Curse of Atlantis by Christopher David Petersen Read Free Book Online Page B

was now smiling. Moments later, the man crossed the street as Jack made his way to the car.
    "What the HELL was THAT all about?" Serena cried out as Jack got in.
    "Directions... can you believe it? I nearly shit myself," Jack replied, his face still white from fear.
    "Honestly, I thought you were a goner. I was about to dial ' 911, ' " Serena said, still holding the phone in her hand.
    "Well, that was still good thinking. Way to keep on your toes," Jack encouraged. "Now let's just get to the computer shop and go home."
    "I'll feel better when we're in Greece ," she said, feeling a small amount of relief.
    "Me too."
    Five minutes up the road, Serena pulled into a parking spot on the main street in front of an old computer and electronics store.
    Grabbing the duffel bag, Jack said, "Ok, let's do this again... I'll go in and be out in minutes. Just keep a watchful eye out for anything suspicious."
    "Ok, hurry. I hate sitting here," Serena said.
    With a quick nod, Jack took off, up the step s and into the building.
    ~~~~~  ~~~~~  ~~~~~
    "Wow, that's perfect. I mean it... this is like a work of art," Jack said.
    " Molding the two halves was the easy part. Finding the electronics you spec'd out was the hard part, man. I have to say, your design is quite ingenious , bro," the owner said.
    "How fast can you assemble this?" Jack asked , nervously peering out the window to the street.
    "Less than five, man. All I need to do is attach the circuit board, bolt the two halves together, and plug in the wires and you'll be set to go," the owner said, proud of his work.
    "Do it in less than three minutes and I'll throw in another hundred," Jack said, his face now serious.
    "For another hundred, I'll have it done in less than two, mate," the owner replied enthusiastically .
    Jack put his hand into his pocket and p ulled out a hundred dollar bill . Slapping it down on the counter for effect, he said, "I'm timing you."
    The shop owner’s hands moved like lightening, attaching the pre-wired circuitry first, then used a pneumatic sock et wrench to fasten the two halves of the bowls together with nuts and bolts. When he was done, he bolted on a handle and plugged in several wires. Placing his tools on the bench next to him, he said, "Done... what time you have ?"
    "Just over two minutes. That's gotta be some kind of record. You earned ever y bit of that hundred," Jack said.
    "I have to say, mate... that's a sweet looking radar platform. Hope it works as planned," the shop owner said with a toothy smile.
    Picking up the unit by the handle, Jack inspected his new acquisition. With the two molded bowls bolted together, it formed a large, white plastic ball.
    "The ball is supposed to give me three hundred and sixty degrees of coverage," Jack announced proudly.
    "Yeah, whatever , mate. Just be careful with that, if you know what I mean," the shop owner ominously.
    "I hear ya," Jack replied simply.
    With a quick shake, Jack slung the duffel bag over his shoulder and carried the radar platform in his hand. He turned and walked toward the front of the building. Opening the door, he stepped outside and stopped in his tracks. Jack's heart skipped a beat.
"No," he said to himself.
    " Yes , keep walking this way and no sudden moves. I have a gun on her and you," Dimitri said in a low, commanding voice.
    Jack saw the fear in Serena's face. He eyed the two dark - suited Russians with contempt. Slowly, deliberately, he walked toward them.
    "Is it still in the bag?" Dimitri asked. "Hurry up. Open it. Let me see the crystal."
    Jack place d the radar platform on the ground and took the duffel bag off his should er . Suddenly, the radar platform began to roll. Jack move d to grab it but Dimitri showed him his pistol.
    "Leave it," he ordered. "Show me the crystal...now."
    "Yes , sir," Jack said, obediently.
    Jack unzipped the bag half way and opened it. Dimitri stared at the crystal for a moment, then smiled. He reached out and grabbed the strap from Jack's