Dual Mission

By Joseph Muratore

Dual Mission is an intriguing and compelling story filled with surprises, action, twists and mayhem. It brings back to the E-novels Joseph Muratore's previously introduced Super Agent Carl Downey and his fellow Agents John Bennit and Loreen Thompson. They are members of the United States Government Secret Anti Subversive Agency, better known by the acronym SASA. Dual Mission sends Super Agent Carl Downey on two distinctly separate missions, that through a strange chain of events managed to uniquely parallel one another. Both missions showcase his perseverance and determination. One mission highlights Agent Downey's unbelievable detective skills and the other his obsession to track, kill or capture a diabolical extremist Muslim known as Shabahh. During these Dual Missions for all of their intensity they still manage to incorporate the thread of a deep love interest along with some light hearted humorous moments, in a separate but misguided search for missing ancient treasure. This is a well formulated, interesting and plausible story. A story not to be missed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483544854

Book preview

Chapter: One

WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?

Carl Downey was reminiscing as he walked along the Wollaston Beach walkway in Quincy, Massachusetts, a suburban city directly south of Boston.

He could smell the salt air and the tidal flats now at low tide as he walked along. It was a beautiful June evening.

Carl had returned four months previously to the Boston area from Houston, Texas to re-open his practice as a private investigator.

He hired two local detectives that he trusted and had previously employed to do investigative work with him.

His immediate success surprised no one.

For the second time in two years he’d been forcibly retired from the United States Secret Anti Subversive Agency known by the acronym, SASA.

The first time the SASA Chief in Washington D.C had sent him into reserve retirement for womanizing. The second time the same Chief had dismissed him for insubordination.

The problem for SASA was that Carl’s reasoning, which led to his insubordination, was justified. The SASA Chief was proven grievously wrong. In the end it caused a calamity for America through terrorist actions.

Agent Carl Downey along with the entire SASA Agency had unsuccessfully chased a phantom like terrorist named Shabahh across the United States. Shabahh created a wave of destruction and carnage that culminated in such devastating results that it left America reeling.

Unfortunately Shabahh the phantom terrorist escaped.

The SASA Chief was summarily fired as a result. To Carl Downey it no longer mattered. Carl was asked to return to SASA but decided against it.

For Carl the situation was now ideal. He would remain as a SASA reserve while he collected a pension.

The pension was not because of his age; it was to keep Carl from talking about his inside working knowledge of SASA, and to ensure that SASA could keep in contact with him.

If a crisis should arrive that required his assistance for national security, SASA wanted to know how to contact him.

From Carl’s point of view he loved the money the pension provided, but as far as he was concerned he was done with SASA.

The replacement SASA Chief was Carl Downey’s friend and previous Boston Office Agent-In-Charge John Bennit.

Agent Loreen Thompson the new Boston SASA Agent-In-Charge was another close friend of Carl’s.

Both Agent Bennit and Agent Thompson remained good friends with Carl, but despite their pleas for him to return to SASA he had decided against it.

The first time after Carl Downey had been dismissed from SASA for womanizing, he had set up a private detective agency. Carl’s success was immediate. Just as Carl was an outstanding SASA Agent he was an equally good private investigator.

However, Carl was not reminiscing about any of those changes as he walked.

He was thinking about another SASA Agent. A woman named Karen Beals; he had met in Houston, Texas during his last SASA mission.

He returned to Houston after a failed mission in San Francisco, California at Karen’s invitation when the assignment ended. Carl spent several wonderful weeks with Karen.

Karen Beals was just what he needed in his life at the time. She was there to calm and comfort him after a mission that could only be described as ending in a terrible ordeal.

Carl’s weeks of bliss ended at Karen’s urging. She urged him to return to Boston to reconstruct his life. She admitted that she too had some adjustments to make.

Karen decided for Carl, that after six months if he was still interested in her then he should call. At that time they would talk about her feelings and her situation too.

