The Edge of Brotherhood

By Mark Jay Gang

Akihiko, Marini, Tom, and Charles are four boys from four different continents, enrolled in an exclusive boarding school in Connecticut. They quickly realize they have things in common and share an affinity for martial arts and computer science. Theyre similar, but their subtle differences ultimately bring about their unique bond and make them a powerful team.

After they graduate from boarding school, these four young men are accepted to an Ivy League university where they remain together through college. One early morning during their senior year, there is a knock at their dorm-room door. Four men in black trench coats enter and announce an elite international military force has recruited the boys because of their special abilities.

Together, they travel to a remote, desolate compound to prepare for their first mission. Once the secret missions overseas begin, so does the real test of their loyaltyto one another and the agency. Beneath the veil of mystique, the boys adventures are filled with romantic interludes, deception, and violence. Soon, its a race against time filled with speculation and doubt.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781532004339

Mark Jay Gang

Mark Jay Gang practiced as a psychologist for more than thirty-five years. He is also the author of Challenging Destiny: The Untold Story of Anastasia, The Edge of Brotherhood, and Beyond the Sunrise. Dr. Gang lives in Connecticut with his wife, Marilyn.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Informative Years

T he school stood majestically like a fortress on a hill, overlooking a winding river in a small town in Connecticut. Once the manor house of an estate, it had been converted to a private boarding school for boys sometime in the early twentieth century. The student population had risen each year since it was founded. Six hundred of them were presently housed there. A number of buildings now spotted the green lush lawns of the property. It was one of the most prestigious boarding schools, and youngsters from around the world filled its green, ivy-laden halls.

The parents of the select students were from the upper strata of the socioeconomic class. Their children were from privilege. Teachers were chosen from the finest group of educators that could be assembled. Once accepted for employment by the school, instructors were not likely to leave for employment at another educational facility. The headmaster prided himself on his staff members and their capacity to motivate the students to learn.

It was early September when the leaves on the trees began to change into vibrant blasts of color, and there was a distinct chill in the air when a twelve-year-old traveled to Connecticut from Japan with his parents. Akihiko gazed at his father. Akihiko knew by the stories his father had shared with him that Mr. Suzuki was well acquainted with the school. Akihiko would be the third generation from his family to attend. His father often told Akihiko that he would be treated well and be in the best of hands. It had been twenty-five years since his father had had his first introduction to the headmaster.

Akihiko’s hands perspired, and he had a slight tremor. He wanted to make a good first impression. Akihiko would not want to disappoint his father. It was understood that he would present himself in a forthright manner as a young gentleman, ready and willing to leave his parents.

Akihiko was anxious and could hardly sleep the entire week before he and his parents flew to the United States in their private jet. Although he was a world traveler, he had never been away from his parents for more than a summer. Now he was going to be at a school in another country for the better part of the year. Akihiko thought, Why do I need to be away from my parents? I know they travel for work, but I am always cared for by the housekeeper. Don’t they have any exceptional schools in Japan?

He was small and thin, and he bowed his head when his dad looked at him. Akihiko tried to fight back his tears. One managed to roll down his cheek and landed gently on his suit jacket. Akihiko knew he could not look at his mother without becoming extremely upset and turned his head away. She was beautiful and impeccably dressed in a dark blue linen suit. If he gazed into her eyes, she too might shed a tear. That would be the worst thing he could do in front of his father and the headmaster. At all costs, he must be a strong-willed young man and behave in a manner that his father would approve of.

Akihiko and his mother often took walks through the park and had candid discussions about a number of topics of mutual interest: nature, computers, and Akihiko’s favorite hobbies. They had an endearing relationship and would both miss their outings. She was initially hesitant about the boarding school in Connecticut, but she recognized that it would be best for Akihiko. Akihiko’s father was quite firm in his decision. He knew his father and grandfather had attended the school. It was a tradition that his father wanted him to experience.

