Mayan Secrets by Ciar Cullen

Author:Ciar Cullen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Published: 2008-04-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Tyre elbowed his way ahead of SinJin, using the excuse that he held the flashlight. It irked him that he needed to be in charge, that he was shallow in the face of such serious circumstances. Who was he trying to impress? SinJin, Troya or himself? Congratulations, you picked an impossible task to take charge of. At least they were in this together. He’d always felt confident in SinJin’s word, his serious nature, his need for the truth and his fairness. The man was obviously in agony over his friend, and Tyre labored to keep in mind that they were on the same team. No, they were friends. Then why had he felt so put out the last few days? SinJin was his senior, in age, experience and reputation. It had never brought out the competitiveness he’d felt recently.

Troya. Was that the difference? Had he assumed he’d blend into the woodwork with SinJin around? Was it so important to impress her, to show her he could handle this—fiasco, she had called it—alone?

They made their way slowly through the dense brush, trying to adjust to the absolute blackness surrounding them except for the flashlight’s beam on the faint ancient path.

SinJin whispered. “If we keep walking, we’ll be at Pacal in two days.”

It was out of character for SinJin to break the silence with such a trivial comment, and Tyre wondered if SinJin missed his wife and baby so much that he needed to talk about it. No, not SinJin, not Mr. Control. It was still a shock to think of SinJin happily married. Tam was a great woman—beautiful, intelligent, vibrant and a fantastic archaeologist. Twaine’s house had finally become a real home, and Tyre loved the few times he’d been invited to stay there. He’d been amazed at the transition in the loner, from hard-boiled archaeological tactician to a well-rounded happy guy. He was lucky, lucky to have found Tam.

He heard Troya curse under her breath and slowed down. “You okay?” He brushed his hand along her sleeve, happy for a manly excuse to hold her hand.

“Tripped on a vine. I’m fine. This is about the spot, by the way.”

“How can you be sure in the dark?”

“Shine the flashlight on that tree again.” She guided his hand until an enormous palm was illuminated. “I think I was a little farther along, maybe ten yards or so.”

“You have a good memory.”

“I’m trained to notice things. You know, archaeology school?”

Tyre laughed and squeezed her hand.

SinJin growled. “Pipe down, you two.” SinJin moved ahead and Tyre kept hold of Troya’s hand as they walked, luxuriating in the simple gesture of closeness, wondering what she thought. Surely she knew he was touching her in affection, that she didn’t need his help, perhaps didn’t want it. Holding hands? When was the last time he’d held hands with anyone for the pleasure of it?

“About here,” she said and stopped.

Tyre shut off the flashlight and they were sucked into a vortex of darkness. Troya squeezed his hand and he squeezed back to reassure her, but he felt nervous himself.

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