# Map of Bones

Map of Bones is the second novel by James Rollins, the second book in the Sigma Force continuing series about counter-terrorism, research, and covert operations. The novel begins with a magi brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child; their bones may bring destruction to the world if they are allowed to remain in the hands of the thieves who stole them.

## Plot

The story begins Commander Gray Pierce, a man forged in the fires of countless covert operations, stood in the shadow of St. Peter's Basilica, a silent observer of the Vatican City's intricate dance of power. His mission: to uncover the truth behind the whispered rumors of a secret society, a hidden brotherhood known only as "The Eight Ball." His allies: Painter Crowe, a master of disguise and infiltration, Vigor Verona, a ruthless information broker, and his daughter, Rachel, a gifted cryptographer. Gray met with Monk Kokkalis, a reclusive scholar rumored to hold the key to the brotherhood's secrets. His words, delivered in a hushed tone, were cryptic and chilling: The Eight Ball seeks to awaken a power long buried, a force that could reshape the world. To find them, you must follow the echoes of the past, the whispers of the dead.
Gray and his team set their sights on the Scavi, the catacombs beneath the Vatican. Armed with a cryptic map and a growing sense of urgency, they ventured into the labyrinthine corridors, the air thick with the weight of history. Rachel, her nimble fingers dancing across ancient scrolls, deciphered cryptic symbols, revealing a hidden chamber deep within the catacombs. The bones will roll, revealing the path, the message read, a chilling reminder of the stakes involved. Gray, his instincts screaming, felt a growing unease. The bones held a secret, but who would dare disturb the slumber of the dead?
The trail led them to the blazing on a sun of Alexandria, Egypt. Here, the whispers of the past grew louder, the secrets of the Eight Ball echoing through the sands of time. Painter Crowe, disguised as a local merchant, infiltrated the shadowed corridors of the ancient city, seeking a link to their elusive target. A coded message, delivered in a tattered scroll, led them to the Sphinx, a silent guardian standing sentinel over the mysteries of the past. "Blood in the water," the riddle read, a cryptic warning that sent shivers down their spines.
From the scorching sands of Egypt, the scent of danger led them to the heart of Europe, to the gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral. There, they found the ruins of an ancient labyrinth, a Daedalus maze that whispered of forgotten rituals and forbidden knowledge, but the charged with the weight of secrets hidden for centuries. Kat Bryant, a brilliant tech specialist, joined their ranks, her expertise in deciphering ancient technology proving invaluable. Together, they navigated the maze, searching for the Gold Key – a legendary artifact that held the key to unlocking the Eight Ball's hidden agenda.
The journey was fraught with peril, each step forward a dance with death. Gray meets Painter, ever vigilant, knew that the Eight Ball would stop at nothing to protect their secrets. He knew that only by facing the shadows, by unraveling the mysteries of the past, could they hope to stop their sinister ambitions. The final pieces of the puzzle fell into place, Gray realized the truth was more terrifying, more profound, than he ever imagined. The Eight Ball was not a simple organization, but a force that had been manipulating the world from the shadows for centuries. Their quest for power had taken them down a dangerous path, a path that threatened to plunge the world into chaos. And Gray Pierce, a man who had seen countless battles, knew that the fight was just beginning.

## Characters

* Grayson "Gray" Pierce: Returning from the events of Sandstorm, Gray finds himself at the center of a new conspiracy when a group of rogue commandos steals the bones of the Magi, unleashing a deadly plague upon the world. Gray must track down the thieves and stop the outbreak before it's too late.
* Painter Crowe: Painter oversees the Sigma Force's efforts to contain the plague and uncover the truth behind the theft. His unique abilities and scientific knowledge prove vital in the race against time.
* Vigor Verona: A charismatic and resourceful priest, Vigor becomes entangled in the mystery when his Vatican employer is murdered. He joins forces with Gray to track down the thieves and save the world from the plague.
* Rachel Verona: Vigor's niece and an accomplished art historian, Rachel's knowledge of the Magi is crucial in unraveling the mystery. She and Gray develop a close bond as they navigate the treacherous landscape of the conspiracy.
* Monk Kokkalis: A skilled Sigma operative, Monk provides comic relief and technical expertise as he assists Gray and Vigor in their mission. His prosthetic hands, which he replaces with various gadgets, make him a valuable asset.
* Kat Bryant: A brilliant geneticist, Kat works to understand and contain the plague. Her scientific knowledge is instrumental in finding a cure before the outbreak spreads globally.
* Seichan: A deadly assassin with ties to the thieves, Seichan becomes a formidable foe as Gray and his allies race to stop the plague. Her true loyalties remain ambiguous, adding an element of uncertainty to the story.