The Mayan Apocalypse Read Online Free PDF Page A

in a private jet before.”
    â€œWell, let’s fix that.” He took her computer bag. “We go through that door. We have a little time, but the pilot will need to file a new flight plan.”
    An airport employee checked their identification and matched it against the manifest of private flights. He then escorted them through a security door and onto the tarmac. Minutes later, Morgan led Lisa into the luxurious interior of the finest business jet made.

SAN PEDRO YANCUITLALPAN, MEXICO
    It was just 10:00 a.m., and the heat was already oppressive. The sun, which still had two more hours before it would reach its zenith, shone like a huge gold coin in the deep blue sky. Bob Newtonstepped from the adobe-lined community building and onto the dusty street. Profirio Galicia followed him. Both men glanced around the impoverished community. A man rode a burro down the street; a teenage boy peddled his bicycle in the other direction. Newton sensed tenseness in the air.
    â€œEl Popo was upset last night,” Profirio said, nodding to the mountain just outside of town. “Soon villagers will be taking offerings again.”
    â€œI’m afraid that won’t do them much good, Profirio,” Newton said as he studied the 17,887-foot tall, snowcapped volcano. “Cooked chickens and fruit might make me feel better, but it won’t do anything for El Popo.”
    â€œIt couldn’t hurt,” Profirio countered.
    â€œCouldn’t it?” Newton turned his eyes from the volcano to his interpreter. “I don’t think you want to be on the mountain if she goes. That would hurt.”
    â€œYou think her time is soon?”
    â€œPopocatépetl has been acting up for years now and may continue to do so with very little danger, or it could go at any time.”
    â€œYou think she will erupt, don’t you?”
    Newton turned and faced the man. He was tall, thin, and quick with a smile. Although only thirty-eight, he looked much older. In addition to serving as interpreter to Dr. Newton, Profirio was also the town clerk. “I can’t be sure, but the latest readings indicate that something is up. I think it may be time to call for an evacuation.”
    Profirio shook his head. “We have had too many evacuations over the years. The people lose wages when they leave. It will be hard to get them to abandon their homes again.”
    â€œThey’ll have to, Profirio. San Pedro is in the worst possible situation here.” Newton removed the New York Mets baseball cap he was wearing and wiped his bald head. Newton was forty-two years old and a senior project manager for the US Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California. He had spent the last three months in San Pedro monitoring Popocatépetl, the volcano that residents called El Popo. He returned his attention to the road that led from the town.
    â€œYou seem worried, amigo ,” Profirio said. “Your friends will be back from the mountain soon.”
    â€œI can’t help but worry. In April of 1996, five hikers died up there. That’s five too many deaths. My group should have been back by now.”
    â€œMaybe it took longer to fix the radio monitor.”
    â€œPerhaps, but that…”
    They felt it before they heard it. A rumble—borne along by the hot wind of the day—echoed from the side of the mountain. A moment later the ground shook, vibrating everything within fifty miles. Fifteen seconds later, it was over.
    â€œAnother earthquake, amigo . A big one too.”
    Newton ignored Profirio. His mind was on the mountain. “Where are they?” he asked aloud. “What could be keeping them?”
    Once again the earth shook. Once again Newton’s heart skipped a beat.

    â€œWow.”
    Morgan smiled at Lisa’s expression as they walked around inside the jet. “First time in one of these babies is always memorable.”
    â€œI imagine it’s old hat to