Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 19: Nineteen
by Larsen, WardThe chapter “Nineteen” opens with a high-stakes chase as Slaton pursues a swift target through a wooded glade. Despite his determination, Slaton struggles to keep up, comparing himself to a lion chasing a gazelle. The dense, dark forest presents obstacles like rotted logs and low-hanging branches, but Slaton pushes forward, knowing failure isn’t an option. His quarry’s speed and agility make the pursuit grueling, yet Slaton closes the gap just as they near the edge of the woods, setting the stage for a critical confrontation.
As the chase intensifies, Slaton realizes his target has made a tactical error by heading deeper into the woods instead of toward a public area. This works in Slaton’s favor, as it keeps them both out of sight and closer to his parked car. In a final burst of effort, Slaton dives to trip the man, and the two crash into a sapling. Slaton finally gains control, gripping the man’s clothing with a vise-like hold. The physical struggle leaves both breathless, but Slaton wastes no time in asserting dominance, silencing his captive with a threat and preparing to move him to the car.
Slaton forces his prisoner to his feet and maneuvers him toward the rental car, using the cover of darkness to avoid detection. He maintains a firm grip, disguising their interaction as a friendly assist to any distant observers. Upon reaching the car, Slaton frisks the man, confiscates his phone and wallet, and forcefully stuffs him into the trunk after a knee to the stomach. The captive’s sudden exclamation in Hebrew—claiming he knew Slaton would come—adds a layer of mystery, but Slaton ignores it, focusing on securing him with zip ties and a gag before driving away.
The chapter concludes with Slaton navigating the streets cautiously, resisting the urge to speed despite his eagerness to interrogate the prisoner. He follows a preplanned route, constantly checking his mirrors for tails, while the trunk remains eerily silent. The encounter raises unanswered questions about the captive’s identity and connection to Slaton, setting the stage for a tense and revealing confrontation in the next chapter.
FAQs
1. What tactical advantages does Slaton exploit during the chase, and how do they contribute to his eventual success?
Answer:
Slaton leverages several tactical advantages during the chase. First, he recognizes that his quarry has chosen a less public route (the wooded glade) instead of the riverside, which would have offered bystanders and potential witnesses. This isolation allows Slaton to pursue without raising alarms. Second, he capitalizes on the darkness and terrain—though challenging, it equally hinders his target. Third, Slaton uses his physical strength and persistence to wear down the faster but less durable fugitive. Finally, his strategic positioning near his car ensures a swift extraction. These calculated decisions culminate in his successful capture (e.g., tripping the man, pinning him, and securing him in the trunk).2. Analyze the significance of the prisoner’s exclamation in Hebrew: “I knew you would come!” How might this revelation impact Slaton’s mission?
Answer:
The prisoner’s Hebrew exclamation suggests a preexisting connection to Slaton, implying he anticipated Slaton’s pursuit—possibly due to shared history or operational ties. This raises critical questions: Is the prisoner an ally, a rogue agent, or a target with insider knowledge? The use of Hebrew hints at a Mossad or Israeli intelligence link, which could complicate Slaton’s objectives. The revelation might force Slaton to reassess his assumptions about the mission’s scope or the prisoner’s role. It also heightens urgency, as the prisoner’s foreknowledge implies others might be aware of Slaton’s actions, potentially jeopardizing operational security.3. How does Slaton balance urgency and caution during the post-capture phase, and why is this balance critical?
Answer:
Slaton demonstrates meticulous caution despite his eagerness to interrogate the prisoner. He conducts a rapid frisk (finding a phone and wallet), binds the man securely with zip ties, and gags him to prevent cries for help. He also hoods the prisoner to disorient him and avoid visual identification. These steps ensure control during transport. However, Slaton resists immediate interrogation, recognizing that “such dialogues had to be handled correctly” for “optimum productivity.” This balance is vital: rushing could lead to mistakes (e.g., attracting attention or incomplete intel), while excessive delay might allow the prisoner’s associates to act. His disciplined approach reflects operational expertise.4. Evaluate the author’s use of sensory details in the chase scene. How do they enhance the narrative’s tension and realism?
Answer:
The author employs vivid sensory details to immerse readers in the chase’s chaos. Descriptions like “leafless limbs slapped his face,” “stones gave way under foot,” and “wet underbrush” create a tactile, visceral experience. Auditory cues (“panting,” “crash of vegetation”) amplify the urgency, while visual deprivation (“almost no light penetrating”) heightens disorientation. The simile “like a lion chasing a gazelle” underscores the primal intensity. These details ground the scene in realism, making Slaton’s struggle palpable. The sensory overload mirrors the characters’ adrenaline and exhaustion, pulling readers into the moment and escalating tension.5. What does Slaton’s decision to use a “collegial” appearance while escorting the prisoner reveal about his tradecraft?
Answer:
Slaton’s choice to mimic a sober friend guiding a drunk companion (by gripping the belt in a seemingly casual manner) showcases his mastery of deception and situational awareness. This tactic minimizes suspicion from distant observers, as the interaction appears mundane rather than coercive. It reflects his ability to blend into civilian environments—a hallmark of effective tradecraft. By avoiding overtly aggressive behavior in public, Slaton reduces the risk of bystander intervention or police involvement. This subtlety underscores his professionalism: he prioritizes operational success over brute force, leveraging psychology and appearances to evade detection.
Quotes
1. “Losing this race was not an option.”
This quote captures Slaton’s relentless determination during the chase, emphasizing the high stakes of his mission. It underscores his mindset—failure is not an option, no matter the physical challenge.
2. “‘Not … a … word! Do I make myself clear?’”
This moment highlights Slaton’s tactical control and intimidation as he subdues his captive. The terse, forceful language reveals his operational discipline and the gravity of the situation.
3. “‘I knew you would come!’ he exclaimed. The words perplexed Slaton. Even more bewildering—they had come in Hebrew.”
This quote marks a pivotal twist, introducing mystery and personal stakes. The Hebrew language and the captive’s recognition of Slaton suggest a deeper, unresolved history between them.
4. “He was desperate to talk to this man, uncover what he knew. Yet such dialogues had to be handled correctly. Had to be managed for optimum productivity.”
This reflects Slaton’s internal conflict—balancing urgency with methodical interrogation tactics. It reveals his professionalism and the calculated precision required in intelligence work.
5. “Not a single sound emanated from the trunk behind him.”
The closing line creates tension and foreboding, emphasizing the captive’s helplessness and Slaton’s cold efficiency. It leaves the reader anticipating the next phase of the confrontation.