Qisas: Another Thriller in the Sam and James Series

By AA Freda

As over five hundred parishioners make their way into the First Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, a white van with armed terrorists sits in the back of the parking lot. All are fanatics intent on carrying out a diabolical plan. But little do they know that James Coppi is sitting inside—waiting.  

In this fourth edition of the award winning Sam and James, the heroic team of Sam and James are propelled down another dangerous path. Will they be successful in ending another challenging chapter in their lives or will they make the ultimate sacrifice while trying?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781663212245

AA Freda

Among his works are award winners Goodbye Rudy Kazoody, A Police Action, and Sam and James A Test of Will. This latest work, Qisas is the fourth in the Sam and James series. As well as writing, AA enjoys racing thoroughbred horses. Among his other hobbies are hiking and shooting pool. AA lives in Easton, Connecticut a suburb of New York City, which allows him to stay in touch with the pulse of world affairs.

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Copyright © 2021 AA Freda.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by

any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue

in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-1221-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-1220-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-1224-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020923639

iUniverse rev. date: 03/10/2021

Contents

1   The Attack

2   The Hallelujahs

3   I Told You the Place Would Blow Up if I Showed

4   Qisas

5   Back Home on the Ranch

6   On the Hunt

7   Problems at Home

8   Building a Fortress

9   Eliminate the Hero

10   The Middle Eastern World, It is Exploding

11   A Princely Act

12   Kidnapped

13   The Demands

14   It’s All About the Timing

15   The Operation

16   Back Home

17   The Letter

18   Faakhir

19   Convincing a Killer

20   Telephone Calls

21   Face to Face

22   I’m Bugged!

23   October, the First Wave

24   A Bloody Nose

25   Time for Action

26   The Three Blondes

27   Settling the Score

28   It’s Sam’s Turn

29   The Fallout

30   The Inquiry

For my brother John, my dear friend Richie, and all those

who died too soon from the Covid-19 pandemic.

1

The Attack

A WHITE VAN WITH A Pibbs Boiler and Repair logo is parked at the back of the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Lubbock Texas. A mujahedeen fighter is sitting in the front passenger seat looking over at the main entrance of the building as the people file in—the families are dressed in their Sunday finest. He has been staring at the church intently for the past twenty minutes. Over five hundred parishioners have made their way into the building. He rubs his hand over his chin and heaves a sigh. His assignment is finally coming to an end—he will be back home with his family in Mirabad, Afghanistan soon.

Is it time yet Faakhir? The driver of the vehicle asks.

Faakhir glances at the clock on the dash—ten minutes to nine. Yes, Syed, it is time.

Faakhir turns to the four Palestinians huddled on the floor in the back of the van.

It’s time. Let’s go over the plan one final time.

Why? We know what to do! One of the men answers. Let’s get going!

Faakhir smiles warmly. Yes Youssef, I’m sure you do know what to do. But we have a little time, let’s go over the assignment once again. Tell me what you will be doing.

Youssef raises up on his knees. We enter the church. On our right, there are two openings to the assembly, I’m to take one and my brother Nahid will take the other. As soon as we’re in, we immediately start shooting.

Shoot the people nearest to you first, Faakhir says. That will discourage anyone from trying to take away your weapon.

Yes, I know, Youssef answers. After that we aim our fire at the exit doors on each side of the church. That will stop anyone from trying to escape.

Good, Faakhir says. Once that is done, you and your brother Nahid can simply go down the aisles and finish off the rest of the congregation. Most will be hiding under the benches.

He turns to another of the men. What about you Omar. You have the most dangerous job, certainly the most complicated.

I’m to go upstairs and eliminate any other people left in the building.

Faakhir nods. Don’t forget, the stairs to the second floor are at the end of the hall to your right. He looks over at the last of the men. What about you Walid?

Walid sits up. I’m to guard the front entrance in case the police are called. It’s also my job to make sure no one gets out of the church. While Youssef and Nahid are going up and down the aisles, they may miss someone. I’ll make sure nobody gets away.

Why do we need anyone to guard the front? Youssef calls out. "What are you going to be doing?"

