The Columbus Code Read Online Free PDF Page B

fathom anything interfering with Abaddon’s well-laid plan, a plan born from centuries of preparation. Though his voice might falter, he possessed a force seemingly without end. He was aged, but not diminished. Tired, but not overcome. Somewhat unkempt of late but still attractive, in that way thatall charismatic people remain—though, Tejada thought, far more than any other.
    The plan would proceed as it had been prepared. In Tejada’s experience, no force could compete with the innate and burning energy of Lord Abaddon.
    And now he knew he also had that power. He would use it for good.

Maria ignored Bill Snowden’s advice to take a sleeping pill on the flight and she was glad she’d followed her instincts. She slept soundly in the business class cabin and was awake enough when the plane touched down to appreciate her first sight of Barcelona—the diamond-blue Mediterranean, the bright tile roofs, the spires of the Sagrada Família.
    A thick-necked driver with a close shave holding a sign with her name on it met her outside customs and swept her, along with her luggage, off to a waiting car. After Maria’s failed attempt to use her college Spanish on him, he scowled at her. When she whipped out her phone to pull up the Spanish/English translation app, he became absolutely sullen. She forgot him when she slid into the backseat of the limo and bumped hips with a young woman about her age with dark, curly hair and a bright smile.
    â€œElena Soler,” she said, in elegant British English. “I’ll be your assistant while you’re here since I understand yours was unable to come.”
    â€œUnable to come” didn’t quite describe it. Austin would have had his cat at the kennel and his mail stopped within minutes if Snowden had asked him. Their assumption was that Maria was going to beSnowden’s assistant while she was there and wouldn’t need one of her own. She guessed he’d had a change of heart.
    â€œYour first visit to our city?” Elena asked.
    â€œYes.” Maria nodded, eyes riveted on the passing scenery. “Look at this architecture. Oh, my gosh, is that a Gaudí?”
    Elena’s eyes—a silvery gray—widened. “Not many people our age appreciate that.”
    â€œI love buildings. Love. Them.”
    â€œI’ll take you sightseeing if you want,” Elena said.
    â€œLike I’m going to have time.”
    Elena had a knowing look. “We don’t drive ourselves the way Americans do. You might just learn how to live while you’re here. Besides”—she gave a dainty shrug—“I plan to take care of all the minor details so you can enjoy your stay.”
    Maria didn’t know where Snowden had found this girl. In fact, if he knew she was this accommodating he’d probably take her for himself.
    â€œThat’s where we’re going,” Elena said, pointing.
    Maria looked in that direction and let an old expression of
Abuela
’s—“holy cow!”—slip out. Elena put her hand to her mouth, obviously to hide a smile at the untraveled American.
    But seriously? The Catalonia Financial complex looked more like a university than the location of the world’s largest investment company. Situated on a lush green campus of manicured lawns, the buildings were all glass and polished steel and graceful lines that spoke more of elegance than business.
    â€œ
Señor
Tejada likes things nice,” Elena explained.
    â€œThis is way past ‘nice.’”
Actually, try overkill
, Maria thought.
    The limo pulled up to a gleaming tower, the tallest on the site,and the sulky driver alighted from the front seat to open Maria’s door almost before the engine stopped running.
    â€œ
Gracias
, Louis,” Elena said.
    Louis grunted in response as they slipped from the car and made their way past.
    â€œWhat’s with him?” Maria muttered.
    â€œYou mean the Mount