The Adventurers

Chapter 35

"What are you still investigating three years on?" Sam asked the stunned Archimedes.

"It's for the insurance. There has been a raging debate over whether the plane actually crashed or you flew it somewhere to do some kind of deal."

"Where the hell did that come from? I've been - had been - with the company for six years. My record was spotless."

"Like I said, the insurance. Some eager beaver with the carrier posed the possibility and they jumped all over it to avoid paying."

"Well for the record the plane did crash and in a spot so bloody remote it wasn't found until just recently by this guy and his friends."

"You don't look like any Robinson Crusoe if you don't mind my saying."

"It's a long story" They all sat in contemplative silence.

Sax stood and picked Archimedes up by the front of his jacket and held him hard against the cabin wall. Cut the bullshit and give me the whole story or they'll need another investigator to find out what happened to you. All that crap about the Cardinal and girls, how long have you been looking down here?"

"I already told-"

"Sam, get that boat hook."

"No! Wait a sec, please. Hang on a minute." He sagged in Sax's grip and closed his eyes nodding his concession. Sax shoved him back down and glared at him.

"Okay The part about who I am and what I do is true. My company was hired by InterSky to investigate him and the plane. Through some other sources the company learned about some kind of treasure hunt down here." He saw the two men stiffen. "When the church dispatched the Cardinal, my bosses took a real interest.

"I followed him down here and then got this rig together to use as cover. When I saw what the old deviate was doing on the way down, I decided that would be a good way to get next to him... and it worked. I just couldn't go through with pimping for him."

"What sources?"

"I don't know. The company has irons in dozens of fires; it is how we investigate after all." He said sulkily.

"And what about him." Sax indicated Sam.

"I was supposed to look into that too. It was a legitimate job, but the treasure business was a priority."

"What kind of source would InterSky have that would know about a treasure in the jungle of South America?" Sax was getting impatient.

Archimedes held up his hands. "All I know is some group or other were putting together a search party. Some dame was involved too. Word was she had the key."

Sax sat back, his mouth dropping. "Chessery."

"That means the group is your friend Trask." Sam looked at him.

"Son of a bitch!"

"Who's Trask?" Archimedes asked.

"Yeah, and it also means that you and I are definitely in his way."

"Could someone explain?" Archimedes butted in.

* * *

Chessery revved the engine and began the pre flight check. Jed made sure Krena and Luna were strapped in and then he gave her a thumbs up, pulled on his head set and took a deep breath as the chopper shuddered and began a swaying lift off the water.

Branches and debris gave way to the strong draft of the rotors and Jed spotted some monkeys and birds frantically trying to maintain stability in the wash. The sun hadn't hit the river yet but it was giving the canopy leaves a golden radiance as it climbed slowly in the morning sky.