Brad Thor Collectors' Edition #3

by Brad Thor

  In a blinding flash of white, Bullet appeared from belowdecks and started barking.

  “We’ve got two weeks until the president wants me back in Washington,” he said. “Where do you want to go?”

  “I don’t care,” Tracy replied as she grabbed his chin for emphasis, “as long as we’re the only … ones … there.”

  EPILOGUE

  WASHINGTON, D.C.

  Andrew Salam and his dog stepped inside from the rain, and he searched through his coat closet for the ratty old towel he used to clean the dog’s paws. Once all the mud was gone, he kicked off his running shoes and followed his dog into the kitchen where he filled his bowls with food and fresh water.

  Grabbing a bottle of Evian from the fridge for himself, he spun off its cap and chugged half of it down in one long swallow. It was good to be home and even better now that his life was starting to get back to normal.

  The FBI had asked him to come to work for them, but Salam’s heart wasn’t in it. Not right now at least.

  Picking up the remote, he turned on the kitchen television set and tuned to one of the cable news channels. Some political pundit was droning on about “change” and the upcoming presidential elections. Salam paid no attention to it. He just liked having the TV on for background noise.

  Taking his bottle with him, he walked over and sat down at his kitchen table. He had a stack of mail he’d yet to go through that had been growing higher with each passing day. Most of it was junk mail, but there were probably bills in there too, and he prided himself on settling his debts on time.

  As he began sifting his way through, a very unusual envelope caught his attention. It bore the return address of a hotel he’d never heard of along with a postmark from the British Virgin Islands.

  Carefully, Salam opened the envelope and removed a piece of paper. Taped to the center was some sort of locker key and below it a note. The handwriting was familiar and as he read the words, his heart stopped in his chest.

  Andrew,

  I know you will do the right thing with this.

  Matthew Dodd (aka Sean Riley)

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  The idea for this novel had many parents, so to speak. It was born in part from an Atlantic Monthly article by Toby Lester entitled “What Is the Koran?” I had discovered the piece while doing research on another novel and had tucked it away for future use. When I came across an article written by Gerard W. Gawalt, formerly of the Library of Congress, entitled “America and the Barbary Pirates: An International Battle Against an Unconventional Foe,” I started wondering if there was a way I could combine the historical relevance of the Koran with Thomas Jefferson’s experience with the Barbary pirates to create a thriller that would be relevant today.

  In writing this novel, I have created a work of fiction based largely on fact. That said, I have taken creative license in some areas and will attempt to list them here.

  Mohammed’s lost revelation as depicted herein, as well as al-Jazari’s preservation of same, is of my own making. The plot device of Mohammed being assassinated by one of his companions is also of my own making (though there is evidence that Mohammed was assassinated). The concept of abrogation and everything else related to the Koran in this novel is true.

  The cipher found by Jefferson in the first edition Don Quixote is fictional. Cervantes, though, did suffer horribly during his captivity and much of his experience in the Muslim dungeons of Algiers greatly influenced and figured prominently in his work.

  Thomas Jefferson did keep a suite of rooms at the Carthusian Monastery in Paris while U.S. minister to France and invented his Cipher Wheel during this time.

  Of the fifteen fireplaces at Poplar Forest, one was indeed left unrenovated, but is located in the room used by Jefferson’s granddaughters, not in his library/parlor. Some of the entablature details, as well as Poplar Forest’s hours, have been changed to suit my purposes in this novel.

  The weapons, equipment, and other gear used by Scot Harvath, Aydin Ozbek, et al., including the revolutionary new Integrated Tourniquet System clothing, are current and accurate.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  More than ever, I want to thank my beautiful and brilliant wife, Trish, for all of her love, support, and assistance with this novel. She is my muse, my best friend, and one of the most amazing people I have ever known. Without her, none of this would be possible. Thank you, my love.

  I also could not do what I do without you, my readers. Thank you for all of your wonderful e-mails, your appearances at my signings, and all of the wonderful word of mouth you have given my novels. The reason my work has grown in popularity is because of you.

  My good friend, Scott F. Hill, PhD, was once again one of my most invaluable assets in crafting this novel. His sharp mind is exceeded only by his warm friendship and deep sense of patriotism. Thank you for everything.

  James Ryan (not his real name) operates in some of the darkest and most dangerous corners of the world. The things he shared with me during the writing of this novel made me incredibly grateful that our nation has such men and women of character, integrity, courage, and ability willing to make such exceptional sacrifices. If Mr. James Ryan ever shows up on your doorstep it is either the best day or the last day of your life. “TIA” my friend. Thank you and bless you for everything you have done for me on and off the field.

  Much of this novel has been influenced by the erudite writing, commentary, and courage of Robert Spencer, who generously assisted me in my research. I am indeed honored to call him my friend. He suffered weekly telephone and e-mail bombardments during my writing and research and always did so with brilliant responses and good humor. Robert, I am much obliged.

