Medusa (NUMA Files 8)

“And a very strange voyage it was,” Lee said. “I start off my book with their experience on Trouble Island.”

“How is the book coming?”

“I’ve finished the outline and I’m doing supplemental research. I think the findings will revolutionize our understanding of viral immunology, particularly inoculation. But we have just scratched the surface of wonder drugs that will come from the ocean. It’s ironic that the vaccine might never have been developed without the threat of the Triad’s epidemic.”

“A classic case of yin and yang?” he asked.

“I hate to think that the opposing forces of good and evil were bound together in this case,” she said, “but witho

ut one, the other would not have produced a benefit to the world.”

“More than one,” he said. “China and U.S. relations have never been warmer. And the Triad is no longer with us. Yin and yang on hormones.”

They had climbed the hill to the patio and settled into a couple of chairs that faced the waterfront and the mangroves beyond.

“I have a tough question to ask,” Austin said. “Dr. Huang’s role as an informant enabled the Triad to pursue its evil goals. After he tipped off the Triad about the lab, they eavesdropped on Doc Kane and pinpointed its location. What should we do about him?”

“I don’t know,” Lee said. “He is a mouse and frightens easily, but he’s a brilliant doctor. I would hate to turn him over to the government. They would execute him.” She looked off at a snowy egret gliding over the water, and when she turned back to Austin a smile lit up her face. “This is what I propose for Dr. Huang.”

She explained her idea to send Huang to take her place as a country doctor. Austin threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh.

“A solution that is perfect in its symmetry. Now it’s my turn to make a proposal.”

He zipped open his rucksack and pulled out a bottle and two shot glasses. He poured each glass half full and offered one to Song.

“This is the Micronesian sakau I promised you. It’s made from a pepper plant and is slightly narcotic, so it is best taken in small doses.”

They raised their glasses, and, after a moment of thought, Song said, “Here’s to warm relations between China and America.”

They clinked glasses. She made a sour face and put her glass down on the table.

“It’s an acquired taste, which is probably a good thing,” Austin said with a smile. “As I recall, I also promised you a dinner with a water view.” He swept his hand in the air. “Here’s the water view. Dinner may have to wait until your work here is done.”

“Maybe not,” Song said. “One of the lab techs caught some fresh redfish this morning, and we will be grilling them for dinner. Please join us.”

Austin accepted the invitation, and they sat on the patio talking until the dinner bell clanged. They ate in the dining room with a half dozen staffers, then retired to the patio to enjoy an after-dinner drink as the island became enveloped by a liquid darkness. Austin had repacked the sakau, and they were drinking a less lethal port.

Kurt and Song talked for hours, with the sensuous sounds and smells of the semitropic night in the background, and it was late when they realized that the rest of the staff had drifted off and they were all alone.

Austin glanced at his watch, and said, “It’s almost midnight. I had better call Dooley to have him pick me up.”

Song laughed softly, and said, “Dooley is in bed by now. And you would have to climb the water tower to pick up a signal. Why don’t you stay the night with me in my cottage? It’s quite snug and comfortable.”

“Never let it be said that Kurt Austin stood in the way of warm Chinese-American relations,” he said. “But these clothes are all I have. I left my pajamas at home.”

Song reached out and touched Kurt’s hand.

“You won’t need them,” she said with a smile in her voice.

THEY AWOKE EARLY THE next day to a waterbird symphony. Austin had to get back to Washington for a meeting. While he climbed the tower to call Dooley, Song and the lab technicians produced a send-off breakfast that was heavy on fresh fruit. As they dined on the patio, Austin savored the peace and quiet of the island.

“It’s going to be tough to leave paradise,” he said.

“Do you really have to go so soon?” she asked.

“Unfortunately, yes. I’m sorry to rush off.”

“Maybe you can rush back just as quickly.”