“As always, Selma, you’re the real treasure in this story.”
“It’s all part of the job, right? The professor’s account will be in your e-mail in-box in a few minutes. Call me if you need anything else.” She hesitated. “I’m glad to hear you’re having a less eventful time than on one of your usual forays into the wilds.”
Sam debated not telling her about the recent attack but decided that it might prove useful for self-preservation if more people knew. “Up until today, I would have agreed with you.”
“What now?”
“We were run off the road and someone shot at us. Other than that, it’s a lovely place.”
Selma’s voice grew quiet. “You’re joking.”
“Truth is stranger than fiction, as always.”
“Who’s after you?”
“Don’t know.”
“Well, that certainly narrows it down. What can I do to help?”
“Nothing I can think of. Maybe let the State Department know in case we disappear forever?”
“A cheerful thought.”
“Thanks, Selma. Don’t worry about us—we’ll manage, as always. I’ll call as soon as we know something more.”
Remi eyed him as he punched the call off. “Selma came through?”
“Doesn’t she always?”
“Come on. Give.”
He told her about the medicine man’s legend. When he was done, she studied her reflection in the mirror and shook her head. “Even when we’re just helping a friend, we manage to trip over treasure. The Fargo luck cuts both ways, doesn’t it?”
“There’s no telling whether it’s true or not, Remi. And, frankly, what might have been riches thousands of years ago could be trash nowadays.”
“You mentioned gold and jewels. Last I heard, those were still in demand. In fact,” Remi said, looking pointedly at the back of one hand, “I haven’t seen a nice rock in a while. I say we officially consider this a treasure hunt now that there’s at least a mention of one.”
Sam ignored her facetious fishing for jewelry. “Of course we tell Leonid.”
“Absolutely. And, as always, we’ll turn over whatever we find to the local government.” Remi turned toward the window and winced as her hand flew to her neck. “Ow!”
“Let’s get a doctor to look at that. I know just the place.”
“I don’t need to go to the hospital.”
“You just flipped over in a truck and took a tumble down a river. I’m afraid you’re overruled on this one, Mrs. Fargo,” Sam said sternly.
Remi shrugged and winced again. “Fine. You win. But no shots. Promise me, no shots.”
“All I can do is relay your wishes to the powers that be.”
“Traitor.”
CHAPTER 15
Dr. Vanya stepped back from where Remi was lying on the hospital exam bed. “I don’t think it’s anything more than some strained ligaments. Your vision is fine, you’re showing no signs of serious trauma, and your neuro workup was normal.”
“That’s all good news,” Sam said.