Rise of the Order by Trevor Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

expense,” Jake said. “They could have used a little more of it I’m afraid.”
    â€œThe Teutonic Order,” Toni said, watching Sikora’s eyes shift back toward her. “I have a Brother of the Teutonic Order here who, I’m sure, knows something about the death of two priests in Bratislava. I think he wants to tell me all about it.”
    Jake laughed. “I’ll bet. Can we get together tonight? Talk over this crazy case.”
    â€œSure. Have Kurt show you to my place tonight at eight.”
    â€œGreat. Carry on.” He was about to click off, but then said, “Leave him a little dignity.”
    â€œThat’s up to him,” she said, and then flicked her phone shut and shoving it back into her jacket.
    She jabbed her knee deeper into Sikora’s back. “Coffee break over, dumbass.”
    â—
    Jake Adams handed the phone back to Kurt Lamar. They were now sitting in Kurt’s Audi, since the rain had picked up again. Jake looked back at his car behind them. Albrecht looked like he was getting concerned. Luckily the traffic on this road was light; only a few cars zipped past them as they talked on the side of the road.
    â€œYou got a date tonight?” Kurt asked Jake.
    â€œI don’t think so. She wants you to show me where she lives. Eight tonight.”
    â€œSounds like a date to me,” Kurt said smiling.
    Jake shook his head. “We haven’t been together for quite some time. She went off on Agency business, and I just figured it would end like that. Haven’t seen each other in more than a year.”
    â€œShe’s just as hot as you remember her,” Kurt said.
    His eyes on his old friend, Jake said, “You and her get together?”
    Kurt raised his hands toward Jake. “No. No. She’s a hell of a hottie, but you two have history. Besides, she’s my boss.”
    â€œShe worked for me at one time,” Jake said, “and we hooked up.”
    â€œStill. Can we change the subject? What you plan on doing with the Grand Master?”
    That was the rub. If Kurt and the Agency could find him, would those trying to kill the man be far behind? Jake doubted the bad guys had satellite GPS tracking, but they did seem to be one step ahead of him.
    â€œWe need to stash him for a while,” Jake said. “I’ve had some time to talk with Albrecht, and he seems to think his Order is under attack.”
    â€œYou don’t think he’s involved with any of the murders?”
    Jake looked back at Albrecht in his car and then to Kurt. “You know more than you’re telling me.”
    Kurt shifted in his seat but said nothing.
    â€œI’ll take that as a yes,” Jake said. “The Agency wouldn’t be involved with simple murders if it didn’t fit into a bigger picture. What am I up against?”
    More hesitation. Finally, Kurt said, “We think there are cells all over Europe. Killing folks. We’ve seen a pattern of sorts.”
    â€œA terrorist group?”
    Kurt shook his head. “Not exactly. They’re targeting foreigners or those inclined to support the newly arrived. Turkish kabob shops, Moroccan restaurants, tea houses and smoke joints. Mostly small drive-bys. Sending a message. Then two weeks ago they assassinated a Hungarian politician. A man who wanted to allow more foreigners into his country.”
    â€œAnd you think these are all connected?” Jake said.
    â€œYes. They call themselves Der Neue Orden.”
    â€œThe New Order.”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œSo Albrecht might be right,” Jake said. “His Teutonic Order might be under attack in some way.” Knowing he needed a modicum of direction, based on sound intelligence, maybe Jake finally had something to go on. He had seen for himself that the Order, or at least the grand master of the Order, was under attack.
    They agreed that Jake should stow Albrecht alone. Then only one person would