Akihiko was apprehensive because his father had told him that the headmaster was a formidable figure whose deep, coarse voice would echo throughout the room. The headmaster was standing by his desk when Akihiko and his parents entered the office. The headmaster greeted them and motioned for them to be seated. He walked back to his mahogany desk, sat down on his tall, leather-cushioned chair, reached for some papers, and began to speak.

Akihiko tried to listen as the headmaster described the school and the students in detail. For decades, students had to withstand this laborious rant of verbosity. Akihiko fought back a yawn. He looked down toward his lap, and then, remembering what his father had said, he sat up in his chair.

Akihiko raised his head and looked in the direction of the headmaster. The headmaster’s short-trimmed hair was graying at the temples. He wore a dark blue suit, a white starched shirt, a blue-and-red-striped tie, and round wire-rimmed eyeglasses. On the walls, there were pictures of the headmaster with heads of state from around the world. A musty odor in the office was somewhat offset by a vase of flowers on a table by the draped windows. The room was lit by the indirect lighting of shaded lamps and sunlight.

The headmaster looked at Akihiko, and Akihiko wondered if the headmaster was thinking about his first introduction to his father. Akihiko knew that he had a marked resemblance to his father. Both were quiet, polite, and reserved. In addition, they were shorter than average and had straight dark hair.

To avoid eye contact with the headmaster, Akihiko looked beyond him. He noticed something that his father had mentioned when they were speaking about the school. It was a grandfather clock that had been gifted to the headmaster by the queen of England. It stood to the right of the desk in the corner of the room. It was 12:59, and in one minute, it would chime—and every quarter hour thereafter, interrupting any conversation that would be occurring at that time.

When the headmaster was finished speaking, an upper-class student escorted Akihiko to his room on the other side of campus while his parents shared a pot of tea with the headmaster. They would discuss his dad’s history at the school, with the headmaster praising him for his accomplishments and the generous donations he had gifted the school over the years.

The headmaster would carefully but deliberately mention the fundraising campaign and expect a commitment that would be forthcoming prior to the end of the year. They would join their son after Akihiko had an opportunity to meet his roommates.

Walking along the perimeter of the property, Akihiko listened attentively as the student discussed the school, the other students, and an upcoming dance. The elder student looked down at his young companion, placed his hand on Akihiko’s shoulder, and introduced himself as Michael. Akihiko tensed his shoulder and noticed Michael’s gray trousers, white shirt, red tie, and blue blazer. Michael had blond hair and blue eyes.

Akihiko felt tense and nervous.

Michael said, Where are you from?

In a soft voice, Akihiko said, Tokyo, Japan. Akihiko gazed at Michael and listened to the questions concerning his homeland. Akihiko shared information about Japan as they walked down the hill to the ivy-covered dorm. Akihiko became more relaxed, and his speech became less pressured as their conversation continued. Akihiko easily reacted to the open-ended questions that generated a stream of interaction between the two.

Akihiko was interested in the current campus gossip and thought it was always good to know an upperclassman. It would make it easier for him to gain acceptance from other students.

As the leaves crushed beneath their feet, they felt a slight chill in the air, a precursor to the coming of winter. Akihiko buttoned his jacket.

The elder student smiled. Ah, here we are at the dorm. My friend, don’t you worry. I was just as frightened as you are my first day. Michael turned and faced Akihiko. I remember the welcoming conversation I had with the upperclassman who escorted me. I am hopeful someday you will share a similar experience with a freshman. There is your room. Michael pointed to the third door on the left.

They walked over to the room and opened the door. Akihiko noticed three boys peering at him from the distance.

Let me introduce you to your new roommates.

The room was small and sparsely furnished. His room in Tokyo was spacious and furnished with state-of-the-art electronic equipment. His room was at least four times larger than the dorm room he was going to have to share with three other boys he did not even know. The room had a pair of bunk beds, four desks and dressers, and one large wooden bookshelf. Akihiko was the last to arrive, and a lower bunk was the only one left. He wondered how it would feel to have someone sleeping above him.

Hey, guys, Michael said. This is your new roommate. Akihiko is from Japan. Akihiko, I would like you to meet Marini. He is from Kenya.

Marini nodded and looked down at some cards in his hand. A moment later, he gazed back at Akihiko.

