He glanced around one last time. The clusters of buildings that at first seemed protective in their familiarity were now cold and unappealing. His stay had been short, but memorable. Like his parents’ home, there were a lot of ghosts here, too. But he wondered. What waited ahead, in Jamaica, at Falcon Ridge?
There seemed only one way to find out.
But his heart sank in disappointment.
“Take care, Alle,” he whispered.
And he walked away.
CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN
ZACHARIAH WALKED BACK TO THE RESTAURANT WHERE ALLE was waiting. He’d locked both doors that had led out of Berlinger’s house before leaving and would be long gone before the body was discovered. He’d had no choice but to kill the old man: He knew far too much and could definitely link him to the ambassador. Prayer?
That had never been enough and never would be. Force, or at least its threat, was what offered real security. Jews had never possessed enough force. Only once, at the time of the Second Temple, had they risen in revolt and ousted the Romans, but that victory had been short-lived. The empire returned and crushed them. In modern times the state of Israel had enjoyed more success. Twice invasions were tried, and twice the invaders were defeated. But Israel’s will to fight had waned. The thoughts of rabbis were heeded over the advice of generals. There was no room in this world for any more Rabbi Berlingers.
He found the restaurant and saw Alle. Noontime was approaching, and the tables were beginning to fill. An aroma of dumplings and roast duck enticed him, but there was no time for lunch.
“Did you learn anything?” she asked.
He wondered if she truly believed that he would share with her whatever he may have discovered, but he showed no irritation and simply shook his head.
“He is a stubborn old man. He told me about your father, but nothing we did not already know.”
His phone vibrated.
He found the unit and saw that it was Rocha.
“Sagan is on the move. Back to his car, I think.”
He stood from the table and motioned for Alle to follow.
“We’re coming your way.”
“Avoid the old square. He’ll be there shortly.”
He ended the call.
“Your father is leaving. That means we are, too.”
He’d not lied to Berlinger. This young woman meant nothing to him any longer, but he would not be as quick as before to kill her. He’d keep her close until he was certain she was of no further use. With Tom Sagan on the move to who-knew-where, that time had not yet arrived.
So he smiled and led her away.
———
ALLE WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING, ONLY THAT her father seemed to be leaving Prague. He’d apparently decided to press on without her, but what choice did he have? He had no way of finding her. And she was glad. She preferred being with Zachariah. She had a purpose here. Felt a part. Like she had with her grandparents.
They were making their way back toward where she and her father had left their car, worming through traffic and thick streams of pedestrians.
“We followed you from Vienna,” Zachariah said as they walked, “and parked nearby. Illegally, so I hope the car is still there.”
He motioned left.
“We have to avoid the town square. This route will take us where we want to go, away from there.”
They kept moving.
Interesting how her father leaving actually bothered her. Like another slap in the face. A rejection. For all he knew, she was looking for him.
Yet he’d decided to leave.
“Does my father know that I’m with you?” she asked.
Zachariah nodded. “The rabbi told me that he saw us earlier, together on the street.”
Which explained some.
“Where’s he going?”
“That’s what we have to find out. I am assuming he will head to an airport. I am hoping it will be the one in Prague.”
———
TOM DROVE WEST SIX MILES OUT OF TOWN TO PRAGUE’S RUZYNE airport. He left the car with the rental agency and found the British Airways ticket counter, thinking that might be his best bet to get to Jamaica. There
