Relentless (Benson Security 2)

“You do?” There was a calculated amusement in his voice. “I can agree to more time, but with each extra day you take to get me what I want comes a penalty. I’m sending you a link.”

The line went dead as everyone in the room remembered the penalty. Julia put a hand on her stomach, feeling nauseated at the memory. Joe got up out of his chair and came to her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her into his side. She waited for embarrassment to hit her, but only felt relief. When she glanced around the room, she saw no one was interested in them and gave him a little more of her weight.

“It would be suspicious if we suddenly called now and told him we have the treasure,” Callum said.

“Another reason why we should forget this plan and continue our search for the gold,” Ed said.

Joe shook his head. “That isn’t an option anymore. Our only option is to con the guy into thinking we already have the treasure and then we snatch Alice from him.”

Callum pinched the bridge of his nose. “We need a location for this fictitious treasure. Somewhere isolated, but believable. Somewhere we can defend.”

“I think you’re making a mistake,” Ed said. “It’s insane to hand over wealth like that to a man such as Esteban.” He let out a sigh. “But this is your mission and I’ll help with whatever you decide.”

Joe gave him a chin lift in thanks.

“Do we really need an actual physical location?” Julia asked. “Couldn’t we just trade the fictitious location for Alice?”

Joe answered, “A man like Esteban won’t let his hostage go until he sees the actual location of the treasure.”

“What happens if he goes inside the cave we pick and finds it empty?” Julia said.

“We don’t let it get that far.” Joe’s words were steel, and Julia didn’t ask how he planned to do that.

“Okay, does the location of the fake treasure need to be near Cusco?” Julia said. “It’s really busy around here. The place is flooded with tourists.” And the last thing she wanted was more people getting hurt.

“No,” Callum said, “but it has to be somewhere Incan.”

“And ideally somewhere that isn’t too close to Alice’s location. We need the time it will take for Esteban to get to us, to set up the trap,” Julia said.

“Aye,” Callum said with a strange look on his face. Almost as though he was seeing her for the first time.

“Where is Alice now?” Julia asked Elle.

“She’s in a small town about eight hours east of Lima, up in the hilly part of the country where the jungle starts. The town they’re in has an airstrip, but you’re still talking hours for them to get to Cusco.”

Julia looked at Callum. “What type of location is easier for you to set up an ambush? Should we pick the jungle, the desert, what? I take it reinforcements are coming, and you need to scout a location fast so that you and the team can set up.”

Callum shook his head and looked at Joe. “You ready for a life where you can’t get anything over on your woman?”

Joe laughed, but Julia was stuck on the word life. He didn’t actually think they’d be together forever. Did he? She looked up at Joe, who was staring down at her. “Don’t let him get to you. He’s mad because you’re smarter than he is.”

“No kidding,” Callum said. “Ideally, we need somewhere with plenty of cover and a decent escape route.”

“If you’re really going through with this plan, then I know a place,” Ed said, drawing everyone’s attention. “It’s on the outskirts of Cusco, in the hills. My mother used to take us there when we were children. She said it was significant to the family. All I ever saw were a bunch of old rocks, tunnels and caves.”

“This place well known?” Joe asked.

“It’s not on any tourist map, if that’s what you’re asking. Some locals will know of it, but it’s pretty much

barren landscape and holes. I’ll make some calls to ensure it’s still the place I remember it being.” He held up his phone. “One of my cousins will know a good spot for a fake treasure site.”

“Make sure you can trust this cousin of yours,” Callum said.

Ed smiled widely, “Don’t worry, Amigo, I won’t give away your secrets.” He headed out of the room with his phone to his ear.

“We need to scope the place out.” Callum stood and folded his arms over his grey Henley. “Ed and Ryan are with me. Joe, somebody needs to stay and guard the women.”

“That is seriously sexist,” Elle said. “The women can take care of themselves. And why couldn’t we come with you anyway?”