Aztec Gold

THIRTY SEVEN

Two days later the team were assembled back in Las Vegas, just another group taking in the sights.

They found that if they walked out in the open, down the Strip itself, there was more space and it was easier to talk than if they squeezed into any of the local restaurants or bars. The night was pitch black above them, Vegas’ multimillion lights holding it at bay.

Cruz was back, and so was Lex, complaining about bruised ribs and elbows. Even Kate Stanton had joined them and Armand Argento was louder than life through a mobile link.

“We believe Solomon died in the explosion,” Argento confirmed. “Though the South Africans have not found his body. It has to stay as unconfirmed, do you see? Interpol does not make guesses and rightly so. Stay safe, my friend.”

“Understood.” Crouch led them all past the New York, New York rollercoaster, staring up as it thundered overhead. “What of Coker’s family?”

“They’re well, Michael, they’re well. The FBI apprehended a team of men that were spying on them. Unfortunately they will have to go into the WITSEC program with Solomon’s threat not yet defused. Not a hair from Coker’s head has been seen.”

Crouch exhaled. “He’s a fool. He’d do better to come out and face the music.”

“He’s humiliated. Maybe he can’t even face his family anymore.”

Crouch let it go. Argento could be right. He signed off with a hearty thanks and a promise to get together soon. Then he turned to Cruz.

“And the lowdown on the treasure, Jose?”

“Our Aztec gold is safe and being documented as we speak. The finding was immediately made official, the locale safe, the location undisclosed to the public. Experts are on site and I believe the Nahua elders are being flown out to the area. We’re out of the internal and external wranglings now. We can only hope the governments don’t get too greedy.”

“I believe our benefactor might help with that.” Crouch reminded them of Rolland Sadler. “He has enough clout to move mountains, believe me.”

“Good.”

The group stopped near the Luxor hotel, its enormous Sphinx head before them, the great black pyramid to their right, its magnificent beam of light seeming to penetrate the very heavens, visible for miles around.

Crouch drew their attention. “A grand job well done,” he said. “Our first outing wasn’t so bad, and every person here played a part. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Maybe they’ll hand you the head of operations position now.” Alicia smiled. “Head of eleven countries. Something like that. You deserve it.”

Crouch smiled back, but included every one of them. “I wouldn’t take it,” he said. “This is what I’ve waited for my whole life. I wouldn’t squander this chance I’ve been handed to live my dream.”

“And what do I get out of all this?” Kate spoke up, the seemingly permanent leathers creaking.

“Like we said,” Alicia stepped in. “Next time we’re in Vegas… oh and you can still have Lex here, if you like.”

“Thanks,” the raven-headed woman said drily and made to leave. “And when I say Vegas I also mean Reno, of course. And San Diego. Los Angeles.”

“Of course.”

The team watched her depart, thankful for her help. A moment of perfect relaxation fell over them like a soft, gentle curtain of satin falling from the skies. The aftermath was seldom easy, but at least meant that the team could start to unwind.

It was Alicia who broke the peace, predictably so, looking toward the road ahead. “Where to next?” she wondered.

Michael Crouch’s cellphone rang.

Crouch glanced at the caller ID, said, “Oh no, this can’t be good,” and answered immediately, jabbing at the speaker button. “Yes? Crouch here.”

The quiet voice spoke in highly stressed tones. “Are you free? Are you finished?”

Crouch sent a worried glance toward Alicia. “We are.”

“Then we need you. I mean, all of you, and more. This Pandora thing’s gone intercontinental; we’re fighting a war in four countries now.”

“What?”

“Drake?” Alicia felt the onset of an approaching doom. “You’re not making any sense.”

“It’s the end of the world, Alicia. The plagues of Pandora. The Pythians are everywhere. We’re losing. This is going to take every single resource, every ounce of brainpower, every grain of courage. We’re all going to get bloody or dead on this one, Alicia.”

“We’ve faced Armageddon before, and recently. More than once.”

“Not like this.” Drake sounded as troubled as ever she’d heard him. “Something this big comes along just once in a lifetime. Survival isn’t even on the bloody menu. Saving our society, that’s all that matters.”

Alicia swallowed heavily, never one to be lost for words, but now standing back and staring at her boss, Michael Crouch. “We have to help them.”

He nodded quickly, his own face taut with strain. “My team is all yours, Matt. What do you need?”

“First of all head to Europe. You’ll be our response team there. We’re in the process of appointing others.”

“Europe’s a big place, mate,” Russo put in, shrugging.

“I realize that. We don’t have the right Intel yet, it’s a fluid operation. Start with Rome. I want you on the mainland.”

“Done.” Crouch took a last wistful glance around the city of a million lights. “I’ll be in touch when we’ve landed.”

“Thank you. Oh, and guys?”

“Yes?”

“If you have loved ones and relatives, I’d call them before you land.”