“My next appointment is here,” Metcalf informed them. “You two may show yourselves out and let my visitors in.”
Leroy jammed his hat back on his head. “Yessir,” he huffed.
Daniel trailed in his wake.
Nothing could have prepared either one for the sight that greeted them when Hunt swung the door open.
Daniel blinked. Standing directly in front of him was a short foreign gentleman and Erik, the artifact thief.
Daniel, Hunt, and Erik all shouted in unison, “You!”
Then all hell broke loose. Hunt leaped forward and punched Erik in the nose. The thief staggered backward as the foreign man rushed to keep him from toppling over. Daniel tugged at Hunt’s arm before he could land another punch. Hunt shook him off and grabbed Erik by the neck, attempting to throttle him. All four men wedged themselves in the doorframe, flailing for space.
“What is the meaning of this commotion?” Metcalf demanded. “Mr. Hunt, release that man and get over here at once!”
Leroy unwillingly relinquished his stranglehold and wheeled back toward his employer’s desk. Erik sagged against the wall, rubbing his neck. Daniel ran to his aid. The foreign man scurried over to rebuke the cowboy for his attack.
While Metcalf was busy giving Hunt a dressing down and the foreign man was doing the same, Daniel used the distraction to whisper in Erik’s ear. “I’ll try to get you out of this. Follow my lead.”
The thief nodded briefly as he gasped for air. Daniel guided him to one of the bucket chairs. Erik sank into it heavily, obviously too weak to stand. Hunt and the foreign man continued to yell at one another while Metcalf vainly tried to get their attention.
Finally, the diviner stood up and pounded on his desk for emphasis. “Both of you, be quiet this instant!”
The two men abruptly ceased their dispute and traded chastened looks.
“That’s better,” the old man muttered. The effort of summoning everyone to order had cost him. Breathless, he collapsed back into his chair. Focusing on the foreign man, he said, “Doctor Aboud, have a seat.”
Daniel made a mental note of the man’s name.
Transferring his attention to the cowboy who remained standing, the diviner said, “Let’s begin with you, Mr. Hunt. Tell me why you attacked my visitor without provocation.”
“Cuz he said the next time he saw me, he’d kill me. I figured I’d jump him before he got the chance.”
“So, you two have a personal history? Where could you possibly have met before?” The diviner sounded mystified.
Hunt did a double-take. “Boss, don’t you know him? That’s Blondie!”
Metcalf regarded him sourly. “Unless you have a general aversion to light-haired men, you’ll have to be more specific.”
“He’s one of them thieves who been doggin’ us since Day One. There’s Miss Cassie and the Limey named Grif and Blondie here.”
“My name is Erik,” the thief rasped, twisting his head to relieve the tension in his neck.
The diviner drew in a sharp breath, clearly shocked at the news. Hunt was on the point of elaborating when Metcalf cut him short. “Wait a moment. This is a confidential matter.” He turned to the foreign man. “Doctor Aboud, is this the man you told me about? The one who... uh... survived?”
“Yes, Mr. Metcalf. Just as I said. You can ask him yourself.”
“But how on earth did he come to be in your lab?”
The doctor shrugged. “He was riddled with bullet holes and dumped on my doorstep in a body bag by your son Joshua.”
“Joshua!” yelped Daniel and Leroy.
“You see, Mr. Metcalf, it’s like we told you,” the cowboy insisted. “That boy’s been holdin’ out on you. You best ask him about this business.”
“I intend to.” The diviner’s face was grim. “At a later date.” Transferring his attention back to Aboud, he asked, “Bullet holes?”
The doctor raised his hands helplessly. “I have no idea why he was shot, but since he was as good as dead, I thought I might be able to use him in my—”
Metcalf hurriedly preempted the explanation. “You and I will discuss the specifics of that issue separately. Would you please wait outside until I sort out a few things with these gentlemen?”
“You said you wouldn’t harm the survivor.” Aboud sounded a trifle suspicious.
“I have no plans to harm him no matter what Mr. Hunt’s intentions might be. Please do as I ask and wait outside until I call you.”
“As you wish.” The doctor rose, shot Hunt a dirty look and let himself out of the room.
Daniel slid into the vacant chair next to Erik.
Metcalf stared at his three remaining visitors frigidly. “I intend to get to the bottom of this business. Right now!”
Chapter 16—Good Cop, Bad Cop, Cross Examiner
“Your name is Erik?” Metcalf began his interrogation.
The thief nodded. “That’s right.”
“How did you end up getting shot?”
“Your son Joshua’s thugs caught me on your property after hours. They decided to shoot first and ask questions later.”
“So, you were an intruder,” Metcalf pounced. “What were you doing on our grounds?”
Erik hesitated, sliding a glance toward Daniel.
The scion piped up. “It’s obvious, Father. He was trying to rescue Hannah.”
Leroy backed him up. “Just like I told you, boss. Them thieves wanted to keep your little bride for leverage.”
Erik cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah. We thought she’d come in handy if we got into a tight spot with you.”
“And you just presumed you could walk into a heavily-guarded compound and lead her out by the hand?” the diviner asked archly.
“Of course not. I had the layout of the place, and I knew where the cameras were set up.”
The diviner’s eyes widened. “How in heaven’s name did you get that information?”
Hunt piped up. “Dollars to donuts, it was Joshua.”
“If you mention my son’s name one more time, Mr. Hunt.” Metcalf’s tone was ominous.
“OK, boss. I’ll zip it.” Leroy wandered to the window ledge and propped himself against it.
“Who gave you the plans?” Metcalf persisted.
“Nobody,” Erik hedged, glancing furtively at Daniel. “We’ve been keeping tabs on your people for a long time.”
“He’s lying,” the scion challenged.
The thief peered at him worriedly.
“His
