Fatal Tide - Iris Johansen [33]
“He invented this apparatus?”
“Yes, it took him a long time, but he did it.”
“And it worked?”
“It could have worked. If it had been used as he intended. He went to a U.S. senator who was big on environmental issues. They gave him a lab and a team to complete his work on the device.” She moistened her lips. “But he didn't like what was happening there. There was too much talk about volcanic effects and not enough about geothermal energy. He thought it was likely they intended to use it as a weapon.”
“A sonic gun?” Kelby gave a low whistle. “That could be one hell of a weapon. Earthquakes?”
She nodded. “Absolutely.”
“You're very certain.”
“There was an . . . incident. A tragedy. It wasn't Phil's fault. He'd already grabbed his notes and the prototypes and gotten out of there. He promised me he'd give up on trying to make the apparatus operable.” She grimaced. “But he didn't give up on Marinth. He started searching again.”
“And you think that Archer found out about the experiments and decided he wanted a piece of the action?”
She shrugged. “There were some unsavory types being hired for the project. It's not impossible.”
“So Archer may not be after Marinth at all. Do you have Lontana's research?”
“No prototypes.” She paused. “But I have the tablets, the translations, and the work he did for the government.”
“Shit. Where?”
“Not here. Do you think I'd tell you?”
“No, I guess not. But you might be safer if someone besides you knew where they were.”
She didn't answer.
“Okay, don't tell me. I'm not into sonic bombs anyway.”
“No? Most men like war toys. The idea of being able to wield enough power to shake up a planet appeals to them.”
“You're generalizing again. And I'm getting pretty pissed off about—”
“Someone's coming.” She jumped up and headed for the house. “Don't you hear Pete and Susie?”
“No, you must have built-in antennae.” He got up and followed her. “And it doesn't have to be visitors, does it?”
“No, but it is.” She went through the house and out the front door. Relief surged through her. “It's Cal and Nicholas Lyons. That's right, I forgot they were coming this morning.”
“You obviously had a few other things on your mind.” He stood beside her on the pier watching Cal lower the net. “And they are a little early. They must have left before dawn.”
She stiffened. “Why would they do that?”
“I've no idea.” His gaze narrowed on the boat. “But they're no threat to you, Melis. I don't know about Cal Dugan, but Nicholas is straight. I've banked my life on that any number of times.”
“I've known Cal for years. I'm not worried that he might— But everything's different now. I don't know what's going to happen next.”
Cal was waving at her as he replaced the net.
She waved back and began to relax. She was being overanxious. Cal appeared completely casual and at ease.
“Okay?” Kelby asked. “Pete and Susie are swimming back. Everything should be all right with your immediate world. How about going inside and letting me scramble some eggs for the four of us?”
“I'll do it. I need to keep busy.” She watched Cal and Nicholas near the pier. “Hungry?” she called. “You must have left Tobago too early for breakfast.”
“Yeah, I'm starved,” Cal growled as he drew alongside the pier. “I was going to take Lyons to that little seaside restaurant for breakfast, but he got a burr in his pants about getting here right away. I told him it was nothing.”
“What was nothing?” Kelby asked.
“This was left outside Cal's door,” Lyons said as he reached down to lift the object at his feet. “It had Melis's name on it.”
“It's just an empty birdcage,” Cal said. “I could see how you'd worry if there was a dead bird or something. It's kinda pretty. I've never seen one painted gold before.”
Kafas.
She could feel the pier shifting beneath her feet. Don't faint. Don't be sick. That would make him happy. Power. Remember they love power.
“Melis?” Kelby said.
“It . . . was Archer. It had to be him.”
“What do you want me to do with it?”
“I don't care. I don't want to