and checked out all of the passengers’ names we received from the airlines.  We broke it down to three and then out of the three he seems the most likely.”

“I want you to make contact with him.  You’ll need to do this in person.  Any other way and he might bolt.”

“I understand but what do you want me to discuss with him?”

 

“Tell him you are looking for someone to take on a special project.  Our firm did some inquiring into his talents and we feel he has the skills we are looking for.  Don’t spend a great deal of time with him.  Let his imagination work its own course.  Give him our black listed e-mail address to contact us when he has reached a decision.”

Inside Mossad

Ariel Wattenberg is reading messages of what transpired in Iran last night.  He sits back in his chair and stares at the ceiling.  I wonder, is it possible the third terrorist came back for revenge?  He has always believed two of the Iranian agents were double crossed in New York.  One didn’t live and the shooter was killed by the other member of the pair.  Deep down this is what he believed happened last night.  The survivor has taken his time to delude the imams that he would not return.  Clever bastard isn’t he? 

Ariel reaches across his desk for the phone and dials the front desk.

When the receptionist answers, he asks, “Is Yosef in the building?”

Radio Station Interview

 On Thursday morning August 22nd at 7:10 am I was the guest author on WGIR 610 am which is Manchester NH's morning show.  I spoke about my third book "One Came Back," which is the third book of a series dealing with Iranian terrorism on the United States.  The first book of the series is "Behind the Lies" and the sequel to it is "Gateway to Terror."  The show's host, Jack Heath is also an author and we had an enjoyable time discussing what the series is about.

 

All books can be viewed and ordered from my website www.joesmiga.com, for an autographed copy or from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  Independent books stores will be able to order you a copy if you choose to purchase from your local store.

 

Tehran

Anoush’s flight lands into Iran on schedule.  He feels a little ripple of tension on his spine.  He is in first class and is able to depart the flight before many others.  He heads to the immigration line.

The customs officer wanting to exercise his sense of power asks, “What is your purpose in Iran?” 

“I am here on business.”  

“How long do you expect to stay?” 

“I will be here one to two weeks no more.” 

He stamps his passport.  “Good, go pick up your luggage at the conveyor.”

Anoush thinks, I am in the country, my first hurdle is over. 

 

Finding his luggage on the conveyor belt he picks up his bag and walks towards the exit.

Departing for Iran

Anoush and Edina walk together to Lufthansa’s check in area.  He checks one bag and has one carry on.  She walks with him as far as the security area.  They have to part company at that point.  She reaches up and gives him a sweet kiss before turning away.  Edina has tears in her eyes.

Anoush clears security and he is pleased that his dismantled 9mm has made it through security with the carry on and his checked luggage.  The luggage holds the main frame inside of an electric drill housing and the carry on holds the spring and barrel assembly.  After he uses it he will leave it in Iran. 

He turns around to see Edina watching him through the glass windows.  He waves to her. 

 

Edina tosses him a kiss through the glass.  She is a fine woman and he feels very fortunate they met.

Three Months Later

Anoush and Edina’s relationship is developing.  They are rotating staying in each other’s homes.  Edina is becoming more comfortable.  Anoush is starting to have a great deal on his mind for entry into Tehran.  At some point soon he needs to tell her he will be away on a business trip for a couple of weeks.  Damn this is becoming very complicated.

That is when it happens, they go to sleep one night after having sex and during the night he has the nightmare he’s had in the past.

He begins yelling out loud, “I want to know why you ordered Azim to kill Kamil and me.”  His body is sweating as if he took a shower and shaking with rage. 

 

Edina tries to wake him to calm him down.  She tells him, he is only dreaming, he is safe.  She is frightened by what she sees and hears.  She is starting to love this man and wonders what she is getting involved in.

The Following Weekend

Anoush calls Edina at the office around three in the afternoon on Friday.  Edina is the one who answers the phone.  He notices a slight change to the regular cheery sound of her voice he is used to.  “Is something wrong?”

“It’s been a long busy week.” 

“Do you want to skip this weekend?” he asks.

“Let’s just plan to do something on Sunday.  I have laundry to do and a number of other things.”

