The Second Messiah by Glenn Meade

Author:Glenn Meade [Meade, Glenn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Arrow
Published: 2011-12-07T21:07:23+00:00

Yasmin said, puzzled, “What’s it supposed to mean?”

Jack said excitedly, “I wish I knew, but it’s another incredible statement, like the last one. Judas believing his master to be a false messiah. That’s an astonishing revelation.”

“Could you decode any more?”

“Sure I could, but it would be slow progress. To make any significant development we’re going to need expert help. Parts of the text are missing, others are damaged, you see.”

“So there’s no way some of the text can be translated?”

Jack folded away his notebook. “Actually, that’s not true. Some years ago unique software programs were written to help patch together and make sense of damaged Dead Sea scrolls. The programs can sometimes help fill in any missing gaps in the text by using mathematical projections. Don’t ask me how it works, but if the stories I’ve heard are true it’s been a terrific help to translators. The guy I know who’s an authority on Schonfeld’s code ought to be able to help in that regard.”

“Are you at least going to tell me who you know in the Vatican?”

“An old contact of my father’s I haven’t seen in years.”

“Who?”

“Someone high up I called before we left Israel. I figure he’s got the clout to get us into the Vatican Archives.”

“You’re joking,” Yasmin answered. “Are we talking the pope here?”

Jack smiled. “Not this time, even if I do know him.”

Yasmin said wide-eyed, “You know the pope?”

“He was one of a Vatican delegation that joined my father’s dig at Qumran.”

“You certainly know how to impress a girl. What do you want to see in the archives?”

“Something I’ve never had the opportunity to see.”

“What?”

“When my parents died, Father Kubel, one of the priests who arrived at the accident scene, wrote a confidential report. I’d like to read it.”

“Why?”

“Call it a gut feeling, or call it a sixth sense if you want, but something’s telling me there could be a connection between what happened then and what’s happening now.”

“Explain, Jack.”

“People die at Qumran and a precious scroll goes missing. It’s happened twice—to my parents and to your uncle, twenty years apart. Those kinds of feelings I can believe in, trust me.”

“Everything I’ve heard suggests that the Vatican’s archives are off-limits except with the permission of high-ranking clergy. What makes you think your dad’s contact can help?”

Jack took Yasmin’s arm and guided her toward the security entrance manned by the Swiss Guards. “Because I’m making him an offer he can’t refuse.”

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