Missing Jeremiah in the Name of Allah

By May Day

"Indeed the worst of all being in the sight of 'Allah' (god of Islam) Are those who persist in disbelief never to have faith (in Allah)." (Quran Surah Al Anfal 8 .55) Jeremiah in this novel, based on real facts and true events, is an American-Jew news reporter, trying to reveal the truth about the war in the Middle East (Israel, Lebanon, Syria). He has to confront the face of death and terror "in the Name of Allah." Allah Akbar (Allah is great). "I have been made victorious with terror." (Al Sunnah Sahih Al Bakhari 4.52.220) A man can be destroyed but not defeated, you cannot stop what is coming if you do not focus on it. As long terror is out there . . . who's going to be next? There is no news in the whole world better than bad news, beheading, burning, cutting limbs, crucifixion of no believers in Sharia law. All these emotions experienced by Jeremiah in the presence of treat and danger and fear for his existence, in the name of Allah! Who is coming to rescue Jeremiah?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781642985849

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jeremiah Loneberg is standing with his camera crew on the steps of the Supreme Court house in Damascus, Syria. Behind Jeremiah and his crew are armed men on the sidewalks, near the courthouse, and across the street. The men with the guns have looks of intimidation on their faces. Jeremiah is preparing for a television report as a truck drives by with a large machine gun mounted in the bed. A Muslim militia member is standing behind the gun ready to fire it at any time.

Jeremiah looks into the camera and reports:

"Two more Syrian Jews were caught last night. The charges are espionage for Israel, bringing the number of defendants to three. The Syrian authorities say that the three have confessed in a trial and that they have provided military secrets to Israel. The trial has attracted international concern. The defense lawyer for the thirteen Jews on trial questioned the validity of the confessions and criticized the court in which the judge also acts as the prosecutor.

From another point of view, Israel condemned the latest confessions as being ‘repulsive and disgusting.’ Israel denies any of the defendants as ‘being spies.’ The provincial judiciary chief, Mr. Amir Ali, told the press, ‘The thirteen who confessed to spying for Israel’s Mossad (secret intelligence service of Israel) were driven by financial and religious motivations.’ If convicted, the defendants can be sentenced to death. This is the maximum penalty for passing secret information that damages national security according to the Syrian law. Two Jews were hung three days ago on similar charges. Mr. Amir Ali added, ‘All I can predict is that their sentences may be like the previous traitors. This is their fate. We are Muslims, and we believe in fate. Allahu Akbar!’

While Jeremiah continues his report, armed men in the background begin shouting in Arabic, Death to the Jewish traitors! Death to Zionism! Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar!

Jeremiah, not flustered by the outburst, continues, In the latest confessions, twenty-two-year-old defendant, Sharof, and eighteen-year-old, Yossi, told reporters outside the court that they were not under any pressure or torture when they confessed last Monday. What is shown is not true. Defendants Yossi and Sharof suffer bruises and contusions on their necks and faces and who knows where else on their bodies. This is Jeremiah Loneberg reporting from Damascus, Syria, for Global News Channel 13.

Chapter 2

Flight 126 is flying above New York City, scheduled to land at LaGuardia International Airport. The passengers are preparing to land with help from the stewardesses while the crew inside the cockpit adjust their instruments and prepare the plane for landing.

Jeremiah sits in first class watching a television mounted above his seat showing the broadcast of his last news report from Syria. The plane lands on the runway and taxies to the terminal. He is anxious to see his lover, Sara McJohn. While wandering through the terminal among the group of passengers, Jeremiah gazes around to see if she is there to meet him.

Sara spots him and waves her hand in excitement as she pushes through the many people around her toward him. Sara begins shouting, Jeremiah, Jeremiah, I’m here!

Jeremiah spots Sara and runs through the crowd to meet her. Their eyes meet as they get closer and closer and the feeling of longing is apparent to them both. They hug each other as soon as they meet, and Sara begins to kiss him passionately.

Jeremiah, interrupting her passionate kiss, says, Sara, baby, not here in front of everybody. Everyone is watching us.

I missed you. I missed you so much, Sara whispers.

