Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 12: Twelve
by Larsen, WardThe chapter opens with Slaton, the protagonist, being led by a gun shop proprietor to a backroom filled with firearms and ammunition. The storeroom transitions into a cluttered office adorned with gun-related memorabilia. The owner presents Slaton with an M16 rifle, hinting at its dubious origins through a trade with retired army reservists. Slaton inspects the weapon, noting its condition, and engages in negotiations, ultimately purchasing it along with a scope and a combat knife, paying in cash to avoid scrutiny.
As Slaton leaves the shop, he becomes aware of being followed by unidentified men in a blue ski parka. He reflects on their motives, concluding they pose a threat to his family. His primary objectives are to locate and secure his wife and son, followed by a decisive retaliation to prevent future threats. Despite the surveillance, Slaton remains composed, methodically planning his next moves while maintaining a cautious awareness of his surroundings.
Slaton returns to his rooming house, retrieves a smartphone, and arranges for a rental car online. He then collects the vehicle, demonstrating efficiency and foresight. Meanwhile, the pursuers—an Uzbek, a Tunisian, and a Somali—convene nearby, communicating in broken Arabic and German. They discuss Slaton’s movements, revealing their lack of coordination and growing tension. Their dialogue hints at a broader, ideologically driven mission, though their exact motives remain unclear.
The chapter builds tension as Slaton’s calculated actions contrast with the pursuers’ disorganized efforts. His focus on protecting his family and preparing for confrontation underscores his resolve. The pursuers, though determined, appear outmatched by Slaton’s experience and resourcefulness. The stage is set for an impending clash, with Slaton’s strategic advantage and the pursuers’ erratic behavior foreshadowing a high-stakes confrontation.
FAQs
1. What details in the gun shop scene reveal Slaton’s expertise with weapons, and how does this contrast with the shop owner’s assumptions about him?
Answer:
Slaton demonstrates his weapons expertise through subtle but telling actions: he immediately recognizes the M16 by touch alone (“matte-black shape that was intimately familiar”), assesses its condition by texture and balance, and knows the KM2000 knife is German Army standard issue. His technical remark about the Schmidt & Bender scope (“It would hardly be any use”) further showcases specialized knowledge. This contrasts sharply with the owner’s assumption that Slaton is merely a Swedish retiree—a facade Slaton maintains by joking about his English accent and avoiding explanations about his background. The owner’s “go-to line” about Vienna’s streets reveals he typically deals with less sophisticated buyers, while Slaton’s precision suggests military or intelligence training.2. Analyze how Slaton’s surveillance awareness and tradecraft skills are demonstrated in this chapter.
Answer:
Slaton exhibits advanced surveillance detection through three key behaviors: First, he casually notices the blue parka across the street without overtly reacting, showing disciplined observation. Second, he uses predictable patterns (returning to his gasthaus) to confirm he’s being followed while avoiding suspicion. Third, he employs counter-surveillance tactics by renting a car via a pre-arranged online reservation—minimizing exposure at the rental counter and using a circuitous walking route. His window check upon returning to his room demonstrates habitual situational awareness. Notably, he remains calm despite the threat; the text states his caution rises “only one notch,” indicating professional composure under scrutiny.3. What cultural and operational insights are revealed through the interaction between Slaton and the gun shop owner?
Answer:
The transaction exposes Vienna’s underground arms trade dynamics: the owner admits the M16 came via dubious military surplus channels (“Army reservists… keep such trophies”), highlighting lax Austrian accountability. Their negotiation reflects unspoken rules—the owner inflates the price but offers a discount for buying accessories, maintaining plausible deniability. Slaton’s cash payment (causing the owner’s raised eyebrow) suggests avoiding financial trails, while the generic rifle box illustrates how illegal arms are discreetly transported. The owner’s manufacturer plaques and elk photo establish his legitimate front, contrasting with his willingness to bypass regulations. Their mutual understanding of these gray-market norms enables the deal without explicit discussion of illegality.4. How does the chapter foreshadow future conflict through the portrayal of the pursuers?
Answer:
The pursuers—an Uzbek, Tunisian, and Somali—are characterized as inexperienced but dangerous: they communicate in broken Arabic/German, lack coordination (requiring a “hastily called conference”), and rely on Hollywood-inspired English phrases, suggesting ideological rather than professional motives. Their physical descriptions (“squat fireplug,” “lanky,” sunglasses indoors) paint them as stereotypical operatives, while the blue parka’s reappearance shows poor tradecraft. The text notes they’re “bound by… loose commitment to Islam,” implying radicalization without formal training. This contrasts sharply with Slaton’s precision, foreshadowing a clash between his disciplined lethality and their chaotic but determined pursuit, especially given Slaton’s stated willingness to act without “mercy or remorse.”5. Evaluate how Slaton’s priorities and mindset are revealed through his internal monologue.
Answer:
Slaton’s thoughts reveal a mission-focused hierarchy: family safety supersedes all else (“first goal: locate Christine and Davy”), followed by proactive prevention (“ensure it never happens again”). His lack of hesitation about using violence (“no trace of mercy”) indicates a shift from defense to offense, with the weapon purchase serving both purposes. The phrase “a line had been crossed” suggests moral justification for extreme measures. Notably, he compartmentalizes emotions—while concerned for his family, he methodically executes plans (renting a car, checking surveillance) without distraction. This operational clarity, coupled with his deliberate facade as a retiree, paints a portrait of a highly disciplined protector transitioning into hunter mode.
Quotes
1. “Army reservists often manage to keep such trophies when they retire—I suppose they should be accounted for more accurately, but one rather understands.”
This quote reveals the underground arms trade dynamics and the moral flexibility of gun dealers, highlighting how military weapons circulate unofficially. It sets the tone for the shadowy transaction between Slaton and the Austrian proprietor.
2. “From Slaton’s point of view, a line had been crossed. His family threatened. His first goal was simple: locate Christine and Davy. His second would be to get them safe. Only when that was done would one final act ensue—a more personal mission to ensure it never happened again.”
This pivotal quote captures Slaton’s motivation and ruthless resolve, transitioning the chapter from transactional details to personal vengeance. It foreshadows the violent escalation to come.
3. “Three men bound by little more than a loose commitment to Islam. On this day they were doing Allah’s work in a way none could ever have imagined.”
This insight into the pursuers’ backgrounds and motivations creates tension by contrasting their ideological fervor with Slaton’s personal mission. It introduces the antagonists while questioning the nature of their “holy” pursuit.
4. “When all else failed, they occasionally fell back on German phrases acquired during their months in Vienna, or bits of English taken from the decadent Hollywood films they all watched—conveniently ignoring whatever irony that presented.”
This ironic observation about the militants’ cultural contradictions adds depth to their characterization, revealing the hypocrisy in their rejection of Western influences while simultaneously relying on them.