Ancient Clues

By Marco Magiolo

"Magiolo weaves a tale of intrigue, conspiracy, and relentless pursuit, centered around the enigmatic life of Dennis, a veterinarian whose past is shadowed by the mysterious disappearance of his parents." - Kirkus Review

"One of the strengths of "Ancient Clues" lies in its ability to seamlessly blend action and adventure with a rich tapestry of historical and cultural elements." - Miami Book Review

"The characters in the novel are well-drawn, with Dennis at the forefront as a determined protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is as compelling as the historical puzzles he unravels. The supporting cast adds depth and complexity, contributing to the overall immersive experience of the story." - Chicago Book Club Review

"The prose is evocative, creating vivid landscapes and settings that transport the reader to the heart of each location. The pacing is brisk, maintaining a sense of urgency that keeps the pages turning. Magiolo masterfully intertwines fact and fiction, blurring the lines between historical reality and the thrilling narrative." - New York Book Magazine

"As Ancient Clues hurtles towards its climax, the author skillfully ties together the threads of the story, delivering a satisfying conclusion that leaves room for contemplation." - Los Angeles Book Club

In the bustling streets of Miami, Dennis, a veterinarian leading a mundane life, has always carried the weight of an enigma from his past. When he was just a child, his mother mysteriously disappeared followed by the abrupt vanishing of his father, who embarked on a relentless quest for answers. Raised by his loving grandmother, Dennis learned to cope with the absence of his parents, but the questions surrounding their fates never ceased to haunt him.

As Dennis delves deeper into the enigma that shrouds his family, he finds himself thrust into a whirlwind of conspiracy theories that stretch across the globe. From the ancient Nazca Lines of Peru to the cryptic remnants of the Maya civilization in Mexico, and from the hallowed halls of France to the historical mysteries of Italy and Israel, Dennis's journey takes him to the heart of a clandestine world.

"Ancient Clues" is an electrifying action and adventure novel that unfurls a riveting tale of a son's relentless pursuit of his missing parents, unveiling the untold secrets that global authorities and the church have worked tirelessly to keep hidden. As Dennis races against time and formidable adversaries, he must decipher the ancient clues that hold the power to reshape our understanding of history and unlock the truths the world was never meant to know.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marco Magiolo
• Release date: Mar 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224023325

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The Disappearance

Beep! Beep! The sound of the machine that followed the heartbeat of the dog in front of me beeped incessantly.

With two hemostatic clamps, I squeezed the arteries that irrigated part of the small intestine. Immediately, the area changed color from the lack of irrigation. Normal pink to pale white.

The Golden Retriever was intubated and sedated. Through the transparent tube going into his mouth, I could see the condensation that formed as the air moved in and out. I also could hear his breathing and feel his body going up and down as air filled and emptied his lungs.

Scalpel! I said.

Jessica grabbed a scalpel blade from beside her and handed it to me immediately.

Thanks. I replied, not taking my eyes off the patient in front of me.

Gently, I approached the scalpel blade of the patient's intestine and with a quick and precise cut, I separated two parts of the organ, removing it. The strong clamps held it so that blood would not leak out, which could lead to rapid, fatal bleeding.

Suture twelve, please! I said again.

Jessica handed me the suture line with the metal hook securely attached to the clamp.

Gently, I began to suture the wound area where I had removed part of the Golden Retriever's small intestine.

A small bead of sweat began to trickle down my forehead. I turned to the right so the drop wouldn't land on the operating table in front of me, or who knows, on the patient.

Jessica, seeing the situation, immediately took a piece of gauze to my forehead wiping the sweat. Underneath the surgical mask, I smiled.

Thanks, Jess! I said.

It was not possible to see her face under the surgical mask. But I knew she smiled back at me.

Wow, calling me Jess here at work. Doesn't that go against your workplace-is-work-only policy?

I smiled.

I thought that here, I was just Jessica, the veterinary technician. she whispered, And that Jess was only later... at her house.

I smiled again, but this time, looking at her.

Another technician entered the operating room.

All good, Dr. Battenberg? he asked.

