The President’s Soldier: Deception

By Grant Griffing

As a man arrives in the United States and quietly prepares to unleash an evil plan, President James Patterson loses his bid for re-election, thanks to an ugly campaign and his determined competitor. As the now ex-president attempts to settle into a new chapter, he has no idea of what lies ahead for him. When Patterson and his security guard, David Morgan, disappear under strange circumstances, his friend, CJ Walker, finds the ex-president’s rental car along the side of the road with five 9MM shells on the passenger floor and David’s Beretta on the seat. With leaders at the FBI and Department of Homeland Security reluctant to share information, CJ and his friends embark on a dangerous quest to find David and the president. While attempting to decipher David’s intentionally placed clue of five bullets, they soon discover that the disappearance is more than a simple kidnapping. It has the potential to cost millions of lives if they can’t figure it out in time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: May 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781684701650

Book preview

04/26/2019

PROLOGUE

CJ had just gone over the sequence of the stunt with the other drivers for the stunt the director wanted for his movie.

With the money CJ from this one stunt, he would have enough money to purchase a new car for Stephanie. He had to think long and hard about what kind of car she might like. He finally settled on just the right car, or so he thought.

He decided to email Stephanie and ask her out for dinner. He had to think of a distinct way of asking her.

Dear Stephanie,

How about dinner on Friday at five? I can pick you up at work, and we can go from there.

CJ attached a song. It was I’ve Been Thinking about You by Londonbeat.

When Stephanie checked her email and saw the one from CJ, she opened it immediately. Friday night dinner, she thought. That’s two days away. She wasn’t sure if she could wait that long. She then clicked on the attachment and began to giggle. Oh, that Charlie. The perfect song.

She replied to CJ:

Dear Charlie,

Friday dinner will work with me—please see my attachment.

Stephanie

Her attachment was Taylor Swift’s You Belong with Me.

CJ opened his email on his phone. Great, Friday night date. He hit the attachment. Perfect song, he thought. It’s going to take the rest of the day for the smile on my face to disappear.

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As CJ drove along the coast on his way to San Jose, California, where Stephanie was working as a marketing strategist for high-tech firm, he thought about the last time he saw her. They had been with a friend, David Morgan, and they had been shot up badly. Luckily, all three had fully recovered.

When CJ got to the front door of the tech firm, he asked to see Stephanie Waters. She was in the board room giving a presentation to the executive staff.

After the meeting, Stephanie ran over to CJ and gave him a giant hug. Charlie, how are you?

I’m fine. The last time I saw you, you said you needed a new car. I thought I would surprise you. He led Stephanie over to the window. There it is.

Which one? The red one? What kind is it?

A Dodge Charger Hellcat.

A Hellcat? I like the sound of that.

I thought you might. It fits you perfectly.

CHAPTER

1

ONE YEAR EARLIER

Hadi Khan sat in a small room surrounded by elderly ISIS leaders as they discussed the status of the ongoing war. He announced, I have a plan that will unite Muslims all over the world and help us fight for our own country. It will take me six months to two years to put this plan into place, and I will need about $1 million.

You are a wanted man, Hadi. How would you be able to put this plan in place with such a price on your head? one of the leaders asked.

It will be a difficult task, mind you, but I think if I can get entry into the United States, it will be possible.

Tell us your plan before we decide, another leader demanded.

Hadi spent the next hour explaining the details of his elaborate plan—how the money needed would be spent, how he would get into position to carry out the plan, and how the world would see the outcome of his plan.

And you have someone at Al-Jazeera who is willing to broadcast this event to the world? asked a leader.

Yes, Hadi responded.

This is quite a bit of money, Hadi. Please step outside so we may discuss the plan among ourselves, another leader said.

Hadi stepped outside. He was a bit uneasy waiting for the okay for such a plan. In the early days of Osama bin Laden, his plan would have already been given the okay. And he would have twice the money needed, along with enough men to carry it out.

After an hour, Hadi was called back into the small room.

We have decided that such a plan is worthwhile to follow. It should mobilize Muslims all over the world to our fight, one elder said.

Thank you, said Hadi. It will be bigger than 9/11.

