White King and the Battle of America: The Endgame Read online

  White King and the Battle of America: The Endgame

  a suspense novel

  by

  Lee Kessler

  White King and the Battle of America Copyright © 2013 by Lee Kessler Published by Brunnen Publishing

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means now known or to be invented, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the brief inclusion of quotations in a review.

  This is a work of fiction. With the exception of historic facts, events, places, and persons, all names, places, characters and incidents are entirely imaginary; and any resemblance to actual events or to persons, living or dead, is coincidental. The opinions expressed are those of the characters and should not be confused with those of the author.

  Printed in the United States of America

  ISBN: 978-0-9888408-0-5

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2013900355

  Early Reader Comments

  “ White King and the Battle of America: The Endgame is both frightening and exhilarating. In this, her much anticipated final book of the White King Trilogy, Lee Kessler has brilliantly done it again. Displaying her prophetic talent for weaving real world events into chillingly plausible fiction, she leads us this time to the final level of the “chess game,” Money, revealing exactly who is, in fact, behind the planned demise of America— and their ultimate goal.

  Proving once again her masterful skill, she “connects the dots” of terrorism, human trafficking, civil breakdown, government, and the international banking system. As the reader grasps the truths and sinister plausibility evolving, it causes a rush of fear and anger. But also—dare we name it—hope. With detailed, unique insights, Kessler provides an astounding step by step approach to change the course of our future. You will not want to put down White King and the Battle of America. You will want to share it; you will be educated, intrigued, and inspired. You will come away with deeper understanding and permanent tools for vigilance. Lee Kessler has given us quite a gift.”

  — “Sam” Warner, former NASA Public Affairs Specialist & Communications Consultant Fairfax, VA “Stunning. The brilliance of this, and all three powerhouse White King stories, is Lee’s unique ability to present an unbiased, current picture of our global condition. It matters not what your positions are politically, socially, or economically—these books are written for you. You will find yourself in the plots as you relive actual epic events of the past years since 9/11. This time, though, you will see things from a different and enlightened view and, therefore, with a much better understanding. Many nagging uncertainties about why and how things have happened will all become clear. Most important, though, is the precise analysis of the cleverly concealed hijacking of the financial systems of the countries of earth. Think that there is no solution? Look inside.”

  —Marcy Sanders, Personal Coach, Clearwater, Fl. “Skillfully woven, White King and the Battle of America is a thought-provoking thriller that goes beyond targeting the obvious enemies of liberty and addresses the true puppet masters and their unwitting marionettes. Kessler’s insight and brilliant combination of fiction and fact will lead you through a remarkable journey; and the spine-tingling conclusion is exactly the sort of awakening our society needs to shake us of our complacency. Despite the fearsome truths Kessler unveils, she offers the reader hope within the maelstrom—that even in the darkest hour, it is never too late for the people to triumph.”

  —Jess Phillips, Writer and Writing Consultant Sherman Oaks, CA “ White King and the Battle of America is a timely, well-written, and wellresearched novel that will open the readers’ eyes to the issues our world is facing today. Lee Kessler has crafted a story that shows readers the ‘why’ behind some of today’s largest global issues. By taking these complex topics and putting them in story form, Kessler challenges her readers to think outside the box for ways to help their own communities. Following in the footsteps of the first two White King books, White King and the Battle of America will incite hope in the reader, with its dramatic storyline that has you cheering on the underdogs from the first page. I absolutely loved this book. I was sad to see the series end, but I enjoyed every minute of seeing how the journey unfolded.”

  — Tara McCleskey, Stage Manager, Field of Dreams Performing Arts Conservatory Raleigh, NC “Ms Kessler has done it again with White King and The Battle of America. What a fun, fine read. In addition to being a stand-alone thriller, this book brings an exciting and definitive climax to her unique trilogy. It is the proverbial page turner, with not only a story line very pertinent to the current political and economic climates with which the U.S. is now faced but, in addition, a very probable solution to those enigmas.”

  —“CJ” Johnson, Property Developer Troy, MT

  “I just finished reading White King and the Battle of America. Like each of Lee Kessler’s previous installments in this action packed trilogy, I couldn’t put it down once I started. “The thing that has been so mesmerizing about parts one and two, were that they served as prophetic novels that were eventually played out in real life world events. What is most intriguing about the third and final installment is the eye opening realization that events about which Kessler began writing, more than a year ago, are now actually beginning to take place around the world in the financial markets.

  “My greatest hope for this series and the future of our country is that this trilogy is eventually adapted by Hollywood to the big screen in an attempt to serve as a wakeup call for those of us who still believe in America and the principles upon which we were founded.”

  —Vincent Rush, President, Rush International Cincinnati, Ohio

  “With this book, Lee Kessler proves once again that she is a masterful suspense novelist. Her topics are a combination of intensive research and her futuristic visions. The result is always a tour de force that captures and delights every reader.” —Verna Sabelle, Editor and Publisher New York, NY

  This book is dedicated to one of the great Americans of our time, Mr. Rich DeVos. He is a giant in the world of Free Enterprise, a champion of freedom the world over, and a hero of mine.

