The Liberian Agenda Read online

  “Yes Tara. I hear you loud and clear,” Jared said. He turned to Naimah and rolled his eyes. “I swear she sounds just like my mother sometimes.”

  Naimah laughed.

  Chapter IV

  Sonia walked down the narrow steps of the private jet and stepped onto the tarmac. A limousine was parked a few feet away. A beautiful statuesque African woman wearing an elaborate braided hairstyle and a designer dress stood next to it. She walked up to Sonia, embraced her and kissed her on the cheek.

  Sonia was a little taken aback at the woman’s familiarity, but her training in social situations as a senator’s daughter taught her to roll with it. She knew that different cultures greeted people differently, so she gave the woman a little hug and plastered a smile on her face.

  The woman pulled back and returned the smile. “Welcome to Liberia. My name is Fatima. I am the Minister’s personal assistant. You must be Sonia.”

  “Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Sonia said.

  “And you as well. I’ve heard so much about you. Our ride is right over here.” She gestured toward the limousine.

  They walked over to the limousine and climbed in. Men loaded Sonia's luggage into the trunk, then they were off.

  “So, have you ever been to Liberia before?” Fatima asked.

  “No. This is my first time. I’ve actually never been to Africa before.”

  “No? How did you meet the Saytumahs?”

  “Well, Joseph and I met in college many years ago and I just recently represented their company in a business deal.”

  Fatima raised her eyebrows. “You've known Joseph for so long and he has never invited you to his home?”

  Sonia smiled. “Oh, he invited me. I just didn't accept the invitation. But when Dwe asked me to attend his birthday celebration this weekend, I couldn’t refuse. He’s a hard man to say no to.”

  “Yes. That is very true,” Fatima said.

  “You speak English very well. Were you educated in America?” Sonia asked.

  “Yes. My family is Americo-Liberian. We are descended from the freed slaves who started this country. Part of my family still lives in America, so I attended Rutgers University in New Jersey. My parents are old friends and political allies of the Saytumahs. After I graduated, the Minister hired me to be his personal assistant,” Fatima said.

  “I see. Well Rutgers is a good school. It’s also a big party school. It must have been something of a culture shock to go there,” Sonia said.

  “I enjoyed it very much and received a very good education,” Fatima said. After a moment of silence, she changed the subject. “Since this is your first time visiting Liberia, let me tell you a little about our history. Liberia is a very poor country. We have had two civil wars in the past thirty years. In the last civil war, much of the country's infrastructure was destroyed – most notably, the water plant facilities. There is still no running water in portions of the country. That has made it very difficult for the country to rebuild and to function.”

  “Yes. I read about that. How did you function with no running water?” Sonia asked.

  “The families that are better off are able to have fresh water delivered to their properties. My heart goes out to the poorer families though. With the help of aid from America and other countries, we are slowly starting to rebuild. So far, the rebuilding has mostly taken place in Monrovia and the larger cities. There are still pockets of unrest in the countryside,” Fatima said.

  “Unrest? What do you mean by unrest?” Sonia asked.

  “There are reports of rebels making trouble in some of the villages outside of Monrovia. The government sends troops to deal with it. Also, incidents of rape have increased in some areas,” Fatima said.

  “Wow. That sounds a little scary.” Sonia sent an uneasy glance out of the limousine’s windows. “Are you sure we’re safe?”

  Fatima put a reassuring hand on Sonia’s arm. “Oh yes. You are under the protection of the Minister. You have nothing to fear. Just be sure to follow the instructions of your escorts and you will be fine.”

  “The Minister? Oh, you mean Dwe. I keep forgetting that he’s the Minister of Internal Affairs here. I guess I think of him more as a client and as Joseph's father,” Sonia said.

  Fatima raised her eyebrows. “I see. We have arrived. Welcome to the Saytumah family compound.”

  The limousine pulled up to a set of gates set in a high stone wall that seemed to go on for blocks. The gates opened automatically and they entered the grounds. It was a sprawling and lushly landscaped property.

