The Harlot's Cup | Part IV
The room was silent. Forging ahead, he pointed a remote at the projection computer and another image moved onto the screen. A stunningly beautiful woman in a short red skirt was standing in front of the entrance to a tunnel. A chorus of whistles erupted from the darkened classroom.
Sam leaned forward in his desk with a sensual groan, way too close to Amanda, who was seated in front of him. She reached back without looking and slapped him lightly on the face.
"Down, Rover."
Professor Tisdale tapped the podium with his pointer and grinned. "I thought this might awaken the carnivores in our class. This very lovely young lady is Michele Lafontaine, Ph.D., curator of the Museum of Tel Aviv. Now if the male half of the class can force themselves to look past Mademoiselle Lafontaine, they will notice that she stands at the entrance of one of several tunnels recently unearthed beneath the Jerusalem temple site.
“Although it has not been confirmed, many in the archaeological community believe that items of incredible historical significance have been discovered beneath the ancient temple mount. Dignitaries from around the world will be in attendance for the special museum exhibit where these new discoveries will be featured. For those of you fortunate enough to be making the Jerusalem trip with the class next month, you will undoubtedly see all of these marvels.”
Sam scribbled a note, folded it and dropped it over Amanda's left shoulder. The note landed in her lap and she ignored it. Her eyes were glued to the next photo of an exploratory submarine hovering over the sunken wreck of an ancient wooden cargo vessel.
Professor Tisdale's monotonous voice suddenly rose with child-like enthusiasm as he described the photo. "With the discovery of this ancient shipping route, we have proven beyond doubt that Roman merchant ships were regularly crossing the Mediterranean over 4,000 years ago! These ancient wrecks are revealing fascinating new data on a civilization we know precious little about."
Sam slipped his right sandal off and gently placed his foot on the back of Amanda's desk seat. He pinched her rump with his toes. She chirped and scooted forward in her seat. She shot an icy glare back at Sam, then resolutely unfolded the note and read it. He leaned forward whispering in her ear.
"Be there early and help us get ready."