American Heroes Series - 01 - Resurrection Read Online Free PDF Page A

it’s so late, but this is fairly important we speak with you.”
    Cydney noticed the third man, standing back in the shadows. He was very tall, and very blond. Opening the door, she led them into the living room.  The agents took the couch and Hemeshuk took the overstuffed chair. Cydney was left standing with wide-eyed Olivia hovering just out of sight. The atmosphere was odd and uncomfortable.
    Cydney couldn’t help but wonder why the FBI wanted to speak with her. Maybe they had a hot relic in the museum.
     “What can I help you with, gentlemen?” she asked.
    Agent Serreaux sat casually against the back of the couch. “I know it’s late, so I’ll get to the point. Mr. Hemeshuk tells us that you’re the Director of Operations for the Western Pacific Museum of Art and Antiquities.”
    “I am.”
    “Then you are responsible for security of The Lucius Robe.”
    Cydney glanced at Milt before continuing. “Yes, I am. Why?”
    Serreaux paused. “Everything I am about to tell you is privileged information, Mrs. Hetherington.  It does not go beyond these walls.”
    Her curiosity was turning to dread. “Okay.”
    Serreaux’s gaze lingered on her before continuing. “As you know, our country has been at elevated or better terror alert for the past few years. The Bureau makes it our business to know what’s going on in the nation, friendly or otherwise, and as such have reason to believe that The Lucius Robe may become a target of a wave of religious fanaticism.”
    Cydney stood with her arms folded protectively across her chest, her expression a mask of doubt. “What kind of a target?”
    “Theft.”
    Cydney was silent a moment.  The reason wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. She pulled a chair out of the dining room and sat.
    “Theft is always a concern for the museum,” she said patiently. “We are aware of it on a daily basis and my security people are trained to observe and deter. Did you go into the exhibit gallery when you were there earlier tonight?”
    “Yes.”
    “Did you see the special viewing case we had the robe in?”
    “We did.”
    “The attack of a small army notwithstanding, that thing is rigged to endure a lot. You don’t think it will be enough to deter a thief?”
    “We’re talking about zealots,” Serreaux said. “This is more than simple stealing. It has a purpose; their object has a purpose. They’ll stop at nothing to get to it.”
    There was something about the way he said it that made her blood run cold. “Like what?”
    Serreaux shrugged. “Like resorting to arson, or maybe even bombs, to get through that case. They might even kill anyone who tried to stop them.”
    Her doubt turned to shock. “You must be kidding.”
    “I wish I was.”
    Cydney suddenly stood up from her chair. “Agent Serreaux, all I have as a security force are a bunch of retirees, a few college students and one ex-Marine. My security force isn’t structured to prevent a major theft from religious fanatics. They’re more like school-yard proctors, strategically placed to deter unauthorized activity more than to actually protect life and property. If there really are some idiots that want to steal The Lucius Robe, then I can tell you right now that our security is inadequate. That’s why we built that case; it’s shatter-proof and hermetically sealed. I don’t want my people putting their life on the line.”
    Serreaux’s gaze was steady, his dark eyes appraising her.  Cydney couldn’t help but stare back, noticing his very square jaw and long nose. His nearly-black hair was stylishly cut, spiky tendrils flopping over his forehead.  He didn’t look like any FBI agent she’d ever seen, other than in the movies.  He was a tall man, several inches over six feet, and filled out his dark suit quite nicely. He had enormously wide shoulders but wasn’t bulky; he was simply beautifully and athletically built. She was so wrapped up in appraising his perfect male looks that when he spoke,