Unity

21. Risking It All

CHAPTER 21: RISKING IT ALL

The LA support team grew. I hired two more private investigators and a second scheduler to help immigration in foreign countries, hotels and flight itineraries all over the planet.

Our first cross-border trip was into Mexico during the first week of the Third Month of the Virus.

"Stewart has never been to Oaxaca," Jack said. "And neither has Crystal. So this will be an exciting trip in addition to the next award. I can't wait to see how these two react to the awesome natural pools."

Stewart took the bait. "What natural pools? What are they?"

I knew, because I looked it up. I had to. Brian said I'd love it and I was curious as to why. But Stewart was the type of guy who simply took things as they came.

"Only the most awesome petrified waterfalls and mineral pools on this side of the planet," Jack said with a grin. "It's one of those spots on Earth that is so beautifully stunning – it hurts."

"He's exaggerating, but only a little," Brian laughed. "It's a stunning site, and it's also as calming as it is invigorating. It's called Hierve el Agua, or 'the water boils'."

"Is it a waterfall near a hot spring? Might do my old bones some good." Stewart chuckled.

"Nope- not quite, young man," Jack said. "In fact, it's not water at all. It's travertine rock formations that look like waterfalls. There are natural mineral springs and they are fantastic. But they're not hot."

Local leadership closed the site when the World Health Committee made the pandemic proclamation. No tourists were allowed to the park.

"I have to ask," I said, "How can we go if it's closed to visitors?"

"Ah, well, our next Unity recipient can let us in," Jack answered.

Of course, I should have put two and two together and felt foolish for not having made the connection. Maybe I did need another, longer, break.

Our Oaxaca recipient was an American who did volunteer work for a native tribe. "The same tribe also owns the Hierve el Agua site," Brian said.

***

On the plane down to Mexico, Brian seemed anxious. It was the first time I'd seen him full of doubt and worry. Not quite fear, but close.

"Listen,' he said, "this is our first trip out of the country during a pandemic, and I'm having second thoughts."

"About traveling? About international travel?" I looked at him with pure concern.

"Yes, your traveling." He furrowed his brows at me. "To a foreign country. To a remote area in a foreign country. Where medical help beyond Stewart is not quickly available. Or, also possible, where we could potentially bring the virus to the tribe as carriers."

I sat back. "OK, first, I know the risks and I agree to go. And second: we test ourselves every day. Sometimes two or three times a day." Saliva tests had been approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and we paid a premium to make sure we had a constant supply. The tests were also now about 90 percent accurate.

"Crystal, if you got the virus on a Unity trip, I could never forgive myself. I feel like I'm risking it all – my money, my life, and most importantly – your life."

He kissed the knuckle on my middle finger, my ring finger, my pinky finger. It aroused me. I pulled my hand away.

"You listen here. I signed up for this. I wanted this promotion into the new Trinity department. Besides, this is more than just a job for me now.