Jericho traversed the mountain back the way he and Ivy had come. As he headed toward the cave opening, he considered the possibility of leading them astray for a while longer and pretending he couldn’t find the gold. He’d buy himself more time, as well as tire and weaken them.

However, when they finally reached the cavern, he stopped. Dragging out the search was too risky. He couldn’t chance angering Hance and having him harm Ivy. “It’s in there.” He nodded toward the line of boulders that swiveled back and forth, forming the body of a snake.

Hance paused, his hold on Ivy’s arm unwavering.

Jericho glanced at her, hoping she would behave for as long as possible. He’d learned years ago that she was unpredictable—he never knew what to expect from her. And in this case, he needed her to cooperate.

She met his gaze and gave him an imperceptible nod, as if she was attempting to signal him.

He shook his head, warning her not to try anything. As the men shoved him forward, he had the terrible premonition that Ivy had a plan—a plan he wouldn’t approve of. He wanted to turn around and shout at her to let him take care of things in his way and his timing.

But all he could do was duck into the dark cave and pray he’d get them out of this trouble before she made things worse.

Chapter
22

Ivy stumbled ahead of Hance, nearly bumping her head against the ceiling of the passageway.

How had she been so wrong about him and missed the signs that he was such a brute? This was all her fault. If only she hadn’t run off to go treasure hunting, especially with a man she barely knew. In fact, she’d been downright immature about stringing Hance along to make Jericho jealous, that’s what. And it was past time she grew up and started acting like an adult.

Behind them, Otis held a lantern he’d retrieved from the supplies the other men had brought along. The light guided them through the hazy tunnel. With her hands tied together in front of her, she had a difficult time crawling but forced herself to keep going, especially with Hance using the tip of his knife to urge her along.

When they finally made it to the back cave and were standing, Hance once again pressed the knife to her neck. The skin there stung and was sticky with blood already. As the blade bit into her flesh, she pinched her eyes closed and prayed.

If ever in her life she’d needed divine help, now was the time, now as she worked to free them from the mess she’d gotten them into.

“Hurry up and show us where it’s buried, Bliss.” Hance motioned impatiently.