Chris Kuzneski - Sign of the Cross

PENGUIN BOOKS

Sign of the Cross

‘One of those rare finds: a chilling tale told by a true craftsman. Whether for the superb writing or the non-stop, what-was-that-noise-in-the-other-room suspense, this one will keep you up at night. Daring in both plot and style, Sign of the Cross is a winner!’ Robert Liparulo, author of Comes a Horseman

‘Chris Kuzneski is a remarkable new writer, who completely understands what makes for a good story: action, sex, suspense, humor and great characters. I can’t wait for the next Jonathon Payne novel!’ Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times Bestselling author

‘Harrowing, but always suspenseful, Sign of the Cross makes you wish it would never end. Chris Kuzneski writes as forcefully as his tough characters act’ Clive Cussler, #1 New York Times Bestselling author

‘Chris Kuzneski writes with an energy that is contagious! Action, suspense, mystery, and a biting thread of humor… what more can you ask of a novel?’ James Rollins, USA Today Bestselling author

‘One of those perfect bookstore finds. I was hooked at the first sentence — literally — and from then on, it was one continuous wild ride. Chris Kuzneski flawlessly and seamlessly combines truth and fiction to create a wonderfully entertaining story. He’s the real deal’ John Gilstrap, author of At All Costs and Six Minutes to Freedom

‘An immensely inventive and rewarding thriller packed with enough fascinating information and international intrigue to keep the reader’s brain cells spinning long after the last page is read’ Lewis Perdue, author of Daughter of God

‘ Sign of the Cross starts with a bang and twists masterfully through a maze of truth, lies, betrayal, and hope. An intriguing blend of fact, fiction and theory propel this unique story to a tense and exciting conclusion’ Allison Brennan, author of The Kill

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Kuzneski attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played football, wrote for three newspapers, and passed most of his classes. He earned a master’s degree in teaching, then taught English for five years before pursuing a career in writing. His first novel, The Plantation , introduced the characters of Payne and Jones, and received rave reviews. To learn more, please visit his website www.chriskuzneski.com

Sign of the Cross

CHRIS KUZNESKI

1

Acknowledgments

Writing a novel is a difficult task but not nearly as tough as raising a son who wants to be an author. Therefore, I’d like to start off by thanking my mom and dad. There’s no way I would have a writing career if it weren’t for them. They’ve been the key to everything . Somehow they always figured out what I needed (love, support, free food, etc.) and provided it for me. Seriously, I can’t imagine having two better parents.

Professionally, I’d like to thank Scott Miller, my agent at Trident Media. How we teamed up is a remarkable story. He bought a self-published copy of The Plantation (my first Payne amp; Jones novel) in a Philadelphia bookstore and liked it enough to e-mail me. At the time, I had a folder with over one hundred rejection letters from literary agents, yet the best young agent in the business bought my book (at full price) and contacted me. Not only did I get a royalty from his book sale, but I also got the perfect agent. Amazing!

Of course, Scott doesn’t work alone. I’d also like to thank Claire Roberts, who handles all my foreign sales, and the entire staff at Trident Media. You’ve done a remarkable job!

Speaking of jobs, I’d like to thank Berkley for paying me to do something I love. No, not watching football in my boxers. I’m talking about writing books. A huge thanks to Natalee Rosenstein for taking a chance on me. I’m so fortunate to work with an editor who is looking beyond my current project. Instead, she’s hoping to build my career.

On a day-to-day basis, Michelle Vega is the person who I deal with most often at Berkley, and she’s a superstar. In my opinion, she’d make a great game show host because she has the answers to all my questions. Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised. Everyone I’ve ever dealt with at Berkley has been wonderful.

Next, I’d like to thank Pat LoBrutto, Joyce Kuzneski, and Joe Golden for their editing expertise. They helped shorten my 711-page first draft into something readable. Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Ian Harper for answering all my late-night research questions, and Randy Raskin for his computer expertise. You guys are great friends.

Finally, I’d like to thank the dozen or so fans I already have. The first version of The Plantation came out a long time ago, and since then I’ve heard from many of you — mostly to tell me to get off my lazy ass and write another book before Payne amp; Jones die of old age. Man, I wish it was that easy. Unfortunately, the publishing world is a hard one to break into. Over the years, I’ve learned a few lessons (inside joke) and taught a few, too. In the end, I’m hoping Sign of the Cross was worth the wait…

Knowledge is the enemy of faith .

— translated from a stone marker

discovered in Orvieto, Italy

(circa 37 AD)

1

Monday, July 10

Helsingør, Denmark

(thirty miles north of Copenhagen)

Erik Jansen was about to die. He just didn’t know how. Or why.

After saying a short prayer, he lifted his head and tried to regain his bearings but couldn’t see a thing. Salt water burned his eyes and blurred his vision. He tried to wipe his face, but his hands were bound behind him, wrapped in thick layers of rope and attached to the frame of the boat. His legs were secured as well, tied even tighter than his arms, which meant there was no hope for escape. He was at their mercy. Whoever they were.

They had grabbed him as he left his apartment and forced him into the back of a van. Very quiet, very professional. No time for him to make a scene. Within seconds they had knocked him out with a narcotic. He awakened hours later, no longer in the bustling city but on the open sea. Day was now night. His freedom was now gone. His life was nearly over.

Jansen was tempted to scream but knew that would only make things worse. These weren’t the type of men who made mistakes. He could tell. If help was nearby, they would’ve gagged him. Or cut out his tongue. Or both. No way they would’ve risked getting caught. He had known them for less than a day but knew that much. These men were professionals, hired to kill him for some ungodly reason. Now it was just a matter of time.

When their boat reached the shore, Jansen felt the rocks as they scraped against the bottom of the hull. The sound filled the air like a primeval wail, yet none of them seemed to care. It was the middle of the night, and the coast was deserted. No one would come running. No one would come to save him. It was in God’s hands now, as it always was.

Suddenly, one of the men leapt over the side and splashed into the icy water. He grabbed the boat with both hands and eased it onto the narrow beach, just below a footpath. The other three followed his lead, and soon the boat was hidden in the trees that lined this section of the island.

They had traveled over a thousand miles but were just getting started.

Without saying a word, they loosened the ropes and lifted Jansen from the boat, placing him on their broad shoulders for the journey inland. Jansen sensed this might be his last chance to escape, so he flailed back and forth like an angry fish trying to break free of their grasp, yet all he did was upset them. In response they slammed his face into the jagged rocks, breaking his nose, shattering his teeth, and knocking him unconscious. Then they picked him up and carried him to the place where he would die.