Unraveled

Unraveled, Chapter 3 - Engagement

ENGAGEMENT

James was returning to his small, two story house in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.  Oak Cliff was traditionally an area with a bad reputation.  With that reputation came low housing prices, which was perfect for veteran newly released from a military prison.  James’ house was built in the 1950’s, which was not unusual for homes in that area.  The area tended to feature older homes that have been renovated over the years.  This was an area attractive to underemployed bohemians and working class white and Mexican folks who wanted to live near downtown.  The area abutted some rough neighborhoods whose crime occasionally crossed in.  However, despite the reputation of the area generally, the area was as safe as most parts of residential, working class Dallas.  Recent attempts at gentrification brought with them somewhat more professional residents, but they have not harmed the attitude and vibe of the area.

James’ arms-length, but friendly relationship with his neighbors gave him some privacy.  His custom built security system ensured it.  Which explains why the black SUV parked three houses down caught his attention.

James pulled into his driveway and waited for the garage door to open.  He took the time to scout the SUV in his rearview mirror.  There was not much to see with the windows tinted.  There was just enough ambient noise and visible vibration to suggest the SUV’s engine and battery were powering the air conditioner.  You could not do surveillance from a parked car in Dallas during the summer without air conditioning.  James pulled the car into the garage and closed the garage door behind him.

James entered the house from the garage.  The alarm panel did not indicate any attempt at entry, but James knew that a skilled operative can come and go undetected.  He went upstairs and pulled the drawstring that released the built-in ladder to the attic.  He climbed up and flipped a switch illuminating a loft space filled with a large leather chair, a large desk with two rows of three computer monitors and a rack of multiple computers.  The room had its own cooling unit and was insulated for sound from the water heater and air conditioning equipment for the rest of the house.

James knew better than to crack the drapes downstairs to check on his friends in the SUV.  That is why he had hidden cameras set up to view the interior and exterior of the house.  Whether George or anyone else hired him, he was going to be ready.  He did not leave his technical skills behind in the Middle East and Asia or in prison.

First, James checked the cameras on fast rewind.  The camera angles were able to catch the SUV pulling up, but nobody ever left the vehicle.  It must be electronic only at this point.  They could tap into the phone line all they wanted since the only visible phone line only handled his non-priority phone calls and cable television.  He considered giving them something to think about with his pay per view orders later.

Firing up another monitor, it was clear that there was a significant spike in electromagnetic activity emanating from the SUV.  At least from the insulated attic and with his secure cell phones, SUV Boys won’t get much that is important.  The problem was that James would rather consider whether to take the Tyler engagement than deal with whatever the SUV Boys were up to.  Was it related to Quincy Roosevelt?  Was it the government checking up on him?  Was it certain Iraqis looking for payback?

James’ home phone rang.  George’s voice boomed from the receiver.

“Jimmay!  So what do you think?”

“I like Brother’s Keeper in the eighth, maybe put in for an exacta.”

“What the hell are you talking about,” James asked, sounding confused.

“Will you be around for a while?”

“Yeah.  Call back when you get a minute.”

James hung up the phone and retrieved his cell phone from his pocket.  He turned his attention to the computer monitors.  There was no visible activity, but the infrared and electromagnetic activity spiked.  The instruments reading the sonic vibrations were hitting the house hard enough to practically cause their own vibrations.