Chapter 1: The
meeting…
Lara: The very
attractive, smart young lady from a prominent business family in Seville University of Granada
Ignatius: The handsome,
smart young lad, son of a fine carpenter and craftsman from a small town,
Gador. He works part time at a ski shop in winter and he helps his father in
his work as an assistant carpenter and craftsman.
This is their
story.
December: The
Beginning
Sierra Nevada, Granada , Andalusia Spain
The air was thin and
chilling cold. Flakes of snow was starting to fall. It was winter. Lara was
skiing with her friends at “The ski resort”. Ignatius was working part time at the ski shop
in the morning at that time when Lara’s friend Adel was looking for a new ski.
Lara never wanted to leave her friend alone came along.
Ignatius was
fixing a broken ski from a customer didn’t see the two young ladies
approaching.
Adel: “Where can we
get a good ski here?”
“At the shop,”
Ignatius only seeing Adel said in reply “Just go straight and turn right on the
first corner. You’ll see it from there.”
“What are you doing?
It is very cold out here…” a beautiful voice asked.
Ignatius sensing it
was another person acknowledge, “A young kid crashed on the ice and broke the
straps of his ski. He was lucky he didn’t break his neck. Yes It is very cold
out here. It is minus 10 today but sometimes it can go as much as minus 27.”
He looped his head and
then he was dumbfounded. He never saw such a lovely young lady in his life. She
was looking at his eyes. He was looking at hers…It was eternity.
“You are a very
beautiful” Ignatius interrupted his heart pounding.
“Thanks.” replied
Lara.
Adel a few steps ahead
called Lara “Let’s go. I’m very excited to ski.”
“I guess we’re going.”
Lara said to Ignatius
“Yes! Take Care…”
Lara affirmed with a
smile. Then she went away fading in the snow.
For the first time
Ignatius felt so different with someone. There was something about Ignatius
that filled Lara’s soul that day.
January: “The winter
chill …”
The snow started to
melt. And trees were showing signs of green leaves. Christmas and New Year
passed-by like a wind. Skiing season will soon be over. They never saw each
other since that first meeting.
Edmund, son of a
wealthy business man courted Lara. He has been courting her for almost a year.
They have been out together for a couple of times before. Both of their
families are very close. They have the same circle of friends. Edmund’s father
has been a partner in one of Lara’s family’s real estate companies. It is not
difficult for Lara and Edmund to fall in love with each other.
Edmund a very educated
young man, graduated management cum laude at the University of Barcelona Madrid
"What’s wrong
with you Lara? You seem odd lately.” Adel asked Lara at school.
Christmas break was
over and classes are now resumed.
“Nothing…” Lara
retorted.
“Are you thinking
about that guy at the ski shop? He was cute…but he is not for you.” Isabel
butted.
“Why?” countered Lara
“You are too rich and
beautiful for him. He is just a son of a carpenter. He and his Dad fixed the
ceiling at the house” Isabel echoed
Lara was
silent. Love is quiet when hurt if it is true.
Gador, Andalusia .
Everyday Ignatius was
thinking about Lara. His blood has been filled with a weird feeling. His heart
was excited He wished he asked her name. He wished he asked where she lived. He
wished so many things. He was restless.
Francisco and Henry
just landed at the Port
of Almeria Alboran
Sea in the Mediterranean . “Ignatius!
Come to the house tomorrow let’s have some Rioja! It’s my birthday!” Henry said
who will turn 24. Spain Spain
“How’s fishing?
Thought you will never make it back…” Ignatius jokingly echoed
“We were very lucky!
Mackerel, sea bass, big toothed pampano, bonito (striped tuna), giant pikes
(barracuda), blue fish, spotted bass, swordfish… you name it.” Francisco
smilingly said.
“Good catch this
week.”
Henry gestured in
approval.
“I guess we will have
a happy birthday tomorrow” Ignatius happily replied.
“We brought some
bonito’s and mackerels for your Mama and Papa.” Henry generously said.
“Muchos Gracias!”
Ignatius, gratefully accepting their kindness.
“See you tomorrow. And
‘Feliz Cumpleaños’ to your Papa!” said the two, then faded away.
Henry and Ignatius
Father celebrates’ the same birthday. The Mediterranean, although a paradise
for fishermen, is best known for swordfish fishing and it is immortalized in several
Hollywood films.
