Holdin' On for a Hero (85 page)

The closest to romance she’d ever known was with a professor, Christian Bernard. He was kind, caring, and interested in what she had to say. At first that was enough. But in time, the lack of passion she felt for him began to tear at the fabric of comfort she found with him.

They’d been involved for almost a year when he gave her the pendant. She’d been surprised. Christian had never given her a gift, and this one was quite unusual. A small carved sphere of a silver metal, it was obviously old. He claimed it came from a find in the Middle East, from what was once known as Sumer.

Due to the carvings, she was tempted to believe it. But that made it far too valuable for her and she told him as much. He’d insisted that she had to accept it and made her promise that she’d wear it always. She’d promised and since the day he looped the chain around her neck and she’d felt the sphere fall against her chest between her breasts, she had not removed it.

She’d had the first dream that same night. A dream in which “he” came to her. Since that time, her nights had been filled with dreams of him. And the dreams had crept into her waking hours, presenting as fantasies so real that they obliterated reality.

Nikki knew that she should remove the pendant. Take it somewhere and have it tested. But she couldn’t part with the dreams it brought her. Without them, her life would be empty.

Which was a sad testament to her life. Yet she knew deep inside that the man in her dreams was the man for her. The man she’d give her heart, body, and soul to.

She’d never confessed her dreams to anyone. That was far too personal. She’d confided to her best friend and ex-room mate, Cat, that she’d know when the right man came along. It would only take one look for her to know him.

Cat told her that for a smart woman she sure was lost in fantasy. Nikki supposed Cat was right. What she wanted only existed in fairy tales, legends and, of course, romance novels.

Shaking off that particular topic of thought, she looked around the diner. Most of the booths were empty, with the waitresses busy cleaning up after the morning rush. A handsome dark-haired man looked her way as she went behind the bar for the coffee decanter to refill her cup.

“Want a refill?” she asked as she passed his table.

“Please.” He lifted his cup.

Nikki refilled it and returned the decanter to the bar. As she walked by the man’s table again, he stood.

“Excuse me, but aren’t you Nikki Morgan, Professor Bernard’s graduate student?”

Nikki was surprised. “How’d you know?”

The man gestured to the chair across from him. “Please.”

She considered it a moment then and took a seat.

“You know Chris—Professor Bernard?”

“Yes, quite well actually. We did quite a bit of research together in the seventies.”

“The 70s? If I remember right, he was in Jerusalem and the Middle East for most of—oh my god; you’re not Gaspar de Troyes, are you?”

“At your service.” Gaspar smiled and nodded his head.

Nikki grinned and extended her hand, pumping Gaspar’s enthusiastically. “This is a real honor. I mean, I’ve read everything you and Christian have ever written.”

“Yes, that’s what Christian told me.”

“You talked about me?” That made Nikki a little uncomfortable. She didn’t like the idea that Christian might say anything about their affair.

Gaspar’s ash gray eyes seemed to bore into her, he watched her so closely. Nikki wondered just how much Christian had told him.

“Christian is quite impressed with you. He mentioned your research several times.”

“Really? Well, it’s all based on his—and your work.”

“Yes, I know. Which is why I wanted to meet you.”

“You? You mean this isn’t a chance meeting?”

“I’m afraid you’ve caught me.” Gaspar laughed charmingly. “Christian told me you normally eat here.”

She couldn’t help wondering what else Christian had revealed to Gaspar.

“Considering who you are, I can’t imagine why you’d want to meet me.”

Gaspar leaned forward, his eyes darkening to the color of a storm cloud before it releases its watery burden to the earth. “Because, my dear, I have something for you.”

“Something for me? What?”

“Something you need for your research.”

Bells went off in her mental alarm system. What was he up to? If he’d spoken with Christian then he knew that what she wanted for her work was something she’d never have, something people had been in fruitless search of for thousands of years.

“Oh really?” She tried to pretend she wasn’t suspicious. “And what might that be?”

“Someone who can lead you to the proof you seek.”

“Okay, that’s enough. Who are you and who put you up to this?”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Who are you? You can’t be Gaspar de Troyes or you wouldn’t have said what you did. And if you knew anything about de Troyes’, Christian’s or my work, you’d know that the things I’m looking for in all likelihood were destroyed thousands of years ago—even if any of them ever existed.”

Gaspar laughed, a deep throaty laugh that made the corners of his eyes crinkle. Nikki looked at him in bewilderment. What kind of nut was this guy, anyway?

“Bravo.” Gaspar clapped softly. “Christian told me you were a fiery one. Forgive me, but I couldn’t help myself. You see, there was a time when I, too, had a similar reaction. But believe me, Nikki, I am Gaspar de Troyes, this is no prank and I’m not delusional.”

Nikki regarded him for a long moment. “Okay, let’s say I believe you. Why would you give me information that would lead me to such a discovery instead of using the information yourself?”

Gaspar’s face lost its expression of genial amusement. “For that particular discussion, we would need a bit more privacy.”

“I think this is plenty private enough.”

Gaspar took a look around then lowered his voice. “Very well. If you insist.”

Nikki crossed her arms over her chest and leveled her eyes with his. Gaspar leaned forward with his elbows on the table.

“I’m sure you’re familiar with Newman’s work at Galway.”

“Naturally.”

“Yes, of course. Well, as you know, his finds at Tara have been spectacular. They draw a direct parallel between the Danaan with the Annunaki that Sitchin wrote of. And the Stone of Ana found at Tara is believed to be the same as the stone of Luz, the same stone upon which Jacob laid upon his head and saw a ladder ascending into heaven.”