“Not a problem for me.  Go home and get some rest.  Call me to give me directions to your place and give me a time to arrive.” 

“I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll set up something.” 

 

Edina gets off the phone and her boss asks, “Did I hear you correctly or am I imagining things going on in your head?”

Monday Afternoon

After Edina left, Anoush decides he will go to the gun range this morning.  He has already been there three times.  Getting there early he has no problem obtaining a position.

At the range there is only one other shooter using the facility.  He rents a nine millimeter semi-automatic pistol and obtains two standard targets plus two boxes of ammunition.

An hour later he is satisfied with the groups he fired and decides if he comes back once a month he will be able to maintain the accuracy he seeks.   

On the way home he knows he must start thinking about when and how he will enter Tehran.  Anoush realizes he must complete this project before he can truly go on with his life.
 

Edina is a nice addition in his life.  He realizes at some point she is going to want to know about his writings and he will need to come up with something realistic.

Monday

Edina turns over towards Anoush, “That was very good last night.  I’ve had oral sex before but no one ever tried to excite my clitoris like that.  Where did you learn to do that?” 

“I read about it and tried it a couple of times, most women like it.  For some it doesn’t work.

“Well it worked for me.” 

“I saw it working and kept it up.”

“I am very happy you did.”

Anoush asks, “Would you want to try it again?” 

“Yes, but not right now, I am spent emotionally.” 

“Understandable, would you like breakfast?”

“Let me shower first, I smell from sex and then I would enjoy breakfast.”

Second Night

Close to two o’clock Anoush hears Edina’s vehicle.  She parks next to his and walks back to the house with a large bowl in her hands.  He greets her at the door.

“Are you a Greek bearing a gift?”  No, I am a Bosnian bringing something to go along with dinner.  I’m tired of eating out and if you let me I will prepare dinner.”

“I could use some expert advice in the kitchen.  I have purchased some things for dinner so we can prepare the meal together.”

She walks up to him and hands him the bowl.  “If you would take this I will go and bring in my clothes so I don’t have to get them in the morning.”

“Good idea, you might look a little silly dressed or should I say undressed the way you were this morning.”

After that comment she punches him in the shoulder and then bursts out laughing.

The comment broke some of the tension she felt coming back here.

She brings her clothes into the house and lays them on the bed in the spare room.
 

“As I drove here I was wondering if you would like to take a drive.  The weather is lovely and I’m sure there are plenty of places you haven’t visited yet.”

Back Home

When they arrive at the house, Edina leaves her headlights on so Anoush can see where he is going and have enough light to open the lock on the door.  This is the first time she was ever here this late and it feels scary.  She cannot see a house light in any direction.

When he opens the door and puts on the front light she shuts off her headlights and turns off her vehicle.  She locks her car but wonders why she bothers, other than habit, thinking there isn’t a soul around here for miles.

Inside she watches him turning on various lights.  “I’ve put on some coffee or would you like tea?

“Coffee will be fine.” 

When the coffee is ready to be poured, he places two cups on the kitchen table.  “What do you take in your coffee?” 

“A little milk or cream, no sugar.”

 

He puts out the milk container on the table and pours the coffee.

The Hike

“Are you ready to go on this hike you promised to take me on?” 

“I’ve been ready since yesterday.  Come inside and I will show you the topo maps I purchased of the area.  Give me your opinion of what you are capable of handling and that is the area we will do.”

She cannot believe this man is so compassionate.  She has not experienced anyone else like this.  Someone who cares about how she feels.

Edina enters the house and sees he does have the topo map spread out on the kitchen table.  “I’m sorry but I’ve never used one of these before,” she responds.

 

“Not a problem, I will show you how easy it is.”

Friday

Noontime Friday Anoush calls the office where Edina works and asks to speak with her.  He is asked to please hold on the line as she is ending a call.

When she answers the phone she has no idea who is calling and asks, “Can I help you?” 

“You already did by leasing me property.  How does your weekend look?”

“Hi!”

Edina’s boss notices the smile on her face and realizes this must be the new gentleman calling.

