Embedded

The theatre -- Manahactanienk (island of many hills)
The story begins in 1674 as an approaching storm rapidly builds to hurricane force coursing havoc for the passengers and crew aboard ‘da Urchin’. Before the Dutch Fluyt could make the Strand to dock we’re thrust forward into contemporary New York where Gus Savvas third generation excavator and the story’s protagonist is overseeing the burial of his father Nick. “FUNERALS SUCK” is the consensus taken by two: Gus’ chum and NYU archeology professor Chase Warren and the books narrator Peter Stuyvesant.
Within days Gus and Chase are rummaging through the family’s attic only to find a crude drawing where the letters R C H are rendered into what seems to be a plank of wood. Several days later Chase pays a visit to the City Archives and meets up with Beth the department’s Assistant Manager. Together they stumble upon similar initials identifying a ship, ‘Da Urchin’ as one dating back to the mid-17th century and Peter Stuyvesant’s arrival in New Amsterdam. Later that day the ships manifest is found revealing the presence of gold bullion and minted coins as part of its cargo. The gold and coins were requisitioned by Stuyvesant to replenish the treasury so that improvements could be made to restore the colony and eliminate the horrid, squalid conditions he had inherited. Unbeknownst to either Beth or Chase, only the passengers made it ashore due to a mysterious explosion that sank the Urchin. Once that information surfaces a hunt is planned. (Historical fiction - 286 pages)