Page 3 of Wild Idol (Tyson Wild Thriller #82)

“ I t’s a solid gold idol,” Strathmore said. “But the value is not in the gold.” He drew out the moment, and his eyes filled with wonder.

“What’s the real value? “ I asked.

“How’d that work out for him?” JD asked in a slightly sardonic tone.

Mr. Wellington frowned. “He was murdered by his son, who ascended to the throne.”

“So much for immortality.”

“He only died after the artifact was stolen from him. No longer in his possession, it did not convey its mystical properties.”

“I see why you’d want it back,” I said.

“I can’t overstate my desire enough. I’ve only told you the half of it. Death comes quickly to those who lose possession of the idol. All the benefits conveyed evaporate, and the toll comes due.”

“Can’t cheat death,” JD said.

Strathmore gave him another look. “I’ll admit, it’s a dangerous game. I’d like to cheat death for as long as possible.”

“So, you’re a believer,” I said.

“I will tell you a story, gentlemen. And it may make you a believer as well.”

I exchanged another look with Jack, then we settled in to hear a tall tale.

Strathmore said, “Five years ago, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. They gave me eight months to live. It was at that time I came into possession of the idol. Having exhausted all possible treatment protocols and alternative therapies, I was willing to try anything. No expense was spared in the acquisition of the statue. I had long been fascinated with the legend but never considered it much more than that—a myth. A story. But something miraculous happened once I acquired the idol. My follow-up scans showed no expression of disease. No cancer. I was in complete remission. The doctors were astonished. They had never seen anything like it. ”

JD and I both looked impressed.

“You can probably figure out where this is going,” Strathmore said. ”Ivy stole the artifact 6 months ago.” He paused, and his face tightened. “Let’s just say it’s worse than before. The outlook is grim.”

“Is Ivy aware of the myth surrounding the idol?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Knowing that, why would she steal it from you?”

“It’s almost tantamount to murder, isn’t it?

” Another grim frown tugged his lips. “Sadly, Ivy and I haven’t always seen eye to eye.

Now, this clown has driven a wedge further between us.

” He shook his head in dismay. “Gentlemen, the clock is ticking. I would like to reconcile with my daughter before my expiration date. If you can bring me that idol, it will significantly extend that expiration date. Maybe even eliminate it.”

I shared another look with Jack. I knew what he was thinking. It sounded like an adventure. We seemed to have a hard time turning down adventures.

“We are in the middle of a case right now,” I said.

“Money is no object.”

“It’s not a question of money.” I paused. “Send me all available information you have about Solomon and his whereabouts. We’ll look it over. Once we’ve made an assessment, we will give you a decision.”

“You can name your price.”

“Like I said, we’re not in this for the money. ”

“That’s why I contacted you for the job. You can’t be bought. You can’t be corrupted. I know that when you find the idol—and I have faith that you will find it—you’ll bring it back to me. You won’t take it for yourselves.” Strathmore was smart, assuming the sale.

“That’s a lot of faith,” Jack said.

“You two have established quite the reputation. And I know my daughter is in good hands.”

He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and displayed a photo of Ivy. She was a stunning young woman with wavy chocolate hair and caramel eyes. She had a svelte figure and an alluring quality—wholesome and carefree.

I knew what he was doing. Once we put a face to her name, it would be harder to say no.

“I’ll text her photo to you, so you have it just in case,” he said. “I’ll get you all the information you requested.”

“What’s more important to you? The statue or your daughter?”

His face tightened, a little offended. “My daughter is the only thing that matters to me in this world. My primary concern is her safety and well-being. But I would also like to spend as much time with her as possible. Is that answer satisfactory to you?”

I nodded.

Strathmore flashed a charming smile. “I know you’re busy, so I won’t take any more of your time. Thank you for coming. Please, do give it your full consideration.”

I assured him we would .

JD and I stood up, and we shook his hand again. Strathmore escorted us to the front door and said farewell.

As we strolled the walkway to the Porsche, Jack said, “What do you make of his story?”

“I think he’s a desperate man willing to do desperate things.”

“Wouldn’t you?”

“I believe I’d do just about anything if I were in his shoes.”

My phone buzzed with a picture of Ivy, along with an image of Solomon. I slipped into the passenger seat of the Porsche as another text with more information came through. I forwarded it all to Isabella.

She called me back right away. “Taking on another case?”

“Undetermined yet. See what you can find out about those two.” I gave her the skinny.

“I’ve got information about the victim found in the dumpster.”