The Finding: A Hidden Message That Could Change the World

By Robert Drohlich

"In an ancient cave in the mountains of Israel animal skins, centuries old, with strange markings on its dusty and dirty surface, were found by a mountain hiker who gathered the skins and took them to his home. Authoritative sources believe that if the ancient markings on the skins can be deciphered it could change history and solve the bitter dispute between Israelis and Muslims of the occupation of Jerusalem. The struggle for the ownership of the finding results in conflicts that claims lives and threaten those who have possession of the treasure.
The Finding is a story of intrigue, love of country and the passionate lives of the people who the finding brings together. It is an adventure that by-passes the usual novel of pages of descriptive scenery, dcor and fashion. It travels at a fast literary pace through its sixty chapters and climaxes in an ending that brings the finding to life."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 30, 2010
• ISBN: 9781456810429

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE LETTER

You will soon receive a letter by registered mail. Do not open it. The letter will inform you of ancient artifacts you have inherited. It is a letter that could change your life, or end your life, depending on how you proceed.

She placed the letter on the table and then wiped her hands on her dress. Who would write her such a letter? The next mail delivery was an hour away. Counting the minutes, she watched the clock. And then it arrived.

The letter was addressed to Mrs. Melody Wolf without a return address. Too frightened to open it, she waited until her husband, James, came home. He used his knife to slit the envelope, revealing a letter.

Melody’s father and mother had died when she was young and she was reared by a nanny, under the guidance of one of her four uncles. She had delicate features with flowing blonde hair, blue eyes and a soft voice. Her five feet, six inches, with a slim body, often attracted admirers. She earned a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, but was never employed as a journalist.

She and James had been married for eight years, but he had been away much of the time serving in the military. James was a graduate of Oklahoma University where he starred as an All American football player. He was deeply in love with Melody and they had created a good life. They had one son, Terry, age four, who James was sure would also play football for O. U.

The letter to Melody asked that she and James come to St. Louis for an important meeting at the request of her uncle, who had been dead for several years, which made the letter even more puzzling. Airline tickets from Kansas City to St. Louis for the following week, as well as hotel and rental car reservations, were included with the letter. It gave no hint as to the purpose of the meeting. Melody’s and James’ first decision was to telephone the lawyer for more details than the letter offered.

The lawyer’s name was Markovitch, with no first name, only the initials LV. The secretary who answered the telephone seemed bewildered with their request to speak to Mr. Markovitch. Initially, she said they had no member of their firm by that name. After several moments, during which she conversed with someone in her office, she said, I can connect you with Mr. Markovitch.

A man with a slight accent they could not readily identify answered. Before you ask any questions, he said, I will tell you this telephone call was not necessary because I cannot discuss our business on the phone. I will tell you only that I am utilizing the offices of the law firm used by a member of your family. I am not a member of this company.

He then said, You will find the short trip to St. Louis to be both of interest and possibly rewarding, and urged them not to delay. That ended the telephone conversation.

Both Melody and James were intrigued by the letter and the telephone conversation, but were hesitant about leaving Terry and going on what Melody described as a wild goose chase. On the other hand, Melody said, What do we have to lose? And you have had so little excitement since leaving the Army a few weeks ago, maybe you need the stimulation.

James laughed and said, I can find a better stimulation than trucking off to St. Louis, but if you want to go, I’m game.

They made arrangements for Terry to be cared for by a nanny who knew and loved him.

When they arrived in St. Louis, they picked up a rental car and drove to the Ritz Hotel where a reservation awaited them. After registering, they were shown to a lavish suite, nothing they would have selected for themselves. James threw himself on the four-poster bed and said, Maybe we’ll stay a little longer and make another baby. Melody laughingly replied that he’d been in the Army too long.

On the mahogany desk in their sitting room was a letter addressed to the two of them with instructions to meet the following day for lunch at the law offices indicated on the letterhead. Additionally, it stated that dinner reservations had been made for them at the Ritz Hotel. A bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and flowers were next to the letter. After reading the letter, Melody said, This is the best wild goose chase I’ve ever been on.

Melody had family and friends in St. Louis and considered calling some of her relatives whom she had not seen for several years. She also hoped she might have some time to touch base with a couple friends. It’s probably not a good idea, her husband suggested, because there would be questions that you cannot answer as yet. Melody thought for a moment and then agreed.

As they dined at the Ritz that evening, they looked around to see if anyone in the dining room looked as though he could be named Markovitch. It made for good conversation and a few laughs, but little more. When they returned to their hotel and asked for their key, the desk clerk inquired how long they would be staying, but they could not provide an answer. We may be staying longer than we had planned, James replied with a vague grin.

