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Dark Dig 4 - Seeking Security

Ancient Gods and Modern Drama

By Bruce J. SpohnPublished 2 years ago 32 min read
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4 - Seeking Security

Seeking Security

Marcus and Carol were surprised to see they were not the first people in the serving line. Their hunger drove both to savagely attack their plates filled with fried eggs, hash-browns and bacon. Without speaking a word, they shoveled the food down, attempting to appease their ravenous appetite. They were too consumed with eating to carry on any meaningful conversation. They only nodded their heads in recognition of the other members as they passed by.

“Maybe you should make a quick announcement about where you will be today,” Carol suggested.

Marcus nodded in agreement and stepped to the podium. He hit the mic with the tip of his index finger, in his habitual prelude to speaking. As soon as the echoing popping subsided Marcus cleared his voice and said, “Carol and I are going to Athens today to arrange for a security team to provide protection for everyone. We will also be checking with the police to check on the status of the investigation. We will stop by my home on the way back so we will not be here for two days. You all know what needs to be done and of course, you can call me anytime. So, that is all I have at the moment. I will give a detailed update when we return.” With no further fanfare, Marcus took Carol by the arm and rushed out.

The parking area was riddled with puddles, the remains of last night’s rain. Carol followed Marcus as he dashed in a zigzagged path across the field attempting to avoid the bigger puddles. Carol was gasping for breath when she finally plopped down in the seat of Marcus’ land rover. She knew it was a long drive.

There was a lot on her mind and she was not sure what frame of mind Marcus was in. Even before they reached the checkpoint Carol started to fidget. She felt uneasy. The strange storm and the even stranger sexual encounter filled her with thoughts. The fact Marcus was not his normal talkative self only contributed to her anxiety. She tried to gather her thoughts to express what was on her mind. The problem was she could not decide what was on her mind.

Just as Carol was about to attempt to open a conversation, Marcus blurted out, “Last night, did you have a strange feeling like being somehow both participant and spectator simultaneously? I do not know about you, but I felt as if I was just a pawn in some cosmic chess game. So, I was wondering if you felt the presence of some strange force.”

“WOW! I was just going to ask you the same thing. I mean the feelings were really strange, yet more intense than ever. It was sort of weird like I was feeling female and male stimulation at the same time. This morning when I woke up, I was a bit shocked and did not know what was going on. I mean that storm last night was so powerful and then your passion lit the fuse on my lust resulting in a massive explosion of pure ecstasy. I had this inescapable feeling I was some voyeur, clandestinely observing the sexual delights that I was eagerly participating in. I wanted to know if you had the same experience or was it just some dilution born of my own perversion. But you were in such a hurry to get on the road, I did not have an opportunity to ask you if you had the same strange experience,’ Carol responded.

“Yes, you described the exact feelings I had. I’m sure my sister would explain it was the work of the ancient gods. She is really into that entire mystic mumble jumble. I think her accident plays a big part. When she was a young girl, she nearly drowned. To this day she swears POESIDEN sent a dolphin to save her,” Marcus injected.

Carol had turned to gaze out the window to avoid Marcus’ penetrating eyes. She was sure he would be able to peer deep into the secret place and discover the wildness fighting to be set free. Her head snapped back to focus on Marcus as he started to talk about his sister. This was the first time he ever mentioned her, other than to admit he had an older sister.

“Oh dear! You never talk about your sister. What happened? Now would be an excellent time to fill me in on your family secrets. We have a long drive ahead and I really want to know more about you and your family,” Carol chided.

Marcus glanced briefly in her direction. He patted her knee with the palm of his right hand and smiled at her with a wide grin signifying agreement. He cleared his throat.

“Sorry, you think I am keeping secrets from you. I do tend to keep my family private, but you are right. You do need to know more about me and my family. I think we will have time to talk about my sister before we get to Athens,” Marcus replies.

“Great! At least that will be a starting point. So please tell me about your sister.” Carol coaxed.

Marcus paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. He wanted Carol to know about his family, but it was not easy to put a lifetime in a few brief words.

