The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

Riley wasn’t going to give it to her. “That was too easy. That can’t be where the treasure is.”

Maya chuckled. “I didn’t say it was. But there are treasures and then there are treasures. It all depends on what you’re looking for. But it’s certainly the place Silvana intended for her treasure. Perhaps she was also planning for her tomb to be there, too.”

“You’ve been there before,” Riley said. “The temple’s no secret to you.”

“No, as caretaker I have constant access, but the villagers regard it as a sacred place, and no one is allowed there but the sentries who guard it. And Nadim would be very happy to know where the temple is located. I’m sure he’s hunting for it even as we speak.” She handed Riley’s computer back to her. “And I think that’s all I’m willing to reveal at the moment. I do have to retain a few secrets so that you won’t undervalue me. I’ve given you a hint or two, but you’d need me to find any of those places for you.” She inclined her head. “I’m at your disposal at any time.”

“I’ll tell Cade.”

“I knew you would. I thought you’d need a key to start the search so that we’ll know we’re all on the same page. Is there anything else I can do?”

“No.” She hesitated. “The map is actually quite a bit.”

“I couldn’t expect you to go in blind. We made a deal.” She added quietly, “I’ll make it as easy as possible for all of us to get through it.” She got to her feet. “And now I’ll move back across the aisle. You can call Cade back here and talk about it if you like. I’ll be out of your way but available for questions.”

“I can wait,” Riley said. “We’ll be landing soon, and he’ll be able to concentrate. There’s no hurry.”

“Whatever,” Maya said. “These days I find myself not wanting to wait for anything.” She headed across the aisle. “I’m always afraid I’ll fall behind and never get caught up.”

Riley felt a chill go through her. Her own life lately had seemed to be balanced on seconds, not minutes. How did she know how much time she had? She reached for her phone and dialed Cade. When he answered she said, “Maya just filled in a map of the island for me. Would you like to come back and take a look at it?”

“I’ll be right there,” he said curtly. “I was coming anyway. A radio message just came in for Maya from her housekeeper. She couldn’t reach her by phone, there was too much interference. She said it was an emergency.” He hung up and the next moment the cockpit door opened and he was striding down the aisle. He stopped beside Maya’s seat. “Tashi, your housekeeper called. She said to give you a message that there was a fire at Mabato village and they’d sent help. She said there were signs it was probably Nadim.”

“Shit.” Maya jumped to her feet. “I need to talk to her. Can you get me through to her?”

He shook his head. “I’ve got Kirby trying. But there’s too much interference. We’ll be on the ground before we can reach her,” he said. “She said they’d sent help. As soon as we land, we’ll be on our way, too. Where the hell is Mabato?”

“It’s on the northern coast.” Her voice was panicked. “She didn’t say anything about Bailey? Did she have Bailey?”

“I gave you her entire message,” Cade said. “Who’s Bailey?”

“My daughter. Tashi was looking after her.” Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides. “Get this damn plane on the ground. I have to find out what’s happening down there.”

“We’ll be down in five to seven minutes,” Cade said as he turned on his heel. “Riley, take care of her.” The cockpit door slammed behind him.

“How in the hell am I supposed to know how to take care of you?” Riley said as she jumped up and came to stand beside Maya. “This is big stuff, and I didn’t even know you had a daughter.” She took both her hands and looked her in the eye. “And we both know you’re tough enough to tackle this on your own. All I can say is, I’ll be here with you until we get it straightened out. Cade is a great fixer and I’m not so bad. You’re not alone, Maya.”

She nodded jerkily as she sat down in her seat. “Then sit down and fasten your seat belt. I don’t want you to break anything.” Her voice was shaking. “I’m going to need all the help I can get once we land, and I see what I’m facing.”

“Right.” Riley sat down and reached for her belt. “Since you ask so nicely. But I meant what I said, Maya.”

“I know you did,” Maya said hoarsely, gazing straight ahead. “And we’ll get through it…”

They landed six minutes later, and as soon as the wheels stopped turning Maya was on her feet and headed for the exit. Riley was right behind her.

“Hold it.” Cade pushed in front and was unfastening the door. “Kirby is running a visual scan of the airport. We don’t want any unpleasant surprises. Go to the cockpit and see if you recognize anyone on the runway.”

Maya asked no questions. She was already running toward the cockpit. She was back seconds later. “Open it. It’s Tashi with Dalben, the captain of the local sentries.”

Cade already had the door open, and Maya ran down the steps to Tashi. Riley followed, but Maya had already reached Tashi and was gazing frantically into the housekeeper’s face. “Bailey?”

“Safe,” Tashi said instantly. “Did I not tell you that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her? When I heard there was trouble on the coast, I took her to the temple. Even if she was a target, no one could get past the sentries there.”

“Thank God.” Maya drew a deep breath. “Was she frightened?”

Tashi shook her head. “Only for you. This is Bailey. Though she didn’t want to leave the mountain.”

“She never does. But I can’t deal with her right now.” Maya gestured to Riley and then to Cade, who was coming down the steps with Kirby. “I’ve brought help. Tashi, Rolf Dalben. You remember Riley, and you met Kirby. This is Morgan Cade.”