All good. I replied, I'm closing already. Can you prepare the kennel and the medication, please? What time will the owner come to pick him up?

At four in the afternoon. he replied.

Excellent! I said, finishing suturing the patient I need to talk to him too.

I will take care of that, doc! said the technician, leaving the room soon after.

I looked back into the patient, and having finished suturing him, I gently removed one of the clamps. The blood flowed again, and the organ quickly returned to its natural color.

I took a piece of clean, sterile gauze. Then, I gently touched around the sutured organ. No bleeding.

Excellent! I said No bleeding! How are the vitals?

All good here! Jessica replied, checking the monitor in front of her.

Perfect! I said, putting some of the surgical instruments aside, We can close it, now!

Okay! Jessica replied.

I grabbed another suture line from the side, and connected the patient's musculature with my fingers, ready to start suturing the external surgical wound. Jessica was observing close behind me.

Working until what time today? I asked.

Until six. Jessica replied.

Do you want to have dinner with me? I asked.

At your house, at eight? Jessica asked back.

I can cook!

Sure! I will be there. she said, nodding.

And if you want to bring a change of clothes to spend the night there...

I will think about it. she answered, smiling.

Then, she left the room.

I WAS BORN AND RAISED in Miami, South Florida. More precisely between Aventura, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale. A nice area with great infrastructure. Can't complain about that.

The only period of my life that I lived outside this area was while I was attending University in the city of Gainesville. After I graduated, I got a job at a veterinary hospital in West Palm Beach and that's where I stayed.

My apartment was in the Aventura area, north of Miami. The traffic I used to get to go to work was increasing every day. In high seasons like November, December, July, and August, tens of thousands of tourists swarmed the area making the residents’ life even more difficult. Not to mention, of course, the snowbirds. People who move to Florida in the wintertime, trying to escape the cold, and the snow in the northern United States. Year after year, I got used to the routine.

I WAS COOKING DINNER in my small but comfortable kitchen. While I seasoned the pork loin and prepared it for the oven, the TV was on, showing the news of the day.

My dog, Joey, a six-year-old Border Collie, was sitting on the floor beside me, staring, and hoping a piece of something I was cooking would fall to the ground for him to snatch up.

Not a chance, Joey. I said, No pork for you!

Senators discussing in Congress, accident with two fatal victims on I-95, and the temperature passing one hundred degrees Fahrenheit in downtown Miami the next day. The news of the day.

Beside the TV, in a frame on the shelf, a picture of me when I was little. My parents, holding me. I was three when they took that picture. Honestly, I didn't have any memories of that day, but my dad had told me that was the last picture of the three of us together, before my mom disappeared.

I heard the living door opening and someone entering.

Anybody home? I heard Jessica screaming from the living room.

Here in the kitchen! I answered.

Joey ran towards the living room wagging his tail, very happy at Jessica's arrival.

Jessica entered the kitchen, throwing her purse aside and looking very tired. Wearing the veterinary hospital uniform, the stress in her expression was obvious.

She played with Joey a little, petting his head. Then, she snorted breathing heavily. She opened the fridge next to me. For a few seconds, she looked for something inside there.

Dennis, please don’t tell me you don't have any wine. she said, with an annoyed tone of voice.

I looked at her while I was seasoning the pork loin in front of me.

Sorry, Jess. I forgot to buy it.

She slammed the refrigerator door, mad. Then, she left the kitchen in a huff.

I'll take a shower. she said grabbing her purse and leaving the kitchen towards the bathroom.

ABOUT FORTY MINUTES later we were sitting at the table, having dinner. Pork loin with rice, lettuce, and tomato salad.

Joey was lying on the side, asleep.

It's very good, Dennis! Jessica said, The lemon seasoning you used... hmm... so good!

I let out a shy smile.

Jessica was a beautiful woman, no one could ever question that. 5’6", brunette with green eyes, and a sculptural body. 

We met at work. Me, a veterinarian. She, a veterinary technician. We were friends, just good friends. And we were always talking nonsense to each other. At the time, she had a boyfriend, so I had never tried anything.

One day, she arrived at work sad, and I asked her what had happened. She told me that her boyfriend had broken up with her. It was my opportunity. I asked her out the same weekend, and we connected right away. In fact, I believe we had connected before that day.

