Into the Fray (Daring Escapes #3) - Margaret Daley Page 0,13

the Stars than originally thought. But he has to have proof to convince his superior to put men there to guard the place. If you’re right about the site, then as soon as whatever is there is discovered, we can bring him the proof and get the help you need."

"I just hope it's not too late."

"That's a risk we have to take."

We. When Guerrero said that, she felt like they were a team. With all that had happened lately, it was wonderful not to have to deal with the troubles at the dig all by herself anymore. She smiled her gratitude. "Thanks for taking the job." After today in the marketplace, she realized she would put up with his "orders" if it meant his help.

His matching smile sent her pulse racing through her. She gripped the handle of the door and yanked it open. "We better see Juan now."

As soon as they arrived at Juan's office, his secretary ushered them into it. "He'll be back in a moment."

Tory noticed how the secretary lingered next to Guerrero, reluctant to leave the room. The man definitely had an effect on women, and Tory wondered if he even realized it. Thank goodness she was immune to a man like Guerrero. He might be dynamite to look at, but they really had nothing in common. Then she remembered the passion she’d heard in his voice when talking about his heritage and the antiquities being found then disappearing into the black market.

"Guerrero. When my secretary said it was you, I couldn't believe it." Juan entered the room with two men. "You remember Senor Miguel Sauto and his assistant, Carlos Lopez." While the men shook hands, Juan turned to Tory. "This is Dr. Winters."

Tory also shook hands with Senor Sauto, the head of the Department of the Interior for Puerto Sierra, and with his assistant too. "It's a pleasure finally to meet you. Juan has spoken highly of you. And of course, my archaeological dig wouldn't be possible without your help."

"Dr. Winters, the pleasure is all mine." Senor Sauto's gaze skimmed her features before he turned to Juan. "I will speak with you later. Have your meeting. Then you can brief me,” he said as he left the office with his assistant.

"Brief him? Is he aware of the trouble at the Temple of the Stars?" Tory asked Juan as he sat behind his desk, indicating they be seated, too.

"Senor Sauto is aware of everything. He insists on knowing the important details of all the archaeological sites in Puerto Sierra. He's proud of his Mayan heritage. We are lucky to have someone like him running the department.”

Right now, Tory didn't feel lucky. She felt frightened as if she had been thrust into the middle of a deadly game and didn't know any of the rules. "We're leaving for the site after this meeting. Guerrero has agreed to help me. I wish you would reconsider getting me some guards. I know Guerrero is capable of doing a good job, but after all, he’s just one man.”

Juan glanced at Guerrero as though transmitting a silent message. When Juan looked away, he sighed. "Bring me back evidence of an important archaeological site and I will. Now," he dug through a stack of papers on his desk and produced several for Tory, "if you'll sign these permits, you two can be on your way."

After Tory signed her name, she rose, extending her hand to Juan. "I'll be back soon with the evidence." Withdrawing some money from her purse, she placed it on Juan's desk. "Will you check me out of the hotel?"

His eyebrows lifted in question.

"I had to leave rather quickly this morning."

"Sure," Juan said and looked at Guerrero as if to ask if everything was okay.

Guerrero nodded his head once and stood.

Outside in the hallway, he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. "Your confidence is amazing."

"At the moment, it’s all I have. That and one man to protect a site over four hundred square yards that we know of. I suspect much more than that buried in the jungle surrounding the site."

He smiled down at her. "I'll see what I can do to even the odds a little when we get to the temple."

“Some local people you know?”

He nodded.

If anyone could even the odds, it would be Guerrero. Her confidence soared while they started for the entrance.

As they left the building, his gaze darted from one person to another, gauging the people nearby. Alert, poised for danger, he