The Codex (An Armour of God Thriller Book 2)

by Daniel Patterson

  THE CODEX

  by Daniel Patterson

  www.facebook.com/DanielPattersonAuthor

  An Action-Packed Christian Fiction Thriller

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  Bonus Excerpt: The Devil's Game

  Also by Daniel Patterson

  About the Author

  To my friends and family for their love and continued support.

  Chapter One

  Wednesday, July 18, 2012

  Chicago, Illinois

  "I'M TELLING YOU, FATHER, we'll never have another opportunity like this!"

  Zack Cole sat on the edge of a stuffed leather chair across from Father Salvatore Giovanni, curator of the Chicago Museum of Biblical Antiquities.

  The father sat behind his large rectangular desk and regarded Zack with calm, clinical interest. At sixty-two years old the father was twice Zack's age and carried himself with an air of someone with a lifetime of experience under his belt. The Jesuit priest's colleagues knew him as Sal, but Zack never felt comfortable addressing the older man by his given name and still chose to address him by his title.

  "Let me get this right," Father Giovanni said, in a tone of voice that tried not to be sarcastic. "You want me to finance an expedition to Greenland on a hunch and whim?"

  "Not finance, Father. I've got that covered," Zack tried to decide how best to put it, "I'd like the museum to sponsor an archaeological expedition to Greenland. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

  Zack was the co-founder and chief technology officer of a non-profit Internet company that brought clean water to developing nations. That was his official day job. The one he reported to the IRS. His real passion was archaeology. Thanks to a substantial inheritance he'd received when his parents passed away and a few subsequent Internet investments, Zack didn't need to work for a living. His money worked for him, and he could do pretty much what he pleased. Yet all the money in the world wouldn't open some diplomatic doors. Some countries only allowed institutions to apply for archaeological research permits. And Greenland was one of those countries.

  Zack hated bureaucratic red tape and preferred to do things under the radar. But going without an institution's backing wasn't always the wisest choice. So that was where his friend, Father Giovanni, came in. He and Zack were the types of friends who could turn to each other when one of them needed a favor. Father Giovanni had been a colleague of Zack's grandfather, Archie Cole, a well-known archaeologist. He was also one of the few people Zack trusted in the Biblical antiquities business.

  Right now, Father Giovanni sat staring at Zack, his fingers drumming the top of his desk. The color of the wood in the massive desk matched the dark paneling in the room, the richly grained bookcases, and all the other furniture. This office was a dark space, meant for academics. Father Giovanni fit right in. He was an academic, not an adventurer. For adventures, he depended on people like Zack.

  Finally, he stopped tapping his fingers and began opening the drawers of his desk one at a time, looking for something, and taking his sweet time about it. From the last drawer on the bottom left side, Father Giovanni took out a stack of old academic journals. Zack recognized a few of Father Giovanni's published articles.

  The father opened the top journal and leafed through it, coming to the end of it in a drawn-out fashion, and then opened the next one and started over, leafing page by page.

  As he sat there waiting, Zack glanced around the room. There were a lot of pieces in here that didn't make it out to the public exhibits. There was a framed letter from John Quincy Adams to his son on the teachings of the Bible, an assortment of Roman coins from the second and third centuries, and other odds and ends. The father's desk was just as cluttered as his office, with file folders and paperwork and photo frames...

  Zack's gaze wandered over the desk until something caught his eye. He leaned in closer and picked up a silver picture frame peering at one of the faces within its photo with a rising interest. "Who's this?" he asked.

  Father Giovanni looked up from his search through the articles. "That is my niece, Sydney. She works in the research department here. You wouldn't know her."

  "I didn't know you had a niece." Zack squinted at the picture. The woman in it had her arms wrapped around Father Giovanni. She was a little shorter than him, and her green eyes offset her chocolate brown hair, which was cut in a neat, short bob. Her face was dotted with freckles that made her look even younger than she probably was. "She's..." Zack restrained himself from saying something inappropriate. "Cute."

  "If you don't mind," Father Giovanni cleared his throat and took the photo frame out of Zack's hands, replacing it on the desk facing away from Zack.

  "Just curious, Father."

  "Don't be."

  Zack sat back in his seat and waited as Father Giovanni acted like he hadn't been at all worried about Zack staring at his niece.

  "Here it is," the father finally said, pointing to an article on a page in the middle of one of the journals. "This is an article about Knud Rasmussen, a Danish polar explorer. You may have heard of him. He spent his life exploring Greenland. Know what he found there? A large amount of nothing."

  "I know that, Father. I read his book, Across Arctic America. He did some great work, but that was back in the 1920s, before the entire surface of Greenland's ice sheet had turned to slush."

  When Zack had heard the news, he couldn't believe it. A week ago NASA revealed that ninety-seven percent of the ice sheet's surface had melted--an event that only happened once every one hundred years. Part of the ice sheet that had covered Greenland's coast for as long as anyone could remember was gone. In a world plagued by above-average temperatures and global warming, this was still unusual--the ice had melted away in a matter of just a few days. In coastal areas, miles of ice--gone. And underneath it...virgin territory.