They both admitted they hated to part. For Carl who had always had a fleeting interest in most women it surprised him that he wasn’t ready to give Karen up.

Carl did return to Boston.

Besides Karen Beals there was one other thing that Carl obsessed on. He couldn’t forget the terrorist Shabahh.

Shabahh had indicated in a sarcastic farewell message that they would meet again. Carl planned to be prepared.

Carl who was already a proficient martial arts expert signed up for advanced classes on Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to enhance his skills.

Carl Downey also registered for classes at the Berlitz School of Languages in Boston to immerse himself in the study of Arabic. That was Shabahh’s first language.

Carl was already fluent in French.

He had in the past served SASA in North Africa so his French was excellent but he knew his Arabic was only fair.

After four months had passed his urge to call Karen hadn’t abated.

Carl finished his walk along the beach by working out on various gymnastic workstations that were located along the beach walkway.

The town had strategically placed the gym apparatus for the general public to work out on.

It wasn’t a gym but the salt air made it invigorating.

Carl completed his workout then jogged to his plush apartment at 249 Lexington Gardens in Quincy, MA.

Whenever Carl entered his apartment one of the first things he usually did was to check his phone messages and EMAIL. Normally what he checked on were personal affairs.

Carl’s Investigative business was kept separately at his Detective Agency, ACD Investigators in downtown Boston at 212 Boylston Street.

The name ACD was Carl’s way of remembering and honoring his past.

He used the first letter from each word of his name inscribed on his SASA ID Badge. Agent Carl Downing.

His friend Agent Loreen Thompson suggested the name and he used it.

Carl decided to peruse his EMAIL before showering.

Immediately his eyes were directed to a message that seemed to jump off the computer screen.

It was from Karen Beals.

Carl felt an instant pang of anxiety.

Karen was messaging him. It had been only four months, not her suggested six months cooling off period.

Carl wondered was she missing him too, or worse had she decided they should remain apart.

As Carl waited for her message to open he realized it could be for a multiple number of reasons.

When he finally read the EMAIL he was completely surprised, He’d never considered its contents.

Karen Beals was asking for help. Not directly for herself but for her brother-in-law in Houston, Texas. He had been charged with murder.

Her message read:

‘Carl, I need your help. Please call me. My new cell phone number is 694-732-8277. My brother-in-law here in Houston has been charged with murder. I believe he’s innocent call anytime.’

Carl read and reread the message a few times while not really reading it. He was contemplating the situation.

What could he do about it?

He was a detective licensed in Massachusetts not Texas and he was no longer a SASA Agent.

Why was her brother-in-law charged with murder?

Why did Karen feel he was innocent?

So many things were running through Carl’s mind.

The bottom line to Carl was that Karen needed him. She wanted him to call her.

The only blip in his feelings was that she had a new cell phone number. She’d never previously EMAILED him that information.

Carl realized if she hadn’t reached out to him with this problem he couldn’t have called her if he wanted to.

Carl was concerned, as well as annoyed about that seemingly unimportant fact.

Karen’s needing him and wanting him to call overrode any deep concerns.

Karen’s message asked him to call anytime.

‘This was as good a time as any,’ he thought.

Carl picked up his cell phone and called Karen.

She answered her phone on the first ring,

Carl thanks for calling. I knew I could depend on you.

In spite of himself, Carl couldn’t let it go.

He interrupted,

I would have called you sooner, but I didn’t have your new friggin number.

Karen answered,

Now’s not the time for this Carl. Will you help me?

Carl’s immediate response was,

I called didn’t I. Of course I’ll listen to what you need from me. I’m just not sure I can help. I’m sorry about my opening comment Karen, but if you knew how many times I wanted to pick up the phone to call you, you’d understand.

Karen replied,

Then maybe you can understand why I changed my number. If you had called, when I heard your voice, I don’t know how strong I would’ve been at keeping you away. Hearing your voice now tells me my instincts were correct. I miss you terribly.

