Read Online The Stone of Archimedes by Trevor Scott - Free Book Online Page B

fifth gear and let the Passat settle into a cruising speed. “Would you like to tell me where we’re going?”
    He had spent the time from the professor’s office to this moment wondering that same thing. Professor Sara Halsey Jones had to have a compelling reason to come to Malta just a couple of days ago. And it had to have something to do with Polybius and his works. “First,” Jake said, “let me see your phone.”
    Elisa gave him a quizzical glance. “Why?”
    â€œI need to access the internet.”
    She shrugged and said, “In my purse.”
    Jake found her smart phone and quickly got onto the net researching the country’s leading authority on pre-Roman history. He quickly found out his choices were limited. Only the University of Malta might have someone Sara would consult. “Wow. Did you know the former leader of North Korea, Kim Jung Il, graduated from the University of Malta? Who knew.” He clicked through the university site and finally found what he was seeking. “Here we go. A professor who specializes in the history of Mediterranean civilization. Director of the Mediterranean Institute. Let’s start there.”
    By the time Jake looked up, he saw that they were now heading toward the downtown area of the capital city, Valletta.
    â€œIs the university in the old town area?” she asked him.
    â€œNo. Actually it looks like it’s in a suburb called Msida.” He checked his watch and realized it would be after normal office hours at the campus.
    â€œShould I head there?”
    â€œI don’t think it would do any good at this hour. Besides being summer school, it’s too late in the evening. Let’s regroup and get something to eat.”
    â€œI could eat.”
    Using her phone, Jake found them a pizzeria in the old town area of Valletta a few blocks from the main ferry terminal. They each bought personal pizzas and shared a bottle of Chianti.
    When they were finishing up their wine, Jake finally asked, “So, would you finally like to tell me why Italy’s External Intelligence and Security Service is interested in finding an American college professor?”
    Elisa took a sip of wine and then licked a drop from her upper lip. “Seriously? I don’t know for sure.”
    He could tell she was holding back something. “But someone told you to find me and work with me.”
    â€œTrue. Would you like some more wine?”
    â€œGotta love Italian women. They can sure hold their wine. But right now I think you should hold off and answer my questions. Otherwise why should I work with you?”
    She was thinking about that, her expressive face giving away, perhaps, more than she liked. “Apparently our government is concerned about some of our antiquities disappearing and being sold to rich people.”
    Jake swirled his hand to her, meaning continue.
    â€œThe economy in Italy is not great, as I’m sure you know. So some people have started treasure hunting. Even digging around some of our most precious ancient sites, like churches and ruins.”
    â€œWhat does this have to do with Professor Sara Halsey Jones? You can’t tell me she’s a grave robber.”
    â€œNo, no, no. Not at all. We believe that she has the most honorable of intentions.”
    â€œBut you’re concerned that others might know she’s on to something.”
    â€œExactly.”
    Just then her phone buzzed and she found it in her purse and put it to her ear. At first she simply listened and then she talked so fast Jake could only pick up on a few words. She looked at Jake and he guessed the person on the other end had asked about him. Finally, she said she understood and hung up.
    â€œYour boss?” Jake asked her.
    She nodded. “They wanted to verify you were with me. They said a man from your government would be here shortly to give you something.”
    Instinctively, Jake reached for his