Uncover Me by Linda Barlow

Author:Linda Barlow [Barlow, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Women, New Adult & College, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Fiction, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, Crime, Holidays, Mystery & Suspense, Suspense
ISBN: 9780989307062
Google: HqqkoAEACAAJ
Amazon: B00MTWS65S
Goodreads: 22773265
Publisher: Linda Barlow
Published: 2014-07-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

NICK

I was feeling edgy the next morning as we hiked toward the excavation site in the company of Metin and half a dozen workers. It wasn't far, but the mountainous track was more suitable for goats than humans. The sun was shining brightly, but the ground was still a little wet from yesterday's rain. Ellie and I were lagging behind the others because I had to compensate for her shorter stride. Although she was fit, she wasn't accustomed to steep hikes over rough terrain.

I'd asked her to check out the site so she could determine how to take the photographs we needed. She'd promptly objected, insisting she wasn't going to become an accessory to antiquity theft. I told her to have some faith in me and follow orders¸ which was not exactly warmly received.

She was curious about the site, though—that much was evident. "So, if there really is something there, it might testify to the historical accuracy of Homer's writings about the storm that drove the Greek ships to disaster after the sacking of Troy, right?" she'd asked me.

"That might be one interpretation, yeah," I'd admitted.

"If it was a shipwreck, why is the site so far inland?"

"It's not far inland. You'll see when we get over this rise. The coastline curves sharply, and the site is close to the bay where we left Voyager. The excavations are located on a small plain nestled between two promontories, and the island's only freshwater source is nearby. If their ship was destroyed and the survivors faced with the necessity of setting up an encampment, the valley's a likely spot."

"Is that why your grandfather decided to dig there?"

"Partly. He uses common sense as well as pure gut feelings. He trusts his instincts. That's why he's always been so good at this. I've seen him sniff out a find that many a more scientific archaeologist has missed."

"It must upset him that he can't work on the actual site."

"It's hell. There's nothing in life he loved more than puttering around in the excavations."

"I can see why he can't cross this mountain in his wheelchair, but couldn't he have some of his men carry him here?"

"He does that occasionally, but he's proud, and it's hard for him to admit that he needs to be carried."

"Is that why you're helping him with the illegal excavations? Because you feel sorry for an old man whose career has been destroyed?"

And she was off again. I gave her a scowl. "Do we need another session with my belt around your neck?"

"So why do you steal things?" she retorted. I was obviously losing my ability to scare the shit out of her. "I can't figure it out. How do you justify it?"

"Have I ever attempted to justify it?"

"Not to me, but—"

"Maybe I'm an amoral bastard who's in it for the rush of adrenaline it produces."

"And maybe you're a liar. Maybe you have reasons—and plans—that you're keeping secret."

I reached for her, stopping us near the edge of a fifty-foot drop. "Maybe you'd be wiser to keep your speculations to yourself, slave.

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