  Author’s Note

  Following a speech I gave last year at a leadership conference for members of Generation Y, a college student read my first two books and posted a comment on Facebook. She said, “I’ve never liked history, but this is history in our time. I learned more from these books than I had in 23 years.”

  For those of you who have read the first two books in the trilogy, you know that in White King Rising, with the release of the computer game, we moved into a fictitious alternative history—one running parallel to actual events.

  The third book begins in that “alternative history,” in a world that could be—both the bad and the good. It is the story of what may yet happen, or may even be happening. In these frustrating and dangerous times, I am reminded of several things I embraced along my journey in life. One: that the word “crisis” in Chinese means “opportunity riding a dangerous wind.” Two: Mark Twain’s ironic observation that, “It is easier to fool people than it is to convince them that they have been fooled.” And three: something Robert F. Kennedy said. “There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why…I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?”

  As we finish the trilogy of the White King, it is my intention that we—no matter the crisis—see what could be and ask, “Why not?” The trilogy’s young heroes inspire us to know that no matter what we have to face, something can a
lways be done about it.

  Chapter 1

  the Analyst

  The small red flicker of the guard’s cigarette silhouetted the man, causing James to crouch down into the tall pasture grass. He had assumed that Bud Walker would maintain a security guard presence at his ranch following the revelations throughout the world’s news media that he had brought the propaganda chief of Al Qaeda himself into his inner circle. James Mikolas was nonetheless disappointed by this heightened danger tonight.

  It was rumored that the billionaire media mogul and head of Walker News Group had slipped into a personal decline of drinking and depression following the infiltration of his media empire by a clandestine operative sent by the mastermind of Al Qaeda. The long arm of Al Qaeda had penetrated deep into America, reaching out from the TV screen itself into the homes and psyche of an unsuspecting public. Mikolas had no idea whether this rumor was true. He only knew the man had become very reclusive over the last three years.

  WNG still existed, but many of its bureau chiefs had resigned, leaving only junior personnel to run what had once been perhaps the toughest and most competitive network in cable news. Why anyone remained was a mystery in their industry, given that the “magic” and driving force of the media empire had been devastated by the FBI’s discoveries about his protégé. Bud Walker had trusted and admired Samir Taghavi, and now his life and business enterprises were in chaos.

  Mikolas, however, had no sympathy for Walker and normally would never have even considered a face to face meeting with the man, let alone risked a breaking and entering charge to accomplish it. James Mikolas was a man on a mission that night. He, too, had walked through his own personal hell following the murder of Kelly Weir at the hands of an Al Qaeda-hired assassin. It was little comfort knowing that the assassin, known as “the Viper,” had himself been assassinated by the Mossad. No one could bring back his fiancé, and so the death of her attacker meant only one thing to James: There was one less bad guy roaming throughout South America and Europe. That was all. Tonight, though, he had his attention on the living, and he had decided to do something he never would have risked otherwise. As he checked the magazine in his Glock to make sure he could handle any situation he might encounter, James slid forward on his stomach and cleared the bottom wire of an electrified cattle fence that protected the vast cattle range owned by Walker.

  It was quiet—the only disturbance to the silence being the braying of cattle hundreds of acres away. An occasional hoot of an owl told James he wasn’t the only creature of prey out that night. Having cleared the gate without arousing the guard, he headed toward the residence. From his vantage point, it looked deserted. Perhaps he is not here after all, James reflected. Maybe this whole exercise is futile. But something told James that Walker was there. He could smell him. As he moved closer to the imposing stone and log lodge, his ability to see improved. Fear of the guard at the gate also dissipated when he realized there was no one else protecting the perimeter of the house. Just one guard, he thought. Probably some $10/hour local security guy who gets paid to make the place look occupied. Shouldn’t present a problem—if I move quickly.

  That thought alone propelled James across the manicured lawn, which formed an oasis in the sprawling pastureland, bringing him closer to the house. And there he saw it—one yellowish light in a room at the back, and the flickering of dying embers in a fireplace. I got you, Bud Walker. Tonight we meet. James breathed in the cool Montana air, bracing himself for the encounter to come.

  Walker was sprawled on an indecently large leather chair, seemingly unconscious. There was no one else in the room, and Walker seemed unaware of the dying embers. Only the near-empty bottle of Stolichnaya on the matching foot stool exposed the reality that the man was alive, and apparently burying himself in the bottle.

  What a cliché, James thought, sneering.

  He gently opened the French doors from the patio and walked into the room. Despite the fact that he had been stealthy, it proved unnecessary. It was unlikely Walker would have heard a fire alarm going off.

  Selecting a chair opposite the man, he sat down and waited. And to think, I’ve come for him!

  Chapter 2

  the Gamers

  “ Brian, you got a minute?” Andy Weir interrupted his housemate as Brian was emptying the trash. It never ceased to amaze him that Brian still wanted to do the trash duty. Andy smiled as he watched his friend meticulously snap the lid back on the city-provided containers. No critters going to get any vittles here, he mused.

