Ashes to Ashes

By Markie Madden

With the success of the Undead Unit spreading through law enforcement agencies around the world, Lacey and Colton are sent to Egypt to teach their officials how to form and manage an Undead Unit of their own.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian government is preparing to unveil a startling secret: the resurrection of ancient pharaoh Akenaten, using DNA from this unpopular leader’s mummy to create a new body for him.

Long thought dead, Horemheb’s ancient religious cult still lives on in the form of an Immortal Phoenix, who does everything in his power to prevent the reanimation of Egypt’s most infamous ruler. Can Lacey and Colton stop him, before he sabotages this scientific breakthrough?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Metamorph Publishing
• Release date: Dec 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370531813

Markie Madden

Markie Madden, born Marguerite Malone on August 19, 1975 in Midland, Texas, is the author of Once Upon a Western Way, Keeping a Backyard Horse, and My Butterfly Cancer. She grew up in Flushing, Michigan, where she began to write stories when she was a teenager. She married in 1994 and now has 2 teenage daughters. She has 3 rescue dogs and a horse whom she enjoys spending time with. She is also a cancer survivor, battling leukemia (AML) in 2013-2014. She now resides in a small country town in Missouri, where she continues to write. She hopes that her newest book, Keeping a Backyard Horse, will help prevent accidental mistreatment of horses, and help educate horse owners in taking care of their horse even on a budget. She raised and trained her horse Athena. In 2014, she founded Metamorph Publishing as a way to self-publish her books, and she's now working with other indie authors as well. Her three books Once Upon a Western Way, Keeping a Backyard Horse, and My Butterfly Cancer are all available in print and for e-readers, and My Butterfly Cancer is also out in audiobook format. She can also be found on GoodReads, Scribophile, Shelfari, and Wattpad, as well as many other social media such as Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more.

Book preview

Ashes to Ashes

Undead Unit 5

Markie Madden

This book is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places and incidents are entirely fictional and are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, locations, or incidents is coincidental.

Library of Congress Control Number:

© 2017 by Metamorph Publishing and Markie Madden

Cover Image © 2017 by Metamorph Publishing and Markie Madden; background image Pyramids at Giza on the background of the Sunset, Cairo, Egypt by Anton Kudelin via Dreamstime: https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-pyramids-giza-background-sunset-cairo-egypt-pyramid-cheops-sunny-day-image66297195#res16569696

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means- electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles—without the express written permission of the author or publisher. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means- electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other--except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles--without the express written permission of the publisher.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without by monetary gain, is investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is punishable by up to five (5) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

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ISBN# 978-1541264397

Smashwords ISBN# 978-1370531813

Published in Fisk, MO USA by Metamorph Publishing

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Books in The Undead Unit Series

Fang and Claw (Undead Unit 1)

Souls of the Reaper (Undead Unit 2)

Blood Lust (Undead Unit 3)

Siren Song (Undead Unit 4)

Ashes to Ashes (Undead Unit 5)

Angel of Mercy (Undead Unit 6)—Coming Soon!

The Undead Unit Series

Over a hundred years in the future, it’s a world where supernatural beings live and work among humans. Of course, the government has forced them to take the Undead Oath in order to gain citizenship; they must not prey on humans for food. They’re often given tasks in jobs suited for their species, but just as among other minorities, they must struggle to prove themselves.

As if dealing with racial prejudice isn’t enough, there is also a criminal element, just as there is with any group of beings living in society. The Dallas Police Department has introduced an elite new squad made up of Undead officers and detectives. This unit is dedicated to solving crimes involving Immortals. Headed by veteran Lieutenant Lacey Anderson, can the Undead Unit overcome its obstacles, both internal and external, or will it be doomed to failure?

Acknowledgments

I would like to take this opportunity to thank some special people who helped me during the writing of this book. First and foremost, I must thank Ahmed Elswify, MD, Arabic Linguistics & Arabic Culture-Cairo University, Lighthouse Arabic Academy, who teaches courses of Arabic. He was of great help in the Arabic phrases I use in this story. I also thank fellow indie author Safa Shaqsy for her help in translating as well.

Also, to my editor, Gary Seaton, without whose help I’d never have come this far. What a road this has been, my friend, and I’m beyond grateful that you’ve been riding shotgun with me!

Prologue

The night sky in Egypt is a swirling mass of stars so bright and numerous the sky seems to tremble with the ice-blue weight of them. ~~Rosemary Mahoney

Ahmose Nebhotep glared at the screen. He couldn’t believe what he heard. The tall, lean man stood and paced across the room. Stopping in front of a small, white sink, he bent to toss water over his face. Ahmose stared at his reflection in the mirror above the sink, seeing a deeply tanned man with straight black hair and deep brown eyes. He said, "I cannot believe they do this! Yekhrib baitak!" The man used the Arabic curse for ‘fuck off’. See, I spend my whole life making sure this never happens! And they go and do it anyway! Ahmose stepped away from the sink, a spate of Arabic swearing tumbling from his lips.

