The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

“Those coffers of treasure you mentioned?”

She nodded. “That was a part of it. Word got around quickly about the riches she’d brought to the island. In the early days, there were always thieves attacking her camps. Later she organized the natives to build her a small city complete with temple in one of the valleys where she could store her treasures. But she still had to worry about the cattle and the herd of horses she’d brought from Rome. As I said, they were magnificent and evidently worth almost as much as her jewels and precious coins. She started to train the villagers as warriors to protect them. Landowners started to come from all over the countryside and as far as India to try to buy them, and the thieves, poachers, and brigands were right behind them. Evidently that pissed off Silvana, because she closed down the island and permitted no one to enter without her permission. She even brought out her own set of laws. Palandan became her own private territory complete with a small army.” She smiled. “And that was the way it stayed. She lived to be seventy-eight and had two children by men in the village, but no one challenged her authority. She chose her daughter to succeed her and by the time she died, she’d trained her daughter to do things her way and obey Silvana’s laws. It had become tradition.”

“Maybe then. Surely not through all those centuries?” Eve said skeptically.

“Sometimes things changed for a while, but they always reverted to Silvana’s law eventually.”

“And that was why you had to have special permission from Maya Fallon even to visit the island?” Eve shook her head. “Hard to believe.”

“It kept the island prosperous and safe, the people happy,” Riley said quietly. “That can’t be all bad. There’s a world of countries out there who have created their own laws and lifestyles. Most of the Silvana laws are reasonable and benefit the islanders. It’s not as if anyone is forced to live there. They like their island.”

“But it didn’t appeal to you five years ago,” Eve said.

“It appealed to me. How could it not? An Amazon warrior who had fought desperately for her freedom and escaped from danger and slavery in the arena to come to that island and make a new life? It’s a wonderful story and if I hadn’t had Helen beckoning, I might have wanted to stay and see what I could find. I only knew the legends, but there were so many mysteries that I hadn’t even touched. I had no idea where Silvana’s tomb was located. For that matter, where was this splendid city and temple she’d had constructed on the island to protect her animals and other property? Was that where Silvana’s family chose to place her tomb? Why had she brought that large herd of horses to the island anyway? It must have made the journey from Rome even more difficult when you consider the distance and primitive travel conditions. Did those coffers of jewels still exist or had Silvana’s descendants lost them over the centuries?” She stopped and drew a deep breath. “You see, lots of questions. It’s my profession to dig into the past and learn what’s revealed.” She shrugged. “And if those assholes hadn’t attacked that night, I might have found out even more, which would have made me that much more eager to explore Palandan. But they did attack, and that sent me back on the track for Helen that I never should have left.”

“And left you pondering all those unanswered questions,” Eve said softly. “And if your Maya is as clever as you tell me, she’d realize that would drive you crazy. You’re very easy to read. I can see it, clear as day. Did she?”

Riley slowly nodded. “She’d know.”

“Then you shouldn’t play her game.” Eve took a sip of her wine. “But it’s too late to say that, isn’t it? You’re already heading in that direction.”

“I owe her.” Then she added, “And I trust her. We became very good friends in the short time I was on the island. I believe she’s honorable. Which is why I’ve been wondering if I should go back to Palandan and see what’s wrong for myself.”

“And that’s why you came here. You wanted me to give you advice about what you should do? Come on, Riley. You know you’re aching to find out all those delicious Silvana answers and help a friend who’s in trouble.” Her lips tightened. “To hell with that. I’ve listened and heard what you’ve said. I believe you’re very sharp and wouldn’t ordinarily be fooled by anyone, but I don’t know anything about this Maya Fallon. And I don’t like the idea of risking my friend with a stranger who seems damn questionable. You want advice, here it is. We’re going to call Joe and tell him to check with his contacts at Interpol about what the hell is happening at Palandan. Then we’ll look the situation over and decide what’s best to do.”

Riley smiled. “Which I could have bet would be your advice. It’s practical and caring and very much Eve.” She shook her head. “But I promised Maya when she called me that I’d keep everything regarding Palandan confidential. I’ll have to tell her that I discussed it with you—though I don’t think she’ll mind, since she congratulated me on getting your expert help to do the forensic sculpture on Helen. But she’d definitely consider bringing in Interpol as a breach of trust.”

Eve was scowling. “You do realize I’ll have to discuss this with Joe anyway?”

She nodded. “But you’ll make certain that he knows the rules.”

“He’s not going to like it.”

“Yep, but he’ll go along with it if you ask him.” She dropped to her knees before where Eve was sitting on the porch swing. “Hey, stop frowning. You did exactly what I wanted and I’m grateful. I was confused and you straightened me out. I admit when I got that call from Maya, it threw me for a loop. You listened to me talk and you asked questions and you made me remember Maya and that night five years ago. Now I only have to make a decision. I’m just sorry if I’m not able to take your advice. I’m not sure I was clear enough about everything I experienced there. Palandan is one of those places that you can’t describe, you have to be there.”

“Oh, you’ve done a fairly good job of bringing it up close and personal for me,” Eve said. “Maybe a little too personal. Since the gladiator fights were popular entertainment that went on for about a thousand years, I’d say it took me back to about the first century B.C. I gather you haven’t told Cade about Maya’s phone call yet.”

She shook her head. “He’s been busy saving the world. He’s got a lot of other things to worry about. Besides, there may not be anything to tell him.” She held up her hand as Eve started to speak. “But naturally, I’ll let him know if it becomes necessary. That’s only fair.”

“When your welfare and safety are on the line, I suspect Cade feels he should always be in the loop. He’d insist on it. Right?”

Riley nodded. “Yes, he can be a bit assertive. But then so can I.” She stood up, then reached down for Eve’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “You promised me dessert. Could we go inside and have it now?”

Eve thought about it. “I imagine I can let you escape for the time being. I have to call Joe and Michael and tell them good night anyway. Are you going to call Cade?”

Riley shook her head. “I called him when I first got here to tell him I’d arrived. He said to give you his regards.”

“And you’d prefer not to have to let him know that I’m not enthralled with the way you’re handling this?”

“As I said, no use disturbing him if there’s no good reason,” Riley repeated.

Eve shrugged. “Then we’ll have dessert and casual conversation that has nothing to do with Maya Fallon. After that we’ll go to bed and get a good night’s sleep.” She added, “But I’m not giving up. Tomorrow morning we’ll have breakfast and then go out on the boat, and we’ll have another talk. Okay?”

Riley chuckled. “What a fantastic strategist. You’ll have me trapped, surrounded by water.” She added gently, “Of course it’s okay. You deserve your turn. But no Interpol.”

Eve nodded. “I’m sure we can find alternatives that will please us both.” She headed for the front door. “In my work as a forensic sculptor, I usually have to make compromises. I may really have to concentrate on this one…”

“Here we go again.” Joe swore long and vehemently beneath his breath as he tried to mentally put the scenario together. “I didn’t need to hear this when I’m up here in the Highlands thousands of miles away. Should I come home?”