Clive Cussler The Corsican Shadow by Dirk Cussler

Author:Dirk Cussler [Cussler, Dirk]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Thriller
ISBN: 9780593544174
Google: 9SasEAAAQBAJ
Amazon: 059354417X
Barnesnoble: 059354417X
Goodreads: 112976347
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Published: 2023-11-07T06:00:00+00:00

37

While they waited for arrangements to be made to open Napoleon’s tomb, Brigitte had led Pitt and Giordino to the Musée de l’Armée next door. There they toured the impressive display of military weapons used throughout French history. Afterward, they inquired at the administrative office for information about Marcel Demille. His role as museum curator before the war was confirmed, along with his disappearance in May 1940. No other information about him had survived the war.

Back under the dome, Dumont insisted that the sarcophagus opening take place quietly after dark, so the trio walked to dinner at a neighboring café. After they’d eaten, a portable crane was brought from a local construction project and wedged through a side door. A boom was extended to the center of the crypt and a cable lowered to the sarcophagus, where workers fitted a set of lifting straps around the massive lid. By the time everything had been safely arranged, it was well after ten p.m. The crane operator took up position at the controls, then sat and waited.

Dumont had not dared disturb the tomb of the great French leader without authority from above, and soon a horde of government officials began flooding into the museum’s foyer to watch the spectacle.

Brigitte, Pitt, and Giordino had to squeeze in on the main floor overlook to obtain a view. Captain Lufbery noticed them from across the room and elbowed his way beside them.

“I see the circus has come to town,” Pitt said.

Lufbery nodded. “Dumont is a fool. He was afraid to investigate on his own, and now the whole city is here. He will be embarrassed now by either result.”

“What is the delay?” Brigitte asked.

“He’s waiting for the mayor to arrive.” Lufbery rolled his eyes.

It was almost midnight when the mayor finally arrived with a small entourage, and Dumont gave the crane operator the direction to proceed. The Invalides director stood on a ladder beside the tomb, looking like a small child next to the oversized monument.

The spectators held their breath as the lift straps drew taut and the massive lid of the sarcophagus was raised. The operator held the lid up by just a few inches to stabilize it in midair, blocking the view inside. After an anxious pause, he gently pivoted the boom to one side, exposing the interior.

The great hall fell silent as Pitt and Giordino eyed each other with a nod. Then the audience let out a collective gasp.

Napoleon’s tomb was empty.

The crowd began to murmur, the sound growing to a din at the shock of the empty tomb. Dumont nearly fell off his ladder before descending to the ground on wobbly legs. He was assaulted by government officials demanding answers. He had none to give and simply shook his head in defeat. At one point, he searched the crowd and meekly pointed at Pitt.

Giordino nudged his friend in the ribs. “I have the feeling you are one of the most unpopular men in Paris tonight.”

“At least I’m not at the very top of the list.

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