Fatal Reunion - A James Acton Thriller Book #33 Read online

  FATAL REUNION

  A JAMES ACTON THRILLER

  J. ROBERT KENNEDY

  About the James Acton Thrillers

  "James Acton: A little bit of Jack Bauer and Indiana Jones!"

  Though this book is part of the James Acton Thrillers series, it is written as a standalone novel and can be enjoyed without reading the other installments.

  What readers are saying about the James Acton Thrillers Series:

  “A great blend of history and current headlines.”

  “You stop breathing from the first page.”

  “If you like Indiana Jones then you will love these stories.”

  “The Acton series is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable series I have read.”

  “Non-stop action that is impossible to put down.”

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  BOOKS BY J. ROBERT KENNEDY

  Please click here for the intended reading order.

  * Also available in audio

  The Templar Detective Thrillers

  The Templar Detective

  The Templar Detective and the Parisian Adulteress

  The Templar Detective and the Sergeant's Secret

  The Templar Detective and the Unholy Exorcist

  The Templar Detective and the Code Breaker

  The Templar Detective and the Black Scourge

  The Templar Detective and the Lost Children

  The James Acton Thrillers

  The Protocol *

  Brass Monkey *

  Broken Dove

  The Templar’s Relic

  Flags of Sin

  The Arab Fall

  The Circle of Eight

  The Venice Code

  Pompeii’s Ghosts

  Amazon Burning

  The Riddle

  Blood Relics

  Sins of the Titanic

  Saint Peter’s Soldiers

  The Thirteenth Legion

  Raging Sun

  Wages of Sin

  Wrath of the Gods

  The Templar’s Revenge

  The Nazi’s Engineer

  Atlantis Lost

  The Cylon Curse

  The Viking Deception

  Keepers of the Lost Ark

  The Tomb of Genghis Khan

  The Manila Deception

  The Fourth Bible

  Embassy of the Empire

  Armageddon

  No Good Deed

  The Last Soviet

  Lake of Bones

  Fatal Reunion

  The Special Agent Dylan Kane Thrillers

  Rogue Operator *

  Containment Failure *

  Cold Warriors *

  Death to America

  Black Widow

  The Agenda

  Retribution

  State Sanctioned

  Extraordinary Rendition

  Red Eagle

  The Messenger

  The Delta Force Unleashed Thrillers

  Payback

  Infidels

  The Lazarus Moment

  Kill Chain

  Forgotten

  The Cuban Incident

  Rampage

  Inside the Wire

  The Detective Shakespeare Mysteries

  Depraved Difference

  Tick Tock

  The Redeemer

  The Kriminalinspektor Wolfgang Vogel Mysteries

  The Colonel’s Wife

  Sins of the Child

  Zander Varga, Vampire Detective Series

  The Turned

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Table of Contents

  The Novel

  Preface

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  Chapter 69

  Chapter 70

  Chapter 71

  Chapter 72

  Chapter 73

  Acknowledgments

  Don't Miss Out!

  Thank You!

  About the Author

  Also by the Author

  For those murdered by the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

  “Family quarrels are bitter things. They don’t go according to any rules. They’re not like aches or wounds, they’re more like splits in the skin that won’t heal because there’s not enough material.”

  Babylon Revisited F. Scott Fitzgerald

  “This is a very violent place to live, the Earth, and we’re a very violent species. Cain is still killing Abel. We see that every day.”

  Anne Lamott

  PREFACE

  The Ayutthaya Kingdom ruled much of what is now modern-day Thailand for over 400 years, and was responsible for turning the region into a center of international trade with a flourishing culture. The kingdom made contact with European traders, and in 1686 sent a delegation to meet with the court of King Louis XIV of France.

  King Borommakot reigned for 25 years, the period peaceful, with arts and culture thriving. He died leaving a robust kingdom with tremendous wealth and a powerful military that had fought off numerous invasion attempts by neighboring enemies.

  The question is why, after over 400 years, did tradition fail, leading in just nine years to the collapse of the kingdom? All that is known is that there was a feud over who should succeed after Borommakot’s death, for the coronation was anything but smooth.

  As is so often true between royal brothers.

