Arkana Archaeology Mystery Box Set 2

by N. S. Wikarski

  The Arab helped him swing his legs over the side of the bed. Then he pulled Erik’s arms forward and braced him until he could sit upright.

  The paladin tried to speak again. This time he forced out the word, “Who?”

  Understanding the question, the man nodded. “My name is Doctor Rafi Aboud. I am your host.”

  “Wh... wh...” Erik cleared his throat and tried again. “Where am I?”

  “In an underground laboratory.”

  This time the paladin’s eyes flew open wide. Memories came flooding back. He’d been shot by the Nephilim while trying to rescue Hannah. They must have brought him to the secret lab, but he wasn’t sure why. Apparently, he’d been here for some time. He plucked at the front of his hospital gown in an effort to examine the bullet holes.

  “Ah, ah,” the doctor cautioned. “Mustn’t do that. You might tear the stitches. They aren’t quite ready to come out yet. Given the number of bullets that struck you, it’s amazing they managed to miss your major organs. Not so much as a shattered bone. I would say that makes you lucky on two counts.”

  Erik scowled. “Why would you help me?” His voice was gravelly but now fully articulate.

  “Because you helped me—inadvertently, of course.” Aboud chuckled. “I needed one more test subject for my vaccine formula. You were very close to death, my friend. My assistants patched you up well enough for me to use you in my experiments.”

  “Experiments?”

  “In light of recent developments, there’s no point in hiding the facts from you now.” Aboud shrugged. “My benefactor charged me with the task of creating an aggressive strain of pneumonic plague. I succeeded magnificently, but this created a new dilemma.” He smiled mordantly. “It was so effective that I couldn’t quell the disease. Vaccine after vaccine failed. Until now.”

  Erik’s mind was racing. The man in the hazmat suite hadn’t been a hallucination. The paladin had probably been here for weeks. Aboud must have vaccinated him immediately and, once his body had built up the necessary antibodies, infected him with plague germs at regular intervals. Why couldn’t he remember any more details? Had he been drugged this whole time?

  Aboud was still talking. “After you survived my first experiment, I tried several other variations of the virus, each more lethal than the last, to see if the vaccine could stand the test. Fortunately for you, it did.”

  The doctor walked over to a table against the wall and poured some liquid from a pitcher into a plastic cup. Returning, he handed it to Erik. “Here, drink a little water. It’s important to stay hydrated now that we’ve taken you off intravenous fluids.”

  Erik took the proffered cup and drank. It helped soothe his parched throat. He silently marveled at the irony of his situation. For months, he’d tried without success to learn the specifics of what was going on in the secret lab. Now he found himself in the very belly of the beast. Ruefully, he remembered one of Faye’s favorite adages: “Be careful what you wish for.”

  Aboud interrupted his thoughts. “Let’s see if you can stand up.” He steadied Erik’s arms as the paladin slid off the bed.

  At first, Erik’s knees buckled. His legs had turned to rubber. He leaned back against the cot until he stopped swaying. Then he cautiously stood upright.

  “Very good.” Aboud nodded approvingly. “Now try taking a few steps toward me.”

  The doctor backed away. Erik found he had to consciously focus on placing one foot in front of the other. He felt dizzy and weak, and every movement tugged painfully at his stitches, but he managed to reach the spot where Aboud was standing. Then he toppled into the doctor’s waiting arms.

  “Excellent. You’ve done very well for today.” Aboud sounded as pleased as a father guiding his son’s first steps.

  Erik was struck by the paradox.

  The doctor steered him back to the cot and helped him reseat himself. “I’ll send someone around with a tray of food for you in a little while. Your first solid meal in weeks. It’s important that you rebuild your strength quickly since we have an important meeting to attend.”

  The paladin raised a quizzical eyebrow.

  “I told my benefactor of our successful experiment.”

  “Benefactor?” Erik repeated cautiously.

  “Yes, you would know him as your diviner.”

  Erik still registered confusion. Aboud apparently thought he was a member of the Blessed Nephilim.

