by David Wood
“That’s a common misconception,” Amanda said, keeping her eyes on the winding road. “The laboratory was founded during World War II as a home for the Manhattan Project, but nuclear is energy...” She didn’t elaborate. They’d made the short, picturesque drive up from Santa Fe in a tense forty-five minutes. Bones had tried to break the silence several times with his trademark humor, but failed at every turn. He’d even resorted to pronouncing “butte” as “butt.” No joy.
“And since the Manhattan Project, they’ve continued to conduct nuclear research?” Jessie asked.
“Much more than that. They focused on nuclear weaponry throughout the Cold War but have broadened their research since then. They’ve studied other forms of energy, done medical research on cancer and AIDS, non-nuclear threats, and response. Lots of stuff.”
“If there’s a zombie outbreak, there’s a good chance it could start from in there.” Bones nodded at the stretch of high, chain link fence topped with razor wire.
Amanda rolled her eyes.
“I’m serious. If a government agency is studying outbreaks and how to prevent them, you can bet they’re also studying how to start them.”
“Paranoid.” Jessie kicked the back of his seat.
“Just realistic.” He shook his head. “A lot of people believe they’ve conducted UFO research here.”
“Why wouldn’t they do that somewhere secret, like Area 51?”
“This place used to be secret, too. No one knew where it was. Just PO Box 1663, Santa Fe.”
“It’s sad that you know that, but you can’t remember a girl’s birthday,” Amanda said.
“Look, chick, I remembered your birthday. I was stuck on a dive with...”
“...with Maddock,” Amanda finished. “Have you two considered tying the knot? You’re inseparable, and you bicker like an old married couple.”
From the back seat, Jessie let out a tiny laugh.
“We’ve discussed it, but we can’t agree who would get to lead when we slow dance,” Bones deadpanned.
Amanda cracked a smile. “I can’t believe I’m here with you. You have this way of creeping in like a fungus.”
“Don’t feel bad.” Jessie reached over the seat and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Fungi have many important uses: penicillin, dairy products...”
“You’re not helping,” Bones said. “Anyway, back to the UFOs. I...” He paused as Amanda turned onto the main drive leading to the laboratory. “What’s up with this? I thought we were sneaking in?”
Amanda frowned. “Why would we sneak in? I arranged badges for us.”
“Crap. I was really looking forward to sneaking in.” He sat, muscles tensed, as they passed through security at the vehicle access control point. He was convinced something would go wrong. It was never this easy. However, they cleared security and drove to the Research Library. As Amanda parked the car in front of the two-story beige structure, Bones turned to her. “You still haven’t told us what we’re here for.”
Amanda shook her head, slid out of the car, and slammed the door.
“Touchy,” Bones whispered. He waited for Jessie, and then the two of them double-timed it to catch up with Amanda, who was already stepping through the broad, glass door.
They stopped at the front desk, where a wizened Hispanic woman with silver-streaked black hair and dark eyes greeted them with a frown.
“I have an appointment to meet with Mike Madden,” Amanda said.
The receptionist gave a curt nod, picked up the phone, and dialed an extension.
“Who’s he?” Bones asked. “Better not be competition.”
“You listen to me.” Amanda’s words poured out in a harsh whisper. “I have been working this guy for months, and you’d better not screw it up for me.”
“Working him? Like a scam?”
“No. Yes. I mean...” She stamped her foot. “Just follow my lead. It would help if you acted like an idiot. That’s how I’ve described you to him.”
“Oh, so you told him about me. That means I’ve been on your mind.” Bones grinned.
“Don’t look so smug. I also told him you were a big guy except for where it counts most.” Her eyes flitted downward for a second and Bones took a step back.
“Not cool. I’ll play along, but don’t blame me if he and I wind up at adjoining urinals.”
“Cool it.” Jessie took him by the hand. “I think that’s him coming this way.”
