A Suspense Thriller by Richard Ebert
FREEDOM IS ELUSIVE.
THE QUEST IS PERILOUS.
Three high-profile murders in one day should have ended 28 years of oppression for atypical silent assassins Chris Davis and Michelle Barton. Wrong. Dead wrong! Their plight worsens.
The underdog siblings are hounded by a ruthless FBI agent, coerced into black ops missions by a manipulative operative, and hunted by the vindictive successor of an assassin network. They also struggle to unravel a global conspiracy. Each explosive ordeal threatens their emotional bond, moral compass and lives.
Relentless danger happens at a Russian superyacht in Montenegro, a drug-infested street in Philadelphia, a famous casino in Monte Carlo, a battle in Afghanistan, a presidential palace in Ecuador and in the squalor of Havana, Cuba.
The cinematic, propulsive and character-driven thriller includes deceit, romance, compassion, whiplashing twists and a soul-crushing quest for freedom … or die trying.
QR codes link to 140 online photos of action scenes in 20 cities in 8 countries.
Ten minutes later, Oakley was inside his penthouse condominium with a commanding view of the Seattle Waterfront. Seattle, Washington, is the crown of the Pacific Northwest. With a skyline boosting over 200 high-rises – including nearly 30 skyscrapers over 400 feet – you can see why it is nicknamed the Emerald City. A great way to view downtown and Elliott Bay is from the top of the 175-foot Seattle Great Wheel. The Ferris wheel is located at Pier 57 on the Central Waterfront. It was built for the Great Western Pacific Company in 2012 at a cost of about $20 million.
1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
The storm had passed, the clouds had parted, and the sunset over Elliot Bay was sensational. Golden hues glistened across the water. The Duwamish Indians first lived around Elliot Bay at the end of the last glaciers about 10,000 years ago. In 1792, English explorer George Vancouver – the namesake for Vancouver, British Columbia – conducted the first exploration of what is now Seattle. Sixty years slipped by before the area was settled. Since then, Seattle has grown to encircle the bay. Consider taking a cruise or boat tour near dusk to enjoy a magnificent sunset.
801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104
A diamond bracelet slid across Vickie McLoren’s wrist as she pulled back the curtain, revealing the Washington Monument a few blocks away. Glorious. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States is a tribute to the country’s first president. The 500-foot-tall monument in the center of the National Mall is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk. Construction began in 1888 and was finished 40 years later. Surrounding the Washington Monument are 50 United States flags.
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024
McLoren pivoted back into the primary bedroom of the George Washington Presidential Suite at the Willard InterContinental. The historic hotel – nicknamed Residence of Presidents and located in the shadow of the White House – had been her epicenter of power. Henry Willard, a riverboat steamer steward, converted six properties into Willard’s Hotel in 1816. The current 12-story, Beaux Arts–style building opened in 1901. Throughout most of its history, the Willard Hotel has been synonymous with elegance, the elite and powerbrokers. Every US president since Franklin Pierce has stayed or hosted a meeting at the hotel, along with countless politicians, dignitaries and famous guests such as Martin Luther King. He wrote his “I have a Dream” speech here. The property is managed by InterContinental.
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
Ignoring her protest, he paid their entry fee and walked along the herringbone-brick path of Christ Church Burial Ground. The eighteenth-century cemetery contained two acres of irregular headstones and cement burial vaults with faded names of the forgotten, plus the graves of five signers of the Declaration of Independence. Among the 1,400 graves within Christ Church Burial Ground are a who’s who of Colonial and American Revolution people including judges, physicians, war officers, and five attendees at the Second Continental Congress, when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
340 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
A few steps away was the colorless marble slab marking the final resting place of Ben Franklin and his wife. The statesmen, inventor, author, printer and diplomat Benjamin Franklin was 70 years old when he helped draft the Declaration of Independence and became one of the seven Founding Fathers of the United States. He lived long enough to witness the first year of George Washington’s presidency. “Poor Richard” died in 1790 at the age of 84. He is buried beside his common-law wife Deborah Reed. She was 66 when she passed from a stroke in 1774.
340 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
After crossing the street, the siblings glimpsed at the block-long green space of Independence Mall. Basking in the sunlight were the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. Independence National Historical Park is 55-acres in the heart of historic Philadelphia. The primary landmark is Independence Hall (far center). The Georgian structure was the Pennsylvania State House when constructed in 1753. Fifty-six delegates assembled here on July 4, 1776, to sign the Declaration of Independence. The bell from its steeple became known as the Liberty Bell. The famous cracked bell can be viewed in Liberty Bell Center (far right). Also pictured (near right) is the Independence Visitor Center.
550 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When reaching the William J. Green Jr. Federal Building, they lingered in the plaza of the ten-story office complex despite being late for the impromptu morning appointment. Chris was nervous about the mandatory meeting yet said with assurance, “We can do this. Are you ready?” William J. Green Jr. Federal Building opened in 1973. The namesake was an eight-term US congressman who represented Pennsylvania’s fifth district from 1945 until his death in 1963 at the age of 53. Inside the ten-story building are the offices of ten federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS and DHS. David von Schlegell sculpted the fountain artwork titled Voyage of Ulysses.
600 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The de facto head of her assassin network gripped the steering wheel of his late-model Ford F-150 with a massive fist, picked the gumline of a crooked yellowed tooth, and scowled at the idiot driver admiring the Harrisburg skyline from across the Susquehanna River. At 464 miles, the Susquehanna River is the longest on the east coast and is a mile wide when flowing pass downtown Harrisburg. The capitol city has about 50,000 residents, qualifying as the state’s ninth largest. Native Americans called this area Paxtang when they enjoyed this shoreline view thousands of years ago.
302 N Front St, Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Frustration boiled at every red light until reaching a brick, Colonial-style duplex. A dummy corporation had purchased the 2100-square-foot, late-Victorian home long before Wolfgang was recruited. State Street near the State Capitol Complex is part of the Harrisburg Historic District. Most of the brick duplexes and rowhouses were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their designs are predominantly Queen Anne but also include Italianate and Colonial Revival.
1300 State St, Harrisburg, PA 17103
She immersed herself again as chief marketing officer at Longfellow BioSciences. The struggling biotech in Cambridge specialized in immunotherapy technology to fight cancer. Anna was passionate about their mission.
9 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142
A foot slapped the pavement on every drumbeat. Her arms pumped. Oxygen surged. By the time she raced along Broad Canal Walk in Cambridge, endorphins were creating a sense of well-being. In the early 1800s, a canal was dredged from the Charles River into East Cambridge to facilitate industrial shipping. Today, only 1,000 feet of the canal remains below a scenic walkway between the river and Kendall Square.
Broad Canal Walk, Cambridge, MA 02142
The euphoria crashed on Memorial Drive. An excruciating pain crippled her calf like a butcher knife twisting deep into muscle. Memorial Drive hugs the north bank of the Charles River. The four miles of scenery is popular among runners, cyclists and pedestrians, especially when closed to vehicle traffic every Sunday from April to mid-November. The name honors Massachusetts residents who served in World War I. Locals call the parkway Mem Drive or Riverbend Park. In the foreground are brownstones in Boston’s Back Bay.
45 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142
Admiring sailboats floating along the Charles River was soothing. The skyline of Boston’s Back Bay was impressive on this flawless autumn day shortly before sunset. During warm months, the Charles River is a popular venue for rowing, kayaking, windsurfing, Duck Boat tours and especially sailboats. There are several boating and sailing clubs in the Lower Basin between the Harvard and Longfellow Bridges, so weekend regattas are common. You can also attend sailing classes or rent a boat by the hour.
134 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139
She darted around the curves in a panic and smashed her hip on a railing. The pain was crippling. She stumbled when reaching the Charles River Esplanade and sprinted along the path as fast as she had after being shot at in Québec City and Montreal. The Charles River Esplanade in Boston’s Back Bay is a three-mile scenic ribbon of outdoor pleasure for bicyclists, runners, strollers and those who sit on a bench to watch the passing river and people. The park is open from dawn to dusk and gets busy on summer weekends.
