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  PRAISE FOR “THE SIMON TRILOGY”

  The Ultimate Revenge

  “Just finished reading The Ultimate Revenge—in a word, Phenomenal! Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard and Noble’s Quest, I was more than anxious to read the final book of “The Simon trilogy.” It is an incredible and fitting finale in the lives of characters created by an author who takes you into a world of intrigue where she expertly weaves a story that has the reader pondering the possibility, or perhaps I should say probability, of fiction being more real than we dare to think. A great read that I would strongly recommend!”

  —Donna Post, Banking Consultant (Ret.), Florida

  “You do not have to be a political junky to love this book of intrigue. The Ultimate Revenge takes you to a place that will make you question—could it happen—and if it did? The recherché and insight that has gone into this book will certainly keep you wondering for a long time.”

  —Ann E. Howells, Wine Consultant, Florida

  Brotherhood Beyond the Yard

  “Simon Hall, one of the characters in Sally Fernandez’ addictive novel, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard, is an ace puppeteer, manipulating the people he encounters, taking them and you on a thrilling political rollercoaster. Timely—Could it be paralleled to the current administration?—and masterly crafted, Sally’s action prose will have you riveted right up to the last page. I impatiently anticipate a sequel to see Simon’s next strategic move.”

  —Dann Dulin, Senior Editor, A&U Magazine

  “Unquestionably, this is a book for the thinking reader. The book’s combination of intellect, authenticity and believability, led me on several occasions, almost to forget that I was reading fiction. The author’s use of language is quite exceptional…I’m still pondering the book’s serious dose of reality and am impatient to get my hands on a copy of the sequel!”

  —Edwin Chadbourne, PhD, Human Resources Professional, Australia

  “A parable for the times in which we live. Fernandez has written a classic fable for our Age of Doubt, just as Kerouac defined the Age of Hippies. Worth reading no matter what side of the political spectrum you inhabit.”

  —Aladar Gabriel, Florence, Italy

  “Fascinating story, intriguing title. It certainly is thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating. It easily brings to mind the power of the Pericles quote at the beginning of the book. Kudos to a new and exciting author!”

  —Dr. Patricia Ames, Fulbright Scholar, Maine

  “Ingenious harmonic conception—Dazzling plot with infectious power, nuance, and sparkling wit—in a true potential enigma. Only a select few can ignite the palette of curiosity and blend together fantastical overtones with such power, nuance, and transformative persuasiveness. Sally Fernandez’ debut Brotherhood Beyond the Yard invites you to ponder the contemporary enigmas of our age and leaves you longing for the sequel. A resounding ovation!”

  —Maestro Debra Cheverino, Fulbright Recipient, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Florence, Italy

  “Two Thumbs Up! Brotherhood Beyond the Yard is a gripping story of intrigue from beginning to end. The reader is captured by the ingenuity and daring of the Brotherhood and their unprecedented impact (one hopes) on the political and economic future of our country and the world. In its daring exploitation of the national political process with worldwide implications, the reader is left to ponder the possibility of reality and its consequences. Truly a mystery one is left pondering could it really happen. Can’t wait for the sequel.”

  —Philip Ames, Marketing Director, General Electric (Ret.), Florida

  “Excellent read in these interesting times…well-crafted and contemporary with intelligent twists and turns! Had me missing a few nights of sleep…”

  —Roland Marcz, Owner, Shanghai Malong Construction, Shanghai, China

  “I have finished reading Brotherhood Beyond the Yard. I commend the author for her imagination and for her use of her expertise and knowledge of politics, finance, academe, and electronics. The plot is a natural for a Hollywood film: I can see George Clooney in several of the roles. Complimenti!! I eagerly await the sequel.”

  —Horace W. Gibson, Co-Founder of the International School of Florence, Italy

  “Amazed and Amused. Brotherhood Beyond the Yard far exceeded my expectations from a new writer on the scene. I was pleasantly drawn into the plot, and as it developed, I was often amazed and amused at how well the author manipulated my curiosity and intrigue regarding the characters as they intertwined their lives in order to devise and undertake a ‘master’ plan. Now I am left wanting to read more of what I hope will the first part of an epic story to come. Did someone say the future is now…?”

