Assassin’s Revenge–A David Slaton Novel
Chapter 4: Four
by Larsen, WardAs Slaton approaches his catamaran, *Sirius*, from a mile away, he immediately senses something is amiss. The dinghy is missing, sails are poorly secured, and the boat drifts anchorless—uncharacteristic oversights for his wife, Christine. Most alarming is the absence of Christine and their son, Davy, on deck. The isolated vessel, adrift near Gibraltar, seems ignored by the bustling city nearby. Slaton opts for a swift, noisy approach rather than stealth, prioritizing speed over caution as his unease grows.
Upon boarding *Sirius*, Slaton’s apprehension deepens. He grabs a makeshift weapon, a small anchor, and scans the deck for signs of life. The boat is eerily silent except for the rain and wind. Ignoring his usual discipline, he charges into the cabin, searching frantically for his family. Each empty room and unanswered call amplifies his dread. Christine’s phone and the onboard Beretta are missing, leaving him torn between hope and despair.
Slaton struggles to rationalize the scene. He dismisses theories of theft or mechanical failure—valuables remain untouched, and the engine starts effortlessly. Christine, an experienced sailor, wouldn’t abandon the boat without cause. The unbroken rule of their burner phones going unanswered confirms his worst fears: something sinister has happened. His logical mind clashes with rising panic as he confronts the unthinkable—his family has vanished without a trace.
The chapter closes with Slaton standing helplessly on deck, engulfed by rain and isolation. Gibraltar’s indifferent hum contrasts sharply with his personal catastrophe. The mundane routines of the city—coffee on a rainy day—highlight the brutality of his reality. For Slaton, this is the day his world collapses, marked by the disappearance of his wife and son, leaving him adrift in a storm of grief and unanswered questions.
FAQs
1. What specific observations did Slaton make that indicated something was wrong with the Sirius when he first approached it?
Answer:
Slaton noticed multiple alarming signs: the dinghy was missing from its usual spot tethered to the stern, a sail cover had come loose and was flapping (unlike Christine’s meticulous standards), there was no anchor line deployed, the engine exhaust was silent indicating no power, and most critically—no sign of Christine or Davy on deck. These collective inconsistencies suggested abandonment rather than routine activity, heightening Slaton’s suspicion of trouble (Chapter 4, paragraphs 2-3).2. Analyze Slaton’s decision to approach Sirius at full speed despite the trade-off with stealth. What does this reveal about his priorities in the moment?
Answer:
Slaton prioritized speed over stealth because time was his most critical resource—every second counted in locating his missing family. By maintaining full throttle, he sacrificed a quieter approach (which might have allowed better tactical assessment) for a two-minute advantage. This impulsive choice underscores his emotional urgency and uncharacteristic lapse in operational discipline, highlighting his desperation over rational protocol (Chapter 4, paragraph 4).3. How does the author use environmental details (e.g., weather, sounds) to amplify the tension in Slaton’s search aboard the Sirius?
Answer:
The author employs sensory imagery to heighten unease: the “pelting rain” creates a relentless auditory backdrop, while wind humming through rigging evokes eerie tension. The “white noise of rain on the sea” isolates Slaton acoustically, mirroring his psychological isolation. The gathering squall’s obscuring rain (“entire hemisphere to the northeast was obscured”) visually reinforces his mounting despair and the futility of his search (Chapter 4, paragraphs 6, 8, and final scene).4. Why does Slaton’s discovery of the missing Beretta and phone deepen the crisis, and what does this imply about the family’s protocols?
Answer:
The absent Beretta (kept in his nightstand) and Christine’s missing burner phone violate their established safety protocols. The gun’s disappearance suggests forced entry or coercion, while the phone’s absence—normally their “last-ditch tether”—indicates intentional severing of communication. Together, these details negate innocent explanations (e.g., accidental drift) and confirm malicious intent, crushing Slaton’s hope (Chapter 4, paragraphs 9-11).5. Evaluate Slaton’s internal conflict as he rejects “wild theories” about the disappearance. What does his conclusion reveal about his character?
Answer:
Slaton cycles through implausible scenarios (theft, mechanical failure) but systematically dismisses them based on evidence (working engine, untouched valuables). His ultimate acceptance that Christine’s unresponsive phone signifies danger demonstrates his analytical rigor—even under duress, he defaults to logic. However, his earlier emotional impulsiveness (rushing aboard) shows vulnerability, painting him as a disciplined operative grappling with human fragility (Chapter 4, paragraphs 12-15).
Quotes
1. “From a mile away Slaton knew something was wrong. The first thing he noticed was that their dinghy, which should have been tethered to Sirius’ stern, was nowhere in sight.”
This opening line sets the tense atmosphere and introduces the central mystery of the chapter—Slaton’s growing realization that his family is missing. The observational details highlight his sharp instincts and the abnormal situation.
2. “It was the easiest choice he’d faced all day.”
This understated line reveals Slaton’s urgency and prioritization—speed over stealth—as he races toward the potentially compromised boat. It subtly hints at a backstory of difficult decisions preceding this moment.
3. “He would later critique his next moves, realizing he should have been more cautious. In that moment, however, and in a behavior that was entirely uncharacteristic, Slaton let emotion overcome reason.”
This pivotal moment shows Slaton’s professional training conflicting with personal desperation, marking a key character insight and turning point where protocol gives way to human vulnerability.
4. “Their phones were an absolute, the last-ditch tether that always connected them. Never to be broken.”
This concise statement carries emotional weight, establishing the unbreakable bond between Slaton and his family while simultaneously foreshadowing its violation—the core tragedy of the chapter.
5. “And for Slaton: it was the day his wife and son went missing.”
This stark, single-sentence conclusion delivers the chapter’s devastating payoff, transforming the tense investigation into a personal catastrophe. The matter-of-fact phrasing makes the revelation more powerful.