The Belial Stone(89)

He carefully probed the object. So far, the only objects that projected out from the pillars were animal reliefs, but this was no relief. It was made of a different material, both hard and smooth.

With reverence, he brushed at the thin layer of dirt that remained. Slowly, a diamond-shaped object with a crystalline structure, about the size of a softball, was revealed.

“Camera,” he demanded, holding out his hand. It was placed in his shaking hand. He’d found it. Finally.

He quickly took shots of the stone from every angle. He removed a small chisel and hammer from his tool bag. Ever so gently, he pried the stone loose.

Holding it up, he could just make out the crisscrossing patterns within the six-sided figure. Surprise flooded him. It was warm to the touch. Rummaging in his bag, he pulled out a piece of burlap. With infinite care, he wrapped the stone, still able to feel its warmth through the fabric.

He nestled it to his side and headed back up the ramp. He would call the Senator immediately. No one was going to replace him now.





CHAPTER 74



Kensington arrived at the dig site just before five a.m. He’d been awoken by his aid thirty minutes ago. At first, he’d yelled at the man for interrupting his sleep. When he’d found out that Priddle had called from the dig site and wanted him out there, he’d yelled at the man for not waking him sooner.

Ignoring the workers who crossed his path, he strode through the enclosure entrance and towards the RV. Not bothering to knock, he threw open the door and climbed in.

The brightness of the trailer was blinding. Once his eyes adjusted, he focused on Priddle, who was sitting at the table, a jeweler’s monocle to his eye.

“You’ve found it?” he asked eagerly.

Priddle looked up and smiled. “Yes, sir. In site twenty-one, just like I predicted.”

“Let me see it.” He demanded, moving to sit opposite Priddle at the table, careful not to jar his injured arm.

Priddle placed the jeweler’s loupe on the table and handed over the crystal. Kensington took it reverently.

“It’s warm,” he said with surprise.

Priddle nodded. “I’ve done some preliminary readings and the heat seems to be generated by constant vibrations within the stone.

“Is it a form of acoustic resonance?”

Priddle couldn’t conceal his surprise. Kensington bristled at the look. These academics always thought they were the only ones with a brain.

“Actually, I think it is. The readings I’ve conducted so far suggest that the energy stored in this small crystal is immense. I’m not an expert in this area, but I’d say you’ve found an incredible source of renewable energy in this stone.”

Kensington held up the stone. “You’ve done well. With this stone, America will achieve its greatest heights.” And I will lead them there, he thought smugly. This was proof that he was destined to lead. This stone was put here for him to find, and to help bring America back to its former greatness.

Priddle glanced behind the Senator. “Will Mr. Gideon be joining us?”

“No,” the Senator said firmly, still staring into the crystal. “Mr. Gideon is no longer a part of this project.”





CHAPTER 75



Gideon drove his black Mercedes SL550 down the private drive towards his home. He’d spent the last few hours in the company of an accommodating woman over in Beaver Creek. He smiled at the memory of her silken generosity. He smiled even wider as he recalled her eyes as the life drained out of them.

The interlude had distracted him, for a few hours, from the search for the stone. He couldn’t believe that they still hadn’t uncovered one at the site. Was it possible he had miscalculated? That there was actually no stone to be found?

He pulled to a stop in front of his home. No. They would find the stone. It was just a matter of time.

Before exiting his car, he took a moment to appreciate the beauty of his home. He might actually miss this place, he thought as he walked to his front door.

Pulling out his electronic key, Gideon felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. He wasn’t alone. Without giving any indication of his awareness, he dropped his keys and lowered himself to the ground to pick them up. Sliding his hand underneath his jacket, he felt the grip of his handgun.

A whisper of a sound and a shadow came from around the corner of the house.

Bullets slammed into the front door behind him. He threw himself to the ground and rolled behind one of the columns at the entryway. He peeked out. The man had taken refuge behind his car.

Gideon lay down on the ground and peered underneath the car. He could see the man’s foot just beyond the front tire. Lining up his shot, he pulled the trigger. The man howled in pain and fell, his whole body now exposed to Gideon’s view. He emptied two more bullets into the man’s face and chest. The yelling stopped.