Charles River Esplanades, Boston, MA 02115
The river was on the left. They had her surrounded. She dove in at the first sound of gunfire. Water poured into her gaping mouth. The cold was shocking. Wet clothes and the backpack pulled her into the strong current. Sewage stench assaulted her nose. She stroked and kicked but doubted she could outswim the hail of bullets. The Charles River is formed by eight streams in eastern Massachusetts and flows for about 80 miles before emptying into Boston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The river was first navigated by Captain John Smith in 1614. When the English explorer presented his map to Prince Charles, the future king of England changed the name from Massachusetts River to honor himself.
Charles River, Boston, MA 02115
Wolfgang König’s attention swiveled away from Irene’s files at the Harrisburg safehouse when he heard the whispered words “Target approaching.” The middle monitor along the back of the credenza showed Anna Monteiro running on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Her pace was fast. Her face was red. Her destiny was sealed.
Charles River Esplanades, Boston, MA 02115
The two US infantry battalions named Task Force Rakkasan would be airlifted in along the eastern valley perimeter to block the enemy from escaping through the mountain passes into Pakistan. They’d be supported by eight Apache helicopters. Since 1975, the AH-64 Apache has been called the world’s deadliest attack helicopter. Its speed and maneuverability plus sophisticated sensors and targeting systems deliver pinpoint accuracy from the 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rockets against ground troops and armored vehicles.
Parwan Province, Bagram, Afghanistan
When given the command to board the helicopter, the soldiers from 1st Battalion marched single file up the back cargo ramp resembling alligator jaws. They strapped into two rows of red jump seats shoulder to shoulder. An M4 carbine was wedged between their legs. As the tandem rotors of the massive CH-47 Chinook whirled, the copter rattled as if falling apart. The CH-47 Chinook has been an Army workhorse for transporting troops and equipment since 1962. Modifications of the helicopter have been used during campaigns in Vietnam, Iran, the Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Parwan Province, Bagram, Afghanistan
Anna Monteiro slumped on a park bench alongside the Charles River, clutching an EMS blanket so it wouldn’t slip off her shoulders. A towel covered her wet hair. Flashing strobe lights on several Boston police cars cast eerie blue lights flickering across first responders, investigators and curious onlookers. Across the Charles River from Boston’s Back Bay is the skyline of Kendall Square in Cambridge. Those high-rises house a large concentration of established and startup technology and biotech companies. Kendall Square has often been called “the most innovative square mile on the planet.” Off camera to the left is the main campus of MIT.
Charles River Esplanades, Boston, MA 02115
Anna sat in the back of a patrol car while being driven to her brownstone on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston’s Back Bay. When stepping out, she was haunted by the crazed hedge fund manager who had shot out the window and the sniper who had tried killing her on the doorstep months ago. Boston’s Back Bay was in fact a bay prior to a major land reclamation project in the 19th century. This sparked a residential building boom along five new east-west corridors, resulting in rows of three-to-five-story Victorian-era brownstones. These properties are some of the most coveted and expensive homes in Boston.
Commonwealth Ave & Fairfield St, Boston, MA 02116
Chris forced a smile of appreciation. He pulled the SIM card from the burner phone, snapped it in half and threw the pieces into a trash can outside of the Federal Reserve Bank. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia oversees the Third District. This encompasses half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. The building has been the headquarters of the Philly Fed since 1976.
10 N Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, PA 19106
They dodged traffic while crossing the intersection. After clearing security at the William J. Green Jr. Federal Building, they dashed through the lobby and exchanged uneasy glances while riding the elevator up to the FBI offices. Special Agent Sloan Hamilton had called for another impromptu yet mandatory meeting. Inside the lobby of the William Green Jr. Federal Building is a 27.5×81.75-foot painting entitled Celebration. The 1977 painting by Charles Searles portrays a street festival in North Philadelphia and reflects his extensive study of African art.
600 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
They arrived at the designated address with five minutes to spare. In disbelief, they stared at the narrow, eighteenth-century, brick building with dormer windows and a steep roof. This was the Betsy Ross House where the famous upholsterer had sewn the first American flag. What an odd place for a rendezvous. According to legend, General George Washington and two other members of the Flag Committee asked Betsy Ross to make a flag with 13 red and white stripes plus thirteen stars. This symbol of independence was adopted by Congress on June 14, 1777.
239 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
After forty minutes of winding along a coastal road through quaint seaside villages, and less than a kilometer after passing a yellow sign marking the entry into Perast, Montenegro, Shawn tapped the brakes, strained to see, put on the car’s hazard blinker and clicked a garage door opener above the visor. A metal gate swung to the side. As he inched down a sloping driveway, the metal gate returned to the locked position. Perast is one of several jewels encircling Boka Kotorska. The village is located on the north bank of the Bay of Kotor across from the narrow Verige Strait. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has numerous Venetian palaces and churches like St. Nicholas in the foreground. This idyllic location offers more than 240 days of annual sunshine.
Sveti Đorde, Montenegro
Chris drew back a yellowed linen curtain and pushed open double-sided windows. Three tiers of clay tile roofs and a pair of old church belltowers overlooked the Bay of Kotor. Gentle waves lapped against the seawall. Tethered boats bobbed along the waterfront. Perast has 15 Catholic churches for a community of only 350 people. Two of them have impressive bell towers. On the left is the slender, octagonal belfry of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary built in 1687. Three years later, the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church was completed. Both were designed by Andrija Zmajcvic.
Muzej grada Perasta, Perast, Montenegro
They walked in silence down a long, uneven staircase wedged between walls and clinging vegetation until reaching the waterfront promenade. Limestone mountains surrounded the idyllic village. The Venetian-style, three-story buildings were built with beige stones, white shutters and orange roofs. Several were former seafarers’ palaces. You will find numerous palaces along Perast’s shoreline. They were built for captains of the Venetian navy, shipbuilders and former elite families. The town once had the prestigious Nautica naval college, was the home to four successful shipyards and harbored over 100 ships. The modest boats tethered in the bay today bely Perast’s illustrious past.
Muzej grada Perasta, Perast, Montenegro
Two islets floated in the shimmering bay. The sunshine was warm and soothing. In 1452, according to folklore, the Virgin Mary and Christ Child appeared to sailors in the Bay of Kotor. Since then, mariners routinely throw a stone into the water after each successful voyage. The location of the apparition is Our Lady of the Rocks Church. It was built on the Gospa od Skrpjela islet in 1632 and reconstructed in 1722. The tradition of adding rocks is celebrated annually on July 22 during the Fašinada celebration.
Our Lady of the Rocks, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
She glanced at the Three Sisters of Nauset. The near-identical lighthouses had white cedar shakes that flared like petticoats. Their lanterns resembled black pillbox hats. They were Mom’s favorites of the fourteen lights on Cape Cod. In 1837, three almost identical lighthouses were built along the northeast shore of Cape Cod. They were replaced in 1892 because the advancing cliff erosion threatened to plunge them into the Atlantic Ocean. The new wooden lights had a whitewashed base and a black lantern resembling women wearing a white dress and bonnet. The Three Sisters lighthouses are now enjoying retirement in a field near their original location.
697 Cable Rd Eastham, MA 02642
Liz stepped in front of Anna, stopping her at the path leading to Nauset Light. She reached out to hold hands. “Listen, I’ve known you for over half of our lives. You’re a sister to me. But frankly, I can’t understand or relate to anything you’re going through. And I have no idea how to help.” Cape Cod is an island on the Atlantic coast of Massachusetts. During its peak fishing and whaling history, the ocean became a graveyard to 3,000 ships. In response, lighthouses were erected starting in 1857. About 14 lights remain today, although most are tourist attractions. This is Nauset Light in Eastham. The classic cast iron and brick structure painted in white, red and black was built in 1877.
50 Nauset Light Beach Rd, Eastham, MA 02642
Bill dreaded walking up the stairs of his boyhood home. He stood on the sagging wooden stoop, hesitated, and opened the front door. Mom collapsed in his arms. Her hair was a mess, her housedress was wrinkled, and her eyes were puffy and bloodshot.
135 E Ontario St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Bill regretted visiting the crime scene. There was a faded brown stain on the sidewalk in front of a mini market. Someone had tried washing away the blood of the brother he loved. Apparently, death was bad for a retail business.