  They drove around a circular driveway up to a large mansion. Armed guards discreetly walked the compound wearing khaki pants and crisp button down shirts. Small white Secret Service-like earpieces were visible in their ears.

  The limousine stopped in front of the mansion and one of the guards opened the door on Sonia’s side. She stepped out of the vehicle and followed Fatima to the entrance of the mansion. As they arrived, a short young African woman dressed in a crisp black and white maid’s uniform opened the door for them.

  Sonia and Fatima stepped through the door and into a beautifully decorated foyer.

  Fatima turned to Sonia and spoke in a brisk tone. “Welcome to the Saytumah family home. I have some work that I need to complete for the Minister. The celebration begins at eight o’clock. Yani here will take you to your room. She will return at eight to escort you to the hall where the party will take place.”

  Sonia was a bit taken aback at the change in Fatima’s demeanor, however, she had very little time to process the emotion before Joseph entered the foyer, walked right up to her, grabbed her by the shoulders and planted a huge kiss on her lips.

  Sonia felt her heart skip a beat. “Well hello.”

  “Hello, my dear,” he said.

  They stood there for a moment smiling at each other while Fatima and Yani watched them.

  Joseph turned to them. “Thank you, Fatima. I believe my father is looking for you. Yani, please take Sonia's bags to her room.”

  Fatima turned on her heel and left the foyer without another word. Yani signaled for a guard to pick up Sonia’s bags and followed him out.

  Joseph turned back to Sonia. “Would you like a tour of the house?”

  “I would love one,” she said. “Are you sure I’m not keeping you away from more important matters?”

  “Nothing is more important. Right this way, my lady.” He took her arm and led her out of the foyer.

  ***

  At eight o’clock on the dot, Yani knocked on Sonia’s door and escorted her to the hall where the birthday celebration would take place. Sonia followed her through ornate wooden double doors a surprisingly large hall.

  The room was decorated as if for a wedding. Tables set up with fine china and beautiful centerpieces composed of exotic-looking white flowers were scattered throughout the room. A long rectangular table stood on a raised platform at one end of the hall; a small podium with a microphone was set up at the table’s midpoint.

  Servants in uniforms milled about putting finishing touches on everything. Joseph, Saye and Dwe stood just inside the door wearing tuxedos. They were involved in what appeared to be an intense discussion.

  Yani cleared her throat. “Announcing Ms. Sonia Johnson.”

  The men abruptly ceased their conversation, plastered smiles on their faces and turned to greet Sonia. Dwe walked toward her with open arms. He hugged her and kissed her on each cheek. “Sonia! I am so happy to have you here at my party. Welcome. I trust the journey was not too difficult?”

  “Difficult? It was wonderful. That was the first time I ever traveled on a private jet. I’m afraid you have quite ruined me for commercial air travel. Even first class doesn't hold a candle to a jet that has shower facilities and couches on which to sleep.”

  “A woman as smart and beautiful as you should be spoiled,” Dwe said.

  Saye approached Sonia and gave her a hug and a kiss. “Welcome, Sonia. Have you had a tour of the hous
e yet?”

  “Yes. Joseph was kind enough to take me around earlier. Your family has a beautiful home.”

  Saye grinned at her. “Thank you. I bet my brother was only too happy to show you around. Did he offer to show you his bedroom as well?”

  “That is quite enough, brother.” Joseph stepped in, took Sonia by the hands and gave her the once over. “You look beautiful as always.”

  “You know,” she said, “I’m going to have the biggest head with all the compliments I’m getting tonight.”

  Joseph squeezed her hands gently and let go. “We are only telling the truth. You will join my family at the head table and sit next to me.”

  Sonia nodded. “I see there are at least a hundred place settings here. Who else is coming to the party?”

  “President Sirleaf will be here, other ministers appointed by her, diplomats and friends and family from all over the world. The mansion is full tonight with our guests as is the main hotel downtown,” he said.

