Desert gold, p.1
Desert Gold, page 1
DESERT GOLD
A DANE MADDOCK ADVENTURE
DAVID WOOD
ADRENALINE PRESS
“A perilous hunt for a lost Spanish treasure!”
Trouble and treasure hunts. That’s life for former Navy SEALs Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake.
So, when Maddock discovers the body of a cold case victim beneath a crypt in a Hollywood cemetery, he is not surprised. What is shocking is the victim swallowed a cryptex before his death. Inside is a clue to lost Treasure of the Golden Jesus. But they are not the only ones on the hunt.
Maddock and Bones soon find themselves dodging their old enemies, the Dominion, as they follow the trail of the legendary treasure. Joined by aging actor Steven Segar and faded rock star Terry Gold, the pair set off on a search that will take them from the streets of Hollywood to the world’s most famous theme park and into the desert as they search for Desert Gold.
Classic adventure for the modern reader! Fans of Indiana Jones, Dirk Pitt, and National Treasure will love the Dane Maddock Adventures!
Praise for David Wood!
“Rip roaring action from start to finish. Wit and humor throughout. Just one question - how soon until the next one? Because I can’t wait.” Graham Brown, author of Shadows of the Midnight Sun
“With the thoroughly enjoyable way Wood has mixed speculative history with our modern-day pursuit of truth, he has created a story that thrills and makes one think beyond the boundaries of mere fiction and enter the world of ‘why not’?” David Lynn Golemon, Author of the Event Group series
“David Wood has done it again. Within seconds of opening the book, I was hooked. Intrigue, suspense, monsters, and treasure hunters. What more could you want? David's knocked it out of the park with this one!” Nick Thacker, author of The Enigma Strain
“What an adventure! A great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored.” Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb and the NUMA File
“A twisty tale of adventure and intrigue that never lets up and never lets go!” Robert Masello, author of The Einstein Prophecy
“A page-turning yarn blending high action, Biblical speculation, ancient secrets, and nasty creatures. Indiana Jones better watch his back!” Jeremy Robinson, author of SecondWorld
“An adrenaline-fueled thrill ride!” Alan Baxter, author of Hidden City“An all-out blitzkrieg of a globe-trotting mystery-adventure that breaks from the action just long enough for a couple of laughs.” Rick Chesler, author of kiDNApped and Wired Kingdom
“Let there be no confusion: David Wood is the next Clive Cussler. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop until the last mystery plays out in the final line.” Edward G. Talbot, author of 2012: The Fifth World
“Dourado is a brisk read, reminiscent of early Cussler adventures, and perfect for an afternoon at the beach or a cross-country flight. You'll definitely want more of Maddock.” Sean Ellis, author of Into the Black
“I like my thrillers with lots of explosions, global locations, and a mystery where I learn something new. Wood delivers!” J.F. Penn, author of Desecration
“David Wood has done it again. Quest takes you on an expedition that leads down a trail of adventure and thrills. David Wood has honed his craft and Quest is proof of his efforts!” David L. Golemon, Author of the Event Group series
“A genuine up all night got to see what happens next thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last.” Steven Savile
"Dane and Bones are back! Packed solid with action and witty dialogue, this rousing adventure takes a fresh look at one of the most enduring mysteries of the 20th century, David Wood delivers again with Quest."—Sean Ellis, author of the Nick Kismet Adventures
"If you're after a fast-paced read, David Wood's wise-cracking heroes Maddock and Bones will take you on a winter romp through snow-covered cathedrals, ice caves, pagan temples and Christian myth in search of the skulls of the Magi. This novella packs in the fist fights, cipher cracking and ancient secrets that all action adventure lovers will enjoy." J.F. Penn, author of Pentecost and Prophecy
“Flooded with action!” Rick Chesler, author of Solar Island
Desert Gold ©2023 by David Wood
All rights reserved
Published by Adrenaline Press
www.adrenaline.press
Adrenaline Press is an imprint of Gryphonwood Press
www.gryphonwoodpress.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Books by David Wood
The Dane Maddock Adventures
Blue Descent
Dourado
Cibola
Quest
Icefall
Buccaneer
Atlantis
Ark
Xibalba
Loch
Solomon Key
Contest
Serpent
Eden Quest
Desert Gold
Dane and Bones Origins
Freedom
Hell Ship
Splashdown
Dead Ice
Liberty
Electra
Amber
Justice
Treasure of the Dead
Bloodstorm
Dane Maddock Universe
Berserk
Maug
Elementals
Cavern
Devil’s Face
Herald
Brainwash
The Tomb
Shasta
Legends
Golden Dragon
Emerald Dragon
Baal (forthcoming)
Destination: Rio
Destination: Luxor
Destination: Sofia
Bones Bonebrake Adventures
Primitive
The Book of Bones
Skin and Bones
Venom
Lair of the Sea Witch
Brock Stone Adventures
Arena of Souls
Track of the Beast
Curse of the Pharaoh
Jade Ihara Adventures (with Sean Ellis)
Oracle
Changeling
Exile
Myrmidon Files with Sean Ellis
Destiny
Mystic
Jake Crowley Adventures (with Alan Baxter)
Sanctum
Blood Codex
Anubis Key
Revenant
Sam Aston Investigations (with Alan Baxter)
Primordial
Overlord
Crocalypse
Stand-Alone Novels
Into the Woods (with David S. Wood)
The Zombie-Driven Life
You Suck
Callsign: Queen (with Jeremy Robinson)
Dark Rite (with Alan Baxter)
Writing as Finn Gray
Aquaria Falling
Aquaria Burning
The Gate
Writing as David Debord
The Absent Gods Trilogy
The Silver Serpent
Keeper of the Mists
The Gates of Iron
The Impostor Prince (with Ryan A. Span)
Neptune’s Key
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Epilogue
About the Author
Prologue
New Spain-1810
Juan Alvaro drew in a breath of hot, arid air and tried to imagine he was anywhere else. The sun baked the parched earth and sapped the life from those foolish enough to cross this barren landscape. They burned in the daytime and froze at night. He licked his cracked lips, tasted the salt from evaporated sweat. Not for the first time, he wondered if he had done the right thing.
