In that case, there was no reason to scare you off. Did you discuss your work with Gunnar?"

“Yes, he was always there when I returned from my field tests and seemed very interested in what I was doing.” A light dawned in the professor's eyes. “I see! You think he was an informant for Oceanus?”

"I don't know for certain, but I was told that he worked for

Oceanus during the construction of the fish farm. It's certainly pos- sible that he continued to be employed by the company after the plant was built."

Jorgensen frowned. “Have you mentioned this episode to the police?”

“Not just yet. Technically speaking, I was trespassing on private property.”

“But you don't try to /fill somebody simply for being nosy!” “That does seem like an overreaction. However, I can't see the Faroe police department pushing the matter. Oceanus would deny that our little dust-off ever took place. The way they reacted to a lit- tle harmless snooping tells me they must have something to hide. I'd like to poke around quietly, and the police would simply stir things up.”

“As you wish. I know little about intrigue. My realm is science.” His brow wrinkled in thought. “That creature in the tank that scared the devil out of you. You don't think it was a shark?”

“All I know is that it was big and hungry and as pale as a ghost.” “A ghost fish. Interesting. I'll have to think about it. In the mean- time, I'll prepare for my return trip to the Faroes.”

"Are you sure you want to go? It might be dangerous after my en- counter.

“This time, I'm going in a research vessel. Besides safety in num- bers, it will provide access to a full range of research gear. I'd love to bring along an archaeologist to research those caves.”

“Not a great idea, Professor, but there's someone in town who might be helpful in that area. Her father visited the caves, and she told me how to gain entry. Her name is Pia.”

“The minister's widow?”

“Yes, you've met her? She's quite a woman.”

“I'll say,” Jorgensen said, before catching himself. The blush stain- ing his cheeks told the whole story. “We've met a few times around the village. She's impossible to avoid. Can you change your plans and return to Skaalshavn with me?”

Austin shook his head. “Thanks for the offer. But I've got to get back to my duties at NUMA. I'm leaving Joe to wrap up the tests on the Sea Lamprey. Please keep me apprised of your findings.”

“I will, of course.” Jorgensen cradled his chin in his hand, and a faraway look came to his eyes.

“My scientific training abhors the whole idea of portents. I am trained to draw no conclusion unless I have the facts to back it up. There's something terribly wrong here, Kurt. I can feel it in my bones. Something unholy”