The Collectors - Book Four: Diamonds and Sand (The Collectors Series 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

ground and brushed the dust from his overalls. The powerful beam of his torch swept the shaft above them. “I can see metal steps or what’s left of them. Get back on my shoulders, grab the rim and pull yourself into the tunnel.”
    Petros shoved his shoulders into the shaft. The beam of his torch shone on another swastika. “Problems, Bear. Whoever constructed this was not going to make it easy. We need a ladder.”
    Together they started to make the ir way back to Jacob. On passing the gated entrance to a tunnel, they stopped and looked at each other.
    “If we can lift that metal gate off its hinges we have a ladder,” said Bear.
    “Brain of Britain you ’re not but that’s a brilliant idea. How come I didn’t think of it?”
    With brute force and a crowbar, the gate came free of its hinges. The metal although rusty remained heavy but between them, they placed it in position.
    “I’ll batter the bricks this time,” said Bear.
    “You’re welcome.”
    Bear clambered up their makeshift ladder and stopped where it met the smaller shaft. With his feet in position he rested his back against the wall and thumped the brickwork. The rubble he dragged towards him and let it tumble to the ground. The din as it struck echoed along the larger shafts. “This one is smaller. Pass me a torch.” With the aid of the light, he peered into the duct. “It slopes up and the air appears ok. I’m going in.”
    With outstretched arms and a torch in his mouth, he pulled himself along the shaft into a brick-built chamber. “Fuck shit.” His heart hammered but he remained frozen at the sight of the rust-coated object on which his hand rested. On a mound of earth lay, its nose buried, a large bomb. He shifted his hand and listened. “Thank fuck for that,” he whispered. With care, he retreated into the shaft and stopped. In the chamber, many boxes with a blue Star of David painted on them rested on others. “Bingo, the forgotten treasure and a bomb. What more could an idiot ask for?”
    His eyes glanced at a door in the furthest wall. “Interesting.” Bear shuddered as he considered his thoughts. “I must be fucking mad.” He dragged his carcass back along the shaft. At the entrance, he swept his torch in every direction before making a move.
    On his left side, he slithered into the chamber. A metre away from the bomb he stopped and rested. His heart pounded, he had made an unjustifiable mistake. He stared at the silent menace. “For seventy years you’ve waited until an idiot arrived.” He shouted, “PK, can you hear me?”
    “Yes,” came the faint but audible reply.
    “I’ve cocked up big time.”
    “On my way.” Petros’ torch flashed along the clammy upper tunnel illuminating the chamber opening. “What’s your problem?” His eyes settled on the rusted cylinder. “Ah, a big one. And I never like surprises. I suggest we get the fuck out of here.”
    “I want to open this door,” said Bear.
    “Give me one good reason why?”
    “To see where it leads.”
    “I always knew you were mad. Here we are close to a thousand pounds of explosive which just might go bang and you want to investigate a door.”
    “I doubt that it will. Come on, where’s your sense of adventure?”
    “ It’s making my sphincter flutter and you’re still mad. What are you waiting for? Open the fucking door.”
    Bear placed his hand on the handle, tensed his muscles, and prepared to pull. To his surprise, the door once clear of its frame swung open to reveal a rough shaft. He shone his torch along its length. His eyes took in the round wooden posts and roof supports spaced every metre. “Fancy a look see?”
    Petros suppressed a shudder. “If I’m going to leave this planet in a blaze of glory, why not?” He eased his way across the stone floor and stood. “You first and if you find a big hole jump in.”
    “Don’t get your knickers in a twist over a hunk of scrap metal. At least the air’s breathable.”
    “Yes but why?