The Syndicate: Operation Valiant Exodus

By E. Clay

As the US celebrated its first woman President, the country mourned the disintegration of race relations after a series of landmark court decisions that seemed to shield the law enforcement community. Mistrust and violence reminiscent of the Jim Crow era reigned in the South and particularly in a small Texas town called Blythe. Unprecedented police heavy-handedness in urban areas across the country was rampant.Billionaires had no vision and law enforcement had no answers. America was sick. Enter a woman of influence, a man of faith and an officer of the law: a formidable trio whose love for their country would help put America back on the trajectory of greatness. The biggest con in the history of the US was about to go down, and no one would notice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. Clay
• Release date: Jun 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9780997195439

E. Clay

Never in a million years did I ever think I would become a writer, or that I would find it so fullfilling and rewarding. If the test of a true passion is the love of its drudgery, then I am certifiably hooked. The entire writing experience is a joy.I created this webpage so you can follow my works and hear the latest news on my progress. I enjoy communicating with my readers and reviewers about my characters, my plots and most importanly my message. If you ask me a question, I will make every effort to respond in a timely manner.

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PROLOGUE

21 JANUARY 2017

As the US celebrated its first woman President, the country mourned the disintegration of race relations after a series of landmark court decisions that seemed to shield the law enforcement community. Mistrust and violence reminiscent of the Jim Crow era reigned in the South and particularly in a small Texas town called Blythe. Unprecedented police heavy-handedness in urban areas across the country was rampant. Black militant and white supremacist rhetoric had become the dominating themes in social media. The NAACP had shed the African American classification in favor of Black; while South Carolina had readopted the confederate flag. Disenfranchised blacks exacted their rage on opulent, gated white communities while white Aryan groups targeted historic black churches.

Billionaires had no vision and law enforcement had no answers. America was sick. Enter a woman of influence, a man of faith and an officer of the law: a formidable trio whose love for their country would help put America back on the trajectory of greatness.

The biggest con in the history of the US was about to go down, and no one would notice.

CHAPTER 1

Queen of Hearts

8 MAY 1968,

BLYTHE, TEXAS

CHECKMATE," CLAY’S DAD AFFIRMED as he took his young son’s rook with his queen cornering the vulnerable king.

Dad, I don’t like chess; I never win. And none of my classmates in first grade even know how to play.

Clay, the reason why you have not mastered chess is because you fail to protect your king. To protect your king you must use all of your pieces strategically, especially the most powerful piece − the queen.

Clay crossed his arms and sighed in defeat.

"Son, have you ever wondered why the most powerful chess piece is the queen?

No. Why is that, Dad?

Rev. Thompson picked up the shiny pearlescent queen with respect and admiration.

You see Clay, the queen is recognized for her unwavering loyalty. Sometimes she is sacrificed to protect the king.

Initially, the queen was not as powerful when the game was first invented in Asia.

One day, I’m gonna beat you, Dad.

Clay’s dad responded, Life is like a game of chess. In battle, defeating the adversary is not the end game. You must influence him to claim victory. The queen represents just that: influence. A woman’s imagination combined with her sway can change the world. Remember that.

Father and son cleared the chess board from the dinner table.

Dad, why isn’t the president of the United States a woman then?

The office for the leader of the free world should not be inherited by the most qualified white man but the most capable person, be it man or woman. Someday it will happen, I just hope I live long enough to see that day.

Dinner with the Thompsons

Thank you Lord for this food and may it provide us with nutrition. Bless us in our new home and may we prosper as a family here.

Rev. Thompson concluded his prayer with, And one special request, Lord: bless our leaders in government. Guide them and show them the way in these tough times. Amen.

Rev. Thompson (affectionately known as Rev. T), his lovely wife Christine and their son, Clay began to feast on a well-prepared Sunday dinner. However, Christine seemed slightly perturbed.

Rev. T immediately noticed and while pouring gravy over the mashed potatoes, inquired, What’s on your mind, Hun?

She sighed. You asked the Lord to bless our leaders but you didn’t ask him to bless our unborn child. I’m due at the end of the month.

Rev. T leaned over and kissed his lovely bride, then rubbed her protruding stomach.

Sweetheart, I pray for our daughter every day without ceasing. You know that, Pumpkin.

Clay Jr. rolled his eyes and folded his arms.

Oh great, I’m gonna get a sister. How do you know it’s a girl?

Christine beamed as she responded,

I just know. I just know it. She’s very special, but I only have one first born, she assured him.

If she doesn’t work out can we send her back, Mom?

*

Later that night, Clay reveals to his parents the challenges he faced in the new school and they convened in the living room to discuss the matter.

Dad, Mom? I have something to tell you. I wish I was white. I wanna be white, like Dylan in my class, Clay Jr. revealed with a heavy heart.

Rev. T and Christine immediately glanced at one another in bewilderment.

Christine asked Clay to sit on her lap.

Honey, God doesn’t make mistakes, you know that. Okay, lil man, tell your dad and I why you want to be white.

Clay’s eyes began to well up and tears started streaming as he spoke.

