“So, I take it they escaped from these smugglers you encountered as well?”
“Well, it all got a little mixed up right in the middle of things. Here’s how it went. These three got to the hidin’ place ahead of us and nabbed the doodad. That’s when the smugglers showed up and grabbed two of ‘em. The third thief got out of the cave before the smugglers seen him. He was hidin’ outside tryin’ to figure out how to help his buddies when Daniel and me showed up. You son went on ahead into the cave and got nabbed himself.
“I was aways back, so they didn’t know I was there, but I could see Daniel was in a pickle. I climbed back outside to figure out what to do when I got jumped by that third thief. He was a big feller. A giant. Taller than me and outweighed me by fifty pounds or so. We tussled back and forth all over that mountainside. Musta been sluggin’ it out for a half hour. Let me tell you I gave as good as I got but this feller had a stun gun up his sleeve, and he zapped me with it. Laid me low so’s I couldn’t move.”
“Really?” Abraham sat forward on the rail, enthralled by the drama of the cowboy’s story in spite of himself. “Why didn’t he try to kill you?”
Leroy leaned in confidentially. “He says to me, ‘Oy mate!’ See, he’s a Limey, and that’s how they talk over there. So, anyways he says, ‘Guvner, I need your help to get me mates out. Let’s strike a bargain. You help me and the trinket’s yours. Cor, blimey!’”
The old man rubbed his chin contemplatively. “Well, I suppose under the circumstances, there was nothing else to be done.”
“No sir,” Hunt agreed. “He had me dead to rights, so all I could do was throw in with him. We shook on it and rescued his buddies and Daniel. The feller was good as his word. When it was all over, he give Daniel the package.”
“Why didn’t you try to kill them all then?” The diviner asked.
Leroy rolled his eyes. “Boss, there was four smugglers and three thieves in that cave with us. If I’d started shootin’ chances are your boy would of took a stray bullet. Even if he didn’t, seven’s a mighty high body count. Seems like somebody might notice that many corpses lyin’ around and start askin’ questions.”
Abraham pondered the comment. “Yes, it wouldn’t do at all.”
“Besides, you got no call to worry. Your boy’s the only one who can crack the code of that next clue. Them thieves gotta follow us to find it.”
“That’s true,” the diviner admitted. “I have all the relics locked safely away, and without the next clue, they won’t be in a position to get ahead of you.”
“Besides, now that I know they’re on our trail, I’ll be waitin’ in the weeds. The minute one of ‘em shows his face, I shoot to kill.”
“Very good,” the old man concurred. “That’s exactly what I want you to do.”
Hunt put his hat back on and rose to go. “So, everything’s all tied up nice and neat?”
“Apparently.” Abraham rose too, wincing at a twinge in his spine. “Until Daniel is able to decipher this newest acquisition, I want you to go back to finding my Hannah.”
Hunt beamed. “Boss, I got a line on that just before I left the States. I’m gonna circle back to that antique store lady, and we’ll have us a confab. Maybe I’ll have some good news about little Miss Hannah for you in a couple days.”
Abraham allowed himself the luxury of a fleeting smile. “It seems that God is smiling on our endeavors, Mr. Hunt. May He continue to do so.”
“Amen, boss. Amen.”
Chapter 48—MMIA
Hannah set the tea cup down on the kitchen table and peered at Faye with concern. “You seem a bit distracted today. Is everything alright?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, dear.” Faye smiled apologetically at her young house guest. “I have quite a bit on my mind right now.” She had been waiting for Maddie’s call to let her know the Arkana team had arrived safely back home. But the call never came. Her last intelligence on the subject was two days before when the trio were about to leave Sudan.
“Is there anything I can do?’ the girl asked, slipping into the chair beside her.
“I’m afraid not. It’s a business matter.”
“It’s about Cassie, isn’t it.” It was a statement, not a question. “Is she safe?”
The old woman smiled ruefully. “I’m not sure. She should have arrived back in the States by now, but I haven’t heard from her yet.”
Hannah slumped forward in her chair as if the life had been drained out of her. “Oh no. Please God, don’t let them catch her!”
“Now, now.” Faye put a comforting arm around her shoulder. “Cassie is a very resourceful young woman. If anyone can elude the Nephilim, she can.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang. Faye and Hannah stared at one another in surprise.
“Is Zachary supposed to come over today?”
The girl shook her head. “It’s not him. He never rings the bell. He knocks.”
They both rose and headed toward the parlor. Hannah rushed to the door and swung it open.
She burst into a smile. “Good heavens! We were just talking about you.”
Cassie had no sooner walked over the threshold than the girl swept her into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re safe,” Hannah murmured.
The pythia gave Faye a puzzled look. “Of course, I’m safe. Didn’t Maddie tell you?”
“I haven’t heard from Maddie for two days, dear. Her last report had you flying out of Khartoum.”
“Oh.” Cassie seemed on the verge of saying several more things but stopped herself. Instead, she transferred her attention to Hannah. “Just look at you.” She held the girl at arm’s length. “Life on the outside sure agrees with you.”
“On the
