The Azazel Syndrome

A world on the brink . . . but what savage intelligence lurks behind the chaos?After a devastating financial collapse, life in the American Homeland is a daily struggle. The new currency depreciates by the day, the food is rationed, and desperate gangs roam the city streets. Hatch Doran and his friends keep their noses above water by brokering antiques around New York City. It was a good business when everyone needed ready cash. Now the trade is slowing down. But Hatch never gives up. He may be broke and short of food, but he's been in desperate straits before. And when he is offered an enormous fee to deliver a prehistoric artifact, he sees his fortunes turning around. The mysterious and beautiful artifact, however, begins to exercise a strange hold over Hatch, disorienting him and opening doors to the shattering events of his past. He becomes obsessed, and fears he may be losing his mind.Thomas Dartham, a retired army colonel, works for the Group, the most powerful and dangerous organization in the world. The Group wants the artifact, and Dartham, a man who does not fail in his duty, intends to get it. But Dartham uncovers a shocking secret about his superiors, and the horrifying hold they have over the entire world. Hatch doesn't know about Dartham or the ravenous evil Dartham's organization has unleashed. He has no idea that he has wandered into a battle of cosmic proportions. And he hasn't figured out that his life is in grave danger. Yet.The Azazel Syndrome - First of a Series