Lost Contact (The Bridge Sequence Book One), Nathan Hystad [primary phonics books .TXT] 📗

paced around the study, scanning each priceless artifact Hunter had collected over the decades, and tried to piece together, everything we’d heard. It was still early afternoon, but I felt like the sun should be descending any moment.

“He seems to believe what he’s telling us, and he had my father’s trust, enough to partner with him for a few years. But… Dad did cut Madison out at the end. He didn’t tell him everything about the Bridge or the clues he and Clayton found. That speaks volumes to me,” I admitted.

“We don’t have any evidence about why Dirk stopped working with him. There could have been extraneous factors we’re not accounting for,” Marcus said with a sideways grin. “Are you going to look at the envelope?”

I peered around the room, confident there was surveillance in here. I stepped closer to Marcus and lowered my voice. “Don’t discuss the coordinates we found.”

He nodded, glancing at the corners of the study. “No problem.”

I returned to the chairs and stared at the circular table. The stark white envelope was out of place on the rich wood, and I snatched it up.

The check inside was printed on thick paper stock, golden edges outlining it. I read the details.

Paid to the order of: Rexford Walker.

In the amount of: One hundred thousand dollars

Hunter Madison’s signature was sprawling and illegible, but I knew it was his. I’d come across stubs left over from payments to my father, stored at my mom’s for years.

Marcus grabbed the check, pumping a fist in the air. “Rex, imagine what we could do with this money.”

I stuck my hand out, palm up, and he hesitantly returned it to me. I slid it back inside the envelope and dropped it onto the table. “We can’t take his money.”

“You heard what he said. If this Bridge is real, we have to look for it. And what about these Believers? What if this is the end, and we can help prevent it?”

I appraised the young man, the clever student I’d taught in college and had been close friends with ever since. “Marcus, you don’t really buy in to all of this, do you?”

“Why the hell not? We’ve discussed the possibility of life on other planets enough for me to know you believe in aliens too. Man, this is crazy.” Marcus paced the study, but my eyes remained fixed on the envelope.

“If we say yes, we have to make a deal. This is the only venture with Madison’s money. We check out our lead, and if it doesn’t take us anywhere, we return the leftover money and go home—”

“Imagine if we find something.”

“Deal?” I asked, ready to shake on it.

“Rex, this could be…”

“Marcus, I need you here with me. Do we have a deal?” I offered my grip, and he nodded, shaking my hand.

“Deal.”

The door opened, and in walked Hunter. His eyes were droopy, his voice slightly slurred when he spoke, but the fire had returned. “I take it you’re accepting my offer?”

“Consider it a loan,” I told him.

“Nonsense. I know you’re holding your cards close to your chest, but, Rex, if you find what you’re hoping for, I’ll be here to assist your search for the Bridge. And your father.” Adding in the last bit was a dirty trick, but it was obvious the older man was desperate.

“Okay, but don’t hold your breath.”

“Francois will show you to your chambers.” Hunter picked up the check and passed it over. “I’ll join you for dinner in a couple of hours. Perhaps you’ll be more forthcoming after the chef’s Paella Valenciana.”

He sat down as Francois appeared at the study’s doorway, waiting for us. I trailed after him, glancing back to Hunter before leaving. His eyes were closed, and I noticed him clenching his fist, lips moving ever so slightly.

“I can’t wait to check out this house,” Marcus said. Today had started off with a longshot, and suddenly, I’d been thrown into a scenario bigger than I’d ever imagined.

We climbed a flight of stairs, ending in a landing that overlooked a massive living space and the front foyer. The hallway led to a series of bedrooms, and Francois motioned for Marcus to enter one on the left. The servant had yet to speak, and I considered asking him a question but held back. Instead, I allowed him to show me to the room across the hall, and I told Marcus I’d see him in a few minutes. I needed some alone time.

With Francois gone and Marcus in his own quarters, I studied my surroundings. It was finer than any hotel I’d ever stayed in. With its own bathroom and gas fireplace, the space was fit for a king. I found my suitcase at the corner of the bed, and I pulled out my laptop, opening my email. I didn’t know his wi-fi, and couldn’t trust that Hunter wasn’t spying, so I used my phone as a hotspot and linked up, retrieving a handful of emails.

They were mostly from students, and I replied, letting the work distract me. My sister had texted me, wondering about the Christmas holidays, and when I started to flip my laptop closed, a message from Richard Klein appeared.

Subject: Gathering

Hello, Rex. I was hoping you’d be able to attend a dinner party at my house next Friday. I have some friends from the board coming and thought you might be interested in meeting them. Please let me know at your earliest convenience. I was in your neighborhood earlier, but you weren’t home. Hope to hear from you soon.

Your friend,

Doctor Richard Klein

I let out a frustrated breath of air. I’d stated numerous times that I wasn’t leaving my job, but I also appreciated his intensity. He was a mentor of mine, and I was honored that he thought so highly of my teaching ability.

I hit “Reply” and started typing a message.

Richard, as you know, I’m comfortable where I am, but I might be able to come by. I have much to prepare for finals, but maybe I