Love and Death in The Philippines: A Love and Death Mystery & Political Espionage Novel

By Hal Graff

Love And Death In The Philippines 

A Love And Death Mystery 

& Political Espionage Novel 

Volume 25 

     Welcome to the twenty-fifth exciting episode of

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harold Graff II Publishing
• Release date: Nov 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962730754

Hal Graff

Dr. Hal Graff holds a doctorate in business administration. He is a native of Gibson City, Illinois. Hal is a proud father and grandfather. To date, he has published 104 books, including 96 novels. He has published over 6 million 900,000, words.

Book preview

Prologue

HAROLD GATEWOOD SAT IN THE CHAIR IN the corner of Susana Richards’ hospital room and wondered about what his life had become. He had been a former professional baseball player who had accidently become a mythical hero by being in the right place at the right time while he mounted his two comebacks to the major leagues.

It had started in San Toro de Lidia, Spain when he had gone to fulfill a boyhood dream and watch the Running of the Bulls. While there, he had helped the police catch a serial killer named Zigor Kerbasi, who was also a member of the AIO terrorist group who tried to blow up the Plaza de Heroes bullring, and kill thousands of people in a demand for Basque freedom and independence.

For his heroics, he had been honored by the King of Spain. Gatewood remembered the words that had been spoken, which had sounded very ironic as he had only done what any decent man would have done in those circumstances.

I, King Alfonso IV, by special order, and with the appreciation of our great citizens of Spain, award you, Harold Gatewood, the Legion of Distinguished Honor, Order of Bravery, for your actions in the saving of many lives of our citizens and visitors, the prevention of the terrorist attack on, and destruction of, our cultural landmark, the Plaza de Heroes, in San Toro de Lidia, and your assistance in solving the San Toro de Lidia Murder Spree cases.

He had then continued his comeback, working as a baseball scout in Cuba while he recovered from arm and shoulder surgery. While in Havana, he had uncovered a plot to assassinate the new Cuban President, Alberto Alvaro Bertalina. The coup would allow the anti-American political faction take over the government. He had been in the right place once again and had saved Bertalina’s life.

His Cinderella story of good fortune had continued unabated as he made his baseball comeback and helped American interests in fighting political espionage in other terrorist hot spots across the globe, again accidently being in the right place at the right time.

He had been forced to end his baseball career when he had been shot on the field by former Basque AIO terrorist National Commander Ekain Koldo in Phoenix, Arizona.

He had joined the CIO to help fight terrorism on a part-time basis. He had been asked by the CIO to help on several missions due to his contacts with the world leaders he had met and befriended, including his ex-father-in-law Guo Gang, the president of China, and the father of his one true love in life, Akemi Gang, who, along with their son Tai, had been murdered.

His diligent work, and positive results, for the CIO had led to his joining the spy agency on a full-time basis, where he had developed into one of their most productive field operatives. He had continued to good work, and to build upon his reputation as a hero.

He had been honored by the King of France for his heroism in preventing Paris’ destruction by stopping the United Syrian Freedom Fighters, the USFF, in their attempt to set off a dirty bomb that would have killed millions of people. He had laughed at the similarities of the speeches given by the kings of Spain and France.

I, President Gerald Lothaire of France, by special order, and with the appreciation of our great citizens of France, award you, Harold Gatewood, the Ordre de Bonapart, Bravoure Honorifique Civile, for your actions in the saving of many lives of our citizens and visitors, the prevention of the terrorist attack on, and destruction of, our cultural landmark, the Louvre, in Paris, and your assistance in solving the pompe sale, dirty bomb attack on our country.

Of all the names on his growing list of enemies who wanted his scalp, he was, rightfully so, most afraid of the USFF. He had escaped their attacks on his life several times, but was always on the lookout for another assassination attempt.

He closed his eyes and thought about his most recent mission. After returning from his dangerous mission in the Rome, Gatewood had enjoyed time with his long-time love Susana Richards, the third most dangerous assassin in the world. During her stay, she delivered news to him that would change their lives forever. She had become pregnant with twins.

