By changing the journal entry for the Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence to suit the forgery, Maldonado planned to pocket over two hundred million dollars. Longino’s involvement made it difficult to believe he had been working for the Church and not himself, but the Holy See had had stranger bedfellows before. The forged journal had itself been a work of art.
Maldonado’s ego had undone him. By taking Saba down into the vault below the Sistine Chapel, she had seen the box, and suspected the real journal was within.
The screens on the wall in front of them showed the result. The bishop had taken the fall, but the video Saba had recorded in the vault had gone viral. Groups of protesters were gathered outside every museum that housed a Caravaggio. From the Louvre in Paris to the small churches in Sicily, the art world had been stood on its head.
One of the doors opened, letting in the harsh Florida sunlight that, though filtered by the living room, was still strong enough to wash out the screens.
The group turned toward the couple standing there. Alicia entered with TJ beside her, using a cane for support. She walked him to the captain’s chair, where he made himself as comfortable as his bandages allowed.
“Good to have you back,” Mako said.
“Guys, this is TJ.” Alicia motioned to Saba and Faith, introducing them in turn. The greetings were heartfelt, and it seemed like even though the women had known each other and the Storms for less than a week that real bonds had formed.
“Looks like we succeeded,” TJ said after scanning the screens.
“We lost the contract—and the boat,” Alicia said.
“There are rewards for whistleblowers,” Saba said. “I’ve taken the liberty of applying for them in your names. That should help.”
Mako knew it wasn’t going to be enough to cover the lost contract and replace the boat. As long as it did the latter, he would be happy.
Working from his chair, TJ cleared two of the screens and, punching commands into his keyboard, posted several pictures of sportfishers.
“Which one do y’all like?” He paused. “I spoke to the insurance people at the hospital. As unlikely as it is, we’re covered.”
The relief that spread through the room was palpable. “Go big, dude,” Mako said, causing a ripple of good-hearted laughter. One at a time, the screens showing the news were co-opted by pictures and specs for boats.
They laughed and shopped until dinner. It always felt like a bit of a letdown to Mako after a job ended. This felt different and he had to know if the feeling was shared. When they rose to leave the room, Mako reached his hand across to Saba and, feeling her grasp it back, smiled.
John brushed by him, with an unmistakable look telling him to be careful, but Mako brushed it off. Some things would never change—he just hoped someone could.
About the Author
Always looking for a new location or adventure to write about, Steven Becker can usually be found on or near the water. He splits his time between Tampa and the Florida Keys - paddling, sailing, diving, fishing or exploring.
Find out more by visiting www.stevenbeckerauthor.com or contact me directly at
[email protected].
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First Bite contains the first book in several of Steven Becker's series:
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Mac Travis Adventures: The Wood’s Series
It's easy to become invisible in the Florida Keys. Mac Travis is laying low: Fishing, Diving and doing enough salvage work to pay his bills. Staying under the radar is another matter altogether. An action-packed thriller series featuring plenty of boating, SCUBA diving, fishing and flavored with a generous dose of Conch Republic counterculture.
Check Out The Series Here
★★★★★ Becker is one of those, unfortunately too rare, writers who very obviously knows and can make you feel, even smell, the places he writes about. If you love the Keys, or if you just want to escape there for a few enjoyable hours, get any of the Mac Travis books - and a strong drink
★★★★★This is a terrific series with outstanding details of Florida, especially the Keys. I can imagine myself riding alone with Mac through every turn. Whether it's out on a boat or on an island....I'm there
Kurt Hunter Mysteries: The Backwater Series
Biscayne Bay is a pristine wildness on top of the Florida Keys. It is also a stones throw from Miami and an area notorious for smuggling. If there’s nefarious activity in the park, special agent Kurt Hunter is sure to stumble across it as he patrols the backwaters of Miami.
Check it out the series here
★★★★★ This series is one of my favorites. Steven Becker is a genius when it comes to weaving a plot and local color with great characters. It’s like dessert, I eat it first
★★★★★ Great latest and greatest in the series or as a stand alone. I don't want to give up the plot. The characters are more "fleshed out" and have become "real." A truly believable story in and about Florida and Floridians.
Tides of Fortune
What do you do when you’re labeled a pirate in the nineteenth century Caribbean
Follow the adventures of young Captain Van Doren as he and his crew try to avoid the hangman’s noose. With their unique mix of skills, Nick and company roam the waters of the Caribbean looking for a safe haven to spend their wealth. But, the call “Sail on the horizon” often changes the best laid plans.
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★★★★★ This is a great book for those who like me enjoy "factional" books. This is a book that has characters that actually existed and took place in a real place(s). So even though it isn't a true story, it certainly could be. Steven Becker is a terrific writer and it certainly shows in this book of action of piracy, treasure hunting,ship racing etc
The Storm Series
Meet contract agents John and Mako Storm. The father and son duo are as incompatible as water and oil, but necessity often forces them to work together. This thriller series has plenty of international locations, action, and adventure.
Check out the series here
★★★★★ Steven Becker's best book written to date. Great plot and very believable characters. The action is non-stop and the book is hard to put down. Enough plot twists exist for an exciting read. I highly recommend this great action thriller.
★★★★★ A thriller of mega proportions! Plenty of action on the high seas and in the Caribbean islands. The characters ran from high tech to divers to agents in the field. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush by all means get Steven Beckers new E Book
The Will Service Series
If you can build it, sail it, dive it, and fish it—what’s left. Will Service: carpenter, sailor, and fishing guide can do all that. But trouble seems to find him and it takes all his skill and more to extricate himself from it.
Check out the series here
★★★★★ I am a sucker for anything that reminds me of the great John D. MacDonald and Travis McGee. I really enjoyed this book. I hope the new Will Service adventure is out soon, and I hope Will is living on a boat. It sounds as if he will be. I am now an official Will Service fan. Now, Steven Becker needs to ignore everything else and get to work on the next Will Service novel
★★★★★ If you like Cussler you will like Becker! A great read and an action packed thrill ride through the Florida Keys!
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Storm Surge: A Fast Paced International Adventure Thriller (Storm Thriller Series Book 3) Page 28