“You’re in luck my whole weekend is free beginning tomorrow.  Tonight, I have a women’s group meeting.  Do you have any ideas?”

“Are you into doing some hiking?” 

“Possibly, I haven’t been for a while but I’m open to that.”

“Why don’t you think about what time you could come to my place. Also bring a change of clothes for dinner and we could have a day together and then dinner.”

“I’ll call you back in an hour.  I’m in the middle of things and I need to think about some errands I have to do in the morning.”

 

“Fair enough, I’ll wait for your call.”

Following Week

Edina arrives at the real estate office at noon.  When she comes through the door her boss notices she is smiling.  “Did you make a big sale this weekend, or did you have the company of a fine gentleman?”

“The latter, we had dinner last night and it was a very pleasant time.  I plan to see him again.”

“Good, I have been worrying about you knowing you didn’t have much of a life besides your profession.  You need someone.  I hope things work out for you.”

“Time will tell.  I stopped by to pick up some information for my 1:30 appointment.  Wish me luck to make the sale.”

“You’ll do fine you are the best agent this agency has.” 

 

“Thank you!” Edina finds the folder and leaves the office to have lunch and review the material for the appointment.

Inside Mossad

Nearly nine o’clock the next morning Yosef knocks on Ariel’s door.  “Enter!”

“You want to speak with me?” 

“Yes, close the door and pull up a seat.

“Are you aware that we have been trying to trace a terrorist for the CIA down in the Grand Cayman Island?” 

“I’ve heard about it.  I thought it was a dead issue by now.”

“Our dead issue is alive.  Somehow our people down there learned an Israeli named Akim Sandler left the island on a flight to Spain.” 

“So what’s the big deal?”

“There is no record of an Israel citizen named Akim Sandler.”

“It could be a screw up and who knows what else.”

“Maybe, but I have a gut feeling this Hamid fellow we couldn’t find traces of leaving the island suddenly left as an Israeli.”

“You’re kidding me right?” 

“Do I look like I’m kidding?”

“What are we supposed to do?  We could be running circles trying to chase this scenario.”

“We could be but this man has a mission and I want to know what it is.”

“So we can pass him on to the CIA to make points.”

“Did I say anything like that?  Stop being a wiseass for once and listen to me.” 

Yosef stares at Ariel.  He has seen that look in Ariel’s eyes before.  Ariel has plans for this man if they can find him alive.

“You want me to head this search don’t you?” 

“That’s the general idea.”

Yosef rises from his chair and says, “I will give it a good try but I don’t make any promises.”

“I don’t want promises, I want results. This will take time so it is not a top priority.  However I want you to run it.  This way I know if we don’t come up with something it can’t happen.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence.  I’ll do my best.”

“You always do and that is all I ask.”   Feeling very tired Yosef responds, “Yeah, sure Ariel, I know you better.”

Bedford NH Cable TV Program

In late April I had the pleasure of being invited to appear on Bedford's Cable TV station.  The program host is Celine Desrosiers.  Her program title is:  People, Places and Things with Celine.  I received today, the ability to download and view the program from their website.  You can view the program if you have any interest in me as an author and what my books are about.  Link onto http://www.bedfordtv.com, then select channel 16.  Next select video on demand, click on the program if it is listed that day, if not the final step is, type Joe Smiga in the Program Search Box and hit go.  When the tab come up press watch.

I hope you will enjoy the video as much as I had fun making it and making myself known to my readers.

Sunday Dinner

Anoush is getting ready to leave and meet Edina.  For some reason he is very nervous.  It reminds him of his asking his first date out in college.  He thinks this is foolish he shouldn’t be feeling this way but he is.  The evening air is starting to get cooler so he is wearing slacks and a sweater on top of an open collared shirt, a very casual look.

 

Meanwhile Edina has arrived at her office to appear she is working late.  She too has the jitters and is wondering why she is reacting this way.  She fussed over her appearance at home for over half an hour before she left.  Her skirt is dark brown with an open collared blue blouse along with a tan blazer.  Edina decided to wear her brunette hair down this evening.

