The Relic Runner Origin Story Box Set by Ernest Dempsey (best desktop ebook reader .txt) 📗

eyes wandered across the walls, then drifted out onto the rolling vineyards. "Sí," he admitted. "It is. But not because it's lavish. It's a part of me, my family. Villas have lived here for centuries on this very land. The place in Ecuador is fine for me. It has a roof, good food, warmth. And it allows me to work without drawing too much attention to the rest of my large family."

Dak nodded, understanding. He didn't need to ask why the man continued to work. Diego clearly didn't need the money. The family business appeared to be doing just fine, and any additional money he brought in from doing private intel work would merely add to the pile. It was clear to Dak that Diego did what he did because he believed in it. He believed in freedom and fighting against those who would oppress it.

"So," Diego said, interrupting Dak's thoughts. "You two are looking to get into Istanbul, huh?"

"And fast, sir," Dak said.

"Pressing appointment?"

"You could say that." Dak hoped he didn't have to say more.

"I see." Diego's face turned grave. "I assume you had to leave your weapons in Portugal before you took the train to Madrid?"

"Yes, sir," Will and Dak answered together.

"Will you be needing more when you get to Istanbul or is it a peaceful appointment?"

The two guests looked at each other and then back to their host.

"That looks like a yes," Diego surmised. "I'll have them waiting for you when you land. It's pretty last minute, so I don't know what kind of stock my man in Istanbul has, but it's better than nothing."

Dak felt a twinge of hope flutter in his chest. "Thank you so much, sir. I truly appreciate it."

Diego waved off the praise. "It's nothing. I'm happy to help a couple of good soldiers like you two."

Dak's face must have looked surprised, because Diego noticed.

"What, you didn't think I did a little research on you before you came to visit my abode? I have enemies, you know."

"Hey!" Will said, perhaps feeling a touch hurt at the comment. "You think I would bring someone into your home who intends to do you harm?"

Diego shrugged. "You do have some shady dealings, Will."

Dak laughed. "He's got you there, pal."

Will sighed. "Fine. When do we leave?"

Diego leaned forward and lifted the bottle, tipped it toward an empty glass, and poured until the glass was half-full. He set the bottle back down and raised the drink in a toast. "As soon as you leave here."

Fifteen

Istanbul

Dak peered out at the busy city street from behind the steering wheel, his eyes searching for signs of trouble.

Istanbul was one of his favorite cities to visit. It had been the crossroads of every major civilization and culture throughout human history, and there was much to appreciate from food, to drinks, to ancient ruins and monuments throughout the city.

He and Will weren't here for sightseeing, though Dak allowed his imagination to wander through his brain, casting visions of dinners and enchanting conversations with Nicole.

There was no sign of the colonel's men. They were probably still scouring the Portuguese countryside or perhaps infiltrating the towns near Nazare. Those endeavors would have proven fruitless, even if the two marks were still in that country. There were a million places to hide in the little villages, hills, and cities. While the two men might stick out compared to the locals, Dak and Will could have stayed on the move indefinitely. With open borders throughout most of Europe, and the knowledge of how to exploit them, they could have driven the colonel around in circles until he lost his mind.

Time, however, wasn't on Dak's side. Bo had Nicole, and he needed to get to her. He prayed it wasn't too late, but a nagging, painful feeling continued to throb in his gut. He picked up the white and red cup of coffee from the cup holder and sipped it conservatively as he stared through the windshield. He hoped the coffee would shock his senses back to his old battle-hardened self. It did little.

"You see anything?" Will asked in a hushed tone, as if he spoke too loud Bo would hear him.

"No," Dak said. "I don't expect to. Not until we get into the apartment."

"How you want to do it?"

Dak had been considering that since they boarded the plane out of Madrid. Diego's contact picked them up at the airport and provided them with a pair of pistols and a car, along with instructions of what to do with the vehicle when they were done with their visit.

The guns, the man had said, they could keep. There was, of course, a slim chance that would happen. Once Bo was dead, Dak planned on heading back to the United States, and taking a sketchy firearm with him wasn't an option. He detested ditching good weapons, and the Glocks that Diego's man provided were quality guns.

Dak longed to be back in his cabin on Monteagle Mountain, far away from this mess. One more, he thought.

If he could save Nicole, he wondered if the same salvation was possible for their relationship. Oddly, he doubted that more than his ability to take down Bo, despite the advantage the enemy held.

He was thinking too much. It was time to act.

"I'll go in through the stairwell," Dak said finally. "You take the elevator."

"Split up then?"

"He could be watching the building. I know I would be. He'll know when we get there. If he tries to take me out in the stairs, you can get the drop on him from behind, via the elevator."

Will eyed his friend with concern. "But then you'd be dead."

"That doesn't matter," Dak said. "All that matters is Nicole is safe."

"Look, man. I appreciate the sacrifice and selflessness and all that, but you know I'm your friend too. I realize we haven't known each other that long. Still, I can't let you just run into an ambush on some suicidal down-in-a-blaze-of-glory charge."

"I don't want to die," Dak laughed. "But you know how