“My sister is named Eleanor. She is 9½ years older than me. She married Jason Konus when she was just seventeen, before she went to college. You have to remember back then most women only went to college to get there ‘Mrs.’ Degree. Don’t get me wrong my sister is not dumb. The fact she found a man who can provide her with a good life is commendable. She is very well read and can hold up her end of most any debate. She became interested in ancient mythology as a young girl. I really do not remember much about the details of her accident as I was only three years old at the time. Apparently, she fell overboard and nearly died,” Marcus recalled.

“Please tell me more about your sister,” Carol begged.

“Well after the accident Ellen became more and more fascinated with mythology. She was convinced Poseidon sent a dolphin to rescue her. It seemed to be the only topic she was interested in. To this day, Ellen attributes any strange event to be the result of some ancient god having a temper tantrum. The fact she never leaves the village, to get a better world image, only solidifies her fantasies,” continued Marcus as he raced along the highway.

“Well, I would really love to meet your family and get to know more about the history of the village you were raised in. I think you might be somehow ashamed of your past. Just because you got a Doctorate and have traveled the world does not mean you have to hide your roots. You should be happy your sister took interest in a facet of the Greek culture that is not so well studied. After all, you are digging around here looking for artifacts that were created to support those mythical gods,” Carol chided.

“You might have a point there, Carol. It is easy to think anyone who becomes indoctrinated in something that you know to be totally false is somehow crazy. You will meet Jason and Ellen later after we are finished in Athens. They will be better able to tell you about my parents. All I know is they met at the university and retreated to the old family village to escape the turmoil of the political posturing in Athens. I was very young when Mom died. My father moved back to the village. I hardly remember my father. He died during one of the frequent wars that plague this country. My sister and I were raised by my uncle Joseph. Ellen met Jason at the university. He was the oldest son of the Konus dynasty here in the village. He was rich, powerful, handsome, and he even came from her hometown - everything a young girl could want. I think you will like them. So, if you really want to learn more about the family, we can stop by the village to visit with them on the way back,” Marcus said.

Marcus had to divert more attention to the congested roads. He did not drive into Athens often and he had to pay careful attention to the street signs to find the police headquarters building. Carol was happy she was not driving. The ancient streets were filled with the typical madness of city traffic. This reduced his audible communication to frequent explosions of Greek Profanity in response to the insane antics of drivers who recklessly sped through the narrow roads.

Carol knew any further discussion would have to wait until after they were safely parked. While she held onto the dashboard to brace from the sudden twists and turns Carol tried to see the beauty of the city.

Off in the distance Carol could only catch fleeting glimpses of the great buildings - the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Philopappos Hill. She wished they had time to explore them in depth, but she realized they had a mission to complete.

The day was crystal clear without any trace of the storm from the night before. The temperature was already making the air above the pavement shimmer. Now Carol wished she had elected to wear something more lightweight than the desert camouflage BDUs. The hot breeze felt more like the blast from an oven and offered no relief. She had to run to keep up with Marcus. As she scurried to catch up, beads of sweat trickled down the narrow of her back.

They decided to check in with the inspectors first. A gust of cool air greeted them as they push the big door open. The interior of the old police headquarters was dimly lit and the walls echoed the sound their boots made as they trudged along the corridor. After consulting the locator sign, they moved quickly to the officers assigned to the investigators.

“You said we should stop by for an update when we came into town to arrange for a security team,” Marcus said as he extended his hand.

“Yes, you are always welcome here. I fear we do not have much news. The lab is still working on all the ammo casings, but so far there have been no fingerprints identified. In fact, the lab detected a strong odor of bleach on the casings. It appears whoever is behind this attack watches way too much American TV. They took care to eliminate any trace by wiping everything clean. I will let Agent Smith from the FBI brief you on their findings,” Inspector Campus replied, turning to acknowledge Ruth Smith standing behind him.

“Good morning Dr. Atonasis. We have made some progress. I just received reports from our cyber team. They have been going over all the radio and cyber traffic starting a week before the attack,” agent Smith pointed out.

