Free Tomb of Zeus (Atlantis) by Christopher David Petersen Page A

it’ll be open.”
    Helena swallowed hard at the reality of the statement

Chapter: 4
     
     
    Helena looked at herself in the full length mirror and nodded approvingly. Although her form-fitting khaki pants and polo shirt accentuated her shapely five foot six figure, the style of clothing produced the right amount of p rofessionalism. Grabbing a hair-tie from the dresser, she pulled her wavy black hair into a tight pony tail and secured it with the colored elastic.
    She checked her watch: 9:15am.
    “Ok, they should be settled in for the day’s routine by now. Time to pay ole Jack a visit,” she said confidently.
    Inside her rented cottage, she stared at the photos of both Javi and Jack one last time, insuring she was familiar with their faces and backgrounds.
    “Ok Jack, let’s just see if we can’t fix that broken heart of yours, eh?” she joked aloud, then added, “This should be easy.”
    She checked her look one more time in the mirror, then headed out to her car.
    Thirty minutes later, she pulled into the great pyramid’s utility parking area. With three utility trailers to choose from, she picked the middle trailer and parked. In the passenger seat next to her, she grabbed her backpack filled with necessary paperwork and equipment, her fake I.D. and her cell phone and stepped from the car. She spotted a man leaving the trailer in front of her.
    “Excuse me. I’m looking for Javier Arista and Jack Roberts. Do you know wh ere I can find them?” she asked in a very businesslike tone.
    Dunixi Kanelos stopped and stared for a moment, caught off guard by the woman’s beauty. He realized his behavior and quickly acted nonchalant.
    “They’re both around here somewhere. Follow me. I’ll help you find them,” he said now going out of his way to help her.
    “I’m Dunix i Kanelos, by the way,” he said stopping and extending his hand.
    Helena shook it firmly and responded, “Helena Galanos.”
    Duni spotted her badge.
    “The D.O.T, huh? You’re not shutting us down are you?” he asked in flirtatious tone.
    “I have to follow certain protocols. If I find activities or procedures out of place, I’ll be left with no choice but to shut things down,” she replied bluntly.
    A nervous expression crossed his face. Any idea he had about casual friendliness quickly vanished upon realizing Helena was all business.
    “I think Javi and Jack a re in the far trailer,” he said, now also adopting a businesslike personality.
    They both walked silently across the parking lot. Reaching the trailer, he opened the door and went inside with Helena following close behind.
    “Ah Dunixi, just in time. I was just reviewing…” Javi stopped himself in midsentence at the sight of the stranger standing behind Duni.
    “ And who might this be?” he said, smiling as he walked to greet her.
    Moving passed Dunixi, she extended her hand and introduced herself.
    “I’m Helena Galanosa, Inspector for the Department of Tourism. I’m here to discuss your applications f or future excavations.”
    “The D.O.T? My God that was fast. I only made that broadcast a couple of days ago. To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to hear from you guys for months. I’m really impressed,” Javi responded while shaking her hand. He stopped shaking it for a moment and added, “You are here because of my broadcast, aren’t you?”
    Helena smiled.
    “Yes, Mr. Arista, your request for help was indeed effective… but only to a certain degree,” she said, cryptically.
    Hearing voices, Jack stood up from a small cubicle at the far end of the trailer. He spotted Helena and immediately made his way toward her.
    Helena watched as Jack approached. He looked taller and brawnier than the photos revealed. In her mind, she found him somewhat attractive.
    “Hi, I’m Jack Roberts. Did I hear something about the D.O.T?” he asked, with a cordial smile.
    “Hi Jack, I’m Helena Galanos… and yes, you did hear something about the D.O.T. I’m an