Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 37: Thirty-Seven
by Larsen, WardIn Chapter Thirty-Seven, Slaton surveils a house, wary of a teenager whose unpredictable reaction could complicate his mission. His focus shifts when Tarek El-Masri, an IAEA inspector and key to finding Slaton’s family, arrives in a silver Audi. Slaton positions himself to intercept El-Masri but is interrupted by a sudden ambush. A dark van blocks the driveway, and five armed men—likely trained operatives—swarm the scene. El-Masri flees into the house, prompting Slaton to reassess the situation. The men’s tactics and lack of police identifiers suggest they are assassins, not law enforcement, and their Asian appearance adds to the mystery.
Slaton observes the armed team splitting up, with two men targeting the back door while others breach the front. Recognizing the urgency, he seizes an opportunity to engage. Using the Audi for cover, he neutralizes the two men at the back door with precise shots, exploiting their focus on the house. His actions are methodical, reflecting the discipline of an elite operator: close-range accuracy, controlled recoil, and swift weapon handling. The unsuppressed gunfire alerts the remaining assailants, forcing Slaton to move quickly. He retrieves a Vityaz submachine gun from one of the fallen men, trading his Glock for higher firepower.
Entering the house, Slaton clears the kitchen, his senses heightened. He notes the tactical gear of the dead men—earpieces and body armor—confirming their professionalism. The radio chatter suggests the front team is aware of the disruption. Slaton weighs the risks: he could retreat to reassess, but his personal stake—interrogating El-Masri—leaves no room for hesitation. The chapter underscores Slaton’s lethal efficiency and adaptability, contrasting Hollywood tropes with the grim realism of close-quarters combat.
The chapter culminates in a high-stakes confrontation, with Slaton advancing into the house amid chaos. His priority is El-Masri, who holds critical information about his family’s whereabouts. The attackers’ identity and motives remain unclear, but their intent to kill El-Masri is evident. Slaton’s actions—swift, calculated, and ruthless—highlight the life-or-death stakes of his mission. The narrative builds tension through tactical detail and Slaton’s internal calculations, leaving readers anticipating the next clash as he moves deeper into the house.
FAQs
1. What tactical considerations does Slaton weigh when assessing the teenage boy’s potential reaction to an intruder, and what does this reveal about his operational mindset?
Answer:
Slaton analyzes the teenager’s behavior through a tactical lens, considering the unpredictable nature of adolescents in high-stakes situations. He notes the boy’s age (within the “fearless” 17–23 window) could lead to either flight or misguided bravery (like attempting martial arts). This reveals Slaton’s methodical, risk-averse approach: he prioritizes control and anticipates variables, even seemingly minor ones. His conclusion—”I’ll have to be careful”—underscores his professionalism, where every potential interaction is pre-assessed to mitigate operational compromise (e.g., noise or attention from a struggle).2. How does the author contrast Hollywood depictions of elite operators with Slaton’s actual combat techniques during the firefight?
Answer:
The chapter explicitly debunks cinematic tropes by emphasizing practicality over flair. While movies portray operators performing acrobatic feats, Slaton relies on fundamentals: stable positioning (using the Audi for cover), precise aim (7-yard distance), and disciplined shot placement (neck/base of skull to bypass armor). The narrative highlights “simple things done very, very well”—magazine changes, recoil management, and proximity preference (10 yards for optimal accuracy). This realism reinforces Slaton’s expertise: his efficiency stems from repetitive training, not theatrics, culminating in ruthlessly effective engagements (“no silver medal in a gunfight”).3. Analyze the significance of the attackers’ equipment and behavior in Slaton’s assessment of their identity and objectives.
Answer:
Slaton deduces the attackers aren’t law enforcement through multiple clues: their unmarked van (a “throwaway vehicle”), lack of verbal warnings, and suppressed communication (hand signals, earpieces). Their Vityaz-SN submachine guns and body armor suggest paramilitary training, while the Asian appearance and Chinese/Korean language point to foreign involvement. Crucially, their silence and rapid breach tactics indicate assassination intent, not arrest. Slaton’s quick dismissal of a “SWAT team” theory demonstrates his ability to synthesize contextual details—equipment, tactics, and cultural markers—into accurate threat assessments under pressure.4. Why does Slaton prioritize interrogating El-Masri despite the escalating danger, and what strategic dilemma does this present?
Answer:
El-Masri represents Slaton’s sole lead to finding his family, making the interrogation non-negotiable (“he had no choice”). This forces Slaton to balance tactical prudence (normally withdrawing to reassess) against personal stakes. The dilemma highlights a key tension in operational decision-making: mission-critical objectives versus survivability. His choice to press forward—armed with a scavenged Vityaz for superior firepower—reveals his risk tolerance when personal and mission priorities align. The scene underscores how emotional drivers (family) can override standard protocols, a recurring theme in protagonist-driven thrillers.5. How does the author use sensory details to heighten tension during the ambush sequence?
Answer:
Sensory immersion amplifies the chaos: visual cues (headlights “strobing” across fences, the “glow” of El-Masri’s phone), auditory details (tires “squealing,” unsuppressed gunfire), and tactile references (the Vityaz’s “pistol grip”) create a visceral experience. Slaton’s hyper-awareness—noticing the “faint light” on El-Masri’s face or the “muted burst” of radio chatter—mirrors reader anxiety. The van’s “thundering engine” contrasts with Slaton’s silent movements, emphasizing the sudden shift from stealth to violence. These details anchor the action in realism while propelling the pace, making the ambush feel immediate and unpredictable.
Quotes
1. “There was a reason wars were fought by young men between the ages of seventeen and twenty-three. That was when they were fearless. Indestructible.”
This quote captures Slaton’s tactical assessment of the teenage boy’s potential reaction, reflecting on the psychology of youth and fearlessness in combat situations. It introduces a key theme about the intersection of age, bravery, and vulnerability.
2. “It is Hollywood fantasy that elite operators invariably shoot off-handed, or on a dead run from fifty yards. In reality, they never choose to engage while hanging upside down or in mid-leap between buildings. Not when more effective methods are available.”
This passage debunks action movie tropes while highlighting Slaton’s professional expertise. It underscores the chapter’s emphasis on practical, disciplined tactics over flashy theatrics in life-or-death situations.
3. “What sets the best apart is far more mundane: they do the simple things well. Very, very well.”
This concise statement distills Slaton’s philosophy of operational excellence. It serves as both a character insight and a broader commentary on professionalism in high-stakes fields.
4. “It was as simple as it was ruthless. But then, there was no silver medal in a gunfight.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates the brutal efficiency of Slaton’s engagement with the attackers. The second sentence particularly stands out as a memorable, hard-edged truth about combat situations.
5. “If this were a Mossad mission, gambling for the good of Israel, Slaton might have pulled back to assess the tactical situation. As it was—he had no choice. He had to interrogate El-Masri.”
This passage reveals Slaton’s personal stakes in the operation, contrasting professional detachment with personal desperation. It marks a key turning point where the mission transitions from tactical to personal.