Wrath of Poseidon (Fargo Adventures 12)

There was a moment of awkward silence, then Remi said, “I forgot about Sam’s investor meeting.”

“Investor meeting?” He looked at Sam for an explanation.

“It’s nothing,” Sam said. “The good news is, we’ve decided to stay and help you find Dimitris.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

A look of relief swept over the older man’s face after hearing Sam’s offer to help. “What about your plane tickets?” Nikos asked.

“If we’re lucky,” Sam said, “we get a refund. Your son is more important. So, where is this island?”

“Just this side of Patmos. It may be very difficult to find him, though.”

“Isn’t it harvest season?” Remi asked. “I’d think that’d make it easier. There’s got to be enough people on the island who will have seen him.”

“Not on this particular island,” Nikos replied. “Some areas are very rugged. The only way in or out is by foot or pack animal.” In fact, their only option at that point was to head out to the island, find his boat, and hope they could track him from there.

They arrived early afternoon. There was only one port, on the east side of the island. Nikos was certain Dimitris would not have entered from that direction. They cruised around the south, finding the Star Catcher anchored behind an outcropping of rock in a narrow cliff-edged inlet, the key sitting in the ignition. Had they approached from the east, they might not have seen it at all.

Nikos moored the boat as close as he dared, suggesting that he and Sam search the island from that point.

Remi, however, objected. “And leave me on the boat alone?”

“She’s right,” Sam said to Nikos. “If anything comes up, you need to be here, ready. If anything goes awry, you’re better able to deal with the authorities. Remi can stay here on the boat with you.”

“What if something happens and you need help?” Remi said. “I’m going with you. Don’t forget. I have the only sat phone, and by the looks of them there hills, I’d say there’s no cell service.”

“You’re not exactly dressed for the occasion.”

She tapped one of her suitcases with her foot. “Lucky for me, I’ve got a full wardrobe to draw from.”

Had he felt he had any say in the matter, he’d insist she stay on board with Nikos. But in the short time he’d known Remi, he’d learned several things about her. Not only was she the most stubborn woman he’d ever met, she was also a capable and worthy partner. Reluctantly, he nodded. “As long as you promise to do what I say and not go rogue.”

“Me?” Remi said. “You won’t even know I’m there.”

Considering how very aware he was of her presence at all times, he doubted that very much.

“In that case,” Nikos said, “I have something for you.” He opened a cabinet, removing a small black pouch. Unzipping it, he pulled out a holstered .38 Smith & Wesson, which he held toward Sam. “I bought this on a trip to America several years ago. I want you to take it. Just in case.”

Sam unholstered the weapon, saw there were six rounds in the chamber, then held it by the grip, index finger along the trigger guard. He aimed it out at the water, testing the balance, the feel of it. Though more compact than what he was used to, the revolver had a nice weight. “This should do,” he said.

Remi looked at the gun, then at him. “I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“I’m with you,” Sam said, returning the gun to its holster. “In this case, though, better safe than sorry.”

* * *

—

While Remi changed, Sam and Nikos decided on a suitable in-case-of-emergency plan. “If something comes up,” Nikos said, “I can use the ship’s radio. If I can’t reach Manos at the office, between his cousins and mine, there’s bound to be someone within ship-to-ship radio distance.”

Remi emerged a few minutes later, dressed in khaki slacks, a safari-style olive-green shirt, and her pristine hiking boots. She looked more like a model about to embark on a photo shoot than someone about to do search and rescue. “Almost ready,” she said, kneeling in front of her carry-on bag, searching through it. She pulled out two scarves, both beige, one with large red roses, the other with tiny blue flowers, holding them up side by side as though trying to decide which matched best with her outfit. When she looked at Sam her gaze narrowed slightly. “I sense you don’t approve.”

“I didn’t say a thing. But if you want my opinion—”

“I don’t,” she said, smirking.

“We’re trying not to be noticed.” He gave a pointed look at the red-flowered scarf.