Kathlyn Trent, Marcus Burton 01 - Valley of the Shadow (26 page)

The Major scratched his head. "What makes you so sure?"

"Because Trent and Burton have no reason to lie."

"Did you go down that shaft in KV1, the one they said they escaped out of?"

Tony nodded. "It was a dead end. In the area where they indicated was a room with a sand pit, I only found a small square of an opening that looked as if it had been sealed up.  It was dry, sandy and crumbly."

"But there was something there?"

"I believe there was." Tony stood up from where he had been resting against a table top. "Look, I believe them. Those people were exhausted and sick and dirty, and I don't think in a million years they would have concocted this outrageous story. It's just too wild. Do you think Dr. Davis would have actually shot himself to prove a point? And they have such an obvious love for this tomb, I can't see any of them just blowing it up for publicity. They don't need it - the media is all over this place as it is."

The Major thought a moment, weighing the evidence. "Well, one thing is for certain. I have absolutely nothing to hold Dougray and Abrahams on."

"I know."

He cast Tony a long look. "But I want them watched at all times, is that clear?"

"I was hoping you'd say that."

"And I want Trent and Burton watched, too. Call it protection if you will, but I want someone with them all the time."

"I'll do it myself."

Tony turned on his heel. Before he could leave the tent, the Major stopped him. "One more thing," he said. "Don't let Burton near either Dougray or Abrahams. With that guy's size and temper, he'll be facing murder charges in no time."

Tony had to agree. "The man can take care of himself. He could probably wipe out half of us and never break a sweat."

The Major grinned. "I wish I had him under my command."

Tony laughed softly and quit the tent. He had to find Burton and Trent and tell them that things hadn't gone in their favor. It was a situation that gave him a sick feeling to his stomach. He knew Burton wasn't going to like it, either.

***

"Did you really think he would admit it?" Kathlyn's voice was dull. "He'd be facing attempted murder charges. Why would he cop to it?"

Seated on Marcus' bed, she was showered and dressed in clean, comfortable clothes. But the spark was out of her face, and her tone. She looked as if she had been utterly beaten, something that didn't sit well with Marcus. He couldn't stand seeing her so upset and exhausted.

"Tony, I appreciate your coming to tell us what transpired, but it doesn't change things," he said. "Dougray and Abrahams tried to kill us. I don't know what more proof I can give you other than the collapsed tomb and four eye witnesses."

Tony took a deep breath. Lynn, standing near the door, opened up a folding chair for the man to sit on. Tony thanked him as he lowered himself onto the chair.

"Dougray threw a new twist into it,” he told them. “He issued counter allegations that you and Dr. Trent blew up the tomb yourself in order to gain more publicity. He said it was a media stunt."

"Christ," Marcus spat with disgust. "Is that what he said? What a lying bastard."

"That's what I told the Major," Tony said. "Dougray said some pretty bad things about Dr. Trent when trying to compare who had the better reputation and who was the most believable."

Marcus' jaw ticked. "Like what?"

Tony was reluctant to say anything, but he'd come this far and he thought they had a right to know. "He said that she has the reputation in the archaeology community as a loose cannon and a publicity hound. He inferred that no one would disbelieve a tale that she blew up the tomb for her own gain."

Kathlyn looked at Marcus, took a deep breath, and fell back on the bed. She was too weary to deal with it. She'd had so many barbs against her in her professional life that one more didn't really matter. Marcus, however, was so furious that he was white around the lips.

"Is that all he said?" he asked.

Tony nodded. "Pretty much," he said. "Look, it's basically his and Abrahams' word against yours. He really made himself out to look innocent, Dr. Burton. The Major can't do anything because we've no real evidence."

"So what will it take?" Kathlyn asked. "For me to die? For Marcus to die? Then will you believe us?"

Tony was visibly remorseful. "I do believe you, Dr. Trent. So does the Major, I think, but the lack of evidence is prohibitive. The Major has ordered a guard on Abrahams and Dougray twenty four hours a day under the pretense of protection. What he really wants to do is have them watched. He's also ordered a guard on the two of you as well and I took the duty.  In your case, it really will be for protection."

Kathlyn didn't say anything.  She just laid there, knees up, hair spread out all over the blanket as she stared up at the ceiling. Marcus held out a hand to Tony.

"Thank you," he shook the man's hand. "We appreciate everything you've done."

Tony stood up. "I just wish it could be more, Dr. Burton. But rest assured that I'll have my eye on those two bastards. So will the rest of the Marines, I promise you."

"We're grateful," Marcus said.

Lynn walked the Marine to the door. In the opening, Tony paused. "By the way, Dr. Burton, the Major instructed me to tell you to stay away from Dougray and Abrahams if you can help it. He understands your feelings about them and doesn't want a murder on his hands."

