Ancient Murder: Sue Lee Mysteries Post War, #15

By D.M. SORLIE

D.M. Sorlie's Sue Lee Mystery, "Ancient Murder," embarks on its newest adventure, plunging readers into a world where secrets lie buried beneath the sands of history.
In the vast expanse of the Sea of Cortez, where the waves crash against the rugged shores of Mexico, lies a tale of deception and ancient murder that will unravel the fabric of time itself.
Sue Lee finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue as she and her partner, Alex, join forces with the renowned team from Island Art Inquires. Their mission is to uncover a lost Mayan treasure that holds the key to unlocking untold riches and ancient wisdom. Little do they know that this quest will take them on a thrilling journey across continents, from enchanting Mexico to the vibrant city of Paris.
But this is no ordinary treasure hunt. As Sue Lee and her companions delve deeper into the mystery, they soon discover that the past has a way of resurfacing in the most unexpected ways. Mysterious murders, cryptic clues, and a race against time become the backdrop of their perilous adventure. Each step they take brings them closer to the truth but also deeper into a dangerous game where the stakes are higher than they could have ever imagined.
With every turn of the page, this story's fast-paced and deceptive nature will captivate readers. D.M. Sorlie weaves a tapestry of suspense and intrigue, skillfully blending history, mystery, and the allure of lost treasures. From the sun-drenched landscapes of Mexico to the shadowy alleys of Paris, the vividly depicted settings serve as a backdrop for a tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Join Sue Lee and her companions as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Sea of Cortez, where danger lurks beneath the surface, and the past holds the key to the future. Will they unravel the secrets of the Mayan empire? Or will they become entangled in a web of deceit that spans centuries? The answers lie within the pages of this thrilling Sue Lee Mystery, a journey that will leave readers breathless and hungry for more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Enchanted Island Publishing
• Release date: Feb 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215763339

D.M. SORLIE

D.M. is a native Arizonan living in Scottsdale, traveling has inspired several of his books throughout the years, including historical fiction, especially with a mystery thrown in.   Sue Lee Mysteries started after visiting an antique shop in Honolulu with the purchase of a vintage World War Two recruitment poster for women to serve. It was haunting knowing all the possibilities open for woman during those perilous times.   

Book preview

Chapter One

GABOR

MEXICO, MAYAN EMPIRE, 379 A.D.

The young boy stood watching with others the execution of his family.

Like his father, Gabor was an elite who could read and write. The boy was a scribe in training by a Mayan priest. For this reason, they spared his life. The codex Gabor was recording was essential for agriculture, astronomy, and prophecy. It was a calendar of the rain and dry seasons needed for planting and harvesting.

The power of kings depended on the accuracy of these codices to control resources and food production. If food production fails to meet the community needs, everyone suffers.

Soon the misfortune is discovered by a more prosperous king. The stronger Maya State would dominate a weaker state and demand tribute and labor in exchange for food. The weaker ruler would be put to death, and an overseer would be put in charge.

Gabor watched as his naked mother and father were painted blue like common criminals. He could not turn his eyes away; it was forbidden. His thoughts of revenge were his only consolation.

Gabor knew his father was cheated by the same priest, training him to be a scribe writer. The priest, Izel, was also his father’s advisor, soon to be more powerful within the new regime.

Gabor discovered the three codex pages purposely withheld by the priest. Since the Mayan states were run independently, there was no higher authority to present his findings. He would need to challenge the new ruler in the Counsel house, which would be foolish.

Gabo had taken the codices from the priest’s hiding place in the temple to his uncle, Hadwin, his father’s brother. A merchant who was hiding them in Cylinder Vessels. His uncle agreed their only option was to kill the priest, but how? It must be done before the full moon. That’s when the priest would be entered into the Book of Counsel as the next ruler.

Tears ran down his cheeks as he saw his mother lifted high in the air. A loud cheer echoed off the plaza’s walls before she was thrown headfirst into a deep death hole! His father followed with more deafening cheers!

Gabor waited in the darkness of the caves, knowing Izel would come to the caves to pray to his dead ancestors for guidance.