  “Mr. Metcalf was overjoyed at the news. In fact, he has taken your survival as a sign from heaven that you are to be spared. You should know that he only sends malefactors to me for what he considers their just punishment. However, in your case, he is prepared to pardon you for all previous wrongdoing. He said that if God has preserved your life, then he must do likewise. That is why he wants to meet you. He wishes to bestow his blessing and absolve you of your sins.”

  Erik felt completely befuddled by the news. He tried harder to focus. Staring at the doctor, he asked, “Doesn’t he know who I am?”

  “My friend, even I don’t know who you are. You were brought here in a body bag by Joshua Metcalf and left for dead. What is your name, by the way?”

  “Erik.” The paladin cleared his throat. “So, the diviner doesn’t know what I did?”

  “I have no idea.” Aboud shrugged. “Over the past few months, he’s sent any number of people to my lab to be used as test subjects. I doubt he knew many of them personally. Of course, none of them arrived riddled with bullets as you did. Was it a firing squad?”

  “Huh?”

  “I can only assume that Joshua and his men shot you for some infraction.”

  Erik nodded slowly, trying to play along. “Did you tell the diviner about my injuries?”

  “I assumed he knew. If he didn’t then the matter is between Mr. Metcalf and his son Joshua. Either way, you have immunity now. The diviner has wiped the slate clean. He will tell you so himself during our meeting.”

  The paladin tried to wrap his head around this new set of facts. Joshua’s security team had shot him and dumped him here. Why wouldn’t the spymaster have told the diviner about an intruder on the grounds? Knowing how little information Metcalf shared with his underlings, it appeared the apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree. For now, Erik needed to figure out how to use that lack of disclosure to his advantage.

  He was going to be transported to the main compound for his interview with Metcalf. Given his injuries, it was ridiculous to think he could make a break for it and fight his way out. He started to evolve a new plan. Metcalf had never seen him before, so there was no danger from that quarter. Only three men inside the compound could ID him—Joshua, Daniel, and Hunt. If Joshua saw Erik, he wouldn’t tell his father because he’d have some awkward explaining to do about the night of the break-in. Daniel was an ally, so he could be trusted to keep his mouth shut. Leroy Hunt preferred to avoid the compound altogether so there was very little chance they’d run into each other.

  The more Erik considered his predicament, the more he figured it might offer another opportunity to rescue Hannah. He’d play along and go to the meeting. He could pass himself off as a Nephilim from one of the satellite compounds. If questioned about the bullet holes, he could say he’d been shot while trying to avoid being transported to the lab. Metcalf was just superstitious enough that he’d view Erik as divinely-protected. He might not be inclined to ask any hard questions. If Erik’s story wasn’t examined too closely, he might be allowed to stay at the main compound until his recovery was complete. Then, with Daniel’s help, he and Hannah could slip away while nobody was looking.

  “Get some more rest, my friend.” Aboud helped him lie back down. “In two days’ time, we will meet with my benefactor. I want him to see you at your best to prove my vaccine worked.”

  “I’ll be ready,” Erik murmured. A whole new world of possibilities had just opened up.

  Chapter 15—Punch Drunk and Disorderly

  “Silence!
” Abraham Metcalf thundered. He eyed his visitors angrily.

  Daniel and Leroy sat in the bucket chairs facing his desk. They had just finished explaining their theory about Joshua’s complicity in Chopper Bowdeen’s assassination attempt.

  Metcalf seemed unconvinced by their argument.

  The scion tried again. “Father, you can see the blueprint for yourself. The notes are written in Mr. Bowdeen’s own hand.”

  The diviner glared at his son and then transferred his attention to the papers spread out before him. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for all of this.”

  Hunt piped up. “Boss, there ain’t no other way that Chopper could have got to your office in the dead of night without nobody knowin’. Somebody tinkered with the cams for him ahead of time.”

  Metcalf sighed. “While I’m perfectly willing to consider the theory that Mr. Bowdeen had an accomplice, there’s no proof that Joshua was the man.”

  Daniel opened his mouth to protest. “But his name is written—”

  The diviner cut him off. “Enough! I cannot believe you would betray your own brother.”