February: “Destiny, they say, will find a way…”Bartolomeo Del Pino,
the billionaire from Seville Europe .
He owns 14 of Spain
February 6. Weeks passed and Lara thoughts of Ignatius dwindled back
to reality. She and Edmund were now together. “They were a perfect match,” so
everyone thought. Edmund brought Lara to places. They went from the Prado Museum
in Madrid, which boasts the greatest in Spanish art from Velasquez and Goya to
Picasso and Dali; to Gaudi’s architecture, the streets of La Rambla, Sagrade de
Familia, and cathedral in Barcelona; to Christopher Columbus tomb, the
Cathedral and Giralda’s tower in Seville; to the rugged northern coast in Picos
de Europa.; to the castles in Aragon and Castile. He gave her the most
expensive of jewels that is worthy of kings and queens; dined in the finest
cuisines. It was perfect.
February 6. Gador, Almeria , Andalusia . Ignatius was
celebrating his 25thbirthday at home with his family and friends. They were
having deliciously cooked Paella, Callos and Lengua by his Mama and Papa. Niraj
and Santosh, just came from Nepal Valencia Catalonia
Ignatius Father was
beginning to make his masterpiece. But he was getting old. He knew his son was
an excellent craftsman. Ignatius was carving since he was seven while watching
his father at his workshop. Ignatius carved the image of the Holy Family while
he was fifteen and the Christ crucified while he was 17 and it was among the
best. He knew Ignatius could make what he could do while he was younger. He
knew Ignatius is capable of making a fine piece of art. He decided to let
Ignatius do the daughter’s portrait instead. When Ignatius received the
picture of the billionaires daughter, it was the young lady at the ski resort.
It was Lara.
“When you have talent,
you can make great things. When you do things with love, you can make a
masterpiece…” And so it was.
Eduardo Ortega, one of
Barcelona
Eduardo Ortega picked
up the phone and called his broker in the US
"around 15
million US dollars sir…” the broker paused in silence and said , “do you want
to bail this oneout sir?”
“How long do you think
this crisis would end?” Eduardo echoed, trying to calm his tone.
“I don’t think we are
at the bottom yet sir… it looks like it is still a bear trend…most likely 3rd
quarter of next year sir…we would be call margin by then. If I were you sir,
take everything out except your currency investment while there is plenty left.
You have 3 million left in stocks, 20 million in US
Eduardo went silent
for a moment. It was a deafening silence. He was trying to decide. The broker
was perspiring. He invested a total of around 500 million buying companies,
bonds, notes, commodities, and currencies. What he earned for 2 decades now
almost gone in just one month. He was also perspiring. The financial market is
a very harsh environment. It is a jungle. You will find more tigers in the
financial world than any other jungle in the world. The big eat the small.
“Liquidate
everything…” Eduardo commanded. He had his time in the financial markets
10 years ago when he tripled his money during the LTCM financial crisis in the
90’s, during the dot com bubble, and 9/11. What he earned during those times he
reinvested it and some put it up on a real estate venture.
Gador, Almeria , Andalusia .
Ignatius worked day
and night to complete the finishing touches of his masterwork. It was both
beautiful. His father hoped the Bartolomeo Del Pino would like it. Ignatius
hoped Lara would.
“Life is full of
surprises…”
The images were carved
in ivory, framed in silver and plated with 21 karat Italian gold. It was
surrounded by precious stones of ruby, sapphire, peridot, topaz and diamonds.
It was shining. It was brilliant. It was gleaming. It was beautiful. And it was
Bartolomeo’s birthday gift to Lara.
The day before
Celebration Day at the Del Pino Mansion.
Lara was busy
preparing for her birthday when Edmund arrived.
“Advance happy
birthday sweetie,” Edmund kissed Lara on the cheek. “Woh…you must have plenty
of visitors tomorrow…” Edmund presumed upon seeing the preparation.
“I only invited 28 friends
but you know Dad…” Lara smilingly relpied “By the way, guess who’ll be
singing tomorrow…?” Edmund smilingly asked Lara“Who?” asked Lara“The Iglesias…
Julio and Enrique… Father and son…and they will do it for free as their
birthday gift to you…”
“Wow… I love you
Edmund!!!” she was ecstatic.
“I love you too
Lara…”
Enrique is one of
Lara’s favorite singers. Julio is Bartolomeo’s.
