Final Mission: Zion - A World War 2 Thriller

by Chuck Driskell

  The American’s laughter grew as tears welled in his eyes, finally running down his face.

  “What is it?” Aying yelled.

  The laughter ceased as if chopped off by a falling blade, transforming into an eerily calm voice as the American said, “And who said I cared anything about escaping?”

  The blood left Aying’s face, leaving him grey, matching his eyes and uniform.

  ~~~

  1976 - Manhasset, NY, USA

  “So,” Gabrielle summed up, “They told us that story. Then they told us, officially, Aying was listed as having been killed…shot…in a so-called training accident.” Gabrielle rubbed the locket. “His date of death was only a few days after we last saw Neil. Five other men were killed that day, too, in this purported training accident.”

  “He got Anton Aying,” Neil Jr. said proudly, rapping his knuckles on the table. “My dad got that evil sonofabitch.”

  Gabrielle inserted the brittle flower and refolded the delicate letter, kissing it once. She murmured, “Yes, I believe he did.”

  When everyone had left the room, Gabrielle replaced everything in the curio box. She touched her hand to the top of the box, staring into the distance, remembering Neil’s touch, his voice, his spirit. She walked into the study, removing a painting of her mother’s farm that revealed a wall safe. Once the safe was opened, she deposited the curio box inside.

  Before she closed the safe, Gabrielle touched her locket. After a moment, she opened it, staring at the engraving of the letter “N.” Gabrielle went back into the curio box and retrieved the letter again. Sitting on the comfortable reading chair in the study, she reread the letter, taking her time, allowing her mind to drink in every word. Then she closed her eyes, picturing Neil as he’d lain in Peter’s bed, healing from his injuries. She thought of his dashing figure when dressed in his suit. She remembered how he had looked the night they first made love. How his rare smile had always ignited her soul.

  Gabrielle held the letter to her heart and closed her eyes as she shuddered in her tears.

  THE END

  Acknowledgments

  So many people had their hands in the creation of this book. I wrote the first draft seven years ago and have worked on it time and time again. It’s always been one of my favorite stories and bloomed from a true story I read about an underground network used to smuggle Jewish children from the growing Nazi threat. While so many stories ended tragically, I couldn’t write one like that. I had to create a bit of victory around this difficult subject. And please don’t feel bad for Neil. Believe me, he got the victory he wanted.

  First and foremost, I’d like to thank my former agent, Bob Thixton. He championed this book and gave me advice to make it better. Bob, again, I apologize for my impatience.

  Thanks to Mitch Compton, pilot extraordinaire, for his advice on how a non-pilot might fly a taildragger. We had fun creating that sequence.

  Don McKale, a globally renowned Hitler and Third Reich expert, helped me understand day-to-day life inside the Third Reich. Don, I appreciate your friendship and all you’ve done to help me.

  Kelly Durham, esteemed author (buy his books, you won’t be disappointed!) gave me great advice on a number of historical items. Thanks, Kelly, once again. You’ve helped me a great deal and I’m proud of all you’ve accomplished.

  Liz Latanishen, mommy-to-be and editor-in-chief, I appreciate your keen eye and perspective. You always improve my stories with your fine work.

  Dina Dryden, the polisher, thanks again for a great job on this book. I appreciate your friendship and your help.

  To so many others who assisted me with this book: Bob Sides, Ann Brown, A.J. Norris, Frank O’Brien, John Taylor, David Barabas—thank you so very much. Each of your insights helped make this story better than it was before.

  This book’s contest winners consisted of the following fantastic readers: Kayla Kurucz, Bruce Leland, Dennis Tyler and Bill Nathanson. I hope each of you enjoyed the read. Readers, keep your eyes peeled for an email from me. You never know when you might be asked to pre-read.

  Finally, a big thanks to all readers who’ve purchased and read this book. This story is quite special to me because it deals with a number of real world issues despite its fiction. I hope you enjoyed it. God bless.

  C.

  About the Author

  Chuck Driskell credits the time he spent as a U.S. Army paratrooper for

  fueling his love of writing. During the week, he works in advertising.

  Seven mornings a week, usually very early, he writes. Chuck lives

  in South Carolina with his tolerant wife and two loving children.

  Final Mission: Zion is Chuck’s eleventh novel.