“If you don’t head up the expedition,” she pressed, “I’ll find someone else who will. I have to do this, Gage. Knowing King is my grandfather, you must understand that.”

She was going to go—with or without him. He already liked her. She was smart and determined. Add to that, he felt a strange obligation to a man he’d barely known but had admired and respected.

“You know my terms, Gage. Make your decision.”

Gage shifted on the sofa. “I need to look at the map. I’ll sign whatever document you need, but I’m not committing to anything until I see if your map has enough detail to be credible.” And if finding the gold seemed plausible, he would at least be there to offer a degree of security for a determined young woman who had no idea what was in store for her.

He mentally revised that. As King’s granddaughter, at least she knew some of the perils she would be facing. He almost hoped the map would prove to be a fake; then he wouldn’t have to break his own rules.

Abby left the room, returning a few minutes later with a single-page document and a brass-hinged antique wooden box, beautifully dovetailed at the corners.

She set the box on the coffee table and handed him the document, which was nothing more than a nondisclosure agreement making him liable should he relay any information about the map or other knowledge he obtained through Abigail Holland or King Farrell about the Devil’s Gold.

When he’d finished reading, she handed him a ballpoint pen.

Logan looked up at her. “You realize you should have me sign this in front of a notary.”

“I know. We can make it official tomorrow. The truth is, I’m banking on your sterling reputation, Mr. Logan. If you decide to screw me over, I’m sure you can find a way.”

His groin stirred at her choice of words, a mental image forming of the two of them in bed. Probably not smart to mention it.

Gage took the pen and signed the paper. Abby opened the box and took out the map. It was made of cowhide or deerskin, old and stained. She set it on the coffee table in front of him, and Gage bent forward to get a closer look.

Disappointment filtered through him, along with a sweep of relief. He had seen a map like hers before.

Gage sat back on the sofa. “I really thought you’d have something interesting to show me but this—”

“I know what you’re going to say. There are a number of maps like this one.”

“Yes. The treasure you’re looking for is infamous. The Lost Dutchman Mine in the Superstition Mountains? Every amateur treasure hunter in the country has searched for it.”