The Solomon Curse

“Not enough, obviously,” Sam said.

“We were a British protectorate for years and then the Japs invaded and took over the islands. Then the Yanks fought them off, only to hand us over to the Brits again after the war. We’ve been passed around like a pack of smokes at a rock concert, and, up until recently, nobody, including ourselves, thought that we might actually be entitled to self-determination rather than being somebody else’s possession.” He barked a humorless laugh. “Fat lot of good it’s done us. We might as well be destitute. We’re sitting on a fortune in natural resources and we can’t make a go of it. Saddest story you’ll ever hear.”

Vanya sighed, obviously having heard all this many times before. “Next, he’ll be railing about the gold mine.”

“So there’s still gold?” Remi asked.

“Of course there is. But you wouldn’t know it to look at us, would you? And as Vanya alluded to, people get frustrated at all the jockeying and ineptness, so they kick their administration out with regularity, so the mentality of most politicians is to grab what you can while you’re in office because chances are you won’t be much longer. It’s a vicious circle. One I’ve lived in the last twenty years.”

Vanya eyed the big man with a gentle gaze. “Orwen here is one of the last good ones. Don’t let him sour you on Guadalcanal. It’s got its share of problems, but it’s a beautiful place filled with warm-hearted people.”

Manchester drained his beer. “And crocodiles. Can’t forget them. Maybe we should let them have a turn at ru

The conversation stalled, and Vanya did her best to bring it back to center. “It’s confession time. I haven’t been completely honest with you two,” she said in a low voice.

“Really?” Remi said with arched eyebrows.

“Yes. I’m a bit of a research fanatic, and when I went home to change, I googled Sam and Remi Fargo. I suppose you know what I found.”

Sam looked sheepish. “Can’t believe everything you read on the web.”

“Perhaps.” She eyed Manchester. “Orwen, I’ll have you know you’re sitting with celebrities. Sam and Remi are renowned treasure hunters.”

Manchester’s face could have been carved from granite. “Treasure hunters?”

“A distortion the media loves. They sensationalize everything,” Remi explained. “We’ve been fortunate a few times in locating significant finds. Some of our archaeological projects have turned up some historically valuable items. But it’s not like we find treasure and keep it,” she said, frowning. “It goes to the rightful owners for charitable work and enrichment.”

“That’s right. It’s a case of man bites dog. Anything to sell papers,” Sam echoed.

“And modest as well as famous,” Vanya said. “The Fargos have discovered more hidden booty than anyone else on the planet, Orwen. Don’t let their humility fool you.”

Sam waved a hand. “Most people have better things to do than root around in old temples and the like. That’s a meaningless statistic,” he said. “It’s like having seen more ghosts than anyone. Doesn’t say much.”

“Where did you say you were diving?” Manchester asked, his tone polite but with a hint of frost to it.

Remi smiled megawatts at him. “We didn’t. It’s our friend’s expedition, so not ours to talk about. But I can assure you there’s no treasure involved.”

His eyes narrowed. “It’s a small island. I’m sure everyone’s already talking about the attack. Secrets like that don’t stay that way very long around here.”

“Probably, but we have to respect our friend’s wishes. He’s an academic and these kinds of things are important to him. Bragging rights,” she said.

Manchester nodded. “I completely understand. I just thought that perhaps I could be of service if you need any help with permits or that sort of thing.”

Remi gave a polite yawn behind her hand, and Vanya took the hint and gestured for the check. When it came, Sam snatched it from the waiter’s hand before she could reach it. “Please. Let us buy di

Vanya’s eyes flashed, but she smiled. “That’s very generous. Hopefully, that generosity will extend to helping my people.”

“Hell, if I’d known someone else was buying, I’d have drunk more!” Manchester declared with a guffaw.

Vanya dropped Sam and Remi off at the hotel with a promise to e-mail them the clinic plan and they in turn said they’d stop by the hospital soon to check on the injured worker.

“Manchester’s a character, isn’t he?” Sam said as they shouldered their way through the door under the vigilant gaze of the desk clerk.

“That’s an understatement. He seems angry, doesn’t he? Not that far below the surface. Resentful.”

“I can’t blame him. Sounds like he’s fighting a thankless battle and losing two steps for every one he gains.”

“Assuming he’s telling the whole truth. He didn’t strike me as suffering too badly.”

CHAPTER 7

When Leonid picked Sam and Remi up, two ratty dive suits and well-used rigs lay in the back of the SUV. The Russian looked like he’d had a hard night, his eyes red and two days of salt-and-pepper stubble dusting his jaw.

“Good morning, sunshine,” Sam said as he studied his friend’s profile. “You lose a round to the local rum?”

Leonid smiled ruefully. “Don’t ask.”

“Were you able to get another crew?”

“I guess we’ll see when we get out to the bay. I had to pay double what it cost yesterday, but I think they’ll show up.”

Sam checked his watch and pulled the satellite phone from his backpack as they made their way out of town. Selma answered after two rings, her tone businesslike.

“Good morning, Selma,” he began.

“Afternoon. Six hours effective time difference. Although technically it’s tomorrow there, so it’s actually eighteen hours.”

“That’s right. Good to know.” He paused. “Any luck locating a ship?”

“We were fortunate. There’s a boat on its way from Australia, although it won’t be there for a few days, weather allowing. A hundred-foot expedition yacht that barely makes twelve knots.”

“That’s wonderful news, Selma.”

“It was doing research on the Great Barrier Reef when I convinced the institute that owns and operates it to make a little side trip.”

“Quite a side trip.”

“What’s a thousand miles each way between friends? Needless to say, the foundation will be making another generous donation this month.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“How are you faring on Guadalcanal? I hear it’s about as exciting as watching ice melt.”

He told her about the crocodile attack. When he was finished, she was silent for several moments.

“That’s terrible. Why don’t you two ever pick someplace safe to go?”

“I keep trying to convince Remi to let me retire, but she’s a slave driver,” Sam said, stealing a glance at his wife in the rearview mirror. She glared at him and shook her head in disapproval.

“It will be three more days before the ship gets there, so you’ll have to find other ways to amuse yourself in the meantime. Do try to keep away from the man-eaters. Besides the crocodiles, they have plenty of great white sharks there, too.”

“That’s good to know. Keeps us on our toes.”

When he hung up, Remi leaned forward as they bounced down the road. “Well?”

“Selma says hello. Said to practice your shark punching, too.”

Her eyes widened. “No.”

“Yes. Apparently, she’s been researching the area, and there are great whites in addition to the other local attractions.”

“And we’re going diving today?”

Sam shrugged. “Nobody lives forever.”

Remi glared at Leonid. “Tell me again why we agreed to fly halfway around the world to do this?”