The Mummies' Treasure

By Richard Barcott

Archaeologist Dr. Henry Randalls is invited to Egypt,on a search for an ancient pyramid and possible treasure. Joined by his son and nephew, the trips success is soon threatened with the kidnapping of his contact- the only man who knows the secret and its location.

While the boys venture out to find the kidnappers, Henry follows a mysterious message and other clues that lead to a tomb where strange curses and suspicious accidents challenge his every step.

Tension mounts with the surprise appearance of Duncan Phelps and his gang of thieves, who will stop at nothing to steal the fortune.

But there is another force to be reckoned with that no knows about. A force that is as old as the pyramids and set to attack anyone trying to disturb its sacred grounds.

Will a treasure be found and taken? Will Dr.Randalls' group survive or will the tomb become their final resting place?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463404819

Richard Barcott

As an educator, Richard has instructed students in the area of mystery writing for well over a decade. His fascination for archaeology and ancient civilizations led him to include these topics in units of study for his classes. Today, these interests provide a foundation for his mystery writing. Married to Susan, a former Kindergarten Teacher, they live near Seattle, Washington. His second book, “Searching For Atlantis,” is part of a two book series about one of the greatest mysteries in the world: the Lost Continent of Atlantis. Be sure to look for this and the second book, “Finding Atlantis- At Last.” To read more about the author, please visit his web site: www.RichardBarcott.com

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The Mummies’ Treasure

Richard Barcott

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AuthorHouse™

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2011 Richard Barcott. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 6/16/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0481-9 (e)

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

To my wife Susan for her encouragement, Art Winters, Jana Dunbar, and Megan Forry for their editing assistance, and Kim Dunbar for his helpful suggestions.

Also, a special note of appreciation for my mother’s financial help with the publishing costs.

I would also like to say a special Thank you, to my former students at Maywood Middle School, in Issaquah, Washington. Their involvement in and enthusiasm for mystery writing is greatly appreciated.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

Chapter 1

Flight to Cairo

Something was wrong with the Boeing 747! Thirty-five thousand five hundred feet above the ground, it had just passed over Spain on its way to Egypt when a burp…burp…burp sound came from an engine on the left side. Seated next to the window, Henry saw a small flame flash from the far left motor. Quickly doubling in size, the flame encircled the entire engine and looked as if it wanted to jump to the next one.

In moments, the burping sound slowly stopped, and a cloudy-white substance came from the engine. Like the foam from a portable fire extinguisher, it covered the engine and smothered the flame. The captain’s voice sounded: Ladies and gentlemen, we have just had an engine failure with one engine on the left side. It is now inactive, but I would like to assure you there is no need to worry. The other three engines are working fine and will take us safely to Cairo.

Relieved, Dr. Henry Randalls whispered a quick prayer of thanks for the Lord’s mercy. He did not enjoy plane accidents, especially if he was involved.

He reflected on the trip he, his son, and his nephew were making to Cairo. An archaeologist at the University of Washington, he had accepted an invitation to become part of a research team to study several dig sites. The exact locations and details of the dig were not revealed to him since he was a late addition to the team and secrecy was emphasized. The boys, on summer vacation from college, came along for two reasons: additional crew members were needed, and they were eager to see the pyramid capital of the world.

Troy, Dr. Randalls’ nineteen-year-old son, stretched his long arms, yawned and, decided it was time to use the bathroom. He rose from his seat-between a heavyset man on his right and an older, gray-haired woman on his left-and excused himself to the aisle. He came to the rest room and found it occupied.

Hi cousin, Ned Lowery said as he exited the tiny bathroom cubicle. It looks like you’re next.

The two young men were of different size. Troy towered over Ned by six inches, but Ned had the muscular advantage, built strong and sturdy like a linebacker on a football team. It seemed he could lift Troy easily and throw his slender body like a javelin.

A year older than Troy, Ned studied computers at the university. He and Troy had become best friends when his family moved to Seattle in hope that his dad would find a job with Boeing. Ned was in the sixth grade and Troy, in the fifth grade then.

As Ned returned to his seat, his Uncle Henry looked up and smiled. He was pleased his son and nephew were traveling with him. He hoped they would enjoy assisting him, as well as the good pay, which would cover the next year’s college expenses.

About an hour before arrival, the flight attendants served soft drinks and sandwiches. The food was tasty and nourishing. After his tray was taken, Troy put a pillow behind his head and fell into a light sleep.

Umph, Troy groaned when the man to his right jostled him out of sleep. The heavyset man, with dark olive skin, seemed in a hurry as he pushed his way past and into the aisle, not excusing himself.

