Storm Clouds
Page 26
The group outside watched as Ahmed and Rashi disappeared from view. Just as Mako turned to his father, they heard a scream from inside the cavern.
Ahmed and Rashi backed out into the clearing. The screaming continued. Mako knew only Adon was still in the cave. Despite the echoes, to him it sounded like the boy, but to the others, who had no idea he was there, the sound was frightening.
Even Mako jumped back when a small figure wearing a large, jeweled jackal head leapt into the clearing.
Reactions were mixed. The guards, already superstitious and on alert after the destruction of the tomb, jumped back. Rashi and Ahmed, startled, stared at the figure. Gretchen froze. Only John and Mako kept their senses. Mako grabbed Alaa’s AK-47 from the ground nearby, while John slammed a side chop to the neck of the guard in front of him. By the time the other two guards recovered, Mako had the AK trained on them.
“Shoot him, you fools,” Ahmed ordered.
Adon screamed again and ran straight toward the minister. The jackal head flew off, revealing the boy, but momentum carried the carved figure into Ahmed, knocking him off his feet. His head slammed against the rocks and he dropped to the ground. The guards were distracted enough for John to disarm another one. With two weapons trained on the last man, he dropped his gun.
“Against the wall there.” John took control.
A tense minute passed as Mako held the AK-47 on the soldiers while John disarmed and bound them.
“Amazing.” Rashi appeared at the entrance, holding a grinning Adon’s hand.
John and Gretchen looked confused.
“We’ve found the real tomb of the great queen.”
Epilogue
The Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt
Two Months Later
Black tie always made Mako feel good—not only about himself, but because he enjoyed being able to watch as his father squirmed in his. Gretchen clung to his arm as they approached the floodlights illuminating the entrance to the Egyptian Museum.
They waited patiently in the reception line, accepting with thanks the fluted champagne glasses offered by a waiter. Many people, especially those dressed in military garb, refused the alcohol. As they neared the entrance, Mako could clearly see Rashi greeting the long line of guests. She looked elegant in her traditional dress. As the new Minister of Tourism, it was her job to greet the guests.
Ahmed’s fate after he was arrested was unknown. With the help of TJ’s video, the minister had been disgraced and removed from power. If there was a trial or sentencing, it was not made public. That was to be expected. The minister had disappeared, probably permanently.
As they reached the front of the line, Mako saw the guests making space—some scolding, others smiling—for Adon as he ran toward them. The desert waif had been cleaned up. His wild hair was tamed and he was dressed in new slacks and a button-down shirt. The joy on his face on seeing them replaced his former discomfort over dressing up.
“Adon.” The boy went directly to Gretchen, who bent over and hugged him.
He jabbered excitedly about his new school as they reached Rashi.
“The Storms.”
“Dr. Mustafa, or is it Minister Mustafa?” John asked.
“To my friends it will always be Rashi.”
Adon tugged on her hand. “Can I take them? I good guide.”
“Of course, but slow down,” she scolded him with a smile.
Mako felt Gretchen squeeze his arm as Adon led the group to the new exhibit. They entered the glass-enclosed space, instantly grateful for the air conditioning. That feeling lasted only a few seconds, as the display in front of them caught their attention. As Mako had guessed about the find’s history, the smaller goods had been pilfered over time, but what was left was magnificent.
Rashi approached as they neared the end of the exhibit.
“Adon looks good,” Gretchen said.
“He’s a national hero. I have agreed to watch over his education here.”
“Still got the devil in him, though,” Mako said.
“He’s not the only one,” Rashi winked at Gretchen.
Follow Mac Travis in his next adventure:
Out of Sight is Not Out of Mind
Within sight of Marathon, Florida, lies an island left to its own devices. While its harbor is picture-postcard perfect, abandoned and hurricane-ravaged Boot Key has a secret hiding deep in its mangrove tunnels and derelict fishing shacks.
Packed with scenic locations, boating, fishing, diving, and the usual cast of Conch Republic characters, Wood’s Honor will take you on a wild ride through the underbelly of Florida Keys counterculture.
