Curse of Atlantis (32 page)

“Jack, you really need to slow it down from here on out. Beyond this point is uncharted territory. Let’s keep if safe, ok?” Javier voiced his concern.

“Ok, I’ll be careful,” Jack replied.

The four started off slow
ly
. With Jack in the lead, he moved up a few feet and waited. As the others caught up, he moved up another few feet and waited again. Over and over, they repeated the pattern, as they watched for dangers. Moving steadily and efficiently, they were able to cover the next long section of corridor in a half hour. Arriving at the pentagon-shaped room, the four stood just outside and admired its beauty.

“Magnificent,” Burt said.

“Hard to believe this was all solid rock at one time,” Javier considered. “It’s such an achievement in engineering.”

“I think what’s amazing is how well preserved it all is,” Jack said.

“I’m just happy we didn’t run into anymore traps,” Darrien added.

They all looked on for another minute, then Burt said, “We’ve made good time. We should be able to clear this room and get back outside with plenty of time to spare.”

With a quick look around, Jack immediately started off toward the large rectangular altar.

“Jack, hold up. We shouldn’t just charge in here without testing it first,” Javier said.

“It’s ok, there’s nothing between me and the altar,” he replied, continuing on.

Before Javier could protest further, Jack had already hurried across the room. He stepped around to the backside of the altar and set down his equipment.

“There’s a pedestal on the
altar, just like the one depicted on the front of this block,” he pointed out immediately.

As he stood behind the altar, the three considered the area safe and moved in to investigate while he continued with his discovery.

“The image on the front of this altar shows the crystal on the pedestal opening the door. I’m betting if we load some weight onto it, the door will open.”

“Whoa Jack, we can’t just throw some weight on that pedestal and hope everything turns out ok,” Burt said. “We have to keep in mind that the crystal is in reality, a key.”

“I agree. Without the crystal, that pedestal could be a trap itself. Any incorrect weight on it could set off a trap that could kill us all,” Burt added. “We really can’t do anything until the Russians bring us that crystal.”

Javier checked his watch and mentally calculated the time.

“We better secure this room and get out of here,” he said, now with nervous tension in his voice.

“I hope they’re punctual,” Jack responded. “I’m a nervous wreck, waiting for them to make their move.”

