Maxwell’s Silver Hammer Read online

  Helen looked away as his eyes sought hers. He knew that she cared for him, maybe even loved him, but they would never be together. Regardless of the fact that he was a wealthy and powerful man in his own right, he was not Richard Weston, billionaire and advisor to every president since Nixon. No, he could not compete with Richard on that playing field, and nothing less would do for Helen. The only way she would leave Richard was in a box in the ground.

  Helen looked up at him. “You’re the only person I can trust, Mark. I need you. Please, I must know that I can count on you to keep an eye on things and inform me immediately if anything happens I should be aware of.”

  Mark nodded. Keeping an eye on Richard was one of the things he did. Little did Helen know, his eye was also on her. There was little that either one of them did that he wasn’t aware of. Not because it was his job but because it was his life. Mark had plans of his own and Helen and Richard were instrumental in ensuring that his plans worked out.

  —

  Simon maneuvered his electric wheelchair to the bookcase beside the fireplace in his library. Pulling out a thick leather tome, The Illiad, he reached inside and pressed on a small circular disc inserted into the back of the bookcase, then rolled his chair backward as the entire bookcase swung open.

  Gaspar de Troyes had just enough time to step inside before Simon’s curiosity overcame him.

  “Your communiqué stated that you’d made contact with the candidate.”

  “Not simply contact,” Gaspar said. “Even as we speak she is preparing to take the position your son offered.”

  “Ah,” Simon smiled. “Your impressions?”

  “Smart, attractive and young.”

  The smile on Simon’s face faded. “Are you quite sure this woman won’t be seduced by my son in what shall surely prove to be his quite extravagant gestures?”

  “I was quite thorough in my background check.”

  “I imagine Richard was as well.”

  “Actually, his colleague, Mark Robinson, performed a cursory investigation. They know of her parents, her financial situation and have a superficial view of her past.”

  “And you know more?”

  Gaspar smiled and inclined his head in a minute bow toward Simon. “I learned from the best.”

  “Compliment gratefully acknowledged, my friend. Now tell me of this woman.”

  Gaspar took a seat. “The young woman’s name is Nikki Morgan, age twenty-eight, unmarried and a doctoral candidate in archaeology with an emphasis in religious artifacts and anthropology. What Richard knows is that she was born the child of a Native American woman and an American man from Texas, both of whom are deceased. What he doesn’t know is that the mother wasn’t a full-blooded Indian. Her father was the product of the union between a native Texan and a French woman, whose own parentage was mixed. A father from Jerusalem and a mother whose ancestry can be traced directly back to the Morvingians.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Our associate Christian Bernard first notified me of Ms. Morgan and her work. She and Bernard had a short-lived affair a year or so ago. It ended amiably enough and they remained friends.”

  “What was the reason for the end of the affair?”

  Gaspar’s face lit with a smile. “It seems that Ms. Morgan has a rather unique criterion for evaluating feelings of the heart. She told Bernard that when she looks into his eyes, she does not feel a bond that unites them.”

  “Interesting. Did Bernard have any further insights?”

  “Actually, yes. After the split, he and Ms. Morgan discussed it at length. It seems that she is convinced beyond all doubt that when she meets the man she is destined to unite with, she will know him immediately. She’ll see something in his eyes. According to Bernard, she doesn’t know what that ‘something’ is. She holds to the belief that she is in search of her eternal mate. That being with whom she has been united since the beginning in a spiritual quest of Oneness. She subscribes to the notion that if a person can become One with another living thing, they become One with all, and the universal mysteries may then be understood.”

  Simon’s eyes were riveted on Gaspar. “And where did she come to possess such beliefs?”

  “Apparently as long as she can remember. She subscribes to no organized system of beliefs created by man, but leans toward the idea that all religions are in actuality variations of the cargo cult idea, and that the true God, Universal Awareness or Cosmic Power is unknowable by mankind at its present level of development, but that keys to understanding the Universal mysteries are to be found first by understanding man’s beliefs, and second by understanding the beliefs of those who gave mankind the pantheon of gods we have worshipped over the ages.”

  “I see why you selected this Ms. Morgan, and approve of your selection. It’s a rare occurrence to happen across someone so young with ideologies that so closely parallel our own. However, I am concerned about one aspect—how will she relate to Maxwell? I will not have him harmed in any way.”

  Gaspar nodded and looked away. There was a long pause. Simon allowed Gaspar sufficient time to volunteer whatever was bothering him, but when nothing was forthcoming, he broke the silence.

  “Something troubles you. You feel she is a danger to my grandson?”

  “Possibly. But not intentionally.”

  “Clarification would be most welcome.”

  Gaspar sighed. “I have nothing to go on but my own intuition.”

  “Intuition I’ve trusted for many years. Please.”

  Gaspar leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped together. “I’m not sure how to accurately put this into words. After Ms. Morgan’s meeting with Richard and introduction to Maxwell, I spoke with her. Initially, she seemed quite indignant, even angry, accusing me of setting her up and making her think she was to meet a small child. At first I thought it was simply the shock of discovering that Maxwell was not a child. But something in her eyes told me that despite the status she has been given on Maxwell, she sees something else in him, something that…intrigues her.”

