Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 3: Three
by Larsen, WardDavid Slaton returns to the marina in Gibraltar to find his boat, Sirius, and his family missing. The neighboring Scotsman recalls seeing the boat depart but cannot confirm its destination. Slaton’s initial concern grows as his calls to his wife, Christine, go unanswered. The absence of any communication violates their strict security protocols, heightening his unease. The Scotsman suggests they might have gone to test the reefing gear, but Slaton dismisses the idea, knowing Christine would not take such a risk without him.
Slaton’s training as a former Mossad assassin kicks in as he assesses the marina for threats. He notes security cameras and scans the area for suspicious activity, regretting his lack of prior reconnaissance. The boat’s frequent name changes and forged passports reflect their life on the run, a necessity to evade past enemies. Slaton’s mind races with possibilities—could old adversaries have resurfaced? The lack of physical evidence at the slip offers no clues, deepening his frustration and fear.
A storm approaches, but Slaton dismisses the weather as irrelevant to his search. Calculating Sirius’ possible range, he considers two options: scaling the Rock of Gibraltar for a vantage point or borrowing the Scotsman’s inflatable dinghy to search the bay. Choosing the latter, he sets off into choppy waters, determined to find his family. The rough conditions drench him, but he presses on, scanning the horizon for any sign of the catamaran.
Slaton methodically eliminates search areas, first heading south toward open water, then east and west. Despite the turbulent seas and limited visibility, he remains focused, driven by urgency. The chapter ends with Slaton’s relentless pursuit, his professional instincts clashing with personal dread as he navigates the bay, hoping to reunite with his family before it’s too late.
FAQs
1. What security measures does David Slaton employ while living on the run with his family, and why are these necessary?
Answer:
Slaton employs several security measures to maintain anonymity, including using burner phones (never leaving voicemails), regularly changing their boat’s name and appearance (using black paint for alterations), and carrying expertly forged passports. These precautions are necessary because of his past as a Mossad assassin, which makes him and his family targets for retaliation. The transient lifestyle requires constant vigilance, as shared data systems can track vessel names across ports, and enemies may resurface to settle old scores. The chapter highlights how these measures are “necessary evils” for their survival.2. Analyze how Slaton’s training as an assassin influences his response to his family’s disappearance. Provide specific examples from the chapter.
Answer:
Slaton’s Mossad training triggers a methodical, hyper-aware response: he immediately scans for threats (e.g., checking rooftops, unremarkable vehicles, and dock cameras), assesses logistical details (e.g., calculating how far the boat could have traveled in 45 minutes), and prioritizes actionable intelligence (e.g., seeking the marina’s security control center). His instinct to “leave no traces” contrasts with his frustration over overlooking the camera system earlier, showing his operational mindset. The chapter also reveals his internal struggle—while he suppresses panic, his “full-on alarm” and “old impulses” underscore how his past shapes his crisis response.3. What symbolic significance does the boat’s name, Sirius, hold, and how does it contrast with Slaton’s current reality?
Answer:
Sirius, named after the brightest star in the night sky, symbolizes hope and stability—a stark contrast to Slaton’s chaotic life. The name was chosen during a rare peaceful moment under the stars, reflecting the family’s longing for normalcy. However, the need to frequently rename the boat (e.g., Hydra or Auriga next) mirrors their fractured identity and impermanence. This duality highlights the tension between their aspirational life and the harsh reality of being “on the run,” where even sentimental choices must yield to survival tactics.4. How does the setting of Gibraltar contribute to the chapter’s tension? Consider both geographical and narrative elements.
Answer:
Gibraltar’s strategic location—a bustling maritime crossroads near Spain, Morocco, and the Mediterranean—amplifies tension by offering countless escape routes or threats. The Rock’s “commanding view” taunts Slaton with its surveillance potential, while the stormy weather mirrors his escalating dread. The marina’s transience (“forest of masts and rigging”) makes it easy to disappear, yet its cameras hint at hidden observers. This setting underscores the paradox of visibility/invisibility central to Slaton’s crisis: a place where his family could vanish amid crowds, currents, and geopolitical complexity.5. Evaluate the Scotsman’s role in the chapter. Is he a neutral bystander, or does his behavior raise suspicions? Support your answer with text evidence.
Answer:
The Scotsman appears neutral but exhibits subtle red flags. While he offers plausible explanations (e.g., suggesting Christine tested the reefing gear), his timing is suspicious—he reappears just as Slaton considers the inflatable, and his radar comment feels like misdirection. His vague description of the departure (“I can’t say it was your boat”) contrasts with Slaton’s precision. The line “Sorry I can’t be more help” before retreating to his cabin could imply evasion. Though inconclusive, these details leave room for doubt, aligning with the chapter’s theme of pervasive uncertainty.
Quotes
1. ““Gone,” David Slaton repeated, staring at the empty slip where his boat and family had been two hours ago. “I can see that, but where did they go?””
This opening line immediately establishes the central mystery and tension of the chapter—Slaton’s sudden realization that his family and their boat have disappeared without explanation. It sets the tone for his growing alarm and the search that follows.
2. “Old impulses took hold. He scanned the parking lot for unremarkable vehicles. The wharves for people who didn’t fit in.”
This quote reveals Slaton’s trained instincts as a former Mossad assassin kicking in, showing how his professional past colors his perception of the situation. It demonstrates his heightened awareness and paranoia born from a life on the run.
3. “Killing wasn’t the kind of job one walked away from easily. Targeted organizations reappeared, bent on settling scores.”
This reflection provides crucial insight into Slaton’s backstory and the perpetual danger that follows him, suggesting his family’s disappearance might be connected to his violent past. It underscores the novel’s central theme of consequences from one’s history.
4. “From that high ground, with a set of binoculars, he was certain he could spot Sirius. But that was all he could do, and seeing his family wasn’t enough.”
This moment captures Slaton’s desperation and helplessness—he knows how to find them but realizes mere observation won’t solve the crisis. It marks a turning point where he transitions from passive concern to active pursuit.
5. “His first turn, south toward open water, was a precaution against the most trying scenario: if Sirius had taken that tack, she might soon be lost.”
This quote demonstrates Slaton’s methodical approach to the search while conveying the high stakes—the very real possibility that his family could vanish permanently if he doesn’t act quickly and strategically.