Chapter One: The Adventure Begins!

April 2008

Clair Rain was writing a journal entry at her apartment in Boston, Massachusetts, southeast of the University when there was a knock at the door. It was early, and still dark out, with the only light coming from Clair’s living room lamp. Getting up from her desk, she walked over to the door. Her bare feet squeaking against the hardwood floors. And the whole time she wondered who it was knocking this early in the morning. She had no classes today, so it couldn’t be anyone from the University. Opening the door, Clair found an older man, maybe in his mid-forties standing outside in a dark blue button-up shirt, vest jacket tan cargo jeans and hiking boots. He also carried a black leather briefcase with him.

There was something familiar about this man, but for some reason she couldn’t figure out why. “Can I help you, sir?” she asked.

“I hope so. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Kevin O’Connell. I understand you have an interest of my studies into Alexander the Great.”

“Oh, it’s an honor to meet you Dr. O’Connell. But most of my knowledge came from a friend of mine. She’s more of an expert not me.” She replied.

“But you have an avid interest and knowledge, right?”

“Some, yes. I did a paper on the subject in my first year of college. Why do you ask?” Clair said as she led O’Connell inside her apartment.

“I’m putting together an expedition to find Alexander’s lost tomb and I wanted to get every expert in the field to join.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then you’ll want to contact my friend Max.”

“Max?”

“Maxine Taylor. She’s an immense expert in ancient Greek and Babylonian histories.”

“If what you say is true. Then I would love to meet her. Can you recommend anyone else with knowledge in this venture?”

“Um, I can suggest David Hanson, he’s really into all histories of the Middle Eastern cultures.”

“Good, excellent. Anyone else?”

“Fraid not. Those two are the only ones I know with knowledge of this…” Clair paused. “What do you plan on offering me in this bout of expertise of mine?”

“Why a chance to solve one of the great mysteries of the Archaeological World, of course. The true final resting place of Alexander the Great.”

Clair pondered over what O’Connell said for several moments before replying. A field venture would offer the opportunity for her to make a name for herself. She, after all, was almost finished with her bachelor’s in archaeology. “I accept your invitation to embark on this journey.”

“Wonderful! A private plane is booked to leave for Alexandria, Egypt promptly on Friday morning.”

“Awesome. I’ll be ready and head over by then. I will get in contact with Max and David in the meantime. I’ll need your contact information as well as an itinerary. “How long do you foresee this venture to extend?” she asked.

“I am unsure to tell the truth, a week, or two, maybe longer depending on terrain and weather.”

“Well, I look forward to working with you and your team. Please feel free to contact me with your current research or suggestions. I’ll email you the information you requested and I’ll see you in Egypt.”

****

Later that day, Clair made her way over to the dormitory where Max was living to see if she would be interested in this little venture that, just so happens, to be right up her alley.

Clair and Max have only known each other for a little over a year, but already they have become very close. Max even told Clair that she was like the sister she never had.

Max’s dorm wasn’t too far from the main entry hall of the university. Since her first year, Max has been continuously saving up for her own place. In fact, Clair has offered on multiple occasions for Max to move in with her. To be honest, Max wanted to accept, but she felt that by obtaining a roommate even if it was Clair, she would feel like she wasn’t very independent.

As Clair approached Max’s door, she began to ponder how she might present this opportunity. Dr. O’Connell wasn’t too specific on full details, just that he was in the market, as it were, for experts of ancient Greece and Persian culture around the time period of 330 - 323 BCE. The time in which Alexander the Great of Macedon began his conquest across ancient Egypt, the Middle East and parts of India. O’Connell said that he was looking for the true final resting place of the great ruler. A venture in of itself to be exciting. Not to mention that the finding of the Tomb would be Headline material. The Find of the Century.

At the door, Clair knock three times in a pattern of sorts to alert Max that it was her. They made the little code a couple months ago after the news mentioned something about a serial rapist and murderer going around breaking into the homes of young women.

Clair heard the sound of several locks through the door as they were undone before Max opened it. She stepped out and gave Clair a big ‘hello’ hug. “Clair, hey girl. I was just thinking about you. How have you been?” she said.

“Good, good. And you?” replied Clair returning the hug.

“I’m great! I was recently notified that my book, The Real Gods of Egypt hit the bestseller list.”

