Crypt of Bone

Chapter 3

3

Oxford, England. 7.38am

Morgan sat in the window seat of her tiny Jericho house, muscles aching from the run. The alcove had been one of the reasons she had bought the two up, two down terraced house between Ruskin College and the imposing stonework of the Oxford University Press. It was a sun-trap for a tiny part of the day and in the long, drawn out English winters she needed that glimmer of hope. It was a long way from her Tel Aviv apartment with Elian where they had embraced the pulse of the city, spending balmy nights dancing after long days of work researching military psychology. After Elian’s death, she had sold the apartment and now had little desire to be in loud places but she still needed the sun.

This house was her retreat from the mad world of academic Oxford and she barricaded herself in with books and journals. She filled her time with exercise and excess work, a formula to forget what she had lost. A soft meow broke into her thoughts and Morgan patted her lap for the cat to jump up. She had started feeding the little stray and over time it had adopted her. Morgan had named her Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, wisdom and courage which seemed like a good omen when she started to work at Oxford University. The little grey tabby rarely came for a cuddle, being as independent as her mistress. But today she seemed determined to collect her rightful portion of love and Morgan was glad of the company.

The storm had cleared and the sun was out, illuminating a cleaner earth after the rain. Morgan stroked Shmi, her hand scratching behind the cat’s ears as she drank her thick black coffee, a Mediterranean addiction. The British just didn’t know how to make it properly, they drowned the bitterness in milk.

For a moment, it seemed as if she could just rest here, happy and at peace like the cat curled in her lap. But that’s just not me, Morgan thought. I want more than this. Peace is only appreciated as a calm between the adventures.

Morgan flipped open her laptop.

One of her daily rituals was to check the news in Israel. With the threat of war from different sides each week, she liked to keep an eye on her old home. She also stayed up to date with the latest in psychological research and religious issues. But before she could flick to the Middle East section, one of the scrolling videos caught her eye with an ambitious headline, ‘Global mental health achievable by 2020’.

It was a piece on the biotech company Zoebios. Morgan recognized the name as an amalgamation of the Greek words ‘zoe’, meaning eternal life, and ‘bios’, used more to mean temporal, physical life. She clicked the video and it streamed a press conference with the CEO, Milan Noble. He was a stunning man, exuding charisma even from the tiny screen, more movie star than corporate suit. He stood a head taller than the sea of journalists, with cropped hair and chiseled jaw. His eyes danced with passion as he described his latest project.

“Zoebios has expanded into China, India and sub-Saharan Africa in the last two years. We are now the largest provider of primary health care for family planning, pregnancy and birth in Europe and the United States. Our research into early life development has raised the bar on child care models throughout the world. Through education of women, we are lowering birth rates and improving life expectancy across the globe.”

The screen changed to show images of Zoebios facilities with multi-cultural doctors, happy mothers and healthy bouncing babies. As Milan Noble continued, Morgan noticed a trace of Eastern European in his cultured accent.

“But my vision for an improved human race goes far beyond physical health,” he said. “Mental health problems are destroying lives, with increasing numbers of people on medication just to get through the day.” He paused for dramatic effect. “But there is a way to tackle depression and anxiety without drugs. The trials we have run in multiple countries have been successful and we are now releasing this methodology to the wider public free of charge. You have trusted Zoebios with your children and the results speak for themselves, now trust us with your own health. You can register for information packs at our website. Thank you.”

As journalists clamored to ask more questions, the camera faded to show the Zoebios logo, an unfurling shoot of new life, and the company website address. Morgan was intrigued, since depression and anxiety were now the most common mental health issues, causing untold suffering to many and costing millions in healthcare. If Zoebios had a non-invasive, non-drug related treatment, it would be phenomenally successful and she was interested in reading more about their research. She clicked the link to have a look at their site just as her cellphone rang.

“Morgan, it’s Di.”

Morgan’s face broke into a genuine smile at her old friend’s voice. Dinah had been her room-mate and best friend in Israel but their busy lives meant they didn’t talk as much as they both wanted to. Yet when they spoke it was as if time melted away. The memories they shared made a lifetime bond, and they owed each other much for the times of support and friendship.

“Thank goodness you’re there,” Dinah continued. “I need your help with something.”

“Are you ok? You sound upset, what is it?”

There was a pause as if her friend didn’t know how to start.

“It’s Ezra. There’s something strange going on. We’ve had two suicides and I can’t understand why. There’s no one else I trust here, Morgan, and certainly no one with your experience. You know how well we work together. Any chance you can come to Jerusalem?”

Morgan smiled to herself. Be careful what you wish for, she thought.

“It just so happens that I might have a space in my schedule. When do you need me?”

“As soon as you can get here.”

“Of course. It might be time for a little trip home anyway. I miss you Di. It’s been too long, and we have so much to catch up on. I can get a flight late tonight so I should be with you by breakfast.”

“You’re a blessing, Morgan. I can’t wait to see you. You’re going to find this disturbing but fascinating. See you tomorrow.”

Morgan hung up the phone and headed to the bedroom to pack, excited at the chance to be involved in a new mystery.

She caught sight of the photo on the mantelpiece and paused to pick it up. Her own smiling face looked out, along with her twin sister Faye, and Gemma, her two year old niece. She and Faye both had cobalt blue eyes with a curious s***h of violet, Morgan’s in the right eye and Faye’s in the left. But the physical resemblance ended there and their personalities couldn’t have been more different, just like their parents.

Born on the cusp of Aquarius and Pisces, Morgan’s independence had pushed her into the world first. Their parents’ bitter separation meant they had grown up separately but Morgan felt that finally they were getting to know each other. She knew she would do anything for Gemma. The events of Pentecost had threatened all of their lives and Morgan wouldn’t risk that again.

This next step would be hers alone.