Diego, one of his most trusted men, came trotting up to ride alongside him. “Another burro is dead.”
Alvaro nodded. There was nothing to say.
“We do not expect Francisco to last much longer, either. His wounds are deep.”
For days they had fended off attacks from the local Indians. The Spaniards were better armed and equipped, but the natives, who had the strength of numbers on their side, knew the land and Alvaro’s men did not. Every attack exacted a price, as did every step they took in this oven.
“We must find a place to hide the treasure before all our burros are dead and we are forced to leave it in the middle of the desert.
“I understand.” The treasure they had gathered was a hefty burden for their pack animals, and the daunting journey across the desert had already claimed half of their burros. They soon found themselves stashing gold and gems in caves because they could no longer carry it all.
“We should never have listened to you,” Diego said. “We murdered priests, robbed churches. This treasure is cursed because of what we did.”
Alvaro did not answer. His mouth was too dry. Besides, there was nothing to say. How could he explain that Jesus had told him to do it? Alvaro had walked into a church, and there he had found Jesus staring back at him with
“Are you listening to me?” Diego asked.
“I am putting my trust in the Lord,” Alvaro said. “He brought us here and it is He who will save us.”
“That is not the real Jesus.” Diego pointed with his thumb back in the direction of the surviving pack animals. “And he does not speak.”
“He speaks inside my heart. Perhaps if you prayed more often, you would hear His voice, too.”
They rode in silence for a few minutes, but Diego had never been good at holding his tongue for very long. It was that trait that had gotten him shipped off to New Spain in the first place and later had gotten him into such trouble with his commanding officer, leading him to desert his post and join Alvaro’s band.
“They say that the Indians can change their skin, turn into monsters.”
“That is a heathen myth.” Alvaro closed his eyes and prayed. Guide my steps, oh Lord. Show me the way. He received his reply in the form of a single word that echoed in his mind—Trinity. And then the Lord sent him a vision—a symbol he had occasionally encountered along his journey. Thank you, Lord.
“What are we going to do?” Diego asked. “The vultures will be dining on our carcasses in short order.”
Alvaro smiled for the first time in days.
“I know where to go. The Lord has shown me the way.”
Salt Lake City- 1861
A sharp knock at the door shattered the silence. Brigham Young twitched involuntarily. His hand jerked and he drew a fat line of ink across the letter he had been writing. The knock came again. Young closed his eyes and said a quick prayer for patience before he replied.
“Come in.”
His assistant, Thomas, opened the door just wide enough to peer inside. “Mister President, there is someone here who wishes to see you. He says his name is Croslin.”
Young frowned. The name did not ring a bell, but he met so many people it was impossible to remember them all. “Do I know this Croslin?”
“No, but he insists you will want to hear what he has to say. He seems quite earnest.”
Young nodded. “I am a servant to all the people no matter their station. I can give him five minutes.”
Croslin was a tall man with thinning hair, gray at the temples. His skin was leathery from working in the sunshine. His clothing was simple but clean and neat. He did not quite meet Young’s gaze as he entered the office.
“Mister Croslin, how may I help you?” Young kept a smile on his face and tried to remain patient. He was a busy man.
Croslin clutched the brim of his hat tightly with both hands and looked down at the floor. He cleared his throat, swallowed hard.
“It has to do with gold, Mister President.”
Young frowned. His position on the search for gold, and the lust for wealth that came with it, was well known. “I hope you have not come to seek my blessing because I cannot give it. It is your soul I am concerned with.”
