Justice (14 page)

“There’s nothing here.”
Ransom’s voice trembled as he delivered the news to Wright. “We’ve checked both sarcophagi. They’re solid, just like the floor underneath. No sign of hollow spaces, trapdoors, or anything, and certainly no lock where you could use that.” He indicated the copy of the Bastille key hanging from Wright’s belt.

Wright gritted her teeth. It had to be here somewhere. Nothing else made sense. “Everyone quiet.” Her men obeyed immediately. Wright closed her eyes, found her center, and reached out, searching…

…and finding nothing.

“You told me you had things under control, Edmonia.” A deep, resonant voice filled the crypt.

Edmonia opened her eyes and turned to face the last man on earth she wanted to see right now.

“What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to be here when you found it. Of course, I believed you when you said you knew where the treasure was hidden. I’ve risked exposure for nothing.”

She forced herself to remain calm. “It’s not for nothing. We’re just missing something here.”

The man folded his arms. “I think it’s clear what we’re missing. The treasure.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Wright. I think I can help.” Jamison stood just outside the entrance, his weapon trained on a trembling man in a security guard’s uniform.

“Make it fast,” she snapped.

“Tell them what you told me,” Jamison said to the nervous man.

“This… this isn’t the only tomb. The Wa-Washingtons were buried in the old vault and then moved here later.”

“The old vault?” Wright felt her cheeks grow warm and hoped the near-darkness hid her embarrassment. She’d never heard of the old vault, so she’d had no reason to look anywhere other than this tomb. Of course, that didn’t make her look any better in front of one of the most powerful men in the nation.

He fixed her with a condescending smile. “It looks like dumb luck is on your side, Edmonia. And a good thing, too. My patience is exhausted.”

Wright ignored him. She strode over to the captive guard, her eyes boring into his.

“Show me.”

“What’s up with
this skeleton?” Bones asked. “Washington wouldn’t leave a man down here to die, would he?”

“Doesn’t seem very presidential, does it?” Maddock mused. “Then again, neither was what he did to Billy Lee.”

They moved closer to the skeleton. Seeing it up close, Maddock realized something was wrong. The grinning skull didn’t look like it was made of bone. Nor did the bony fingers which clutched a small box. The thing looked as if it were carved from wood and painted white. And then Maddock realized the thing was clad in the scarlet uniform of the British. This was all wrong.

“What is that?” Sterling leaned over to take the box from the faux skeleton’s dead hands.

“Sandra, no!” Maddock dove forward and knocked Sterling to the side as three iron spikes shot out of the wall.

“Oh my God,” Sterling gasped as she looked up at the sharp points. “That’s right where I was standing.”

“You’re all right. That’s what matters.” Bones hauled Maddock and Sterling to their feet. “I’m guessing that box is a red herring.” He frowned. “You know, Washington was kind of an ass, wasn’t he? I mean, he sent Lafayette all the way down to the cave only to come back here again, and then he left this booby trap.”

Maddock ran his fingers through his hair. “I have a feeling he intended to add the final instructions to the journal but didn’t get to it before he died. Maybe the letter to Lafayette was all he could manage. And the British uniform would have served as a warning to Lafayette, who hated the English.”

Sterling nodded. “Agreed. So the hunt continues.”

“Actually,” Bones said, “I think the hunt is over.” He pointed behind Maddock, who turned to see dozens of wooden chests piled haphazardly against the wall. Most lay open. The chests at the bottom had shattered from decay and pressure. All appeared empty.

“The treasure?” Sterling said.

“Gone,” Maddock said. “And I don’t mean taken to another place.”

“I can’t believe it.” Bitterness laced Sterling’s words. “After all we’ve been through, there’s nothing left?”

“Maybe one thing.” The beam of Maddock’s light had fallen on a simple wooden box sitting in an alcove. Beneath it lay an oilcloth pouch. Above the box, a soldier carved in the wall stood watch.

“Is that it? The Crown of Thorns?” Sterling whispered.

“One way to find out.” He strode over to the alcove and picked up the box. It was light, as if what lay inside had practically no weight. That was promising. A tiny padlock held the box closed, so he handed it to Bones. “You work your magic on the lock. I’ll see what’s inside the pouch.”

While Bones set to picking the lock, Maddock opened the pouch and looked inside. There lay a letter on crumbling yellowed paper. He didn’t dare touch it, so he shone his light on it and read it aloud.

My Dear Marquis,

I regret that I am
un
able to leave to you any portion of the treasure left by the man known to many as Blackbear
d
. The costs of th
e
Wa
r
of Independence and
t
he operation of t
h
is
e
state have drained what was once a fortune. I leave you, however, what may be the
g
reatest treas
u
re of
a
ll- this
r
elic of Christen
d
om. My reservations on that score are well known to you, and I confess that I do not feel worthy to decide its fate. I leave that task to you.

