Lake of Bones: James Acton Thrillers, #32

By J. Robert Kennedy

"James Acton: A little bit of Jack Bauer and Indiana Jones!"

*** FROM USA TODAY & MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR J. ROBERT KENNEDY ***

WOULD YOU SACRIFICE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER KNOWN TO LIVE IN PEACE?

Almost 800 years ago, a group of families flee the oppression of the Church, following a charismatic leader on a pilgrimage to what he has promised is a realm far to the east where they can live in peace, free to worship as they please.

 

But as they near their destination, something goes horribly wrong.

 

And when Archaeology Professor James Acton is invited to India by a US Senator to attend the opening of a new state-of-the-art communications facility near the Chinese border, he is eager to accept when he is informed of his true purpose—to act as guide to the senator, an archaeology buff who intends to visit the nearby Lake of Bones, an unsolved mystery that has baffled scientists for decades.

 

But as the communications facility opens, Acton and his friends are thrust into the middle of a conflict between India and China, and are soon in a fight for their lives.

 

In Lake of Bones, award winning USA Today and million copy bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy once again mixes history and current events, taking the reader on a tension-filled thrill-ride, sure to leave you on the edge of your seat until the last page. If you enjoy fast-paced adventures in the style of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins, then you'll love this thrilling tale of intrigue.

Get your copy of Lake of Bones today, and discover the truth behind a mystery that has stumped archaeologists for years…

About the James Acton Thrillers:

★★★★★ "James Acton: A little bit of Jack Bauer and Indiana Jones!"

Though this book is part of the James Acton Thrillers series, it is written as a standalone novel and can be enjoyed without having read any other installments.

★★★★★ "Non-stop action that is impossible to put down."

The James Acton Thrillers series and its spin-offs, the Special Agent Dylan Kane Thrillers and the Delta Force Unleashed Thrillers, have sold over one million copies. If you love non-stop action and intrigue with a healthy dose of humor, try James Acton today!

★★★★★ "A great blend of history and current headlines."

• Language: English
• Publisher: UnderMill Press
• Release date: Jan 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201128081

J. Robert Kennedy

With millions of books sold, award-winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has been ranked by Amazon as the #1 Bestselling Action Adventure novelist based upon combined sales. He is a full-time writer and the author of over seventy international bestsellers including the smash hit James Acton Thrillers.

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Award winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has sold over one million books, and is now giving some away for free! Join The Insider’s Club to be notified when new books are released, and as a thank you, get his 5 book Starter Library for free along with other bonus materials available nowhere else!

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BOOKS BY J. ROBERT KENNEDY

Please click here for the intended reading order.

* Also available in audio

The Templar Detective Thrillers

The Templar Detective

The Templar Detective and the Parisian Adulteress

The Templar Detective and the Sergeant's Secret

The Templar Detective and the Unholy Exorcist

The Templar Detective and the Code Breaker

The Templar Detective and the Black Scourge

The Templar Detective and the Lost Children

The James Acton Thrillers

The Protocol *

Brass Monkey *

Broken Dove

The Templar’s Relic

Flags of Sin

The Arab Fall

The Circle of Eight

The Venice Code

Pompeii’s Ghosts

Amazon Burning

The Riddle

Blood Relics

Sins of the Titanic

Saint Peter’s Soldiers

The Thirteenth Legion

Raging Sun

Wages of Sin

Wrath of the Gods

The Templar’s Revenge

The Nazi’s Engineer

Atlantis Lost

The Cylon Curse

The Viking Deception

Keepers of the Lost Ark

The Tomb of Genghis Khan

The Manila Deception

The Fourth Bible

Embassy of the Empire

Armageddon

No Good Deed

The Last Soviet

Lake of Bones

Fatal Reunion

The Special Agent Dylan Kane Thrillers

Rogue Operator *

Containment Failure *

Cold Warriors *

Death to America

Black Widow

The Agenda

Retribution

State Sanctioned

Extraordinary Rendition

Red Eagle

The Messenger

The Delta Force Unleashed Thrillers

Payback

Infidels

The Lazarus Moment

Kill Chain

Forgotten

The Cuban Incident

Rampage

Inside the Wire

The Detective Shakespeare Mysteries

Depraved Difference

Tick Tock

The Redeemer

The Kriminalinspektor Wolfgang Vogel Mysteries

The Colonel’s Wife

Sins of the Child

Zander Varga, Vampire Detective Series

The Turned

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

The Novel

Preface

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

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Acknowledgments

Sample of Next Book

Don't Miss Out!

Thank You!

