Read The Jerusalem Creed: A Sean Wyatt Thriller for Free Online

unrecognizable corpses.”
    Mamoud drew in a long breath and then put the cigar back between his lips. He took a few puffs, letting the smoke escape his mouth and drift away, disappearing instantly in the sea breeze.
    “You are certain?”
    “You doubt my methods?”
    Mamoud was taken aback by the insolence, but he quickly regained his composure, knowing his man meant nothing by it. He was right to say it. Sharouf’s methods were good. Better than good.
    “No, my old friend. I simply seek to remove all doubt.”
    Sharouf turned his head and peered through Mamoud’s soul. “They are dead. I am sure of it. But my men will linger in the area until the local authorities confirm the deaths. If that is what you wish.”
    Mamoud acknowledged it with a dramatic nod. “That will be fine, yes. And I do not doubt your methods.” He felt compelled to reiterate his previous statement. “You are the best at what you do, as are your men. That’s why I pay them.”
    He put his hands on the white stone rail and leaned forward, staring out at the scenery. A few miles away, the enormous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab sat precariously in the bay, a strange and miraculous structure that had been built on man-made land. The financial investment that went into creating the opulent hotel had been staggering. It was the first of its kind, a hotel built in the water where no land previously existed. Now, tourists and wealthy visitors flocked to the place. The cheapest room available cost thousands of dollars a night. At one point, the helicopter pad had been converted into a tennis court as a ridiculous publicity stunt. Roger Federer and Andre Agassi had been brought in to play a friendly little game atop the dangerously high area.
    Off toward the center of town, the massive Burj Khalifa building towered above all the other tall skyscrapers in the city. It loomed against the skyline like a giant, making all others bow before it.
    “Is there anyone else who might know about the artifact?” Mamoud returned his attention to the conversation.
    “From what we can tell, Wyatt and his friend were the only other two who knew about it. We haven’t seen any correspondence relating to information on your operation.”
    “Good.” He pulled in another puff of smoke from the cigar and released it between his lips. “Has he made any progress?”
    Mamoud didn’t need to mention the man by name. Sharouf knew exactly whom he was talking about. The man was the reason all of this had been set in motion, and was why they were talking on the balcony overlooking the Persian Gulf right now.
    “He is working day and night to decipher the tablet. He claims that it could take weeks to unlock the meaning of the symbols.”
    “Weeks?”
    For the first time in their conversation, Sharouf appeared apologetic. “It is a very complex code. The man says it could take a few weeks, but the truth is that he may never be able to solve it. Whoever designed that tablet didn’t want anyone solving it.”
    “If they didn’t want anyone to solve it, why leave it there to begin with?” Mamoud shot down the theory immediately. He shook his head as he spoke. “No, this tablet is the key to victory for us. It is the lone clue to finding the Jews’ secret. Once we have it in our possession, no one will be able to stop us.”
    Sharouf considered his employer’s words. In his heart, he hoped the man was right. Doubts lingered, though. “He believes it is what you think it is?”
    “He is one of the foremost experts on the subject. His life has been dedicated to research and study in hopes of finding those two artifacts. It is what led him to the grave he was excavating when he discovered the tablet. He has set things in motion. Now we must coerce him to continue for our benefit.”
    “And if he delays or outright refuses?”
    “He won’t. He’s too afraid of death.”
    “But what if he does?”
    “Then convince him.”
    Sharouf gazed into Mamoud’s eyes, studying the