  —Philip Claypool, Acclaimed Country Western Singer/Songwriter, San Francisco

  “The Brotherhood Beyond the Yard is a wonderful story—compelling and all too believable. It is masterfully plotted, with every episode revealing an increasingly tangled but utterly plausible scheme in which fundamentally decent people perpetrate a despicable fraud, manipulated by a master puppeteer. The fast-paced denouement satisfies all the expectations of a political thriller and yet leaves just enough unfinished business to leave readers anxiously awaiting the next installment…This is a story that unfolds both psychologically and visually, almost begging for a cinematic rendering, and I found myself visualizing many of the individual chapters as scenes in a movie…”

  —Linda Cabe Halpern, Dean of University Studies, James Madison University, Virginia

  “…I strongly recommend Brotherhood Beyond the Yard for those looking for an exciting, pithy read. As you near the conclusion of, I hope, this first book, the pages will jump out of your hands. A great read for either the beach or the fire.”

  —John Pearl, Partner, Pearl Associates, Greenwich, Connecticut

  “I highly recommend this book. Mystery thrillers, detective thrillers, even vampire thrillers are really enjoyable read. Brotherhood Beyond the Yard is just that…an international political thriller that’s timely and provocative, and contains extremely believable characters placed in well researched locations and situations.”

  —Baroness Suzanne Pitcher Flaccomio, Founder and Director of Pitcher & Flaccomio, Florence, Italy

  “You’ll want to fasten your seat belt to navigate the twists and turns of this global political thriller. Fernandez combines knowledge of banking, technology, and politics to offer a ‘Back to the Future’ reading adventure. And, the author’s intimate familiarity of Florentine life makes one want to buy a one-way ticket.”

  —Donna Davidson, Davidson Associates, San Francisco, California

  “Great read! Unfortunately, all the clichés in English are true and have become so firmly entrenched in our vocabulary that few or no fresh phrases have entered the language. So, when we want to give praise we are stuck with the all-too-familiar ‘compelling,’ ‘page-turner,’ ‘riveting,’ and the like—all appropriate for Brotherhood, but I lack the talent to come up with anything more complimentary. So, I hope readers will accept my very simple WOW! I thoroughly enjoyed Brotherhood—plot, characters, setting, and the many subtle little clevernesses and clues the author drops in as the plot progresses—that I can’t quote here for fear of giving it away.”

  —Alfredo S. Vedro, Media Production Consultant, Florida

  Noble’s Quest

  “A captivating second addition to the Simon Trilogy. Intense rhythmic development woven brilliantly—at times haunting and foreboding—at others a palpable sensation of an unerring power, leaving you to confront your own views of contemporary events. The modern political thriller has a strong advocate in Fernandez.”

  —Maestro Debra Cheverino, Internationally Recognized Conductor,
Fulbright Scholar, Florence, Italy

  “I was anxiously awaiting the publication of Noble’s Quest as I had read the prequel, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard. I was not disappointed! Noble’s Quest is everything I was hoping for and more. Along with solid characters development (Noble Bishop really comes alive), Ms. Fernandez has a tight grip on the pulse of the high stakes world we live in today. Her ability to merge political intrigue, international terrorism, and state of the art technology into a swirl of tension-filled events brings to mind the writing of John La Carre. I can’t wait for the last installment of the Trilogy.”