About the Author

Also by the Author

For Jim Dunn, a good friend to the family.

You will be missed.

Our country has never bowed down and will never bow down to any world power.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a border clash between Indian and Chinese troops

July 3, 2020

Over the past year-and-a-half, the India-China bilateral relationship has deteriorated like never before and it will continue to deteriorate further. So the country has to be prepared for the change that is coming.

Gautam Bambawale, former Indian Ambassador to China

October 2021

PREFACE

On June 15, 2020, an outrageous border incident occurred where Chinese and Indian troops were involved in a melee near the Galwan River. No shots were fired, however reports indicate Chinese troops that had previously crossed the border, set upon an Indian patrol with iron rods, clubs, and batons wrapped in barbed wire. The hand-to-hand combat took place in the pitch dark and lasted over six hours before reinforcements arrived from the Indian side. The battle eventually involved over 600 soldiers, some of whom were tossed in the fast-flowing river, leading to their deaths.

The final toll is disputed, however it is believed the Chinese lost 43 troops and the Indians 20. Prisoners were taken by both sides, though were quickly released after de-escalation meetings.

This was all triggered by the Indians building a road on their side of the border, in undisputed land, likely because it would allow the Indians to respond quickly to any Chinese incursions. Over the decades, there have been many incidents in this region, including all-out war. The area is a powder keg waiting for one more match to be struck, and the belligerent Chinese show no signs of backing down.

China is challenging the world not only in this region, but in the South China Sea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more. Eventually, they will cross a line that the nations of the world cannot ignore, when China overreacts to yet another threat perceived only by themselves.

Perhaps today is that day.

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Indian Army Northern Command Communications Center

Uttarakhand, India

Present Day

Interpol Agent Hugh Reading gripped Laura Palmer’s hand as they rushed down the steps. An alarm blared behind them indicating what they had feared had now begun. War had broken out, and everyone inside the new state-of-the-art communications facility built on the Indian side of the border with China, only had minutes to live. The man he was proud to call one of his best friends, if not his best friend, hailed them as he rushed from another door. James Acton was probably the bravest man he had ever met, and his wife Laura by far the bravest woman. They were the best of people, and he had to save them somehow.

His eyes scanned for a solution. The parking lot was overflowing with vehicles, both military and civilian, here for the opening ceremony. Acton had gone to find their driver but had returned alone, which meant he had been unsuccessful, and if Chinese cruise missiles were inbound, there was no time to find another vehicle. They would have to make a run for it, though there was no way he’d be fast enough.

He wasn’t surviving this, but his younger friends still could.

He continued to search for a solution as his friends talked, then another problem introduced itself as the first of the guests inside rushed through the doors in a panic, racing toward the parked cars.

Can we get far enough away on foot? asked Laura.

Reading shook his head. I can’t, but you two might be able to. He grabbed them each by the arm, hugging them hard, then pointed toward the gate as he struggled to control his emotions. Go now. Don’t waste a moment. I’ll try to get us a vehicle and pick you up.

Bullshit to that! protested his friend. If you think for a second―

Look! Laura pointed at the roof and they all turned to see Senator Simmons’ chopper lifting off before banking away from the facility. Thank God, Tommy and Mai are safe.

Reading pushed the two of them away. And now it’s time for you two to get safe. That’s an order. Don’t let your stubbornness get you killed. You sacrificed your seats to save them. Let me sacrifice myself to save you. Now go!

Laura sobbed and grabbed him, holding him tight as Acton stared into his eyes, the pain his friend held back speaking volumes. Reading reached out and squeezed his friend’s shoulder, his heart aching with the knowledge he would never see them or anyone he loved again.

Tell Spencer I love him. His voice cracked at the mention of his son, and Acton gripped his hand.

You can count on it. Acton pointed at the parking lot. Steal a car if you have to. I expect to see you soon.

Reading watched as his friends sprinted down the road toward the gates. He wasn’t certain what the blast radius would be nor how many missiles the Chinese might send at the complex, mostly buried inside the side of the mountain, but if they ran quickly, they stood a chance of surviving. Civilians in formal attire here for the opening ceremony rushed past him and he ignored them, instead beginning a slow walk toward the gate, never feeling so old as he did now.

Five years ago, he would have been running with his friends, but not anymore. His joints were too stiff, his muscles too sore, his Interpol desk job he had been relegated to after a long proud career at Scotland Yard, had killed him in a way he had never expected. At least the Chinese were putting him out of his misery. His only regret was that he wouldn’t get a chance to say goodbye to his son, but at least he’d die knowing the others had survived.