Your faithful servant,

G Washington

“We’ve found it!” Sterling said.

“Very good,” a voice pierced the darkness. “And now you will give it to me.”

It was a measure of Edmonia Jennings Wright’s skill that she could sneak up on Maddock and Bones even when they expected her at any second. But this time, Maddock and Bones held the cards.

“Let us go or we’ll smash the box,” Maddock said. “Two thousand-year-old thorns won’t stand the weight of a two hundred fifty pound Cherokee.”

“Two-twenty,” Bones corrected.

“Smash it and you die.” Behind Wright, her men fanned out. Maddock recognized Jamison, who looked as though he was ready to open fire at any second. Wright took a few steps toward them. “Was this really your plan? How did you think it would end? If you somehow managed to leave with the crown, my men would hunt you down. If you tried to trade the crown for your lives, you’d have no leverage once it was in my hands.” She let out a laugh that froze Maddock’s marrow. “You boys don’t know how to play the game. Now, hand it to me and I will consider granting you parole, provided you never interfere with the Sons of the Republic again.”

“Screw that,” Bones said. “We’ll take our chances on the run. Put your weapons down and let us leave or this thing is sawdust.” He raised the box, ready to smash it.”

“No!” Sterling shouted. In an instant, her Glock was pressed against the back of Bones’ head. “Give it to her.” Her voice sounded faint.

“Sterling, what the hell are you doing?” Bones said.

“I’m sorry. You have to let her have it.”

“So that’s how you kept catching up with us,” Maddock said to Wright. “It wasn’t your extensive resources. Sterling was your mole.”

“And that’s why we got to the journal before you. Sterling ditched us because she thought it was at the Lincoln Memorial.” Bones shook his head. “You are a piece of work, Sandra.”

“It’s not what you think,” Sterling pleaded. “They’ve got my daughter.”

Maddock looked at Bones and then at her. “What are you talking about?”

“The Sons of the Republic, they have my daughter.”

“You mean they kidnapped her?”

“They didn’t kidnap her. My ex-husband’s father is one of the most powerful men in Washington and when we divorced my husband got sole custody. They cooked up some crap about how the danger in my job made me a threat to my little girl. Some judge who was a friend of my father-in-law signed off on it.”

“So why did you join the Sons of the Republic if they took your daughter?”

“They didn’t give me any choice. Having an insider in the park police was valuable to them. As long as I played along, I could have supervised visits. Otherwise, nothing.”

Bones was shaking his head. “I’m not buying this. You’ve got no criminal record and you have a responsible job. No court in the world would cut off contact with a child’s mother.”

“It would if enough pressure is brought to bear.”

Maddock said, “Judges hate to be controlled. It’d have to be someone the judge really wanted to please. Who the hell is your father-in-law, anyway?”

Then a deep voice sounded from behind Wright’s men, and Maddock almost wasn’t surprised at yet another intrusion. The man had clearly been listening to their conversation.

“Her father-in-law? That would be me.”

Maddock immediately recognized
the
man who shouldered through the line of Sons of Republic minions to stand beside Edmonia Jennings Wright. He stood six feet tall, narrow of shoulder and thick around the middle. He wore his graying, curly hair cut short, emphasizing his widow’s peak. The instant his face became clear in the light, Maddock knew two things. First, that Sterling had been telling the truth.

Second, they were totally screwed.

The man standing in front of him was Morgan Renko. Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Bones apparently recognized him, too. “Judge Wapner, I presume?”

Renko scowled. “Sandra, disarm these men and put all the weapons on the ground. Yours too.” He waited for Sterling to obey and then turned to Bones. “Give me the crown, or this not only ends badly for the three of you, but for the little girl, too.”

“You wouldn’t kill your own granddaughter,” Bones said.

Ransom’s smile turned Maddock’s stomach.

“It would be a wrench, that’s for certain, but some things are more important than any single life. Not mine, not Edmonia’s, not even my granddaughter’s. Now, hand me the box.”

He held out a hand, smooth and supple, probably never having seen an honest day’s work.

“Do it,” Maddock said.

Bones handed the box to Renko, who took it carefully. He looked at Maddock. “Do you know how long people have been searching for this?”

Maddock couldn’t hold back. “I know how long people have been killing to find artifacts associated with the greatest messenger of peace the world has ever known. You’re just the latest in a long line of hypocritical thugs.”

“On the contrary, Maddock. The difference is that I’ve actually found it. And I will use it for good, to restore America to her former greatness. This will inspire millions to return to their Christian roots. To be more ethical. To be less interested in what’s in it for them and more interested in their fellows. We’ll put the proper people on the bench, in Congress, even in the White House, and the people will thank us for it.”

Bones whistled. “Dude, you sound like a twelve step program. Which part of America’s former greatness do you want to return to? Is slavery on that list? Or you could slaughter my people again, but there aren’t enough of us left for that to even be worth it.”