  —William Kelley, Artist, Florence, Italy and Sarasota, Florida

  “Loved the newest installment of Sally Fernandez’ trilogy. Noble’s Quest: Sequel to Brotherhood Beyond the Yard was a real page turner…I could not put it down. In the Brotherhood, Fernandez set us a scary…and plausible…scenario. Noble’s Quest builds on that story and takes you down a path to worldwide terror. In addition to being totally engrossed in this story, I found Fernandez’ ability to weave the back-story of the first book into the 2nd book very well done…Also, Fernandez is a master with her research! Which makes the story that much more convincing…”

  —Beth Littman Quinn, Vice President at Marketburst, Massachusetts

  “In a word—WOW!!! Sally Fernandez has done it again. Noble’s Quest is a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed her first book, Brotherhood Beyond the Yard, and it was such fun to meet up with old characters again in this sequel. Sally has given us a great story telling experience, riveting in ways that walk the line between art and life. While Noble’s Quest is a great standalone story, it was wonderful to follow up on the lives of characters I had come to love (and hate) in Brotherhood. Even with the complexity of the story line and the volumes of research that went into the preparation, the result is an amazingly reader friendly story that grabs you from page one! I would highly recommend the book with just one warning—give yourself plenty of reading time because once you start, you won’t be able to put it down!!”

  —Donna Post, Banking Consultant (Ret.), Florida

  “Put it down, NO WAY! Simon at his tricks with a sparkling cast! There were new unexpected developments that truly enhanced the Brotherhood. So real, it’s easy to visualize in real life. Or was it. Making us wait for number three is crazy! Bring it on Sally. I thought it merited 6 starts.”

  —Garrett B. Vonk, President-Keiser Career College & Southeastern Institute Florida

  Noble’s Quest starts out with an explosion of fireworks and intrigue. The hope and good wishes that always begin with the New Year is quickly put into question. As the sparks settle and the dots are connected, Noble once again finds himself in the high stakes game of intellect and will. His one friend from a past life, now his nemesis, has come back to taunt him into the ultimate game of man vs. power. Simon has surfaced and Noble is ready to confront the friendly face of evil.”

  —Ann E. Howells, Wine Consultant, Florida

  “…As the sequel it met my expectations for another exciting work of intrigue and adventure. Sally does a fantastic job of keeping 3 balls in the air while moving each plot along in a well thought out methodical track. Characters are fully developed so you really know them, as this is critical for the story to move along. Max is just what Noble needs to compliment who he is as an investigator and person. Simon is more sinister than ever and his control is more evident as the reader follows his devious mind. I do not want to divulge the ending, but wait! It’s not over! Well written and paced…a great read for any season!

  —Richard Cobello, Director, Information Technology, Schenectady County Government, New York

  “I’ve never been a spy nor an intelligence agent nor a villain, but I would love to be one so I could inhabit the world of Noble’s Quest, Sally Fernandez’ sequel to Brotherhood Beyond the Yard, her excellent first novel that took readers through the intricacies of maneuvering a fraud into the office of the President of the United States. Now the intrigue continues as Fernandez brings us into a world where nothing is as it seems at first—places, people, and events morph from one apparent reality to another…Fernandez’ writing style is a delightful blend of fast-moving, crisp language presented in a paradoxically unhurried pace that allows the plot to develop slowly and deliberately. We are constantly challenged to think about where she might be going; almost sparring with her to see if we can guess correctly…Finally, the ending caught me by complete surprise. Fernandez won the sparring contest… the clues were there—no obfuscations, just cleverly woven into a very entertaining and thoughtful narrative…”

  —Alfredo S. Vedro, Media Production Consultant, Florida

  The Ultimate Revenge

  The Ultimate Revenge

  A Novel

  Conclusion to

  The Simon Trilogy

  Sally Fernandez

  The Ultimate Revenge

  Copyright © 2014 by Sally Fernandez.

  All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner, whatsoever, without written permission except in the case of brief quotations clearly cited.

  For information on sales, licensing, or permissions contact the publisher:

  Dunham Books

  63 Music Square East

  Nashville, TN 37203

  [email protected]

  www.dunhamgroupinc.com

  Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1-939447-83-8

  Ebook ISBN: 978-1-939447-84-5

  Printed in the United States of America

  Dedicated to Dr. Patricia Ames,

  loving aunt, mentor, and teacher

  who planted the seed that spurred

  my intellectual curiosity.