“Excuse me, but this is old ground, as we both know if you’ve really spoken with Christian. I’ve read everything that’s been written on the topic, including the text written by your ancestor, Chrétien.”

“Yes, I know that. However, what you may not know is that recently, thinking has changed in regards to the Blue Stones of Atlantis—at least in some circles. “

“Oh yeah, right. I read a paper on it. Now it’s proposed that there’s a device into which the stones can be inserted. And in doing so, the powers of the stones are combined and magnified exponentially.”

“Yes.”

“I know all that. In fact, it’s in my paper. I’m using it as an example that the interaction of human consciousness with physical devices predates current theory, and that if science could locate an actual device of antiquity such as the Stones and their housing device, it might provide us with data that would aid in developing complementary theoretical models to give us a better understanding of the role of consciousness in the establishment of physical reality.”

“But what you could not know is that these researchers were funded by a very powerful and influential conglomerate who’s been engaged in a global search for the Stones for many years and that the head of this conglomerate lives in this very city.”

Nikki perked up at the words. Gaspar lowered his voice more. “My dear, as a fellow seeker of holy antiquities, you know that throughout the ages many have claimed to have possessed or seen such artifacts. You and I, and other scholars and academics like us, are far from the only seekers. And there are those who would exploit the knowledge or power of such objects. The reason I sought you out is that I am part of a group who has sworn to prevent such exploitation and misuse of power, and to hopefully one day reveal the truth. In order to succeed in our quest, we must find out what the very powerful man who heads the opposition knows and what efforts are being made by his concern. And that is where you come in.”

“What?” She laughed. “This is ridiculous! You want me to be some kind of spy or something? Well, duh—take a good look. I’m not exactly trained for the James Bond-kind of thing.”

Gaspar reached out to take one of her hands in both of his. “Not even if I told you that at least two of the stones and the housing device are hidden somewhere in this very city?”

Nikki pulled her hand away and crossed her arms tightly over her chest. Despite her suspicions, excitement rose within her. “And just what exactly would this ‘spy’ have to do, Mr. De Troyes?”

“Please, call me Gaspar.” He smiled then asked, “Tell, me how are you at working with the handicapped?”

Nikki’s mouth fell open in surprise.

* * * * *

“Yes, that’s right. We’ll expect you. Goodbye.”

“Who are we expecting?” Helen asked from behind Richard as he cradled the receiver.

“Another candidate.”

A serving woman entered the room behind Helen and placed a tea service on the table. “Shall I serve?”

“No, thank you, Deborah. That will be all,” Helen took a seat and started pouring the tea herself. She handed Richard a cup. “Tell me about this new candidate.”

“Nikki Morgan, a graduate student at the university who’s looking for summer employment.”

“A graduate student?” Helen arched her eyebrows. “In what?”

“I didn’t ask.”

“Hmmm. Well, at any rate, I think we need to rethink letting potential candidates meet Maxwell. Honestly, you’d think he could at least put forth some effort to appear…acceptable, for our sake. How are we ever supposed to locate appropriate help if he insists on behaving like some type of…well, you know.”

In the middle of Helen’s complaint, Richard set his teacup on the table and rose from his chair. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him move to the buffet and pour himself a stiff drink.

It was a constant source of annoyance to her the way he “tuned her out” when she was attempting to make a valid and legitimate point about something of importance. Not that she was surprised. He’d not been interested in what she thought for years. There was little reason to suppose that would change. But he could at least show enough courtesy to not turn his back on her while she was speaking.

Sometimes she wondered if she’d made a monumental mistake staying with Richard. What joy might she have experienced if she had explored other paths?

Immediately she chastised herself for such thoughts. Richard might not be attentive and they might not have any type of intimate relationship, but he provided the lifestyle she craved. Without him, her social standing would be markedly diminished, and that was something she was not willing to risk, for anything.

Richard returned to his chair and took a seat, letting out a heavy sigh. “Do you ever wonder what life might have been if he had not become…?”

Helen looked sharply at him, surprised at the wistful tone in his voice. She’d pondered that question on numerous occasions.

“Quite a bit less stressful, I would imagine.”

Richard nodded. “Yes, quite a bit.”

Neither of them noticed the motion from the door, as the silent eavesdropper moved down the hall.

* * * * *

Nikki turned into the elaborate entrance and stopped at the gate. A sudden queasy feeling took control of her stomach. The entrance to the Weston estate was like something out of picture book. There was no way in the world people with that much money were going to hire someone like her to take care of their child.

She almost turned around and left, but couldn’t turn her back on the slim possibility that maybe they would not boot her out as soon as they got a look at her, and maybe Gaspar wasn’t as crazy as he seemed. If there was a chance that one of the Stones or the housing device was hidden somewhere on the Weston estate, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t at least consider the possibility and check it out.

Rolling down her window, she punched the call button beneath the speaker. A male voice came through the speaker.

“Weston residence. How may I assist you?”

“Hi, I’m Nikki Morgan. I have an appointment with the Westons about the job?”

“Yes, Ms. Morgan. Please drive up.”

A moment later, the massive iron gate swung open. Nikki pulled through, driving slowly and marveling at the beautiful landscaped grounds.

An older man in a dark suit was standing outside the front door, his hands clasped in front of him. Nikki parked and got out, looking up at the mansion that reached three stories above her and seemed to spread out endlessly to either side.