  “Me!” The scion was about to launch into a heated defense of his personal motives, but Metcalf raised his hand to forestall him.

  “Be still. I will discuss the matter with Joshua and see what he has to say for himself.”

  “Yeah, that ought to do a lotta good,” Hunt mumbled under his breath.

  “This conversation is over,” the diviner said.

  At that moment a knock was heard on his office door.

  “My next appointment is here,” Metcalf informed them. “You two may show yourselves out and let my visitors in.”

  Leroy jammed his hat back on his head. “Yessir,” he huffed.

  Daniel trailed in his wake.

  Nothing could have prepared either one for the sight that greeted them when Hunt swung the door open.

  Daniel blinked. Standing directly in front of him was a short foreign gentleman and Erik, the artifact thief.

  Daniel, Hunt, and Erik all shouted in unison, “You!”

  Then all hell broke loose. Hunt leaped forward and punched Erik in the nose. The thief staggered backward as the foreign man rushed to keep him from toppling over. Daniel tugged at Hunt’s arm before he could land another punch. Hunt shook him off and grabbed Erik by the neck, attempting to throttle him. All four men wedged themselves in the doorframe, flailing for space.

  “What is the meaning of this commotion?” Metcalf demanded. “Mr. Hunt, release that man and get over here at once!”

  Leroy unwillingly relinquished his stranglehold and wheeled back toward his employer’s desk. Erik sagged against the wall, rubbing his neck. Daniel ran to his aid. The foreign man scurried over to rebuke the cowboy for his attack.

  While Metcalf was busy giving Hunt a dressing down and the foreign man was doing the same, Daniel used the distraction to whisper in Erik’s ear. “I’ll try to get you out of this. Follow my lead.”

  The thief nodded briefly as he gasped for air. Daniel guided him to one of the bucket chairs. Erik sank into it heavily, obviously too weak to stand. Hunt and the foreign man continued to yell at one another while Metcalf vainly tried to get their attention.

  Finally, the diviner stood up and pounded on his desk for emphasis. “Both of you, be quiet this instant!”

  The two men abruptly ceased their dispute and traded chastened looks.

  “That’s better,” the old man muttered. The effort of summoning everyone to order had cost him. Breathless, he collapsed back into his chair. Focusing on the foreign man, he said, “Doctor Aboud, have a seat.”

  Daniel made a mental note of the man’s name.

  Transferring his attention to the cowboy who remained standing, the diviner said, “Let’s begin with you, Mr. Hunt. Tell me why you attacked my visitor without provocation.”

  “Cuz he said the next time he saw me, he’d kill me. I figured I’d jump him before he got the chance.”

  “So, you two have a personal history? Where could you possibly have met before?” The diviner sounded mystified.

  Hunt did a double-take. “Boss, don’t you know him? That’s Blondie!”

  Metcalf regarded him sourly. “Unless you have a general aversion to light-haired men, you’ll have to be more specific.”

  “He’s one of them thieves who been doggin’ us since Day One. There’s Miss Cassie and the Limey named Grif and Blondie here.”

  “My name is Erik,” the thief rasped, twisting his head to relieve the tension in his neck.

  The diviner drew in a sharp breath, clearly shocked at the news. Hunt was on the point of elaborating when Metcalf cut him short. “Wait a moment. This is a confidential matter.” He turned to the foreign man. “Doctor Aboud, is this the man you told me about? The one who... uh... survived?”

  “Yes, Mr. Metcalf. Just as I said. You can ask him yourself.”

  “But how on earth did he come to be in your lab?”

  The doctor shrugged. “He was riddled with bullet holes and dumped on my doorstep in a body bag by your son Joshua.”

  “Joshua!” yelped Daniel and Leroy.

  “You see, Mr. Metcalf, it’s like we told you,” the cowboy insisted. “That boy’s been holdin’ out on you. You best ask him about this business.”

  “I intend to.” The diviner’s face was grim. “At a later date.” Transferring his attention back to Aboud, he asked, “Bullet holes?”

