LAST ASSAULT ON OAK ISLAND 34

Chapter 34

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Lauren and Maruso arrived at the Palace of the Sun restaurant just as the ivory and alabaster shell clock was chiming seven. They found the table where Carlos and Rudy were seated with another elderly man in a casual suit.

"Is that one of the Neeleys?" Lauren asked Maruso as they approached the table.

"No," he said, "I've seen his picture before, but I don't remember his name."

The men at the table rose as Lauren and Maruso came up and Rudy made introductions. "Lauren Gates, Carlos' assistant at the Carnegie Museum of Antiquities. Captain Maruso. I'm pleased to say this is Walt Brooks, president of Mahone Bay Historical Society."

A few handshakes were made and Lauren and Maruso sat down with the men. Her eyes were on Carlos, trying to read his expression. All she came up with was honesty.

"Captain Maruso has been providing us with transportation from the beginning," Carlos told Brooks as the Asian waitress brought more menus. After she left, he continued. "Lauren, Captain, we've applied for leasing rights on Lots Eleven and Twelve from Otis Neeley and Seven through Ten from James, just in case. With the Yearbright operation bringing up the cache found at the Money Pit site, both brothers are eager to lease out to anyone interested. In fact, after Lucy's statement this afternoon, we heard all but a few of their leases have filed quit claims."