The following noon they went to the law office named on the letterhead. It occupied the entire top floor of one of the newer buildings downtown. They looked at the names of the lawyers on the ground floor directory, but there was no Markovitch. When they reached the top floor and gave their names to the receptionist, she replied, Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Wolf. Mr. Markovitch is expecting you.

Markovitch was a large and solidly built man who stood at least six-foot-two and weighed over 200 pounds. His beard was as black as his hair, which was full and curly. Well-dressed in what were obviously tailored clothes, he was an impressive man. He did not seem to be an American, but spoke perfect English with a slight accent. Although he sounded stern on the telephone, he had a pleasant demeanor and ready smile.

They were not in an office, but in what appeared to be a small conference room. Upon ushering them into the room, the receptionist offered coffee that was brewing in a fancy coffee maker. James immediately noticed the original art on the wall that could have been in any museum.

Markovitch introduced himself, invited them to have a seat and immediately said, I appreciate your accepting my invitation. I am sure you will find what I have to tell you interesting and, as I said earlier, possibly quite rewarding.

James immediately replied, Mr. Markovitch, neither my wife nor I know you or anything about you. Perhaps, before you proceed we should know who you are, why we were singled out to meet with you, and what could possibly be your interest in my wife and me?

Melody—and I hope I may call you Melody—I am a lawyer, Markovitch replied. "My home and my practice are in London. I was born in Moscow. What is important is not me, but the message I am here to deliver.

Your grandfather was an adventurous young man when he came to the United States many years ago. His only sibling, an older brother, died shortly after your grandfather became a U.S. citizen. I assume you are aware that your grandfather established a business that became eminently successful.

James interrupted and said, We still do not know who you are or how you obtained my wife’s name.

Of course you are right to question me, the lawyer replied. He then picked up the telephone and asked the person on the other end to please come to the conference room.

Soon a man about Markovitch’s age arrived and was introduced as Lawrence P. Graham, her grandfather’s attorney for many years. The company your grandfather established became very successful, Graham began. He had four sons and one daughter. The daughter was your mother. In the terms of your grandfather’s estate, only the sons could acquire the business and no woman, or in-law, could own shares in the company.

"Of his four sons, the youngest lived in Europe and eventually moved to France. He, too, became a successful businessman. His name was Louis. He never married and had no children.

Louis invested in art and had one of the finest collections in Europe, Graham continued. When the Germans conquered France, as they did with other countries, they looted art collections, including Louis’. There were a few things they did not find that are the remains of Louis’ estate . . .

He paused for a minute as if to think where he should go next, and then said, Having no children, Louis, after much consideration, left his estate to his dear sister’s only child, and you, Melody, are that person.

Melody did not know what to say. She never heard this story before and knew little about Louis. Her first question was, Tell me about the estate, and is that why Mr. Markovitch is here? The attorney said yes and then added, I will leave the remainder of the information and details to Mr. Markovitch, as requested by your uncle. When he rose to leave the room he shook hands with Melody and James and said, I wish you both good luck and happiness, as your uncle would.

First, I must tell you, resumed Markovitch, Louis was a very successful businessman, but he was a gambler. He had no family, although he had many lady friends. I need not go into all of the details, other than to tell you he had substantial gambling losses at the time of his death.

Before Markovitch could continue, James stopped him. All this family history has been interesting, but please get to the point. Why are we here and what does this estate have to do with my wife?

Markovitch explained that Melody’s uncle was a collector and his most valuable treasures were ancient writings on animal skin parchments believed to be from biblical times.

Most have seen the ravages of time, but they are still readable by scholars and may be worth a fortune, he said. "Louis found the documents in the mountains of Israel in a cave. He kept the parchments in secret, fearing political ramifications depending on how they were interpreted.

For years, many Muslim religious scholars believed the Jewish city-state of Jerusalem was not promised by God to the Jews, but established by King David, Markovitch said. These individuals have tried to get hold of these ancient documents, which they believe will prove their belief: that Jerusalem was the promise of Muhammad to the people we now know as the Palestinians. They believe there are writings by Muhammad that would change the entire governing body of Jerusalem and that, if in fact such documents still exist, the Palestinians are the rightful owners.

So how does all of this involve me? asked Melody. And what is your function?

I am the executor of the estate and, therefore, Louis’ ancient documents are in my keeping and are my responsibility, Markovitch said. "Samuel Hertzell, Louis’ lifelong friend, was the original executor of the estate. I am Samuel’s attorney and to relieve him of some of his responsibilities, I have become the legal executor.