“We are dealing with people who have been very careful to remain under the radar. However, it seems we may have found a trace, a shadow if you will, of some cyber traffic that could be some well-developed code to hide the activities of this group. So far, we have only been able to identify a pattern in the traffic and the locations being used. The problem is they keep changing location and we have not been able to find a pattern in their movements that would provide us with a target. We have been able to determine that some of the locations are off shore, possibly a ship,” she continued. Marcus was obviously growing impatient.

“Unfortunately, the waters around here are very busy and so far, we have not been able to isolate the vessel being used. Ben has some more photos of the area to show you, but I’m afraid that is all we have at the moment,” agent Smith reported.

Ben Farley stepped forward and spread several large photos on the table. Marcus leaned forward to try to get a better view. He was startled by the clarity and details in the photos. Marcus was still trying to grasp what the photos revealed when Ben nervously cleared his throat.

“We were lucky to have three eyes over the area that night. These photos were taken minutes apart so it is easy to see that the group made the attack and in the center photo you can actually see the 12 hostages being led away. You can even see the muzzle flashes indicating the two figures who were firing their weapons. There was only one truck in the photos. It was not big enough to hold 30 people. So, either the other trucks were parked in a location under some cover, or many of the attackers arrived on foot, proving once again this group is very cunning. At this time, we can’t be sure if there will not be more attacks. I was glad to hear you are seeking professional security. Carol sent me the list of potential companies she found and I can personally vouch for CYBER EYE. I have worked with them before and they use the very latest in security systems,” Ben concluded.

Marcus examined the photos closely before he spoke, “I know you must be doing your best, but you must understand my position. There are 12 young women that are my responsibility who are missing. Maybe I watch too much American TV and been led to believe all crimes are solved in 55 minutes. I’m somewhat amazed to hear you have found some sort of pattern out of the unthinkably large amount of cyber-babble. Yes, I must agree, whoever is behind this knows how to hide from your very sophisticated systems. At least you have proven that you are dedicated to solving this case. All I ask is that you keep us informed on new developments daily. I also thank you for assisting Carol in finding a security service. We will be checking in with them as soon as we are done here,” Marcus surmised.

Carol and Ruth were hunched over a computer screen engaged in an animated conversation when Marcus came over to see what they were talking about. He heard Ruth explain how the FBI coordinated with the NSA to scan for cyber chatter in an attempt to find out who was responsible.

“We rely on computers with very complex algorithms to filter the raw data. The program can detect patterns and then that data is processed again using a different set of parameters. Then it is turned over to the super geeks who go over the resulting data to find a linkage or some pattern of locations and subject matter. The system works very well and has provided information to law enforcement to prevent many terror attacks. We see that it is already identifying patterns around this attack and the picture will become clearer as more data is processed,” Ruth explained.

“Thank you for that explanation. The media made a big deal out of the Snowden case, but I never had any real idea of how the system worked. Well, I see Marcus is looking for me to finish up. I hope we can talk more soon I really enjoy the way you break things down so I can understand the concept even if I can’t grasp the details,” Carol stated. “I see Marcus is ready to get going. We have a full schedule so I should not keep him waiting,” Carol explained.

“Did Ruth help you with the questions you had?” Marcus inquired.

“Oh, yes Ruth took the time to explain how they gather data and sift out things and find needles in huge haystacks. But you are right we need to get going,” Carol answered Marcus before turning back to Ruth, “Ruth - thank you again for your time. I really hope we can talk again soon”. The women shook hands and Carol followed Marcus out.

“We need to get going. CYBER EYE is on the next street. We can leave the car here and walk. It is probably faster that way,” Marcus admonished.

They did not have a long walk. Marcus seemed to be in a hurry and moved with his typical bold stride.

“I hope CYBER EYE is as good as Ruth and Ben say they are,” Carol commented as she hurried to keep up with Marcus.

The red light at the intersection forced Marcus to pause. While waiting for it to change he surveyed the area. Then unexpectedly he said, “I’m not sure they are telling us the truth, or at least they are not telling us everything they know”.

“What makes you feel that way,” Carol enquired?

