Page 13 of Afraid to Hope

“The Moroccan Navy has done a great job. Were they able to determine how those bones and fragments were secreted away?” Bane asked.

“Information points to locals working with excavation personnel who have ties with the American. Of course no one is talking,” Rafiq said. “Additionally, 128 ancient Roman coins were hidden within large industrial plastic bags that were full of copper and lead used for smelting. The vessel was headed for Spain.”

“Oh my god.” Natasha sounded bereft.

Bane glanced from Natasha to Emmet, frowning.

Emmet nodded toward the photos. “At this time, we have not been able to ascertain the intended final destination, or destinations, for the coins, or if they were to be split up for multiple markets. The local numismatic exchanges and collectors were bypassed. The supply chain looks to be extensive. We have a team working on it. I—”

Natasha fell against the back of her chair and sighed loudly.

“I know, Doctor,” Emmet said. “As a serious longtime collector yourself, you must find this unfortunate. That said, the coins are not the focus of your mission.”

Natasha raised her head and looked the director square in the eye as she dipped her chin in agreement. “Yes, sir.”

The door opened and Matilda bustled in with a rolling cart. “Sorry to interrupt. Lunch arrived more quickly than I anticipated.” She placed a large communal dish and smaller dishes, all with lids, in the center of the table and gave each of them a cloth napkin, plate, and utensils. “Utensils for those who wish to use them. I’ll help with the handwashing. Natasha?”

Natasha extended her hands, enjoying the rosewater Matilda trickled over her skin. She gently shook her hands into the basin, dried them on the napkin, and laid the napkin in her lap. “Thank you.”

Matilda then moved to each of the men and did the same. “Bon appétit,” she said to all of them before exiting.

“I’m starving.” Bane began lifting the lids. “Thought we were having a light lunch?” Succulent aromas and color filled the room—lamb tagine, chicken with apricots, chickpea stew, bread, sauces, nuts, couscous, baba ghanoush, olives, and baklava. He turned, flashing Natasha an enormous smile, indicating the baklava. “Your favorite’s in here,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

Dammit.Bane had called herout in front of everyone.Natasha could not glare, nor could she do what she wanted to, which was to say something snide, put him in his place. Fine, she would play Bane’s game. Her voice was pure sweetness, her smile full. “I think the baklava got me into enough trouble last night.” She widened her eyes at him. “Don’t you?”

Natasha’s effort backfired. If anything, Bane’s smile expanded, the sexy glint in his eyes challenging her. “Wife, we should keep that between us. That kind of banter only makes others uncomfortable.”

Emmet appeared amused and spoke up, shaking his head. “I agree with Bane. Let’s eat.”

Emmet pushed his plate away. “If you don’t mind, I’ll continue talking while you dine.” He checked his watch. “Rafiq must depart shortly.” He opened his folder and sorted through the papers. “The current plan is for the Ruas to depart the day after tomorrow, in the afternoon, and travel to Ouarzazate via Fes. Rafiq, please program their numbers into your mobile and memorize them and their lodging information as well. You will continue reconnaissance here and in Rabat if necessary.”

Natasha listened attentively while also trying to get food into her mouth with her nondominant right hand, wishing like hell she was eating with her left hand, with utensils, like the director.

“Do you want a fork?” Bane asked. “I realize you’re out of practice.”

Mouth full, Natasha shook her head. She chased her food down with a few sips of tea, then said, “Thanks, but no. I need to do this. It’s like riding a bike. I’ll get it.”

“Okay,” he said doubtfully.

Rafiq and Emmet glanced at Natasha but made no mention of the growing mess in front of her.

“Any changes in the time line are to be approved through me. I predict nightly briefings.” Emmet tapped his forefinger on the table, his blue eyes sweeping over Natasha, Bane, and Rafiq. “The assignment is simple and yet it is not. We seek to recover and repatriate skeletal remains,Homo sapiensthought to be over three hundred thousand years old, and the ancient codex I mentioned earlier. The chatter says the remains are still in-country. We’re uncertain about the codex. Bear in mind that there is a rumor of another codex, whereabouts unknown, taken out of Egypt, briefly surfacing in Morocco before vanishing during World War II. It’s rumored to be of Greek origin and written by Alexander the Great. We are not focused on that one.”

“How would a codex purported to be written by one of Greece’s great rulers have ended up in Egypt?” Bane asked.

Really?Natasha chewed on the inside of her bottom lip to keep herself from saying something snide, then answered, “You know how complex history is in this part of the world.”

He squinted at her, mischief dancing in his gorgeous hazel eyes. “I learned a lot of things in school. History took a back seat to honing my skills.” Bane winked at Natasha and offered her a disarming grin. “Educate me.”

“Alexander the Great is regarded as one of the most successful military commanders in history with a legendary record of undefeated wars. He conquered Egypt, united the city-states, and led the Corinthian League, and he was also a student of Aristotle’s.” She paused and glanced at Emmet, who was beginning to look impatient. “So it is believable that it could have been written by him.”

Bane rubbed the back of his neck. “Impressive.”

“Very, and a codex authored by him would obviously be priceless.” Natasha smiled.

Emmet closed his folder. “Let’s stay on task here. Unless it falls into our laps during the assignment, the Alexander Codex is of no importance.”

“I need to depart,” Rafiq said, rising. He looked each of them in the eye.“Salam alaikum.”

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