Madden was a man of around Bones’ age with an athletic build and long, black hair. He greeted Amanda with a tight hug and a quick kiss on the lips.
“Check out the hair,” Jessie said, glancing first at Madden’s flowing locks and then at Bones’ ponytail. “I think she has a type.”
“No white guy is the same type as me,” Bones said softly.
“I hate to break it to you, but ‘big lug’ is universal.”
“Bones,” Amanda said with sudden cheeriness, “I’d like you to meet Mike.”
The two shook hands and traded appraising looks.
“I’ve heard a bit about you,” Madden said, adopting a neutral tone. “I didn’t realize you two were still in touch.”
“It’s a research thing,” Amanda said quickly. “Bones and,” she glanced at Jessie, “his girlfriend happen to be working on something related to a story I’m writing.”
At the mention of “girlfriend”, Madden’s posture relaxed, and he flashed a warm smile. “That’s great, although I’m bummed this visit isn’t of a more personal nature.” He winked at Amanda.
“Not this time, but we’ll have to get together soon.” Amanda lowered her voice. “Is there somewhere we can speak privately?”
Madden nodded. “We can go to my office. Come on.”
As they strode through the quiet hallways, Bones looked down at Jessie. “He’s not that good-looking, is he?”
Jessie cast an appraising glance at Madden. “He’s all right, but if he works here, he’s probably a brain. I prefer them big and dumb.” She flashed a wicked grin and took Bones’ hand. “We’re supposed to be a couple. Don’t forget that.”
Bones let out a sigh of resignation. “Somehow, I don’t think you’ll let me forget it.”
Since they were in a library, he expected Madden’s office to be stuffed with books, but instead, it was sleek and modern, with gray walls, glossy black furniture, and modern artwork. He took a seat on a small leather sofa, and Jessie squeezed in next to him, unnecessarily close, in his opinion, but that wasn’t a bad thing.
Madden closed the door, and Amanda took a seat on his desk.
“Mike, I need to see the Book of Bones.”
Chapter 17
“The Book of Bones, Mike.” Amanda folded her arms and tapped her foot on the carpeted floor. “It’s important.”
A curtain of denial lowered over Madden’s face. “There’s no such thing.”
“Yes, there is.”
“Come on, Amanda.” Madden forced a chuckle. “I know you’ve been writing about some odd stuff, but you act like you’re beginning to believe it.” He took two steps back and dropped into the leather chair behind his desk.
“I know it was here, Michael.” Amanda’s icy tone sent a chill down Bones’ spine.
Madden lowered his head and stared resolutely at his desk.
“What is the Book of Bones? Did all my exes get together and write a slam book or something?” The joke did little to lighten the mood.
“It’s a Native American artifact. Inside it are recorded myths, legends, and history of the Anasazi.”
Jessie frowned. “The Anasazi? Aren’t they a lost tribe?”
“Not exactly,” Bones said. “Most likely they migrated and became the forerunners of the modern Puebloan peoples.”
“Aren’t they supposedly bad news? I read their name means something weird, like...” She narrowed her eyes, thinking.
“It means Ancient People,” Madden supplied.
“That’s the modern spin,” Bones said. “Peopl
e are trying to put a better face on the name. It’s actually a Navajo word that translates as Ancient Enemy.”
“So, what’s our interest in this book?” Jessie asked.
“The Book of Bones includes stories of Anasazi contact with dwellers beneath the earth,” Amanda began. “And not just the legends we’re familiar with. Reportedly, it includes remarkable details, including the location of the path to the world beneath, and accounts of men who visited there.”
Madden shook his head. “I’m telling you, Amanda, it’s a bunch of crap. I’ve lost count of how many conspiracy theorists have come to me with this same story. If it’s so real, why are there no records?”
“Because it’s hidden here, suppressed because the contents are too... I don’t know, sensational, dangerous.”
“It’s not here.”
Amanda leaned forward, resting her palms on Madden’s desk.
