"You actually think someone might want to harm us," Friedman said. His tone was incredulous.
"You can still change your mind if you like. When we get to Israel, you can take the plane back to New York and that will be the end of it."
"But you would continue to look for the tomb?"
"Yes."
"You've given me a lot to think about."
Selena sat back in her seat and waited.
"What about the Israeli authorities? Do they know about you?"
"They do. We've worked with them in the past. We'll be met in Tel Aviv by someone. It's already been arranged. We'll have official access to the Negev and anywhere else we need to look. I expect they'll want someone to go with us, but that shouldn't be a problem."
"This is all a bit much," Friedman said.
"Think about it, Alan. It's the chance of a lifetime. We'll have the blessing of the Israeli government and unlimited funds. If we do find the tomb, it will be protected and the contents returned to the people of Israel. You'll get all the credit for the discovery. Imagine, if we do find it. What would it be like?"
"It would be the fulfillment of a lifetime's work," Friedman said.
He took out a pen and signed the agreement.
A little less than twelve hours after leaving New York, they landed in Tel Aviv.
CHAPTER 13
At Ben-Gurion Airport, the Gulfstream taxied to the private terminal reserved for diplomatic arrivals and special guests of the Israeli government. They'd left New York at three in the afternoon. The twelve hour flight and a seven hour time difference meant that it was ten in the morning in Tel Aviv.
It was a clear morning. A few scattered clouds drifted across a china blue sky. The temperature was cool, somewhere in the fifties. The pilot opened the cabin door and lowered the steps, letting in a fresh breeze that brought in a pleasant hint of the Mediterranean, not far away.
A man and a woman waited for them at the foot of the steps. The man was about fifty years old. He wore a dark blue suit that needed pressing, a white shirt and no tie. He had black shoes. His hair was curly and going gray, although it had once been black. He had the look of a career cop, a face scored with lines of stress.
The woman standing next to him had a pistol holstered on her hip. She wore sunglasses, a light sweater, and a dark green skirt that came down to her knees. She was about the same height as her companion. Her dark hair hung in thick waves to her shoulders. She had broad hips and breasts that pushed against the fastenings of a pale-blue blouse.
Nick was the first off the plane. His face broke into a smile when he saw the two standing there.
"Ari, what a surprise."
"Shalom, Nick. Welcome back."
They shook hands. Nick turned to the woman. His voice softened.
"Hello, Rivka. You look a lot better than the last time I saw you."
The last time he'd seen her was in Haddasah hospital, recovering from a bullet meant for him.
"Shalom, Nick. Welcome to Israel."
They exchanged quick kisses in the European style, one to each cheek and back again.
Selena and the others came down the steps. Friedman and his assistant were the last out of the plane. Nick made the introductions.
"You are married now, Nick?" Rivka said. "Congratulations."
"Rivka saved my life," Nick said to Selena. "She took a bullet for me."
"Then I'm glad to meet you," Selena said.
"Ari and Rivka are with Shin Bet," Nick said.
"Ah, the Invisible Shield," Friedman said. "I'm honored."
"Doctor Friedman," Ari said, "I'm familiar with your work in the United States. You are at home, here. Come, we have cars waiting. Once you are settled in your quarters, we will discuss how to proceed."
"I would like to pray in Jerusalem before we leave for the desert," Friedman said.
"That will not be a problem, Doctor. Come."
Herzog led the way to three black Suburbans waiting on the tarmac. Nick wondered why the Suburban seemed to be an almost universal choice for government convoys, and why they were almost always black. Herzog and Rivka got into the lead vehicle. Nick and the others took the middle. The third vehicle had four men in it, backup in the event of trouble. Herzog was taking no chances.
Their quarters were in a private compound situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. A high fence surrounded the property. They passed through a checkpoint with a guardhouse and a gate and pulled up a few minutes later in front of a sand-colored building.
Nick got out of the car and stood looking at the view. The Mediterranean Sea stretched away toward the horizon. The wave tops sparkled and danced under the morning sun. Ari came up and stood beside him.
"Nice view," Nick said.
"It is."
"Here we are again, Ari. Must be karma."
Herzog laughed. "It's curious, how a Gentile like you has become involved in the heart of our nation's heritage. If I believed in karma, I'd say you must've been a Jew in a past life."
"If it wasn't for the fact that people try to kill me every time I come here, I'd feel right at home," Nick said.
"Let's hope that doesn't happen this time around," Ari said.
"Rivka is looking well."
"Yes. She is happy to see you again. As am I."
"What's the plan, Ari?"
"You'll be escorted by Rivka and one of our agents. Your first stop is the Well of Abraham, as the scroll instructs. From there, it's up to you, but our people will be with you all the way."
"Good. Any incidents lately? Jihadis from Egypt or Jordan?"
"Nothing unusual. There was a stabbing in Beersheba. Those sorts of attacks are becoming more frequent. Aside from that, it's been quiet."
"I don't envy you, Ari. Do you ever get a chance to relax?"
"Not often. One day there will be peace. Until then, relaxation is a luxury. What do you think of your Director Friedman?"
"I don't think he understands how quickly things can change here, when it comes to personal safety. Selena told me he was surprised when she suggested that he needed protection over here. He strikes me as naïve. An intellectual man who doesn't quite get the real world."
"Not a good thing in our country," Ari said. "Does he know what you do?"
"No."
"Probably another good thing. Anyway, he'll be safe enough. What with you and your team and my men, I can't see any problem arising you couldn't handle. The Negev has been quiet. It's heavily patrolled, so it should stay that way."
"Works for me," Nick said.
"I'm going back to Tel Aviv. I'll see you when you get back."
"Thanks for your help, Ari."
"Mind your step out there," Ari said. "You never know what you're going to find in the desert. But if you find Solomon's Gold, you will be forever remembered here."
"Forever is a long time," Nick said.
CHAPTER 14
Two days after they arrived in Israel, they were ready to leave for Beersheba. Herzog had provided three AIL Mark II Storm utility vehicles. The AIL was based on the Jeep Wrangler, but had been modified to meet Israeli security needs. The Mark II had dual passenger doors on both sides, an improvement over the Mark I. It was designed to handle rough terrain.
Friedman and his assistant would ride with Rivka in the lead vehicle. Nick, Selena, Lamont, and Ronnie would follow in the second.
The third car was packed with camping gear and supplies. There were scattered Bedouin villages in the Negev and an increasing number of Israeli developments, but the Wilderness of Zin was mostly empty. If you wanted to be sure of a glass of water or a bed, it was a good idea to bring them with you.