Into the Fray (Daring Escapes #3) - Margaret Daley Page 0,44

where the fire is built?”

“No, the angle is wrong.” After their descent, Guerrero checked his surroundings then headed cautiously around the side of the temple. He stopped at the corner of the ruin and surveilled the tents twenty yards away. “Ready?”

“Yes. I hope everyone else got away.”

“Me too.” But as he hurried toward the tents, he didn’t think that was what happened.

* * *

Closer to the living quarters, Tory increased her pace, going ahead of Guerrero toward her tent, the flap left wide open. After the snake incident, Katie would have kept the entrance zipped closed unless she was there. But inside, it looked like a tornado blew through the area. Their belongings were scattered all over the floor.

When Guerrero entered, she turned toward him, her body shaking. “Where’s Katie?”

He enfolded her against him and hugged her. “We’ll keep looking until we find them. Because Aapo was shot, the sound could have sent them into hiding.”

“What if the attackers had silencers on their guns?”

“They would have surprised some of them, but I don’t think all of them. When the soldiers arrive, they can help us. The protection of the site is their job. It won’t be long. Let’s check the other tents and the common area.”

As much as she felt comfort in his embrace, their number one priority was to look for the others. She pulled away, started for the exit, and paused at the destruction. “I’m glad we took the artifacts with us, or they would have been taken, some even possibly destroyed. I know how hard the others and I have worked to unearth those items.” She gestured to the place where she’d hidden some of their relics not taken to Sauto. Now it was empty.

Tory walked next to Guerrero going from one tent to the next. Every one of them were trashed. She knew the potential of this archaeological site if the artifacts she’d found was any indication. But none of them were important if anything happened to her team. She prayed the Mayan guards were safe. It was awful that Aapo and Fabio had died. She was determined to find who had done this.

They headed down the slope to the campsite where they ate their meals and discussed their accomplishments at the end of each day. Guerrero entered the canvas shelter first and came to a halt. Ramon and Mario were tied to a chair, dried blood streaking their puffy faces.

Tory hurried to Mario whose head hung forward while Guerrero went to Ramon who was awake, his eyes swollen but open. While Guerrero took care of Ramon, she felt Mario’s pulse. He was alive although he looked like he had been a punching bag. She looked around, found a knife, and cut the ropes that held up Mario. As his body fell forward, Tory caught him and gently placed him on the ground.

Tears swelled into her throat. Lord, please heal Mario and Ramon and help us find whoever did this.

She stood, turned on a nearby lantern, and went to the water bucket. As she grabbed a cloth, she surveyed her surroundings for any sign of Katie. She was nowhere to be seen. Tory looked toward Guerrero. “Katie isn’t here.” She couldn’t disguise the fear in her voice as she knelt next to Mario and gently wiped the blood off his face to see his injuries better.

“Do you know where she is?” Guerrero asked Ramon as he helped the man who struggled to stand after being released.

Ramon scanned the area, took a few steps, but wobbled, his left leg giving out.

Guerrero quickly supported him. “I think you should stay seated.”

“No. We’ve got to find Katie.”

“I will. Where did you see her last?”

“At lunch. I worked in the temple. She was outside with Mario.” Swollen lips caused slurring of his speech.

Guerrero moved him to a seat at a nearby table which would help support him. “We’ve searched the site and didn’t see Katie. I’ll search again.”

“I’ll take care of them.” Tory rose to pour out the bloody liquid and get fresh water for both men.

Guerrero opened the two sides of the large tent, and Tory placed a pan and a cloth near Ramon.

“How’s Mario?” he asked.

“He hasn’t awakened yet. He has a nasty bump on his forehead. I’m going to continue assessing his injuries. If you need help, let me know.” She returned to Mario’s side. She checked his vital signs. His heartbeat seemed stronger. While she finished cleaning his face and checking for any other injuries, she