‘We developed a working prototype for the Archives. It’s still in the beta phase, but someday we hope to release it as open-source software. Then everyone can use it for free.’
‘Why would you do that? Your company could lose millions,’ she said.
‘It’s not about money. It’s about the freedom of historical information. You know, the concept that Petr encourages at the Archives.’
She nodded, impressed. ‘Don’t get me wrong: I think that’s wonderful. I just …’
Payne smiled. ‘Didn’t expect it from me?’
‘Something like that,’ she admitted.
‘Well, maybe one of these days you’ll realize I’m not such a bad guy after all.’
‘I never said you were.’
Worried about the direction the conversation was taking, Jones intervened. ‘Speaking of bad guys, what did you find out about Landa in the document?’
Ulster answered excitedly. ‘Quite a bit! For centuries, scholars have debated why the Spanish Crown would appoint him as the Bishop of Yucatán. After all, he was hated by just about everyone in the New World — the Maya, the soldiers and the clergy — because of his sadistic behaviour. Furthermore, he embarrassed several key political figures in Spain with the auto-da-fé of Maní in 1562. No one could understand why he was rewarded with such a plum role in the colonization of the Americas less than ten years later, but now we know. He bribed his way back to the New World with the promise of treasure.’
‘You think the document is real?’ she asked.
Ulster nodded. ‘Considering the source, I think it’s a logical assumption. Terrence Hamilton is a leading expert in his field. If he had the document in his possession, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt — at least for the time being. We’ll know for sure once we get to see the original. If we get to see the original.’
Payne grimaced. ‘Right now, that’s a pretty big if.’
‘Why do you say that?’ she demanded.
‘Last night I tracked down a friend of mine who works K&R in Mexi—’
She cut him off. ‘What’s K&R?’
‘Sorry. That means kidnap and ransom. It’s a booming industry in Latin America, and my friend works as a retrieval specialist in Mexico City.’
Jones tried to reassure her. ‘His name is Don Stillwagon. We’ve known him for years. He’s very good at what he does. He knows what he’s talking about.’
She nodded in acceptance.
‘Anyway,’ Payne continued, ‘he’s very familiar with the gangs that run eastern Mexico. He said in 95 per cent of all cases, a ransom demand will be issued within forty-eight hours. After that, the odds of recovery go down significantly.’
Ulster gulped. ‘You mean they’ll kill him?’
‘No, I mean the odds are pretty good that he’s already dead.’
‘What?’ she blurted.
Payne shook his head. ‘Don’t misunderstand me: I didn’t say Hamilton is dead. I said if a demand hasn’t been issued in forty-eight hours, there’s probably a pretty good reason. Most of the time, it means something happened to the target. Maybe he fought back. Maybe he saw their faces. Or maybe he was killed during the abduction. Whatever the reason, the gang chalks it up as a loss and moves on to its next victim. Down here, time is money.’
‘Just like that?’ she asked.
Payne nodded. ‘Just like that.’
Ulster glanced at his watch. It was nearly 9.30 a.m. ‘When was Terrence grabbed?’
‘At roughly 5 p.m. on Friday. That means we’ve got seven and a half hours to go.’
‘That isn’t a lot of time,’ Ulster said.
‘True, but keep something in mind: the odds are pretty damn good they’re not going to call us. They’ll call Hamilton’s family, or his university, or whoever would be willing to pay for his release. For all we know, that call was made yesterday.’
‘Then what should we do?’ she asked.
‘We’re already doing it. We’re following the clues that were left behind. With any luck, we’ll stumble across something significant. And if we do, we’ll be ready to help.’
50
By the end of breakfast, Ulster was bouncing with anticipation. Ever since Payne had phoned him, he’d been eager to examine the Mayan artefacts Hamilton had discovered. Based on their colours, materials and designs, Ulster felt he could take an educated guess about their city of origin. By doing so, he hoped to figure out where Hamilton and his team had been working in the weeks prior to his disappearance.
‘Where shall we have the unveiling?’ Ulster asked.
‘That depends,’ Payne said. ‘What do you need to examine them?’
‘Not a lot. I brought everything I need, with one tiny exception.’
‘What’s that?’
‘Maria.’
She flinched at the mention of her name. ‘Me?’
Ulster laughed. ‘Of course, you. The last time I checked, you were a world-class historian. That hasn’t changed, has it?’
‘No.’
‘Then your expertise will be invaluable. I certainly can’t count on these brutes to handle delicate artefacts. I’ve seen them play catch with a priceless vase.’
Jones laughed. ‘In my defence, I thought “priceless” meant it was free.’
Payne nodded. ‘And in my defence, he threw it at me. All I did was catch it. Technically, I saved the damn thing.’
‘Regardless of the circumstances,’ Ulster said, grinning, ‘I would prefer to work with an expert in the field — someone like Maria.’
‘No problem. I’d be happy to help.’ She leaned towards Ulster, who was sitting on her right, and whispered. ‘Just so you know, I’m far from an expert when it comes to the Maya.’
He whispered back. ‘That makes two of us. Perhaps we can put our heads together and fake it. These guys won’t know any better.’
She giggled and put her hand on his shoulder. ‘I’m so glad you’re here. I really am.’
He smiled at her. ‘I’m so glad I was invited. It’s been far too long, my dear. How come you haven’t visited me in Küsendorf? You know you’re always welcome.’
‘I am?’ she said, surprised.
‘Of course! In fact, after the time we spent together at the Archives, I was secretly hoping you would view me as a mentor. Not that you need one. I mean, you’ve achieved so much at such a tender age, more than I had in my twenties. Nevertheless, sometimes it might be comforting to have someone in your corner, someone who’s faced the same battles as you, someone with a similar background. Keep in mind, my father and grandfather were both revered for the work they did in the preservation of artefacts, so I know how difficult it is to live up to a family reputation. In many ways, my name is a blessing. In other ways, it’s a curse.’
She nodded. ‘Trust me, I’m quite familiar with the curse part.’
‘Yes,’ he said knowingly, ‘I guess you’ve beaten me in that category. Still, consider this an open invitation. If you ever want to talk, I’d love to hear from you, day or night.’
‘Thanks. That means the world to me.’
Payne cleared his throat from across the table. ‘Sorry to interrupt your whispering — I know how you ladies love to gossip — but shouldn’t we get the show on the road?’
Ulster nodded. ‘I’ve been ready since sunrise. Just lead the way and I shall follow.’
The foursome rode together to the Italian consulate, where Hamilton’s H2 had been stashed overnight. Jones parked the SUV in the alley, not far from the private garage, and kept watch while Payne opened the door. He punched in the access code, given to them by Giuseppe, and waited for the light to turn green. As soon as it did, he signalled for the others to join him.