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of the pond.  “It’s rustic but charming, and there’s always a crackling fire going.”
    Rusty met them at the door with a smile, his hair tousled but the familiar Red Sox baseball cap covered most of it.  His thick soft chamois shirt was frayed, but Lara loved the feel of it when she hugged him.  Rusty was her go-to guy, her step-father, but more importantly he had a network of spies, ex-FBI spooks, who could gather information on just about anyone on the face of the earth.  He would come in handy today.
    “What brings you girls out here?” He drew them inside and bolted the door. 
    “We're being followed.”
     
     
    Israel
    ~ Ben ~
    Mock-ups were performed during the day and the team was fully loaded.  While in Israel, they worked in a protected alley and simulated the hits they practiced on the computer game.  Then took a brief break for lunch and a nap.  The nighttime mock-up was critical.  It closely resembled what would really take place if all went according to plan. 
    “Old man, you are keeping up well,” Moshe slapped Ben’s back laughing. 
    Ben gave him a smile, “I’m preserving some of my energy for tonight.  It will be a long one.”
    “Wisdom trumps youth every time, my friend.” Moshe said with a somber tone.  “Use it -- your wisdom.  You are the best frogman I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen quite a few in my time.” Ben stared into Moshe’s black eyes, they reminded him of black olives.  He reached around Moshe’s narrow back and tousled his thick black hair, knowing it was a source of irritation for his lanky friend.  Moshe growled good-naturedly, then punched Ben’s shoulder. 
    “Yeah, I know, I’m great.” Ben taunted Moshe. The two entered the dining facility jousting, but the conversation turned serious.  “I’m concerned about this coming intelligence leak the community has been talking about.  It may jeopardize this mission.” Ben whispered to Moshe.
    “I’m watching for it, bro.” Moshe’s eyes met his.  “There's an entire wing of computer nerds back at the office looking for the leak, when and if it hits. It’s my biggest concern, too.  I have full faith this team can take out the targets, but it will be much more difficult if the targets are tipped off beforehand, or if our human intelligence working on the ground are exposed.  Leaking this information could change everything.  Why are Americans allowing this to happen?  Tell me this.  Make me understand why they want to commit suicide, using us as the pawns?”
    “I wish I could explain it.” Ben began, “But the only reason it is being done is greed, ego, power, revenge.  These are the passions driving American politics now, and it’s putting the United States in grave danger.  Those in power have lost sight that without the protection and survival of America, nothing else matters .” Ben said with a heavy sigh.  “I wish I could change that, but it’s why I left the Navy.  I have to do things on my terms or not at all.  I couldn’t deal with the politically correct bullshit any longer.  The sensitivity training, calling Islam a religion, when it’s Nazi ideology plain and simple.  The state department won’t even go into Islamic compounds because they haven’t declared radical Islamists as terror groups.  Hell, those at the top won’t even use the words Islamic terrorists .  Political correctness will be the end of us all. Either that, or we end them first.”
    Immersed in a wave of anger, Ben continued, “Terrorists have figured out how to use the freedoms in America to their favor.  They are using immigration loopholes to their advantage, and enjoy the protection that comes with being an American citizen.  Hell, they even use our court system with tax-funded lawyers to defend them.  Hard working American people pay to defend jihadists.  Veterans returning from fighting these bastards in wars are paying for their rights. The State Department gives religious