“I’m not really sure. I mean they sound trustworthy, but they never seem to have any real news. All I hear is rather weak excuses about how they don’t have any evidence to help them find the perpetrators. They seem to avoid answering questions. Maybe it is my long history of mistrust of all government officials. At any rate, it would be prudent to keep an eye on what they are doing or not doing,” Marcus cautioned

“I suppose you have your reasons to be skeptical. Maybe it is just a good idea to try to be more observant and try to gather as much information as we can to see what is at the bottom of this mess,” Carol agreed.

After the light changed, they quickly closed the short distance to CYBER EYE’s office. It was a very modern office. Neither of them was aware they were being screened and observed from the instant they approached the main door. The neatly dressed receptionist greeted then and presented them with “VISITOR” badges. She addressed them by name and informed them they were expected and directed them to the door about half way down the corridor to the left. As they headed off in the indicated direction, she advised them they would both have to hold the badge up to the scanner before the door would open. Carol whispered to Marcus, “wow they really seem to take security seriously here.”

“I’m sure we are being constantly monitored. You can almost feel the EYE’s following your every step. As creepy as it makes me feel, maybe this would have prevented the attack.” Marcus replied in a barely audible voice.

When they reached the door, they both held up their badge. Immediately there was a soft click and the door slid aside. A tall muscular man, wearing khaki cargo pants and a Hawaiian shirt, shook them by the hand and presented them with a folder filled with many sheets of paper.

“Dr. Marcus Atonasis, so glad to meet you and you are Carol Dunmore? I’m Todd Silverman, please come over to the conference table so I can go over the plans we have developed for you based on the data you provided yesterday, I would like to go over the details and provide you with a clear understanding of what we will be doing and how we plan to protect you and your mission,” he stated as he directed them to a round table flanked with chairs.

Marcus flopped down in the chair with his back to the wall. Carol took the seat putting Marcus between her and Todd. Silently she shuffled through the paperwork. As she reviewed the proposal, she highlighted items she intended to ask questions about.

Todd pushed a concealed button and the room went through a transformation. The glare of the overhead lighting was replaced with the soft glow of mini lights around the room, and a flat screen monitor rose out of the table top. Suddenly a full action video started playing with a short animation of the company’s logo.

The video was short, but to the point. Carol was visibly impressed with the amount of computer technology they employed. Airborne drones with HI-DEF video, motion detectors, INFERRED night vision cameras. She thought two SWAT TEAMS posted at the site might seem a bit extreme but realized the need to have shifts. One will be on patrol while the other is on stand down getting rest but on constant standby if needed. They could easily repel any attack. Maybe if this system had been in place, the kidnapping could have been prevented. Carol really liked the idea of tamper-proof ID CARDS equipped with RF devices that can be tracked over long distances. It was pointed out everyone should keep the ID card in a pocket at all times when not at the site. The cards would also be used to log into the computer system along with a password and fingerprint. Everyone would be issued a “PANIC” password that they could use to send off a silent alarm if they were being attacked or under duress.

At the end of the video presentation, Todd smiled and asked, “Do you have any question”?

Marcus looked at Carol and nodded in agreement before he turned to Todd and Said, “Very impressive presentation. I had no idea there was so much HI TECH involved. Carol showed me your written prospectus and I was impressed, but now that I have seen all the details and how you have everything tied together. The remote tracking is one of the real selling points. We have been dealing with Greek Authorities, INTERPOL, and the American FBI. They all said you were the best option. Ben Farley from the FBI said he has worked with CYBER EYE in the past”.

“Yes, Ben is a good friend. I have personally worked with him on a few cases. Normally I work out of the D.C. office, but we had a big assignment here and I thought I could mix business with pleasure and enjoy a little Mediterranean vacation and then I got a call from Ben telling me you were looking for a top security team,” Todd explained.

Marcus smiled and stood up extending his hand to Todd, to shake hands to close the deal. Then Marcus in his best impersonation of Inspector Colombo, with one hand just above his eye and the other hand waving around in the air said, “Oh I do have just one more question,”

Carol fought to hold back a burst of laughter, but Todd just slapped Marcus on the back and laughed out loud.

It took Todd a long time to regain control. Still gasping for breath, he replied.

