The Solomon Curse by Clive Cussler Page B

was the best fish and some of the most engaging company we’ve had in ages. It’s the least we can do.”
    Vanya’s eyes flashed, but she smiled. “That’s very generous. Hopefully, that generosity will extend to helping my people.”
    â€œHell, 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.
    â€œManchester’s a character, isn’t he?” Sam said as they shouldered their way through the door under the vigilant gaze of the desk clerk.
    â€œThat’s an understatement. He seems angry, doesn’t he? Not that far below the surface. Resentful.”
    â€œI can’t blame him. Sounds like he’s fighting a thankless battle and losing two steps for every one he gains.”
    â€œAssuming 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.
    â€œGood 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.”
    â€œWere you able to get another crew?”
    â€œI 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.
    â€œGood morning, Selma,” he began.
    â€œAfternoon. Six hours effective time difference. Although technically it’s tomorrow there, so it’s actually eighteen hours.”
    â€œThat’s right. Good to know.” He paused. “Any luck locating a ship?”
    â€œWe 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.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful news, Selma.”
    â€œIt was doing research on the Great Barrier Reef when I convinced the institute that owns and operates it to make a little side trip.”
    â€œQuite a side trip.”
    â€œWhat’s a thousand miles each way between friends? Needless to say, the foundation will be making another generous donation this month.”
    â€œI wouldn’t have it any other way.”
    â€œHow 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.
    â€œThat’s terrible. Why don’t you two ever pick someplace safe to go?”
    â€œI 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.
    â€œIt 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.”
    â€œThat’s good to know. Keeps us on our toes.”
    When he hung up, Remi leaned forward as they bounced down the road. “Well?”
    â€œSelma says hello. Said to practice your shark punching, too.”
    Her eyes widened. “No.”
    â€œYes. Apparently, she’s been researching the area, and there are great whites in addition to the other local attractions.”
    â€œAnd we’re going diving today?”
    Sam