Jeremiah puts his hand around her shoulder as she is still kissing him. They head toward the exit of the airport, so happy to be together again.

***

Sara drives the car as Jeremiah relaxes in the passenger seat. He looks ahead and realizes she is heading the wrong way.

Where are you going? I need to stop by the office to see Michael.

No, you’re going home with me now.

But I have to give my news report to Michael first.

No! I come first, screw everyone else! You are mine.

That’s a totally different story, Jeremiah says while kissing Sara on the cheek. We have all night Sara. I missed you too … please?

***

Jeremiah steps out of the elevator into the Global News Corporation office. The office is in full swing with everyone hustling around. Nearby people glance up as he walks into the room.

Congratulations on your Syrian conflict story, Julie says.

Thanks!

Great coverage of the Syrian conflict, Jeremiah, Mike says clapping his hand on Jeremiah’s back.

Thanks so much. Jeremiah smiles.

He heads over to the corner office and glances at the name plate on the door—Michael Burton, CEO of Global News. He knocks on the door and steps into Michael’s office.

With a cigar hanging out of his mouth, Michael shouts into the phone, Do you know who the hell you’re talking to? You better have that story on my desk by 5:00 PM or your ass is in the can! Michael slams the phone back into the receiver.

You’re gonna have a heart attack, man. You need to take it easy, boss. You’re getting too old for this shit.

What the hell do you know about this shit? You’re saying I’m too old? Well, I’m still young enough to chew your ass up, and after that, I’ll spit it in the trash can.

Relax, you can do whatever you want. Chew my ass anyway you want, but relax.

By the way, Jeremiah, I want to congratulate you on your story. We were the first station to broadcast coverage from the Syrian conflict. You did a good job.

Now that’s a more civilized way to communicate, boss. Thank you. Jeremiah turns to the office door.

Just where the hell do you think you’re going? I’m not through with you yet.

Remember civilized. Jeremiah points at his boss, turning back toward him, and then heads out the door. He walks toward the elevator and pushes the button.

Michael follows him. Why don’t you take your civilized ass back into my office?

The elevator doors open and Jeremiah steps in. I’m getting married, Michael, you know. Don’t forget your bridesmaid outfit, you’re invited. Bye-bye. He waves at Michael as the doors close.

Michael mutters to himself, Bridesmaid dress … I’ll show him what I’ll do with that dress civilized son of a … uh, Martha is a good woman. He walks away tossing his cigar.

Chapter 3

Sara and Jeremiah step through the front door of Sara’s apartment, passionately kissing each other. She pulls off his jacket.

Don’t ever leave me alone for so long again. Sara kisses Jeremiah intensely and pulls off more of his clothing.

They make it into the bedroom. Sara throws him onto the bed and slips off her skirt, revealing her sexy hips. She slides next to him and slithers onto his body. She rips open his shirt, buttons fly. She grabs his wrists and pushes his hands above his head. She sits on top of him, straddling him. She takes her bra off, looking into his eyes. Jeremiah breathing intensifies with the excitement of his lover. Sara leans over him and begins rubbing her lips on his fingertips as her breasts touch his face. Jeremiah sweats and his eyes are half open as he moans in pleasure. He moistens her nipples with his lips.

Sara, you are the love of my life, he whispers.

Sara kisses his fingertips and works her way down to his elbow. She kisses the pit of his arm.

This is my Jeremiah, Sara whispers back.

Sara continues to kiss him, working her way down to his belly button. She rubs the inside of his belly button with her tongue. Jeremiah’s body trembles with pleasure.

Chapter 4

Jeremiah arrives at his parent’s home. The large front yard is neat with green grass and covered with bushes and flowers. A large marble fountain sits in the middle of the front yard. Jeremiah’s father, David, is standing on the second-story balcony. He sees his son approaching. Martha is sitting in the room near the balcony.

Here is my beloved son, David speaks with a yearning look at Jeremiah. Martha, Martha, Jeremiah is here.

Martha, with a surprised loving expression, runs down to the living room. The servant opens the door and Jeremiah steps inside as Martha approaches him with her open arms. She wraps her arms around him.