  1 |

  Thailand Present Day

  Ret
ired British Special Air Service Lt. Colonel Cameron Leather raised his weapon, his finger slipping onto the trigger of his M4 assault rifle. But he stopped. The roar of agony from a man he respected tremendously demanded action, yet he couldn’t interrupt what was unfolding before him.

  For if he did, this man’s sacrifice would be for naught.

  The machete sliced across the man’s chest a second time, the open wound visible even from this distance in the firelight, and the scrape of the blade suggested the gang leader had reached the ribcage. Another roar of agony, this time weaker, erupted, and thankfully the man he was supposed to protect passed out, temporarily ending his suffering.

  The gang leader stepped back, his blade dripping in blood gripped in one hand, and the artifact this was all about in the other. So much death, so much suffering, all over something discovered by accident, lost centuries ago.

  Yet would it buy his people a reprieve? The gang had been pursuing them for hours through the jungle, determined to slaughter every man, woman, and child. Motivated by revenge for an untimely, innocent death, as well as greed, they were determined to possess what this hero had just given them in an attempt to buy those he loved a chance.

  Leather prayed the man remained unconscious, yet he wouldn’t, for he was too strong, too stubborn, and knew the longer he stayed alive as a distraction, the more distance the people he was dying for could put between them and their pursuers.

  Leather cursed as their potential savior stirred.

  And Hugh Reading once again stared his captor in the eyes, ready to die for those he loved.

  I swear you’ll be avenged, my friend.

  2 |

  Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya Kingdom April 25, 1758

  Prince Uthumphon sprinted along the central road that cut through the capital city, his personal guard clearing a path while struggling to provide the protection he was due. But these were his people. He didn’t fear them, nor they him. He occupied the luxurious position of second son. It meant he was an honored member of the royal family, and second in line to the throne by tradition, but his father had plenty of years left in him, and his elder brother many more beyond that.

  It gave him the luxury of being friendly to their subjects, and he was loved for it. Yet today, the hordes wishing him well were in the way, delaying his urgent journey, spurred by a message he had received while supervising the bridge repair across the gorge that cut them off from their territory to the south. The old bridge had partially collapsed in the last monsoon season, and repairs were desperately needed, so he had been tasked to get it done by his father, King Borommakot.

  It was an honor to have been given such an important undertaking, but the assignment had unfortunately widened the gulf that existed between him and his brother, Thammathibet. The job should have been given to his brother, but he was too unreliable. He was more concerned with food, drink, and women—the trappings of his position. And while Uthumphon enjoyed all three as well, he never let them get in the way of his duties.

  He had excelled, of course, as he always did, and the bridge was nearing completion when the messenger arrived from the city informing him his father had fallen gravely ill.

  And the long sprint home had begun.

  He loved his father, and his father loved him. Perhaps a little too much, in that he clearly favored him over Thammathibet. Their mother had died while giving birth to Uthumphon, and everyone who had known her always commented on how much he resembled her—he had her eyes and smile. Perhaps that was why he was his father’s favorite. Whatever the reason, Thammathibet had always been jealous, and the two of them weren’t terribly close. Instead, Thammathibet had rebelled against their father, shirking his duties and sullying the family’s reputation through his drunken antics.

  But they were the royal family, rulers by decree of the spirits, who had given their ancestors the Jade Mask, or what was now known within the kingdom as the Mask of Succession. When his father passed, the abbot would place the mask on his brother, who would then succeed him as ruler.

  And Uthumphon would be sworn to obey his elder brother, despite his unworthiness.

  It gnawed at him, yet it was tradition.

  And tradition was just that for a reason—it was never broken.

  He sprinted up the palace steps and rushed through the doors opened by servants on either side. He raced up the wide stairs to the second floor then down the hall toward his father’s chambers. One of the guards was about to open the door for him but he stopped the man with a wave of his hand. He halted, catching his breath for a moment, hunched over as he gripped his knees. A servant appeared holding a tray with flavored water. He drained the cup then straightened himself before nodding at the guard.

  The door opened and Uthumphon stepped inside, the door immediately closing behind him. His father was on the large bed. Two servants were in the corners pulling on cords linked to the overhead fans, while two more busied themselves doing things he wasn’t concerned about. There was only one servant he cared to hear from, and that was the family’s personal physician, a native of Portugal, now leaning over his father.