“What? That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you.”

“Come in and I’ll tell you all about it?”

“I also have something I want to ask you.”

“Oh, really? Like what?” inquired Max.

“Well, a little while ago I was approached by Dr. Kevin O’Connell,”

“THE Kevin O’Connell?! He’s like my all time hero.”

“Yes, me too. I’ve followed his career since I was a little girl. Anyway, O’Connell came to me saying that he was seeking experts in the field of Greek histories for an expedition he was going to lead to find the lost tomb of Alexander the Great.”

“I’m familiar with the history of ancient Greece and that of the Macedonian Kingdom for which Alexander was born to. I’ve studied it closely since before I came to America.”

“That’s why I said you were probably one of the foremost experts and that I would talk to you about joining. If you’re not already doing anything, that is.”

“Are you kidding! I’d be a fool not to go. When do we leave?” Max inquired.

“O’Connell has a private plane leaving from Boston International in three days.” answered Clair.

“Awesome, I’ll get my travel bag packed. You wanna help?”

“Love to, but I need to head over to see if David would be interested as well.”

“I think he should be home? I just talked to him yesterday and he said that he had no plans until the Fall, but you know him, always doing stuff at the last minute.”

“Right. I just hope this is the one time he’s not planning anything.”

“I wish you luck, Clair. See you Friday.” Max said giving Clair another hug.

“You too,”

****

David Hanson lived across town with his girlfriend he met five years ago during a high school trip in Germany. David has always been a big world history buff and has been a close friend of Clair since they were children despite the fact that he is four years older. Clair often looked up to David as a big brother and he would fill the role well, always protecting her even when she didn’t need it he was there.

Even though the traffic was pretty light, Clair decided to walk to David’s house instead of taking a cab. After all, why waste such a nice day. Clair would say. Even if South Boston was several miles away, she saw it as staying in shape.

Exercise was important to Clair. When she wasn’t in class or just sitting around doing nothing, she would get out and run anywhere from forty-five minutes to a couple hours. Sometimes she would even go to the shooting range and fire off a few rounds with her Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, or practicing her fencing skills in the park.

Once at David’s house, Clair jogged up to the front door and knocked. It took a few moments, before the door opened revealing David’s girlfriend. “Meredith, sorry for intruding like this. Is David home by any chance?” ask Clair.

“Clair, hi. You’re not intruding. It’s always a pleasure to have you come by,” replied Meredith. “David’s in the back going over research for another of his wacky theories about giza and the pyramids there.”

“Yeah, he’s always been really into proving the real reason why they were built.” Clair agreed. “If he’ll agree, I can distract him on another venture.”

“At this point, I’ll take anything just to have him out for a few days.”

“Well, I’ll see what I can do.” Clair chuckled.

Meredith led Clair through the house to the back room, or ‘study’, as David like to call it. Their house look like any couple’s house, while some items were of historical or archaeological significance, most were more of a feminine style; flowers and such. Not really of Clair’s liking, her only real female preference was butterflies and anything in relation. She even has a ‘blue butterfly’ tattooed on her right shoulder blade.

As Meredith said, David was in fact really focused on whatever task he was doing. So focused that he didn’t notice Clair walk up behind him. “Sup David. What’s you doing?” Clair said.

“Jesus, Clair!?” David jumped. “You scared me.”

“Yeah, well you looked like you were deep in thought.”

“I was. What brings you by today. Not my charming smile.” He joked.

“An interesting offer actually,” Clair stopped and sat down on the sofa. “What do you say about joining me on a trip to discover the lost tomb of Alexander the Great?”

"Well, while I am interested. I don’t want to lose my momentum in my current research.”

“You sure? An opportunity like this doesn’t come around every day. You might not get another chance,” Clair persuaded.

“I want to, but my other projects.”

“The Pyramids will still be there when you return,” she said. “Are you really going to let history pass you by?”

“Damn you, Clair. You really know which buttons to push,”

“I had a good teacher. What do you say? Are you in?”

“Yes, fine. I’m in. When is this trip suppose to begin?”

“Friday, Boston International. Don’t be late.”

“As if I miss this.”