1101 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19133
The same pocket pistol rested in his lap while sitting in the car outside of Pit Bull’s home. Although dilapidated – the roof sagged, paint was peeling, windows were broken, the padlocked front door was boarded, and exposed wires dangled – this had to be Pit Bull’s parents’ rowhouse; no street soldier could afford it.
2059 N 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19133
The Old Town of Budva was wedged on a narrow peninsula, encircled by imposing stone walls and fortified by watch towers, embrasures and a citadel facing the Adriatic Sea. Most of the external defenses and internal charm reflected four centuries of Venetian rule. Since the 4th century BC, Budva has been occupied by Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Serbians, Venetians, Habsburgs, French, Austrians and Yugoslavians before becoming part of Montenegro in 2006. Step through the city gate and step back into the Middle Ages. You will quickly discover why Old Town Budva is one of the finest historic towns along the Adriatic coast.
Merit Casino Avala Mediteranska 2, Budva 85310, Montenegro
“Sitting outside the luxury shops at Porto Montenegro. I’m watching that catering company making deliveries again to the Grand Dutchess.” The extensive real estate development at Proto Montenegro redefined luxury, leisure and living along the Adriatic Sea coastline. This Village promenade facing the marina features high-end designer fashion and jewelry boutiques, plus restaurants, bars, entertainment and stunning waterfront condominiums.
Porto Montenegro, Obala bb, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
“He partied all night in the clubs and discos, and now he’s partying again on Ričardova Glava Beach next to Old Town with his new Russian friends. Most are wearing very small bikinis.” In the shadows of Old Town Budva is Ričardova Glava Beach. Richard’s Head offers 328 feet of pebble and sand at the base of Santa Maria in Punta. The Church of Virgin Mary was built as a Benedictine cloister in 840 AD. If you have an extended vacation along the Budva Riviera, try lounging at all 19 beaches tucked along the 23 miles of enchanting coves and bays.
Ricardova Glava Beach, Budva 85310, Montenegro
Michelle reached a scenic overlook. She squeezed the brakes, skidded to a stop and straddled the scooter. At the base of a barren limestone mount, and hugging the shores of a placid bay, was another medieval fortified town. Kotor appeared serene when viewed from a distance. Kotor is tucked into the base of Mount Lovćen along a submerged river valley called Boka Kotorska. The small, walled-in town dates to antiquity. Much of Old Town’s charm reflects Venetian rule from 1420 until 1797. Kotor has become a popular port for cruise ships sailing through the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea.
23 Jadranska Magistrala Kotor, Montenegro
Michelle deliberated until mustering the fortitude to repel the guilt. She walked through the Sea Gate, an arched entry into Kotor. Looming above a pillory was a limestone clock tower. A dominate feature of Trg od Oružja, Kotor’s largest square, is the Clock Tower built in 1602. The two faces were added in 1810. At the base is a pillory once used to publicly abuse and ridicule prisoners. From this point, narrow paths lead in four directions through Stari Grad (Old Town). Each one has its own visual rewards. Start wandering.
Trg od Oružja 366, Kotor, Montenegro
She took a moment to get oriented in Trg od Oružja. Canopies and flags accented the Renaissance buildings of Arms Square, including the seventeenth-century Rector’s Palace and a Venetian armory. After passing through Kotor’s main gate, you enter Trg od Oružja (Arms Square). On the right is Ducal Palace. The Renaissance building was originally the residence of the Venetian Provost. It was also a warehouse for munitions, which is how the plaza got its name. Today, the lower level is filled with shops, a restaurant and part of the Hotel Cattaro. On the left was the Tower of the City Guard from the 13th until the 20th century.
Trg od Oružja 366, Kotor, Montenegro
Michelle stopped cold. The view was quintessential Kotor. On the left was a Juliet balcony with a cast-iron railing covered with flower boxes. Kotor is built from stone … stone walls, facades and streets. There isn’t a blade of grass in the town, so it’s refreshing to see how one resident decorated their ornamental iron railing with flowerboxes. What a perfect spot for this tiny touch of nature!
Hippo Ulica 2 (sjever-jug), Kotor, Montenegro
Laundry danced in the breeze on a clothesline strung across the cramped passage. Attached to the limestone brick wall was a decorative streetlamp. What got her attention were two women. The tourists were fingering cheap dresses hanging outside a narrow doorway. Kotor is best described as a labyrinth. If you look at a map of Stari Grad (Old Town), you will not detect a pattern to the maze. So don’t try taking an organized approach to sightseeing. Instead, meander through the narrow pedestrian-only streets, enjoy the boutique shops and historical sites and take a break in one of the small squares. And don’t worry about getting lost. The fortified walls encircling the town will keep you contained.
483 Zanatska, Kotor, Montenegro
Michelle showed a photo on her phone of an elderly woman and a child having fun on a swimming pier in the adjacent town of Dobrota. Ljiljana’s mother was babysitting her four-year-old son. “Nikola! Na!” You won’t find sandy beaches along the eastern shores of Boka Bay. But that doesn’t stop the Montenegrins from enjoying the summer heat and sunshine. The coastline is marked with concrete piers that double as private quays and sunbathing retreats. Locals cherish these sunny days because this is one of Europe’s wettest regions during the winter with an average of 13 days of rain a month.
CQV7+5F3, Dobrota, 85330, Montenegro
At an elevation of ninety-eight feet, Porto Montenegro was visible while they were standing. At least three hundred vessels – ranging from fishing boats to yachts of all sizes and a three-masted sailing ship – were docked along the marina’s piers. In contrast to the small, historic and charming towns encircling the Bay of Kotor, Tivat appeals to the wealthy and their superyachts. In 2006, Canadian businessman Peter Munk purchased an abandoned 19th-century naval shipyard and began creating Porto Montenegro. The marina has 450 berths and can accommodate yachts up to 800 feet.
Obala bb, Porto Montenegro Village, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
He was confident his sister could take out one assailant, but what if there were more? They didn’t stand a chance. And if the intruder was a neighborhood child or dog, they would jeopardize their position and mission. Michelle was the first to laugh as a domestic Balkan goat emerged. The farm animal stared, bleated twice, sniffed, and wandered off. The comic relief felt great. This rare goat was photographed grazing along a road near the 2,300-foot peak of Mount Vrmac. In the mid-20th century, all goats were banned under Yugoslavian rule and a half million animals were slaughtered. They were legalized again in 1984. However, the population is only 10% of the former number. The domestic Balkan goat is raised on small farms for their milk and meat. This breed is endangered because of excessive cross breeding.
Cetinkska, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
They huddled behind the hood. Michelle steadied the mini revolver with both hands. A showdown was imminent. Shawn’s pace slowed. He knew where they were. “For the last time,” he said, barely out of breath, “come out. Make this easy. Please.” Chris mouthed the words, “Do it.” Michelle pulled back the hammer with her thumb, jumped up and fired a .22 Magnum round at Shawn’s insipid face. Bang! The Black Widow, single-action revolver was designed by North American Arms for concealment and as a backup handgun. Measuring less than two inches long, the five-shot cylinder is available for .22 LR and .22 Magnum ammunition.
10 Novosadska, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
Chris’s left wrist was bound to the steering wheel with a rope as the sunrise streamed through the windshield, irritating his exhausted eyes. He admired an enormous medieval tower and formidable defense wall whizzing past the side window of the Fiat hatchback. All 8.25 square miles of Dubrovnik’s Old Town are surrounded by walls and forts. They’re spectacular! The Minčeta Tower – the city’s symbol – was finished in 1464. Game of Thrones fans are thrilled to see what was called the House of the Undying in parts of season two.
Ul. Ispod Minčete 9, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Shawn had been mute during the two-hour trip, except for driving instructions. They were in the home stretch. “Turn right at Pile Gate.” The main entrance to Stari grad Dubrovnik (Old Town) is through the 16th century Pile Gate. Above the arch is a statue of a bearded man wearing a robe and mitre (bishop’s hat). He is holding a staff and a model of the city. This is Saint Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik. You’ll see his image repeatedly inside one of the world’s best walled-in cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ul. Vrata od Pila, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
She sprinted along the Delaware River waterfront at Penn’s Landing. Bodies of water – rivers, lakes and oceans – had always been her happy place. William Penn was an English theologian. In 1682, after King Charles II chartered him a large tract, he sailed across the Atlantic and up the Delaware River, where he founded Philadelphia and the Province of Pennsylvania. The waterfront park Penn’s Landing celebrates the city’s founding father.
