Pitt’s eyes sparkled with optimism. “It just so happens that I have a vessel in the neighborhood and the man in place to find the way,” he said with a confident grin.

Perlmutter located a dusty bottle of vintage port wine and poured small glasses all around.

“Godspeed to you, my boy,” he toasted. “May you shed some light on the darkened Erebus.”

After thanking Perlmutter for the meal and receiving a promise from the marine historian that he would provide copies of any materials he had on the ship’s likely position, Loren and Pitt stepped out of the carriage house and returned to the car. Climbing into the car, Loren was unusually quiet. Her sixth sense had kicked in, warning of an unseen danger. She knew she couldn’t stand in the way of Pitt pursuing a lost mystery, but it was always hard for her to let him go.

“The Arctic is a dangerous place,” she finally said in a low voice. “I’ll worry about you up there.”

“I’ll be sure to pack my long underwear and stay well clear of icebergs,” he said with cheery comfort.

“I know this is important, but, still, I wish you didn’t have to go.”

Pitt smiled in reassurance, but in his eye there was a distant and determined look. Loren took one look at her husband and knew that he was already there.

Chapter 42

42

MITCHELL GOYETTE WAS SITTING ON THE FAN tail of his yacht reviewing an earnings report when his private secretary appeared with a secure portable phone.

“Natural Resources Minister Jameson is on the line,” the winsome brunette said as she handed him the phone.

Goyette gave her a smug leer, then picked up the receiver.

“Arthur, good of you to call. Tell me, how are you coming along with my Arctic exploration licenses?”

“It is the purpose of my call. I received the maps of your desired Arctic resource exploration zones. The requested regions encompass over twelve million acres, I was rather shocked to find. Quite unprecedented, I must say.”

“Yes, well, there are riches to be had. First things first, however. Where are we on those mining claims for the Royal Geographical Society Islands?”

“As you know, a portion of the islands’ exploration and production rights are held by the Mid-America Mining Company. My offic e has drafted up a revocation of their license for due cause. If they fail to meet production output quotas in the next three months, then we can rescind their license. If this political crisis with the U.S. heats up, then we may be able to act sooner.”

“I think we can be assured that they won’t meet their summer quota,” Goyette said slyly.

“The rescission can be accelerated if signed by the Prime Minister. Is that a course you wish to pursue?”

“Prime Minister Barrett will be no impediment,” Goyette laughed. “You might say he is something of a silent partner in the venture.”