The Gold Covenant
Chapter One
The Red Lion had just reopened for business when Barcineh walked in. His small
body moved stiffly, back rigid, as if supported by a brace, steps slow and deliberate
giving the impression of someone much older than his twenty-six years. He made his
way to the bar, ordered a draft lager, then carried it to a corner table next to the window.
From here he would have an unobstructed view of the customers as they came in, as well
as of the activity on the sidewalk outside the pub.
It was the right place to meet, a good choice. Safe.
Meticulous attention to detail is necessary in these matters. Wasn't that why he
was here? Why he'd been successful where others had failed? Pulling his shoulders
back against the laddered chair, Barcineh adjusted his tie and collar, and brushed at
pieces of lint on his frayed lapels. After today he would burn the clothes he was wearing,
the shabby cotton shirt, the suit so threadbare its pinstriped pattern was barely
distinguishable. He would start over with tailor-made trousers and jackets befitting his
new position.
The sunlight played on the glass ... read full excerpt from The Gold Covenant ebook
