Echo

that when linked with other information in his file, led them to conclude he hid an agenda.
    They were already aware that he fed his wife heroin. Unfortunately, they could not figure out why. Perhaps she discovered something deleterious about him. Successful politicians usually tried to avoid scandals and divorces. Perhaps he chose to control her through an introduced addiction. Whatever he was up to must be very serious to go to that length.
    They also received an unusual tip a few years ago. Omar attended the mosque in Sarasota for many years. But on certain occasions he would appear in disguise, as an old man. He would secrete himself behind private doors, off limits for everyone except the Imams. This was the same mosque that had long been suspected of secretly supporting the Salafis. She shuttered at the thought of the Salafis getting a toehold in her country. They were an ultra-conservative group that believed life must be based on Islam’s past, including the worst of Sharia Law and dedicated to the destruction of the west.
    It was perfectly clear to Lita and her superiors that letting Omar Nasir win election to become President of the United States would court disaster.

Chapter 19
    Abby and Jose woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the new day. They both noticed how muted Scotty’s behavior seemed to be, so they decided Jose would stay with him in the suite to melt down more gold while Abby unloaded what they currently had on hand.
    They hoped that their budding relationship didn’t make Scotty feel excluded. They needed to keep their unit tight. Who else did they have to rely on but each other? The fact that Scotty was still a teenager made it more difficult for him. Abby and Jose were each very aware of how difficult their teenage years had been, especially for Abby. And they both enjoyed the support of other family members at the time. Scotty had only them. And Echo, of course, and Barney.
    Scotty, Echo and Barney turned to watch them enter the kitchen, anxious to plan the day. They decided they would set up their equipment on the balcony, nicely secluded and private. It also gave Echo the exposure she needed for the sun. Abby would leave after lunch. A cab would pick her up and take her where she needed to go. It was impractical to use the limo. And the less their driver knew of their affairs, the better.
    The afternoon passed pleasantly. Barney and Echo sat quietly in one corner while Jose and Scotty did their work with the gold. Scotty seemed to warm up as they made progress. Soon the camaraderie they shared seemed as good as always.
    “Did you know that the driving age in Florida is sixteen? You can get your permit,” Jose informed Scotty.
    “Sixteen? You mean I can get a car?”
    “Yeah, I don’t see why not. I’m sure Abby wouldn’t have a problem with it, as long as you’re careful.” Jose smiled up at Scotty who looked simply amazed. Problem solved, Jose thought to himself. Never underestimate the power of a set of wheels on a teenage boy. Glancing at his watch, he wondered where Abby was. She should have been back by now. As soon as the thought passed through his mind, he heard the door to the suite open. Turning off their equipment and leaving the melted gold to set up on the balcony, they met Abby in the living room.
    Abby carried a recently purchased briefcase. Opening it up, she dumped the cash out.
    “Time to get this to a bank. Shall we go open an account here? A big branch of The Doyle Farmer’s Trust is across the street. We can go over before it closes. There were only two gold dealers in Norristown, so if we make this deposit we can leave in the morning. We’ll be way ahead of schedule. Peter is calling tonight?” They all had decided Peter should leave for Florida to start the house hunting as they left Sussex County.
    “Yes, he’ll have an update for us. Let’s get to the bank.” Jose leaned down, tying his sneakers.
    “I’ll stay here. I think I’ll go online. Just want to check out what’s new on the auto horizon,” Scotty announced eagerly. “And these two need a babysitter, don’t they?”
    “Auto horizon?” Abby asked.
    “I’ll fill you in later.” Grabbing the briefcase, Jose took Abby’s arm, waved to Scotty and Echo and out they went.
    Crossing the street, they entered the imposing lobby of The Doyle Farmer’s Trust. Along one wall of the lobby was the history of the bank. Strolling over to the wall; they noticed a well-guarded display of old