Page 139 of The Protégé

“There are several speculations. Most people don’t know about this alignment until they look at it from a bird’s-eye view. Some say the pyramids represent portals to another world. Some say it’s just a mathematical coincidence.”

“What do you think?” she asked.

“I like to keep an open mind. My technology and designs allow me to see and do things that are inexplicable. Those inexplicable things are beautiful to me.” I touched her face. “I don’t believe in coincidences. But I also understand that there are certain things better left untouched. How about you?”

“I think someone created magic on Earth. I imagine some beautiful aliens, angels, dragons or otherworldly creatures from far away coming here with their entourageand building these architectural pieces for humans to appreciate. Maybe they’re having a party inthese pyramids when no one’s watching.” She smiled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Because denial of these masterpieces would be a denial of the imagination. Aren’t you glad you asked me?”

I laughed, admiring her humor. “Always, Madame Sarcasm. I’m sure the Nile River appreciates the plug.”

“Oh!” With delight, she held up a finger. “I just realized something.”

“What?”

“The three rocks your mom gave you . . . They kind of look like the Orion’s belt placement, don’t you think?”

She left something for you on the island, but I don’t know what or where it is. She was going to tell me the day she died.

My heart raced as I remembered my conversation with my father.

How the hell did I miss that?I knew the rocks meant something. They were precious gifts from my mother, and I didn’t want to disturb them. Each rock represented a family member. I didn’t look at them as anything other than tokens of love.

I cupped her face. “You’re a genius. Thank you.”

“Takes one to know one.”

After gazing at the stars for hours, Elena went to bed. I waited until she was sound asleep before I snuck out with my flashlight and equipment to move the rocks aside. I found a metal box filled with information and knew my mother had been murdered because of it.

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

ELENA

Orion flewhis plane to the board meeting. He looked more stressed and angrier this morning. When I inquired, he told me he had a lot on his mind regarding the meeting.

I could only imagine the pressure he was dealing with. His father was in a coma, and now he had to deal with the aftermath. I wanted to ease the tension when he returned.

An idea formed in my head, but first I had to call my mother.I didn’t want to wait until she returned from Cancun. I needed to know now.

“Hi,Mamá.” I opened the sliding door, letting the cool breeze enter. “Are you enjoying Cancun?”

“I am, sweetie. Orion’s place is beautiful.”

I could imagine. “Are you busy?”

“No. My bonsai class starts in a few days. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. I just discovered something important about my father.”

She sucked in a breath. “What do you know, Elena?”

I told her what I knew, and she cried.

“I’m sorry I never told you. Pablo didn’t know I was pregnant. When he visited me later, I was already married. He was involved with some dangerous people, and he wanted us safe. I knew he watched over you.”

“Did Dad knowI’m not his biological daughter?”

“Yes. He was a good man. The brooch you have is from Pablo. It’s a set of wings from a bird statue he had.”

“Did you know he died recently?”

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