Chapter 32
Shelter Me
-- New York City --
“Suicide mission.”
Roland’s silence confirmed Irina’s assessment. They stood at water’s edge away from the others. What needed to be discussed could not be overheard.
“Without coms we can’t contact back up. Without back up we won’t survive if something unexpected occurs.”
“When something unexpected occurs,” Roland corrected her.
“We can’t even trust the team we put together. The traitor could be anyone.”
“It could even be you,” Roland remarked, not accusing, just stating the truth.
“What the hell are we going to do?” Irina asked, exasperated.
Roland watched a tug push several barges down the East River. A pleasure craft approached from the opposite direction. The tugboat captain sounded his foghorn in warning. The pleasure craft veered away and the passengers exchanged waves with the tugboat crew.
“Take insurance.”
“They’ll never help. Not after what they’ve just been through.”
Roland turned from the river and looked at Chengdu.
“They don’t have a choice.”
--
“Kiril is in position?”
“Yes, Janòs . Harrach reports to me every hour. He frets about his assignment.”
They sat alone in the great chamber of the Servants Circle. Ferenc occupied his usual seat. Not long ago Szábacs’ son sat in the same chair.
“Do you think he suspects?”
“Harrach knows nothing.”
“Not Harrach, Kiril,” Szábacs barked.
“Apologies, my Fej,” Ferenc offered, bowing his head. “I believe Kiril has no idea what purpose he serves.”
“The trap must work. Kiril must do his part.”
“He is Harcos. He will carry out the will of the Inas Kör. Or he will die trying.”
“I can only hope.”
Hope he succeeds? Or hope he fails?
Ferenc could only guess what outcome Janòs Szábacs truly desired.
“You have served me well, Ferenc Gera. Your loyalty honors your family’s name, the Cuman Union and the Kochoba clan. I only hope the fates will be kind to you after the ceremony.”
This sentiment caught Ferenc by surprise. He’d never heard Janòs speak with compassion.
The Csere is truly upon us.
“Whatever the fates may hold for me I will serve the Union until the end.”
Janòs smiled. Ferenc saw...warmth, concern? Then the mask returned and Janòs became Fej once again.
“Night falls. If it happens it will transpire in the next few hours. Keep me informed.”
Ferenc knew his Fej well enough to know he’d been dismissed. He stood, placed his chair under the table and bowed. Ferenc walked the length of the great chamber feeling the glare of the ram skull on his back and the weight of centuries of history of Kochoba pressing down on him from the walls.
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The Law of Three
Mystery / ThrillerHere's a story of madness, of lost religion, of the mafia and vampires, of unusual loves. If you hated Twilight, you might like this. Even if you liked Twilight, you might like this. Written by a casual historian and skilled novelist, I'm posting it...
