Yes, Selena?

  "Until we can schedule a scan, please monitor the area for any anomalies that might indicate the exact location of the tomb."

  Processing.

  8

  Selena and Stephanie went into Elizabeth's office, where Nick and Valentina were talking with Elizabeth.

  "Freddie was able to break the code on the hieroglyphics," Selena said. "The papyrus has directions to what is probably the tomb of Alexander."

  "Where is it supposed to be?" Elizabeth asked.

  "In Egypt, on the Gulf of Suez."

  "Here we go," Nick said.

  Elizabeth frowned at him. "What do you mean, here we go?"

  "I can see what's going to happen. We're going to end up looking for this damn tomb. That whole area is probably crawling with jihadists who'd like nothing better than to make a horror film with us starring in it."

  "That's not necessarily true," Elizabeth said. "There are plenty of reasons why someone else can deal with it."

  "I'll believe it when I see it," Nick said. "This is supposed to be the tomb of Alexander the Great, right?"

  "That's right."

  "What do you think is going to be in a tomb like that? Besides old bones, that is?"

  "Artifacts," Elizabeth said. "Important historical artifacts."

  "Artifacts. Sure, lots of old things, most of them made out of gold. Didn't you say Cleopatra paid for her war with gold taken from the tomb? You can bet she wouldn't have used it all."

  "Nick's right," Selena said. "Accounts from the time say Alexander was buried in a golden sarcophagus filled with honey, along with gold and armor. If the tomb hasn't been found and looted, it will be filled with treasure."

  "That may be, but that doesn't mean we have to be the ones to find it," Elizabeth said. "It belongs to the Egyptian government, if it's still there. They can look for it."

  "We're going to have to tell someone what we've discovered, right?" Nick asked.

  "Of course."

  "The White House isn't going to turn over that kind of loot to a government that's rotten to the core with people that hate us. That kind of money would give a big boost to the jihadists. I don't like Hopkins, but I don't see him letting that happen."

  "It's not our call," Elizabeth said.

  "If it was, I'd forget I'd ever heard about the tomb."

  "You know I can't do that."

  "Who are you going to tell about it?" Nick asked.

  "I thought I'd discuss it with DCI Hood," Elizabeth said.

  "I want to call Professor Freeman and let him know what we've discovered," Selena said.

  "That should be all right. Just be sure to tell him to keep what's on the scroll under his hat."

  Valentina said, "How could this professor put scroll under his hat? How would it fit?"

  Everyone except Valentina began laughing.

  9

  Professor Freeman saw Selena's number on his display and picked up his phone.

  "Good afternoon, Doctor Connor."

  "Hello, professor. I have some good news for you."

  "Oh?"

  "We've succeeded in translating the rest of the scroll. You were right about the section in hieroglyphics. It gives directions to the general location of Alexander's tomb."

  Freeman felt his heart skip a beat.

  "That's fantastic. You said general location. Does that mean you don't know exactly where it is?"

  "The scroll puts the tomb at a distance of about one hundred miles north of Ras Gharib, on the Gulf of Suez. Beyond that, it's not specific. We'll do satellite scans of the area. That should give us more information."

  "That can't be right," Freeman said. "That's a long way from Alexandria, where the tomb was supposed to have been located. The coast is well-traveled. Any ruins or structures would have been discovered by now."

  "The scroll says the tomb is in the lair of Anubis. We think it's underground. If there were any external markers, they would have been gone a long time ago."

  "That seems logical, I suppose."

  "I'll fax you a full translation of the scroll as soon as we've finished talking."

  "Doctor Connor, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. Thank you."

  "You're quite welcome, professor."

  Selena hesitated.

  "A word of caution, if I may. It would be best if you keep this to yourself for now. This is more than just another archaeological find. The way things are in the region, it's highly political. Explosive, even. There's always a chance the tomb hasn't been looted. If that turns out to be true, there will be a fortune in gold and artifacts inside. There are people who would do anything to get their hands on something like that, and most of them do not have good intentions."

  "I understand perfectly, Doctor Connor."

  "Good. I'll get that fax off to you."

  After a few more pleasantries, Selena ended the conversation. Freeman put down his phone.

  The location of Alexander's tomb!

  There would certainly be an expedition to excavate the tomb. An expedition like that was the dream of any serious Egyptologist or historian. His reputation would skyrocket. Visions of acclaim danced in his mind. It would be like finding the tomb of Tutankhamen!

  The museum would fund it, of course. There would be the usual complications with the Egyptian authorities, but the prestige of the museum would carry him past that.

  He needed to begin making preparations right away.

  A tone from his computer signaled the arrival of Selena's fax. He opened the file and sent it to his printer. When it was done, he pulled the papers from the machine, got up from his desk, and went looking for his assistant.

  He found her in the cubbyhole she used as an office. Kalima was making notes on a shipment of second dynasty canopic urns that had arrived that morning. She'd rolled up the sleeves of her blouse while she was working, exposing a tattoo on her left forearm. He'd seen it before, a classic symbol of the sun from ancient Egypt. As tattoos went, it was tasteful and simple. Freeman thought it added to her charm.

