The Blood Angel

the blood angel Richard F. Paddon contents 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 Chapter 74 Chapter 75 Chapter 76 Chapter 77 Chapter 78 Chapter 79 Chapter 80 Chapter 81 Chapter 82 Chapter 83 Chapter 84 Chapter 85 Chapter 86 Chapter 87 Chapter 88 Chapter 89 Chapter 90 Chapter 91 Chapter 92 Chapter 93 Free Thriller Sampler Acknowledgments About the Author Also By For Rafa, Jay, Paul and everyone I know in Mexico, ¡Viva México! chapter one GUANAJUATO CITY, MEXICO. “Shit,” Michael Samuels said, his eyes darting about the market that had sprouted up seemingly overnight. It was the way of Mexico, especially in the pueblo magicos (magic towns). On certain days of the week, a collection of stalls would appear and the locals would sell their wares: fresh fruit, artisanal handmade arts and crafts and of course a plethora of food and beverages. “Language,” Constanza Ocana said to him before jamming an elbow into her husband’s side. Even though she knew he was used to it, ten years living in-country made sure of that, there were still some things that took his breath away. Of course, it didn’t help that she and their child thought it hilarious. “Do you mind?” he said, a tone of mock-injured pride filling his voice. Not bothering to look at either woman, he bent down and picked up the seven-year-old and expertly placed her on his shoulders. “I thought you were on my team?” Giggling like a maniac, Julietta shook her head and looked at her mother. “Mama started it.” “Traitor,” Constanza said before sticking her tongue out at the child. “Come on, we better get moving if we want to get the best deals.” Not bothering to wait for the rest of her family, the woman set off, moving easily through the already impressive crowd of people. Behind her, she knew Michael would do his best to keep up, but like always, their daughter would get distracted by something or someone and have to stop and look. Squirrel Syndrome, they called it, but no matter how busy they were, or under the clock her husband made sure the child had her moment. It was something that Constanza both loved and hated about Michael Samuels, but then again, she was positive there were plenty of things that she did and said, or didn’t say, that annoyed him as well. That was just how married life was. At least, as far as she was concerned. Her parents had been the same way, as far as she could remember them. It was hard to picture them at times, but Constanza knew that in her heart, they were watching from Heaven and were proud of her. “Hey, Spaceman Spiff,” Michael’s voice broke her train of thought and the woman blinked rapidly, clearing the images from her mind. “Isn’t it you who always says that we need to be constantly vigilant? Where did you go?” Before she could speak, Julietta piped up. “Where’s the princess?” It was the perfect distraction, and Constanza made a mental note to get her something extra special the next time the two of them went out. “What princess?” A small hand shot up, one finger extended, and the girl said, “That’s a castle. So, where’s the princess?” Following the limb, both Constanza and Michael saw she was pointing at the old square fortress known as the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. Originally a warehouse for grain, this was the site for the first glorious victory at the beginning of the Mexican War for Independence. It amazed Constanza that it still stood after all the years, the wars, and earthquakes. And now that Julietta had finally noticed it, she could start sharing her country’s history with the child. “That’s the Alhóndiga,” Constanza said softly, using the same tone of voice she did when telling Julietta a bedtime story. Of course, she wouldn’t go to sleep, but it added to the atmosphere. “A long time ago, Mexico was ruled over by another country. Spain.” “I know that,” Julietta said before rolling her eyes. “I heard a pretty lady telling a bunch of people about it.” “Where?” With an imperious flick of her hair, Julietta pointed at the large wooden double doors. In front of it was a group of tourists, nearly all had to be from across the border to the north and standing before them was a tour guide. “How did you hear them from all the way back here?” Michael asked, tickling his daughter. He smiled as the girl giggled, squealed then wriggled about trying to escape him. “Hey, monster? Where did you hear them?” “Over there,” Julietta said, pointing to the different levels of steps leading to the market and the historical site. “But she didn’t say anything about the princess. There has to be a princess, right?” Disney has to pay for this, Constanza thought. The past year and a half, all Julietta wanted to watch was Disney movies. At first it was fine, the music was amazing, the animation bright and colorful, but there were only so many times she could sit through them. It was definitely getting close to swapping them for