Newton’s Fire

FORTY
I

It was past midnight in Jerusalem when Avram finally received his nephew’s call. ‘It’s real?’ he asked.

‘It’s real, Uncle,’ Jakob assured him, his excitement audible despite the distance. ‘I saw it. I touched it.’

‘You touched it?’

‘Only to pack it. We’re loading it on to the plane now. We’ll be in the air soon.’

‘Good. And well done.’

‘Thank you, Uncle.’

‘Is the man Croke with you? I need to speak with him.’

‘He’s here. I’ll put him on now.’

‘I trust you’re satisfied,’ said Croke when Jay handed him the phone.

‘I’m satisfied,’ said Avram.

‘Then you’re going in?’

‘When people are asleep. But please remember that I’ll wait until the Ark is here before I bring down the Dome.’

‘I know the plan,’ said Croke.

‘I know you know the plan,’ said Avram. ‘I want to make sure you bear the plan in mind as you’re flying across the Mediterranean with the Ark in your hold. I want you to remember that I’ll be monitoring your course all they way on a flight-tracking website, and that I’ll call my nephew should I see any deviation.’

‘I said I know the plan, Avram. I’ll see you in Jerusalem.’

‘In Jerusalem,’ agreed Avram.