  He waved the printed translation in the air.

  "Kalima, I have exciting news. The scroll has been translated successfully."

  "Did it turn out to be what you thought? About Alexander's tomb?"

  Freeman was beaming. "Yes! It's been found, after all these centuries."

  "Where is it?"

  "I don't have an exact location yet, only that the tomb is somewhere on the coastline of the Gulf of Suez. I'm sure we'll be able to pin it down, sooner or later. We must begin planning an expedition to excavate the tomb. You and I are going to be busy over the next few months. I'm counting on your assistance. Participating in this will be a feather in your cap and a jump start to your career."

  "What do you want me to do?"

  "I want you to put together a list of the materials and supplies we'll need. I need to make a presentation to the museum board to obtain funding. I will have to give them an accurate estimate of costs."

  "I've never done anything like that before, professor," Kalima said.

  "Don't worry, my dear. There are plenty of records of similar expeditions the museum has funded in the past. I suggest you research them. Project what we'll need from those previous events and develop a spreadsheet with estimated costs. Research the current restrictions on archaeological exploration in Egypt and find out what permits are required from the government. They will certainly demand that their personnel be fully involved."

  "Yes, professor. I'll get right on it."

  "This will be a unique experience, Kalima. We will be making history."

  Freeman looked at his watch.

  "I have a meeting I must attend. For the moment, say nothing to anyone about this. With something of this magnitude, it's important rumors don't get started before I have a chance to present something to the board. The last thing we need is for word to get out. It will complicate things immensely if the press gets hold of it."

  "Of course, professor. I won't discuss it with anyone. I'll begin working on this immediately."

  "Oh, dear, I'm going to be late," Freeman said.

  Kalima watched him hurry off to his meeting. As soon as he was out of sight, she took out her satellite phone.

  "Yes, Kalima. Speak."

  "I have a location for the tomb of the god."

  "Where is it?"

  "On the Gulf of Suez. Somewhere north of Ras Gharib."

  "Do you have something more specific?"

  "Not yet. But I expect to have that information soon."

  "Who else knows about this, besides you?"

  "Only Freeman, the person who translated the coded portions, and whomever she might have told. Freeman cautioned me not to tell anyone. He wants me to prepare a spreadsheet on costs for mounting an expedition. Then he will approach the museum board for funds. I suggest we move quickly."

  "Do not concern yourself with the timing."

  She bowed her head.

  "Yes, Nephthys."

  "You have done well. Continue as if everything is normal. Begin preparations, as he desires. You won't be doing it for long."

  "Yes, Nephthys," Kalima said again.

  "Have you discovered the name and location of the person who translated the scroll?"

  "Yes, Mistress. She lives in the American capital with her husband and children."

  "Send the information to me. As soon as you have a full copy of the translation, eliminate the professor."

  "Is that necessary, Mistress? He's a harmless old man."

  "Do I really need to explain myself, Kalima? Perhaps I've misjudged you."

  "I'm sorry, Mistress. Of course I will carry out your commands."

  "Move quickly. Make sure there is no record of the scroll's discovery."

  "Yes, Mistress."

  10

  In his wood-paneled office on the seventh floor at Langley, DCI Clarence Hood saw that Elizabeth was calling on his private line. The romantic relationship between them had cooled, but he still had hopes it might be rekindled. When he thought about it, it was amazing they'd ever had any kind of relationship at all beyond work, given the intense stress levels of their jobs. He supposed it had something to do with the common burden of secrets shared.

  "Good morning, Elizabeth."

  "Good morning, Clarence. Is this a good time to talk?"

  "Of course. I always have time for you."

  "Something has come up that could have repercussions in the Middle East. It concerns one of your low-level assets named Lewis Freeman. He's head of the Egyptology department at the Natural History Museum in New York."

  "The name isn't familiar, but that doesn't mean anything," Hood said.

  "Professor Freeman heard about Selena through his connections at Langley. He came to me with an ancient Egyptian scroll he wanted her to translate. Long story short, the scroll reveals the location of the tomb of Alexander the Great."

  "The Alexander the Great?"

  "Is there more than one?"

  "Where is it?"

  "We haven't pinned down the precise location yet. It's in northern Egypt, somewhere on the coast of the Gulf of Suez. About one hundred miles north of Ras Gharib."

  "I see."

  "If the tomb still exists and hasn't been looted, it will contain treasure of enormous value. The burial chamber is supposed to be filled with gold and precious objects. If the fundamentalists get their hands on treasure like that..."

  She left the sentence unfinished.

  "I see," Hood said again. "Of course we can't let that happen. What are your thoughts?"

  One of the things Hood liked about Elizabeth was her keen intellect. She had an ability to get to the heart of things without the typical bureaucratic weaving and dodging most of the people he dealt with used to cover their ass. She'd never been one to play that game. It made her fun to be with and an advisor he respected.

  "I don't think the Egyptian government should know about this," Elizabeth said. "Not until we know more."

  "You don't think they should be informed?"

  "You know as well as I do that the government in Cairo is corrupt. It's heavily infiltrated with members of the Muslim Brotherhood. If we turn this over to the Egyptian authorities, whatever is in that tomb is more likely to end up in the hands of the jihadists than in the Cairo Museum."