  “Academically, intellectually or emotionally?”

  “The latter, I suspect.”

  “You think she’s attracted to Maxwell?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, that’s certainly a first. However, it does give me pause to consider Ms. Morgan’s role in our strategy.”

  “Shall I have her placed under surveillance?”

  “That is always advisable in the initial phases.”

  “I’ll see to it.”

  Simon wheeled his chair to the bookcase and activated the switch to open the secret door. “Once Richard and Helen have gone, I advise you to be extremely careful in your visits to the estate. Richard’s eye, the ever-vigilant Mr. Robinson, is sure to step up his surveillance.”

  “We’ve already begun preparations to circumvent his actions.”

  “Excellent.” Simon extended his hand to Gaspar. “Walk well, my friend. We will speak again soon.”

  Gaspar pressed Simon’s hand affectionately in his then left. Simon rolled his chair to the window that looked out over the bay. “So the young woman is attracted to Maxwell? Interesting. I wonder just how deep the attraction runs?”

  With a sudden inspiration, Simon went to the phone and dialed. “I need to see you as soon as is safely possible.”

  Hanging up, he settled back in his chair, his mind already busy forming the beginnings of a new strategy.

  —

  Nikki was in the midst of packing when her cell phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Nik, it’s Chris. Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “No, what’s up?”

  “I need to see you.”

  “About what?”

  “I can’t talk about it over the phone. Meet me at my office in fifteen minutes?”

  She considered it for a moment. Chris didn’t sound like he wanted to discuss her dissertation or anything academic. He’d dropped hints the last few
months that he’d like their relationship to move back to a more intimate level, but she hadn’t been interested. She couldn’t imagine that would be what he wanted to discuss, but aside from that, what could he not talk about over the phone?

  Finally, out of curiosity, she agreed. “Okay, see you then.”

  Looking around the one-room efficiency she called an apartment, she saw nothing else she needed to pack. Aside from her clothes, an old television and an even older portable stereo, she didn’t own much. Grabbing her keys and purse, she locked the door and left.

  She arrived at the university a few minutes late, thanks to a traffic accident. Christian was not in his office. Nikki decided she would wait.

  Ten minutes later he rushed in. “Nik, thank god.”

  His disheveled appearance and frantic manner alarmed her. “What’s wrong?”

  Christian looked around his office frantically. Snatching up his briefcase, he dumped its contents on the floor and ran to a row of locked file cabinets. From one he took a box of CDs and three fat file folders. After stuffing them in the briefcase, he took one more look around then turned to her.

  “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  “Hold on!” She grabbed his arm to stop him. “What’s going on?”

  “Not here!” He pulled her along with him toward the door. “Come on.”

  Nikki had never seen him act in such a way. In the time she had known him, Christian Bernard had always been one of the coolest, most collected people she’d ever known. Nothing ever ruffled him. Now he was acting like he was scared to death.

  Hurrying to his car, Christian threw his briefcase in the backseat. “Get in!”

  “Where’re we going?”

  He jumped in and started the car. She just got her door closed before he screeched out of the parking slot and tore through the lot. Checking his mirrors, he raced through traffic, ran lights and finally, after ten harrowing minutes in which Nikki was sure they’d end up roadkill, he slowed and turned off into a residential area.

  She kept silent until he pulled into the parking area of a neighborhood park and turned off the engine.

  “What’s going on?”

  He turned to face her. “Have you spoken with Gaspar de Troyes?”

  “Yes.”

  “About?”

  She wasn’t sure she wanted to tell him about the bizarre situation she’d gotten herself into with the job at the Weston estate. “Chris, what’s wrong? Why are you asking about Gaspar?”

  He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. “What’d he tell you?”

  “Hey!” She wrenched away.

  “I’m sorry.” He collapsed with his head on the steering wheel. For a few moments there was only the sound of his harsh and rapid breathing. He raised his head and ran his hand back through his hair. His eyes moved to the rearview mirror and grew round.

  Nikki looked at him then whirled to look behind them. A dark sedan with tinted windows was pulling into the parking area.

  Christian almost dove over the seat to get his briefcase. “Get out!”

  Nikki sat staring at him like he’d completely lost his mind. He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the car then took off across the playground, dodging the few children present.

  Nikki could do nothing but try to keep up or be dragged along. As they dodged around the swings, Christian cut a look over his shoulder. She did the same. Two men in dark suits were running after them.

  Christian let go of her and reached into his pocket. He withdrew a small cloth bag and pressed it into her hand. “Get out of here. Now!”

  “What’s this?”

  “There’s no time, just go!”

  “No!”

  “Nik, do as I say. Go!”

  Scared by the way he was acting and the fact that the men in suits were closing in on them, she did as he ordered. Darting through the swings, she headed for the duck pond, never looking back until she had bounded across the footbridge and rounded a group of children being led by several women carrying bags of bread for the ducks.

  There was no sign of Christian or the men. Nikki didn’t know what to do. What was going on? Should she look for Christian? She had no idea, but the thought of running into the men who were chasing them was not very appealing. They sure couldn’t be friends if Christian was that terrified of them.