201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Yet the flawless blue sky and warm sunshine were powerless to bring joy or comfort or hope. She was hypervigilant while tourists snapped photos of Moshulu, the world’s oldest four-masted sailing ship. This famous ship was named Kurt when forged in Glasgow in 1904. The vessel hauled grain, coal and lumber for multiple owners. In 1917, the barque was seized by the US Navy and renamed Moshulu by President Woodrow Wilson’s wife. Since 1975, the 59-foot-long sailing ship has been a restaurant offering American cuisine at Penn’s Landing.
401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
“That’s great,” she said, regretting the redundancy. She sounded like a giddy schoolgirl. While hustling past a World War II submarine and a Spanish-American War cruiser, Anna became incapable of small talk. Two historic sea vessels comprise the Independence Seaport Museum at Penn’s Landing. The submarine is USS Becuna. Soon after being launched in 1944, the US Navy submarine operated war patrols during World War II and is credited with sinking several Japanese vessels. She was decommissioned in 1969 and became a museum ship in 1976. Beside her since the bicentennial is the USS Olympia. The steel cruiser served the US Navy during the Spanish–American War in 1898 and remained in service until 1922.
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
She considered using Uber. However, if she waited too long, she might chicken out. A warped wheel on the roller bag rattled for six blocks over cracked and uneven sidewalks. When arriving at the two-story brick rowhouse, a panic attack was imminent. Approximately 70% of the residential properties in Philadelphia are rowhouses, more than any other US city. The building boom began in the 18th century. The predominantly brick units were inexpensive to construct and afford, resulting in a high rate of home ownership among lower- and middle-class families.
1519 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106
After a twenty-minute ride on the SEPTA subway, Anna and Chris emerged at Allegheny Station, a world away from the waterfront beauty of Penn’s Landing. He said the neighborhood’s nickname was the Las Vegas of Drugs, but she was aghast. His warning hadn’t prepared her for the squalor. My description in the novel of the East Allegheny and Kensington Avenues intersection is not exaggerated. This is one very scary neighborhood. While taking this photo, paramedics behind me were loading an unconscious man into an ambulance. He had suffered an apparent drug overdose.
3201 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
The elevated train tracks above Kensington Avenue created a shadowed market for addicts. Many moved in drug-induced stupors, others slouched in contorted positions, a few babbled incoherently, and an emaciated man was tying a latex tourniquet on his extended arm while corner boys peddled their eight-dollar bags.
3178 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Chris knocked on the steel door of a narrow, two-story brick rowhouse with barred windows. Vicious dogs barked and scratched. A security globe whirled.
2811 Boudinot St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Mark showed her three 9mm pistols: SIG P365, Smith & Wesson Bodyguard and Springfield Hellcat. He described them as small, concealable and suitable for her hand. They were intimidating. These three models are the most popular concealable 9mm pistols. Fourth on the list is the Glock 19, the preferred handgun of Chris Davis.
2811 Boudinot St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
He pulled out a Ruger LCR-X and gave it to Anna. “This snub-nosed revolver is compact, lightweight and reliable, similar to what cops trusted for years. How’s that feel?” She held the gun outward. “A lot better than the other ones.” Her hand was shaking.
2811 Boudinot St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Special Agent Sloan Hamilton was always tardy. She considered fifteen minutes late to be punctual. While the siblings cooled their heels in a task force meeting room at the FBI Philadelphia field office, Michelle assessed her brother’s mood.
600 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
A highlight of Graceland would be seeing the iconic pink 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 called Elvis Rose. That would be a memorable experience. The most famous car in Graceland’s Elvis Presley Automobile Museum is the Elvis Rose. He gave the custom-painted pink Caddy to his mother, Gladys. She appreciated the gesture but never drove the luxury, four-door sedan because she did not have a driver’s license. Elvis bought about 200 Cadillacs and gifted most of them to family and friends.
3797 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
Gravel crackled beneath the tires as the headlights turned off and the truck inched into the driveway. The rusted windmill creaked as always. Cow manure stench seeped through the window. The house was dark. Nobody was around. Perhaps returning to the Amish farm was a mistake.
Manor Township, Lancaster County, PA 17603
He turned on a flashlight and stepped out where teenager Rachel Phillips was killed by a shotgun blast while trying to escape. In front of the barn, senile Lionel Jørgensen – Irene’s number two and former husband – had been shot in the head by Jacob Conners. Ansel Meehan’s sniper bullet had ended Mamm’s life at the top of the rickety steps.
Manor Township, Lancaster County, PA 17603
He spent two hours eating overpriced sushi, scrolled random internet sites for ninety minutes while sitting on a bench at Independence Mall, and meandered for another fifteen during the three blocks to the siblings’ temporary home. This quiet, shaded respite is on the corner of 5th and Arch Streets in Independence National Historical Park behind the Free Quaker Meetinghouse. The Georgian-style brick structure was built in 1783. The Free Quakers supported the Revolution. The most famous attendee was Betsy Ross.
5th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Chris sat on a narrow bench behind the two leather command chairs, waiting for the directive to enter the nineteenth-century Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Construction for this magnificent cathedral occurred from 1846 until 1864. The exterior has a Palladian design. The oxidized-copper dome is in the Italian Renaissance style. The cathedral is 209 feet tall including the 11-foot gold cross on top of the dome.
1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Chris marveled at the copper dome, the Neo-classical brownstone façade, and the four massive Corinthian columns before entering a bronze door. The four columns are over 60 feet high with a six-foot diameter. In the niches are statues of Jesus, Mary, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Chris followed an usher into the nave radiating with golden hues. The view was spectacular. A magnificent dome was adorned with religious paintings and stained glass. Surrounding it were four paneled semi-domes suspended by imperial columns. Over the marble altar was an ornate canopy. While he passed eight side altars, the church echoed from footsteps along the white-and-green checked marble floor.
1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
A pistol appeared from the choir loft. Two shots were fired at the assailant below. The gunman pivoted. A torrent of bullets shattered the balcony. Thunderous. Shell casings ejected and danced on the floor. Terror reverberated from the organist and soloist as the thirty-round magazine was emptied. The cathedral’s organ has 4,648 pipes. The instrument has been replaced and refurbished several times since the first one was installed in 1869.
1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The lead agent from the van burst through a side door, crouched as he fanned out across the north transept and fired his Glock at the first gunman. The assailant’s finger never left the trigger as bullets sprayed toward the new threat. Blasts were relentless.
1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Raspberry Island resembled a giant green barge floating beneath the Wabasha Street Bridge along the glistening Mississippi River. In 1851, this two-acre island was named for its field of wild raspberries. The Minnesota Boat Club has had a house on the islet since 1885, and the US Navy had a base from 1949 until 1968.
Raspberry Island, St Paul, MN 55107
This panoramic view from the fifteenth floor on a sun-drenched afternoon should’ve been calming, but Michelle’s stomach was acidic. Her knuckles cracked. She couldn’t stop fidgeting while pacing the hotel room in downtown Saint Paul. Downtown Saint Paul’s largest hotel with 24 stories and 410 guest rooms opened in 1965 as a Radisson. The property was renovated and rebranded as the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront in 2016.
11 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101
Irene’s wrath had spared Yasin’s life but not his will to live. He was rotting in the nearby Adult Detention Center while awaiting trial for co-architecting the assassin network. A life-in-prison verdict seemed assured. There was no doubt he hoped to die before a jury pronounced him guilty.
425 Grove St, St Paul, MN 55101
Michelle bolted out of the hotel, dashed across four lanes of traffic and hustled along a promenade perched high on a bluff. The four-acre Kellogg Mall Park featured herringbone brick pavers, tree-lined allées and green spaces.
62 Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101
From the wrought-iron railing and park benches were spectacular views of the skyline behind and the river below. Yet she was oblivious to the scenery as tension ravaged her chest. Saint Paul was a fur-trading settlement named Pig’s Eye Landing when founded in 1838. The 56-square-mile city with a metro population of over 300,000 is the capital of Minnesota.