Martha whispers into Jeremiah’s ear, My precious one, are you really here? Or am I dreaming?

Jeremiah looks into his mother’s eyes. Mom, I am here. I came to see you and tell you how much I love you more every day. Jeremiah holds her right hand to his teary face and gently kisses the palm of her hand. Your soul is inside of me, Mother. I need your blessing every second of my life.

Martha places her hand on his head and looks into his eyes. Bless you, my child, from any evil. I am the one who is blessed by having a beautiful son like you.

Martha and Jeremiah hug. David walks up and places his arms around them both. Welcome home, my son. This is where your heart belongs.

Tears fill their eyes.

Martha inspects Jeremiah. My dear one, let me look at you. You still look the same as the first time I laid my eyes on you, my cute little baby.

David interrupts, Martha, what are you saying? He’s a grown man, and he’s going to give me grandchildren very soon. David also looks at Jeremiah and pinches his chin. Cute baby.

Mom, Dad, what’s going on with you guys? You’re still buying me diapers or something? Be realistic, I came here to talk about my wedding ceremony with Sara. Let’s talk serious, not baby talk.

You’re staying for supper, my son? I’m going to prepare your favorite meal—

Stuffed chicken with rice, Jeremiah chimes in with his mother.

Please excuse me, gentleman. Let me start cooking the food for my two favorite people in the whole world. Martha rushes into the kitchen.

Would you like a drink, my son?

Yes if you don’t mind, Dad, the regular.

Please, please have a seat, my son. This is your house.

Jeremiah sits down on the couch facing the bar where his dad is fixing drinks for the two of them.

So how was your mission in that jungle over there? David prods.

Jeremiah says nothing.

David walks over with the two drinks. I was very worried about you, Jeremiah. He hands one over to Jeremiah. I was thinking every minute about you. What was happening? What were you doing?

Dad, when are you and Mom going to stop all this worrying and unnecessary stress on yourselves and me? I think about the two of you all the time, every minute of my life. I love the both of you so much. You’re the reason I’m here, and I’m very satisfied with myself thanks to you and—

You’ll never know what I’m saying and what I’m feeling until you have a child of your own. When you do, come look me in the eyes and tell me not to worry.

Jeremiah puts his arm around David. Thanks for being here, Dad.

From the dining room, Martha calls out, Dinner is ready, David.

Jeremiah and David put their arms around each other’s shoulders and walk into the dining room. The long table was set with candles in the middle with silverware and dishes at each seat.

Please have a seat, Jeremiah, David says.

Jeremiah sits at the table.

Mm … I can smell the good food, David continues as Martha enters the room with a large plate with chicken and rice. I mean your mother’s good cooking.

David stands up and kisses Martha on the cheek as she sets the plate down on the table. Jeremiah smiles tenderly at them as David pulls the chair out for her.

You know, my son, I’m enjoying this beautiful food the last fourty years of my life having Martha cooking for me.

You mean you married her because she’s a good cook only, Jeremiah interjects.

Okay, let’s eat, guys. Martha begins scooping the meal onto David’s plate.

Thank you, my darling.

Embarrassed, Martha glances at David. Jeremiah is here.

Jeremiah bursts out laughing. Stop playing teenagers, folks.

Oh, don’t remind me, my child. Those were the days when I met your beautiful mother. She has a radiant face, her beauty smacked me suddenly. Glancing at Martha, he asked, Were you seventeen or sixteen?

It’s not the right time to talk about it now.

Fine, fine, my dear wife. David looks wistful as he reminisces with Jeremiah. As I told you, those were the days. And you asked me if I married your mom because she’s a good cook. I tell you, yes, she used to cook for me. She used to smuggle for me from her parents’ house bagels and cheese. She would give them to me during the recreation time during school. She would hide behind a tree and wave to me. She would give me the food because she knew I was hungry.

Is that true, Mom? Martha turns red with embarrassment, her head falling down laughing.

Did you think David was cute?

Martha looks at David and nods. David looks at her and twirls his invisible mustache and raises his eyebrows up and down. They all burst into laughter.