  Spotting a city bus stopping in front of the park entrance, she ran as fast as she could. The doors closed just as she got to it. She screamed and banged on the doors and the driver opened them. It was then she realized she had left her purse in Christian’s car.

  “Sorry.” She watched it pull away, then looked around and cautiously made her way to Christian’s car. The sedan was still parked nearby. With her heart in her throat she ran to Christian’s car.

  Her purse was still on the seat. Retrieving it, she set out at a brisk walk toward the street. It took her several minutes to reach a commercial area of the city. She ducked into a coffee shop and took a seat at the window, scanning the street. After several minutes she started to relax. It was then she remembered the small cloth bag she’d stuffed in her pocket. She took it out and dumped the contents on the table.

  A pendant on a chain spilled. It was shaped like an odd key, of a dull silver material. The chain and pendant seemed to be very old and hand crafted. Nikki couldn’t imagine why Christian would have put importance on it. Could this have anything to do with why they were being chased?

  That thought sent a shiver of fear through her. Maybe it would be unwise to wear it. Maybe the sphere she wore now would call attention to her as well. Maybe someone knew Christian had given it to her.

  She was loath to remove the sphere, but did so anyway, tucking it into the bag with the key pendant and shoving the bag into the front right pocket of her jeans.

  Satisfied that she had not been followed, she left the café and headed for the nearest bus stop. The bench at the stop was vacant so she sat down to wait. She saw the bus coming down the street a few minutes later and stood. Just as she did a dark sedan skidded to a stop in front of her and a man jumped out.

  Before she had time to think, he grabbed her and shoved her into the backseat of the car and climbed in beside her. Before he even had time to close the door, the driver took off.

  Nikki had her back on the seat, kicking and hitting at the man as the car accelerated. The driver shouted at the man in the backseat with her to take care of her. That diverted the man’s attention for a moment, giving Nikki an opportunity. The moment his head swung back in her direction she kicked him as hard as she could in the face. He shouted in pain and grabbed his nose. When he did she fumbled for the door handle, pushed open the door and threw herself out.

  One moment of blinding pain when she hit the pavement, and the sound of car horns and skidding tires preceded the blackness that claimed her.

  —

  Simon looked away from the computer monitor as Gaspar entered via the secret door.

  “Did you locate Bernard?”

  Gaspar nodded, but before answering, collapsed into a chair and covered his face with his hands. Simon wheeled his chair over beside Gaspar. When Gaspar looked up, Simon knew the news was bad.

  “What happened?”

  “He’s dead.”

  “How?”

  “An apparent suicide.”

  “That’s preposterous.” Simon knew that couldn’t be true. Christian was too curious, had too many mysteries to explore to end his own life.

  “Yes, but the authorities seem to be buying it. Thanks to the phone tap we know he called Nikki Morgan and asked her to meet him. She was seen arriving at his office at the university. He wasn’t there when she arrived.”

  “Yes, I know. He was meeting with Mark Robinson.”

  “How do you know?”

  “He called and told me that Robinson had asked to see him. He was offered an…opportunity.”

  Gaspar nodded thoughtfully. “In other words, Richard tried to recruit him.”
r />   “Yes, apparently Richard’s network thought they could sway him to their side.”

  “What happened?”

  “Christian said no to the offer and Robinson made it clear he didn’t have a choice. Christian thought he could stall for time and told Robinson there were some things he would have to attend to and would meet him again later.”

  “But Robinson didn’t fall for it?”

  “Apparently not,” Simon replied. “But continue with what happened after he arrived at the university.”

  “He was there only a short time before he and Ms. Morgan left, got in his car and sped away. They were followed and I, in turn, followed their pursuers. Christian drove to a small neighborhood park, he and Ms. Morgan got out of the car and ran. They split up. Robinson’s men followed Christian. Ms. Morgan got away.”

  “Did Christian have anything with him?”

  “Yes.” Gaspar nodded. “A briefcase.”

  Simon leaned back with a sigh of relief. “Thank the powers that be. Bless you, Christian.”

  Gaspar looked at him incredulously. “What are you saying? Christian’s dead. I had his house watched. He returned with an unidentified man in his car. They went into the house. Twenty minutes later the man left. Our people were about to go in when the first police car arrived.”

  “Have you any details on how he died?”

  “Gunshot. It appears he put the barrel of a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.”

  “Are the police still there?”

  “Yes.”

  “And what of the briefcase he was carrying when he left the university?”

  “He didn’t have it when he arrived at his house.”

  Simon nodded. “He was a brave man.”

  “But foolish, Simon, very foolish. He shouldn’t have called Nikki.”

  “Yes, that was a mistake. However, if the background check you did on her is accurate, it can be explained. She was a past lover. He was distraught. It’s understandable. Was there a note?”

  Gaspar shook his head. “Nothing.”

  Simon nodded again. “I grieve with you, Gaspar. Christian was a brilliant scholar and a good friend.”

  “Yes, and now all his work, and possibly information vital to our goals, are in the possession of our enemies.”