"In reply to your question as to your involvement, you are Louis’ heir and are therefore the owner of the parchments that are now in my custody and my responsibility. Louis was offered a fortune for the documents and twice was attacked and beaten to disclose their location. For that reason, I will not tell you where the ancient writings are unless you are ready to claim them and can provide me with information as to how they will be kept securely. The information in Louis’ ‘finding’ could be of importance to Israel.

Before Louis died, he was not able to interpret the documents, and I have pledged to try to uncover their meaning, Markovitch added.

I asked you to meet with me, he continued, in the hope that you will take these documents because they are now yours. You may sell them if you wish, and they could make you rich. Or you may use them in some way to enrich Jewish history. He paused for a moment and then said, Perhaps they contain a message that will eliminate the strife between religions and quell those who would destroy Israel.

James and Melody remained silent for many minutes and then agreed that they did not know if they wanted the ancient parchments, but wanted time to think about it. They said they would talk it over that evening and would like to meet again in the morning, and Markovitch understood. Melody and James went back to their hotel room, but not before a short detour to the hotel bar, where they sat silent over their drinks, neither sure what to say about what they had just been told. They held hands, each with their own thoughts while searching for an answer that was due in the morning.

Once back in their room, they tried to review the whole experience. Was what they heard true, or was it all a fabrication for some reason? Melody had heard her family talk about Louis, but she knew little about his life. They ordered dinner in their room, but hardly ate. To break the tension, Melody called home to talk to Terry and held the telephone so James could hear their little boy talk about the castle he had built in his sandbox.

James suggested Melody telephone one of her uncles to see if he could tell her anything about Louis. She made the call and said she was trying to put together a family history and asked what he could tell her about Louis.

It was a difficult call because he wanted to know what she was doing in St. Louis and why they could not have dinner together. She fabricated a story saying she would be there for only a few hours, and again pressed him for information, including the law firm she visited that day.

It is the law firm and attorneys for the family business, as well as several family members, her uncle told her in answer to her first question. Yes, he knew Louis lived in France and had met him once while in Paris. Louis was very wealthy at one time, he said. Melody’s uncle also knew that Louis was a gambler, but knew little about his personal life, other than the loss of his art collection.

Louis was his youngest brother and had never visited his relatives in the States. Melody sensed that there was little more to learn from her uncle, but was happy to confirm that at least part of Markovitch’s story was correct.

That night Melody and James decided they had to make some decision. About 2:00 a.m. they had their answer. They would accept the ancient parchments, but would not sell them. Until they gave the gift more thought, Markovitch would be asked to keep them in a secure location. That would give James and Melody time to decide what to do with them.

They met with Markovitch the following morning after a sleepless night and told him of their decision. They then asked him to photograph the parchments so they may know something about this gift. To their surprise, he agreed to the plan and congratulated them on what he said was their clear thinking. He then said he already had pictures of the documents and handed Melody a sealed package with the request they not show the pictures to anyone, including other family members.

When you decide how to proceed, I will be at your service and help in any way you request. He then went to the little bar and opened a bottle of champagne and poured three glasses. He raised his glass and said, To the new owners of Louis’ ‘finding.’ After their toast, they said goodbye and Markovitch took the next plane to London.

On his flight back to London, Markovitch was pleased with himself. This was his first major legal assignment since graduating from Oxford Law School in England and becoming Samuel Hertzell’s attorney and he made him the executor of the Louis Cohen estate.

CHAPTER 2

EIGHT YEARS EARLIER

The boy hated his given names: Leonard Victor. His mother loved the name Leonard for no particular reason, and Victor paid homage to his late grandmother, Victoria. The family name was Markovitch, a well-known name in Moscow, where he was born. From his earliest memories he was called LV. In school, at home and with his friends, everyone knew him by his first two initials.

LV was a handsome boy. At sixteen he was large for his age, already over six feet and strongly built as the athlete he was. He had thick black hair with enough curls to set off a strong face, and black eyes that gave him the appearance of strength and leadership. His voice changed at an early age, and although commanding, it was not harsh. LV was gentle and easily earned many friends both in and out of school.

He was the youngest of three children. An older brother, Elijah, in his twenties, was soon to be married. The age difference by several years between the two boys curtailed a close relationship and separated them in their early play and in school. Following his schooling, Elijah worked for their father, who owned a large furniture factory now in its third generation of ownership. Even during the Communist years the family continued to manage the factory, and when the change of government came it reverted back to the family’s ownership.

Elijah looked very much like his father. Both were large men, but not as large as LV and they had the family’s black hair and eyes. His build was slim, he walked with long strides and always appeared to be in a hurry. Elijah had a wonderful singing voice and when his mother asked him to sing, he would oblige, but never in public. The employees at the factory were fond of him and were pleased that he would one day head the company.

