The Machine — Edward S. Baker

When a Ukrainian refugee's grandfather is brutally beaten and killed, private detective Bartholomew Jones is hired to find his killer. An unexpected package arrives, sent by the refugee's grandfather before his death. Its contents promise to shape the future of aviation, but they come with a warning: Beware of Maria Orsic. Alerted to the package, Russian mercenaries and a Mexican cartel have their own plans for its contents, thwarting Jones' efforts and causing him to question his loyalties. According to legend, Maria Orsic fled to the stars during WWII. If she truly has returned, Jones needs to find her to identify the murderer. But how do you solve a problem like Maria?