Read Online Bones by John Wilson - Free Book Online

writing.
    â€œHow quickly can the police get here?” I ask.
    â€œI don’t think we need the police,” Annabel says. We both stare at her. “Battleford has expensive lawyers. We know that,” she says to me. “No one went to prison for stealing the Loch Ard peacock. No one will go to prison for this. There isn’t enough hard evidence.” Annabel turns to Dr. Bob. “Remember Sue?”
    â€œYes,” Dr. Bob says thoughtfully. “That case dragged through the courts for years. Different situation, but good lawyers can make simple matters complicated.”
    â€œIf we don’t go to the police,” I say, “Battleford gets away with it.”
    â€œNot if we switch the casts back,” Annabel says with a smile.
    â€œPerfect,” Dr. Bob says. “We get the important fossil back, Battleford gets nothing and Beetlebrow ends up looking for another job. We’d better hurry. I’ll get some help.” He runs off to round up a few summer students.
    It only takes minutes for a sheepish Greg and a couple of others to make the exchange and close up the van. Moments later, Beetlebrow shows up, looks around sullenly and drives off.
    â€œI’d love to be a fly on the wall when the lab cuts off the plaster to find only boulders inside,” Dr. Bob says as we watch. “Come on, I’ll buy you two lunch.”

Chapter Thirteen
    â€œ And she’s buying a stairway to Heaven.” The last chords of “Stairway to Heaven” drift off into the warm prairie evening.
    â€œIt’s not Led Zeppelin,” Annabel says, “but a very decent cover.” Tomorrow we drive into Calgary for the long flight back to Australia. Dr. Bob has organized this farewell barbecue on the banks of the Red Deer River.
    â€œDr. Bob is certainly a man of many talents,” I agree. “Have you enjoyed the holiday?” After the first frantic days, our two weeks in Alberta have been calm. With a few day’s rest, Annabel’s ankle has improved dramatically. Not enough to hike in the Rocky Mountains, but Dr. Bob took us to the incredible Dinosaur Provincial Park at Brooks. Mom took us to renew our psychic energy at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. With trips to see the sights of Calgary, we have had a full time.
    â€œIt’s been great,” Annabel says. “I love your Mom, and I learned a lot at all the places we’ve been. There’s only one regret.”
    â€œWhat’s that?” I ask, concerned at the sad expression she’s suddenly wearing.
    â€œWell,” she says, close to tears. “I really would have liked to spend more time with Greg.”
    I dig her playfully in the ribs and we both laugh. Greg has kept a low profile since he discovered that his blog had helped the attempted theft. “One thing bothers me,” I say. “Back in the Museum store room, if Battleford had written the Pilish on the cast, what would you have done?”
    â€œSmashed it open,” Annabel says matter-of-factly.
    â€œYou were that certain?”
    â€œYeah,” she says. “Never underestimate Battleford.”
    Dr. Bob strolls over and sits beside us.
    â€œAwesome,” Annabel says.
    â€œThank you,” Dr. Bob says with a smile. “Compliment indeed from someone your age. I do think I shall move away from classic rock and check out some of the indie rock bands around”
    â€œAny news on the police investigation?” I ask.
    â€œThey’ve questioned Beetlebrow, and he’s leading them to a ring that illegally sells valuable fossils. I think Luela will be in serious trouble.”
    â€œNothing that leads back to Battleford?” Annabel asks.
    Dr. Bob shakes his head. “He’s Teflon-coated, nothing sticks to him. That reminds me, this arrived for you at the museum this afternoon.”
    Dr. Bob produces a gift-wrapped box from his bag and hands it over. It feels heavy for its size, but