Returning to the TV, he planned on how he could infiltrate the government compound. Ahmose was a member of the ancient cult of Horemheb-Horus is in Jubilation, Light of Amun, the last Pharaoh of 18th Dynasty Egypt, who ruled a unified Egypt beginning in the year 1306 B.C.E. As an Immortal Phoenix, it was left up to Ahmose to maintain the cult and, should it be necessary, to do everything in his power to prevent any knowledge of the ‘heretic king’ from getting out into the world. Ahmose glowered at the face of the Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs as the man appeared on television, under which was the news headline: ‘Antiquities Affairs Announces Scientific Breakthrough Regarding Mummified Pharaoh’.

Ahmose followed the so-called ‘secret’ government experiments, but from what he saw, much of it was unproven theory or wild speculation. Those in charge of Egypt’s current government invested millions of geneih, or Egyptian pounds, a year in complete DNA mapping of all forty-two of the country’s known Pharaoh mummies. The project was conducted under the utmost secrecy, under punishment of death, and that was why Ahmose was forced to pay so much for information. As an Immortal, money was of no matter; he had plenty of it and would replenish what he gave his snitch.

The phone rang. Na’am? Yes?

It was his informant. It’s worse than I thought, he said, his voice a breathy whisper. They have discovered a process which will allow the reanimation of mummies.

At first, it sounded to Ahmose like good news; ancient Egyptians, and many not so ancient, believed that they would live forever if their physical bodies were preserved for all time, but by the late New Kingdom, in Ahmose’s time, there was a hope that someday, medical science would progress enough to allow their spirits and physical bodies to eventually be rejoined, so that they may truly have an Immortal existence. Is that all? The man’s tone was that of one disturbed with trivial matters.

No. They make this attempt with the Amarna king. Ahmose heard the sound of his snitch spitting in disgust.

Yes indeed, I see now why you are so disturbed. This must be stopped at all cost.

Friend, I am afraid this is the end of the line for me. I have a family, and above all, they must be kept safe.

"Of course. Barak Allah feek waliahlik." God bless you and your family.

Shukraan. Thank you.

Ahmose hung up the phone, and sat back on his heels as he considered this news. This government ambition must be stopped at all costs, Ahmose thought. Even if it means my life.

1

Today the traveller [sic] on the Nile enters a wonderland at whose gates rise the colossal pyramids of which he has had visions perhaps from earliest childhood. ~~ James Henry Breasted

Lacey, come on, we don’t want to be late! Kazz said excitedly as she speed-walked through the bustling airport. Lacey, a small smile on her lips, followed the young Shifter. Both women pulled small, wheeled suitcases behind them. Because they were police officers, they were expedited through security at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Officer Karan Moss’ bowl-cut blonde hair was straight as a pin, except where it curved just below her earlobes, and her blue eyes were bright as a summer sky. She was short and petite, but her size was deceiving, for the young woman was incredibly strong, both physically and mentally.

We’ve still got two hours, Lieutenant Lacey Anderson replied as she stepped on a moving sidewalk heading to the baggage check.

I hope Colton makes it, Kazz said. Geez, you know he hates escalators, and I’d guess that would include these, too, she pointed to the moving conveyor. "The poor guy will have to walk the whole way!"

Oh, I’m sure he will. The Vampire tried to reassure her young officer, though laughing inside at the mental image of Colton wrestling with the moving sidewalks.

Kazz was a bundle of energy, or rather more so than usual, because the Undead Unit of the Dallas Police Department was making a ‘trip across the pond’, as Colton succinctly put it; the trio was on their way to Cairo, Egypt, as part of a program instituted by the department to help other police precincts develop their own Immortal officer units. Egypt won the first draw simply because Chantay Faust, head of police in Egypt, was a long-time friend of Lacey’s. The woman asked Lacey to come and help her, and Lacey made the arrangements.

Summer of 2119 was ending, but it was no less hot in Dallas because it was early fall. And it was likely to be just as hot, if not hotter, in Egypt. However, this was the only time the team could leave for an extended time, as the four officers who visited from Chicago’s newly formed Undead Unit agreed to stay and cover their cases for two weeks.

You think they’ll be all right? Kazz asked as they took their place in line at the baggage check.

Who, you mean Captain Carson and his team?

Yeah. Kazz put her suitcase on the counter, where a pert young brunette weighed it, scanned Kazz’s ticket, and printed out a tag, which she wrapped around the handle of the bag.

