Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 13: Thirteen
by Larsen, WardIn Chapter Thirteen, Slaton, the protagonist, meticulously prepares for an undisclosed mission while ensuring he evades surveillance. Driving a rented Renault through Austria’s Weinviertel region, he carefully monitors his surroundings, confirming he’s no longer being followed. He exits the autobahn, navigating remote forest roads to scout potential landmarks before returning to Vienna. His actions reflect a calculated approach, blending into the environment while laying the groundwork for his plans. The historical backdrop of the region, including references to WWII, adds depth to the setting, underscoring the tension of his covert activities.
Slaton makes strategic stops to gather supplies, including wire cutters, duct tape, and zip ties, which he stores in the car’s trunk. He disables the emergency trunk-release handle and retrieves the lug wrench, hinting at preparations for a confrontation or escape. His attention to detail is evident as he chooses isolated parking spots and avoids drawing attention. These steps reveal his expertise in tradecraft, ensuring he remains undetected and ready for any contingencies. The narrative builds suspense as Slaton’s actions suggest an impending high-stakes operation.
Returning to Vienna, Slaton surveys the park near the Reichsbrücke Bridge, noting key locations like a stand of trees where he’d previously observed suspicious activity. His casual demeanor contrasts with his heightened awareness, emphasizing his dual role as both hunter and prey. He visits a sundry shop and a sporting goods store, purchasing items like a prepaid phone, golf clubs, and bocce balls, which he repurposes for his mission. These acquisitions, along with the earlier supplies, hint at a multifaceted plan involving deception or combat, though the exact nature remains unclear.
Back in his room, Slaton organizes his gear, including a gun store box, and prepares for potential threats by barricading the door and identifying an escape route through the window. His thoughts drift to past experiences at sea, reflecting a longing for safety and resolution. The chapter closes with Slaton on the brink of action, his preparations complete but the outcome uncertain. The tension is palpable as he balances vigilance with exhaustion, poised for the next phase of his mission.
FAQs
1. What precautions does Slaton take with the rental car, and why are these steps significant?
Answer:
Slaton meticulously modifies the rental car to eliminate potential vulnerabilities. He removes the emergency trunk-release handle to prevent anyone trapped inside from escaping, and he relocates the lug wrench to the front seat for quick access as a potential weapon. These steps demonstrate his strategic foresight and attention to detail, ensuring he maintains control over the vehicle’s environment. The modifications also hint at his anticipation of conflict or the need to restrain someone, reflecting his operational mindset and preparedness for hostile scenarios.2. How does Slaton’s choice of parking spot near the Reichsbrücke Bridge reflect his tactical approach?
Answer:
Slaton selects a parking spot based on two criteria: proximity to dense tree cover (for concealment) and distance from overhead lights (to avoid visibility). He initially considers backing the car in for better positioning but opts for conformity to avoid drawing attention. This decision highlights his balance between tactical advantage and operational subtlety. By blending in, he reduces the risk of standing out to surveillants, showcasing his expertise in tradecraft—prioritizing both functionality and discretion in urban environments.3. Analyze the historical reference to Austria’s Weinviertel region. How does it enrich the narrative?
Answer:
The mention of Weinviertel’s dual identity—renowned for its wines but also tied to the 1938 Anschluss—adds thematic depth. It contrasts the region’s peaceful present with its dark past, mirroring Slaton’s own duality: a calculated operative moving through serene landscapes while preparing for violence. The reference also grounds the story in real-world history, lending authenticity and a sense of place. It subtly underscores themes of hidden threats beneath surface appearances, a motif echoed in Slaton’s covert actions.4. What does Slaton’s “assassin’s equivalent of an impulse buy” (the bocce balls) reveal about his planning process?
Answer:
While the golf clubs serve a clear purpose (disguising weapons in a long box), the bocce balls seem incidental. However, Slaton repurposes their drawstring bag, demonstrating his ability to improvise tools from mundane items. This reflects his resourcefulness and adaptability—key traits for an operative. The “impulse buy” label is ironic; every purchase is deliberate. Even seemingly minor items are evaluated for utility, reinforcing his meticulous nature and ability to think creatively under pressure.5. Evaluate Slaton’s contingency measures in his hotel room. How do they align with his overarching goals?
Answer:
Slaton secures his room by blocking the door with a dresser (delaying forced entry) and ensuring a quiet escape route via the window. These measures prioritize reaction time and survivability, critical for an operative evading surveillance. His focus on “measurable time” to react reveals his risk calculus: he anticipates threats but avoids over-preparation that might draw suspicion (e.g., overt barricades). The precautions balance readiness with maintaining cover, aligning with his dual objectives of safety and stealth in the mission’s final stages.
Quotes
1. “Slaton was certain he’d lost the team who’d been surveilling him. It was time to lay his groundwork for the evening, and he needed to do it alone.”
This quote establishes Slaton’s operational mindset—calculating, deliberate, and self-reliant. It marks the beginning of his meticulous preparation for an undisclosed mission, showcasing his tradecraft and awareness of surveillance.
2. “The park that was fast becoming familiar came into view, its tightly landscaped commons lorded over by the massive Reichsbrücke Bridge. Beneath the wide span an ever-patient Danube carried eastward, black and silent in its ceaseless mission.”
This vivid description contrasts the serene, almost poetic setting with the tension of Slaton’s mission. The Danube’s “ceaseless mission” mirrors Slaton’s own relentless focus, while the bridge symbolizes a pivotal location in his plan.
3. “Conformity, he decided, was the better choice.”
A succinct yet profound insight into Slaton’s tactical reasoning. While considering parking maneuvers, he prioritizes blending in over tactical advantage, revealing his expertise in operational subtlety and avoidance of patterns.
4. “Precautions complete, he went to the bed and lay down. Slaton closed his eyes, and let his thoughts drift to the places he knew they would. The South Pacific. The Mediterranean. Open sea. His shipmates.”
This moment humanizes Slaton, revealing his longing for peace and connection amid danger. The juxtaposition of his meticulous preparations with fleeting thoughts of escape and camaraderie adds depth to his character.
5. “Soon, he told himself, his deficit of sleep returning with a vengeance. Very soon I’ll have you safe.”
The chapter’s closing lines underscore Slaton’s driving motivation—protection of others—while hinting at exhaustion and impending action. The repetition of “soon” creates urgency, leaving the reader anticipating the next phase of his mission.