Free Ice Storm by David Meyer Page A

rotated slowly and noiselessly, providing an ever-changing view of the Earth.
    "So, this is it." My voice echoed in the vast space. "This is where the magic happens."
    He shrugged. "If you say so."
    "I can't believe the Board of Directors gets this all to itself."
    "Lucky us."
    "How often do you use it?"
    "Just for important stuff." He studied my face. "This is your first time here?"
    I nodded.
    "Well, I'll be damned. How come you never found it? You grew up in this building."
    "Believe me, I found it. I knew all about it. But it was always off-limits." I shrugged. "Board members only."
    "It's just a room."
    "Not to me."
    I turned in a slow circle. Nature-themed artwork from the likes of Thomas Cole, Asher Brown Durand, and other artists of the Hudson River School adorned the walls. Busts and statues of Captain James Cook, Sir Francis Drake, and Neil Armstrong were positioned around the room. It was a veritable Who's Who of history's greatest explorers and adventurers, illuminated by over a dozen wall-mounted brass lanterns.
    Priceless and irreplaceable artifacts—a sled from Roald Amundsen's storied trip to the South Pole, the clothes worn by Sir Edmund Hillary when he reached the top of Mount Everest, and maps drawn by Meriwether Lewis on the epic Corps of Discovery Expedition to name just a few—were secured in airtight display cases and positioned among the statues. There was so much to see, to behold. Far too much for a single visit.
    I saw a long table in the middle of the room. It was constructed from solid oak. A dozen leather mahogany chairs surrounded it. They were empty.
    For now.
    "You're sure you don't know why I'm here?" I asked.
    "Why would I?"
    "You're the Chairman."
    "You think those bastards care about my title? Hell, I'm lucky they let me keep my office."
    Three days ago, I'd received a summons, requesting the honor of my presence at a special meeting of the Explorer's Society's Board of Directors. The exact purpose of the meeting was a mystery. But I had an idea. It was just about time for the Board to announce its most prestigious award.
    The Explorer of the Year.

 
    Chapter 22
    Gasping, I sat up straight. The tip of my forehead crashed into the ceiling. Dizziness overcame me and I slumped back to my pillow.
    Memories of the previous day poured into my mind. They were overwhelming, the mental equivalent of a tidal wave. All I could do was wait for them to pass.
    After a few minutes, I climbed out of bed. The air was cool. Yet, my body felt slick with perspiration. More memories surged into my brain. It took all my concentration to fight them off.
    I looked for Graham. His bed was empty. I quickly dressed and opened the door. Faint voices floated into my ears.
    I followed them to the common room. Breakfast was underway. Graham worked the griddle while a guy I didn't know snacked on a breakfast bar. Holly picked at a small plate of fresh fruit while her husband stirred oatmeal. Trotter and Ayers sat by themselves on one of the couches. They shoveled cereal into their mouths at an incredibly slow clip.
    Ayers looked up and saw me. Immediately, he elbowed Trotter. Trotter raised his eyes to meet mine.
    I studied their faces. I saw no signs of guilt or remorse. I felt an overwhelming urge to cross the room and beat the hell out of them. But I managed to suppress it. I couldn't afford to waste the time or energy. I needed to devote my full attention to finding the Amber Room.
    "What happened to your eye?" Trotter asked.
    "Fell down," I replied.
    "Must've been quite a fall."
    "It was."
    "You should put some ice on it."
    "I'll keep that in mind."
    I kept waiting for Ayers to add his two cents. But he stayed silent. I was beginning to think the man was a mute.
    "Hi." The guy with the breakfast bar extended his hand. "I'm Aaron Jenner."
    "Cy Reed."
    "That's quite a shiner you've got there."
    "Thanks for noticing."
    He laughed. "Sorry. That was rude."
    I touched my eye and felt a stinging sensation. "What do you