The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

“May I do that?” Kun asked Maya eagerly. “Bailey said that I could, but I didn’t want to impose.” His brilliant smile lit his face. “Would you have the kindness?”

That smile was completely endearing, Maya thought. “I think Bailey would love you to have a photo,” Maya said gently. “She’s very proud of Riva.”

“Why don’t you go and tell Bailey that her mother said it would be fine,” Kagan said. “And then bring her back to the tent and cook these ladies breakfast while Bailey tells you all about Riva.”

Kun looked at Maya. “Could I do that?”

“Absolutely.”

His smile widened. “It will be a fine breakfast. I’m very good, you know.”

“I’ve heard rumors,” Maya said. “Why don’t you go get my daughter?”

He laughed and the next moment he’d turned and was running down the path.

Maya turned to Kagan. “You pulled out all the stops, didn’t you? What mother wouldn’t fall for a babysitter like him? A fantastic cook and he’s a grandfather, too? Are you sure he has ninja skills along with the rest?”

“Would I steer you wrong?” He smiled. “He’ll be able to protect her. Other than that, I told you that none of my men are cut out of the same cloth. They’re very human with all the usual faults and virtues. After breakfast I’d like you to send her and Riva back to the cave with Kun to protect her. There’s no need for her to be exposed, and you might get busy.” He turned to go. “If you need me, call. I’ve got to get back to the base. I’ll let you know if I have any other info about the storm.”

“Wait.” She took a half step forward. “You’ve furnished me with a fantastic cook. Why don’t you at least stay for breakfast?”

“Ah, is that a break in the armor?” He looked back over his shoulder with a puckish grin. “I believe it is. And if I didn’t have a duty to Cade to keep the home fires burning while he was on his way to that mountain, I’d take you up on it.”

“Don’t build it up to something it’s not,” she said with a grin. “For Pete’s sake, it’s only an invitation to breakfast.”

“But that could lead down wonderful and mysterious paths.” His eyes were sparkling with mischief. “It’s all how you look at it…”

NADIM’S BASE CAMP ON THE APPROACH TO THE WATERFALL

Nadim pulled up the flap and strode into his tent at his own base camp. His mobile headquarters was staffed with a dozen of his best and most reliable techs, who had spent much of the morning setting up an array of monitors and satellite uplink hardware. Several of the monitor stations were dedicated to video feeds from several high-resolution camera drones buzzing around the mountain.

Nadim leaned toward one of the monitors. “What’s the story?”

One of his drone techs was clearly having problems with his control stick. “This isn’t easy. The winds are getting rough out there.”

Nadim nodded. “Tell me about it. I almost didn’t make it in.”

“Well, we’ve already lost four drones.” The video feed shook wildly, then flickered and cut out entirely. “Make that five. Those are our only eyes on that side of the mountain.”

“We have backups. And Bevan and my assault team should be in place soon. Have they made contact?”

“Not yet.” The tech pointed to another screen. “But that’s them on the snowmobiles, isn’t it?”

Nadim squinted at the screen. The video feed showed fourteen snowmobiles speeding across a narrow valley, heading toward the spot where they had pinpointed the location of the route to Silvana’s tomb. He smiled. “Good.”

He picked up his satellite phone and called Bevan. At first all he could hear was the howling wind; finally Bevan’s voice crackled through. “Hello, Nadim. Drinking a hot whiskey at base camp while we’re freezing our nuts off out here?”

“It’s not exactly the Ritz-Carlton down here, asshole. But I have a visual on you and your team. It’s a glorious sight. The helicopters and their cargo containers are warmed up ready to carry away Silvana and her riches. Providing that our information is correct about the location. I won’t be pleased if it isn’t.”

“I have a good feeling about this. Everything on our map is checking out so far. Just be prepared to slip in and attack when they’re distracted. Then we’ll take over the action. We’re outnumbered. We won’t stand a chance without the element of surprise.”

“I’ve been coordinating with the copter pilots. They’re tracking a storm headed this way. The sooner we get off this mountain, the better.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll all be down there drinking hot whiskeys before you know it.”

TEMPLE WATERFALL

PALANDAN ISLAND