Lost City (NUMA Files 5)

"I know you have an understandable aversion to the authorities," Austin said in a firm voice, "but you must do this for Skye. Make an anonymous call from a pay phone if you'd like, but you must call them and report her missing. Her life may depend on it."

"Yes, yes, of course. I'll call them. She's like a daughter to me. I warned her to be careful, but you know how young people are."

"I'm in Scotland now, but I'll return to France tomorrow. I'll call you again when I get to Paris." He hung up so Darnay could notify the police and stared into space for a few moments, trying to make

sense of Skye's disappearance. His cell phone rang. It was Lessard, the manager of the glacier power plant.

"Lessard? Thank God. I've been trying to get you," he said.

"Sorry. I've been away from the phone," Austin said. "How are things at the glacier?"

"The glacier is as it always is," Lessard said. "But there are some strange things going on here."

"What do you mean?"

"A few days ago, a boat came with divers on the lake. I wondered whether NUMA had come back to finish its survey, but the boat was not the color I remember."

"The survey is over," Austin said. "There was no NUMA activity planned that I know of. What else is happening?"

"An incredible thing. The tunnels under the glacier are being drained."

"I thought you said that was impossible."

"You misunderstood. It would have been impossible to do it in time to save the people who were trapped in the tunnel. It has taken a few days to divert and pump water, but the observatory tunnel is almost dry."

"Was this a decision of the power company?"

"My superiors hinted to me that the decision was the result of some influence at a very high level. The work is funded by a private scientific foundation."

"Is Dr. LeBlanc involved?"

"I thought so at first. His little car Fifi is still here, so I assumed he was coming back. One of the men who had been diving in the lake came to the plant, showed me the authorization, and his men have taken over the control room. They are a hard-looking bunch, Mr. Austin. They watch my every move. I am afraid for my life. I am talking now at great risk. I've been told not to intervene."

"Have you told your boss of your feelings?"

"Yes. He told me to cooperate. The decision is out of his hands. I didn't know where else to turn. So I called you."

"Can you leave?"

"I think it will be difficult. They sent my crew home, so there is only me. I will try to shut down the turbines. Maybe headquarters will take me seriously when the power stops."

"Do as you see best, but don't take any chances."

"I'll be careful."

"What was the name of the man who came to you?"

"Fauchard. Emil Fauchard. He reminds me of a snake."

Emil Fauchard.

"Behave as if everything is okay," Austin said. "I'll be at Lu Dormeur tomorrow."

"Merci beaucoup, Mr. Austin. It would not be wise for you to show up at the front door, so how will I know when you've arrived?"

"I'll let you know."

They hung up and Austin pondered the turn of events. Then he picked up the hotel phone and called Joe and the Trouts to say that there had been a change of plans. When they showed up at his room, Austin told them about the phone calls.