Eight Days to Live

by Iris Johansen

  “It’s pretty flimsy.”

  “Do you think I don’t know that?” She pointed to a wall that enclosed the southwest side of Jerusalem. “But look at this.” She did an overlay of ancient Jerusalem with a modern-day map. “This is a thematic soil content map of the area that Oxford did at the same time. Do you see that heavy clay content in the valley of Hamman? That’s the supposed Field of Blood, where the tour guides take the tourists. The clay content looks the same in that area north of the city.”

  “Does the Oxford study mention any historical information about another potter’s field being north of Jerusalem?”

  She shook her head. “But that doesn’t mean it didn’t exist. For Pete’s sake, it was almost two thousand years ago.” She gazed down at the map. “We have a chance. Soil content doesn’t change that much unless there’s some gigantic natural event like an ice age. Will you call Oxford Mideast Studies and see if you can find out if that clay content could have been heavy enough to be a potter’s field?” She was flipping through other maps and superimposing them. “I’d do it, but I need to get as much information as I can about the area before we get airborne and I lose the Net.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.” He turned away and pulled out his phone.

  It could be the field.

  Excitement was slowly taking hold as she gazed down at the map. Keep it under control. It’s a long shot, she said to herself.

  Long shots weren’t based on scientific maps and university studies.

  She was lying to herself. She wanted it too much.

  The plane was taxiing down the runway.

  One more map . . .

  “Bingo,” Caleb said as he hung up the phone. “That area definitely had the potential for heavy clay content in biblical times. And they did a current day scan two years ago, and the potential still exists. Very high iron content.” He smiled. “Which means we still have a chance that your potter’s field isn’t under a freeway.”

  “No.” She was looking down at the map she’d just superimposed on the ancient map. It wasn’t a thematic but a political map. Her forefinger touched the field. Did she feel the slightest tingle? Imagination. “I think its farmland. In Palestinian territory.”

  Tel Aviv, Israel

  “I DO BELIEVE WE’RE BEING welcomed,” Jock murmured as he gazed out of the window of the jet as it taxied toward the private hangars at the far end of the runway.

  A sleek black car was parked at the hangar, and a slender, dark-skinned man in a navy blue suit was getting out of the car.

  “Looks like CIA issue to me,” Caleb said. He got to his feet as the jet came to a halt. “But let me go ahead and make sure. Stay in the plane until I tell you to come.”

  Jane nodded as she unbuckled her seat belt. She was stiff from sitting for so many hours but eager to get out and get going.

  The man to whom Caleb was talking did not look like a threat. He reminded her of some kind of diplomatic bureaucrat.

  “Let’s go,” Jock said, as Caleb turned and waved to them.

  “Jane, Gavin, this is Bill Gillem,” Caleb said, as they approached. “Venable asked him to take us to the general location where you think the field is located.”

  Gillem shrugged. “ ‘General’ is right. I think you’re barking up the wrong tree. It’s only a barren piece of land surrounded by farmland.”

  “Barren?” Jane asked. “Because there’s too much clay in the soil?”

  “Maybe. But it hasn’t been used to extract clay since the 1930s. There was some bullshit rumor about the place being cursed. The Palestinians tried to reclaim it and use it as farmland, but it didn’t work out.”

  “Surrounded by farmland,” Jock repeated. “No hills or plateaus where there could be a cave? It showed something on the topographical map on the Net.”

  “Not much. Maybe a few shallow hills on the edge of the field. You’ll have to check that out for yourself.” He opened the back door of the car. “If you want to go, let’s get on the road. I’ve called in all kinds of favors with the guards at the checkpoints, but it’s a whole new ball game after the shifts change. We’ve got three hours to get in and get out.”

  “Then go back and get us more time. Bribe them.”

  “What are you talking about? This is Israel. These people have seen their friends blown up by suicide bombers. They wouldn’t risk taking a bribe. If they didn’t trust me, you’d be shit out of luck.” He shook his head. “And I’m not ruining contacts I’ve spent ten years in this country building because you want to take your time. It’s going to be rough enough to have you tramping over that field without getting shot. There are rumors that several farmhouses near the field are being used by drug dealers who furnish money to the PLO.”

