City of Gold by Alex Lukeman

Author:Alex Lukeman [Lukeman, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Men's Adventure, Women's Adventure, Thriller Series, action adventure series, Espionage series
Publisher: Alex Lukeman
Published: 2021-09-18T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

In the morning, the head was gone. There were jaguar tracks in the dirt where it had been.

Nick stood with a cup of coffee, studying the pyramid, his MP7 slung in front of him. He wasn't looking forward to what the day might bring. Selena walked over and stood next to him.

"You were a little rough on Livingston last night," Selena said.

"I don't think so. He doesn't seem to understand what we're dealing with here. Maybe what happened to Francisco will convince him."

Diego and Alonso were huddled off to the side, whispering to each other. Then Diego came forward.

"Señor Carter, Alonso and I think we should leave this place."

"Don't worry, Diego, we will."

"We think we should leave today. Now."

Livingston was nearby. He heard them talking and came over.

"Diego, Francisco was your friend," he said. "We have to know if the gold is here. It is the only thing that will give meaning to his death. If we leave now, it will have all been for nothing."

"We should leave," Diego said again.

"I have a suggestion," Selena said. "It's early. How complicated can it be? We pack up, make a quick pass at the pyramid, take pictures, and leave. We could be on our way by noon and miles away from here by the time we have to make camp."

"That could work," Nick said. "All we need to do is be sure about the gold. It's here, or it isn't. Either way, we'll know."

Livingston looked unhappy.

"I don't like it, but all right."

"Good, that settles it," Nick said. "First we get everything squared away. After that, we'll take a look at the pyramid. Everyone stay alert. Weapons with you at all times, locked and loaded."

"This is a mistake, Señor," Diego said.

"I'm sorry, Diego, but we have to do this. By tonight we'll be far away from here."

Diego walked away to get his gear, shaking his head.

It didn't take long to strike camp. It was still early when they began cutting through the growth at the bottom of the steps. Vines inches thick snaked and twisted underfoot, climbing over the pyramid. Slowly, they cleared a path up the steps. By the time they reached the top it was still early, but they were hot and soaked with sweat.

The pyramid was capped by a rectangular structure, like a large room set on top. A dark doorway led into the interior. Over the doorway was an image of the demon god, Supay. A raised, flat stone was set in front of the opening. Covered with vines and leaves, it had been hard to see from below.

Nick looked out on the overgrown city, reduced to irregular shapes hidden by plant life. It was more than a hundred feet to the plaza below.

Ronnie put his hand on the flat stone.

"This looks like an altar," he said.

"That's what it was," Selena said. "The priest would sacrifice to the gods on that stone."

"Human sacrifice?"

"Sometimes. Mostly they sacrificed animals. But when things went wrong, something more was required."

"What kind of things?" Valentina asked.

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