Akihiko looked at Marini and smiled.

Akihiko was introduced to Charles and was told that he was from England.

Michael continued, There, on the bed—holding the jack of spades—is Tom.

Tom turned and said, Hi there. I am from California.

Akihiko said, Hi.

Tom motioned for Akihiko to walk over to the bed.

Akihiko approached his roommates.

The other three students smiled.

Tom pulled a chair over to the bed and said, This is a real international group. Akihiko, I am off to my room down the hall. If you need anything, let me know. I am the dorm counselor. It was nice meeting you. Guys, try to be easy on him.

Akihiko watched Michael as he left the room.

Tom was a curly, blond-haired boy who appeared puzzled. Akihiko wondered how he was going to remember everyone’s name and hoped he would be accepted. He wanted to follow Michael out of the room.

Akihiko observed what the boys were doing. One of them indicated that they were playing poker and asked him to join them.

They gave him some chips. Marini appeared restless and wanted to continue playing the game. The other boys told him to calm down and not be so intense. Marini was tall, black, and solidly built.

Akihiko was asked if he knew how to play poker. He sat down on the chair and was dealt a hand.

Akihiko told them he had been playing poker for years. What are the stakes? he asked.

One of the boys shouted, Boy, we better watch out. He may clean us all out.

Are we just going to talk about it or play? Marini said.

Marini, you would think we are playing high-stakes poker and are being televised, Tom declared. Be patient. You are so competitive. Loosen up—or it is going to be a long year.

Marini sighed.

Akihiko thought it best not to say another word and leaned back in his chair.

Akihiko, you look so tense. Your body is as stiff as a board. You and Marini make a good pair, Charles remarked.

Akihiko felt embarrassed by his comments.

After several moments of play, Marini said, He must be a counter. Look at all the chips in front of him.

Akihiko, tell us how you do it, Tom said.

Do what? Akihiko asked.

Stop being so coy. We are talking about knowing what cards have been played, Tom replied.

Akihiko looked at his roommates. Many years ago, our houseboy taught me. Here, let me show you. He began to turn over the cards and discuss his method.

The boys looked at him with amazement.

Marini grinned and said, We can make a small fortune.

There was a knock at the door.

Charles said, Can I help you?

Yes, it is the headmaster and Akihiko’s parents.

Quickly, guys, slip the cards and chips under my pillow, Tom ordered.

The door opened, and the headmaster looked at the boys.

Akihiko was frightened and clenched his teeth. He was not sure if playing poker was allowed at the academy. He was worried about what was going to happen.

I see you are getting acquainted with one another, the headmaster said with sarcasm in his voice. Tom, is that the jack of spades I see slipping out from under your pillow? Before Tom could respond, the headmaster introduced the boys to Akihiko’s parents.

Akihiko’s father said, Gentlemen, it is nice meeting you. My wife—he glanced at Akihiko’s mother—and I would like to spend more time with you, but we have a plane to catch. Akihiko, have a good first semester.

Akihiko stood and bowed. He looked at his mother and reflected for a moment. Should he approach her or not? Would his father be cross with him for breaking protocol in front of these other people? He would not be seeing his parents for several months. As his eyes met hers, he began to walk toward her.

Akihiko’s father said, We need to leave now. The car is waiting. He looked at his son, bowed, turned, and walked toward the door. His wife had no choice but to follow.

Mother, Akihiko said.

Mrs. Suzuki turned toward her son and blew him a kiss. A tear dropped down on her suit jacket.

Mr. Suzuki waved his hand as they exited the room and walked down the narrow corridor.

Akihiko and the other boys looked at the headmaster. He said, Good day, gentlemen. I will be seeing you at dinner this evening.

Akihiko felt a sharp pain in his stomach. He looked down, and a tear rolled down his cheek.

Tom walked over to Akihiko and said, Let’s get back to the game. We want to know more about what you were explaining to us.

Chapter 2

Hung in Effigy

T he bell rang in the ivy-covered fieldstone tower promptly at six. It echoed through the buildings on campus.

