The Emerald Tablet

"Dr. Maya, I have an envelope here for you from my director, Antonio Del Falco," the elderly messenger said in halting English. He leaned forward to extend to Maya a manila envelope. The envelop bore the insignia of the Archaeological Museum of Naples. Crack! The moment was shattered by the sound of a single bullet whizzing by. "Everyone down!" McLaren yelled. The elderly man's face contorted in pain. He stumbled to the travertine floor. Blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. Three more bullets whizzed by. One shot hit the right side of an altar table beside Maya. She felt stone splinters pelt her arm. Maya dropped to her knees and crawled towards the motionless messenger. She was all too aware that he needed more medical attention that she could possibly provide. His eyes were lifeless. The bullet was imbedded in his back. Marcello's mission to bring the package to Maya had come at a high price. At a later time, Maya would relate that the incident happened so quickly. In his act of leaning forward, the elderly Museum security guard had saved her life."Stay down!" McLaren's mind was churning. A second of silence passed before he spoke. "Remember the Alamo!"