“And what would that question be Inspector Colombo”? Remaining in the role of the TV character, Marcus paced up and down the length of the conference room waving the hand with an imaginary cigar while he said, “Just one more question. When can you get things set up”?

Still laughing at the impromptu performance, Todd attempted to regain his demeanor and said, “You do that very well. So, I can tell you noticed how Campus, the Greek inspector, resembles Colombo. But to answer your question, the team will be at the site setting up security by noon tomorrow. Oh, and you can pick up your security badge at the receptionist's desk on your way out. I was positive you would find our service to your liking. We used the Hi-Resolution photo taken when you entered to make your ID cards. All you will need to do is register your thumbprint at the desk to activate your badge”.

Marcus thanked Todd for being so pro-active and led Carol to the desk to pick up their ID badges and confirm the contract. While they were being processed, Marcus looked over the contract he just signed. The cost was broken down to show line-item review. The cost was high, but it was clear from a number of services provided it was money well spent.

Family

As they returned to the land rover, Carol reminded Marcus of his promise to introduce her to the family. He held the door open until she was seated then he snapped to attention and said, “Yes Ma’am, at your service. Next stop the family”.

Retracing the path taken earlier they were soon out on the highway. Carol was pleased they accomplished everything. She turned up the volume on the radio and sat back to enjoy the soft sounds of easy listening jazz. She wanted to be relaxed and mentally prepared to meet Marcus’ family.

The single, well-worn street through the old fishing village ended abruptly in front of a huge iron gate. Marcus keyed the pass code into the security system and the gate slowly swung open. A long curving driveway led up a gentle slope ending in a wide circular parking area.

The parking area was flanked by an elegant mansion. The ancient white washed walls glistened in the late afternoon sun. A wide stairway of terracotta tile bridged the gap between the parking area and a sweeping veranda that spanned the width of the main building. Carol sat, silently drinking in the splendor of the area. She remained speechless for a long time.

“Wow, so, this is the family shack. Now it is easy to see why you prefer to live here. I’m Sure Athens has nothing to compare to this place,” Carol sighed as Marcus pulled up next to a shiny, new, slate gray BMW.

Before Marcus replied, he hopped out and rushed to open Carol’s door.

“Yes, this is home. Well, I see Jason is home. Jason and Eleanor, together with their daughter Sofronia live here now. I’m out and about most of the time. I do have my own separate living quarters for those rare occasions when I happen to be in town. You might wonder why I did not have you stay here when you first arrived. I wanted to, but when I called Fronia she told me Jason and Eleanor were both out on the yacht. She was the one who suggested the family hotel. I called ahead and arranged to have your luggage move from the hotel to my quarters,” Marcus explained.

“Oh, I was wondering why you were talking Greek during the phone call you made just before we left this morning. I must say it was a great idea. I think I could get used to living in the lap of luxury. Well, are you going to lead the way?” Carol goaded.

Together they marched up the long flight of stairs. At the top, Carol paused a moment to savor the breathtaking view of the harbor from the veranda. She stood spellbound gazing at the beauty before her. Impatiently, Marcus jerked her hand and pulled her to the entrance. After he punched the security code in the massive door swung open.

Carol cautiously stepped into the cool darkness of the entrance hall. The heavy door slammed shut behind them with a thunderous thud cutting off the hot exterior air from the cool interior. Light pouring in through stained glass panels, flanking the massive door, gave the entrance an atmosphere reminiscent of a cathedral.

To Carol, it was like she just stepped on to the set of a soap opera. This looked just like all the stereotype mansion used in “made for TV daytime dramas”.

“Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home,” crooned Marcus.

Just as Marcus concluded his silly serenade a tall, well-dressed man rushed into the entranceway with his arms spread wide.

“Marcus you old sand flee. I’m so happy you decided to drop in for a visit,” he exclaimed while grabbing Marcus by the shoulders and kissing him on both cheeks, “So this is the elusive Carol Dunmore,” he observed.

