The Last Patriot
A Thriller
CHAPTER 1
Rome, Italy
Monday Evening
The Italian Centre for Photoreproduction, Binding, and Restoration of State Archives, also known as the CFLR, was located in an unassuming postmodern office building three blocks from the Tiber River at 14 Via Costanza Baudana Vaccolini. It boasted one of the world's leading archival preservation facilities, as well as a young deputy assistant director named Alessandro Lombardi who was eager to begin his evening.
"Dottore, mi scusi," said Lombardi.
Dr. Marwan Khalifa, a distinguished Koranic scholar in his early sixties with a handsome face and neatly trimmed beard, looked up from the desk he was working at. "Yes, Alessandro?"
The Italian adopted his most charming smile and asked, "Tonight, we finish early?"
Dr. Khalifa laughed and set down his pen. "You have another date this evening?"
Lombardi approached and showed the visiting scholar a picture on his mobile phone.
"What happened to the blond woman?"
Lombardi shrugged. "That was last week."
Khalifa picked his pen back up. "I suppose I can be done in an hour."
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