[22]

The ride back to the dig site took just under twenty minutes. They crossed the long Gervais Street Bridge covering the Congaree River. Once they reached the end, Daniel spotted the news vans already there. They pulled in next to one, and he figured everyone was down the embankment. He and Katie exited the vehicle and she gave the area the once-over, seemed satisfied, and followed him down to the crowd.

The archaeological site buzzed with activity. Team members barely held on to their excitement. He and Katie walked toward the area where Martin stood. On the bank of the river, he’d created a makeshift stage and stood in the middle of it, a portable microphone in his right hand. A box sat at his feet. Daniel also noticed the security. Uniformed officers patrolled and he hoped whoever was after him would be deterred by their presence.

Thunder rolled overhead and Daniel glanced at the darkening sky, then looked back at Martin. There was no way his friend was the one who was trying to kill him. What reason would he have? There was simply no motive. And why would he claim the coin had been stolen if it was just lost? Denial?

Martin lifted the microphone. “Well, folks, I’m excited you’re here. Thank you so much for coming out. I’m going to get right to it since it looks like we’re in for a downpour. First, let me start by saying that I’m very grateful to the university and private donors for helping to fund this site. When I was putting this together, I had a pretty good idea there were some artifacts in this area thanks to the research my colleagues and I have done. I had no way of knowing the things we would come across, but we’re very excited with what we’ve found. As you know, when Sherman made his march across Columbia back in 1865, he left a trail of destruction in his path. We also knew he threw weapons into this very river. While some excavating has been done in the river, I thought it might be wise to look along the banks area. And sure enough, we’ve made some fabulous discoveries. We’ve got some on display there under the tent to your left. Feel free to browse when we’re finished here.” He bent down and opened the box. “Now, I want to show you our most recent find.” He reached in the box and pulled out a gun and holster. “This is a Confederate Leech & Rigdon .36 caliber percussion revolver. And yes, this is the original holster. Both pieces were found right here.”

Oohs and aahs filled the air. Flashes lit up around them. Reporters shouted questions. And thunder rolled overhead once again. Daniel grasped Katie’s hand and he smiled at her. “Now, we can go flying.” He glanced at the sky. “We might be able to beat the storm, but I’m guessing we’ll probably have to wait it out. That being said, while we’re waiting, I can get everything ready and do the preflight check.”

She nodded. “I just want to check on Quinn, all right?”

“Of course.”

He led the way back to the car and listened to her talk to Maddy about Quinn, but couldn’t hear Maddy’s response. They climbed into her Jeep while lightning flashed in the distance and another boom of thunder rolled across the even darker sky. She hung up and stared out the window. He let her think for a few minutes before he caved to his curiosity.

“How’s Quinn doing?”

“He’s about the same, according to Maddy.”

“Glad he’s healing.”

“Yes, he’ll heal.” She frowned.

“What is it?”

“I just hope he doesn’t run Maddy off in the process. She said he’s giving everyone a hard time.”

“That bad?”

“She hasn’t given specifics, but I hear the weariness in her voice. Along with an anger that’s going to be unleashed on his head if he doesn’t stop being such a pain. She said he’s acting like a two-year-old.”

“Men can do that.”

“No kidding.”

“Which means there’s something mental going on with him.”

“I know.”

He gave her a slight smile. “What’s his story?”

She shook her head. “I’m not sure. I’m not even sure Maddy knows the whole thing.”

Her phone buzzed again and she checked the screen. “It’s Bree.” She tapped the speakerphone. “What’s up?”

“Hey, I’ve got an update on Lee Kendall. We tracked him down.”

“Where?”

“He’s in Florida attending his aunt’s funeral.”

Katie pursed her lips and Daniel caught her gaze. “So I guess he’s not the one causing all my trouble.”

“Doesn’t sound like it. He’s been there for the past week.”

“And he just dropped everything and left? No notice to his boss or friends?”

“He told his boss, who forgot to mention it to the guys he worked with. The boss went on vacation and didn’t get my messages until late last night.”

“Okay then. Weird that he didn’t tell his roommate or at least leave him a message.”

“I know. You just never can tell about some people or why they think the way they do.”

“That’s the truth. Thanks, Bree.”

“Of course.” Katie hung up and looked at Daniel. “Well, our list of suspects just got one name shorter.”

“And you’re still looking at Martin as one?”

“I am. I’m sorry, but I am.” She tapped the screen of her phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Googling acetone use in archaeology.”

Riley flipped the coin through her fingers while the thunder rolled above her. She glanced at the sky and figured they wouldn’t be staying at the dig much longer. Martin had given them the choice to stay or go, and she’d stayed simply so she could log the hours. Most of the students had left and she knew she wouldn’t be far behind. But for now, she focused her attention back on the coin and wondered how much it was worth. Dated 1804, it was old for sure.

Lizzie stood to the side, watching, taking everything in. She was alert and always vigilant, but Riley could tell she really enjoyed the activity. She didn’t find it boring like one of the workers who’d thrown a trowel down in disgust and said she was going to change her major.

Riley shoved the coin back into her pocket and shook her head. She’d eventually give the coin to Martin and see if he wanted it, but she wanted to show it to her uncle before she had to give it up. He’d get a kick out of her finding such an old coin on his property.

“Hey, hey! Look at this!”

It sounded like Carol calling out. “What did you find?” She moved closer, along with the others, excited to see what she might have found.

Riley felt a raindrop on her cheek and brushed it away. She watched Carol scrape away another layer of dirt and reach into the earth to pull out an item. “What is it?”

“A cannonball,” Carol said. She pulled it up and someone handed her a measuring tape. She noted it in her small book, then snapped several pictures with her phone. “Where’s Martin?”

“He left right after the press conference,” Riley said. Thunder cracked and she jumped. “Okay, I’m taking off before we get soaked.”

Lightning flashed. “Or electrocuted,” Carol muttered.

Riley fell in behind Carol and Lizzie brought up the rear as they all ran for the covered area.