The rest of the day Clair shared across the Charles River viewing the sunset as she thought about the adventure she was about to embark on. She had dreamt of this ever since she was a little girl. Her father was working on digs in the area around Alexandria. Maybe, just maybe their paths might cross. She smiled as the sun slipped below the horizon. “I’m about to do it, Dad. My first adventure, and it’s a big one. I’ll tell you about it next time when you return.” She said to herself.”

Clair turned and headed home as the nighttime darkness began to grip the sky. Boston after dark was sure a different place with some very different, and shady people larking about. And though Clair was sure she could handle herself if someone got grabby, she put an extra bounce in her walk to get back faster.

Once back at her apartment, Clair kicked off her boots before heading over to her desk. She opened her journal to an empty page and began to write. Writing was always relaxing to her and it helped sort her thoughts and allow her to see them more clearly. She first started her journals in high school when she was ten.

****

The next morning, Clair woke a little after seven to jump in the shower and did a little reading on Alexander the Great before heading over to her professor’s office. She had no classes today, so she decided to also go to work a little early and earn an extra buck as well as let her boss know about her trip. He was very kind and Clair was a hard worker, always bringing in more costumers.

It was a little past eleven when Clair got the Diner in South Boston. As she walked in, she bumped into Amanda, another waitress, as she was heading out. “Oh, excuse me. Wait Clair? How are you?” she said.

“Fine, how are you and the kids?”

“Oh, I’m good for the most part, the kids are a nightmare though.”

“I bet. That’s something I can definitely wait on for a while,” Clair chuckled. “Is Mr. Donelson in today? I need to speak to him,”

“Yeah, till five I think.”

“Ok, thanks.”

“See tomorrow?”

“Nah, I’m not working tomorrow. I’m actually about to take a trip, so it’ll probably be a few weeks”

“Ah, well have fun wherever you’re heading, and I’ll see you when you get back.”

The Diner was pretty classic if not a little retro in terms of atmosphere. Clair preceded to the back to met with her boss as well as clock-in. Mr. Donelson was in his office going over some business files when Clair knocked on the door. “Yes? Come in.” he said looking up, reviling his brown eyes and thinning gray hair.

“Sorry to interrupt, sir. Can I speak with you for a moment?” Clair said.

“Clair? Of course,” He said, standing up. “What’s on your mind?”

“Oh not much, I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be needing a few weeks for a trip out-of-town,”

“Well you are my best waitress, and I hate to lose you even for a few weeks, but yes you can have some time off starting tomorrow.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll get to work now, that’s I wanted.”

After Clair left Mr. Donelson’s office, she went to the restroom and changed into her uniform before heading out to take orders. Clair’s shift went almost routine and even made a fair amount of tips. It wasn’t until Clair was almost off that a man named Mr. James walked and start to cause a scene and harass the waitresses and other customers. Mostly he was just bad mouthing and aggressively flirting. Clair did her best to just ignore him, but when grabbed her ass as she walked passed; Clair reacted by instinct and drop-kicked Mr. James to the floor.

There was a minor commotion as the other customers didn’t know how to react to Clair’s action. To see what all of the commotion was about, Mr. Donelson walked out of his office. Seeing Mr. James laying on the floor and Clair standing over him; Donelson gave a quick sigh and walked over to Clair. “Clair, could I see you in my office again?” he stated.

Clair followed Mr. Donelson into his office and sat down opposite of him. He cupped his hands together and closed his eyes. Clair was the first to speak. “Before you say it sir, just know that I tried to control myself this time-” Clair was cut off by Donelson raising his hand.

“I know that, but this is the sixth time this has happened. Mr. James is a well-known man who’s threatening to sue as well as pressing assault charges on you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so. Clair, you’re one of best employees, but I’m sorry I have no choose but to place you on administrative leave effective immediately.”

“Yes sir, I understand. But in my defense, he was harassing me.”

“And I believe you, but I stand by my decision. You said that you were planning a trip, right?”

“Yes,”

After leaving the diner, Clair decided to stop by the Boston Library and read up on Alexander the Great with the extra time she had. It took her a bit longer to get to the library, as there was a major accident and the police were detoring everyone to keep the area clear.

Once at the library, Clair jogged up the steps only to bump into Chase Harding coming out in a hurry. This sudden reunion put Clair a bit off as she still had feelings for Chase but wasn’t sure if he had any left. “Chase? Um, hi. Long time no see.” Clair said turning around.