  "You know Greenland hasn't suddenly melted, right?"

  "Yes, I know that, Father. Just the top few inches of the surface that melts and refreezes every summer."

  "The news media would have you believe otherwise."

  "That's just hyped headlines and distorted facts designed to sell more papers."

  "Then you also know that top surface melted away once before back in the late 1800s, don't you?" Father Giovanni reminded him.

  "Not like this. Not to this extent and not on the east coast. This rapid melt has caused Greenland's rivers to flood and exposed coastal areas that haven't been seen in hundreds of years. Just yesterday a chunk the Peterman Glacier, three times the size of Manhattan, broke off."

  "What makes you so sure you'll even find anything?"

  "This is the expedition my grandfather had been planning before he passed. And he didn't plan on whims. You know that. If there's a settlement on the east coast, like he believed, I will find it."

  "I don't know, Zack..."

  "Father, my contact in Greenland says the area my grandfather planned to explore is exposed. It's perfect timing. All I know is we need to be first, or whatever is there will go to someone else."

  That caught Father Giovanni's attention. "Do I need to remind you that you're just a software engineer? You are not Indiana Jones. That part went to Harrison Ford."

  "Do I need to remind you of the years of training I had working with your good friend, my grandfather?" Zack said. "And since his passing, the reputation I've built for myself as a covert artifact recovery specialist? I recovered that complete Tyndale Bible just last month. You still doubt what I can do?"

  Father Giovanni leaned back in his seat. "No. I suppose not." He tapped a finger against his desktop for a few moments before raising both of his eye
brows and shrugging. "Okay, fine. Tell me I won't regret this."

  "You won't."

  "Tell me you won't cause an international incident that will bring shame to the museum and the church. Not to mention my reputation."

  "I won't."

  "Fine. Then tell me what you'll need."

  "Just like the last time—just the upfront stuff. You know me, Father."

  "Yes, I do know you. I remember the last time, Zack. I know how this works. I hope you remember how this works as well... If you come back empty-handed from your little fishing expedition, I'll expect you to pay the museum back every cent we put into it. And that includes bail money and bribes."

  "You got a deal." Zack stood and stuck his hand out. Father Giovanni did the same, and the men shook on it.

  "There's one more thing," the father said.

  "Of course, there is. Isn't there always?"

  That made Father Giovanni chuckle, at least. "This time around I'm taking out a little insurance policy. If you are going on the museum's dollar, you're going with someone who will represent the museum's interests."

  "That's never been the deal before..."

  "It's the deal this time."

  Zack immediately shook his head. "Father, I work alone. You know that. I can't work with some grad student intern tagging along..."

  "I'm not sending a grad student. She's a researcher. An archaeologist, just like you."

  "Father, it could be dangerous..."

  "How dangerous can Greenland be? Your Indiana Jones complex is big enough to take care of two people, isn't it?"

  "I do not have a—" He stopped. She? "Okay, listen. My point is that I work alone. I'm a team of one, always have been. It's the only way I know."

  "That way is going to trip you up someday. You need to learn to trust, Zack. In God and others."

  "I've never let you down before, have I?"

  Father Giovanni laughed. "Seriously? Do I need to recite the list? You want my museum to fund this trip? I want assurances that you'll get the job done. Neatly. Without complications. Legally!"

  "You're sending someone to watch me?"

  "A research partner."

  "A babysitter!"

  "Call it what you will, but this is how it's going to be. Consider this my way of looking out for... the museum's interests."

  This trip wasn't going to happen without the kind of strings the father could pull. So Zack sucked up his pride and nodded. "Fine. We'll do it your way."

  Chapter Two

  Williamsburg, New York

  THREE DAYS LATER FATHER Giovanni had the necessary paperwork completed and the exploration permits were secured.

  It was nice to have friends in high places.

  Zack finished a few last minute transportation arrangements and shipped the equipment he'd need to his contact in Greenland. That night he returned to his apartment in New York to get a few hours of rest.

  As he crossed the polished marble floor of the lobby, he gave a polite nod to the doorman.

  "Back for a while this time, Mr. Cole?" he asked.

  "Not this time, Patrick," Zack said, stepping into the elevator. He rode to the fifth floor of the seven-story building and smiled as he stepped out into the hall. He was going to Greenland. As much as he loved his day job, he loved his archaeological adventures even more. It reminded him of the times he had with his grandfather.

  He unlocked the door to his apartment, dropped his keys on the little table by the door, and surveyed his surroundings.

  Everything was in perfect order.

  The telltale trails of a vacuum cleaner streaked the plush gray rugs that lay over the dark hardwood floor. Evelyn, the maid, must have been in that morning. The apartment was spacious with large rooms and even larger windows that bathed the evening moonlight across the few tastefully arranged pieces of furniture Zack owned.

  "I'm home," he called into the emptiness, flipping on a light switch, knowing the only answer he would get was the anticipated silence.

  His answering machine light was flashing. He had three new messages. He took a seat in his favorite black leather recliner and pressed play.

