Read Online Alicia Myles 2 - Crusader's Gold by David Leadbeater - Free Book Online

drive and, upon arriving outside a dilapidated abandoned warehouse, slipped out of the car. With a look she summoned Ajax, a powerful, bearded American and part of her inner circle.
    “What’s your move, Kenzie?” he asked immediately, thinking how she expected him to think.
    “For now we take stock,” she replied as she walked, long legs eating up the ground. “This Riley’s appearance is unexpected to say the very least and, judging by his extremist views toward Crouch, I’d say we really should re-evaluate our coming moves.”
    Ajax gave her a sidelong glance which she interpreted perfectly.
    “No, I’m not afraid so don’t presume to wonder. There is a reason I am in charge. Just carry out your orders and you will be fine.”
    “Sure. And they are?”
    “First, a little diversion for me.” Kenzie strode through the door, knowing Ajax wouldn’t open it for her and not expecting him to. The warehouse’s interior was sparse and grimy, just a vast cavern full of beaten, rusted relics that almost everyone had forgotten. Kenzie dealt mostly in the Middle East: stealing and trading ancient artifacts for money; murdering, extorting and torturing to find and authenticate them; then passing them through a tight organization she had helped create. Ancient relics were easy money, a tranquil and stress-free business compared to passing stolen Da Vincis and blood diamonds along. That meant she travelled often and didn’t need an established HQ.
    She cast an eye through the warehouse, saw her men gathered near an alcove to the side where an old refrigerator and kettle had been plugged in. A battered outdoor patio set lay to the side, the sturdier pieces now being utilized. The main warehouse area was an untidy clutter of ancient car parts, piles of worn-out tires, corroded wings and grilles and even a rusty old hoist. Pigeons nested in the spaces above, cooing softly. Motes of dust drifted lazily through the air. Her men were into the ale already, in particular those who had taken knocks from Alicia’s crew.
    “Lesson time.” She spoke quietly, heading through the chaos toward them. “Make sure Gable, Hawke and Stefanov are with us.”
    Ajax motioned immediately to the remainder of her inner circle, knowing they had already been watching. Kenzie strode without fear among the rest of her crew, eighteen strong.
    “An interesting time, gentlemen. A new player and one even I wasn’t aware of. Still, it changes nothing. Just a single one of Crouch’s treasure troves would set us up for life. And with that said, I want more men.” Her affirmative gaze flicked briefly to Ajax. “A far stronger crew. See to it.”
    Ajax nodded.
    Kenzie made a face, now including all her men in her gaze, effecting a confused expression. “So. With all these riches at hand do you think I’m leading you all wrong? Astray? Think I’m a rabid dog in need of putting down? Do you?”
    Some of the older members of her team sat more upright, knowing what was coming. The newer members mostly copied Kenzie’s own mien—looking confused. Some glanced between themselves.
    “Ah, I can understand a little insubordination.” Kenzie took out a thin blade and drew a thumb down its length. “I encourage it actually. Gets rid of that ridiculous testosterone. But there’s a line.” She held the thumb in the air, blood dripping along a red stripe. “You cross it you get to see my bloody side . . .”
    Kenzie paused, gauging the reactions. Deep down, she was conscious that she was wasting time. She would be much better served by finding out what Crouch had been up to in that church and what the hell went down in the street afterwards. Her men had taken pictures of the window Crouch had seemed primarily interested in but they hadn’t had time to study it. What were they looking for? The Gold Team—as they called themselves—were clever. Surveillance had turned up nothing, and had been scratchy at best. Every moment she wasted with her motley crew