The bag went on a conveyor behind her, and she gestured to Lacey, whose luggage went through the same process. Have a nice trip, ladies, the woman said, then waved at the person in line behind them.

They should be able to handle anything thrown their way. Lacey continued the conversation after they walked from the baggage check counter.

Freed from the burden of their bags, the two women walked toward the main terminal for this side of the airport. Other travelers moved all around them, a din of conversation surrounding them, demonstrating why DFW was one of the busiest airports in the world. Lacey consulted her ticket, then glanced up at the digital readout listing flight numbers, arrival and departure times, and whether the planes were running on schedule.

Okay, we’re at Gate D, she told Kazz. It looks like our plane is on time, and leaving in about an hour and a half.

Kazz looked around. Where’s Colton? Think I should call him?

No need, a gruff voice said behind them.

Ah, you made it! Kazz said with relief, looking as if she wanted to hug her partner. I was worried about you!

Shit, you know me, I like to make an entrance.

The Werewolf was tall and lanky, and, like most of his species, walked with an odd gait: on the balls of the feet, his heels rarely touching the ground. Detective Colton Scarber had skin the color of creamed coffee and black hair just curling around his wide shoulders. The man was often gruff, had a temper that could easily flare, and had a wife and five young kids.

Between them, they made up the Dallas Police Department’s Undead Unit, a special squad organized to investigate crimes among Immortal persons. A hundred years ago, the Immortals’ existence was revealed to humankind, who developed an oath each supernatural being must swear to before being allowed to live and work among the humans. The Undead Oath was worded differently for each species, but the essence of it was they would never harm humans.

Are we ready to go, or what? Colton asked with a sour face.

Well we’re checked in, our baggage is all set, Kazz informed him, a glow on her round face.

Same here, he told her. Looks like we’ll be wheels in the air in about an hour?

Looks like. Lacey glanced again at the flight screen.

So, I have time to get something to eat? Kazz asked.

Lacey sighed in a teasing kind of way. You know there will be food on the plane.

Yeah, I know, but I’m hungry now. If you had my metabolism, you’d understand what I mean.

The Vampire laughed. "Thank goodness I don’t have your metabolism! Though the symbiotic virus inside her body existed on blood, human or animal, human food could sustain her for several days. The airline would serve food suitable for people; blood was one of the restricted items not allowed on commercial flights. But, come on, let’s get you something to eat!"

The three of them made their way to a small cafe, and Lacey was surprised to see it offered several different size bottles of cow’s blood, what used to be thrown away by manufacturers who slaughtered beef for human consumption. The woman grabbed a medium bottle and a pre-made grilled chicken salad, and waited for her partners to select what they wanted. The department, together with the Egyptian National Police, supplied a budget to Lacey and her crew. Lacey paid for their food and they made their way to a small table.

This is so exciting! Kazz exclaimed as she loaded ketchup onto a thick burger. Do you know I’ve never been on a plane before?

Neither have I, Colton muttered, shoveling horseradish on a roast beef sub. And I’m not really looking forward to it now, either.

How about you, Lieutenant? Have you flown before?

Yes, but it’s been quite a few years since the last time I was on a plane. And it wasn’t nearly as long as this flight.

How long are we looking at being on the plane? Colton asked around his sandwich.

About twenty hours, the Vampire replied.

Squee! I can’t wait! Kazz exclaimed.

Lacey finished her salad and shook her head. It was going to be a long flight.

Twenty minutes later, they boarded and found their places, in first-class no less, and waited for the economy passengers to board. Kazz played with the seat, moving it back and forth and up and down, and sliding the food tray out of the chair back in front of her. Colton squirmed in his seat, obviously not able to get comfortable in the small sitting space. Yeah, Lacey thought. It’s going to be a long trip.

Chantay Faust hated the airport. Cairo International Airport was the busiest hub in Egypt and the second on the continent. Bodies crowded in the lobby, and the noise level was almost unbearable. Lucky for her, Chantay could flash a badge and bypass most of the congestion, including security check points.

Those who glanced in her direction saw a thin, lithe woman with soft blonde curls and bright blue eyes, a definite indicator that she was, or had been at one time, a newcomer to the country. The Vampire originated in France eight hundred years before, but Egypt was now her home. Since leaving her home country three centuries ago, Chantay embraced her new culture and did her best to blend in. She adopted native dress, but refused to wear the hijab, the traditional head covering of an Islamic woman.

Chantay was one of the few women employed with the Egyptian National Police, a fact she worked hard to change. For all the country’s advances, Egypt was still predominantly an Islamic territory; over 70% of the current population practiced Islam, and because of that, being a woman still carried a measure of stigma. Especially if that woman was in the military or police forces. Perhaps she could talk at length with Lacey on this subject if they had time; surely the other woman faced some of the same challenges in such a masculine-based state as Texas.