  "That's a pretty cynical statement, Elizabeth."

  "Nonetheless."

  "You have a point," Hood said. "The last elections in Egypt were a mixed blessing at best. The Brotherhood is keeping a low profile at the moment, but that's part of their strategy. The country is a powder keg. They're only waiting for the right opportunity to take over. That would be a disaster."

  "I think we have to find out what's in that tomb and make sure it's not going to end up in the wrong hands."

  "What do you propose?"

  "We send in a team."

  "I'm not sure the president will approve. Sending American troops into Egypt would not go down well over there."

  "I wasn't thinking of troops. I was thinking of my team."

  "Now wait a minute, Elizabeth. Your team doesn't officially exist. I don't have to tell you that you don't have protection like before."

  "You just did. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten that."

  "Have you talked with them about this?"

  "Not yet. But they're not dumb. Nick already figured out that I'm thinking of it. Also, Valentina is back. She adds a lot to the mix."

  "Valentina is supposed to be out of sight in Kansas."

  "No one can make Valentina do anything," Elizabeth said. "I don't blame her. Would you like it if you were exiled to the middle of a foreign country, where no one knows who you are? Where you can't tell anyone about yourself?"

  "No, I don't think I would."

  "Well, there you go."

  "The president is going to have to know," Hood said.

  "I was hoping you could convince him it's in the country's best interest to let me send my people in. You know we do covert actions as well as anyone. We'll get in and get out before anyone knows we're there, with no official military involvement."

  "You realize that if something goes wrong, you'll be crucified?"

  "Of course."

  "How do you plan to get into the country?"

  "We haven't developed the mission yet. When we do, are you sure you want to know the details? What you don't know can't be brought out in testimony if something goes wrong."

  "I'm wondering if I should feel insulted that you said that," Hood said.

  "I didn't mean that in a negative way, Clarence," Elizabeth said. "I was only thinking about your exposure when word leaks out and the inevitable congressional investigation begins."

  "I don't give a damn about those idiots in Congress. My time here is limited anyway," Hood said. "I'm surprised Hopkins hasn't gotten rid of me by now. If you keep me informed, I might be able to help you in some way if you need it. I can't do that if I don't know what your team is doing or where they are."

  "Thank you," Elizabeth said. "I didn't want to put you on the spot, but I could really use your help on this. As soon as we have a plan, I'll let you know."

  "One thing. Don't go off on your own with this. We have to get the president's approval. Things are volatile over there at the moment. If he won't sign off on it, that has to be the end of it."

  "Much as I don't like it, I understand," Elizabeth said.

  "Let me talk to him. I think I can get him to see the wisdom of letting you go in there, as long as he's convinced it's not going to come back on him politically."

  "If we go in, it won't be as official representatives of the government. It should give him enough cover."

  "If Rice were still president, we wouldn't need to have this conversation," Hood said.

  "Times change," Elizabeth said.

  "I'll never understand how people like Hopkins get elected."

  "He's a consummate politician, I'll give him that. He could charm the skin off a snake."

  "When do you think you'll have a mission plan ready?"

  "I need to get Ronnie and Lamont back in here. I need better intel on the area. I'm going to guess a week. I don't think it will take longer than that. Can you task a satellite ground penetration scan of the area? It will help us find the exact location."

  "I'll set it up."

  "Wonderful."

  "Elizabeth, there's an offshoot of Al Qaeda in the Maghreb called Allah's Justice operating in that area. You'll need to watch your step."

  "There's always another head of the hydra. I don't think we'll see the end of this in our lifetimes."

  "Nor do I. If you end up going in, your people need to be careful. Allah's Justice is led by a lunatic named Masuda Bahar. He makes Al-Baghdadi look like Santa Claus."

  "That's hard to imagine."

  "There's something about the cruelty of these people that goes beyond religious fanaticism. Satanic, even."

  "They certainly don't represent humanity's finest hour," Elizabeth said.

  Hood looked at the clock discreetly placed on the corner of his desk.

  "I've got a meeting in a few moments. I need to go. Send me the coordinates and I'll get the satellite info to you as soon as we have it."

  "Thank you, Clarence."

  "Call me. Let's have dinner, soon."

  After she'd hung up, Elizabeth thought about the invitation. He'd left it up to her. She wasn't sure if she wanted to follow up on it, or not.

  She'd think about it after the mission was planned and underway.

  11

  Lamont Cameron took a look at the fresh paint and plasterwork hiding the bullet holes that had pockmarked the walls the last time he'd been in the building.

  "You fixed the place up pretty good, Director. I like the paint. Nice colors."

  "I'm glad you approve, Lamont. It gave me a chance to brighten the place up a little."

  Ronnie looked at the walls. "Weren't they the same color before?"

  "Pretty much. But when it's new, it looks a lot better," Elizabeth said.

  Ronnie had on a shirt from his Hawaiian collection. He had over a hundred shirts, some of them true classics from the early days of the style. He always wore them when the weather was good. Today's choice was fairly conservative, with dancing hula girls swaying under palm trees against a light tan background.