  “There’s a downtown area in Monrovia? I’d love to see that,” she said.

  “I will take you on a tour tomorrow,” he said.

  “Do you hang out downtown when you come home to visit?” she asked.

  “No. Much of our socializing is done at friends' houses,” he said.

  Yani entered the room again and announced the arrival of Tyrone and Tara Nkrumah. Saye, Joseph and Dwe greeted them warmly.

  Joseph introduced Sonia. “Sonia, Tyrone and Tara are longtime friends of the family. We practically grew up together. Tyrone, Tara, meet Sonia Johnson.”

  Tara raised her eyebrows. “Oh, so you’re the woman Joseph has been ranting about all these years. He finally got you to come to Liberia, I see. What a pleasure to finally meet you.” She shook Sonia’s hand.

  Tyrone glanced at his sister, rolled his eyes and extended his hand and a warm smile to Sonia. “Don’t listen to her. She’s always getting into other people’s business. It’s nice to meet you, Sonia. Any friend of the Saytumah family is a friend of ours.” He enveloped her hand in his large one and shook it.

  Tara punched her brother on the arm. He rubbed it good-naturedly.

  “So, how long will you be in Liberia?” Tara asked.

  “Oh. I’m just here for the weekend. I return to the states on Monday,” Sonia said.

  Tara turned to Joseph. “You must bring her over to our house tomorrow. We'll have a little dinner party and hang out.”

  “That sounds like a great idea. What time should we come over?” Joseph asked.

  “How about seven o’clock?”

  “Seven it is then,” Joseph said. “Yani will escort you to your table.” He took Sonia by the hand, led her to the head table and seated her. He then rejoined his father and brother at the front door to greet guests.

  Sonia sipped a glass of wine and chatted with Joseph’s aunt who sat next to her at the head table. The woman practically interrogated Sonia about her background.

  More people entered the room, were announced, and greeted by Joseph, Saye and Dwe as they entered; servants then ushered them off to tables.

  President Sirleaf was the last to arrive. Dwe, Joseph and Saye escorted her to the head table and seated her next to Dwe.

  ***

  Tara watched Joseph walk up to the podium. The evening’s program was about to begin. Her hands were already in her lap, so no-one noticed when she signaled Jared. She put her finger over the large stone of the ring she wore on her right hand and pressed down. The circuit inside sent an electronic signal to Jared’s com.

  Joseph thanked everyone for attending the event and introduced the president of Liberia who gave a short speech. At the end of it, she congratulated Dwe on his seventieth birthday and his long and dedicated service to the people of Liberia.

  After she took her seat, Dwe stood up and approached the podium. “First, I want to thank President Sirleaf for taking the time to attend my birthday celebration. I also want to congratulate her on the excellent job she is doing to rebuild the country after so many years of civil war. Thanks to her, women and children are safer in this country, relations with the U.S. and other countries have improved, civil unrest is at an all-time low and there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for Liberia. Second, I want to thank all of you for attending. I consider you to be among my closest friends and family and it warms my heart to have you here. The time for speeches has now passed. Let us eat, drink, and be merry. After dinner, we will clear the floor for dancing. We have brought in a very special musical guest for your pleasure.”

  The crowd clapped and cheered and dinner was served. Tyrone caught Tara’s eye. She gave him an almost imperceptible nod then turned to engage the woman next to her in conversation. She heard Tyrone laugh at some joke. She hoped Jared got the signal.

  ***

  Jared and the other drivers milled about in a small parlor located next to the servants’ quarters. A dinner buffet was set up for them. Some of the drivers held lively debates on Liberian politics and other issues. Others played cards or dominoes. The marine drivers kept mostly to themselves. Jared got himself a plate of food and sat down with them. He ate while they talked. One of the marines decided to include him in their conversation.

  “Hi. I’m John,” he said, holding out his hand.