Marcus merely cocked an eyebrow at him. Tony didn't push the issue and quit the tent with Lynn behind him. When they were alone, Marcus sat down beside Kathlyn. She had her hands on her forehead, as if trying to hold her brain in, and her eyes were fixed on the ceiling.

"What do you want to do?" he asked softly.

She closed her eyes and a solitary tear streamed down one temple. "I don't know," she whispered. "This is just such a nightmare, it makes me sick. My affiliation with SCU and World Geography is in ruins and I've got a sect of crazy Jewish guys out to kill me because they think I'm trying to destroy their religion."

"Don't worry about your affiliation," he stroked her hair. "McGrath and Bardwell are behind you, you know that. They've been in contact with their associates back in the states and have told them the story. Dougray and Abraham's professional days are numbered, I swear it."

She opened her eyes and looked at him. "But they're only the tip of the iceberg. What about all the rest of these people affiliated with the Order of the Most Holy? They'll all be coming after me until someone finally gets me. They won't stop until I'm dead, you're dead, we're all dead."

Marcus let out a pent-up sigh. "That's just not going to happen, sweetheart. You've got a whole platoon of Marines here to protect you."

"For the rest of my life?" she propped herself up on her elbows. "Marcus, this isn't just about the present, here in Egypt. It's about the rest of my life, and the life of our child. We have no idea who's a member of this sect, or where they are, or when they'll pop up. It could be anywhere, any time."

She was right, but he couldn't let himself get caught up in her despair. "Then that's why you have me, to protect you always. I'm a damn good bodyguard."

She groaned in frustration and fell back onto the bed, rolling onto her side. "I'm ruined," she muttered, more tears coming. "It's the end of the road for me. I'll be like that author, in hiding for the rest of my life. I'll be a hermit and our baby will be forced to grow up in isolation, speaking some weird home-grown language that no one will be able to understand. I'll be a freak; a ruinous, ostracized freak."

It was hard not to laugh at her when she was being so dramatic, but she had every right to be upset. He put his hands on her, rubbing her back. She was tense, her early pregnancy amplifying her emotions. The Kathlyn Trent he knew wouldn't give up so easy.

"Don't worry about it," he leaned down and kissed her ear. "I'm here. We'll work through this, I promise."

She sniffled. "You just make a big target."

He laughed softly and kissed her ear again. He sat there for the longest time, resting his forehead against her temple, wondering what in the hell was in store for them now.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Juliana and Kathlyn were in Antechamber F, along with Gary, meticulously brushing at a pile of corpses. The debris in Corridor C had been removed for almost a day now, not entirely, but enough to allow passage. The walls and ceiling were shored up and work in the tomb had resumed as normal. That included Kathlyn, Juliana, Mark and the rest of the crew. Ed's absence was sorely felt, and the whole ambiance surrounding them was filled with apprehension and gloom. Things just weren't the same, but Marcus made everyone get back to work as if nothing was awry. He had a tomb to investigate and clear, and he was going to do just that.

Tony and a few of the other Marines had jumped down into the bottomless pit to explore the deadly passages Marcus and Kathlyn had so vividly described.  Kathlyn was glad; she somehow felt validated. Five days after the worst moment of her life, she was beginning to feel a glimmer of hope. Dougray and Abrahams were still at the site, but she hadn't run into then since the incident. Marcus and Tony had seen to that.

"He's taking it better than I thought he would," Juliana said.

Kathlyn didn't look up from the body she was cleaning. She exchanged the brush for a dental explorer. "What are you talking about?"

"The reopening of the tomb. Marcus seems really comfortable about it."

"He is," Kathlyn concentrated on a piece of debris that looked like linen. "He's upset about the destruction in Corridor C but he's not going to let it get him. He's bounced back much better than I've have."

Juliana didn't want to agree but Kathlyn was right. Since the incident, she'd been subdued and sullen. She wouldn't even talk to the reporters anymore. Marcus very rarely let her out of his sight; this moment was an unusual exception. But he was only one chamber away should she need him, in the sarcophagus room with Otis, Lynn and Dennis, building a frame that would help lift the enormous lid.

"It's been pretty traumatic for all of us," Juliana said. "I just wish Abrahams and Dougray would leave. I can't tell you how nervous I am having them around here."

"I know," Kathlyn said. "But the Marines have done a good job at keeping us separated."

Juliana glanced at her friend as she worked on the moldy pile; she was in her overall shorts and tee shirt, her long hair pulled up off her face.  He had knee pads on for protection against the dirt and those ever-present big boots. Even though she was doing her job, her eyes had no sparkle for the love of her work. She looked as beautiful as ever, but there was no energy at all. It was as if Abrahams and Dougray had sucked it right out of her. She hadn't even had any sensations since returning to the tomb; Juliana wondered if the miraculous intuition had somehow gone on hiatus along with Kathlyn's zest for her job.

