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“Don’t turn the phone off,” Selma said, and hung up.
Once in their room at the hotel, Sam strolled out onto the terrace and called the Darwin.
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Des answered, his voice typically chipper. “G’day, Sam. Heard on the radio there was a bit of excitement this morning.”
“Yes, we got caught up in a little of it, but it’s quiet now.”
“All’s well, I trust?”
“Never better. Listen, Des, I have to apologize. We were hoping to make it out today, but time got away from us. How’s everything going?”
“All good. Your man Leonid’s on the ball. Slow but steady wins the race.”
“Is he nearby?”
“Just a sec.” A few moments later, Leonid came on the line.
“Leonid. How’s the exploration going?” Sam asked.
“It’s going,” Leonid said, his tone sour. “Were you able to get a bigger boat?”
“Working on it, my friend. Any news on the ruins?”
“No. Just clearing barnacles and seaweed off the main temple. It’s going to be a long process, even with better equipment and more divers.” Leonid didn’t sound excited at the prospect.
“Well, good things come to those who wait. Patience is a virtue, right?”
A faint hum of static was the only reply. Leonid eventually sighed. “Are you coming to torment me in person?”
“No, my friend, not today. But soon.” Sam hesitated. “There was some more unpleasantness in town this morning. Does Des still have the men watching the shore?”
“Yes. There’s nothing to report. Just jungle and more jungle.”
“Consider yourself lucky.” Sam gave him an abridged account of the near miss at the hospital.
“Do you think we’re still safe out here?” Leonid asked when Sam finished.
“Yes, but it can’t hurt to keep an eye out for trouble. You’re in a desolate spot, so best not to let down your guard.”
“I’ll add the risk of being beheaded by madmen to my list of worries. After seasickness, it’s actually beginning to sound like a relief.”
“The secret is to dive, Leonid. You’ll see.”
“What I’m hoping to see is a much, much bigger boat.”
Sam couldn’t help smiling at the crusty Russian’s tone. He was nothing if not persistent. “I spoke with Selma earlier today. I hope to have news on the new boat soon,” Sam said, reminding himself to ask Selma about it when she called back. “You’ll be the first to know.”
Sam had just hung up when the phone rang.
“Selma! That was quick.”
“A friend of mine at Scripps is half Japanese. She made the call for us and said we needn’t have bothered—the daughter speaks good English. She agreed to meet you whenever you can get to Japan or you can call her. Your choice.”
“We’ll fly to Tokyo. Is she expecting our call?”
“Yes, we told her that someone would contact her. We left it open-ended. You want her number?”