I’ll be heading for the rendezvous spot where we’ll meet up after the mission is completed.

What do you mean, ‘meet up’? Youssef says. Aren’t you going to wait for us? Are you just going to leave us there?

Faakhir shakes his head. No, Youssef. Listen carefully. After the shooting starts, the authorities will be called, I’m certain. The police will try to come bursting through the front entrance. That’ll be their natural reaction. When Walid fires a couple of rounds at the incoming police, they’ll head back to the parking lot for cover. At that time, Walid needs to round you guys up, and you’ll make your escape through the back door at the other side of the building.

Syed and I will be waiting for you with the van at the back entrance. There’s no way you’ll be able to get out through the front with the police lying in wait. You’ll make your escape before the police have a chance to get to the back door.

Faakhir looks back at the church—a few congregants are making their way into the building. He turns back to the men. We better get going—I’ll get the weapons. Faakhir steps out of the vehicle and goes to the back of the van, opening the door and pulling out something wrapped in a blanket. He slides open the side door. Here, he says and hands the bundle to Youssef.

Youssef opens the blanket and lifts up one of the four rifles. He cocks the bolt and looks inside the chamber. Each of the three men reach over, grab a Kalashnikov, and follow the same procedure.

Reach back behind you . . . there’re four bags of ammo, Faakhir calls out. Each of you take a bag. There’s ten magazines in each sack. That’s over three hundred rounds for each of you—more than enough to wipe out the entire church.

The men reach back, and each takes a bag.

Strap the bag around your shoulder, Faakhir orders. Now reach back and grab the belts, Faakhir continues. Strap them around your stomach. Remember; nobody gets captured alive, if there’s any chance of being taken, you must press that button. To activate the bomb, just press on that button next to the buckle in the front.

Hey, Faakhir, how do you know the bomb will actually work? Youssef laughs. Shouldn’t you try the belt first?

Very funny, Youssef. Be careful not to press that button by accident. At least, don’t press the button ’til you’re very far away from the van and me.

Faakhir gets back into the front passenger seat and looks at the clock once more. Two minutes after nine.

Omar leans forward from the back seat. What are we waiting for? he asks. Let’s get this over with.

Patience, Brother Omar, patience. There’s plenty of time. I’m making sure that everyone gets in and is settled into their seats. We will go in at exactly ten after nine.

At ten after nine, Faakhir takes a final look around the parking lot and sees that the area is empty. All of the churchgoers are in the chapel. He smiles and turns to the men in the back. OK, it’s time. Everyone is inside, Faakhir says and looks over at the driver. Start her up, Syed. Drive up to the front.

Allah Akbar, he says to the men as they file out of the van at the main entrance of the church.

Allah Akbar, the men respond in kind as they exit the vehicle and head for the church.

Faakhir watches as the men enter the church and turns to Syed. Come on, start up the van. Let’s get out of here.

What…. about…. the men? Syed stammers.

Forget the men. I need to get out of Texas right away! You’re driving me down to Nuevo Laredo. From there, I’ll make my way back to Afghanistan. Come on, move! Let’s get out of here before the authorities close the border to Mexico.

Syed speeds the van out of the parking lot. A smile comes across Faakhir’s face as the sound of gunfire is heard coming from the church.

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James is sitting in a pew in the front of the amphitheater. He is still out of sorts. Because Sam insisted that he talk at the church, he will miss out on an important business matter in New York. He’s not paying attention to any of the services, simply going through in his head the speech he will give when called up. He vaguely notices his father in law the Reverend Powers walking up to the podium. Unexpectedly, he is startled back into the moment when the sound of gunfire resounds throughout the auditorium.

He turns and there are two men, one on each aisle, firing their rifles at the stage. Immediately he dives for cover under the bench. The automatic gunfire continues and his thoughts are trying to process his escape—cowering under the bench is no good. It will be only a matter of time before the gunmen get to the spot. There are people screaming in fear throughout the hall. The smell of gunpowder permeates through the air. He peers up and looks for the church exits on the side. Bodies are blocking the doors and the gunfire is aimed in that direction.