62 Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101
She was the first to reach the rendezvous point. The large circular water fountain had eight jet streams and a semicircular arbor with cascading vines. The wait wasn’t long. The fountain and four bronze sculptures were designed by artist Cliff Garten in 1990. Terra-cotta reliefs in the granite walkway celebrate historic Saint Paul figures.
62 Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101
A half block away, two men wearing identical blue windbreakers left the Warren E. Burger Federal Building. They walked with purpose. The building’s namesake is Saint Paul native Warren E. Burger. He served as the 15th Chief Justice of the United States from 1969 through 1986. As a young man, he helped build the Robert Street Bridge a block from where the federal building is located.
100 Federal Building, 316 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55101
Michelle fumed. While staring out the window, they crossed the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River’s 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico begins in Lake Itasca in Clearwater County in the north-central part of Minnesota. The Mighty Mississippi is the demarcation between Minneapolis and Saint Paul, best known as the Twin Cities.
Mississippi River Bridge, MN-5, St Paul, MN 55116
And passed the Memorial Chapel at Fort Snelling. Memories poured in. Memorial Chapel is part of historic Fort Snelling. Buried near the front door is Elizabeth R. Snelling. She was the first white child born in Minnesota and the daughter of Colonel Josiah Snelling, the commander of Fort Saint Anthony from 1820 to 1824.
1 Tower Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55450
Hamilton spewed profanities. She headed across the aisle to a bar, lifted her skirt, climbed on a stool, slapped down a credit card and demanded a double of Johnnie Walker Black on the rocks. “And keep ’em coming.”
4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN 55111
Wolfgang dragged luggage into his suite at the elite Hôtel Hermitage, pulled back the plush drapes and struggled to open the glass French door. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered when bumping his splinted pinky finger. He stepped onto a narrow balcony, grasped the ironwork railing, savored the sunshine and breathed deep. The Hermitage is a five-star luxury hotel which opened in 1896. One of the main architects for this spectacular Belle Époque façade was Gustave Eiffel, the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, 1 Square Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco
The Mediterranean breeze was heavenly. Seabirds circled in the crystal-blue sky. The superyachts docked in Port Hercule were an ostentatious display of wealth. The realization that over twelve thousand millionaires and twenty billionaires lived within less than a square mile was intoxicating. This skyline view from Port Hercule demonstrates why Monaco is the world’s most densely populated country and the second smallest with a land mass less than a square mile. Monaco is also one of the world’s most expensive places to live. This is probably okay because the country has the most millionaires per capita.
8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco
When he reached Place du Casino, the square at the geographical heart of Monaco was abuzz with sightseers of every age, shape and nationality. Someday he hoped to visit again as a tourist or, better yet, as a resident, but not as an assassin. Encircling Place du Casino are Casino de Monte-Carlo (background), Café de Paris and Hôtel de Paris. All three exclusive properties are owned by the Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco (SBM), a publicly traded company. The Government of Monaco and the royal family are the majority stakeholders.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
There was a ninety-minute wait for a table on the terrace of Café de Paris Monte-Carlo. The world-famous brasserie had an elegant Belle Époque exterior, an impressive Art Nouveau interior and palatable food that was criminally expensive. The Brasserie Café de Paris terrace offers a delightful view of Place du Casino while you’re served international cuisine. The building, décor and service are all reminiscent of the Belle Époque period, considered to be France’s golden era.
Casino Café de Paris, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
The sports cars came to a screeching stop in front of Casino de Monte-Carlo. Two valets hustled down the stairs, greeted the honored guests with a slight bow, and discreetly pocketed a fistful of euros. The drivers resembled models dressed for a GQ magazine cover story. Since 1869, the Casino de Monte-Carlo has generated so much money for the Principality of Monaco that the ruling Grimaldis stopped taxation. This action made Monte Carlo a tax haven for the rich. Ironically, residents are not allowed inside the casino. You must present a foreign passport to gain entry.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
As the foursome sauntered away – their struts screaming of entitlement – the chain in front of two empty parking spots was pulled aside. Soon their cars would be on display beside a Bentley, a Bugatti and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. You’re looking at nearly $400,000 of luxury convertibles parked in front of the Monte Carlo Casino. On the left is a silver 2013 Bentley Continental GT coupe that sold new for about $175,000. Next to it is a Ferrari California that went for about $200,000 and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds. Sorry, but all cars worth under $150,000 must park in back.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
The two couples were boisterous and laughing while walking up the stairs into the lobby of the five-star Hôtel de Paris. The show was over, but not the exhilaration. Wolfgang always got a visceral rush at the first sighting of his prey. The Hôtel de Paris façade from the Place du Casino shows the terrace of the Diamond Suite Charles Garnier. This 1,830 square foot suite – named after the famous architect who designed the Monte-Carlo Opera – comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room for over $25,000 a night. Surprisingly, it does not include a view of the Mediterranean.
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
The reconnaissance was far from over. He paid his bill, ambled toward the Prince Charles III’s Entrance to the Salle Garnier opera house. When Charles III commissioned the Salle Garnier opera house in the mid-1870s, he wanted his own private entrance. The statue in front is Jules Émile Frédéric Massenet, a famous French composer who wrote 35 operas. The primary entrance to Opéra de Monte-Carlo is through the casino’s marble atrium.
Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
He stared up at the Round Tower of the Hôtel de Paris. One prince was on an upper balcony and oblivious to the Mediterranean Sea. He was kissing and fondling the blond. Hôtel de Paris is a five-star luxury hotel in the center of Monaco. Since opening in 1863, it has welcomed countless royalty, movie stars and dignitaries. This circular tower provides outstanding sea views of the harbor and the Mediterranean.
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
He ignored the moored yachts along Jetée Lucciana and focused on the two-hundred-foot-tall promontory known as the Rock of Monaco. A location in Monaco City’s Old Town might be workable. Prince Rainier III was known as the “builder prince” because of all the Monaco construction he commissioned during his 56-year reign. One of those projects was expanding the harbor so cruise ships could dock near Port Hercule. The resulting Quai Rainer III was started in 1999 and completed in 2008.
8 Quai de l'Hirondelle, 98000 Monaco
He wedged into bushes below a terrace and above a small amphitheater, part of an early eighteenth-century fortress. This position would be undetectable at night but could be compromised after sunrise when tourists returned. One of Monaco’s ten wards is Monaco-Ville. Most people call it “The Rock” because it is a promontory that juts into the Mediterranean. This stone guard tower stands about 460 feet overlooking the Ciappaira Cliffs. Le Rocher has been inhabited since the 6th century BC as a prized defense position.
11 Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco
Stepping into Monte Carlo Casino was a boyhood fantasy come true. The James Bond theme song played in his head while admiring the two-story atrium’s marble floor, onyx columns, golden walls and ornamental vaulting. Above the Monte Carlo casino entrance is this seashell pediment and clock. Most notable are the two bronze sculptures of “sprites” or fairies carrying torches. They were added to the façade in 1906 by architect Arthur Demerié.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
Experiencing the French Riviera had long been on Wolfgang’s wish list. Even the words Côte d’Azur sounded enchanting. Yet neither name portrayed the beauty of France’s hundred-kilometer southern coastline. This marvelous coast of the Mediterranean starts at Monaco in the east and covers several delightful resort towns along southeast France to Toulon. Over 14 million visitors a year are attracted to the year-round mild climate and scenes like this one.
1656 Av. Raymond Poincaré, 06360 Èze, France
On the approach to Old Nice, irritation grew as traffic clogged. He tried tempering his frustration by appreciating the old, bright-colored tenement houses facing the moored sailboats and yachts at Port Lympia. Nice welcomes over four million visitors a year and, except for Paris, has the largest hotel capacity in France. If you spend a day or two in this French Riviera town, you’ll understand why some call it Nice la Belle (meaning Nice the Beautiful).
4 Quai Papacino, 06300 Nice, France
His first glimpse of the stunning Bay of Angels was tarnished by a tailgating jackass. Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges) was not named for the angelic atmosphere, warm sunshine, expansive beaches and lovely promenades. The origin comes from the squatina angelus, a shark that has two fins shaped like angel wings. But don’t worry … it has not been seen in these waters since the 19th century.
