The collector, a man named Thomas Dillard who was financing the trip, wanted credit for making such a remarkable discovery—and of course, the celebrity associated with donating such an import piece of history to the Antiquities Authority in Israel.
The problem was, the ancient Jewish scrolls were somewhere across the border in Jordan.
An even bigger problem was the group of terrorists that were rumored to be lurking in one of the sandstone caves in the area.
Abby glanced over at Gage. With any luck, the bad guys would stay in whatever dark hole they occupied.
The good news was, Mateo had arrived in Sweimeh several weeks ago and had been making arrangements ever since. They were ready for whatever lay ahead.
Abby grinned. Treasure hunting was never dull.
In the last four months, a lot had happened. She and Gage were married now, living in Gage’s apartment when they were in Denver. Zuma and Carlos were settled in a nice quiet neighborhood in the suburbs, Carlos at the top of his class in the private school where Gage had enrolled him.
Jack Foxx was away, searching for a sunken ship off the coast of Florida.
In other news, Clay Reynolds was sitting in a cell in the Buena Vista Correctional Facility, a prison two hours outside of Denver. Abby hoped his three-year sentence would be enough to give him a badly needed change of attitude.
In Mexico, neither of the Velásquez brothers faced criminal charges, but the Mexican authorities wanted them badly, particularly Ramón, for his cartel activities.
Victor Alamán’s fiasco at the airport had landed him in a Mexico City jail.
Abby’s gaze returned to Gage. A light wind ruffled his thick brown hair, and a faint smile touched his lips. He was thinking, working out whatever problems they might face in their search for the scrolls.
Abby was thinking about what she and Gage had done in bed last night. Her husband was still the most virile, sexiest man she had ever known. And though they were now in the middle of the desert instead of a luxury hotel room, she wasn’t worried. Gage could be very creative.
He reached down, took hold of her hand, and brought it to his lips. Love for him welled in her heart.
“See those wind caves over there?” He pointed and her gaze followed his to a row of openings in the wall of sandstone across the ravine.
“Those aren’t mentioned in Dillard’s notes.”
“No, they aren’t, and that’s what makes them interesting.”
“Shall we take a look?”
“Let’s drive the Jeep around and come up from the back.”
“Might be better to just go in the front.”
“Maybe. We’ll try it the easy way first.” Gage kept hold of Abby’s hand as he led her back down the hill toward the Jeep.
Abby thought about the last four months. As far as she was concerned, they’d been perfect. She loved living a life of adventure, and Gage loved having her with him. Yes, there was a certain amount of risk, but Gage was one of the world’s most renowned experts on finding lost objects.
He always proceeded through legal channels—well, mostly—did everything he could to minimize the danger, and almost always delivered whatever he went after.
In this case, Abby was sure they would be bringing back the ancient scrolls.
When they reached the Jeep, Gage stopped and turned. “You know this wouldn’t be nearly as much fun if you weren’t with me.”
Abby looked up at him and smiled. “That goes both ways.”
“We’re in this together, just like we said.”
“That’s right, we’re partners.”
His lips twitched. “Except if we disagree, my word is final.”
“Absolutely.” Abby bit back a grin.
Gage laughed. “I love you, honey. So damned much. Thank God I was smart enough to marry you.” Gage pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Abby kissed him back.
Smiling, they climbed into the Jeep and continued their adventure.