Celine Desrosiers's Cable TV Show out of Bedford, NH

On Thursday, April 25th I was invited to tape a cable TV show hosted by Celine Desrosiers.  She interviewed me as an author.  Her program will air on cable TV stations in Bedford, Manchester, Goffstown, Auburn, Candia and Hooksett New Hampshire.

Press Release for the book currently being posted, the book was just released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Joe Smiga, of Manchester, NH, Achieves Publishing Milestone with

his Sixth Book in Four Years.  “One Came Back” is the third installment in Smiga’s trilogy that began with his debut novel, “Behind the Lies,” which a state newspaper reviewed as worthy of Tom Clancy. 

MANCHESTER, N.H. – (April 2013) – Prolific fiction and nonfiction author Joe Smiga accomplishes a rare publishing feat upon publishing his sixth novel within four years. Smiga, who debuted in 2009 with Behind the Lies, has penned four more books since then—Tova, A Cowboy’s Vengeance, Gateway to Terror, and What Keeps You Going? Not one to rest on his laurels, Smiga now completes the trilogy he began with his first novel with the release of his sixth book, titled One Came Back. 

“When my first book, Behind the Lies, was published in 2009, I had no idea of writing a sequel to it. Readers encouraged me to write a sequel, and Gateway to Terror was published in 2011,” shares Smiga. “Now, One Came Back is the third book in the series. It is still surprising to me that One Came Back is now my sixth book. Next year, 2014, I will publish the sequel to A Cowboy’s Vengeance due to readers’ requests.” 

Hamid, the main character is bent on seeking revenge against the Iranian Imams who sent him and his partner to the United States to create terrorism. After they were successful, the imams had another agent attempt to assassinate them. His partner was killed. While power, greed, revenge, and international intrigue permeate throughout the story, it also carries a touch of romance as Edina falls in love with Hamid along the way. 

Smiga has been studying international terrorism for decades. Largely set in the Middle East, the story encompasses the western hemisphere, and the countries of Albania and Iran. It has a consistent theme of terrorism and government manipulation worldwide. The book is a stand-alone, but also the third and final installment of the series, that all readers—both raving fans and first-timers—can enjoy and learn from. 

Worthy of Tom Clancy, as one state newspaper’s review regarded Behind the Lies, One Came Back not only completes Smiga’s trilogy, but also marks his stunning development as a writer. Its depth of characters through feelings and emotions shaped by various events definitely stands out. This is a thrilling fiction which heavily involves the CIA, FBI, and the Mossad in the plot, while carrying a tinge of reality based on Smiga’s own life.

About the Author

Joe Smiga began contemplating retirement in 2005, after working in the corporate world for 18 years and then owning his own sales business for over 20 years. He began to plan writing his first novel. His first novel, Behind the Lies, is the culmination of his military background before working in the business world and his ideas of how current events could possibly cause a major catastrophe in people’s lives. It was published in May of 2009. His second book, Tova: A Very Special Dog, is a true story which was published in May of 2010. His second novel, “A Cowboy’s Vengeance,” was published in August of 2010. His sequel to Behind the Lies, Gateway to Terror, was released in August of 2011.  Smiga’s memoir, What Keeps You Going?, was published in August of 2012. The last book of the trilogy to Behind the Lies will be out in May of 2013.  Smiga encourages anyone who wishes to tell their story to write. His website is:  www.joesmiga.com. It hosts all of his books. He also has a blog which posts excerpts from his books and other items at: www.smigawritesabout.blogspot.com. 

One Came Back * by Joe Smiga

Publication Date: April 2013

Trade Paperback; $19.99; 220 pages; 978-1-4836-1220-1

Trade Hardback; $29.99; 220 pages; 978-1-4836-1221-8

EBook; $3.99; 978-1-4836-1222-5

New Residence

Mid-afternoon Friday Anoush calls Edina’s office.  She answers the phone.  He starts off by saying he wants her to know he is pleased with the property and the lease.  If things go well near the end of the lease possibly he would consider purchasing the property.

Edina responds by saying she knew he would enjoy the house and the location based on what he told her he was looking for.  She goes on to tell him to feel free to call her if he ever needs anything.

