Andy McDermott - The Tomb Of Hercules

“I’m convinced that there is something else to be found, some clue that isn’t obvious from transcripts of the text or photos of the parchments. Mr. Popadopoulos, we’re both historians-preserving and documenting the past is what we do, it’s our passion in life. It’s what drives us. I honestly believe that if you allow me to see the original texts, I’ll be able to find some clue that will reveal the location of the Tomb of Hercules. We both know why the discovery of Atlantis can’t be revealed to the world, but this is something, a genuine ancient treasure, that can.”

Popadopoulos said nothing, but at least seemed to be considering her words. She pressed on. “Every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety and preservation of the parchments. The only members of the IHA who will see them will be myself and whomever else you authorize; you will have full control over access to them, and the security arrangements will be entirely up to you. The only thing I ask is that I be allowed to view the text here in New York, so that I have access to all my research and the IHA’s facilities. The Brotherhood’s archives are an incredible source of knowledge-please, let me put them to good use. For the benefit of history.”

Nina sat back. She’d said her piece; everything was now in Popadopoulos’s hands. He stayed silent for several seconds, Nina’s anxiety increasing with each tick of the clock. If he said no, she was back to square one…

“I will… consider your proposal,” he finally said. Nina could tell from the resignation in his voice that he was going to let her see the text; knowing that the Brotherhood had already agreed in principle would make it very hard for him to refuse. His “consideration” was just for show. “And I will also need to speak to the Brotherhood in Rome.”

“Take all the time you need,” Nina told him. “Please, use my phone to make your calls.” She gestured at her desk. “I’ll give you some privacy-when you need me, just dial zero to have somebody page me.”

“Thank you, Dr. Wilde.” They both stood and shook hands, then Nina left the room. As soon as she closed the door, she punched the air and mouthed a silent Yes!

Feeling triumphant, she headed for the IHA’s lounge. Coffee wasn’t exactly a celebratory drink, but after the previous night champagne wasn’t high on her list of-

She froze. Farther down the corridor, a man emerged from an office, his back to her, and headed for the elevators at the far end. A man in jeans and a battered black leather jacket.

Eddie Chase.

Nina opened her mouth to call out to him, then clamped it shut again, not sure what she would say. And what was he doing here anyway, after all the fuss he’d made about taking the morning off?

Her confusion increased when she realized from which door he’d just come. It was the office of Hector Amoros. Not somebody with whom Chase dealt regularly… so why had he gone to see him now?

The elevator doors closed on Chase-if he’d seen her down the corridor as they shut, he gave no sign. A chill suddenly hit her.

Had he quit? Was that why he’d gone to the man in charge of the IHA, to hand in his resignation?

The chill intensified. If it was because of her, then the IHA might not be the only place he was leaving…

Nina was about to go to Amoros’s office and ask him what had happened when she heard her name over the PA system. Evidently Popadopoulos had come to a quick decision.

She vacillated for a moment before turning and heading back to her office. One thing at a time. Get rid of Popadopoulos, and then find out what the hell Chase had just done. And hope it wasn’t too late to stop him from doing something stupid.

Not, she reflected ruefully, that she’d had much success at that lately…

The hunched historian stood waiting for her as she entered. “Dr. Wilde,” he said, somewhat reluctantly, “regarding the Hermocrates text… the Brotherhood has agreed to allow you to view it. Here in New York.”

“Thank you,” she said, though without the pleasure she’d expected.

“I have certain conditions that must be met regarding security and the handling of the pages, of course-I will e-mail the details to you by this afternoon.” His eyes narrowed behind the gold-rimmed glasses. “These conditions are not negotiable, no.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” said Nina, distracted, still concerned about Chase. Popadopoulos seemed surprised by her ready agreement, geared up for a confrontation and slightly disappointed not to get one.

“Very well,” he said. “I will make the necessary arrangements to have the text flown over from Italy by tomorrow. I, of course, will be in attendance at all times while you-you alone, no one else will have access-examine the pages.”

“Yeah, that’s great.” She blinked, snapping back to full awareness of the conversation. “I mean, thank you, Mr. Popadopoulos, thank you! I look forward to it. Thank you.” She shook his hand, then almost bustled the little man out of the office before sitting down, one hand over her mouth.

What had Chase done?

She was about to reach for the phone to call Amoros when it trilled. Startled, she picked it up. “Hello?”

“Nina, hi.” It was Amoros himself. “When you’re free, can you come by my office?”

“Is it-is it about Eddie?”

“Actually, yes.” He sounded surprised. “I didn’t realize you knew. He said he hadn’t told you about it.”

“About what?” she asked, feeling panicked.

There was a pause. “Maybe you’d better come seeme…”

“You’re going where?” Nina demanded. As soon as her meeting with Amoros ended, she’d raced out of the building and jumped into a cab back to the apartment.

“Shanghai,” said Chase casually, as if flying to China on a moment’s notice was no more remarkable an event than taking the subway, while he stuffed clothes into a bag.

“Why are you going to Shanghai?”

He gave her a condescending smirk. “It’s classified. IHA business.”

Nina bristled. “The hell it’s classified! Tell me what you’re doing!”

“Sorry, love, it is classified. Amoros agrees with me-and so does the U.N.”

She stepped up to him, hands on her hips. “Is this about us?”

“It’s got nothing to do with us,” he said. “Something came up, I thought it was an IHA security issue, Amoros agreed, so I’m off to Shanghai to check it out.”

“Why you? Why not somebody else? Like somebody actually in Shanghai already?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Can’t tell me, or won’t tell me?”

Not looking at her, Chase shut the bag, then slipped his passport and other documents into the inside pocket of his leather jacket. “I’ve got to go.”

“And how long are you going to be gone?”

Chase shrugged. “Long as it takes.” He started towards the door, but Nina stood in his way.

“You seriously expect me to believe that you’re flying halfway around the world at a moment’s notice, and you won’t tell me why, and it has nothing to do with what we’re going through right now?”

“I don’t really care what you believe. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to work.” He pushed past her and left the room.

“Son of a bitch!” Nina growled, shooting a venomous look at the back of the apartment door as it closed behind him. Fists clenched, she went over to the Cuban souvenir as if about to sweep it from its perch and smash it into a million pieces, but then turned away and threw herself onto the couch, shaking with anger.