  “How is he?” asked Uthumphon, his voice low, respectful.

  Dr. Ferreira glanced over his shoulder. “Recovering.”

  Uthumphon rounded the bed, opposite the side Ferreira occupied, and gasped at how pale and weak his father appeared. “What happened?”

  “An attack of the heart, I suspect. He’s been complaining of chest pains for months now. I’ve instructed him to be careful and to take it easy on the indulgences, but you know your father.”

  Uthumphon frowned and sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes, he ignores everyone’s advice and does what he wants.”

  “It’s what makes a great leader,” said his father, the voice weak but still filled with the wisdom Uthumphon had known from birth.

  “I thought you were asleep,” said Ferreira.

  “Sometimes it’s wise to let others believe one can’t hear them, so they reveal the secrets they might keep to themselves.”

  Ferreira grunted. “Well, you know me, and I know you, Your Majesty. You’ve always asked me to tell you the truth as I know it, and the truth is this. You have had an attack of the heart. It has weakened you considerably. As to whether you will live, I cannot say. The fact you are still alive is a good sign, and the next day will tell. If you are still with us tomorrow evening, I suspect you will be with us for a while longer. You will need to rest, remain calm, drink plenty of fluids—non-alcoholic—and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Avoid salt, as it causes you to retain water, and right now we want to flush your system of the evils within.”

  His father eyed the physician. “If we do all these things, will we live?”

  Ferreira shrugged. “That is up to the spirits.” He leaned in, wagging a finger. “Piss them off by ignoring my advice, and they just might make an example of you.”

  His father chuckled. “It’s a good thing our wife liked you, otherwise we might have had you killed long ago for your familiarity.”

  Ferreira held up his hands, backing away slightly with a wry smile. “Killing me is your right, Your Majesty, and when the physician who replaces me is told I was killed because I didn’t give the king the advice he wanted to hear, I am quite certain you will be told to ignore everything I said and to enjoy yourself, for you survived. And then you will be joining me in the afterlife the next day.”

  His father laughed, reaching out for Uthumphon’s hand. He took it. “This is the key to ruling well. Find advisors you can trust, who will tell you the truth rather than what you want to hear. Only then can you rule wisely, for decisions can only be made with good information informing them.” He turned to Ferreira. “What now?”

  “I will take my leave of you, Your Majesty, and return in an hour to check on you. Get your rest, stay calm, eat and drink wisely, and I think your chances are very good.”

  The door burst open and Prince Thammathibet barged in. “Father! Are you all right?” br />
  Ferreira glanced at Uthumphon then leaned closer to the king, lowering his voice. “Most of all, remain calm.” He left the room, closing the door behind him, leaving Thammathibet to occupy his place.

  “So, what’s happened?”

  Uthumphon responded. “Father has had an attack of the heart. He must remain calm and get as much rest as he can.”

  “Nonsense! He appears well to me.”

  “Then you are a blind fool. Dr. Ferreira says the next day is critical.” Uthumphon leaned closer. “If there is anything you require, Father, let me know. We will take our leave of you now so you can rest. I’ll leave instructions with the servants as to what Dr. Ferreira said.”

  Their father closed his eyes and nodded. “Very well.”

  “But, Father! This is nonsense! A little food, a little drink, a good massage. That’s all you need.”

  “Leave me.”

  Uthumphon rose from his perch on the bed and headed for the door, beckoning Thammathibet to follow. His brother frowned. “Fine, but mark my words, in a few days we’ll be laughing about this.”

  They exited the room and the guard closed the door. Uthumphon flagged down his father’s man. “He’s not to be disturbed by anyone except his physician unless he asks for someone personally. Bring him plenty of drink, but nothing alcoholic, and food—nothing too salty. He must get his rest and remain calm.” He glanced at the pacing Thammathibet. “No business of the kingdom, and that includes visits by well-wishers. His physician will visit him regularly and keep us posted. Understood?”

  The man bowed deeply. “Completely, Your Highness.” His eyes flicked toward Thammathibet. “And family?”

  Uthumphon picked up on the subtle implication. Thammathibet caused nothing but stress for anyone he was around, and had likely contributed to the current situation. “No family, not even me or my brother. Agreed, Thammathibet?”