Winner Lose All

by William F. Brown

  However, what if they decided not to kill him? His stomach suddenly jumped into his throat as he realized those grim prospects. What if they grabbed him and took him alive? Torture? “Oh, merciful Allah,” he groaned as he closed his eyes again, thinking of the terrible pain they would inflict on his body. He could never let that happen. Yussuf could not stand even the slightest amount of pain, so he could never let them take him alive. In his sweating hand was the pistol Landau had given him. It was old, but it worked. He gripped it tighter, raised it to the side of his head, and slowly pulled the hammer back until he heard a crisp Click! Better to die right here in the sand, he vowed, than to let those sadistic German bastards take him alive. Still, the touch of cold steel made him whimper. Gritting his teeth, he took up the slack on the trigger, trying not to think of the white-hot pain that was about to follow.

  Then, just as he was about to blow his own brains out, he heard muffled laughter. He opened one eye and saw that the guards were actually laughing amongst each other, not pointing at the hole in the fence and screaming. To his utter amazement, he saw them turn and continue walking down the fence line and away from him. His finger froze on the trigger. He couldn’t believe it. As quickly as they had come, their footsteps faded away into the stillness of the desert night and they were gone.

  Yussuf’s body began to tremble. The pistol dropped from his limp hand as if it weighed a ton. He felt drained, numb, giddy, and astonished to still be alive, until he remembered what he had almost done. His blood ran cold. The bile rose in his throat, making him gag. Had he lost his mind? He had almost killed himself although those jackals had not seen a damned thing. He had almost pulled the trigger and blown his own brains out, all because of that crazy Jew bastard, Landau! He cursed the man even harder now, convinced his insanity had become contagious. That son of a whore. If he wanted to go get himself killed, that was fine; but now he had Yussuf doing it, too. Well, no longer. The money be damned and Landau along with it.

  Yussuf rose to his hands and knees and began to crawl backward across the sand, intent on quickly getting away until a new sound made him drop flat on the sand again. He froze. Someone was coming. Oh, no, not those cursed guards again, he moaned. They had only been pretending to leave, taunting him; and now they were coming back to kill him. Yussuf could not bring himself to look. He shut his eyes and listened to the pounding of his heart, certain they could hear it in Cairo.

  He prayed to the cold sand, “I shall never do this abominable work again. Never! Allah, let me live? Mecca! I’ll take Haj, the pilgrimage; I swear it by the Prophet’s beard.” The prayer died in his throat, however, as a pebble plopped onto the sand next to him. Then he heard a faint whisper calling to him from the other side of the fence.

  “Yussuf,” the whisper called out his name. “Yussuf, where are you?” He frowned and lifted his head a few inches as he realized it was Landau. Landau, the insane bastard of all insane bastards, had finally come back. “You fat piece of crap,” he heard Landau whisper again. The Israeli wore a dark sweater and slacks and had blackened his face like a commando, so Yussuf couldn’t see him. Still, Yussuf knew he wasn’t far away. He scrambled down the sand dune to the fence as if the Israeli was his long-lost brother. Forget the money, forget that skinny whore, and forget all the cursing and insults he had laid on him. All Yussuf wanted now was to grab Landau and run as far away from this place as he could. He reached the hole in the fence, intent on pulling that crazy Jew the rest of the way through and running away; but Landau pushed his hand away.

  “No,” he said calmly. “I’m not finished yet, I’ve got to go back inside.”

  Yussuf was stunned. “Back inside? You’re going back in there? You … you cannot do that. I won’t let you. You are insane, Landau. We must get away from this cursed place before the guards come back. Can’t you see that?”

  “You go, if you must,” Landau whispered, as he fumbled with something in the dark.

  “But the guards were just here, you fool …”

  “I know. I saw them too.”

  “They are Germans; they’ll feed us both to the dogs if they catch us.”

  “Then go back to the car; I’ll meet you there in thirty minutes.”

  “Thirty minutes? You’ll be dead in thirty minutes. Can’t you see that? Then once they kill you, they’ll come back here and kill me, too. Have you no pity?” he begged, his gold tooth flashing in the dim light.

  “Don’t worry,” Landau smiled at him in the darkness, “You’ll still get your money.”

  “How does a dead man pay someone?” he demanded to know, his voice trembling with fear. “Tell me, how am I going to get paid?”