  “What if that three hours isn’t enough?” Jane got into the car, followed by Caleb. Jock got into the passenger seat. “What do we do then?”

  “You’re on your own. Venable only gave me orders to get you in and out in a timely manner. Three hours is plenty of time considering that there’s nothing much to see.” He got into the driver’s seat. “I brought that .38 Special and some additional firepower, your backpack, and that equipment you requested. They’re all in the trunk. I don’t know what you’re searching for, but I think you’re going to come up with zilch.”

  “Very negative,” Caleb murmured to Jane as Gillem started the car and drove away from the hangar. “Do you want me to adjust his attitude?”

  “No. It sounds as if this trip is damn risky. He has a right to his feelings.”

  “As long as they don’t get in the way.” His glance shifted out the window to the lights of Tel Aviv. “I’ll check back when we reach the field.”

  Or he’ll use his own judgment and do as he pleases, Jane thought.

  He glanced at her and smiled. “Probably,” he said as if reading her thoughts. “But I did want to involve you in the decision.”

  “As long as I don’t get in the way,” she paraphrased his own words.

  “Sometimes there isn’t time to consult and discuss.”

  “There may not be any urgency connected to this trip at all. Maybe Gillem is right, and this is a wild-goose chase.”

  “It could be. But it’s worth a shot. Don’t let him bring you down.”

  “He’s not. I’m just trying not to get my hopes up.” But that wasn’t going to happen. She was charged with excitement. That breathless moment on the plane when she’d seen that tiny square superimposed on the computer map was still with her. She wanted to be there, see for herself. “It’s hard to be cool and analytical when I want to move, to fly.”

  “Cool, you’re not,” he said. “I’ve never seen you anything but intense and charged with emotion even when you’re trying to hide it. And I like the idea of your flying.” He added softly, “So screw anyone who wants to keep you grounded.”

  She felt warmth surge through her. She had to tear her gaze away from his. She said lightly, “That’s what I say. Screw them.”

  MacDuff’s Run

  “WILL THERE BE ANYTHING ELSE?” Mrs. Dalbrey asked as she set the tray down on the table in Eve’s room. “It’s soup and sandwiches as you asked. I made lemon pudding for a sweet. Would you like me to take off the covers and set the table?”

  “No, Ms. Alsouk will be here any moment.” Eve closed her suitcase and fastened it. “I’ll do it then. Thank you, Mrs. Dalbrey.”

  “You’re very welcome.” The housekeeper hesitated. “I’ll be back to pick up the tray when you call me. If that will suit you.”

  Eve smiled. “That will be fine.”

  Mrs. Dalbrey still stood at the door. “I understand you’re leaving us. I want to say that I’ve enjoyed serving you, Ms. Duncan.” She paused. “I hope all goes well with you. Oh, I do hope that.” She turned, and her voice was muffled as she went out the door. “Good luck and God bless.”

  “Thank you. You’ve been very—” But the housekeeper was gone.

  Eve frowned, puzzled. The woman
had always been pleasant, but they hadn’t done more than exchange a few words in the time she’d been here. Yet those last words had been tinged with emotion. It struck her as odd that—

  A knock on the door.

  MacDuff stood there when she opened it. “I wish you to stay,” he said curtly. “Change your mind. Nothing has changed because Jane has taken it into her head to go on this wild-goose chase. You’re still in just as much danger. Maybe more. Millet’s men are still moving about the hills above the castle waiting to pounce. Leave here, and you give them their chance at you.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t hide away here forever while Jane goes trekking about the world. I have to be out and doing something. Joe and I have taken care of ourselves for a long time. We’ll be all right, MacDuff.”

  “You’re making a mistake.”