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Muhammad Ali-Bin made his way across the Syrian border into Turkey and looked to join the refugee camp. From there, he might be able to gain entry into a country where there was no fighting. He had lost all his family: mother, father, wife, and daughter. He had nothing to live for anymore; he just wanted a normal way of life and to live out his life in peace. He had no money or anything of worth, but he was willing to do anything to move out of the Middle East since the war had consumed everything he cared about. As he headed north through Turkey, he received handouts, a scrap of bread, a bottle of water. He was hungry, but he stayed on the path toward a refugee camp outside Karabük.

After nearly two weeks of hiking and catching rides with farmers who were willing to give a Muslim a ride, he arrived at the camp. He was asked for his papers, but all he had was a Syrian ID and an old passport that was last used five years earlier. They also asked him what country he wanted to migrate to.

Muhammad answered, The United States or England. Because he spoke English, he would find it easier to adapt to his new surroundings in those countries.

The immigration people asked questions in multiple ways to make sure he answered them the same way each time. If he changed his answer or added anything, it would slow the process or cause them to deny his application altogether.

After the interviews, he waited patiently, hoping he would be able to immigrate.

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Hadi Khan sat in room filled with strangers. They did not know the rage in his heart. His plan was now in motion, and the entire world would soon know his name. Small children would whisper his name in the same manner they did Allah. Soon, the plan would come to fruition, but this waiting was insufferable. Always waiting.

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Muhammad Ali-Bin waited patiently for word to come. The food was minimal but enough, he thought, until he could get to the United States or England. He hoped it would be the United States since there were more jobs and opportunities.

Finally, he was summoned to the office of immigration.

Congratulations, Muhammad. You have been accepted to the United States. A church in Garden Grove, California, will sponsor you. They will meet you at the airport, have a place for you to live, and help you find a job and get settled.

Please call me Ali. Everyone does. I can’t wait. I’ve heard so much about the opportunities there. I … can I get a McDonald’s hamburger?

Every day if you wish.

Thank God. I wish my family were still alive to see our wishes come true. Thank you.

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Two weeks later, Ali landed at LAX airport in Los Angeles, California.

He was greeted by a couple in their early thirties, Ali guessed. Hello, Muhammad. Welcome to the United States.

Please call me Ali. Everyone does. And thank you. I’m excited to finally be here.

This is my wife, Amber, and my name is Ben Rogers. We have an apartment close to our house all set up with some furniture and have food at the church for you.

The three of them left LAX and drove through Los Angeles. Ali had no idea how big LA really was. Does it ever end?

No, not really, Ali. You’ll get used to it. It took us a while too, Amber said. Do you have any idea what you would like to do for a job?

My grandfather used to grow pistachios in a small orchard. Before the war broke out, he exported them to the neighboring countries and made a comfortable living for our family. I think that is the direction I would like to go.

Ben said, Let’s sit down after you get settled and come up with a plan, Ali.

That would be wonderful.

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A month later, Ali had a job driving a forklift in a warehouse. It paid the bills for now, but the plan was to start by importing pistachios from other countries and selling them throughout the United States. Then he could expand to the Far East, maybe Vietnam, and import cashews and pecans.

After six months of hard work, Ali started to see the fruits of his labor. He had contacted a grower in Iran and was able to get his first shipment of pistachios. He sold them to a produce company in New York within a week.

Ben and Amber were thrilled that their church was able to sponsor someone who worked hard and was starting to realize his own American dream.

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Ali woke early on the day he had a shipment coming in from Iran. At the docks, he spotted the customs inspector and said, Good morning, Bill.

Good morning, Ali. What have you got today?

Pistachios from Iran. Ah, here they are now.

A giant crane dropped a cargo container on the dock.

Ali signed the papers to release his cargo. How many do you want to open today, Bill?

Two or three will be fine.

Ali turned to one of his workers. Habib, start to unload please—and open whichever cases Bill wants opened.

Habib started to stack the cases of pistachios on the pallet.

Habib is just starting to learn English, Ali said. I teach my workers for an hour every night before they go home.

That’s really nice of you, Ali. How many workers do you have now?

I’m up to eight workers. Most are from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I’m helping them become citizens, and they are quite happy to be away from all the fighting at home.

Let’s open that one, Habib, Bill said.

They opened a case and found thirty-five pounds of pistachios inside a plastic bag.

Would like some to take home, Bill?