“Enough!”

When Renko yelled, Maddock recognized the temper which had made him legendary on the bench of the Supreme Court. He had been a surprise nominee, a political independent who never failed to speak his mind. The Senate leadership had been girding for a battle with a president who was a member the opposite party, and Renko had sailed through confirmation before they knew what hit them. The half a dozen years since had seen him dominate the court’s proceedings like no other justice in history, tearing apart the attorneys unfortunate enough to argue before him, and revealing some decidedly authoritarian positions.

Bones had already picked the lock. Renko’s hands trembled as he removed it, loosened the latch, and slowly opened the top. The triumphant look on his face made Maddock want to puke. Until the look transformed into one of immense anger. “What the hell is this?”

“What is it?” Wright asked, turning to peer inside the box.

“Look for yourself.” Renko held the box out so everyone could see inside.

The box was lined with mold-specked felt, and in the center, secured by a bit of copper wire, was a rusted metal spike.

“Where is the Crown of Thorns?” Renko took a step toward Maddock. “What have you done with it?”

“Done with it? We followed the clues to Blackbeard’s Treasure and that box is what we found.”

“But the clues,” Renko stammered. “Pierced the flesh of the savior… this isn’t…”

Maddock couldn’t suppress a laugh. “It’s just a relic. Catholic churches all over Europe used them to impress and even control their congregants. At one time there were enough pieces of the alleged true cross and nails that pierced Jesus’ palms out there to build an ark. I’m guessing this is one of those alleged nails.”

“This could be the real thing,” Renko said, a faint trace of hope in his voice.

Maddock shrugged. “Maybe, but probably not. How would you prove it?”

“This can’t be,” Wright fumed.

“You know, that was the problem with your plan all along. Even if you found the real Crown of Thorns, how would you prove to the masses that it wasn’t a fake? At best it would be another Shroud of Turin—some would believe, but most would think it a curiosity or a forgery.”

“That thing is legit,” Bones said. “So is the Yeti.”

“You might have used the treasure to advance your agenda, but Washington spent that. So all you’re left with is a useless spike.”

Renko flung the box to the ground in disgust. He appeared to think for a moment before settling on something. When his gaze focused on Maddock again, the anger had disappeared. “Unfortunately, I believe you.”

Maddock tensed. Renko must have noticed because he chuckled. “Worried about what I’ll do next? You can relax Maddock. I’m not going to kill you.”

He looked at Sterling. “You failed, Sandra. I don’t think it’s wise for your daughter to see you again.”

Sterling tried to jump toward him, but Jamison fired a shot at her feet, stopping her in her tracks.

“Farewell,” Renko said. “Forever.”

“Don’t bet on it,” Bones said. “I don’t forgive and I don’t forget.”

“You misunderstand.
I
am not going to kill you, but you are going to die. You’re going to be crushed beneath several tons of earth and stone when Edmonia’s men set off the charges they’ve rigged up above. Nice and clean. Just another of those pesky underground caverns finally giving way. Nothing the good people at Mount Vernon would ever bother to investigate.” Renko paused. “You’re thinking of your lady friend who will wonder where you’ve gone.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Bring her in.”

Maddock’s stomach lurched. If Renko had Melissa, Maddock would fight them all with his bare hands if necessary. Whatever it took to get her free. He glanced at the floor where their weapons lay at Wright’s feet. The old woman’s gaze met his, and a fierce challenge glinted in her eyes.

Try it, she mouthed.

Maddock saw movement behind Wright’s men, and a familiar face appeared.

But it wasn’t Melissa.

The new arrival was an attractive woman with olive skin, dark hair, and arresting green eyes. She wore dark, form-fitting clothing, body armor, and a badge draped around her neck. She held an automatic pistol. Behind her came a line of men in full combat regalia.

Wright’s men turned about but immediately lowered their weapons at the sight of half a dozen automatic rifles trained on them. 

“Sorry to break up this party, but you’re all under arrest.”

“Who are you?” Renko spat.

“Alex Vaccaro. FBI.” She glanced at Wright. “Don’t expect your men on the grounds to save you. We’ve taken them all into custody. Some of them are already offering to tell all they know about you.”

“Thank God,” Renko said. “These people are part of a terrorist organization called the Sons of the Republic. They kidnapped me and brought me here. They’ve been manipulating me and my daughter-in-law. They’ve even infiltrated the Navy SEALs.” He pointed at Maddock and Bones.

Sterling began to protest but Vaccaro raised a hand to forestall her.

“Justice Renko, one of my men will escort you out. You’ll need to tell us all you know about these Sons of the Republic.” Renko hurried out, assuring her that he would do all he could to help.

Bones looked from Alex to Maddock, an incredulous smile painting his face. “You called Vaccaro?”

