by Dan Arnold
“Didn’t some Arab gunmen bring guns to the Mosque and kill two Israeli policemen?”
“Yes, and now we’ve installed metal detectors at the approaches to the Temple Mount to prevent that from happening again. As a result, the Palestinian government has broken all contact with the Israeli government.”
“So, it’s a powder keg. What does that have to do with me?”
Mordechai looked away, thoughtful for a moment.
“Listen, Jake, you know I’m not a religious man…Here’s the thing, this situation is religious in nature. There’s no getting around it. We can’t pretend there isn’t a connection to all three of the major world religions. No matter what we do or what we find, there will be tremendous fallout. The University can’t be seen as being involved. The Israeli government wouldn’t touch this with a ten foot pole. In fact, if they knew ‘officially’ what we’re about to do, they would have to stop us. There are militant Muslims who would kill to stop us.”
“That’s not very encouraging. Why even bother?”
“It’s about timing. I’m told there is a credible threat to the site. Unless we locate certain artifacts and remove them to a safer location, they will be stolen or destroyed.”
“Where did you hear this?”
Mordechai looked down at the faux marble Formica desktop. He pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed his eyes with his fingers before replying.
“I can’t tell you, Jake. Let me just say there are many layers and multiple players behind the scenes.”
“OK, I think I understand, but how did you become involved?”
“Actually, I’m not involved. I’m just a go-between. All I’m doing is giving you some direction. Officially, the University has no knowledge of your actual intended task. As far as we know you’re a highly respected anthropologist who will be doing some exploratory research about half a mile from the Temple Mount. You’ve asked us to secure the required permits and provide our imprimatur on anything you find or publish. In addition, we’ll arrange for workers and security. There is no connection to the Temple Mount.”
“You haven’t told me what I’m supposed to find, and I haven’t told you I’ll do it”
“We need you to do this, Jake. As an outsider, you will not be seen as a threat. We’ve gone to some trouble to set this up so you won’t be implicated.”
“Implicated in what? What are these artifacts you want me to find?”
Professor Horowitz looked him in the eye and said, “Jake, we want you to recover the Ark of the Covenant.”
Four
Dr. Jacob Walker leapt to his feet, stunned by what his friend was telling him.
“…The Ark of the Covenant! Are you insane? That’s one of the most elusive artifacts in human history. Some say it never existed. Others believe it was stolen by the Babylonians. There’s even the story about it being in Ethiopia. Everyone saw those Indiana Jones movies, you know, where it ended up being stored in an underground federal vault in the United States. The only thing certain is that no one knows where it is.”
Dr. Mordechai Horowitz shook his head.
“That is the prevailing opinion. Are you aware there are stories about it having been located, right here in Jerusalem?”
“Sure, stories, there’s no end to the stories. That’s my point, rumors and speculation is unending. What’s your point?”
“We know where it is.”
“You know, or you think you know?”
“We have certain knowledge of its location.”
“You keep saying ‘we’. Who else has this knowledge?”
“I’m sorry Jake. I can’t tell you.”
Jake crossed his arms, looking up at the ceiling with his lips pressed together.
“So, if you know where it is, why haven’t you already recovered it?”
“That’s what set off the violent confrontations. We had to stop the work. The Muslims didn’t know what we were after, but they knew we were excavating somewhere under the Temple Mount. They accused us of undermining the foundations of the mosque.”
Jake sighed.
“Listen, Morty, I’m familiar with the claim made by Ron Wyatt back in nineteen eighty six. He said he’d seen it with his own eyes, but then he sealed up the entrance until the appropriate time to reveal it to the world. He stuck by that story until the day he died.”
“Yes, I know all about it. He claimed the Ark was directly under Golgotha, outside the walls of the old city. He described in detail what he found, how he found it, and how he left it.”
“Is that the place? Is it still there? Assuming it was ever there to begin with.”
“Let’s just say, if it was there, it’s somewhere else now.”
“Where is it?”
“Jake, do you understand why it’s so important that we recover it?”
“If it means so much to the university or your government friends, shouldn’t you go get it yourselves?”
“We can’t. The Ark is too important and divisive. Everything associated with it is charged with religious, political, even mystical drama. According to Jewish tradition, the exact shape, dimensions and fittings of the Ark were dictated by God himself. Many believe it has special powers. Some say no army can defeat Israel when the Ark goes before it. If it became known the nation of Israel was in possession of the Ark of the Covenant it would provoke an insurrection, a civil war, or even an all out world war. Jerusalem would go up in flames. Many in our government don’t want to have anything to do with it. They’ve been put in an impossible position.”
“What position is that?”
“While our government is secular, the history and heritage of our nation is inextricably linked to the three major world religions. The Jews venerate the Ark. The Christians support the Jews, and the Muslims resent both of the others.
