The Exodus Quest

II

Claire led Augustin across the broken ground. Two construction workers in hard hats were standing beside a yellow mechanical digger. 'They've been laying a pipeline next door,' explained Claire. 'I asked them if they wouldn't mind earning a little overtime.'

Augustin laughed appreciatively. 'You're quite something, Claire.'

She ducked her head to hide how pleased she was, walked on a few metres, stamped the loose earth beneath her feet. 'Here,' she told them. 'Dig here.'

'You're sure about this?' asked Augustin.

'I'm sure.'

'And that this is the right place?'

'Yes.'

He pulled out his mobile, held it up for her to see. 'I need to make a phone call. A friend of mine at the SCA. We can trust him.'

She hesitated, but then nodded. 'Yes.'

He dialled Mansoor's number. 'It's me,' he said. 'I'm at Peterson's site. You need to come out here.'

'But I'm in the middle of-'

'Now,' said Augustin. 'And bring some security with you, if you can. We need to put this place under guard.'