After getting over the shocking news, had bad become overjoyed with the thought of having two new additions, the children he had always wanted. He also had looked forward to settling down with Susana. Their path to a close relationship had been twisted, and strange, but it had worked, and they loved each other.

When threats of new terrorist acts broke out in the British Isles, the CIO had sent him to Ireland to meet with Shamus Conri, leader of the Irish Order of Workers For Freedom And Independence, the IOFFI. From Ireland, he had gone to Scotland to talk with Conall Blair, the head of the Scottish Patriots For Independence and Freedom, the SPFIF, and then to Wales to meet Einion Cryfder, who headed the Welsh Independent Sovereignty Alliance Movement, the WISAM. His efforts had produced mixed results.

He had then headed to London to work with the Prime Minister of England, Kendrick Haven, Head of National Security, Baldwin Dana, and London Mayor Ihab Nima on plans to address the exploding terror acts in the British Isles.

In London, he had met the beautiful Cindy Almas, and they had enjoyed a whirlwind affair. The USFF and the One World For All organization, the OWFA, were also in London, and wanted to use their sadistic killers to eliminate him,, and create terror and death for thousands of English citizens.

The mission had been difficult, and had caused him to think about his life, and what he wanted for the future. In true USFF fashion, they had been worthy adversaries. He closed his eyes and remembered how the mission had taken a dangerous turn when he had encountered the USFF at the masque in London. He cringed at the memories.

Chapter 1

The London Experience

March 10

AS HE SAT IN THE CHAIR IN SUSANA RICHARDS’ hospital room, Gatewood’s mind processed the horrors of dealing with the USFF in London. He recalled how terrorist plot had been developed.

Muslim Iman Tabassum Marham had attended to his duties at the masque, had then walked to his private dining room, and after praying, had prepared for a private meeting and lunch with USFF operative Halim Rasul, who had been staying in the masque to prevent being recognized as a terrorist on English soil in London.

The sanctuary provided by the masque had allowed Rasul to carry out his training of two other USFF terrorists, Abdel Nour and his sister, for the mission in London. Rasul told Marham that the two other USFF agents had been making nice progress in their training, and were almost ready for the mission.

The three agents had made a trial run, performing all of the acts of the mission except the actual detonation of the bomb that would kill up to fifteen-hundred-fifty people, and create havoc that might lead to countless other deaths in London.

While Abdel Nour had been programed to become a martyr for the USFF cause, his sister was a concern for Rasul, as she did not seem to have the total commitment to the USFF’s cause that her brother had accepted without reservation. The young woman seemed to be concerned with worldly matters, and Rasul was concerned that she might not follow through with her part of the mission. Her indecision might derail the mission.

He had decided to put her to a test to make sure she had the grit and determination to follow the plan that would advance the USFF’s agenda. She had passed the test, but Rasul still sensed a hesitation in the young woman. He had asked Iman Tabassum Marham to have Abdel and his sister’s father come to the mission so he might have the opportunity to talk with him.

The elder Nour arrived, exchanged greetings, and then prayed. Rasul then spoke, Mr. Nour, please be honest with me. Do you think that your daughter has the dedication to Allah to follow through on a mission that the USFF has mapped out here in London?

I do. She is not as outgoing or animated as her brother Abdel, bus she is a determined young lady who was taught to honor her commitments, especially to Islam. She can be counted on to perform as instructed.

Have you noticed any change in your daughter?

Yes, she has been very happy in the last two-and- one-half weeks, the happiest I have ever seen here. Once in a while she goes the other way, being very despondent, feeling down and troubled. But, she bounces back very quickly.

How many days a week does this occur?

Two days a week.

Are the despondent periods following a set schedule?

Yes, like clockwork.

What is different on those days?

She stays with us to see her mother and I.

Where does she stay the other five nights?

At her apartment.

Do you find that strange?

No, not really. I think she is just a self-reliant young woman, and staying with us breaks her lifestyle pattern.

Have you talked with her about it?

Yes. She has said that it is a change that requires her to get up much earlier, as she has about twice as far a distance to get to work when she stays with us.