Anyway, three months had passed. A new relationship. We were still learning about ourselves. But I confess that after three months, I was starting to have doubts as to whether our relationship would work. Things weren't good. She wasn't a bad person, but most of the time we had different thoughts about almost everything, and almost nothing in common.

Tomorrow would have been my mother's birthday. I said, a bit upset.

Oh, Dennis. I didn't know. I am really sorry. Jessica said, as she swallowed another mouthful of food, and without looking at me.

I chewed another piece of pork, which was really delicious.

I wish I had more memories of her. I said.

What do you mean? Jessica asked.

I was very little when she disappeared.

I know. You mentioned that before Jessica said, in a cold way.

Sometimes it wouldn't be bad if you asked about my family and showed a little interest about them. I said, kind of provoking her.

Jessica dropped her fork onto her plate with a loud clang. Then, she looked at me with a look of fury.

You know what, I had a horrible day at work today. Two dogs puking on me, and an owner thinking he was my only client today. Begging for attention almost the whole day.

Jessi, I just think that sometimes you don't show much interest in me and in my fam...

Dennis... she interrupted me, ...I know that your mother disappeared when you were very little, and that your father never gave you the attention you always wanted. But you know, sometimes we need to pick up the lemons that life throws at us and make a lemonade.

I lowered my head, thoughtful. In my mind, I disagreed with her fiercely. Why be in a relationship with someone if we never shared our joys and sadness? But for Jessica, things were much more practical in life.

We were silent for a few seconds. Then, she took a breath, and looked at me.

I am sorry. I... didn't mean to seem... insensitive to you. But you know Dennis, you need to move on with your life! she said, now in a calmer voice and holding my hand over the table.

I took a deep breath again, feeling her massaging my fingers.

Dennis, look at me! she said, now in a sweet voice I know your story. Maybe you don't realize it, but you've told me your story a hundred times. Losing your mother when you were three years old, is not easy for anyone.

I was playing with my food using my fork. She continued talking.

And your father... really, Dennis... I'm sorry he abandoned you and your grandmother the way he did, but you need to move on. Sometimes it feels like you're stuck in the past, and that you can't put this story behind you. I can't have the same conversation with you every time anymore.

I lowered my head, thoughtful. Maybe she was right. Maybe I was really disturbing her too much with my parents' story.

Now let's finish dinner! Jessica said, opening her mouth in a smile You really know how to cook! Who taught you how to cook like this?

I smiled wryly and went back to eating.

My grandmother. I answered.

Well, she certainly was a first-class cook. Jessica said, smiling, And a happy birthday to your mother! Wherever she is!

I smiled, shyly.

On TV, breaking news interrupted our dinner. A burning building. An explosion had happened.

We interrupt our normal programming for breaking news! said the news anchor.

We both looked at the TV, startled. The anchor continued.

A terrorist attack has just been confirmed by the German authorities. A bomb was detonated at the Pergamon Museum in the city of Berlin. There is no confirmation of deaths so far, but authorities have said that the terrorist group TRACE" has claimed responsibility for the attack.

My God! Jessica exclaimed.

On the TV, the burning museum was a terrifying scene. The flames were so high that they reached the tops of the tall trees surrounding the main building area.

I hope nobody got hurt. Jessica said.

Terrorists... will this ever end? I asked, rhetorically.

The dark night in the city of Berlin was illuminated by the powerful orange-yellow flames. Ambulances and fire trucks cut through the narrow city streets.

It felt like a scene from the end times.

CHAPTER 2

The Mysterious Client

The next day, I got up to prepare my breakfast.

Good morning, Joey!

Joey came running and jumping towards me. He put his two heavy front paws on my belly, almost knocking me down.

Damn it, Joey. When are you going to learn not to jump on people?

I opened the kitchen cabinet door and took out his bag of food. On the floor, I filled the metal bowl with the kibble. Quickly, Joey started wolfing down his food.

I'll have to talk to the dog trainer at the hospital to teach you not to jump on people anymore.