Chantay checked the large screen announcing arrivals and departures until she located the flight from the United States. She made her way to the correct gate, amused when travelers gave her a wide berth. The Vampire didn’t have to wait long; within ten minutes, passengers began to disembark from the large aircraft.

The woman recognized her friend immediately, though she didn’t know the two trailing behind the other Vampire. The man walked with the distinct, awkward gait of a Werewolf, while the younger woman’s exuberant demeanor seemed to be infectious. Chantay noticed the moment Lacey saw her and waved. She hasn’t changed, Chantay thought. Though, her hair is a little longer. Wonder what that’s all about? Knowing it would embarrass her friend, Chantay threw her arms around Lacey with an exuberant squeal.

How are you? She gushed, squeezing Lacey’s hand. I haven’t seen you in forever!

Lacey’s lips twitched. Just working. Having to break in a couple partners. She stepped away from Chantay’s grasp and slid her gaze sideways to those who traveled with her. Detective Colton Scarber, Officer Karan Moss. Chantay Faust, Head of Cairo Provincial Police.

The Egyptian woman glanced at the man. So, this is the Wolf. She offered a hand as the hairs on her neck stood on end, an instinctual reaction to a natural enemy. Knowing Lacey’s history, Chantay understood how difficult it must have been for the other Vampire to form a trusting relationship with the man, a requisite in their line of work. She eyed him with a critical gaze, wondering how Lacey came to terms with the fact this man’s ancestors were to ones to kill her entire coven and leaving her for dead. Then, Chantay turned to the younger woman, whose eyes were wide open in awe. Nice to meet you both, she said, gesturing for them to follow her. We are so glad you’re here.

You’re setting up your own Undead Unit? Colton asked in a growl; Chantay assumed it was how he always spoke.

Yes, she replied as she led them from the airport to a waiting car. We have an unusually high concentration of Immortals here in Cairo. That means we must have some protocols in place for them.

Humans aren’t the only ones to break the law, Lacey replied wryly.

Ain’t that the truth? Colton groused.

Kazz sniffed the air, then stopped as she took in the lines of Chantay’s vehicle. "Oh my gosh! Look at this ride!"

Chantay glanced at it, trying to see the white Humvee through the eyes of a stranger. It gets me around, she commented.

My partner has the same... lust for speed I do, Lacey admitted.

Then, this should please you. Though, we likely won’t have any need to take it out into the desert, where I could really show off its speed.

Well, I can hope, can’t I? Kazz asked.

The Egyptian Vampire laughed as she got into the driver’s seat. One can always hope, Officer Moss.

Oh, please, call me Kazz. Officer sounds so stuffy.

Fine, then you will call me Chantay.

So, we’re all friends now. Colton’s voice sounded sarcastic.

Please excuse Colton, Lacey interjected. He doesn’t know how to be anything but rude. Though her tone was serious, the corners of the woman’s lips twitched as if from some inner joke.

Just tellin’ it like it is, Little Sister!

Chantay cut her eyes toward Lacey in surprise. Um, ‘little sister’? She asked.

It’s a long story. Lacey laughed and launched into the tale of her first major case with the Wolf.

So, he saved you from falling to your death? Chantay gasped as she drove the congested streets of Cairo.

That’s why he calls me ‘Little Sister’, Lacey replied. I’m now an honorary member of his Pack.

Same goes for the Rook. Colton jerked a thumb toward Kazz, who stuck her tongue out at him.

Geez, guys, give it a rest. Lacey sounded like a mom at the limits of her patience.

Long flight? Chantay asked mildly.

You have no idea, Lacey whispered under her breath.

Chantay’s laugher was a musical sound. Well, here we are, she said, pulling up to the front of a tall building built of white limestone. The architecture was reminiscent of its country, with pillared columns carved to resemble the reeds of papyrus growing at the banks of the Nile. At either end of the long building stood a pair of obelisks, each topped with a silvery material that reflected the bright light of the sun.

This is the police precinct? Kazz asked. It’s beautiful!

Thank you, Chantay said with pride. We’re proud of it.

She parked in an underground garage beneath the station, and they all climbed from the Humvee. It was at least 10 degrees cooler than it was above ground. Inside the building, it was blessedly cool. Chantay led them through the cavernous building that somehow, despite its newness, still smelled like cop, of dirty suspects, long shifts, and bad coffee.

I took the liberty of assigning you an office, she told Lacey. It’s right next to mine, so if you need anything, I’ll be close by.

I hope you didn’t evict someone on my account. Lacey chuckled.

No, not at all. The office is, at the moment, a spare. But, we hope to house our own Undead Unit there, eventually. This way.