Query: H.L. Durkin/MYSTERY AT THE KHAFRE PYRAMID 

(Adventure/ Adult Science Fiction – 47 Chapters; 53,320 words)

Arnold Fassbinder, the science fiction author and archaeologist, had pledged never to work again for Europe Geographica magazine or its joint venture Eurovision-Geographica. There was no question in his mind that the owner of the magazine had been working with the Russians in the ill-fated excavation of an ancient spaceship in Libya. Adam Claes, the CEO of Europe Geographica, had watched the popularity and profitability of his company decline since the Libyan excavation and he knew the only way to get performance back on track was to eliminate the Russian stink clinging to his organization. His plan: he would grossly overpay Fassbinder and his associate Peter Kraus to co-host a documentary that would explore the Mystery of the Khafre Pyramid in Egypt. They would say a few kind words about Claes and his organization and everyone would be happy. But there was another person seeking amends. In his case, he wanted to get financial support for the laborers who worked the Libyan excavation, were exposed to radioactivity and already some were suffering from cancers. What better way to raise money to help those laborers than to kidnap the two Americans and demand a large ransom?

 The kidnapping drew immediate international attention. Russia, Israel and the U.S. had their individual reasons for wanting to find and release the American hostages. When both the Russians and Americans arrive simultaneously to rescue Fassbinder and Kraus, it seems a re-enactment of the shooting at the OK Corral.