Drake frowned. “You tick-ridden son of a bearded pig. I decided to go back to guard your butt out of concern for your well-being. By the time I got back to your place, you and Rachael were gone and I had to track you through the forest. It was slow going when I realized the sniper was tracking you as well. He lost you a few times and I stayed behind him, wanting to see what he did.” Abruptly he stopped and glared. “Damn it, Rio, put the rifle down. It’s not only insulting, it’s annoying.”

Rio slung the rifle over his shoulder. He kept his hand free, ready to go for his knife even while he grinned at Drake. “I am not tick-ridden.”

“That depends on who you ask. Where’s Rachael?”

The smile faded from Rio’s face. “Did the elders send you, Drake?”

“What is wrong with you? Why would the elders send me to protect your sorry butt, Rio?”

Rio didn’t smile. His eyes gleamed with piercing intelligence, smoldered with danger. “Did they send you after Rachael?”

Drake frowned. “I never made it back to the village. I went with Kim and Tama upriver toward their village, but changed my mind and doubled back. As far as I know, the elders have never heard of Rachael. And if they have, they certainly don’t know she’s with you. Tama and Kim would never say anything. You know them. You know they could be tortured and they’d never say anything. What’s this all about?”

Rio shrugged. “He was one of us. Not our village, I doubt if he was born in this country, but he was one of us. Why would he hire out to kill one of his own kind? A woman at that?”

“We aren’t a perfect species, Rio, you should know that.” The moment the words escaped, Drake shook his head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. There have been a few rumors over the years. A few going after money, women, power. We aren’t immune to those things, you know.”

“I guess not. I appreciate you watching my back, Drake. Sorry for the reception.”

“The pitiful reception. I trust you got him.”

“He’s dead. He left his clothes behind last night and there was nothing in them, not even a label. I needed matches.”

“You haven’t told me where Rachael is. You didn’t leave her alone, did you?” Drake sounded anxious.

“She’s fine. She has a couple of guns and a few knives. She’s handy with a stick too. I’ll tell her you were expressing your concern.”

A slow grin spread over Drake’s face. “You’re jealous, Rio. You’ve been bitten by the green-eyed monster. I never thought it would happen, but you fell like a tree in the forest.”

“I’m cautious, Drake. There’s a difference.”