“I know it was here. Klaus Fuchs mentions it in his journal. He personally examined it and what he read scared him to death. So much so that he couldn’t wait to get out of New Mexico.”
“Who is this Fuchs guy?” Jessie asked.
“A spy,” Bones growled. “He was a German socialist who worked on the Manhattan Project. During World War II and the early part of the Cold War he supplied secrets to the Russians.”
“That part doesn’t particularly interest me,” Amanda said, her eyes still boring into Madden. “What interests me is the fact that he saw the Book of Bones in the secret library here at Los Alamos.” She softened her tone. “Michael, someone tried to kill Bones and Jessie because of this.”
“Then they ought to leave it alone.” Madden’s voice trembled.
The man was hiding something, and Bones knew it. For a moment he considered beating the secret out of Madden, but dismissed the idea. The guy was probably afraid of whoever it was that had come after Bones, and Bones wasn’t willing to do what it would take to make himself seem the deadlier threat. Besides, if this Book of Bones really was hidden in a secret library, they’d need someone to get them in.
“Please,” Jessie said. “It’s too late for us to back off. They think we have information they want, and the only way we can end this is to get to the bottom of the mystery.”
Madden wilted under the pleading gazes of the two attractive women.
“All right,” he said, his shoulders sagging. “It does exist. But I wasn’t lying when I said it isn’t here.”
“Where is it?” Amanda asked.
“Gone. Stolen.”
“You have got to be freaking kidding me.” Bones stood, closed his eyes, and pressed his hands to his temples, fighting back the urge to hit something or someone. We can’t catch a break. He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, lowered his hands, and opened his eyes. “Any idea who took it?”
Madden shrugged. “I have my suspicions, but it’s only that. I don’t know anything for certain.”
“Tell us,” Amanda said.
“Several years back, the library brought in a researcher on contract. He was a little odd, but when you’re surrounded by scientists and librarians, odd is normal. Anyway, not long after his contract ended, someone realized the book was gone. No one made the connection, but later I found out he’s a conspiracy nut. He’s all into the pyramids and ancient aliens and all that stuff. He would definitely be interested in the book. I passed my suspicions along to my supervisor, but Krueger had disappeared.”
“Would he have had access to the secret library?” Amanda asked.
“No, but he worked with at least one person who does, and rumor has it, they were an item.”
Bones couldn’t believe his luck. All the tension drained from his body. He smiled and reached out to shake Madden’s hand. “Mister Madden, you’ve been more help than you could possibly know.”
He turned and strode out of the office, leaving a surprised-looking Madden behind and Amanda and Jessie hurrying to catch up.
“All right, Bones,” Amanda said when they were back inside the car, “what’s the deal? Do you know this Krueger?”
“We’ve met.” Bones grinned, enjoying the chance to repay Amanda for her earlier secrecy.
“Do you know where he is now?” Jessie asked. “Madden said he disappeared.”
“No, but I know someone who can reach out to him.” A sudden thought struck him, and his glee evaporated.
“What’s wrong?” Amada asked.
“I just realized something. If we want to get to Krueger, I’m going to have to call yet another ex-girlfriend.”
Chapter 18
Bones sat on a picnic table overlooking the Rio Grande as it wended its way through the parched landscape of northern New Mexico. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains formed a spectacular backdrop, but he was in no mood to admire the scenery. Jessie and Amanda stood nearby, watching over him like a pair of guards. His stomach doing flip-flops, he took out his phone and made the call. He was pleasantly surprised when Avery Halsey answered on the first ring.
“If you’re calling for bail money, try my brother.” Aside from being one of Bones’ exes, Avery was also the sister of his friend and business partner, Dane Maddock.
“And a good afternoon to you too. What makes you think I’m in jail?”
“Just messing with you. But seriously, I can’t imagine anything good coming from you, Willis, and Matt together in Vegas.”
“Well, I haven’t actually gotten there yet. Engine trouble.”