Juliana sat up and blew a stray piece of hair from her face. "Hey, want to take a break? I could use a soda."

Kathlyn glanced over at Gary, against the far wall and working on his own pile of bodies. "Want a soda, Gary? We're going topside for a minute."

"No, I'm okay," he said, squinting at his work.  He blew on it and a splattering of earth few into the air. "But hurry back. I want you to help me with this group over here. I want your input on something."

Kathlyn stood up stiffly, brushing off her knees. She wandered into the sarcophagus chamber where Marcus and the others were. Burton was bent over a frame, hammering a massive piece of boarding together. It was a precise piece of framing, very nicely done. He would have made an exceptional carpenter.

"We're going up to get a soda," she told him. "Want something?"

He looked up. "No thanks," he said. He stood up, his gaze drifting over her. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Yes. Why?"

He shook his head. "No reason. Take someone with you."

"Juliana's going with me."

"You know what I mean."

She did. He meant a Marine. She didn't even summon the spunk to argue with him; she just nodded and left the chamber. Marcus continued to stare at the doorway after she was gone, depressed by her demeanor. She hadn't been herself for days. He caught Lynn and Mark looking over at him. He bent over and went back to work.

"Maybe they've been right all along," Mark said quietly. "Maybe this place really is killing her."

Marcus hammered furiously at a three-inch nail. "She's fine. She's just tired."

"I've known her a lot of years, Marcus. I've never seen her like this, ever."

Marcus gave the nail one last violent blow and looked up. "So what do you want me to do about it?"

"Maybe you should send her home. This place is bad for her."

His first reaction was that she was never going to be out of his sight; naturally, that prevented him from sending her back home to California. But then he realized how selfish that was. He was only keeping her here for himself, not because it was what was best for her. He went back to nailing his frame.

"She'll be okay," he said, though he wasn't sure he believed it. "We'll just see how it goes the next week or so."

Mark looked at Lynn, who merely shrugged. They were about to go back to work when Larry, ever-present video camera in hand, came running into the chamber.

"Dr. Burton, you better come," he panted. "Dr. Trent ran into Dougray in Chamber D. They're exchanging words."

Marcus bolted from the chamber with Lynn and Mark on his heels. He still had the hammer in his hand and had every intention of using it.

***

Kathlyn had a Marine with her as she had entered Chamber D. She had her head down, crossing the bottomless pit and noticing how well lit it was down below. The Marines hadn't taken any chances, illuminating the hole in the pit wall and also keeping the bugs at bay with plenty of gasoline. It smelled like a home-made bomb down there.  She had just finished coming over the bridge when she looked up to find herself staring into Dougray's frightening face.

He had a Marine with him, too, who looked rather shocked that Dr. Trent was on the scene. Dougray wasn’t shocked at all; he merely smiled.

"Dr. Trent," he said amiably. "It’s good to see you. You're looking splendid, as usual. You'll pardon me for coming down here to take a look at the extent of the damage. I was very concerned."

Kathlyn initial surprise was replaced by anger so deep that it seemed to erupt right out of her before she could stop it. "The damage that you did," she hissed. "Your plans went awry, you bastard. Not only am I living, but I've told everyone who will listen what kind of bullshit you're up to. You're an evil, murderous man and I swear to God that I'll see you punished for all of this."

Dougray was so very cool. His dark eyes glittered at her. "Dr. Trent, I forgive you because you've been through quite a bit in the last few days. Anyone who has gone through what you've gone through is apt to be a bit on edge."

"I'm not on edge," she was shaking with anger. "I'm pissed off because you've managed to worm your way out of an attempted murder charge with your diplomacy and lies."

Dougray smiled ruefully. "My dear, I'm sorry you feel this way. I've done nothing but try to help you. The world needs people like you. It's simply ludicrous that I'd try to destroy what I've helped create."

Kathlyn heard her own words echo in his statement and it threw her over the edge.  "God, I wish the ceiling you blew up had fallen on top of you,” she hissed. “The world will be better of without you and those like you. You pollute everything that true religion and knowledge stand for."

His smile faded and he moved towards her, his tight features focused intently on her. "Dr. Trent, this fantasy world that you seem to live in is becoming a bit frightening.  Perhaps you should consider seeking some professional help for your delusions."

Her cheeks were flushed. "The only delusion I had was that I was working for a respectable man. You're a goddamn monster and I hope you rot in hell."

"It's not I who will…"

His words were cut off by a hand to his throat. Marcus suddenly had him around the neck, throwing him against the wall of Corridor C like a rag doll. The Marines jumped in to pull him off, but Lynn and Mark came to his aid and decked the Marines. A couple more Marines standing guard in the Corridor C jumped into the melee, as did Larry, Andy, and finally Dennis. Dennis came howling across the bridge from Chamber D, throwing punches like a wild man. In little more than a few seconds, a full-scale battle had erupted.