“No, it is nothing like that,” Croslin murmured. “I need guidance.”
“Tell me your problem and I will help if I can.”
“I was out searching for lost sheep. My search led me down into a canyon I had never seen before. There was a cave there and a strange symbol carved above the entrance. There was something about it...” Croslin looked up at the ceiling, searched for the right words. “Something told me I needed to find out what was inside. It was more than that. It was as if a force compelled me.”
Young nodded encouragingly.
“I had a lantern with me, so I went inside and began exploring. After a while, I saw something shiny in the distance. It was gold!”
“I thought this was not about gold mining.”
“No, sir Mister President. It was not a vein of gold. It was treasure, like a pirate’s horde or something. I could not imagine how it ended up in such a desolate place, much less deep in a cave.”
“Treasure?” Young frowned. This was unexpected.
Croslin nodded vigorously. “Gold coins and much more.” He described in detail what he had seen.”
“A treasure in the desert?”
“Yes, but that wasn’t the strangest thing about the cave.” Croslin looked away.
“Tell me,” Young said patiently. He could not deny, the man’s story piqued his interest. He had no use for gold, but such riches could potentially help the church. Perhaps this man was a messenger from God, and Young was preordained to find the treasure.
“You will think I am a madman, but I give you my word I am telling the truth.”
“I trust you. Go on.”
Croslin took a deep breath and continued his tale. As Young listened, a wave of dizziness swept over him. He felt as if he were floating. What the man described did sound mad, but he seemed sober and earnest. Young detected no prevarication. And what would someone gain from telling him this tale?
By the time Croslin finished, Young’s heart was beating like a snare drum. Invisible bands seemed to constrict around his chest, and he found it hard to breathe. The situation was much more serious than a shepherd discovering a vein of gold. It was critical that Young find Croslin’s gold—not for the treasure, but to protect the world from evil.
“Have you told anyone else this story?
Croslin frowned, shook his head. “I came directly to you.”
“Very good. Can you tell me how to get there?” Young asked.
“I think so. I noted the landmarks along the way.”
“Very good. Young took out a fresh sheet of paper. “You may begin by drawing a map.
Chapter 1
The white marble pyramid gleamed in the afternoon sun. Tall, graceful palm trees swayed against a periwinkle sky. Dane Maddock was a treasure hunter and had seen his share of pyramids. This one stood no more than twenty feet tall, with a stylized plinth above the doorway, where an ornate iron gate in the form of a Tree of Life barred entry to the mausoleum. Beyond it, the Hollywood Hills stood fuzzy in the afternoon haze.
“A cemetery? This is the ‘cool thing’ you had planned? Maddock, you have no idea how to vacation in LA.” Bones Bonebrake glared at the sky as if someone up there were at fault.
“Spenser is recording footage for her new streaming show. It shouldn’t take too long.” Dane Maddock was accustomed to Bones’ complaining. The two had served together in the SEALs and afterward partnered in a treasure hunting operation. “And it’s not just any cemetery. Lots of famous people are buried here.” One of the oldest cemeteries in California, Hollywood Forever was the final resting place of many notables including such stars as Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.
Bones gave Maddock a pitying shake of the head. “You do realize there are living celebrities right down the street.” He pointed at the top of the tree line. Partially obscured was a sign that read RAMPART STUDIOS. In the distance, the iconic Hollywood sign looked down on them.
“They wouldn’t let you onto the lot,” Maddock said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if they have better security than the Vatican.”
“Vatican security didn’t stop us.” Bones smiled at the memory, then he stopped short, eyes brimming with inspiration. It was a look that Maddock knew well, and it meant Bones was looking for trouble.
“I don’t want to hear it,” Maddock said.
“Listen, I’ve got an idea. While Spenser’s filming, how about you and I infiltrate the studio lot?”
“What for?”
“Why climb a mountain?” Bones gestured toward the Hollywood Hills. Because it’s there.”
“Bones, I just got arrested in Hawaii,” Maddock said. “And I am not in the mood to do it again any time soon.”
“Dude, you escaped from abductors and stole their stolen car. Wasn’t your fault.”
Maddock looked around for something to divert his friend’s current train of thought. He spotted a distinctive grave marker. “Check it out. Johnny Ramone’s tombstone.” The grave was marked by a granite slab topped by a sculpture of the rock icon.
“I suppose that’s worth a selfie.” Bones snapped a quick photo of himself beside the headstone. “Any other cool people lying around?”
They wandered the cemetery, visiting the gravesites of rockers Chris Cornell and Deedee Ramone, and several actors, including Rudolph Valentino and Burt Reynolds. They got a laugh at the catchphrase, “That’s all folks,” engraved on Bugs Bunny voice actor Mel Blanc’s headstone. They were wandering through a large mausoleum looking for more celebrity crypts when Bones came to a sudden stop.