Those words melted Carl. Whether she was sincere or not it’s what he wanted to hear. Now he knew whatever he could do to help Karen, he would at least give it an effort.

Carl answered,

Karen what’s up? Explain to me. What’s going on with your brother-in-law?

Karen said,

Carl, it’s a bizarre situation. My brother-in-law Joe is an advertising executive for a large company here in Houston. His boss, the company’s Chief Executive Officer along with his wife was murdered. They’ve arrested Joe and charged him with a double murder. He claims he’s innocent and I believe him. Carl interrupted her.

Karen why was he arrested? What’re the details? Why would he do it? Better yet, why did they rush to judgment and arrest him, and what makes you so sure he’s innocent?

Karen who was a trained SASA Agent carefully listened to Carl then answered his questions.

My brother-in-law Joe was next in line to become the company CEO. We’re talking a big position here. It comes with a seven-figure salary along with numerous perks. So the police feel he had motive. The police found the murder weapon a pistol. It was in Joe’s desk at his home under a pile of papers. It was Joe’s gun. At the crime scene when they swept it for evidence they found some pieces of hair under the CEO’s wife’s fingernails. It appeared there had been a struggle. A DNA test proved it to be Joe’s hair. Why do I think he’s innocent? Only one reason, I know Joe. He would never have done something like this.

When Karen finished speaking Carl was silent for a moment before he stated.

Karen, I don’t know how I can help. Yes I could fly down to Houston to pry, but I’m a detective registered in Mass. I have no authority in Houston or anywhere in Texas. I will comment however that your brother-in-law would have to be very stupid to hide the murder weapon in his desk.

Karen commented,

Carl, that’s the other thing. Joe insists that he kept his pistol locked in a safe deposit box. When the police in the presence of his attorney checked his story out with the bank where he claimed he kept it, the safe deposit box was empty. Carl I just know there’s so much more to this story. There’s never been a better SASA Agent than you for digging up details. I’m betting there’s not a better detective either. I know you don’t have any legal jurisdiction in Houston, but I’m still a SASA Agent and I wield a lot of influence. A few homicide detectives here at my request have agreed to work with you, if you’ll agree to come down to help. They feel as I do the case was too perfect and too easy to solve. Carl I need you to say yes, you’ll help Joe.

Carl asked one more question,

What does his attorney think?

Karen answered,

That friggin imbecile wants Joe to cut a deal. He says maybe he can save him from execution. Do you believe that? In one week he’s thrown in the towel. I’d like to execute his ass.

Carl had to laugh. This was his adorable Karen. The feisty SASA agent that he had grown so attached to. That one phrase lit a fire inside of Carl.

Carl said. I’ll make flight arrangements and text you my arrival time. I’d come directly to your house but I’m afraid to ask if you’ve changed that number too.

Karen sighed,

Sometimes I forget what a jerk you can be. Maybe I miss that too. See you at the airport. Thanks. In case you’re wondering, yeah I’m feeling a bit horny after talking to you.

Karen laughed and hung up. Carl’s excitement grew.

Carl turned to his computer and ordered an airline ticket to Houston, leaving out of Boston at 9:00AM the next day.

Carl phoned his two detective employees giving them instructions on how to handle his office until he returned.

He told them there weren’t any pressing cases that they couldn’t effectively complete. He requested that they should just continue handling the office doing business as usual.

Carl explained he had no idea how long he’d be gone.

When Carl arrived at the George Bush International Airport in Houston, Karen was waiting for him. Both she and Carl were all smiles as they greeted each other with a hug.

Carl had packed in a carry- on suitcase. There was no need to do anything more than to walk with Karen to her car in the short-term parking lot. They drove out to her home.

Carl spent the afternoon reading the police reports about the double murders that Joe was charged with.

Karen had previously arranged for Joe’s Attorney to meet with Carl early that evening at her home. Carl wanted to be sure the police reports were thorough and complete.

Carl pressed the attorney to share his notes as to what Joe had to say about the evidence against him.

