Enemy Among Us-A Jordan Wright Thriller by Randy Reardon Page B

Mustafa.
    “I’m sorry. There was static on the line. I couldn’t make out what you said,” Akmed blurted out, to cover his mind wandering.
    “I said to call me when you have your travel arrangements, so we can meet you.”
    “Yes. Yes. I’ll make the arrangements tomorrow and let you know.
    “I look forward to it.” And the line again went dead.
    The next day, they didn’t have Aziz go to school. They boarded an early train and headed to Copenhagen. The train ride took ninety minutes and traveled through the beautiful Danish countryside.
    They arrived at the Embassy and they each had to be photographed and complete paperwork. After three hours they left the Embassy with their travel documents
    Akmed went to the Danske Bank Branch across from Tivoli Garden and was able to pick up the funds Mustafa had wired to him. He found a travel agent a few streets over and was able to make their travel arrangements. There were seats available on a Continental flight in two weeks, which would take them to Newark airport. From there, they could board the Amtrak train that would take them directly to Philadelphia. With tickets in hand, Akmed rejoined Mahasin and Aziz and headed across the street to the Central Train Station, to return to Odense.
    When departure day finally arrived, they walked the block to the station and boarded a train that would take them directly to the station at the Copenhagen airport. Upon their arrival they found the Continental counter and checked in.
    Once boarded they quickly settled in for the six and a half hour flight. Before they knew it the pilot came on to announce their initial descent into the New York area. Akmed awoke and was thankful this part of the journey was over, but his nerves returned, knowing there was one big step ahead at the airport.
    After the plane arrived at the gate, they grabbed their bags and made their way through the walkways to immigration. They had instructions on where they should go and Akmed had their documents ready. They found the right lane, which was much shorter than several of the others. An older man who took their papers without saying anything was sitting in the cubicle. The officer looked them over as he glanced at the paperwork. He looked at their passports and found the appropriate visa stamp in each. He then went to the computer and typed in information and swiped the passports through the optical reader. As he waited for the screen to come up, he again stared at each one of them. Akmed was beginning to feel more nervous. What if they had come all this way only to be turned back? He tried his best to make sure his nervousness didn’t show. Finally, the officer turned his gaze back to the screen. He looked at the paper work and then to the screen, repeating the movement several times. Finally, he grabbed a big stamp and slammed it down on the papers. Akmed could feel himself jump. He knew everyone had to see it. The officer looked directly at him. “Sir.” Akmed looked right at him. “Everything is in order. I welcome you and your family to the United States.” The officer smiled at them as he handed the paperwork and passports back to Akmed.
    Akmed wasn’t sure he could move. Mahasin gave him a slight nudge to get him going. They took their bags and fell into line at Customs. They walked right through and gave the officer their card. They walked out of the international arrival areas and followed the signs to the train. They boarded the AirTrain and took it from the airside terminal to the Amtrak station at the edge of the airport.
    Their train pulled into the station about fifteen minutes late. It took about sixty-five minutes to arrive at the Philadelphia station. They walked along the platform until they came to an escalator. They rode up into the huge Art Deco hall of the station. There, waiting for them, was Uncle Mustafa. They had made it to Philadelphia.

Chapter Fifteen

     
    The following morning, Aziz awoke and prepared for school. Since his