“There is one more thing I would like to say before we end this conversation.”

“Yes! What is it?” 

“I noticed you aren’t wearing any rings so I assume you are not married.  Are you involved with someone?”

“I haven’t been married or involved for a long time.” 

“Would you care to have dinner some night this weekend?”

“I have plans to be with my friends tomorrow night, I am available on Sunday.”

“Good, Anoush gives her his cell number so she doesn’t have to go through her paperwork looking for it.  Give me a call when you can Sunday and you pick the place, I don’t know enough about the area to select a good dining establishment with a guest.”

“I will call you mid-afternoon on Sunday.”

 “Thank you,” he says.

 

Anoush gets off the phone pleased with himself and Edina hangs up her phone smiling.  She knew she left enough of a message that she was interested. She was glad he picked up on it.

Washington DC

Washington DC

 

The phone rings on CIA director, Allison McDonald’s desk, she reaches for it.  “Yes!”

“Director, you have a call from Tel Aviv on line one.” 

“Thank you.”  It’s been five long months since Ariel the director of the Mossad and she talked.  Would he have some information for her she wonders?

Allison pushes the button for line one and says, “This is Allison, is this line secure?”

“Probably more secure than your line,” remarks Ariel.

Both parties chuckle a little before continuing.

“How are you my friend?” asks Allison. 

“I’m doing well for an old man.  Someday I will get out of this business.” 

“I don’t see that happening soon.  What is the purpose for your call?  I suspect you have some information for me.”

“Some yes, helpful I’m not sure, but I promised to get back to you.  I know it’s been months since we talked but these things take time.”

Allison is getting anxious, “So what do you have?”

Ariel pauses a moment then proceeds.  “The man that left Montreal was named Dentz Aydin.  I know you know this because you told me.  The person who departed the flight into Grand Cayman was not Dentz.  Records show another name was listed on the flight.  A Hamid Dakham passed through immigration.”

“How do you know this?” 

“We have our ways.”

“Who is this Dentz character and who is this Hamid character?”

“It appears Allison they are one and the same.  The Dentz passport was probably a forged Turkish passport, the Hamid character was Iranian.  We believe that one was real.”

Allison blows out a long breath of air.  Now she is sure the Iranians were behind the five days of terrorism.

 

“Go on Ariel, you must have more.” 

Six Month Later in Albania

Anoush drove down the long dirt driveway to park his car in front of the barn.  Getting out of his beige colored Toyota he smiles as he sees the agent driving in behind him.

“I guess we both timed this right,” he states.

Coming out from behind the steering wheel she replies, “It appears that we did.”

“What would you like to see again or are there some questions you have?

“Both!  I would like to walk the property with you.”

“You want to walk all ten acres?”

“No, just some of it, I’d like you to point out the boundary lines of the property and tell me what the surrounding area is like so I can meet the neighbors after I’ve moved in.

“Let me put on my boots I don’t want to walk in heels.  I see you already have boots on.”

Anoush watches Edina change her shoes and seeing her shapely legs he begins to realize how much he is missing female companionship. He’s been isolated the past two years.

 

“I’m ready, where would you like to start?"

Moving On

Hamid packs his luggage and checks out of the hotel.  He hails a cab from in front and heads into George Town.  He will have lunch and go to the bank to close out the debit card for travel money.

He has it all worked out in his head.  His flight to Spain is scheduled to take off in five hours.  He will be arriving in Barcelona and will switch planes to arrive in Tirana.  The Israeli passport should pass security without any difficulty. 

 

Hamid entered the Grand Cayman Island and there will be no trail that he left the island in case people are looking for him.  Once he checked out of the hotel the trail dead-ends.

Passport

Jean Boris arrives at the hotel at 11:45.   He enters the lobby and asks the receptionist to contact Hamid to let him know Jean has arrived.

Five minutes later Hamid steps out of the elevator carrying a black briefcase.  He approaches Jean and without saying a word both men depart the lobby.   Hamid chooses to sit in the back seat.

Jean asks, “You have the money?”  “Of course I have the money.  I wouldn’t get what I want without it would I?”

