The Twelve by William Gladstone Page B

connection between the film production and the twelve names. Could it have something to do with the extraterrestrials they were seeking ? Perhaps they really did exist, and this was their way to prove it.
    Based on his experiences at Yale, where even the most educated men had proved themselves unwilling to consider new ideas, Max decided that when they met, he wouldn’t reveal to Yutsky the nature of their connection. No, he would watch, observe, and try to find a connection of some sort that might offer an explanation.
    ***
    Yutsky was all smiles at the airport. He was a bear of a man, short yet powerful, with a moustache and a receding hairline. He wore green fatigues from his military days, and had a ring with countless keys hanging from his belt. He also wore a long, white scarf around his neck.
    He laughed easily and loved telling stories, making jokes, and beaming when others smiled. He had been a major in the Israeli Army and was proud of his military achievements.
    As far as Max could tell, there was nothing that Yutsky could not accomplish. He was the most organized man Max had ever met and was considered the top production coordinator in all of Israel. He had worked on many feature film productions and knew everyone in the business.
    Yutsky made sure that vehicles were always ready as needed and arranged for access to Masada, Jericho, and even the more remote locations. He liked to have fun and was a lover of good food and drink, which endeared him to Russ and Andy. He saw to it that the crew enjoyed the best hotels, restaurants, and scenic and relaxing diversions during their downtime.
    He introduced Max to the 1,000-year-old original Turkish baths in Jerusalem, took him to the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, Bethlehem, and all the sacred locations throughout Jerusalem and Israel. Max only stayed five days with Yutsky, but they bonded in a way that only happens during war—or the intensity of making a film.
    At the end of that time, as they drove to the airport where Max would catch a plane to Delhi, India, Yutsky turned and asked him about his Israeli visit.
    â€œSo, Max, of all I have shown you these last five days here in Israel, what will you remember the most ? ”
    Max thought a moment before answering.
    â€œIt’s all been so amazing—I can’t choose just one site, but perhaps in some mystical way it is the land itself and the energy of the people. There’s so much focus and intensity in the streets, the restaurants, the bars, and everywhere,” he said.
    â€œI am so glad you felt this energy,” Yutsky responded, and he smiled. “Yes, the true magic of Israel is in the people. Some, like me, come from families that have been here for centuries. But the others, who have come more recently from Europe, Russia, and even your own United States, capture the magic and purpose of this sacred land.
    â€œNow that you have had your first Israeli experience, I am sure you will return—and when you do, I will be here to greet you.”
    Yutsky beamed as he parked the car in the airport parking lot.
    Just before Max entered the elaborate security area at the airport, he turned to his friend.
    â€œYou have been like a second father to me here in Israel,” he said. “I will never be able to thank you enough or repay your hospitality.”
    Yutsky just smiled.
    â€œDo not worry. I enjoyed every minute working with you and your crew. You are young. Some day a young person will need your help. In that moment, remember me, and I will be well thanked.
    â€œNow go, and make a great film. Travel safely.”
    While he boarded the plane, Max was certain that he had made a lifelong friend. And yet despite the close bond, he could not discern any mystical connection that might explain Yutsky’s presence on the list of the Twelve, so he decided not to share this secret as they parted.
    As a soldier, Yutsky didn’t seem the type with whom to share a