Inca Gold (Dirk Pitt 12)

"You are always welcome here."

"When the water is brought to the surface," said Pitt, "I will see that your village is at the top of the list to receive it.

Yuma removed an amulet on a leather thong from around his neck and gave it to Pitt. "Something to remember your friend by."

Pitt studied the amulet. It was a copper image of the Demonio del Muertos of Cerro el Capirote inlaid with turquoise. "It is too valuable. I cannot take it."

Yuma shook his head. "I swore to wear it until our sacred idols came home. Now it is yours for good luck."

"Thank you."

Before they left Canyon Ometepec, Pitt walked Loren up to Patty Lou Cutting's grave. She knelt and read the inscription on the tombstone.

"What beautiful words," she said softly. "Is there a story behind them?"

"No one seems to know. The Indians say she was buried by unknown people during the night."

"She was so young. Only ten years old."

Pitt nodded. "She rests in a lonely place for a ten-year-old.

"When we get back to Washington, let's try to find if she exists in any records."

The desert wildflowers had bloomed and died so Loren made a wreath from creosote bush branches and laid it over the grave. They stood there for a while looking over the desert. The colors fired by the setting sun were vivid and extraordinary, enhanced by the clear November air.

The whole village lined the road to wish them adios as Loren steered the Pierce Arrow toward the main highway. As she shifted through the gears, Loren looked over at Pitt wistfully.

"Strange as you might think it sounds, that little village would be an idyllic place to spend a quiet honeymoon."

"Are YOU reminding me

that I once asked you to many me?" said Pitt, squeezing one of her hands on the steering wheel.

"I'm willing to write it off as a moment of madness on your part."

He looked at her. "You're turning me down?"

"Don't act crushed. One of us has to keep a level head. You're too scrupulous to back out."

"I was serious."

She turned her eyes from the road and gave him a warm smile. "I know you were, but let's face reality.

Our problem is that we're great pals, but we don't need each other. If you and I lived in a little house with a picket fence, the furniture would only gather dust because neither of us would ever be home. Oil and water don't mix. Your life is the sea, mine is Congress. We could never have a close, loving relationship.

Don't you agree?"

"I can't deny you make a strong case."

"I vote we continue just the way we have. Any objections?"

Pitt did not immediately answer. He hid his relief remarkably well, Loren thought. He stared through the windshield at the road ahead for a long time. Finally, he said, "You know what, Congresswoman Smith?"

"No, what?"

"For a politician, you're an incredibly honest and sexy woman."

"And for a marine engineer," she said huskily, "you're so easy to love."