Page 49 of Tomb of the Sun King

“British Honduras?” Neil’s face paled. “Why were you in British Honduras?!”

Ellie fought to maintain her equanimity. “Rather a lot has happened since we last exchanged letters, but I believe you will agree that we handled the situation as rationally and reasonably as possible, given the circumstances, once I have had a chance to fully explain—”

“But how long has this been going on?” Neil’s gaze shot wildly between them.

“Six weeks,” Adam replied flatly, meeting Neil’s gaze.

“Six weeks?!” Neil squawked, his voice rising. “The two of you have been traveling together forsix weeks?!”

“As I said,” Ellie pressed on firmly, “circumstances were—”

“It’s not Ellie’s fault,” Adam cut in sharply.

“But were youalonetogether?” Neil squawked.

“Well, I was hardly going to drag a chaperone into the wilds of the Cayo District…” Ellie’s tone sharpened as her patience thinned.

“Yes,” Adam replied.

Ellie shot him an uncomfortable look.

“Have you…” Neil flapped a hand helplessly, then coughed out the word. “…Touchedeach other?”

“Really, this is getting quite patriarchal!” Ellie protested stoutly.

“Ellie…” Adam started, his look pleading.

“But did you…” Neil frankly choked on the rest—not that he needed to say it.

“Neil Fairfax!” Ellie scolded.

“It’s not like that,” Adam shot back.

Neil’s shoulders slumped with relief. He rubbed a tired hand over his features. “So you two haven’t kissed?” he offered hopefully.

Ellie’s mouth clamped shut. Her cheeks burned.

Adam turned his gaze to the sprawling evening sky as he let out a long, low breath.

Neil’s face was drawn into lines of horror. He tried to speak. All that came out was a strangled gurgle in the back of his throat.

“That was very nearly akhaa,” Mr. Al-Ahmed observed helpfully from where he had joined Constance to watch the show.

“You should challenge him to a duel, Stuffy,” Constance gleefully suggested.

Mr. Al-Ahmed looked both alarmed and intrigued. “Do Englishmen still do that?”

“I’m not English,” Adam quickly pointed out.

“And what do they do in America when you dishonor someone’s sister?” Mr. Al-Ahmed prompted mercilessly.

“We, uh…” Adam began uncomfortably, “maybe talk it all over. Give them a little time to explain things, and…”

Ellie put her hand on his arm to silence him. “We don’t havetimefor any of this! In case you have forgotten, the better part of your own workforce is currently hunting for us at the behest of your murderous employer!”

Neil put his face in his hands. “Thiff iff the worft day of mwy wiffe!” he moaned, the words muffled by his palms.

“We need to find someplace safe to regroup and make a plan,” Ellie declared.

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