Extraction by Jodi Burnett

Author:Jodi Burnett [Burnett, Jodi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-10T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

After an afternoon of wandering the famous city, and a fitful night’s sleep full of anxious dreams, Aydin dressed and walked the several blocks to the location of his meeting on 5th Avenue. He stared up in awe at the pair of gray marble lions posing majestically on their pillars. Patience and Fortitude, the world-renowned duo posed proudly before the majestic structure that housed New York’s Public Library in the Beaux-Arts building. He’d seen their images many times before, but only in photos and movies. The sight was exceedingly impressive in person and reminded him of the carved lions at the gate guarding the ancient ruins of Hattusa. Though these were far more beautiful, they had yet to stand the test of time.

Briefly, he wished he could take a few minutes to go inside the library to smell the books and run his fingers along their spines. But, alas, there was no time to spare. He had agreed to meet with the leader of the sun goddess sect in this massive, modern city. He had made the appointment under false pretenses, but it was necessary. The ends justified the means because the outcome would complete the funding of the cause.

It thrilled Aydin that the goddess had such a far reach; that she had followers here in the United States of America—in New York City—in the 21st century overwhelmed him. As he stood admiring the regal marble lions, a man in a black raincoat approached and positioned himself next to his shoulder, almost touching him. The man murmured, “Wurunsemu.”

Aydin replied, “Tarhunna,” the name of the storm god, the sun goddess’s celestial mate. The men had agreed upon these code words earlier and once they were spoken, the two faced each other and shook hands.

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance, brother Aydin. Just imagine, you traveling halfway across the world to meet with our small group here in Manhattan. Do you have the item we discussed?” The middle-aged man tugged at the tie on his coat.

“Indeed, I do, Mr. Chambers. However, I did not bring the most precious goddess figurine with me. I didn’t think it would be prudent to traipse around the city with her. I left her in the safe at my hotel. Besides, we have business to discuss before we make the exchange.”

“Absolutely.” The man clapped his hands together and placing one on Aydin’s shoulder he gestured for him to walk along at his side. “I hope you’ll have time to join us at this month’s meeting tonight.”

“As we discussed before, I must leave the city today. You’ve arranged for that, haven’t you?”

“Yes, of course. I handled all of your requests personally.” The man pointed down the street in the direction they should walk. “Why don’t you let me buy you a cup of coffee and we can go over all the details?

Aydin allowed the man to guide him to the nearest Starbucks. He ordered a chai tea. Together they waited in the crowded coffee shop, and when he finally sipped his tea, the experience disappointed him.

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