New Title 1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

top of a skull that was half-buried in the dirt and blew out a thin stream of smoke. The sun hung low over the surrounding hills, lighting them with a crimson glow, and for a moment the broken field seemed covered in blood.
     
    Andy had been hunkered over his laptop for an hour, searching through the web for a reason why bones might have been found on the north campus. Jack, after a few abortive attempts to engage him in conversation, had given up and started chopping tomatoes and bell peppers. At least Andy had stopped analyzing the recipe’s fat and cholesterol value.
    “Would you mind humming something a little more cheerful?” Andy demanded at last, looking up.
    “What?”
    “First it was ‘Man of Constant Sorrow,’ and then ‘Wayfaring Stranger,’ and now ‘When Sorrows Encompass Me ’Round.’ I swear, Jack, I feel like I’m at a funeral.”
    “Sorry.” Jack set down his knife. “I wasn’t paying attention. Did you find anything?”
    “The land was part of the Gudrun Ranch before it was donated to the college. If it was being used as a graveyard, it wasn’t licensed by the state or the county.”
    “Maybe it was private?”
    “Either way, I think we’ve just entered the angel’s vision.”
    “I’d say you’re right about that,” Jack agreed. “But why would an angel in L.A. warn us about something out here in Vista Hills?”
    “You’re assuming distance matters to an angel. Remember, God works in mysterious ways.”
    “I hate that.”
    Andy grinned, stretching. “I wish I weren’t lecturing tomorrow. I’d like to spend more time looking into this.”
    “Maybe I can find something in the city records.” Jack wiped his hands on a dishtowel. “I can go down to city hall tomorrow and take a look.”
    “Don’t bother. The police will get there before you do.”
    Before Jack could answer, somebody knocked on the door.
    “Ah, that’ll be Edward.” Andy hurried to the door and opened it, welcoming his guest inside.
    Jack studied the newcomer with open curiosity. He’d caught glimpses of Edward Todd on campus and in the small apartment building, but they hadn’t been introduced. The theologian was one of the biggest men he’d ever met, tall and broad-shouldered with huge hands and a strong jaw. He wore nondescript pale khakis and a black wool sweater over a white shirt.
    Andy ushered Todd into the kitchen, which immediately seemed to shrink around them. “Jack, I’ve already told you about Dr. Todd. Edward, this is Jack Langthorn, a friend of mine.”
    “How do you do?” Jack asked, offering a hand.
    “My pleasure.” Todd’s hand engulfed his as they shook. “Is that your Harley outside?” 
    “For what it’s worth, I bought it before they became rich men’s toys,” Jack said as Andy opened the refrigerator door. “Do you ride?”
    “No, I’m afraid not.” Todd’s gaze wandered around the apartment, more intently than Jack thought was quite normal. He wondered what Todd was looking for and followed the large man’s gaze. It lingered a moment on Andy’s old Italian crucifix, which leaned on top of a bookshelf, and then moved to his bookshelves, and then his laptop. “Where are you from, Jack?”
    Jack always felt a little guilty about revealing his Southern birthplace to a black man. “I was born in Kentucky, though I spend most of my time on the road.  You?”
    “I moved to the States from London, although I’ve been living here for quite some time. I understand you’re our chef tonight?”
    “Andy can’t cook instant oatmeal. This recipe comes from some friends in Louisiana.” Jack started the rice. “Open me a soda, Andy.”
    “Already done.” Andy passed around the cans. “So, Ed, did you hear the news about north campus?”
    Todd’s eyes leaped to Andy’s face.
    “No. I don’t believe I have.”
    “They’ve uncovered some sort of old burial site. Jack was there when they found the bones.”
    “Human bones?”
    “I saw at least one human