Crescent Dawn (Dirk Pitt 21)

His luck had run thin, however, when an underling brought him a small stone slab with an Aramaic inscription that dated to 1000 B.C. Bannister authenticated the marker as a possible cornerstone from Solomon’s Temple, never suspecting that the carved stone was a forgery designed to earn the digger a fat bonus. Bannister took the fall, however, in a crushing embarrassment that his professional colleagues happily fostered. His reputation tainted, he quickly fell out of the limelight and soon found himself working limited excavations and even hosting guided tourist trips through the Holy Land.

“Sophie, you know as well as I that Solomon here is the most reputable antiquities dealer in all of Israel,” he said, redirecting the conversation.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Be that as it may, it’s probably not a wise move for a reputable archaeologist to be seen hanging around a dealer’s shop,” she said, then stepped toward the door.

“Ditto, Miss Elkin. It was lovely seeing you again. Let’s do have a drink together sometime.”

Sophie gave him an icy smile, then turned and walked out of the shop. Bannister watched her through the window as she made her way down the street.

“A beautiful lass,” he muttered. “I’ve always wanted to cultivate that relationship.”

“That one?” Brandy said, shaking his head. “She’d sooner throw you behind bars.”

“She might be worth the trip,” Bannister agreed with a laugh. “What was she doing here?”

“Investigating the theft and shooting at Caesarea.”

“An ugly incident, indeed.” He looked at Brandy closely. “You didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”

“Of course not,” he replied, angry that Bannister would even insinuate his involvement.

“Do you know what was stolen?”

“Elkin mentioned some papyrus scrolls, fourth-century Roman.”

The description seized Bannister’s attention, but he fought to maintain a disinterested demeanor.

“Any idea of their content?”

Brandy shook his head. “No. I can’t imagine they’d contain anything astounding from that time period.”

“You’re probably right. I wonder who financed the theft?”

“Now you are starting to sound like Miss Elkin,” Brandy said. “I really haven’t heard anything about it. Maybe you should ask the Fat Man?”

“Ah yes. The very reason for my visit. You received the amulets from my associate Josh?”

“Yes, with a message that I was to hold them until we talked.” Brandy stepped to the back room, then returned with a small box. He opened it up and laid out two green stone pendants, each featuring a carved ram motif.

“A nice matched pair of amulets from the Canaanite period,” Brandy said. “Did these come from Tel Arad?”

“Yes. A former student of mine is leading a dig there for an American university.”

“That boy could get himself into trouble for looting an antiquities dig.”

“He’s quite aware of that, but it’s an exceptional case. The boy is actually straight as an arrow. He inadvertently trenched into a grave site and came away with some sterling artifacts. They actually dug up four identical amulets. One went to the university and one was donated to the Israel Museum. Josh sent me the other two as gifts for helping him in his career over the years.”

Brandy raised his brow while asking, “You want me to sell them?”

Bannister smiled. “No, my friend. While I realize they would garner a pretty penny, I don’t really need the cash. Take one for you

rself and do with it what you wish.”

Brandy’s eyes lit up. “That is a very generous gift.”

“You’ve been a valuable friend over the years, and I may need your help in the future. Take it with my blessings.”

“Shalom, my friend,” Brandy replied, shaking Bannister’s hand. “May I ask what you are going to do with the other amulet?”