No, that wouldn’t be right.

Please, I insist. These nuts would be wonderful treat for your family. Habib, grab a plastic bag and put in two pounds of nuts for Bill. Habib is a wonderful worker but a terrible driver. I send him to San Diego three or four days a week; I have a buyer down there. It takes him all day to make one delivery, but it’s okay. My business is going very well.

How many deliveries have you received this year, Ali?

With this one, six. One each month. Business is going better than expected. Soon, I’m going to send some of our wonderful California rice to Sudan. They’re going through a terrible hardship there, and I want to help them. Too many starving children. I have so much here, and I want to give back and ease their suffering. I am finally realizing why so many people want to come to this wonderful country. There are so many opportunities to succeed.

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Hadi Khan had now been in the United States for almost a year, working mundane jobs until he was ready to begin his plan. He believed that all he needed was an opportunity to spring his trap and start his plan for the entire world to see. All Muslims would celebrate in his achievement. The time is very soon, he thought.

CHAPTER

2

THE PRESIDENT’S RETIREMENT

The president had just finished a yearlong campaign to help get his vice president elected, but it didn’t work out. After eight years of being president, James Patterson would soon be just a civilian. It had been an ugly campaign, with the new president, Keith Milhouse, the ex-governor of Florida, elected by a close margin. Milhouse didn’t have any military background, which the president brought up on multiple occasions during the campaign, and the new president took exception to that fact. The new president informed the former president that his shack inside a military base was no longer a place he can could home.

President Milhouse gave Patterson six months to find a new home.

Before he was moved out of the shack, he was going to throw a party—the likes of which no one has seen before. He planned it for the Fourth of July weekend and invited the entire base at Camp Pendleton along with the friends he had made during his eight years in office. Those friends included CJ Walker, his father, Frank Walker, who was still at the base, Admiral Waters, and his daughter Stephanie. He was going to fly in the best barbecue chefs from St. Louis, his preferred method of ribs and brisket, hire the best DJ, and provide the fireworks on Sunday evening. He hadn’t spent much of his own money during his presidency, so money wasn’t going to be a factor. The party would start at six on Saturday evening and conclude at midnight on Sunday.

That should be enough time to get all my friends fed and drunk, he thought.

The ex-president had the base commander set up enough tents and tables for two hundred people. All the marines on base helped set up tents for the epic weekend—so nobody would have to drive and could sleep off whatever alcohol might be in their system and get ready for another day of partying.

At five o’clock on Saturday, the guests started to arrive. The smell of barbecue filled the air, and the guests found their way to where all the festivities would take place. There was a dance floor, a stage, and a DJ setup.

David Morgan and JoAnn Cummings parked near his office. After the Thailand escapade, David had been transferred to Camp Pendleton and placed in charge of security at the base.

As they walked toward the stage area, Jo spotted CJ, walked up to him, and gave him a hug. How are you, Charlie? I miss you.

I’m good, Jo. How are you two? You guys look really happy.

Thanks for noticing. Have you seen Stephanie?

I got a text from her about thirty minutes ago. She should be here any minute.

The bright red Dodge Charger Hellcat pulled into the parking lot and parked next to CJ’s yellow Mustang.

Stephanie spotted CJ, Jo, and David immediately, walked over, and gave hugs to all. I really miss you guys.

CJ, Stephanie, we want to ask you something, David said, We would like you to be the best man and maid of honor at our wedding in June.

Stephanie and CJ looked at each other.

Yes, absolutely, Stephanie said.

Jo and Stephanie hugged again and a bit longer than before.

CJ congratulated David. You’re a lucky man, David. I hope you’ll both be very happy. Let me buy you a beer.

CJ and David walked over to get a beer from the huge cattle trough of beer the president had set up.

How did this happen, Jo? Stephanie asked.

I was like … I mean we were … I can’t explain it. When he got out of the hospital, we went on a date … dinner and a movie. The next thing I know, I get an apartment in Carlsbad and ask David to move in. I’ve never been happier. Every week, he brings me flowers, cooks dinner, and washes the dishes. He treats me better than any man I’ve ever known, opening doors for me always, even the car doors, such a gentleman.

I’m so happy for you both.

So, when are you and Charlie …

Don’t ask, and I don’t know when, if ever.