11 Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300 Nice, France
A car horn interrupted him enjoying an artist painting the pebble beach of Opéra Plage. By the time he found a place to park, Wolfgang was seething. It is easy to see why this artist was inspired to paint the Mediterranean Sea lapping along the Bay of Angels. In the background along the cliff is Parc du Chateau, a hillside park. And protecting the town’s port is the 625-foot forested Mont Boron. The elevation offers wonderful panoramic views of Nice.
30 Quai des États-Unis, 06000 Nice, France
Some were exploring the boutiques, galleries and souvenir stands while others were having breakfast at outdoor cafés or nibbling on calorie-laden pastries from a bakery. A few history buffs were admiring the opera house and the eighteenth-century mansions or trying to determine where Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in 1796. Two performing arts venues have been at this location since 1776. The current opera house was built in 1885. Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur is shared with the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ballet Nice Méditerrannée.
4 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice, France
He drove back to Monaco, parked at the base of The Rock, rode an elevator up to the Oceanographic Museum and walked the short distance where he hoped to find Jacob. Prince Albert I established the Oceanographic Museum in 1910. It houses sea life plus ships and maritime sciences exhibits. Jacques Cousteau, the marine conservationist who became famous through his underwater films and photography, was the director of Musée Océanographique for 31 years until 1988.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco, Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco
“Where are the princes now?” “Out drivin’ their ’raris. I’ve been like tracking ’em.” He took out his phone and opened an app. “They’re at some fancy-ass hotel in Cannes. That’s like thirty-five miles from here.” This delightful resort town on the French Riviera hosts the annual Cannes Film Festival in May when actors and celebrities are invited to the screening of new movies. The biggest stars and honored guests often stay at the Carlton Cannes Hotel. The luxury hotel opened in 1911.
58 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France
Rideshares were banned in Monaco. Wolfgang hoped to catch a taxi at Palais Princier de Monaco, the residence of the royal family and the most popular tourist site in Monaco-Ville. After a one-third-mile walk, he reached the crowd-infested Palace Square. This location began as a fort at the end of the 12th century. A century later, it became the palace of the ruling Grimaldi family for over 700 years. After 1814, when the Principality of Monaco was reestablished, the Palais Princier was extensively restored and remains as the monarch’s residence.
Palais Princier, 1 Pl. du Palais, 98000 Monaco
Before dawn, Wolfgang settled into the observation post on the Rock of Monaco, trained the scope on the Diamond Suite of Hôtel de Paris, and lathered on insect repellent. For hours, nothing happened. The extravagant yachts are moored along Jetée Lucciana. In the foreground is Auditorium Rainier III. The home of Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra was built on Pointe Focinane and named after the former Prince of Monaco. On the right are Hôtel de Paris and Casino de Monte-Carlo. In the background is Mont Agel, part of the Maritime Alps.
4 Av. Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco
The princes were visiting Éze, France, a small medieval village that clung to a mountainside. They were about a fifteen-minute drive away. Éze sits 1,400 feet high on the eastern edge of the French Riviera. On a clear day, you can see the famous resort towns of Saint Tropez, Cannes and Nice. This peninsula has been inhabited for over 4,000 years and was a playground for kings and the wealthy during the 19th century.
20 Rue du Château, 06360 Èze, France
For his proof of death report, Wolfgang snapped a few photos before asking an idle bus driver if he knew the name of the bridge. He replied, “I think it’s called Devil’s Bridge.” Karma’s a bitch. He laughed. And then you die. According to legend, a shepherd asked the devil to build a viaduct above the Gaffinel ravine in exchange for the soul of the first living creature that crossed it. When the devil complied, the shepherd threw a stick so his dog would satisfy the debt. Or you can believe it took over three years to build Le Pont de Diable, an eight-arch, 262-foot-high span along the Moyenne Corniche coastal road.
6 Place du Général de Gaulle, 06360 Èze, France
The magnificent lime-green, terra cotta tile dome of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building was in his rearview mirror as he drove across the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bridge. The fifth and current Pennsylvania State Capitol Building has been a masterpiece since completion in 1906. The dome, with 48 portholes, resembles St. Peter’s Basilica. On top is a gilded statue of Commonwealth. She symbolizes justice. This view is from State Street Bridge. Also called the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bridge, the quarter-mile deck is accented with two Art Deco pylons topped with eagles.
1000 State Street Bridge, Harrisburg, PA 17101
The modest homes along State Street, all built at the turn of the twentieth century, had less square footage than the six-car detached garage on Irene’s palatial twenty-acre estate in Elkins Park. She must have missed the grandeur of her multi-generational mansion while hiding in a puny safehouse.
1300 State St, Harrisburg, PA 17103
The front door of the narrow, Pennsylvania Colonial-style brick house was locked. After knocking twice, a Betsy Ross impersonator appeared in an adjacent courtyard.
239 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The costumed young woman waved them over. While holding up her billowing skirt and petticoat, she hustled down a side corridor, into the house, passed a parlor filled with period furniture and up to a door marked Staff Only. The Betsy Ross House celebrates the birth of the United States flag, although there is no historical evidence that the 24-year-old upholsterer designed and created the first one. Betsy Ross did, however, sew American flags for over fifty years. The impersonator on site delights visitors with stories about Betsy Ross’s life and role during the Revolution.
239 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Using age progression software on his military photo and facial recognition, the agent found him going into the downtown Philly Barnes & Noble for magazines. I’d like to thank the Barnes & Noble store managers, booksellers and book buyers who shelved my books, hosted author events and recommended my novels to customers. Your support and encouragement have been amazing and appreciated.
1708 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
By the time she reached the African American Museum, her mind was clear and the anxiety was gone. The sense of calm was euphoric. The African American Museum houses more than 750,000 objects chronicling African American culture and history in the United States since 1776. There are six floors of permanent and rotating exhibits. The museum opened in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial and is affiliated with the Smithsonian.
701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
At The China Gate, a decorative paifang at the entrance to Chinatown, she skidded to a stop. Chinatown began in 1871 and now spans 20 square blocks, the largest along the East Coast. Chinese artisans created the 40-foot-high Chinatown Friendship Gate in 1985. The design reflects symbols, creatures and graphics from the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties.
Arch St & N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Wolfgang was wretched in the gutted room near the La Ronda neighborhood of Quito. Prior to the early 16th century, this area was a trail used by the Incas to fetch water from the Jatuna stream. After the Spaniards arrived, the early colonists created farms and homesteads along the gully. Within fifty years, they began calling it La Ronda meaning “ring road” because their alley ran parallel to the outskirts of Quito. By the late 19th century, La Ronda morphed into a haven for bohemians. Within the next century, it digressed into a slum for criminals and the homeless. In 2006, the city began revitalizing La Ronda. The transition is ongoing.
C. Guayaquil & Rocafuerte, Quito 170130, Ecuador
Yesterday, when Wolfgang placed mini cameras around Plaza Grande – the epicenter of Old Town Quito – nothing seemed amiss. Ecuador’s capital has become the country’s second-largest metropolitan area with a population of over 2.8 million. The Historic Centre is one of the best-preserved in Latin America. At the core is La Plaza Grande, also called Independence Square.
Chile & Venezuela Streets, Quito 170401, Ecuador
He frowned at the laptop screen as traffic barriers were moved in front of the block-long Carondelet Palace, the office and residence of the Ecuadorian president. Baron Francisco Luis Héctor de Carondelet was a governor of the Spanish colonies of Louisiana and West Florida before becoming President of the Real Audiencia de Quito. During his term from 1799 until 1807, a collection of royal houses was transformed into an opulent mansion. Simón Bolívar, the Liberator of several Latin American countries, gave it the name Carondelet Palace. Located along Independence Square, the Presidential Palace has been the residence and offices of Ecuador’s leaders since the early 19th century.
Chile & García Moreno, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Each time a limousine arrived with a dignitary at the adjacent Hotel Plaza Grande, an entourage of staff and bodyguards followed them. This plot facing Independence Square was gifted to conquistador Francisco Pizarro after the Spanish defeated the Incas in 1534. It was then purchased by Juan Diaz de Hidalgo, the leader of the new city. He built the first mansion in Quito, named House of Mayors. Numerous affluent families owned the property for the next 400 years. During the 1930s, it was rebuilt as the Majestic Hotel with a façade resembling a Venetian palazzo. The property reopened in 2007 as the Hotel Plaza Grande. The five-star hotel has 15 exclusive suites and three restaurants set in opulent décor and furnishings.
