The Crypts of Eden

EPILOGUE

Alyssa looked stunningly beautiful dressed up in a gown that embraced and accentuated her lithe frame. Her hair was flowing with wreaths of light dancing along her crown from the reflection of the overhead lamp that shined down onto their dinner table.

John Savage was equally charismatic in dress wearing a tux. His hair was conservatively cut, not a fiber out of place, and the features of his eyes held a certain glow to them. They were reaching across the table, their hands cupped, waiting for the first course of a Turkish dinner.

“You didn’t do it, did you?”

She shook her head. “I couldn’t.”

“Well, I guess there are more important issues.”

“Like what?”

He couldn’t think of any.

“I’m a scientist,” she told him. “I search for facts. But by doing what I did… I let the entire scientific community down.”

But he heard something riding the wave of her voice, so he led her on. “But?”

“But some things were never meant to be found as Montario said. I really believe that.”

“Are you happy with what you did?”

“I think so, yes.”

“You think so?”

She reconsidered. “I know so.”

“Then if you believe what you did was right and no one was hurt by this, then that’s all that matters.”

She nodded. “And what about you?” she asked.

“What about me?”

“You’re unemployed.”

“There’re jobs. I’m not totally without skills, you know.”

“Really?”

He smiled “Really.”

“Well, I know of an archeological institute looking to hire someone. But he needs to be skilled in certain labors.”

“Such as?”

“Are you open for an interview, John Savage?”

“It all depends. Are there perks?”

She smiled. “Good ones,” she said.

“Then interview away.”

She leaned back and squared her shoulders, then giggled after she realized how silly she was acting. “Mr. Savage, have you ever used a pickaxe?”

“No. But I’ve seen one before.”

“Have you ever worked at an archeological site?”

“Never.”

“What does ‘stratigraphy’ mean?”

“I haven’t a clue.”

“Where is the ‘Valley of the Kings’ located?”

“Are we talking about the Sacramento Kings?”

She smiled. “You know something, John Savage?”

“What?”

They leaned across the table and kissed each other, the two finally breaking away with reluctance.

“You’re hired.”