Angel Assassins - Book 1 Lineage & Lies

Chapter 16 - The Mark of the Drakim

Jake made his way to the end of the hall where there was a small door that led to the back staircase. Jake reached for the key that was kept onto of the door frame. He quietly unlocked the door, slipped inside and locked it behind him. 

The staircase was dimly lit, so he carefully made his way down. The door at the bottom led him out to a small boot room. It smelt musty and there was a slight hint of cheese in the air.

There were a number of security jackets and caps on the coat hooks. He found a coat that would fit over his hooded top. He picked a cap and adjusted the back so that it fitted comfortably. He pulled it low over his eyes. 

Opening the door, he peered out into the courtyard to check no one was there. Stepping out, he casually closed the door behind him and strode across the pebbled courtyard, digging into his sandwich. 

Hoping that anyone watching the security camera pointing into the courtyard would think he was part of the security team. He reached the building on the other side and pressed himself against the wall. He was starting to enjoy this. He reached the edge of the wall and checked round the corner. 

Gabriel was standing by his door talking to two of the estate guards. Gabriel noticed Jake and finished talking, sending them off to check the South gate. Jake hurried across to Gabriel, after the guards were out of sight.

'I have cover for an hour at the very least' said Jake once he had reached Gabriel.

'Nice disguise, we're not the secret service you know' said Gabriel with a slight smirk.

'And here was me thinking you were some sort of body guard' Gabriel playfully pushed him inside.

'Steady' said Jake,

Almost falling up the stairs and dropping some of his sandwich on the floor. He picked the piece of steak up and popped it in his mouth. Gabriel rolled his eyes.

'What, don't you know the twenty second rule?'

Gabriel frowned and looked at Jake as if he was talking gibberish. Jake swallowed the piece of steak and explained.

'If you drop something on the floor and its there for less than twenty seconds, you can pick it up and it's fine to eat'

Gabriel just shook his head in disbelief. Jake smiled and ate the last bit of the sandwich and opened the can of coke.

When Jake reached the top of the stairs, Xavier was standing with his pack on his back by the French doors.

'Jake I need to go. Gabriel will explain everything. I will meet you at the rendezvous point'

Jake was about to protest when Xavier jumped off the balcony and sped off into the growing darkness. Jake rushed to the balcony rail and could just make out Xavier scaling the far estate wall. Jake came back in and slumped in the sofa.

'Gabriel, why is this happening to me?'

Gabriel shrugged

'It is just the way of things. There are things and events that happen that Man has no understanding or knowledge of and probably wouldn't believe.'

Jake finished the coke and took off the security jacket. Leaning to one side pulled out the soft sunglasses case from his trouser pocket and handed it to Gabriel.

'Xavier tells me that you heard it speak to you and that you had a dream'

Jake nodded

'Yes, it was bizarre, one minute I was in my room, the next I was in this huge cavern being attacked by beast like creatures. The leader tried to cut off my head. I woke up before it happened'