He notices a man trembling in the pew in back of him. The guy is holding a black semi-automatic revolver in his shaking hand. James crawls to the man and reaches for the pistol. The guy refuses to loosen his grip on the gun.

James gives the fellow an assuring smile. It’s okay, he whispers. You can let go—I know how to use the gun, I was in the army.

When the man still refuses to let go, James says. It’s our only chance. We must fight back. The gunmen will soon be upon us. Let me have the gun, I will use it.

The fellow releases his grip and James takes the pistol.

How many bullets does it hold? James asks.

Ten, he answers.

James, with gun in hand, crawls back under his bench. He’s waiting for a pause in the shooting, which, will happen when the killers have to reload. He’s targeting the assailant to his left. A moment later the gunfire stops and he hears an ammo clip hitting the floor. James quickly gets up from under the bench, rests his hands holding the pistol onto the back of the pew and aims to where he last saw the shooter. The man comes into view, James fires off two shots. The attacker drops. James ducks back down under the bench.

‘Youssef, Youssef!’ James hear shout, and he hears someone running. He peeks back up and sees a guy running on top of a bench toward the man he had just shot. Once again, he rests his hands on the back of the bench and takes aim. As soon as the man reaches his partner, James fires off two more shots. The second shooter drops.

He hears gunfire coming from somewhere upstairs, and he realizes that there are more gunmen in the building. James makes his way quickly to the two men he had just shot—he wants to get to the automatic rifles.

When he gets to the bodies, he reaches down to pick up the AK-47s. That’s when he notices that one man is wearing an explosive belt. He puts the pistol to the man’s head and fires, making sure that the guy is dead. He repeats the same process with the other corpse. He reaches down for the bag with the other magazines and straps it around his shoulder. Loaded with an automatic weapon and ammo, he’s ready to confront whoever is doing the shooting upstairs.

James let’s out a breath and notices a young boy huddled under the bench. He gives the child a comforting smile and says. Keep your head down.

As he is headed up the aisle, another shooter, with rifle in hand, pops into the entryway. James reaches for his rifle but the man fires first emptying an entire magazine at James.

2

The Hallelujahs

JESSICA, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF public relations at the Coppi Company, walks down the aisle toward the back of the company Boeing 727 jet that’s on its way to New York. She walks up to the lounge area of the plane where Sam, one of the company’s owners is reading a magazine. She takes a seat across from Sam, pushes back a lock of her black hair away from her face and crosses her long legs. Why are we doing the closing on a Sunday? Jessica asks and fixes her skirt.

Sam puts down the magazine on the coffee table in front of her. We weren’t supposed to. We were scheduled to close a few days ago, but the lawyers couldn’t get the documents ready in time. Anyway, the closing itself shouldn’t take long. The money for the deal has been wired and is sitting in escrow. James has already signed his share of the documents.

I can’t believe that James isn’t coming, Jessica remarks. We’re selling the fashion business, and he’s not here. A multimillion-dollar deal. I thought for sure that James would be here. Is he sick or something?

Kathy, James’s assistant and Sam’s lifelong friend, who is also sitting across from Sam asks, What happened, Sam? Is James all right?

Yeah, he’s fine. Something else came up.

Like what? Kathy asks. At the office, on Friday, James told me he was coming. What could be so important that he’d miss this closing?

Sam pauses for a moment and then smiles. James is giving a talk at my father’s church in Lubbock.

Really? Kathy asks and bursts out laughing. "That’s why James is missing this deal? How’d you rope him into doing that? James hates talking at your father’s church. Calls all the congregants a bunch of hallelujahs."

Yeah, I know. Sam says, laughing. "But this time I had enough. We had a full-blown, knockdown fight last night. I’m just tired of all his excuses, that’s all—I finally had enough. I’m sick and tired of how he keeps avoiding my father. My family came over during Easter, and James gave a pretext of an important business matter and just disappeared.

James hasn’t seen my father in over a year. James promised my dad a month ago that he would speak at the church, but then he tried to wiggle out of this one, too. It’s only one day. Not even one day—just a morning. It’s the least that James can do. Even this morning he carried on. His last words to me before he left were, ‘don’t blame me if the church blows up when I show my face.’

