“We felt you needed to know the truth before you set out on this mission,” Gerald called to him. “Adan sent me with your mother’s book.”

“Why didn’t Adan bring it to me himself?”

“My mother had it,” Will said. “Marisa thrust it into her hands when the men came, and my mother dropped it. She didn’t remember until later, and my father was already gone when she went looking for it.”

Conner remained still, almost rigid, forcing his lungs to continue breathing in and out. He knew his mother kept a diary. He’d seen it enough times as a boy growing up. She journaled nearly every day. She loved words and they often flowed in the form of poetry or short stories. Will conjured up vivid memories better suppressed there in the rain forest with danger surrounding them, but it was a plausible explanation.

“There’s much to tell you,” Gerald said. “And your mother’s book will bear out my words of truth.”

Conner gestured for him to put his hands down. “We have to be careful, Gerald. Someone tried to kill your brother last night.”

Gerald nodded. “I’m aware. And there was a division in the tribe on how to handle the situation with getting the children back.”

“Does that division include you, Will?” Conner asked.

“My son, Artureo, was taken,” Will said, “but I stand with my father. Nothing we do will ever be enough for Cortez if we don’t stop her now.”

Conner beckoned them forward. Gerald stepped away from the weapons, and walked toward Conner. Will followed him, looking far less hostile. They drew thin mats from the small packs they carried slung over their shoulders and laid them on the ground, lowering themselves into a vulnerable sitting position. Conner gave a small hand signal to the others, advising them to back off and simply watch.

“Thank you.” He took the book Gerald offered as he sat tailor fashion opposite them. “Will, it’s good to see you again, old friend.” He nodded his head toward the younger man. They’d spent a few years of their childhood playing together. The tribesmen took wives at a much earlier age, and by seventeen, Will had had the responsibilities of a son.

Will nodded his head. “I wish the situation was different.”

“I knew one of Adan’s grandsons was taken. This is about your son?”

Will glanced at his uncle and then shook his head, his eyes meeting Conner’s.

Conner braced himself for a blow. There was no expression on Will’s face, but there was a great deal of compassion in his eyes.

“No, Conner. This is about your brother.”