“Sorry, but I can’t help you with that. I don’t even know how to change oil.”
“Actually, I need a different favor.” The line went silent, and Bones thought he’d dropped the call. “Are you there?”
“Yes,” she replied in monotone. “Here I thought we might be getting to the point where I might get a friendly check-in call from you, but as usual, you want something from me.”
Bones heard a giggle and turned to see Jessie covering her mouth.
Stop eavesdropping, he mouthed.
“It’s not like that. You know I wouldn’t call unless it was serious business.”
“You’re off on another one of your adventures, aren’t you? You can’t even drive to Vegas without running afoul of someone along the way.”
“I swear I don’t do it on purpose.”
“Sure.” Sarcasm dripped from the single word. “Is there a girl involved?”
“Two, actually.” Bones could have kicked himself. Why had he blurted that out?
Avery, for her part, actually found the admission amusing. “Unsurprising, but refreshingly honest. Now, what is it you need? It better not be something that will get me in trouble with the boss.” Avery was now part of the Myrmidon Squad, a CIA unit led by his old friend, Tam Broderick.
“I need to talk with Kirk Krueger. I know the Myrmidons helped him hide after...” He glanced at Amanda and Jessie, who both looked on with interest. “...after, you know.” Krueger was a pseudo-scientist who specialized in alien contact with the Egyptians, but his base of esoteric knowledge was broad. Not too long ago he had aided Bones and Maddock in a search for the lost city of Atlantis, and the repercussions had forced him to go into hiding.
“I can’t tell you where he is,” Avery said.
“Can you just put me in touch with him. That’s all I need.”
A deep sigh on the other end of the line. “All right I’ll reach out to him and see if he’s willing to talk with you.”
“That would be great. You sure it won’t get you in trouble with Tam?”
“We helped Krueger hide, but he’s still his own person. It’s up to him to decide.” She paused. “Just to be safe, let’s not tell anybody about this... aside from your new girlfriends, of course.”
“They’re not my girlfriends,” Bones said quickly, eliciting tiny laughs from Jessie, Amanda, and Avery.
“Mark my words. One of them will be by the end of this. And a couple months from now, she’ll be your ex.”
“That’s cold.”
They exchang
ed perfunctory goodbyes and hung up. Now the waiting began.
“So Avery’s another ex-girlfriend?” Jessie asked.
Bones nodded.
“How’d you meet this one?” Amanda asked. “Were you out looking for the Loch Ness Monster or something?”
“Looking for treasure on Oak Island,” he muttered.
Amanda barked a laugh. “You are truly a one-trick pony.”
Jessie gaped at him. “So, all this treasure hunting and stuff is for real? You weren’t just trying to impress me?”
“I’ll tell you later,” Bones said.
“I couldn’t help but hear some of her end of the conversation,” Amanda said.
“Because you were trying to hear,” Bones retorted.
“Naturally. I am a reporter after all. Anyway, who is this brother she’s talking about?”
Bones closed his eyes. “She’s Maddock’s sister.”
Now it was Amanda’s turn to gape. “Maddock has a sister? And you thought it would be a good idea to date her?”
“Well, Maddock’s engaged to my sister.”
Just then his phone vibrated, bringing the conversation to an end, though probably a temporary one. It was text message from Krueger. He read it, a grin spreading across his face.
“What is it?” Amanda asked.
“Road trip.” He stood and headed for the car.
“You’re awfully happy,” Jessie said, falling into step with him. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit.”
Chapter 19
Bones couldn’t help but tap his foot on the floorboard and drum his fingers on the dashboard in nervous anticipation as the sign welcoming visitors to Roswell, New Mexico appeared up ahead. Beneath the words of welcome, a stylized Zia sun peeked up over mountain peaks, and below it, the slogan caught Bones’ attention.
“Dairy capital of the Southwest,” he read aloud. “That’s not what I expected.”
“Don’t aliens like to give anal probes to cattle or something like that?” Jessie asked.