Elijah, from his earliest days, was interested in his father’s business and it was accepted that one day he would follow his father as president of the company. He loved his little brother, but their difference in age made a close relationship impossible.

The middle child was Sarah, named after Abraham’s wife in the Bible. They played together as children and if there was a family dispute, Sarah always championed LV’s cause because she adored her little brother. Sarah was a pretty child and by the time she reached her teen years, she was an attractive young lady who had many boyfriends, most of whom LV did not approve. He never felt they were worthy of her attention.

Sarah had one driving ambition from the time she was a child. She wanted to become a doctor. All of her studies were directed toward that single goal although there was often opposition from her mother, who prayed her only daughter would marry and some day have a family to whom she would be an adoring grandmother.

Sarah was tall, as were all of the family members, but instead of the family’s trademark black hair, she had beautiful long red hair and fair skin. Her eyes were blue and her voice was soft, as was her brothers’. Her most distinguishing trait was her energy. She always moved quickly, similar to her older brother. Her spirit and vitality gave her a dynamic quality.

Sarah was an excellent student, as was LV. Her younger brother’s first love, however, was soccer. By the time he reached his university years, he played on Russia’s national championship team, much to the dismay of his father. Jewish boys do not play soccer, he would often say. Jewish boys have an interest in religion, which you do not. Or, they take an interest in the family business, which you do not. He often told LV, It is time you looked upon life more seriously and planned your future.

LV would tell his father, I can do several things at once and do not have to limit my activities. He knew he would be a lawyer because he was an avid reader, particularly on subjects dealing with the law, so he focused his university studies in that direction. His father’s objection to the law centered on the knowledge that there was little opportunity for a Jewish boy in Russia’s legal system—even his father’s business did not employ Jewish lawyers.

During LV’s senior year at the university, the soccer team he captained won the European championship and was invited to Israel to play the Israeli championship team. From the time the invitation was accepted, LV read volumes on the history of Israel, the people, their political life and their social life. He devoured as much as he could about a country for which he had so little knowledge, but great compassion.

LV’s father was opposed to the Israel trip, just as he was opposed to his son taking time from his studies for any sport. He actually had little knowledge of the games his son played. It was LV’s sister who convinced their father that LV earned his team’s invitation to Israel. He should be allowed to participate with his teammates. They rely on his ability and he was a major factor in their success, she argued.

If LV had a girlfriend during his university years, the family never learned of it. On several occasions, when there was a social event on campus, he invited his sister. It was Sarah who taught LV how to dance. She always complained his feet were too big and sometimes he would accidentally step on her toes, but she was always proud to be his date and was often the envy of many of the girls at the dance.

The Russian government went to great lengths to support its championship team. All of the players were outfitted with new uniforms honoring their school. Each player was provided with new clothes and a generous spending allowance for the six days they would be guests of the Israeli government.

The day of departure was a holiday at the university, and at the air terminal all the families and students engaged in a send-off celebration. Before LV boarded his plane, his father embraced him with a parting remark: Win. LV initially thought he misunderstood his father because his father had never encouraged him in any of his sports activities. Now to have his father tell him to win was a revelation and he gave his father an emotional hug.

From the time the family learned of the team’s invitation to play in Israel, Sarah started saving money so she could accompany LV and watch him compete. Her mother knew of her effort to save up for the trip, but also knew her husband would object.

Two days before Sarah planned to leave for Israel with her brother’s team, she was granted an interview for admission to the medical school of her choice. LV was as disappointed as Sarah that she could not be with him in Israel, but he was proud of the opportunity she earned to enter medical school.

The Russian airline Aeroflot provided a chartered plane for the team, its coaches, a doctor, a nurse and two interpreters, because none of the boys understood Hebrew, the native language of the Israeli people. There were movies and music on the plane and a special chef to provide for their food, both on the flight and in Israel.

Before LV boarded the plane, Sarah took his hand and placed a small stone in it. She knew he would not understand, so she took him aside and said, When I was a little girl, one of Daddy’s friends brought me a gift from Israel. It was this little stone that he retrieved from Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. This is the stone and I want you to place it back on the mountain. You should know that I have, and will always have, an eleventh commandment: ‘Honor Thy Brother.’

Clutching the stone, LV gave his sister a goodbye hug and parted for what was to become one of the most important events of his life.

As LV was about to board the plane, his mother took him aside and handed him a box of cookies she had made for his travels. LV knew he could not eat the cookies without sharing them with his friends. The plane was filled with the players and the support personnel and there were not enough cookies for everyone.

After debating what to do with his mother’s gift, he went to the Israeli tour director and explained his problem. He asked if there was a way the cookies could be delivered to some home for children. The director said he would be pleased to deliver the cookies and knew just the place, and the children would be delighted.

LV