  The first message was from Melissa—a friend who wanted to be more than friends. Zack rolled his eyes at the soft purr Melissa used when she left a message. "Zack, I haven't heard from you in days, are you still in town? We have to catch up. Call me. I miss you."

  He hit the delete button, and the next message played.

  "Zack, you promised to cook dinner. I'm calling to collect." Dianne was direct. Sometimes it was attractive, other times it was downright annoying.

  He hit the delete button again.

  These women, like most Zack knew, only wanted one thing—his money. They were a pleasant diversion at times, but he wasn't sure he wanted to see them again. Bigger things were on his mind.

  He hit play to listen to the last message. "Zack! This is your old buddy Frank. Yeah, I'm back. We need to—"

  Zack had pressed the delete button before the message finished playing.

  He drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out.

  Frank Waterson was an amateur archaeologist Zack had the misfortune of doing business with from time to time. Contrary to Frank's belief, they weren't old buddies. Frank was more like a remora that Zack couldn't shake. He had an uncanny talent for getting into and out of tight situations and was far more trouble than he was worth. Whatever his angle, Zack was not getting involved with him again.

  Chapter Three

  EARLY THE NEXT MORNING, Zack waited on the tarmac of Teterboro Airport, next to his Cessna Citation X class as his pilot went over the checklist. The plane was small and versatile, propelled by twin turbofan engines built by Rolls Royce.

  Zack ran an impatient hand through his short, rakish brown hair. The researcher that Father Giovanni insisted he take with him should have been here by now. She was almost half an hour late. He'd give her ten more minutes, and that was it.

  It was just before dawn, and his stomach growled at him because he'd skipped breakfast. He had been in such a rush to get here that he hadn't had time for food. Or so he'd thought. It turns out he could have had a three-course meal and still been here on time.

  "Sorry, I'm late. Who expected New York traffic to be so bad this early?" a woman said from behind him.

  Zack rolled his eyes and turned around. At last, he got to meet—

  His jaw dropped. It was Father Giovanni's niece, the girl from the photograph. The picture didn't do her justice.

  She wore sturdy cargo pants, hiking boots, and a thick black sweater that accentuated her trim, athletic figure. Her green eyes studied him just like he studied her, and her short brown hair blew across her cheeks in the early morning breeze.

  "So you must be the legendary Zachariah Cole," she said, lowering her pack to the cement-covered entryway of the airfield.

  "Zack," he corrected. All his life people had wanted to call him by his given name, but he preferred Zack. It was what his grandfather had called him.

  "You look like a Zachariah to me."

  He let the comment pass. "So. You're the amateur archaeologist Father Giovanni is sending with me?"

  "I've done some fieldwork before, so I'm not exactly an amateur. But I'm happy to get a chance for more even if it is just Greenland," she said, extending her right hand. "Sydney Langtry."

  Zack forced a smile and shook her hand. She had a strong grip.

  "I hear you've got more than a few skills to share," Sydney continued. "Uncle Sal says I can learn a lot from you."

  Zack shrugged. He was good, and he knew it. He didn't feel the need to brag.

  She continued, "So what's the plan here? We're going to dig until we find... what? Some pottery? A Viking ship? What kind of equipment are we bringing? Laser imaging scanners? Micro displacement sensors? Ground-penetrating radar? Or are you one of those old-school types who only bring a trowel and a feather duster?"

  Zack refused to give Sydney the satisfaction of being
right about several of those pieces. Like the feather duster. "You ask a lot of questions, don't you?"

  "Hey, asking questions is a good way to find things out." She looked at him with an arched brown eyebrow.

  Zack blinked at her. "Did you just quote Big Bird?"

  "Wisdom comes from the weirdest places. You should hear what I've learned from Dora the Explorer."

  Zack didn't know what to make of her. She was pretty. Well, beyond pretty, to be honest. And witty. And if Father Giovanni was sending her on this trip...he must trust her to get the job done.

  "I hope you packed your thermals," he said.

  "I'm from the Midwest, I sleep in my thermals," she replied. "I won't be disappointed once I climb aboard, will I?"

  "What?" He wasn't sure he'd heard her correctly.

  She pointed with one hand. "The plane. I assume this thing has passed at least one inspection since 1997?" she asked, taking a step closer to the Cessna.

  "Oh. Right," he said. Why was he acting like a schoolboy?

  Sydney grabbed her bag and climbed the steps into the plane. She carried herself with a confidence that was more attractive on a woman than layers of makeup and designer clothes. Zack picked up his pack and climbed aboard the plane.

  Chapter Four

  THE CESSNA WAS TINY but luxurious. Eight plush leather seats were mounted along a single narrow aisle in sets that faced each other forward and back to facilitate comfort and conversation.

  When Zack climbed aboard, he found Sydney in the rear of the plane exploring the small, well-stocked galley and bar. Zack sank into a forward facing seat and put his pack down on the seat facing his. The other equipment that he would need for this trip had been sent on ahead and would be waiting for him when he got to Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland.

  He had just leaned his head back and was about to close his eyes when something cold and wet touched his neck.