The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

Riley had just finished brushing her teeth and washing her face when she saw Cade coming over the ridge. He was smiling and waved at her. She stood up and waited for him to come to her. “Where have you been?”

“Just for a walk. I had a few preparations to make.” He was studying her expression. “You’re looking very wary. Why?”

“You had a talk with Bailey. It made me a little uneasy. But then I thought you’d probably guess that. You spent a long time not only getting to know her better but preparing the way for something else.” She paused. “And she knew it had something to do with me, so she spent a little time following your suggestions about taking care of each other. I received tea, porridge, and snow to wash my face.”

“Well, I definitely approve of the snow. I always like it when you’re glowing and look like you’re fresh from your bath.” He grinned. “Though I admit I like the shower concept better.”

“So did I.” She paused. “But stop trying to distract me. What are you up to, Cade? And what were you doing with Bailey?”

His smile faded. “Nothing that’s not in her very best interest. I had to prepare her for what’s coming. We’ve come to the crossroads and it’s time we pin Maya down and start moving.”

“Give her a break. After Nadim’s attack on her last night, she needs to recover.”

He shook his head. “Nadim isn’t going to wait. He’ll find a way to go after what he wants. And now that he has Bevan in his pocket, it will make it twice as dangerous for us. Maya said herself that Bevan probably knew too much about the property.” He paused. “And I could tell she was thinking about that when I talked to her last night. She knows as well as I do that time’s run out for us.”

“You seem to be sure about that,” Riley said slowly. “Why?”

“Nadim is becoming a threat to Bailey. And Maya realized he’s also coming after you if he has the chance. She can’t allow that to happen.” He smiled crookedly. “After all, Maya’s the caretaker.”

“And?”

“And she didn’t ask one question when I called her from my walk and told her to meet me here in front of the cave entrance. I was glad when I saw you standing there glaring at me when I came over the ridge. It saved me from having to go after you.”

“You mean I was actually to be included?” she asked caustically. “Should I be grateful?”

“No, I told you we’d talk this morning. I just thought I’d let Maya cool down, and let you have a good night’s sleep, before we started any discussion.” He stiffened as he caught sight of Maya coming out of the cave. “Because I’m not in the mood for diplomacy at the moment. So I hope neither of you expects it.” He gestured to the boulder beside the entrance. “Sit down.” He turned to Maya, who was approaching. “Good morning, did you have a good night? I thought we needed to clarify a few things before we go forward. Is that all right with you?”

“Would it make any difference?” Maya asked. “I can see that you’re going to do it anyway.”

“It would make a difference. I’d prefer honesty and reason to struggle.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “But I believe you’re ready for that now anyway.”

“Try me.” She smiled at Riley. “Stop worrying. One way or the other we’ll get through this. I always knew when I brought Cade into it that it might bring problems.”

“I just don’t want you hurt. But I won’t let you hurt Cade, either.”

“Oh, dear. What a conundrum.” Her gaze shifted to Cade. “Go ahead. Attack. Clarify.”

“I will,” Cade said. “You offered us two specific prizes to lure us to the island and these mountains. The first, of course, was the Silvana sarcophagus and the coffers of jewels that went along with it. You thought that would appeal to Riley after what she’d done with the Helen of Troy memorial.”

“I knew it would,” Maya said quietly.

“But you had to dangle something for me,” he said. “The unicorns. You couldn’t promise me, but you said just enough to make it a beacon shining in the distance. I thought at the time how clever you were. Yet you managed to be appealing along with it.” His lips tightened. “But it was still a promise and it’s time to collect. We’re here, we’re ready to get rid of your enemies. However, we need to know we’re not fighting for phantoms.”

“Those deer in that cave aren’t phantoms,” she said. “I brought you here and I’ll give them into your care if we can figure a way to get them off the mountain safely.”

“That’s one prize for me. And that’s the only thing I wanted when I agreed to come here,” he said. “But what about Riley? The Silvana sarcophagus. Do you know where it is?”

She didn’t answer.

“She knows,” Riley said suddenly. “She has to know. She’s the caretaker. The caretaker knows everything, and the tradition passes from person to person. Any secret would be carried down from caretaker to caretaker.”

Maya grimaced. “I might have a good idea. It’s on the top of a mountain not too far from here. Very high, very cold. You’re right, I’ve been told the complete history and the location. It’s always been the duty of the caretakers to make complete records of any events of importance. But I’ve never actually been there. Also, you’ll remember our deal called for a portion of the jewels to be distributed to the people of the island. I had to be careful for their sake.”

Riley nodded. “I understand.” She glanced at Cade. “Is that all you wanted from her? Are you satisfied?”

“No. Not until we crush Nadim and Bevan. But that will come soon enough.” He added recklessly, “Because we’re going to go after them right away, and the only way to do it may be to let them find us. We can’t get those unicorns out of here until we have a plan in place. Much less an extremely fragile sarcophagus. I’ve already started to pull together a plan, but you might not be too pleased with it.” He took out his phone and started dialing. “We’ll have to see.” He spoke into the phone. “Okay, I’m ready for you. Come ahead.” He listened for a moment. “Are you finished? Stop complaining. You’re supposed to be a stoic Superman. You’ll ruin your image.” He pressed DISCONNECT and turned back to Riley and Maya. “He wants a cup of tea. Will you tell someone to bring it?”

“No, who were you talking to?” Riley asked.