  One of the greatest rewards of my career has been getting to meet people whom I deeply respect and admire. As I have gotten older, I realize that outside my military, law enforcement, and intelligence contacts there aren’t many people who both “talk the talk” and “walk the walk” as well. Glenn Beck is definitely one of those people. When you have a friend who sets the bar so high for himself, it is impossible not to constantly strive to raise your own even higher. Thank you for everything, my friend. You have been an inspiration.

  I am also incredibly fortunate to have a key group of warriors with whom I not only share ideas and frank debate, but also friendship. My novels wouldn’t be what they are without them. They inspire and guide my work not only by what they say, but also what they do. Each has contributed in too many ways to mention. They are: Tom Baker, Steven Bronson, Jeff Chudwin, Rodney Cox, Thomas Foreman, Chuck Fretwell, Frank Gallagher, Steve Hoffa, Mike Janich, Cynthia Longo, Ronald Moore, Mike Noell, Chad Norberg, Gary Penrith, Rob Pincus and Mitch Shore—as well as all of my other brothers and sisters out there who asked that they not be named in this book for their own safety. Thank you for all you do for us. Stay safe.

  As I have said before, without the fabulous bookstores, online retailers, and the Atria/Pocket sales staff, you wouldn’t be holding this in your hands right now. I am extremely grateful to all the people who have worked so hard to build me as an author and who strive to make every book more successful than the last. It is a team effort, and along with Jeanne Lee, the Atria/Pocket art and production departments, and the Simon & Schuster Audio family I couldn’t hope to be aligned with more creative, intelligent, and truly nice people in the publishing business.

  Daniel Pipes consulted with me at the very beginning of the novel and I am quite grateful for his insight, generosity, and advice.

  Dr. Rusty Shackleford and his team are a force to be reckoned with. Though few know who they really are, many know the incredibly dangerous and important work that they do every day. Thank you for everything.

  Thanks as well goes to Anna Berkes, Research Librarian at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello; Anna McAlpine, Director, Public Relations & Marketing at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest; and Clark Evans of the Library of Congress.

  In Washington, D.C., I am grateful for the assistance of
my friends David Vennett, Patrick Doak, and my new Beltway “insider,” Tim Holland.

  I also want to thank Richard and Anne Levy for their help as well as that of our shared foreign intelligence asset, Alice.

  The continued help and support of two of my best sharpshooters, Tom and Geri Whowell, is also deeply appreciated.

  Thanks as well go to Danielle Boudreau of Bombardier Business Aircraft, the United States Park Service, and the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

  I am exceptionally fortunate to be on a power-house publishing team surrounded by brilliant people. That team is led by the incomparable Carolyn Reidy. As our professional relationship has grown, so too has our friendship. Carolyn, it is both an honor and a pleasure working with you.

  Judith Curr and Louise Burke are two of the best and brightest in the publishing business. I’m not only lucky enough to call them my publishers, I also get to call them my friends. Every year that I work with Louise and Judith is more enjoyable than the last. Thank you both for all you have done for me.

  My amazing editor, Emily Bestler, offered superb guidance every step of the way and helped me reach further with this novel than ever before. Emily, I am more appreciative of you than you will ever know. Thank you for everything.

  My outstanding literary agent, Heide Lange, continues to play a vital role in my writing career. Thank you, Heide, for your intelligence, wisdom, and creativity, as well as your abiding friendship.

  Gary Urda, Lisa Keim, and Michael Selleck are three more exceptional talents in the Simon & Schuster family whose acumen and dedication to my books is felt and appreciated on every page. Thank you.

  David Brown is my remarkable publicist, who continues to amaze me as he leaps tall buildings in a single bound and makes it look so easy. David, you will always be #1 in my book and I am very thankful to have you on my team.

  Laura Stern, Sarah Branham, Mellony Torres, Karen Fink and everyone else at S&S have my deep gratitude for the incredible amount of work they put into every book we publish. Again, it is truly a team effort and I am very thankful to be a member of the Atria & Pocket families.

  I also want to thank everyone at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates for all that they do for me throughout the year, including the exceptional Teri Tobias and the dynamic duo of Alex Cannon and Jennifer Linnan.

  In the trenches of Hollywood, you want an attorney who knows where the bodies are buried. If he’s also a brilliant negotiator and one hell of a great guy to be around, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Scott Schwimer is not only all of that, he’s also one of my best friends. Thanks, Scottie.

  ATRIA BOOKS

  A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

  1230 Avenue of the Americas

  New York, NY 10020

  www.SimonandSchuster.com

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2008 by Brad Thor

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Atria Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

  This Atria Books paperback edition July 2011

  ATRIA BOOKS and colophon are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

  The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event, contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau at 1-866-248-3049 or visit our website at www.simonspeakers.com.

