The street was deserted, with traffic lights blinking yellow. The March air was clear and biting. All the buildings, except one, were dark, with occasional ‘closed’ neon signs. Two large storefront windows glowed brightly from a nearly deserted interior. Above the door, an illuminated sign with large block letters read ‘Jiu-Jitsu.’ Below, ‘Elite Japanese School of Jiu-Jitsu.’ On the bottom, ‘Sensei Tanabe “Abe” Masuda.’
Two figures grappled on a black mat, wall to wall. American and Japanese flags were displayed on the far wall parallel to the street. Two wall mirrors were waiting for students to practice detailed choreographed patterns of movements.
Liam took a deep breath through his nose, exhaling as he got to his feet. Sensei Masuda quickly maneuvered closely, and Liam was caught off-guard without time to recover. Sensei Masuda gripped Liam’s Gi near the right shoulder, reaching his other hand around Liam and grabbing his belt. Liam was lifted off his feet with a quick turn and high hip and felt weightless as he flew through the air. Landing at Sensi’s feet, Sensei Masuda still extended Liam’s arm.
Both men stood, faced each other, and bowed. With eyebrows raised, Sensei Masuda asked, “Where are you right now?”
Catching his breath and rubbing his left leg, Liam grimaced, “Charleston.”
“Charleston?” Sensi Masuda continued, “What’s in Charleston?”
“My next assignment.” With a deep inhale and long exhale, Liam said, “You are now looking at Special Agent Liam Doyle, head of an Anti-Domestic Terrorism Unit, Charleston, West Virginia.”
“Congratulations?”
“Thank you, I think.” Liam took a small step back, “It was not something I sought.” As they walked to the locker room, Liam added, “With Haruka and Michael both at universities and Aika teaching at South Charleston High School, the timing seems right.”
The South Charleston Dojo was popular with the community. Liam started most weekdays at 6:00 a.m. One-on-one practice with Abe allowed Liam to practice his martial arts before starting his work day. Students were arriving for the 7:00 a.m. class. Adults and older high school students attended the 7:00 a.m. class. The students varied in age with class times throughout the day. After a quick shower, Liam grabbed his workout bag and headed to the parking lot. Once outside, he took in a refreshing breath of cool air.
Liam, the child of an Irish father and a Japanese mother, was introduced to Jiu Jitsu at a young age. Liam was bullied at school. Unlike his younger brother Kevin, Liam’s Asian facial features, jet black hair and an angular face did not match his name ‘Liam Doyle.’ At that age, his small stature also made him a target for children can be cruel. His parents enrolled him in Jiu Jitsu to build his self-confidence, and it worked.
As Liam’s self-confidence grew, so did his size. In high school, he was the star of his high school’s Jiu-Jitsu club and excelled in track. He met Aika on a high school field trip. They were inseparable and were married in 2002.
Aika was coming out of the house as he pulled into the driveway of their Rock Lake, South Charleston home. She was on her way to school. Balancing coffee in one hand and her purse and work bag on the opposite shoulder, she struggled to open the car door, dropped her keys, and then placed the coffee on the car’s roof.
As Liam exited his car, she turned, “I left the coffee pot on since I knew you would be home soon. Oh, and there are leftovers for dinner.” She bent forward and picked up her keys. “Don’t forget I have parent-teacher conferences tonight, so I’ll be home around 9:30.”
Liam grabbed the coffee from the car’s roof, handed her the cup, and smiled, “I think I will be home late too.”
Looking apologetic, Aika said, “I completely forgot about the start of your new job. You’ll be great. You always are.”
“Thanks; I hope you’re right.” Liam leaned into the car and kissed her. With two taps on the car’s roof, he stepped back, “Drive Safely.”
On the driveway, he reflected on his new position as head of the Anti-Domestic Terrorism Unit. Three FBI agents would report to him, and they are meeting for the first time today. After coffee and a quick breakfast, Liam headed out the door for a fifteen-minute drive to the FBI office in Charleston.
I'm getting involved but the chapter ended abruptly.