The stranger said several words in Arabic between coughs as he moved toward the front. He wobbled, and then, in slow motion, his six-foot frame collapsed in the aisle, shaking uncontrollably.

Several rows back, Dr. Randalls saw the man’s difficulty and immediately moved up the aisle to the man. As he bent over him, the man whispered in a voice, barely audible, Help me, please. I must get to Cairo…before, before…

Attendants rushed forward with black bags. Excuse me, sir, but we can help him, they said nervously. Dr. Randalls stepped back and watched. Immediately they attached an oxygen mask to the man’s face; the straps pulled tight behind his head. Seconds later another person ran down the aisle from the forward section. Without asking questions, he drew a syringe from his case and pushed it into the fallen man’s right forearm. In five seconds he stopped coughing and shaking and appeared to drop into unconsciousness.

Boy, was that fast, Dr. Randalls said as he sat down.

What? Ned asked.

Well, those folks sure took care of that man in a hurry. In America, medical treatment would begin by asking the patient a few questions before administering any oxygen or medicine.

What do you mean? Ned asked. Is this not ordinary emergency procedure?

Well, I’m not sure. I was surprised by how quickly they determined his problem and treated him. But it’s probably nothing. They may be used to emergencies like this and just be quick to respond. Maybe do things a bit different here in Egypt.

What’s going to happen to the man? Ned asked.

Those men told me they would take him to the nearest hospital when we land in Cairo, just to make sure he’ll be all right.

Henry, Ned interrupted, did the man say anything to you while you were next to him?

Why, yes, he did say something that made me curious. He said, ‘Help me, please. I must get to Cairo before, before…

What did he mean by that, Dad? Troy asked, finding a vacant seat next to his father.

I have no idea, son, no idea! The conversation came to a stop as attendants approached. It was time to prepare for landing. They were reminded to fasten their seatbelts.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain. I would like to thank you for flying with us today and wish you a very pleasant stay in Cairo. Soon the plane landed.

Departing the plane quickly, they claimed their baggage and headed through the doors of the Cairo International Airport. Suddenly they saw the Egyptian who had collapsed on the plane, carried on a stretcher. In moments, a black limousine sped to the curb. Two men jumped from the limo, threw open the rear doors, and shoved the man in. The car then backed up, turned in a tight circle and sped off to the north.

Now, that’s strange, Dr. Randalls said, looking at the two boys.

Are you thinking the same thing I am? Ned asked.

I think so, Dr. Randalls answered. This is weird; for someone injured like that man, they sure handled him roughly. And, they sure have strange ambulances in Cairo. Did either of you see the license plate on the limo?

Neither had seen the plate, so they flagged a cab to take them to their hotel.

Only five minutes later, a loud bang and a hissing interrupted their ride. After the cab stopped, they saw the left rear tire was flat. Since they were only two blocks from the Hilton Hotel, they grabbed their luggage, paid the cabby, and headed up the sidewalk toward the hotel.

Impatient, they jaywalked instead of walking the half block to the next light. The sound of a vegetable truck’s horn startled them. To get out of its way, they moved quickly across the center stripe of the two-lane road. The overloaded, swaying truck rambled by, just missing them. As they turned to check the traffic to the right, they saw a black blur hurtling itself toward them at blinding speed.

Chapter 2

The Missing Egyptologist

Dr. Randalls dropped his bags and grabbed the boys. He yanked them out of the street and onto the sidewalk.

Whoosh! The black vehicle missed them by inches, but sent their bags flying through the air. Dr. Randalls quick action barely saved them. Though only five feet nine and 155 pounds, Dr. Randalls had the strength of a man twice his size.

What who, who was that that! Troy stuttered, shaken by almost being hit.

We just landed, and already someone is trying to run over us. What’s going on here? Ned asked.

Henry did not answer but was also shaken. I don’t know, but let’s quickly grab our suitcases and get across this street. Maybe later we can figure this out. Momentarily vacant of traffic, the group scurried down the street and retrieved their possessions. Large dents disfigured their luggage, but the locks remained secure.

Later a knock at the door woke Troy from a short nap. Answering the door, he saw a short man with olive skin, who introduced himself as Ahmad Nubar and explained that he was a friend of Dr. Randalls. As he entered, Troy noticed his unusual appearance. His head was wrapped in a white turban. His dark green business suit contrasted, and European cut navy blue saddle shoes gave him an appearance of wealth.

Dr. Randalls. Ah, good see you.

Ahmad? Is that you? I didn’t recognize you at first, Henry answered surprised. What with your fancy new clothes and all! The two men hugged and patted each other on the back. "My goodness, how long has it been since I saw you last - four or five years ago perhaps? Let’s see, weren’t we working for the Egyptian