Caves were unique in the Mayan religion and were seen as gateways to the underworld. Gabor could not honor his parents. They were unseen in a darker world. His grief was interrupted when he heard the priest’s footsteps, followed by two men.

Gabor moved further into the darkness of the cave. He did not expect the priest would come with guards. Gabor only had his atlatl spear-thrower and one spear. He intended to throw it from the darkness into the priest’s heart.

I need to wait, but my hate runs deep for this killer of my family.

He saw a movement near where he retreated, raising his spear just as his uncle whispered, I will kill the others—Go now!

Gabor moved toward the priest but waited, knowing his uncle was circling to come from behind the two guards standing near the entrance, afraid to enter the holy place.

Their fear could be to his advantage. He raised his spear, then lifted the death whistle to his lips. Screeching sounds vibrated around the cave walls as his lance was slung, thrusting deep into the black heart of the priest!

The guards were running in fear of the god of death! The slower man went down first — Hadwin’s second arrow went into the faster guard’s neck as he tried to make it to the entrance!

Gabor fell to his knees with his head down, waiting for the god’s revenge! Nothing happened, only the comforting silence until Hadwin arrived after retrieving his spear from the priest’s body.

We should go now, Gabor. We will meet the merchant caravan in the hills and move south. The codices will give you power in another state. Come now.

Chapter Two

DISCOVERY

MEXICO, SEA OF CORTEZ 1954

Adrian came up to the surface, gasping for air; he needed to go under again. The pot was wedged. The sand clouded his vision as he dug. He clung to the rope attached to his boat while catching his breath. Too much drinking of the Tequila, but if not for the drinking, I would not have known of this place. Adrian was on leave from Washington State University. His leave was ending. It was time to go home, but reluctantly, he loved this area.

Adrian spit into his face mask to clear the fogginess, then inhaled deeply and dove under again. The bottom was less murky. He could see the pot more clearly. He was sure it was a Mayan Cylinder Vessel. My God, this could be worth a fortune!

He dug carefully not to damage the piece. He had another problem; the sky was darkening; he was losing his light from the surface. It took several more tries before he could pull it loose. He looked again at the sky. The clouds were gathering closer together. A storm was coming.

Blast, hold off. I need a few more minutes, he dove again.

I got it! he carefully placed it in his fishing net before climbing over the stern. He slowly pulled the netting with the precious pot into his boat, cautiously placing it inside a torn canvas and wrapping it. He quickly raised his sail. The wind pushed him towards San José del Cabo if he could stay ahead of the storm.

Adrian stood naked in the rain on the terrace, washing the day’s salt away. Rain in May in San José del Cabo was uncommon but filled the cistern with fresh water. No sense in wasting it on a shower, his uncle told him. Adrian grew up here, living with his uncle after his parents were killed in a car accident in Mexico City. It was a loss many felt. His father was a doctor, traveling to help the old and sick.

Nikos’s wife, Angelina, was his mother’s sister. Angelina took him in and raised him like her son and saw that he attended school in America like his parents intended.

She was gone now after a long struggle with cancer. Nikos was alone. His children were scattered, stopping in for occasional visits.

Adrian, too, returned home whenever he could. He washed the salt out of his thick black hair, pondering over his departure. Worried about leaving Nikos alone again. He could see the ocean from where he stood. The fishing boats were returning. He was sure Nikos was among them. He was a successful fisherman by trade with a fleet of boats, but older now and fishing less but drinking more after the passing of his wife. It was Uncle Nikos, during a drinking bout, who told Arden where the pots were located. But most of them disregarded junk.

He reluctantly shut the door on the cool air from the passing storm to study his find more closely as he turned up the lamp flickering from the wind while wiping himself dry.

He was sure the vase was Mayan. He carefully unwrapped it, moving it closer to the lantern above the table. The markings confirmed it was Mayan. Great, but I needed a test to verify dates.

At that moment, he heard singing outside, knowing it was Papa Nikos. He quickly wrapped the vase and moved to his bedroom to put on fresh clothing. Adrian liked his small room; it