Well, I’m not going to be in the office on Monday, Kathy says. "James will be in such a foul mood."

Just Monday? Jessica says. I’m taking a week’s vacation. It’ll take James at least that long to get over going to Lubbock and giving a talk at the church.

Yeah, well—stop complaining, ladies, Sam says. I’ve got to live with the guy.

Amen to you, Kathy laughs.

What about this deal? Jessica asks. Are you happy to be selling the fashion line? I thought you guys were going to wait for a while and let the business grow.

"We were going to wait, Sam answers. But Henry Greenwald approached James about selling his railroad to us. The purchase of the railroad is something that we just can’t turn down. It’s a really great opportunity. James felt that running all these businesses would just be too much for us.

That’s why we hired Vernon Dixon, she continues. Vernon is going to be running the day-to-day operations of all the remaining companies. James and I are going to concentrate on the strategic planning. Running the fashion company would be too much of a headache for us.

What’s going to happen to Penelope? Kathy asks. What do you think she’s going to do?

James and I came up with a plan for her. Penelope is coming over to our hotel this afternoon. Hopefully, she’ll like what we’re offering her.

Who is Penelope? Jessica asks Kathy.

Penelope is Henry Greenwald’s granddaughter, Kathy answers. She was James’s first case, back when he worked as a private detective.

Was that the teenager who was kidnapped and then rescued by you guys? Jessica asks Sam.

Yes. She was only fourteen at the time, Sam answers. Ever since that rescue, James and I have grown very fond of Penelope and have looked after her welfare. We gave her a job as a fashion designer, and she really took to the job. She’s designed some of the most successful lines.

Vernon Dixon and Maxwell, the firm’s legal counsel, come walking back from the front of the plane. Samantha, may we speak to you? Maxwell asks.

Girls, can you excuse me? Sam says to the women, who get up and leave. Vernon and Maxwell take the ladies’ seats.

OK, guys—what’s up? Sam asks.

Maxwell is a little concerned about this performance clause that the other side has inserted into the agreement, Vernon tells her.

Sam looks at Maxwell. What’s bothering you, Maxwell? What don’t you like about the provision? I’m told that it’s a standard clause in this type of deal.

"It’s too vague, Samantha. The other party is holding five million dollars in escrow for five years. The money will be released to you at the end of that period—provided you have kept up your end of the bargain. They’ve inserted language like ‘they expect you to make personal appearances,’ you ‘need to be available for interviews,’ and so forth.

I’d like to tighten the language a bit. You know—precisely how many personal appearances do they expect? How many interviews? And so on. Have the other party specify exactly what they expect. What do you say? Do you want me to make that demand?

Maxwell, did you speak to James about this problem? Sam asks. What did James say?

James said he likes the section being vague. James doesn’t want you tied to any formula. What if you can’t keep up with the requirements of the agreement? ‘If it’s vague,’ James said, ‘we can always argue that the other side is being unreasonable.’

What’s wrong with what James is saying? Sam asks. Isn’t that better?

It leaves too much in doubt—I just feel that it’s going to create a problem down the road when we try to collect our money, Maxwell says and then pauses for a moment. What do you say? Do you want me to tighten up the contract?

No, leave it as it is. Maxwell, let’s go over some of the other requirements in this deal. Like the noncompete clause.

The noncompete clause? Vernon jumps into the conversation. What’s wrong with the noncompete? Are you planning on going back into the business?

No, Vernon, I’m not, Sam says with a smile. I’ve had enough of running a fashion business for now.

Well, if you’re not going back in the business, then what’s your concern, Samantha? Maxwell asks.

If I lend someone money and that someone starts a fashion business, am I violating the agreement?

Is that person a competitor of our fashion business right now? Maxwell asks.

No, she’s not.

Do you have knowledge that she’s going to use the money to start a competing business? Maxwell asks, continuing to probe. In other words, why are you lending this person the money?

Maxwell, can you excuse us for a few minutes? Vernon says. I’d like to speak to Samantha alone for a moment.

