01-04. Mission Objective: The Local Expert

Krisalyn's sources told her that a certain Jerome (Rome) Montez was the best man for leading expeditions into Al Medina's more remote areas. She located his home and gave it a quick recon.

Nice place. Nothing fancy, but it had cost the guy some money. Mr Montez was keeping a low profile, though, for someone coming from his background. Good. Krisalyn didn't need any unnecessary attention.

But she wouldn't be meeting the man at his houseboat. Leif's suggestion was sound. Krisalyn would approach Montez in a public place, the Americana Club in town. Leif had learned that Montez was a regular there, where he drummed up business for himself.

But when Mr Montez sought Krisalyn out that evening before she could even introduce herself, she realized business was the last thing on the man's mind! Luckily, she could make his interest work to her advantage.

Rome, as he called himself, turned out to be a cultured gentleman. At least, that was the image he was projecting at the moment. Leif had managed to dig up basic intel on Montez: educated at the best schools, respected.

But there were rumors of a darker side, talk of connections to shadier characters in Al Medina. And then, the guy also had a reputation for being a ladies' man. His expertise would come with some risk!

Rome: So, Miss Krisalyn Perry. You are new to the city. What brings you here?
Krisalyn: Mr Montez, that is exactly what I'd like to speak with you about.

Rome: And I am eager to hear how I might be of service to you.

The man was too charming! Thank goodness Leif was nearby. Krisalyn wasn't sure she could play this game. Her heart was thumping, and she just wished she was back with her computer and books.

Krisalyn: I need transportation to Amazigh village--and a guide through the abandoned dig site nearby.

Rome (laughing): You are joking with me, señorita! You want a tour through Death Caverns?  You American women, how you amuse me! So daring. So ... bored.

Krisalyn: I assure you, Mr Montez, I am very serious. I must enter that dig site! And I need an experienced excavator. I was told you were the one to ask. Why, I'm surprised you haven't already explored the site!

Rome: No one explores that dump! And that is exactly what it is, Miss Perry, a dump. Only a land fill. There is nothing of value to find there. You have been mislead. I am sorry.

Krisalyn: My reason for going there has nothing to do with treasure, but for your information, I have knowledge that valuable relics ARE buried in Amazigh Dig! ... Please, sir, let's find a private table upstairs, and I'll explain.

As Rome studied the lady's face, he reassessed his first impression of Krisalyn Perry. There was more under that red hat than a pair of baby blues and an inviting smile.

Rome (thinking to himself): Careful, Montez. What does this woman really know about Amazigh Dig?

Krisalyn: Mr Montez, for the past several years I have been doing research on certain lost relics once belonging to the medieval church. I can't tell you any more, except that the relics would be very valuable to any number of buyers. And I have evidence that places those relics at Amazigh.

Rome: I have heard these local legends, Miss Perry. They mean nothing, I'm afraid.

Krisalyn: That is not true! My research says otherwise. If I could investigate the site, look for the signs I've discovered, I could show you the proof! But even so, the relics themselves are not important to me. They would be yours--as payment for being my guide.

Rome: How ... generous. You would give up such treasures? Why search for them at all then?

Krisalyn: Because, sir, I'm a historian! Relics are just things! Preserve them, of course; sell them to museums, yes; display them for the world to see, absolutely! I can trust you to do that. It's what you're known to do.

Krisalyn: But for me, I am looking for the meaning, the history behind these relics. I want to explore that site! I want to experience the discovery first hand--to confirm my work!

Rome: Krisalita, you are an idealist and a fool. Do you not know how dangerous it is to speak of these things to a stranger, such as myself? If I believed in your theories, I could easily bring you harm. ... But maybe you are not a fool; maybe you are a liar and you think I am the fool.

Rome stood and Krisalyn rose after him. He had a bad feeling about this conversation.

Rome: Go home, young lady, before you get yourself into trouble.

Krisalyn: Wait! Please! Why would I lie to you? Mr Montez, give me a chance. You have all the advantage in this situation. You've already seen that! Won't you accompany me into Amazigh Dig?

Krisalyn: I really need your help.

Rome knew he had to agree to her scheme. It was the only way to protect his own work and to ferret out what the lady was up to. Had information been leaked? Was there someone he shouldn't have trusted?

Rome: Very well. We will go to Amazigh and we will see. But you must listen to me, and when I say, "Enough!" we will leave. Are we agreed?

Krisalyn: ... Of course. But I think you'll change your mind when we get there.
Rome: Ah, maybe so, yes. But maybe no. And my "No" will be final.

Rome followed Miss Perry across the balcony. He knew she had no intention of listening to him! She was an American and she was also a woman. Yet, what else could he do but go along? He needed to learn more about her.

Rome: I must make a phone call to arrange our trip. Then, I will see you home.
Krisalyn: Oh, uh, ok. I'll wait by the drink bar here.

Krisalyn: Leif! Where have you been? He's making a phone call. And he wants to take me home!
Leif: Stop worrying, Krisa. His call won't go through. And Mr Montez will not be taking you anywhere tonight.

Krisalyn: This is crazy. I can't keep him on a leash through all this! What are you going to do?
Leif: Tonight, Montez will be no problem. And tomorrow ...

Krisalyn: Yes, yes! Tomorrow I'll have Dodger to watch my back.
Leif: Dodger! For god's sake, Krisa, get real. You'll have ME. I'll be close by the whole time.

When Rome reappeared, he found the Perry woman behind the bar with a man serving drinks. Ziri hadn't answered his call, but that wasn't anything unusual. He'd try again later.

Without thinking, Rome reached out and grabbed one of the drinks from the tray.

He soon regretted that decision! His head began to swim and he felt himself falling. The last thing he remembered was Krisalyn calling out in fright.

Krisalyn: Rome! ... Get help! Quickly! Something is wrong with Mr Montez!

Rome wanted to believe her concern for him was genuine. But he'd always been a sucker for blue eyes.