Julio and Bartolomeo
knew each other for a long time way back in high school when they both played
soccer in the varsity team. Both of them dreamed of becoming a professional
soccer superstar but fate showed a different path for both of them.
Celebration day. Bartolomeo del Pino invited 700
visitors: The King and Queen of Spain and their royal family; The Royal Family
of Great Britain; Presidents and Prime Ministers; Relatives; Businessmen, 35 of
which are listed on Fortune 500; Partners; Actors and actresses; And other
prominent people. The party was all over the news. Scores of reporters
were at the gate of the Del Pino Mansion just to peek who’s who were inside.
Cameras were flashing from all sides outside the gate. Bentley’s, Maybach’s,
Ferrari’s, Rolls Royce’s, Mercedes’, BMW’s, Limousines, were coming in and out
of the gate. Private helicopters land and go. There were around 1500 Policemen
and around 5000 Spanish soldiers surrounding the property. CCTV cameras were
all over the place. 105 Bomb sniffing dogs were scattered everywhere. 7 Police
choppers were flying around within 21 miles of the mansion. 21 F18 Hornets are
guarding around within 21 miles of airspace. Airplanes and TV helicopters are
not allowed to fly by within 21 miles of the property.
Celebration Day. Ignatius and his father arrived at the Del Pino Mansion
early that morning. They were delivering the portraint. They were riding an
armored vehicle sent by Lara’s father. Ignatius’ heart was pounding. He was
looking forward to this day. He was longing for this moment. He was hoping to
see Lara. He knows they are in different worlds. Just a glimpse of her would
make his life so much better. Even for a day...
Bartolomeo met the
father and son at the gate. His eyes dilated when he saw the the portrait. He
never expected to be that beautiful.
“You really surprised
me Ramon… You are truly indeed a master in this field… Maybe if you were a
businessman you would be like me or even much better… I really thank you for
this… My daughter would really love this…” He was looking at Lara’s portrait.
“Mr. Del Pino it
was my son who made your daughter’s portrait…” Ignatius father proudly looking
at his son
“I am speechless… come
let’s put it to where it should belong.” As Bartolomeo led them to the newly
built staged by the garden, in between the pine trees, just in front of the
fountain where the tables were set.. This art will be the highlight of all the
presents tonight. Everybody will be here. The world will know about
this.”
Bartolomeo was a hard
to please man. But if he was happy with your work you will be rewarded with so
much more than you’ve been dealt with. . Lara just arrived from the city,
got off from her Maserati Granturismo MC Sport Line, saw her Dad and Ramon
approaching.
“Hi Dad…” Lara
kissed her Dad on his right cheek
“Where have you been
my love? Happy Birthday!!!”
“Bought some
stuff for tonight. Muchas Gracias… Where is my gift? ” She blissfully joked…
“My love and prayers
as always my love…” Bartolomeo jokingly replied.
Then they hugged each
other. Bartolomeo del Pino really loved her daughter. Ignatius who was
running from behind showed up. He didn’t see Lara.
“It was all set
there sir…” Ignatius referring to Lara’s Dad.
“Thank you…”
“Hi… what was all
set?” a familiar music just hit his ears. His heart was beating like a drum. He
knew who it was. It was the moment he was waiting for. It was the moment he was
longing for a long long time…The next thing he knew he was looking to her
eyes.. The world seems to narrow into her. For Ignatius, it was a glimpse. It
was a glimpse of eternity. “Hello…” Lara smiling greeted The sound of her
voice was the only music he could hear that moment. For Ignatius everything was
silent except Lara’s voice.
“Hi! How are you?”
Ignatius replied his heart was drumming…
For Lara, she felt she
revived from death… she could not understand but it was a happy feeling... her
heart was smiling… it was a happy birthday or so…
“Do you know each
other?” Edmund just arrived from nowhere kissed Lara on the cheek then gave her
a 14 Carat Diamond ring from Deveres.
“I love you
honey…Happy Birthday!!!"
Lara looking at
Ignatius his face gesturing surrender. She was dumbfounded. There was sadness
in her eyes. Her mouth slightly opened… a sign that she didn’t know what was
happening. She didn’t know what to do. . She knew she wanted to comfort him.
