“And the Revelation Machine?” Despite his best efforts at remaining calm, the bishop’s heart raced.
“No more clues than what we’ve had for a year now, but we hope the answer lies in the codex.”
“Very well.” The bishop sighed. “Move forward with stage two, and keep me abreast of developments.”
Robinson’s right arm twitched as if he were about to salute. He settled for a sharp, “Yes, Bishop,” turned, and strode from the room.
The bishop returned to watching the eagle and contemplating the future — a future in which he controlled the fate of the United States and, perhaps, the world.
“Lord, haste the day,” he whispered. “Lord, haste the day.”
Chapter 14
“Upstairs or downstairs?” Bones whispered. They stood on a landing behind the door through which Greg had sent them.
“Downstairs,” came Greg’s reply. “When you hit the ground floor, turn left. You want the fifth door on your right. You’ll pass some private offices. I haven’t gotten access to their security system yet, so I’m blind. Be wary and try not to let yourself be spotted.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Kasey said. “I just wish you hadn’t made me bring a bull into this china shop.”
“Tell you what. If I give us away, you can make me a steer.”
Kasey gave Bones a withering look before descending the steps on silent feet, Bones creeping along behind. The hallway was silent and empty.
“Remember,” Kasey whispered, “I take the lead.”
Bones winked and she sighed. “Until you screw up,” he mouthed at the back of her head. Kasey glided along like a shadow, peering through each office window as she went. The girl moved well, and looked good doing it.
They reached their destination without incident, and found the door locked.
“Need me to pick it?” Bones offered.
“It’s electronic, genius.” Kasey drummed her fingers on the door frame. “What’s the holdup, Greg?”
“Something odd’s going on. I’m being blocked, but it appears to be from the outside. Someone else is hacking into the system.” Bones heard the sound of furious tapping on a keyboard. “You might want to duck out of sight until I get it.”
Bones looked around, for what, he was not sure. The office closest to them was empty, but the door was ajar and the lights were on. He figured the occupant was likely to return soon. Shelves lined the walls, and modest desk and chair, with a jacket draped across the back, faced the door. “Hold on,” he said. “I got this.”
He stepped inside, unclipped a security badge from the jacket, and brought it to Kasey. “I swiped it so you can swipe it.”
“Oh my God, do you ever stop?” Kasey sighed. “But it was a good idea.” She held the badge up to the sensor. A green light flashed and, with a click, the door unlocked. “We’re in,” she said for Greg’s benefit, and they stepped inside and flicked on their Maglites.
Bones had expected a vault, or something equally imposing, but instead found himself in a simple storage closet. Bundles and boxes, all labeled, filled the metal shelves on his left and right, and a few more items lay on a trestle table.
He kept watch while Kasey searched the room. The hall remained empty, but his senses were on high alert, and Greg’s next communication only stoked his nervous energy.
“I think we’re almost out of time. Have you found the skull?”
“Not yet,” Kasey said. “Why?”
“The outside hacker just called up the skull’s location in the museum’s database. Two guesses who’s behind it.”
Bones gritted his teeth. “Is there another way out if they come down the stairs?”
“Checking.”
“I’ve got it.” Kasey appeared at his side, clutching a fist-sized bundle. “Let’s get out of here.”
They hadn’t taken more than a few steps when footsteps echoed down the hall.
“That’s got to be them. In here, quick!” Bones shoved Kasey inside the open office, turned out the light, and closed the door.”
“We’ll be trapped in here.”
“Trust me. I’ve got a plan.” He turned on his Maglite and played it across the desk. The beam fell on a coffee mug. Bones dumped the contents on the floor and stuffed it into his jacket pocket.
“Not that there’s ever a good time for stealing, but now? A coffee mug?” Kasey asked.
Bones ignored the comment. “Greg, you got an escape route for me?”
“Far end of the hall, opposite the direction you came. Turn right. There will be a stairwell on your left.”
“Roger.” Bones turned to Kasey. “I’ll lead them away. When they’re gone, you get out of here. I’ll connect with you when I can.” Before she could argue, he kissed her hard on the lips, turned out his Maglite, and ducked out the door.
Three men, casually dressed, strode down the hallway. All were tall, fit, and moved with single-minded determination.
“Pardonnez-moi,” one of them called. His accent was atrocious, but his attempt at French indicated he had taken Bones for one of the museum staff.
“Oui?” Bones called over his shoulder.
“You’re an American.” The man looked hard at Bones. “What’ve you got in your jacket?”
“Naked pictures of your old lady.”
“He’s got the skull!” The man shouted. “Come on!”
Bones turned and dashed down the hallway, keeping one hand clutched to his jacket pocket to maintain the ruse that he carried the skull inside. He turned the corner and slowed his pace a bit. If he lost them too soon, one or more of them might double-back and then Kasey would be in trouble. He stole a glance back to make sure all three were still behind him, and then sped up again.
He found the stairwell and took the steps three at a time. His footfalls thundered in the empty space.
“Bones, what’s happening?” Greg asked.
“I’m heading up the stairs and I’ve got all three guys after me. Kasey, get out of there!”
“Way ahead of you,” came her breathless reply.
Bones hit the first floor landing, shouldered through the door, and emerged in the middle of a display of primitive dress from around the world. All around him, faceless figures encased in glass stood sentinel. Before he could get his bearings, the glass pane before him exploded and he caught the faint pop of a silenced pistol.
“I thought they had gun control in France,” he muttered as he took off through the maze of glass cases.
“Stay alive, Bones,” Greg said. “I’m on my way.”
The shots continued, and screams filled the air as museum patrons made a beeline for the exit. All around him, glass shattered and bullets tore through the silent figures. He didn’t know where, exactly, the shooter was, but the man was between Bones and the front door. He’d have to find another way out.
The three men who had been chasing him added their voices and bullets, to the cacophony. Bones dove behind a marble pedestal and assessed the situation. The walls of glass, and their scant protection, were literally crumbling all around him. He was almost out of time.
“Spread out! One of us is bound to find him.”
The voice was only meters away and coming closer. Bones tensed, ready to spring, and waited. He could now see the man’s blurred form through one of the few standing displays. The man held his pistol at the ready, and moved at a steady walk. Knowing he needed as much of the element of surprise on his side as possible, Bones took the coffee mug out of his jacket and tossed it over his shoulder.