Get it Now
About the Author
Always looking for a new location or adventure to write about, Steven Becker can usually be found on or near the water. He splits his time between Tampa and the Florida Keys - paddling, sailing, diving, fishing or exploring.
Find out more by visiting www.stevenbeckerauthor.com or contact me directly at
booksbybecker@gmail.com.
Get my starter library First Bite for Free!
when you sign up for my newsletter
http://eepurl.com/-obDj
First Bite contains the first book in several of Steven Becker's series:
Get them now (http://eepurl.com/-obDj)
Mac Travis Adventures: The Wood’s Series
It's easy to become invisible in the Florida Keys. Mac Travis is laying low: Fishing, Diving and doing enough salvage work to pay his bills. Staying under the radar is another matter altogether. An action-packed thriller series featuring plenty of boating, SCUBA diving, fishing and flavored with a generous dose of Conch Republic counterculture.
Check Out The Series Here
★★★★★ Becker is one of those, unfortunately too rare, writers who very obviously knows and can make you feel, even smell, the places he writes about. If you love the Keys, or if you just want to escape there for a few enjoyable hours, get any of the Mac Travis books - and a strong drink
★★★★★This is a terrific series with outstanding details of Florida, especially the Keys. I can imagine myself riding alone with Mac through every turn. Whether it's out on a boat or on an island....I'm there
Kurt Hunter Mysteries: The Backwater Series
Biscayne Bay is a pristine wildness on top of the Florida Keys. It is also a stones throw from Miami and an area notorious for smuggling. If there’s nefarious activity in the park, special agent Kurt Hunter is sure to stumble across it as he patrols the backwaters of Miami.
Check it out the series here
★★★★★ This series is one of my favorites. Steven Becker is a genius when it comes to weaving a plot and local color with great characters. It’s like dessert, I eat it first
★★★★★ Great latest and greatest in the series or as a stand alone. I don't want to give up the plot. The characters are more "fleshed out" and have become "real." A truly believable story in and about Florida and Floridians.
Tides of Fortune
What do you do when you’re labeled a pirate in the nineteenth century Caribbean
Follow the adventures of young Captain Van Doren as he and his crew try to avoid the hangman’s noose. With their unique mix of skills, Nick and company roam the waters of the Caribbean looking for a safe haven to spend their wealth. But, the call “Sail on the horizon” often changes the best laid plans.
Check out the series here
★★★★★ This is a great book for those who like me enjoy "factional" books. This is a book that has characters that actually existed and took place in a real place(s). So even though it isn't a true story, it certainly could be. Steven Becker is a terrific writer and it certainly shows in this book of action of piracy, treasure hunting,ship racing etc
The Storm Series
Meet contract agents John and Mako Storm. The father and son duo are as incompatible as water and oil, but necessity often forces them to work together. This thriller series has plenty of i
nternational locations, action, and adventure.
Check out the series here
★★★★★ Steven Becker's best book written to date. Great plot and very believable characters. The action is non-stop and the book is hard to put down. Enough plot twists exist for an exciting read. I highly recommend this great action thriller.
★★★★★ A thriller of mega proportions! Plenty of action on the high seas and in the Caribbean islands. The characters ran from high tech to divers to agents in the field. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush by all means get Steven Beckers new E Book
The Will Service Series
If you can build it, sail it, dive it, and fish it—what’s left. Will Service: carpenter, sailor, and fishing guide can do all that. But trouble seems to find him and it takes all his skill and more to extricate himself from it.
Check out the series here
★★★★★ I am a sucker for anything that reminds me of the great John D. MacDonald and Travis McGee. I really enjoyed this book. I hope the new Will Service adventure is out soon, and I hope Will is living on a boat. It sounds as if he will be. I am now an official Will Service fan. Now, Steven Becker needs to ignore everything else and get to work on the next Will Service novel
★★★★★ If you like Cussler you will like Becker! A great read and an action packed thrill ride through the Florida Keys!