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“Patagonia?” Was she changing the subject now? “Nothing. It’s a water treatment plant.”

Now she was openly staring at him. “It’s a mine.”

“It was a mine. It was found to be the source of the pollution, so GHS bought it and closed it down. That would solve the contamination problem for the communities downriver.”

“So why’s a plant still necessary?”

“To be safe.”

“Really? How long have you been in private industry? Since when do they do things to be extra safe?”

“What’re you saying, Séverine? You need to be absolutely clear. Tell me.”

“Have you looked at the equipment going to Chile, and what’s being shipped back?”

“No. Why would I? And even if I did, I wouldn’t know what’s needed.”

“Well, I do. There’s mining equipment mixed in with gear for the treatment plant.”

Beauvoir noticed Loiselle turn very slightly toward the elevator. And the stairs.

Had he seen something? Sensed something?

Beauvoir had brought them to the top of the Eiffel Tower so they wouldn’t be overheard. They were now far too high up, and there were far too many people, for anyone to eavesdrop. Even drones would have a hard time getting up this high, certainly without being spotted.

And if anyone was following them, they’d be mighty conspicuous on the small platform.

They were safe. Unless, Beauvoir thought as he watched Loiselle, they’d brought the threat with them.

“They reopened the mine five years ago,” said Madame Arbour.

“Why?”

“Have you ever heard of rare earth minerals?”

“No.”

“Well, that’s what they found when they tested to see what pollution they’d have to treat. In the tailings GHS found evidence of a rare earth mineral.”

“And that’s an important find?”

“Well, yes. Why do you think they’re called rare earth minerals? Because they’re rare.” Beauvoir knew that tone. The “numbnuts,” while not said, was implied. “But, more than that, they’re versatile. Different ones are used for different things.”

“Like?”

“Like batteries and cell phones, magnets. Some next-generation telecommunications, I think.”

“What kind did they find in the Patagonia mine?”

“I don’t know. I’ve tried to get the water samples, but I can’t find them.”

“But if there was something that valuable in the mine,” said Beauvoir, “why was it abandoned?”

“The original owners were mining silver. When it tapped out, they walked away, not realizing what else was in there.”

“So then GHS buys the mine to close it, but discovers these rare earth minerals. Why hide it?”

“You really are thick, aren’t you.”