One Grave Less

that ‘but’ is still hanging out there.”
    Diane looked at David, who had a very low suspicion threshold.
    “It’s worth some further investigation. The things we have already talked about, and her breaking into the mailroom, are suspicious, but what bothers me the most is the abrupt change in her looks, coupled with all the above. I hate to say it, but Lynn may be onto something.”
    “I agree that it needs looking into,” said Diane. “I’ll tell Garnett and he can decide.” She looked over at Izzy and he grinned at her.
    “Hey, little buddy.” Izzy looked at Neva. “Is Mike coming back for the big wedding?”
    Neva smiled. “He wouldn’t miss it.”
    “Where is he now? Did you say in the ice again?” he asked.
    Neva frowned. “Yes. He said he wasn’t going ice caving again, but the company talked him into it. I’m really nervous.”
    “He’ll be fine,” said Izzy. “He’s probably already finished. Isn’t he due back pretty soon?”
    Neva nodded. “He’s supposed to call or e-mail tonight.”
    Diane understood Neva’s nerves. The whole idea scared her too. She, Mike, Neva, and Jin were caving partners. Mike was a really good caver and expert rock climber. Always extra cautious. Mike was also her geology curator and she needed him back to discuss the new exhibit he had pitched to her before he left. She wished museum concerns were the only ones she had. She might not even be director when he got back.
    So much strange unpleasantness had descended and was picking like vultures at her and her friends. Poor Madge. Whatever Diane thought about her, Madge enjoyed her life and deserved to live it. Accident was just not sitting well with her. And even if it was an accident, what took her to the edge of the lake?
    “Do you have anything new on Simone and the Mayan exhibit?” Diane asked.
    Neva shook her head. “I’ve given the information we have to the DEA guys. They were very interested, as you can imagine.”
    “They interviewed me,” said Diane. “At least they didn’t arrest me. They had heard the rumors.”
    “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” said Neva. “Was it unpleasant?”
    “Mildly. I expect them back, just on general principles.”
    “David is going over the detritus from the Mayan exhibit, literally with a fine-tooth comb,” said Neva.
    “I’m hoping to find some transfer from the guys who attacked,” said David. “I’m determined to prove the fire didn’t destroy everything.”
    Diane nodded. “David and I are having dinner with Gregory and Frank at the museum restaurant, so I’m going back to my office to freshen up. I appreciate the work you guys are doing. I know I haven’t been around much.”
    “Sure,” said Neva. “Anything we can do, we will. You know that.”
    Diane left and went back to her museum office, where she had a change of clothes. She was looking forward to one evening of peace. Then again, Gregory would be back from the hospital. She was eager to hear what he had discovered. She opened the door to Andie’s office.
    Andie was laughing and talking to a tall man, light brown hair, medium complexion, and boyish good looks.
    “Steven,” said Diane in surprise.
    It was Steven Mays, one of the people she had worked with in South America. Gregory and David had been trying to get him on the phone at the State Department in Washington.
    “It’s great to see you!” said Diane.

Chapter 37
    Maria snapped fully awake as if she had been Tasered. Ric—or rather, Kyle—was staring at her through the window, backlit by the early-morning sun, his rifle aimed at her head. Behind him she saw several members of the tribe standing back, talking among themselves and watching Kyle.
    “Get down on the floor,” said Maria.
    Rosetta slipped down and huddled under the dash with her backpack. Maria glanced at the passenger window to see if anyone was there. No one.
    “Get out of the truck now, damn it!” he yelled.
    Maria felt for her gun. She couldn’t find it. She made a quick survey of the truck. It was on the floor under the brake. The others were in the backpack. Shit .
    “Now! You are going to do what I say. Why doesn’t anybody listen to me? Get out or I’m going to start shooting,” he said. The tendons in his neck stood out as he yelled. His face was red, but not with paint.
    Maria had no choice. She wouldn’t be able to get the gun before he could shoot. Damn, she hadn’t meant to fall asleep. She’d stayed awake for most of the night