Ziri had spent most of the night checking up on a certain Leif Ericson. He didn't learn a lot. The man had more money than sense, and even then, the money was his wife's. Leif was a pretty-boy athlete who managed to catch the attention of the wealthy Gerda Moen.
From what Ziri could tell, Gerda (Moen) Ericson was getting tired of her trophy husband. Leif spent her money without blinking an eye. He loved power and adulation, always the Man in Charge. But rumors had it that Gerda was involved with one of Leif's cronies, Adrian Hyde-Park. Her tolerance for Leif was ebbing quickly.
What Ziri didn't understand was why Gerda was allowing Leif to finance Krisalyn Perry's expedition. If Rome had been promised possession of any treasure finds, what were the Ericsons getting for their money? Rome was right, there could be only one answer, and Gerda Ericson was part of it all.
After making last minute arrangements for Rome's arrival at Port Amazigh, Ziri climbed into his bedroll for a short nap. He was anxious to see his friend again and to meet the woman who'd charged into Rome's life. It wasn't like Rome to play this kind of charade. His usual response to trespassers was more ... direct.
Ziri woke early and watched the sun rise over the crest of the hills. The
Dulce Vida would be docking soon.
__________
Rome had intended to stay a few more days out at sea, but finding the man in the rowboat had changed his mind. Miss Perry's associate had already caught him off guard once, but it would not happen again!
Krisalyn was involved in a very risky endeavor. She naively believed a perceptive mind--and her pet--would protect her. They wouldn't. The woman needed a real predator, and like it or not, Rome had volunteered for the job.
Rome thought about their kiss last night. It had told him much about Krisalyn Perry. Guileless, open, and way too responsive. He could read every thought and feeling in those eyes of hers.
Krisalyn might be a brilliant historian and a whiz at computers, but she didn't know the first thing about deceit. She revealed herself through her body as naturally as she expressed herself on painted canvas.
Rome broke out of his musings on the person of Krisalyn Perry and concentrated on navigating the houseboat into port. He was glad to see Ziri waiting on the dock. Rome could always count on Ziri. They made a good team.
Rome: The main thing I need from you now, my friend, is for you to watch my back. Keep an eye out for Ericson or anyone else following us.
Ziri: What about you? Are you really going to take Perry down into the Caverns? But why?
Rome: Just far enough to satisfy her curiosity. Let her see there's nothing to find.
Rome: Of course, you know what has to be done about Ericson, I'm afraid. And Hyde-Park.
Ziri: What of Gerda Ericson?
Rome: We need to find out more about her. The same with Mrs Hyde-Park.
Krisalyn watched as the two men spoke in whispers. Both strangers. When she'd started her research and dreamed of the chance to investigate her theories, she hadn't considered the real danger. She trusted Rome. Something about him reassured her. But this Ziri Benhelloun ... who exactly was he?
Ziri: Miss Perry, Rome has been telling me about your project. It sounds very ambitious. But I have lived here my whole life and never once seen evidence of these mysterious artifacts you speak of.
Krisalyn: Is that so, Mr Benhelloun? Then you've been hiding your head in the sand.
Ziri stared in appreciation. The woman had bared her teeth at him! A daring spirit and blue eyes. His friend Rome was in deep trouble here. Ziri sighed to himself. He could see he'd have to be rearguard, saboteur, AND chaperone on this trip.
Ziri: Ah, well. Maybe you are right. I am very much involved in my own interests, I fear.
Krisalyn: Rome has told me you're an inventor.
Ziri: Of sorts, Miss Perry.
Krisalyn: Please, call me Krisalyn. We'll be working together, I understand.
Ziri (nodding): And I am Ziri.
__________
The three soon set out across the desert. Dodger ran ahead, sniffing any rock or brush he came across. But mostly, there was nothing to see but sand. By nightfall, they reached their first destination, a small compound. Ziri led them below ground to a clean, but basic dining area. Al Medina's government had done well in providing a safe oasis for weary travelers.
They were not alone at the campsite. Families from Amazigh village were on their way to the larger markets of Al Medina. Maybe to extended family gatherings, weddings ... funerals. Krisalyn sat silently and smiled as Ziri and Rome made friendly conversation with the others. They shared very little about their own journey.
After setting up their own tent for the night, they quietly discussed plans for the next day. They should get as far as the Spice Merchant near Amazigh dig. Krisalyn was excited! She would soon reach the famous Death Caverns.
A chill raced down her spine. Nothing to worry about, she told herself. Legends always included curses and tales of death. All just superstition. She lay awake, watching shadows from the camp pyre dance along the tent walls.
Never had the world seemed so silent, so still. Eventually, Krisalyn fell asleep.
