Jack Higgins – Sheba

‘And when did he return?’ Marie said.

Ahmed shrugged. ‘I’m afraid I have no knowledge on that point. As far as I remember he paid to be taken to Bir el Madani – the nearest Arab village to Shabwa. What happened to him after that I do not know.’

He turned to Kane. ‘I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, Gavin.’

Kane shook h;s head. ‘You’ve been a lot of help. At least I know this guy got as far as Bir el Madani. Before that I couldn’t even prove he’d landed in Dahrein.’

Ahmed smiled. ‘Well, if you’ll excuse me. I’ve got a lot of work on my hands.’

After he had gone back into the house, Marie said, ‘What on earth could this man Cunningham be doing in the Shabwa area?’

Kane shrugged. ‘He was an archaeologist. Probably looking for rock carvings.’

‘On his own?’ she said incredulously. ‘Surely not. Only a fool would attempt to travel in that area alone.’

‘Or a man who was looking for something really important,’ Kane said.

As soon as the words were out of his mouth he regretted them, but it was too late. She leaned across, a slight frown on her face and said, ‘You’re holding something back, aren’t you? Hadn’t you better tell me what it’s all about?’

He sighed and got to his feet. ‘I suppose I had. For one thing, you might be able to help. For another, now that you’ve scented a mystery, you won’t rest content until you’ve wormed it out of me.’

She stood up with a soft laugh. ‘Dear Gavin, you know me so well by now. Let’s walk in the garden and you can unburden yourself.’

They went down the steps and walked through the trees, her hand resting lightly on his arm, and he inhaled her sweetness and was aware of feelings he had not experienced for a long time.

He began to talk, starting with the arrival of Ruth Cunningham and ending with an account of Alexias and his journey into the desert.

When he finished, they were sitting on a seat by the fountain and there was silence for a while. Somewhere a bird called through the night and Marie sighed. ‘It’s certainly a fantastic story.’

‘Don’t you believe it?’ Kane said.

She shrugged. ‘The important thing is that Cunningham did. What do you intend to do now?’

Kane shrugged. Til go up to Shabwa. Question the headman at Bir el Madani and find out what happened to Cunningham.’

Marie stood up and they started to walk back towards the house. ‘Personally, I don’t think you or anyone else will ever see John Cunningham again.’

Kane nodded. ‘You’re probably right, but his wife won’t rest content until she knows for sure.’

Marie leaned against the balustrade of the terrace. ‘I agree with you. However, I think I can help to get this thing cleared up quickly. I’m flying to Bir el Madani in the morning to see Jordan about some equipment he needs. He’s boring a test hole about fifteen miles from there. He’s had his men lay out a rough airstrip for me. I’m only taking Jamal. There’s room for you and Mrs Cunningham if you want to come along.’

Kane felt suddenly elated. ‘That would be excellent.’

‘Jordan will be waiting to take me to his camp by truck. I expect to be there all morning. You can borrow the plane. Three hours should give you ample time in which to make a quick survey of the area.’

‘It would certainly save Mrs Cunningham a rough trip by truck,’ Kane said. ‘I was worried about that. I don’t think she’s up to it.’

‘Is she pretty?’ Marie said.

He shrugged. ‘Skiros certainly thinks she is.’

‘But you are more interested in her money?’

‘The fee she’s offering me to find her husband is certainly attractive, but I’m intrigued by the story about that temple.’

Marie laughed lightly. ‘The eternal seeker. Will you ever be content with what is on this side of the hill, Gavin?’

‘Probably not,’ he said. ‘I suppose that’s the main reason archaeology interested me so much when I was a kid. That’s why I stay on here, when each year I swear I’ll leave. There’s so much to do – as long as one has the money, of course, which means working for Skiros occasionally. But beggars can’t be choosers.’ He grinned. ‘If it comes to that, why do you stay? You could make your headquarters in a more congenial spot. Bombay, for instance.’

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