Istanbul Express

  “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

  ACTS OF FAITH*

  The Centurion’s Wife • The Hidden Flame

  The Damascus Way

  SONG OF ACADIA*

  The Meeting Place • The Sacred Shore

  The Birthright • The Distant Beacon

  The Beloved Land

  HEIRS OF ACADIA†

  The Solitary Envoy • The Innocent Libertine

  The Noble Fugitive • The Night Angel

  Falconer’s Quest

  *with Janette Oke †with Isabella Bunn