  The doctor raised his hands helplessly. “I have no idea why he was shot, but since he was as good as dead, I thought I might be able to use him in my—”

  Metcalf hurriedly preempted the explanation. “You and I will discuss the specifics of that issue separately. Would you please wait outside until I sort out a few things with these gentlemen?”

  “You said you wouldn’t harm the survivor.” Aboud sounded a trifle suspicious.

  “I have no plans to harm him no matter what Mr. Hunt’s intentions might be. Please do as I ask and wait outside until I call you.”

  “As you wish.” The doctor rose, shot Hunt a dirty look and let himself out of the room.

  Daniel slid into the vacant chair next to Erik.

  Metcalf stared at his three remaining visitors frigidly. “I intend to get to the bottom of this business. Right now!”

  Chapter 16—Good Cop, Bad Cop, Cross Examiner

  “Your name is Erik?” Metcalf began his interrogation.

  The thief nodded. “That’s right.”

  “How did you end up getting shot?”

  “Your son Joshua’s thugs caught me on your property after hours. They decided to shoot first and ask questions later.”

  “So, you were an intruder,” Metcalf pounced. “What were you doing on our grounds?”

  Erik hesitated, sliding a glance toward Daniel.

  The scion piped up. “It’s obvious, Father. He was trying to rescue Hannah.”

  Leroy backed him up. “Just like I told you, boss. Them thieves wanted to keep your little bride for leverage.”

  Erik cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah. We thought she’d come in handy if we got into a tight spot with you.”

  “And you just presumed you could walk into a heavily-guarded compound and lead her out by the hand?” the diviner asked archly.

  “Of course not. I had the layout of the place, and I knew where the cameras were set up.”

  The diviner’s eyes widened. “How in heaven’s name did you get that information?”

  Hunt piped up. “Dollars to donuts, it was Joshua.”

  “If you mention my son’s name one more time, Mr. Hunt.” Metcalf’s tone was ominous.

  “OK, boss. I’ll zip it.” Leroy wandered to the window ledge and propped himself against it.

  “Who gave you the plans?” Metcalf persisted.

  “Nobody,” Erik hedged, glancing furtively at Daniel. “We’ve been keeping tabs on your people for a long time
.”

  “He’s lying,” the scion challenged.

  The thief peered at him worriedly.

  “His people must have been surveilling Mr. Bowdeen. It would have been quite easy to break into his apartment and copy his blueprints.” Daniel transferred his attention to Erik, willing him to agree. “Tell the truth. That’s how you did it, isn’t that so?”

  Erik blinked. “Uh, yeah. He’s right. That’s what we did.”

  “So, you snuck over the fence in the dead of night intending to abduct my wife,” Metcalf surmised. “But my sentries intercepted and shot you.”

  Erik nodded. “I don’t know what happened after that on account of being half-dead and all, but the doc said Joshua dropped me at the lab.”

  “I wonder why my brother took it upon himself to decide the best course of action,” Daniel speculated in an innocent tone. “I should think any breach of security would have been reported immediately to the diviner.”

  Metcalf registered concern at this observation. In a softened tone, he said, “You’re quite right. I will question Joshua about his conduct. Perhaps you both were correct to bring the blueprints to my attention.”

  Hunt darted a smug glance toward Daniel but otherwise held his peace.

  The diviner leaned forward over the desk and fixed Erik with a piercing stare. “I’ve been informed that you’re part of a vast organization. Where are your headquarters?”

  The thief shrugged coolly. “We operate on a need-to-know basis. Me and the rest of my team didn’t need to know.”

  “Then who gave you your orders?” Metcalf persisted.

  Erik hesitated. “An old woman named Faye.”

  Leroy slapped his knee. “I knew it. I just knew it!”

  “Please enlighten us, Mr. Hunt,” the diviner said dryly.

  “Well, sir, it was like this. When I was spyin’ on little Hannah, I seen her livin’ in a farmhouse with a nice old lady. I figured maybe that granny knew more than she was lettin’ on.”

  “Faye was in contact with the higher-ups. She told my crew what to do, and we did it.”

  “Where is this woman now?” Metcalf asked.