It was understandable why the attorney wanted to cop a plea for a reduced sentence. His defense was weak.

Joe’s entire defense basically consisted of the following statements,

‘Yes it was Joe’s pistol they found in his desk but he kept it in a safe deposit box. Joe claimed the hair under the CEO’s murdered wife’s nails couldn’t have been his, even if the DNA match indicated it was, because he wasn’t at that house and he didn’t murder anyone.’

After Joe’s attorney had gone home, Carl had some additional questions for Karen.

Carl excelled at asking pertinent questions.

His old SASA boss John Bennit often told others, Carl is like an artist. He’s perfected interrogation. He’s changed it into an art form. When he’s finished asking questions it usually paints a clearer picture for all to see.

Carl asked Karen,

Let’s talk motive first. Was Joe the only likely candidate to replace the murdered CEO. Was Joe the President? Who would be next in line after Joe?

Karen replied,

The CEO was also the President. Joe was the Executive Vice President. Next in line there’s another Vice President a Frank Miett.

Carl stated,

Then I guess if Joe is eliminated than Frank has motive too. If Joe is sloppy about the murder than Frank jumps two places quickly. So tell me more about Frank.

Karen’s eyes opened wide. She hadn’t considered Frank, but here Carl was trying to move the noose from Joe’s neck to Frank’s without any hesitation.

Karen answered,

Actually Joe and Frank became rather close after Joe arrived at the company. He joined the company, two years after Frank, almost ten years ago. They became so close in fact that Joe with his wife Linda, socialize regularly with Frank and his wife Mary. They’re like four peas in a pod. Both Joe and Frank are advertising mavens. Joe’s wife Linda is a financial consultant. She funnels a lot of her customer’s money, until it’s ready to be invested, through a small local bank. Frank’s wife Mary is President of that bank. They regularly visit at each other’s homes. Frank is the Godfather to Joe’s son.

Carl asked,

If Frank worked at the company two years before Joe arrived how did Joe become the Executive Vice President ahead of him? Was he that much more talented?

Karen commented,

You’re very astute Carl. You listen. You ask, ‘what happened to get Joe promoted over Frank?’ Well it was the result of two advertising campaigns that established them. A company symposium involving key clients cinched it for Joe.

Karen stopped to collect her thoughts before stating,

A major account of Frank’s was and still is a furniture chain that Frank had created a tag line for. They effectively use it in their ads. Frank’s ad campaign for them suggested that they insert into their advertising, a statement that read, We sell furniture but we deliver satisfaction. That line became imbedded into all of their ads. It became very successful for them.

Carl interjected,

Ya, I can see that would give customers confidence.

Karen continued speaking,

When Joe arrived at the company it coincided with the arrival of another much larger national furniture chain into the area. Joe landed that account by pretty much solving a pricing war. He created the larger new company’s slogan, ‘We will gladly match our competition’s prices but we would probably have to raise our prices to do it.’ People flocked to that new furniture store in town accepting the ad as gospel.

Carl chuckled,

Actually that was quite clever.

Karen continued,

The final impetus that got Joe the Executive Vice Presidency took place several weeks later. The company had a symposium for several accounts to discuss advertising strategies. When the CEO finished his well rehearsed, presentation, he opened the floor for customer questions.

Carl chimed in, That’s like giving them a loaded pistol.

Karen continued,

You’re very insightful. One customer was rather vocal complaining that he didn’t know if spending money on advertising was actually worth the investment. Several other customers started to grumble a bit too. The CEO at the podium wasn’t prepared to handle the dissent. He looked over towards Joe and Frank for some encouragement. Joe quickly stepped over to the podium and took the mike. He reminded the customers that the most effective companies even those as large as Coca Cola and Budweiser continue to advertise. He then told the audience, ‘It’s really quite simple why you should advertise. If you don’t advertise your product, it’s like winking at a girl in the dark. You know you’re doing it but no one else does.’ The audience applauded. Joe basically saved the day and the following week he was named Executive Vice President of the firm.