  “Mike,” Jared said. He shook the soldier’s hand.

  “This is Jerry and Frank.” John pointed at the other marine drivers. Jared shook their hands too.

  “You’re brand spanking new here, aren’t you Marine? So, where were you stationed prior to coming here?” John asked.

  “I was at Quantico,” Jared said.

  He had said the first place that popped into his head. He hoped none of the other marines had been stationed there.

  “Quantico? That’s a pretty cushy assignment. Who did you piss off to get stationed here?” John asked.

  Jared smiled. “Let’s just say I got caught in bed with the wrong lieutenant’s wife.”

  The marines laughed. “Oh man. I hope it was worth it.”

  Jared grinned. “It sure was.”

  A tone sounded in his earpiece. It was time for him to move. He got up. “Excuse me for a minute. I’ve got to see a man about a horse.”

  He walked across the parlor into the kitchen area. He stopped the first servant he ran into and asked for directions to the restroom. The servant pointed across the kitchen to a doorway. Jared thanked him.

  He stepped through the kitchen door into a hallway. It was empty. He looked up and scanned the walls for surveillance cameras. He found one so discreetly tucked behind a lamp that he almost missed it. He turned to the right, away from the camera and took out what appeared to be a pack of cigarettes.

  He walked down the hall toward the bathroom, aimed the top of the pack of cigarettes behind him in the direction of the camera, and pressed the button in the device. He then walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. He scanned the bathroom for hidden cameras. Seeing none, he put the cigarettes away. He flushed the toilet and ran some water in the sink.

  “At least you wash your hands,” Naimah said in his ear.

  He grinned. “Yes, my mother taught me well.”

  Naimah sighed. “The things we have to go through for our country. You’re good to go. I’m in. I have control of the system and I’m running the footage outside the study on a loop.”

  “I knew you were more than just a pretty face,” Jared said.

  “Lucky for you that’s true,” Naimah said. “Now go.”

  Jared opened the door and looked up and down the hallway. It was empty. He made a left turn and walked to the end of the corridor. Flattening himself against the wall, he peered around the corner. No guards were in sight. He quickly made his way down the hall until he came to a door with a keypad next to it. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the keypad scrambler. He plugged one end of the device into the keypad. Numbers flashed across the screen for what seemed like forever. He glanced up and d
own the hallway. “What is taking this damned thing so long?”

  “The keypad has a ten-digit encryption key,” Naimah said.

  Finally, the flashing stopped and the last digit went stationary on the device. He put his hand on the doorknob and turned it. The door opened. He disengaged the keypad device, reached into his other jacket pocket, pulled out a pair of infrared goggles, and slipped them on. He then eased the door open a couple of inches and peered inside. Not seeing any infrared beams, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

  A lamp sitting on the large desk provided a little light. With his back to the door, he took off the goggles and scanned the room for cameras and alarm boxes. He saw none. “I’m in.”

  He crossed the room and walked over to the desk. Squatting down, he located the power switch on the computer. He turned it on and plugged the drive in.

  “Okay, it’s working,” Naimah said. “The upload should begin in a minute.”

  “Good.” Jared rifled through the papers on the desk while he waited and came across a file containing plans for some building. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were plans for the Presidential mansion. He extracted a miniature camera from his pocket and shot pictures of the documents. When he finished, he glanced at his watch. Three minutes had elapsed. “Are we almost done?”

  “No.” Naimah sounded perplexed. “I don’t know what’s happening. My computer says the device is gathering information, but I’m just not getting the upload. Something must be blocking the signal.”

  Jared heard the tapping of computer keys on her end. “Should I abort?”

  “Not yet,” Naimah said. “Let me try one more thing.”

  “Okay, but make it fast. I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

  ***

  Inside the ballroom, the dinner dishes were cleared away. Two servants brought out a huge birthday cake on a stand and rolled it next to the head table. It was a multi-tier cake done up in a design as elaborate as any wedding cake Sonia had ever seen.