  “Truth is so hard to tell,

  it sometimes needs fiction to make it plausible.”

  – Francis Bacon

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  This story is pure fiction. The Godfather, the Financier, and Stronghold Management have been fictionalized, but the events are real. This does not detract from their veracity. The mention of other real people, organizations, or groups are factual, but weaved into a fictional setting. All facts are in the public domain. The statements voiced by other fictional characters may add realism to the plot, but should not be misconstrued as giving credence to any of the issues raised. The narrative gestated solely in my vivid imagination.

  It is a story that brings “The Simon Trilogy” to a conclusion, having been preceded by Brotherhood Beyond the Yard and Noble’s Quest. When facts are blended with fiction, the reader ultimately must draw one’s own conclusions. A nagging question that may arise is a simple, “What if?” as one ponders the possibilities raised.

  Once again, I must acknowledge from the start the outstanding contributions of my Editor-in-Residence, Joe Fernandez, and his amazing ability to help me shape and define my storyline continued with The Ultimate Revenge. The plot is complex and the research was intense. There were times I became tangled in the weeds of facts and Joe was there to pull me out and help me to refocus. Much love and gratitude goes to my husband, best friend, business manager, editor, and occasional research associate.

  Contents

  1. DAY ONE

  2. THE HUNT GOES ON

  3. LIGHTENING STRIKES TWICE

  4. GRIDLOCK

  5. THE SOURCE

  6. DREAM DATE

  7. A MAJOR UPSET

  8. GOTCHA

  9. THE PLAYERS

  10. STRONG SUSTAINABILITY

  11. NO WAY OUT

  12. ALL THE FORMER PRESIDENT’S MEN

  13. DAY TWENTY-NINE

  14. ASPIRATION VERSUS DESPERATION

  15. FAMILY TIES

  16. HEADIN’ EAST

  17. PRESIDENTIAL ENLIGHTENMENT?

  18. THE MOLE COMES CLEAN

  19. WATCH FOR THE WATCH

  20. A MINOR INFRACTION

  21. A MOTHER’S TORMENT

  22. KNOCK KNOCK

  23. DA
TE AND TIME

  24. A WORLD AWAY

  25. D-DAY DISCOVERED

  26. NIGHT ESCAPE

  27. DAY FORTY-FIVE

  28. THE ODD INTERCONNECTIONS

  29. BUSTED

  30. THE SOURCE UNLOADS

  31. DAY FIFTY-ONE

  32. SKIP A BREACH

  33. ALLUSION OR CONCLUSION

  34. DAY SIXTY-ONE

  35. A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE

  36. THE CONFESSION

  1

  DAY ONE

  A pale hue blanketed the sky as the sunrise bled into the morning mist. The clock on the dashboard displayed 6:10; he had been driving for over two hours. By chance, he spotted a dirt road approximately five hundred feet ahead. A glance in the rear view mirror reflected nothing other than another dark, empty stretch of highway. Perfect, he thought. He gripped the wheel, veered right, and killed the headlights. The first signs of daylight offered enough of a glow for him to inch along through the thick grove of sagebrush. Then he brought the car to a halt.

  “Recalculating, recalculating,” repeated the GPS’s nagging voice.

  “Damn thing.” He hit the button to silence the stranger who shadowed his every move. The directions were uncomplicated. Straight across I-80 did not require the mile-by-mile instructions. Nevertheless, the GPS did offer a degree of companionship as he drove through the desolate state.

  When he stepped out of the car, he hit a wall of frigid air. On instinct, he crossed his arms and hugged his body attempting to allay the cold temperature. Then he removed the duffle bag from the trunk and placed the bag in the back seat. In haste, he changed clothes while bravely ignoring the icy morning dew. Both the fresh clothes and the invigorating air prepared him for the next leg of his trip.

  After resetting the GPS, he turned the car around and headed toward the highway. “Recalculating, recalculating,” repeated the no longer pesky but welcome voice. He drove for another two hours until the sun finally brightened the rear window.