Chile OE4-22, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Wolfgang maintained a tally sheet of which oil ministers checked in at this five-star hotel and at the Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel. During the colonial period, lavish Spanish residences encircled Plaza de San Francisco. Gangotena Palace is the most famous. The original mansion was built in 1600. Casa de San Miguel was purchased by the Gangotena family in 1840 and was passed on for generations until 2007. In 2010, the property became the Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel. Inside, the lavish décor displays Art Deco features and furnishings.
Bolivar Oe6-41 Y Cuenca, Quito 170401 Ecuador
A couple blocks away on San Francisco Plaza. Plaza de San Francisco has been a major square for hundreds of years. During the first millennium, nomadic tribes exchanged goods here in a marketplace named Tianguez. After the Inca warrior Pachacuti conquered them in 1463, this became the epicenter for the Kingdom of Quito and the location of an Inca temple. When the Spanish captured Inca Emperor Atahualpa in 1533, his palace and military buildings were destroyed, and the city was renamed San Francisco de Quito. The Spaniards later built an enormous church and monastery of the same name overlooking this square.
Av. José de Sucre & Sebastian de Benalcázar, Quito 170401, Ecuador
They were driven to Carondelet Palace for an arranged tour and meeting. An honor guard at the palace entrance escorted them down a wide corridor defined by a stone colonnade. Free, one-hour guided tours of Palacio de Carondelet, also known as the Presidential Palace, are available to the public. You’ll see the courtyard and several of the rooms described in the novel. Access to the presidential residence on the third floor is restricted.
Chile & García Moreno, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Wolfgang made a hard right, wedged between two bollards installed to block traffic, and drove onto a cobblestone sidewalk in front of the cathedral. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito has been the commanding visual of Ecuador’s capital city since 1565. The façade blends Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical and Mudéjar styles, is encircled with statues of saints and angels, and features three green ceramic domes. This entrance facing Plaza de la Independencia is called the Arch of Carondelet.
Eugenio Espejo Oe4-31, Quito 170401, Ecuador
The mercenaries retaliated. Endless bullets were exchanged. Snipers fired from the cathedral bell tower … The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito has one elegant white bell tower. In the background is the Virgin of Quito, erected in 1976. Also called the Virgin of El Panecillo, the 135-foot-tall statue is located on El Panecillo hill overlooking the city. Sculpture Agustín de la Herrán Matorras created the Virgin Mary artwork with 7,400 pieces of aluminum.
Eugenio Espejo Oe4-31, Quito 170401, Ecuador
… and from the roofs of the hotel and Archbishop’s Palace. A combatant blew backward, convulsed, and collapsed onto the cargo bed. A decade after Spaniards conquered Quito, Pope Paul III created the Diocese of San Francisco de Quito in 1545. The city would have a dozen bishops before this two-level, colonnade building was built along La Plaza Grande in 1700. The Archbishop’s Palace was subsequently renovated in the mid-19th century and again in the 1970s.
Jose Riofrio OE4-30 Y, Quito 170402, Ecuador
They stumbled their way to the middle of Plaza Grande. Shawn eased Michelle onto the steps of the Independence Monument and repositioned her leg. She moaned in agony. A military clash began in 1820 between the Royal Audience of Quito, an administrative government unit, and the Spanish Empire. The Ecuadorian War of Independence ended in May of 1822 at the Battle of Pichincha. This obelisk by Francisco Durini Cáceres was erected in 1906 to honor the Heroes de la Independecia. The monument is why Plaza Grande is often called Independence Square.
Lulumbamba 64, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Chris’s chest compressed as the taxi pulled up in front of Boyer Pavilion, the Level 1 trauma center at Temple University Hospital. He had dreaded this moment for over eighteen hours. Boyer Pavilion at Temple University Hospital specializes in neurology and neurosurgery, with floors dedicated to neurosurgical intensive care, two surgical centers and outpatient services. A Level I trauma center provides complete care for traumatic injuries. This includes stages from prevention to rehabilitation.
3509 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Chris’s frayed nerves jumped when he got a text. It read: ETA 10 minutes. He scurried over to the hospital’s main entrance in time to see a black sedan pull up. The driver was the Betsy Ross impersonator wearing normal clothes. Temple University Hospital is rated among the top 5% of US hospitals, in the top 100 in cardiac care and the tenth largest hospital in gross revenue. Russell Conwell founded the previously named Samaritan Hospital in 1892. The Baptist minister also established Temple College.
3401 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
“The Prayer and Meditation Room is usually empty.” Shawn helped Michelle get into a lime-green chair beside Chris before sitting next to Webber in the front row. They leaned back so the four of them could huddle. Webber surveyed the empty chapel before talking. His voice was hushed.
3401 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
“But at least he moved the meeting to the attached Ministry of the Interior Building,” Webber said. “As a result, none of the oil ministers were injured.” This Neoclassical design by architect Augusto Ridder – located directly behind and connected to Carondelet Palace – was finished in three sections from 1927 through 1937. They originally housed the Ecuadorian Post Office, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Government. During a significant restoration in 1996, the interior became a single unit. Although the Ministry of Government remained as a tenant, the other agencies moved out to make room for the vice president’s residence and offices.
Sebastián de Benalcázar 679, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Two hours later, Chris stepped out of a former mansion turned hotel and into the bustling Plaza de San Francisco. Don Sebastian de Peñalver was the original owner of this 18th-century palace on Plaza de San Francisco. In the following century, the mansion was occupied by Juan Clemente Núñez del Castillo and Molina, the Fourth Marquis of San Felipe and Santiago. This was a title of nobility granted by King Felipe V in 1713 for establishing part of Cuba for the Spanish crown. In 2010, a luxury hotel opened after extensive renovation. It retained the historic name of Palacio del Marqués de San Felipe y Santiago de Bejucal.
Calle Oficios 72, La Habana, Cuba
In 1515, the Spanish established Villa de San Cristóbel de la Habana as their first town in Cuba because of the large, natural bay. Five years later, they created the Port of Havana to harbor their Fleet of the Indies during their trade voyages between Spain and the New World. Soon their treasure-laden ships attracted pirates. To defend against the attacks, the Spaniards built four fortresses from 1590 through 1774. On the right is one of them: Castle of the Morro. In 1898, the battleship USS Maine exploded and sunk in the harbor. This aggression sparked the Spanish-American War, leading to the end of Spanish control.
Canal de Entrada, La Habana, Cuba
While the wife gazed at the namesake basilica, and the husband read aloud from a German travel book, taxi drivers and tour guides flocked toward them like pigeons diving for breadcrumbs. The Franciscans built their first church in Havana in 1591. After destroyed by storms in the late 17th century, the current Basilica de San Francisco was finished in 1716. About 15 years later, the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asís was established. Today, the property is a concert hall, and the adjoining monastery is a museum of religious art. The three-tier, 140-foot bell tower overlooks the south end of Plaza de San Francisco. In the foreground is a white Carrara-marble fountain. Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of the Lions) was sculpted by Giuseppe Gaggini and installed in 1836.
154 Oficios, La Habana, Cuba
He began walking with a slouched posture and hands behind his back, shuffling like a man with nowhere to go. Yet he inspected everyone without making eye contact. His mission was clear: kill Wolfgang. This area was a swamp prior to 1575. It was converted into land to help service Spanish ships at the Havana Harbor while the galleons engaged in trade across the Indies. The space was formalized as a square in 1628. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint Francis of Assisi Square became a popular location for constructing palatial mansions. An example is this house at Oficios 71 built by the officers of the Cupet company.
Oficios 71, La Habana, Cuba
The decaying charm of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Deco architecture hinted at Spain’s four centuries of prosperity and when Havana was “America’s Playground” for the rich and social elite during the first half of the twentieth century. Buildings facing the Havana waterfront range from the 18th through the mid-20th century. Most are decrepit from decades of sea spray and neglect. They often are abandoned or used as makeshift housing. However, a closer look reveals architectural beauty, such as columns, arches, porticos, dentil molding, balusters, balconies and bas-reliefs – all crafted from stone. Hopefully, they will be restored and shine again.