I don't know who is teaching him to do that. Jessica said, entering the kitchen.

I smiled.

Well, it’s not me! Who is the one who pet him every time he jumps on the couch? I asked.

Jessica smiled back.

Wearing a white bathrobe, with her hair tied up and no makeup, Jessica was a stunningly beautiful woman. To tell you the truth, I preferred her that way. No makeup, and all hair messed up. Natural, and perfect.

Good morning! Jessica said.

Sleep well? I asked.

I tried, but you didn't stop snoring.

I smiled.

Seriously, Dennis. It's not funny! Not even kicking you make you stop!

I grabbed a glass from the sink and poured some orange juice for her. She sat at the table, and I served her.

As always, Jessica was stressed in the morning. She took the glass of juice from my hand and sat down.  Joey finished eating and sat down in front of the glass door that led to a small balcony of the apartment. It was there that he had his little grassy corner to deposit his needs.

I know! I know! I said, looking at Joey.

As I opened the door, and let Joey run off to his morning needs, Jessica grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.

The morning news showed up in front of us. The museum in Berlin. The ruins of the Pergamon Museum appeared on the screen.

...an inexplicable tragedy! said the reporter.

I sat down next to Jessica. Both drinking orange juice and watching the news.

What we see here today is one of the most devastating scenes in recent history. The Pergamon museum is completely destroyed. the TV reporter continued, We have confirmation that hundreds of valuable pieces were destroyed and lost forever. Authorities also confirmed that eight people lost their lives in this terrible and inexcusable tragedy...

My God! Jessica exclaimed.

German authorities and the Interpol said that the terrorist group TRACE was responsible for this attack. Security cameras confirmed the presence of two high-ranking members of the terrorist group minutes before the explosion. Are they...

The picture on the TV changed, showing front and side shots of two people. A woman and a man. The woman, brunette with short hair and around her thirties. The man, with Arab features, and around his fifties.

...Rebecca Laurent, French, thirty-two years old. And Demir Arslan, Turkish, fifty-five years old. The two remain wanted across Europe, but authorities say there is a possibility they escaped the country using a private jet.

Unbelievable! I muttered.

We hear noises. I looked over and saw Joey tapping his front paw on the glass door asking to be let in.

I got up, walked to the door, and let him in. Jessica was hypnotized by the news. I confess that I couldn't stop watching either.

We spoke with the Interpol director. He is the one in charge of the investigation... said the reporter.

On the screen, the image cut and a bald, black man with a small mustache appeared. At the bottom of the TV screen we could read, CHARLES FONTAINE – INTERPOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR.

With a strong French accent, and a powerful voice, he spoke into the microphone.

We believe they may have flown to Turkey, but we don't rule out the possibility that both took a private jet towards Central America. Our department has identified an aircraft leaving Germany heading for the Atlantic in route to the Caribbean islands. The aircraft did not respond to constant contact attempts.

Jessica got up and put her empty orange juice glass in the sink.

Come on, Dennis. We need to go, or we'll be late for work.

On the TV screen I could see the firefighters entering the ruins of the building. Lots of ashes, smoke, and destruction.

I WALKED INTO THE BUSY and crowded veterinary hospital that morning. Two emergencies arrived early, and everyone was stressed. Veterinarians, technicians, and even the interns.

Jessica was assisting another veterinarian while Rose, another technician, was assisting me.

Almost four in the afternoon, a crazy busy day, and no time to go out for lunch. One patient after another non-stop. Among them, a poodle with a stick stuck in his mouth. Yes, a stick. Sure enough, he was chewing on a branch he must have found in the backyard and ended up sticking part of the stick straight into the top of his mouth. Sad.

After a five-minute break between patients, I sat down trying to rest my legs. But it didn't even last fifteen seconds. Rose appeared in front of me, holding a clipboard.

Doctor Battenberg? Rose approached.

Yes, Rose. I took a deep breath.

You still have one more patient to see.

I didn't see anything in the system. I thought we were done.

Actually, this patient showed up without an appointment. Rose said, He's been waiting for almost an hour and a half.

And... what is it about?

Rose glanced at the clipboard with the patient information sheet on it.