She knew she needed to comfort him. She wanted to hug him. But could
not.Ignatius felt his heart fell from the heavens above… He was in heaven then
he fell. What Ignatius didn’t know that Lara’s heart fell together with his.
“Lara!!! Are you
listening…? Happy Birthday!!!” Edmund repeatedly greeted waiving the expensive
diamond ring.
“Ah… Thank you
Edmund…”
Then Lara was in the
arms of Edmund.
“Where did you know
each other?” Bartolomeo inquired
“I was assisting her
at the ski shop last winter. I work there during winter season.” Ignatius
half-lied.
Before she knew it her
father led Ignatius and and Ramon to a black Audi where a driver was waiting.
She heard the engine started and when she turned the car drove away. There was
a tear in her eyes. She felt her heart was pierced. She felt she revived from
the dead and died again. It was short lived. She never lost hope.For Ignatius,
he gave up all hopes and dreams of Lara…Then the 21 million dollar party
began... Fireworks started and ended the evening. Everybody was there. There
was music, drinking, eating… Julio Iglesias and Enrique Iglesias rocked the
night… Bartolomeo showed the world his gift to Lara… Lara liked I very much.
The world was at awe. But her thoughts were on Ignatius… She was given all
kinds of watches, jewelries, luxury cars… Outside she was smiling. Inside she
was crying…Her thoughts were on Ignatius.
Chapter 2: "The
gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without
trials." — Confucius
April. “A new
Beginning…”
Ignatius and his
family just moved in from Gador to their new humble abode in Cadiz Cadiz
Francisco Mayorga
was working with Edmund Ortega. He was young and very ambitious. He was poor
but proud. He came from a very poor family. His father was one of the
wealthiest in Almeria Madrid
Ignatius was walking
around in his new home Cadiz
Chapter 3
(to be continued)
SVR headquarters. Yasenevo District, Moscow Langley
SVR or The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (Russian: Служба
Внешней Разведки Sluzhba Vneshney Razvedki ) is
Russia Russian
Federation
Oleg Sidorov was a sturdy man and
about 6 feet tall. He has brown eyes and has a scar on his left forearm.
He was phyiscally strong and very intelligent. His eyes revealed
stoutness and experience. He was a member of the Spetsnaz in his early 20's. Later
on he became the top KGB agent in the cold war and was one of the key
individuals that led to the capture of Vladimir Ilich Ramirez
Sanchez A.K.A "Carlos the Jackal." He speaks 5 languages
Russian, English, Spanish, Chinese and Jewish. He is the current director
of the SVR. He has been the director for almost 8 years now. He is
russian- Jewish.
Pentagon. Langley , Virginia Langley
"Old friend. How
are you?" a familiar deep russian voice spoke "This is
Ivan."
Ivan was Oleg's code
name during his KGB days. It means "The God Yahveh had
forgived".
Mark Fernandez was about 5'9'' tall. well built and very smart. He
came a from a small but beautiful town in Hernando ,
Mississippi
A black SUV was
heading to a small black tent in the middle of Kara-Kum desert just
around 13 miles north from the famous cavern. The lights of the SUV were off
and the driver was only relying on a compass. When the SUV came to a halt
a man with a black cloak step outside.
It was a very dark
night. The moon was not present and stars were hardly seen. Inside
the tent were 13 leader's of 13 nations were waiting. The man who just
arrived was the 14th. He was the leader. Then with a very calm deep voice
he said to the 13:
"My brothers'
it's about time!"
Code Name
"Gates of Hell" was realized. The meeting only lasted for
45 minutes then all of them dissipated in the dark.
Jethro de
Mayola, Marco Agcaoili, were fishing in the coast the next day when they
saw two bodies in the water. One was wearing a white Captain's uniform.
The other, there was a camera tied on his neck. Both were
lifeless.
Henry was walking by
the beach early in the morning when a woman was sprawling half naked on
the shore. Her arms stretching out in the sand.
Meir Dagan, was
about to leave as Director by fall when he received a coded message. It was
coded in Pythagorean, an old school message coding.
72321152525141
1123231131225141 6252 911392115132 2173 AC 52112391625213 415131 AB BJJAB 5233225113
Mier Diagan reclined
his seat and took a very deep breathe. All his life he worked everything
to protect Israel
"How could they
have it? How is this happening?" He asked himself in silence.
His head shook firmly. He was just sitting still.
(to be
continued)