“Jason, it is always a great pleasure to return home to make sure you have not run off with the treasure. Yes, let me properly introduce you to Carol. She has agreed to work on the dig as my assistant for free! Well, maybe she thinks archeology is profitable. You know how gullible and naive Americans are. Is Ellen home? I’m sure she will want to give Carol the third degree,” Marcus quipped.

Carol held her hand out as a greeting. She was surprised when Jason grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed both cheeks in a typical European family style greeting.

“I’m very happy I finally get to meet you. Come this way, Marcus is correct, Ellen is dying to meet you,” Jason said as he led them deeper into the house.

Carol took note of a large number of oil paintings adorning the hallway. They entered what must be the study. Setting under an ornate leaded window was a large table with a reading lamp as a centerpiece. The table seemed to dominate most of the right side of the room. The other three walls were covered with floor to ceiling bookshelves. A woman sat with her back to the wall. Both of her hands rested on an oversized, leather-bound book.

“Ellen, look we have company.” Jason proclaimed.

“Oh yes, the gods promised me I would meet you soon,” Ellen said and stood to give the new arrival a kiss on both cheeks in a family greeting.

“I’m so happy to finally meet everyone. Fronia made me feel welcome from the moment we first met. Marcus never talks much about his family, so I have been getting details bit by bit,” Carol replied after kissing both of Ellen’s cheeks.

“You guys go fetch some wine while Carol and I get better acquainted,” Ellen told the men.

Ellen reached behind her to retrieve an ebony walking stick. Carol noted the cane’s handle looked like a gold owl perched atop the stick poised to take flight. Ellen grasped the owl and rested her weight on the owl’s back, with her thumb and index finger clutching the neck, before she signaled Carol to follow her to a cluster of chairs.

“Come, sit down and tell me all about yourself,” Ellen invited.

“Thank you. There really isn’t very much to tell. I’m just a young girl from a small town. I’m just getting started in life and so far, I have only experienced the drama of a small Midwestern town. So, this is my first real adventure. I must confess. All my life I have felt a burning desire to explore the mysteries lurking on the other side of the city limit sign,” Carol responded.

“Yes, I have been told about your calling. The GODs keep me informed of events and warn me of danger or guide me to fortune. Marcus probably did not tell you of my special relationship with the ancient Gods. I’m sure you noticed my cane. It is a daily reminder of what happens when you do not listen to the warnings. Maybe Marcus told you about the accident I had when I was a teenager. I fell overboard and nearly died, but Poseidon sent a dolphin to rescue me. He left me with a bad leg to remind me I must never ignore the gods. In the garden you will find two barn owls. I named them Athena and Apollo. The Gods must have sent them. They remain here of their own freewill, as they are not tethered or in cages. I must admit I do feel a very special bond with them,” Ellen revealed.

“Marcus did mention your accident and how you have become a devout follower of the ancient cultures and their GODS. But, he did not give any details. I think he wanted you to explain as only you know exactly what you have experienced,” Carol acknowledged.

“I see. Well, at least he did not try to poison your brain with all of his science. He has always been skeptical of my abilities to communicate with the ancient Gods. At least he uses his education and ‘SCIENCE’ to help unearth the treasures of the past. Maybe in his search, he will find the link between his world and mine, “Ellen sighed.

“I gathered Marcus thinks you are wasting your talent pursuing ghosts. I have to confess I think I’m more in your camp on this issue. As far back as I can remember I have had feelings I can’t explain. I’m sure this unknown presence within me is what compelled me to volunteer to work with Marcus on this dig,” commented Carol leaning forward to look directly into Ellen’s eyes.

Carol peered deep into Ellen’s eyes. Like Marcus, Ellen’s soul was buried beneath levels of protective defensive barriers. She knew this was evidence that she had been hurt many times in the past by being too eager to share her innermost feelings.

Carol listened carefully as Ellen continued to explain how, as a young girl, she heard the Gods speak to her in her dreams. Carol could see in Ellen’s spirit she spoke the truth. Then suddenly, Carol felt Ellen’s penetrating gaze. Carol was unable to stave off the power of Ellen’s eyes as their gaze slipped past all of her strongest defenses.

