Ancient Murder: Sue Lee Mystery

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 LLC
• Release date: Feb 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223003831

Book preview

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 reminded him of his youth, a skinny kid running through the narrow streets of Cabo with friends. The years had changed him; no longer the skinny kid, Adrian stood over six feet tall. He had to bend to look into the mirror above the basin to shave. He had broad shoulders and very little fat. Adrian was physically in good shape after leaving the Marine Corps. The GI bill helped pay for his education at Washington State University. His father was an alumnus. Unfortunately, the GI bill also helped him purchase a house his ex-wife now lives in.

Papa, persuaded Adrian to return to the bar from the night before for dinner. Which was okay; Adrian needed the time to think while Nikos circled among his friends, bragging about his nephew, the handsome professor, like he did last night.

Hell, if Papa only knew how crummy my life was, he wouldn’t brag. Adrian was sure his professorship was ending. University teaching was changing; his Ancient history classes were smaller. Politic issues and communism, and the Korean War were the new norms on campus.

At 37, his life seemed to fall apart, first the divorce and now the school. Maybe he was just bored with teaching. Finding the pottery was far more exciting.

The vase could be my salvation. I foolishly spent money on this trip I don’t have, but I needed to get away. Nikos interrupted Adrian’s thoughts, coming back from the bar.

Adrian, this is Captain Bowen, an old friend. Captain, my nephew, Professor Adrian Kappas.

Adrian stood, Please to meet you, Sir. Wait! You, the flying Tiger Nikos, talked about the other night? Adrian knew Bowen was in the flight charter business.

Was, but that was a long time ago. Your uncle tells me you teach ancient history at a university in America?

Let me get more drinks. Captain Bowen has something to show you, Adrian.

After they were all settled at a table in the back of the tavern, Captain Bowen reached into his knapsack, pulled out a tube, and handed it over to Adrian.

This fellow asked for passage out of Cairo. Sent a letter and a key to a locker at his club for collateral, along with half the passage money in American cash before they killed him. My partner, Mr. Chin, learned the guy was an art collector but mixed up in shady deals. We hightailed it out of there! Things were unsteady after the revolution of 52 in Cairo. We recently got back into the county. We found this in the locker, along with the scroll he used for collateral to pay us, and we were told to sell it. Captain held up a medallion. I don’t think this is worth much but is the scroll worth anything? If not, we are out half the passage money? However, if it’s stolen, it should be returned.

Adrain looked closer at the medallion the captain handed to him. This is a Mayans symbol of power. It represents the Jaguar. It is of no real value; a cult, would be my guess?

Adrian opened the top of the tube and saw parchment paper on the inside. He dragged it out, feeling put upon, as he unrolled it on the table. Adrian was looking at a Maya codex. My God, I don’t believe it? He mumbled.

I beg your pardon. What did you say?

Sorry, He finessed the parchment. I believe it is an ancient Maya codex page, a book written by the Pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. The only way to know for sure is to have it tested. If so, I’m sure a museum can compensate you for your loss.

Well, I’ll be. Mr. Chin will be happy to know that. How do we go about testing it?

Adrian was already pondering that question and worded