Goddess Read Online Free PDF Page B

topped with stained glass.
    He was sitting in a leather chair behind a wide desk, a phone receiver in his hand. If anything, his face was even more striking than the Wikipedia photo. It spoke of a life spent outside the classroom in isolated corners of the world. But what I hadn’t been able to discern clearly in the photograph turned out to be his most arresting feature. His blue eyes were as deep and mysterious as a bottomless lake.
    Dr. Stewart said something curtly into the phone and hung up.
    He regarded me silently for a moment. I wasn’t sure if he was curious or trying to intimidate me. Finally, he spoke. “I thought you were Elena. She’s the only one who would come up here when I was in a private conversation.”
    Normally I would have apologized, but something about this man wouldn’t let me. “Are you sure you didn’t think I was a North Korean spy?”
    He leaned back slightly in his chair, but his eyes never strayed from me. “Perhaps, but I suspect you’re actually Nina’s new friend.”
    “I could be both.”
    He considered me for a moment longer. “The Soviets used to plant spies who appeared to be ordinary Americans, but I don’t think the North Koreans have reached that level of sophistication.”
    “Isn’t that what our government used to think about the Russians?”
    He smiled then, either because he realized he wasn’t going to intimidate me or because he was tired of our repartee. He rose from his chair. He was tall, perhaps four inches taller than Matt. His gray silk shirt clung to his well-toned body. “I’ll reserve judgment on your motivations then and apologize to you for my rudeness.”
    He stepped forward and held out his hand. “I’m Ashland Stewart.” His strong, firm hand enveloped my smaller one.
    “Julia Nelson.”
    He leaned against his desk, arms folded. “I have to admit, I was skeptical about Nina inviting you. She’s an excellent scientist, but occasionally she turns to spiritual explanations for the universe’s mysteries.”
    “Like my tattoo?”
    His eyes turned bemused. “Personally, I don’t see a mystery there, only a coincidence.”
    “I’m glad we’re on the same page.”
    “I’m curious then, why did you accept Nina’s invitation?”
    The last thing I was going to admit was the truth, so instead I said, “I’ve always had an interest in science and history. I was intrigued by the work you were doing.”
    “I’m sorry I can’t share the details with you. I don’t want to say anything that will put future access to the site in jeopardy.”
    “My handlers will be very angry if I don’t get any information out of you.”
    Again, he offered a hint of a smile that suggested warmth beneath his cool exterior. “I certainly wouldn’t want to get you in trouble.”
    Dr. Stewart stepped behind his desk and unlocked a drawer. He removed his laptop, opened it, and typed in what I assumed was a passcode. He found what he was looking for and then, without a word, turned the computer to face me. I stepped closer so I could see the photograph on the screen.
    It appeared to be a crown made of bronze. Much of it had turned green from oxidation. It looked solid, but at the same time, delicate. But what really drew my attention was the finely crafted design at its center.
    It was a symbol, obviously ancient.
    It was my tattoo.
    I looked up, almost expecting to see Dr. Stewart smirking, as if this was all a practical joke. Instead, I caught a hint of fascination behind his blue eyes.
    He was looking at me, not the screen.
    “This is from Magoa?” I asked.
    He nodded. “Does it look familiar?”
    I didn’t respond to his question. Somehow, to admit that I had seen this symbol many times before felt too intimate, so instead I asked, “Does this have something to do with why the North Koreans kicked you out?”
    “For now, I think it’s best if Magoa kept her secrets.” He closed his laptop. “Why don’t we go downstairs? Dessert should be waiting and