At that moment she knew a bond was formed, but somehow it did not feel new. It was as if two old friends met on a bus that had not seen each other for a long time. They already knew each other and only had to catch up on the latest developments. Carol felt sure Ellen was aware of this strange bond also. Yes, many thoughts and deeper meanings were shared but on a level beyond the norm.

The women’s soaring spirits were jerked back to the confines of the study when the loud blustering voices of Jason and Marcus preceded their arrival. They both had a bottle of local wine in their hands and two glasses. Marcus pulled the cork out of the dusty bottle he cradled in his hand and filled all four glasses. Jason sat his bottle on the table as a backup to tide them over a prolonged exchange of the latest news.

After proposing a toast to good fortune and better health, Marcus sat next to Carol and said, “you two seem to be getting along splendidly. Maybe Jason and I should adjourn to the terrace and enjoy the early evening while we light up a pipe. Ellen does not mind us smoking, but I’m not sure about your feelings on the subject”.

“I don’t mind you smoking. In fact, it sort of belongs to the stereotype of Dr. of Archeology I would like to spend more time alone with Ellen though.” Carol intoned and reached out to touch Ellen on the back of her hand. “We have been having such a terrific conversation. I want to learn all about the family skeletons.” Carol confided.

Marcus moved to a chair next to Jason and soon the rich fragrance of expensive pipe tobacco permeated the air. Ellen and Carol drew their chairs closer together as they eagerly exchanged details of events.

Carol was amazed at how she felt as if she knew Ellen all her life. As the two women shared their tales Carol sensed the atmosphere becoming charged.

“Ellen, do you feel the electricity in the air? This is exactly how it felt during the storm the other night,” Carol inquired.

“Oh my, yes, the storm! The Gods were very active that night. They told me about your arrival and were excited about the future. Yes, the Gods are with us now. They are trying to tell us their story. You see the Gods are powerful, but they do not have total power. They can affect all the elements of nature; the wind, water, lightning, fire, and earth, etc., but they have no grip on the human soul. So, they have channels like me that they work through and I think you are one too,” Ellen explained.

“Wow! I can really feel something in the air. I know the night of the storm I think I had a strange ‘out of body’ experience. It was like I had a balcony seat at the theater. I was looking down at the performers going through their rehearsed movements and discovered I was playing the lead role. At the time I did hear some mumblings but could not tell if the words came from the actors on the stage or from some other source. So, is that what you mean when you say the Gods speak to you? Can you understand them?” Carol queried.

Before Ellen could respond Jason stepped forward with a fresh bottle of wine. He made a snarky remark about how it is easier to understand the GHOST TALK when you have more wine.

“Oh Jason, just because you ignore the Gods does not mean they don’t exist. Sometimes I think you and Marcus are in some sort of conspiracy to bury the past under a pile of contemporary dung. Don’t pay any attention to those two. They really have no idea of what is really going on. The Gods have many ways to communicate. In time you will learn to listen and then you will understand their message,” Ellen countered.

“Ellen, we have so much in common. I’m really happy we have a chance to share the things others scoff at. Marcus tends to focus on the science and ignore the possibility there might be other unknown forces at play. I try to keep an open mind and use science as far as it can go. Then I try to observe things around me to seek answers where science falters. Marcus tells me science falters because we do not know or completely understand all the laws of the natural universe,” Carol injected.

“Well do we need to wait until one of your Gods serves dinner? I’m starving! Haven’t had anything since breakfast,” quipped Marcus.

Ellen laughed at her brother’s joke and said, “well follow me if you have forgotten where the kitchen is.”

Ellen grabbed her walking stick and led the party to the spacious kitchen/dining area. The kitchen aids were busy putting the finishing touches on a platter of fish fresh from the morning's catch. Large bowls of fish and trays of cheese were being carried to the dining table.

Marcus could not resist the temptation to pluck a small fish from the plate as he walked by. Ellen slapped him on the hand and scolded him, “That might be the way you act out in the wild, but please try to remember you are back in civilization now!”

In mock remorse, Marcus followed her to the table. Once everyone was seated wine was served and plates were filled with copious offerings of delicious food

Mystery
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