  “Yussuf, if you don’t shut up, you’ll get nothing. I’m not finished in there, so I must go back inside … unless you want to come back here tomorrow night and do this all over again? That isn’t what you want, is it?”

  Yussuf groaned.

  “No, I thought not. Here,” Landau said as he reached his hand through the fence and pressed something hard into Yussuf s palm.

  Yussuf jerked the hand away, as if Landau had put a red-hot coal in it.

  “Take it,” Landau snapped. “Go back to the car if you want, but take this with you.”

  “You really are insane, you know,” Yussuf whimpered, looking down at his hand, realizing that it held a small, silver can of film. “More photographs? Haven’t you taken enough of your cursed photographs already?”

  “Don’t lose them! Don’t get any cute ideas like leaving me here, either. You and the car had better be there in thirty minutes when I get back.”

  “And what if you don’t come back? What happens to me?”

  “You?” Landau chuckled. “You’ll land on your feet like the overfed alley cat you are, Yussuf. If I don’t come back, take the film to Evans. He’s CIA. He’ll know what to do with it, and he’ll pay you. Have no fear about that.”

  “Evans? … You crazy Jew,” the Egyptian muttered in frustration. “What if they catch you this time? The Americans, those cheap bastards, they’ll never …” and his voice trailed away into nothing as he realized he was alone talking to the empty sand. Landau was gone.

  If you enjoyed this Preview of Thursday at Noon, you can download a Kindle copy at http://amzn.to/2kEPekz

  REVIEWS AND HIGH PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR’S EARLIER NOVELS:

  Reviewer Comments on Aim True, My Brothers — 22 Five-Star Reviews of the 23 posted on Amazon.

  5-Stars! “An exciting, riveting read that explores courage and treachery, love and fear. Another crackerjack novel of World War II, following last year’s Amongst My Enemies. The reader is right there, carried along for one wild, breathtaking ride.”

  Glynn Young, Amazon Reviewer

  5-Stars! Fantastic read! This was an excellent, fast paced thriller I could not put down…..HAD to finish before I could otherwise start my day!! I’ve enjoyed other books by this author and feel this is his best. Characters, plot, editing, all first rate and take out of the usual "Kindle only" book and definitely graduate to A list authors. Can’t wait for the next book! If you like contemporary thrillers you will love this book. Stop reading this review and buy it now!

  "Sci-Fi" Fan, Amazon Reviewer

  5-Stars! Top Notch! Grabs your interest from the first pages. This is more than a political action thriller. Politics and terrorism converge in a suspense filled action drama. Descriptions of places, people, and combat actions bring the reader directly into the story. You’ll want to read this novel.

  Robert Krueger, Amazon Reviewer

  5-Stars! MUST READ! Action packed political thriller with a twist! Browns cast of characters will take you into a world of intrigue and mayhem. Whether it’s Al-Bari, set on vengeance, or Barrett, whose witty humor keeps him in the "dog house" more often than not. Terrific read!!

  Tanja, Amazon Reviewer

  5-Stars! Another Superb William Brown Thriller! William Brown continues to amaze me with his writing. This story held my interest from
beginning to end and, unlike some more famous authors, he didn’t jump around from one timeline to another, which confuses the reader. I loved the story and, as is the case with most of his plots, it made sense throughout. Another 5-Star effort by William F. Brown.

  G. C. Whitney III, Amazon Reviewer

  5-Stars! Super Novel! I really enjoyed this novel. After reading all the other reviews, there is not much I can add, however, if you are looking for some good reading……….buy it now.

  Bobby E. Argo, Amazon Reviewer

  Reviewer Comments on The Undertaker, (a sampling from the 76 Five-Star reviews on line):

  5-Stars! “This story was delicious! Snarky and wired, cynical and funny, it was everything a good mob thriller should be and more. I was sucked in as a reader and wasn’t released until the story was over.”

  What Book is That?

  5-Stars! “Awesome Must Read! This one had me jumping in head first from the beginning to the end I was kidnapped and taken for an exciting and thrilling ride. And to top it of it was hilarious. I laughed out loud several times.”

  Passion Reads

  5-Stars! “Fast Paced and Remarkable! Brown does an amazing job of creating characters who are real. The humor is incredible, and the murders most foul… and the story itself is quite wicked and very believable. I would recommend this book for those who love a thriller, with action and suspense.