“Clair, hey?” he replied, staring at Clair for a moment. “How have you been doing?”

“Is that all you have say?! I mean, you did leave me alone at that restaurant without any notice six months ago.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I’m just on to something with my research and don’t need any distractions.”

“You do know that we're studying the same fields, I can give you a hand if you need it.”

“No, I’m afraid that you are the last person that can help me. It’s for your safety.”

“Safety? I can handle myself. What are you into Chase?”

“I can’t talk about it, I’m sorry.” Chase said before running off.

“Damn you, Chase. Why won’t you let me in? What are you into?” Clair said under her breath, before heading inside.

Walking into the main lobby, Clair headed over to the front desk where a middle aged women with short bleached blonde hair a dirty look upon her face that would make a baby cry. She also wore a pair of narrow eye glasses. She was pre-focused on stamping some new books, so she didn’t notice Clair walk up. “Excuse me, ma’am? Can you direct me to your section of Greek and Persian literature?” Clair asked. The woman said nothing and just continued to stamp books with the Library’s brand, still not noticing Clair. “EXCUSE ME! Can you help me!” Clair said a little louder in case the women was hard of hearing.

“Shhhh! This is a library! Please keep you voice down.” She stated.

“I’m sorry, please forgive me. I just need to find some books on Alexander the Great. If you could direct me to the right area that be much appreciated.”

The woman said nothing, just went back to stamping her books without answering or looking back up. Obviously this woman was deliberately ignoring Clair’s inquiry. Not wanting to waste any time trying to get this woman to listen, Clair simply just shrugged and preceded to search on her own.

The library was rather extensive, and it took Clair several minutes to find what she was looking for, or at least what she hoped it was. She picked two books that seem promising to reveal some details on Alexander’s life, titled Alexander the Great: His Life and his Mysterious Death, and the second book was simply just titled Alexander the Great.

Clair spent the next few hours reading each book, trying to familiarize herself with the time period. She must have got too involved in the first book because another librarian tipped her on the shoulder, cause her to jump a little, bringing her back to this time period. “Ms.? We’re about close. Best you start to gather your things and head home.” He said.

“What?! Oh, um, yes. What time is it?” Clair replied.

“A little after seven in the evening, Ms.”

“Seven?! Damn, I need to get going. I did not realize how late it was!” Clair stated as she quickly jumped up from her seat and grabbed her purse and both books. “I need to check out these books for a few weeks. Is that alright?”

“Of course, Ms. Just go up to the front counter and we’ll get you all set up.”

“Thank you.”

After checkout and leaving the library, Clair made her way back to her apartment. I was already nearly dark out and there wasn’t many cars driving by. Seeing that it was a decent night, Clair decided to walk home instead of haling a cab. She held her books close to her chest as she ran down the sidewalk, not because she scared or anything, but because she wanted to get home quickly to get packed and make sure she had everything she needed for the venture.

Through the dim lights of the streets, Clair made the final turn before coming up to the from door of her apartment complex and made her way up the stairs to her door. Once inside she dropped her bag next to door and placed her books on her dining table before going into her bedroom to pack for the expedition the day after tomorrow.

Seeing that Clair would be in a desert-like climate most of the time, she decided to pack some shorts instead of her usual jeans, though she did pack a couple of them too. A few white t-shirts. As well as three boxes of 9mm ammo and her Taurus G2C handgun, just in case. Clair also throw in a few hair ties to keep her hair tied back.

Lastly, all she had left was her journal, which she would keep out until departure. Glancing at the clock, Clair noticed that it was now almost nine o’clock and she still need to shower as well as do her routine of writing down her day in her journal. Hints why she hadn’t pack it yet.

Clair walked into her bathroom and turned the shower on, she twisted the knobs until she had a temperature that just right. Then she began removing her clothes and placed them in the nearby hamper, after taking off her necklace, Clair placed on next to the sink to grab when she was done.

Clair showered for a good fifteen to twenty minutes, lathering hair with her aussie shampoo before rinsing it out, after which she grabbed her razor to shave her legs as she hadn’t done so in a couple days. When she was done, Clair shut off the water before stepping out and grabbing a towel.

After putting on her pajamas, Clair returned to her bedroom and grabbed a bottle of lotion and began rubbing it across her arms and legs. Clair then headed over to her desk and began to write about her day.