Carl commented,

Great story. How did Frank take it? No need to answer that it was a rhetorical question. On the surface I’m sure he took it in stride but deep down he must have resented Joe.

Carl abruptly changed the subject by asking Karen,

Where are their advertising offices located? Can you take me there tomorrow and could you possibly have one of your Houston homicide detective friends accompany us?

Karen replied,

I’ll arrange it all right now.

At 10:00AM the next morning, Karen, Carl and a Houston homicide detective named Fred Stone, arrived at a large multistoried building.

On the rooftop it held a huge flashing graphic sign.

It read, NEWMAN ADVERTISING AGENCY.

Carl commented to himself,

‘Hmm, Newman Advertising. I never did ask the company name.’

Karen parked their vehicle in an adjacent nearly empty parking lot marked: For Newman Employees Only.

As they all walked towards the building’s entrance, the Houston detective Fred Stone commented,

The Newman Company is operating with a reduced staff while the police continue their investigation. Although an arrest has been made, both the District Attorney’s Office and the attorney for the accused have asked for certain areas to be put off limits while potential evidence is sifted through. Remember the murdered couple was killed last Monday evening. We arrested the alleged killer on Wednesday. This is Monday again so it’s only been one week since the murders took place.

All three entered the building, into a cavernous lobby that could only be described as ostentatious.

Carl thought to himself, ‘Wow business must be good. Who wouldn’t want to be King of the Hill here.’

They approached two security guards sitting behind a marble desk. Clearly visible were several video screens that allowed security to monitor the entire complex. The cameras located throughout the building constantly switched from one location to another every few seconds.

The Houston homicide detective Fred Stone showed his credentials and chatted with the guards for a moment while Karen and Carl stood nearby waiting.

Within minutes they were entering an elevator that took them to the top floor where Joe’s Executive Vice President’s Office was located.

Upon exiting the elevator Carl took the lead.

The elevator dropped them off immediately in front of the desk of a well-dressed woman.

She obviously had been notified by security and was patiently waiting their arrival.

Carl correctly assumed it was Joe’s personal and business secretary.

She introduced herself with a different title.

Hi, I’m Elizabeth. Joe’s lead associate. Please forgive the mess around here. Obviously we’re in turmoil and distressed. Joe’s such a great guy. We’re all stunned. We find it hard to believe that any of the charges against him are true. How can I help?

Carl replied,

You can answer a few questions. Maybe we can dig out some information that will help us to prove the charges aren’t true.

Elizabeth stared at Carl with a surprised look.

What do you need to ask me?

Carl inquired,

Tell me about last Monday. Was their anything unusual that took place in the office that day? Did anything happen that might have triggered the murders that took place that night? Were there any arguments or strangers here? Anything you can think of that was different could help us?

Elizabeth answered,

No. Everything appeared normal. If anything it was festive. It was the annual picture day at Newman’s.

Carl queried,

Picture day?

Yes. Elizabeth responded. It was the second Monday in June. That traditionally is the day that everyone comes in to work looking their best for the annual company photo. It’s usually good for a few laughs. Just before the day ends, around 3:00PM, we gather in the company’s auditorium to take a group photo. We also take several other photos of various work teams. In fact ironically my office copy of those photos just arrived today. They’re in this envelope.

She pointed to an envelope on her desk.

Carl asked,

Did Joe seem tense or different that day? Did he schedule any unusual activities?

Elizabeth immediately started to type into her computer keyboard before replying,

Here’s his schedule for the day. I see nothing different As usual the second Monday of the month he goes to get his hair styled. Other than that he was here all day.

Carl commented,

He had his haircut that day?

Elizabeth answered,

Yes, always on the second Monday of the month. I remember he was happy that he would be getting his hair styled, or what you term a haircut before the company picture.

Carl asked,

Do you have Frank Miett’s schedule on your computer?

Elizabeth replied.

