The Solomon Curse

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Remi said.

“He is an adult male,” Sam said.

“Who almost got himself killed.”

Leonid snorted. “I wasn’t watching where I was going. Believe me, that won’t happen again.”

Remi shook her head, exasperated. “Fine. I’m not going to fight you on this. But if you slow us down, we’ll leave you to the crocodiles.”

“I hear they can smell blood a mile away,” Lazlo chipped in.

“Then it’s decided. What time do we leave?” Leonid asked.

“To be determined. Probably early,” Sam said.

“I’ll be ready.”

Remi stood and looked to Sam. “We going to deal with the tow truck?”

Sam sighed. “I suppose we have to, don’t we?” He glanced at Lazlo. “Can you keep our Russian friend here entertained for a few hours?”

“I think that’s within my considerable abilities,” Lazlo replied with a mischievous grin.

The trip to the rental car agency was as painful as they had expected. The owner of the lot was considerably agitated by the report that one of his prize vehicles was stuck in the middle of the rain forest with four flat tires.

After dealing with that chore, they headed over to the hospital, hoping to find Vanya. When they entered the now-familiar building, she was behind the reception counter, talking to the attendant, the waiting area empty.

“Well, hello! What brings you here?” she asked, smiling as she rounded the counter to greet them.

“We were just in the neighborhood.”

“I was looking over yesterday’s entries and I saw that you brought in your colleague. Dr. Berry left comprehensive notes.”

“Yes. He had a hiking mishap,” Remi said.

“Those happen all the time around here. I’m glad it was relatively benign. You should stick to the trails—the island can be dangerous. Where was he hiking?”

“Over on the other side of the island,” Remi replied vaguely.

“That can be especially challenging.”

“So we learned,” Sam agreed. “Listen, Dr. Vanya, we wanted to talk to you about something. Do you have a minute?”

“Of course. Fortunately, it’s a slow day. Although that can change at any time.” She motioned to the seats. “What can I help you with?”

They all sat, and Sam lowered his voice. “I remember you discussing that woman’s missing child the other day.”

“Ah, yes. The runaway. Always sad for the parents.”

“It sounded as though there have been others.”

“Constantly. All part of growing up and wanting to escape, I suppose.”

“Do you have any idea how many?”

She shook her head. “Not really. I’m a physician, not a social worker.” Her tone softened. “That sounds harsh, and I don’t mean it to be. What I meant is that I confine my activities to health care because otherwise there aren’t enough hours in the day. It’s a matter of priorities.”

Remi nodded. “I understand. We’re just trying to get an idea how many children have gone missing.”

Vanya’s eyes narrowed. “Put that way, it sounds sinister. What are you getting at? Do you suspect foul play?”

Sam leaned back. “Oh, no, nothing like that. We were just talking to some of the locals and it came up. Since we’re going to be funding the clinics, we’re trying to learn as much about the islands as possible while we’re here and we want to understand if there’s a dynamic we’re missing. That’s all.”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you. As I said, whenever a child runs off, the parent is sure it’s not what it obviously is. You can always check with the police. I’m sure they would know more than I do.”

“Of course. We just don’t have a contact there and it seems like they have their hands full with the social unrest of late . . . and the rebels . . .” Remi said.

Vanya rose. “The chief is named Fleming. If you like, I can make a call and let him know you’ll be stopping by. Although I have to warn you that he can be quite territorial.”

Sam and Remi stood as well and they all shook hands. “Any help you can offer, we’d appreciate.”

“I’ll make the call. No promises he can help, but, for my new patrons, nothing is out of the question,” Vanya said with a bright smile.

Heat waves distorted the surface of the parking lot as Sam and Remi trudged back to the Mitsubishi. Remi took Sam’s hand and sighed. “That didn’t tell us much, did it?”

“Not really. Think we’ll have any success with the cops?”

“Based on the lightning results we’ve seen to date on the theft investigation, much less being run off the road and shot at? Mmm . . . no.”

“I was afraid you’d say that. What’s our alternative?”

“Lunch.”

They had fresh fish at a simple waterfront restaurant that was packed with locals. The tables were plastic, the napkins paper, and the fresh yellowfin tuna seared to perfection and heaped on their plates. When they were done, Remi pushed back from the table. “Why don’t we see if Manchester knows anything more? He always seems willing to talk.”

“Assuming he’s not busy ru

Fortunately for them, the politician was free and welcomed them into his office like they were long-lost relatives.

“Isn’t this a lovely surprise. How’s the marine archaeology going?” he boomed at them.

“Slow, but we’re making progress,” Remi said. “We were hoping you could elaborate on something you said the other day—about the missing children?”

“Did I say something about that? I don’t recall,” Manchester said, his eyes darting to the side.

“Yes, I think so. What’s your take on it?” Sam pressed.

“I’m not sure I have one. I think in any society you’re going to have a few kids ru

“What have you heard, exactly?”

“Why the interest, if you don’t mind my asking?” Manchester parried.

“Just a few things we picked up here and there,” Remi said, keeping it vague. “We’re going to be funding Dr. Vanya’s clinics, so we want to understand any issues affecting the island. Disappearing children seems like an issue.”

“I’ll grant you, it sounds like one, but I don’t get the impression it’s nearly as large or as pressing as the rebel problem, or the crushing poverty endemic to the Solomons, or the lack of coherent responses to public health or social problems, or unemployment, or fiscal irresponsibility, or civil unrest . . .”

“No disagreement. We were just hoping to find someone who could give us an idea of how long it’s been going on and how large a problem it really is.”

“I don’t know that it’s even a real problem. Again, I hear a myriad of complaints about a multitude of issues every week and that was just one of many. If I made it seem like it was a substantial issue, I apologize. It must have been the beer talking.” He studied them, his smile as genuine as a ma

“That’s already on our schedule. Do you have anyone specific we should speak with?” Remi asked, not telling him about Vanya’s offer.

Manchester suddenly seemed anxious to move on to other tasks. “I’ll look into it. I’m afraid I don’t know who would handle missing persons, off the top of my head.” He smoothed his hair with a bear-sized hand and changed the subject. “I’m delighted you’ve decided to play a large role in Dr. Vanya’s clinics. That should improve life for many on the island. It’s a sad state of affairs, at present.”

“Yes, so we gathered. It’s a worthwhile cause,” Sam agreed. “Anything more about the rebels? Any sense of how public opinion is ru

“Most condemn their actions, if not their sentiment. At least so my colleagues would have me believe. Still, there are a few who are seriously considering the merits of nationalizing all exploration and prospecting efforts. Madness—but to some, attractive madness, it would seem.”

“Did you have any chance to discuss our archaeological project with your colleagues?”