Pirate

Fifty-nine

In the morning, Sam and Remi checked out of their hotel and decided to stop by Newark Castle and see the turmoil from a company of security guards and an army of archaeologists over the discovery of the largest treasure in a hundred years. They parked as close as possible and approached the front gate, guarded by the Nottinghamshire police. A guard stopped them as they approached.

“Your name, sir?” asked the guard.

“Longstreet,” announced Sam. “Lord and Lady Longstreet.”

“That name is wearing a little thin, don’t you think,” said Remi.

The guard scanned a notebook and shook his head. “I’m sorry, sir, your name is not among those who are allowed to pass.”

“Could you contact Mr. Nigel Ridgeway,” asked Remi, “and let him know we’re here?”

“Yes, milady, I can do that for you,” the guard said politely.

Ten minutes later, Nigel, with Percy Wendorf and Professor Cedric Aldridge tagging along behind, walked briskly across the keep.

“Thank heavens, you came,” said Nigel. “We have government officials driving us crazy, from the Ministry of Culture to the British Museum, and many others claiming jurisdiction, all crawling over each other to glimpse a piece of history that had been frozen in time.”

“Remi and I are foreigners,” said Sam. “I don’t see how we can help.”

“I don’t understand,” said Aldridge. “The treasure never would have been discovered without the two of you.

“Because of your contribution to the British Realm, you could achieve the honor of knighthood,” added Aldridge.

“Sir Sam,” said Remi with a wide smile. “I couldn’t live with him.”

Sam gave Remi a dark look. “Spread the word that it was the three of you, working as a team, who found and deciphered the key to the cipher that led to the hidden trove.”

“And don’t forget to mention Madge Crowley and her theory about the king’s riches secretly hidden by William the Marshal, Earl of Pembroke,” added Remi.

“Because of him,” said Nigel, “the king’s treasure never left Castle Newark, while William spread the story that it was lost in the fens during a storm. Unfortunately, a week later he was killed in battle with the French and the secret of the treasure’s location died with him.”

“I wish we could stay while the treasure is studied and restored, but we have a plane to catch at Heathrow.”

“Can’t you stay for a few days?” asked Percy.

Sam gave a slight shake of his head. “We’re truly sorry, but we have important business at home that can’t wait.”

“But you will come back?” pleaded Nigel.

“We promise to return,” said Remi. She kissed all three on the cheek as Sam gave each a warm, masculine hug.

Sam and Remi climbed into the car, waved, and drove away.

Remi waved until they were out of sight. “I could have sworn Percy and Nigel had tears in their eyes as we left them.”

“They weren’t the only ones,” said Sam.

“Me too,” said Remi, dabbing her cheeks with a Kleenex.

For the first time in two weeks, Sam looked relaxed. He glanced at Remi, who was absorbed with something on her cell phone that made her laugh.

“What’s so amusing?”

“This.” She showed him a photo of the treasure taken after the three of them opened at least twelve chests, revealing much of the gold, gemstones, and King John’s crown jewels. “I sent it to Alexandra, who emailed it to Charles. Apparently right after he opened it, the police arrived and arrested him.”

“That’s got to hurt.” He took one final look at Newark Castle in the rearview mirror. “Now that our work here is done, how about that vacation I promised you?”

“Forget it, Fargo. You’re never going to top this,” she said as she gave his knee a tight squeeze. “Best vacation. Ever.”