The Oracle (Fargo Adventures 11)

“The biggest issue is that it’s going to delay us. The project …”

That was something Sam definitely wanted an update on. But he saw his wife in the restaurant just then. “You can tell me about it when we get there. Let me go break the news to Remi.”

He dropped the phone in his pocket, barreling past the two men who were also walking that direction. They took one look at Sam and did an about-face. Sam noticed Remi’s gaze on them as they made a hasty departure. “Did I miss something?”

“Not sure,” Remi said. “Your untimely arrival sort of put a damper on things.”

Renee glanced out toward the men as they pushed through the lobby doors and made for the parking lot. “Honestly, I thought they were merely trying to pick us up.”

Remi casually slipped the knife she’d palmed onto the table, her smile telling Sam she thought otherwise. “Something on your mind?”

He glanced out the window as a dark sedan took off, the car’s tinted windows preventing him from seeing in. While the location of the hotel was fine, they had driven through some sketchy areas on the way back from the hospital. It wasn’t unheard of that guests at hotels were often victimized, especially if they looked like helpless women who’d make easy targets. “Change of plans,” he said. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“Why?” Remi looked at her friend, then back at him. “I thought we had at least another day.”

“Something came up,” he replied. “Supply truck for the school never made it.”

“What do you mean ‘never made it’?” Remi asked.

“Highway robbery. I’ll tell you in the car while we drive Renee back.”

Hank stared in surprise when Sam opened the front door, holding it for Renee as she hobbled into the house she shared with the other archeologists. “LaBelle,” he said, jumping up from his desk chair to assist her. “I would’ve picked you up. You should’ve called.”

Sam waited for Remi to enter and closed the door after her. “No sense having you make a special trip out when we were right there.”

“Well, thank you,” Hank said, helping her into one of two armchairs. He eyed the soft bandage around her ankle. “No break, I see.”

“More bruised than anything else,” she said. “They want me to stay off it for at least five days.”

“Five days? That’s not bad.” He took her crutches and leaned them against the wall. “So, why the serious face?”

“Their friends from the school were robbed,” Renee said. “They even stole their truck.”

“That’s terrible.” He looked at Sam. “What happened?”

“A band of robbers pulled alongside the truck somewhere between Jalingo and Serta. They pointed a gun, forcing Pete to the side of the road. Yaro, one of the caretakers, was with him. They took the truck and their cell phones, then left them stranded in the middle of nowhere.”

“No one was hurt, I hope?”

“Fortunately, no. Unfortunately, Remi and I have to leave tomorrow. The school van’s in the shop being repaired, so they have no transportation should any emergencies arise. Selma’s arranged for a new truck, and we need to pick up a duplicate order of the stolen supplies.” Selma Wondrash, their Hungarian-born head researcher, wore a lot of other hats in the Fargo household, which allowed the Fargos to continue pursuing their charitable operations uninterrupted. “We’d like to get back on schedule before Lazlo flies in.”

“Who’s Lazlo?” Hank asked.

“One of our researchers,” Remi said. Though Professor Lazlo Kemp’s specialty was cryptography, they’d hired him on full-time when he proved invaluable at helping Selma with her work. Remi smiled at Renee. “Can’t wait for you to meet him.”

“Two academics in one room?” She grinned. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“What?” Hank said. “Surely, you’re not still thinking of going, LaBelle? You’re injured.”

“It’s only a sprain. Besides, we’re hanging out at a school, not trekking through the jungle. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She directed her gaze to Sam. “As long as you think it’s safe.”

Sam, halfway hoping they’d back out, knew his wife was excited about bringing the two women to the school as positive role models for the students. And in this case, he happened to agree with her. Too many young girls were discouraged from getting an education, especially those living far afield in the smaller villages. As much as he’d prefer to head out without them, being able to personally talk to someone like Dr. Renee LaBelle or one of her graduate students could have a huge impact on the girls. “I’m not worried. Safety in numbers. We’ll have the truck and a rental car. Two vehicles and the extra people should discourage anyone from thinking we’re an easy mark.”

Renee nodded. “Works for me. What about you, Hank?”

“Well, it’s not that I don’t want to go. I thought we weren’t leaving until day after tomorrow.”

“It’s only a day early.”