Acton and Laura were nearing the gate now, and the helicopter carrying their young friends, Tommy and Mai, along with Senator Simmons who had got them into this mess, was almost out of sight. He stared at the lone chopper then scanned the skies for the second one that had been promised for him and the others.

And found nothing.

A massive explosion tore through the air. He spun to hear Laura scream and his jaw dropped at the sight of the helicopter carrying the oh-so innocent Tommy and Mai fall from the sky. He collapsed to his knees, his shoulders slumping as he lost all will to live, and begged God for the Chinese missiles to end his sorrow.

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Outside Esztergom, Kingdom of Hungary

AD 1252

"Your mother was a heretic. The price for her entry into the Kingdom of Heaven will be steep."

Oldamur stared at Father Tamas. The man was new, not here a year, a replacement sent by Rome after the death of the village priest, the only man who had ever tended to Oldamur’s religious needs. Father Miklos had been a good man, a caring man, a man who attended every birth, who conducted every funeral, every baptism, who knew every name in their small community.

But Tamas was different. While he couldn’t expect to have the history, he didn’t conduct himself in a manner Oldamur felt was required by a priest. Tamas showed no interest in learning their names, was gruff, and made no effort to proactively tend to the needs of his flock. He seemed more concerned with the tithe collection each Sunday, making it a point to mention whenever the previous week’s donations were light.

Murmurs around the village among those who would dare gossip about their religious leader suggested others had noticed what he had—their new priest sent from Rome was more obsessed with money than with the spiritual wellbeing of those he was responsible for.

And this latest statement removed all doubt.

"She was not a heretic," he replied through clenched teeth.

I don’t recall seeing your mother at church in the entire time I’ve been here. And in speaking with others, they’ve informed me that she never attended services. If that’s the case, then she hasn’t confessed her sins, therefore she now suffers in purgatory, waiting for her family to attend to the matter.

Oldamur growled, pulling at his hair as he spun, his back now facing the frustrating man. He held his breath, calming himself lest he say something truly egregious. He exhaled. Ask anyone in the village. My mother was a God-fearing woman, the kindest soul you could ever hope to meet.

If she was a God-fearing woman, then why did she not attend church?

Oldamur turned to face the rotund man, who likely hadn’t put in a hard day’s work in his entire life. When she was a little girl, her father died helping build this very church. Coming here was simply too painful, so she and my aunts and uncles vowed never to set foot inside, and instead worshipped in their own way.

Tamas’ eyebrows rose and he leaned forward on his desk, reaching for his pen and ink. And the names of these aunts and uncles?

Oldamur bristled. Are irrelevant to this discussion as they are already dead.

Then they too suffer in purgatory. Give me their names and I’ll speak with their families to absolve them of their sins committed while they were alive.

We’re here to discuss my mother. You had one of your altar boys fetch me from the farm indicating it involved my mother’s soul. Now you tell me a fee must be paid to the Church for you to grant an indulgence to forgive her for sins I’m certain God would have already forgiven her for, considering how minor they were.

Sin is sin. And who are you to judge what God considers minor?

Oldamur sighed. There was no point arguing the matter with the man. The Church said his mother was condemned, perhaps for eternity, to suffer in a state of purgatory, but there was the possibility he could free her from such a horror and gain her entry into Heaven if he purchased an indulgence. If there were a chance to save her, then it was his responsibility to do so, for Tamas was right—how could he know what God wanted? He was just a man who had lost his mother, and the spiritual guidance being given to him, no matter how he felt about the man providing it, was nothing he hadn’t heard before.

He closed his eyes. How much? How much will it take to ensure my mother gains entry into Heaven?

I’ve already prepared the indulgence. All it requires is my signature, and your mother’s soul will be unburdened. I fear, however, the price will be steep.

When Oldamur heard the amount, he collapsed.

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The Oval Office, The White House

Washington, D.C.

Present Day, Three Days Earlier

"Pardon my French, sir, but frankly, the Chinese are going apeshit over this."

The president grunted at Leif Morrison’s assessment. The National Clandestine Service Chief of the CIA was an uncommonly blunt man, and Senator Joseph Simmons liked him for that very reason. The president’s inner circle couched their advice in political terms, which far too often made a serious situation appear not so much so. There was no risk of that when Morrison was in the room—he could always be counted on to give the straight dirt.

The president turned to him. Well, what do you think, Joe? Are the Chinese going ‘apeshit’ like Leif says? Air quotes were delivered.

Simmons chuckled. They are, sir. The question is whether it’s for domestic consumption or if they actually mean to follow through. They are claiming the construction of the communications facility is a hostile act.

