Lost City (NUMA Files 5)

"Brace yourself," the medic said and unzipped one of the body bags.

The captain had seen and smelled dead bodies in various levels of sea decomposition, and the strong animal odor that issued from the bag didn't bother him as much as the sight that greeted his eyes. His ruddy face turned ash gray. The captain was a good Presbyterian who neither drank nor swore. This was one of those times when he wished he were less devout.

"What in God's name is that thing?" he said in a hoarse whisper.

"The stuff of nightmares," the medic said. "I've never seen anything like it."

"What about the other one?" the captain said.

The medic unzipped the second bag. The body was that of a handsome gray-haired man in his fifties or sixties.

"Zip them both up," the captain ordered. When the medic complied, the captain said, "What did they die of?"

"Both these, er, men were killed by gunshots."

Captain Bruce thanked the medic and then headed to the mess hall. The frightened faces he had seen earlier were smiling, thanks to generous infusions of food and rum. Austin sat at a table talking with Paul and Gamay.

Austin had been listening, deep in thought, as they took turns filling him in on their kidnapping and imprisonment. He saw Captain Bruce and gave him a warm smile. "Hello, Captain. As you can see, your hospitality has not gone unappreciated."

"Glad to hear that," the captain said. "I wonder if I might have a word with you in private, Mr. Austin."

Austin took in the seriousness of the captain's expression. He had a good idea of why the captain wanted to see him. "Of course."

The captain led him to a ready room near the mess hall and told him to take a seat.

"I've got some questions to ask you."

"Go right ahead."

"It's about those bodies. Who or what are they?"

"One of them is a Scottish chemist named MacLean Angus MacLean I'm not sure who the other one is, or was. I've been told that he is a mutant, the result of a scientific experiment gone wrong."

"What kind of experiment could produce a monster like that poor devil?"

"I'm not privy to the details."

The captain shook his head in disbelief. "Who shot them?"

"They were killed trying escape from an island, where they were being held prisoner." He gave the position.

"The forbidden island} I've patrolled these waters for two decades and have never set foot on the place. What in God's name were you doing there?"

"My colleague Paul Trout and the pilot of the submersible Alvin were being held against their will. We went ashore on a rescue mission and ran into a little trouble."

"Who was keeping them prisoner?"

"I don't know. I suggest that we straighten it all out when we get back to shore."

A young crewman came into the room and handed Captain Bruce a sheet of folded paper. "These just came in, sir."

"Thank you," the captain said. He excused himself and read the messages and handed one to Kurt. It was from Rudi Gunn.

"Glad all are well. Details soon? Rudi."

The captain read the other note and raised his eyebrows.

"It seems that you have what Americans call 'clout," Mr. Austin. The central Coast Guard command has been contacted by the Admiralty. We are to treat you with the utmost courtesy, and to give you