Into the Fray (Daring Escapes #3) - Margaret Daley Page 0,41

did the gold come from?” the interior secretary asked, his gaze fixed on the headdress. “Previously in the Temple of the Stars and the ruins around it, there was no gold found in any of the artifacts.”

“There are several possibilities.” Tory wrapped the headdress and pushed it across to Sauto. “The people who lived there before the Mayans had a trade route that reached areas that did have gold or there was a source near the area that they mined. The jungle on the western side of the area is extremely dense and hard to move through. The Temple of the Stars is high up in the mountains. What if there had been gold at one time, but it was mined until there was no longer any? The Mayans might never have known about that mine. It could take years to discover the answers to the questions you and I have, Senor Sauto.”

Guerrero rose. “Because of the gold connection, this needs to be kept quiet. We don’t want a herd of people descending on the ruins to look for a secret gold mine that may or may not be in the area. As Dr. Winters pointed out, it could have come from trading with other groups in Central and South America. Now do you see that it’s very important that we have soldiers to help protect the dig site?”

“Yes. I agree and will send soldiers, and we’ll issue them supplies so that will not be an added burden. When I get to my office, I’ll make the arrangements and let Juan know. Later today, check with him about the arrival time for the soldiers.”

“Thank you. We need to get back to the ruins. I hate being gone, but this was necessary.” Tory pushed to her feet. “I’ve cataloged and taken photos of each artifact. At this time, I think it is better left with you. As far as those at the camp, they’re only aware that I’ve brought you the two bowls which came from the trench at the rear of the Temple of the Stars.”

“Thank you for mobilizing the soldiers so quickly.” Guerrero shook Sauto’s hand then headed for the office door with Tory. “Please let Juan know that if I haven’t heard from him, I’ll call him before my stat phone loses a signal. It’s about halfway up the mountain when the jungle gets denser that it quits working.” They’d done all they could to protect the site.

“Are you okay?” Tory asked him as they walked to his Jeep.

“I’m glad Sauto was home. Much safer coming here or to Juan’s. We have an hour to get the food supplies and leave if we want to get to the site before dark.”

“A lot to do, especially with no sleep.”

As Guerrero drove away from Sauto’s home, the hairs at the back of his neck tingled. He shuddered. While he drove to the marketplace, doubts plagued him. Gold was tempting for many. Sauto would have been informed of the find through Juan if they had been able to reach him first. They had to risk bringing the artifacts to the interior secretary.

* * *

With dusk beginning to fall, Tory rolled her shoulders to ease her tension. Not far to go. Soon they would be getting off their ride and leading their horses. Exhaustion on top of lack of sleep was taking a toll on her. She couldn’t wait to collapse onto her cot and sleep until tomorrow morning.

They had the hardest trek before them, although it had all been worth it. When they were at the village at the base of the mountain, Juan had called Guerrero to tell them that Senor Sauto had okayed the dispatch of soldiers to the dig site with supplies for themselves. The very thought sent relief flowing through her. She hoped the army wasn’t too far behind them.

“Did Juan have anything else to say?” she asked Guerrero.

“No. It was a short, almost curt call. This site has meant a lot to him. He’s probably upset that he wasn’t home when we came by this morning. I’m sure Sauto will let him see the artifacts.”

They reached a thick wall of jungle that stood between them and the site. Guerrero dismounted before Tory. She slid off her horse. He surveyed the ground and checked the ropes connecting the three horses as they walked the rest of the way. If the line broke while they were walking through the tropical forest, it could be chaotic, especially if something