The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

“When would I get the rest of the money?”

“Within forty-eight hours. Once I confirm that you’ve given us Silvana’s actual location, you’ll get the rest. All cash. My men will be staying behind to give it to you.”

Chodak thought for a moment, stood, and walked across the cabin to a tall bookshelf. He pulled down a hardcover book and flipped through the pages until he reached a detail map. He picked up a pencil, scribbled on the map, and handed the open book to Nadim. “It’s there. You have my word.”

Nadim studied the map and traced Chodak’s markings with his finger. “Zokara Mountain… Through a waterfall?”

“It’s there, I promise you. Follow these instructions.”

Nadim nodded. “Good. We came to the right place.”

“You did. Now please go. I have a charter coming in less than half an hour.”

“A pleasure,” Nadim said. “I’ll be in touch.”

He and Bevan left the boat and joined the four men on the dock. Bevan smiled. “You’re not really going to give him another million, are you?”

“If this is the location of Silvana, of course I will.” Nadim closed the book. “I suspect Mr. Chodak would be a good ally to cultivate. Just as I cultivated you, Bevan.”

“And if he’s lying to us?”

Nadim cast a glance at his armed escorts. “Then my men will have no choice but to kill him.”

MAYA’S TENT

6:05 A.M.

Kagan moved quietly, his feet making no sound as he crossed the few yards from Maya and Bailey’s tent to the trees in the back where her deer was sheltering. He was so silent that he thought Bailey might be asleep when she didn’t raise her head from the stack of straw where she was lying close to Riva. But when he knelt down beside her, she turned and looked at him, her eyes wide open. “Hello, Kagan,” she whispered. “I think there’s another storm coming. Not like the last one. Riva’s afraid of this one.”

“Is she?” He tucked her blanket over her shoulders before he squatted down beside her and crossed his legs. “Is that why you’re sleeping beside her?”

She nodded. “Though I’ve been doing that for the last few nights because it’s near her time. But this is different. I could feel her fear. She needed me.”

“And perhaps you needed her?”

“Perhaps. Do you think I’m being foolish?”

“No, why else am I here? I told you that I took care of many animals when I was a boy on the farm. I had bonds with all of them, and I know what it is to feel them call you when they’re in need. We’re all actually one with each other if we permit it to happen.” He smiled. “Perhaps you’re able to hear the call more clearly than most, but it’s only a matter of degree. Maybe I also heard your call and that’s why I came out here to see you rather than say good morning to your mother first. But you’re actually reversing the traditional legends, you know. According to unicorn myths, the unicorn stationed herself beside a pure, gentle maiden to protect her from assault. Instead, you’re protecting your friend, Riva?”

“I’ve read all those stories,” Bailey said. “Why should I pay attention to fairy tales when this is real life. Those animals need us. Riva needs me.”

“I’m not suggesting anything different,” he said gently. “I admire your interpretation. I’m just pointing out that we might have to strike new ground to write new legends. However, we’ll deal with that later. Right at this moment since I’m here on this early-morning visit, I should also mind my manners and say good morning to you.” He inclined his head politely. “Good morning, Bailey.” Kagan’s voice was velvet soft. “Good morning, Riva. We’re not going to let anything happen to either one of you.” He got to his feet. “I’ll have a surprise for both of you a little later.” He paused. “And you’re right, there will be a storm. I can feel it, too. I won’t tell you not to be afraid, but I promise we won’t leave you alone to face it.” He turned away. “Now I have to go say good morning to your mother. I hope you’re hungry. Because that’s part of the surprise. Why don’t you take Riva for a little walk around the campsite? She’d probably like to stretch her muscles a little.”

She chuckled as she sat up. “Did she tell you she would?”

“No, I wouldn’t presume to interfere with your relationship. I just remembered we had a goat once and if we didn’t exercise her frequently, she’d butt us in the behind whenever she got the chance.”

She laughed out loud. “Riva wouldn’t do that. She’s very polite.”

Kagan reached out and tucked Bailey’s coat more tightly about her. “If you say so. Just be sure to watch your back.” He headed for the tent. “And stay close so that I can give you that surprise…”

Maya opened the flap of the tent before he reached it. “I know I asked you to come and visit Bailey, but you’re a little early.”

“She didn’t think so.” He ducked into the tent. “She was worried about the storm for Riva’s sake. You’re up early, too. Were you concerned about her?”

She shrugged. “She told me about it. Naturally I wanted to keep an eye on her. Though there’s no sign of a bad storm warning from the weather bureau.”

“Oh, it’s coming. And it will be as bad as she thinks it’s going to be. We’re going to have to take the herd back to that shelter again.”