Page 4 of Wild Idol
“It’s a solid gold idol,” Strathmore said. “But the value is not in the gold.” He drew out the moment, and his eyes filled with wonder.
“What’s the real value? “ I asked.
It’s the question he had been waiting for. He leaned in and spoke in a reverent tone. “The idol dates back to 500 BC. Pre-Columbian. As legend has it, the artifact was forged not by man but by the gods. The winged serpent king descended from the sky and bestowed the idol to Xul Xoc Kan, granting him eternal life.”
“How’d that work out for him?” JD asked in a slightly sardonic tone.
Mr. Wellington frowned. “He was murdered by his son, who ascended to the throne.”
“So much for immortality.”
“He only died after the artifact was stolen from him. Nolonger in his possession, it did not convey its mystical properties.”
“I see why you’d want it back,” I said.
“I can’t overstate my desire enough. I’ve only told you the half of it. Death comes quickly to those who lose possession of the idol. All the benefits conveyed evaporate, and the toll comes due.”
“Can’t cheat death,” JD said.
Strathmore gave him another look. “I’ll admit, it’s a dangerous game. I’d like to cheat death for as long as possible.”
“So, you’re a believer,” I said.
“I will tell you a story, gentlemen. And it may make you a believer as well.”
I exchanged another look with Jack, then we settled in to hear a tall tale.
Strathmore said, “Five years ago, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. They gave me eight months to live. It was at that time I came into possession of the idol. Having exhausted all possible treatment protocols and alternative therapies, I was willing to try anything. No expense was spared in the acquisition of the statue. I had long been fascinated with the legend but never considered it much more than that—a myth. A story. But something miraculous happened once I acquired the idol. My follow-up scans showed no expression of disease. No cancer. I was in complete remission. The doctors were astonished. They had never seen anything like it.”
JD and I both looked impressed.
“You can probably figure out where this is going,” Strathmore said. ”Ivy stole the artifact 6 months ago.” He paused, and his face tightened. “Let’s just say it’s worse than before. The outlook is grim.”
“Is Ivy aware of the myth surrounding the idol?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Knowing that, why would she steal it from you?”
“It’s almost tantamount to murder, isn’t it?” Another grim frown tugged his lips. “Sadly, Ivy and I haven’t always seen eye to eye. Now, this clown has driven a wedge further between us.” He shook his head in dismay. “Gentlemen, the clock is ticking. I would like to reconcile with my daughter before my expiration date. If you can bring me that idol, it will significantly extend that expiration date. Maybe even eliminate it.”
I shared another look with Jack. I knew what he was thinking. It sounded like an adventure. We seemed to have a hard time turning down adventures.
“We are in the middle of a case right now,” I said.
“Money is no object.”
“It’s not a question of money.” I paused. “Send me all available information you have about Solomon and his whereabouts. We’ll look it over. Once we’ve made an assessment, we will give you a decision.”
“You can name your price.”
“Like I said, we’re not in this for the money.”
“That’s why I contacted you for the job. You can’t be bought. You can’t be corrupted. I know that when you find the idol—and I have faith that you will find it—you’ll bring it back to me. You won’t take it for yourselves.” Strathmore was smart, assuming the sale.
“That’s a lot of faith,” Jack said.
“You two have established quite the reputation. And I know my daughter is in good hands.”