After Maxwell leaves, Vernon turns to Sam. "What’s up, Sam? What’s this all about? What do you and James have in mind? Don’t forget, Sam; this is an eighty-million-dollar deal. You and James own eighty percent of the company. Your cut is sixty-four million.

In addition to your cut, you have a licensing agreement that gives you two percent of all sales. That’s at least another two million a year, based on last year’s sales. The ‘no compete’ clause is a very important part of this deal. I hope you guys fully understand the consequences if you break that part of the agreement.

Sam smiles. We know that, Vernon—that’s why I’m asking questions about it.

All right; let me see if I can help you. Vernon looks around and lowers his voice. Tell me what the loan is all about.

We want to lend Penelope Campos half a million to start her own business.

Are you guys going to get a cut of the action?

Not immediately. Penelope may cut us in down the road.

Vernon rubs his chin. What’s your relationship with Penelope? Are you guys friends—I mean, do you trust her?

Yes, of course! Penelope is completely trustworthy.

Here’s my suggestion, Vernon says. He leans forward a little more, looks around once again, and lowers his voice. Lend her the money. No strings attached. And certainly, don’t make it a condition that she use the money to start a fashion business. At least—don’t let anybody know that the purpose of the money is to start a fashion line. Then, when the noncompete agreement expires, go back and have a talk with her about a partnership. Don’t do it before then.

Sam smiles.

Thank you, Vernon. Thanks for the advice.

Vernon gets up and walks away. He goes a few steps and turns back around. No more discussions about this with anyone except Miss Campos, please.

Sam smiles. Yes, Vernon, I understand.

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Penelope, I do believe you’ve gotten even more beautiful than when I last saw you, Sam says to the young woman sitting across from her in the hotel room. And you dyed your hair! You’re a platinum blonde now.

Penelope sips her mineral water and smiles. Yes, I did. This is the second time in three months that I changed my color. I tried dyeing it strawberry blonde, like you, but that didn’t work, my hair turned all red. I’m not thrilled with this color either. Maybe I’ll just go back to my natural color, ash blonde. But what’s up, Sam? You’re not really interested in my hair. Why are you buttering me up?

You must have heard that we’re selling the business.

Yes, I heard—I was wondering when you and James would get around to speaking to me.

All right—let’s have that talk. What are you going to do after we sell? Are you staying with the new company? You’re quite good; I’m sure they’d keep you.

No, I’m not staying, Sam. Penelope looks away and is quiet. She turns back to Sam. I don’t like working with the Cinelli brothers. Don’t get me wrong—the brothers are quite talented. But I’m just not comfortable working with those guys, especially now that I won’t have you to act as a buffer between me and them.

What are you going to do? Sam asks. Don’t you like designing women’s clothes anymore?

Sam, I love what I do—in fact, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ll take some time off and see what I can come up with. I’ve got some money saved. There’s no pressure on me to make a quick decision.

Why don’t you start your own line? You know—start your own company.

Start my own company? Penelope asks and laughs. Are you losing it, Sam? I know nothing about running a business. Besides, where would I get the money? I’ve got a little money saved up, but nothing like I would need to start a company.

How about your grandfather, Henry? I’m sure he’d give you the money.

No! I’m sorry, Sam—I wouldn’t feel right asking Pop Pop for the money.

Sam leans over. Why not, Penelope? Your grandfather has more than enough. You’d need only five hundred thousand—a drop in the bucket for Henry. It’s your legacy. The money would eventually come to you, anyway.

No. I’m sorry, Sam, Penelope says, shaking her head. I wouldn’t feel right asking for that. If the business failed, I would feel awful that I lost his money.

Sam sits back in her chair and smiles.

How about if James and I lend you the money?

You? Penelope’s eyes widen. You’d give me money to start a company that would compete against yours? Why?

Sam waves her hand dismissively. "Don’t be ridiculous. You’re not our competition. The fashion world is big enough for both of us. However, if we do lend you the money, you can’t tell anyone. You need to let everyone believe that it’s your grandfather that helped you out.