So when a woman cooks for you, it means she’s hooked. Remember that, Jeremiah, all the time. You will say to yourself, this is the one. This is the one who is going to be a good mother for my children. You will know. You feel it deep inside you. That’s why I married your mother.

Jeremiah looks at him with admiration then looks at Martha.

God only knows how much I love you both. I’m very satisfied with myself as I am, thanks to you.

Martha looks at Jeremiah with tearful eyes. Oh, Jeremiah, when am I going to see your big day? Before I die?

Martha don’t worry, don’t worry. He’s here with us now. That’s all we need.

Actually, Dad, she’s right. I’m thirty-three now. It’s about time to settle down … settle down and think about that big day that Mom’s talking about.

You mean you want to get married?

Jeremiah swallows a piece of chicken and nods his head.

Thank you, Mom. It was so delicious.

Martha continues the conversation, Jeremiah, don’t change the subject. It’s true what you’re talking about?

Yes, Mom, it’s true, but I hope she’ll be beautiful like you.

Oh my beautiful darling.

Cut the crap you two, let’s talk about the serious thing. Tell me my son, who’s the lucky girl?

Actually, Dad, it’s funny that you ask that. She’s waiting in my car now.

Martha and David stop chewing their food. Martha looks at her son. Jeremiah, how embarrassing! How could you do this to us? Invite her in now.

David sits up and walks toward the front door. Jeremiah follows him.

Take it easy, Dad. Please sit down and finish eating your meal. I’ll go get her now, and she’ll be delighted to meet my two beautiful parents.

Jeremiah walks to the front door.

Martha whispers to David on the way back to the table, Oh my god, David! Where should I hide my face? It’s so embarrassing. We’re eating while the poor girl is in the car waiting.

Oh Martha, you know this is our Jeremiah. He always likes to surprise us in his own ways.

***

Jeremiah and Sara step through the front door and stop in the entryway. Oh, Jeremiah, I’m so nervous, Sara confides. She turns toward the door. Jeremiah grabs her by the hand and pulls her into the dining room. She walks in wearing her beautiful dress with her beautiful hair. She regains her composure and walks toward the table. Martha and David stare at Jeremiah and Sara.

Oh they are so beautiful! Martha is beaming.

David is stunned from Sara’s beauty and stands up. Welcome to the Loneberg house.

Dear parents, let me introduce with all respect to you my future wife, Sara.

Please, please have a seat. Join us for dinner. Martha is clearly excited to meet her future daughter-in-law.

David clears his throat. Another plate and silverware, Martha please?

Hustling to the kitchen, Martha mutters, Of course, of course.

Jeremiah pulls a chair out for Sara so she can be part of the family dinner gathering. Martha rushes back and places a plate and silverware down for Sara while examining her closely. Martha inspects all of Sara’s features—her hair, eyes, teeth, etc. The two smile at each other.

Hello, hello, Sara. May I ask your last name, your family? David is always curious about people and their families.

Yes, sir, my name is Sara McJohn.

McJohn? David looks at Jeremiah questioningly. I never heard of a McJohn. Jewish family?

Oh god, I knew this was going to happen. Jeremiah shakes his head in frustration.

Martha attempts to figure out the meaning of David’s question. Be serious, my child. You mean she’s not Jewish?

Jeremiah looks to his mom and dad and in a resigned tone replies, Yes, Mom and Dad, she’s not Jewish. She’s Catholic. She’s still Sara to me.

David’s chair falls to the floor as he stands up in anger.

I never thought you were going to disappoint me like this, Jeremiah. It’s in our family tradition, the Lonebergs! They should keep their blood pure!

Jeremiah stands to defend his love. But everything was fine. What’s going on around here?

Sara puts a reassuring hand on Jeremiah. Please, Jeremiah, calm down, calm down. Respect your parents in my presence please. Respectfully, she stands up. I’m pleased to meet you. Please excuse me.

Sara turns to leave; Jeremiah grabs her and steers her back to the table. Martha is comforting David.

With all my respect to you, Mom and Dad, this is my choice.

Martha still comforts David, looking at Jeremiah with blame.

David is stern, trying to get his anger under control. "Since when do you talk to me like this? This is disrespectful