The Bone Vault - Linda Fairstein (49 page)

Tom Hanks's voice-over began a narration about our search for other forms of life in the universe. "There's Orion," Mike said, pointing over Mercer's head to a formation of bright stars.

"Last thing I want to see this morning is a hunter."

"How about Andromeda, the princess?"

I sipped at my drink and smiled at him. "Don't go there."

"She was chained to a rock, left to be devoured by a sea monster, to appease the gods. Saved by--well, by one of those winged horses whose names I never remember. Let's just say saved by Mercer and me. We'd never let it happen to you, kid."

We clicked our plastic cups and the glorious night sky above us began to move.