I don’t have any friends. No one will play with me because I’m … because I’m different. If I was white, maybe I wouldn’t have to play all by myself during recess and lunch. Could we go back to Chicago? I had friends there.

Christine cradled her son tightly as she struggled to hold her tears back.

Oh, baby … you’re not the only one who feels out of place. It’s hard on me too, my lil man.

Rev. T understood the real challenges he and his family faced being the first family of color to move into the town of Blythe. He held his wife and son and tried to offer assurances.

I know hard times are coming. But the Lord brought us here for a reason. People fought hard for us, good white people, to get this house. God plus one is a majority; with Him on our side, who can be against us?

Blythe’s record of systemic discrimination in hiring practices, housing and denial of service to minorities made national headlines. An unapologetic press conference by the local mayor had hit a nerve across mainstream society − a society that had slowly been embracing a more progressive stance on racial equality. The leadership of the Christian Diocese had taken notice and made a bold and controversial move. After much debate, it was decided the Rev. Thompson would replace the retiring Rev. Peterson as Head Pastor of one of the largest white churches in Blythe. The local housing commission could not block residency as the residence belonged to the Church. Property managers and real estate agents that often worked in concert to keep minorities out were powerless and frustrated. In a fiery press conference the mayor openly accused the Church of meddling.

That night Rev. T and his family slept soundly. Unfortunately, many neighbors were less than happy living next to a family of color. One family in particular was more than willing to make the sentiment clear, crystal clear.

*

Rev. T picked up Clay Jr. from school in a brand new 1968 Mustang.

How ya doing, young man! Rev. T said, flashing his million-dollar smile.

Dad, what happened to our Volvo?

Clay Jr. placed his books on the back seat and strapped himself into the passenger seat.

Well, it was a choice between a Pontiac Le Mans and this Mustang. I think it was the red interior that sold your mom. Whatever your mom wants, she gets. She’s persuasive like that.

Speaking of which, today we’re going to pick up her birthday present. She’s 25 today.

Clay Jr. became excited and immediately thought of ice cream and cake for dessert.

Dad, since I have a pet, maybe we should get Mom one. What about a puppy?

Rev. T. noticed the stares from the all the pedestrians that literally stopped in their tracks as he drove by. He sighed with unease before refocusing on his son’s request.

Clay, we need to have a talk about the pet you brought home from camp last weekend.

You mean Timmy? He’s cool, Clay Jr. said.

I’m afraid … your mother …

Yes, Dad?

Well, it’s a snake. And it’s kinda long.

I know. My counselor at camp said snakes only eat, like, once a month. I promised Mom I’d use my allowance to buy his food.

Rev. T struggled to break the news to his son.

Clay, well your mom … ah, uhm … was giving Timmy a bath in the back yard. And … and Timmy ran away.

Clay looked at his dad and frowned.

But Dad, snakes don’t have legs.

Clay Jr. remained silent. He continued to stare out the window.

Rev. T planned to offer solace to his young son, which would come in the form of a German Shepherd puppy. Rev. T would make good on that promise by the weekend.

CHAPTER 2

The Green Book

REV. T AND HIS son browsed the electronics aisle of the local TV and stereo shop to collect Christine’s gift.

The manager stealthfully trailed their movement from the opposite aisle. He lost the pair until he did an about-face. He nearly ran over Rev. T.

Excuse me; I’m here for the 21-inch Panasonic color television set.

The manager adjusted his bifocals.

Boy, deliveries be around the back, the old man replied.

Rev. T restrained his frustration.

My name is the Rev. Thompson. I am here to purchase.

Sorry, we don’t do lay-aways. This is a cash-only establishment.

Rev. T reached for his wallet and peered into it. I think I have more than enough, he said confidently.

The suspicious store manager squinted and shook his head.

Follow me. You must be that new negro in town everybody’s talking about.

Yes, this is my son, Clay Jr.

Rev. T marveled at the state-of-the-art technology in television.

Dad, what’s wrong with our TV at home?

Clay, nothing at all; it’s an old black-and-white. We’re giving that away to the Salvation Army. This one’s color and there’s a record player inside.

Rev. T noticed two uniformed police officers enter the store. The pair looked around before spotting Rev. T and his son.

Cecil, is everything alright over there? The senior officer asked.

The store manager nodded quickly then delivered a brief sales pitch. He turned on the TV.

Rev. T became suspicious of the two men in uniform and spied them out of the corner of his eye. They walked right behind him. Clay Jr. was unaware.

Click. The TV came on.

Newscast

Breaking News. Channel 2 News here. We’re going live to Orangeburg, South Carolina, for the trial of the century. All eyes are on the verdict, four years after the Civil Rights Act.

Thanks, Janice. Yes, we are live and the verdict has been announced. It is pandemonium in Orangeburg and negros have come from all over the state to witness the judicial process unfold.

Back at the TV and Stereo shop

A police officer advanced forward and turned the volume up. A small group of patrons formed behind Rev. T and his son. They awaited the verdict of the nationally sensational trial.

The newscast continued.

"Janice, the judge excluded press reporters from inside the court room, we are waiting in anticipation …