Istanbul Express (22 page)

Daniel shook his head again bitterly. “That is why I have resisted returning to my studies of the Scriptures since we were freed from the camp. I cannot help but remember where such studies led us in our hour of greatest need.”

When he was sure Daniel was finished, Jake said carefully, “There was another Jew who condemned the elders of His time for just such a waste.”

Daniel looked at him, his focus slowly tightening. “This is Jesus, yes? You are speaking of the Christian
messach?
”

“I mean no offense,” Jake said quietly. “But I thought I should at least tell you that He too spoke against the leaders who did not see to their people's dire needs.”

Jake waited, knowing that to press would be to drive the moment away, possibly close the door for good. Either Daniel wished to hear or he did not, but it had to be his choice.

Daniel sensed the patience as an invitation, and the hand working his beard calmed to thoughtful stroking. After a long moment he said, as much to himself as to Jake, “I have spoken to you of what has remained most troubling to my heart. You have listened as a friend. How could I do less?”

A friend. “Thank you,” Jake said. “Can I read you something?”

“Of course.” Daniel watched with widening eyes as Jake unbuttoned his shirt pocket and drew out his New Testament. “You carry your Bible with you?”

“I like to have it,” Jake explained, hoping he could find the passage, “in case I have a free moment and want to stop and have a time of quiet.”

“A time of quiet,” Daniel repeated softly. “Such words from a man of such action.”

“Here it is,” Jake said. “Matthew 23:23. ‘Woe unto you,
scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy, and faith; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel!' ”

Daniel eyed him gravely. “This Jesus of Nazareth said that?”

“He did indeed,” Jake affirmed. “That and much, much more.”

DAVIS BUNN, a professional novelist for over twenty years, is the author of numerous national bestsellers with sales totaling more than six million copies. His work has been published in sixteen languages, and his critical acclaim includes three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. Formerly an international business executive working in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Bunn is now a lecturer in creative writing and Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University. He and his wife, Isabella, divide their time between the English countryside and the coast of Florida.

Books by Davis Bunn

The Book of Hours
The Great Divide
Winner Take All
The Lazarus Trap
Elixir
Imposter

Lion of Babylon
Rare Earth
All Through the Night
My Soul to Keep

A
CTS OF
F
AITH
*
The Centurion's Wife • The Hidden Flame
The Damascus Way

S
ONG OF
A
CADIA
*
The Meeting Place • The Sacred Shore
The Birthright • The Distant Beacon
The Beloved Land

H
EIRS OF
A
CADIA†
The Solitary Envoy • The Innocent Libertine
The Noble Fugitive • The Night Angel
Falconer's Quest

*with Janette Oke      †with Isabella Bunn