Some of the Jews intend to rebuild the Temple and reestablish the sacrificial system. Many Christians see that as a fulfillment of end times prophesy. The Muslims won’t tolerate the rebuilding of the Temple on the same site as the Dome of the Rock.
Our government can’t please everyone. When they learned the Ark was hidden here in Jerusalem, they knew something would have to be done. The Ark must be secured without anyone knowing about it. This must be accomplished quickly in a very clandestine manner. In the event something goes wrong, it has to appear the government isn’t involved.”
“And that’s where I come in?”
“It is, if you’re willing to accept the risk.”
With his brows knit in concentration, Jake stared at the floor. After a moment he sighed and uncrossed his arms. He sat down and leaned across the desk top, extending his hand to shake.
“Call me a fool. We’re talking about recovering the Ark of the Covenant. It’s the greatest mystery and most holy object in human history. There is no way I can refuse.”
Five
Jake stood on the balcony of his room on the eighth floor of the Carlton hotel in Tel Aviv. He was enjoying the sea breeze and the view of the beach and marina. While he was appreciating the remarkably modern resort city in one of the most ancient parts of civilization, his mobile phone rang.
“Hello, Dr. Jacob Walker, speaking.”
“Dr. Walker, this is Dr. Leopold Peeters in Johannesburg. I have good news. Adrienne is awake and alert. I believe she will make a complete recovery.”
Jake found himself grinning from ear to ear.
“Thank you, Doctor. That’s the best news I’ve had in a long time. How soon can she be released?”
“She’s been in a coma for the better part of two months. While her body has healed, she’s not ambulatory yet, and she has some catching up to do. Physical therapy is prescribed. If things go well over the next few days, I’ll release her in another week or so.”
“That’s awesome. Please tell her how happy I am to know she’s going to make a complete recovery.”
“I’ll tell her. By the way, the big man hasn’t left her side.”
“Good. He has his instructions, but I don’t think anyone could get him to leave her anyway.”
“She’s asked about you, and…”
“…our friend, Phillipe, what did you tell her?”
“I told her you are well, but the helicopter pilot, Mr. Robicheaux didn’t survive the crash.”
“Does she know we were shot down?”
“Recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be complicated. She doesn’t remember anything about that day. The police will want to question her, but she won’t be able to help them. She’s still trying to overcome confusion about her current circumstances.”
“I understand. When can I speak to her?”
“You can telephone her tomorrow. She’s being moved from the ICU as we speak. She’ll be on the third floor. You can get the new room number from the desk, or perhaps her guardian will inform you?”
“Yes, thank you. Please give me a heads up before she is released. I’m in Israel at the moment and can’t get away, I wish I’d been there when she regained consciousness, but I want to be there when she’s ready to leave the hospital.”
“I’ll let you know. Dr. Walker, there’s something else you should be aware of.”
“What’s that?”
“A traumatic brain injury can affect all aspects of a person's life, including physical and mental abilities as well as emotions and personality. We can’t predict what those effects will be.”
“I thought you said a complete recovery. Are you saying she may be impaired?”
“Well, yes and no. It is likely there will be noticeable changes, but they may or may not impair her in a significant way. While I don’t foresee any physical limitations, cognitive changes are difficult to assess this early. Most people experience some change in personality. There is no way to predict the outcome. Time will tell.”
Jake considered the news.
“OK. Thank you, Dr. Peeters. Whatever she needs, I’m counting on you.”
“I believe she’ll be fine, Dr. Walker, but some changes are inevitable. She will handle stress differently, her emotions may be unpredictable. As you are the only contact listed, it was important you be told what to expect. We’ll have to wait and see how she progresses.”
“I understand. Thanks again.”
“I’m just glad she is making such a good recovery. I’ll keep you informed of her progress. Good bye”
Still standing on the balcony, Jake was no longer aware of Tel Aviv, the breeze or the surf. His thoughts were centered on a hospital room in Johannesburg, South Africa. If he hadn’t asked the geologist to join the team researching the ancient megalithic structure known as Adam’s Calendar, she wouldn’t have fallen victim to the unknown assassin.
Even as he thought this, he realized there was no way to control the circumstances. None of them could’ve expected a sniper would shoot down their helicopter. What was the reason? Was there some secret associated with the calendar site or the thousands of stone walled kraals scattered across southern Africa? It seemed unlikely.
Now that he knew why he was in Israel, he wondered if there was a connection. Could someone have ambushed them in an attempt to prevent him from coming to recover the Ark?
Six
Weaving in and out of traffic at highway speeds, the drive from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem took less than thirty minutes. Driving in the old city was another story. Narrow streets and congestion slowed them to a crawl.
Jake looked over at his friend in the driver’s seat.
“There’s something I wonder if you can tell me, Morty?”
Dr. Horowitz glanced at him by way of acknowledgement.
“When we locate the Ark, is it safe to touch it?”
The professor’s brows knitted.