  “Perhaps. I’ve made them before.” She smiled. “And so have you. It’s what makes us what we are. Thank you for mounting guard and keeping me safe, MacDuff. I know it was for Jane’s sake, but it was kind nevertheless.”

  He didn’t speak for a moment. “It wasn’t entirely for Jane’s sake. I have a liking for you, Eve Duncan.” He started to turn away. “Enjoy your dinner. I’ll see you in the morning before you leave. I’m going to the hills to check with my men there to make sure Millet’s men aren’t moving closer. There have been some signs that may be happening. It wouldn’t do to have your helicopter blown out of the sky, would it?”

  “What a pleasant thought.”

  “I’m not feeling pleasant. I’m frustrated and angry and dour.” He strode down the hall. “I’ll take you to your helicopter tomorrow and see you safely off my land.”

  So much the Laird. In this moment, she could clearly see in him the Robber Barons who had been his ancestors.

  And she had a liking for MacDuff, too.

  “He’s angry,” Lina said as she came down the hall from her own room. Her gaze was on MacDuff’s straight back and the barely contained tension of his carriage as he started down the staircase. “What did you do to him?”

  “I said no.” She stepped aside to let Lina enter. “He doesn’t like the word.” She gestured to the table. “Mrs. Dalbrey already brought our meal. She wished us good luck.”

  “That was kind.” She looked at Eve. “You made the arrangements?”

  Eve nodded. “Joe is coming himself. He’ll be arranging for the helicopter and will be on the helipad at eight tomorrow morning.”

  “He didn’t argue?”

  “Yes, I told you that Joe is never easy. But I think you’ll like him.” She moved toward the table. “Now help me set out our meal, then we’ll talk. I’ll tell you about my work and Joe, and you can tell me whatever you feel safe sharing with me.”

  “Safe?”

  She removed the silver covers from the dishes. “I imagine you’re not accustomed to feeling safe in confiding many experiences. I’m the same way. Perhaps we can work our way through to some kind of understanding.”

  Lina stared at her for a moment, then moved across the room to help her set out the plates. She said quietly, “Perhaps we can.”

  “IT’S OVER THERE BEYOND that farmhouse,” Gillem said as he parked the car beneath a tree. “I’ll wait for you here.” He checked his watch. “You have less than two hours now. I won’t be here if you come back later.”

  Caleb glanced at Jane as he got out and held the door open for her. “Attitude adjustment?”

  “No.” She was barely aware of what he had said. Her gaze was fixed on the farmhouse, and she began moving toward it. Her excitement was growing by the moment, and she could feel her heart start to pound. It was there. She knew it was there.

  Beyond that house she’d be able to see the field.

  “Suppose I scout around a little.” Jock had caught up with her, and his gaze was raking the farmhouse. “This place doesn’t seem to have had very good upkeep. Gillem mentioned terrorist activity and possible drug dealers. I think it would be a good idea to see if he’s right.”

  Jane nodded. “Do what you like.” Her pace quickened. “I’m going to find that field.”

  “I’ll go with her,” Caleb said. “Catch up with us, Gavin.”

  “Right.” Jock faded away toward the rear of the farmhouse.

  Jane moved down the dirt road bordering the farmyard. The moon was behind a cloud, and she could barely see her hand in front of her face. Damn, she hoped she didn’t run into anything.

  Oh good, the clouds were starting to drift away, and there was bright moonlight. Just in time she skirted a rake in the middle of the path. She had seen a few tools scattered in the farmyard before she had started down this path. Again, not a good sign. Good farmers took care of their equipment. Perhaps Jock was right to check up on—

  She stopped, her gaze going to the earth that stretched before her. “Good Lord.”

  Caleb gave a low whistle. “Yes, I could see this land being cursed.”

  The field was large, perhaps eight or ten acres and stretched out flat and puckered like the bottom of a riverbed. In places it appeared scored by some kind of sharp tool that had formed wavy, snakelike indentations that seemed to writhe as the light changed. Even in the dim illumination cast by the moonlight, she could see the dark earth that must have been rusty-red. Surrounded by the lush crop planting of the farmlands, the solitary field appeared stark and barren, yet teeming with eerie life.