“When we get to Doug’s residence I will wait for you in the car.  Bob wants me to drive you back there in three days to pick up your passport.” 

“That’s fine with me.  What is this guy like that I’m meeting?”

“I have no idea.  I’ve never met him this is not the way our business is typically run.” 

“There’s always a first time, how far do we have to go?”

“We will be there in fifteen minutes.”  The stern tone coming from Hamid is making Jean’s conversation sound very tense.

 

Hamid says, “That’s not telling me much.  Never mind forget it.”

He Wants What?

At seven in the evening Jean calls Hamid.  Hamid answers on the third ring.  “Bob has worked out a plan with our friend.  Because of the special circumstances in this case the fee is fifteen thousand American dollars.”  Hamid pauses, realizing to continue a search for a better price could lead to complications.  He needs to accept.

The phone line was quiet for a few minutes and Jean was wondering what Hamid would decide.

“Pick me up at noon tomorrow and take me to see your friend,” remarks Hamid.

The anxiety that is clutching Jean begins to settle down.  “I will call Bob and have him arrange it.  Make sure you have half for a deposit.”

“Don’t worry about the finances, Jean, you and Bob need to do your part.”

Would you like to help my granddaughter?

Jamie’s Conference

 

My granddaughter Jamie lives in Mojave, California.  She is an exceptionally bright sixteen year old, who goes to Rosamond High School.  Recently her parents received a notification that Jamie was nominated by one of her teachers to attend a National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, DC during July 2013.   

A year and a half ago, Jamie’s father was injured at work.  He’s had one surgery and very soon he will be having neck surgery.  Her father will be out of work for at least another six to nine months.  With her mother being the sole supporter of the family of three children, there is no money to send her to the conference.  They are barely making ends meet even with the support of family. 

As Jamie’s grandfather, I can provide some of the funds but it would be greatly appreciated if others could donate to Jamie’s Conference.  Jamie is applying for scholarship money at the conference, but at the most that would be a couple of hundred dollars if she receives it.

 

Cut and paste and click onto:

http://www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/youthleadership-conference/46074

Thank you in advance for considering to help Jamie. 

Joe

Struggles

Sitting at a picnic table underneath a tree, each man begins to enjoy his lunch.  Hamid is deliberately delaying starting the conversation to build up Jean’s anticipation.  He wants to maintain control of this conversation.  Halfway through his sandwich he starts, “Can your friend Bob provide passports?’

“I thought you had a passport to get onto the island.”

“I do.  What I want is to have another passport to use for an entrance into Cuba without using my own.”

“Cuba, why do you want to go there?  The island’s economy has been falling apart for years.”

“I want to write about the island and not have the US know I entered the country.  They frown on their citizens going there.”

“I can ask Bob if he can handle this.  I’ll have to get back to you.”

“There is more, I want to meet the forger myself.  I am willing to pay you and Bob whatever fee is involved but I insist on handling this myself.”

“I don’t know if that can be arranged.”

“I also want the new passport in three days.”

 

“You don’t want much, do you?”

Cement Facility Tour

The tour begins where the limestone is delivered from the quarry to the plant in humongous size vehicles .  The stone is dumped in huge hoppers and from there begins a process of reducing its size into smaller units and passed onto a kiln with tremendous heat to treat it for the manufacture of concrete and cement.

The whole tour which covers all of the processes from the exterior of the plant takes close to two hours.  At the end of the tour the driver returns to the visitor parking lot and tells Jean he will look forward to seeing him another time.  Jean merely nods his head in acknowledgement. 

“Where do we go from here?  You said shipping was next on the agenda.”  “Yes, but first we must have lunch.  Do you like steak, I know of a great place?”

“Is this another personal home or a tourist place?”  “A tourist place but we need to get there before noon or there will be no seating available.”

“It sounds good to me, while you drive I need to make some notes about the tour.  Another question, I noticed yesterday and today, there is quite a bit of devastation done to building and some trees.  Was that due to a hurricane?”  “Yes, we had a terrible one two years ago and the island is just starting to recover from it.”