“Me too, Jack, me too,” Javier said grimly.

~~~~~  ~~~~~  ~~~~~

Standing out in front of the pyramid’s entrance, the four men waited for contact by the Russians. Checking their watches repeatedly, they scanne
d the area for any signs of visitors
.

Darrien looked at the workers busying themselves around the pyramid. Further away, he scanned the surrounding hills and nearby roads.

“I know they’re supposed to be here, but I don’t see any signs of police,” he said quietly.

“I know what you mean. I’ve been looking for them too. If they’re there, they’re doing a great job at blending in,” Jack whispered back.

“I’m more concer
ned
the Russians
aren’t here
right now,” Javier said in a low hushed voice. “It’s after one-thirty and they haven’t shown yet.”
Turing to Jack, he asked, “Are you sure they said one-thirty?”

“Yup, positive. They called this morning and changed the time.”

“Maybe they won’t show,” Burt wondered.

“They’ll be here,” Jack responded.

“What makes you so sure?”
Burt asked.

“They’ve invested a lot of time into this. They won’t just walk away,” Jack replied, confidently.

“I sure hope you’re right,” Javier said, his voice now showing the strain. Looking over to Burt, he asked, “You all set?”

“The signaling device is strapped to my ankle. All I have to do is push the button with my foot and they’ll be as good as caught,” Burt replied confidently.

“Whatever you do, just make sure you don’t signal them until you see Serena,” Javier said.

“I know, Javi. I remember the Chief Inspector’s instructions very clearly,” Burt replied, recalling their meeting with the police the night before.

“Sorry, I guess I’m a little nervous,” Javier said.

“No need to apologize, Javi. If my daughter’s life was on the line, I’d be a nervous wreck too,” Burt sympathized.

As the workers carried on with their daily routine, off in the distance, a lone dark sedan drove up the dirt and gravel road toward the pyramid. Even before they heard the car’s engine, the tires
threw
a cloud of dust in the air, telegraphing its arrival.

“This is it. Stay sharp,” Jack said softly.

As the car traversed the winding road, the engine sound became noticeable. A minute later, the black sedan pulled up near the front of the pyramid. Javier strained his eyes to locate Serena through the darkened windows.

The four men stood nervously as the driver’s door opened. The driver stepped from the vehicle and closed the door. Almost immediately, the other three doors opened and three men stood menacingly by the car.

“I couldn’t see Serena. Did any of you see her?” Javier asked in a frantic, yet hushed voiced.

“They got out too quickly. I did
n’t
get a chance to see,” Jack responded.

“Yeah, same here,” Burt replied.

“I don’t think there’s anyone else in that car,” Darrien said, still squinting toward the vehicle.

With a simple nod from the driver, the four men walked slowly toward the pyramid. All eyes were glued to the Russians. Nearly all the same size and build, none of them looked familiar.

“I haven’t seen any of these guys before,” Jack said suspiciously.

“Maybe they aren’t the Russians. Maybe they’re just four guy
s
interested in the pyramid,” Darrien offered.

“No way. They’re definitely the Russians, just not the one’s we’ve met before,” Jack responded.

As the four dark suited men walked closer, the driver took the lead. Nearing Javier and Burt, he called out, “Which one of you is Arista?”

“I’m Javier Arista.”

“I believe you have something for us,” the Russian said in heavy broken English.

They stopped several feet from Javier and conducted their business.

“Where’s my daughter?” Javier asked, trying not to sound intimidated. “First my daughter, then the treasure.”

“What do you mean, ‘first your daughter’? I know nothing of your daughter. We are here to collect the artifacts,” the lead Russian countered.

Stepping forward, Jack cut in, “Are you telling us you don’t have Serena Arista in your car?”

“We know nothing of a Serena Arista. Our orders are simple: pick up the artifacts from the pyramid,” the lead Russian said, now growing agitated. Taking a step closer, he demanded, “Where are the artifacts?”

A moment of silence transpired between them as each group of men tried to sort out the dilemma
mentally
.

“There must have been some kind of miscommunication here. We’re supposed to make a trade: Serena for the artifacts. Is it possible for you to contact your employer and straighten this out over the phone?” Javier asked, now desperate to work out the problem.

“We were warned of your American tricks. Who do you think we are? Do you think we’re not smart e
nough to see through your games?
” the lead Russian spat.

“First of all, I’m not an American. I’m a Caicos native. And second, we’re not playing games here. I haven’t asked you for any money,” Javier shot back. “In case you weren’t informed, your boss kidnapped Serena and stole the crystal key that opens
the
burial chamber. He’s been holding her until we
located
the Atlantean artifact
s
. We were supposed to make a trade like I said before: the contents of the burial chamber for my daughter, Serena.”

A confused expression spread across the faces of the four Russian men. Javier’s story sounded reasonable. They also had their orders.

“Your story is of no concern to me. I have my orders. Where are the artifacts?” the lead Russian demanded, now unbuttoning his jacket.

“Even if wanted to give you the artifacts, I couldn’t. You guys have the key into the chamber… remember? Your boss stole the crystal key.”

The Russian reached into his jacket, pulled out a handgun and stuck it in Javier’s face.

“Lead me to the artifacts or die,” the Russian growled angrily.

As the other three Russians began to unbutton their own jackets, Jack cut in.

“Whoa guys! Hold on. We can work this out. No need for violence.”

“FREEZE, POLICE!”

From behind the confrontation, a loud voice shouted
loudly in broken English
. Instantly, a dozen plain clothes men swarmed out from the
construction crews disguised as common
workers and surrounded the eight men, their weapons drawn and pointing menacingly at the four Russians.

“Drop your weapons,
NOW
!” the lead officer shouted forcefully
, his actions clearing away any misconception in his accented speech
.

For a moment, the four Russians stood motionless. Their minds raced with confusion as they tried to plot their way out of trouble. Their options were nil. They could surrender and face imprisonment or they could challenge the offices and hope they somehow escape
d
in the melee that was sure to follow.

The lead officer watched the blood drain from the faces of the Russians. Their expressions changed from shock to desperation. Their eyes shifted from
disorientation
to
determination
.

“Don’t even think about it,” the lead officer yelled as he re-gripped his handgun.

Instantly, a shot rang out. A low guttural groan sounded from an officer behind the lead officer. A second shot sounded and another officer was down. With a quick turn of his head, the lead officer saw his men down and returned fire. Leaping to the ground, he pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. His bullet strayed and continued on unimpeded.

The four Russians immediately scattered, spreading out to confuse the police. Those that had not already done so, pulled their weapons and began to fire.

With two men down and shots fired, the remaining police acted on instinct. With little time to aim, they pointed their weapons and shot at anything that moved.

In a flash, a hail of bullets tore through the air, some found their mark, others went wide.

Upon hearing the first shots, Jack thrust his body into Javier’s and Burt’s, knocking them to the ground as bullets ricocheted off the stone pyramid behind them. Darrien stood motionless, his shock preventing him from action.

Shooting quickly, the lead Russian stood his ground. A second later, he felt the air leave his chest. Still firing, his knees involuntarily collapsed and he fell to the ground. Grasping for air, he cough and tasted blood on his tongue. Staring out through blurry eyes, his world suddenly went black.

Standing to the left of the leader, another Russian fired wildly. As his comrade fell, he momentarily turned to investigate. Shots rang out and suddenly, his eyes were blurred. He stumbled forward and fell. He never sensed the ground.

The lead officer pulled his trigger and heard only a
"
click
."
Instantly, he reached for another clip. Pulling it from his rear pocket, he flinched. Slowly now, he dragged his heavy hand along the ground. Laying the clip in front of him, he watched a pool of blood grow and encircle the metal housing. Weak and disoriented, he laid his head on his arm and closed his eyes. The sounds of gunfire slowly disappeared.

The bullet roared through the air and found its mark. Instantly, his chest exploded as blood and bone separated from tissue. Driving through his heart and lungs, he cried out in agony as the searing pain dominated all his other senses. He grasped at his chest involuntarily and dropped to his knees. Again, another bullet ripped through his neck, severing the carotid artery, blood erupting from the wound. Even before his dark suit touched the ground, he was dead.

With one target left, the remaining police concentrated their fire on the sole Russian. In a blink of an eye, he was struck by several bullets and tumbled backward to his death.

For a moment, there was only silence. As the reality of the event registered in their minds, those that survived without wounds breathed a sigh of relief. Those that were wounded barely breathed.

“You guys alright?” Jack shouted, still panicked by the deadly exchange.