“Party pooper,” pouted Kruger, who was enjoying the attention. “All I get at the Gray Lady are sourpusses and anger from the young turks. They all want to change the world and don’t understand these things take time.”
“They might get to see an acceleration in their dreams,” said Sophia. She led them to the dining room. “Please, get comfortable. I’ll have the staff serve our lunch, and then I plan on dismissing them. What we have to discuss cannot be overheard.”
“Very mysterious,” said Cyrus.
With the waggle of a single extended finger, Sophia ignored him and left for the kitchen. Minutes later, their salads and meals were served. Alone, Sophia got right to the point.
“In the coming days, there will be an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan. All intelligence chatter and evidence will point to the Iranians as being the instigator. In the past, they’ve accused the CIA of operating a spy operation out of Baku, using the Caspian Sea as a gateway into Northern Iran.”
Kruger set her fork down and wiped her mouth. “I take it our people will be behind the attack.”
“Yes.”
Cyrus appeared puzzled. “Then why point the finger at Tehran? We’ve worked closely with them in the past and profited mightily as a result.”
Kruger was unsure of the strategy as well. “This will put the president in an awkward position since he successfully negotiated a new nuclear nonproliferation deal with them.”
Sophia sat back in her chair and raised both of her hands. “Your reaction is expected and not surprising. First, let me reassure you that Tehran is still a vital strategic partner of Odessa. When the time comes, through the proper channels, they will be advised on how to respond to the international outcry expected to be hurled their way. A rogue element of Hamas operating in Northern Iran. Tehran will take steps to ferret out the culprits and eliminate them. It will provide the mullahs an opportunity to gain favor in the international community.”
“The world markets will roil,” said Cyrus. “Geopolitical instability is bad for business, including ours.”
“Understood,” said Sophia. “However, we have learned to make handsome profits in times of turmoil, have we not?”
“Well, yes. But—”
Sophia cut him off. “And, Gordon, how often do you get a thirty-six-hour advance notice of a major event so you can position our assets appropriately?”
“Rarely,” he replied. “With the volatility in our country of late, I’ve developed a methodology alongside an effective bootstrapping test to evaluate the impact of terrorist attacks on the markets. Generally speaking, the impact of terrorist attacks on market volatility lasts about three weeks. Based upon the nature of the attack, we could move into liquid assets, gold and other precious metals. Then, with proper timing, we can butt back into the market to take advantage of panicked sell-offs.”
Kruger had lost her appetite and pushed her plate forward toward the center of the table. “What are we talking about here, Sophia?”
“There is going to be a chemical weapons attack on the embassy in Baku. The splinter group of Hamas will eventually crow about it on YouTube and social media, taking full responsibility.”
“Bioterror is one of the most effective ways of frightening the populace,” Cyrus commented. “People can wrap their heads around a biological agent better than something like a nuke.”
“What do they plan to use?” asked Kruger.
“Sarin gas.”
“Holy shit!” exclaimed Cyrus. “Where did we, um, I mean they get it? Nobody has used that stuff since—”
“Tokyo in ’95.” The editor of the Times finished his sentence. “Well, maybe a few times in Syria although it was never confirmed.”
Sophia finished her lunch and took a sip of water. “This will be the first in a series of attacks, Cyrus. The financial moves you make should be both defensive and anticipatory. By that, I mean protect us from the anticipated volatility in the markets and the sudden collapse in values. Then be prepared to reinvest upon my signal.”
“Okay, I can quietly set those plans in motion today.”
Sophia turned to Kruger. “There will be leaks out of the Pentagon and the State Department. I need a couple of investigative reporters to handle them. We want to control the messaging so nobody looks in a direction we don’t want them to. Remy will help in that regard as well.”
Krueger understood the request. “I have two people in mind. They don’t do anything without my nod of approval.”
“Good,” said Sophia with a smile. “We’ve risen from the ashes, and our time is now. We will strike again and again until we’ve accomplished our goals. Please be ready, my friends. Exciting times await.”
Chapter Twelve
Lyon G. Tyler Department of History
William & Mary University
Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, sat at the epicenter of American History. Founded in 1632 as a plantation settlement perched high above the James and York Rivers, Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony and instrumental in the events leading to the American Revolution.
The Historic Triangle, consisting of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, was full of living history to explore. Connected by the Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg and its leading university, William & Mary, provided visitors the opportunity to learn more about America’s founding.
Professor Kala Bale, a professor of history focusing on World War II, had devoted her career to the subject of the Nazis’ rise to power and the ultimate demise of the Third Reich. Her books had been published worldwide in multiple languages, and she was often called upon to be a guest lecturer or to be interviewed for documentaries.
She was Italian-American, as her great-grandparents were both born and raised in Italy. Initially, her field of study was Vatican history, but her curiosity had been piqued when she learned of the relationship between some in Rome and the Nazi Party. This led her to her present core teaching curriculum.
She waited in her lecture hall alone