              Kathlyn and Juliana leapt back as the fists flew. Gary, all the way from the antechamber, came hurling across the bottomless pit and jumped feet-first into the fracas. He and Dennis made quite pair, beating on the Marines who were supposed to be on their side, pounding any unfortunate workers who were stupid enough to think they could intervene. It was like watching a barroom brawl out of an old Western movie. More Marines came racing to the scene and bodies began flying everywhere. And somewhere in the middle of it was Marcus.

He still had Dougray by the throat. The man was turning shades of red, and finally blue, as Marcus tightened his grip. It was an amazing sight when a Marine tried to pull Marcus off and, without releasing his grip, Marcus balled up his right fist and planted a punch on the Marine's face that knocked him cold. Marcus was fully prepared to kill Dougray; that much was evident. But the battle abruptly stilled when the barrel of a gun suddenly pressed against Marcus' head.

"Burton, drop him!"

The Major had his weapon pushed into Marcus' temple. Marcus didn't budge. "I said drop him!" the Major shouted again.

Marcus wasn't the least bit intimidated. But the fighting ground slowly to a halt and, for the singular reason that Marcus was certain the Major would follow through on his threat, Marcus did as he was ordered. Dougray fell to the ground, sputtering and gasping.

"He... he tried to... kill me," Dougray heaved. "I want him arrested!"

The Major still had his gun against Marcus' head. "Mr. Dougray," he said steadily. "If there is any justice in this world, I should have let him kill you. But at this juncture, I consider the score even. Now get the hell out of here and don't come back."

Dougray stumbled to his feet, rubbing his neck. "That's outrageous. I have every right to be...."

"Get out," the Major said again. "Or I'll turn this weapon on you, so help me."

Dougray was about to argue but thought better of it. With a long look at Kathlyn, he stumbled from the corridor. The Major waited until he was out of sight before dropping his weapon. He looked at Marcus.

"I told you I didn't want any of this bullshit going on," he said. "What in the hell is the matter with you?"

Marcus' jaw was ticking furiously. Seeing another battle about to erupt, Kathlyn intervened by putting her arms around Marcus' waist.

"He was just going back to work," she said, pulling at her husband. "Thank you for your help, Major."

The Major glared at both of them. "No more of this, Burton, do you understand? I can't allow you to take matters into your own hand."

Marcus' cobalt blue eyes were like blue flame. "Someone has to do it since you're incapable."

"My hands are tied and you know it."

"That doesn't help my wife or me when there's a cold blooded murderer wandering around."

The Major was frustrated, angry. He put his weapon back in the holster at his side. "Next time, I'll have your ass arrested,” he lifted his eyebrows at Marcus for emphasis. “Is that understood?"

"He understands," Kathlyn was trying to turn Marcus around. "Thanks again, Major, for all your help.  We know you're in a difficult spot."

Marcus moved reluctantly. "You better tell your men to keep Dougray clear of my wife," he said over his shoulder. "One more slip-up like this and the blood will be on their hands, not mine."

Kathlyn shoved him towards the bridge straddling the bottomless pit. "Enough," she hissed at him. "Let's go back to work."

People were picking themselves up, wiping blood, spitting out teeth. Dennis' tender hands were raw and bleeding. Lynn looked like he had been through the grinder but he was smiling. He pulled Mark off the ground and slapped his cheek, laughing when Mark groggily responded. Gary had sprained a finger but he wasn't going to favor it. He hadn't had that much excitement in a long time. Juliana followed Kathlyn and Marcus back over the bridge, surveying the carnage as she went. She burst out laughing.

"I haven't seen anything like this since college and the morning after the big frat parties," she said.

Kathlyn was more concerned with getting Marcus back into the sarcophagus chamber than laughing at the scene. Juliana caught up to them, helping Kathlyn make sure that Marcus didn't have any further aspirations of pursuing Dougray. But he apparently had no such ambitions, as he put his arm around Kathlyn's shoulders and walked with her back to the sarcophagus chamber. Otis and Gary appeared shortly thereafter, followed by Lynn practically carrying Mark. Although Mark assured everyone he was all right, his eyes kept rolling back in his head and Marcus made him sit down for a while, away from the work.

Marcus went back to building his frame, oddly enough, feeling much better than he had earlier. There was something incredibly gratifying about wrapping his hands around Dougray's neck. In fact, everyone was smiling or making jokes, reliving the fun. Kathryn and Juliana sat with Mark to make sure he was all right, watching Lynn and Marcus wrestle with the big frame. Lynn was snorting and laughing and Marcus even broke a smile at what Lynn had apparently said. Kathlyn was relieved to see that Marcus was loosening. It was amazing how that one violent little scene had lifted everyone spirits. It was a release of sorts. Now they didn't feel so helpless.