Ancient Echoes

CHAPTER 38



New York City

JIANJUN GOT ON the Acela Express in Washington D.C., and three hours later stood outside Penn Station. His worry about Michael grew, and if this silence continued, he might have to go to Idaho himself. He knew nothing about the place, and wondered if people there still considered chop suey to be Chinese food.

New York City was a welcome detour.

He took a cab to an Upper East Side address, and exited it in front of a tall, narrow limestone building. He walked up the steps and rang the bell. A woman dressed in black gave him a haughty once-over. He introduced himself as Michael Rempart’s assistant, and asked to speak to Mr. Phaylor. If Calvin Phaylor was as interested in alchemy and events in Idaho as Jianjun believed, using Michael Rempart’s name would open the door for him.

The housekeeper left him waiting in the entry. It must have been beautiful once, with black and white marble tiles on the floor, elaborate raised-plaster designs on the walls, and a wide carpeted staircase up to the living quarters. But the carpet was frayed, and the walls in need of fresh paint. Dim lights and lack of furniture left the room devoid of warmth. Shutters barred the outside from view.

The housekeeper returned and offered Jianjun a choice between the stairs or a small elevator in a back corner. He took the stairs. The housekeeper heaved a sigh and slowly climbed up behind him.

On the second floor of the home, she showed Jianjun to a large living area and left him alone. The room was even less well lit than the foyer, and furnished in dark Victorian antiques covered in green and black velvet. Heavy damask drapery framed the windows. Jianjun nervously sat on the edge of the sofa. The place was right out of the Addams Family, with the housekeeper a female version of Lurch.

Ten minutes passed before the double doors opened again. A male nurse pushed Calvin Phaylor’s wheelchair, an oxygen tank attached to it. The once strong founder of PLP appeared rail thin, his skin tight over a six foot tall frame. His white hair was baby fine, long, and fly-away. The nurse stopped the chair a few feet from Jianjun, then quietly slipped out of the room.

Jianjun jumped to his feet, bowed, and introduced himself.

Watery blue-gray eyes fixed on him. Phaylor flicked his fingers impatiently toward the sofa. “Yes, I know who you are. Sit! Sit! Is Michael Rempart in Idaho? Have you talked to him?” Phaylor asked, then reached for the oxygen mask and breathed deeply, as if those few words had cost him.

Jianjun sat as told, then answered the question. “Dr. Rempart is there, but I haven’t heard from him recently.”

Phaylor’s lips tightened. “What do you want from me?”

“Any help you can give. I know you’ve looked into what went on in Idaho centuries ago, and what is out there now.”

Phaylor frowned and Jianjun knew he was going to lie. “I’m not sure—”

“The Book of Abraham the Jew,” Jianjun said quickly. “Alchemy.”

He had Phaylor’s full attention. “I see.” He wheeled himself to the bar. “Move this crap off me,” he ordered, pointing at his oxygen tank. “I want a smoke and a drink.”

Jianjun took the tank from the chair, closed the feed valve, and carried it to the far side of the room. He hoped the tank was well sealed.

Phaylor poured them each a single malt Scotch. Jianjun rarely drank any alcohol other than beer, but took it nonetheless. Phaylor told him to carry his drink as he rolled toward the elevator. They rode up to a roof deck facing the East River.

Phaylor removed a cigar and matches from his shirt pocket. He seemed to enjoy the feel of the brisk wind against his grainy skin. He lit the cigar, clearly relishing the taste. Jianjun placed the drinks on a patio table, and sat.

“Alchemy is just a dream, you know,” Phaylor said, keeping his gaze fixed on the impressive skyline even as his voice took on a wistful quality.

“Having spent time with Dr. Rempart, I believe there may be more to it,” Jianjun said. “Much more.”

Phaylor attempted to laugh, but instead wheezed. “In that case, I must congratulate Dr. Rempart. Few young computer whizzes like you have any tolerance for the paranormal.”

Jianjun simply nodded, wondering how Phaylor knew about his computer skills.

Phaylor continued. “I have learned a lot about alchemy, including how to interpret The Book of Abraham the Jew. If you’ve found me, I’m sure you know that the board took my company from me, and put that interloper, Jennifer Vandenburg, in my place. She’s not a bad person, but she shouldn’t run anything more complicated than a McDonald’s franchise.”

“I see,” Jianjun murmured.

“No, lad, I’m not sure that you do. I’ve lost everything because I believed I could find something that would be of value to mankind. I have no family. Never married, no kids. My company was my life, and now it’s gone.” He eyed Jianjun a moment. “I know what a brilliant archeologist Michael Rempart is, all the treasures he has found. If he is seriously searching for The Book of Abraham the Jew I am more than willing to assist. I have books, records, which may help.”

“Yes, my boss is very serious about finding the book, as well as locating his brother, Lionel Rempart.”

“Lionel,” Phaylor frowned. “That’s right. I almost forgot about him. Tell me, does Michael Rempart know much about his family’s history?”

“His family's history?” The strange question surprised Jianjun. “Not that I’ve heard. Why? What do you know about it?”

“Nothing of importance.” Phaylor’s eyes narrowed before he forced his mouth into a smile. “Why don’t you stay here while you’re in New York? This house has several guest bedrooms. Olga can freshen one up for you, and I’ll send books and manuscripts on alchemy for you to read. You’ll find them fascinating.”

Jianjun doubted it. Despite feeling nervous about staying here, it made sense to do so. “Thank you. I would like that. Very much. Yes. Thank you.”

Jianjun wheeled him to the elevator. Olga waited with his oxygen tank when the elevator doors opened on the third floor of the mansion. She frowned at the smell of tobacco and scotch. As Jianjun watched Phaylor instruct his housekeeper on the guest accommodations, he wondered if he’d regret accepting Phaylor’s offer to stay.