Clive Cussler - The Navigator

“ Wonderful things,” Saxon said.

He led them to a tank where at least a dozen amphorae were submerged in water to preserve them. “We’ve done preliminary X-rays. These jars are loaded with scrolls. This is bound to be a treasure trove of information. The Phoenicians sailed all over the world. I’m hoping we’ll find charts showing where they traded and descriptions of their voyages.”

“Sounds as if we’re going to have to rewrite the history books,” Austin said.

“We’ve only scratched the surface, Kurt,” Zavala said. “The wreck is loaded with artifacts.”

Austin glanced at the water. “How’s Mrs. Hutchins taking all this commotion?” he said.

“When we told Thelma about the salvage, she admitted that Hutch might be getting waterlogged,” Zavala said. “She agreed to have his remains transported to land, where she could be closer to the old guy.”

Austin offered his congratulations all around. Then he and Carina rowed back to the catboat. As they hauled anchor and set sail, Saxon called out: “See you Saturday, Carina.”

She waved in acknowledgment, and minutes later the sailboat was gliding across the bay under the influence of a steady southwest breeze. They stopped for lunch in a quiet cove. Austin went into the cabin and came back out holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses. He poured out the bubbly, and they clinked glasses.

“I’ve got something to tell you,” Carina said.

“I gathered that from Saxon’s comment.”

“Saxon has found new clues to Sheba’s tomb in Yemen. He wants me to help him search for it. I still can’t believe I’m Sheba’s descendant, but I’d love to find her resting place. She was a remarkable woman. I said yes.”

“I’ll miss you, but it sounds like a fine adventure,” Austin said. “When will you be leaving?”

“We fly out three days from now.”

“Any suggestions how I should treat Your Royal Highness in the meantime?”

“You’ve got seventy-two hours to find out,” Carina said with an intriguing smile. “That should give you more than enough time.”

Austin set his champagne down and took her glass from her fingers. He gestured toward the cabin.

“No time like the present,” Austin said.