  Tic Toc Book Reviews

  5-Stars! “Bring on more fear and loving! Wow! I read Chapter One and was hooked. He is a smart, tight writer who still manages to provide lavish description. In The Undertaker, he gives birth to some really fascinating characters (most of whom I would never want to meet).”

  Book Pleasures

  5-Stars! “The name of this book fits perfectly with the plot! The Undertaker has it all — suspense, mystery, action, intrigue, politicians, conspiracy, thrills, and a bit of romance. The reader is quickly drawn in. The plot is full of surprises. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. This is not a book I want to read alone late at night.”

  Readers Favorites

  Reviewer Comments on Amongst My Enemies: (a sampling from the 75 Five-Star reviews on line):

  5-Stars! “A great cold war thriller! A very suspenseful, edge-of-your seat thriller… exciting, engaging… reminded me of books by Alistair MacLean and Tom Clancy. If you are looking for a Cold War thriller, this one was very engaging.”

  Two Ends of the Pen

  5-Stars! “A must read for historical fiction and suspense fans! I really enjoyed this story of Mike Randall and the U-Boat from Nazi Germany. It had a very realistic feel. The descriptions of the Nazi SS guys had me cringing… a great pick for history and suspense buffs.”

  The Alaska Bookie

  5-Stars! “This is not just another war story! It takes the reader to the heights and dregs of the human condition… speeds along like a Ken Follett or Eric Ludlum novel of old. For those who love adventure, thrills, this novel will leave you breathless and wanting more from this skillful writer. Splendidly written!”

  Crystal Book Reviews

  5-Stars! “An entertaining historical thriller! Reminds me of Jeffery Deaver’s Garden of Beasts and Frederic Forsythe’s The Odessa File. It provides one answer to the eternal question: What must good men and women do when evil walks among them? Dean Koontz has made a career answering this question.”

  Book Pleasures

  5-Stars! “A Highly Entertaining and Nail-Biting Read! I’d forgotten how much I could enjoy a good story… a fast, exciting read. The author excels at keeping the reader both gasping for air and reading on.”

  Glynn Young Reviews

  Reviewer Comments on Thursday at Noon. A Joan Kahn Book published by St. Martins Press, and on the new Kindle E-Book update and release (a sampling from 44 Five-Star Kindle reviews):

  “A thriller in the purest cliffhanger vein… Mr. Brown’s technique is flawless. It could only have been learned by way of a thousand Saturday afternoon matinées.”

  The New Yorker

  “Writing in the vein of Forsythe and Follett, Brown has produced a fast paced thriller…”

  Publisher’s Weekly

  5-Stars! “Bond Meets Indy Jones! This is my first review of any book. I’m glad I can promote "Thursday at Noon." The settings were real and the characters believable — esp. the cynically incompetent officials above Thomsen. I was left wondering, if this was based on some actual incident or similar situation. I’d buy more books by this author.”

  Ralph Glaser, Amazon Reviewer

  5-Stars! “Non-stop energizing plot! ‘Thursday At Noon’ is a thrilling, adrenaline rush novel by terrific author William F. Brown. I read and reviewed his novel, ‘Amongst My Enemies’, earlier this year and thought it was spectacular. He pens a thrilling espionage adventure that will capture the reader from page one. I could see the events unfold like you would in a movie, with great character depiction, vivid backgrounds and a non-stop energizing plot. If you enjoy espionage thrillers that will keep you thoroughly entertained, pick up Thursday at Noon!

  Wendy L. Hines, Minding Spot Book Reviews on Amazon

  5-Stars! “Another Winner! Brown has penned another great read! This story pulls you in and won’t let go — taking you through twists and turns you could never predict. As in the other Brown novels I have read, it was hard to read quickly enough to learn about what would happen next. Though it was set in the early 1960s, the reader might easily imagine it happening in today’s world. References to the Bay of Pigs and the Kennedy administration create a brilliant historical slant. I am looking forward to the next book Brown will share with Kindle readers!”

  GinnyReader, Amazon Reviewer

  CONTENTS

  PART ONE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  PART TWO

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  PART THREE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  PART FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  PART FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  PART SIX

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  PREVIEW OF THURSDAY AT NOON

  PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR’S EARLIER NOVELS

  COPYRIGHT PAGE

  Winner Lose All

  Copyright 2013 by William F. Brown

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Cover Design by Todd Hebertson

  Digital Editions produced by: Booknook.biz.

 

 

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