“That’s a good question. I guess you’re familiar with the legend?”
“Yes, only the priests appointed by the Most High are permitted to touch the Ark. Once, when it was being moved, the oxen stumbled. A man named Uzzah reached out to steady it, he was killed instantly. While it was in the possession of the Philistines they were struck with plague.”
“That’s the story. I suggest not touching it. The Ark is a box or trunk about four feet in length, and two feet in height and width. You’ll find the poles used to carry it are there with it. Put them through the loops on each side and lift it that way.”
“May I ask how you know the poles are there, Morty?”
The man’s face reddened, but he gave no answer.
Jake was beginning to put the pieces together. For now, he’d keep his thoughts to himself.
Professor Mordechai Horowitz had other plans. He pulled the car over to a curb.
“Listen, Jake. I need to know your thoughts and concerns. This isn’t easy for me. I’m not trained for this sort of thing. I don’t know for sure what I can and can’t tell you. My instructions are to tell you no more than you need to know to facilitate your success.”
“Yes, I imagine that would be difficult. Let me tell you what I think. You can agree with my thoughts or correct me where I’m off. Is that fair enough?”
“I suppose so.”
“You know the location of the ‘box’ as you called it, because you’ve seen it yourself. My guess is your government contacted you to verify the authenticity. Is that correct?”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that, but yes, I’ve seen it.”
“How long ago did you see it?”
“It’s been a few years.”
“If it was that long ago, how do you know it’s still where you saw it?”
Professor Horowitz sighed.
“All I know is there is very little chance anyone would’ve removed it.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m the only man alive who knows the exact location.”
“Thirty years is a long time, Morty. Secrets leak out. How did you learn the location back then?”
Professor Horowitz was gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles were white.
“That’s irrelevant at this juncture. Let’s just say the most recent information suggests the artifact is where I last saw it and must be recovered quickly. Can we leave it at that, Jake?”
“OK. But, I still don’t understand why you haven’t recovered it already.”
“I told you, I can’t. I’m being watched. Day and night, wherever I go, whatever I do, someone is always watching.”
“Watching, are you sure, Morty? I mean, who has the resources to do something like that?”
When Mordechai looked back at his friend, his eyes were haunted.
“Think about it. We’re talking about the most sacred, controversial and potentially powerful object on earth. Which nations have the resources and ability to conceal it, study it and possibly control it? What would they be willing to do to accomplish that?”
“You make it sound like it’s an arms race.”
“To you and me, no, it isn’t. To Israel, Russia and the United States, it might be an arms race. The surrounding Arab countries have an interest in seeing Israel destroyed. They want it for themselves. If they can’t have it, they want it destroyed.”
“But surely your government could’ve used some pretext or covert mission to recover it by now. Your people are supposed to be good at that sort of thing.”
“I doubt any operation conducted by our government could be kept secret. The more bureaucracy involved the more tongues to waggle. Still, we aren’t talking about a simple art theft, although it is—sort of. This is a secret mission being conducted by non-military personnel to recover an object of international political and religious significance. Once ordinary soldiers or even covert operators saw something like that, do you think they’d stay quiet?”
“Well, how do you propose I accomplish the same task without anyone else learning about it?”
“You are the leader of a very small and highly specialized team. Each man who will accompany you has been personally selected by me. These are men who can be trusted. They
answer first to you, ultimately to me. They are all skilled at conducting digs and handling precious artifacts. In addition, like you, they all have military experience and will provide security for the duration of the operation. You give the orders, they’ll do what you tell them, how you tell them to do it, including maintaining complete secrecy.”
Jake didn’t doubt his friend’s sincerity, but experience had taught him not to trust someone else to choose the team when his life was on the line.
“What do you anticipate the level of risk will be?”
“It’s extremely high. Many on the list of people who desire to possess and control the Ark will stop at nothing to do so. If they learn your team is about to recover it, some will try to steal it and they’d kill you all without hesitation. You and your team are in great danger.”
“Morty, forgive my saying this, but you and your friends in high places should probably be on that same list.”
“I’ve taken steps to ensure I’m seen in public far from Jerusalem while you are doing your work. I should be safe enough.”
“That isn’t the list I was referring to.”
“I don’t follow.”
“Never mind, it’s time for you to tell me where the artifact is.”
Seven
Professor Mordechai Horowitz nodded his understanding.
“Yes. It’s time I told you the secret I’ve kept all these years. The thing I’ve never told anyone, ever. Before I do, I want to remind you I’m being watched. Where we’re going there will be many people wandering around. Some of them will hear us talking. We’ll have to be careful about what we say until we’re underground.”
“You say I’ll be conducting a dig about a half mile from the Temple Mount. That’s just a cover for what we’ll really be doing. I suspect the object in question is somewhere else under the city. Where is it?”
“Remember when I told you we tried to recover it once before? It caused a commotion and people got hurt.”