  She could almost see Hadar standing beside her watching those four crucifixes burning in the darkness.

  She shuddered.

  “Those rolling hills bordering the field to the south are our only hope for a cave,” Caleb said. “Let’s get moving.”

  “Right.” She braced herself and started toward the field.

  The red earth was quicksand soft, squishy, yielding beneath her feet, and she tried to ignore the feeling that any moment it would pull her down and suffocate her. She found she was even trying to avoid stepping on the scored snakelike indentations.

  Ridiculous. Imagination.

  Yet there was no question that her pace was quickening as she was halfway across the field.

  “I don’t see any openings in the face of the hill,” Caleb said.

  “Even if the cave was once there, it might have collapsed over the centuries.” Her gaze was raking the hill. “Or it might be completely covered by shrubbery. According to Hadar’s directions, the cave entrance was several yards away from the field, but the earth in the cave was also clay. He dug down and buried the sealed bottle deep in the ground.”

  “We can only hope the clay remained moist and didn’t crack the bottle. You go to the left, I’ll take the right. Don’t use the flashlight unless you need to do it. I’m not sure that—”

  “Good advice,” Jock said from behind them. “There are two guards outside that farmhouse, and I don’t think they like strangers.”

  “PLO?” Caleb asked.

  “No, I’d bet on drug traffickers. They probably have pot stashed all over this property and make periodic rounds. If we’re going to search, let’s do it and get the hell out. I’ll take the area straight ahead.” He strode past them up the hill.

  Jane moved swiftly toward the left.

  An hour later, they were still searching.

  “We have a choice,” Caleb said as he joined her. “Either you let me go back and persuade Gillem that it’s the sensible thing for him to wait for us, or we give it up and come back tomorrow night.”

  “We still have time.” She pushed her hair back from her face. She was hot and tired and had a painful scratch on her arm from pushing through the thorny bushes. “Keep looking.”

  He shook his head. “Stubborn.” He turned and disappeared into the shrubs.

  It wasn’t only stubbornness. It was here, dammit. She was feeling a desperation that wouldn’t go away. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow night. It would be too late.

  Crazy. Too late when those coins had been lost for two thousand years? One more day would make
a difference?

  Yes.

  Okay, then go with it. Unreasonable and completely insane though that instinct might be she couldn’t ignore it.

  She had searched this area thoroughly. She’d have to go farther up the—

  “I’ve found something.”

  Jock!

  She whirled and ran toward the slope where Jock had been searching, her feet slipping on the uneven dirt. He was on his hands and knees, tearing at rocks and shrubs.

  “What is it?”

  “An opening of some kind behind these bushes. Not very big . . . Give me a hand.”

  “I’ll do it.” Caleb was beside him, pulling at a huge rock. “You’re right. This entrance isn’t over four feet. I don’t know. This may not even be—” The rock came away, revealing a dark cavity, “Or then again it might.”

  Yes.

  Jane dropped to her knees and started to crawl toward it.

  “No.” Jock’s hand was on her shoulder. “We don’t know how unstable the ground is here. The entire hill could collapse on you. Or it could be infested with snakes. It seems an ideal habitat for them. You can’t go in there without turning on your flashlight. And we can’t be sure that those guards back at the farmhouse won’t see it.”

  She knew everything that he’d said was true. It didn’t matter. “I have to go in.” She was wriggling forward on her hands and knees. “Do whatever you have to do.”

  “Then let me go in first,” Jock said.

  “No.” She was already crawling through the opening. “My job.”

  Caleb muttered a curse, turned on his flashlight, and pressed it into her hand. “Stop and look around, dammit.”

  She lifted the flashlight and cast the beam around the cave. Small, so small. The interior was no more than five feet high by eight feet in length and jutted up a rocky wall. The ceiling of the cave wasn’t stone but earth.

  “Snakes?” Jock called.