“Medical devices have identifying serial numbers. Using a private surgeon paid by Cardinal Tissot, it was only a matter of switching out mine for a new one and placing the old device inside our decoy. Once it was discovered by the coroner, especially with camera footage showing me being dragged into the library, the serial number would have left little doubt as to the identity of the burned body.”
“You thought of everything,” Sharyn admitted.
With layers upon layers of contingencies.
“This has been long in the planning,” Julian admitted. “If frantic in its execution. For that, I must apologize. All of this need not have been so hard on you and your friends. It could’ve ended on Halloween night.”
“What will you do now?” Duncan asked.
Julian glanced back. “As the cardinal attested, we will work together. I can bring to the table all theGardiens’ prior knowledge, its research, its deciphering tools. Much of which I amassed in secret.”
Cardinal Tissot stepped forward. “And I will share the resources and assets of theConfrérie—who will never learn of today’s treachery. Along with the vast wealth at my disposal. Both what was stolen in the past and what we will take from here now.”
Julian nodded. “With such combined strength, we will achieve what the endless fighting between theGardiensand theConfrérieonly thwarted. We will fully decrypt Saint-Germain’s book. Secure its mysteries and treasures, not just for ourselves, but for the world.”
Sharyn lowered her gaze, wondering if these two, despite the carnage in their wake, were not entirely wrong.
Maybe this is the only way to discover Saint-German’s last secrets.
Julian held out his hand. “So, as you see, Ms. Karr, it seems your duty as the Thirteenth Keeper has finally come to an end.”
68
2:04 p.m.
Sharyn backed away from Julian Wright. A rising fury—stoked by his smug, self-satisfied look—pushed through her shock and dread. She had been used, deceived, and terrorized by this bastard. She had been chosen because she had survived childhood abuse and judged weak.
Julian remained standing in place, still holding out his hand. “Bring me the book.”
Even now, he wanted to humiliate her, to make her deliver the volume to him. He could have easily come forward and taken it, but instead he continued this passive-aggressive torment.
Sick of such men in her life, she clutched the book harder.
Julian sighed and pulled out his pistol. He waved it negligently, like a teacher with a pointer. Only this lesson would be a grim one.
“I can make your deaths slow and painful,” he warned. “Or mercifully quick.”
He settled his aim and fired. The blast deafened. Russo’s head snapped back, shot through the forehead. She slumped in Laurent’s arms, his face spattered with blood.
“Like this,” Julian said calmly, standing in place. “She was going to die anyway. Blood loss, sepsis. It’s a kindness. One I can offer you all if you cooperate. Otherwise, I will let Captain Ferhat’s men find some entertainment before we leave. Losing two of their men to a sniper has them looking for satisfaction.”
Sharyn stumbled another step back, her legs shaking. “No...”
“A shame.” Julian turned to the soldier next to the cardinal. “Captain Ferhat, maybe a demonstration is necessary after all.”
The soldier unsheathed a long steel dagger.
“Wait,” Sharyn gasped out. She steadied her stance and forced her legs to move her body forward.
Julian holstered his weapon. “Very wise, Ms. Karr.”
She took the three steps to him and held out the book. “Take it. It’s caused nothing but misery.”
He smiled and reached for it.
She whipped forth her other arm and stabbed her karambit knife through his palm. As he screamed, she twisted on one leg, lowered her hip, and snapped out a kick with the other. Her boot heel struck him high in the midriff, under his ribs, hard enough to knock the wind out of him and lift him off his feet. He went flying backward.
She did not slow. She continued her turn, back to facing her friends, and lunged for the only path open to her. Toward the flaming menorah. She had already come to a decision, knowing what needed to be done. Saint-Germain had made it clear in this transformational Temple of Fire.