No. But his office is down the hall and his lead associate Nancy is in. She could help you with that.

Carl asked,

Would you mind directing us there.

Elizabeth answered,

Better than that I’ll take you. May I ask why you want Frank Miett’s schedule?

Carl replied,

No.

There was silence from all four as Elizabeth walked them down to Frank Miett’s office.

Elizabeth introduced them to Frank Miett’s lead associate Nancy. Then she waited.

Carl gave Elizabeth a look that definitely meant you should leave now.

Carl thanked her for her time and she walked away.

Carl asked Nancy to please put Frank’s schedule for that past Monday up on her computer screen.

Nancy complied with Carl’s request. Then commented,

This was his schedule for that day. It shows nothing unusual. He had a few short meetings. Nobody ties themselves up very long on Newman’s picture day.

Carl was perplexed he needed more information.

He asked,

Nancy, please think about that day and Frank’s activities. Is there anything you can remember that was different that day?

She laughed,

No except for his gaffe.

"His gaffe? Carl questioned.

Nancy said,

Yes. He actually did leave the office for a half hour or so to go to his hair stylist. He always goes on the third Monday of the month but he had his dates crossed. When he returned we had a good laugh over it.

Carl was a bit energized now. Karen could see it. The homicide detective also noticed it.

Carl stated,

Nancy I have just a few more questions for you. Do you know if Frank uses the same hair stylist as Joe?

Nancy replied,

Of course. There wasn’t too much those guys didn’t share.

Carl asked,

Would you give me the hair stylist’s address please? Also I notice a package on your desk similar to Elizabeth’s. Are those the company photos?

Nancy replied,

Yes.

Carl queried,

May I take a look at them please?

Nancy opened the photos and handed the package to Carl to peruse through them.

Carl found a picture he felt might help him.

With his cell phone he took a picture of it.

When Carl finished with the photos, he returned them to Nancy.

Nancy handed him the hair stylist’s shop address that she had written onto a piece of notepaper.

Carl commented,

Thanks Nancy we’re done here.

I hope I was a help. She stated.

Carl answered,

Yes you were.

With those words Carl turned and headed for the elevator.

Agent Karen Beals along with the Houston homicide detective Fred Stone quickly followed him.

They both had so many questions they wanted to ask Carl.

They knew they would have to wait until they left the Newman Building to ask them.

Carl, Karen and Detective Stone walked along silently and returned to Karen’s car.

Chapter Two

CARL KEEPS ON DIGGING

In the car, Karen Beals couldn’t contain herself.

She asked,

Carl, you think you’ve solved part of the puzzle don’t you? I’m guessing we’re heading for the hair stylist shop?

Carl responded,

Yeah we’re going to their barber shop, hair stylist or whatever they want to call it. I have one pertinent question.

Carl handed the hair stylist’s address to Karen.

She then drove, as she quite often did, in a high-speed reckless fashion as if she where on a SASA case. Carl had previously experienced her NASCAR driving mentality but detective Fred Stone was obviously unsettled by it.

When they arrived at the hair stylist Carl went inside along with detective Fred Stone. Agent Beals remained parked in a no-parking zone in front of the shop.

Homicide detective Stone showed his credentials to the shop’s owner. Carl asked the questions.

Carl showed him the picture he had taken with his cell phone. It was one of the Newman Company photos.

The photo showed a picture of the murdered company CEO along with Joe his Executive Vice President and the Vice President Frank Miett.

Carl asked the shop owner,

Do you recognize any of these three men?

The owner pointed to Joe and Frank, before replying,

Of course. Those two come in her like clockwork once a month to get their hair styled. They’re my personal customers. Good tippers too I might add.

Carl asked,

Did you see both of them last week on the same day?

The shop owner replied,

"Funny you should ask that. Only Joe was scheduled in. It was his usual appointment time 11:00AM on the second Monday of the month. Before we knew it Frank came in the door. When he saw Joe he said, ’Shit I must have screwed up. Isn’t this my day?’ After