CROSSFIRE: Ex-CIA JON BRADLEY Thriller Series (TERROR BLOODLINE Book 1) Read Free

candidate for radicalization.
    Very soon, Youssef’s inability to maintain his acquired colorful lifestyle which, besides indulging in wanton sex and gambling, led him to become a victim of the FBI's coerced recruitment program.   
    By then, Youssef had become estranged from his father and lived away from him.
    In short, the FBI's deep cover man turned over Youssef to his Control, the Special Agent, William King, and thus Youssef became the legal informant of the FBI.
    Over the time, Youssef began to spy on the activities of his Lebanese community in Yonkers, and other areas of the N.Y. City, either directly or through source s developed, while he continued to enjoy his self-indulgent lifestyle.
    One Saturday afternoon. Youssef was having his lunch at the Arabic restaurant frequented by his mid-eastern fraternity.
    He was joined at the table by one his Lebanese friends, Ahmed, who was a neighbor of his father in Yonkers.
    During the course of their conversation, Ahmed mentioned that his father had rented out a detached house to a group of Arab men, who appeared to be visiting the New York City. 
    This meant nothing unusual to Youssef for people rented houses and left after a while.  But, when Youssef’s friend said, “For people on a visit to keep pretty much to themselves and stay indoors most of the time… that appears odd to me.”
    “How long have they been staying there?” Youssef was wondering if there was something of interest for him here.
    “I’ve seen them reside in the house for over a month now,” pausing to add, “Come to think of it, I am meeting you here after quite a while too.”
    His friend was looking at him sheepishly, “What have you been up to, ya Youssef?  You still live with that American blonde woman, Rita or something, after the last one…? “
    “Nothing like that, ya Ahmed.  I get around.  You know how it is?” Youssef interrupted him. 
    His interest had been spiked by his friend’s comment about his father’s new tenants, and he wanted to know more.  “How’s my father doing?”
    “You ought to visit him sometimes, ya Youssef. Patch up whatever your differences with him. He is your father after all, and he is getting older.”
    “Guess, you are right, ya Ahmed.  I must make amends.”
    Then Youssef Hariri tried to veer the subject towards the new arrivals. “Have you spoken to these new tenants?  What news do they bring from Lebanon?” 
    “Only to wave at and say hello.  As you’d know, we are not exactly your next-door neighbors.  And, I don’t yet know whether they have come directly from Lebanon.
    “But, I see that they do have visitors turning up at the house now and then, who may be taking them out sight-seeing the city or even visiting some relatives.
    “Perhaps, when you call on your father, you can make their acquaintance, that is, if they are still there,” Ahmed ended with a smug. Then looking at his watch, “Oh, I ought to be going. Don’t want to be late for my afternoon shift.”
    “Ma'a Salama, ya Ahmed.
    Goodbye.  See you around.”
    “Ma'a Salama, ya Youssef.
    “Fi Amanillah, ya Ahmed.” May Allah protect you.”
    Youssef understood well that his father condemned his son’s superfluous lifestyle and would never make amends unless and until Youssef made a complete reversal to a life of a devout Muslim.  An almost impossible thing for him, considering the extent of his involvement in the extracurricular activities that he happened to be involved at this point of time.
    There was something about his father’s new tenants that nagged him.  At the same time, Youssef did not want to be the source of any more trouble for his father, should the tenants turn out to be some undesirable elements.
    On the other hand, not every Arab visitor or immigrant to the USA is deemed a potential threat.
    Informants were duty-bound to report if they came across or heard about any new arrivals in the suspected communities.
    Finally, Youssef saw no harm in