Fernel reached into the back of the helicopter and tugged out a large metal case, which promptly slipped from his grip. Quint winced, hoping the computer with the LIDAR maps wasn’t in there.
When Fernel bent to pick up the case, his hat fell off and rolled several feet away. He stepped forward, tried to grab the hat, and somehow managed to kick it even farther away. At that point, Pedro appeared to take pity on the guy and picked up the metal case and the hat, then pointed in their direction. Dr. Fernel turned toward them, his bright red hair glinting like clean copper in the sunlight.
Quint stepped forward into the sunshine, squinting slightly. “I think I’ve seen that guy somewhere before.”
Juan moved up next to him. “Maybe you’ve seen a picture of him in one of those dull scholarly journals you claim to have read. He’s been very prolific of late, since he’s become so involved in LIDAR work.”
“He seemed nice,” Daisy said, weighing in from behind them. “A bit fidgety on the flight, but helicopter rides can do that to a person.”
Quint continued to stare, trying to place where he’d seen Dr. Fernel’s bright copper hair. “Maybe it was in an article about LIDAR and archaeology somewhere along the way.”
But something in his gut said otherwise. Something that added a shadow to Daisy’s news about the cold beer.
Hell, maybe Angélica had the guy’s picture sitting around when they were packing for this trip. She certainly hadn’t been happy about the geoarchaeologist trying to horn in on this dig site. Unease at seeing the man who’d given Angélica so much heartburn would make sense.
Pedro set down the metal case and pulled two more black cases from the back of the helicopter. Were those the drones Angélica said Dr. Fernel had received permission to bring? It would be interesting to see the area from up high.
Good or bad, the arrival of Fernel and his toys meant it was time to dig deeper at Site 5. Now that they had the fieldwork camp mostlyset up, maybe Quint could trade in his machete for a trowel and brush.
He headed toward the helicopter to help Pedro with the cases and other supplies. “About time you got your ass here, Montañero,” Quint called out.
Pedro greeted him with a smile that stretched from ear to ear.
“Look what the rat dragged in,” Pedro said, pulling Quint in for a pat on the back.
“You mean cat,” he corrected.
Pedro had a way of mixing metaphors that made English far more colorful and entertaining.
“No, I meant rat. You’re the big cheese here, aren’t you? At least that’s whatmi angelitasaid when she called and told me to get my sweet buns here.”
Quint grinned. “I’m definitely the big cheese.”
“He’s the big stinky cheese,” Juan said, joining them. He hugged Pedro. “I’m so glad to see you,mijo.”
“You’re just happy to see my helicopter,viejo.”
“That’s not true,” Juan said. “I’m happy to see your big birdandthe cold beer Daisy told us about.” He turned to their guest, his hand held out. “Dr. Fernel, welcome to the jungle. I’m Dr. Juan García. My daughter speaks highly of your fancy gadgets.” He nodded toward Fernel’s cases. “Let me take you to meet her while these two toughhombrescarry your gear to your tent.” He waved Daisy over. “Ms. Walker, you care to join us?”
Quint watched Angélica’s father saunter off with the geoarchaeologist at his side. How Juan managed to look cool and professional in spite of the bugs that Dr. Fernel kept swatting at with his hat was impressive.
His memory flashed back to not so long ago when he’d first arrived at Angélica’s dig site after riding in on a tandem bike with Teodoro. He’d been hot and sweaty and fighting off the bugs when Juan had greeted him, giving a similar welcome. However, Dr. Fernel had one thing going for him that Quint hadn’t—Angélica had known about the geoarchaeologist coming to the dig. A surprise visit from a photojournalist had inspired plenty of glares from the boss lady … and then she’d caught him in a lie.
He shook his head. So much had changed since then, includingwho was doing the fibbing this time.
Quint turned to Pedro. “How’s life outside the jungle?”
“My sister is getting married again.” He didn’t look happy about it.
“Why the sour face?”
“Mi madre, she does not approve.”
“Do you?”
“Sure.” Pedro smiled. “This one comes with a big bank account and a nice house just outside of Mexico City. What’s not to like?” He pulled a small package from his shorts pocket. “Here. This is for you.”
Quint took the well-taped white bubble-envelope without looking at it and held it against his chest. “Aren’t you a sweetie, Montañero. But you didn’t have to bring me a gift. Your friendship is all my heart needs.”