  Although the computer game they had created in 2007 made each of them wealthy enough to have bought separate homes in the hills overlooking the Sunset Strip and the Los Angeles basin many times over, they’d been together so long now that they preferred each other’s company, and trusted each other.

  Perhaps it was the fact that they were both orphans now—their families casualties of the pharmaceutical-psychiatric cartels and the terrorists they facilitated—or perhaps it was the bond between two men who had turned that issue around for the United States and for the world as well. The popularity of the game “White King Rising” was such an international phenomenon that it swept the globe in just two years. Not only did it make Andy and Brian very wealthy, influential, young men, but it had also freed countless millions of young men and women from the ravages of street drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals. It had given both men the platform to address America’s youth, anytime and anywhere of their choosing.

  On the day Andy had scattered the ashes of his mother—a fallen hero in the War on Terror—he had met the stunning redhead with the glittering green eyes who had been his steady girl for the last three years. He’d made a decision recently, and he felt he needed to discuss it with Brian, even before he approached Reagan. She was engrossed in relentless research concerning the latest human rights atrocity to come on the radar screen, and she and the organization she supported were preparing their attack line.

  Ironically, drugs, as a vital part of the economy, had waned—due largely to the enormous impact of Andy’s game. But human trafficking now seemed to be the crime of choice of the cartels throughout Latin America. The increase in violence and kidnappings—especially in Mexico and Arizona—was causing the U.S. to reel. Reagan Lynch was in the thick of that. The game’s victory over drugs had exacerbated Terrorism’s need for a source of money, and so the slavery market had increased— propelling Reagan into the thick of the War on Terror as well. Since she’d be gone a few days, Andy decided it was time to talk to Brian.

  “Okay, bro, what’s up?” Brian ducked into the kitchen and washed his hands, leaving Andy to follow him.

  “I want to talk to you about something,” Andy said, as he sat at the table, motioning for Brian to join him.

  “Sure.”

  Andy Weir had never been indecisive. By age eighteen, he had become a Grandmaster chess champion with a career ahead of him. Nor had he ever been reluctant to make changes when change was needed. But, as he looked at his partner, he experienced a slight tremor in his stomach. He knew Brian would be all right with this. It wasn’t that. It was just the end of an era; that was all. Time to move on. Exhaling slightly, he said, “I wanted to let you know, before I even spoke to her, that I intend to ask Reagan to marry me.”

  Brian’s reaction was immediate. “Man, that is fantastic! About time, is all I can say. I was about to have to tell you that if you didn’t snap her up, I would,” Brian joked.

  Andy laughed. For a moment, it seemed like their high school days in Arlington, Va., where, before a football game, they’d occasionally talk about what girl they were hanging with at the time, offering each other teenage advice on love and love languages. He knew Brian would be happy about this. Now, for the next bit.

  “So, Brian, as much as I love sharing the house with you…” He never got the sentence finished. Brian interjected. “Say no more. I totally get it. Matter of fact, I’ve had my eye on a house out in the Palisades, and I couldn’t figure out ho
w to break the news to you. So, just buy me out of this one, and I’ll snag the other one.”

  That was it. All there is to it, Andy thought. You always could handle an incoming ball. Andy just looked at Brian for a moment and smiled. Years earlier, they had been like that. Andy as the quarterback would look for his favorite wide receiver, and he’d toss it into the hands of Brian Washington Carver. It didn’t seem to have mattered whether Brian was open or not—or even if he was set—Brian always seemed able to reach out, grab the ball, and complete the play. Today was no exception.

  “Thanks, Brian.”

  “No problem, bro.” Rising, Brian gently tackled Andy’s shoulder and added, “You’d better hope she says yes, or you’re going to be living here all by yourself!”

  “Good point.”

  “Yeah, you let me know how that goes. For now, my lips are sealed.” He’d stopped speaking, but he didn’t leave. Rather he just stared at Andy.

  “What?”

  Brian hesitated for a moment, then answered, “I was just thinking your mom would have approved.” To his surprise, Andy teared up a bit and cleared his throat. “Yes, she would.”

  Still standing there, Brian ventured a question of his own. This one was awkward, and it revealed something still lingering with him. “Do you think age makes any difference to feeling like an orphan? Does it ache less because you’re older?”

  Andy shook his head, shrugged, and said, “Don’t know, friend. I still miss her.”

  “Me, too.” He stopped momentarily, finally adding, “I miss all of them.” Then, as abruptly as he had entered into melancholy, he withdrew from it. “But Reagan will sure brighten up the place!”

  Chapter 3

  the Propaganda Chief

  Samir’s deep inhalations were his first breaths of free air in more than three years. He didn’t really know how “free” he was, given that he was about to land in Pelotas, Brazil for transport into Colombia, and to a meeting scheduled with the FARC, which would determine the financial fate of Al Qaeda and the direction the organization would go in the years ahead.