It is, said Morrison. If you believe the best offense is a good defense.

The president regarded him. Isn’t it usually the other way around?

Morrison shrugged. In my experience, it goes either way. Mr. President, we knew this was going to piss the Chinese off. Everything pisses the Chinese off, and if we continually give in to them, they’ll quickly dominate the region. They have to be shown that what happens outside their borders is beyond their control. India setting up a communications facility near a border the Chinese have crossed on multiple occasions is only provocative because the Chinese choose to view it that way. The Indians have a right to secure their borders, and that facility will provide them with far superior communications capabilities in the region than they currently have. The Chinese don’t like that if they did choose to invade, every corner of India would know immediately, negating some of the advantages they now have. It’s too easy for them to jam communications under the current setup. This facility addresses that gap in their infrastructure. It’s no different than the three centers the Chinese have on their side of the border.

An eyebrow shot up the president’s forehead. Three?

Morrison shrugged. Redundancies. Should the Indians take out one or two, they’ll still have communications capability.

And the Indians are only opening one?

The Chinese build under the presumption of war. Most of its neighbors don’t.

Perhaps they should, muttered Simmons.

What was that, Joe?

Simmons sighed. I’m just so sick and tired of pussyfooting around the Chinese and the Russians. When the Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union, everyone kept talking about a peace dividend. The problem is, we’ve never had peace since. Instead of worrying about the Soviets, we had to contend with militant Islam, and now the Russians are almost as bad as they ever were, and the Chinese are far worse. God help us all if they can create an economy that can be sustained at current levels without Western consumers. They plan long term, and their intention is to control the world, not the small patch they currently have. This communications installation is of little importance strategically, but in their eyes, it’s another domino that can’t be allowed to fall.

The president pursed his lips and leaned back in his chair. Then what would you propose?

Morrison chimed in first. I think we need to fly the flag.

Simmons eyed him. Fly the flag?

Send someone there for the opening, someone high profile. The Chinese wouldn’t dare take out the facility if an American delegation was there.

The president’s head bobbed slowly. I like the idea. But only a small delegation. We don’t want to make it look like we’re supporting them militarily by hogging the spotlight. Somebody important enough, though, that the Chinese would think twice before interfering.

Simmons liked the idea. Did you have anybody in mind, Mr. President?

He was answered with a broad smile. How about yourself?

Simmons’ eyes shot wide. It hadn’t occurred to me, sir.

You’re the perfect choice. You’re familiar with the file. You’re a senator from the great state of Maryland. And most of all, I’ve known you for over twenty years. You’re level-headed, and if the shit does hit the fan, as Leif might say, you’ve got fifteen years of military service under your belt.

So, if the Chinese do decide to engage, you expect me to head them off singlehandedly?

Everyone in the room laughed, including the Secretary of State, Daniel Hanks. GI Joe. America’s greatest hero.

Simmons shrugged. Better than America’s greatest zero, I suppose.

When does this facility open again? asked the president.

Three days.

The president rose, followed immediately by the room. Then, Senator, I do believe you and your wife have some packing to do.

Simmons bowed his head slightly, quickly formulating an excuse to keep his wife from harm’s way. Looking forward to doing my part, Mr. President. Unfortunately, my wife won’t be able to attend as she’s recovering from the flu.

Understood. Send her my best.

I will, sir. Thank you.

The room quickly emptied, and as Simmons headed to meet his driver, Morrison caught up to him. I wonder if I might offer you a ride back to your office.

Simmons didn’t bother letting the man know his own ride was waiting outside. Morrison only invited you into his car if he wanted to say something he didn’t want overheard. Thanks, that would be great.

Moments later, they were in the back of Morrison’s car with the privacy shield up, though Simmons had little doubt the driver could be trusted implicitly.

What did you want to talk to me about, Leif?

The little excursion I have no doubt you’re already planning.

Simmons’ eyebrows shot up. Excuse me?

Every trip you go on, you take a side trip, either before or after.

Yes, I suppose I do, depending on where I am. I am a bit of a―

Archaeology buff, interrupted Morrison. Yes, we’re all aware of it. This time, I highly recommend you reconsider.

Simmons regarded him. Why? Do you really think the Chinese are going to try anything?

I can’t say, but you heard the report this morning. The Chinese have amassed almost 200,000 troops at the border.

But that’s just saber-rattling.

"It could be, and I hope it is. Do I think the Chinese will invade and try to take India? Of course not. I don’t even believe they’ll invade and attempt to hold any territory. Much of what the Chinese do is for optics. If I were them, I would pour