65 Malecón, La Habana, Cuba
Pastel colors of peeling paint couldn’t conceal people struggling to exist in squalor and poverty. The city resembled a former beauty queen now in geriatric hospice, gasping for breath after more than sixty years of oppression.
Obrapía & Aguiar, La Habana, Cuba
He admired the asymmetrical twin bell towers of Havana Cathedral, then remembered Christopher Columbus had been interred here for a century before they moved his body to Catedral de Santa María de la Sede in Seville, Spain. Havana’s famous Roman Catholic church is the Cathedral of St. Christopher (Catedral de San Cristóbal). The Jesuits began construction of the Baroque building in 1748. They were expelled from Cuba ten years before construction finished in 1777. Christopher Columbus was buried here from 1796 until 1898 before being sent to Seville Cathedral. The asymmetrical, twin bell towers of Catedral de La Habana visually dominate Plaza de la Catedral.
156 Empedrado, La Habana, Cuba
Along the way, he encountered a row of adorable, uniformed schoolchildren. They were laughing, smiling and holding hands while skipping along a cobblestone street behind their teachers. The essence of innocence. These young school children were adorable, causing bystanders to smile and wave. What is their educational future? Prior to the 1959 revolution, Cuba’s literacy rate was 22% while 60% were semi-literate. The new regime nationalized all schools and instituted Marxist theology. Yet they also made education a priority, spending 10% of GDP. Primary and secondary schools were made compulsory yet free. The tuition at the university and two forms of technical training are also subsidized. The results? By the year 2000, 97% of 15-24-year-olds were considered literate.
Tejadillo & San Ignacio, La Habana 10100, Cuba
Before Chris reached the promenade along the canal, a father and his teenage son had anchored their old fishing boat. The small vessel was an obvious source of pride. The wooden panels glistened with bright blue paint. His calloused hands were wrapping the fresh catch with care. In the morning, you’ll often see men fishing from shore or casting off in small wooden boats from Canal de Entrada. At day’s end, the anglers carry their fresh catch home. What you won’t see is them selling their fish, because it’s illegal. However, tourists can charter deep-sea excursions. They frequently catch large tuna, sailfish and marlins. Fly fishing and trolling the saltwater flats are also available. The coastal waters encircling Cuba are famous for trophy fish.
Avenida del Puerto & Chacón, La Habana, Cuba
Then he saw him, or what appeared to be him, walking along the watchtower of La Punta Castle at the harbor entrance. He rubbed his eyes to clear his sight. Now there was no doubt. A short distance ahead was Wolfgang König. In 1587, a decision was made to fortify both flanks of Havana Harbour. This led to constructing El Morro on the north bank and this fort – Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta – on the south side. La Punta suffered from constant building delays and a hurricane in 1595. By 1602, plans for an elaborate stronghold were scrapped. The citadel was finished as a stone keep in 1630. La Punta was restored during the 1990s. In 2002, San Salvador de la Punta Museum opened inside with the mission to chronicle the fort’s history.
Malecón & Paseo de Martí Streets, La Habana, Cuba
Havana was a hellhole. There was one redeeming quality. He admired the pastel-colored 1950s convertibles parked in front of the palatial Great Theater of Havana. They were not an exhibit. Classic cars were the norm on Cuban streets. Teatro Tacón has occupied this site across from Parque Central since 1838. After an expansion in 1915, it became the Palace of the Galician Centre. The performing arts venue is now called the Great Theatre of Havana Alicia Alonso in honor of a famous ballerina. The 1,500-seat García Lorca Auditorium stages operas and dances by State Opera and the Cuban National Ballet Company. The elegant, white-marble Baroque Revival façade features statuary representing music, theater, education and charity.
458 Paseo de Martí, La Habana, Cuba
Next stop was El Floridita, the hangout of Ernest Hemingway for twenty years when he lived in Cuba. Once named the world’s best bar, the joint was packed. This tavern on Calle Obispo has been serving libations since 1817. A century later, the bar became so popular among Florida tourists it was renamed El Florida and eventually El Floridita. Ernest Hemingway was a regular from 1932 until 1960.
Obispo & Avenida Bélgica, La Habana, Cuba
While visiting Cuba for marlin fishing in 1932, Ernest Hemingway became intrigued with Havana. He frequently stayed at the hotel Ambos Mundos until 1939. The following year, Hemingway divorced his second wife, moved out of Key West, Florida, and initially rented and then bought this estate called Finca Vigia. The “Lookout Farm” remained his winter residence until 1960. The 15-acre property is 15 miles from Havana.
Finca Vigía Km. 12 ½, La Habana, Cuba
He sipped a daiquiri – a cocktail invented here and Papa’s favorite libation – next to a full-size bronze of the author. Tacky, sure, but what the hell. According to legend, a bartender (cantinero) named Constantino Ribalaigua Vert was the first to blend rum, lime juice and sugar into a sweet concoction he called Daiquiri after a mine and beach in Santiago de Cuba. Earnest Hemingway favored the sugarless version named Papa Doble. In 2003, Cuban artist José Villa Soberón sculpted the life-size statue of Papa at the end of the bar.
Obispo & Avenida Bélgica, La Habana, Cuba
Two musicians sitting on wooden stools played a Cuban love ballad on their guitars. They were ecstatic when Wolfgang dropped a fifty-dollar bill into their straw hat. Street musicians in Old Havana are plentiful, talented and licensed by the state to perform in public. They range from a single guitarist to ensembles including drums and a rickety keyboard. These two old men – who have played the same Cuban songs for decades – were entertaining on Calle Obispo, a pedestrian-only street. Stop, listen and enjoy this intricate part of Cuba’s culture. You will be smiling while your toes are tapping. Then show your appreciation with a few coins in the hat.
Calle Obipso & Habana Street, La Habana, Cuba
A pair of men chatted on the seawall. They appeared to be close friends. Life’s simple pleasures. Malecón is Havana’s cherished boulevard. The seaside promenade attracts romantic couples, fishermen, roving musicians, socializing friends and curious tourists. Malecón stretches five miles from Castillo de la Real Fuerza near the cruise terminal, wraps around the northern coast through the Vedado neighborhood and ends at the United States Embassy, the white building on the far right.
Malecón, La Habana, Cuba
He weaved along the sidewalk, passed the bastion of La Punta Castle, and rested on a knee-high wall with a battery of smoothbore cannons behind him. Notice how Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta is directly across the water from El Morro. Beginning in 1630, an 820-foot boom chain was strung between the two forts to prevent enemy ships from entering the harbor. This proximity was also the demise of La Punta. During the Battle of Havana in 1762, the British first captured El Morro. Then they unleashed over 50 cannons at La Punta. The meager Cuban battery of 19 smoothbores was no match. Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta surrendered in a single day.
Malecón & Paseo de Martí Streets, La Habana, Cuba
A golden hue bathed the lighthouse atop El Morro Fortress on the other side of the harbor mouth. Beautiful. Mesmerizing. The perfect setting for a new life. Three fortresses were built during the 16th and early 17th centuries to protect Havana: Fuera, Morro and Punta. This is Castle of Tres Reyes del Morro located at the north entrance of the harbor. Construction of the Castle of the Three Kings lasted 41 years. When finished in 1630, El Morro was considered impenetrable. History proved that assumption wrong. The 82-foot-tall Faro Castillo del Morro was built in 1845. This is the oldest of Cuba’s approximately 50 lighthouses.
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, La Habana, Cuba
With his final breath, the last thing Wolfgang König saw was the rusted undercarriage of a pink 1953 Plymouth Belvedere. Fans of classic cars from the 1940s and 1950s love visiting Havana. They are everywhere, especially on the streets in La Habana Vieja. Some are rusted and aged while others appear in factory condition, like this pink 1953 Plymouth Belvedere. Yet under the hood may be black-market parts from Russia, China and the US, or built with Cuban ingenuity. Why the time warp? In 1961, importing foreign cars was banned. Although the embargo has been lifted, new cars sell for eight times their market value – unaffordable at Cuban salaries.
Malecón & Paseo de Martí Streets, La Habana, Cuba