The contract I’m signing this afternoon has a ‘no compete’ clause, Sam continues. I don’t mind your getting into the business and competing against me, but I’m sure the new buyers wouldn’t take too kindly to my helping you out.

What about the fact that I know nothing about running a business? Penelope argues. You’d probably lose your investment in two days.

You have access to one of the best minds when it comes to starting up companies. I’m sure James would be very helpful to you. He absolutely loves you—looks out for you like you’re his little sister.

That’s true—I know he’s very fond of me, she smiles wistfully. I’ve known that ever since he rescued me from that monster who kidnapped me when I was a little girl.

Well—is it a go?

What do you guys get out of this? Would you be my partners?

Silently, Sam whispers. "And I do mean silently. No one must ever know."

All right, Penelope smiles broadly. If you’re my partners, it’s a deal. But first, I’m taking some time off. Maybe a month—maybe even two. Get myself recharged. I’m excited, Sam. Thank you, and thank James. As always, you guys have come through for me.

All right, honey, Sam says, standing up. We’ll talk some more when you’re ready to get started. There’s no rush—take your time. As soon as you’re set, give me a call. Sam looks at the clock. I better start getting ready—I’ve got to get downtown for the closing.

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Sam looks at the clock after she returns to her hotel suite that night. Ten thirty! I can’t believe the closing took so long, she says out loud.

I was beginning to wonder if we’d ever get finished, Kathy says. That damn lawyer of theirs was so picky. Kept changing every little thing.

Well, it’s done now, Jessica says. And you and James are a whole lot richer. What do you say? Should we order a bottle of champagne to celebrate? Are you going to spring for a bottle, Sam? Spend a little bit of that money.

Yeah, Sam says with a smile. It’s worth celebrating. Call room service. She pauses and frowns. I wonder why James hasn’t called? That’s not like him. He’s usually very curious. I’m going to take a quick shower, and I’ll join the celebration when I get out. If James calls, come and get me—I need to speak to him.

After Sam heads to the bathroom, Jessica walks to the phone. Kathy, turn on the television, Jessica says as she dials room service. It’s time for the nightly news. Let’s see what’s going on with the rest of the world.

Kathy is standing in front of the television when Jessica finishes ordering the champagne. Kathy’s eyes are glued to the set.

What’s up? Jessica asks. What’s so interesting?

Kathy points to the set. "Look!"

The death toll has reached thirty-eight, the newscaster says. "At least eighty-three others have been wounded, many in critical condition. The death toll could go even higher. There are many people still unaccounted for.

Some of the casualties are children who were there for Sunday school. The situation is very confusing and chaotic. The Lubbock hospitals have been flooded with victims since the shooting this morning at the First Baptist Church.

Jessica turns to Kathy. Isn’t that the church where James was supposed to speak?

Yes, it was. Kathy runs toward the bathroom. I’ve got to tell Sam. She knocks on the bathroom door. Sam, open up. It’s important.

There’s no answer. The shower is running. Kathy opens the door and walks in. The bathroom is foggy from the steam. Sam is showering behind the sliding glass doors. Kathy bangs on the glass. Sam, I need to speak to you.

Sam slides open the door a crack and peeks out. Christ, Kathy, you banged so hard, you nearly gave me a heart attack.

Towel yourself off and come on out, Sam. I need to speak to you. It’s important! Kathy scurries out of the bathroom before Sam can ask any questions.

Sam walks out after a moment wearing a white robe, still dripping wet. What’s wrong?

Jessica pushes her down into a chair and squats in front of her. There was a shooting at the church this morning in Lubbock—the church where James was due to speak.

Sam turns pale.

What happened? Where’s James? Is he all right?

We don’t know, Jessica answers. A lot of people were hurt.

Sam stands up and walks quickly to the phone. I’ve got to call my father.

The phone rings as she’s about to make the call. Sam lifts the receiver. Hello?

The shaky voice on the line says, Sam, it’s your dad.

Dad, are you all right? What happened? Where’s James?

"I’m fine, dear. There was a shooting at the church today. Gunmen came in and began shooting up the church. I was able to