Conspiracy

by Allan Topol

  Now, I too, am no longer connected to a single living soul.

  Aimlessly, in a daze, he crossed streets, disregarding traffic signals, ignoring honking horns and the curses of motorists. He passed churches, but didn't go inside. He wouldn't find solace there.

  He walked for two more hours. Then drifted into a Trattoria. He ordered a bottle of Chianti. The waitress poured a glass, but he didn't touch it. He placed his head into his hands and lowered it to the coarse wooden table. He cried, the tears streaming down his cheeks, dripping into his mouth. "Francesca," he muttered in a barely audible plaintive lament.

  He had no idea how long he remained with his head on the table. He heard, "Craig." A powerful set of arms pulled his head up, then raised him to his feet. It was Giuseppe.

  "C'mon Craig, we're going to the airport. I'm taking you to Washington."

  Excerpt from

  Spy Dance

  A Novel

  by

  Allan Topol

  National Bestselling Author

  Copyright © 2001, 2011 by Allan J. Topol

  Nervously he picked it up on the second ring.

  "Is this Greg Nielsen?" a man's voice asked in French.

  "You must have the wrong room," he replied, trying hard not to disclose the tension in his voice. He could feel perspiration beginning to form under his arms.

  "I know that you're Greg Nielsen," the caller persisted.

  "You're obviously mistaken. There's no one in this room by that name. I suggest you talk to the hotel operator."

  "I would urge you not to play games with me, Mr. Nielsen. Be in front of the Bristol at six tomorrow morning. A black Mercedes will pick you up."

  David's mind was focusing on the accent of the caller. Clearly Parisian, he decided. "What is your name, please? I'll give it to the hotel operator. Maybe she can leave a message."

  "Did you understand what I said?" The caller sounded annoyed. "Tomorrow at six."

  "And if I'm not there?"

  "Certain people in Washington will be very interested in knowing where you are, Mr. Nielsen."

  The phone clicked dead.

  Allan Topol is the national bestselling author of novels of international intrigue, including Spy Dance, recently translated into Chinese. He is a graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology, who majored in chemistry, abandoned science, and obtained a law degree from Yale University. A partner in a major Washington law firm, and an avid wine collector, he has traveled extensively, researching dramatic locations for his novels. You can visit him at http://www.allantopol.com. Please let him know if you would like to receive his free newsletter.