The Solomon Curse by Clive Cussler Read Free Book Online Page B

right?”
    Remi nodded. “We’re helping a friend.”
    â€œWhen did you arrive in Guadalcanal?” Manchester asked.
    â€œThis morning.”
    â€œAnd quite a first day they had, Orwen. I met them when they were bringing a crocodile attack victim to the hospital.”
    â€œGood Lord! You’re joking!” Manchester said, genuinely shocked.
    â€œI wish she was,” Sam said. “Although our man won the fight, he paid for it in blood.”
    â€œShocking. I’m sorry that was your first experience with the islands. We normally try to keep the crocodiles and attorneys away from the tourists, at least in the beginning. It’s bad for business.” Manchester paused. “You can tell which ones are the crocodiles because they’re friendlier.”
    Everyone laughed, and he continued. “So this is a two-time-loser of a day. First a crocodile and then dinner with a politician.”
    Vanya grinned. “But you’re one of the good ones, right?” She looked at Sam. “Of course Orwen’s also an attorney. So you got all three local hazards in one fell swoop.” She reached across the table and patted Manchester’s hand.
    Manchester finished his beer and held up the bottle. “I’ll drink to that.” He looked over at Sam, who was only halfway done with his, before gesturing to the server with two fingers. “Being the resident evil is a thirsty business.” He studied Sam and leaned forward. “How bad was the attack?”
    Vanya interjected. “He’ll live, minus a leg. His nephew said the creature was twenty feet long, so he’s fortunate it didn’t bite him in two.”
    Another round of beer arrived, and Manchester grinned at Sam. “You learn in this heat to drink them fast or they get warm.”
    Sam smiled back at him. “Maybe we can get a bucket with some ice? I’m a lightweight. Plus, I’m going to be diving tomorrow and even a trace of a hangover can make it a pretty unpleasant experience.”
    â€œDiving, you say? Fascinating. What’s this all about? Vanya mentioned archaeology?” Manchester asked, and took a mammoth swig of his fresh beer before waving to the waiter, who scurried over. A hushed discussion ensued, and then Manchester returned his gaze to Sam. “What on earth could archaeology have to do with diving? Unless you’re talking about a sinkhole . . .”
    â€œOur friend found some anomalies off the coast and asked us to take a look,” Remi said.
    â€œReally? Are you archaeologists?”
    â€œThat’s one of our passions.”
    â€œHow remarkable. For some reason, I never associate the profession with such . . . vitality,” Manchester said, admiring Remi.
    â€œThe world’s changing. Full of surprises,” Sam said, and held his beer aloft in another toast, hoping to distract the politician, who was treading dangerously close to being rude.
    â€œAnd what are these ‘anomalies,’ as you put it?” Vanya asked.
    â€œWe don’t know. We just got here and were sidetracked by the crocodile,” Remi said.
    â€œMight it not be leftovers from the war? The place is littered with them,” Manchester said.
    â€œCould be,” Sam agreed.
    A bucket brimming with ice arrived, and Sam positioned his second beer in it. Manchester finished his and signaled for another. Vanya gave Remi a gentle roll of her eyes as if to say “What can you do with the big lug?”
    â€œBut enough about our little hobby,” Sam continued, then changed the subject. “What’s all this about setting up clinics?”
    Vanya beamed at him. “It’s been a long time in the planning. I’ve given up on the government doing anything for its people but robbing them blind, so I’m taking matters into my own hands. Children are getting sick and not being treated. People are dying who could be saved. All