"da Cruz, Daniel - Republic of Texas 02 - Texas on the Rocks" - читать интересную книгу автора (Da Cruz Daniel)

Title: "Texas on the Rocks"
Author: Daniel Da Cruz
Year: 1986





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PART I
WATER





1. SCENARIO
11 SEPTEMBER 2004



AT TEN O'CLOCK ON SUNDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 11, 2004, David D. Castle stood in the center of the big parking lot of a darkened, abandoned warehouse in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia, seven miles from the nation's capital. It was bitter cold, and a sharp wind swirled about his bare head. Around his neck was wrapped a wool scarf, and beneath his suit jacket he wore a heavy sweater, but they did little to ward off the chill. What warmth there was came from the heat of the curses he heaped upon the head of William S. Grayle, but it wasn't enough to still his shivering limbs and chattering teeth.

At ten minutes past ten it began to drizzle, and Castle's curses multiplied. He briefly considered returning to the car for his umbrella but thought better of it.

As the drizzle turned to rain, Castle turned to philosophy. At least, he comforted himself, on a night like this he had nothing to fear from muggers. And that was no small consolation considering that the briefcase he was carrying contained more money than many men made in their entire lives.

He was examining his watch yet again when, at ten twenty-two, a long black limousine slid up out of the darkness and stopped in front of the sagging gate of the warehouse. Its headlights went dark, and a spotlight flashed on. Its beam made a leisurely circuit of the empty grounds and came to rest on David D. Castle, who stood unflinchingly squinting into the beam until finally it winked out.

The headlights flashed twice. David D. Castle splashed through the puddles toward the car with smoked-glass windows parked fifty yards away. The rear door opened at his approach. A dim floor bulb revealed a little leather jump seat facing the rear. He stepped inside and took the seat, closing the door behind him.

As his eyes tried to penetrate the darkness, he heard the old man speak from the opposite side of the car.

"You brought the money?"

"Right here," replied Castle, patting the briefcase.

"Pass it to my driver."

Castle felt a slight current of air as the black glass slid down behind him. He passed the briefcase through.

"Count it," Grayle instructed his chauffeur.

Castle bristled. "I beg your pardon, sir. I am a member of Congress."