Formerly of Naval Intelligence, Vaccaro had once joined Maddock and Bones on a search for a different treasure. She had since moved on to the FBI, and she and Maddock had kept in touch.

Maddock nodded. “Back in the cave, when you mentioned the Templars, it brought her to mind. Sorry I didn’t tell you, but Sterling was sticking so close to us I was lucky I got away long enough to make the call. As soon as Edmonia admitted she had a major government player on her team, I knew we’d never be free unless we could bring these guys down, and for that we needed help.” He reached inside his jacket and took out a digital recorder. “And evidence.”

“So you got it?” Alex asked as her men took Wright’s minions into custody.

“Everything. By the way, how long were you going to wait?”

“I was right around the corner the whole time. I heard everything. Between this tape, our combined testimony, and whatever details Renko spills, we should be able to put him and Ms. Wright here away for a long time.”

Wright, who had been standing quietly in the center of the room, sprang into action. Even expecting it, Maddock was surprised at the speed of her attack. She struck him on the wrist, sending the recorder flying. Bones caught it in mid-air and tossed it to Alex before it could be damaged.

Maddock blocked the flurry of kicks and punches Wright threw at him and countered with a punch that she easily dodged.

“Your technique needs work,” she scolded. “I…”

A fist flew out of the darkness, clocking her across the temple. Wright’s eyes rolled back in her head, her legs turned to rubber, and she collapsed to the floor.

“Thanks, Bones,” Maddock said.

“Wasn’t me. I don’t hit chicks and I don’t sucker punch unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“I think I broke my hand,” Sterling said. She looked at Maddock with pleading eyes. “I hope that, even if you can’t forgive me, you’ll at least be able to understand why I did what I did.”

“I get it,” Maddock said.

Sterling nodded and turned to Alex, who was busy handcuffing the unconscious Wright. “Is there any chance you can help me get my daughter back?”

Alex nodded. “We’ll get on it immediately.” She turned to her men. “Get everyone out of here, and then bring Melissa Moore down here. She’s eager to see Maddock. Lord knows why.” She winked at Maddock.

As the Sons of the Republic were escorted out of the chamber, Jamison scowled at Maddock. “I’ll make you pay for this. You and everyone you care about.”

“Have fun in prison,” Bones said. “Don’t drop the soap.”

When the four of them were alone, Vaccaro flashed a sad smile at Maddock. “Once again, you make it to the end of the rainbow, only to find the pot of gold is empty.”

Maddock grinned. “Not necessarily.”

The others turned triple frowns his way.

“There’s something unusual about the letter Washington left for Lafayette. Come take a look.” They returned to the alcove and huddled close together so they could see the letter. “See how, here and there, a letter is slanted in the direction opposite the others? Put them together and see what they spell.”

Sterling read the letters aloud.
“u-n-d-e-r-t-h-e-g-u-a-r-d. Under the guard?”

“The guard? There was mention of a guard in Washington’s letter to Lafayette. I remember Jamison specifically mentioned it,” Bones said. “Does it mean the skeleton?”

“No, he wouldn’t want Lafayette to get skewered. I think he means this guard.” Maddock shone his light into the alcove on the carving of the soldier standing at attention. Maddock brushed away the dust and mold, revealing a large keyhole.

“If that’s the keyhole, where’s the key?” Sterling asked.

“I have a hunch,” Maddock said. “Somebody grab Edmonia’s copy of Bastille key.  It’s hanging from her belt.”

Bones unhooked it and handed it to Maddock. “Looks like a fit to me.”

“That it does,” Maddock agreed.

“Wait for me.” Melissa had arrived and ran into Maddock’s arms. After a long embrace, she drew away and gazed up at him. “Don’t you think a Mount Vernon staff member should be the one to open it?”

“Absolutely.” He handed her the key and they all watched in silent anticipation as she inserted it into hole. It clicked home but nothing happened.

“Try turning it,” Bones offered.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to break it.”

“Go for it,” Maddock said.

Slowly, Melissa gave the key a clockwise turn until a series of loud, metallic clanks filled the room. The back wall of the alcove swung forward, revealing a small wooden chest. Melissa grabbed hold of it and pulled, but it scarcely budged. “It’s heavy.”

“I got this.” With more care than he usually took with anything, Bones slid the chest out of the alcove and sat it on the floor. He deftly picked the lock and opened the lid.

“Wow!” Alex breathed.

A rainbow of colors shone on the walls and ceiling as their flashlights danced on gemstones, pearls, and gold coins.

“It’s only a fraction of the original treasure,” Maddock said, “but at least he kept something for Lafayette.”

“There’s a pouch there.” Sterling picked up a small, leather bag stuffed with gold. On the outside, someone had burned the words,
“For Billy Lee.”

“So he didn’t forget Billy after all,” Bones said.