The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

“Three left turns and one to the right.” He was moving quickly. “She’s slowing down because she thought she might have lost you. She should be right ahead…” He turned the corner. “And there she is. Hello, Maya.”

She smiled. “Hello, Cade. You’re even better than I thought. But you blew it toward the end.”

“No, I didn’t. Riley didn’t like our game and she decided to stop it in its tracks. She wasn’t amused. I told you not to underestimate her.”

“How close are we to the temple, Maya?” Riley asked.

“It’s just ahead. There’s a cave in about another hundred feet, and once you enter it, it quickly becomes completely dark. But soon there will be lanterns that will light your way until you reach the street.”

“Street?” Riley asked. “Not temple?”

Maya grimaced. “For heaven’s sake, it was originally built by Silvana. She’d been in Rome too long not to have accepted their luxuries and civilized architecture. Of course there are cobbled streets and fine torches and museums, all to display the glory of Silvana Marcella.”

“I thought it was originally built to shelter the animals.”

“And it did shelter them in the beginning, but she had another purpose as the island grew more prosperous. She concentrated on breeding the horses she’d brought from Rome and kept only them in the temple stable and valley area. The cattle she distributed among the villages. The temple itself was used as a residence and guardhouse to protect Silvana. There’s a compound of soldiers always on duty here to maintain security. She was always wary about the possibility that she could be dragged back to Rome and executed.”

“I take it there was never an arena built for gladiator battles in her domain?” Cade asked.

Maya shook her head. “No way. She had been a slave too long and hated it with a passion by the time she ran away. She’d had to kill friends in the arena if the crowds turned thumbs-up, which was the signal for death. Look, she was a warrior and stayed that way for the rest of her life. But she was many other things as well, like any soldier could be. She made this island what it is, and she’s still protecting it through laws and traditions.”

“And the caretakers,” Riley said quietly. “I saw a little of that tonight.”

Maya waved her hand dismissively. “That was tradition, too. I was just doing my job.”

“There appears to be quite a bit of heart connected to that job.” Riley was silent for an instant. “I know we’re here to make sure your Bailey is safe. But is there another reason? Are we going to find the sarcophagus and jewels here, too? You’re not being very open with us, yet you expect everything. Do you even know the location of the sarcophagus?”

“I might,” Maya said. “But that’s one of my wild cards. I’d be foolish to reveal everything to you when everyone on this island is depending on me. I’ve given you my promise that you won’t be cheated if you help me, but I have to be very sure of you. When I am, I’ll be the one who gives you the details.” She emphasized. “All the details. Be a little patient.”

“We will,” Riley said. “But I’m not like you and Cade with your games. I believe we’ve already shown you that we’re committed. We won’t be patient for long.”

“Good enough,” Maya said. “I couldn’t expect more from—”

Riley suddenly grabbed Cade’s arm. “It’s getting lighter in here. It looks like—”

Then they were standing looking out at the cobbled streets, with beautifully shaped lamps hanging from the curved metal stands. The tall, two-story buildings had stained-glass windows that looked more like precious gems in the lamplight. “Beautiful…” Riley murmured. “Silvana?”

“We’re talking about centuries,” Maya said. “But there were many artists who offered their talents to make it this wonderful.” Her gaze was searching the crowded streets. “It was always considered an honor to work on the temple. It took total dedication due to the security restrictions, but when it was finished, it was—” She broke off as she saw what she’d been searching for. “Bailey!” She flew out of the cave and across the street toward a child, dressed in jeans and a turtleneck, coming out of one of the buildings. Then she was on her knees and Bailey was in her arms. “Hey, what are you doing out here alone? Where’s Tashi?”

“Being dragged behind her,” Tashi said dryly as she came out the door. “She caught a glimpse of you out the window while she was with her art teacher and ran out of there. I, of course, have to accept the blame for her bad behavior.”

“No, you don’t,” Bailey was grinning at her. “You know you never do anything wrong. How many times have you told me that?”

“Because it’s true,” Tashi said. “And you have to realize that perfection is possible so you can model yourself on me.” Her eyes were twinkling. “And not your mother, who has many flaws. One of which is not to warn me that she’d arrived.”

“No, she doesn’t.” Bailey was back in Maya’s arms again. “Everyone knows that she always has a reason. Tell her, Mama.”

“No reason.” She was gesturing to Cade and Riley. “I should have told her I was here. But I was excited because I’ve brought you two new friends to meet.” She took Riley’s hand and brought her closer. “This is Riley Smith. I knew her a long time ago. She’s very smart and she knows all about queens like Silvana. She even found one of her own and her name is Helen. Maybe she’ll tell you her story if you ask her nicely.”

Bailey took Riley’s hand. “How do you do?” she said politely. “I’m very glad to meet you.” Then the formality was gone as her face lit with excitement. “And that’s the truth. I like to meet new people. I don’t get to meet very many because I have lessons and I have to learn to be as smart as my mama.”

“You’re already way past that, Bailey,” Maya said. “Though I do have a fair quantity of practical knowledge that I can still teach you.”

Bailey shook her head. “You’re wonderful.” She looked at Riley. “Isn’t she?”

“I think perhaps she is.” Riley turned to Cade. “And this is another friend who will agree. His name is Morgan Cade, and he came here to help your mama straighten out a few things. He’s very good at fixing things that go wrong.”

Cade shook Bailey’s hand. “I’m delighted to meet you. But she obviously didn’t do anything wrong with you. Maybe we can just enjoy being together.”