Guys, we ought not be late for dinner, Charles said. The last time we were delayed, we had to mop the floors of the dining hall.

They left their room and met up with the other students for dinner.

One of the upperclassmen elbowed Charles in the stomach.

Akihiko became apprehensive and thought back to a time when a student had attacked him for no apparent reason.

Charles yelled, You are cool, Jason. Under his breath, he added, Asshole.

What was that? Jason asked.

Forget it. Charles glared at Jason.

Don’t worry about him, Charles said. He would not dare start with me because he knows I have my fifth-degree black belt in karate.

So do I, Akihiko said.

Tom was glaring at Jason, and his face was turning red. He said, We can take him on.

Calm down, Charles said. It was only his elbow—and a meager one at that. You guys have forgotten, but it was a requirement to master martial arts at my school in England.

Marini was angrier than anyone else. His body appeared ready to launch an attack. He turned to Charles and said, Wait until he turns on his computer this evening. There will be a surprise waiting for him as soon as he gets back to his room.

Tom whispered, Akihiko, Marini is an expert with computers and the Internet. He can find anything you ever need. He can hack into almost any system.

Akihiko said, So can I. He smiled, and they both laughed.

What’s so funny? Charles said.

We will tell you later, Tom said. Let’s hurry—or we will be late.

The cafeteria was buzzing with excitement. It was the start of another school year, and the students were hurrying into the room. Most of the students were talking loudly. Some of the students were tossing things in the air or trying to make sense of the disarray.

Wooden tables were arranged in rows. The aroma of food from the kitchen made the boys’ appetites even greater. Dishes clattered in the kitchen. Silverware was clinging, and chairs rattled on the wooden floors. The noise was thunderous.

Gentlemen, it is time, the headmaster said.

The boys gazed at the head table. A deafening silence fell upon the room. The boys stood at their chairs.

That is better. Now whose turn is it to say grace? the headmaster asked.

No one spoke.

Jonathan Paul Wagner, did you forget—or are you preoccupied with some other matter? We are waiting, and I do not intend to stand here all night.

No, Headmaster Smith, Jonathan said. I am sorry for the delay. I was—

Enough with your useless explanations and procrastination. Carry on.

The other boys’ laughter subsided.

When Jonathan completed grace, the young men sat and began to eat.

Akihiko, Headmaster Smith thinks he rules with an iron hand. As long as we let him believe it, things run relatively smoothly around here, Tom said.

Akihiko looked at Tom and said, I see.

Hey, Tom, Charles said. If you are not eating your spinach, pass it to me.

Be my guest, Charles. It tastes like it has been cooking since last semester.

Akihiko, you should come visit us in the south, Darryl said. We have some fine southern cooking.

Akihiko said, Where in Mississippi are you from?

Gentlemen, please let me have your attention, the headmaster said. I realize you are all excited, but you can continue your conversations in a moment. I demand complete and total silence. That’s better. Thank you. I expect everyone at the flagpole at six thirty for our morning exercises. We have breakfast at seven. That will be followed by an orientation in the auditorium at seven thirty. Everyone is expected to be there, and attendance will be taken. Punctuality makes for self-discipline. I do not expect anything but excellence from my young men. Do you all understand?

The upperclassmen said, Yes, Headmaster. Excellence.

Freshman, you are not spectators, I expect a response from you.

Akihiko looked at his roommates. The freshmen could be distinguished by their yellow name tags. Each class had a characteristic color.

Yes, freshmen, let us hear from you, Jason Mellon said.

Mr. Mellon, I am thankful for your enthusiasm, but I do not need your help.

The headmaster said, That will be all, gentlemen. You are excused. I will see all of you in the morning. The students stood, pushed in their chairs, and left the dining room.

Marini, Akihiko, Charles, and Tom walked back to their dorm room. The sun was beginning to set.

Akihiko missed his housekeeper’s food.

Mike passed them and said, Don’t forget about the meeting tonight for freshmen. We are meeting at eight thirty in the lounge.

Tom looked at Charles and said, "Do they do anything else here besides have meetings? I have