Hmm... let me see... diarrhea... and vomit.

Diarrhea and vomit? Are you serious? I asked, a little annoyed Please, send it to Doctor Fernandez, Rose. Please! I'm from the emergency, remember?

I know, doctor. But it turns out that this client specifically asked to see you. Like I said, he's been waiting for an hour and a half at the reception.

I looked at Rose, confused. I took a deep breath, stood up, and gently took the clipboard from Rose’s hands, examining the case.

I ENTERED THE EXAM room. I was tired but with a smile on my face, just like I tried to do with all my clients.

Good afternoon! I said, smiling.

The man, apparently in his early sixties, held a chihuahua in his lap. The dog looked of advanced age. Gray hair was visible around his eyes, nose, and mouth. His blurred and foggy eyes gave me the idea that the dog had been suffering from cataracts for some time.

The owner was very well dressed. Shirt with a slightly loose tie around his neck. Blue pants, blazer, shiny black shoes, beret, and gray beard. He stood up, greeting me.

Good afternoon, Dr. Battenberg. How are you?

Very well, thank you. How are you?

Very good! Very good! Answered the smiling man.   And what do we have here?

I stretched out my arms taking the little chihuahua in my arms. The little dog didn't react. He just looked at me for a few seconds, shaking. Gently, I placed him on the table to begin my medical exam.

What's going on with your friend? I asked.

The man spoke slowly, with perfect English pronunciation. I noticed a slight British accent.

Oh... I think he has diarrhea. said the man.

You think? I asked, suspiciously.

Yeah, I woke up this morning and there was some poop on the floor in the kitchen. So... very liquid, you know?

The man showed no confidence in his words.

I see. And how old is he?

He is... hmm... eight years old! That’s it! Eight years old!

NO WAY! I thought. I didn't say anything, but that dog couldn't be eight years old. I opened the dog's mouth and saw rotten, tartar-ridden teeth. The eyes were completely dirty, and full of mucus running down. His fur was flawed. That animal had not been bathed for a long time, and he was at least fourteen years old. It looked more like a stray dog than a dog that lived indoors. Especially with a gentleman like that so well dressed and elegant.

And how long have you had him? I asked.

Oh, a few months... you know. He was my sister's. She couldn't take care of the puppy anymore, so she left him with me.

I understand.

I continued my exam. I looked at his ears. All dirty.

Mister... I said, waiting for an answer.

Silva! he said.

Mr. Silva. I definitely recommend a thorough checkup on this dog. He doesn't look that well.

Could you just prescribe us a medication for diarrhea? As I said, it belongs to my sister, you know...

I did not answer. I continued my exam by looking under the dog's paws. I saw a flea jumping from his fur. That dog had certainly seen better days.

Sorry to be invasive, doctor. the man approached me I especially asked to speak with you because your last name caught my attention.

My last name? I asked, curious.

Yes! Battenberg! Do you happen to know someone named Arthur Battenberg?

I froze for a second. I almost dropped the little chihuahua on the floor. I turned my attention to that man who always had a smile on his face.

Yes, I do. I replied, suspiciously He is my father.

Oh, you don't tell me! Wow! What a coincidence! Your father? he said, with an open smile plastered all over his face. And how is your father doing nowadays, huh?

It took me a while to respond. First, I tried to remember if I had seen that man before. He didn't look at all familiar to me. But who the hell is that man?

Actually, I haven't seen him for a long time.

Oh, really? What a shame!

How do you know my father? If you don't mind my asking.

Of course not. I met your father in Peru. I was over there doing some research and we ran into each other. Then, we traveled to Bolivia and Ecuador together.

Confused, I just stared at him.

Interesting. I mumbled.

And how long have you two not spoken with each other? the man insisted.

A few years. I replied, still suspicious.

So, let me ask you something, Doctor.

The man reached into his pocket and took out a small camera. Hard to see anyone using cameras nowadays, right? Everyone uses their cell phone to take pictures, am I right? Whatever!

When we met in Peru, your father made a fascinating find. An artifact in a cave. he said.

He turned on the camera and showed me a small picture on the little screen. A cylindrical artifact that looked like