The Atlantis Cipher

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“What does it say?” Bodie asked immediately.

“That, I can’t answer,” Lucie told them. “At least not here. I would have to show you the statues and explain the script. In essence, though, the nine statues are one single message, made by a Phoenician and written in that language — a Phoenician who derived from the very shores of Atlantis itself.”

“I see now,” Gunn said, “why you regaled us with the Phoenician story. It’s a long-held belief that the Phoenicians were the founders of all our modern knowledge as well as the last remnants of destroyed Atlantis.”

“Any more questions?” Lucie had the habit of either ignoring or accepting statements without recognition. Bodie wondered if it was an intelligence thing… or maybe just the result of a lifetime of being cooped up with dusty old books.

“I have one,” Cross said. “Can we get another man on the team? With four women against just the two of us I’m feeling a little outnumbered.”

“You mean outmatched,” Cassidy said. “Outsmarted.”

Bodie was watching Gunn, the third man on the team, but the nerd never even heard the comment so intent was he on the screen before him. Bodie left him lost in the world he preferred, and shared a private smile with Cross.

“If you can’t tell us what the statues say, Lucie,” he said, “can you tell us what we’re supposed to do next?”

Lucie nodded quickly, her blonde ponytail bouncing up and down, up and down. “Leave for Europe,” she said. “That’s a good start since we’re definitely headed in that direction.”

“Europe?” Heidi motioned at the waitress and mouthed “check.” “The hunt for the statues’ provenance leads there?”

“Yup. I’ll explain later. I need more time to narrow it down because, as you pointed out, I was already late.”

Heidi made a face. “I guess I did. And I guess you’re coming along for the ride.” She gave Bodie a sidelong glance. “Won’t that be fun.”

Lucie answered seriously, “I really hope so. I haven’t been on holiday — what you guys call vacation — for two years now.”

Cassidy let out a raucous guffaw. “Oh yeah, girl, don’t you worry. We can all see that.”

Lucie eyed Heidi. “I’m not sure exactly what I need, but I’ll figure it out and let you know on the way.”

Cassidy answered so that only the relic hunters heard. “I know just what you need, hon, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself.”

Bodie laughed and then scraped his chair back. “Shall we?”

“Can’t wait,” Gunn said, looking up. “Let the hunt begin.”