I know he cares for you, Stephanie. Do you like him?

I’m crazy in love with him. Does it show?

Yes. Jo put her arm around Stephanie’s neck. C’mon. Let’s go have a drink with our boys.

Jo and Stephanie joined David and CJ.

Maybe a few drinks might help, thought Stephanie.

Trigger showed up ten minutes later and shook hands with David, Jo, and CJ. He gave Stephanie a big hug. Thank God you’re here, Stephanie. Now I have someone to dance with when the music starts. There’s only about seven girls on base and about sixty men. We’re going to keep you girls really busy.

How have you been, Trigger? Stephanie asked.

Bored, no OPS going on or coming up … boring as shit.

The president walked up to the microphone on the stage just as Admiral Waters, Stephanie’s dad, showed up. I would like to welcome all my friends to this Fourth of July party. In the eight years of being president, I was always lucky to surround myself with good people, and I thank my lucky stars that you helped me through some of the darkest times in my eight years. Thank you. Drink up—the barbecue will be ready whenever you’re hungry. We have tents set up for sleeping tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll have games, drinking, more barbecue, and fireworks at ten before we wrap up this glorious weekend. Again, thank you and enjoy.

Gus Waters came over and joined CJ, Jo, David, and Trigger, and he hugged Stephanie. How are you, honey?

I’m great, Daddy. How have you been? Sorry I haven’t called. I’ve been really busy at my new job.

So, how is the new job? Gus asked.

It’s going well. The guy who was let go didn’t have the killer instinct for the job, but they hoped I would.

Have them give me a call. I can vouch for you, CJ said.

The group broke out in laughter.

Thanks, Charlie, Stephanie said with a smile.

Frank Walker walked over to the president. Mr. President, where are your Secret Service guys?

Please call me James. I’m no longer the president. They gave me three new guys, and the one who was in charge was totally incompetent. I told Milhouse to forget it. I’ll take care of myself.

Is that prudent, sir?

Probably not, but who would want to hurt me now that I’m out of office?

The evening was filled with music, food, and drinks.

Stephanie and Jo were kept busy on the dance floor, but when a slow song came on, David and Jo were inseparable.

At midnight, the party started to fade.

CJ went to his car and retrieved two sleeping bags.

What are those for? Stephanie asked.

I’m going to sleep on the beach. Care to join me?

That sounds great, Jo said. Can David, and I have one of the bags?

CJ thought for just a moment. He had brought one for himself and one for Stephanie. Sure, he replied.

The four friends walked to the beach, found a quiet spot, and laid out the sleeping bags.

Stephanie walked over to give Jo a goodnight hug.

Jo whispered, Maybe tonight?

You did that on purpose, Jo.

Yes, I hate sleeping out, but if it puts you and CJ in the same sleeping bag? Oh, well. Stranger things have happened.

Good night, Jo.

David and Jo climbed into one sleeping bag, and Stephanie climbed into the one with CJ. I’m sorry, Charlie. I didn’t think they would ask for the other one.

It’s okay. You can keep me warm this way.

Stephanie thought, I hope so.

They spooned each other, and CJ wrapped his arms around Stephanie. She hadn’t felt this safe and secure at any other time in her life. I’m ready, Charlie, whenever you are, she thought.

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The next morning, everyone rose at the same time.

What a beautiful day, David said.

I’ve never slept so well before, Jo said. Thanks, honey.

The four walked over to where they had tables set up, and there was already a buffet-style breakfast waiting for everyone.

The president walked in and greeted everyone. Good morning, everyone. I hope you slept well.

We spent the night on the beach, sir, Stephanie said.

I’ve spent many nights on that beach, and I never sleep as well as when I do that. When you girls want to clean up today, why don’t you use the shack? It’s a little more private than the barracks.

Thank you, sir, Jo said.

As the four ate their breakfast, Stephanie noticed a change in Jo. She stared at Jo and finally asked, What’s going with you, Jo?

What do you mean Stephanie?

Well, you look bigger, I mean more muscular, I think.

When David got out of the hospital, I made him promise me something.

You could have asked for a billion dollars, and David would have said yes, CJ said.

She asked me to train her, like Stephanie. She said she wanted to be like Stephanie when she grows up.

Why like me, Jo?

"When you put that gun under the