  Cover design by Alan Dingman

  ISBN 978-1-4516-5146-1

  ISBN 978-1-4165-8039-3 (ebook)

  BRAD THOR

  IS “QUITE POSSIBLY THE NEXT COMING OF ROBERT LUDLUM” (Chicago Tribune)

  SCOT HARVATH IS AMERICA’S SECRET WEAPON IN THE WAR ON TERROR

  GET SWEPT UP IN BRAD THOR’S RIVETING SCOT HARVATH BESTSELLERS FROM ATRIA BOOKS

  Glenn Beck calls Brad Thor’s The Last Patriot “a thriller to die for.” Nelson DeMille dubs Scot Harvath “the perfect all-American hero for the post–September 11th world.” Now Brad Thor delivers more “high voltage entertainment reminiscent of Robert Ludlum” (Library Journal). . . .

  THE APOSTLE

  “Blasts off like a guided missile and never slows down, weaving current events into a frightening scenario that just could happen. Brad Thor rocks!”

  —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Keepsake

  “Brad Thor has done it again . . . an out-of-the-ballpark homerun. You won’t want to put it down.”

  —Blackwater Tactical Weekly

  “A must read. . . . An action-packed story with more than a few parallels to the current political climate. . . . Powerfully and convincingly draws you in. . . . A breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat experience.”

  —National Terror Alert.com

  Read the #1 New York Times bestseller that is “as close to a perfect thriller as you’ll ever find”*—Brad Thor’s

  THE LAST PATRIOT

  “Brilliantly plotted and ingeniously conceived.”

  —Providence Journal-Bulletin (RI)*

  “Stunning.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  The Apostle is also available from Simon & Schuster Audio

  “The Last Patriot . . . [will] make an action addict drool.”

  —San Antonio Express-News

  “Wow, this guy can write.”

  —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

  “[A] nonstop action machine. . . . A thoroughly researched, high-fueled thrill ride.”

  —Tampa Tribune

  THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

  “An intelligent, sizzling adventure full of international intrigue.”

  —Wilmington Morning Star (NC)

  “Readers who like Tom Clancy and Stephen Coonts will love Brad Thor.”

  —Chicago Tribune

  “An adrenaline-charged thriller. . . . Brad Thor knows how to excite the senses.”

  —Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Vendetta

  TAKEDOWN

  “[Like] the TV show 24 and other high-octane thrillers, Takedown is crisp and cinematic, with . . . gun-blazing, gut-busting action.”

  —The Tennessean

  “Enthralling. . . . A smart, explosive work that details events about to happen outside your front door.”

  —Bookreporter.com

  “Exciting . . . frightening. . . . [A] masterpiece.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  BLOWBACK

  “Haunting, high-voltage. . . . One of the best thriller writers in the business.”

  —Ottawa Citizen

  “An incredible international thriller. . . . Riveting and superior.”

  —Brunei Press Syndicate

  STATE OF THE UNION

  “Frighteningly real.”

  —Ottawa Citizen

  “[A] blistering, testosterone-fueled espionage thriller.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  PATH OF THE ASSASSIN

  “Brad Thor is as current as tomorrow’s headlines.”

  —Dan Brown

  “The action is relentless, the pacing sublime.”

  —Ottawa Citizen

  THE LIONS OF LUCERNE

  “Fast-paced, scarily authentic—I just couldn’t put it down.”

  —Vince Flynn

  “A hot read for a winter night. . . . Bottom line: Lions roars.”

  —People

  For James Ryan,

  Warrior

  People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

  —George Orwell

  In our nation’s war on terror, a new breed of operator has emerged. Passionately dedicated to their craft, they ignore the trials and hardships of their profession and work tirelessly in the face of
limited support and bloated bureaucracies to achieve one singular goal—mission success.

  Motivated by a deep and undying love for their country, these operators willingly face intense danger so that America may remain free.

  Once labeled “true believers,” this term no longer applies. These warriors have become Apostles.

  CHAPTER 1

  NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

  Next to a stream of icy snowmelt from the Hindu Kush, a small caravan unloaded its contraband. Cases filled with weapons, money, communications equipment, and other gear were placed beneath a rocky overhang and covered with camouflage netting to keep them concealed from overhead surveillance.

  A man in his late forties with deep Slavic features stood nearby and supervised. He had blue eyes, medium-length gray hair, and both the clothing and bearing of a local Afghan.

  When his team of Pakistani smugglers was done, the man removed a stack of bills and paid them double what he normally did for bringing him into the country. It was a severance package. He wouldn’t be using them again. This was going to be his final operation.

  He made himself comfortable near a stack of rams’ horns that marked a Taliban grave site and watched as the line of smugglers and pack animals disappeared back into the mountains toward Pakistan. Though he couldn’t spot them, he knew there were men in the rugged hills above, men with sophisticated weapons—weapons he had provided to them—who were keeping him in their sights.

  Twenty minutes later, three muddy Toyota Hilux double-cab pickup trucks appeared from the other end of the valley. The convoy splashed across the fast-moving stream and drove up to the overhang. As the trucks rolled to a stop, young men with thick, dark beards and Kalashnikovs jumped out.