Blanca, a round woman with a long gray braid, arrived with queso rellenos—balls of edam cheese stuffed with minced pork, raisins, almonds, and olives—topped with k’ool blanco sauce and accompanied by tortillas and beans. The meal was served in the spare hotel room they used as an office and a place for Carlos to sleep.

Though the food was delicious, Abby was too tired to eat more than a few bites. Even sleeping on the sagging mattress didn’t sound all that bad, not when Gage would be stretched out beside her.

She glanced in his direction. His face was freshly sun-bronzed, making his blue eyes even bluer. His dark hair was streaked with golden highlights. Instead of looking tired, he looked invigorated.

Abby caught the hot gleam in his eyes, and her exhaustion faded, shifting to anticipation.

Unfortunately, when Gage opened the door and she flipped on the overhead bulbs, illuminating the bedroom, an envelope lay in the middle of the bed. Abby walked over and picked it up. Pulling out a folded sheet of paper, she read the words.

Her heart jerked as her eyes flashed to Gage’s. She could feel the color leaching out of her face, and her knees went weak. Clutching the letter, she sank down on the edge of the bed.

Gage strode toward her. “What is it?”

“I-it’s a letter addressed to me. It says . . . it says King is alive.”

Gage grabbed the sheet of paper out of her hand and scanned the contents. “What the hell?”

“They want me to meet them in Mérida. The letter says they’ll take me to him.”

Gage thumped the sheet of paper. “This could have come from anyone, Abby. There’s no way your grandfather is alive after all this time. He would have sent word.”

She swallowed and looked up at him. “According to the letter, he’s been sick for months.” She felt a tear on her cheek, reached up, and wiped away the wetness. “I have to go to him, Gage. I don’t have any choice.”

Gage tossed the letter back on the bed. Gripping her shoulders, he hauled her to her feet. “You remember what happened in Mexico City? I have no idea how they found us here, but I know these people are ruthless. They want the gold at any price. They’ll say and do whatever it takes to get it.”

Another tear rolled down her cheek. “What if it’s true? What if King’s alive?”

His hold on her shoulders tightened, and then he pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry. I know how you must feel. I just don’t want you getting hurt.”

Abby eased away. “I have to go, Gage. You know I do.”