Alright, I think she will be fine for the mission. If she is losing sleep and traveling much further to work, then that is probably the reason. Try to convince her to get more sleep when she stays with you and your wife. I thank you for coming to the masque to talk with me. You have been very helpful.

Rasul was satisfied that Abdel’s sister was still an acceptable operative for the mission. He would have both of them ready in a few more days.

Later, a phone call had come in to Halim Rasul, from Damascus. Ala Al-Din, leader of the USFF inner circle and the main council of the organization spoke to Rasul, How is the mission progressing Halim?

I believe it is in good shape at this point. The two operatives have almost mastered the training required to successfully carry out the mission. Abdel Nour has shown great dedication to the cause, and has been a loyal soldier for Allah. I think he will go far in the organization. He is a rising star.

What about his sister? Does she share his dedication?

She is struggling because she has one foot in our cause, and one foot in the modern world. She shows flashes of brilliance, but needs to make a full commitment to the USFF’s purpose. She makes great progress then slides backwards. She comes from good, strong Islamic stock, and will be fine once she puts the modern world in the rear view mirror. She is a diamond in the rough.

Will she be ready for the mission?

Yes, she is on the edge of a breakthrough. I invited her father to the masque recently to discuss how he can help us have her make a total commitment. He says that she has been staying with them two nights a week, which causes her to lose sleep and travel an extra distance to work. I think the father is concerned about her commitment, but was afraid to discuss it with me for fear of reprisal.

Have you set the date for the mission?

I am almost ready to do that. I am going to have Abdel and his sister come to the masque, visit with Iman Tabassum Marham reaffirm with them how to live a life dedicated to Allah. I think that they will accept the mission whole heartedly.

Halim, how are you doing? Are you comfortable with the mission?

Truthfully, I have been thinking about my own life. We have been with the USFF since we were boys. We have fought man battles for Allah, and have always been loyal soldiers. I want to ask you a question.

Please do so Halim.

Have you ever regretted the fact that you might have done something else with your life?

No, I am happy with my life. It has been a great honor to serve Allah. What is bothering you?

I am honored to serve the USFF also. But, I wonder how my life would be different if I had not joined the movement. I have no wife, no children, no family. I know I will go to see Allah when I die, but I have really enjoyed no personal joy in my life. It is if I have never been born, or made a mark on the world up to this point.

You will make your mark in the world when you lead your two soldiers on the upcoming mission.

I know. I do not mean to be blasphemous to Allah, but I had hoped for some personal joy in my life. If I am to make my mark with this mission, then I will do it. I will always be a good soldier for the cause. I do not mean to sound weak, but I wanted to speak with you about this so I could purge it from my mind. Please do not think less of me for bringing it up with you.

"I would never do that Halim. You will have your moment in the sun with this mission, and you will be rewarded in the afterlife.

All of the members of the council have total faith in you. We could not have picked a better man to accomplish the upcoming task."

Thank you. I will not fail.

After the conversation, Ala Al-Din had clicked off his phone. Halim Rasul had sat quietly, thinking about his boyhood when he was happy. He had loved his home country of Syria. He was a good student in the madrassas and learned the prayers and teachings of Islam’s leaders.

He had then become interested in the USFF, and became an operative, who was willing to give up his life for the cause. Soon, he would perform that task again, and trust his life with two new operatives, one who had total dedication, and one whose hesitation might cost all of them their lives.

He had not told Abdel and his sister that the mission was much more dangerous than he had led them to believe. In fact, it could be classified as a suicide mission. He had wondered why he was chosen to lead the operation. It had finally dawned on him that he was replaceable, and a man no one would miss if he perished in the line of duty.

He had his fears, and this mission had brought them to the forefront of his mind. He had struggled with his mortality since he had arrived in London, and had convinced himself that if had to die, he would take many infidels with him. He had been ordered to also kill Harold Gatewood if he had the opportunity to do so. He would love to do just that if he was given the chance.

Tabassum Marham had walked into the room where Rasul stayed and where he had spoken to Ala Al-Din. Marham spoke, "I know what you are feeling Halim. I have felt that way myself until I realized my destiny was to serve the USFF