“I understand, Antonio. It would really mean a lot to us.”
“I can tell you that if it’s on their grounds, it will be much more difficult. Imagine if you wanted to conduct archaeological research on the grounds of one of your nation’s reactors . . .”
“Well, let’s hope that it’s not. There’s no way of knowing until we go out there. Maybe we should assume that it’s not within their perimeter fence—would that make a difference?”
“It might. Let me make some calls and see what we’re up against.” Antonio hesitated. “How important is this? Is it something urgent?”
Remi laughed, hoping her light tone would disarm him. “Well, we’d like to knock it out while we’re still in Mexico. I would consider it a huge favor if we could.”
“Well, I hate to disappoint a lady. I’ll get back in touch when I know more.”
“Thank you, Antonio.”
Remi hung up and smiled at Sam. “He’s going to do everything he can.”
“No surprise there.”
She considered him for a moment. “Why, Fargo, is that a hint of jealousy?”
“No. My stomach’s still uneasy from the food poisoning.”
“That was an invention.”
“Oh. Right.”
Remi slid next to where he was sitting on the bed and took his hand. “You’re the only globe-trotting treasure hunter for me, Sam Fargo.”
“You probably say that to all the adventurers.”
She kissed him on the cheek. “Only the ones willing to wear chicken suits.”
“At least I’ve got that going for me.”
She kissed him again. “That’s more than enough.”
VERACRUZ, MEXICO
The Gulfstream’s wheels touched down on the runway of Veracruz International Airport and taxied to the private terminal at the southern end of the runway. Lazlo smiled at Maribela, who was seated across from him. She looked out the window at the morning mist hovering over the airport instead of returning the smile. Antonio caught his eye and shrugged. Sam and Remi unclipped their seat belts as the plane coasted to a stop and, moments later, they were inside the terminal. Antonio spoke into his cell phone briefly and then turned to them.
“The cars should be here in five minutes.”
“‘Cars’?” Maribela asked.
“Ah, yes. Well, a concession I made with the power company was that we would be accompanied at all times by three of the local police force. It’s for our protection, as well as to ensure we don’t trespass on their property. If we determine that we need access within the plant’s perimeter, that will be a different discussion.”
“That’s not a problem as long as they can keep quiet about what we’re doing,” Sam said.
“It wasn’t negotiable. And frankly, with all of the violence lately, it’s not a bad idea.”
Lazlo looked uncomfortable. “I say, did you just mention violence?”
Remi nodded. “It’s not that big a deal, Lazlo. They’ve just had a few beheadings recently.”
“And gun battles,” Sam confirmed.
“Oh, and the grenade attack. Or was that somewhere else?” Remi asked innocently.
Lazlo blanched. “I do hope this is all for my benefit. Jolly good. Quite amusing, I assure you.”