Fatal Tide - Iris Johansen [77]
Nicholas nodded. “Microwaves and washing machines.”
Kelby ignored his levity. “Maybe. We won't know until we dig Marinth out of that silt.”
“Providing it's Marinth and not the remains of a World War Two sub,” Nicholas said. “You're not sure.”
“I'll have a good idea after I go down again and retrieve some of that metal. I want you to go down with me as soon as I restock the air.”
“I thought you'd never ask,” Nicholas said.
“No,” Melis said. “I go back with you.”
Kelby shook his head. “We don't know that the dolphin band will be as tolerant as they were after Pete and Susie appeared.”
“And we may need Pete and Susie again. They don't know Nicholas well enough.”
“Well, they know me better than I'm comfortable with,” Nicholas said.
“I go,” Melis repeated. “Someone has to stay on board in case we run into equipment trouble. After we're sure this is the location and that the dolphins are tolerating us, Nicholas can take his turn.”
Kelby hesitated. “How are your ribs?”
“Sore. But I'm going.”
Kelby looked at Nicholas and shrugged. “She's going.”
They brought nothing up but shards of bronze and some other unidentifiable metal on the next two dives.
On the third dive Kelby brought up a long slender cylinder made of the same metal.
Nicholas and the entire crew were waiting as they boarded the Trina.
“Something interesting?” Nicholas edged closer to the object in the net. “It doesn't look too corroded. Bronze?”
“It's some kind of metal alloy.” Kelby knelt beside the cylinder. “And it doesn't look like a World War Two submarine part to me. Come here, Melis.”
She was already beside him. “What?”
“Take a look at the script along the rim of the cylinder.”
She inhaled sharply. She hadn't noticed the tiny marks.
“Hieroglyphics?” Kelby asked. “The same as on the tablets?”
She nodded. “They look the same.”
“Hot damn.” Kelby's smile was exuberant. “I knew it. We've found it.”
A cheer went up from the crew.
“Go break out the champagne, Billy.” Kelby was still examining the cylinder. “I wonder what this is. . . .”
“A spice jar?” Nicholas pointed to one of the hieroglyphs. “I'd guess this one says chili powder.”
Kelby laughed. “Hell, you're probably right. I'm trying to read something profound into it. I guess I'm a little off balance at the moment.”
“I think I'll go help Billy choose the champagne. It has to be very special to suit this occasion.” Nicholas's expression softened as he said over his shoulder, “I'd say you have a right to go a little dizzy. Congratulations, Jed.”
“Thanks.” Kelby looked at Melis. “And thank you.”
She shook her head. “You don't have to thank me. I made you a promise. You really think this is proof?”
“I think it comes damn close. If we turn up more objects tomorrow, I'd bet we've found it.”
“So what's next?”
“I call Wilson right now and send him to Madrid to get me salvage rights and whatever else I need to protect my right to explore it. Otherwise, if there's a leak, the whole area will be teeming with salvage ships trying to strike it rich.”
“Will it take long for him to do that?”
“Not if he greases the right palms. Wilson is an expert.” His smile faded. “I haven't forgotten Archer. Give me one more day here, Melis. That's all I'll need.”
“I wasn't pushing you.” She smiled crookedly. “I wish I could forget Archer. I can't do it. He won't let me. I won't let me.” She paused. “Marinth isn't what you thought it would be, is it? I expected broken columns and ruins. Not just silt.”
He shook his head. “When I was a boy, I dreamed of an arched doorway leading to a beautiful city.”
“But you don't seem disappointed.”
“That was a dream. This is reality, and reality is always more exciting. You can take it in your hands and touch it, mold it.” He shrugged. “Maybe I needed the dream then, but I don't now.” He grinned. “And who knows what's under that silt? It could be an arched doorway.” He took her arm. “Come on, let's get into dry clothes and