The Collectors - Book Four: Diamonds and Sand (The Collectors Series 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

you outside the Nozyk synagogue at nine tomorrow,” said Jacob.
                  “We’ll be there”, said Bear. “Booted and suited.”
                  Jacob coughed and attempted to conceal a laugh. “What do you mean?”
                  “Ready to go,” said Petros. “See you.”
     
    ***
     
    The forecasted rain had yet to arrive but dark clouds scudded across a grey sky as Petros and Bear, dressed as workmen, strolled along Twarda Street.
                  Petros’ gaze fixed on a red tent and the hazard barriers which enclosed the dummy restricted vicinity. “Jacob’s been busy.”
                  Bear nodded and smiled.
                  Two minutes later, Petros lifted the flap and peered in. “Good morning.”
                  Jacob, dressed as a workman, raised his head. “Coffee’s just made, want some? I brought three mugs?”
                  Large droplets of rain spattered the ground as they entered and sat on a plank of wood laid across two buckets.
                  “Always look and act the part and no one notices,” said Jacob. “We’ll have our coffee and you two can start.”
                  “You’re not coming with us?”
                  “The foreman always stays up top, in case of problems. If a police officer pokes his head in, I can fend off any questions. An empty tent would arouse undue interest.”
                  Petros frowned as rain drummed on the tent.
                  “Don’t worry, the old tunnels in this region are no longer in use. Bit of advice, if your feet get wet, get out. You’ll need these.” He handed over two sacks. “This one contains torches and headlamps, one gas detector; if it buzzes run. The other, club hammers, bolt cutter, chisels and crowbar, but most important, the radio. If you get into trouble, use it. Last but not least, hardhats.”
                  The look of appreciation developed on Petros’ face as he took and fitted the white plastic hat. “You’ve thought of everything Jacob. Thank you.” He turned to Bear. “Finished your coffee?”
                  Bear drank the remaining dregs in one gulp. “I have now. Let’s go. As you’re scrawny, I’ll go first; if I get stuck you can give me a shove.”
                  “I’m built for speed.”
                  “Maria says you take your time.”
    “ Shut up and shove your fat arse through that hole.”
                  “Such terms of endearment and I thought we were friends.”
                  Petros watched as Bear descended the metal ladder bolted to the brick wall.
                  “I’m at the bottom. Lower the bag.”
                  “I’ll bring it with me.” Petros entered the shaft and at the bottom inhaled. “Smells fresh.” He dipped into the bag, retrieved the torches and handed one to Bear. He gazed around the tunnel and remarked, “In view of when this was built it’s in great condition.”
                  “It’s bone dry. Which way, left or right?”
                  Petros familiarized himself with the rough drawn map and the square above. “Left. Remember we are searching for a swastika built into the wall with black bricks.”
                  With no distance given on the map, they passed through the tunnel with ease, checking the brickwork as they went.
                  At a T-junction Bear stopped. “Which way?”
                  Petros paused. “This junction isn’t shown. Maybe we’ve come too far.”
                  “I suggest we go right and have a gander.”
                  “Lead on,” said Petros.
                  Bear stopped and shone his torch over an iron gate to his right. “Padlocked. Bolt